South Shields CXNE

Nick A, Allymac, Stu B and newbie Davey R got stuck into the CXNE cyclo-cross event held at South Shields on boxing day. A flat but technical course had been laid out with a number of tight turns. Well attended, the thawing frost provided a slippy, muddy and testing surface for the competitors. Holding off the fancy dress turkey, the lads blasted through the course to finish well down in the rankings... but as always, they looked the most stylish as they carved their way around the course......

CXNE Regional Cyclo Cross

Stuart B. has been competing in the regional cyclo-cross league. The latest (CXNE) event was held in Durham where the regional event on Saturday preceded Sundays National Event. Stuart finished well up and his recent running training in paying dividends. Al MacD. who was taking part in his first event of the season, failed to finish, puncturing toward the end of the event.  Link on the British Cycling site. There are also NECCL events locally (See TLI cycling site).
 

Children in Need

Congratulations to Ian S who spent 5 hours on the saddle in the foyer of the Morpeth Leisure Centre where he was raising money for Children in Need. Nice one.

New Gothic dreamwear...Order going in soon.

Orders for the new Gothic 'away' strip being taken now. Don't delay as order going in very soon.

Gothis at the Virgin Cyclone 2013

Four riders appear under the SC Gothic Banner for this years epic 104mile Virgin Cyclone. The sportive takes in some major climbs through Northumberland. Steve Beattie improved hugely from 2012, finishing in 6hr05minutes. Ian Carter finished in 8.06 and Gavin Bayne and Bob Sewell got round together in a time of 8.19. Nice one lads. (Photos of Gav and Bob at the first refreshment station!)

Wooler Wheel 100km Sportive

Ian S and Ally Mac completed the Wooler sportive at the weekend. Entered in the midi-event, a 63 miler with 5000ft of ascent, the event is centred on Wooler and the course makes it's way south through Ingram to Thropton, then kicks back north through Glanton and Eglingham. 
The lads grafted south into a squally and wet headwind and moved onto the Big Ring at Alwinton, passing through the feed breaks at high speed and stopping only to sample the delights of the jelly baby cup and delicate slices of flapjack.
Good fun and all finishers were treated to a slap up feed of pasta and bolognaise. Some of the lucky ones even got a 10 minute leg massage.
Photos soon at http://donkjnr.wix.com/andersondrummondphotography

Goths up for Duathlon

Those doughty lads, Gav B and Stu B flew the flag in this years Morpeth Duathlon. It was Gav B's first outing and reports indicate that it was a tough (and cold) test. Stuart B is well versed in the dark art of 'transition' and looked to be enjoying the Easter treat. It was great to see the Goth jerseys out, mixing it with the regions best athletes. Well done lads.