NEWS

SUMMER 2007
UPDATED 31st October 2007

SEP 2007



Exeter CTC on Dartmoor
EXETER SECTION - Off The Road!

CTC Exeter group had a bit of a change on 16th September with an Off-Road ride on Dartmoor.
Eight riders set out on a route that covered Grimspound, Natsworthy, and Bennets Cross.
A full report of the days events can be viewed if you << CLICK HERE >>
SEP 2007 HALF A BILLION SAVINGS:

The British taxpayer could be saved more than £520m over the next decade if more cyclists are encouraged back onto the nation’s roads according to a new report released today.
Cycling England – the body charged by the government to encourage more people to cycle more safely and more often – says a 20% increase in journeys by bike would trim down healthcare costs while cutting congestion and greenhouse gas emissions. In their report, 'Valuing the Benefits of Cycling', the body estimates that, through an annual investment of £70m in cycling initiatives, up to 54 million car journeys a year could be reduced by 2012. This proposed decrease would subsequently cut CO2 emissions by 35,000 tonnes.

According to their findings, an adult who swaps a car for a bicycle on a return journey of 2.5 miles (the average cycle trip) could make an annual saving of £137.28 through reduced congestion. What’s more, the typical cyclist saves the NHS £28.30 per year. The study, undertaken by SQW Consulting, says that if the number of cycle journeys returns to 1995 levels (currently down 20% - from 43 journeys per person per year to 36), then by 2015 around £523m could be saved. The breakdown of this figure takes in premature adult deaths (£107m), adult NHS costs (£52m), absence from work (£87m), pollution (£71m), congestion (£207m). "There are very few activities that tackle so many of the things that the government is concerned about, from health and obesity to government and pollution," claims Phillip Darnton, chairman of Cycling England. "An investment of £70m is small in terms of government spending, and this study shows that it will work."
SEP 2007
IT'S A.G.M TIME:
Torbay CTC: 26th Sept. Court Farm, ABBOTSKERSWELL
Exeter CTC: 27th Sept. 24,Wrefords Drive, EXETER
Plymouth CTC: 30th Sept, IVYBRIDGE
South Hams CTC: 30th Sept. 70, Cleave Drive, IVYB.
Devon AGM: 16 Nov. 11am - ASHBURTON
SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL SECTIONS


CTC ANNUAL GENERAL MEETINGS.

Dates have been set for the AGM's for the sections and the DA.
Please turn up and support the meetings even you don't want to get involved with a role.
There are many fundamental changes to the structures of the local CTC groups happening next year, and this will be an opportunity to find out what's going on, and also for you to tell us what you want from your local CTC.
SEP 2007



Buckfast Abbey
DEVON CTC DINNER - 1st December 2007.

The date has been set for this years DA Dinner - It will be on Saturday 1st December , and the venue is the Grange Restaurant at Buckfast Abbey.
The evening is being organised by South Hams CTC section, and you'll need to contact Bill Barnes or your section secretary if you want tickets - further information, prices/menu etc. will be available soon.
SEP 2007 Dusty day on the Dorset Dirt.

Several Devon riders went up to Dorchester at the weekend to take part in the Dorset Dirt off road ride.
There was a large entry this year, and the riders set out on the traditioanl route on a cloudy morning, but with some bright sunshine breaking through by the time the riders reached Henley and the "Gaggle O'Geese" for lunch.
The promised drizzle arrived after lunchtime but was only enough to dampen the very dry and dusty ground, - the route was even drier tan in 2006, with dust being quite a problem if riding in a bunch.

Pictures and some video of the event are avaialble via the following links:

Porlock and Exford on YouTube
WATCH IT HERE

PICTURES SOON


.
SEP 2007



Tour of Britain in Exford.

Local cyclists flock to see Tour of Britian Stage 2 on Devon's border.

Exmoor was bathed in warm sunny weather this morning as The E-On Tour Of Britain ran it's second stage from Yeovilton, through North Somerset, crossing briefly into Devon before finishing at Taunton.
The toll road at Porlock was lined with crowds, including many from most local cyling clubs and CTC groups.
There was then the opportunity to ride down to Exford which had a garden party atmosphere, and see the race again.
Others cycled up to watch at Dunster, Wheddon Cross, Simonsbath and Watersmeet.

Porlock and Exford on YouTube
WATCH IT HERE

PIX & VIDEO


 

SEP 2007

A group riding past Glazebrook House.

South Hams rides prove popular again.

The sun refused to shine as grey clouds were hemmed in under the high pressure over the weekend, but the quiet conditions with light winds proved ideal for riders on the South hams Audax 100Km, and Grunters 150Km Audax events on Sunday 9th Sept.
Around 50 riders started out on the 100Km ride and another 15 on the 150Km event.
Mike and B
arbera Allen were manning the control HQ all day at the Old School centre in South Brent, with other South Hams CTC members manning controls along the routes.

SEP 2007 Highwayman - 2007-8 edition renewals are due.

Subscription renewals are due for the next 10 issues of "The Highwayaman" - The Devon CTC colour magazine.
This year has seen some bumper issues, but with rising paper, ink and production costs, the cover price has had to increase this year to cover losses - however an annual subscription saves you money, and save the club wasteage.
2SEP 2007 Tour of Britain on Devons border next week.

Next Tuesday ( 11th September) the Tour of Britain arrives in Somerset. The race stage starts at Yeovilton with a King of The Mountain section on the Toll Road at Porlock Hill.
A large contingent of local CTC riders will be travelling on the day to watch the stage.
Full details on the Tours website: http://www.tourofbritain.co.uk
SEP 2007

Riders sign up for South Hams events.

45 riders are signed in for the South Hams Audax and Grunters 150Km rides this weeknd.
The forcast is good so the hope is for a good safe ride on the day in fine scenery.
There will probably be limited entries on the line on Sunday depending on availability of cards.

 

 

AUG 2007 South West riders beat the deluge to arrive in Paris.

Another PBP is over - weary riders will return to the UK soon, with no doubt some tales of the suffering and the glory.
Accounts so far are of a very wet event particularly through Brittany.
Danny from Kernow Audax packed on the way out, and there's no news of his colleague Dave who is last shown on the web tracker at Fougeres.
Chris Bennett finally made it to St.Quentin (Paris) at 17.54
Ian Weatherill, Andy Hamlyn, Rod Pash, Chris Bennett, Ken Middlemiss, David Johnston, Steve Dart and Ian Hennessey are all shown as reaching Paris during this morning and this afternoon.
You can see much about the ride on www.parisbrestparis.tv


Summary of ride times and stats. from the PBP website listed at SWAUKS Follow PBP riders at SWAUKS

AUG 2007 PBP riders on home-run, (but in poor weather.)

Over half of the SW contingent of riders on the 1200Km Paris-Brest-Paris have reached Brest. The cut off time is around now
( 2pm Tues) when they need to begin the return leg back to Paris.
Ken Middlemiss was at Brest by 9 this morning and is well on the way back. Danny Mc.Kernan has packed at Loudeac, but all the rest appear to still be running. Apparently it's raining heavily in Brittany tonight so this will be a challenge, and it also tends to hinder riders trying to take a rest break if they are soaking wet
Chris Bennett BREST 1412 Ian Weatherill Carhaix 0922 Rod Pash BREST 1431
Andy Hamlyn BREST 1404 Danny McKernan Packed at Loudeac .. David Carrivick BREST 1301
Steve Dart Carhaix 0914 David Johnston BREST 1047 Ken Middlemiss Carhaix RET 1333
. . . Ian Hennessey Carhaix 1040      

Follow PBP riders at SWAUKS
Follow at SWAUKS
AUG 2007

Paris-Brest-Paris - SW riders depart. Update 0000 21st Aug.

Chris Bennett Registered . Ian Weatherill Depart SQ 2210 Rod Pash Depart SQ 2250
Andy Hamlyn Registered . Ian Hennessey Registered . David Carrivick Depart SQ 2130
Steve Dart Depart SQ 2230 David Johnston Depart SQ 2210 Ken Middlemiss Depart SQ 2130
. . . Danny McKernan Depart SQ 2130 . . .
SQ = Saint Quentin en Yvelines.
Follow PBP riders at SWAUKS
Follow at SWAUKS
AUG 2007
CTC Postcard
We do like to ride beside the seaside.
CTC launches coastal access campaign.

The coast should be a perfect place to cycle, but we’re only allowed to cycle on 7% of England's coastline.
The Government wants to create an ‘access corridor’ around the entire English coastline – but is only thinking of walkers. Cyclists and other non-motorised users have been left out CTC wants cyclists to be included, and the Government has asked us to show "demand and opportunities" for coastal cycling.
We want to hear about all the places you'd love to cycle, if only you had the chance! Click below to fill in a simple form, to tell the Government that you want more coastal cycling, and to let them know where you'd like to cycle. The consultation closes on September 11th - and please don't leave it till the last moment!

<<SIGN UP TO THE CAMPAIGN HERE>>
AUG 2007 SW riders on final countdown for Paris-Brest-Paris
Chris Bannett from Kingsteignton is on his fiirst PBP run.
Rod pash from Shaldon is riding again after success in 2003.
Andy Hamlyn from Newton Abbot on his first ride.
Exeter Wheelers Ian Hennessey rides again
Chris Bennett
4125
Ian Weatherill
3559
Rod Pash
4153
Andy Hamlyn
4188
Ian Hennessey
6789
Dave from Cornwall on his first PBP.
Steve failed to qualify in 1999 and 2003 but is going for it in 2007
David Carrivick
4075
Stephen Dart
4128
David Johnston
4175
Ken Middlemiss
4148
Danny McKernan
4070

In just under 24 hours time 10 South West AUK riders will be setting out from Guyancourt to do the 1200Km Paris-Brest-Paris ride.

You can track their progress via SWAUKS, or the PBP website.

We wish them good luck and a safe journey.


JUL
2007

Bicycology at Belmont Park- EXETER
( Picture from Kirby James - click photo to link to more pages)
Sun shines on the Bicycologists!

It was a mainly fine weekend end for the visit of Bicycology to Exeter.

Bicycology is an "environmentally friendly" group who hold events in celebration of "the bike", and try to promote "green issues" an heighten awareness of "climate change".

Their recent excursion took them from Aylesbury to Exeter.
JUL
2007
More 70th celebrations.

Congratulations to Jean Brierly - our DA Magazine Producer on her 70th Birthday.
Jean has a lifelong association with the CTC, and has spent countless hours producing the regular publication along with other posts in the local CTC.
Jean is also recovering from a recent hip operation which has put her out of action as far as cycling goes.
She hopes to be a bit more mobile in about three weeks time.
JUL
2007
PBP - sketch map of route
PBP route (simplified)
Chris Bennett Rod Pash Andrew Hamlyn
Chris Bennett
Rod Pash
Andrew Hamlyn
Torbay Trio prepare for Paris-Brest-Paris

Rod Pash, Chris Bennett, and Andrew Hamlyn are three riders who have been pounding out the miles to prepare for the 1200Km Paris-Brest-Paris ride at the end of August.
Around 5000 cyclists from Audax clubs around the globe will convene in Paris on 20th August and commence the westward journey across Northern France to the coast at Brest and then return.
For Chris and Andrew it will the first time they have tackled the big ride
JUL
2007
Junction re-engineering across a cycleroute - a disaster for cyclists.
Deep Lane / Langage junction at Plympton.
CTC concerns over safety at re-engineered Deep Lane junction.

Devon CTC representatives have written to Devon County Council Highways expressing grave concerns over the re-design of the road layout near Deep Lane, Plympton.
The junction was already heavily trafficked and difficult to cross by cycle, with the re-engineering the road has been made wider and faster, with a wide sweeping filter lane to enter the A38 Plymouth bound, an no provision at all has been made to enable cyclists to cross safely.
What has frustrated cyclists is that the marked "Exeter - Plymouth" cycleroute crosses this junction, and if you come from the Brixton direction the facility to turn right into the old A38 has been removed, forcing cyclists to continue on to and around a fast wide roundabout, and return.
Also the "T" junction back onto the A38 Westbound has been replaced with a long sweeping filter lane similar to those on the Expressway. There have already been several fatalities to cyclists on the A38 when riders have been caught in the "filter lane trap". << CLICK HERE >> for more Views & News on this topic.
JUL
2007

Bicycology events in Exeter

Bicycology visit to Exeter - this weekend.

We are going from Aylesbury to Exeter via Bristol stopping along the way to hold events in which we'll celebrate the bike and we'll talk to people about climate change and other environmental issues. At our events there will be things for all ages to do, for the terrified-of-two-wheels or car-addicted, to the most committed cyclist. All our events are free, and at several stops Bicycology will be joined by local cycling and environmental groups promoting their causes.

Friday 27th, 11 am – 4pm Goldsmiths Square Friday 27th, 9pm Bicycology Film Night in the Café of the Picturehouse Cinema.

 

JUL
2007
David & Irene with flying banana.
David & Irene Roth
Tandem couple raise ove £3000 on epic Spanish bike trip.

Thank you again to all who have sent money for Breakthrough Breast Cancer. Some, we know, preferred to wait until we have completed the challenge. Others have collected from their own friends and family. We would be grateful to receive any such money on behalf of Breakthrough either by cheque payable to Breakthrough Breast Cancer to us at Middle Barn or, if you prefer, safely and securely by visiting www.justgiving.com/ireneanddavidroth at your earliest convenience.
JUL
2007

Terry Venn
Terrys 70th Birthday.

Terry Venn from Torbay CTC is seventy years old on August 1st. The CTC evening ride is to the Weary Ploughman at Churston where we will toast the not so weary Terry on his Birthday. Sandwiches have been ordered along with fine summer weather.
Congratulations Terry from your friends in the Torbay CTC.
JUL
2007

Rob Swayne
Robs 60th Birthday.

Rob Swayne from Torbay CTC celebrated his 65th Birthday recently. The date coincided with the CTC Barbeque at the Anchor Inn in Chudleigh, but he had a 60 mile ride to celebrate the occassion on 21st July.
Congratulations Rob from your friends in the Torbay CTC
JUL
2007
Sustainable Transport consultants ban cycling!

Earlier this month a large consultancy with a specialism in sustainable transport advice banned staff from travelling on bicycles or motorbikes because they say they are too dangerous. Jacobs Babtie's clients include Transport for London.
In an e-mail to all employees, a copy of which has been obtained by The Times, the company's health and safety manager says: "It's patently obvious that if you are struck by a wayward vehicle when you are on a bicycle or motorbike you are going to be more severely affected than if you were in a car. The reason for this policy is to protect our employees from other vehicles on the road""
JUL
2007
CYCLEHERO - Video trailer
CYCLEHERO

Cyclehero

July 14th -22nd is "Cyclehero" week, launched by CTC with an intercative DVD and a video being shown at cinemas all over the UK highlighting the problem of climate change chaos and the role that cycling can play.

There are also various versions of the short film available on line at

www.cyclehero.com
With 4 million people using their cars to drive less than 3 miles to work it's hoped that the "Cyclehero" promotion may help to get the message across.

JUL
2007
Getting wet on the Templer Way
Flooded cycletrack - Templer Way

Flooded cycletracks

It's midsummer and the cycletrack from Newton Abbot to Bovey Tracey is waterlogged.
At one place a wooden footbridge has been put in place to cross a fast running stream, and several sections are under water or extremely boggy.

Although the weather has been very wet, the location and construction of the track makes it liable to flooding and there are warning signs advising cyclists not to use it when river levels are rising.
The situation highlights the need for proper cycleways of good construction and fit-for-purpose.
Many of the proposed estuary cycleroutes will be alongside rivers, and also suceptible to flooding, but if cycling is to be part of a solution to climate chane chaos then these facilities must be built properly and available for use even in adverse conditions.

JUL
2007

18th July - Bike stolen from Saddles & Paddles - Exeter

We've had a request to look out for a stolen bike:
Please keep an eye open for this bike -Mans White mountain bike Genesis Core 2. White with black writing. Very smart bike. It was stolen from out side Saddles and Paddles to day at lunch time. If you see it please contact Matt at sads and Pads
01392 424241.

JUL
2007
Coilin Lewis
Colin Lewis
Tommy Simpson
Tommy Simpson
13th July - 40th Anniversary of Tommy Simpsons death.

On 13th July 1967, on Stage 13 of the Tour De France, Tommy Simpson collapsed and died whilst climbing the Mont Ventoux.
As team mate Colin Lewis approached the collapsed rider his team orders were to continue, - only later on did they find out the the first Briton ever to have worn the Yellow Jersey on the Tour De France, and to have finished in the top ten, had died. His death had been caused by a combination of dehydration from the extreme heat, exacerbated by a diuretic combination of alcohol and amphetamines.
This year Colin from Bovey Tracey has travelled to France and will visit the site of Tommys death, and pay tribute to one of the great legends of Cycling.
JUL
2007
Crowds get cooled down by the Caravanne

Tour De France in Tonbridge 2007

South West exodus to see the Tour De France

Trains from the South West were full with cyclists going up to see the Tour De France last weekend.
The prologue along a five mile flat course in central London proved a great specatcle on a fine summers day. Riders from many of the local Devon clubs were spotted at various points along the route.
On Sunday the race Stage 1 was watched at various locations in Kent, again in fine summer weather.

Entering the Mall - 500yds to TT finish
Quarry Hill - Tonbridge
Tour De France London
JUL
2007
Tour De France at Imphy 2003

Tour De France in UK 2007

Le Tour prepares to depart from London.

Several local CTC members are travelling to London this weeknd to enjoy the spectacle of the Tour De France leaving the capital.
The main prologue is on Saturday 7th July when there is a time trial in central London going past Buckingham Palace and Hyde Park. The caravan begins at 1300.
On Sunday Stage 1 of the race starts at 11am in London and heads out through Rochester through Medway, Tonbridge , Royal Tunbridge Wells and finishes at Canterbury.
There are masses of bike rides and fun event in the capital and the hosting towns during the weekend.

A good website packed with information is
www.tourdefrancelondon.com
#

# Devon CTC are not responsible for other external sites that we may link to.

JUL
2007
Riders near Budlake 2007
Devon Delight 2007.

Low turnout for Devon Delight and Torplex 200 rides.

Despite a rigorous publicity camapaign and high expectations, entries for the Devon Delight and Torplex 200Km rides were well down on the previous year.
In the end 41 riders set out and completed the 100Km and 14 set out and completed the 200Km.
The weather which was poor for much of the weekend abated and the 100Km riders got around in mostly dry conditions. The Torplex had a wet start, and riders had a long hard fight against a strong South Westerly wind from Moretonhampstead to Princetown.
The recent poor weather which is forecast to continue may have been responsible for the low turnout, and there were some clashes with other events, but following on from the hugely popular
Dartmoor Classic Cyclosportif, organisers thought that this would have had a positive effect on the entries for the CTC rides.
The most noteable and praiseworthy ride came from 13 year old Andrew Bowyer from Chudleigh. He rode the 100Km event with his mum Liz. It was by far his longest ever ride and he completed the event by 3.30pm
Full report and picture links soon.

JUN
2007

South East Trains - Bike Ban.

South East Trains "TDF Bike Ban" revoked after CTC pressure.

As if anyone needed reminding what country we live in - South East Trains took the opportunity to totally ban bikes during the weekend of 7th and 8th July when the Tour De France was being staged in London and Kent.
Following negotiations and pressure from CTC they have now agreed to take bikes but they will have to be placed in large strong polythene bags. ( available at CTC stands in London for £2.50)

One can only boggle at the mindset of an organisation which reacts in such a way to a potential opportunity.
Thousands of cyclists are expecetd to use trains to commute between London and Kent on 8th July to watch the events.

JUN
2007

National Bike Week - Devon CTC at Exeters "Cycle Sunday"

Exeter CTC manned adisplay stand at Exeter Quay ( Plaza Terracinna) as part of Exeter's "Cycle Sunday" event for Bike Week.
The City hosts a whole range of events aimed at encouraging and promoting cycling at all levels.

 

JUN
2007

DEVON DELIGHT ride.

Devon Delight & Torplex 200 Entries rolling in.

With ten days to go entries are rolling in for the Torplex 200Km and Devon Delight Audax rides.
We are hoping for a high entry this year following on from the success of the Dartmoor Classic organised by MDCC

The events start at the Newton Abbot Recreational Trust in Marsh Road on Sunday 1st July. 8am for the 200Km and 9am for the 100Km.
Entry forms and route sheets are available on line.

JUN
2007




Newton cyclist attacked for NOT riding on the pavement!

A 15 year old boy in Newton Abbot was knocked to the ground by the driver of a silver VW Passat last weekend, because he was not riding on the pavement.

The driver apparently shouted at the rider to get on to the pavement but when thye boy refused the driver pushed him on to the pavement causing cuts and bruises to his hands.

Police are seeking the driver.

JUN
2007

An illuminating event!

Group leaves Bristol in 2006

 

Exmouth Exodus

For those who are fed up with the lighter evenings, the chance to ride through a night of darkness, over the Mendips and the Blackdown Hills to Exmouth for a fried breakfast near the harbour.
The ride is free and starts from Bristol at 9pm on Saturday 30th June, and arrives at Exmouth from around 6am.
See www.exmouthexodus.co.uk
# for further details.
# Devon CTC are not responsible for other external sites that we may link to.

JUN
2007




World class bike event cancelled

There was great disappointment last weekend when the new BMX Slopestlye event had to be cancelled because of poor weather.
Rain had washed away part of the course and it wasn't possible to rebuild this.
Local champion Kyle Forte had been in training and had high hopes for the event.

JUN
2007
CTC at the Dartmoor Classic Cyclo - and photo galleries.

Hundreds of photo's of the dartmoor Classic Cyclosportif are now on line:
       

<< CLICK HERE >>
for photos of local CTC riders on the classic and here for Youtube videos .

JUN
2007


Dive bombing continues
(Photo - APEX)

Buzzard bombardment continues.

Rumours that the Buzzard of fame was killed have again proved untrue. Last weekend 8 cyclists on the South West 600Km Audax were dive bombed, some suffering minor injuries to their heads.

CTC have sought advice from the authorities, but the only advice offered is for cyclists to wear helmets and to avoid the routes, but there are growing concerens the the continuation of the raptors activities could become a lot more serious.

JUN
2007


Cyclists on the menu!


...and on the move.

Riders find a Welcombe in North Devon.

Six riders completed the Coast to Coast on Sunday 3rd June on a cool grey day with a few showers of light rain.
Two of them - Jason Kingsbury and Euan Mahy who travelled from Truro to join the ride - were veterans of the Buzzard attacks although the Buzzard was not encountered on this occassion.
The route was straight out Okehampton via Wrey Valley and Whiddon Down for a coffee stop at the Leisure Centre, then on through lanes around Hatherleigh to Welcombe Mouth for lunch.
Highlight of the return trip was a cream tea at the church at Buckland Philliegh, and almost 140 miles clocked for the ride.


Buzzard repeller - did it work?

 

JUN
2007

 



Cyclists on the menu!

Buzzard attack fears for Coast to Coast ride.

There are concerns for this weekends Coast to Coast ride by Torbay CTC.
The planned route to Welcombe Mouth takes the riders near to the area where the attacks are happening, but a route to avoid the main road where there have been many reports has been chosen, and it's hoped that this will avoid any potential incident.
CTC have called on local authorities and bodies to try and do something about the problem.
Although the bird of prey is protected, the longer the attacks continue, the more likely it is that there could be a serious accident resulting from an attack, on one of Devons' main holiday routes.

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