Thought you guys might be interested to know that there is now a new Chelmsford Cycling Charter, currently hosted on the City Council website. A number of local cycling clubs such as Chelmer and Athlon have signed up to it already. My understanding is that the cycling charter is a simple statement of support for everyday cycling as the means of making Chelmsford a better place.
We’ve been asked whether DCC would like to support the charter, sign up and have our organisation’s logo as a .jpg or .png to display on the webpage or in any other promotion of the charter.
I’ve read the charter and personally feel they have missed an opportunity to declare loud and clear that all road users especially motorised vehicles should respect each other and put safety first. However, it’s a step in the right direction in promoting cycling and therefore, I’d be happy for DCC to sign up to the charter unless there is any objections from members.
Please leave any comments here or on the club members WhatsApp page.
Another great week for mileage with mountain bike and chilly night rides all going into the mix! Well done everyone.
With only 10 days to go before this second lockdown challenge ends it’s warming up nicely at the pointy end of the leader board. Who is going to step up and claim the DCC Bubble Pairs Challenge? Who is going to be second best with only memories of romantic night time rides and a trip to a castle? And who is going to end up with the dreaded wooden spoon for finishing lasts!
The second weekend is completed of this prestigious endurance competition with most teams showing their mettle in shocking weather conditions and riding those hard miles. But you know the saying: “Cream always rises to the top”
We are into the first few days of the DCC Bubble Pairs Challenge and we’ve had some strong showings from our teams. However, it’s early days and we all know the fable of the “Tortoise and the Hare”.
It nice to see some clear tactics from our teams with some choosing to go for a long single stint whilst other electing for numerous short rides. Others carrying out brake tests! One team decided to lark around off-road performing stunts into thorn bushes! Thankfully the well respected commissaire has seen the funny side and awarded 5 bonus miles to this hapless duo.
To complete the most miles during the 2nd lockdown
Rules
The challenge will run from Saturday 7th November to midnight Wednesday 2nd December (“the challenge period”)
Teams will consist of 2 riders (i.e. “Bubble Pairs”). The Bubble Pair must ride together at all times. Solo rides will not count.
Qualifying miles are those ridden outside (i.e. on real roads) and must be logged on STRAVA by both riders. Turbo miles do not qualify*
The commissaire will scrutinise STRAVA and determine qualifying miles. The commissaire ruling is final but he does like gifts in the form of alcohol.
Qualifying miles are those completed by the “Bubble Pair” during the challenge period. There is no combining of mileage for the 2 riders. Only one of the rider’s miles will be used as qualifying miles. In most cases this will be the lowest mileage of the two riders.
Bubble Pairs can ride whenever they wish and how often they wish. There are no limitations to the number of rides.
The commissaire has the discretions to award bonus miles to a deserving Bubble Pair. Bonus miles maybe awarded for example if a ride has taken place in inclement weather, a tough course ridden with lots of climbing, funny picture taken, or simply a bribe to the commissaire.
Time Trial Bars are permitted but deep rim carbon wheels are not!
Electric motors or E-bikes are not permitted!
Goes without saying but please ride within your capability and stay safe. Enjoy!
*The commissaire has granted an exception for Abi who needs to self-isolate and will look to match G on the turbo
The Bubble Pairs – new teams can join anytime during the challenge period
With the majority of riders completing the daunting Queen stage it is safe to say who our jersey holders will be for the inarguable and hopefully only Self Isolation tour. Stuart certainly did not crack when taking on Côte de Danbury and is the worthy overall holder of the Maillot jaune, completing his dominance with another stage win. Great rides from Nigel, Jamie, Paul and Steve with Graeme continuing his rich vein of form and securing both the KoM Polka Dot and Green Points jersey. George secures the QoM jersey.
With many of us just looking to survive there were many courageous rides (some so confused they completed it twice!!) but my Stage 5 combative Purple jersey goes to Katy. Katy has had a tremendous tour and is always one of the first riders to complete any tour stage and is the tour’s true baroudeur!
I’ve not added the 2-minute time bonuses out of respect to those riders in the grupetto still looking to complete the parcour and may set some best times (no pressure Ash)!
A brilliant ride from Graeme resulted in the International triathlete taking the stage win and keeping the KoM jersey whilst also eroding away some of Stuart’s commanding lead. With the Queen stage up next there is still plenty to ride for including those prestigious podium places or even jumping above your nearest rival.
Last week’s riders definitely experienced the worst of the weather with either extremely hot or windy riding conditions reflected in their slower times. Media Matt battled through Sahara Desert like temperatures and is rightly awarded the Purple combative jersey. Abi still continues to wear the Green jersey on behalf of Graeme.
In addition to Graeme’s ride the other stand out rides for me came from Robert, Simon and Paul. Modesty prevents me mentioning my ride (whoops I just did!!). However, with two thirds of the tour completed a big congratulations goes out to all riders who have complete the stages. Well done everyone!
