Willesden Cycling Club

Vyv and Mark took part in the Brompton Urban Challenge yesterday afternoon. They were part of 100+ strong force of  Bromptoneers tasked with getting answers to questions and getting photos of their steeds taken in specific and unusual places.

The event HQ was in the Look Mum No Hands cafe in Old Street. From there they scuttled across to the South Bank, up to Hackney, down to Earls Court, across to Knightsbridge and back to Look Mum’s. There was plenty of practice in curling and uncurling these well thought out machines, and I was pleased to see all returned with their fingers in place.

Jayne Paine’s competitor and friend in Australia, Joanne Troutman, has penned the following poem about Jayne on her return to Blighty.

Joanne (or “Trouty” as Jayne calls her) said “She does talk of the club a lot and I love hearing about your annual Fryathalon races. We are so sad to lose her, especially me, but we are hoping she might be back.”
“Anyway – I thought it would show her fun and ever competitive spirit and how much us Aussies will miss her.”

Thanks for that Joanne – you’ve got a place on the Willesden CC’s 2013 running of our internationally famous Fryathlon.

“Ode to Jayne” to the tune of “I’m A Believer”.

I thought “Old Girls” were only fast in fairly tales
Speed for other girls, but not for me
Jayne was out to get me (do do do do),that’s the way it seems (do do do do)
Her win’s disappointed all my dreams

Because I saw her race, and she’s an achiever
She’s got some pace, she’ll leave you behind
She’s so fast, ooooo, she’s an achiever, you couldn’t catch her if you tried (guitar riff )

I thought 2nd was more or less a given thing
It seemed the more I raced her, the more I lost
What’s the use in trying (do do do do), cos even when you train (do do do do)
It’s hard to get a victory over Jayne

Because I saw her race, and she’s an achiever
She’s got some pace, she’ll leave you behind
She’s so fast, ooooo, she’s an achiever, you couldn’t catch her if you tried (guitar riff )

Now she leaves us yet again the 3rd time around
Another farewell dinner so it seems
We will all be crying (do do do do), we will all be in pain (do do do do)
As there will be no sunshine without Jayne

We’ll never see her face, now she’s gonna leave us
Not a trace, of the Pom in our minds
She’ll be gone…ooooo, were gonna miss her, she’s gonna leave us far behind
She’s an achiever yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah
She’s an achiever

Joanne Troutman

The 400K Severn Across is a ride that takes you to Chepstow and back.

Crossing some of the finest scenery in Southern England the ride is mainly flat – but with a couple of decent hills to keep it interesting. The outward route takes in Blenheim, Tewkesbury , Newent and Yats Rock before hitting Chepstow. Then it’s over the Severn Bridge to return via Inglestone Common (check the map contours!), Malmesbury and Membury before heading towards Henley and then home.

Riders will travel through the night and many will see the dawn before they get home.

A 400k ride is a bit of a rite of passage for ultra-long distance riders. There isn’t normally a night stop for most participants but it does test your will power and mental stamina. Even a simple route like Severn Across throws up challenges – most of which are in the head rather than in the legs.

Go to the Audax UK site here to enter or drop Liam an email at lfitzpatrick at agendacomms.com if you want to know more or if you’re an insomniac with a talent for making tea