We are now well in to the new cycling year, and the racing season has started, and yet there are quite a few members who have not renewed their membership, including some prominent members of the club. Please make life easy for membership secretary Mike Tonkin and pay your subs quickly. Full details are on the membership page, as well as a form to download and a list of paid up members for the current year. Remember - you cannot continue to race, be part of the PZW Facebook group, or participate in club activities unless you are a paid up first claim member.

Return to top of page

The time is drawing near to enter the 2010 Springtime Pursuits. An entry form is attached. I only need 1 form and 1 cheque regardless of whether you are entering 1, 2 or 3 races. Each race costs £12.00 made out to Mid-Devon Cycling Club.
The events are on Saturdays Feb 20th, 27th and March 6th and start at 14.30. Signing on closes at 14.00 (sharp). The distances are 48km, 48km and 62km. There will be a seperate event for ladies provided we get 10 entries. They will ride 33km, 33km and 48 km. The HQ is at Whimple Cricket Club with showers post race.
Over the years these races which are essentially training have proved to have been a good launch pad for a successful season. Do not delay and get your entry in.
Please advise your fellow club members and encourage them to enter.
Priority of acceptance will be those who enter all 3 races by the closing date (13th Feb) of event 1 will take the first 80 places.

Return to top of page

This was run in conjunction with a social “pasty evening” to encourage attendance, with free pasties enjoyed in abundance for all who attended.

Chairman’s Report - Matt Southam
Closed circuit criterium races are again being held at RAF Portreath in 2010, both on appointed Saturdays and on alternate Thursday evenings during May and June. Matt is organising 4 Saturday criterium races under British Cycling rules. Each will include 3 different events for varying abilities - National A, Regional B, Go - Race (For non BCF licence holders and 4th cat riders – no BCF points awarded)
Thursday night events will be - Regional B, Go - Race (For non BCF licence holders and 4th cat riders – no BCF points awarded)

Treasurers Report – Mark Travis
The club has a fairly healthy bank balance, this does fluctuate widely during the year when the membership fees are collected in early January, and when the high booking costs for RAF Portreath are paid. Club members were invited to make suggestions regarding the use of PZW funds in the benefit of all club members.

Time Trial Secretary Report – Mike Tonkin
PZW intend to run 3 open events during 2010. Mike Tonkin – 19 mile sporting TT. Tony Farnell – 10 mile TT and 10 mile 2up TTT.
The club 10 mile time trials at Leedstown will continue during 2010, on alternate Thursday evenings. First rider off at 7pm.
Club Boxing Day 10 will be held on standard road bikes only.
Organisers and marshalls are needed to keep these events running. It is a requirement of riding one of these events that you either organise or help out in a least one event. Please see the website for organisers checklist for club TT’s. They are easy to organise provided a small amount of forward planning is made.
Entry fees will be: £2 non members, £1 Club members (1st claim), Under 18 – free.

Jon Pullen has volunteered to organise one of the club events as an “atheletes 10”, during mid summer. All riders must use a standard road bike. No discs, pointy hats, deep section wheels or tri bars, and a minimum of 16 spokes per wheel.

Membership Report – Mike Tonkin
A healthy membership of 66 members this year, cycling is definitely on the increase, with many new faces out on the roads in Cornwall. Subs in to Mike as usual by the end of January, paid by cheque payable to Penzance Wheelers with a completed membership form please.

Club Run Report
Phil Walker did a great job as club run captain during 2009, but has now left the club. Conduct of club rides was discussed and it was decided that a ride leader would be nominated before leaving the meeting point, please respect the route made by the ride leader for your and other riders safety. Please stop and wait for others at the top of hills and stop and wait if anyone experiences mechanical trouble. They may then extend the same courtesy to you.
Rides will meet at 9am Long Rock Memorial Institute. Also 1st Sunday in the month harder rides from Camborne Police Station 9am.
Do not forget to bring suitable warm and weatherproof clothing, especially in winter. Also bring your own pump, spare tubes, drink, money and mobile if you have one. In the winter, mudguards are a good idea, not only for your own benefit, but also for other riders in the group who may be riding behind you.
All members are keen to resurrect/continue with the shorter ride, as they are a necessary part of less competitive cycling in the club, and gives a proven stepping stone, especially for younger riders, novices and returning members.
We will try to have a two obvious groups riding on Sunday mornings, with destinations given so you can decide which ride you prefer before we set off.

Secretary Report – Mark Haynes
Discussions were made regarding PZW clothing, most members find it has good quality and are keen to continue with TAL/Endura.
Steve Corram at Cycle Logic in Helston is willing to continue holding PZW clothing which we pre-order with a deposit cheque. He has requested we place 2 orders per year at set times, at the end of January and end of May. Mark is willing to continue collecting the order from club members, please pay close attention to the final date for orders and place your order early to avoid disappointment. Dates will be well advertised on the website and PZW facebook page.
The club will also order 6 short sleeve jerseys, 25 pairs of track mitts and 10 pairs of lycra overshoes direct from Cycle Logic. This is to try to have some immediate access to PZW clothing when needed, rather than having to pre-order. Pendle Hill is happy to store them until September 2010, members to contact him regarding this on a 1st come 1st served basis. To be paid by cheque to PZW on collection from Pendle.

Website Report - Tony Farnell
Members feel the PZW website is one of the clubs greatest attractions, many thanks to Tony for all the hard work.
The PZW “Facebook” is now up and running. This has proved to be a valuable asset to communication between members, helping to organise training rides, lifts to races etc, social occasions etc. All fully paid 1st claim members are eligible to join, please contact Tony to join the group.

Club Dinner and Presentation Evening 2010
This has been arranged for Friday, 29th January at Rosewarne Manor. This will be an informal buffet – style social evening, with the presentation of club awards.

Other Business
A suggestion was made to purchase 1st Aid kits for use in any emergencies which may arise at PZW events. We agreed to purchase 2 or 3 1st aid kits and 2 emergency blankets. We aim to get named 1st aiders for PZW events, any volunteers please contact a member of the committee.

A suggestion to move the date of the AGM to January was made. This would allow an election of a committee from paid up members of PZW who are members for that year. Everyone present was in favour of having the next AGM in January 2011.

It was agreed that race organisers be responsible for race numbers, stopwatches, signs and 1st aid kits for each event. Numbers are to be collected at the end of each event by the organiser or their nominee. Any missing numbers must be retrieved using the contact details on the entry form or signing on sheet.

Re-Election for 2010

Chairman – Matthew Southam
Vice Chairman – Tony Farnell
British Cycling Secretary - Matthew Southam
Time Trial Secretary – Pendle Hill
Treasurer – Mark Travis
Secretary – Mark Haynes
Membership – Mike Tonkin
Web site - Tony Farnell
Club Run Captain – Not elected
Publicity – Matthew Southam
Committee – Ed Joslin, Jason May

Attendance
Matthew Southam, Tony Farnell, Pendle Hill, Mark Travis, Mark Haynes, Mike Tonkin, Nick Joyce, Ed Joslin, Jon Pullen, Terry Waters, Hari Slade, Jason May, Shane Williams, Caroline Chesterfield, Simon Thacker, Damian Ayling, Anthony Bryant, Chis Pascoe, John Fazakerley.

Apologies
Paul Friday, Sandy Gourley, Tristan Harris, Lloyd Peters.

As a club we strongly advise individual members to take out 3rd party insurance. This is available through British Cycling, Cyclist Touring Club and LVRC, among others.

Return to top of page

Membership subscriptions for 2010 remain £12 for 1st claim and racing or £6 for 2nd claim non-racing. You can either pay them direct to Membership Secretary Mike Tonkin when you see him, or preferably post them to him using the form downloadable from the membership page of this site. When you complete the form can you please ensure that you fill in your address, telephone, mobile and email where possible, as this greatly helps communications within the club. Cheques should be made payable to Penzance Wheelers. It would help both PZW and Mike if subs were paid promptly before the end of January so that everyone can concentrate on cycling activities.

Return to top of page

Right Ladies and Gents
I have the task of getting together the numbers and money for the Annual Dinner.
Could you please let me know how many places you want and then send me a cheque made payable to Rosewarne Manor. I need to let Rosewarne know the numbers by the 19th January so please get payments and numbers to me ASAP
Please send cheques to

Damian Ayling
Police Station
Dove Street
St Ives
Cornwall
TR26 2LZ

Cost is £16.50 per head it is a buffet style affair so you do not need to select your meal choice beforehand.

Main courses
Beef Hotpot, Thai Green Chicken curry & Seafood Lasagne with a Meditteranean Vegetable crumble for the veggies.
Served with homemade chips, rice and jacket potatoes

Desserts
Profiterole with choc fudge sauce, a cheesecake and a fruit salad.

Return to top of page

Signing on is from 10.15am in the large car park 400 metres from Leedstown centre in the Hayle direction. Entry fee is £2 for non-PZW riders or £1 for PZW 1st claim members. Please fix your number in the middle of your lower back area, so that it is clearly visible to the timekeeper after you have crossed the finish line. It helps if you call out your number as you cross the line. First rider will start at 11.01am. To get to the start, ride about 1 mile from the car park towards Hayle, just past Fraddam.
From the start, ride back through Leedstown towards Helston. After almost 5 miles, turn sharp left at Sithney School (there will be a marshal here), through Crowntown and Nancegollan to Praze-an-Beeble. In the centre of Praze (there will also be a marshal here), turn left towards Leedstown, and finish at the lay-by 400 metres before reaching The village. When you have finished do not stop and cause an obstruction on the road, but ride straight back to the car park. The timekeeper will bring the results there when the last rider has finished. The full results will also appear on the PZW website.
Only standard road bikes and equipment are allowed in this race, so no aero bars, no disc or deep rim wheels, and no pointy helmets.
If you have not done a time trial before, or do not fancy a lone effort, why not do it as a 2-up team time trial. Simply find a willing partner of about the same ability and fitness, and take it in turns to lead, with your time being taken when the 2nd team members crosses the line. Make sure that you both sign on and say what you are doing, so that you can be given consecutive numbers. If you want to boost your winter training, why not ride there from home, and ride back afterwards?

Return to top of page

The pasties have been ordered for Thursday night. Come and support the AGM and meet your team mates afterwards. Discuss racing plans for next year. All happening at the Bath Inn, Penzance, starting at 7.00pm.
Then on Sunday, follow up with a ride, a cooked breakfast, and a stagger home afterwards. Just the thing to set you up for the Boxing Day Time Trial at Leedstown.

Return to top of page

Firstly glad to see the wheelers still up and running been a long time since I stopped many years ago, lost contact a little after returning from France , younger in those days.
Im just interested in knowing what happened to some of the former members from the early 80s to early 90s namely Jim Payne, Brian rosewall, Alan tregurtha and anyone else from that era , I see Geoff littler name still on the archive is he still riding? Remember spending many a day in his shop having wheels built/straightened bikes fettled for seasons etc and many a good tip sadly after returning from the continent I lost touch completely , now returning to riding and having been thrown a gauntlet to ride lands end john o groats and back in ten days or less for charity in June bit of a shock to the system now at 43 but trainings going well problem is body says no head says yes cant get away from racing past!
Anyway if you can shine a light or help for our ride it would be appreciated.
Thank you .

Return to top of page

This is what all you garage turbo nerds have been waiting for all year. Although I do not think that Tristan will be able to defend his title, as he is working up in Plymouth now, it would be good if the competition was as tough as last year.
As an additional incentive, club member Louise Fretwell, who is currently completing a sports massage course, will be offering pre and post race leg massages. This service will only be available to championship competitors, just in case anyone was thinking of trying to pull a fast one and turn up just for the massage, naming no names!

Return to top of page

All PZW members are invited to attend this important meeting which will shape the way in which our club activities will progress next year. 2009 has been a year of considerable club activity on many fronts. We have a large membership of nearly 70 riders. Only by attending the AGM can you influence the future direction of the club.
This year the committee has decided to combine the annual general meeting with a social evening. The aim is not only to attract more members to the AGM, but also to provide the opportunity to meet that significant minority of our membership of nearly 70, who we rarely see on Sunday morning rides or at races, in an social setting.
The club is providing free pasties, which we need to order in advance, so we need to have some idea who will be attending. Please let me know by phone, email, Facebook or post by 12th December, if you intend to come to the meeting.

Return to top of page

The order will be placed with TAL/Endura on 14th December 2009 through Cyclelogic in Helston. Expected delivery time is mid February 2010.
For clothing details please see their website: http://www.endura.co.uk/Dept.aspx?dept_id=152 or phone Endura/Tal on 01506 497749 to order a catalogue. All items in the catalogue are available.
Please complete this order form, and send to Mark Haynes (markhaynes1@hotmail.com or 01326313914)with deposit cheque for the TOTAL cost including VAT (Payable to Penzance Wheelers).
We do need a minimum order of 15 items. Please contact your fellow club members to try and make sure we get at least 15 items, or we will have to delay until May 2010.
If you do not collect your order after 6 weeks of its arrival at Cyclelogic, your cheque will be cashed to reimburse Cyclelogic for the cost of the items you have ordered.
The closing date for orders is 14th December 2009. Orders received after this date will be returned!


Name: ...................................

Please order me:

ITEM(e.g. bib shorts) Size(XS/S/M/L/XL/XXL) Pro or Standard(see catalogue) Cost(£)

..................... ..................... .............................. .......

..................... ..................... .............................. .......

..................... ..................... .............................. .......

Total (£): .................

VAT @ 15% (£): .............
Total Cost (£): ............

Return to top of page

My name is Will Griffiths-Jones. I am a doctor currently working in the emergency department at Treliske hospital, having recently moved to Cornwall from Liverpool.

As a keen cyclist I have developed a special interest in sports physiology throughout my training. Having been lucky enough to have access to University kit I have provided physiological testing to a variety of cyclists and triathletes in the northwest, providing them with personalised data and helping them get the most out of their training.

Now based in Cornwall I am considering setting up a facility to provide such testing for local cyclists. I am writing to you to get an idea of the general level of interest in such a facility from the members of your club.

These tests would include:-

A complete staged blood lactate test with calculation of Anaerobic threshold and individual training zones (on the British Cycling endorsed Wattbike)

Peak power test with power to weight ratio

Pedaling efficiency profile including right/left leg balance (the most neglected and easily improved aspect of cycling efficiency)

Weight

Body fat calculation using body fat calipers

A full written report with personalised training plan based the above results and individual fitness/competitive goals

Lactate threshold is the most important physiological parameter in time trailing and road racing. Exceeding it at any point other than in the last 3 minutes of an event will significantly reduce your potential power output for the remainder of the race. Knowing the exact point of your threshold is the only way to ensure that this doesn’t happen.

Early winter is the perfect time to perform these initial tests as the data can be used to gain the most from winter base training. Ideally a retest in early spring will then allow measurements of the improvements made and the development of a higher intensity training programme prior to the racing season.

The initial session would cost £85 with discounts available for subsequent sessions. If there is sufficient interest then I will aim to have the facility up and running by the beginning of December.

I am based between Bodmin and Wadebridge. I would be grateful if you could distribute this information to your members and if anyone interested in taking part could contact me by email, text or phone below.

Many thanks,

will@griffiths-jones.co.uk

07880 602 096 or 01208 841 619

Return to top of page

The first Sunday of the month PZW winter training rides start this Sunday 1st November. It will start from Camborne Police Station at 9.00am. There is usually a group of riders who meet in Hayle at 8.10am to ride to Camborne (contact Pendle to check on this), and similarly from Union Corner, Falmouth leaving at 8.00am.
Weather permitting, there will be similar rides from Camborne on 6th Dec, 3rd Jan, and 7th Feb. This is a good opportunity for a change of scenery, to get away from our normal routes, and make a start on some winter training.
There is usually an alternative group leaving as normal from Long Rock on the same day. Other Sundays in the month will also start at Long Rock.

Return to top of page

Congratulations to Paul Friday and Caroline Chesterfield for their convincing wins in this season long competition. Paul was only 1 point short of the maximum possible score of 500 points.
Also very well done to Sandy Gourley, who was 4th in his first serious season of racing. Tony Farnell, John Payne and Dave Henderson scored a clean sweep in the Vets 60+ class with 1st, 2nd and 3rd respectively. Furthermore, Pete Blackshaw won the Vets 50+ and John Fazakerley was 3rd in the Vets 40+.
Elsewhere, Shane Williams broke into the top 10, with Mark Haynes breathing down his neck. Other PZW riders packed into the top 20 were Damian Ayling, Jason May and Pete Jory. Altogether we had 18 ranked riders, easily the best club performance overall.
For a complete list of results follow the link at the bottom of the PZW home page.

1 Paul Friday 499
4 Sandy Gourley 490
8 Tony Farnell 471
10 Shane Williams 463
11 Mark Haynes 461
12 John Fazakerley 458
13 John Payne 450
15 Damian Ayling 441
16 Jason May 441
17 Pete Blackshaw 436
20 Pete Jory 416
26 Mark King 379
28 Caroline Chesterfield 375
33 Dave Henderson 347
37 Phil Walker 334
38 Hari Slade 319
44 James Varah 221
45 Ed Joslin 219

Return to top of page

This being my first international event, I was racing with the Squadra Donne/Bikefood/Luciano Cycles team. There was Natalie Creswick, Iona Sewell, Vicky Ware and myself. We stayed in apartments next to the large newish-built Hotel by a lake with picturesque mountains which surrounded the small village of Sneem. It was about the same size as Stithians (where I live) but with a lot more shops. I thought it was odd to have a large hotel in such a small place but apparently a lot of tourists from America and Japan come to visit this popular area of Kerry, Ireland. The owner of the hotel is the main sponsor for this race, his daughter Louise Moriarty is one of the Irelands top riders. There were 50 riders on the start sheet from England, Ireland, Germany, Italy and Holland.

Friday Stage 1 Road Race 58km (Sneem-Molls Gap-Sneem)

The first race was not starting until 5.30pm. We set off after a yummy hotel breakfast that was fit for a king; we took a drive around the course with the team to check out the route, especially the long climb Molls Gap which had us going, Oh my god!! After a short afternoon nap, I was the first one to be ready; the other girls said to me, You’re keen!!!

Under blue skies and mid-summer temperatures, the pack sped off along the winding road through the trees, I felt nervous as I could not see ahead to where we were going, I was near the back, trying to cope with the pace; it was a bit of a shock after an easy week of riding. A lot of sprinting on the rolling terrain and then we came to Kenmare and the bunch started to climb up Molls Gap, which is about 6km long. Emma Trott of the Dutch Moving ladies team broke away early. The pace was fast and riders were getting dropped on the way up. I kept my place in mid-bunch but then finally I could not hack it anymore and got dropped near the top. We do not really have any long climbs like this in Cornwall! At the top of the mountain it was too late; the main bunch had already gone and left about 7 or 8 of us working together. We rode sooo fast down the other side, it was fun - whoosh! We did the next 4km climb, me and another girl from London Dynamo RC led the group up over the climb, finally finishing 3 minutes down. There was another group behind us. I came 28th out of 46 riders, sprinting for the line, I was told that the finish line was up the hill but it was not so I did not sprint at the right time. Natalie and Iona did well finishing in the first bunch. Emma Trott took the first stage win.


Saturday Stage 2 Circuit Race 68km (Gortagowan)

Another sunny day, this was a hilly circuit with a 3km long climb on it (I was not aware of it when I started and it went on and on). When we finally reached the top, Melanie Spath of the Usher Irish RC attacked to gain some Queen of the Hill points, they sprinted off but my legs were gone! Eventually I got my legs back and caught them going downhill, passing the teams cars to reclaim my place in the bunch. Swooping through Sneem village with people cheering, we headed out again to do our second lap. Only 20 women left in the bunch at this point. The pace was quick through the winding road, fast up over the hills; my legs felt heavy and they were still hurting from yesterday. My tyres were probably pumped too hard as the road was really bumpy. We came to the junction (there was loose gravel here) to start the same long climb again. I was taking the outside line going into the corner, hoping for a good place (it was a very narrow road and hard to overtake if you get stuck behind a slow rider). A rider in front of me suddenly crashed into the hedge and left me nowhere to go. Slamming my brakes on, I ran over her, scrambling up quickly trying to untangle my bike out of a pile of three bikes. I noticed there were a lot of crashes all over the road, 10 riders went down, some were already back on the road again. I struggled to get my chain back on, trying to think straight when your body still in a bit of a shock is tricky. After a few goes, I finally got away but found the bike quite hard to ride on and I did not know why. It was only until after the race that Steve the team mechanic said that the wheel was knocked out of true and rubbing heavily on the brake. Our team car drove past and told me to wait for Natalie, who was also in the crash, but I could not keep up with her when she finally went past me. I spend the next 3 laps trying to stay with riders that went past me but just could not stay with them. On the last lap a large group of riders caught me up and sprinting with them for the line, I finished in 30th place out of 43rd riders. A couple of riders abandon the race because of serious injury from the crash. Emma Trott won the stage again.

I read the brochure afterward and noticed that there was a warning about the gravel on this corner!! I had bruising all inside my leg with my left knee swelling up; some cold bandaging did the job.


Saturday Stage 3 Time trial 2km (Waterville Road)

After a rough morning, I had a massage as my legs were sore and they were not really there for the time trial at 4pm but I tried my best despite not having a lot of power. I did 3 mins and 51 secs, finishing 32nd out of 43 riders. Debby Van Den Berg won with a time of 3 mins and 22 secs! It was really well organised, they were even stopping the traffic for us going over the bridge.


Sunday Stage 4 Road Race 90km (Sneem-Waterville-Sneem)

An unusually warm temperature of 23 degrees and more amazing scenery; the sea, mountains and blue skies, not Irish weather at all! The pace was slower than the last 2 days. Any efforts by other riders were quickly stopped by the Dutch riders because their team mate, Emma Trott was leading the race. We came to Coomaciste, a long 6km climb; I got dropped and chased the bunch on the down hill, passing cars and managed to catch them again. Police on motorbikes at the front were stopping the traffic for the race all throughout the event. On the return journey we came back over Coomaciste climb again, I stayed with the bunch all the way up. Getting the hang of pacing myself and saving myself for several little sprints on the way up but the final sprint over the top for Queen of the Hill points, I could not quite match their pace. Flying down the other side behind a German girl, we were cutting corners and caught the bunch pretty quick.
The bunch sped along through the village of Sneem, via a narrow bridge had me wondering if we would get there in one piece!! Feeling confident, I kept my place near the front and sprinted up the steep hill fast finishing in 16th place; my best placing so far. (Jon the manager reckons that the massage from yesterday must have worked!) Heather Boyle from the Irish Development Squad broke away unnoticed earlier and finishing 6 minutes ahead of us to win the race. 43 riders finished the race that day. Emma Trott won the overall prize. Iona Sewell was the best rider in our team coming 9th overall. I came 32nd overall; I think I would have done better if I had not crashed!

After the Grand buffet/presentation at the hotel, we left for the ferry that evening; some were flying home the next day. Several of us said that we would like to do it again next year and it was a great experience. : -)

Return to top of page

May I let you know about this years Rosie Ride. 100 kms or 50 kms randonee on Sunday 11th October from Ladock Village Hall. 9.30 am or 10 am start, price £4.00, to include refreshments on route and pasty tea.
Info and entry forms available from our website www.trurocyclingclub.org or Jim King at County Maps and Minerals, Truro 272972.
Many thanks.

Return to top of page

After the fiasco this year trying to get ourselves kitted out for the racing season, and after discussion with Steve at cycle logic, and some other PZW members, I think it would be a good idea to place 2 orders per year at specified times, one early in the new year and another in mid summer.

This could be well advertised and passed on to new members, to allow new members joining for January, and summer newcomers to order PZW clothing. Hopefully the racers will get the clothing by the start of the racing season, and a summer order should suit the members who tend to join in the summer after riding a few club runs.

The next order we could sort out during December and place the order in the first week in January, so we should get the order by the start of the racing season. Steve Corram at Cycle Logic is happy to order for us again, as long as we get 15 items.

Please contact me now on markhaynes1@hotmail.com if you want to place an order.

Return to top of page

There are only 3 weeks remaining to get your training in for the final PZW championships of the summer. I have it on good authority that Tristan is now a full-time rider, carefully honing his training to defend his title. This season we have had an unprecedented number of riders racing regularly. It would be really great if we could have a massive turn-out for the finale of the racing season.
Traditionally, we all meet at Long Rock at 9.00am as for a normal club ride. Then we cycle out to Godrevy together, hoping that Mark Travis does not have a puncture episode. The course is approximately 1 mile long, starting adjacent to the bridge over the Red River by the entrance to Godrevy NT car park, and finishing at the top of the hill in the Hells Mouth direction. The course record is held by Jeff Houghton at 2mins 58 secs, assisted by a gale force following wind in 2006.
Afterwards we stagger to a nearby cafe to repair the damage. I suggest Hells Mouth if there are a lot of us, as we could be waiting for a long time to get served at Godrevy.
At the moment we have no officials. We need someone who is not riding to volunteer to organise, timekeep and start the race. Volunteers please.

Return to top of page

I would like to invite all and any of your members in Penzance Wheelers to join in a climate change event going to Copenhagen by bike with walkers too.

One of the steps is a cycle from Penzance to Saltash starting at Penlee Park on Saturday 24th October at 1pm. There will be refreshment stops and places to stay organised by Event Cornwall along the way.

I would be grateful if I could meet with you to give you a poster about Footsteps to Copenhagen (the event) inviting your members to get involved and explaining more. My phone number is 01736 332528. Thanks.

Return to top of page

For those of you who have ordered PZW kit, it now awaits you at Cyclelogic.

Return to top of page

I thought I would try my luck on the club s4/10 course on Thursday, and after a trek about to find the race HQ, from Ken Robertson\'s garbled directions I finally got there signed on. 26 riders in total, I was off no 19, this course goes through the claypitts near Chudleigh. its quite a nice course but with quite abit of traffic on it. I started too fast (again) and had to ease it back abit for the first lap of 5miles, then the next lap I managed to pick the pace up abit and hold it to the finish to come 5th overall. I was slightly disappointed as I did get stopped at the turn which is a concrete triangle junction, by about 5-10 secs. so maybe I could have been 3rd or even 2nd overall. The guy that was 4th was on a tandem with his son who was about 10 years old!!! Watch out for him in a few years! Next time Ill have a bit more knowledge about the course. Everyone seems really friendly up here at Mid-Devon CC.

1st A. Beans 22.20
2nd I Deakin 23.28
2nd L Sanderson 23.28
4th S Dart 23.45
5th T Harris 23.46
6th K Parker 23.59
7th t Dracup 25.19
8th M Parker 25.28
9th K Watts 25.47
10th C Baker 26.13

26 RIDERS

Return to top of page

More helpers needed. It is the last Leedstown 10 on Thursday, and a couple of people have
already volunteered to help. If there is a large number of riders, it would be both desirable and neccessary to have a couple of more helpers to help with marshalling and starting or finishing.
If you can help, I can be contacted either by e-mail at jonathanpullen@tiscali.co.uk or by phone on 01637 879362. I look forward to hearing from you.
Also, it crossed my mind, how about an Athletes 10 at some stage, just like the hour record. No disc wheels, pointy hats or TT bikes. A race of truth.

Return to top of page

This is a good opportunity to try a 2-up, and get the flavour of team time trialling. For those who have not done this kind of thing before, it could be a useful stepping stone to joining one of the PZW 4-up teams next year. Simply find a partner of roughly the same ability and set the alarm clock on Sunday morning. It is a club event so you can enter on the morning.
Signing on is in the centre of Chacewater at the public car park. The course starts between Truro and Chiverton round-a-bout, goes down the A30 to the Treswithian (Camborne West) interchange, turns back up the A30 to the Avers interchange, repeats this lap, and then finishes just past the Scorrier interchange on the way back to Chiverton.

Return to top of page

Hi all. The S.A.W. 10 mile time trial on the 12th august will be on the S6/10 Tresillian. Signing on at Tresillian Village hall Toilets open at 18.15.

Return to top of page

Just a note to let you know of a ride that a friend of mine is doing in August (you may remember him?). He sets of next week from the southernest part of Italy and is hoping to reach Lands End on the Saturday 22nd August, the ride is to raise money for Pancreatic cancer. He has a web site about the ride, www.nickgileschallenge.com . I\'m not asking about donations or anything like that, but on the final stage (Exeter to LE) he\'s asked me to try and organize local clubs, old friends, people he used to race against etc to join him for the last few miles. If there are any volunteers who would like to represent PZW then please let me know. Because of the nature of the ride the biggest problem is going to be the timing, he leaves Exeter between eight and nine am, travelling through Plymouth and then down to Newquay, his home town, quick stop there and then onwards to LE, arrival time at Hayle or PZ to meet him would be mid afternoon onwards. At LE free parking of vehicles if you wanted to ride from there, and on return general socializing and refreshments.
The riders name is Nick Giles, originally from Newquay has raced successfully all over the place, track and road. He will be recognized by some of the riders that have a few years under their belt, and those who keep up with cycling results nationally, he raced very competitively in Devon and Cornwall in the eighties.
I would be grateful if you could spread the word and maybe get a few volunteers just to join us
Please contact me on 07977405704.

Return to top of page

I was over on Sunday and found it was the biggest crowd I have seen ever for a Nationals, the Tumble was very busy and we were stuck in a traffic jam getting off so missed three of the ten final circiuts.

PZW did have two ex Wheelers in the Mens race, Tom and Steve Lampier.

Just to let people know. Tom was one of Raphas protected riders and was told by John Herety not to attack early, the first move was to be covered by Ben Greenwood and Kristian House which is what happened.

Tom was in the third group over the Tumble and then went across and caught the second group which to his horror he discovered was four minutes behind the small leading group which still contained House.

He wasn\'t going to risk going across from to it, esp with Cummings etc in his group and possibly tow a rival up to House who was riding really well. So that was that for him. The group also contained Steve Lampier their for Kenesis, who was riding well. Tom climbed off at the pits at some stage but Steve continued and finished the race.

House road a blinder, covering every thing and despite Cavendish rather daft remark of Cavendish about sitting in (a wonderful complaint from and out and out sprinter who does little else but from what Kristian said he is a mouth almighty during a race and then goes round apologising afterwards). did as much at the front as required and then won the final sprint. Perfect tactics, Rapha were over the moon.

I also saw and chatted with Chris Opie riding for Pendragon but did not see him in the race.

I then spent at interesting evening out in Bristol with a bunch of very happy Raphas and the new National Champion.

Return to top of page

I was getting ready to race, and watching riders like Emma Pooley and Lizzie Armitstead signing autographs, I thought to myself what am I doing here?! I told myself not to think, just focus on getting ready and having a checklist inside my head, energy stuff in my water bottle, working out how many gels/water to take, checking my tyres, figuring out where the number should go on the bike and sunglasses etc. After a quick warm up , I got myself to the start line; my friend Angela (who I stayed with the night before) took a photo of me on the bike. Now lining up at the start, I noticed that most of the riders were there already, Nicole Cooke posing at the front with her Olympic jersey on! Several camera men were snapping away! Ali Northcott next to me was looking a bit overwhelmed! Charlie was asking if I was ok, I nodded (but I wasn’t really, ha ha) I asked her ‘is it fast?’ She nodded, silly question I guess! I was staring at Emma Pooley for a moment and she noticed so I smiled quickly... oops, mustn’t gawk! The waiting was wearing a bit thin and I think everyone was glad when we finally rode out of Abergavenny and everyone was clapping throughout the town centre... Wow! Loads of police on motorbikes were stopping the traffic and we literally had the whole road to ourselves, how cool is that!

All the riders were jostling for a good position, moving slowly along toward Monmouth, towards the first big hill. As the pack started to climb, I began to drop back and I was almost dropped near the top, but they slowed a little and I caught the bunch up. Oh that was close!

At one point I noticed Nicole Cooke was riding alongside of me only inches away and thought ‘ohh’, but I re-focused on the race and keeping my wheel safe. There was another sprint over the next hill, and I managed to hold my own. I found myself riding at the front for a moment behind Sarah Storey (she has the ParaOlympic gold medal in Pursuit last year, I think). She was driving the pace and it was going faster and faster. I hung on to her wheel as long as I could until my legs started to hurt. I moved back to try to recover, and ended up at the back of the pack. We finally arrived at Monmouth; the really big climbs are coming now and there’s more jostling in the bunch. I noticed Nicole Cooke moving up in the left side and Emma Pooley went on the right, I thought ’we are in for it now!!’ We came to a steep hill...everyone was sprinting up it, OW that really did hurt! Riders were moving past me again and I just kept focused what I was doing. After a while I saw two riders ahead that I had ridden with before at a previous race, eventually I caught Jeanette Caldicott from Maxgear RT and saw Ella Hopkins from Mid-Devon club was with us too. Ella hung on for a bit, but disappeared a little further up the climb.

We managed to pass the team cars and got ourselves back to the main bunch again! My legs were tired, but the pack sprinted up like mad up the next steep bit and although we chased hard, that was it! I didn’t have enough time to recover after trying to get back to the bunch. Jeanette and I rode together and hoped to see the bunch again but no such luck! On the very long drag, Jeanette said to me ‘this isn’t flat!!’ but I was too knackered to laugh! Finally we came to a very fast, long downhill to Abergavenny ….woooosh!

Onto the dual carriageway we passed another rider who had given up. We drafted briefly behind a land rover and was going over 30mph! I was struggling to hang on and Jeanette said ‘stay on my wheel!!’ Eventually we got to the big roundabout and back on the road to Monmouth again. My left foot started to swell inside my shoe; don’t know if it was the heat, I loosed the Velcro and it was hurting every time I pressed on it but I just ignored it. Racing together, Jeanette said that I was good on hills and she was good on flats ..it worked out that I was pulling her up and she was pulling me along the flats .. a bit of good team work going there! Every so often, the team car would go by and check if we were OK as one lap is over 30 miles! We were going at a good pace now, and the miles were ticking by, we got to Monmouth and we started to climb again …it really did hurt! We settled down into a good rhythm and were feeling fairly good about our progress, as we were seeing more riders who had given up. We headed back down to Abergavenny again. I was thinking that the rules saying that if we were more than 10mins behind the leaders we would be asked to leave the race … but so far we were still in it!

Police wave us through the barrier and people were clapping. The town centre was closed to traffic, people were lining up along the barrier. It was amazing! We whisked around sharp corners, the police holding up a yellow flag telling us where to go. Through the shopping centre and back around again …going under a bridge up a steep hill I noticed a rider lying on the side of the road with an oxygen mask on... not good! Back in town again there was more cheering and clapping and finally we going really fast for the finish line. I didn’t know whether to sprint for the line as Jeanette and I was working well together …she came up a long side of me and I looked at her and we held hands and raise them in the air, crossing the finish line together while several camera men were snapping away! Pretty exciting stuff! I was really pleased to finish in about 3 and half hours, averaging 20 miles on a very long hilly road race. Been a very hot day and it was a good climbing course! I haven’t done 75 miles in training so I did feel it in my legs toward to the end of the race. We watched Nicole Cooke collecting her prize before heading for the shower at the Rugby club.

It was a great experience! I recommend that a team of Penzance Wheelers guys should enter next year event! : -)

Return to top of page

Planning has started. We are going back to Denia again, between Alicante and Valencia. If you are serious about going then you need to make your intention known on the PZW Facebook group (or let me know by other means), then you need to book your flights while the price is still low. Full flight details with FlyBe from Exeter-Alicante return are posted on Facebook. As a rough guide to the cost, allow about £100 for the return flights, £40 for return bike carriage, £75 for petrol, car parking and car hire, and £80 for the self-catering villa. You will need to fix up your own travel insurance and make a contribution to the shopping bill and domestic tasks while out in Denia.
Once you have booked your flight, you need to be prepared to act promptly to requests for payments to meet accommodation deposit, balance, returnable damage bond, car hire in Spain, parking at Exeter, and petrol as required. You will also need a bike bag or box for transporting you bike on the plane.
If there is anything else you need to know, contact me or someone who went this year.

Return to top of page

There are roadworks with traffic lights on the course at Sithney School. County Highways say they are going to be there until the end of the week. It was felt that at this late stage it would not be possible to move it to an alternative course, and so must reluctantly cancel the race. Aplogies to all who were hoping to ride.

Return to top of page

This is custom is made by TAL/Endura, a company in Scotland. The clothing and is available to pre order by contacting Mark Haynes, club secretary.
The order is placed through the bike shop, Cycle Logic in Helston, we need to order a minimum of 15 individual garments at a time. It then takes around six weeks to arrive at the shop. You pay for the clothing at Cycle Logic in the usual way cash/card etc when you pick up the items at the bike shop.

Prices unfortunately are not the cheapest, but the gear is quality stuff and well worth the money compared to budget gear.

Short Sleeve Jersey Short Zip -------- £40.25
Short Sleeve Jersey Full Zip --------- £41.40
Pro Short Sleeve Jersey -------------- £67.85
Long Sleeve Jersey Full Zip ---------- £43.70
Gilet (windproof vest)---------------- £34.50
Pro Gilet ---------------------------- £40.25
Winter Jacket Windtex ---------------- £56.35
Winter Jacket Roubaix (fleece lined) - £51.75
Pro Windtex Jacket ------------------- £63.25
Short sleeve skinsuit ---------------- £63.25
Long sleeve skinsuit ----------------- £65.55
Bib shorts --------------------------- £46
Pro Bib Shorts ----------------------- £63.25

The Pro items have small patches of reflective piping for night time visibility, have flat lock stitching and in some cases have higher quality material.

I have including most info needed here, though please see the TAL website for full information on sizing, materials and other items that may be available.

http://www.endura.co.uk/Dept.aspx?dept_id=134

Then click on TAL custom printed clothing, pdf file for full brochure.

This link is also available on the PZW website, on the Membership page.

Or phone them direct on 01506 497749, they may be able to post you a brochure and offer advice.

From the TAL website:

“Sizing Guide
Our garments are sized in letters from XS (Extra Small) to XXL (Double Extra Large).
Please see our size chart below for an approximate guide to garment sizes. This chart should only be used as a rough guide and if you are unsure of any sizes we can provide samples on request prior to you placing an order (sizing samples must be returned before order an order proceeds to production).”

Chest inches - XS(34-36) -- S(36-38) - M(39-41) -- L(42-44) --- XL(45-47) --- XXL(48-50)
Chest cm ----- XS(87-92) -- S(92-98) - M(99-106) - L(107-113) - XL(114-1210 - XXL(122-127)
Waist inches - XS(S28-30) - S(30-32) - M(33-35) -- L(36-38) --- XL(939-410) - XXL(42-44)
Waist cm XS -- XS(71-75) -- S(76-83) - M(84-90) -- L(91-97) --- XL(98-105) -- XXL(106-112)

“Extreme sized garments are available; XXS and XXXL sizes can be made on request. These items carry a 15% surcharge to cover the additional cost of them being specially cut to order.
Altered garments are also usually available providing they are based on our standard sizes (i.e. a size Small Training Top with two inch longer sleeves). These also incur a 15% surcharge.
It is important to tell us if any altered garments are required when ordering as we can usually accommodate this, however after garments are made it is often difficult (and costly) or not possible to alter them.”


“Women’s Sizes As shown on below, our garments are sized in letters from XS (Extra Small) to XXL (Double Extra Large). The sizes are based on standard male sizes. Our garments are unisex due to the high stretch and accommodation of the fabrics, which means that women’s specific fit items are not required. Because of this usually women take a size smaller (than they would if sizes were women specific). For example a “Medium” women may take a Small in our sizes. This is the general rule for tops, jackets and suits but on shorts usually a “Medium” women would take a Medium. This is only a guide and obviously varies hugely from person to person depending on your shape. As with men we would advise if you have not ordered before and are unsure of our sizes to request a sample from us to try on. Below is an additional chart, which roughly equates our sizes to UK women’s dress sizes.

WOMENS SIZEs - XS(10) - S(12) - M(14) - L(16) - XL(18) - XXL(18+)

Extreme sized garments are available; Women who require a XXS (size 8) can get any item from our range but these items carry a 15% surcharge to cover the additional cost of them being specially cut to order.”

Unfortunately in the past some items have been ordered and not paid for by our members, therefore we need to give a deposit cheque for all items, please contact me to arrange pre payment by cheque made payable to Penzance Wheelers. You then need to collect the order from Cycle logic when it arrives, pay the shop and recover your deposit cheque.
More details can be found at www.endurasport.com or you can download the catalogue from the membership page.

If you wish to place an order, you need to POST me a deposit cheque payable to Penzance Wheelers including written info of what you require.

Please email me on markhaynes1@hotmail.com and I will let you know my address, or phone me on 01326 313914.

Return to top of page

With 4 races gone, PZW are currently 1st and 2nd in the rankings through Sandy Gourley and Shane Williams respectively. We also have a further 17 riders in the rankings, as follows:

1 Sandy Gourley 4 races 389 points
2 Shane Williams 4 races 361 points
5 Pete Blackshaw 4 races 332 points
7 Peter Jory 4 races 318 points
9 Paul Friday 3 races 299 points
12 Tony Farnell 3 races 280 points
13 Mark Haynes 3 races 278 points
14 John Fazakerley 3 races 274 points
15 John Payne 3 races 260 points
16 Damian Ayling 3 races 255 points
17 Jason May 3 races 251 points
19 Mark King 3 races 221 points
31 Phil Walker 2 races 165 points
33 Harry Slade 2 races 159 points
37 James Varah 2 races 149 points
38 Ed Joslin 2 races 143 points
43 Dave Henderson 2 races 119 points
49 Tristan Harris 1 race 93 points
50 Nick Joyce 1 race 76 points

There are still 5 races to go, so even if you have not done any yet, you can still manage to clock up the maximum 5 maximum qualifying races. Next 2 rounds Sunday 7th June Truro CC 25 (entries closed) and Wednesday 17th June PZW 10 (entries still open).

Return to top of page

I do not know if you read the post on One and All Cycling Facebook site, relating to Peter King doing Lands End to John O Groats in aid of Prostate Cancer. I was speaking to him at the end of last week and he said if any local club members want to join him on the first leg of his ride,they are more then welcome. A peleton of shelter is how he described it.
( Peter is a Prostate Cancer survivor )
Anyway his ride starts at 08.00 hrs on Friday 22nd May at Lands End. [Julian Meredith]

The plan is to have a person, or persons with Peter King for all of his journey through Devon and Cornwall. As you can see Mike Skinner and Maurice Wragg will ride with him from Lands End to the Redruth Camborne Area.
Can you find volunteers to get him to Launceston-Lifton where I can pick him up? Ideally he needs to ride parallel but not all the time on the A30. I have in mind from before Summercourt via Fraddon and Victoria to Bodmin you can probably use the old road. You Cornish residents know better than I the best way to avoid the thundering lorries. [Ken Robertson]


It will be great to have some company as it is one of the longest legs and I have reluctantly opted for the boring A 30 route rather than the attractions (and hills!) of Dartmoor.
I will leave the Lands End Hotel (having stayed the night there) at 08-00 on the morning of 22nd. I have to be on time as the official LEJOG photographers are turning up to take some pix (very kindly FOC) before I head off. I then plan to go at app 12-15 mph (depending on the wind and the rain!!!) with 2 or 3 half hour stops along the way. I have not actually drawn up any more detailed schedule than that to be honest but you can roughly work out where I will be along the A 30 at any given time.
Interestingly, I had been looking at the map just this morning to see if there were any stretches where minor roads ran along a similar route to relieve the trunk road boredom factor! You and your chums may have some ideas. [Peter King]

Return to top of page

Although the race has been shown as cancelled on the British Cycling website for some weeks, there may be some confusion. Due to reasons beyond the control of PZW at RAF Portreath, the race has had to be cancelled. The 3rd race in the series will take place as advertised on Saturday 13th June.
To console yourself, you could take part in the PZW 10 miles time trial at Leedstown on Thursday 14th May starting from 7.30pm.

Return to top of page

A number of members are urgently in need of Penzance Wheelers Club clothing for the current racing season. Cycle Logic in Helston have again kindly offered to provide the kit. If you are hoping to get hold of some club kit for the season, here are the details. Please note that those members who tried to order kit through Facebook earlier this year should now re-order through Mark Haynes.
This will probably be the only time this year we will be able to place an order as we need a minimum of 15 individual items of clothing. I will place the order at the shop on the Monday - anyone requiring clothing for the coming season will need to contact me to place their order before this date.
Prices unfortunately are not the cheapest, but the gear is quality stuff and well worth the money compared to budget gear, especially the comfy bibshorts!
Sizes available are;

3 - Small
4 - Medium
5 - Large
6 - Extra Large

Sizes seemed to be very generous last year, I use a size 3 top, size 4 shorts, and size 3 skinsuit.

Short Sleeve Jersey Short Zip £42
Short Sleeve Jersey Full Zip £44
Long Sleeve Jersey Full Zip £46
Gilet (windproof vest) £35
Pro Gilet £40
Winter Jacket Windtex £59
Winter Jacket Roubaix (fleece lined) £55
Pro Windtex Jacket £65
Short sleeve skinsuit £61
Long sleeve skinsuit £63
Bib shorts £43.50

The Pro items have small patches of reflective piping for nightime visibilty, which seems to be the only difference. Many of us who ordered in winter found the wintex and roubaix jackets very generous in size (we were the lucky ones do not forget!), so if you get to try one on for size it will give you an idea of the sizes. Anyone needing a short sleeved jersey, just let me know what size you need and we can add it to the list.
Due to a previously poor collection rate by our members, we need to give a deposit cheque for all items other than s/s jerseys on ordering, please contact me to arrange pre payment by cheque made payable to Penzance Wheelers. You then need to collect the order from Cyclelogic when it arrives, pay the shop and recover your deposit cheque.
More details can be found at www.endurasport.com or you can download the catalogue from the membership page.
Please email me on markhaynes1@hotmail.com if you are interested.

Return to top of page

START SHEET

NO, NAME, CLUB, START, CAT
1, PAUL FRIDAY, P.Z.W, 18:31, SEN
2, FIONA TELFER-BRUNTON, ONE AND ALL, 18:32, LADY
3, CHARLIE HOLDEN, M.B.H, 18:33, SEN
4, DAVID WEEKS, TRI -LOGIC, 18:34, VET46
5, GRAHAM LOBB, CYCLELOGIC, 18:35, VET47
6, CHRIS FEARNLEY, TRURO C.C., 18:36, VET56
7 , JAMES VARAH, P.Z.W, 18:37, SEN
8, KAY KERSHAW, P.Z.W, 18:38, LADY
9, ADRIAN HENNESSY, ONE AND ALL, 18:39, VET46
10, SHANE WILLIAMS, P.Z.W, 18:40, SEN
11, MARK KING, CYCLELOGIC, 18:42, VET46
12, ANTHONY BRYANT, P.ZW, 18:43, VET49
13, PETER JORY, P.Z.W, 18:43, SEN
14, STEVE COX, P.Z.W, 18:44, VET42
15, CHRIS LOBB, CYCLELOGIC, 18:45, SEN
16, DAMIAN AYLING, P.Z.W, 18:46, SEN
17, DEAN FULLER, C.V.C.C, 18:47, JUN
18, PHIL WALKER, P.Z.W, 18:48, VET44
19, KYLE KEAREY, M.B.H, 18:49, SEN
20, SANDY GORLEY, P.Z.W, 18:50, SEN
21, MARK HOOPER, M.B.H, 18:51, VET41
22, PETER BLACKSHAW, P.Z.W, 18:52, VET52
23, LEE FULLER, C.V.C.C, 18.53, SEN
24, EDWARD JOSLIN, P.Z.W, 18:54, SEN
25, JOHN PAYNE, P.Z.W, 18:55, VET60
26, ADRIAN WARNE, S.A.W, 19:06, VET46
27, IAN MATTHEWS, M.B.H, 18:57, VET42
28, DAVE HENDERSON, P.Z.W, 18:58, VET66
29, PAUL HARKNETT, C.V.C.C, 18:59, VET65
30, TONY FARNELL, P.Z.W, 19::00, VET62
31, SAM HILL, M.B.H, 19:01, SEN
32, RICHARD GOULDEN, CYCLELOGIC, 19:02, VET46
33, JASON MAY, P.Z.W, 19:03, VET40
34, CATH WEISS, M&D CYCLES, 19:04, LADY
35, MARK HAYNES, P.Z.W, 19:05, SEN
36, HARI SLADE, P.Z.W, 18:51, SEN
37, ANDREW SMITH, ONE AND ALL, 19:08, VET40
38, TRISTAN HARRIS, P.Z.W, 18:54, SEN
39, MATT PULLEN, CYCLELOGIC, 19:09, SEN
40, GARY CHAMBERS, CYCLELOGIC, 19:10, SEN
41, PHIL COAD, TORQ FITNESS, 19;11, SEN
42, JEFFEY HOUGHTON, CYCLELOGIC, 19:07, SEN
43, STEVE INGLEFIELD, S.A.W, 19:15, VET40
44, JOHN FAZAKERLEY, P.Z.W, 19:12, VET45



UNDER C.T.T. REGULATIONS }Q
OPEN 19 MILE SPORTING TIME TRIAL 30th APRIL 2009

EVENT SECRETARY : MIKE TONKIN, THE COTTAGE ,
PLAIN AN GWARRY
MARAZION.
CORNWALL 01736 711363

TIME KEEPER GEORGE SMITH , ST AUSTELL WHEELERS


PRIZE LIST = 1 RIDER 1 PRIZE EXCEPT TEAM

1st OVERALL £15 1st VET on std £10 1st LADY £10 1st JUN £10 1st TEAM 3 X £3
2nd OVERALL £12 2nd VET on std £7 2nd LADY £7
3rd OVERALL £9 3rd VET on std £5

3r START ON B3302 SOME 600YDS WEST OF FRADDAM AND APPROX 3 MILES SOUTH EAST OF HAYLE AT A POINT UNDERNEATH ELECTRICITY PYLONS AND APPROX ,3300YDS WEST OF THE EXIT FROM THE GARAGE (GR SW584349).PROCEED SOUTH EASTWARDS THROUGH FRADDAM AND LEEDSTOWN TO CROWNTOWN CROSS.WHERE TURN SHARP LEFT ON TO THE B3303 .CONTINUE NORTH ON B3303 TO PRAZE AN BEEBLE WHERE TURN LEFT ON TO B3280 TO HOWE DOWNS .CONTINUE FOR APPROXIMATELY 1.2 MILES.FINISH AT THE START OF LAY BY 600 YDS EAST OF LEEDSTOWN CROSS (GR SW 612349)d after
second lap of triangle i,e, LEEDSTOWN-CROWNTOWN-PRAZE-AN-BEEBLE
HQ= LEEDSTOWN METHODIST CHURCH ,100M FROM CROSSROADS, {HELSTON SIDE }
HELMETS MUST BE WORN IN THIS RACE
COMPETITORS MUST KEEP IN SINGLE FILE WHILE WAITING TO START .
AND NOT STOP AT FINISH BUT RETURN TO HQ

Return to top of page

The PZW club championship dates have been displayed on this page for a couple of weeks now. Note that many of the time trial championships are open races, including the first one which is the '10'. In order to ride you need to enter in the normal way for an open race - at least 10 days in advance. So if you want to get your name on a trophy and star at the presentation evening start filling out those entry forms now. While you're at it, why not enter for some other open events at the same time, especially the Cornish Cup races, also displayed on this page.

Return to top of page

Let's make sure we really support our own PZW race. It's the third Cornish Cup race of the year, so we need a big entry from all PZW riders. If you can't ride, then phone organiser Mike Tonkin and offer to help on the day.
For those of you who haven't done it before, it's a challenging course over 2 laps of the Leedstown-Sithney-Praze circuit. Don't forget, you need to send your entry fee of £6.50 (cheques payable to PZW) together with a completed CTT entry form (download from the CTT website) to Mike Tonkin at The Cottage, Plain-an-Gwarry, Marazion, Penzance, TR17 0DR at least 10 days before the race date.

Return to top of page

This is the first of only three road races to be held in Cornwall this year, all organised by our Chairman Matt Southam. These will be held at RAF Portreath, and provide a really good opportunity to dip your toe into the road racing world in a traffic free environment.
As well as the usual E/1/2 and 3/4 races, there will be junior and novice races, so Matt needs quite a few helpers to ensure that things run smoothly. Don't wait to be asked - if you're not going to ride then phone Matt and help to promote our race. If you want to ride you can enter on the day, but you need to be a member of British Cycling.

Return to top of page

To make sure that you the organiser, PZW, and the riders are covered by the CTT insurance you need to comply with the following points. It may seem to be over the top, but it does not involve much work if you prepare well in advance, especially as far as recruiting helpers and collecting the equipment are concerned. All PZW members should note that it was agreed at the last 3 AGMs that if you want to ride any of these popular midweek races then you must volunteer to help out at one or more races.

Arrange timekeeper, pusher-off (optional), and 2 marshalls, and check their availability in the week before the race.

Bring (or make arrangements for) numbers, signs, flags, marshall\'s safety jackets, stopwatches, first aid kit, CTT signing-on sheet, results sheet, risk assessment and pen. You need to check well in advance who is in possession of these items.

Arrive in lay-by north of Leedstown 6.15 - 6.30pm for signing on.

Timekeeper to collect entry fees (it was agreed at the last AGM that they would be £1 for paid up PZW racing members, £2 for members of other clubs - riders who are not members of a CTT affiliated club should not be allowed to ride) as riders sign-on and collect numbers. Make sure riders PRINT their full name and provide a signature. Make sure that riders know that they must ride straight past the finish, and not congregate around the timekeeper.

Study the risk assessment in advance to make sure you know where the signs should be placed.

I suggest that:
timekeeper and/or pusher-off places signs (3) at start.

Sithney marshall to place signs (and collect in after last rider) at Leedstown crossroads (2), at bend at bottom of hill (2), and at Sithney (1).

Praze marshall to place signs (and collect in after last rider) at Praze (2).

It is essential to make sure the numbers are collected from the riders afterwards. If anyone disappears with a number, it is possible to track them down as long as you keep the start sheet. If possible pass on all the equipment to the organiser of the next race immediately, if they are present. This will save you a lot of hassle.

Give signing-on sheet and entry fees to TT Secretary (Mike Tonkin who can then pay the CTT levies) and results sheet to Tony Farnell for publication on website.

Return to top of page

The Duke of Leed's B&B has kindly allowed us the use of the toilet facilities for our club time trial's on the Leedstown course, The Bed and Breakfast offer's a selection of beer's and spirit's, home cooked meal's and on suite bed and breakfast.
For more information contact:
The Duke of Leed's
Hayle Road
Leedstown
Hayle
TR276BB
01736 850273

Return to top of page

Day 1. Friday 27th Feb. After all the preparation and waiting we were finally meeting in the salubrious surroundings of Macdonalds at Hamburger Hill - 3 cars, 8 riders and 8 bike bags/boxes. Then it was off to Exeter Airport for the delights of check-in. Mike nearly failed at the first hurdle when his bike box was too big for the X-ray machine and 2 tons overweight. The plane managed to take-off, with flight virgins Nick and Pendle looking a little apprehensive. Picked up the 3 hire cars at Alicante Airport with no problems, and breathed a sigh of relief when all the bodies, baggage and bike boxes managed to squeeze into them. Should have driven to Denia in convoy, but Ed, Phil and Co. had a rush of blood to the head, and disappeared down the motorway, not to be seen for several hours. Meanwhile the other 2 cars went straight to our luxury villa and were well settled in by the time we started receiving desperate phone calls from the wandering minstrals with the sat nav who were exploring the Spanish countryside. When they finally found us, it was down into town for a 10 euros 3 course pasta meal. Back at the villa, bikes were assembled ready for the blazing sun of tomorrow. The major problem of the day was that the villa was advertised as having 5 twin bedrooms and 1 double bedroom - fine for our party of 10. What we found were 3 double bedrooms and 3 twin ones. Suddenly it didn't look like a good idea to have shaved one's legs. This difficulty was overcome when honourary PZ Wheeler Gary from Newcastle decided he'd rather stay in his hotel. I'm not sure if it was the shaved legs, the flatulence or the washing up that put him off.

Day 2. Saturday 28th Feb. Woke up to the sound of heavy rain outside!!! This wasn't supposed to happen. So a trip to the supermercado was brought forward to stock up the larder for the week. After lunch the rain stopped, so we headed out over the Montgo climb, which started immediately outside the villa, and did a leisurely 27 miles to break ourselves in. Mark and Tony drove to Alicante Airport to pick up Mark's mate Matt from Newcastle, who was joining for the rest of the week. In the evening we hit the town again for another 10 euros menu del dia.

Day 3. Sunday 1st March. No rain and some sunshine, so on the road by 9.30, straight over the Montgo again, then down the coast via Javea, Benitatxell, Moraira, Calpe and Altea la Vella, where we sat outside a cafe and lunched on assorted bocadillos. We then headed inland to Callosa and conquered the first real climb up to Tarbena and the Coll de Rates, giving some their first real taste of mountain roads. After swooping down the other side, it was coffee in Parcent, then a return to Denia via Orba, Sagra, Pego and Els Poblets with some through-and-off and general foolishness. 78 miles on the clock. Back at the villa a routine was soon developed - eating, drinking, showering, resting, Tony cooking, more eating, more drinking and more resting.

Day 4. Monday 2nd March. Another fine day, so we decide on a long one. We met up with the Dave LLoyd group and riding west, deep into the hills, via La Xara, Pedreguer, Alcalali, Parcent, Benigembla we twiddled our way up the long long drag to Castells de Castells where we had our usual bocadillos lunch at a cafe. Then further west via Quatretodeta to Gorga for another coffee stop, before the fairground switchback and the big climb up to the Port de Confrides. With the temperature noticeably colder up here and the drizzle starting, the normally exhilarating descent to Guadalest was a case of gritting teeth and praying for the bottom to arrive. After a brief shopping stop, we returned to the coast via Callosa, Altea, Benissa, Teulada, Benitatxell and from Javea had great fun slogging back over the Montgo in the reverse direction from Saturday. Total mileage for the day was 98. Carried away on a wave of euphoria we opted for the full works at the local Indian restaurant.

Day 5. Tuesday 3rd March. A total washout. Torrential rain all day. So we did a top-up supermercado shop in Denia and watched lots of Tour de France DVD's. This was followed by lots of resting. Mark and Tony cooked meal, everyone drank a lot, but Pendle inisted on trying to break world wine drinking records.

Day 6. Wednesday 4th March. Much to everyone's surprise, Pendle made it to the starting grid, although he did look a little pale. After Ondara, Sanet, Sagra, and a minor climb, we tackled the the major climb up to the Vall de Ebo. Then we had the hardest bit of the whole week, battling up the steep ramps and undulations into a cold headwind with everyone sagging somewhat, and Pendle heroically hanging on after a rumoured earlier throwing-up incident. I think everyone was glad to see the cafe, bocadillos, and blazing stove at the cafe at Margarida. Then we had a long descent through Beniali and Adsubia to Pego. Gary just couldn't resist taking us over a couple of further climba as we made our way back via Sagra, Orba, Alcalali, Xalo, Lliber, Gata, Jesus Pobre and La Xara, making 82 miles in all. To celebrate we went out for the traditional paella meal. I think that this may have been the night when Mark and Phil couldn't sleep, and Harry refused to read them a story.

Day 7. Thursday 5th March. By popular demand we had to do the reverse Coll de Rates and the Alta Bernia climbs. So we rode out there via Les Marines, La Xara, Pedreguer, Alcalali, and Parcent, before conquering the Rates. By this time we had noticed that Harry was a bit of a demon descender, and he set off at his normal suicidal pace for the descent, but succeeded in hitting the back of a van and subsequently the deck. Luckily no serious injury and lesson learned, we thought. The cafe in Parcent opened as we arrived, and we overdosed on bocadillos. The we headed through Alcalali and Xalo to the foot of the Alta Bernia climb, but not before Harry had collided with the back of another car and hit the deck again! Luckily no injuries. There were some very tired legs by now, so Phil and Nick decided to head back for the Marina cafe and check out the well-endowed German fraulein, while the rest of us struggled up the climb. The crashes must have shaken something loose in Harry's head, because he was climbing like never before! Final peak conquered, we meandered back to Denia via Pinos, Benissa, Senija, Lliber, Gata, and Jesus Pobre. Only 68 miles today. Ed, Matt and Mark cooked us a meal and we all did our best to finish off the booze.

Day 8. Friday 6th March. One final ride - flat, flat, flat, up the coast into a headwind to Oliva for coffee and cakes and fry-ups. Then back down to Denia with a following wind. The more mature members of the party stopped for lunch at a cafe with 38 miles under their belts, while the young and foolish had one last dash up the Montgo climb to clock up a bit of extra distance. All that remained was frantic bike packing and villa tidying activities, before the flight home and bed for me at 2.30am. I don't believe that Pendle was uploading photos to Facebook at 3.00am!

A great week, just a tad under 400 miles, no punctures, 1 broken spoke, a mountain of bananas and rego and some tired legs.

Return to top of page

We have currently 44 paid-up members for 2009 - 34 1st claim/racing and 10 2nd claim/non-racing. Of these, 11 are new members or rejoining after a gap. At the moment, there are 19 members from last year who have not rejoined. I note that this includes one or two committee members and three or four regular racers, who will therefore not be affiliated to CTT for entries to time trials. So check to make sure your name is on the list, accessible from the membership page.

Return to top of page

After some debate it was decided that a 25% discount on club kit was more realistic than 50%. So, for 2009 any existing member who paid their subs before the end of January, and any new member joining during the year, will qualify for a 25% refund on one item of PZW kit.
Alternative ideas were discussed, and the whole matter will be reviewed at the next AGM to decide what will happen in future years.
It was also decided that Neil Hollow would co-ordinate the purchase of the kit through Cyclelogic as has been the normal practice. So, any enquiries/orders to Neil. Many thanks to Mark Haynes for his efficient handling of the kit orders over the last couple of years.

Return to top of page

There is now a fairly comprehensive list of races for the coming season on the Races page. Follow the above menu link 'Races'.
I've listed all the road races, crits, open time trials, pzw club time trials, cyclosportives and randonees that I can find in the South West. As soon as I know the dates I'll add the other club time trials and identify the Cornish Cup and PZW club championship races.
If you know of anything that I've missed please tell me, and I'll add it. If you spot any mistakes please tell me, and I'll correct them.

Return to top of page

Please make every effort to pay - £12 - by 31st January, to Membership Secretary Mike Tonkin. As for the last 2 years, all 1st claim members paying by the end of January will be able to claim a generous discount for the purchase of one item of PZW kit. More details to follow.

Return to top of page

In response to the recent AGM, I have set up a PZW group on Facebook. This allows members to post comments for discussion topics, initiate new topics for discussions, post photos and videos, etc..
To join it, you need to open a Facebook account and through it, send me a request to be a member of the group.
At the moment it is open only to 1st claim members of PZW, so that we can share ideas, information, opinions, resources, and comment on or discuss activities that are particular to our club.

Return to top of page

I've entered the Dartmoor Classic 100 mile cyclosportive on 28th June this year. £25 entry fee with max 1500 riders. www.dartmoorclassic.co.uk
I thought maybe you could put a note on the website about it, to see if others want to do it. Maybe we could share some transport etc. It would be a good follow up to Spain.
It says on their website that it's filling up quickly, so entries will need to be submitted pretty soon.
Maybe we could organise a PZW team?
Just a suggestion. If no one else is keen I'll have 1499 people to keep me company!!

Return to top of page

I am pleased to say we are having the awards night on 30th January (tbc) at Rosewarne Manor. We have opted for a hot buffet selection with desserts at a cost of £15 per head.
I have put a bit on the Facebook PZW group about it, asking people to contact me with numbers, and to buy tickets from me. They can contact me via email on tristan.harris@yahoo.co.uk or 07886250601. I will need to know numbers by Wed 7th Jan to confirm with Rosewarne (i have provisionally said it would be for about 40 people).
Rosewarne Manor need a £5 deposit per person which is non-refundable so I would like to collect the full amount before the event.

Return to top of page

Chairman’s Report - Matt Southam
Following administrative problems this year which prevented circuit races being held at RAF Portreath, PZW are to organise 4 races during 2009, which will include “go ride” events under British Cycling rules. This means novices and children can race without paying for a day license.
The possibility of training evenings using the RAF Portreath circuit was also discussed, many members expressed interest and enquiries will be made.
As a club we strongly advise individual members to take out 3rd party insurance. This is available through British Cycling, Cyclist Touring Club and LVRC, among others.

Time Trial Secretary Report – Mike Tonkin
As a club PZW organised 10 open and club events during 2008, and had a strong turnout for most events.
Roadworks on the Leedstown circuit often required the use of the Goonhilly 10, which was less popular due to the travelling distance.
We intend to run the club 10 mile time trials at Leedstown during 2009, on alternate Thursday evenings. First rider off at 7pm.
Entry fees will be: £2 non members, £1 Club members (1st claim), Under 18 – free.

Membership Report – Mike Tonkin
A healthy membership of 51 members this year, cycling is definitely on the increase, with many new faces out on the roads in Cornwall. Hopefully we can build our membership for 2009 following Britain’s Olympic success.
The 25% discount on an item of PZW clothing proved an incentive to pay subs during January 2008, Mike did not have to badger members too much this year, as is usually the case.
We will offer the same discount in 2000, please pay your subs promptly during January, you will not be allowed to race until subs have been paid.

Treasurers Report – Mark Travis
The club has a fairly healthy bank balance, and proposals are welcome, regarding the use of PZW funds in the benefit of all club members.

Club Run Report – Phil Walker
Good turnout for the longer rides, rides will meet at 9am Long Rock Memorial Institute. Also 1st Sunday in the month harder rides from Camborne Police Station 9am.
Please take instructions from whoever is leading the ride regarding directions, the destination will be given before departure, if riders have preference of route, we welcome your input but please do this in advance to prevent splitting the ride and causing dangerous changes of direction at junctions.
Also please respect your less fit riders, please find a safe place and stop at the top of the climbs.
If the fit riders want a hard ride, please feel free to spend time on the front of the group, you will get a better workout and will help out the less fit riders at the back!

Club Run Report – Neil Hollow
Unfortunately the shorter rides have stopped, this has happened for a number of reasons. During the summer, the small number of riders on club runs caused a merging of the two groups, leading to riders being left behind, this must not happen on club rides, which ideally will be ridden at the pace of the slowest rider; riders must stop and wait in a safe place at the top of hills.
It was decided to resurrect the shorter ride, as they are a necessary part of less competitive cycling in the club, and gives a proven stepping stone, especially for younger riders, novices and returning members.
We will try to have a two obvious groups riding on Sunday mornings, with destinations given so you can decide which ride you prefer before we set off.

Secretary Report – Mark Haynes
PZW Clothing Order. Discussions were made regarding PZW clothing, most members find it has good quality and are keen to continue with TAL/Endura.
Many members have been frustrated by problems with the ordering system, some members failing to get items they had ordered. This has been caused by members ordering items after the order deadline, and errors in the order process. Hopefully these have been eliminated, we have a new order in at Cycle Logic and hopefully we will all get what we wanted!
Going elsewhere for clothing was discussed however we decided against this.

Website Report - Tony Farnell
Members feel the PZW website is one of the clubs greatest attractions, many thanks to Tony for all the hard work.
The possibility of opening a “Facebook” account to help communication between members was discussed; watch the website for an update. We hope this will help in organising training rides, lifts to races etc, as all members will have access and can post messages.

Publicity Report – Neil Hollow
Please give any reports to Neil as soon as they are available. We hope to enter reports into local papers, Cornish Guardian and West Briton.

Club Dinner and Presentation Evening
Most members appreciated the informal buffet – style evening, and are keen on a similar format for next year.
This has been provisionally arranged for Friday night, January 23rd or 30th 2009. Tristan Harris to investigate. Details are TBC.

Re-Election for 2009
Chairman – Matthew Southam
Vice Chairman – Tony Farnell
British Cycling Secretary - Matthew Southam
Time Trial Secretary – Pendle Hill
Treasurer – Mark Travis
Secretary – Mark Haynes
Membership – Mike Tonkin
Web site - Tony Farnell
Club Run Captain – Phil Walker + Neil Hollow
Publicity – Neil Hollow
Committee – Tristan Harris, Nick Joyce

Attendance
Matthew Southam, Tony Farnell, Pendle Hill, Mark Travis, Mark Haynes, Mike Tonkin, Phil Walker, Neil Hollow, Tristan Harris, Nick Joyce, Ed Joslin, Jon Pullen, John Payne, Jane Thurnell-Read, Terry Waters

Return to top of page

Get down the shop if you're feeling cold.
Hopefully there should be some windtex jackets this time!!!
Any problems with the order ie. not what you ordered, don't buy it, and let me know so I can sort it out.

Return to top of page

Mike Tonkin has kindly agreed to organise this traditional race. It was decided at the recent AGM that the race will take a retro format, with only standard road bikes counting in the reults. That means no aero bars, no disk wheels, and no deep rim wheels.

Return to top of page

This popular event will start from Long Rock at 9.00am, and proceed to Smokey Joe's Cafe at Scorrier at a modest pace passing through St Erth, Hayle, Connor Downs, Carnhell Green, Camborne, Tehidy, Portreath, Bridge and Cambrose (for those who want to join in en route). Then there will be the customary fry-up breakfast for those of stout hearts and strong stomachs, followed by free choice of route home, depending on where you are going. There is talk of a strong correlation between amount of fried breakfast eaten and performances in the subsequent racing season.

Return to top of page

Don't forget - coming up next Monday 1st December - the last PZW championships of 2008. Nobody has challenged Mike Tonkin's dominance in living memory. If you're a closet turbo trainer, now is the time to come out and impress all your mates.

Return to top of page

The winter hard-riders club rides will resume from the Camborne Police Station on the first Sunday of every month, starting Sunday 7th December 9am sharp.
Please make a effort to attend for a bit of varation to your riding and to seek out new varieties of coffee and beans on toast.
Note that on other Sundays rides will be as normal from Long Rock. Are the shorter rides going to be resurrected?

Return to top of page

As joked about at Bissoe the Sunday before last on the club run, I am wondering if there are two people out there who are interested in doing the St Austell Wheelers 10 on the S6-10 on the 23rd Nov on my triplet. (photo attached from when this was last attempted all riders returned safely on that occasion.)The machine is suitable for riders up to my height (5'11")on the front and possibly the middle, but a rider a couple of inches shorter is ideally needed for the rear.
On the ride in the photo we didn't practice together at all before the ride, yet we still rode a 21:01. This time I would like to enlist the fastest lunatics, sorry, riders, who are up for this and actually have a practice session to ensure a good time is set.
Perhaps anyone interested could e-mail me on: jdfazaks@yahoo.com

Return to top of page

The festive month kicks off with the PZW Roller Racing Champs on Monday 1st December. You could look upon this as an inevitable thrashing by Mike Tonkin, or you could get out the turbo trainer and take the opportunity to halt his recent domination.
The following Monday 8th December is the PZW AGM. I have to say that this is usually very badly attended - in fact most years there barely more than the existing committee members, making it very difficult to make any sensible decisions or move in any new directions. It would be great to see a healthy turnout, even if you only go for the beer.
Next comes the PZW Xmas Breakfast at Smokey Joe's on Sunday 21st December - coincidentally, the shortest day of the year. Meet as usual at 9.00am at Long Rock to ride up there.
Finally, we have the PZW Boxing Day '10' time trial, 10.00am at Leedstown on Friday 26th December. Should we run this as a road bike (no time trial machines permitted) only race? What do you think?
If you add in the regular Sunday and Tuesday morning rides, you can see why PZW remains the leading road club in Cornwall.

Return to top of page

I had a call from Jill Edmonds inviting PZW members to their club Christmas dinner and presentation to be held on Saturday 15th November at the California Hotel, Newquay. Not sure on cost but anyone interested should contact Jill or Ivor on 01208 813962 ASAP. Wendy Houvenaghel is guest of honour.

Return to top of page

We are now close to the magic number 15 and so I will place the order THIS Thursday at Cycle Logic.
Anyone requiring kit for the winter, and early spring, please contact me asap.
I'm going to order a full zip short sleeve jersey for the training holiday, It's going to be HOT!
If anyone is thinking of time trialing early next season they need to order skin suits NOW, it will probably be mid summer 2009 before we place another order.
Thanks again, Mark

Return to top of page

Just a quick update and reminder to everyone who wants PZW clothing ordering.
I have received orders for 3 items, we need 15 items as a minimum.
A number of members have contacted me, however have still not sent me their deposit cheque payable to Penzance Wheelers.
Please get organised soon, it's getting colder and we are going to need our thermal jackets!

Return to top of page

Planning has started for the 2009 training week based on Denia in Spain. We're planning on sorting out our own accommodation this year and going probably on the first but possibly on the second week in March.
You can read the report of last year's trip on the news page of this web site to get a flavour of what it's like.
If you are interested, email Tony Farnell at tony.farnell@btinternet.com as soon as possible. But be warned you will have to put some money up front promptly to book the accommodation when it's finalised, and book your own flight, and be prepared to bring me a cup of tea in bed every morning, so no time-wasters please.

Return to top of page

It seems that there might be a demand for another PZW kit order. If you want to order some PZW kit contact me by email at markhaynes1@hotmail.com as soon as possible.

Return to top of page

The Royal Navy & Royal Marine CA 'Navy Weekender' will take place on Sat 13 and Sun 14 Sep 08, comprising of a Sporting 16 Mile TT on the Saturday (1700 start) and a 25 Mile TT on the Sunday (0800 start). Although both races are stand alone events, there will be additional prizes for the best placing aggregate times over the weekend from both events. The HQ throughout will be HMS RALEIGH (Torpoint), which has excellent changing facilities, plenty of toilets and hot showers. Donations are not required for tea/coffee/cakes etc and all the entries fees received (minus CTT Levies) will go towards the prizes. Each event cost £7.00 and cheques are to be made payable to the 'RNRMCA.' Both courses are well marshalled and sign posted. This event is normally run at a loss, to ensure a good prize list. Both courses are challenging and have some tremendous scenery, with course records currently being held by Dean Robson. The presentation will also include the awarding of the SWBAR individual and team titles, which has been organised by Rob Scott (Plymouth Corinthian CC) and myself. Please support it and come along for a great weekend. If you require further info, check the CTT Handbook or call the organiser Sean Childs on 01752 563244. Please advertise as widely as possible within your club and training partners and hopefully I look forward to your entries within the near future. I am still on leave until 1 Sep 08, so can only be contacted on the Cc Email until then.

Return to top of page

Running Thursday's ten around the Leedstown course. Can you put it on the website please, marshalls etc needed. Contact Andy 07917204606 to offer help.

Return to top of page

The 25% off any single item within the year 2008 is nothing to do with the shop, if you are eligible, i.e. paid up member by the end of January 2008, please send your receipt to the club Treasurer for your discount. This was to encourage members to pay their subs on time.
Please be aware that some items have been pre-ordered by members. These are all items apart from short sleeve jerseys. Do not under any circumstances buy them from the shop unless you have pre-ordered them, this led to disappointment at the last order.
Enjoy the rest of the season, let me know if there are any problems with this order.
Thanks

Return to top of page

There are 3 team time trials in August - the CS Dynamo Open 4-up 40 kms near Exeter and the Truro CC Club 2-up 25 miles, both on Sunday 17th August, and the Cyclelogic Open 2-up 25 miles on Sunday 31st August (incidentally, Cyclelogic are looking for marshalls - any volunteers?).
One or two riders have expressed an interest in doing the CS Dynamo 4-up. I will co-ordinate if anyone definitely interested lets me know as soon as possible. That means email or phone me before this weekend, so that the entry can be sent off and some training organised.
The Truro race can be entered on the day - just find a team mate of roughly the same speed - it is scheduled for the S18/25 on the Camborne-Redruth by-pass, but long-term road works might mean a change of course. The Cyclelogic race is an Open event, so you need to enter in advance on an official form at least 10 days prior to the race.

Return to top of page

After discussing the condition of the Leedstown circuit with Mike
Tonkin, and with work scheduled to continue on that course until mid-
August, we decided that it was safer to run the next club TT on the
Goonhilly course.
I would be pleased to hear from anyone that is able to help with marshalling. I can be contacted either on 01637 879362 or on jonathanpullen@tiscali.co.uk.
Thanks, and I look forward to seeing you all on the 7th.

Return to top of page

This is a popular randonee, usually well-supported by PZW, that is both very sociable and good training. The route takes in some really scenic roads in Penwith and the Lizard, and usually stops at "Mrs Miggin's" t Sithney for those formidable cakes. Organiser Julian Winn is taking pre-entries and entries on the day.

Return to top of page

Due to continuing roadworks on the Leedstown circuit, this race will be switched to the Goonhilly course. Car parking will be at Traboe Cross and start and finish at Zoar Garage.

Return to top of page

Just to confirm the TT will be at Goonhilly tomorrow night, 1st rider off at 7.00pm.
Meet in gravel parking area on right hand side of road after Goonhilly Earth Station on the St Keverne Rd.
This is around 10 meters before the crossroads signposted right taking you towards Lizard village.
There is a 1 1/2 mile ride to the start/finish at Zoar Garage on the way to St Keverne, please leave enough time to ride there before your start time.
The course starts at Zoar Garage, heads toward Helston and turns at the small mini Roundabout at Garras, to retrace back past Goonhilly and finishes at the Zoar Garage again.
Please return to the layby directly after finishing and return your NUMBERS at the parking area. Times will be available after the last rider has finished.

Return to top of page

Unfortunately there are road works on the Leedstown circuit yet again, close to the same place as last time. So we are proposing to switch the race to the S37/10 course at Goonhilly, with a start and finish at the Zoar Garage on the Goonhilly-St Keverne road, and the turn at the round-a-bout at Garras. Watch this space for confirmation and details of car parking.

Return to top of page

Just a quick update about the summer order for PZW kit.

We now have a number of people expressing interest regarding kit for the summer, currently we only have 6 items on the list, we need 15!

Unfortunately no-one has actually sent me a deposit yet, so if you are keen please email me on markhaynes1@hotmail.com.

If you require anything other than a standard short zip, short sleeve jersey you need to post me a deposit cheque payable to Penzance Wheelers.

Those members who are keen may need to drum up some interest from fellow members to achieve the target, as I have had to do over the last couple of years!

It would be great if our members could get something to wear without having to delay the order until later in the year.

Return to top of page

The first is the '25' on Sunday 8th June at the Truro CC Open race on the new Goss Moor course. You need to enter in the next few days if you want to ride.
Then, 2 weeks later it's the '50' on Sunday 22nd June at Buckfastleigh in Devon at the Plymouth Corinthian CC Open race. Again you will need to enter in advance and make your intentions known so that we can organise shared transport.

Return to top of page

PZW rider Gail Aspden finished 49th in today's National 10 miles TT championships. She recorded a very respectable 25m 03s. Is that a PB?

Return to top of page

There are roadworks and temporary traffic lights at Clowance until 25th May. Their position prevents us from using the Clowance entrance finishing point that we used last year when there was a similar situation in Praze. There doesn't seem to be an alternative safe finishing point. It seems better to cancel the race now so that those riders who want a mid-week race this week can go to the Camel Valley '10' on Wednesday evening. There will be a training session from Leedstown at the usual time for anyone interested.

Return to top of page

On Thursday evenings when there is no PZW race at Leedstown, there will be training activities, starting from Thursday 24th April. The session is open to any PZW member and will start promptly at 7.00pm, so please arrive earlier if you need to change or assemble your bike. After a warm-up, the kind of activities envisaged are interval work, short time trial type activities, hill repetitions, and team time trialling (through-and-off). Bring either your road bike or time trial machine, depending on your season's goals.

Return to top of page

Should any of the organisers need help, I would be happy to help out. Either email julian.meredith1@btinternet.com or call me 01209 214955.

Return to top of page

I forward this message on behalf of the South West Road Race Work Group,
Please pass on to your road racing members and encourage them to enter
Remember that entries are only accepted with the names of your club's officially nominated race marshal etc.

1st. June
South West Regional Road Race Championship (Senior & Junior)
Event H.Q. West Hill Village Hall Beech Park West Hill Ottery St.Mary Devon EX2 4RB
All Cats ( NatB + Reg B)
Entry Fees £15.00 Seniors £10.00 Juniors
Entries to be made payable to:- "South West Road Racing (Cycling) Work Group"
Promoting Organisation:- South West Road Racing Work Group
Organiser:- Paul Ewings Exeter Wheelers 2 Jennifer Close Exeter Devon Ex2 4RB
Tele. no. 01392 203602 email:- lycrabiker@hotmail.com
B.c. Membership No. 427283

Entries only on South West Regional Championship entry forms available from the organiser and club secs.
No entries on the day.
Closing date 22nd. May

Return to top of page

I have spoken to Jayne this morning. John's injuries, sustained in the time trial race yesterday, are much more serious than were thought at the time. He has extensive facial and head injuries that required surgery, and was detained in Treliske Hospital last night. No visitors at the moment please. I'm sure that all Wheelers would want me to convey our best wishes to John for a speedy recovery. I'll do my best to keep everyone informed about his progress.

Return to top of page

Day 1 Sunday 2nd March. Then there were 5. John Payne stricken with flu, couldn't be persuaded to come along just for the beer, and Ben Donaldson hit by tonsilitis at the last moment; both had to pull out. That left 5 of us meeting at Phil's house at 9.30am. Bodies crammed into Phil's batmobile and bike boxes stacked into my shagwag and we were soon roaring up the A30. Everything went smoothly at Exeter Airport, until we let Lloyd and Tristan loose at the luggage check-in. Mayhem and confusion resulted, with flyBe staff totally bewildered and luggage labels missing, on the wrong bags and in the wrong hands. Flight uneventful + Terry picked us up from Alicante Airport with no problems. Soon installed in house, down town where we found a good Spanish pasta palace for our evening meal, then back to assemble the bikes. Then Lloyd came out - out of his bike box came a pink bike, with pink saddle, and pink bar tape! Needles to say, he had no difficulty negotiating his own bedroom while the rest of us shared.

Day 2 Monday 3rd March. Full PZW team kit compulsory on first ride. Assembled at the café around the corner for pre-ride coffee and met Gary our indefatiguable guide for the week. Requested a shortish ride and ended up doing 76 miles with 2 climbs, the Coll de Rates and Montgó, with 2 more café stops, the final one by the beach at Moraira in hot sunshine. Mark and Tristan showed us their climbing legs. A trip to the local Aldi to stock the larder, then back down to the pasta palace where we discovered you could have a substantial 3 course meal with glass of wine for 9 euros. Needless to say we supplemented it with a couple of rounds of grandes cervezas.

Day 3 Tuesday 4th March. The climb to Vall de Ebo was the order of the day. Mark was trying too hard on the climb and broke a fancy spoke, so he had to limp back home for repairs. The rest of us enjoyed 68 miles with 2 café stops. Recovery was aided by a trip to the local Indian restuarant, and this was when the rot set in as far as flatulance was concerned - a problem that persisted for the rest of the week, although as long as free coffees keep coming my way I'm not prepared to name names - at the moment.

Day 4 Wednesday 5th March. Much to Gary's disgust we had a rest day. Visited local bike shop, had lunch out, tinkered with bikes, you get the idea. Lloyd cooked us an enormous spag bol which was washed down by some very good Rioja Reserva.

Day 5 Thurday 6th March. Long ride day. 96 miles with the Port de Ares/Confrides and reverse Coll de Rates climbs thrown in. Met up with the Dave Lloyd training camp at the coffee stop and had a reunion with Mel Williams, star of women's time trialling and occasional PZW Sunday morning rider. Bocadillos de jamón, queso y tomate seem to be becoming the staple lunchtime food. Cold wind made it freezing on the descents. Gary was trying to persuade us to do even more. 3 café stops - a record! My turn to do the cooking.

Day 6 Friday 7th March. We really did want a short flat ride today. We trusted Gary. It was flat, but 60 miles is short? North up the coast we went. The costa coasts really are the pits. Loads of traffic and lots of overdevelopment. A short diversion to look at the surf (I think Gary got lost really) led to Lloyd hitting the deck, a perfect low speed crash as what seemed like a baked earth hard shoulder turned out to be a thin crust with soft sand underneath, but no serious damage done. However, there may have been a delayed reaction, as on the way back he went AWOL. One minute he was there, right behind us, next minute he was gone, disappeared. We stopped, waited, sent Gary back to look for him, texted him, tried to phone him, all to no avail. No choice but to soldier on and hope he could find his way home. Just as we were threading our way through the suburbs of Denia, doing our usual through-and-off and sprinting for the signs, there he was in front of us, trundling along. Turns out he's alergic to dual carriageways! Back to the pasta palace for more grub in the evening.

Day 7 Saturday 8th March. Weather warming up a bit again. Managed 55 miles including the Bernia climb and a stop at the bike shop in Gata. Brought total weekly mileage up to 355. Tried a different restaurant - couldn't visit the home of the paella without trying one. For 16 euros we got the works - an array of tapas starters, loads of paella and a pudding.

Day 8 Sunday 9th March. Mark was the only one who managed a ride today. Packed up bikes in hot sunshine, got a suntan, ate up remaining food, cleaned up the house, presented Gary with a bottle of best Rioja for his unfailing good humour and assistance throughout the week. Terry dropped us at the airport, turbulence put the frighteners on Phil, Exeter cold but calm, then we hit the Cornish gales and rain.

Lowlights: Getting bitten by a mosquito on my eylid on the first night had to ride with a balloon hanging over my left eye for the first 2 days. My room mate's (no names, for the time being) overnight flatulance on Thursday - indescribably disgusting. Being beaten by Mark and Tristan on most of the climbs. Highlights: Fantastic cycling roads once you get away from the coast - smooth surfaces and hardly any traffic. Positive reactions from Spanish locals to passing cyclists. Increasingly competitative through-and-off as we hit the final 10 miles or so of downhill/flat each day. Seeing all the Wheelers communicating in Spanish whenever possibly, rather than behaving like the usual English dorks abroad.

Tony Farnell
20/03/08


Ever see that TV programme where the English couple sold their house and headed to Benidorm to open a restaurant offering full Sunday roasts? The highlight was when the camera focused on a thermometer outside - 85 degrees. It then went into the kitchen and did the same - 102 degrees. One lot of misery simply exchanged for another. I was reminded of this at the first cafe we stopped at: English owner, lemon-sucking face. Viva Espana to you too missus.

At the café lunch stop we observed the Dave Lloyd Training camp lot tucking into their lunches, which resembled nothing if not Happy Meals. Given the temperature, which wasn't much above 10 degrees, I was happy to step inside the caff for boccadillos like doorsteps and strong coffee. That and the Spanish lady wishing us well for the rest of the ride.

While we're in the vicinity, a highlight: The switchback ride down to Benasau. Like something out of Alton Towers - up and down, left to right. Lowlight: Overcooking one of the bends on the very same road, announcing the manoeuvre with a squeal of brakes. Oh, and my chain coming off just 1km further on.

At Guadalest we were confronted by St.Ives-like prices for coffee and cake. No surprises really as it's a touristy place. Quality fodder though.

In case you thought Mark's punctures on last Sunday's club run were a one-off, consider the fact that he climbed off his bike on the Ebo with the pathetic excuse of a broken spoke. Poofing out on the climb more like.

Lowlight: Soft sand with a hard crust. That's why I came off.
Highlight: Tony's chilli. Any more going?
Lowlight: Getting low on bog paper.
Highlight: The Rioja Reserva from Aldi.

Lloyd Peters
18/03/08


Highlight would be that rolling road where Lloyd had his moment, the bends and rolling nature of the road made for fantastic bike riding, the great sense of humor that the whole group had really helped make it a great week.

The Farting ********* was the low light I'm sure he managed to part my hair at one stage, then hearing him sniggering to himself saying sometimes I make myself feel sick I knew there was something on its way!

Phil Walker
15/03/08

Return to top of page

PZW kit order has now arrived at Cycle Logic in Helston.

Thanks to everyone who ordered the kit, and a warm welcome to our new and returning members. We really struggled to make up the 15 required items last year due to dwinding membership numbers, it's great to see so many new faces.

It was agreed at the recent AGM that members fully paid up for 2008 by the end of January would qualify for a 25% refund on any one item of kit ordered and paid for by the end of January.

You can now go to Cycle Logic and collect the clothing, you need to pay at the shop and collect your deposit cheque.

If you paid your membership fee by the end of January, please keep your receipt when you collect the kit and submit it to the club treasurer to claim the refund, send a stamped self addressed envelope to:

Mark Travis
Portherras Cross
Pendeen
Penzance
TR19 7DY

He will refund 25% of the cost of the more expensive item to you by cheque.

Don't forget to check out the shiny new bikes at Steve's shop for the coming, hopefully dry and sunny weather!

Return to top of page

The cheapest introduction to racing is undoubtedly time trialling. If you are a paid up racing member of PZW you can enter any time trial. For local club races, entry fees are usually about £1.50. Turn up about 30 minutes before the advertised start time, pay your entry fee, collect a number, which gives you your start time, and enjoy your ride. For open races you need to enter 2 weeks in advance on an official form (download from the CTT website or ask someone for a photocopy) and entry fees are £5.50-7.50. See Races page for details of open races in 2008. A full club race calender can be found on the Races page of this website. No special bike is needed, although you will see many expensive and fancy machines. Don't be put off by this - most of the owners are no better than you, they just like spending money. Some clip on aero bars are the first priority, followed by some aero wheels. My second fastest ever '10' was done on a road bike, with road wheels and aero bars.

Road races are more expensive. To enter most races you need to have a British Cycling road racing licence (details fromm BC website). A few races will take entries on the line and you can pay for a day licence, but if you are going to do more than a couple of races then this is an expensive way of doing it. Unfortunately there are no road races in Cornwall this season, so you will have to be prepared to travel up to Devon or Somerset.

There are also regular randonees, mountain bike, cyclo-cross, and sportif races in Cornwall and Devon in which various Wheelers participate. Details of most can be found on the Races page of this website.

Return to top of page

Following Ed's collision with the back of a car in a randonee last summer, recent discussions with Mark Adams from British Cycling, and a certain amount of uncertainty among some PZW members to whom I have spoken, I decided to do a bit of research. This is the position as far as I can see: if you are a paid up member of PZW you are covered against third party claims in any race organised under the name of Cycling Time Trials as a competitor or official because PZW are affiliated to CTT; if you have silver or gold membership of British Cycling you are similarly covered for BC races, training and riding in general, plus BC solicitors will represent you at no cost to deal with any claims or counter claims that may arise. I have not investigated any cover provided by other cycling organisations.

My interpretation of this is that the club CTT insurance will NOT cover you on Sunday club rides or other training rides. I wonder what the implications might be if an unisured rider causes third party damage on a club ride? Perhaps we as a club and as individuals ought to give this some thought?

British Cycling are encouraging clubs to adopt sensible practices that will make insurance claims more straightforward for accidents on club rides. They suggest that there should be a clearly designated leader and a signing on sheet which differentiates between members and guest riders. But you still won't be insured if you are not an individual member of BC.

This also raises the issue of guest riders on club rides. I'm sure nobody objects to non-members who are on holiday, visiting relatives or working temporarily joining us for one or two rides, but if local non-members who may belong to other clubs want to join us regularly, should we ask them to join as 2nd claim members?

If you have any further information, thoughts or ideas, please email me.
Tony Farnell
13/02/08

As a relatively new member of PZW, I was considering insurance and hadn't really thought about it much before. I had a quick look at what is available and the only policy that I found that seemed reasonable and didn't cost the earth was from Cycleguard. The Roadcare policy offers 3 levels of public liability cover, an option for competitive cycle sports, cover throughout the world and personal accident cover from £27 per year. Unless a better deal can be had through club membership or affiliation I'll probably opt for a Cycleguard policy, if you know of a cheaper option please let me know.
Jason May
14/02/08

I know from bitter experience that insurance is extremely important. My extensive research tells me that most insurance is geared for THIRD PARTY. That is, by your actions, you cause injury or damage. One of the most common claims against cyclists in rural areas, is to livestock or horses for example.

The most comprehensive insurance available at reasonable cost, which does cover you for Sunday Club runs and also more importantly cycling to work, is the insurance you get when joining the CTC. The main cautionary tale is that most legal firms will only take a case on if fault lies with another party, and that third party can be sued. Which is normally the case.

If however, your accident, involves a Third Party that is higher up the Prima Facae scale, then you're stuffed. Pedestrians, Horse & cart, Horse & rider are all above cyclists. A pedestrian caused my accident. A very expensive legal specialist at a top London firm was employed by my employer at the time of my accident. After charging £30k, they concluded the case would not succeed.

My advice to any cyclist is to join the CTC & BC.Then get more comprehensive cover via one of their recommended insurers.
Julian Meredith
15/02/08

Thanks for starting the discussion on insurance cover. It provided the last push I needed to get something sorted out for myself. I went on the British Cycling website and discovered that I could get discounted prices as a member of Penzance Wheelers (just paid up - thanks for the reminder). The site lists all the benefits and I opted for Gold cover which cost me £47.50 instead of £62. Silver cover which provides Third Party insurance costs just £21.

So I’m all set up and ready to collide with a horse now.
John Garwell
21/02/08

Return to top of page

A very successful evening, with a healthy turn-out, the highlight being the pre-presentation performance by club treasurer Mark Travis, who also presented the awards. Personally, I liked the buffet instead of a sit-down dinner, because it allowed people to circulate and mix much more easily. Thanks to Neil Hollow for organising the evening and to Mike Tonkin for organising the presentation.

PZW Awards 2007
10 MILE TT SENIOR 1st Jeff Houghton 2nd Tristan Harris 3rd Drummond Masterton
10 MILE TT VETS 1st Tony Farnell 2nd Phil Walker 3rd Peter Jory
25 MILE TT SENIOR not awarded
25 MILE TT VETS 1st Tony Farnell 2nd John Payne 3rd Pete Blackshaw
50 MILE TT SENIOR not awarded
50 MILE TT VETS 1st Tony Farnell
HILLCLIMB SENIOR 1st Ed Joslin 2nd Matt Spittle
HILLCLIMB VETS 1st Phil Walker 2nd John Payne 3rd Peter Jory
HILLCLIMB JUNIOR Jon Woods
CIRCUIT TT SENIOR 1st Paul Friday 2nd Jeff Houghton 3rd Drummond Masterton
CIRCUIT TT VETS 1st Tony Farnell 2nd John Payne 3rd Phil Walker
ROLLERS 1st Mike Tonkin 2nd Tristan Harris 3rd Phil Walker
RR CUP 1st Tony Farnell 2nd John Payne 3rd Paul Friday
RR TROPHY Mark Haynes
OVERSEAS not awarded
HAMMER Ed Joslin
JON MOORE TT SHIELD Paul Friday
STAR OF THE FUTURE Jon Woods
LADYS CUP Jane Thurnell-Read
BAR (10, 25 and 50 miles average speed 26.871mph) Tony Farnell
MOST IMPROVED CORNISH RIDER Tristan Harris
CLUBMAN OF THE YEAR Neil Hollow

Return to top of page

Mounts Bay Harriers are seeking entries for their triathlon in the spring. No doubt Tristan will be starring, but anyone else interested in competing can email me for an entry form. Otherwise if you're interested in marshalling contact Yvonne at info@mountsbayharriers.org.uk.

Return to top of page

Some of you may be unaware that PZW member Jim Payne was recently involved in an accident at Carnhell Green, driven into by a car while stationary at a road junction! I am informed that he sustained back injuries and was detained in hospital for some days, but is now at home recovering. We all hope that this does not deter Jim from his comeback and wish him a speedy recovery.

Return to top of page

Looking at the group photo taken before the ride to Smokey Joe’s on Sunday made me think which cyclists would an absent-minded motorist spot most easily? Some seem to be almost hidden from view against the bright sky behind. The PZW tops stand out ok, as do red, yellow and fluorescent ones but black and grey? Cool, yes but safe, I wonder? Just a thought.

Return to top of page

PZW Kit Order 2008
Orders Required by the End of January

A number of members have recently asked regarding Penzance Wheelers Club clothing, Cycle Logic in Helston have again kindly offered to provide the Penzance Wheelers clothing. If you are hoping to get hold of some club kit for the winter and the fast approaching racing season, here are the details.

In stock at Cycle Logic at the moment:
Short sleeve Jersey Size 4(M)
Long Sleeve Skinsuit Size 6(XL)
Bibshorts Size 2,3,4,5(S-L) 11Pairs!

This will probably be the only time this year we will be able to place an order as we need a minimum of 15 individual items of clothing. In order to receive the clothing for the start of the racing season, we will place the order at the end of January 2008 - anyone requiring clothing for the coming season will need to contact me to place their order before this date. Prices unfortunately aren't the cheapest, but the gear is quality stuff and well worth the money compared to budget gear, especially the comfy bibshorts!
Sizes available are:
3 - Small
4 - Medium
5 - Large
Large
Sizes seemed to be very generous last year, I use a size 3 top and size 4 shorts.

Short Sleeve Jersey Short Zip £42
Short Sleeve Jersey Full Zip £44
Long Sleeve Jersey Full Zip £46
Gilet (windproof vest) £35
Pro Gilet £40
Winter Jacket Windtex £59
Winter Jacket Roubaix (fleece lined) £55
Pro Windtex Jacket £65
Short sleeve skinsuit £61
Long sleeve skinsuit £63
Bib shorts £41.50

Anyone needing a short sleeved jersey, just let me know what size you need and we can add it to the list. Due to a previously poor collection rate by our members, we need to pay for all items other than s/s jerseys on ordering, please contact me to arrange pre payment by cheque made payable to Penzance Wheelers. There is approx a 6 week wait for the order. It was agreed at the recent AGM that members fully paid up for 2008 by the end of January would qualify for a 25% refund on any one item of kit ordered and paid for by the end of January. Please keep your receipt when you collect the kit and submit it to the club treasurer to claim the refund.

Please email me on markhaynes1@hotmail.com, or phone 07789375633 if you're interested.