This Sunday, 13:00 for a 14:00 start, is the third Dinner ’til Dusk with a fancy dress theme of Heroes, a fun course, ride as fast as you can or as slow as you want to, on your own, with a friend or as a team.
Afterwards we’ll be staying at the Allotment for the AGM – you bring cake, we’ll do the tea – up to an hour of voting, reports and plans for the future, then the BCC 1 in 100 Lottery!
See you then!
p.s. We should be done by 6
I was looking at my calendar the other day (it’s a lovely BCC 2011) when I realised we were in March and I hadn’t flipped the page over, apart from admiring the great shot of Ben Batt man-handling his bike down a dh course, I immediately checked my watch to see if it was also showing the correct date.
I did this because it’s mechanical and not particularly fancy, but I had this sudden realisation, the sort you get when something you normally take for granted makes it’s presence felt (like your car not starting, or your oven blowing up).
I realised that I had this tiny little machine strapped to my arm, which somehow without being aware of all the other millions of similar tiny machines in the world was beating along with them, with remarkable synchronicity. The more I thought about it the more I wondered how we had been able to create such amazing machines over the course of the last few hundred years.
I tried to imagine a world without well measured time, and began to appreciate how much we all depend on these boxes of cogs and springs (ok I know they are mostly digital now, but the principals are the same).
The human mind is an immense and sometimes apparently random thing, with seemingly uncontrolled chains of thought, so my brain jumped to thinking about if there are any other machines that have impacted us (humans) in similar ways, and top of my list unsurprisingly was the bike.
I considered the bike up there with the chronograph for many of the same reasons. They are both fundamentally a collection of simple mechanical and physical principles. They both need to be brought into the world with a great deal of engineering precision and skill if they are to function. Both have carved themselves a niche as machines that we depend upon, both have provided engineering firsts that have been utilised elsewhere.
But I’m not sure that was enough of a tie for me, there was more, there was a personal element.
There was this notion that I could almost use the bike as a time-piece for my life, I know it sounds crazy, but it’s like I can remember every bike I have ever owned, and have vivid memories associated with my bike time-line.
It’s as though bikes and cycling have been counting my seconds for me, from my first pedal stroke right up to now.
I can clearly remember my Raleigh Tomahawk followed by a Chopper and moving on to my metallic blue Eddy Merckx race bike and that was just the start.
But it’s more than just about a succession of machines it’s more about the experiences associated with them.
From getting my first BMX (Coventry Eagle) and riding on acres of frozen marsh land, to having my Fat Chance Wicked stolen at gun point, to riding my first downhill bike in the alps, to weekend trips away to ride in Delamere forest with my mates. There are so many finite memories you’d be bored to death if I even attempted to list them all, not to mention the paltry four hours battery life I have left on this computer.
I think what I’ve realised is that actually it’s the people that this interest has allowed me to stumble into that’s been the important thing. I consider that all of my ‘proper’ long term friends were met through cycling, and hopefully this shared interest will lead me to making a few more.
Along the way I’ve subverted new friends, girlfriends and colleagues into cycling. Sometimes I feel a little guilty, subconsciously am I trying to just get myself some more riding buddies?
I don’t think so, it’s like I get so enthused I want to share the experience, and well if that takes a bit of arm-bending so be it. I reckon that it was a worthwhile cause if one person has stuck with it, and they enjoy the experience half as much as me.
So to the future, I hope that my time continues to be measured out predominantly by the bike, and maybe less by the watch (although I am typing this sat in a hotel room on a work related assignment).
I also believe more strongly than ever that the bike is going to become an increasingly important machine, rather than being overshadowed like the chronograph by quartz.
How so?
I only have to look out of my hotel window and see the ever increasing number of commuters on bikes, the corporate backing of cycle hire schemes from retailers and banks, and on a more global scale the dependence of developing nations on cheap easily maintained transport and efficient sources of human power to feel confident in this amazing machines longevity.
For me personally I have discovered my own time-machine, it’s got pedals and whole lot of future.
Well done everyone for all your hard work!
(article taken from The Somerset Standard)
Last Sunday saw another successful Away-day to a firm BCC favourite, the Quantock Hills.
The weather was frankly stunning with a slight chill to the breeze but bright sunshine – a perfect, clear, Spring day. There had been substantial rainfall overnight so the trails were all a little wet, but that did little to dampen our sprits. It only seemed to dampen our shorts.
From our rendezvous at Triscombe Stone car park, ride-leader Chris immediately brought out the Big Guns with a decision for us to negotiate The Chimney via some very slippery, sinuous singletrack. The previous night’s precipitation had made it all a little dicey, but all riders successfully navigated the infamous steep, rocky trench with nothing more than the odd dab to spare our blushes.
From there, a long fireroad haul up through Great Wood to another highlight of the Quantocks – Dead Woman’s Ditch* – another long, rock-strewn trench made more difficult by the rain. Yet another long haul upwards, this time up onto the exposed tops of the hills with their fine views over the Bristol Channel, and then another magnificent descent, this time down Somerton Combe complete with its optional 2ft drop-off halfway down. Here we had a bite to eat and engaged in some suitably heroic photography. One of the most evil climbs on the Quantocks then ensued to take us back to the top via Lady’s Edge* to Bicknoller Post. Another pause here while the majority of us stuffed lungs back in and heart-rates returned to something like normal. Then the long scenic route along the spine of the hills via the Ox Drove back to the car park at Triscombe Stone.
A select few then opted to extend the ride by heading off for a second attempt at sampling The Chimney’s unique delights. In the car park at its bottom, all felt we’d made a better job of it that time. After a few minutes’ wait, two of our number failed to emerged from the woods and a three-man search-and-rescue party was duly despatched back up the hill (on foot) only to discover Al manfully fitting an emergency inner-tube to Marjory’s burped rear tubeless tyre.
We’d lost a lot of height there, so to save the usual long uninspiring fireroad climb back up to the top a new ascent was recommended and investigated via St Johns Well. It was noted that this climb was steep in places and uphill in others…
Back to the car park for tea and biscuits from Geraint’s catering wagon. It was agreed by unanimous decision that he can come again.
Thanks to all who came, especially the drivers, and Chris with his inspirational ride-leading abilities.
(* renamed “Dead Person’s Ditch” and “Person’s Edge” so as not to offend the delicate feminist sensibilities of our female contingent).
This month I’ll be leading a ride across the Quantock hills starting from Triscombe car park. To avoid parking issues we’ll aim to leave The Cheese and Grain car park Frome by 8am.
As always you will need a good quality, well maintained bike with plenty of brake pad material, a helmet and suitable clothing (No Denim!!) and spares i.e. – spare tubes, power links etc. There is no bike shop or cafe on site!
We will car pool as much as possible to keep costs down, can anyone who can drive and take bikes and passengers please let us know.
Meet: Frome Cheese & Grain 07:45
Distance: 14-18 miles (can add more if need be 
)
Climbing: Plenty!
Time: 2.5 – 4hrs (I expect it to be more like 4hrs)
These tails aren’t officially graded, I personally don’t think the trails I intend using are anymore technical than the trails we use around Longleat on our Tuesday night rides with the exception of ‘The Chimney’ which you wont have to ride if you’re not confident.
Description
The Quantock Hills are an area of wilderness and tranquility. Panoramic views lead you through coast, heath and combe. Explore and you will find rocky Jurassic coastline, exposed heathland summits, deep wooded combes, undulating farmland and attractive villages all within this protected landscape.
The Quantock Hills are an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), which means that its distinctive character, natural beauty and cultural heritage are so outstanding that it is in the nation’s interest to safeguard them.
Our ride will lead us in and out of various combs as we make our way across the hills so expect plenty of climbing and have a good meal the night before and a good breakfast the morning of our ride. We will reach the farthest point from our cars about lunchtime and wont be passing any shops so bring something to eat with you and plenty to drink.
Whatever the weather forecast on the day you will need to wear something windproof as an outer layer and / or carry a waterproof, the weather can changer quickly and at this time of year there Will be a cold wind!
Marion and Neil (Robin’s Parents) have worked really hard over the past year to secure some funding so that they could rejuvenate their local playing fields, something that will benefit everyone at Corsley and nearby.
Yesterday the Black Canon Collective were proud to be a small part of their project as we installed a load of pre-fabricated bike track features and built some tasty berms.
With so many kind volunteers we managed to go from standing in a bit of scraggly field to riding around an awesome little bike track within a day, something that genuinely seemed impossible at the start of the day. But we were treated like kings with a never ending supply of bacon butties, sausage rolls, tea, coffee biscuits, cookies, squash and sandwiches being supplied from the pavilion through out the day. It was great, and certainly made sure we had enough energy to finish the task, and do a bit of riding right at the end.
The track has got a start ramp, four berms (one of which is a three way berm), two rollers, a stepped ramp, a balance beam and two little kickers; it’s flipping ace.
With the summer approaching it’s sure to get lots of use and will be the perfect place to learn to ride features for kids an adults alike, so go and have a look for yourself.
Thanks to everyone who came along to lend a hand, be proud, you did a great job and made a wonderful thing, but most of all thanks to Neil and Marion without whom it wouldn’t have happened at all.
Now, what’s the lap record…Robin…?
Today we built a RAD bike track for the community at Corsley.
We worked all day to turn a small disused corner of their playing field into somewhere cool to ride a bike.
We ate bacon butties too…. and sausage rolls…..and cookies.
Here’s a photo of some of the people who helped make it happen.
More photos and a full write up to follow….
Full details, including some background on the project will be published shortly, but for now, have fun looking at the plans… (oh and don’t forget to come along this Saturday to help us build it all!)
Press Release
11 January 2011CORSLEY MEMORIAL PLAYING FIELD WIN £50,000 LOTTERY BID
After twelve months’ work on the application, Corsley Memorial Playing Field Committee are proud to announce they have won their Lottery bid for new play and activity equipment.
Corsley Memorial Playing Field has received confirmation from the Community Spaces Programme run by Groundwork UK that they have secured £50,000 towards the upgrading and refurbishment of the Memorial Playing Field in Corsley. This adds to the £5,000 provided by the Warminster Area Board. The playing field was established and paid for by villagers in 1947 to remember those who lost their lives during the two World Wars. Following an extensive consultation and planning process the proposal, supported by Community Spaces and the Area Board, meets the needs of the entire village. It is hoped that work will be completed by the summer of 2011. Over 50% of the work will be contracted to local businesses.
With an ageing population in the village, the playing field no longer caters for the needs of all the villagers. Provision for older children is minimal and other groups are only catered for through joining the Corsley Tennis or Cricket Clubs. In addition, vehicles can drive through the play areas whilst children are playing. There is no provision for less able users and access onto the field is difficult for them. This project will radically improve access and safety and meets the top 15 requests of the villagers from the consultation process. We will install a boules area with seating, a new ‘multi use goal end’, disabled friendly and more challenging play equipment and a bicycle skills practice area. In addition, access will be improved still further thanks to a landmark agreement with Corsley Tennis Club to permit village youths and students to become members free of charge. Finally, the worn out all weather cricket wicket will be replaced with a multi use surface that can be used for cricket, short mat bowls and even golf putting.
The project started nearly two years ago when it became apparent that the old traditional football goal needed replacing. The cost of a new ‘multi use goal end’ was very high, so grant funding was sought. Having met the Community Spaces Programme Stage 1 Application criteria, Stage 2 allows for an increase in funding to £49,999 if a need can be shown. Thanks to the consultation results there was enough evidence to successfully secure the maximum amount.
Dr Neil Carpenter, Chairman of the Corsley Memorial Playing Field Committee says “Everyone is thrilled that we have been successful, bringing investment and new activities into the village that we could not have funded from anywhere else. The wishes and hard work of the villagers will finally implemented in the next few months. After almost two years of consultation and planning, the great resource that is the Corsley Memorial Playing Field will be able to provide improved access to safe and modern activities for people of all ages and abilities.”
Fleur de Rhé-Philipe, the Wiltshire Councilor for Warminster Without stated “I give my full support to the playing field scheme. Corsley is very fortunate to have such a spacious playing field but even more fortunate to have a committee prepared to put so much work into bringing its equipment and facilities up to date.
I know that children in Corsley will really enjoy the refurbished field when finished and everyone will benefit.”
Marion Liquorice, secretary for the Playing Field said, “It has been a lot of hard work but Lottery funding is a great way for outlying villages and communities who could not get support elsewhere to realise their dreams.”
View Corsley Bike Track in a larger map
If there is one thing that I’m a fan of it’s multitasking. That’s right, doing two things at once (toilet and Twitter being my favourite!), or combining two things to minimise the time spent washing, travelling and changing my clothes. Now as a committee we are eager to keep up to date with these fads and trends so we have decided to embrace this philosophy – on the the 27th of March, straight after the Dinner ’til Dusk winners have been announced we will be hosting this years AGM, live at the Allotment!
One of the activities that takes place at the AGM is the voting for the members of the committee for the next year, but for the vote to go ahead (and for the club to be successful) we need to have people who put themselves forward to take on roles within the club and dedicate time and energy towards helping the club to run and progress.
If you think that you have the time and skills that mean you could make a contribution to the club as a committee member then then please e-mail me (ian.crook@blackcanoncollective.co.uk) setting out which role you would like to stand for, and a few paragraphs setting out why you would be suitable for the role.
(If you feel able to only take on part of the role, or don’t want to be a committee member but have a burning desire to be more involved in the running of the club – e.g. a love of producing membership letters – please also send me an e-mail.)
These e-mails must reach me by 20/03/11 and I will then publish all of them the day after, giving plenty of time for all the members to read, digest and consider who they will vote for at the AGM.
Below are the committee roles that you can stand for:
The three Trustee roles(club officers, underwrite the club to Longleat, account signatories and have vote on all club activities. Essential roles for club to function):
Chairman – responsible for steering the club and overseeing all its activities including overall trail development.
Club Secretary – responsible for all membership and meeting related administration for the club.
Treasurer – responsible for keeping records of all financial transactions, setting budgets and maintaining accounts for the club.
All Health and Safety, Insurance, and legal issues will be the responsibility of the Trustees.
General Committee Roles:
Website/IT – responsible for facilitating and maintaining the clubs IT & Website needs.
DH – a focal point for DH specific trail development and activities.
XC – a focal point for XC specific trail development and activities.
DJ – a focal point for DJ specific trail development and activities.
Ben bat is a machine. When he rides everyone watches. When he crashes the trees try and move out of the way and when he takes his helmet off we all laugh at him for going bald.
The truth is that the only way to deal with Ben is to find something meaningless to tease him about, otherwise you are faced with the reality of his times, and to be honest most of us would prefere to laugh at him.
Anna Glowinski, our newest member, managed to school some of the boys at her first TickerTape, not bad especially seing as she’d turned up with an airfix bike that her boyfriend Ed had to lovingly assemble before she could get muddy, or crash on here hand.
Along with Ben and Anna there were plenty taking part on Sunday; in fact it was our most attended TickerTape this series with many of the participants doing so for the first time.
The track was slippy and the roots were slippier. I managed to injure my knee ligaments on my first practice run meaning that I only managed one timed run in an effort to stay in contention for the overall. But with so many of the top riders absent from the white board it was a very different picture by the end of the day, although no less deserved.
Ben Irons (hater of hardtails) was top dog for 235 of the 240 minutes, but was beaten at the bitter end my the tree scarer. That’s racing, but it’s important to give Irons credit for his early times.
Ben Lovell showed that he’s a natural on a bike, putting in some fast times after competing in a motorbike trial that morning, so he along with the Mr Batt were awarded Beans.
Bob Darvil was fastest hardtail but more than that he was riding with noticeable speed and control; a good performance that certainly made the beans decision a hard one.
Liam Arkell has proven that he’s a rider to watch, with a steady rate of improvement and his first podium finish it’s fair to say that he is one of if not the most improved rider in the club right now, something to be proud of for sure.
So that was it, I think…… Anna escaped a broken hand, I escaped a snapped ligament, and most of the trees escaped Ben Batt.
Well done to everyone who took part, thanks loads for all the help setting up and packing away and for the awesome photos thanks to Dan Irons and Andy Colby. Thanks also to Shimano for the race tape, and of course to Rose Bikes for providing the prizes and trophy.
The next and last round will be a special one off RETRO LOAM DH TRACK that will be marked especially on the day, so there’s no chance to practice I’m afraid.
I can say that there will be no features (drops / jumps / rocks) so for this round only the event will be open to all club members not just those with full face helmets. It’s going to be amazing so make sure you don’t miss out.
As for the overall, well it’s all very close, attending every round is obviously a huge bonus but with a big final field and completely different trail I can see it being very hard to predict the outcome.
