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Dear Slipstreamers Members & Parents,
Summer holidays are behind us, the warm weather is slowly turning autumnal, and it's back to school again. Here at Slipstreamers, we love all things to do with learning and hard work, and we especially love it when it involves cycling! So if you haven't been on a bike since before the holidays, it's time to dust off the cobwebs, and get busy working on those bike skills, taking part in races, and mostly, having fun on two wheels! Welcome to your weekly newsletter, where we focus on just that! Our main feature is all about Calshot this week, giving you an idea of what goes on at the velodrome; the survey closes soon so you are reminded to please complete this ASAP; and we report back from recent races and a cyclocros training session in Chatterbox Corner. U16 members take note about a competition to win some awesome cycling goodies; and if you are over 16, you get the chance to take part in a TV audience! There are some great races in the week ahead listed in Race Corner; and of course, the Reminders section is full of information too important to ignore, including the upcoming diary dates, so please do read this. Our Who's Who Corner feature is all about Paul Martingell; and as usual, we round up the issue with the weekly race results in the Winners Corner!
Parents, please ensure your children read their newsletter and are aware of what's going on! Feel free to email us their email address/es, and we'll send the weekly issue directly to their inbox to save you having to do so yourself. We hope you enjoy this week's issue!
Calshot Velodrome Track Session - What's It All About?
Each year, the club arranges a series of track sessions for our members so they can experience the thrill of riding in a velodrome. You will have noticed recent announcements regarding Calshot, with the first session of the 2014 Winter season taking place this Sunday, 7th September. If it's your first time at Calshot this Sunday, or you are contemplating this for later, aside from it being a wonderful day out and a chance to learn a completely new and different set of cycling skills, what makes the Calshot track such a great ride is the fact that it is actually the steepest banked track velodrome in the South of England! If it's your first time riding on Sunday, do click here to read a bit more on this.
After you sign-on, you are arranged into groups by the coaches, normally based on experience, age and/or numbers. Each riding group spends approximately 20 minutes or so on the track, rotating with the other groups so everyone gets a turn. You may think "BOO, only 20 minutes?!" - but you will be pedalling like you have never pedalled before (remember, steepest Velo!), and will be grateful when it is time for a break to rest those legs! In between riding, track rollers are normally used to keep warm, so if you have these do bring them along - as the subsequent sessions move towards Winter, this becomes quite important!
The session normally lasts from 1pm - 5pm, with most Slipstreamers arriving from around 12pm to grab a quick bite and have a catch up in the on site cafe, before the session starts. Whilst Slipstreamers are riding, parents observe either from the seating around the track or from the middle, so if you have camping chairs it is worth bringing them along!
A Few Points Worth Noting:
- While cards are accepted for the main transactions, there is no cash point on site - have some handy for the coffee machine!
- Layer up, and bring spares - it gets cold inside
- Don't forget to bring drinks and healthy snacks to re-fuel - you will get hungry!
- The session will cost £5
- You are able to hire bikes from Calshot directly for £8.20. If you prefer, talk to our mechanics at the Clubhouse on Saturday as they have a small selection of Track bikes which you may be able to hire for £2.
- Shoes are also for hire for £3.90 - although, the smaller bikes tend to have toeclips so trainers will be fine.
- Parking is free for Calshot users - but make sure you check in at recption and let them know you are there for the Slipstreamers session.
As ever, if you have any questions, do simply email us at sigon@slipstreamers.co.uk
Final Call: 2014 Membership Survey - Have You Submitted Yours?
There is one more week to go before we close the survey Members! PLEASE CLICK THE SURVEY LINK HERE to give us your feedback and comments if you haven't done so already. If you don't want to do this electronically, there will be paper versions in the Clubhouse on Saturday, so please do come to the sign on desk for a copy. This will not take longer than a few minutes to complete.
If you are in doubt as to why you should bother to do this - please remember this is YOUR club, and this is YOUR opportunity to influence how we improve your Slipstreamers experience. The survey is totally anonymous , every comment will be logged and reviewed, and we promise to consider every single suggestion to ensure we run the club based on what our members what. YOUR VOICE MATTERS!
So please Members, Parent, Coaches and Volunteers: make yourselves heard and tell us what you think and what you want. CLICK THE SURVEY LINK HERE make sure you fill in your survey as soon as possible and let us know what you would like to see and experience at your club.
Who's Who Corner - Meet Your Volunteers & Coaches
Each week we introduce you to one of the very many coaches and volunteers who help out at Slipstreamers ( check out the archive for previous Who's Who Bio's), without whom the club would not function! You get to put a face to a name (if you don't know them already), plus you'll get to find out a little bit more about each one.
This week, we get to know someone who exudes calm, patience, and is always on hand to help when needed. He is normally seen coaching the Silver II group, but on occasion also helps the induction team with our first timers. Please meet none other than...
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Paul Martingell: Level 2 Coach, Silver II
We asked Paul a few questions we thought you'd be interested to know the answers to:
{How long have you been volunteering at HSS?}
About 5 years!
{What is the best/ worst part of your role at HSS?}
Meeting all the other coaches on Saturday morning and working with enthusiastic riders. Having to get up early on Saturday morning!
{What do you do in your spare time, away from HSS?}
I am also a Centrepoint Mentor and help guide young people to training and a career. I run, swim and cycle, and like target shooting.
{What is your “real” job?}
I am a TV Director and cameraman.
{What is your most interesting cycling/ sporting experience?}
I filmed the first ever Triathlon in Bermuda. The bikes were so fast that they had to change the Island’s law on speed limits in a hurry on a Friday night. The normal limit was only 20 mph, which would have meant every Triathlete cyclist breaking the law!
{What is your favorite band/ artist/ musician of all time?}
Beethoven, Mozart and Schubert.
{If you could time travel to any era, historical or future, where would you go?}
Might try the future to see what kind of bicycles they’ll be making in a hundred years time!
{If you could be any fictional character from a book, comic, movie etc., whom would you choose?}
I’d like to by Fozzy Bear from the Muppets! |
Thank you for taking the time to give us a bit of insight into who you are outside of Slipstreamers, Paul!
Chatter Box Corner - Reports, Updates and General Chit Chat
Slipstreamers in Action...
2014 Scarborough Festival of Cycling - Youth Races
The last of the National Youth Circuit Races was held on Sunday, 31st August, at the Festival of Cycling in (you guessed it!) Scarborough. The weather was perfect - dry warm and bright, and must have been a sign of what was to come in terms of the racing where our Slipstreamers took part.
- First to represent Slipstreamers was Millie Coleman in the Under8's, who put on some fantastic cycling to come an amazing 6th overall between boys and girls, and the fantastic 1st place slot for the girls. What a result! Well done Millie.
- Next in Under10's, Jed Smithson rode brilliantly, coming in 6th place for the boys. Great stuff Jed.
- We had two riders representing the club in the girls Under12's. Isabella Escalera, who came in 4th and also Ella Coleman who came in 15th. They had to ride the full circuit which included a steep hill descent but worse, the climb back up! Wonderful results girls. Well done!
- Next up for Slipstreamers was the Under14 girls race, where the gruelling climb was completed twice. Lorna Bowler fought hard, and came across the line in a fabulous 3rd place. Excellent result Lorna.
- And finally, in the U16 boys race, we wre represented by Louis Rose-Smith who came in a brillaint 21st place, and Charles Page (result not yet noted). In this race, the climb had to be conquered 4 times! So great stuff boys.
Well done to all Slipstreamers and well done to all the parents who drove all the way up to Scarborough. Considering the results, well worth it no doubt!
View the full British Cycling report click here
Banjo Cycles Rampage Round 1 - MTB XC Race
The first race of the Autumn mountain bike XC races have kicked off, and Nathan George was the first Slipstreamer to get down and dirty and represent the club on the 31st August in Oxford. And what a way to start the series, with a 1st place slot clinched by Nathan - well done!
Cyclocross a.k.a. "Grass Track" Development Day
On Sunday, 31st August, British Cycling held a Cyclocross Development Day at Hillingdon Circuit. Around 64 people attended this fantastic 5 hour event, spanning across all age groups, and many of whom were Slipstreamers. The riders were split into 3 ability groups i.e. Novice, Beginners and Experienced, and the session was spent learning a ton of new grass-track skills, including how to dismount and mount, how to lift your bike over obstacles, how to run with your bike and how to fall off (which you do alot!), to name but a few.
The instructors were very knowledgeable, making this a fantastic - albeit very tiring - and worthwhile day for everyone who attended. Well done to all of those who took part. Now let's see you all put those skills to the test and do some racing!
If you aren't sure about what Cyclocross is, or think it's not particularly exciting cycling, or you may have thought it's something to do with Mountain Biking - think again! Read here to find out more about this discipline, and why it's such a fantastic one to get into.
Do you have a race/ cycling experience to share? Riders, please keep sending us any race notes of your experiences - even if it's a line or two, updates you want to share, race musings and general comments - this is your newsletter, and this is your section to share your thoughts with your fellow Slipstreamers. Parents, please take photos of your children at the various races they represent Slipstreamers at so we can showcase them in this newsletter. Do email your contributions to us at sigon@slipstreamers.co.uk
Tour of Britain Final Stage Race - Update
We are yet to hear back from BC, but for those of you who put your names forward, do talk to your coaches this weekend for any real time updates. In the interim, until we can formally announce names for the "team" for the race next Sunday 14th September, click here for a fantastic Tour of Britain 2014 preview article.
Kids Competition: Fancing Winning a Bunch of Cycling Goodies?
Has anyone every played Top Trumps? Well, if you have, you will know what fun it is! And since we here at Slipstreamers like to ensure our members are never short on this, we thought we would share details about a fantastic competition featured on the Youth Cycle Sport website to win cycling goodies aimed at kids like you. If you click this link here you will end up on the competition page, where you will see our very own Slipstreamer Joe McLeman, wearing his club kit and posing with a print of his personalised pro-cycling trump card.
If you'd like to win your own personalised poster, or a pack of these fantastic pro-cycling trump cards, get cracking, click the link and enter no later than midnight Thursday 11th September. Good luck!
Not Forgetting the Adults... Fancy Being on Telly?
If you are over 16, and would like to join a television audience, read on... A brand new series of The Clare Balding Show, which takes place at the Stratford Olympic Park, is being recorded, and the company behind this are looking for audience members who are sporting enthusiasts. Of particular interest may be the recording on the 23rd September, where Mark Cavendish will be joining Clare for an interview.
Aside from an opportunity to marvel at the BT Sport studios right in the heart of the Olympic Park, tickets are completey free, and friends and family are also welcome. Sound interesting? Click here for further information, dates and booking details.
Race Corner - Upcoming Races for the Week Ahead
Welcome to all things racing, where we will aim to list some of the fantastic races coming up in the week ahead we think are too important to not mention. We do not guarantee to list all the upcoming races - there are simply too many!!, but we will highlight the ones we think are worth noting in the respective disciplines of road, track, cyclo-cross and mountain biking. Parents are very welcome to send in contributions for inclusion in the Race Corner, which we will be happy to review and list accordingly, if feasible. Remember, you need a BC licence to race in most cases - if in doubt, just ask.
Road/ Circuit Races:
BC list of all Road/ Circuit races CLICK HERE
Moutain Bike Races:
BC list of all MTB races CLICK HERE
Cyclocross Races:
- Newbury RC@ Mary Hare School Cross Race, Wessex League, Sat 6th Sept,Mary Hare School, Snelsmore Common, Newbury, Click here for more details
- London League Round1/Sussex League Round 1, Sun 7th Sept, Stanmer Park, Brighton, Click here for more details
BC list of all CX races CLICK HERE
National Trophy Cyclo-cross Series CLICK HERE
Track Races:
BC list of all track races CLICK HERE.
There are many more races to join in, so do watch this space, and we will list a few more each week.
A Few Reminders - Don't Forget...
Richmond Park Social Ride - Sunday, 7th September
The first Sunday of the month is coming up, and this means it's time for the monthly family group ride at Richmond Park. If you aren't going to Calshot, and fancy a bit of social fun, do join us - riders will be gathering at Pen Ponds Car Park at 8:45 for a 9am start. It it is important to note that riders under 12 must be accompanied by an adult; whereas riders over 12 may ride with the group without their parents, but must have a completed Parental Consent form to take part. If you have any questions, email us by reply, or talk to Dave George on Saturday.
Off-Site Mountain Biking at Dews Farm - 13th September
The final off-site mountain biking session for the year takes place on the 13th September at Dews Farm Quarry in Harefield. There is no mountain biking at the clubhouse on this date, and we would encourage anyone interested in getting a sense of what the mountain bikers get up to to talk to the MTB coaches about joining the off-site session. However, you do need to be aware that the quarry terrain is fairly technical, so you must already have a suitable level of mountain biking ability to attend, as well as an appropriate off road mountain bike with gears. If in doubt, do talk to the MTB coaches, or email us. If you are interested in attending this session for the first time, and have got the go-ahead from the MTB coaches, please kindly confirm this by emailing sigon@slipstreamers.co.uk BEFORE the 13th.
Summit 65 MTB Ride in the Chilterns - Sunday 14th September
If you haven't signed up for this yet, do! There are 3 different distances to choose from, catering for all ability levels, i.e. 65 miles (105km), 45 miles (72km) and 15 miles (24km). The carefully planned routes offer some of the best XC MTB riding in the South East including superb woodland singletrack, linked by classic Chiltern byways, bridleways, quiet country lanes and a few surprises! Riding through the Chilterns on a mountain bike is a wonderful experience, and we would encourage as many Slipstreamers to sign up for this!! Click here to enter online & for further information. Volunteers Still Needed
Parents, please get in touch by reply to this email, letting us know if you are able to share your skills to help us run the club - we have a variety of tasks that need doing, ranging from back office operations to helping at races, so whatever your skills and availability, do let us know. Every bit helps, and will make a difference!
If You'd Like To Buy Club Kit
We are hoping to have new kit in stock and ready for sale during early October. For further details, please email kit@slipstreamers.co.uk directly. Chris will be able to advise you via email what is available for purchase currently, and what will be due in a a few weeks.
Fancy a Free BC Licence?
If you are not yet a British Cycling member and wish to join, please email membership@slipstreamers.co.uk and Asti will explain how you can get your first year of BC membership free, which includes a free youth racing license.
Diary Dates - Upcoming
- 6th September:
- Early practice session, sign on at 8.15am, ready to go for 8:30 sharp!
- Normal circuit session, sign on between 9am and 9:30am - don't be late!
- 7th September:
- Calshot track session - 1pm - 5pm
- Richmond Park Ride - meet at Pen Ponds Car Park at 8:45 for a 9am start. Friends, family - all welcome!
- 13th September:
- Early practice session, sign on at 8.15am, ready to go for 8:30 sharp!
- Normal circuit session, sign on between 9am and 9:30am - don't be late!
- Mountain Biking Off-Site Session - Dews Farm: sign on from 9.30am for 10am start.
- 20th September:
- Early practice session, sign on at 8.15am, ready to go for 8:30 sharp!
- Safety Saturday + Normal circuit session, sign on between 9am and 9:30am - don't be late!
- 27th September:
- Family Fun Day!!! Keep full day free!
- Club Champs: Skills AND Time Trials (Part I) - read previous newsletter [click here] for the rules and notes
- Early practice session, sign on at 8.15am, ready to go for 8:30 sharp!
- 11th October:
- Early practice session - FINAL TT practice of the year. Club Champs Time Trial Part II - read previous newsletter [click here] for the rules and notes
- Normal circuit session, sign on between 9am and 9:30am - don't be late!
Normal sessions run every Saturday as normal throughout October, November and December, but please note the following specific dates for reference:
- 18th October:
- 26th October:
- Calshot track session - you must pre-book. Not just showing up.
- 8th November:
- Club Champs: Mountain Biking
- 22nd November:
- Club Champs: Calshot track session - you must pre-book. Not just showing up.
Winners Corner!
Saturday Club Session Races - 30th August...
And the weekly session winners recorded in our Winner's Corner are:
Mountain Bike Racers:
1st place for the boys is Ollie Dawson, and Grace Whittaker for the girls
Circuit Racers:
U8 : Finlay Hawker for the boys and Vicki Woodford for the girls
U10: Ben Bisson for the boys and Angel Woods for the girls
U12: Nathan George for the boys and Ella Coleman for the girls
U14: Jagit Verdi for the boys and Orla Devlin for the girls
U16: Jamie Wimbourne for the boys, and Melanie Hall for the girls
And a VERY Special Mention Goes to Our First Timer - AND newest Member...
Well done Samaria Gatewood for a fantastic first session! You were brilliant and we are so pleased you are coming back as a member.
Fantastic results all of you!!
From Further Afield, Wearing the Slipstreamers Colours...
Scarborough Festival Of Racing. National Event, 31st August
U8 Girls : 1st Millie Coleman
U14 Girls: 3rd Lorna Bowler
Velo Club Venta Summer Crit 2, 31st August
U10 Boys: 2nd Joseph O'Brien
U8 Boys: 1st Finlay Hawker 3rd Finn O'Brien
U8 Girls: 1st Bobbie O'Brien
Behind the Bikeshed's End of Summer Race, 24th August
U12 Girls: 1st Isabella Escalera
U10 Boys: 1st Jed Smithson, 2nd Joseph O'Brien,
U8 Boys: 2nd Finn O'Brien
U8 Girls: 1st Millie Coleman, 2nd Bobbie O'Brien,
Banjo Mountain Bike Races - Round 1, 31st August
11&12 Boys: 1st Nathan George
Well done to every single one of you, and if you didn't win or don't see your name above, don't worry - there are plenty more opportunities to race at each Saturday session and at all the various races out there, so keep at at, and please don't give up!!
And finally, do remember the following important things:
1. Keep safe - read our safety tips [click this link], on how to dress, prepare for a session, sustenance, and much more!
2. Parents: park safely when you arrive please, i.e. stay off the grass verge at the gates, and park in the spaces provided!
3. Arrive on time for sign on - we start at 9am, we close at 9.30am!
4. Let us know ASAP if your phone numbers, address or emails change!
Stay safe and we'll see you on Saturday!
The Slipstreamers Team
IF YOU'VE MISSED A FEW OF OUR PREVIOUS NEWSLETTERS, HERE ARE THE LINKS TO OUR ARCHIVE:
- 28th August: September Highlights, Important Updates, Race Corner, Meet Alex Araujo, and MUCH more...
- 21st August: Assessment Results, Club Champs, Member Survey, Meet Philip Coleman, and MUCH more...
- 14th August: Assessment Saturday, Central Road Team Selection, A Special Invite, Meet Dave Shelton, Reports Galore and MUCH more...
- 7th August: Assen Feature and Photos, YV Shines Gold, Ride London, Meet Barry Hollis, and more...
- 31st July: Assen Roundup, Young Volunteers Shine, Meet Dave George, and MUCH more...
- 24th July: Race Day Special, Calshot, BC Summer Activities, Meet John, and MUCH more...
- 17th July: Club Race Day 2, TT Race Reports, Who's Who - Alison, and MUCH more...
- 10th July: Alison Receives Award, Tour Experiences, Dews Farm, and MUCH more...
- 3rd July: Le Tour, Assessment Results, Timetable, Race Reports, and MUCH more...
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