In this week's issue - 11th September 2014:
  • Would You Like to Give MTB A Try?
  • ToB Riders Announced!
  • National Youth Circuit Series Final Standings
  • Who's Who Corner - "Meet" Andy Buckroyd!
  • Chatter Box Corner: Report, Updates and General Chit Chat
    • Slipstreamers in Action - Calshot, Sainsbury Games
    • Notes from Your Coaches for Saturday
  • Race Corner - Upcoming Races!
  • A Few Reminders - Please Read!
    • Time Trial Saturday
    • Final Dews Farm Off-Site MTB Session
    • And more...
    • Diary Dates
  • Winners Corner - Race Results

Dear Slipstreamers Members & Parents,

Welcome to your weekly newsletter! We have a busy edition this week, so do sit back with enjoy a cup of tea and a few biscuits, and enjoy! This week we try to convince you to give mountain biking a try, announce the Go-Ride Tour of Britain Slipstreamers riders for Sunday, and give you the final standings of our fantastic riders who took part in the National Youth Circuit Series this year. You get to meet Silver 1 Coach Andy Buckroyd in the Who's Who Corner; in Chatter Box Corner we report back on the recent Calshot Track session and Sainsbury Games in Manchester, and we also include a few notes from your coaches to heed regarding Saturday's session. Race Corner lists races in disciplines we think you'll be interested in entering; and we ask that you please read the Reminders section carefully this week, which includes details about TT practice on Saturday, Dews Farm MTB, and the last few days to complete the survey. Diary Dates are of course always updated, and we round up this week's issue with the weekly race results in the Winners Corner!

Parents, if you are receiving this, 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!

As ever, if you have any questions about anything at all in the newsletter, do simply email us at sigon@slipstreamers.co.uk

 

Would You Like to Give Mountain Biking (MTB) A Try?

Each week, more and more Slipstreamers are joining the mountain bikers on Saturdays - this is fantastic news, but they are a greedy bunch, and the MTB coaches would like even MORE of you to try them out. Why should you bother, you ask? Don't like mud, you say? MTB is boring, you assert?! It's dangerous and I'll get hurt, you state?! Well now, let's see what the "Mudslingers" coaches have to say about that, and if they can convince you to try it out, even just once...

First and foremost, mountain biking is FUN! Yes, we are biased in this respect, BUT, not only does MTB ensure a good time, it is also where you learn the technical skills that will not only help you fluidly cruise the off-road trails; or navigate roots, rocks and nature's obstacles with ease; or handle those jumps and berms as if you were born to it! Even for the most committed roadies, mountain biking is not only a great wet-weather activity, but it brings enormous benefits to your road cycling. There are, in fact, more and more ex-mountain bikers enjoying success in the professional road cycling ranks – Peter Sagan, Cadel Evans, Ryder Hesjedal, Jean-Christophe Peraud are current examples. Sustained cardiovascular efforts on off-road courses and negotiating obstacles brings increased stamina and bike handling skills beneficial in group riding, corners and sprints (plus you might even learn how to wheelie on a road bike like Peter Sagan!).

For the more competitive riders, we are also planning increased exposure at MTB races in the coming year.  Our Mudslingers made us incredibly proud this season, with numerous podium positions at regional events, and we’d like to see a much larger Slipstreamers representation at these races!  There is a great page on the BC website here that talks about getting into MTB, and that explains the various age and race categories of mountain biking. For example, the more popular MTB race events are cross-country (XC), which generally involve fields and tracks that aren't too technically challenging, but do require a lot of stamina (see our Race Corner for suggested races to try out); downhill (DH), which is quite technical and requires a very advanced level of handling skill; and four cross (4X), which is where four riders compete against each other on steep, technical tracks. Races aside, there are also very many trail and enduro rides out there, ranging from small family friendly events to more advanced fast-paced rides that really test the skills of a mountain biker.

Now, we realise that getting into mountain biking for the first time can be a little bit daunting, especially if you have never tried it before. Some will argue that MTB is definitely more physically and technically demanding, sometimes even dangerous, than other forms of cycling; and this is off-putting. But as per everything else, if you take the time to learn the skills, apply these regularly, and ride often - you can't go wrong, and you will definitely reap the benefits! Here at Slipstreamers, we want to instill in our mountain bikers a passion for the sport. Our Saturday sessions are relaxed with an emphasis on learning through fun, using games and obstacle courses to build the technical skills mentioned above, and team relays to improve stamina. We use lots of props and imagination to make the terrain more interesting with jumps and balance beams.
 
To experience more demanding and exciting off-road conditions, we also visit Dews Farm quarry near Harefield one Saturday per month (from April through to September), where we have the opportunity to hone our skills, ride some thrilling berms and of course get muddy on occasion! Check out how much fun we had the last time:


This Saturday, 13th September, is our final trip of the year, so if you would like to join us, scroll down to the reminders section for details on what to do - if you've never attended before, you need to check with us first. And if you still aren't sure about the Saturday sessions or Dews Farm, why not join us on the club's monthly trail ride in Swinley Forest near Bracknell (see dates section) - it's a fantastic atmosphere, and a great morning out.

Convinced? Are you willing to give mountain biking a try one week? We aren't around this weekend as we are at Dews Farm, but from next Saturday, if you are keen, bring your mountain bike - or hire one - and meet us outside the mechanics hut at 9:30am sharp after sign-on.  Anyone is welcome to join, whether you’re interested in improving your bike handling skills, building up your stamina, or if you just fancy a change from riding the circuit.

The only other thing you need to bring with you is a smile, but if you forget that, we will normally find you one by the end of the session!
 


Go-Ride Racing at Tour of Britain 2014 London Stage - Sunday 14 September

Presenting the Slipstreamers ToB Riders

We have had an overwhelming response since we first announced this, and a record number of Slipstreamers put their names forward to race at this event. After finally hearing back from British Cycling, we are now pleased to announce the following Slipstreamers ToB Riders for Sunday:

Slipstreamers ToB Team:
Jemma Bowler, Isabella Escalera, Emily Moreve, Elliot Moreve, Alexander Uphill, Ben Bisson, Finlay Hawker, Taylor Evans, Finlay Weeks, Dominic De Vivenot, Thomas Smith, Jack O'Sullivan

Slipstreamers ToB Reserve Team:
Betty Cochrane, Dylan Williams-Prior, Charlotte Lewis, Angel Woods, William Jones, Stanley Kent   
 
Unfortunately, we have been unable to accommodate everyone who signed up - if we had our way, we certainly would; but alas, we are bound by the BC rules, and therefore this has not been possible. However, Tour of Britain will be a really exciting event, and the Go-Ride racing will be an amazing experience not just for the racers, but also for spectators - please do come along on Sunday to watch and cheer on your fellow Slipstreamers, who will need and appreciate all the support you can give them.
 

What's Next? Saturday ToB Practice Session Details

We're running a special ToB session on the circuit - your coaches are planning to have you work until you are all absolutely perfect and ready for Sunday, so come prepared! All ToB riders, including reserves, should bring their mountain bikes on Saturday; and should be prepared to swap them with other riders so you can get used to riding a different bike with different gears, and also get used to making quick adjustments. If you don't have a mountain bike, you may hire one from the mechanics - do get there early! Also, don't forget your helmets and gloves please!
 

Is There a Plan for Sunday?

Absolutely! First and foremost, please do CLICK HERE to read the safety briefing we have put together for all Slipstreamers - do pay particular attention to the sections relating to preparation the night before a race, sustenance, as well as kit - it has been getting cooler now, so please do dress for the weather! Don't forget your gloves, and of course, we are looking forward to seeing a sea of orange and yellow Slipstreamers jerseys!

A few important notes:
  • Every rider (reserves, please also do this in advance) will need to print and complete the parental consent form [click here for this], and bring along with you on Sunday. Please do not forget this.
  • Full address details are: Northbound carriageway, Victoria Embankment (north of Horse Guards Avenue), London.
  • When you arrive, head straight for the Go-Ride tent on Victoria Embankment where the racing will take place.
  • Make sure you arrive at the gazebo no later than 10am.
  • Bikes and helmets will be provided by British Cycling.
On arrival, riders will be told everything you need to know for the race. After the rider briefing you will be guided to the Go-Ride area to line up for your race which will start at approximately 11am.  Once the race is finished, you will receive a British Cycling prize before the medal presentation.

Good luck everyone - we look forward to seeing some photos and hearing about rider experiences for next week's newsletter!

 

National Youth Circuit Series - 2014 Final Standings

We've reported on the individual series race results as and when they've taken place, and you will remember that we even hosted a "Nationals" race at the club in June [click here to be reminded of this fantastic event!]. For those of you that don't know, the National Youth Circuit Race Series comprises a series of standalone competition events, where the best young riders in the country compete against each other for points in various age categories. At the end of the series, points are accrued to result in series winners.

We are very proud to announce the series results of all our Slipstreamers who took part in this national youth circuit series, and who have all done exceptionally well this year, as follows:

U16 Boys:   36th Louis Rose-Davies, 50th Carl Jolly, 64th Charles Page
U16 Girls:   21st Harriet Mellor
U14 Girls:   2nd Lorna Bowler, 39th Kate Shelton
U12's      :   26th Gabriel Banner, 38th Jemma Bowler, 66th Isabella Escalera, 74th Nathan George
U10's      :   5th Jed Smithson, 20th Joe O'Brien, 43rd Cameron Still, 48th Alex Uphill, 58th Ben Bisson
U8's        :   8th Millie Coleman, 18th Bobbie O'Brien, 22nd Stanley Kent, 38th Finlay Hawker, 40th Sam Gilbert, 46th Finn O 'Brien

Congratulations to all of you - these are amazing results!

If you 'd like to see the full set of series results, click here
If you are interested in racing next year and would like to find out more about the BC race series': Don't hesitate to email us if you have any questions!
 
 

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 a coach who many of you will know as a friendly face amongst the Silver 1 group, and some of you will recognise at race events holding that all important clipboard of your race results! Please meet none other than...
 

Andy Buckroyd: Level 2 Coach, Silver I

We asked Andy a few questions we thought you'd be interested to know the answers to:
{How long have you been volunteering at HSS?}
I’ve been volunteering for around 3 years, starting by helping out occasionally on the apron and now coaching Silver 1s.  I also judge races.
{What is the best/ worst part of your role at HSS?}
The best thing about my role is watching riders have fun as they learn.  There’s nothing really bad, but time spent working out race results is not my favourite bit!
{What do you do in your spare time, away from HSS?}
I do a lot of cycling (!) but also really enjoy photography and listening to music.  When time allows, I’m also a father of 3 girls.
{What is your “real” job?}
I’m a consultant, providing advice to companies on how they can best use information technology.
{What is your most interesting cycling/ sporting experience?}
Running the London marathon has to rate as my most ‘interesting’ experience because of the focus needed, the amazing levels of support and sense of achievement at the finish.  I’d recommend it to anyone.
{What is your favorite band/ artist/ musician of all time?}
Tricky question as I have so many favourites!  If pushed I might say Neil Young but will probably give you a different answer next time you ask me.
{If you could meet any historical figure, past or present, who would it be and why?}
Einstein – I’d get him to explain that Relativity thing to me. For such a simple idea it always seems so get so complicated…
{If you could time travel to any era, historical or future, where would you go?}
The late 1960s – the music was better then!
{If you could be any fictional character from a book, comic, movie etc., whom would you choose?}
I’d be Gandalf the wizard from Lord of the Rings.  Always able to get out of a sticky situation and wears some great hats.
{If you could be any animal, bird or insect for a day, what would you choose?}
I’d like to be a swift.  You have fantastic endurance, get to travel and have great views!

Thank you for taking the time to give us a bit of insight into who you are Andy!


 

Chatter Box Corner - Reports, Updates and General Chit Chat


Slipstreamers in Action...

Inter Regional Team Champs (Track): Sainsbury's Games, Manchester

We previously reported that 4 Slipstreamers, Lorna Bowler, Harriet Mellor, Carl Jolly and Charles Page, were selected to make up half the team representing the Central Region for Track at the Sainsbury's UK Schools Games, part of the Inter Regional Team Championships, which were held in Manchester this past weekend (4-7th September). A further report and photos will follow in next week’s newsletter, but for now we thought we’d let you know that all 4 riders performed brilliantly in their respective categories, where they competed against some of the best youth riders in the country, and resulting in an overall 11th position out of all the regions. This is a fantastic achievement, so well done riders!
  • If you’d like to view the final set of regional results, click here
  • If you’d like to view the full set of individual results, click here
  • And if you'd like to watch a few videos of the games, click here - navigate to cycling and see if you can spot the team in action!
     
Do also watch this space for updates on the next Inter Regional Team Champs event that will be taking place in Hog Hill from 26-28th September, where Charles Page, Carl Jolly and Harriet Mellor have been selected to represent the Central Region on the Central Road Team.
 


Report Back from Calshot Session

 
This past Sunday, 7th September, the first of the Club's Calshot Velodrome sessions took place in sunny Southampton. This was probably the warmest day ever for a session, as we are normally used to the cold and the wind, but we were greeted by a fabulous day!  Almost 30 Slipstreamers attended, with about half attending for the first time. Steve, our Chief Track Coach, took the novice riders through the basics, and before long they were up riding around the track - some a little more tentative than others to start off; however, by the end of the session all riders were confidently taking part! For those who had been before, Coach Keith put them through a good workout, involving warm up, taking turns to sprint off the front and catch the pack up, flying lap and kilo times, followed by team pursuits.


Everyone had a great time and a part from a few slides (you cant ride slow or you will just stop!!) a great day was had by all. Some families decided to stay on and have dinner in the café, and the children enjoyed playing on the beach before heading home.

If you enjoyed your session and are keen to ride again, Prime Coaching are offering Slipstreamers a reduced rate for their session on the 20th of September -  £10 for children and £15 for Adults. Please note that this is not a Club subsidized session (see the dates section below for these). If you would like to attend, do contact Steve May ASAP and directly on stevemay@dircon.co.uk.
 

 

 

Notes from Your Coaches - This Saturday's Session...

  • There is no mountain biking session on-site this weekend - the Mudslingers will be offsite at Dews Farm (see reminders section for details).
  • If you are bringing your mountain bike to the clubhouse on Saturday, and are not part of the ToB practice team, don't worry you can join in elsewhere on the circuit.
  • Note that this Saturday is a split circuit session - the circuit will be spilt into sections for skills and technique work between 10:00am and 10:45am. Riding the full circuit will resume at 10:45am.
  • Read the safety guidance here please, and ensure you are safe to cycle!
  • Don't be late - the sign on team will soon start refusing latecomers, so please be on time!
See you Saturday kids!
 
 

Race Corner - Upcoming Races for the Week Ahead

If you would like to race, but aren't sure where to start, look no further. Welcome to all things racing, where we list a small selection of races coming up in the next 10 days or so. 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. Remember, you may need a BC license to race in most cases (contact membership@slipstreamers.co.uk for details on how you may acquire one) - or if in doubt, just ask. Do also feel free to email us at signon@slipstreamers.co.uk if you would like to know a bit more about racing categories, or have any questions - we are here to help!
 

Road/ Circuit Races:

BC list of all Road/ Circuit races CLICK HERE

 

Moutain Bike Races:

BC list of all MTB races CLICK HERE

 

Cyclo-cross Races:

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...

 

Time Trial Saturday Coming Up

This weekend sees the last chance to take part in the early session time trial and get in a bit of TT practice before the Club Champs - make sure you are signed on by around 8.20am and ready to ride by 08:30am sharp. All Members are welcome, but you must ensure you are on time to ride! And if you aren't sure about what this means, or what the TT involves, do come along early to watch and talk to the coaches - you'll all be doing this for Club Champs, so you may as well see what it's all about on Saturday if you aren't sure!

And sticking with TT theme, good luck to Josh Murphy, Josh Copley, Sam Henning and Niall Dawkins, who will be riding in the GHS Schools National Championship Time Trial final in the Midlands on Saturday! We'll be sending happy thoughts your way boys!
 


Final Dews Farm Off-Site MTB Session - Saturday 13th September

There is NO mountain biking at the clubhouse this weekend! It's time for our monthly, and final for the year, off-site mountain bike session at Dews Farm Quarry in Harefield, UB9 6JN! [Click here for location map] The last session in August was dry (boo!), but even without the mud, a good time was had by all and a good few skills were put to the  - based on feedback from those who attended, it was totally awesome! (see pic in main feature!)
 
Please note, ALL Slipstreamers (parents may ride too) are welcome to attend, BUT the quarry is fairly technical terrain, and you must have a suitable level of mountain biking ability to ride. You will also need to ensure you have an appropriate off road mountain bike with gears.

NOTE: If you are NOT a regular at Dews Farm, and would like to attend, please kindly confirm by emailing sigon@slipstreamers.co.uk ASAP, if you have not done so already. You may not simply turn up and ride – approval is required from the coaches!

As per usual, if you are attending, whilst off-site, this is a Slipstreamers session so the usual safety and code of conduct rules apply; as well as a sign on fee of £3 per rider. Please be prompt and make sure you arrive by 9:30am to sign on and be ready for a 10:00am start - we have to lock the gates to the car park, so don't be late. The session will end at 12pm. Also, due to the nature of the terrain, please remember to wear long sleeves and trousers; or cover your skin with insect repellant!

 
 

Safety Saturday With the Met Police Next Weekend

Remember Safety Saturday on the 20th September kids - it's your chance to have some fun while learning about safety with the local Police. There will be a large lorry on site, bike marking going on, a radar gun to test your speed, and even Bikeability training for those who would like to learn a basic level of road safety. We will send out further details in next week's newsletter.
 

Membership Survey - 10 Days to Go...

We sent out a reminder earlier this week, and we have since received LOADS of submissions with excellent and constructive feedback - THANK YOU! But we still need to hear more from our U16 Members, so we will keep the survey running for 10 more days, closing it off on Sunday 21st September. If you are in doubt about why this is important, think about any of those things you would like to see done differently or improved at the club - whatever it is, big or small, now is your chance! So far, we've had suggestions for more race days, feedback on the rider development programme, thoughts about how we communicate in general, via the website, even this newsletter; comments about the canteen, bikes, kit and so on! This is your club, and it is YOUR voice that matters the most - so do let us know what you think...
 

Alternatively...
Print the PDF version, complete it offline, and bring to the clubhouse on Saturday; or post to 6 Willow Wood Close, Burnham, SL1 8JD as soon as possible:
**CLICK HERE TO PRINT A PDF VERSION OF THE SURVEY**

Or...
If you prefer, there will be paper versions in the Clubhouse on Saturday, so please do come to the sign on desk for a copy.
 
The survey will take no more than 3 - 4 minutes to complete, all comments are totally anonymous, and we will read every single comment.
 
If you have any questions, feel free to email membership@slipstreamers.co.uk ; otherwise we look forward to receiving your responses.
 
 

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 few weeks.
 
 

Diary Dates - Upcoming

  • 13th September:
    • Early TT 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!
  • 21st September:
    • Lookout Social Ride, Swinley Forest, Bracknell - arrive at 9am, ready to ride for 9.30am
  • 27th September:
    • Family Fun Day!!! Keep full day free!
    • Club Champs: Skills AND Time Trials (Part I) - sign on between 9am and 9:30am - don't be late!
    • Early practice session, sign on at 8.15am, ready to go for 8:30 sharp!
  • 4th October:
    • 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!
  • 11th October:
    • Early practice session - FINAL TT practice of the year. Club Champs Time Trial Part II (subject to rules)
    • Normal circuit session, sign on between 9am and 9:30am - don't be late!
  • 18th October:
    • Early practice session, sign on at 8.15am, ready to go for 8:30 sharp!
    • Club Champs: Road Races - sign on between 9am and 9:30am - don't be late!
  • 19th October:
    • Lookout Social Ride, Swinley Forest, Bracknell - arrive at 9am, ready to ride for 9.30am
  • 26th October:
    • 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!
    • Calshot track session - you must pre-book. You may not just show up.
  • 8th November:
    • Early practice session, sign on at 8.15am, ready to go for 8:30 sharp!
    • Club Champs: Mountain Biking, sign on between 9am and 9:30am - don't be late!
  • 15th November:
    • 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!
  • 16th November:
    • Lookout Social Ride, Swinley Forest, Bracknell - arrive at 9am, ready to ride for 9.30am
  • 22nd November:
    • 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!
    • Club Champs: Calshot track session - you must pre-book. You may not just show up
  • 20th December:
    • Christmas Party - details to follow!
  • 21st December:
    • Lookout Social Ride, Swinley Forest, Bracknell - arrive at 9am, ready to ride for 9.30am

 

Winners Corner!

 

Saturday Club Session Races - 6th September...

And the weekly end-of-session circuit race winners are:
  Boys Girls
 On Mountain Bikes Max Merriman Grace Whittaker
 U8 Finnlay Hawker/Alex Rijkse Vicky Woodford/Bobbie O'Brien
 U10 Ollie Conway Millie Coleman
 U12 Nathan George Jessica Henning
 U14 Morgan Evans Savannah Hewson
 U16 Jamie Wimbourne Ella Buckroyd
 First Timers Ryan Winter Elaura Kennedy

Fantastic results all of you!!

 

From Further Afield, Wearing the Slipstreamers Colours...

BC West Thames 22,  6th Sept

U16 Boys:   1st  Ben Moriarty,   3rd  Louis Rose-Davies
U12 Boys:   1st  Gabe Banner,   3rd Oisin Murphy
U10 Boys:   1st  Jed Smithson,   2nd  Joe O'Brien,  3rd  Elliot Moreve 
U8 Boys :    1st   Stanley Kent,   2nd  Finlay Hawker,   3rd  Finn O'Brien
U8 Girls :    1st   Millie Coleman
 

Newbury RC Cross Races/Wessex League,  6th Sept

U12's:       2nd Jed Smithson,  3rd Alex Uphill
 

Scarborough Grass Track Meeting,  30th August

U10 Boys:  1st  Jed Smithson,      

 
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

 

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