On Sunday 29th September the WigmoreCC will once again be hosting our annual hill climb at Hollingbourne Hill. Our event is one of the most eagerly anticipated events on the Kent cycling calendar with good attendance from riders across the district who come to both race and spectate. If you would like to contribute to the ongoing success of our event, there are several ways you can do so:
- Ride it – If you fancy joining other Wigmore riders that have already entered, there is still time as the entry will remain open until Friday 20th September. the easiest way is online at cyclingtimetrials.org.uk or alternatively you can contact the organising team at wigmoreccopenevents@gmail.com who can steer you in the right direction for entry. First man off is 10:30am so it’s not like it’s ridiculously early either!
- Marshal it – the event doesn’t run itself and is a product of the effort that people put in to it. If you don’t fancy riding it then your help will be invaluable in marshalling. We rotate marshals between the carpark ensuring rider’s and spectator’s safety, and the hill ensuring that marshals also get to see some of the racing. We also need help setting up the gazebos and other supporting paraphernalia so we normally ask for help to start arriving from 8:30-9am. If this sounds like it may be of interest please contact Anthony Bee at anthonybee@btinternet.com
- Support it – we are indebted to the Boyd family who let us use their farm at the top of Hollingbourne Hill each year which includes use of their water and electricity and generally while causing chaos – all for free. We normally donate a couple of bottles of wine to the family as a small token of our appreciation. If neither of the above options sounds appealing but you’re planning for dry October and want to donate a bottle of wine you will certainly be helping us out. Please contact the event team at wigmoreccopenevents@gmail.com if you are able to help.
Thanks in advance, and we look forward to seeing you there!
With the cyclocross season upon us, we should think about preparations so you can make a running mount into the season. We can take some hints from Simon Burney’s definitive (but, I think out-of print) book.
A Wigmore skinsuit is a good investment on so many levels. Most importantly, track-side photographers love Wigmore colours so you will be able to choose your favourite shots. Club colours also make racing more interesting as you can identify with the people you overtake twice per lap. With frequent dismounts to run over obstacles, the tighter fit of a skinsuit reduces the chances of a fall caused by getting jersey or shorts caught on the saddle and wastes less time keep straightening clothing to avoid draughts or mud. Skinsuits work well on their own in early events, and then with a thermal undervest might stretch over a long-sleeved jersey. That is often enough for flat-out 45-minute races. Of course, by February you’ll be in Duffle coat, scarf and mittens whatever you normally use. I found the club kit to be really comfortable and as durable as anything else. Although skinsuits look fragile, they are pretty much the same as other items of clothing just without the gaps. With care – it will last a couple of seasons of cross and evening tens.
Don’t forget to book your tickets for An Evening with Brian Smith. Brian speaks with great authority on cycling and he has a wealth of experience. From his own successful racing career to stints as a DS for Endura Racing, Team Netapp and MTN–Qhubeka to TV commentating for Eurosport on all the top races on the professional calendar.
Talking of which, don’t forget to book up the Cycle for Heroes ride 
Absolutely brilliant news – Dame Kelly Holmes will be taking part in this year’s Cycle4Heroes. You can join Kelly and 50 of our wounded, sick and injured, as we cycle the quiet lanes of North Kent.
I raced in the under 16’s and there was about 25 to 30 riders. It was a very fast race from the start with the group splitting in two. I couldn’t stay with the main group as the pace was too fast on a track that I wasn’t confident on (as I had never ridden it before).
