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Geoff Martin

GEOFFRY MARTIN 1944 – 2021

After many years battle against Parkinson’s, Geoff sadly passed away on Sunday 4th July.

Geoff joined the Wigmore CC in 1960. He suffered with asthma and started cycling to improve his breathing problems, and it certainty worked.

When he started riding with the club, he used an inhaler to help  his breathing, but by the time he was 30 years old he no longer needed the inhaler. One thing he never did was use an inhaler before an event, he classed that as cheating.

Geoff was a keen trike rider and set many club records, in fact he still holds three records. They are the 30 mile trike record of 1h 20m 47s, set in 1969. The same year he set a 50 miles trike record with a time of 2h 17m 13s. In 1977 he was one of the members that set a solo team record for 30 miles with a time of 3h 38m 43s.

He had an attempt at road racing but could not handle the fast start. When asked what happened, his reply would be , “they would not wait for me”!

Geoff was always a willing helper with club events, and when I had to stop driving, Geoff took me to the evening events.

Geoff was married to Angela for 49 years, and our thoughts are with Angela at this sad time.

The funeral is on Thursday 29th July, at Bobbing crematorium, 11 am.

No flowers, but you can make donations to Parkinson’s UK and sent to John Weir funeral directors 127 Watling Street, Gillingham ME7 2YY .

Clin

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WCC @ Herne Hill Velodrome 2021

On Sunday 4th July, 1-3pm, we’ll be holding our very own track session at the historic Herne Hill Velodrome (nr. Dulwich, London) MAP.

This is open to club members >12yrs old, and more importantly ALL ability levels… whether you’re experienced on the boards, or a complete novice to going round in circles.

So if you’ve never tried riding on the track but have always wanted to, this is the perfect opportunity to give it a go.  Or, if your an grizzled trackie from the distant past, this is your chance to once again dust off that fixed gear track bike.

Our session will be split into two groups… those that are experience in track riding, have ridden the track before, and want to stretch their legs a little; and those that are new to track cycling, are trying it for the first time, or want to take it a little more sedate.

There’ll be a range of different fun exercises to do and try, and if we’re lucky we may even get to have a little gallop race towards the end of the session.

If we get a full compliment of 22 riders, the cost of the 2 hour session is JUST £14* each.  This INCLUDES all equipment hire… bike, shoes, helmet if you need one.    The lower age limit on this session is 12 years old, so some of the older Go-Ride kids may want to join us for the afternoon.  The session starts at 1pm prompt, so get there early to be ready to go.

~ REGISTRATION ~
~ DEADLINE Sun 23rd May / Sun 30th May ~

To register, all you need to do is email me at secretary@wigmorecyclingclub.org.uk with your name, and level of previous track experience.

IMPORTANT:
Registration is open to CLUB MEMBERS for 3 weeks until Sunday 23rd May.  After that, any remaining places will be offered to our friends from local cycling clubs, family members, and other invited guests.  The final deadline for all registrations is Sunday 30th May.

All places are offered on a strictly first come first serve basis.

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Restart!

Wigmore CC is preparing for the restart of organised activities from 29th March in line with the Government’s Covid-19 Roadmap.

Our first activity to start will be our Go-Ride sessions at the Howard School on Saturday 3rd April.

There will be a booking system to ensure we manage numbers and safety in line with guidance applicable at the time.

Make sure to follow our Go-Ride Facebook page for more details: https://www.facebook.com/wigmoreccgoride/

We then restart our adult Club Rides on Sunday 4th April.

We meet at the Rainham Library car park for a 9 am set off, and will be using a registration form to coordinate rides within the guidance applicable each week.

Make sure to join our Wigmore CC Facebook Group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/www.wigmoer/?ref=share

We’re looking to restart with two rides each week; one for developing riders and one for more experienced riders looking for a longer ride.

All our Club activities are inclusive, we just need you and you need a suitable bicycle for the ride you’ll be joining.

Make sure to look out for updates on our Facebook pages.

Kevin
Club Chair

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2021 WCC Membership Special Offer

2021 Wigmore CC Membership

~ Special Offer ~

The past year has been a topsy-turvy one for a number of reasons, and it’s restricted a lot of the things we’ve been able to do as a club.  As a result, we’ve had to change our plans for the events of what we usually provide to our members.  We’ve had to change the annual 25mile TT to a virtual Zwift Race, we had to restrict access to spectators at the Hill climb, we could run only a limited 10mile TT series during the summer, the Go-Ride had to pause for several months, and even the awards dinner evening had to move online.

Therefore, we felt it would be a nice idea to offer our members a special offer for next year.  Starting now, and until the end February, all membership subscriptions will be  15% discounted.

Full Senior Membership: £22
Full Youth Membership: £8.50
Family Membership: £33
Club Supporter: £5
2nd Claim: Senior: £11
Youth: £4.50

All memberships run for the calendar year, and expire 31st December 2021. This special offer runs until February 28th, and is open to EVERYONE… whether  you’re renewing or taking out a new membership.

 

 

 

Don’t forget, members receive a very special membership pack… including a welcome letter, calendar of things we have planned for the year, a membership card, and a few club trinkets thrown in for good measure (key ring, window sticker, fridge magnet etc….)

So if  you’re struggling for a last minute Christmas present, I couldn’t think of anything better for you or the cyclist in your life!

Stay safe, have as good a Christmas as you can under the conditions!

–  Wigmore Cycling Club

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2020 Weekly Time Trial – Restart Schedule

We’re back at it~!

Our TT season has been shortened due to Covid-19… but we’re back holding a short series of TT races before the end of the summer. Our events are sanctioned by CTT, and we’re ensuring all appropriate social distancing measure are in place.

The remaining dates and venues for this years Time Trials are:

DateFirst rider/
start time		LocationCourseDistance
15th July7.30pmIwadeQ10/2010
22nd July7.30pmIwadeQ10/2010
29th July7.15pmIwadeQ10/2010
5th Aug7pmIwade (with Medway Velo)Q10/2010
12th Aug7pmIwadeQ10/2010
19th Aug6.45pmIwadeQ10/2010

With Covid-19 clearly an important issue for all and a safe event being paramount, we’d like everyone to take note of the following learning.
 
  • Sorry, we can’t keep bags for riders at the start line.
  • Finishing riders need to be careful of how they pull up and where they stop. A few riders inadvertently cut across riders who were still going at the end of Sheppey Way.
  • Finishing riders also need to be conscious of following riders when turning right off Old Ferry Road toward Ridham Dock/the sign on area.
  • Riders are not allowed to cross the white line when turning left from Sheppey Way onto Old Ferry Road (i.e. don’t creep out into the central right turn area).
  • Lights! Just the one person without a rear light last week. Please do remember yours so you can ride.
  • Please be conscious of your spacing and position on Sheppey Way when queuing to start. A full field is great, but that does bring with it a longer start queue.
  • We have a suggestion to record who may wish to withdraw if we get over 30 entrants. Very happy to provide this, but won’t want to embarrass or coerce anyone into withdrawing.
  • Please help maintain a clear area around the sign on desk when you’ve completed signing on.
  • Finally(!) Please be conscious of positioning and those around you when approaching the Old Ferry Road (we probably call it Raspberry Hill)/Sheppey Way left turn at the bottom of the course. This will help riders overtake rather than surprise you and undertake you.
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2020 Ride London 100 – WCC Team Entry

  There’s an awful lot going on in the world right now, but we’re pleased to announce that the club has secured a team entry for the 2020 Prudential Ride London 100… which is to be held on Sunday 16th August.

  This is of course… should it happen.  You never know what the world will be like come August!  But that’s no reason not to make a few plans for the summer.

  Entry is open to all club members over the age of 16 on 16/08/2020.  Riders must also be a British Cycling members.  The cost is £79, which will be payable before Fri 26th June.

  If you are interested in joining the team, please register your interest by emailing me at secretary@wigmorecyclingclub.org.uk BEFORE Thursday 30th April.  Messages on social media or strava will not be recorded.

I’ll let folk know who’s on the team Sunday 3rd May.

Happy riding, stay safe.

-Phil (General Secretary)

 

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WCC Time Trial Series 2020

This seasons evening time trial series to be held over 17 consecutive Wednesday evenings starting at Iwade on the 22nd April running through to the 12th August.

There will be seven events held at Iwade, three of these events being inter-club competitions with Medway Velo club.

There will be six events at Charing on the Q10/44 course ( A2O Charing to Ashford and return). These events will be held alongside the San Fairy Ann CC. One of these events on the 24 June will be over the longer distance of 15 miles.

There is just one event at the Isle of Grain this season, to be held as an inter-club event with the Medway Velo club on the 3rd of June.

Wigmore will be promoting a new event on the recently sanctioned Q10/45 course. This course is basically two laps of the Old Sheppey Way. I believe, having ridden this course a few times to prove its safety and practicality, that it will be quicker, and in my opinion, more exciting than the Iwade course we presently have in use.

We will be holding this brand new event over 3 consecutive Wednesday’s in July (8th, 15th and 22nd) with a 7.30 pm start.

So, lots to look forward to this year, and instead of watching the TV on a Wednesday night, why wouldn’t you want to feel the burn in your legs and lungs for 20 minutes or so, and enjoy a well-earned pint afterwards.

Please come along and have a dig!

WCC Time Trial Series 2020 dates:
Date Location Course Start Time
22 April Iwade Q10/20 6:45pm
29 April Iwade Q10/20 7pm
6th May Iwade Q10/20 7pm
13th May Charing Q10/44 7pm
20th May Charing Q10/44 7pm
27th May Charing Q10/44 7:30pm
3rd June Iwade Q10/20 7pm
10th June Charing Q10/44 7:30pm
17th June Grain Q10/24 7pm
24th June Charing

Q15/7 (15 miles)

 7:30pm
1st July Iwade Q10/20 7pm
8th July Old Sheppey Way (Iwade) Q10/45 7:30pm
15th July Old Sheppey Way (Iwade) Q10/45 7:30pm
22nd July Old Sheppey Way (Iwade) Q10/45 7:30pm
29th July Charing Q10/44 7:30pm
5th Aug Iwade Q10/20 7pm
12th Aug Iwade Q10/20 7pm
       

by Anthony Bee

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January 2020 club night

Our January meet-up for the Wigmore CC social night is next week on Tuesday 14th January, 7-9pm at The Bike Warehouse in Gillingham High St. 

Please feel free to come along and get involved. Reasons to come:

  • Catch up with other members of the club that you may not have seen for a while. If you were there at the inaugural meet-up in December, then come along and see how much weight everyone else has put on over Christmas!
  • Got some left-over Christmas cash? Caeran and Jason will be more than happy to help direct you to some shiny new parts for your bike, some club kit or that overdue bike service. 
  • Roller racing competition – after a bit of fun in our December meeting and the realisation this is going to be a lot more competitive than first thought, the 2020 competition will be kicking off for real, culminating in adult and junior trophies at the end of the season.
  • Gillingham High Street’s best takeaway pizza! – will once again be making an appearance. 

We had a good turnout in December from current members, past members and the youth riders from the Go-Ride club, which made for a great evening and a lot of fun with the roller racing. Why not come along to see what it is all about, support your club and your local community bike shop. 

Postcode for the shop is ME7 1AZ. There is parking behind the shop in Britton Farm car park. 

Hope to see you there on Tuesday.

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WCC Awards Dinner 2019

Many thanks to everyone that came along to our awards dinner at the weekend. We hope you had a good evening.

Massive congratulations to our award winners from both the adult club and the Go-Rode club. Well done on all your hard work over the season, and best of luck for next year!

Many thanks go to our special guest Neil Lauder, who was very gracious with his time and giving us an insight into what it takes to perform at the highest levels as a cyclist.

Many thanks also go to Helen Masters and Mike Finch who worked tirelessly to put on such a fun evening 🙂

See you next year!