This year’s Kent Cycling Association Reliability Trial takes place on Sunday 20th October 2019. If you would like to ride the event, please reply to this email before Saturday 5th October.
This is an event we are usually very well represented at, with a good group of riders to tackle the roads around Ashford and Mid Kent. As a club, we usually ride the 100km (62miles), starting at Potters Corner nr. Ashford. For an idea of the route, take a look at it below and here: LINK. Start time is usually sometime between 7 and 8:30am.
Entry is open to all adult members, but please let me know you wish to ride as part of the team by Sat 5th Oct. Entry is just £3.50, to be paid in advance. This can be cheque in the post, by bank transfer, or given to me at the Hill Climb Event on Sunday.
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).
