January 2005

Firstly a big Happy New Year to you all, let’s hope it’s a good one for everyone. Having not received any complaints I presume that all recipients of the electronic version were able to open the file last month. If you are receiving a hard copy and would prefer electronic please let us know your email address. (lukeandbecky@ukonline.co.uk).

Ride Off The Pud Run

Normal pre run chaos.

2nd January 2005

Whether it was because it was a New Year, a fresh start and all that, or the promise of a short ride but a good size crowd turned out at Lilac Cottage in Rhos on Sea for the first run of 2005.

The task we set was to follow the new Sustrans route to Llandudno. No mean feat. Then to circumnavigate the Great Orme before returning to Rhos on Sea.

Progress was good through to Penrhyn Bay. With most managing to manoeuvre around the intricate obstacles and challenges set by Conwy Borough Council and out smart the side stepping pedestrians. However, the roundabout at Penrhyn Bay proved too much for some who had to resort to joining the road.

Following the climb at Penrhyn Hill the route takes an interesting direction behind the houses in Craig Side before terminating at the end of the footpath by Bodafon Fields. It was now time to make a statement by taking to the prom and riding past the no cycling signs. However, as the signs depicted only solo safety bike configurations presumably tandems, triplets and recumbent trikes and trikes etc., don't count!

Once to the end of the prom we took to the toll road and to our next challenge, to climb to the "Rest and Be Thankful" café, which turned out to be open and we were! In fact we were very thankful because it was a bit windy on that side of the Orme.

On re-grouping at West Shore, the group, with the wind now on our backs, filed its way back to Rhos on Sea via Llanrhos following the flattest route we could find.

Statistics:

Mileage - Not sure as milometer wasn't working. Editor: Think it was about 15 miles

Weather - Windy but dry.

Views - Excellent.

Punctures - 1 to Graeme in trailer before we started (does that count?)

Another to Graeme in trailer (allegedly in tube supplied by me! - Kevin)

1 to Mark before even setting off (no excuses!)

Vehicles - Tandems – 5 No.

Triplets – 1 No.

Solos – 4 No.

Trailers – 2 No.

Trikes – 1 No.

Recumbent Trikes – 3 No.

Where was Coco? !!

The day was concluded with soup and refreshment and exchange of news and stories at Lilac Cottage.

A Grand start to the Year ! Our Thanks to Kevin, Fiona, Anna & Gethin.

For the pictures from this run see January 2005 Llandudno

Hostel weekend 16th & 17th April 2005

Helen & I thought that it would be a shame not to have a hostel weekend this year and with the feeling coming from our AGM that it would be nice to do things that involve families as well so:-

We have made a provisional booking for the whole hostel, 30 beds, 4x4, 2x3 & 4x4 bedded rooms at Leominster Youth Hostel.

The hostel is self-catering, one of the best appointed in the country and to top it all it’s in a lovely old historic town surrounded by easy cycling in rural Shropshire and Herefordshire.

We will organise rides for both days and we think it would be nice to have a meal where everybody brings something (like we did at Clun YHA last year).

The cost of a bed will be £12.50 for over 18’s & £9.00 for under 18’s per night.

We have a provisional booking on these beds until 31st January. So if you would like to come on this weekend please send a £10 deposit per family/couple or individual made payable to YHA (England & Wales) to arrive by 28th January at the latest.

To:- Geoff & Helen Russell

32 Gwel Eryri, Llandegfan

Menai Bridge

Anglesey

LL59 5RD

Leominster Youth Hostel a ETB 4 Star hostel

FOR SALE

"If you have an 8month old baby (or bigger) or are indeed thinking of acquiring/producing one then he/she deserves to travel in a Rode Gear Limo child seat. This is a top of the range model with lots of adjustment and reclining features and fits a Blackburn carrier (can be included if

required). Any offers considered."

Phone Kevin or Fiona on 01492 545590.

Complaints Section!!

Sir,

With reference to the excellently organised Treasure Hunt of 5th December by my close acquaintance (no more), Wee Betty.

I take exception to the slur on my good name as a fair and honest competitor in the above event.

Mrs Davison and I have taken part in many of these Treasure Hunt type events in the past and have developed a fine eye for gathering clues on our way.  We have also demonstrated resourcefulness in the acquisition of various unusual items during our outings. Admittedly in the past most of these have been related to tyres, tubes or pumps.

My use of Telecommunications knowledge was a fair and proper response to the unfortunate action that BT had taken (funnily enough they often do this type of thing to me professionally as well).

If an apology and full retraction is not published forthwith you will be hearing from my solicitor.

Regards

G & S Davison

Awards

(For Distasteful behaviour not in keeping with TC etiquette as determined by the Kentish section).

C. The Flat As A Pancake Award

NB (Mr Lewis refuses to accept a further score for this award as insists his first puncture was Kevin’s fault and his second was only a leaky valve!!!)

D. Fashion Award

Contenders –

Has to be Miss Coleman again with her Groovy Chick headgear!