1953
Thurs Jan 1st 8 miles Went for a ride in the afternoon down through Eastcote, Roxeth, South Harrow, over Harrow Hill and home through Pinner. Very cold and raw; sleet in the morning. Felt quite unfit climbing the hill but spanked along otherwise.
Fri Jan 2nd 72 miles Went to Eastcote early and then called for Roger Bingham. We then went out to Luton via Watford, St Albans (elevenses) and Harpenden. We had a sandwich lunch about three miles up the Bedford road and then came back through Harpenden. Went down a small lane, through farms and over two fords to the A 5 and then straight across to Leverstock Green, Hemel Hempstead and then home through Watford and the lower road. Cold and damp, but sunny at times.
Sat Jan 3rd 10 miles Went over to Alan Stratman’s and then up to Gordon’s in the morning. Spent morning in Northwood and over to Roger’s for the evening.
Sun Jan 4th 52 miles Out with the club by about 9.00 a.m. through Rickmansworth, Mill End and Heronsgate to Chalfont St Giles where we popped into Stacey’s café to book dinners for six at 12.30. We then continued on to Fred’s café (elevenses) with a burn-up in which my new Radsport jacket was sprayed with mud from Alan’s back wheel. After elevenses we climbed Coles Hill and then went through the lanes to Chalfont St Giles for lunch and a beer in ‘Merlin’s Cavern’. Came home through Chalfont St Peter and down the Oxford road. A very nice day. The chain broke on the tandem, but Tom soon mended that!
Mon Jan 5th 11 miles Cleaned bike and then went to Eastcote in the morning. Went to the Zoo in the afternoon and early evening, and got up to the club at about 8.45 p.m. Took bookings for Sunday’s run to Dunstable and paid for the club dinner photographs. It snowed later.
Tues Jan 6th Thick snow in the morning; did not get out. Held the committee meeting in the evening [presumably at my house].
Thurs Jan 8th 20 miles Got out for a ride in the evening through Hatch End, Stanmore, Elstree, Bushey and home via Watford and Northwood. The roads were still very icy after the snow. Cold but a pleasant run.
Sat Jan 10th 17 miles Did the usual things in the morning and also had a haircut. Met Alan Tunaley at Gordon’s. I went for a ride in the afternoon but only got as far as Ruislip as it started to drizzle. Finally I ended up at Alan Stratman’s and went to see the Huggins’.
Sun Jan 11th 75 miles The club left Northwood at about 9.30 a.m. (seven out) through Watford and King’s Langley to elevenses at the ‘Triangle’ café in Hemel Hempstead. We then continued on up the Gade valley to Dunstable for dinner at the ‘Down’s Tea Rooms’. After dinner we went up onto the downs (where I had to mend a puncture) and then proceeded to the ‘Shanty’ at Bourne End via the Gaddesdens, Nettleden and Berkhampsted. Home via Watford and the lower road. A very good day; much warmer than of late.
Mon Jan 12th 10 miles Club night. Took bookings for Sundays run to Bishops Stortford. Played darts and paid my subscriptions for the NCU and track licence to Brian Major.
Thurs Jan 15th 4 miles Did not go out for a ‘proper’ ride today as it was drizzling, so just went for a short spin through Ruislip.
Sat Jan 17th 12 miles Went to Pinner for the shopping early and then called for Alan. We went up to Gordon’s where I paid 10/- off my bill – I only have to pay another £2/12/- now, but want a new tubular tyre, a track vest, bottle carrier, rear brake cable and many other small things! When I got home I interchanged the back and front tyres on the Thanet and fitted flint catchers. Brian Major came round last night with my track licence.
Sun Jan 18th 95 miles Thirteen out today! We left about 9.15 a.m. through Stanmore, up the Barnet by-pass to elevenses at the ‘Marshmoor’ café at Hatfield, and then on to Hertford via Essendon. We continued on through Ware and Much Hadham to Bishop’s Stortford. The tandem had a puncture and then a broken chain [again?], so it turned for home. Roger Bingham also had a ‘flat’. After dinner at the ‘Melting Pot’ café in Bishop’s Stortford we continued down through Harlow and Epping to Woodford for a cuppa, then non-stop round the North Circular for home. A sunny day but quite windy at times. Also quite hard in places. I was reduced to the ‘hunger knock’ by the time I got home, but it was a very nice day with many ‘tear-ups’.
Mon Jan 19th 10 miles Very foggy today. Went up to the club rooms in the evening but did not take any bookings for next Sunday as it will be the club’s AGM. We will just go out to Fred’s at Amersham for our elevenses.
Tues Jan 20th 5 miles Went a long way round to Len Chapman’s for a committee meeting. We made final arrangements for the AGM on Sunday.
Thurs Jan 22nd 30 miles Out for a bit of early training up the A 40 to Beaconsfield. Quite fast tonight, but I had the ‘sags’ in places. Came home from Gerrards Cross to the top of the viaduct at a spanking pace – tucked in behind a lorry! Good fun.
Sat Jan 24th 15 miles Did the usual things this morning except that I didn’t call for Alan – his mother has the ‘flu. Met the boys at Gordon’s and went for coffee. I bought some handlebar tape and another pair of ‘tyre savers’. In the afternoon I put my gear back on. Went to the pictures in the evening.
Sun Jan 25th 46 miles Met the club in the morning and we went out to Fred’s at Amersham for elevenses. Burnt it up all the way back and had dinner at home. We held the club’s AGM at ‘The Ship’ in the afternoon; a good meeting.
Fifth Annual General Meeting of the Northwood Wheelers.
New Committee:
Chairman Dick Houston
General Secretary Sheila Johns
Treasurer Alan Stratman
Time Trials Secretary Tom Simpson
Open Events Secretary Colin Turner
Social Secretary Gordon Empson
Touring Secretary myself
Editor Bob Harvey
Womens’ representative Sheila Johns
Junior representative Roger Bingham
Auditors Geoff Madgewick and Jimmy Jack
I sent off my order for a track vest when I got in. The next committee meeting is at Tom’s house on Tuesday week.
Mon Jan 26th 10 miles Up to the club rooms. I took dinner bookings for next Sunday’s run to Nettlebed.
Tues Jan 27th 33 miles Out training again up the A 40 to Beaconsfield via Gerrards Cross. There was a head wind all the way out, but a nice run home. I did ‘my nut up’ from the viaduct and along the Western Avenue to Northholt, twiddling in my 62.1" fixed.
Thurs Jan 29th 17 miles Went out for a ride through Hatch End, Stanmore, Wealdstone, Harrow, over the hill to Roxeth and home via Rayners Lane.
Sat Jan 31st – Sun Feb 1st Stayed in bed all day Saturday because of ‘flu. Up on Sunday but did not feel well enough to go out. I have a bad cough and a sore throat, and have been surviving on influenza mixture and aspirins! I should be up and around tomorrow.
Mon Feb 2nd 10 miles Club night. Paid 5/- to Brian Major for the Slough track league, gave out runs lists and took dinner bookings for Sunday’s run to Nettlebed. The cross-country [Cyclo-cross] race on Sunday has been cancelled due to lack of entries. I played darts and read some of Dick Houston’s 1918 Cyclings. Tony Standing was up at the club rooms – he had to leave at 8.45 to get back to camp.
Tues Feb 3rd 5 miles Committee meeting at Tom’s house; the new committee took office. It was an interesting meeting, but a very cold night.
Fri Feb 6th 11 miles Went for a short ride in the evening through Pinner, Pinner Hill to Northwood and home over Duck’s hill and Ruislip. A very cold night. I went up to Queen Mary’s College, Mile End Road, during the day for an interview.
Sat Feb 7th 12 miles I met Brian Huggins in Eastcote – he looks just the same [probably apart from a very short RAF haircut?]. Then we went up to Gordon’s: I paid him another £1 towards my account.
Sun Feb 8th 78 miles There were 12 club members out today, including Brian. We went out the usual way to Marlow for elevenses at the ‘Westreet’ café for elevenses. We then continued up the hill to Lane End on the Stokenchurch road. It now started to snow, so we turned off through Fingest, Turville (a pint) and Northend to dinner at Nettlebed. After lunch we went into Henley, up the hill and over to Maidenhead and thence to tea at the ‘Southdown’ café at Taplow. The snow was quite thick on the ground by now, but it later turned to sleet. Came home via Slough and Ickenham. A very cold day, but enjoyable.
Mon Feb 9th 10 miles Up to the club rooms; very cold again. I did not take any dinner or tea bookings for Sunday as it is the Rickmansworth ‘rough-stuff’.
Fri Feb 13th 20 miles It has been snowing or sleeting all this week and tonight was the first occasion that I have been able to get out. Went over to Roger Bingham’s first with his track vest (they arrived this morning) and we then went out through Pinner to Rickmansworth, down the hill, left along the Denham by-pass (twiddling in my 62.1" gear) to the A 40. Here we turned left again and came home up the viaduct and through Ickenham. A nice clear night but still very cold.
Sat Feb 14th 37 miles In the afternoon Roger and I went out to the Rickmansworth ‘rough-stuff’ course. There was about 2" of snow at first, but a thaw later. I have never known 12½ miles to be so tough! I should think that this is the worst year ever; there is about a foot of mud everywhere and where there is road it is covered by several inches of snow which makes things even more treacherous. If it freezes tonight, I pity the poor riders. Got the bonk struggling round the course and did not get home until well after dark. We went to the pictures in the evening.
Sun Feb 15th 34 miles In the morning we met at 9.00 a.m. and went out to watch the ‘rough-stuff’. Johnny Cranston won with a 51 minute ride. In our club, Roy Turner did a 1.2, Roger a 1.4 and Bob Harvey a 1.6. Stan Boyes did not ride. Cleaned my bike in the afternoon and did not go out again.
Mon Feb 16th 10 miles Club night. Paid 2/6 for the first time trial of the 1953 season – the ‘Twiddler’s’ low gear ‘10’ and another 1/- for the club darts tournament. I have been drawn to play Brian Major in the first round.
Tues Feb 17th 39 miles Weather much improved. Called for Roger at 7.00 p.m. and we went up Oxhey Lane to Watford and on to Berkhampstead via Kings Langley. We came home via Watford and the lower road. A nice warm night! We did the stretch from Berkampstead to Apsley (4½ miles) in 18 minutes. We plan to go to Rickmansworth tomorrow night to watch some roller racing at the cycle show.
Wed Feb 18th 13 miles In the evening, Roger and I went over to Bury Hall, Rickmansworth, to see the cycle show. They had some good stuff there. We also saw the 50 minute Polish film of the 1952 Warsaw-Berlin-Prague race in colour. Ian Steel and Les Scales were there and I got Ian’s autograph. We met Dick Houston, Brian Hamer and Pete Kennedy there. A very nice evening.
Fri Feb 20th 93 miles The first real day of spring coinciding with the start of my half-term holiday! In the morning I took off via Chalfont, Amersham and Great Missenden, reaching Wendover in 1 hour 26 minutes. I then turned for home through Great Missenden, up the hill and down to Chesham where I had some elevenses. I then came home along the lower road to Chenies, Rickmansworth and Harefield. The sun came out when I got to Amersham going out and it remained sunny all the morning. Everything seemed very beautiful and I got home by 12 noon.
In the afternoon [not content with that ride!] I cycled out through Uxbridge, Iver and Datchet to Windsor into a head wind, and then home via Slough. I bought some sweets in Windsor to keep me going. A very nice day, although cloudy and cooler in the afternoon.
Sat Feb 21st 15 miles Knocked about in the morning. Gordon Prangley is apparently in hospital with sciatica. However, Tony Standing was home [from the RAF]. We had elevenses in Northwood, and again in Eastcote.
Sun Feb 22nd 78 miles The first time trial of the 1953 season – a low gear (63") event, the ‘twiddlers 10’. I got up at 6.45 a.m. and out of the house by 7.30. I was off number 5 at 8.35 and twiddled round in 29.23. Colin Turner won the event with 27.40, Brian Major was second 28.18 and Roger third with 28.20. Alan Stratman was fifth and Tom Simpson beat me by 1 second! A very nice event but very hard work keeping the 62.1" fixed moving.
In the afternoon five of us went out through Watford and Berkampstead to Tring for tea. A nice run, very easy coming home. I climbed the hill over from Watford to Northwood on 77". My front bulb blew – I had to borrow Jim’s.
Mon Feb 23rd 25 miles I put the Holdsworth together again in the morning and then went out for a short ride; it feels super and lively. Went to Pinner and up to Gordon’s in the afternoon and bought some new cotter pins and a lamp bracket for the handlebars. Over to Harrow later in the afternoon. In the evening it was club night. I lost to Brian Major in the darts tournament.
Tues Feb 24th 35 miles Out for a ride around South Harrow, up and down Harrow hill (twice) and then to Kenton, Wealdstone, Pinner and Hatch End. I then called for Roger Bingham and we went out to Rickmansworth the usual way, down the by-pass and the Western Avenue to Northolt and home via Ruislip and Eastcote. A very nice night but not so warm as of late.
Thurs Feb 26th 40 miles Went training up the A 40 as far as High Wycombe. I got there in 1 hour 9 minutes and back in 1 hour 4 minutes. A nice night, calm but cold. I saw Brian Major out at Beaconsfield and about a dozen other cyclists out doing some early season training.
Fri Feb 27th 6 miles Over to Tom’s to tell him that I would not be able to go over to see him this evening because of a meeting of the school ‘Stag’ society.
Sat Feb 28th 25 miles A glorious day. I have only 15/- more to pay on my account at Prangley’s. Received club magazine from Bob Harvey and went over to his house in the afternoon with some magazine ‘gen’ for future issues. Over to Brian’s but he was out. It is the annual ‘Winslow bash’ tomorrow!
Sun Mar 1st 85 miles The Annual Hard Ride to Winslow. Left at about 9.30 out to Watford where the club assembled for the annual Winslow ‘bash’. We started soon after 10.00 a.m. with about 19 riders. We rode out the usual way; it was very cold with a slight head wind. The tandem and several others dropped off at Tring and the final bunch consisted of eight riders, Stan Boyes dropping off later. There were no successful break-aways and there was a final sprint finish at Winslow which I had not enough strength left to contest. Nobody seems to know who won – either Alan Stratman or Roy Turner. Geoff Madgewick was third and I was 6th or 7th. A very enjoyable ride but harder than last year – and faster (1 hour 35 minutes). We had a beer in Winslow and, after failing to get a meal in Winslow, went back to Aylesbury for dinner.
In the afternoon the sun came out and we continued up the Leighton Buzzard road, through Bierton and then a little diversion down a lane to Hulcott and then right through Wingrave, Long Marston to tea at Tring. After tea we came straight home without incident.
Mon Mar 2nd 10 miles Up to the club. Mr Thorne gave a lecture on ‘Fitness and Training’. Very good; he is probably coming again. Another foggy night.
Tues Mar 3rd 5 miles Held a committee meeting at Dick Houston’s house; interesting but very long, not getting home until nearly midnight. Cold and still foggy.
Thurs Mar 5th 35 miles Out training through Rickmansworth and Chorleywood to Amersham and then home via Chalfont St Peter and Ickenham. A nice night but still cold with a slight head wind on the return journey.
Fri Mar 6th 6 miles Up to Nell’s café in Northwood and into the back room to discuss plans for our Easter trip to stay with Tom’s old army friend, Yorkie. We plan to leave on the Thursday night to ride as far as Bedford, continuing to Doncaster on Friday. Back on Sunday via Stamford, reaching home on the evening of Easter Monday.
Alan Browne was home [from the Army] so we went down to the Clifton for a couple of pints. I am off number 19 in Sunday’s 72" gear ‘25’ with Jim Farrell off just behind me.
Sat Mar 7th 15 miles Did usual things for a Saturday morning, and then went over to Knight’s [cycle shop] with Roger Bingham and Brian Hamer to buy Roger some track shorts. In the afternoon I went round to Alan Stratman’s and Brian Huggins’s house. Alan has bought Brian Major’s track iron.
Sun Mar 8th 86 miles Up at 6.15 a.m. and out by 7.00. I was off at 8.19 in the club’s medium gear ‘25’ and managed to do 1.10.30. It was very cold (hoar frost on the grass verge) and I couldn’t get my legs really moving until after the turn. However, I think everyone was affected because Colin Turner won with 1.9.05. I was 6th out of 20 riders.
Later in the day it was nice and sunny. We went out through Harefield, Chalfont St Peter, Gerrards Cross, Hedgerley and Burnham to the ‘Southdown’ café at Taplow. Met Alan, Brian, Tony here. Came home via Slough and Ickenham.
Mon Mar 9th 10 miles Up to the club rooms. Played darts and table tennis – and lost both! Got my RTTC handbook for 1953. The Uxbridge Wheelers Junior ‘25’ is on May 3rd but I will be away. However, there is a ‘middle-markers’ ‘25’ on April 26th and several WLCA events I would like to ride.
Wed Mar 11th 42 miles Went training up the A 40 to Beaconsfield, then left down to Slough and home down the A 4 through Colnbrook, West Drayton and Uxbridge. A warm night.
Fri Mar 13th 30 miles Out for a ride through the Chalfonts and home via Rickmansworth. Cold. I climbed Rickmansworth hill quite easily on the 72" gear, so I must be getting a bit fitter.
Sat Mar 14th 14 miles Completely paid off my account at Prangley’s this morning. Met Brian Huggins in Eastcote. We went over to Alan’s and then to Brian Major’s but could not find Alan anywhere. I wanted to pay for my RTTC handbook. Alan, Tony, the two Brians and I went to the pictures in the evening. I have paid Tom for the club ‘25’ next Sunday and also 11/- for multiple ‘standards’ at 10 and 25 miles – birthday money from last Thursday [my 18th birthday].
Sun Mar 15th 75 miles Twelve club members out today. We left Northwood at about 9.15 through Harefield, up Red hill and the A 413 to Fred’s café at Amersham. After elevenses we went up the road to Little Missenden where we turned off into the lanes through Kingshill to White Leaf Cross to the Pink and Lily (for a pint); thence to the ‘Silver Wings’ at Chinnor for dinner. We then continued over Bledlow ridge to tea at Stacey’s at Chalfont St Giles via the Wycombes, Hazlemere and Amersham. Home via Swillett and Rickmansworth. A very nice warm day. I climbed the hill from High Wycombe to the top on the Amersham road in a 69" gear, sitting down.
Mon Mar 16th 10 miles Club night. Took bookings for Sunday and played darts and table tennis. We are not now going to Doncaster over Easter because Yorky’s wife is expecting, so we are going to Cheddar instead. I hope nothing falls on us!
Tues Mar 17th 31 miles Out training through Hatch End and Stanmore to Mill Hill and then along the Watford by-pass to Watford and home through Rickmansworth and Northwood. A cold night.
Fri Mar 20th 18 miles Went out for a short training ride through Eastcote to Northolt, left to Roxeth, down Alexandria Avenue via Rayner’s Lane to North Harrow and then home via Hatch End, Northwood and Eastcote. I went quite fast and sweated in my jacket; I think I’ll train in jerseys now. I am not yet fit – in fact I am less fit now than a week ago as I have caught a cold and have had troublesome catarrh for about a month. I went up to University College yesterday for an interview and 6 hours of entrance exams. Also started mock Highers at school – Chemistry I.
Sat Mar 21st 16 miles Went up to King’s College in the morning by train. In the afternoon I went round to Gordon’s and then to Tom’s. Spent the afternoon messing around his place, and then got my bike ready for tomorrow’s ‘25’ – tubs and a 76.2" fixed.
Sun Mar 22nd 82 miles Got up at 5.15 a.m., out at 6.00 and off number 12 at 7.12. It was very cold; wore my new track vest with short sleeves. It was, however, quite fast to the turn and I caught one bloke and was apparently about 30 seconds up on Jim Farrell. There was a head wind on the way back and I slowed to a 1.8.13. Jim finished in 1.7.23. I passed Len Chapman at Chalfont on the return leg. Alan Stratman won the event with 1.7.17 and I was 6th (out of 22 riders). I also won the handicap section again! A hard morning because of the extreme cold.
In the afternoon it was much warmer and we went out to tea at the ‘Shanty’, Bourne End, via Watford and Kings Langley. Came back the same way and suffered from ‘hunger knock’.
Mon Mar 23rd 10 miles Club night. Paid Colin Turner 1/9 for the forthcoming Norlond ‘25’ on April 12th. That will be my next event and means that I will not be racing again for three weeks. We are thinking of bringing the July 19th annual inter-club ‘25’ with the South Ruislip forward to Coronation Day (June 2nd) because it clashes with the Norlond ‘12’ which is the proposed club championship. We are leaving for Cheddar on the Friday morning before Easter and staying the first night at Devizes.
Wed Mar 25th 30 miles Out training up the A 40 to Beaconsfield. A very warm night – wore only shirt, pullover and one jersey. Returned down ‘Vengeance Valley’ [the A 413] at great speed. I started early tonight and reached Beaconsfield in the light and completed the whole trip in just over 1 hour 35 minutes. I have developed a buckle in the back wheel! I am also considering repainting my Thanet [from its original orange], so wrote to Thanet’s in the evening for some transfers.
Fri Mar 27th 13 miles Went for a short ride in the evening around Ruislip, Northwood, Pinner and Eastcote. It rained for the first time since about the second week in February – the longest spring drought (43 days) for 60 years! Cold tonight after the rain.
Sat Mar 28th 11 miles It was pouring when I woke up but it stopped later, so I got out. Went up to Gordon’s, gave him my wheel to be trued and also bought the down-tube bottle carrier that I am going to use on the Holdsworth for ‘50s’. I then took 1/- ( a debt) round to Tom’s and then home for lunch, after buying some food for tomorrow in Eastcote. After lunch I went over to Alan’s house and we went up to Gordon’s again in his father’s car. I took my B 57 saddle in as it has a broken rail, and Alan collected his brother Paul’s wheels. We met Brian Major and Tony Standing at Gordon’s and went to the Rendezvous at Eastcote on the way back. I paid Alan 2/- (another debt!) and then went home for tea. We four went to the pictures in the evening so ending a very pleasant day.
Sun Mar 29th 77 miles Very windy in the morning, but met the club in Northwood at about 9.30 a.m. for a ride out through Rickmansworth and then through the lanes to Sarratt, Chipperfield and Bovingdon to the ‘Shanty’ at Bourne End for elevenses. We then continued up the Tring road for a while before turning off into the lanes through Long Marston and Linslade to Leighton Buzzard where we had a sandwich lunch in a pub. After this we struggled off into a head wind through Easton Bray, Ellesborough and Little Gaddesdon, finally going down a terrific hill into Redbourne for tea. After this snack we came home via St Albans and Watford. This final stretch was the hardest of the day. Very blustery ride, but warm at times.
Mon Mar 30th 13 miles Club night. Paid Colin Turner 2/9 and entered for the Eclipse R.C. (1.5.00 Middle-markers) ‘25’ on April 26th. Called at Roger’s on the way home, but he is at Bournemouth. I gave his mother the Eclipse form, directions and also Roger’s scarf. There was less wind today but rain at times. We are leaving for Cheddar on Friday at 9.00 a.m.
Tues Mar 31st 35 miles Went out for a ride through Slough, down the Bath road almost to Maidenhead. I then turned right through the lanes to Burnham, Farnham Royal and Fulmer, then home via Red Hill and Ickenham. I met a bloke from the South Ruislip on the Oxfrod road but ‘screwed’ him to the top of the viaduct. Saw Brian Major and some other South Ruislip riders at the top. Got home at nine o’clock; a cooler night.
Wed Apr 1st 5 miles Over to Hatch End in the evening; cold and damp.
Thurs Apr 2nd 16 miles Cool, blustery and showery in the morning. Went up to Gordon’s later and then knocked about. Got the bike ready for the morning.
Fri Apr 3rd Easter Tour to Cheddar Gorge. I called for Alan and then left Northwood at 9.15 a.m.; eight riders all together, including two tandems. We went down through Slough and the Bath road to Maidenhead to Twyford for elevenses. The tandem punctured. We then struggled on to Mac’s café into a head wind for dinner. After dinner we continued down the Bath road through Thatcham, Newbury, Hungerford to Marlborough where we booked ‘digs’ for our return on Sunday night. We turned off the Bath road at Beckhampton to Devizes (egg and chips tea), Trowbridge and on to Frome in the dark. We stayed overnight in Frome at a good place and had a few beers in the town.
Sat Apr 4th 45 miles We left the ‘digs’ at about 9.30 a.m. up a big hill and then down to Shepton Mallet and Wells. We looked around the cathedral at Wells and Stan Boyes took several photographs. We had our elevenses in the place we are staying the night and then pushed off to Wookey Hole. Went into the caves (2/-) and then struck off into the Mendip hills up a long and steep hill to Priddy where we had to shelter from a short but violent shower. We then continued along the top of the Mendips finally descending the Gorge at Cheddar. Visited Gough’s caves – I have not been there before – saw some wonderful examples of stalagmites and stalagtites. I bought a 1½ pint Cheddar mug in a shop here [I still keep my pencils in this] before pushing off along the lower road back to Wells for the night. Had a drink in the evening and met Harry Ford who had come down by train (with his bike). A very nice day.
Sun Apr 5th 78 miles [We had some strange looks from our hosts when we got in last night! As usual, we had had a few pints and were probably a bit worse for wear. It was only as we left in the morning did we see a sign swinging over the door: Temperance Hotel]. We re-visited Cheddar this morning for Harry’s sake and got caught in a very heavy fall of hail and rain at Westbury. After having some elevenses in Cheddar we climbed the Gorge and then turned left to Chewton Mendip and eventually to Bath after a long and easy free-wheeling stretch. Dinner in Bath and then we pushed on up Box Hill to Box, Pickwick to Chippenham and Calne to tea at the bottom of the White Horse hills. Alan and Roy then disappeared with Stan, and I rode the 10 miles to Marlborough with the two tandems and Harry Ford somewhere in the rear. Had super ‘digs’ in Marlborough and also found another good pub in the evening. Today was the wettest day yet but many sunny spells.
Mon Apr 6th 85 miles The last day of the tour; wet at first but sunny later with showers. We left Marlborough at about 9.45 a.m., climbed the hill and struck off at a good speed through Hungerford, Newbury and Thatcham to elevenses at a café near Mac’s. We then rode down the Bath road for a while, had a beer, and met the racing boys at Jack’s Booth. They had ridden in the Actonia ‘25’ in the morning. Jimmy Jack had done 1.06.05, Brian Major 1.06.28 and Tony Standing 1.9.00. Had dinner in Reading before heading home up the Bath road and Slough. A very nice day and a good tour (312 miles; spent £3.10/-).
Tues Apr 7th 33 miles In the morning and afternoon I stripped down the Thanet and removed all the paint with the help of some stripper which I bought in Eastcote. I shall paint it tomorrow.[In hindsight this was one of the worst decisions I made. I regretted it for years!].
In the evening I went out training through Rickmansworth and Chalfont to Amersham and then home via the Chalfonts and the viaduct. A warm night with very little wind. I received the start sheet today for the Norlond ‘25’ on Sunday.
Wed Apr 8th 28 miles Up to Gordon’s in the morning to buy green lacquer for the Thanet, new brake blocks, handlebar tape and cotter pins. I painted the frame when I got in; it is coming on quite nicely. Len Chapman came round later with my B 57 saddle which he had picked up at Gordon’s. In the afternoon we went out for a ride through Rickmansworth, along the Denham by-pass and home via the Bell Works hill and Harefield. A warm afternoon. Held a committee meeting at Alan Stratman’s in the evening.
Thurs Apr 9th 30 miles Over to Sheila Johns’s house in the morning at 8.30 a.m. to collect a letter from Mr Thorne at Crookes about ‘our’ trophy. I then took it over to Boff’s works at Chepstow Place W.2., down the Harrow Road through Wembley, Willesden and Paddington to Bayswater. Had some refreshment there and then returned via Notting Hill, Kensal Green and the Harrow Road. I then went up to Gordon’s with my frame and collected my back wheel. Met Len. Went to Eastcote in the afternoon. Roger came round. Cleaned some of the paint off my Thanet. Stayed in for the evening.
Fri Apr 10th 27 miles Went out for a ride with Roger Bingham through Rickmansworth, Chorleywood, The Swillett, Heronsgate, down the Denham by-pass and home through Denham and Harvil road to Ickenham and Ruislip. Warm and sunny and a very nice ride.
In the afternoon I went up to Pinner for a haircut. Met Roger again and we came home to my house. We did not go out again in the evening. My parents are away this Sunday so I shall be out all day.
Sat Apr 11th 8 miles Went up to Gordon’s bike shop in the morning and had coffee out. Bought some new mudguards for the Thanet, but the frame was not yet ready. I shall collect it on Monday. Rather windy today – I hope that it lessens by tomorrow for the Norlond ‘25’.
In the afternoon I watched the racing at Herne Hill on the television. Cyril Peacock won all his races brilliantly and Dave Bedwell also won with a terrific sprint in the professional handicap. The programme lasted for an hour and a quarter and several of the riders were interviewed. Stayed in for the evening because I am getting up in the morning at 5.00 o’clock.
Sun Apr 12th 63 miles Up at 5.00 a.m. and called for Roger at 6.15. We rode out to the start of the Norlond combine ‘25’ course (F4) at Bignall’s Corner. Got bike ready and was off number 71 at 7.41. Flew out to Ryder’s corner with the strong wind and then turned left along the North Orbital into a powerful head wind to the first turn. I was caught along here. Back along this stretch was not much easier, but there was an easier stretch along through Hatfield to the far turn at Welwyn. Coming back the wind was so powerful I could not have been doing more than about 18 m.p.h. and was standing up in places! I finished in the disgusting time of 1.12.12. The event was won by R. Ingle of the Elsynge R.C. with a 1.04.18; I came 66th out of 117 starters. Alan Stratman came 13th with 1.06.57, a really magnificent effort. Jim did a 1.8 and Colin a 1.10. Roger did a 1.15 (!) on the F4A course which was the faster and easier course this morning.
After the event it started to pour with rain so we came home via the North Orbital and Watford. Got very wet and the bike soaked. Spent the afternoon at Roger’s and then went to the pictures. A waste of a day!
Mon Apr 13th 22 miles Went up to Hatch End and then over to Gordon’s in the morning but the frame will not be ready until dinnertime. Spent the morning cleaning the Holdsworth which got really mucky yesterday. I hope that this wind drops before Sunday’s ‘30’ because I am fed up with doing times six minutes slower than my best! It may be all right for chaps like Alan who go out to win an event, but a chap like me, who has little or no chance of winning, rides to improve his time. Good weather conditions are therefore essential.
Went up to Gordon’s again in the early afternoon and this time brought my Thanet frame back. Fixed it up when I got in; it looks very nice. I then went over to Roger’s with his stuff but the house was empty so I left it round the back.
Club night. Paid 2/6 for the club ‘30’ this coming Sunday and saw Harry Ford’s Easter tour photos. I shall probably have several. It seems that about seven club members want to ride in the WLCA ‘25’ on May 17th so we (Roger, Brian Huggins and I) will probably ride in the Advance Wheelers 1.6.00 event on the same morning. If, however, we beat 1.6 before then we will ride the WLCA event. If I ride the Advance Wheelers event I cannot ride at Slough track. [What a complicated life! In the end we rode the WLCA event].
Tues Apr 14th 54 miles Did several things to my bike and some (school) work in the morning. In the afternoon I cycled over to Ickenham to meet Tony Standing and, after collecting his cycling shoes, we went for a ride (24 miles) through Ickenham, up Breakspeare road to Harefield, down the hill and along the Denham by-pass to the bridge, then right up past the airport and into the wind to Rickmansworth. We came home via Batchworth Heath and Northwood. A nice afternoon but very windy, cool and showery. We had a snack at Mill End. In the evening I went training with the boys to Beaconsfield. Very fast coming back.
Wed Apr 15th 10 miles Went out for a short ride in the afternoon through Pinner to Northwood where I dropped the Easter tour report at Bob’s house [for the club magazine]. I then went down to the bottom of Joel Street and out through Ruislip Manor, Ruislip to Knight’s [cycle shop] at South Harrow. Home via Rayner’s Lane. Windy and tiring, although the wind dropped later.
Thurs Apr 16th 41 miles Out for a ride with Tony Standing in the afternoon, down the viaduct, along the Slough road, and then off into the lanes through Fulmer, Farnham Common and Hedgerley to Beaconsfield. We came home through Jordans, Chalfont St Peter (where we had some tea) and Harefield. Did not go out training in the evening because of the rain.
Fri Apr 17th 39 miles Went to Pinner in the morning and wrote to Brian Huggins [c/o the RAF]. I then went to Eastcote and had a little ‘ride around’. In the afternoon I called for Tony but he was cleaning his bike and, as it was starting to drizzle, we decided not to go for a ride. I came home via Ruislip and Cheney street.
Out training (hard as well!) in the evening through Rickmansworth to Amersham; home via the Chalfonts and Ickenham. A nice warm night with little wind. I hope that these conditions last until Sunday.
Sat Apr 18th 10 miles Did usual things in the morning and afternoon. Got bike ready for tomorrow’s club ‘30’. I am off number 15; there are 22 riders.
Sun Apr 19th 98 miles Up at 7.00 a.m. and out of the house by 7.40. I was off at 8.54 and improved to do 1.21.39 (22.045 mph). It was very blustery and the only stretches which could be called ‘easy’ were from the turn back through the Missendens, and from Amersham home. Colin Turner won with 1.19.44 beating Alan Stratman into second place (1.20.06). Jim Farrell and Brian Major both did 1.20.22 and I came fourth. Brian Major also took 1st handicap, screwing me into second place by only two seconds. A nice sunny morning; came home for dinner.
We went out in the afternoon through Rickmansworth to Missenden and then to tea at the Limes café at Princes Risborough. Had a super tea and I took a photo of the club outside. Came home via High Wycombe, Beaconsfield and the A 40. A very nice day which although windy was cloudless and very warm for a change. Rode in shirtsleeves this afternoon.
Mon Apr 20th 12 miles Rode up to Pinner early and took my cycling shoes in to be mended, and also bought a watch strap. Back to school today; then club night in the evening. Played darts and took dinner bookings for Sunday’s run. Sheila [Johns] gave me several negatives of our Easter tour and Stan [Boyes] brought up several of his photographs. He has a good one of me racing and he says that he will have it enlarged and printed for me. Gave Brian Major information on some ‘digs’ in Aylesbury.
Wed Apr 22nd 40 miles Received the start sheet for Sunday’s event [Eclipse R.C. ‘25’]; I am off number 112. Went for a ride in the evening out through Rickmansworth and Chorleywood, through Amersham to the ‘25’ turn just beyond Missenden. Came back down the course apart from a detour to Little Missenden, then home via Ickemham. A very warm day, sunny and cloudless.
Fri Apr 24th 19 miles Went for a short ride with Len [Chapman] through Harrow and Wembley. We climbed Harrow hill several times. Saw Tom Simpson and Ken Dopson. I am going to Flatford Mill next Wednesday [a school trip].
Sat Apr 25th 71 miles Went up to Pinner in the morning and then up to Gordon’s. I bought a new pair of pedals for the Thanet. Made final arrangements for the weekend and got the Holdsworth ready. I took a photo of it all packed up.
In the afternoon, about 2.45 p.m., Len, Roger and I left through Slough and Windsor Great Park to Bagshot (refreshments). After this we pushed on through Farnham, Bordon and Liss to stay with Len Chapman’s aunt. We had some super food [apparently two dinners] and then slept on the floor. I got a fly in my eye at Farnham and suffered muchly.
Sun Apr 26th 105 miles Up at 5.30 a.m. and out with the boys and Brian (Len’s cousin) at 7.00. We retraced our way to Farnham and on to the start. It was easy out to the turn through Alton and East Tisted, but a rising wind on the way back slowed me to a 1.07.23. I did not catch anyone and no-one caught me! Roger did 1.07.07 and Len 1.08.12, so the Northwood Wheelers team did a 3.22.42 and came 6th out of 33 teams!
We went back to Liss with the Southdown R.C. boys (Brian did a 1.11) and then got our bikes ready for the return journey. We had our breakfast at 12.00 noon. We then pushed on up the hill to Rake and finally to Hindhead (12 miles) where we met the club for dinner. Took three photos. Came home via Godalming, Guildford and Woking to Staines for tea. Then back through Iver and up the viaduct. A very hard ride home with a very heavy bike. Suffered with back-side!
The Northwood Wheelers Junior Team. Roger Bingham is on the left; Len Chapman on the right.
E. Tinker of the Willesden C.C. won the event this morning with a 1.04.31 and we had photos taken and a free cup of tea at the finish. Ken Dopson did a 1.08.56 in the Clarence Wheelers ‘25’ this morning. It was very warm today at times and altogether an excellent weekend, although tiring.
Mon Apr 27th 10 miles Club night. Paid Alan Stratman (who is doing Colin Turner’s job as Open Events Secretary for a while) 3/3d to ride in the WLCA ‘25’ on May 17th. We are not riding in the Advance Wheelers event because Roger cannot afford it and we cannot find another third man [for the Junior team]. I hope that I can get in the WLCA event because there are already four faster riders from the club entered. I will now be able to ride at Slough track in the afternoon.
Wed Apr 29th 82 miles [The start of a week’s field trip (Apr 29th to May 6th) with the school at Flatford Mill Field Station. The other members of the party travelled in a group by train. I, being a true ‘Wheeler’, chose to go by bike – much to the disapproval of the member of staff!]
Up at 6.00 a.m. and on the road by 7.00, out through Hatch End, Watford, Aldenham and Radlett to Welham Green, Hatfield, Essendon and Hertford. I then pushed on through Ware and Much Hadham to Bishop’s Stortford where I had some elevenses. After this refreshment I continued on to Dunmow, stopping in the town to take some photos. I then rode with a strong tail wind blowing me on through Braintree and Coggeshall to Four Marks where I had my sandwich lunch. On then to Colchester where I visited the castle and the Essex museum; then on to Manningtree and the river Stour. I looked around Manningtree for a while, then crossed the river over to the village of East Bergholt. I spent the afternoon looking round the village with its church, priory and ‘bell cage’ and then to Flatford Mill. A very nice day, cool and blustery, but the wind was behind me.
Great
Dunmow, Essex. On the way to Flatford Mill
The
village of Dedham, Suffolk
Willie Lott’s cottage at
Flatford Mill
Fri May 8th 22 miles I went out for a short training ride on the Holdsworth, down through Ickenham to the Western Avenue, then left along to the South Ruislip roundabout, and then back to the Oxford road along the same route. I was twiddling so fast and seemed to be travelling so slowly that I had to get off to check my gear! When I reached the A 40 I turned off into Denham eventually coming out on the Denham by-pass and the home through Harefield, Northwood and Eastcote. A very nice evening.
Sat May 9th 22 miles Knocked about as usual for a Saturday morning. Got all the news from the club: Jim Farrell won the club ‘50’ at the weekend with a 2.22 but Alan Stratman, Tom Simpson and Colin Turner all packed!
In the afternoon I went over to Tom’s and Bob’s with Roger, and then up Mount Vernon hill to Harefield and on to Colin’s at West Hyde. Got the entry forms for the Farnham R.C. ‘25’ on May 24th. Spent the evening at Roger’s developing films.
Sun May 10th 106 miles Up at 5.30 a.m., out at 6.15 to do a ‘private’ in the Westerley R.C. ‘50’. I was a very fast ride out to the turn which I reached in about 1 hour 6 minutes. Had a drink of hot Ribena at the turn and then staggered back into a rising wind to the finish. Had hot coffee and a sponge at Shardeloes. I improved my ‘50’ time to 2.20.11 so beating Roger’s best. If I had done this time last weekend I would have won the club ‘50’! It was a very hard finish but a good event, won by Mortimer with about a 2.05. We had elevenses at the Havelock café and then rode home for a bath and dinner.
Roger and his new friend Doug and I then went out to Tring to meet the club for tea. We went the usual way, meeting Harry Ford at Berkampstead. Met Tom, Shiela, Bob, Roy and Ken. Brian Major did a 1.05.22 this morning. Colin Turner did 1.06.24 and Jim (?) a 1.08. Jim Farrell did not finish and everyone agreed that it was hard.
After tea we came home through the lanes via Hawridge Common, Cholesbury, Chesham and Rickmansworth. I bought a photograph of myself taken by Harry Ford at the ‘30’ turn; it is very good. A very nice day.
Mon May 11th 10 miles Club night. Paid Roger 6d for Wednesday night’s ‘10’. Made arrangements for next weekends trip to the Bath Road (WLCA ‘25’) and for Thursday evening’s training on Slough track. I hope to do a 1.06 on Sunday!
Wed May 13th 30 miles Met Roger and went out to the ‘10’start. My rear tub blew out at West Hyde – I shall have to buy a new one on Saturday. It was very windy and I felt sick all the way round, probably because I had done a ‘50’ on Sunday – hence only did 26.30 and came fourth behind Roger (25.47), Bill Honour (26.03) and Len Chapman (26.17). There were 12 riders in all. We came home down Red hill and up the viaduct. A disappointing night.
Fri May 15th 3 miles Out for short ride between showers. It has been very wet and windy these last few days – I hope that it clears up for Sunday. Had my first exam (A levels) today at South Kensington.
Sat May 16th 55 miles It was very wet early in the morning but cleared up later, although it remained very windy. Went up to Pinner and then over to Gordon’s where I bought a new tub (39/6d). Had some elevenses in Eastcote. Fitted new tub when I got home, packed bike and fitted mudguards as it has been so wet lately. Perhaps it will clear up now!
We met in Ruislip at 3.00 p.m. and struggled off into a headwind through Slough to Maidenhead where we had a cuppa. Then on to Reading where we had a cooked meal before continuing on to Theale and our ‘digs’ at the “Three Kings”. We arrived at about 8.00 p.m. Got our bikes ready, then had supper and a beer in the pub, and retired for the night. Super ‘digs’ – and a nice day.
Sun May 17th 80 miles Alan Stratman was up at 5.00 a.m., waking Jim and me at 5.45. I got up at 6.00. Alan was off number 23 at 6.23 and did a 1.05.14. Brian Major was off number 75 at 7.15 and improved to do a fine ride of 1.03.27. I was off number 88 at 7.28 and did a pleasing ride of 1.06.48. It was very hard to the turn but very fast on the way back. It also rained during the event. Eric Smith caught me. Jim did 1.06.47 – screwing me by 1 second, the rogue. It was not an easy morning but many riders improved. The event was won by J. Finnegan of the Redmon C.C. with a 1.01.01.
WLCA ‘25’
on the Bath Road: 1.06.48
After we had some breakfast and packed Brian and Alan with their bikes into the van that Bob Harvey had driven down, Jim and I cycled back to Slough stopping for a beer and some grub on the way. We stayed all afternoon at the track, but I did not race as I had had enough for one day. It became quite warm. Home at 5.15.
Mon May 18th 10 miles Club night. Gave out runs lists and took bookings. Another wet night.
Tues May 19th 4 miles Sent off the runs lists and then took one to Gordon and one to Roger. Also took a notice for the club magazine round to Bob Harvey. Had a short ride around Pinner.
Wed May 20th 30 miles Warm and sunny at last. I received the photograph from Clook [photographer] of my ride in the WLCA ‘25’ last Sunday; it is very good. Went for a ride in the evening down through South Harrow, over Harrow hill where I met Stan Boyes, then through Wembley, Wealdstone, Hatch End, Watford and thence to Hunton Bridge and home via Chandlers Cross, Chipperfield, Sarratt, Croxley Green and Rickmansworth. A warm night and a nice easy ride.
Sat May 23rd 33 miles Went up to Pinner and Eastcote early and then up to Gordon’s. Paid 10/- towards the new tub and saw the boys. Roger came round in the afternoon to make arrangements for our forthcoming Whitsun tour to South Wales. He stayed for tea and then we went for a ride in the evening around the local hills.
Sun May 24th 86 miles The hottest day yet - 85º! The club left Northwood at about 9.30 a.m. through Harefield to the Oxford road and then on to elevenses at Taplow via Fulmer and Burnham Beeches. We then continued on through Maidenhead and Reading to Burghfield for lunch at the Hatchgate Bakery, and a pint in a local hostelry. After lunch (and playing about with Bob Harvey’s gear) we returned through Reading to Caversham and Henley to Marlow, for tea at the Westreet café. We stopped by the river at Hurley. Met Harry Ford at tea; he had his ciné camera with him and he took several films. We then poodled home via Glory hill, Beaconsfield and the White Horse at Harefield. A very nice (and hot) day. Packed for tomorrow’s tour to South Wales when I got in.
Mon May 25th to Fri May 29th Whitsun Tour to South Wales 380 miles
Mon May 25th 122 miles Even hotter today - 89º! Left with Roger at 6.00 a.m. in shirtsleeves through Ickenham to Marlow, Henley and Nettlebed to Wallingford and some refreshment at Sotwell. We then rode on through Hartwell, Wantage and along the White Horse hills to Swindon where we had elevenses. Continuing on through Wooton Basset we stopped again at Brinkworth (sandwich lunch) and then to Malmesbury.
Looking cool in Malmesbury.
[Photo: Roger Bingham]
Here we visited the Abbey. We then continued to Chipping Sodbury and Alveston to the ferry at Aust. Crossed the river Severn to Beachley and continued on through Chepstow to the hostel. After cooking our supper we went out for a walk and a beer. A very hot day.
Tues May 26th 65 miles We left the hostel at about 9.00 a.m. and turned up the Avon valley past Tintern Abbey to Monmouth for elevenses. This was a very beautiful ride. We than pushed along the A 40 past Raglan castle to Abergavenny (for dinner) and then through Govilon and up the monstrous hill (which we climbed – 4 miles of 1 in 6 to 1 in 10) to Brynmawr. We then passed Ebbw Vale before dropping down into Merthyr Tydfil and on to Cefn Coed to stay with my ‘Aunt’ Doris (actually an old friend of my mother’s). We went for a ride in their car in the evening.
Thurs May 28th 83 miles We left Cefn at about 9.00 a.m. riding up the lovely road to Brecon; took several photographs along this stretch. We had some elevenses at Glasbury and then pushed on through Hay-on-Wye to Hereford for dinner. We continued on through Ledbury and then up to Malvern and the hostel at Malvern Wells. There was a beautiful view from the top. From one side you could see 35 miles to the Brecon Beacons, and on the other, about 35 miles to the Cotswolds. We cooked our dinner and then went out for a short evening ride to Great Malvern.
Fri May 29th 110 miles Leaving the hostel at about 9.00 a.m. we descended the hill to Upton-on-Severn, then to Pershore and Evesham to Broadway where we climbed the monstrous Fish Hill to Bourton for elevenses. We then continued with a rising tail wind through Moreton, Chipping Norton and Enstone to Bicester for dinner, then home via Aylesbury, Great Missenden, Amersham and Rickmansworth. We got home at 4.15 p.m. having ridden some 380 miles through 14 counties. It was not so hot today, but very easy with the tail wind.
Sat May 30th 18 miles Went up to Pinner early to do some shopping and to have a haircut, and then up to Gordon’s. I bought a new Imperial tubular and paid Tom Simpson 5/- for the club ‘100’ tomorrow and 2/6d for the inter-club ‘25’ against the South Ruislip next Tuesday (Coronation Day). There are 50 entries for the latter; I am off number 27. When I got home I got my bike ready for tomorrow’s ‘100’. Messed around for the rest of the day, but went for a short ride ‘around the block’.
Sun May 31st 120 miles Up at 4.15 a.m. to ride in my first 100 mile time trial. I was off number 7 at 6.07. Ken Lane caught me at Amersham but I stayed with him until Great Kimble. We caught Colin Turner and Geoff Madgewick near Wendover. I stayed with Geoff until about the 65 mile turn and then dropped him to finish in 4.55.54, to come second in place and handicap behind Ken Lane. I felt fine all the way round but went off course at Stoke Mandeville adding about half a mile to my ride. They handed up date and apple sandwiches, rice pudding, apricots, Ribena and hot tea, and I took some date sandwiches and some lemonade [sounds more like a picnic than a race!]. Ken won the event with 4.53.38 and pipped me to first handicap by 16 seconds. Came home via Harefield and Northwood. Many riders packed today in the stiff wind.
Mon June 1st 18 miles Went shopping in the morning and then got my bike ready for tomorrow’s inter-club ‘25’ against the South Ruislip. C.C. Club night in the evening. Did not take any bookings as we have another ‘25’ on Sunday and then a track meeting at Slough.
Tues June 2nd 40 miles Coronation Day Got up at 6.15 a.m. to ride in the annual inter-club ‘25’, only to find it raining and blowing hard. [Those of you that remember Coronation Day will also remember the rain. It poured. However, like Queen Salote of Tonga we rode bravely around the course in our open carriages……!]. I was off number 27 at 8.08 and struggled to the turn, in the strong head wind, in about 39 minutes, and then twiddled my legs off on the return leg to record 1.08.23. Colin Turner won with a 1.4 and Ken Dopson and Alan Browne both did 1.5. But the Northwood Wheelers lost the team prize to the South Ruislip for the first time because both Alan Stratman and Jim Farrell punctured. Jim also started 50 seconds late. We only lost by about a minute on aggregate time however. I came 17th in the event and about 8th in the Northwood Wheelers. It was a very hard day. Came home and watched the Coronation on television for about 12 hours non-stop. The weather did not seem to spoil Coronation day!
Wed June 3rd 14 miles Another cold, windy and showery day. The last two days have been the coldest June days since 1926! In the morning I cycled over to Eastcote twice and then to Ruislip. I then went to Pinner and spent the rest of the day pottering around. Went to the pictures later in the afternoon. I hope that the weather warms up and the wind drops for Sunday – we have not had a windless day for our racing yet this year.
Fri June 5th 31 miles Went out training through Rickmansworth and Chorleywood to Amersham and then home via the Chalfonts and Ickenham. A nice night, but the wind has now turned round and it was harder on the way back! It was quite warm, the weather having improved in the last two days.
Sat June 6th 22 miles Up to Pinner and Eastcote twice in the morning and then up to Gordon’s at Northwood Hills. Had elevenses with Bob Harvey. In the afternoon I rode over to Ruislip to see the local [Coronation] celebrations, and met Brian. We say the procession again in Eastcote. Phoned Roger and went round to his house in the evening.
Sun June 7th 72 miles Up at 4.45 a.m. and out soon after 5.30. I was off number 21 in the club ‘25’. Reached the turn in about 33 minutes and then flew back to improve by 59 seconds to a personal best of 1.05.25. I caught three riders and Brian Major caught me. Brian won the event with a 1.03.23. Ken Dopson improved to 1.04.04, Alan Stratman 1.04.14 (but several minutes late), Roger Bingham 1.05.19 and Jim Farrell 1.05.20. I came 6th in the event and 3rd in the handicap. A very good event.
We spent the afternoon at Slough track. They had motor pacing – Bateman won from C.S.I. Scott and Robins. Cold but a very nice day.
Mon June 8th 10 miles Club night. Took bookings for Sunday’s run to Box Hill and entered this weeks club ‘10’ and the ‘50’ on June 21st.
Wed June 10th 6 miles Held a committee meeting at Tom Simpson’s. We discussed the club dinner and club track championships. The dinner will probably be on December 3rd and the track meeting on August 9th. A very warm night for a change. If it keeps like this until tomorrow it might well be fast.
Thurs June 11th 31 miles Roger called for me soon after 7.00 p.m to go out for the evening ‘10’. It had been pouring since dinnertime and it did not stop until the start of the race. Boff Empson turned up to do the time keeping. Shiela Johns and Ron Hatton turned up for the turn, but there was nobody else! Roger and I rode, and I beat Roger to do a 26.10. There was a thick mist over much of the course and it was very warm and sticky. Since there was little wind it was ideal for racing. My speed for this event was exactly the same as that for the ‘25’ last Sunday – 22.930 m.p.h.!
Tea at Staines. From left to
right: Ken Dopson, ?, myself, Jimmy Jack, Shiela Johns, Roger
Bingham, Len Chapman (standing), Bob Harvey and Tom Simpson.
Sat June 13th 25 miles Went up to Gordon’s and then over to Tom Simpson’s and Boff Empson’s. Went to Pinner twice. In the afternoon I rode over to Wembley to see my sister’s new flat. It drizzled and I had to burn it up both ways.
Sun June 14th 83 miles left Northwood at 9.30 a.m. down through Hillingdon, making our way (just about!) through Walton to the Winning Post café at Esher, where we picked up Ken Dopson. We then continued on to Leatherhead and climbed Box Hill the hardest way possible – across the stepping stones and straight up the wooded slope! We had dinner at the Old Forge and then climbed up to Ranmore Common and down to Ripley, Pyrford and Woking to the Old King’s Head at Chobham for tea. Came home via Sunningdale, Staines and Iver. A very nice day but showery.
Mon June 15th 10 miles Club night. Played darts and table tennis. I entered for the club ‘50’ this Sunday. Got wet going up to the club rooms.
Tues June 16th 18 miles Out for a short ride around the lanes through Ruislip, Harefield and Northwood. It was very windy but quite warm; heavy showers later. Met Len Chapman and Boff.
Wed June 17th 12 miles Went over to Wembley in the evening to my sister’s flat, and combined this trip with a short training run. I had two Chemistry exams today.
Sat June 20th 10 miles Did usual Saturday things today. Paid Tom 3/6d for the ‘50’ – I am 3rd off with a 4 minute handicap. Also paid 3d to Bob Harvey for the club magazine, and bought a film with my ‘tea money’.
Sun June 21st 76 miles I got up at 5.30 a.m. and out of the house by 6.00. I was off number 3 in the club ‘50’ . It was hard in places to the turn, Alan Stratman catching me at Walton. I did about a 1.10 to the turn but sagged badly on the return leg. I packed it in when I caught Alan on the way back at Wendover. Colin Turner won the event with a 2.15.
Went swimming with the two Brians (Huggins and Major) in the afternoon at Black Park lake.
Mon June 22nd 10 miles Club light. I did not take any bookings as it is the WLCA ‘100’ and Slough track league on Sunday. Len and I entered for the South Ruislip C.C.’s ‘100’ on July 12th. We had a short committee meeting. Len and I are going training on Slough track on Wednesday evening.
Wed June 24th 32 miles I called for Len at about 5.30 p.m. and we rode over to Slough track. Got our bikes ready and did some training – mainly fast lapping – about 4 or 5 miles of it. Roger came down later. It rained on the way home, but a very satisfying evening.
Thurs June 25th 27 miles Out with Roger to see a track meeting at Paddington. Very good indeed. Enzo Sacchi beat Reg Harris in the sprints but then Reg beat his own national 440 yards record with a time of 24.0 seconds. In the 10 mile event Severn and Burgess lapped the field on a 520 yard track. A very fine and warm day.
Fri June 26th 18 miles Another scorching day! I went for a ride in the evening with Len, through Rickmansworth, along the Denham by-pass and then up Church hill. We met the club at Nell’s café in Northwood.
Sat June 27th 11 miles Up to Pinner in the morning to do some shopping and to have a haircut. Then up to Gordon’s to meet the boys. Stayed in all the afternoon listening to the test match. Got bike ready for tomorrow. Phoned Len and Alan. Alan and Brian Major then came round and we worked on the programme for the club track championships. Brian had spent the afternoon with Tony Standing, watching a wonderful meeting at Herne Hill.
Sun June 28th 45 miles Woke up to find it pouring with rain – again! It stopped later and I met Len and some others at Northwood and we proceeded to Slough track. We got ready and had dinner. Len won two laps in our event and I finished up at the back of the field! Quite a good lark though. I must do a good ride in the ‘10’ on Wednesday night to satisfy my ego. Came home the usual way. A useless day.
Mon June 29th 10 miles Club night. I paid Roger 1/6d for the club ‘10’ on Wednesday. It is a handicap event and I have got 15 seconds.
Wed June 31st 30 miles Ambled over to the start with Roger and Ernie Jeffs. I flew out to the turn in about 12.40, but then broke my toe strap on turning and came back much slower because of this. I nearly fell off on Stanley hill when my foot slipped off. Eventually I did a slow 26.30 to come third behind Len Chapman (25.49) and Roger Bingham (26.19). There were 9 riders. A very nice evening and satisfying because I felt fit.
Fri July 3rd 47 miles Went out training in the evening along the Oxford road to Beaconsfield and High Wycombe, then left up the hill to Marlow, across the river and up a terrific hill to Pinkney’s Green and then down into Maidenhead and home via Slough and Iver Heath. A very nice night and quite warm, but a lot of flies about.
Sat July 4th 10 miles Bought a new pair of toe straps at Gordon’s and paid Bob Harvey 2/- for the photos. Tom was out so I paid Dick Houston 2/6d for the ‘25’ tomorrow. I am off number 3 at 6.03 and have only a two minute handicap! I cleaned my shed out in the afternoon and got my bike ready. I have been accepted for the South Ruislip open ‘100’ but three of our riders have not. We are the third slowest team in the event! The fastest man does a 4.18 and Dave Keeler is also riding.
Sun July 5th 64 miles I got up at 4.15 a.m., out of the house by 5.00 and off number 3 at 6.03 in the annual inter-club ‘25’ with the Herige Wheelers. I nearly caught Tom Simpson to the turn (I was more than 30 seconds up) but then he had to get off to do the marshalling at the turn! So I had a completely lone ride back again, and slowed to do a 1.05.44. Colin Turner won the event breaking club record with 1.02.4 and Len Chapman ‘did battle’ with him to record a fine 1.04.32. Ernie Jeffs did a 1.06.50 on his first ever ride and even Roy Turner did a 1.6. A near perfect morning with no wind. I came 8th out of 25 starters. We went swimming at Black Park lake in the afternoon.
Mon July 6th 10 miles Club night.
Tues July 7th Held a committee meeting at my house; hence no mileage. We discussed track meetings, the touring section and club dinner.
Wed July 8th 28 miles Out for a short training ride through Watford and home via the Denham by-pass and Stanmore. A cool and windy night.
Sat July 11th 63 miles In the afternoon 17 of us pushed off, heavily laden, to camp at Pangbourne. We reached the site [probably the roadside!] at about 7.00 p,m.. It rained – or rather teamed – all night, but we did not get too wet and slept quite well.
Sun July 12th 153 miles Up at 4.00 a.m. and off number 11 in the South Ruislip ‘100’ just behind Dave Marsh. I did a 1.12 to the first turn at 23 miles and then 2.23 to the ‘50’ turn. I then sagged a bit to finish in 4.57.14. The reason for this was the incessant rain throughout the whole event. I have never been so wet in all my life, and the tiring cross wind all down the Bath road stretch which made the second leg hard. The rain made my legs cramp. Only 56 of the 100 entries finished, and I was the only one to do so from the Northwood Wheelers. Dave Keeler passed me at Hungerford – he’s terrific. Saw and met many of the top-line time triallists. The event was won by M. Macdermott of the Century R.C. in 4.22.41.
Dave Keeler of the Vegetarian C & AC was another of my boyhood heroes. In the 1950s he was a consummate time triallist, from 25 miles (competition record) to the ‘End to End’. In 1958 he rode from Lands End to John o’Groats in 2 days 3 hours and 9 minutes, thus beating the pre-war record (1937) of 2.06.33 by Sid Ferris. The present day record (2001), for comparison, is 1 day, 20 hours, 4 minutes and 20 seconds by Gethin Butler; the woman’s record (2001) is 2.05.48.21 by Lynne Taylor.
We got back to the camping site, got packed up and then rode home. I had a blow out and finished by riding one of Ton Simpson’s sprints. The club had about eight punctures between Reading and home, probably from flints on the wet roads. A disastrous day and very wet; in fact, we had a super ‘swim’! We got home at about 5.30 p.m. very tired. It was, however, a very well-run event.
Mon July 13th 10 miles Club night. I am marshalling in the 12 hour championships on Sunday – getting up at 3.00 a.m. There is also a ‘10’ on Wednesday night and I am determined to do a good ride. Saw the new Crooke’s trophy – it is very nice.
Wed July 15th 30 miles Roger called for me at 7.00 p.m. and we poodled out to the ‘10’ start. I started number 4 and caught Michael Bailey at the top of Stanley hill but could not drop him until the top of the same hill on the way back. I finished with a 26.28 beating Doug by 7 seconds for 1st place. Roger did not ride because he has developed a creaky knee! I cannot seem to improve, but at least I am consistent.
Thurs July 16th 7 miles Over to my sister’s new flat at Wembley. It rained heavily again on the way home.
Fri July 17th 15 miles I called for Alan Stratman and gave him the gen about our weekend at Selsey. We then rode over to Colin Turner’s to see about the ‘12’. Ada made some ‘pooftas’ [scotch pancakes] and I have now got the recipe. Came home after dark with Colin’s borrowed lights. A nice evening.
Sat July 18th 13 miles Did usual things in the morning. I am meeting Doug tomorrow in Eastcote at 4.00 a.m. to marshal in the 12 hour championships, first at Wheatley Bridge and then (by 12.30) at Aston Clinton. Made some pooftas when I got in and got the Thanet ready for tomorrow.
Sun July 19th 89 miles Up at 3.00 a.m. and off with Doug at 4.00 along the A 40 via Beaconsfield, High Wycombe and Stokenchurch to the first marshalling point at Wheatley. After we had seen the riders through we rode on through Thame to Princes Risborough, where we had some grub, and thence to Aston Clinton via Weston Turville. Here we fed and sponged the riders on their last leg. Came home via Tring, Berkampstead and Watford. A nice warm day.
Mon July 20th 10 miles Club night. Gave out the runs lists and made arrangements for the annual night ride to Stonehenge at the weekend. Stan Boyes and Jim Farrell were both up at the club room tonight. Rodney Bridge became the club 12 hour champion yesterday with 209 miles. Alan was second with 207 miles and Roy Turner third, but just failing to top 200 miles. Colin Turner punctured twice and packed it in, and Ken Dopson and Ken Lane did not start. 209 miles is not a great total, but Rodney is a worthy champion because he beat Alan who has done 222 miles when fit.
Wed July 22nd 12 miles Cycled to school and then over to the Orchard with Gerry – still no definite news of a [temporary] job. It rained for most of the day, but went for a short potter.
Thurs July 23rd 5 miles Over to the school in the evening with some ice, and then to Maddison’s for 4 quarts of cider for our last school dinner tomorrow.
Fri July 24th Last day at Pinner County School. Had a celebratory dinner in the school canteen and then the Leavers’ Dance in the evening. A super day and quite warm.
Sat – Sun July 25th - 26th Annual Night Ride to Stonehenge 204 miles
Sat July 25th 20 miles Went to Pinner and Eastcote early and then to Northwood, Over to Headstone Park in the afternoon to watch the cycle [grass track] racing – quite good.
We then left Nell’s café on the night ride soon after 9.00 p.m. down through Slough, Windsor, Ascot, and Bagshot to Basingstoke. We then continued into a head wind through Andover to Amesbury and on to Stonehenge. We stopped for grub at Camberley and for some sandwiches at Hurstbourne Priors. Reached Stonehenge at about 4.00 a.m. after a very good night’s riding. At 6.00 a.m. we left up the road through Netheravon, Ensford, Upavon and Pewsey to Oare Hill (which we walked!) and then continued to Marlborough. We then climbed the hill to Savernake and continued through Hungerford and Newbury to Mac’s café near Theale for breakfast. We rested near here in a lane and then proceeded to Reading for lunch and thence via Henley to Marlow for tea. Home at about 7.30 p.m. Completed over 200 miles in a day (24 hours) for the first time – a very nice day (and night) indeed. I did not feel at all bonked and far less tired than usual on a ride of this magnitude.
Mon July 27th 80 miles A week’s holiday (mainly non-cycling) at Selsey Bill
Alan Stratman, Brian Major and I left Alan’s house at about 2.45 p.m., just after a violent thunderstorm. Heavily loaded up for camping, we went the direct route to Selsey via Staines, Woking, Guildford, Godalming, Milford, Hindhead, Midhurst and Chichester. We stopped for food at Staines and Hindhead. We stayed for the week at my ‘Auntie’ Norah’s, camping on her lawn.
Camping at Selsey. Alan
Stratman and Brian Major with their favourite tipple
Sat August 1st 85 miles Alan came home from Selsey in his father’s car as he has developed an abscess [in a most awkward place!]. His father drove down to Selsey with Paul and Paul then rode Alan’s bike home. We came back through Chichester, Petworth, Chiddingfold and Guildford, going wrong after Staines, through Datchet. A nice warm day and a good week, although not so good for Alan [that should keep our club champion off his bike for a week or so!]. I shall not be going out with the club tomorrow as we are going to Hailsham to see relatives.
Mon Aug 3rd 54 miles Cycled down to Crystal Palace with Roger via Marble Arch, Hyde Park Corner, Vauxhall Bridge and Lambeth. We saw the De Laune CC mass start meeting. There was a bit of a mix-up in the Junior event and the ‘real’ winner did not win because he did not see the finishing line! Ian Scott was beaten into second place in the Senior 40 mile event which was cut short to allow for the finish of the International Folkestone to London race which was won by Les Gill (BLRC) by about 2 minutes from a Belgian rider. A very good circuit and an excellent meeting. Another very hot day.
In the Bath Road ‘100’ yesterday Vic Gibbons did a 4.6 (competition record) beating Keith Bentley with a 4.14. Roger Bingham did a 2.16.53 in the Norlond ‘50’ – I shall have to get moving! I start temporary work at the Orchard hotel tomorrow.
Tues Aug 4th 21 miles My first day at temporary work. Held a committee meeting in the evening at Colin’s house. Another nice day, but more windy. Came home over the hill to Harefield, and sent off insurance for the Thanet.
Fri Aug 7th 35 miles Cycled to Pinner early in the morning and then covered the usual miles (about 5 per day) to the Orchard. In the evening I went out training on the Holdsworth and finished up at Nell’s café to meet the club. Another very hot day.
Sat Aug 8th 15 miles Went round to Tom Simpson’s in the evening to find out about tomorrow’s ‘30’. We went down to our favourite watering hole, the ‘Case is Altered’ later on.
Sun Aug 9th 79 miles Got up at 5.15 a.m., out of the house by 6.00 and off number 9 at 7.09. There was a thick mist everywhere and it was very cold. Hence everyone was at least two minutes outside their expected times (calculated from their ‘25’s). Colin Turner won with only a 1.17.45 and I only managed a 1.21.12. This is an improvement but I could not get moving at all and got very wet.
We held the club track championships at Slough in the afternoon – in blazing heat! Tony Standing eventually won with 11 points out of a possible 12. He won the 880 yards time trial in 1 min 3.2 sec and the 5 miles. He also came second to Brian Major in the sprint. Overall, Brian was second and Colin third. I did not get any points but did 1 min 7.8 sec in the T.T. and lost a shoe-plate in the sprint!
Mon Aug 10th 29 miles Went up to the Orchard hotel early to collect my wages, and then up to Gordon’s to spend practically all of them on new bars, stem and brakes. I went up to Gordon’s three times in all, and over to Bray’s twice. Club night in the evening. Paid 5/- for the next ‘100’ and took tea bookings for Sunday.
Tues Aug 11th 52 miles I met Roger Bingham at 9.00 a.m. and we went over to Ephgrave’s at Clapton, riding down Holloway road and across North London. We then came back via Bethnal Green, the City, Elephant and Castle, Westminster and home up the Harrow road. In the afternoon we went swimming at the Aquadrome at Rickmansworth. A nice day. [We both ordered new frames at Ephgrave’s. I had come into a £25 legacy on the death of my grandfather and, like a true Wheeler, promptly ordered a new frame! Frames made by Les Ephgrave were among the finest lightweight machines of the 1950s, and still prized by collectors of ‘classic’ machines today].
Wed Aug 12th 41 miles Did the usual things in the morning. Went up to Gordon’s and to Len Chapman’s before lunch and spent the afternoon at Alan Stratman’s.
In the evening I rode in the club ‘10’ in which I did the fastest time of 26.16. Bob Hatton did 27.16; I caught him at Chalfont St Giles and gave him a sprint finish. Michael Bailey came third with 27.55. A very hot and sultry evening and I used my Thanet.
Thurs Aug 13th 9 miles Spent nearly all of the afternoon and evening at Alan’s (he is still suffering from his abscess!). Rode around the shops in the morning.
Fri Aug 14th 10 miles Went to Eastcote and for a short ride in the morning.
Sat Aug 15th 11 miles Did usual things for a Saturday morning. Took my negatives round to Bob Harvey – he is going to print them for me. Met Brian and Alan at 3.00 p.m. and spent an interesting evening with them in London [the diary does not reveal quite what we got up to!].
Sun Aug 16th 73 miles Left Northwood at about 9.00 a.m. with the club out through the Sarratt lanes to Chesham for elevenses. We then pushed on up to Great Missenden where I had 3½ pints of beer; we then wobbled into Amersham. Tom Simpson broke four spokes in his back wheel. We were supposed to meet a chap at Prangley’s by 3.00 p.m., so Ken Dopson and I burned home at a fantastic rate, covering the distance in 33 minutes to get there soon after 3.00. However, the chap did not turn up so, after having a 4.00 o’clock ‘dinner’ at Ken’s, we continued out to Stacey’s café for tea. Came home via Ruislip. A super day.
Mon Aug 17th 17 miles Did several small journeys to Pinner and Eastcote in the morning and then spent the afternoon at Alan’s. Club night: took bookings for Sunday’s run.
Tues Aug 18th 10 miles Watched television at Alan’s again and saw the final test match. Went for a short ride in the afternoon and ended up at Nell’s café with the club.
Wed Aug 19th 39 miles Out in the morning through Rickmansworth, Sarratt, Flaunden, Latimer and Chalfont; home via Denham and Ickenham. A super morning. In the afternoon saw England on television win the final test by 8 wickets and so regain the Ashes. Went to the pictures with Alan in the evening and again ended up at Nell’s.
Thurs Aug 20th 7 miles Spent a lot of the day round at Alan’s who has now got another week off because of his abscess. Went to Northwood in the evening.
Fri Aug 21st 39 miles Went over to Alan’s in the morning and again in the afternoon. At about 4 o’clock I left on my bike, between showers, to New Malden near Kingston. The journey down was wet and with a headwind. Spent a nice evening with Christine [who?] and left to come home at 10.45. I came home in 1 hour 5 minutes so that I was home 10 minutes before midnight!
Sat Aug 22nd 10 miles Up to Prangley’s in the morning and finished off my ‘card’. I then went round to Alan’s and then messed about. We went to the pictures in the evening.
Sun Aug 23rd 83 miles Left Prangley’s at Northwood Hills with the club at about 9.15 a.m. up the Oxford road to Beaconsfield, down Glory hill to Marlow for elevenses. We pushed on in pouring rain (it rained for most of the day!) and a strong headwind through Henley and Caversham to Reading, and thence through Theale to Mac’s café for dinner.
In the afternoon we split up and assisted in the ‘running out’ in the Middlesex R.C. 12 hour. Saw Beardsmore [second counter of the victorious Medway R.C. B.A.R. team, after the champion, Ken Joy], C.T. Horton and many of the fast blokes. Terry Howard did a good ride but our riders did not start as they were apparently not called in time. After we had finished we met for tea at Burghfield, still in pouring rain, and then came home via Reading and the Bath road. A very wet and windy day – Paul Stratman had three punctures.
Mon Aug 24th 15 miles Club night. Alan came up to the club rooms by car [his abscess is still bad!] and we all went round to Nell’s café afterwards.
Tues Aug 25th 45 miles Went to the shops several times in the morning, and Roger and I called on Alan. In the afternoon and evening I went out for a ride through Isleworth, Kingston, Wimbledon, Wandsworth, Putney, Westminster and then home via Piccadilly, Hyde Park and Wembley. A very nice evening.
Wed Aug 26th 38 miles Up to Prangley’s and over to Hatch End in the morning. I got my bike ready for this evening’s ‘10’ in the afternoon and then Roger called for me at 7.00 p.m. I found it hard on my 86" fixed wheel and did a 26.22. Roger won the event with 25.50 and Len Chapman was third with 26.27. Paul Stratman did a first ride of 26.40! We came home down the main road after having a few beers in Chalfont. A cold but calm night.
Thurs Aug 27th 8 miles Finished doing a job at home in the morning, and then over to Alan’s. We then went over to Hillingdon hospital [by car] – Alan has got another week off! In the afternoon Alan came round and we went to Nell’s café in the evening.
Fri Aug 28th 55 miles I left at about 9.00 a.m. through Pinner and Hatch End to Watford, and thence on to Tring via King’s Langley and Berkhampstead into a headwind. I turned left halfway down Aston Clinton hill, past Halton RAF camp, to Wendover and then home via the Missendons, Amersham, and the viaduct. A very nice morning but a persistent wind. Went to the pictures with the club in the evening after having spent the afternoon at Bob Harvey’s.
Sat Aug 29th 7 miles Spent the morning going round the shops and over to Prangley’s. Saw “Genivieve” in the afternoon with Brian.