1954
Fri Jan 1st 5 miles I went out training last night – either I have started early, or late! I got an ear ache in the process as it was so cold. Stayed in most of the day, but went to the Rex in the evening with Alan Stratman. We met some of the club there and finished up at Nell’s café in Northwood and then by walking home. Another very cold and frosty night.
Sat Jan 2nd 21 miles I went to the library early and then up to Northwood. Met the boys and made arrangements for tomorrow’s map-reading contest. I met Tom Simpson on his way home from work and saw him about the double fixed sprint wheel – he wants £2 for it. He told me that he had booked passages to Canada for Sheila and himself for March 27th.
In the afternoon Roger Bingham came round and we ran a runs list up to Bob Harvey. We then rode round to his house the long way round and spent the rest of the afternoon and evening there. Another cold night; my cold is lingering.
Sun Jan 3rd 53 miles The Map-reading Contest Met the club at Northwood Hills at about 9.00 a.m. and finally gathered at Colin Turner’s house at West Hyde just before 10.00 for another map-reading contest. We had about 15 places to visit, each rider starting at a different point. Each place was worth 10 points and points were lost for time late in reporting. I visited and signed in at the first 13 places but could not find the card at ‘Denham airport’ station. Apparently it has blown down in the gale force wind and was lying brown side up in some dead leaves. Time was so short now that I went straight back to the finish, staggering into the wind, not being able to afford much time in looking for the last point. Hence I got 130 points. Alan Stratman visited one more place than me even though he could not find one of the cards (which had completely disappeared), but was also 8 minutes late. Consequently he beat me by only two points with a score of 132! We then came straight home. A windy but very pleasant day.
Mon Jan 4th 12 miles Another very cold day. Went up to the club rooms in the evening, taking bookings for next weekend. We have a committee meeting at Sheila’s on Thursday, and Alan, Brian and I are going over to my sister’s flat in Wembley on Wednesday. It tried to snow on the way home, but left only a sprinkle.
Tues Jan 5th 9 miles Out for a short ride in the morning through Ruislip, Northwood and Eastcote. Very cold but enjoyable.
Wed Jan 6th 15 miles Went over to Wembley in the evening with Brian Major (Alan has a cold) to have chips, biscuits and brandy. It was snowing hard and very cold but the snow did not settle properly thank goodness. We got very wet going over there but wore our capes on the way back into a powerful head wind and sleet that is hanging around – and nearly killed ourselves.
Thurs Jan 7th 12 miles Brian Huggins was home from the RAF and came round to see me in the afternoon. We cycled into Eastcote over the icy roads to have coffee at the Rendezvous. Had a long chat. Held a committee meeting at Sheila’s in the evening.
Fri Jan 8th 5 miles Out for a short ride in the afternoon to call for Brian. He was not in, however, so I came straight home again as it was cold. Went to the pictures in the evening with Paul Stratman and some wenches. We saw Brian Major in the cinema with a woman – I wonder what he’s up to?
Sat Jan 9th 11 miles Went to Alan’s and then up to Prangley’s to meet the club.
Sun Jan 10th 65 miles Left at about 9.30 a.m. through Stanmore to Apex corner, up the Barnet by-pass and Welham Green to the Marshmoor café at Hatfield for some elevenses. After this we continued along to St Albans, past the roman theatre up to Leverstock Green where we had a pint; then back through Hemel Hempstead and the Shanty (Bourne End). We had dinner at the Shanty – and also about four punctures! Roger Bingham had three and Brian Huggins one. Brian climbed a lamp post which bent over and broke in two – he certainly livens up the club runs! We then returned to Northwood through the lanes via Chipperfield, Chorleywood and Rickmansworth, having a monster ‘blind’ most of the way home. We stopped at Nell’s for a cuppa. We had 17 people out today!
My new Ephgrave
Mon Jan 11th 24 miles A much warmer day, sunny at times. I cleaned my bike in the morning and then called for Brian Huggins. We went up to Northwood to look for his gloves and met Brian Major. After lunch I stayed in.
Up to the club in the evening. I beat Ken Dopson at snooker and had a jolly good evening. I gave Brian his ‘bars but forgot to pick up the wheel from Tom. We had a cup of coffee at Nell’s before coming home.
Tues Jan 12th 41 miles Cycled up to King’s College (on the Strand) with Brian in the morning via Wembley, Paddington and Trafalgar Square. We came back up the Edgware road and across the Welsh Harp. Brian came round again in the afternoon and I visited the dentist and went to the pictures in the evening.
Wed Jan 13th 8 miles Started to cycle to College this morning for the first time but only got as far as Wembley before my back tyre went down! Not having enough time to mend it, even though I had taken off the back wheel and taken the tube out, I just dumped the bike in a local cycle shop and continued by train. I will have to collect it tomorrow night. This incident has dampened my enthusiasm for riding up to London, at least during January. It poured later in the day, so perhaps it was a good thing!
Thurs Jan 14th 8 miles I collected my bike from Wembley on my way back from London.
Fri Jan 15th 33 miles I started to go out training into a head wind but met the club and we went over to the Feltham R.C. club rooms instead. Had a jolly good evening and some good training too. A very powerful wind.
Sat Jan 16th 12 miles I collected the vegetables from Pinner, took my library book back, and then took my wheel into Gordon Prangley’s. I paid him 10/-, got 15/- from Brian, paid my club subscription and collected the rear sprint wheel from Tom Simpson. Met the boys in Northwood Hills and had coffee. Cleaned my bike when I got in.
Sun Jan 17th 75 miles The club assembled at about 9.30 a.m. and we rode through Hillingdon, Cranford and Feltham to Walton on Thames for some elevenses. We then cycled through the lanes, across a golf course and out onto the A 3 near Ripley. We then turned right to Guildford. Here we had lunch, a pint and visited the priory. Came home through Woking and Chertsey, stopping for tea at Staines. A very nice sunny day and very cold in the early morning and again after dark. We had 16 club members out today.
Mon Jan 18th 10 miles Club night. Played snooker and lost. Made arrangements for the weekend and the club’s A.G.M.
Wed Jan 20th 20 miles I went out training in the evening. It was drizzling when I started and I had to cut it short when it started to really rain – and I got soaked. A miserable night!
Brian
at Guildford Priory
Fri Jan 22nd 5 miles Went up to Len Chapman’s for a party – with about 10 of the Wheelers, a barrel of beer, 32 pints of Mackeson’s stout [our favourite tipple at the time] and some ‘shorts’. We had a good time and more than half of us, me included, remained sober enough to ride home.
Sat Jan 23rd 11 miles Cleaned my bike in the afternoon. We are only going out for elevenses tomorrow morning as it is the club’s A.G.M. in the afternoon. We think that our committee is ‘complete’. A very cold day with an east wind.
Sun Jan 24th 50 miles In the morning we went out to Fred’s café in Amersham for elevenses. About 12 club members were out and we met 5 of the Chesham boys there. Came home for dinner.
In the afternoon we assembled at 3.15 for the 6th Annual General Meeting of the Northwood Wheelers. It went very well – and was even enjoyable. The new committee is as follows:
Chairman Gordon (Boff) Empson
General Secretary Pat Norman
Treasurer Alan Stratman
Time Trials Secretary Myself
Open Events Secretary Colin Turner
Track/Mass Start Secretary Tony Standing
Social Secretary Pat Barnes
Touring Secretary Brian Proctor
Editor and Road
Safety Representative Bob Harvey
Ladies Representative Hilary
Junior Representative Brian Hamer
It was reputed to be -10º in an exposed potting shed at Basingstoke - 42º of frost, colder than Siberia!
Mon Jan 25th 10 miles Up to the club rooms. Took bookings for the last time as Touring Secretary before I hand over to Brian Proctor. I played snooker – and lost again!
Wed Jan 27th 6 miles It has been bitterly cold lately, so cold that even cycling is not so enjoyable. Nevertheless I went out for a short ride in the evening the keep up appearances! We have entered for the Harp R.C. hilly ‘100’ reliability trial on February 14th – I hope that it is a bit warmer by then!
Fri Jan 29th 26 miles Yesterday it was 25ºF at 12 noon and down to 19ºF by 4.00 p.m. It was 10ºF at Hazlemere (22º of frost) and the sea froze at many points along the south coast. Much of the country is blocked with snow and ice, but so far we have escaped with only a few snow showers.
Despite the cold I went training in the evening up the A 40 to just beyond Gerrards Cross and then home into the powerful head wind. It was very cold, but not nearly as cold as yesterday.
The
club roller contest. Roy Turner (left) and myself. Brian Major is
supporting me.
Sat Jan 30th 15 miles Some more snow this morning but not too much. Warmer and sunny later. Went up to Pinner and then to Gordon’s. Got my Holdsworth ready for the club roller contest in the afternoon.
In the evening I took my bike up to Potter Street school by train arriving there at about 6.30 p.m. I nearly fell off in the 880, did a 16.8 sec to Alan’s winning 15.2 sec in the flying 440, and failed to do anything in the 1½ mile pursuit. It was just about what I expected, but very enjoyable. I left my bike at the school after the roller contest; Alan is going to collect it tomorrow morning.
Sun Jan 31st 68 miles We left Northwood at about 9.30 a.m. over the hill to Rickmansworth and then to Amersham via Chorleywood; elevenses were taken at Fred’s café. We then continued through High Wycombe to the Westreet café at Marlow for dinner and a pint in one of the local taverns. It was very cold and we had a slight snow shower in Marlow. After dinner we climbed Winter hill in a violent snow storm, Albert hitting and buckling Hilary’s back wheel. After mending this we continued on through Cookham, Maidenhead, Windsor and Runnymede to the Cosy Nook café at Egham. After that we came straight home via Staines, Iver and Ickenham. A very cold day again; feet and ears suffered badly, but an enjoyable run nevertheless.
Mon Feb 1st 10 miles Up to the club; continuing very cold. Played snooker.
Tues Feb 2nd 5 miles Held a committee meeting at Alan Stratman’s. I took office from Tom as time trial secretary. It was quite an interesting meeting and they have given me plenty of work to do! At last we are going to have two touring sections, the ‘hard riders’ and the usual club run. I am going to lead the latter next Sunday.
Fri Feb 5th 28 miles Out training through Rickmansworth. I descended the hill into Rickmansworth like a bomb and would not have touched the brakes had it not been for a car at the bottom! Continued out through Little Chalfont and through the lanes to Chalfont St Giles, Chalfont St Peter and then home up the viaduct, Ickenham and Ruislip. Not quite so cold tonight but our pipes are still frozen and it was cold enough to make your feet unbearable by the end.
Sat Feb 6th 16 miles Met the club in Northwood, gave out lists of this year’s events and saw some photographs taken at the roller contest. They are very good; I shall buy a couple (6/6d). I then went over to Ruislip with Brian, Alan and Paul to buy mouth-organs and some records (them, not me!).
After lunch I went up to Gordon’s to collect a tyre that I had left there in the morning. Went to the pictures in the evening at Ruislip and then walked home.
Sun Feb 7th 18 miles Woke up this morning to find it raining, with a ‘silver thaw’ – ice all over the roads underneath the water. I phoned the Stratmans’ but they were still in bed so I stayed in all the morning, thawing our pipes out and doing some work. In The afternoon I rode round to Alan’s and then to Brian’s. We were going out to tea with the club but it started to pour with rain, We spent the afternoon at Brian’s listening to records. It had all frozen solid again by the evening and become very dangerous, but we cycled up to Nell’s café in Northwood. A disappointing day.
Mon Feb 8th 10 miles Club night. Eleven people are riding in the 63" gear ‘10’ on Feb 21st so far. I have not contacted the Chesham boys yet. I worked out a points system for marshals when I got home – I shall show it to Colin next week. Another frosty night but somewhat milder than of late. It is the Harp R.C. hilly 100 mile reliability trial on Sunday. Fifteen of us have entered for the ‘100’ in 6½ hours group [the hardest section, I believe] ; I hope that the weather is kind!
Wed Feb 10th 31 miles Went out training through Rickmansworth and Chorleywood to Amersham, and then home via Chalfont St Peter, Ickenham and Ruislip. A warmer night but wet roads in places which made my dynamo slip. I wrote to Ken Lane when I got in about this year’s events.
Sat Feb 13th 11 miles It was raining very heavily when I awoke; it has not stopped since last night’s rain which prevented me from going out training. The rain stopped when I went up to Gordon’s in Northwood Hills, the sun came out but the day remained mainly cloudy. Met the boys and conducted all my [time trial secretary’s] business. Went to the pictures in the evening with Roger Bingham.
Sun Feb 14th 95 miles The Harp R.C. hilly 100 mile reliability trial I left Pinner at about 9.30 a.m., along through Hatch End and Stanmore to the start at Spur road. I found that I had a slow puncture, but it was so slow that I chanced it!
Started at 10.25 with about 15 members of the club and got to the first check point, the Shanty at Bourne End, successfully. I had to stop to pump up my tyre so I could not stop at the café – and did not stop until dinner in Tring. It was a really hard course – and I really suffered! Only six riders left the dinner checkpoint with the intention of carrying on. Roy Turner soon punctured, leaving five of us. Brian Hamer and I then stopped with ‘parcels’ and we both had flat tyres. We mended them and had some grub. It was now too late to continue so we came straight home via High Wycombe and Beaconsfield. Stan Boyes, Albert and Paul Stratman went on, but most of the others got the bonk including Roger and Alan. Stan, Albert and Paul finally packed it in at 71 miles. Only 10 riders actually finished within the 6½ hour limit and there were only 55 finishers in total out of 150 starters. This course is far too hard for a 6½ hour schedule!
Mon Feb 15th 10 miles Club night in the evening. I collected final money for Sunday’s ‘10’, worked out the start sheet and gave it to Sheila to print. A nice evening.
Wed Feb 17th 3 miles Took my wheel into Gordon’s.
Fri Feb 19th 31 miles It has been raining all this week, heavily at times, otherwise a thick drizzle! This, coupled with exams at college, has kept me in against my will. I had today off so I went out for a short ride but got soaked. I was stranded in Pinner for some time in the library. Went up to Gordon’s in the afternoon. Met the club at Nell’s in the evening and 17 of us went out to Stacey’s at Chalfont St Giles for supper. An excellent run, super food, good Benskins over the road, and Tom Simpson was unbeatable at darts: no-one could get near him. Got home at midnight.
Sat Feb 20th 10 miles Did the usual things this morning, and collected the photos [of the roller contest] from Bob Harvey. A sunny day at last; very pleasant!
Sun Feb 21st 68 miles Up at 7.00 a.m. and off number 10 at 9.10 in the club low-gear ‘10’. I managed to improve last year’s time to 28.58. I was screwed by Albert by one second and by Roger by 4 seconds, but still came sixth. Brian Major won the event with 27.51. It was a very calm morning but cold with chilly rain at times. We stopped for tea and cakes at the Marshmoor before coming home for lunch.
In the afternoon we met and went out to Stacey’s at Chalfont St Giles for tea. We met the rest of the club here; they had been out to Chinnor for dinner. We sloshed home and met again in Eastcote at 7.15 p.m. to go ice skating at Wembley. A very nice day.
Mon Feb 22nd 10 miles Up to the club rooms. Got some entries for the next event and gave Pat (via Alan) my old saddle.
Wed Feb 24th 36 miles Went for a ride in the afternoon with Paul Stratman through Ickenham to Beaconsfield where we turned right, over the hill to Amersham and home through Chalfont St Peter and the lanes. A warm and sunny day for a change.
Fri Feb 26th 20 miles Went out training past Sandy Lodge, down into Watford and Croxley Green and home via Rickmansworth. A cold night.
Sat Feb 27th 8 miles Went over to South Ruislip to see Johnny Davis.
Sun Feb 28th 75 miles The annual Winslow ‘bash’ Left Northwood at 9.20 a.m., through Watford by 10.10. The real bash started at Tring where five of us (Tony Standing, Alan Stratman, Paul Stratman, Roger Bingham and myself) got away from the bunch and finally finished in Winslow about 5 miles ahead of Roy Turner, Brian and the others. Alan won by the largest margin yet – 55 seconds [by his reckoning?]. We then came straight home through Aylesbury (dinner) and home for tea,
Mon Mar 1st 10 miles Club night. I took money for the medium gear (72") ‘25’ and gave the start sheet to Sheila for duplication. We have bought our own duplicator.
Tues Mar 2nd Committee meeting at my house.
Wed Mar 3rd 10 miles Tried to get out training but only got as far as Northolt before torrential rain overtook me. I got soaked without mudguards. A miserable night, but at least the snow has turned to rain.
Fri Mar 5th Went up to Dirty Dick’s with Tom Simpson and the boys, to give Tom (and Sheila) a send-off to Canada. We had green cheese, pickles, Russian salad, draught Guinness and a jolly good time! We left a Northwood Wheelers’ roller contest ticket, duly signed, attached to the wall, and we all bought Dirty Dick’s balloons. Home by midnight.
With Tom Simpson (back) at the
‘Case is Altered’, just before his
departure.
Sat Mar 6th 12 miles Up to Gordon’s in the morning, then got my bike ready in the afternoon for tomorrow’s medium gear ‘25’ which starts at 8.00 a.m.
Sun Mar 7th 31 miles Got up at 6.30 a.m. to find it pouring with rain (again). Decided to go up to the start at 8.00. Boff Empson, Alan and Paul Stratman, and Rodney Bridges turned up but we decided to call the event off. We crept home to wring our clothes out. It cleared up in the afternoon but we all felt so fed up we went to the pictures.
Mon Mar 8th 10 miles Up to the club rooms and took entries for the next ‘25’ on March 21st.
Wed Mar 10th 46 miles A nice sunny day at last; went for a long ride out through Beaconsfield. Coles Hill, Amersham, Heronsgate, Chorleywood and Croxley Green. Home through Rickmansworth and Northwood. Very enjoyable.
Fri Mar 12th 21 miles I went out training (to celebrate my 19th birthday) through Ickenham, along the Denham by-pass to Rickmansworth and then home via Moor Park. Met Tom Simpson at the Northwood Hills hotel and had a drink with him – he is getting married tomorrow! A warm day, but still cold at night.
Sat Mar 13th 12 miles Cold and wet at times, with some sleet. Very different from Wednesday and Thursday! Saw Tom and Sheila’s wedding present which the club had given them – a lovely 8-day travelling alarm clock in a pale leather case. I went up to Northwood again in the afternoon and then to the pictures in the evening with Roger.
Sun Mar 14th 73 miles About eight of us out today even though it was very cold and raw. We went out the usual way through Slough, Maidenhead, Reading and Theale, and then home the same way. Elevenses were taken at the Southdown café in Taplow, and lunch at Mac’s café on the Bath road. Nothing eventful happened except the exceedingly slow pace which gave me the chills in more ways that one. Paul Stratman and I came home fast after tea (at Eddie’s café, Slough) in order to get warm. Alan Stratman, Brian Major, Tony Standing and Colin Turner were racing this morning in the Norlond combine 72" gear ‘25’.
Mon Mar 15th 10 miles Up to the club. Took money in for the next ‘25’ and gave it to Alan. Alan did the fastest time yesterday in the Norlond medium gear event – 1.10.05. Quite good really considering the conditions and the course; the winner did 1.5.55.
Wed Mar 17th 38 miles Still cold. I got home from town late and missed Paul so went out by myself through Stanmore to the by-pass and home via Watford and over the hill to Northwood. Later in the evening I took round about 8 start sheets to different people’s houses and finished up at a Social sub-committee meeting at Alan’s. Very windy.
Fri Mar 19th 28 miles It poured with rain all the afternoon and evening. I met Alan at 8.00 p.m. and we went out to Stacey’s at Chalfont where we met the club for the supper run. Had a nice meal, a pint and a few games of darts. Got very wet but enjoyed it.
Sat Mar 20th 10 miles Still raining in the morning although it cleared up by the afternoon. Cleaned bike and got the Holdsworth ready for tomorrow’s ‘25’. I hope that its not raining!
Sun Mar 21st 76 miles Got up at 6.45 a.m. and off number 8 at 8.38 in the club ‘25’. Stan Boyes started 30 seconds behind me and he apparently could see me by the Chalfonts, so he caught me. I caught Alan Beere and finished with a 1.07.40. Colin Turner won with 1.06.39, Stan second, 1.07.09 and Alan Stratman third with 1.07.18. I was fourth and won 3rd handicap. It was a warm but cloudy morning with only a slight wind and bright intervals.
In the afternoon Paul Stratman, Tony Standing and I went out to tea at Staines via Slough, Windsor and Runneymede. After tea, where we met Ken Dopson and Maureen, we came home through the lanes via Iver Heath and Ickenham. A nice warm afternoon.
Mon Mar 22nd 10 miles Club night. Finished up at the Clifton for a few beers with Tom Simpson before we finally said goodbye.
Wed Mar 24th 23 miles Out for a short ride in the afternoon through the lanes, and then to the pictures in the evening. A cool and windy day.
Thurs Mar 25th 31 miles I completely cleared my shed out in the morning. In the evening I met Paul Stratman in Eastcote, and then Brian Proctor and his two friends in Ickenham, and went out training. It came on to rain, however, so we cut it short and finished up in a café in Chalfont. It never came on to rain much, only showers, so we got home without putting on our capes. Brian got a puncture.
Fri Mar 26th 11 miles I called in to the post office and the hospital about possible jobs for the summer. Sent off 5/- to the YHA, enquired about my bike insurance, and visited Gordon Prangley’s where I bought a new tub. A nice dry day, sunny at intervals.
Sat Mar 27th 11 miles Tom and Sheila leave for Canada today. I went up to Northwood in the morning, called on Bob Harvey and saw the boys. Paid £3/10/- into my ‘account’ at Gordon’s and looked at some road shorts. We went to the pictures in the evening. A lovely sunny and warm day – the first day of spring?
Sun Mar 28th 40 miles Got up at 7.00 a.m. and met Brian Major at 7.45 to ride private time trials in the Marlboro’ ‘25’ on the Amersham course. Brian started a minute behind me and caught me. He did 1.06.30 and I did 1.07.30 so we had a battle for the line. It looks bad doesn’t it! I was just faster than last week even though the conditions were less favourable, with some rain. I am quite pleased with this performance. Got very wet and cold, and came straight home after the event.
Mon Mar 29th to Fri Apr 9th A week’s trip to the Isle of Man with a group from King’s College. No cycling, but a very enjoyable trip.
Sat Apr 10th 25 miles Met the club in Northwood Hills in the morning. In the afternoon I called round for Alan Stratman and we went for a ride. It is wonderful to be back on the bike after a week, but it seems very peculiar! I am riding tomorrow in the club ‘30’. A really warm and fine day today.
Sun Apr 11th 83 miles Got up at 4.45 a.m., out of the house by 5.30 and off number 9 at 6.09. There was a thick white frost and a cold mist. I could not get going, froze – and as I had been off the bike for a week – packed it in. Three others packed it in. Paul Stratman won from Colin Turner with a slow time of 1.23.53, so everybody was affected by the conditions.
We came home via Marlow where we met the rest of the club for tea. A really warm and sunny day today – got sunburnt – but a stinking hard morning. If the wind had been from the other direction I am sure that I would have done a 1.05!
Mon May 10th 24 miles I went up to the club via Ickenham and Colin Turner’s house at West Hyde (to collect the canteen clobber). Climbed Rickmansworth hill on my 72" gear. Took money for the next club ‘25’ on May 16th, gave out the start sheets and took entries for the ‘100’ on May 23rd. Also I discussed marshalling and feeding for this event. Ernie Everett came up about the inter-club ‘25’ with the Herige Wheelers which we will now hold on August 29th on the F 4.
Tues May 11th 53 miles I met Alan Stratman at 7.00 p.m. and together with Brian and Ian Major, rode out through Ickenham and Gerrards Cross to Beaconsfield (where Brian and Ian turned off) and then on to High Wycombe. We then turned left, up the hill, down into Marlow, over the hills again and then home via Maidenhead, Taplow, Stoke Poges, Wexham, Fulmer and up the viaduct. A lovely warm night, and a very nice ride.
Wed May 12th 30 miles Rode to college again, as last Wednesday. It took me slightly longer this week because the traffic was heavier. Another hot day (79ºF), but thundery by the evening.
Thurs May 13th 28 miles Went out to Chalfont in the evening to help with the Junior ‘10’. I would have liked to have ridden but I did not have time to get my bike ready, and I had a very large dinner before setting out! There were several surprises tonight: Firstly young Ian Major won the event in 26.49, beating Brian Hamer. Tony Standing did a private time trial in 26.22 and Brian Major 27.03 on a 72" gear. Secondly, Pat [Norman] did 29.11 to win the ladies’ event. We came home through the lanes via Ruislip.
Sat May 15th 17 miles Went up to Pinner, Eastcote (twice) and to Northwood in the morning and generally messed about. In the afternoon I got my Ephgrave ready for tomorrow’s ‘25’. Went to the pictures in the evening and then got to bed early.
Sun May 16th 76 miles Got up at 4.45 a.m., out by 5.30 and off number 7 at 6.37. A headwind to the turn, but easier coming back. I used an 86" fixed. It was not too tough and I could keep it going nicely without undue strain, but I could not find the speed I need, and finished with [another!] 1.07.40! I am fit but cannot seem to find that shine to my performance – I am on a sticky patch, I think.
We went out to meet the club for dinner at Slough and then went over to the track to watch some racing. After this, Brian, Tony and I went for tea and snooker at the Slough track centre. A cold and windy day.
Mon May 17th 11 miles Up to the club rooms. Took money for Sunday’s ‘100’ and made the final arrangements for marshalling and feeding – I think that we can cover it satisfactorily. Played snooker and lost. Had a committee meeting about the club dinner.
Wed May 19th 91 miles Cycled up to college and back in the morning (30 miles), and then left Eastcote at about 3.00 p.m. with some grub and drink to go training through High Wycombe, Saunderston, Princes Risborough, Great Kimble, Wendover and then home via the Missendens and Amersham. A warm, but cloudy evening, but a headwind all the way out and quite hard up the West Wycombe to Princes Risborough stretch.
Thurs May 20th 20 miles Went round to Colin Turner’s with some money and entry forms for the Farnham ‘25’ and the WLCA ‘50’. Called in at Nell’s café on the way back for a cup of coffee.
Sat May 22nd 14 miles Up to Pinner, Eastcote and Northwood Hills in the morning. Got my bike ready for tomorrow’s ‘100’ in the afternoon.
Sun May 23rd 146 miles Up at 6.00 a.m. and made my way up to the Havelock café [event headquarters] to change for the club ‘100’. I started number 5 just before 8.00 a.m. and caught Alan Stratman at Chalfont St Giles in pouring rain. We then passed Roy Turner and Stan Boyes, and the Alan also dropped back (he got cramp) and I pushed on alone through the feeds. At the far turn Ken Dopson was apparently 2½ minutes up on me. At Princes Risborough on the way back I was about two minutes up on my 4.45.00 schedule and at Walton was still level with it. However, I then sagged a bit although I caught Ken near the Chalfonts and beat him by 5 seconds to record 4.50.08. This was slower than I hoped, especially as I had been so close to dipping below 4.50, but at least I registered a personal best and won the event. I may be able to get my finger out now.
In the afternoon I met Tony and we went to meet the club for tea at Stacey’s (Chalfont). Home by 7.30 p.m. after a successful day.
Outside the Havelock café
Mon May 24th 3 miles No club tonight because there was a council meeting at the Grange. I went for a short ride.
Tues May 25th 21 miles Out for a short ride through Rickmansworth, down the by-pass and through the lanes to Tony Standing’s for a committee meeting. Home at 11.30 p.m.
Wed May 26th 45 miles Cycled up to College in the morning without incident. Roger Bingham ‘phoned up in the afternoon – he is home from camp and came round later. It has turned out warm again. Met Tony Standing later and we went over to the South Ruislip’s club rooms.
Thurs May 27th 31 miles I rode a private time trial in the club’s junior ‘10’. We caught the calm between two storms and some excellent times were recorded. Tony Standing (PTT) was fastest with 24.56, but Ian Major won the junior event with 25.15. I was third fastest with 25.37 – a personal best; Paul Stratman did 25.47, Roy Turner 25.51 and Pat Norman 28.13. I caught Alan Beere and Brian Proctor.
It poured with rain after the event and we got really soaked. My rear tub blew out down Red hill and I changed it in pouring rain with much cursing. I made it home safely, however: a night of mixed fortunes!
Fri May 28th 8 miles I had the afternoon off from college so went up to Pinner to buy some new trousers. I then went up to Gordon Prangley’s to get a new tub (he said that my Leone was irreparable) and one or two other odds and ends. It rained again later and all the evening.
Sat May 29th 18 miles I spent half the morning at Bob Harvey’s helping him to crank out the club magazine. In the afternoon I went down to Eastcote House where the club organised and rode in a roller contest for the local scout fête. Pete Kennedy and Alan Stratman were the most prolific winners, yours truly coming nowhere. Went dancing (!) at the Greenwood in the evening with Pat, Roger, Mac and Roy.
Sun May 30th 86 miles Left Northwood with the club (6 riders) down through Staines, Windsor and Ascot to Bert’s café at Bagshot for elevenses. We met the South Ruislip here. We then pushed on to Guildford (dinner at Young’s café) and spent some time by the priory. We then came home via Woking, Chertsey, Staines (tea at the Cottage café), Iver and Denham. A nice warm day with no rain!
Mon May 31st 12 miles Club night. I took entries for the annual inter-club ‘25’ against the South Ruislip (June 20th), 21 riders in all! I paid Brian Major 2/6d towards our digs reservations for the weekend. Came home via Ruislip Gardens. Alan Stratman, Roger Bingham and I are going training tomorrow night.
Tues Jun 1st 63 miles Out training in the evening with Alan, Roger and Paul. We went up the A 40 to High Wycombe and West Wycombe, then up Dashwood hill (I won the prime), then left at Stokenchurch to Marlow and home via Maidenhead and Slough. Got home at 10.00 p.m. and listened to the big fight on the radio – Don Cockell won. A nice night; fast but quite hard at times.
Wed Jun 2nd 30 miles Cycled up to College again today. Met Roger Bingham in the afternoon. Cool and very windy.
Thurs Jun 3rd 36 miles Out training with Roger via Colin Turner’s house at West Hyde (I dropped in my WLCA ‘100’ form) and then through the lanes to Chalfont St Giles and Beaconsfield, and then home through Hedgerley, Fulmer and Ickenham. A nice night but cold later. Met Brian and Ian Major in Ruislip.
Sat Jun 5th 56 miles Hot, still and sunny this morning and I thought that we were in for a good weekend for a change. But at 2.15 p.m. it started to rain with the most violent thunderstorm I have ever seen. Brian Major and I rode down to Farnham passing several stretches of completely flooded road. We got there at 6.00 p.m. and soon found our digs. Tony Standing came down later. It rained all night!
Sun Jun 6th 80 miles Another cold, wet and blustery day! We rode in the ‘25’. I did not finish, suffering from stitch, but Brian did a 1.04.52. Silk won the event with about 59.30. Home by 6.00 p.m. very wet and cold.
Mon Jun 7th 32 miles I stayed in during the morning, trying to remove my handlebars from the Holdsworth, but they were completely ‘frozen’. I could not shift them and will have to take the bike up to Gordon’s. Met Brian and Tony in the afternoon and we went to see the grass track and athletics meeting at Watford. Brian did quite well but not brilliantly. Tony and I came home for tea and then returned to the track in the evening. Got wet again.
Tues Jun 8th 31 miles Went out for a ride in the evening with Paul Stratman through Gerrards Cross, the Chalfonts and Rickmansworth. Got soaked!
Wed Jun 9th 8 miles Got soaked again this evening going over to the South Ruislip’s club rooms. Went up to Pinner fair later.
Thurs Jun 10th 23 miles I went out to watch the junior ‘10’. Brian Hamer won the event with 25.47, Ian Major did a 26.08 and Bill Jacobs 26.10. These were very good times for such a blustery night. It rained all day but cleared up for the evening.
Fri Jun 11th 6 miles Went up to Bob Harvey’s in the evening to produce the inter-club ‘25’ start sheet for June 20th. Also helped with the club magazine. We are going down to the Bath road this weekend to ride in the WLCA ‘50’.
Sat Jun 12th 53 miles Did usual things in the morning, including a haircut, and then left with Brian Major at about 11.00 a.m. for Theale. We arrived at about 3.00 p.m., meeting Brian Appleby on the way. We found our digs and got our bikes ready for the ‘50’ in the morning.
Also staying at the digs were Mr Dimmock, the time keeper, and Fred Dredge, the assistant timekeeper. Fred turned out to be a past world champion (team prize in the 1922 road race behind Dave Marsh Sen.), held competition records at 50 miles and tandem 100 and had over £400 of gold medals at home! Also there was Fred’s wife, Lilian who was a professional cyclist before the war, 11th in the last world’s championships for women and once held the womens’ End-to-end! We eventually got to bed at about 11.00 p.m.
The 1922 World Championships were held in Britain. Being England, the Road Race was held as a time trial rather than as a continental-style ‘massed-start’, over a 100 mile course in Shropshire. It was won, against all odds apparently, by Dave Marsh and Britain also got the team prize. It was to be 43 years before another Briton, the great Tom Simpson (not ‘our’ Tom Simpson, remember!) was to repeat this effort. Fred’s wife Lilian was no slouch either: she was one of the very first female professional cyclists, who crowned her career in 1938 with a ride from Land’s End to John o’ Groats in 3 days 20 hours and 54 minutes, a time that compares favourably with today’s record of 2 days 05 hours and 48 minutes by Lynne Taylor (2001).
Sun Jun 13th 96 miles Up at 4.30 a.m. and off at 6.07, number 67 in the WLCA ‘50’. It was still and cool but the roads soaking. I felt quite fast and soon caught my minute man. I then caught two other riders and nobody caught me. I was up on my 2.16 schedule until Mac’s café on the way back, but then sagged to record 2.18.17 so taking 26th place out of 102 riders, and 9th handicap. I was fastest among the Northwood Wheelers. The event was won by Gibbens of the 29th Wheelers with a 2.6, and Dave Allen did a 2.8! Got very wet. Brian Major did a 2.18.27, Alan Stratman 2.18.43 (albeit with a puncture), Roy Turner 2.19.44, Colin Turner 2.23 and Ken Dopson 2.27.
We came home up the Bath road in pouring rain. A really wet and windy weekend but successful and enjoyable.
Mon Jun 14th 10 miles Club night. Took entry monies for the inter-club ‘25’ with the South Ruislip and played snooker. Roger Bingham cycled over from Halton RAF camp with his new friend – they are going to ride a two-up ‘25’ on Wednesday afternoon.
Tues Jun 15th 42 miles Out training in the evening with Alan Stratman through Beaconsfield, down Glory hill to Wooburn and then home via Cookham, Maidenhead and Slough. A warm night for a change but windy. My new handlebar extension ‘inspires’ me!
Wed Jun 16th 24 miles I went over to Cowley in the afternoon to see about my summer job [at Trimite paint factory] and then home up the viaduct. In the evening I went over to Bob Harvey’s and then to the South Ruislip club rooms to deliver their start sheets for Sunday’s inter-club ‘25’.
Thurs Jun 17th 10 miles Held a committee meeting at Brian Hamer’s house. Nothing special to discuss but many things need doing quickly. A very warm night.
Sat Jun 19th 12 miles Usual things in the morning – met the boys in Northwood for coffee. I got my bike ready in the afternoon for tomorrow’s ‘25’, and Brian Huggins came to dinner.
Sun Jun 20th 110 miles The Annual Inter-club ‘25’ v. the South Ruislip C.C.
Up at 3.45 a.m., out by 4.30 and off number 22 in the inter-club ‘25’ at 5.22 a.m. I went quite well to the turn and caught my minute man, but had no initiative on the way back to do a 1.06.42. Ken Dopson, Alan Stratman, Brian Major and Colin Turner all did 1.3s and Roy Turner, Ian Major and Tony Stratman did 1.4s. Despite this, the South Ruislip won the 6-man team award – mainly because Norman Speechley did 1.01.27!
A nice hot day [for a change!]. We went on the club run afterwards, out for elevenses at the Shanty, Bourne End, and then dinner at Dunstable and tea at Redbourne. We came home a new way through Abbotts Langley.
Mon Jun 21st 13 miles Club night. Took some more money for yesterday’s inter-club event and entered for the Harlequin’s ‘25’ on the 18th July and the South Ruislip ‘100’ – I hope that I get in!
Tues Jun 22nd 33 miles I called for Alan Stratman and helped him do his ‘50’ [form?]; we then went out training to Beaconsfield. We met Brian Major, Tony Standing and Pat Norman. A nice warm night.
Wed Jun 23rd 13 miles Went swimming in the morning with Brian Huggins.
Thurs Jun 24th 30 miles I rode a private time trial in the club junior ‘10’ and recorded 25.50. Quite windy – worth at least 20 seconds by my reckoning. Paul Stratman did 25.27 and Ernie Jeffs 25.35. Home by 9.30 p.m.
Sun Jun 27th 78 miles A nice sunny day, but windy with a few showers at times. Went out with the club to Taplow for elevenses, dinner at Nettlebed and home for tea. We saw some of the Russian regatta team at Henley and a nice smash-up in a car!
Mon Jun 28th 10 miles Club night. I collected deposits for accommodation for the South Ruislip C.C.s ‘100’ from Alan Stratman and Rodney Bridges.
Thurs July 1st 83 miles I have had my entry form for the South Ruislip ‘100’ returned – it is a blow, but it can’t be helped. What with the WLCA ‘100’ being cancelled I won’t have raced at all for a month.
Cycled up to college in the morning, said final farewells and made arrangements with my college friend John Burdin for my visist to see him in Harrogate. In the afternoon I went over to Ada Turner’s [Colin’s wife] via Gordon’s and bought my new track vest [Ada had bought a knitting machine, and she made all the new club racing jerseys]. I then rode over to Uxbridge to see about my summer job – I will be paid £6 a week! In the evening I met Brian, Tony and Ian and went training to Amersham and home up Rickmansworth hill. A nice day.
Fri July 2nd 9 miles Up to Pinner and Northwood in the morning. Bought some new cycling shoes and several oddments for the bike. Watched T.V. in the afternoon (men’s singles final at Wimbledon and the Test Match). Up to town in the evening with Tony but missed Brian.
Sat July 3rd 48 miles I got my bike ready in the morning for my ride to Yorkshire, and then met the club and cycled down to Pangbourne Lane mostly in the wet. We pitched our tents, had some grub and some Guinness.
Sun July 4th 125 miles A ride to Harrogate. Got up at 4.30 a.m. and went down to the Reading turn with one of the juniors to marshal. Saw the riders through and then returned to the camp site.
I left Pangbourne Lane [by myself] at about 7.00 a.m. up through Pangbourne village and Wallingford to Oxford where I found some breakfast. Then on to Banbury (elevenses) and Southam all in sunshine. At Southam I had my first shower and turned off to Rugby. I could not find a café in Rugby so had some sandwiches in a pub near Pailton. It now blew, poured with rain and flashed with lightning through Hinchley and Melbourne to Derby. I arrived in Derby wet and tired, mainly because I had so little sleep last night in the tent. Wind more or less sideways all day. [At first I could not find a suitable ‘digs’, so I called in the local police station; they directed me down the road to a very sweet old lady who took me in for the night! ].
Mon July 5th 110 miles I left Derby at about 8.15 continuing my journey through Belper, Matlock and Bakewell to Buxton for elevenses, along the same road covered by Brian Huggins and me on our 1951 tour to Scotland. I climbed the hill to Buxton quite easily and then continued on through Chapel-en-le-Frith, Hayfield, Glossop and Woodhead to Penistone where I met John. I had dinner in Glossop. A lovely sunny day with only two showers so I saw the hills at their very best – and climbed all of them in the saddle! John and I then pushed on through Denby Dale, Wakefield and Leeds to Harrogate. A lovely day and I took about 9 photographs.
On the road, somewhere in
Derbyshire
Sat July 10th 114 miles I got away from Harrogate by about 8.30 a.m. through Spofforth, Wetherby and Bawtry to Doncaster for some elevenses. I then continued on through East Retford for dinner and onwards via Grantham (tea) to Stamford where I spent the night. I soon found some digs in Stamford and settled in for the night. A hard day.
Sun July 11th 96 miles I left Stamford at about 9.15 a.m. down the A 1 through Stilton to Huntingdon (elevenses) and St Neots to Biggleswade and Hitchin. I had some food in Henlow and then came home through Welwyn, Hatfield, Radlett, Watford and Northwood. A nice hot day, but a gentle head wind for the last two days. Home by about 5.00 p.m. In four days cycling I have covered 445 miles.
Mon July 12th 25 miles Started work at Trimite’s paint factory today – not too bad! Club night; played snooker and took entries for the club ‘50’ on July 25th.
The Cyclists’ Touring Club
memorial in Harrogate
Tues July 13th 37 miles Out training in the evening through Ickenham, via Colin’s house to Rickmansworth, and then home through Watford and Northwood. A hot day and a very nice evening.
Wed July 14th 25 miles Over to the South Ruislip club rooms in the evening.
Thurs July 15th 27 miles Held a committee meeting at Colin Turner’s. A very late session; not home until after midnight. A fine warm evening.
Fri July 16th 14 miles Usual work miles. Went to the pictures in the evening.
Sat July 17th 64 miles Up to Pinner and then to Gordon’s in the morning. Packed bike and then set off for Woodstock [to ride in the Harlequin’s ‘25’] in pouring rain and wind. Another stinking event tomorrow? We left at about 3.15 p.m. via Colin Turner’s, then up the A 40 to Beaconsfield, High Wycombe, Stokenchurch, round the Oxford by-pass to Woodstock and to our digs, mostly in the rain. We got our bikes ready and had a meal. [Something that I am not particularly proud of happened that night – although it did gain me some short-term fame! As was our custom, we went out for a few beers. Having retired for the night, all of us crowded into the same room, I became desperate for a pee. Knowing that if I left for the bathroom I would never regain entry – or if I did, my bed would be dismantled – I opted to pee out of the window into the garden below, not realising that a corrugated iron roof was just below the window ………Oh, well!].
Sun July 18th 105 miles Got up at 4.45 and off number 10 in the Harlequin CC’s ‘25’. As anticipated, it was a very wet and windy event! I reached the turn in about 32 minutes and home (by my watch) in 1.06, but found that I had done yet another 1.07, 1.07.48 to be precise. I tried hard all the way round, was comfortable, and caught three other riders. Paul Stratman did 1.05.30 in a private time trial (and so did not qualify for the second handicap that he would have got), Ernie Jeffs did 1.08.10 and Bill 1.10.40. The event was won by J. Banting of the Harlequins with a 1.04.41 indicating just how hard it was!
We came home through Thame and Aylesbury where we met the rest of the club for dinner. We saw the finish of the Norlond combine 12-hour event, Rodney Bridge doing 206 miles. Alan Stratman and Ken Dopson also rode but packed it in. Home via Stanmore. A good but very hard weekend.
Mon July 19th 25 miles A lovely warm and windless day – isn’t it a bind! Usual work miles plus club night. I took money and entries for the forthcoming ‘50’. I am timing the club junior ‘10’ on Thursday evening and shall have to miss an event.
Tues July 20th 59 miles Another warm day. Went training in the evening with Alan and Paul Stratman, out via Roger Bingham’s and Wealdstone to Bushey. Back along the by-pass to Kings Langley and Berkhampstead and then home via Bovingdon and Sarratt. A very nice night.
Thurs July 22nd 30 miles I timed the junior ‘10’ in the evening. Paul won with 25.48 and also took first handicap.
Sat July 24th 10 miles Did usual Saturday morning things and met the boys up at Northwood Hills. I got my bike ready in the afternoon for tomorrow’s ‘50’.
Sun July 25th 66 miles Up at 4.45 a.m. to ride in the club ‘50’. Off number 6 at 6.21, roared to the turn in about 1.7 only to find that the turn marshal was not there, so I stopped, lost 7 minutes and then chucked it in. Brian Major won the event with a 2.18.00 and Bill came second with a 2.24. I think that I would have come second (if I had not won) had this not happened. It rained all day – lousy!
Mon July 26th 24 miles Usual miles plus club night. I took entries for the club ‘25’ on August 8th and prepared the start sheet. I also received the start sheet for Sunday’s Norlond Combine ‘50’. I am number 103 with Roger Bingham off three minutes behind me!
Tues July 27th 44 miles Out training with Brian Major, Tony Standing, Derek and Ian Major through Amersham and then home over Rickmansworth hill and Northwood. A windy night.
Thurs July 29th 28 miles Went training with Paul. Finished up at Nell’s café in Northwood.
Sat July 31st 12 miles Up to the shops, the bank and to Northwood in the morning to meet the club. Even had a beer! Brian Major is riding in the Leo R.C. ‘30’ on the E3 course tomorrow (by himself), whereas Roger Bingham. Colin Turner, Rodney Bridge and I are in the Norlond ‘50’. It is still cold and windy; it has been the worst summer for 30 years.
Sun Aug 1st 80 miles Got up at 5.00 a.m., out of the house by 5.45 to ride in the Norlond Combine ‘50’. Off at 7.13. It was a reasonable morning and I only really staggered in a few places. Roger caught me at 30 miles (by 3 minutes) but I then dropped him up Digswell hill, which did not worry me in the least – in fact, I enjoyed it – and I proceeded to drop him by a further 7 minutes to finish in 2.16.56. This is my personal best and the fastest ‘50’ in the club so far this year. Colin packed it in. We had some food at the Beacon and then came home for lunch. Went to see my sister and her new baby in the afternoon.
Mon Aug 2nd 52 miles I met Roger at 11.00 a.m. and we cycled over to Crystal Palace to watch the motor racing. A windy but warm day.
Tues Aug 3rd 54 miles Usual work miles plus an evening training ride with Paul Stratman and Ian Major out to the ‘25’ turn on the Amersham road. Ian is doing the checking there on Sunday. Boff (Gordon) Empson came round when we were out with the start sheets. It was a warm and sticky night with many small flies.
Thurs Aug 5th 48 miles Out again with Paul in the evening through Wembley, Cricklewood and Hendon. A cloudy and warm evening.
Fri Aug 6th 14 miles Rain all morning, cool and windy later.
Sat Aug 7th 12 miles Cool and very windy; it does not look too good for tomorrow’s ‘25’. Went up to Northwood to meet the boys and got my bike ready in the afternoon.
Sun Aug 8th 102 miles I got up at 5.15 a.m., out at 5.45 and off number 2 in the club ‘25’. I caught my minute man and thought that I was going fast – but did yet another 1.7 – a 1.07.45. Paul Stratman caught me almost on the line and won the event with 1.04.48. In the afternoon we went out to tea at Ripley. A warm but windy day, rain at night.
Mon Aug 9th 24 miles Club night. Boffin is ill – I had to go round to his house to get the ‘30’ start sheets done.
Tues Aug 10th 32 miles I went over to Colin Turner’s house at West Hyde in the evening to get an entry form for the WLCA 12 hour event on September 5th. I met Brian Major, Derek and Ian out training at Rickmansworth.
Thurs Aug 12th 25 miles Went down to Jock’s Box in the evening to meet Ernie and Harry Jones about the inter-club ‘25’ against the Herige Wheelers [on 29th August]. I cold night; met Derek.
Sat Aug 14th 26 miles Went up to Gordon Prangley’s and to Pinner in the morning. The first hot day of the year! Went out to West Hyde, Rickmansworth and Ickenham with Tony Standing in the afternoon, finishing up at the Stratmans’. A nice day.
Sun Aug 15th 88 miles Up at 5.45 a.m. to ride in the club ‘30’. I was off number 4 at 7.19. It was hard on the way to the turn, although it was quite warm and sunny. I passed Tony (his tub had fallen off!) by the Water Hall and we then battled to the turn. I stripped my 83" cog at the turn so had to come back on 88". Tony got the bonk and I dropped him at Amersham. I finished with a 1.21.03 [personal best], an improvement although still not fast. Paul Stratman won the event with 1.18.18 and I took second handicap.
Roger Bingham and I then went over to the track at Slough and opened up the premises. The club track championships started at 2.30 p.m. I came second in my sprint heat behind Ken Dopson but didn’t qualify for the final. I did a 1 min 29.3 sec in the standing start 1000 m time trial which Ken won with 1 min 23 sec, and then came third (out of 8 riders) in the 5 miles. I was really pleased with this last result as I sprinted past Pete Kennedy and Alan Beere and almost had Roy Turner who was second. Alan Stratman won the sprint final and the 5 miles and hence the omnium.
We finished up for tea, beer and snooker at the Slough Centre. I downed a pint in 5.6 seconds which I claimed as a club record! An excellent day.
Mon Aug 16th 20 miles I took my rear sprint wheel into Gordon’s [to be straightened up]. Met Brian in the afternoon and went up to town to the pictures. Club in the evening; took entries for the upcoming club ‘100’ on August 22nd.
Tues Aug 17th 91 miles I left home, by myself, at about 9.00 a.m., down through Hillingdon, Staines, Chertsey and Woking to Guildford where I had some elevenses. I then continued on through Albury, Shere and Abinger to Leith Hill where I had a sandwich lunch. I then came home through Dorking, Leatherhead, Stoke D’Abernon, Cobham and Chertsey. A very nice warm day although a bit windy. I will have to do a good ‘100’ on Sunday and then a 1.4 for a ‘25’ if I am to win the club B.A.R. competition. Brian Major has only to do a 5.2 on Sunday, and Alan Stratman a 5.3, to take the lead, however!
Wed Aug 18th 34 miles I went up to Northwood to collect my wheel from Gordon’s, to see Boffin (Gordon Empson) and to collect a watch and timekeeper’s sheet in the morning. In the afternoon I took the watch etc over to Colin Turner’s, and in the evening went round to Alan Stratman’s. A windy, miserable day.
Thurs Aug 19th 28 miles Another cold, windy day – the coldest August day since 1946 and only 54ºF at noon! I went to Pinner in the morning and then stayed in all the afternoon. Went out for a ride with Tony Standing in the evening through Ickenham, Harefield, Rickmansworth and Watford. Rain again at night.
Fri Aug 20th 5 miles Warmer, sunny in the afternoon. Went to Pinner and Eastcote in the morning and up to town in the afternoon.
Sat Aug 21st 15 miles Up to Northwood in the morning after calling for Alan Stratman and Paul. Got all the food and drink sorted out for tomorrow’s ‘100’.
Sun Aug 22nd 123 miles Out of bed by 5.15 a.m. and rode out to the start of the club ‘100’. I was off number 9 at 6.59 a.m. I caught one rider at Stoke Mandeville then rode most of the way round with a chap who had caught me (but then dropped back near Thame). I passed Brian Major who was in the hedge! I got ‘the knock’ between 60 and 80 miles and hence staggered, but finished strongly to record 4.55.11 to take second place behind Ken Dopson who did 4.47.18. Alan Stratman was third. This meant that I lost my ‘100’ championship and am now about fourth in the club B.A.R.!
Went over to Northwood in the afternoon with Brian to help with the production of the club magazine.
Mon Aug 23rd 96 miles Went to Pinner in the morning and then over to Chertsey with Paul Stratman to deliver a WLCA 12 hour entry form (Alan’s) to the event secretary. We eventually found his place after crossing the river several times in a small ferry! In the afternoon we went over to Ephgrave’s where Paul ordered his new frameset. It rained again in the evening; took money at the club night for the inter-club ‘25’ against the Herige Wheelers on August 29th, and the ‘25’ on September 5th [the same day as the WLCA 12 hour].
Tues Aug 24th 10 miles Up to Gordon Prangley’s in the morning and then met Paul. We went to the cinema in the afternoon and held a committee meeting in the evening. More rain!
Wed Aug 25th 45 miles Cleaned my bike and front wheel today. Spent the morning at Paul Stratman’s and then went out training in the evening with Tony Standing through Stanmore, Apex Corner, Bignall’s Corner, Ryder’s Corner and home through Garston and Watford. A nice night, but I have caught a cold.
Thurs Aug 26th 37 miles Went to Northwood with Paul in the morning and to Ruislip Lido with him in the afternoon. In the evening I timed the club junior ‘10’. Paul won with 26.04, Ian Major did 26.20 and Danny Power 27.09. It was a fine night but not easy coming back from the turn. By his own reckoning, Paul got out to the turn in 12 minutes 10 seconds.
Fri Aug 27th 27 miles Spent most of the day in the sun! Went out in the evening with Tony Standing through the lanes around Rickmansworth and Croxley Green. A nice warm night for a change.
Sat Aug 28th 10 miles Up to Prangley’s in the morning to pick up Roger Bingham’s frame and to arrange marshals for tomorrow’s inter-club ‘25’ against the Herige on the F 4. Tony came round in the evening and we got our bikes ready for the morning’s event.
Sun Aug 29th 80 miles The Annual Inter-club ‘25’ with the Herige Wheelers
Rose at 3.54 a.m. (!) and got out of the house by 4.30 to ride to the start of the F 4 course. I was off number 25 at 6.25. It was fast all the way to the far turn and then home into a rising head wind to record 1.05.50, my fastest time this year but still not good enough.
Harry Jones of the Herige won with 1.03.35. In our club, Alan Stratman recorded 1.04.45, Brian Major 1.05.39, Roger Bingham 1.05.48 and Ken Dopson 1.05.51. So we got the team prize (six riders) and I got 5th place. We then put our bikes together and went out on the club run through Wheathampstead for elevenses and Luton for dinner. A nice day but rather windy.
Mon Aug 30th Went to Eastbourne in the Stratmans’ car; no miles.
Tues Aug 31st 43 miles Went to Ruislip Lido in the morning and then out training with Alan Stratman through Watford, Kings Langley to Berkampsted, and then home through the lanes in the dark and in the ‘old style’! Dropped the watches in at Colin’s and stopped for a cuppa at Nell’s café. A very hot and sunny day for a pleasant change!
Wed Sept 1st 153 miles The first real day of summer! Got up at 4.00 a.m. off to Brighton with Paul Stratman [to do some mile-eating in preparation for Sunday’s 12 hour event]. We went down to Brighton via Kingston, Reigate and Crawley. Spent much of the day on the beach before returning; 4½ hours each way, and home soon after 9.00 p.m. I had two punctures, but otherwise it was a glorious day.
Thurs Sept 2nd 12 miles Much cooler today, and cloudy. Overhauled bikes in the morning and then went up to Boffin’s to produce a start sheet for Sunday’s ‘25’ which the club is holding whilst some of us go down to the Bath road to ride in the WLCA 12 hour. I received my start sheet for this event – I am off number 78 at 6.18 a.m.
Fri Sept 3rd 18 miles Rode over to Wembley to see my sister. Cool and very windy – I hope that it settles down before Sunday!
Sat Sept 4th 10 miles It rained nearly all the morning but then cleared up for me to go to Pinner and then to Northwood. We made final arrangements for the weekend. Bob Harvey and Roy Turner came round in the van later in the afternoon to pick up my bike.
Sun Sept 5th 227 miles The WLCA 12 hour event on the Bath road
Got out of bed at 2.00 a.m. and left in the van at 2.45 on our way to Theale. [Bob Harvey, who worked for the Post Office, had borrowed a GPO van for the weekend to carry our bikes, and ourselves, to the event. In the wee small hours of the morning, as we drove through Reading, a policeman stopped us – presumably to check – and asked Bob for the van’s registration number. Bob calmly got out and went round to the front of the van to find out …………very suspicious, but we were allowed to continue!].
We got down to the start in safety, and I was off in a damp mist which persisted for the first three hours. It then cleared up and the rest of the day was quite warm and sunny. I averaged ‘evens’ [20 mph] for the first 80 miles and covered the first 100 in about 5 hours 6 minutes. I reached the finishing circuit with about 2¼ hours remaining, and covered another two laps and 4 miles before finally ‘running out’. My total mileage for the 12 hours was about 225 miles 1000 yards, and I think that I just beat Rodney Bridge. If I did, I won the club championship and broke Alan Stratman’s club record! I can’t be sure until the final result. [The official result showed that I covered 225 miles 1661 yards, a new club record].
We came home in the van without further incident – very uncomfortable. A successful day. Roger Bingham won the club ‘25’ this morning in 1.03.53, beating Brian Major by one second!
Mon Sept 6th 10 miles I stayed in bed for a bit in the morning, after yesterday’s effort. Cycled to the club in the evening; felt no ill effects at all! I took entries for the club ‘50’ on September 19th and the “Last chance” ‘25’ on the 26th.
Tues Sept 7th 11 miles Up to Pinner in the morning and then got my bike ready in the afternoon for my trip to South Wales on a college camping trip.
Wed Sept 8th 115 miles A very hard ride to the Gower peninsula!
I left home in my cape at about 8.30 a.m. up the A 40. I did not take my cape off until Wheatley. Then the sun came out but a strong headwind developed and I suffered out through Oxford, Witney (sandwich lunch), Burford and Northleach to Cheltenham and Gloucester. I then entered the Forest of Dean and turned off the A 40 at Hartley to Mitcheldean and the hostel. A really hard day.
Thurs Sept 9th 58 miles I left the hostel at Mitcheldean at about 9.00 a.m. – still in my cape – and made my way into a strong headwind through the Forest of Dean to Monmouth. The wind was so strong that I had difficulty controlling my bike and large pieces of twig and leaves were blowing off the trees into my cape. I struggled out through Raglan to Abergavenny where the sun came out but the wind got even stronger! It was so strong at times that I could only average about 7 mph from there to Merthyr. Despite the hills this route is usually reasonable along the top through Tredegar, but it could have been as fast walking. Down the usually exhilarating descent into Merthyr I had to pedal hard in my bottom gear. Reached Cefn Coed after a really hard day.
Fri Sept 10th 57 miles Out of Cefn by 1.15 p.m. down into Merthyr and then up and over to Hirwaun into the teeth of the wind and pouring rain to Glyn Neath. Then on through Neath to Swansea by a tortuous route and then out on to the Gower peninsula through Sketty, Bishopston and Penmaen to Rhossili and the camp site. Another really hard day – quite the hardest ride I have had for a long time.
[I stayed a week camping with a group from King’s College; no cycling when we were there].
Fri Sept 17th 32 miles left the camp after a week’s bliss and rode into Swansea with a seized-up freewheel block (all the rain). Here I caught the train to London and cycled home from Paddington to Pinner. [In those days all trains had a guards van and took bicycles – not like the sorry state of affairs today!].
Sat Sept 18th 21 miles Up to Gordon’s early to meet the boys. We made arrangements for tomorrow’s ‘50’. Alan Stratman did a 4.38.34 (club record) in the Bournmouth Jubilee ‘100’ last Sunday, and Brian Major did a 4.42! This makes me now a poor third in the club B.A.R. contest.
In the afternoon we went over to see Alan and Paul Stratman in their new abode in South Harrow, and then went to Northwood again.
Sun Sept 19th 108 miles Up at 6.15 a.m. on a very wet and misty morning. I was off number 1 at 8.01. I was caught by Pete Bennett of the South Ruislip (a private time trial) who eventually did a 2.14. I was going extremely well at first: 54 minutes to Walton Corner, and 1.17 to that point (29 miles) on the way back. I then sagged badly to finish second (and with second handicap) with 2.18.50. Brian Major won the event with 2.16.40 and Derek Speakman was third. Alan Stratman and Ken Dopson did not ride. This result means that Brian has only to do a 1.03.27 to beat Alan in the club B.A.R. if the latter does not improve. (I have to do a 1.01.15!).
We met again in the afternoon and rode out to Chesham for tea via the lanes. A nice warm day after a cold and damp start.
Mon Sept 20th 22 miles I gave my bike an overhaul in the morning, and then rode up to the club rooms in the evening via Ruislip, Harefield and Colin’s house to pick up the canteen. A nice night, although quite frosty now.
Tues Sept 21st 36 miles Stayed in for the morning studying and then went up to Bob Harvey’s to help duplicate Sunday’s start sheets [for the annual “Last chance” ‘25’]. Went out training in the evening with Tony Standing through Rickmansworth and Watford. Met Alan Beere at Nell’s café and then went ‘untraining’ at the Northwood Hills Hotel.
Wed Sept 22nd 18 miles Went to Pinner in the morning and then over to my sister’s in Wembley to take some stuff, and to collect some, for her visit this weekend. I went to Watford (by train) in the afternoon. Pat came round in the evening.
Thurs Sept 23rd 10 miles Did some ‘odd jobs’ during the day and then went to an unofficial committee meeting at Brian Major’s house, but due to lack of notification it was postponed until next week.
Sat Sept 25th 27 miles Up to Gordon’s to meet the club and then over to Harrow with Roger Bingham to see about the clock [what clock?] but no luck. Went over to Wealdstone after lunch and got one. A cold and windy day.
Sun Sept 26th 45 miles The “Last Chance” ‘25’
The Start Sheet (composed by me!)