Dave Bridge
 |
Charity Cycle ride |  |
Sunday 7th September early morning.
7:30. We set of to meet the rest of the cyclists at the Golf Club, after a wet week and a downpour on Friday night; conditions looked to have improved for the ride...
The mini-bus was parked up with the van, ready to transport us and the bikes to our destination. Off we go on-time 8:00 departure. 2 Pick-up’s on the way and a journey of some 45 miles saw us arrive at Devizes Wharf at 9:15.
Ready for the off….. All 11 Riders
Support Vehicles : Minibus: - Tony Trevor, Bike transport: - Lee Black
After leaving the comfortable surroundings of the town centre, we found ourselves in the Pewsey Vale.
Fantastic panoramic views, but, the going got TOUGH….
None of us ever expected to be greeted by a towpath with 3 to 6 inches of sticky, slippery mud. Even though the ground was flat, peddling was at times almost impossible. Our target was an average speed of 10 mph - we never achieved it.
After 2 hours cycling, we reached Pewsey Wharf, covered in Mud and already very tired.
We also had our first faller - Bob Ward, into the nettles but no harm done.
An average speed 6 mph meant that we were already almost 1 hour behind schedule.
At the wharf, a chance to take on fluids, sugar and more importantly a bacon sandwich.
The going for the next mile was considerably better, although that first leg had taken its toll on both riders and bikes. We were soon back amongst the quagmire, pace slowing once again. Leg muscles burning and heart rates sky high. Second tumble, luckily at low speed, Joely separated from her bike in the slippery conditions. We reached ‘Bruce Tunnel’ having to depart from the towpath, involving a steep climb up steps to navigate our way around….
Our most senior rider Nigel Courtenay was really struggling at this point, his thigh muscles cramping and causing him a lot of pain. Our pace slowed once more. We took the ride as a team, all members helping, encouraging and waiting for each other…
After 22 miles, reaching the ‘Crofton Beam Engine’ pump station, Nigel made the brave decision to stop and pull out from subjecting himself to any more distress. A call to our support vehicle, driven by member Lee Black meant that Nigel could be retrieved, after sitting in the Crofton visitors centre café for an hour.
Half of the riders continued pressing on,
Back in the saddle (hurting) we chased down the front pack. Only to be met after a mile or so by a stranded Lucy, having picked up a puncture, it was soon repaired and we were off again.
Another mechanical failure; Judging by the shrieks and screams, it soon became apparent that Cheryl’s brakes were not up to these harsh conditions. However, she pressed on showing true grit and girl power…..
Next stop Hungerford for Lunch.
HALF WAY……
Fed, watered, stretched and copious amounts of Deep Heat applied - we pushed on.
Back on the path, back in the saddle (hurting)
The condition of the towpath improved dramatically from here on in, the mud was replaced by a trodden track, firm mud and gravel. We had already spent over 4 hours in the seat, with the prospect of several more.
The sprit within the team was fantastic, everybody pushing and willing each other on…..
With the path smoother, it allowed us to travel at a much quicker pace, clawing back some of that lost time. However, the legs were suffering. We had gone from having to power through the mud, to a much quicker pace of peddling, causing the lactic acid to build up, particularly in the thighs.
We stopped several times to re-group and shake out the legs over the next few miles before reaching the outskirts of Newbury.
Its amazing how familiarity of your surroundings spurs you on, travelling through Newbury town centre gave everybody a real buzz. We knew where we were, we knew what was to come. Thatcham, Midgham, Aldermaston, Theale and finally our finish.
We pushed on - Exhausted and suffering, but determined.
A phone call from Nigel back at Bishopswood G C, the support team were ready to leave and meet us at the finish.
We still had nearly 15 miles to go…
THE FINAL STRETCH…..!
Leaving Newbury we managed to push our average speed up to 8mph, doing this by actually travelling in excess of 12. We were now in a more populated area, with walkers and other cyclists using the path. It was great to hear many of them offering encouragement, seeing that we were part of a charity event supporting the BHF.
We were all suffering at this point, none more so than Paul Varcas (a member of Bishopswood for only 6 days) unfortunately for Paul, he did not prepare by purchasing the biggest, softest saddle available. His lightweight, hard and somewhat narrow seat had taken its toll on his posterior. Paul couldn’t / didn’t sit down for the rest of the ride. It was made especially painful as we almost passed by his front door when leaving Thatcham…..
We reached The Rowbarge… Time for a rest and an intake of sugar - chocolate and cereal bars.
Marathon runners say that they ‘hit the wall’, the body telling you that it’s had enough,
I used to find that difficult to understand.. Not so anymore.
After reaching Sulhampstead lock, we decided to split into 2 groups, with the fitter cyclists pushing
for the finish and the ever determined ones following behind. The support team had arrived at the Cunning Man
and were preparing for our arrival.
53 miles, 10 hours total, over 6 hours
actual peddling time, average speed 8.7 mph, 51 locks,
39 bridges, 1 retirement, 2 tumbles,
1 puncture, no brakes and a couple of running repairs.
11 very satisfied but very tired people. For most of the participants, this was one, if not the most physically and mentally demanding challenges they have ever undertaken.
WELL DONE and enormous THANKS to ALL, we should feel very proud of ourselves, I cannot thank you enough for the effort that you have displayed. I’m sure the British Heart Foundation and Tadley Community Responders will put your sponsorship money to great use.
while a few stayed at Crofton to arrange Nigel’s pick-up.
We arrived at the Downgate PH in Hungerford a full 2 hours behind schedule, having booked for 1pm.
Average speed - still 6mph. We also received a good luck text from Nigel.
The end was near, the path flat but 9 miles to go..
The Lead group arrive…
The rest follow on….
All There…..
WE FINISHED…
Bishopswood News - JUNE
What started off a reasonably quiet month - turned out to be the seasons busiest so far. We had some 20 or so Inter-Club matches played across all sections, the Pro-am, Handicap Championship and all the usual roll-ups and medals. We’ve also been treated to stable weather for a change, helping the course flourish and the grass grow...
The schools haven’t broken up for Summer, but you will see from early season results, the Junior section are once again very strong, one young lad in particular - SCOTT DICKS - winner of the Whale Shield and Handicap Championship in successive weeks, well done to him. Our Junior team have also had a great month, beating tough opposition to progress through 2 rounds in the Blackmoor Shield knockout.
The Senior section are also chipping in on the outstanding achievements list - Alan Bulpitt, winner of the Newbury and Crookham Seniors Open and our National Club Classic team, still winning and in the mix, keep it going guys.
On the Fun and Social front, June saw us play a couple annual challenge matches - Leftie’s v Rightie’s and Ladies v Gents. Brian Quenault the losing Captain (again) for the Lefties, unlucky.. But, well done the Ladies - following some tough negotiation and downright trickery (full h/cap difference given and extra shots all over the place) the match was halved, a real fun evening thanks to ALL who gave up their time.
The Summer BBQ was a real success, even with the threatening weather conditions, almost 50 members and guests attended. Judging by the number of times people returned for more food, it was an enjoyable evening. Keep you eyes on the boards for more evenings of the same.
THE CAPTAIN’S CHARITY CYCLE RIDE
To raise funds for the Captain’s charities, a group of 15 golf club members will take part in a 50 mile Cycle
ride from Devizes Wharf to the ‘Cunning man’ PH in Burghfield, along the Kennet & Avon canal.
All monies raised will go directly to the British Heart Foundation and Tadley Community Responders. Details are on the notice board, A Sponsorship form is behind the bar
GENTS NEWS
After our early season achievement of beating Weybrook GC away, their Captain brought a very strong team to Bishopswood for the return match. Unfortunately too strong for us, we lost 3 ½ to 2 ½. However, we are in the process of finalising a ‘decider’ - 9 holes here and 9 at Weybrook - check the board for entry.
Our fixture away to Ascot GC, was unfortunately cancelled, as they could not field a team. This fixture will be reviewed for next year..
Our final match of the month - Sandford Springs GC at home - For the first time, a Fleet on opposing sides, with Jonathon’s dual membership, he opted to play for SS, Kevin rose to the challenge playing against his son - recording an amicable half. Match score 3½ - 1½ another win..!
There are no Gents fixtures in the diary for July, social events and Club Championship have taken precedent.
Bridgie
Bishopswood News - MAY
It had to happen. Early season winning form deserting us in the Home match against Tylney Park. The first defeat of the year for the Gent's team 4-1. Sole winners Matt Heath and Graham Smith.
Whilst the Captain was away golfing in Austria, Matt took the reins and recorded a great win against Andover at home 4-1. Our 3rd match of the month was a tough away fixture against Hartley Wintney, a well supported match and a superb victory, closing out 3-2. Well done all.
It is wonderful to see so many different names down on the entry sheets for inter-club matches, over 30 different members have played for the Gents this year, so don't be shy, new and old members are always welcome.
We took a Gents team to Selsey GC for the Annual National Nines Competition, myself, Ali Melrose and Nigel Courtenay. Unfortunately we didn't fair too well, finishing middle order of 20 or so teams. But, we did beat our Seniors team! Selsey GC filled the top 3 teams on the day.
June welcoms 3 inter-club matches, as well as Lefties Vs Righties and Gents Vs Ladies. Check the board for entry sheets and dates.
Bridgie
Bishopswood News - APRIL
Our season started thick and fast, with 3 matches in consecutive weeks. Firstly away to Tylney Park, traditionally a tough match, this year proving no different. We welcomed a couple of new faces to Interclub matches Dave Roberts and Andy Gemmell. A close run thing but off to a flying start with a victorious 3-2. We then entertained our friends from AWE great banter as ever, with another new player Lee Black. Same result winning 3-2. And we had Keith Rosier on our side..!
Our next match away to Weybrook..! Let's say due to a slight admin error, we arrived with our team of 10, to a great welcome from their Captain and his team of 12.. Ooops. Frantic phone calls ensued.. Many thanks to Lee Black and Russell Smith at a moments notice, making the extra effort to get there making up our 12. Another new player Phil Davies and a welcome back to John Rogers (the sale of Club Ties going very well). Some great battling spirit from the Bishopswood team resulting in a Victory 4-2.
So that's 3 wins out of 3..! I'm preparing to come back to earth with a bump. But I must say after several losing speeches as Captain - Mail on Sunday, 7's Gales etc, it's much better being a Winner..!
There's plenty of matches coming up, so don't be shy and enter your names on the sheet..!
The Gents team representing us in this years National Nines are, Myself, Chris Wilkins and Ali Melrose, lets hope we can bring back some good news from Selsey.
Bridgie
Bishopswood News - 25/03/08
The Golfing Season is almost upon us ...!
The Easter break is over, Spring is here - the first Medal and club competitions just around the corner.
The committee have been very active over the past few months, arranging Inter-Club fixtures,
setting dates for the years Key events and preparing Knockouts for the coming summer.
As ever, there is a FULL Diary, with events planned for both competitive Golf and Social.
Look out on the Social notice board for Key Dates.
This years Diary is being printed Now, they will be available for collection from 1st April if not before.
A large format printed copy is in the Spikes bar.
|
Captains Shield Entry List If you haven’t already done so, please check the list in the spikes bar for qualification & tick your availability.
Medal - 5th / 6th April
Mid Month Medal -16th April
|
Easter was ‘Scrambled’
Its not often you see Snow falling at Easter, but this year instead of Spring Lambs it was more Wooly Jumpers.
The traditional - Monday Texas Scramble was cancelled due to expected adverse weather conditions,
a shortened wet course and No trolleys. True to form, our British weather had other plans.
Overnight from Sunday the course dried and recovered sufficiently to play. But the call had been made, sorry.
Some brave souls did however venture out, entering an impromptu Captain’s Roll-Up.
Shared winners on the day with 40pts, David Taylor and Paul Strong.
Well done to you both and yes, the handicap committee have been notified...
Winter Eclectic / Stableford
WE’RE INTO THE LAST WEEK. Its tight at the top,
Dave Taylor leading the way in the Stableford, Ali Melrose and Chris Wilkins battling out the Gross and Net.
Time to get those final cards in..!.
Winter Knockouts
The winter Knockouts are drawing to a close with just a few matches left to play.
Well done to ALL players, for arranging matches during the inclement winters weather.
Please refer to the Dates on the boards for completing these remaining matches.
The summer Knockouts are coming..
It would be fantastic to finish all the Winter Finals before the summer ones kick off...
ALL IN THE DRAW ...!
|
Hampshire County 7's
Being drawn Away to play ‘Hayling Island Golf Club’ is difficult at the best of times,
playing the fixture on a Links course in March even more so.
Our team arrived on Sunday 9th March with very little practice on super fast greens and a full length course.
Special mention should go to our winners: Debutant - Ian Crotch and long term 7’s player - Martin Smith. Well done to you both, and better luck next year....
|
Gents - 'Mail on Sunday'
You might have seen from the notice board that we drew ‘Reading Golf Club’
Away for this years National knockout event.
Well done to Nigel Robinson who recorded our only win and Matthew Selley displaying great maturity in recording a well earned half. |
Ladies Stoneham Cup
Good luck to the Ladies in this years Stoneham cup...!
Matches home & away throughout April, May and June, come along and support.
GALES HOCKLEY - Over 55’s Inter-club Knockout
At Last - We have a home match - drawn against’ Alton Golf Club’ in the first round...
The match will be played 5th April first Tee 1pm following the Medal. Support is more than welcome.
See the notice board for team selection.
|
Many thanks to ALL who helped with the ‘Children’s Easter Party’. They had a fantastic time, smiles in abundance. |
