Your club needs you!

Like any voluntary organisation, we can only put on events if we get support from all our members. Past examples like the RadTour, the 10 TT series, the hill climb and the prize giving night show that we can organise even biggish events if we get volunteers who are prepared to help out.

This year is not different and here is a short list of upcoming events for which we still need volunteers:

Bike jumble (28 February)
Tasks:
Tea/coffee making
Washing up/clearing up
Baking cakes for the day

RadTour (14 March)
Tasks:
Baking cakes/prepare other healthy and nourishing snacks

Open TT (16 May)
A co-organiser is still needed to support me in the planning on the event and be available on the day
Tasks:
Marshalling the Cambusbarron course
Help with the running the race HQ at Cambusbarron Hall
Preparing food/drinks

10 TT series (Thursdays 13th May to 5th August)
Tasks:
Pushing off
Time keeping

Please do not rely on others to come forward. We need your help, too. It is your club after all.

If you would like to help out email club President, Tobias on: bauert[AT]tiscali.co.uk

Bike Jumble

The club will hold a bike jumble on Sunday 28 February, from 10am to 2pm at Chalmers Hall, Linlithgow Bridge, Linlithgow.

Whether you'd like to sell those rusty old pedals that have been sitting in your garage for ages or your brand-new carbon TT bike. Just bring it along and see whether you can find a buyer for it.

Because it is the first ever bike jumble, we don't charge for entry or stalls this time. All we ask for is a donation toward the cost of the hall hire and a few pennies for the club kitty.

Refreshments will be available.

Open to all except commercial sellers. It is recommended you book a space beforehand, for more details email the organiser Tobias Bauer on bauert[AT]tiscali.co.uk

Why not pop in for a cuppa if you are passing by

Next Social: Monday 15th in Mid Calder

We meet up on the 1st and 3rd Monday of every month. Come along and chat about the weekend's riding, swap dvds and books and plan your next big event.

First Monday of the month

8.30pm The Four Marys on Linlithgow Hight Street

Third Monday of the month

8.30pm the Black Bull, Mid Calder

See you there!

Treasure in the attic

Two Clarion race medals from the 1930s have been discovered in a club member's attic. The medals belonged to Col Humphries's Grandfather, Willie Humphries. Col knew his grandfather liked to ride a bike on holiday, but had no idea that Willie raced in time trials.

One of the medals was won in an open event and the other in a club confined event. This probably indicates Col is following in his Grandfather's footsteps, by joining the Clarion eighty years later.

Col who stays in Falkirk, says "I'm really chuffed that my mum found these. I never really knew my Granpa because he died when I was young. He was a quiet man and didn't talk about his past, my Gran certainly never mentioned anything about his racing. I knew he enjoyed cycling but believed he just pottered about on holiday. I think the War changed him and don't know if he carried on cycling seriously afterwards."

Willie Humphries was born in 1914, and would've been 18 when he won the medals. His times are quick, especially considering 1930's bicycle technology. One medal was awarded to the first novice, for riding a 25TT in 1.13.50. The other awarded to the second fastest rider overall, for a time of 1.07.45 in a club confined 25TT.

Col says "It's nice to find a piece of family history and I would like to find out more about the medals' background, so if anyone has any more information on my Grandpa, Willie Humphries, please get in touch"

The discovery has encouraged Col to try and emulate Willie "I am now inspired to win something of my own. So watch out for me in this year's club 10TT series!"

Next group riding skills session

Boost your confidence when riding with others on a club run, in a sportive or road race. Come along to our group riding skills session, we'll run through a variety of drills to help you ride effectively and cohesively with others

If you are interested email us.

Arthur was at the last session and said "I thought it was a really good, relaxed and informative session. I learned and practised a whole load of new skills over the hour"

Date Sunday 21st March

Time 6.30pm.
Location Mill Road Industriual Estate, Linlithgow Bridge.
Bring cycling shoes and trainers, warm clothing
Don't use your best wheels or lovely carbon fibre racer!

The location is lit but bring LED lights

Boots & Spurs

Boots & Spurs
Originally uploaded by westlothianclarion

The latest Boots & Spurs, the National Clarion magazine, has been published. WLC members, If it hasn't dropped through your letter box, let us know and we'll make sure you get one.

Get insured

Cyclists who are not members of another club and on their first ride out with the Clarion, are covered under the club's third party liability insurance. All other cyclists are not covered.

We strongly encourage all club members to take advantage of the Clarion's reduced cost CTC 3rd party insurance or make similar insurance arrangements, such as BCF membership.

The National Clarion as a result of affiliation to the CTC are now able to offer third party insurance (up to £10m) when riding a bicycle for a fee of £12.00 annually (between 6 and 12 months initially) or £8.00 for half a year or less.

If you wish to take advantage of this facility email us or fill out the form in the latest National Clarion magazine (Boots & Spurs)

The Clarion/CTC insurance does not cover you for racing but does cover you for all other road riding (including commuting and Audaxes)

For more information on BCF membership go to http://new.britishcycling.org.uk/membership

Club Socials

We meet up on the 1st and 3rd Monday of every month. Come along and chat about the weekend's riding, swap dvds and books and plan your next big event.

First Monday of the month

8.30pm The Four Marys on Linlithgow Hight Street

Third Monday of the month

8.30pm the Black Bull, Mid Calder

See you there!

Quick AGM report

Thanks to everyone who came to the AGM last week. About a third of the club attended and a third sent apologies.

The minutes will be published shortly.

We now have over 70 members, which is more than the 2009 total. After the AGM last year we had 39 members so you can see how the club has grown over the last 12 months. Many thanks to all our new members and those who have rejoined for 1010.

The socials will be a great opportunity for people to get to know fellow members, the next one is on Monday 1st Feb at 8.30 in the Four Marys in Linlithgow

Click here for more details

I'd also like to thank the members for agreeing to the formation of the kids section.

Graham Foster stepped down as treasurer. The club wouldn't be as established as it is without Graham's decision making, accounting, planning, volunteering and major role in establishing good practice and writing the constitution. Graham also set up the club's 10 mile TT series last year. It won't be the last we see of him though, he is organising this year's RadTour with Tobias. Many thanks Graham.

Two new members were voted onto the committee.

Michelle Gregory is the new Treasurer. Michelle is a Kiwi, an Accountant and an experienced cyclist. Last year she won our women's open hill climb and this year she is planning on riding the infamous Marmot Sportive in France

Founding member, Bill Young, returns for more punishment as Race Secretary. Welcome back!

Tobias was voted in as President, Andy stays on as Club Captain, Bob stays on as Social Secretary and I (Matt Ball) stay on as Secretary.

The cosmopolitan committee is made up of a German, a New Zealander, an Englishman, a Northern Irishman and two Scots!

AGM this Wednesday

Attendance at the AGM is open to all paid-up 2010 members. Membership renewals and new applications will be accepted up until half an hour before the start of the AGM but earlier renewal would be preferable.

After the AGM there will be an opportunity to order club kit

National Clarion Easter Meet 2010

Eastbourne Friday 2nd – Monday 5th April

The 115th Easter meet will be held in Eastbourne, possibly the finest large English seaside town, in a perfect position on the South Coast, sitting at the foot of the South Downs in Sussex.

The meet Headquarters will be at the Cumberland Hotel which has a wonderful position on the seafront, with many spacious sea view rooms. Organisers Bob and Colette Harber can assure you of the excellent cuisine and friendly, helpful, efficient staff.

The manager of the hotel is a road-racer with Crawley CC and is very keen to ensure the Easter Meet will be memorable. Entertainments and complimentary afternoon tea for residents are included.

Cycling and Social Activities include:
• Leisure Ride 25 miles on Sustrans trail
• Club ride over the famed Beachy Head (bus alternative!)
• Audax ride 110km (70 miles) or 70km (44 miles)
• 23 mile 2-up TT (East Sussex Cycling Association)
• Social Events
• Annual Dinner and Prize presentation
• and much more.

Book your accommodation at the Cumberland NOW.
The best rooms go to early bookers.

BOOKINGS:
The Cumberland Hotel, Grand Parade, Eastbourne BN21 3YT
Tel: 01323 730342

Email: reservations@hotelcumberland.co.uk

Price per person per night £48.00 (includes breakfast and complimentary afternoon tea)
No single room supplement.
Children sharing family room: 0-3yrs free, over 3yrs £12 each per night.

BIKE HIRE:
If you are flying into Gatwick (direct train every 30 minutes to Eastbourne), or otherwise need a bike for the Meet, Bob can provide road racing bikes, for adults and young persons, from his local Go-Ride club.

CONTACT THE ORGANISER FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Bob Harber on 01903 879598 or 07979 836259.
Email: bikerider@phonecoop.coop

Club runs and Socials

The slippery roads and inclement weather meant more people made it to the first social on Monday in Mid Calder than managed to get out on a club run at the weekend.

Twelve people braved the freezing night to have a great time in the Black Bull. There was a lot of discussion about events in 2010, with many planning ways to hook up. The upcoming RadTour was a popular topic of conversation, as was the latest kit order and the benefits of Borax for cleaning jerseys was hotly debated!

Tobias's illegal front light both amazed and blinded onlookers and the Theakstons XB on tap went down well after being highly recommended by Andy Weaving who was already at the bar when everyone arrived, having ridden out after finishing work. Great to see everyone and have a chin-wag after our enforced hibernation.

See the Calendar for the next Social in Linlithgow on 1st February.

Next Social in Linlithgow
8.30pm The Four Marys on Linlithgow Hight Street
Starting Monday 1st February and repeated the first Monday of the month

CLUB RUNS

Just two hardy riders were out on the Saturday run in Linlithgow, Lesley said "Myself and Melwin were the only ones out in the unpleasant weather. We stuck to the B roads to avoid the ice which remained on the more minor roads. We headed out to Slammannan then on to Limerigg then back via Westfield. It was good to see some tarmac again after the extended snowy period over Christmas and New Year".

On Sunday only Allan managed to make it to the Cross for 9.00am. Allan has consistently been getting out on a Sunday, but has had to set off from Linlithgow on his own on more than one occasion. He wonders whether a later start time might encourage people to come out on their bikes, and says "Changing the time we meet to to 9.30 or 10.00am might be more popular" If you have any views please email Andy Weaving on: macclarkson[AT]aol.com?

There would have been one more at the cross but Neil Hayes came off on black ice as he rode to the start, he limped home with a scuffed bike but intact body.

All our rides details can be found on the website

2010 Rad Tour: The Seven Castles of West Lothian

Organiser Graham Foster has announced the The club's season opener, our spring reliability trial or Rad Tour, will be on Sunday 14th March.

Meet up for 8.45am wearing our club kit for the 2010 group photo and then set off at 9.00am

Ever noticed how many castles you pass on the County's best back roads? Well, starting from Linlithgow, the Tour will join the dots, passing seven of them. Although the route is still to be finalised it's looking like being an anti-clockwise round of just over 60 miles.

Heading south first via Bathgate, taking in Cairns Castle, on (we think...) the highest stretch of road in West Lothian, the route will then swing north featuring such Forth Valley favourites as Duntarvie & Ochiltree with a final swooping descent back to the start point.

The Rad Tour is open to all club members and entries will be accepted on the day. Further details will follow but for now, get the date in your diary and some miles in those legs.

Membership reminder

Attendance at the AGM is open to all paid-up 2010 members. Membership renewals and new applications will be accepted up until half an hour before the start of the AGM but earlier renewal would be preferable.

Order club kit

To order club kit, visit the Endura website to download a pdf of their UK catalogue and the Excel order form.

Fill out the order form and email it or post it with cash or cheque for the relevant amount.

to Bill at Bill.Young[AT]monoconsultants.com

There will only be one kit order in 2010 - this will be your only chance to buy new club kit. Order will be sent in the first week of JANUARY.

Club cap recall

Bring your ill fitting caps to the AGM. Endura have agreed to refund the cost of those caps that are returned to them.

Spin class club run

Desperate to go on a club run, Clarionistas from all over the county took part in spin classes at the weekend. Nine members descended on Linlithgow Leisure Centre on Saturday, Malcolm took part in the EICA Ratho spin class and a few members from the East Calder group attended the Craigswood Sports Centre in Livingston.

At Linlithgow, Bill, Stevie, Denis, Steve, Neil, Jamie, Craig, Ewan and Alan came out of the class with faces of varying shades of pink. They all seemed to benefit from the work out and there was a good bit of banter afterwards over a coffee in the cafe.

If you haven't been to a class before, some bikes can take spd shoes on one side of the pedals. It gets very warm in the class so wear your cycling gear, and take a towel and drink in with you. The Linlithgow class requires all participants to register on their system for free, before the start, so arrive with plenty of time to spare.

Click for more information
EICA Ratho
Craigswood Sports Centre
Linlithgow Leisure Centre

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR

Season's Greetings to all our members and regular readers of our news blog!

Don't forget the Gut-Buster Classic on Boxing Day. Riders meet 10.30am at the Black Bitch in Linlithgow for an hour and a half social ride and then back for a drink at the pub afterwards.

click here for the post and a map of where the start is

Committee meeting and AGM

The next committee meeting will be Wednesday 13th January, please send any items you wish to go on the agenda by Wednesday 6th January to me (Matt), by EMAIL ONLY, at secretary[AT]westlothianclarion.co.uk

I'd also like to remind members that all items for the AGM agenda need to be sent to me via email by January 15th. We are looking for nominations for the post of President, Treasurer, Secretary, Social Secretary, Rides Secretary and and Race Secretary. If you are interested in volunteering please send an email by the same date.

The committee is presently one person down, with the post of Race Secretary vacant.

Let me know if you would like clarification on what the roles entail.

Attendance at the AGM is open to all paid-up 2010 members. Membership renewals and new applications will be accepted up until half an hour before the start of the AGM but earlier renewal would be preferable.

All classes of club membership have full and equal voting rights.

Click here for all the details on club membership. This week Allan, Donald and Craig have joined up again for 2010.

Volunteer training

Six Clarionistas have signed up to the SCU's volunteer workshops on January 16th and 17th at the University of Stirling.

Assistant MTB XC Commissaires Course
Simon and Mark

Assistant Road Commissaires Course
Tobias and Matt

Timekeeping and Recording Training
Matt

Event organising workshop
Matt, Bill

Safeguarding and Protecting Children
In Safe Hands
Kerstin

Many thanks to those who volunteered, it will go a long way to developing the club's level of experience.