Royal Navy & Royal Marines Cycling Association
Newsletter No 16 dated 3 August 2015
Heads Up
Since the last Newsletter in April, the RNRMCA has been busy organising,
supporting and participating in many events around the UK and home ports.
Successes have included another National championship team title, our biggest self organised participative event and a current membership in excess of 800 persons. To
think that Cycling was almost discarded as a recognised RN sport in 1997, to make
way for Rugby League; eventually Beagling or Bell Ringing went instead; a wise
choice in my opinion. You never heard a Bell Ringer cry ‘Hearts of Oak Legs of Steel’
have you?
On the Road
RNRMCA 10 Mile TT Champs (inc into Northover VT Sat 18 Apr)
1
Sean Childs
V44
21 09
2
Graham Moir
V42
21 05
3
Garry Drew
V50
22 09
4
Lenny Brown
V44
22 12
5
Leon Marshall
S
22 38
6
Jim Scott
V50
23 02
7
Chris Vellacott
V52
23 03
8
Lee Grunwell
S
23 05
9
Andrew Phipps
V53
23 42
10 Barry Moss
V43
23 45
11 Tony Staples
V45
23 56
12 Alex Allen
S
23 58
13 Stu Cox
V50
24 02
14 Stuart Edwards
V50
24 18
15 Jerry Bromyard
V60
24 21
16 David Hall
V51
24 54
17 Bob Richards
V57
25 26
18 Gabrielle Saunderson
L
25 41
19 Jonathan Earl
V44
27 50
20 Mark Gorman
V53
27 54
21 Caitlin Brown
L
28 06
22 Barrie LeGrove
V67
29 11
RNRMCA 25 Mile TT Champs (inc into Northover VT Sun 19 Apr)
1
Sean Childs
V44
54 47
2
Lenny Brown
V44
57 55
3
Leon Marshall
S
58 12
4
Gary Chambers
S
58 31
5
Garry Drew
V50
58 32
6
Chris Vellacott
V52
1 00 15
7
Jim Scott
V50
1 00 52
1
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
Andrew Phipps
Barry Moss
Jerry Bromyard
Tony Staples
Lee Grunwell
Alex Allen
Stuart Edwards
David Hall
Bob Richards
Gabrielle Saunderson
Jonathan Earl
V53
V43
V60
V45
S
S
V50
V51
V57
L
V44
1 01 27
1 02 20
1 03 50
1 04 01
1 04 18
1 04 20
1 04 43
1 04 50
1 07 01
1 07 52
1 10 04
Inter Service 10 Mile TT Champs (Shropshire hosted by RAF)
1
Ryan Perry, Army CU
S
19 40
2
Sean Childs
V
20 53
3
Alexander Royle, Army CU S
20 56
7
Leon Marshall
S
21 46
10 Gary Chambers
S
21 54
18 Lenny Brown
V
22 33
24 Lee Grunwell
S
23 22
26 Jim Scott
V
23 23
28 Stuart Edwards
V
23 43
31 Tony Staples
V
24 01
34 Tim Scrivener
S
24 12
35 Oliver Hurrell
S
24 20
36 Alex Allen
S
24 21
37 John Storrie
V
24 24
38 David Hall
V
24 25
41 Phil Rogers
V
24 38
43 Dave Wallace
V
24 21
44 Gabrielle Saunderson (3rd L) L
24 55
45 Paul Spanner
V
25 07
46 Nick Tryon (in L/S 2:50)
V
25 17
Inter Service 25 Mile TT Champs (Shropshire hosted by RAF)
1
Alex Royle, Army CU
S
53 00
2
Sean Childs
V
53 55
3
Cameron Campbell, Army
V
54 38
8
Leon Marshall
S
56 44
9
Gary Chambers
S
56 51
11 Nick Tryon
V
57 20
21 Jim Scott
V
59 35
27 Stuart Edwards
V
1 02 04
28 Oliver Hurrell
S
1 02 04
29 Dave Wallace
V
1 02 21
30 Tony Staples
V
1 02 04
31 David Hall
V
1 02 30
34 Alex Allen
S
1 03 30
37 Paul Spanner
V
1 05 39
2
39
40
1
2
3
7
18
19
21
23
24
32
Tim Scrivener
S
rd
Gabrielle Saunderson (3 L) L
1 05 42
1 05 07
National 3 Up TTT Champs (Nottingham Sat 30 May)
Alastair Wareham & Andy Jackson & Simon Beldon Team Swift
Rhys Howells & George Wood & Andrew Hastings Richardsons - Trek RT
David Crawley & Chris Edmondson & David Williams Fibrax-Wrexham RC
Aled Jones & Leon Marshall & Sean Childs
Royal Navy & Royal Marines CA A
Nick Tryon & Garry Drew & Phil Rogers
Royal Navy & Royal Marines CA B
Chris Vellacott & James Scott & Lenny Brown
Royal Navy & Royal Marines CA C
Barry Moss & Andre Phipps & Ollie Hurrell
Royal Navy & Royal Marines CA D
Alex Allen & Antony Staples & Stuart Edwards
Royal Navy & Royal Marines CA E
Rob Smith & Timothy Scrivener & Stewart Cox
Royal Navy & Royal Marines CA F
John Storrie & Bob Richards & Paul Spanner
Royal Navy & Royal Marines CA G
Welsh 12hr TT Champs (South Wales Sun 19 Jun)
1
Joseph Beech
Onitcycles
2
Garry Drew
Royal Navy & Royal Marines CA
3
Gregory Woodford
Reading CC
4
Leon Marshall
Royal Navy & Royal Marines CA
7
Jim Scott
Royal Navy & Royal Marines CA
11 Stuart Edwards
Royal Navy & Royal Marines CA
Bob Richards & Mark
1
Royal Navy & Royal Marines CA
Gorman (Tandem)
RNRMCA (Drew, Marshall & Scott) Welsh 12hr Team Champions
Richards & Gorman Welsh 12hr Tandem Champions
National 100 Mile TT Champs (South Wales Sun 5 Jul)
1
Charles Taylor
South Pennine RC
2
Adam Topham
High Wycombe CC
3
Paul Gamlin
Northover Vets Team
36 Leon Marshall
Royal Navy & Royal Marines CA
39 Garry Drew
Royal Navy & Royal Marines CA
43 Nick Tryon
Royal Navy & Royal Marines CA
46 Chris Vellacott
Royal Navy & Royal Marines CA
64 Jim Scott
Royal Navy & Royal Marines CA
68 Tony Staples
Royal Navy & Royal Marines CA
76 Bob Richards
Royal Navy & Royal Marines CA
271.35
264.02
260.4
260.2
250.45
239.33
221.12
3:32:50
3:33:05
3:38:40
4:00:25
4:01:43
4:05:18
4:07:30
4:20:18
4:23:34
4:38:45
National 100 Mile TT Champs (Shropshire Sat 19 & Sun 20 Jul)
1
Michael Broadwith
Arctic Tacx RT
537.35
2
Stuart Birnie
Willesden CC
504.11
3
Alex Kirk
Dulwich Paragon CC
497
7
Stuart Edwards
Royal Navy & Royal Marines CA
459.34
11 Jim Scott
Royal Navy & Royal Marines CA
446.47
12 Garry Drew
Royal Navy & Royal Marines CA
444.75
20 William Duguid
Royal Navy & Royal Marines CA
414.7
39 Bob Richards
Royal Navy & Royal Marines CA
375.23
RNRMCA (Edwards, Scott and Drew) National 24hr Team Champions
3
01:03:27
01:03:44
01:04:23
01:05:31
01:10:02
01:10:08
01:11:54
01:13:22
01:14:22
01:18:35
VTTA 25 Mile TT Champs (South Wales Sun 26 Jul)
Mark Gorman & Bob Richards
New RNRMCA Tandem Club Record
0:55:36
Young Pretender
15 yr old Nathan Allet does sub 20 min 10 mile TT, and also finished 10th amongst
older boys in the recent National 25 Mile Junior TT Champs. More on him in the next
newsletter.
RNRMCA 50 Mile TT Champs
Postponed due to bad weather. This has been rescheduled to take place within the
Welsh 50 Mile TT Champs on Sun 27 Sep near Abergavenny on the R50/1b. On line
entries close prompt 15 Sep 15. Rec Travel is approved. Can we claim another
Welsh title?
RN Cycle Challenges
This year the RNRMCA hosted three stand alone Sportive style cycling challenges
aimed at those members who fancy something different. All have been a tremendous
success, thanks to organisers Adrian Barker (Blazing Saddles), Gary Ibbotson (King
Alfred the Great CC) and Dave Macmenemey (Wickham Wonder). Here is a short
story from the King Alfred the Great organiser:
HMS HERON organised the inaugural King Alfred the Great Cycle Challenge
on 4 Jun 15. The event involved cycling 64 miles with over 4000 feet of climbing
around Somerset taking in views of some of the local points of interest, such as
Glastonbury Tor, the historic town of Bruton and King Alfred’s Tower itself. The
challenge was based on a sportive format with the emphasis being on completing the
course rather than in a specific time. CPOPT Ibbotson booked the weather so a
beautiful blue sky was present throughout the challenge and riders enjoyed a pre ride
coffee prior to the event brief at 0945. On completion, riders were set off in small
groups at 5 minute intervals. The course avoided all major roads and led the riders
towards Glastonbury Tor before heading east towards Bruton. The transit to Bruton
presented the riders with the first significant climb of the day before a swift decent
into Bruton. From there riders headed for the largest climb of the day, the testing
ascent to King Alfred’s tower which resulted in many riders pushing their bikes due to
the gradient of the climb. There was a much appreciated food stop near the tower
where riders topped up their water bottles grabbed a banana or cake before enjoying
the decent from the tower and onwards undulating
transit to Wincanton. By now the riders were
starting to feel the miles in the legs and thinking
about the finish. However a cheeky route diverted
them away from Yeovilton and then took them on a
15 mile loop with another 1500 feet of climbing
which was exceptionally challenging with 50 miles
already in the legs. The organiser even managed to
find another climb which left many riders
dismounting due to the severity. Just when the
riders thought it was all over they hit what was
described in the brief as ‘Somerset Pave’ basically
a track not suited to road bikes but added an extra
challenge for the riders to negotiate. It was hoped
20 riders would take part in the inaugural event but
this was surpassed with 30 riders starting and 30
riders returning safe all be it a little sore and tired. A
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plethora of cakes, fruit, biscuits, Tea and Coffee was waiting for the riders on their
return. The participants were so fond of the Pave section that they insisted it be put
back in again for 2016. Special mention must go to OF2 Galbourdin and Lt Pugh who
completed the route in the fastest time of 3 hrs 52 mins, and also CPO Evans who
completed the route on a hybrid bicycle in 5 hrs 5 mins, this despite the warm
conditions he kept his leggings
and water proof jacket on
throughout the ride. Epic!!! CPO
Hockenhull also got lost and did
some extra miles (to display his
stamina). Special thanks must
go to CPO Ian Dove for assisting
in marking out the course and
LPTs Paul Middleton and Jack
Senior and Cpl Vallis for
assisting in the organisation.
Riders at the start (Left to Right):
John Mills, Neil Wiggins, Peter
Goode, Dave Lapworth, Pete
Grey, Gav Camp, Andy Swash
Armed Forces Day (Aldershot Sat 27 Jun)
The RNRMCA supported the Armed Forces day, thanks to volunteers Bryony
Southorn, Alex Steele and Kevin
Joseph. Their stand received
over well over 1000 visitors, of
which 500 participated in the
Watt Bke challenge. By joining
forces with the Royal British
Legion and Battle-Back teams,
who were exceedingly grateful of
the ‘public draw’ we attracted,
they did the RNRMNCA proud.
Also on display were a large
photographic display (that
Bryony had downloaded from
RN archive) and her and Al
Lovell’s collection of bikes.
RN Road Race Champs (Brentor, Devon, Wed 26 Aug)
The RN Road race Champs will take place at Brentor on Wed 26 Aug 15. The event
consists of 7 laps of a 5 mile circuit (35 miles). The organiser is Leon Marshall
ocelotracing@hotmail.com and details to enter are as the link below. Please enter
early to avoid disappointment as it is in line with BC rules and regulations.
https://www.britishcycling.org.uk/events/details/136086/Royal-Navy-Road-RaceChampionships
Inter Service Road race Champs (RAF Cranwell Tue 1 Sep)
Selection for the RN team is via our Road Race Manager, Maj Leon Marshall. There
will be 3 races (Men’s Support, Ladies Champs and Men’s Champs). Each race is
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limited to 45 riders for each race (15 from each service, with 10 riders to count for the
team competition in the champs races.
MTB
Road Race Press – More to follow in the next edition
Off the Road
MTB X-Country update:
The first half of 2015 has seen mountain bikers participate in a wide range of camps,
events, races, tours and social rides. Early season activity saw riders take part in the
usual XC Enduro events in the lead up to the pre-season training camp. As a first,
there were a number of the DH and XC riders taking advantage of the camp, which
was followed up by a combined XC/DH skills camp in North Wales, giving twenty
riders across the two disciplines an opportunity to
move outside their comfort zone and ride terrain
that they may not normally ride.
The Summer
has seen a number of riders racing, with particular
mention going to Stu Mackenzie who stands 7th in
the National Rankings in the Sport Cat having
won the SW XC Championships and picking up a
number of top 10 finishes in the very competitive
National and Southern Series. Al Lovell has also
achieved top 10 placing in the Expert Cat at the
same Series. Rob Smith continues to achieve
strong top 10 finishes in the Vet Cat at both
Southern and SW Series Races as well as
achieving his Cat C Race Licence from his
midweek Crit Racing.
Rob Smith at Rd 2 of the Southern XC Series
In the field of endurance riding, mention should go once more to Al Hall who
organised and led his second annual South Downs Smash ride, taking 6 novice
riders along the length of the South Downs Way over two days of riding. In the more
adventurous world of Bikepacking, Craig McGhee continues to ride his bike
unsupported into the wilds of Wales and Scotland. The midweek social rides in the
Portsmouth Area head out come rain or shine on Wednesday or Thursday evenings,
providing an opportunity for all riders to take on the finest Hampshire trails in a
friendly environment. Similar rides are also available in Guzz
Last and by no means least, 2015 has seen the emergence of Gravity Enduro Racing
in the RNRMCA. Of particular note was Josh Mchenry who took part in his first GE
race at Glencoe where, due to trashing his rear mech, he had to throw his bike over
his shoulder and hot foot it half a mile to
the finish line! Mention should also go to
Adam Wheldon who braved a wet and
windy day at Triscombe to take on Rd 1 of
the UK GE Series. There are a number of
riders now looking to compete in these
events, and the hope is that they can all
converge at Round 5 of the UK GE Series
at Dyfi Woods in Wales on 19-20 Sep for
the first organised RNRMCA GE outing.
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If you would like to get involved in any aspect of this vibrant and growing discipline
within the RNRMCA, please get in touch with the MTB Sec Lt Cdr Alex Bingham
(alex.bingham353@mod.uk ).
RNRMCA MTB X-Country Champs
This should be taking place on Woodbury Common 30 Sep which although is after
the Inter Service Champs, is the only time the organiser Andy Plewes could fit it in.
He is completing discussions with CTCRM PT Staff and Alex will publish the AO in
short order.
Inter Service MTB X-Country Champs
The Inter Service XC Champs will be hosted by the RAF at the Olympic Course at
Hadleigh Farm on Wed 16 Sep. The team format is 6 men and 2 women from each
of the services with the same point scoring system as last year. Selection is via the
Team Manager. As current team champions, we are keen to get our strongest out
there to defend the title. This is Rec Travel approved. Please let Alex know if you are
available on alex_bingham@yahoo.com or call 07813106561.
MTB Downhill (Yes they are still nutters; but I am warming to them)
The RNRMDH Team has had incredible start to the season with CPOET Andy
Horsburgh placing in the top 10 in
Veterans at the National Scottish
Downhill Series
(SDS). He has supported Lt Kyle
Baker, PO Patrick Gardner, ET
Jamie Woods and ET Scott
Langridge.
CSgt Shields has done equally well
at the British Nationals the British
Downhill Series (BDS) and mid
season he is 6th overall in the Veterans category and 10th overall in the combined
services.
Sam Shields at the Fort Bill Rd
of British Cycling’s Downhill
Series
At a local level Cpl John
Bennett and Mne Clowes have
represented the RNRMCA
Downhill Team at the
Southwest Series/ Woodland
Riders Racing. At the Summer
Jam at the Woodland
Southwest Series CSgt Shields invited the Team down to his home for some grass
roots instruction. Mne Johnson and AET James Scott attended.
CPOET Andy Horsburgh and CSgt Shields instructed
in Morocco for the Para’s as Mountain Bike
instructors which has excellent training at altitude for
their future races.
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The Downhill Team future aims and intentions are to finish the season with the InterServices at Revolution Bike Park in North Wales.
In DH racing, special mention should go to Sam
Shields who is racing alongside Factory Pro
Teams at the British Down Hill Series (a UCI
recognised race series) in the Vet Cat, and Andy
Horsburgh, Kyle Baker and Jamie Woods who
are taking on the equally challenging Scottish
Downhill Series. The growth of DH has also seen
the first Grassroots event at Gawton in July
where riders took advantage of the more relaxed
atmosphere to have a go.
Remaining Rec Travel Events
DATE
FIXTURE/MEETING
Mountain Bike Downhill
19-20 Sep
British Downhill Series Rd 6
22-23 Sep
Inter Service Champs
Mountain Bike X-Country
15 Aug
Epic Cymru Multi Day Endurance Event
15-16 Aug
BC National XC Series Rd 5
30 Aug
Torq 12:12
16 Sep
Inter Service Champs
Time Trial
23 Aug
National 12hr Championship
27 Sep
Welsh 50 mile TT Champs
Oct
National Circuit TT Champs
Road Racing
2 Sep
Inter Service Champs
VENUE
Antur Stiniog
North Wales
South Wales
Cannock Chase, Staffordshire
Minley Manor, Hants
Hadleigh Farm, Essex
Shropshire
South Wales
Thruxton
RAF Cranwell
BMX
It was agreed that BMX is currently progressing well and that the Army would
advertise when training sessions take place at Andover so that other service riders
can partake.
Annual Army Camp
Ex Welsh Epic. An Army organised annual cycle camp in N Wales (RR, MTB XC, DH
and GE), Apr 2016 (11 Apr – 22 Apr 16). Please put in calendars as Army would
welcome participation from RN and RAF riders.
Race Kit
Nick Tryon is taking orders on race kit for 2016. This is race specific RN kit, so is not
cheap. The turn around is approx 3-4 months as it is especially made to order. Send
him your requirement to bearexposures@hotmail.co.uk
Club Kit
The Clun Jersey will be receiving a revamp to make it slightly brighter and more
appealing to incorporate the RBL logo. Further news to follow.
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Club Discounts
30-40% off USE products including Exposure lighting and approx 20% off
Cyclepowermeters products. Further info from me.
Regards
Sean Childs
Navy Cycling Development Officer
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