Edited independently in three of the CTC Wessex member group areas and publishedquarterly. Please contact your nearest member group or access the club website for

information on any eventswww.wessexctc.org for all CTC Wessex activities

CTC WESSEX SECRETARYPeter Loakes, Church Cottage, West Stafford, DT2 8AB (01305) 263272CTC BOURNEMOUTHCheryl Owen, 1 Bond Road, Poole BH15 3RT (01202) 738428Margaret Phillpotts, Onair, 9 Bucklers Way, Bournemouth BH8 0EWCTC SALISBURYAlan Clarke, “Hill House”, Kelsey Road, Salisbury SP1 1JR (01722) 322188CTC WEST DORSETAngela Price, 41 Garfield Avenue, Dorchester, DT1 2EYCTC BLACKMORE VALERichard Gow, Wildfell, Crown Rd, Marnhull, DT10 1LN (01258) 821391

Main Calendar Dates For 2011

THE WESSEX NEWSLETTER

April 10th Dorset Coastlet 100km Peter Loakes 01305 263272

April 10th Dorset Coast 200km Peter Loakes 01305 263272

Apr 23rd 3D300km Audax Peter Loakes 01305 263272

May 8th New Forest Spring Challenge 50km John Ward 01590 671205

May 8th New Forest Day Out 100km John Ward 01590 671205

May 8th New Forest 150km John Ward 01590 671205

May 8th New Forest Excursion 200km John Ward 01590 671205

May 14th CTC NATIONAL AGM & DINNER AT WEYMOUTH

May 15th CTC Wessex Centenary Celebration Rides at Weymouth 01305772654

May 15th Dorset Downs 100km Justin Oakley 07968 213833

May 15th Dorset Downs “Jake the Peg” 150km Justin Oakley 07968 213833

Sept 4th New Forest Autumn Challenge 50km John Ward 01590 671205

Sept 4th New Forest & Coast 100km John Ward 01590 671205

Sept 4th New Forest 150km John Ward 01590 671205

Sept 4th New Forest On & Off Shore 200km John Ward 01590 671205

Sept 11th Dorset Dirt 50km Off-Road Ken Reed 01305 772654

Sept TBA Bournemouth Square 200km Brian Callow

Oct 9th Gridiron 100km Terry Walsh 01202 247888

3 Cycle Ink #160Keith Matthews - Editor

Well, the poll of the whole club went for thefluffy comforting charity option, so CTC has thego ahead now to form itself into a majorNational charity. It isn’t one yet as it still has alot of preparatory paperwork to do and thenmust apply. Ah well I suppose that’s democracy,but pardon my cynicism. I know a bit aboutprofessional charities and how 85p in everypound you donate goes in overheads.On the matter of charities, a professional charitycalled Headway has a campaign to make cyclehelmets compulsory. They have sneaked it intolegislation in Jersey, and are trying to sneak it inin Northern Ireland next. Compulsion is againstthe CTC policy of voluntary wearing. KevinMayne tells me that its the first time CTC hascome up against a well funded professional campaign and is difficult tocounter it without being seen as the “bad guys”

Your support needed at the CTC AGM - 14th and 15th MayPlease come and help us run the rides that the Wessex members’ groupis organising for the CTC AGM. We need volunteers to lead andmarshal the rides and also of course as many local participants aspossible. Full details of the rides are on:

http://www.wessexctc.org/events.htm.If you can help in any way please contact Anne or Ken email

anneandken@neale.net Tel 01305 772654.

Cycle Ink #160 4

CTC Blackmore Vale RidesThese take place every week alternating between Saturday & Sunday

Meet 10am, set off at 10.30am.Lunches: Cafés in Winter; Picnics during BST

01963 32840 - Richard & Margaret Nicholl or 01258 821391 - Richard Gow

Day Date Meet Lunch & Tea LeadSat 26th Mar Chapel X tea room, South Cadbury

(just N of A303)20 Landmead, Glastonbury(Bernard White’s home)

BW

Sun 3rd Apr Waitrose supermarket, Gillingham Crown Inn PH, Alvediston ME-RSat 9th Apr The Place, Market Place, Castle

Cary - in High St on R just beforecovered market

Steam Railway station,Cranmore

BW

Sun 17th Apr NT cafe, Stourhead Picnic in the park,Warminster

RH

Sat 23rd Apr Café Elodie, SwansYard,Shaftesbury (opp Boots)

Sixpenny Handley, Tea:Shaftesbury

ME-R

Fri 29th Apr NT cafe, Stourhead Mystery Ride RN

Sun 1st May The Cake Tin, Gold Hill Farm,Child Okeford

Woodhouse Gardens,Blandford, Tea:Shillingstone railway

RG

Sat 7th May Chapel X tea room, South Cadbury Muchelney Abbey,Tea: South Cadbury

BW

Sun 15th May Weymouth area: Several rides -Details available in April.

CTCWD

Sat 21st May Castle Gardens, Sherborne Evershot, Tea: Sherborne RNSun 29th May Pythouse Kitchen Garden. N of

SemleyBroad Chalke,Tea: Pythouse

RH

Sat 4th Jun Chapel X tea room, South Cadbury.Mtg with Cycle Somerset Group

High Ham,Tea: South Cadbury

RN

Sun 12th Jun The Cake Tin, Gold Hill Farm,Child Okeford

Winterborne Tomson,Tea: Shillingstone railway

PW

Sat 18th Jun Airfield restaurant, Compton Abbas Cranborne Garden CentreTea: Compton Abbas

RG

Sun 26th Jun Top o’Town café, Dorchester Weymouth/Portland. Toview Olympic sailingfacilities

RHKenAnne

Sat 2st Jul RNAS Museum, Yeovilton Barrington Court,Tea: Yeovilton or S.

BW

5 Cycle Ink #160

Twinning Visit from St Lô Postponed

We suggested the original date in Sept 2011 to avoidclashing with our main CTC AGM at Weymouth inMay 2011. September proved unpopular as therewas no Bank Holiday Monday in France to give along weekend. So Pentacost 13 June seemedpromising, and we suggested weekend 11-13 June2011.To reduce the problems of transport for both hostsand visitors, we offered to subsidise their costs of 2nights in a hotel in Poole, to include a grand dinner.This would facilitate embarking on the very earlyMonday ferry, and allow us to lead them to join theSaturday ride to Burley, and on Sunday to cross the chain ferry to Swanage /Corfe/ Purbecks. This also proved unpopular, especially as they have a 600kmPBP qualifying event to organize that weekend!They have suggested postponing to 2012. I’m sorry for those of you who werelooking forward to meeting old friends and hosting new ones. So we will tryagain for Saturday, 26 May to Monday, 28 May 2012. The St Loists arehappier with these dates, but are canvassing their members. If you are keen totake part in 2012, as hosts, or by joining in rides, please let me know at:

malcolm_howell@hotmail.com or on 01305 756094or at 1 Garland Crescent, Dorchester, Dorset DT1 2SX

I have sent some of this information already to some previousparticipants, but my contact details are not complete. Please do notassume that previous participation means that I have your contactdetails. It is safer to re-contact me.

New CafeWe have recently taken over Inger-Lise's Coffee Shop

106 High St. Keyhaven Rd, Milford on SeaTel: 01950 643518 or 07539224119

Open 9-5 Tuesday to SaturdayWe were visited recently by a local cyclist who commented on our facilities andspace to park bikes. We provide good coffee, tea, snacks, hot dishes and soups andlook forward to welcoming CTC members

Groups with advance notice please.

Malcolm Howell (aka Badger) CTC Wessex President

Cycle Ink #160 6

Hope2Cycle is a charitable community partnership promoting cycling,recycling, health and well-being. We have a fantastically dedicated team ofskilled, trained volunteers and paid staff who offer a comprehensive andpersonal service.We service and repair unwanted bikes and put them back on the road. Wealso offer service, repairs to customers bikes in addition to new and recycledparts, cycle hire and maintenance training.Most of our work is undertaken at our workshop in Shaftesbury, we also visitother localities offering a mobile service to customers in their work settings,college, university or their own home.If you are in need of a bike, want to hire, need a repair or service then look usup or give us a call. We can offer very competitive and personalservice.

We can be found at:www.hope2cycle.org.uk or call us on 01747 851397

This is what we have in Wiltshire now for checking rights of way. Itappears to work very well.www.wiltshire.gov.uk/environmentandplanning/rightsofway/rightsofwaymap.htm

Alan Clarke

7 Cycle Ink #160

This ride continues every Saturday regardlessof the weather. Initially organised by TerryWalsh under the auspices of the local CTCfor people new to club cycling it has taken alife of it’s own. The range of abilities isimmense but newcomers are still arriving andon the day are looked after by someone likeTerry. Starting from Waitrose inChristchurch at 9:00 and collecting moreriders at Burton by the Oak, it can be a gentle10 mile ride into the countryside includingthe New Forest and stopping at Burley for coffee. I always have tea. The caféhas changed over the years because of capacity, opening hours, etc. Once wehad to move because of CJD and foot and mouth. The current chosen wateringhole is the Old Farmhouse where we are well received. They are cyclistfriendly as can be seen from their own blurb below. Come andexperience the buzz (noise of a playground) or direct any new cyclistto this ride. To be sure of a mentor on their first ride call Terry on01202 247888.

Saturday Morning Burton to Burley Ride

Located in the centre of Burley, a popularNew Forest village, The Old Farmhouse isan ideal place to stop during a cycle trip.We are very cycle friendly with a gardenthat has a cycle rail for you to safely lock your bike on to, and deliciouscakes and drinks to refresh you. We are also a refilling station fortapwater.org so you can get free water from us too!We are open every day from 9.00 so come and visit us! (large partiesplease phone ahead if possible!)

01425 402218 www.oldfarmhouseinburley.co.uk

Cycle Ink #160 8

Right to Ride - FebruaryThe new link road, connecting Blandford Road in Hamworthy to the Twin SailsBridge, will ease traffic flows and reduce congestion in Hamworthy and thetown centre when Poole's much-needed second harbour crossing opens inearly 2012. Work on the new road started in January and is scheduled forcompletion by the autumn. The designs look wonderful.The west approach to the new bridge has not been formalised yet.

By Paul Turner

It’s been a very busy period of late. The main item, Local Transport Plan 3 which setsout visions, aims, objectives and goals – much the same as previous Local TransportPlans. Well, I guess some of those visions were realised because believe it or not, it isclaimed cycling has increased in S E Dorset by 80% in the last 5 years.I was inclined to ignore this LTP but was overcome with CTC pride and gave in.Don’t think we shall see the great modal shift to commuter cycling the governmentspout on about – it’s just too comfortable in a car.One thing I think we must keep an eye on – is the proposal to allow Powered TwoWheelers to share bus lanes. It’s already bad enough having taxis pass close – tooclose sometimes.Most of you will have heard of Connect 2: The Sustrans scheme for a cycle routeacross the fields from Throop to Hurn. As an ex resident of Throop, although I neveropposed this scheme, I never supported it. The scheme has now been cancelled. Formany years I have been involved with trying to get a simple crossing across the riverfor HORSES. There are 150 stabled on the Bournemouth side of the river. I didn’t dothis because I love horses: I did it because cyclists can use bridleways. Dorset CountyCouncil now propose to put a secondhand bridge across the river and I have startednegotiating with DCC to take immediate action on getting the footpaths reclassified asbridleways.Great news received today. The 40mph speed limit will be extended at West Parley toinclude the cycle/pedestrian crossing.Some months ago I was informed Bournemouth Council were looking at possiblecycle routes around the Town Centre. I was not too happy. If you hear of anyproposals with which you do not agree either contact me or the Bournemouth CyclingOfficer, Mrs Lucy Marstrand lucy.marstrand@bournemouth.gov.uk.Finally, for those who ride in the West Moors Area, the BOAT (Byway open to alltraffic) which runs from Pinehurst Road to Station Road has been reclassified as aRestricted Byway. So, if you do use it, you should not see any motorisedvehicles on it in future.Many of you will know I am no longer riding – so,if you see something happening which you consider detrimental tocyclists it will be a great help if you will tell me about it.

On the Campaign Trail By Peter Du Lieu

9 Cycle Ink #160

To: Martin Caton,MP, House of Commons 19 January 2011

Stricter LiabilityI am writing, not only on behalf of Wheelrights but I think of cyclists and vulnerableroad users in general, to ask for your support for measures to get the law changed toincorporate stricter liability (also referred to as strict liability.) Stricter liability meansthat in the event of a collision between a powered vehicle and a cyclist or pedestrianthe vehicle driver is assumed liable unless proven otherwise; similarly if a cyclist hits apedestrian the cyclist would be liable. The major problem with the law as it stands isthat the onus is on the weaker party to prove their innocence. This has resulted innumerous cases where cyclists and pedestrians have been killed or seriously injuredand the motorist who caused the accident has got off with nothing more than points ontheir license and a fine, or at the most a limited driving ban.We are one of only four European countries that do not apply stricter liability; theother three are Ireland, Cyprus and Malta. The CTC (I am their Right to Ride rep. forthe Swansea area.) have at the National level had stricter liability on their agenda forsome time but have held back because they felt it would get nowhere due to oppositionfrom the motoring lobby, but there are two recent developments which make themthink that now might be a good time to take action.The first is that the Commons Transport Select Committee has an enquiry underwayon motor insurance costs and that this committee is willing to consider evidence of theeffect of stricter liability laws. Proponents argue that such a law change would cutcompensation claims as it would lead to more careful driving with a consequentreduction in accidents. The second is a letter from the Secretary of State for Transport,Norman Baker, to Richard Burden MP who had received a letter from a constituent ofhis (Clive Chapman) making the case for stricter liability. I have printed a copy ofNorman Bakers’ letter overleaf. It is telling in that in essence he accepts the case, butnotes that it is “likely to be very contentious” and that “strong evidence” is requiredbefore the law can be changed. I believe we have that evidence.The website www.stricterliabilityforus.org.uk provides further information. Finally Inote that such a law change would arguably be the single most effective measure toimprove the safety of cyclists and pedestrians – outweighing infrastructure changes,much as these are also needed.With regards, David Naylor (Wheelrights Secretary)

Thank you for your letter of 19th January, urging me to press for the adoption of‘Stricter Liability’ provision in UK law to apply when a motor vehicle is in an accidentwith a cyclist or pedestrian.I believe that you make a very strong case that appears to be accepted in large part, bythe Minister on the evidence of his reply to my colleague Richard Burden MP.Yours sincerely, Martin Caton M.P.

Cycle Ink #160 10

I am scrawling this article lolling in myfavourite armchair, the inevitablesteaming mug of tea at hand after a briskdays riding in the depth of winter with amidweek group of the usual reprobateswho have more in common with “JustWilliam” than the mature dignifiedpersona they try to project in theirnormal or working lives, those that haveworking lives that is.For truth to tell, it is a well known factthat dedicated Bikies make butindifferent employees and offer sadreturns for their long suffering masters. The plethora of Cycling Mags at thework station, the sniffing of the early spring air at the open office window, theunkempt garden, the complete lack of interest in current Football conversation,all highlight the hopeless case.Age is no barrier to the deep affliction in fact this brings us to a little realizedfacet of our “Wheeled Delight”. It is a strange Time Machine. A solid group ofmature riders (or bloody old men, take your choice) can be transported, duringthe course of a days ride, into boisterous boys at the first downhill swoop orechoing railway underpass. Strutting their stuff in front of long sufferingBarmaids and Café waitresses, who’s upturned eyes say it all, is also par for thecourse.Thus you are able to see the amazing time travelling capabilities of the humblebike at first hand. In my own case, on more than one occasion, while quietlypeddling alone along some familiar deserted winding lane, a powerful memorywill place beside me a past laughing riding companion, no longer with us alas,and I will have to curb the urge to sprint for the village road sign as we used to ofold. Funny things these Cycling Time Slips so if you see me talking to myself,don’t interrupt, the conversation could be a pleasant one.Oh! Before I forget to tell you, a momentous event occurred on today’s ride, itoccurs every year and always grabs me with a sharp intensity. The first sightingof Snowdrops. A carpet of them gleaming in a lonely Dorset country churchyard.They hit me like a, so English, deep chord of Vaughan Williams music. Whysuch a small fragile flower should effect me so I’ll never understand,but it does,and I know as long as they continue to bob and smile in Dorset Churchyards, allwill be well.Now on to more pressing matters. I refer of course to the buzz of concernregarding the CTC’s powers that be’s efforts to convert our 120 year old Cycling

Charity Begins at Home By Big Bob

11 Cycle Ink #160

Club into a Charity. You will not be surprised to hear the talk is of nothing else atour Residential Retirement Hotel “Le Hotel du Velo Sportif” mentioned inprevious articles. The intense discussions usually migrate from the library to thebar area as the evenings progress where much sipping of the rougher end of theDorset Real Ale spectrum takes place. Does it mean if the conversion succeedswe will be concerned with larger green issues? Yes it does.Four pints Dave queried.”What about my favourite Suffolk Brewery, GreenKing”? We all agreed that would need supporting. David L was next to take thefloor being somewhat concerned whether support would be provided for hisfavourite charity “The Rescue Mission for Fallen Ladies of Easy Virtue.” Mike Lquickly responded to the effect that all his life he had endeavoured to makeLadies fall so the least the CTC could do for his exorbitant membershipsubscription was rescue a few.After a puzzled silence David C remembered seeing a film or advertisement of agroup of monkeys riding bikes and hoped the CTC Charity would further thetraining and the use of the bike in the animal world. He was assured this wouldbe so as Mike W was in the process of augmenting the Saturday Burley Ridewith a troop of various members of the animal kingdom. With Terry’s help, andif the reluctance of some of the Ant Eater section could be overcome, he was suregood work could be done. What would happen upon arrival at the café wasanyone’s guess but he felt sure the excellent staff there would cope.A particular ungallant member of our community, who shall be namelessenquired whether his ex wife who savaged him on more then one occasion could,join such a group. He was assured this could be so as long as proof of toilettraining could be shown as per the animal contingent. He seemed happy with thisand wandered back to his fireside game of Dominoes.Steve G wondered whether the Christchurch Bicycle Club could become aregistered charity also and with all the government funding that would then flowall the members could retire and never work again. This it was thought was notthe probable intention.As the evening matured it was generally agreed that should conversion occurmore and more staff would be added to headquarters, the monster would growand eventually take over the Liberal Democratic Party and be led by leaders withno more idea about true cycling than a pork pie.But somewhere out there a lone rider will be seen, deep in the lanes, wearing awell used CTC road jersey and who, it was thought, would focus in all theexcited mayhem on his quality of daily Club Life.Would he have to leave and join a . . . what could you call it . . . a Cycling Club?A long silence descended,the large log fire settled and crackled,and allstared into their beer tankards. . . . RIDE HARD. BIG BOB.

Cycle Ink #160 12

January 6th was the day of the joint Potterers and Alternatives freewheelingcompetition to be held at Tarrant Crawford. In past years there have been as many as40 competitors out on the day, all keen to perform well in this event and hopefully forone lucky person, to receive the trophy presented to the winner at the AGM later in theyear. Unfortunately, after several weeks of extremely cold, icy and snowy weatherconditions, this particular day turned out to be very, very wet.The ride started at Wimborne Rec and upon arrival we found there were only fiveriders brave or foolhardy enough to go out on the day. These were in no particularorder: Peter Durant (of course), Denis Everleigh, Jim McDonald, Dave Langley andChas Lewis who had come out with his 19 month old son Morgan “happily” sitting inhis Co-Pilot child seat atop the pannier rack; a ruse clearly aimed to introduce him tothe joys of club cycling on this fine day. Sadly, Morgan didn’t think the 20 mile roundtrip to Blandford, even with the prospect of helping his dad win the downhillcompetition by adding the extra weight plus the enjoyment of the cafe stop for hisequivalent to tea and toasted teacake, quite justified the amount of time still to be spentout in the rain. So Chas decided to head straight home for an early drying off.When the four remaining riders got to the top of the hill above Tarrant Crawford, verywet by now as the rain had not let up at all, we collectively decide to get on with thecompetition as quickly as possible. In the past we’ve had the expert assistance of verycapable people like Alan Dodson and Bob Courtney to perform the supporting andreleasing process for each competitor but for some strange reason they were missingon this day. So we just got on with it and balanced ourselves momentarily at the topand then let go to descend the hill as rapidly as possible. First off was Dave Langleywho managed to cover quite a reasonable distance to stop some few metres beyond theentrance to Tarrant Crawford farm and church on the right hand side. In rapidsuccession Denis and Jim then followed both stopping just a few feet behind Dave.Peter then appeared and sailed past all three and stopped another few metres beyondDave; Peter can now claim the title of 2011 freewheeling Champion and look forwardto the awards ceremony later in the year.Following the competition we all hurried off to Scruples cafe in Blandford to dry offbriefly and enjoy our own versions of tea and teacake. Three of us then hurried offhome as quickly as possible to get dried off properly, but Jim decided he wasn’t wetenough yet or maybe too wet to care any more, and took off for a longer ride towardsChild Okeford before eventually heading back home later in the day.One salutary lesson from this experience is that the first week of January isnot the ideal time for this competition. Even if snow and ice don’t get us,pouring rain will. Maybe we’ll look seriously at running it later in the year.

Freewheeling Competition By Dave Langley

13 Cycle Ink #160

The Thursday Potters and Alternatives met atThe Albion in Verwood for their annual ChristmasLunch on the 16th December. A good numberrode out but the majority took their cars. I thinkthe smiles in the photographs confirm that all who

attended had a grand time. A big thank you toRob Garnet and Dave Langley for getting us alltogether and again to Rob fororganising the event with TheAlbion.

Potterers’ Christmas Lunch

In January eight from Bournemouth met up with 20 other cyclists for an informalcycling month in Denia on the Costa Blanca. Denia is mid sized Spanish town withCastle, Old Town, Daily car ferry to Ibiza and two good bike shops. The cycling startseasily enough through six miles of orange groves and then up and down and up again.A special award for Internationalism is due to Colin and Sarah Barrett who went outwith the Denia ex-pats and showed them some real riding. They also get theAlternative International award for getting the bikes safely to Spain but leaving thewheel skewers in Bournemouth. Whoops!Ralph Huckle gets the Going Native award. Not being able to ride as much as hopedRalph signed up for two weeks intensive Spanish lessons in readiness for futurecycling adventures in Spain.Most Deceptive Cyclist goes to Rosalie Hayter who after protesting that six miles tocoffee was enough was then seen at a variety of distant cafes, all needing to get over300 metre climbs. What was going on?The Hard Rider award goes to Allan Lilley who went out with a small group doing fastspeeds, long distances, major climbs and unmade mountain roads. Respect, Allan!I was just pleased to get up some of the big climbs such as the Maserof640m, Col de Rates 626m and Castell de Castells 803m.Our thanks are due to Mike Walsh who provided team transport to andfrom Gatwick for four of us and a van load of bikes.

A Month on the Costa Blanca By John Hayter

Cycle Ink #160 14

Everyone Welcome at the AGM Rides. The AGM is part of our centenarycelebrations and we will be organising four rides on 14th and 15th May. Pleasecome and ride and help if you can. We expect that many of our AGM visitorswill join us. On 14th May we will be leading a short ride from Weymouth rail

station to the AGM venue. This will leave at 11h15 to arrive at the NationalSailing Academy in time for the start of the AGM at 12h30. On 15th May wewill be organising two on road rides and one mountain bike ride.The meeting place for the road rides on 15th May will be at the RSPB centre inthe Swannery car park in Weymouth town centre, map reference SY6755579605. We will meet at 09h30 with the longer ride leaving at 09h45 and theshorter family and grandparents ride starting at 10h00. Both rides will return tothe Swannery car park by 15h30.The rides will explore the lanes and byways of Dorset and visit the WorldHeritage Jurassic Coast. The leaders and assistants are locals with hugeenthusiasm for the county. They will show you the hidden Dorset which stillexists away from the hustle and bustle of modern life.

Welcome to the AGM rides By Ken Reed

15 Cycle Ink #160

The family ride will be about 22 miles. Walking up the steeper hills will be theorder of the day and all will have time to stop and stare. The ride is suitable foranyone, adults or accompanied children, who are reasonably fit. We willfollow the coast to Abbotsbury, visiting Fleet church famously featured inFaulkner’s book The Moonfleet. We will look down on the famousAbbotsbury Swannery before stopping to explore the ancient village ofAbbotsbury. There will be ample time to have coffee or an early lunch in oneof the many cafés. On the return journey we will pass close to Hardy’sMonument and visit Portesham before tea at the Wishing Well café Upwey.Full details of this route at www.ctc.org.uk/AGM_Family_RideThe link to the map of this route at www.wessexctc.org/events.htm

The longer ride will be 36 hilly miles. It is ideal for regular club riders whoenjoy the challenge of some steep hills and can average around 10mph in hillycountry. We will climb over the Downs for coffee in the farm shop atMartinstown. After coffee we will go up to Hardy’s Monument which on aclear day gives views of over 60 miles. When you can see the Isle of Wight itis going to rain. We then descend to sea level via the lovely Bredy Valley, oneof Dorset’s hidden gems. Lunch is at the Beehive Café on the beach at Burton

Cycle Ink #160 16

Bradstock. We then take the direct route to Abbotsbury and onwards toPortesham. Tea will be taken at one of the many cafés in Abbotsbury.Full details of this route at www.ctc.org.uk/AGM_Road_RideThe link to the map of this route at www.wessexctc.org/events.htm

The mountain bike ride will start at 09h45 from the Weymouth and PortlandNational Sailing Academy car park nearest to the entrance to the blue building,map reference SY67645 74630. Portland offers superb technical mountainbiking right along the very cliff edge. If you can take your mind off the trailthere are spectacular coastal views in every direction. We locals want to makethe ride available for any competent mountain biker without spoiling the funfor the experts. If you are up for it you can do the cliff top route several timesor you may prefer to test yourself on the rocky sections near the Bill. It will beyour choice. We will probably be waiting for you in the Lobster Pot Caféoverlooking the famous Portland Bill tidal race.Full details of this route at www.ctc.org.uk/AGM_Offroad_rideThe link to the map of this route at www.wessexctc.org/events.htm

17 Cycle Ink #160

RIP Bill McMullen By Eamonn DeaneBournemouth Jubilee Wheelersfounder member and formerpresident Bill McMullen(pictured centre in clubsweatshirt) sadly passed awayDecember 21st age 96.Along with a few other localenthusiasts, including his futurewife, Dee, they formed the clubin 1935, the Jubilee year ofKing George V. It was to be aclub catering for social andtouring only. All racing wasprohibited, a good job reallybecause nobody owned a cyclethat could possibly be used for

racing. Within a month well attended club runs of 40 or more were riding to places asfar away as Devon and Bristol. Bill, as secretary would book the cafes for the tea stopsand the traffic free roads made it a golden era for British club cycling.Whilst Bill and Dee were away touring in the Lake District in the summer of 35 theclub held its first time trial and it was obvious the club rules would have to be changed.A lot of furious training took place through the winter and in the spring of 1936 theclub held its first official Time Trial, a “25”.The advent of a new club in the area was viewed with suspicion from the other alreadyestablished clubs. However as Bill mischievously remarked in 1985, when reminiscingabout the early years “Other clubs began to miss their most dashing men members whowere drawn to the bevy of beauties who made up the numbers in the Jubilee” Billserved the club in almost every capacity from secretary, treasurer to president but itwas his willingness to promote, marshal and help out at all the club and open events

that set him apart.Bill’s other love was golf, andafter retirement as well ascycling he would play nearlyeveryday. Bill McMullen issurvived by wife Dee, threesons & two daughters.The Cortege was led to thechapel by members of theBournemouth JubileeWheelers.

Cycle Ink #160 18

The last Reliability Ride in thewinter series was the 100 milesin eight hours. The Sundaybrought a very wet and windyday which limited the field to 32.Most of the riders cut the rideshort and returned beforecompleting the 100 miles.The photograph is of the Rowescoming up to High Lea Cornerjust over 40 miles around theroute.Peter Warhurst wrote to the Rowes:-Congratulations to young George (and dad) for completing the 100 on Sunday.This would have been quite an achievement for a 14 year old in decentweather but in Sunday's attrocious conditions it was remarkable, demandinghuge grit and determinationVery well done. I think it likely that George is the youngest ever to completethe BJW 100.Cliff Rowe replied:- Thank you for your congratulations.It was quiet an eventful day. Several times I gave George options to either cutshort, and ride the 100k, or wait in a pub with a hot chocolate while I went andgot the car. The low point for George came after we left Plush.  Georgedescended the hill to Piddletrenthide and could not make the bend, he justmissed the crash barriers, and rode down a steep grass bank until he wentover the handlebars. He jumped up more worried about his bike than himself.After this incident I was concerned for him, and in my panic I misread the routeinstructions (again) and we found ourselves in Dorchester!I suffered a couple of punctures, and with the strong wind not letting up Istarted to get concerned about fading light, and Georges stamina. Howeverafter 107.5 miles we finally made it back to the club house. I was mentallyexhausted and we both were really pleased to see friendly faces who insistedthat we walked over a freshly mopped floor and had a cup of coffee. I alwaysappreciate the work that goes into running any BJW events, but our receptionjust rammed home what a great club I belong to.It was a day George and myself will never forget. We will now have to wait tosee if he wants to do it again.CliffThey deserved coffee and cake when they returned after such a day and if thatmeant mopping the floor again well!Mike.

BJW Reliability Rides By Mike Walsh

19 Cycle Ink #160

From Eric’s Archive By Eric Watson

The tree at Minstead. Martin and Jeanette King, Duncan, Peter Collins, Ron Lewis,Vicki Hinchcliffe & Eric Dayman

Witchampton the Thursday Potterer's birthday ride 1979

Cycle Ink #160 20

Certificate of Merit By Keith Matthews

Under the guise of a club night, which the Blackmore Vale Section heldat Marnhull at the end of February, assembled members surprisedRichard and Margaret with the Certificate of Merit which had beenapplied for to the CTC. They receive the certificate shown in thephotograph and also a written citation, the text of which is printedbelow. A very happy evening was had by all.

Richard and Margaret are LifeMembers of CTC in every sense.Richard joined in 1955 and Margaretin 1966. Wherever they have lived;from Yorkshire, Devon, Kent,Wiltshire, Scotland and nowSomerset, they have been active CTClocal officials, or started newsections where none existed.Margaret’s caring and generousnature has supported the welfare ofClub members in all their groups.Richard’s skill as a ride planner andleader is legendary. Throughout hisCTC life, members have benefited

from his thorough research and remarkable knowledge to enhance rides.Margaret and Richard led CTC Tours in Europe and at home, organisedYouth Hostel trips, social events and attend the Birthday Rides everyyear. They keep abreast of campaigns for local cycling facilities and seekout potential routes to encourage cycling in their area.For the last ten years Richard has been CTC Wessex Treasurer andMargaret a CTC Wessex Vice President. They created and ran theBlackmore Vale Section for ten years and are now positively encouragingthe growing group.Richard and Margaret exemplify the altruism of a true CTC local GroupMember, and have the respect of all cyclists who know them.

21 Cycle Ink #160

FOR SALETHINKING OF LONG DISTANCE CYCLE TOURING.?COMPLETELY KITTED LIGHT WEIGHT TOURING BIKE.Dawes (Handbuilt) Horizon, almost as good as new, sadly ridden only a fewhundred miles. Frame 21” Double butted 501 tubing. Rear pannier carrier.Shimano Altus A20 Rear Mech 21 gears. Alesa Rims with Exage HB-RM50hubs and Sprint tyres. Quick release.Shimano calips brakes with hooded levers.Vetta Lite Gel Saddle. Vetta computer.Carradice Long Flap Touring saddlebag –well used but in vgc. Twin Tention Pannierbags. Manuals for bike and computer.Bargain at £250Peter Du Lieu Tel 01202 745472Pedpet75@yahoo.com..

WANTEDPower Assisted Bke. - Peter Du Lieu. Contact as above.

WANTEDGents 1950's/60's roadster, 21 inch frame with hub gears, conditionisn't so important because I can restore it.Bob Colman (CTC Member) TEL: 01202 761228

I have some cycling books to give away. First come basis, collect from my home.Big Eric Watson. (01202) 581669 ficwaso@gmail.com

The Great Races by Eddy Merckx & Leon Michaux (1985) Classic Cycle Races of Europe by Rudolf Geser (1993) El Mundo Fabuloso Ciclismo by Tonnoir & Merckx (1982) in Spanish The Fabulous World of Cycling 1983 Season by Eddy Merckx The Cycling Year, 1990 cycle racing season by Phil Liggett (1990) Tony Doyle 6 Day Rider by Geoffrey Nicholson. Signed first edition. In High Gear by Samuel Abt (1989) Paperback Sprinter by Malcolm Elliott (1990) A Rough Ride by Paul Kimmage(1990)

Cycle Ink #160 22

The committee meeting date is the deadline for Newsletter contributions. Editorialpolicy is to print all contributions, with minimal editing for the purposes of layoutonly. Contribute by any way you like. Photographs are welcome in any form.

http://www.bournemouthctc.org“CycleInk” is the Newsletter of CTC Bournemouth a division of the CTC Wessex Member Group of the

Cyclists’ Touring Club. Published four times a year for members. Views expressed are not necessarilythose of the club.

Contributions and Photographs

Informal Wayfarers Rides to BurleyThis ride happens every Saturday and is completely informal. There is no leaderand no back up, but generally an experienced cyclist somewhere around. Theroute is designed for beginners but joined in by all abilities.

Start 08:45 at Waitrose Supermarket, Christchurch every SaturdayOr 09:00 at The Oak PH, Burton

Or just make your own way to the OldFarmhouse Tea Rooms, Burley for 10:00