Good Friday
Good Friday racing at Castle Combe is almost upon us. This is a hugely popular open day of racing attracting riders from all over the south west. The club puts on a great day but only with the help from our club members. If you can spare an hour (or more) to assist in any way on this Friday, please get in touch. This year there are hand cycling racing taking place. Volunteers to help riders in this event would be especially welcome.
Sports and Social Club Open Day
The Chippenham Sports and Social Club, our new home is having an open day on Sunday 21st April. Please see the flyer below for more information on the day and the activities planned. Our club will be having a presence at the event that will probably involve a static bike challenge. Volunteers are sought to assist on our stand. Contact our wonderful secretary if you can give up some time, even just an hour would help.
Coaching
After much sweat, groaning and grimacing, the Spin and Strength and Conditioning sessions have ceased for the Spring and Summer. They will return in the Autumn in order to help riders maintain and develop fitness through the Winter. Financially there was a surplus of £113.00 raised from these sessions (many thanks to all attendees!). This money will be added to the money raised at the Club Dinner and will be presented to the Wiltshire Air Ambulance.
Focus now changes to outdoor coaching / training with Castle Combe Tuesdays starting on the 9th April. Structured group riding sessions will start on the 14th May. More details will follow about these sessions, however as a heads up, the intent is to organise into groups with each group having a ride leader and each session having a specific a focus. The hope is that group sizes will be maintained and not compromised through poor group riding skills. All groups will aim to ride as smoothly (but not necessarily as fast as each other) as this great Group Riding Video illustrates well.
This year we are hoping to cater better for younger riders wanting to make the transition to group riding with either a bespoke youth group, or general coaching group for those wanting the basics or a refresher of safe group riding. More details will follow prior to 14th May.
More info on Castle Combe can be found here on the Club Website: Castle Combe Tuesdays.
Pre-registration for Castle Combe is required and at this link for more information.
In the meantime if you have any questions or queries relating to Cycling Coaching or Fitness, please contact the coaching team at coaching@chippenhamwheelers.org, they will be very happy to listen, advise and help as required.
Audax series
Rider numbers were down for the 100km Audax probably due to the bad weather the night before. Those that did ride enjoyed a chilly and windy but otherwise fantastic ride between sessions of beans on toast and cake.
Ride continues with the 125km on 14th April, a lovely loop south of Froome.
Questions and queries regarding the Audax series can be sent to audax@chippenhamwheelers.org.
Racing
The Wednesday evening 10s started on 3rd April with 10 hardy riders turning out for the opening event. These continue throughout the season so why not give it a go.
The club is also running an open 10, please see separate article requesting offers of help etc.
Questions and queries regarding the racing programme can be sent to racing@chippenhamwheelers.org.
White Horse Weekend
The White Horse Weekend event run by the club took place last weekend. The Saturday rides all completed in the dry but windy conditions. Slightly better than forecast for the Sunday rides. The new venue at the bowls pavilion at the Sports and Social Club has been a success with organisers and participants alike. Thank you to participants, organisers, helpers, ride leaders, etc, etc.
That’s your April news. Whatever and wherever you ride, ride safe.