Good afternoon fellow Phoenix rider – I hope this reaches you in rude health and that those lucky enough to attend the Club function at the Barley Mow on Saturday have finally managed to clean the ketchup from their Phoenix tops. I am sure I can speak for all of us when I say a massive thanks to Jake who organised this impressive event. Two imminent events remain on the club calendar for members to be aware of. On Saturday 2nd Octpber the Phoenix are hosting their annual Open 10 TT. This event is a mainstay on the TT calendar and attracts some of the strongest riders on the circuit. The kick-off is at 2PM – roughly the same time that the Barley Mow started flipping the meat – and volunteers are needed. This is an excellent opportunity to give something back to the club and be involved in a tremendously well-run fixture in the cycling calendar. Those who had seconds at the Mow will be expected to enter the event –you know who you are – and so do we, as the chef has provided us with your details. Entries close midnight 21 Sept. Secondly – the Consolation 25 is the last club Time Trial left in the racing timetable. Enter via the usual methods (strava/email) and yes – there is a trophy up for grabs! This is a chance to put your name on some Phoenix silverware and secure a cycling legacy at this historic club. Who wouldn’t want a club cycling trophy on the mantelpiece for a year? Imagine the bragging rights on the hood when the neighbours/boss/teammates come round to call. To make this dream happen though – we need riders! Get your entries in – or if the hypoxia and thought of a 25 mile cycle is a little too much – please feel free to volunteer to marshall. Breakfast will be taken at a local coffee shop after the race. It really would be a shame if this club can turn out a record number for free burgers in a pub in Epsom and fail to muster a handful of souls for a spot of marshalling or bike racing. Have a great week,

Hello everyone! Hope we have all come out the other side of what has been a trying year and are looking forward to happier, healthier days. The Time Trail season is underway and lockdown restrictions have seen a number of events moved back a few weeks from their traditional early spring slots. Despite this later start – the weather has definitely had a typical “Spring Classic” flavour with wind, rain and hail adding to the fun. Christine represented the Phoenix over the Easter week-end and was the first rider to grace the G10/42 riding the Epsom CC club event. Earlier in the day – I paid the price for entering the Brighton Mitre Hily10 – in a start that was moved to the morning and took place in arctic conditions. The Kingston Wheelers Sporting 14 was held in near perfect conditions. Running two months later than usual – a number of course records fell on a fast day. One hundred twenty riders entered and the Phoenix put in a strong team performance with Alex Kew breaking his course PB with a lightening 36:23. Gavin Hughes posted 36:49 and Simon Trehearn finished with a 38:21. The Dorking Hard Riders TT was truncated to 25 miles and the weather reverted to more appropriate Hard Rider conditions. Three Phoenix riders took home the first prize money of the season winning the “Fastest Team on VTTA Standard” with the two Simons, Crook and Trehearn and Gavin Hughes finding their bank balanced enhanced by Sunday evening. The first evening 10 of the Summer Series was postponed due to roadworks and the second only went ahead due to the extreme determination of riders, timers and marshals – of whom a special thank-you must go out to Patrick – who on discovering he had left his shoes at home – volunteered to spot in horrendous conditions. It was not lost on anyone that riders have the choice to ride or not ride – and that decision can be commuted as late as possible. The volunteers – on the other hand - have no such choice – and last Wednesday, the timers and marshals were the champions who deserve the thanks and appreciation of all. Official results are not yet published – so I only have Strava and my own obscured sense of what was going on between the downpours and hail storms from that evening. Rick Opie introduced Ellie Melbourne to her first TT and both showed extreme courage and determination in riding the course when the conditions were at their harshest. I was vaguely aware that Matt Schulz’s rear light that was once ahead of me stopped flashing at some point around Beare Green and the soggy figures of Simon and Elliott appeared on the outward bound leg at one point. Joe Shepherd led the Phoenix back to dry land followed by Simon T, Gavin, Elliott and Ellie. If I have missed anyone out – I do apologise. It was an exceptional evening and everyone involved embodies the strength and determination that personifies the spirit of the Phoenix! Ride safely.

Dear Phoenix member, these are unprecedented and difficult times for everyone and I think the most important thing is for each of us to stay safe. Sport is falling victim to the ravages of Covid-19 and we should all follow the guidelines to stay safe and look after those around us. I understand that Audax rides have been postponed and that our club rides and TT season will also be affected. Let us all hope that by acting responsibly, sensibly and carefully we can deal with this unique situation in an effective manner. Bearing all that in mind – the Club has been active this year and here is a quick recap. The Club dinner was another resounding success and thanks should be passed on to Brian and Jake who put so much effort in to organising the evening. The Time Trial season managed to splutter out of the starting blocks– the Club’s Medium Gear heralding the commencement of another season. Jake and Stephano Hillier performed the timing duties and thanks must also go to Kim and Simon’s mum who marshalled in freezing weather conditions at Clarke’s Green. I understand that wheelchair access is being arranged for next year’s event to make entry to and from the marshalling point a little easier. Simon spun impressively to lead home an impressive field containing Alex, Elliott, Chairman Dave and John Walsh. His mum was so pleased she dropped a stitch in the blanket she was knitting. There was no time to polish his brass monkey though – the following day he was on the line for the East Surrey Hard Riders, a race where the clue is definitely in the name. Club top gun Dale Lush had polished his 56 tooth big dog and led home the Phoenix riders in the TT. The biggest cheer of the day was reserved for Suzy Shaw who – smashed her (second best) road bike all the way to the podium in the ladies competition - proving that preparation for a successful race is sitting in the middle of the A24 with a blanket over your knees. Special mention must go to the tea lady who made a bigger profit than Richard Branson in a few short hours. The following week a new Phoenix star was revealed in the SCCU Hard Riders race. Young Dillon Lush was the second rider in a week to put the Phoenix on the podium, coming home fourth in a competitive field that saw Mark Smith pushed in to second place. Two other Phoenix riders are probably still out on the course, if anyone spots them do not offer them a lift or drink from their water bottles. No-one is quite sure what will happen over the next few weeks – but let’s all ensure we stay safe and act responsibly over these trying times.

There was another great turn out for the Phoenix at the popular Road Bike 10 last week. This race is the great leveller of the season, no aero suits, TT bikes or disk wheels allowed. An egalitarian throwback to simpler times, when the A24 was a single carriageway and bikes were made of steel, as were the legs that powered them. Club royalty was present in the form of Gary Dodd and an astonishing night ensued as he and Dale went head to head in what is hoped will be the first of three stand offs this season. Suzie Shaw claimed the women’s scratch points leading home a strong field containing Jake, Christine and Kim – the latter two posting impressive PB’s in the face of a strong headwind on the outbound leg. Gary led home the phalanx of challengers in the form of Dale, Marcus and Simon. The field then retired to the Stepping Stones for some well-earned refreshment. It is understood that Gary then went home to jump on his turbo in preparation for the Blue Riband Kingston to Worthing event hoping he can beat Dale to the bacon and eggs on the seafront. It’s going to be another thriller. The SCCU 50 saw Suzie claim the points in the Womens Scratch competition and Simon in the men’s on a wretched course that ends with a climb up Washington Hill outside Worthing. The next evening event is the 2-Up – so dosey-do and grab your partners. It is believed that next year there will be an app for mobile phones that will enable entrants to swipe left or right depending on who you wish to ride the 2-Up event with. The 2-Up is a good opportunity to advance up the G10/42 Strava leaderboard as you work you’re your teammate and take turns on the front. TT bikes and skin suits are all acceptable – so get out with your teammate this week-end and practice your through and offs. Please be aware that there are still places for the Calshot track day. DO take this opportunity to ride an exiting – banked velodrome and make sure you get your name down to attend.

The Bomb Disposal Squad were out in Kingston recently, they are still on stand-by. The KPRC Road Bike fixture looms large in their calendar and the ordnance due to be unleashed on the A24 will be as explosive as anything the Luftwaffe left behind. This race is a club favourite and gives all riders a chance to compete on a level playing field – no TT bikes, no pointy helmets and no skin suits. The Road Bike Ten is an excellent opportunity for any first timers to try their hand and give it a lash. Special permission has been granted by the Detonation Unit for Dale and Gary to be on the same course that evening. If Marcus, Simon and Pete Messer-Schmith all turn up then Holmwood – like Coventry - should find itself twinned with Dresden. If your a rookie pilot, a first timer or have flown many missions down the G10/42 – put your name down and enjoy a balmy evening riding your road bike as fast as it's ever been pushed before. A look through the Club's Strava page show that it's not just the explosive short range blitzkriegs making headlines. As well as Ian's LEJOG, Suzy and Dave completed the Kingston Wheelers 400KM audax proving the club is capable of more long range missions. These kind of audax events require riders to obtain stamps on a Brevet – the completion of which they can submit this piece of paper to prove they are certifiably insane, so congratulations to Suzy and Dave. Marcus needs no such proof, he has contrived to leave behind two long sleeve club jerseys, a chain and a van at recent races. Unfortunately for those chasing scratch points, his form is definitely present and correct having placed seventh in the recent SCCU 10. Jake has been training on MTB and found a winning formula, recently beating an ARR on the Bentley course coming home with a 26:50 and the full seven points in the women's scratch. Kim, Helene and Christine are pushing hard though and this competition is going to be close again. The Hounslow 100 saw four Phoenix riders leave the runway, but only two were counted back. Dale dodged under the hour, Gavin was taxed three minutes for being late, Alex Kew had a mechanical and Simon T was run off the road by a Worzel Gommodge lookalikey receiving some favours from Gillian Taylforth in a layby just west of the Hollybourne roundabout. Luckily Simon, Alex and their bikes are all unhurt and fit to fight another day but for now, ze race was over. So – the Road Bike evening ten – names down and let's have another full field. Roger Wilko and out

Last week I rode from Lands End to John O’Groats, fulfilling a long held ambition. Whilst I rode alone I was very lucky to have Ruth, my wife, leapfrogging me in the car to the stage ends so I only had to carry minimal supplies, clothing and equipment. Setting out from Lands End at 0700 on Saturday morning I arrived in John O’Groats just after 1900 on Friday. I faithfully followed the route set out in the Cicerone Press book entitled “The End to End cycle route” by Nick Mitchell. This isn’t the shortest (a total of about 974 miles) nor the flattest (over 50000 feet of climbing) but it was a fantastic version, avoiding most main roads and major cities and incorporating some stunning scenery along the way.  I used a Wahoo Elemnt (that is how it’s spelt) GPS which worked very effectively, although there was some minor discrepancy between that and the “Ride with GPS”app, particularly in respect of feet climbed.  My longest day was about 13 hours riding and it still had 20% battery life left. It isn’t the most visually pleasing, but has a really clear black and white mapping display with excellent “upcoming turn” indication and alarms if you go off route. It is also very much cheaper to buy than some of the other GPS options. The route in the book is divided into 14 stages so it easily converts to a week long ride by riding two a day with the stage ends then allowing good accommodation options. The stages broke down as: Lands End to Chagford ( Dartmoor). 119.1 miles with just over 11000 feet of climbing. Chagford to Monmouth. 140.5 miles with 8750 feet of climbing. Monmouth to Runcorn. 133.9 miles with just over 7000 feet of climbing. Runcorn to Bassenthwaite. 133.4 miles with just over 9000 feet of climbing. Bassenthwaite to Balloch (Loch Lomond). 148 miles with just over 6000 feet of climbing. Balloch to Inverness. 148.9 miles with 8,500 feet of climbing. Inverness to John O’Groats. 150.8 miles with 7,500 feet of climbing. I was very lucky with the weather. Apart from the first day when the wind blew directly Easterly and at up to 40 mph, the rest of the week I either had cross winds or some help, and it only rained once, for around two hours, in the Lake District. The weather in Scotland in particular was glorious, apart from a final sting in the tail with a headwind for the last 40 or so miles across the top of the North Scotland coast. I rode a very basic 2017 version of the Specialized Roubaix. The Tiagra groupset and Axis Sport wheels stood up to both the training and ride very well, and the disc brakes did give extra assurance on some very steep downhills. In particular I think the 28 Espoir Sport Blackbelt tyres (which didn’t puncture once) and the seatpost and headset dampers really helped. Some of the road surfaces (particularly in Southern Scotland) were quite poor and the route did follow some cycle paths so the (albeit minimal) suspension really helped offset that repetitive, debilitating road buzz. I didn’t eat any particularly special food or use gels etc. although I found small pots of rice pudding every hour or so and Naked bars really helped en route. I did drink High5 isotonic tablet drinks and was surprised how much fluid I got through - 8 bottles a day plus drinks at stops. The high points of the route for me were riding through the Shropshire hills (Clun Hill was the hardest on the route), the route through the Naver Valley in North Scotland and (surprisingly) the cycle path from Cambuslang south of Glasgow right through Glasgow and up to Loch Lomond - maybe 25 miles or more. On the ride from Inverness to John O’Groats I went for miles and miles without seeing a car or indeed a person. The worst was the ride from the top of Loch Lomond to Glencoe, which whilst beautiful was spoilt by the coaches, tourist drivers and lorries. The hardest day, by far, was the first through Cornwall and Devon, which I think would have been the case even without the wind as it is nothing but up and down. The easiest was probably the one from Monmouth to Runcorn - despite Clun Hill! My body stood up pretty well, given its age. My hands got a bit sore but I wore my cherished KPRC gloves the whole way, stuffing them full of Sudocrem every morning which really helped. My backside only got sore on the last day and my feet were fine throughout. I had some neck and shoulder fatigue on the long downhills but that quickly passed on the flat or uphill sections. My only real injury was caused by a Hula Hoop which cut my gum as I crunched it. I know hundreds if not thousands of people complete the ride every year but it was a very positive experience for me and one which I would thoroughly recommend to anyone. I have the book, the whole route mapped on GPS and a series of A5 laminated maps if anyone would like to use or download them. Ian

Unlike the weather, the 2019 season has started to warm up and already the TT’ers have added to the club’s honours board. The KPRC Open 10 was a resounding success, Dale returned a 22:00 and an eighth place, demonstrating that not only can the club host a class event, but we have riders who are challenging for top places too.  Of the 150 entrants there were 40 women, 5 trikes, two tandems and fifteen Phoenix who rode the course.  The field was the largest anyone could recall, given the fact that a few of our members are more at home with a ration book than facebook – that really is quite an accomplishment. The marshals, helpers, cake-bakers and organisers really raised the bar and many riders stated an intention to ride the Frank Cubis Memorial 50 later this year, based on their happy experience. Despite a chill in the air and low cloud cover, the surrounding Surrey Hills kept the rain from the course until the last few riders hit the Clark Green turn in very light drizzle.  The persistent northerly wind ensured the return trip to the comfort of the HQ and the promise of some Hot Cross Buns was a tough stint. Only one second split the fastest three riders in the Pete Mitchell Memorial Bicycle 10.  Stuart Bettis (South Downs Bikes/Casco Pets) posted 21:27 just edging Grant Woodthorpe (Twickenham CC) and Keith Lea (Paceline RT) who returned 21:26. Sarah Matthews (…a3crg) led the women back to the shed with 24:03 followed by Elise Sherwell (Blazing Saddles) at 24:21 and Jayne Paine (Les Filles) with 25:25.  It was encouraging to see some many women support this event – and entirely fitting given the strong women’s representation in the Phoenix Club. The Tandem 10 was won by Jonathan and Simon Pontin (Addiscombe CC) who thundered in a 21:04, before taking each other on in the singles format. Five Trikes lined up to honour Phoenix stalwart Frank Cubis, Mark Vowells posting a 25:24 to claim the honour with a 25:24. The SCCU hosted the 25 mile TT on Sunday 14th April in sub-zero conditions, on a hastily amended course.  Credit to the SCCU for quickly arranging a new start point and building in two loops of the Ockley, Capel, Beare Green circuit and in doing so they may have stumbled over a good sporting course.  Mark Smith (Crawley Wheelers) came home first despite dropping his chain in the proximity of Elliott (who has not claimed responsibility)!  Kim rode an outstanding race and fought her way to the women’s podium for a respectable third place.  This is a fantastic achievement, particularly in such horrific conditions and – like Dale in the KPRC Open 10 – one in which the whole club can celebrate and be proud.  The severrrrrn points earned on Sunday takes her to the top of the pops in the Women’s Scratch competition. Kim and Christine Glew are among the top ladies competing for the SCCU 10 mile award, Kim is also among the top three in the SCCU 25 mile competition.  Great news for the club. Table toppers should not get too comfortable though.  The Club’s speedsters have all been enjoying a spot of sangria and tapas in Majorca, sharpening their tan lines in time for the Summer Series of Evening 10’s where we all know – trophies can be won and lost.  The Evening 10’s kick off April 24th – the day after St George’s day.  So get down to Holmwood and do battle with the dragon that is the G10/42.  Meanwhile, catch the club’s Instagram feed for more illustrative catch-up with the club’s news, this can be found at Kingston_phoenix_rc, give it a follow and contribute to the fun.

When the sound of the rain drumming against the window turns to hail, you know that the TT season is not far off! If you were sunburnt by the record breaking hot spell in February – only to be caught with your skinsuit round your ankles by Freya and Gareth, cheer yourself up knowing that the clocks will shortly go forward and the racing season is underway. Entries to our own Open 10 close on 26 March, link here (https://www.cyclingtimetrials.org.uk/race-details/19161). Click, enter and let’s see as many mighty Phoenix on the start line as possible. It’s a civilised Saturday afternoon kick off – so there are no excuses! Simon, Alex and Dave have already stretched their legs at the Kingston Wheelers’ early season opener, crossing the finish line in that order. The overall winner of the event shunned the usual bottle of plonk, for a trip to Macdonalds and a Kids Meal with his mum and dad. Marcus grabbed the Brass Monkey trophy in the Phoenix season’s curtain raiser, leading home the men’s field. Jake put her marker down for the season in the women’s competition spinning impressively in a single gear round the 25 miles. The East Surrey HardRiders TT was cancelled mid-event as one of the marshalls was blown off course. According to the timekeeper, the weather conditions were the worst the field have had to endure since the blizzards of 1947. The Phoenix have a strong showing in the SCCU Sporting 10 and 25 running out of Oakwood this week-end on a course that is as hard as Brexit. If you can – get down and lend your support. The 10 kicks off Saturday afternoon with Horace starting at 14:02. Marcus is the last Phoenix Rider out at 15:28. Good luck to Rachel and Joe who are the only Phoenix members with a reasonably valid excuse not be out this week-end and let’s hope that El Presidente was not tasked with sending out the invites!

February . . . . . . cold, dark and miserable. For many, a time huddle up to the NetFlix backlog and hide away from the cold. Not for the Phoenix though. February is the month where the regeneration begins, celebrated again in the ostentatious surroundings of Tyrells Wood Golf Club – the setting for the annual club dinner dance. The Solar Bird was summoned from the ashes and duly rose from the flames of 56 candles. A new season keenly anticipated – the old one honoured and the trophies distributed. Jake and Simon were deservedly awarded lifetime membership in front of an audience containing the largest ever recorded gathering of Powneys. Suggestions for the collective noun for a gathering of Pownii is welcome. At one point the band had a Brian playing drums, another was on the lead guitar and yet another El Presidente on the vocals ploughing through the Osmonds back catalogue. Among the trophies stood the Rawson Shield – back home – ours once more to defend. With this defence in mind, please clear the week-end of 23rd and 24th March and see as many able bodied riders on the start line for the SCCU Sporting 10 and Sporting 25. The courses are Hilly – levelling the playing field between the road bikes and the skin-suited, pointy heads (ironically). The ten is held on Saturday and kicks off at a reasonable time in the afternoon. For those who prefer a more typical TT experience, the twenty five is held Sunday morning. All Phoenix entrants gain points towards the Rawson Shield competition. Please register at the CTT web site here, the search facility is reasonably intuitive, drop me a note should you need any further assistance: https://www.cyclingtimetrials.org.uk If an early season newsletter were to go our without mention of the CTC Hilly 50 my life would not be worth living. Suffice to say – look for a man in a hat at Rykers car park around 09:30AM on 2nd March. Prepare to have a tenner in cash for a worthy cause and in return - you gain some early season hilly miles. Follow the link for details: http://swlondonctc.wixsite.com/ctcswlondon/hilly-50k Safe riding . . . . .

Riots rock the French capital –May’s government is found in contempt and the people of Togo brace themselves for a Constitutional Referendum. This was the turbulent backdrop to the 2018 Phoenix Annual General Meeting held on the site of Coffee Active (formerly Bike Beans). For approaching two hours the atmosphere crackled with the cut and thrust of debate and at the end of it all . . . . . well, at the end of it all not much changed. A Mission Statement was adopted and some changes to the committee were agreed but the big issue of reforms of the Scratch and Handicap points system were unanimously rejected. On the way home - the President’s motorcade negotiated a route bypassing any lurking grassy knoll and while the lone shooters may have been thwarted – the conspiracy theories - as is the want with conspiracy theories - live on. In tribute to the Club’s mission statement (see below) I would like to draw members’ attention to the CTT web site which now lists events for the 2019 season. The CTT is the National Governing Body for Time Trials of which Kingston Phoenix is an affiliate. I believe any Phoenix member can register free of charge for this site and subsequently enter an event. Registering can’t hurt anyone – so go on, follow the link, what harm can it do . . . ? https://www.cyclingtimetrials.org.uk The Kingston Phoenix Mission Statement: The Kingston Phoenix Road Club is a Club that welcomes riders of all abilities and cycling backgrounds, and promotes and celebrates participation in all cycling activities. The Club has its origins in cycle racing, and encourages all Members to consider taking part in friendly, competitive racing.

The Hands Off Leith Hill protest camp were relocating to the Holmwood area of Surrey on Sunday morning following reports of sonic booms in the vicinity of the A24. The great unwashed need not have bothered. This was no shale related rumbling. This was the Phoenix, racing through their homeland for the last time this season, unleashing a spectacular amount of firepower in a race that was closer to Guy Fawkes night in more ways than one. This race was no dead rubber, the Dare Handicap, the Consolation Trophy, the prestigious Derek Mason K2W trophy itself and a bacon butty were all up for grabs in that crisp Autumnal morning. The Sunday Riders were happy to forego the cake shops of Windsor and Surrey either riding, racing or supporting the event – they know how good Macaris is on the South Coast. Old man Macari himself was eager to present the trophies – given it was the second time this year he sold out his restaurant covers to the Phoenix riders, his grandson's next few terms at school safely budgeted for. The coffee had only just percolated when Dale Lush sped along the front, capping his notable season that included the outstanding 19:45 at the Ickenfield 10. Rumour has it there are a team of carpenters working round the clock at Dales to finish the extra-large trophy cabinet he now needs. Simon Trehearn, successfully led home the Phoenix representation at the Kingston Wheelers Hill Climb the previous week and carried on his great late season form, following closely behind Dale in his summer kit and easily ducking under the two hour mark. Despite topping the women’s table – this was no processional celebration ride for Suzie Shaw who put in a speedy time of 02:10:00 to be the first woman at the cafe. The Women’s Scratch table is always keenly contested – and with Lizzie Ingham completing her first TT and Frances Stewart completing her longest TT, it is expected to be fierce next year. Iron Mike Morley put in a tremendous last-ditch attempt to place the Handicap trophy on his mantelpiece – but it seems this year he will have to console himself with the Consolation trophy. Such is Mike’s notoriety on the South Coast – he had to remain incognito at Macaris and kept his helmet firmly in place whilst he ate his well-deserved breakfast. Lastly, anyone wishing to exercise their fast-twitch muscle fibres should attend the excellent RollerRacing at Sutton and Epsom Rugby Club and represent the Club. This is on the evening 18 October at 19:30 – which I understand is in half term - so teachers/students have no excuse. Last year Marcus took on Bec CC singlehandedly and will need some backup this year at an event that will include TT and head to head races. So as nights get longer and weather deteriorates, fear not for your Phoenix fix. The excellent week-end rides continue, as do the monthly meetings at the Rifleman in Epsom. There is an AGM on the horizon where all members are welcome and encouraged to attend.

A posse of six riders were on the start line for the Consolation 25 on Sunday. After a roadwork-enforced absence, they were back, back to their spiritual TT homeland, back in Holmwood, The Phoenix had returned. With sheriff Shaw and deputies Dale and Dave out the territory, the prized vault of scratch points lay unprotected and the unruly mob of unwashed outlaws sensed a windfall to be made. The ladies trophy safely locked away – Suzy Shaw could go hunting elsewhere and PB’d on the Westerley 25 at 1:04:13 – a fantastic time. David Percival came home with a yet to be confirmed 1:06:40 on a route that appeared to feature a built in cliff dive, both riders enhancing the reputation of the Phoenix in rarely explored frontiers. Back at the Consolation Saloon, Mike Sanchez Morley was first out of the gate and came home with a full tally of handicap points. This has added spice to the Mexican Stand-off for the HC trophy, now to be settled on the last race of the season – the rescheduled Kingston to Worthing. Phoenix gunslinger Simon Trehearn has also ridden himself in to HC contention and is eager to add this trophy to his scratch title. Pete Smith placed impressively given his last 25 TT was in 1971 – where I understand there is a timer still waiting for him to cross the line some forty seven years later. Peter will be riding a newly acquired TT bike next season – and will present a serious challenge having already completed a tough Ride London and on the start line for the Velo South next week. Kim and Elliot Dickenson found the event too short for their liking– nevertheless - Kim came home with the seven points for the ladies competition, throwing down a marker for next season. Elliot put in a great time and will also present a serious challenge next season. Finally a clarion call – the Kingston to Worthing is a unique event – a straight forward cavalry charge from Malden Rushett to the south coast. So popular is this ride that even though the race was cancelled in in the summer – some twenty or so Phoenix riders turned up for breakfast at Macaris on the seafront. This ride will also determine who wins the Consolation 25 (between Mike and Elliot) and who of the three amigos (Mike, Simon and Gavin) wins the Handicap – as well as the coveted K2W trophy itself. Three trophies one ride and a full English – get your names down now.

Dark, threatening clouds did not detract from the celebaration of our Franko at the Frank Cubis 50 Mile TT at Bentley on Sept 9th. From arrival at the HQ, to the post-ride refreshments, it was clear that the Kingston Phoenix had planned an event befitting of Frank and one I feel sure would have delighted him. The Phoenix-organised occasion was easily the stand-out event of the year and is testament to all the hard work and thought that went in to this proud day. It was remarked to me in the morning, what a happy, jovial and cheerful atmosphere there was at the event HQ, clearly a perfect reflection of the man it was honouring. For what was billed as a one-off event (what are the chances of it being inaugural?), on the back of a hot, fast season– the attendance is a tribute as to how highly Frank in particular and the Phoenix in general are regarded. The race report would have to start with the outstanding Adam Bidwell – who headed up the Kingston Wheeler challenge and came back to the shed with a very impressive 1:47:36. Adam kindly donated his prize money to the London Air Ambulance – contributing to the impressive £400 - £450 that the event raised for this charity. There are two four letter words that would also have to get a mention as Dale Lush pulled on his brakes in attempt to claim the spot prize (time closest to Frank’s 1:55:05) and came home with 1:55:39 - this was donated to the LAA. Needless to say Dale was the Phoenix Star Baker once again this week leading the way back to the cake stall, first among the Phoenix riders. Chris Murray was the first woman home with 2:02:30 and Jake Dodd was in the prize money for the second week running with 2:21:55 – how proud Frank would have been knowing one of our own and a true Phoenix stalwart was on the podium. The day started overcast and the first batch of riders (among them Jake) had a ferocious head wind with which to battle. This is a popular course – there are truncated versions used for 25s and 10s – but only the longer ones head south to the Chawton roundabout, deep in Jane Austen country. There is nothing of sense or sensibility about the surface of the roads in this southerly section – they were grippy and difficult and the turn north to the Farnham roundabout and the welcome sound of the cowbells could not come soon enough before the struggle south to recommence. Simon returned home with a fighting 2:07:48 and can now prepare for his assault on the Handicap trophy – knowing that the Scratch is secure with two events of the season remaining. I feel it only right in mentioning that the racing was only a side show to the real competition that was hotting up at the cake stall. As Mary and Paul DNS’d the tandem category – Dale took on the the role of chief judge– a task he set about with great enthusiasm – he assures me he will post up his results of the Phoenix bake off shortly. As a footnote – I overheard a conversation between Adam Bidwell and a fellow Wheeler prior to the start. His colleague expressed a concern to Adam that he had never ridden a fifty before. Adam advised him not to worry and instructed him do what he (Adam) did – the gist of it was - blast off at a ten pace hold it for as long as possible – and when you crack – hang on in for the remaining thirty eight miles! Sound advice. So a great week-end – no rain – fewer soggy bottoms – money raised for a worthy cause – our friend Frank honoured and the Phoenix reputation enhanced. Please feel free to post any photos of the week-end in the comments and join me in congratulating the Alex and Brian, the marshals and volunteers who made such an event possible. Anyone wanting to race this week-end – please put your names down and let’s see the final weeks of the season out in real style with as many as possible on the start line. Simon and Suzie head up the respective scratch tables – whilst the handicap table is a three way shoot out between Mike Morley, Simon Trehearn and Gavin Hughes.

With the season hurtling towards the finale quicker than a Phoenix rider down the G10/42 on a Wednesday evening, the club’s racers have been performing impressively over the last few weeks. On August 16, the hills were alive with the sound of panting and moaning as the club Hill Climb saw Dale Lush collect a well-earnt seven points as he took the top spot, equalling Alex Dowsett’s Strava time on the Ranmore Hill segment in the process. Horace White posted an impressive time on his debut, though his delayed appearance at the Stepping Stones pub for post ride refreshments, led to rumours that Horace actually went back and rode the course a second time! The Hilly 12 event is always keenly contested – and a whopping 23 riders turned out on the start line – proving that the prospect of a post-ride early-start in Wetherspoons is all the motivation needed for a full turn out. Dale was first back to the bar overcoming Gary Dodd in one of the most eagerly awaited shoot-outs in the Phoenix. Paul Davey was next in the chair claiming the third spot with his second of two impressive TT’s this season. Many ARR’s were broken – briefly set and re-broken on that day with Paul Davey, Gary and Jake Dodd completing the hat trick of ARR’s. Dale, Neil Lynagh, Adrian Feasby and Patrick Ryan all gained PB’s on an overcast day before the rain finally arrived as last orders were being called. Dale and Suzanne Shaw raced the F11/10 and Dale posted a Phoenix 10 mile record with a staggering time of 19:45. This is a remarkable achievement on a course that is overly marshalled (rumours are that 11 riders were DQ’d on a minor technicality). It’s a notable achievement to break the 20 minute mark and my understanding is that no Phoenix rider has accomplished this feat – so a huge chapeau for that accomplishment. The threat of roadworks led to the following day’s second SCCU 25 of the season taking place on a new – improvised course that wouldn’t have been out of place had the word ‘sporting’ been applied to it. Only eight of the fifty or so riders managed to complete the course in less than one hour, among them our own Dale – who at 56:31 came home in sixth place – not bad given his previous day’s exploits. This event had a strong Phoenix representation – contributing nine riders to the field. Suzanne Shaw was the first of our three women with a time of 1:11:07 and Jake collected the award for Best CTT + lady. Simon Trehearn suffered a mechanical – sorry an electrical – and had to ride the course in the lower chain ring – setting his stall out for his defence of the Medium Gear Brass Monkey trophy 2019. There is still a lot of racing to come with the Consolation 25 and the rescheduled Kingston to Worthing listed before the season draws to an end. Both points tables are still neck and neck With Simon T heading up the scratch and Mike Morley posing an ever intimidating threat at second place in the Handicap. There is also the matter of Frank’s 50 on Sunday 9th September where in true Phoenix style we will set the bar for event organisation and put on a fitting tribute to our friend and club stalwart Frank Cubis. It is rumoured that the quality of the post-ride refreshments and cakes on offer will have Mary Berry and Paul Hollywood putting their names on the start line for the Phoenix Open 10 next year and I am looking forward to catching up with everyone on Sunday.

London Dynamo are organising two summer 10 mile TTs in Richmond Park. The park will be closed (ish) at the time of the event (from 6am) so the roads will be closed to traffic. Link to enter the first of the events are openat RiderHQ https://www.riderhq.com/events/78388/london-dynamo-rptt-1-0

The Time Trialing season is now well and truly under way! The last week of April heralded the start of the eagerly awaited club Evening 10’s and the Charlotteville 50, a TT that flits over the picturesque Surrey and Hampshire border. Both races took place under the same gloomy skies that have prevailed over most of this year’s springtime events. The Charlotteville G50/8 course involves two and half undulating laps of the A31 between Farnham and Alton, running alongside the rolling hills of the Watercress Line, down to Jayne Austen’s picturesque 17th Century cottage. The timing and location of this event provided a useful preview for the National 12 Hour Championships course, due to be held on the same roads in June. The Frank Cubis Memorial Ride will also run along the course later in September, where, hopefully both occasions will see better weather and conditions than those served up to the five Phoenix riders who were gathered on the start line at Bentley last Sunday. All riders had to dig deep in a strong field that boasted a start list of over 140 riders. At the time of writing – no official times have been confirmed – Kieron Davies (DRAG2ZERO) was the fastest overall with 01:39:08 whilst Angela Carpenter (…a3crg) won the ladies competition at 01:56:21. Of the Phoenix, Simon Trehearn carried his impressive early season form on with a time of 02:03:47 followed closely by Alex K, who signaled his return to the TT fray with a time of 02:06:14 (clearly the ultra-endurance events have not dented his racing form). Gavin H and David P – both of whom were riding their first 50s were next home with times of 02:07:42 and 02:19:59 respectively, whilst Suzanne broke her PB for a 50 with a 02:26:12. This was a tough event in tough conditions, the threat of rain was never far away and the low temperature throughout made for a day that was tough. Even when the undulations and weather were at their most tedious – I could only spare a thought for the young local rider who, at 7 o’ clock in the morning, given a lift by his dad to the event HQ, had his bicycle (on the roof rack) totaled by the height restriction bar over the entrance to the car park. “Thanks Dad”. That’s this year’s Christmas present sorted and a surefire Adversity Award winner. Here are the non-official times as of present: SIMON TREHEARN - 02:03:47 ALEXANDER KEW - 02:06:14 GAVIN HUGHES - 02:07:42 DAVID PERCIVAL - 02:19:59 SUZANNE SHAW - 02:26:12

Festival of cycling at Herne Hill over 14, 15 and 16 of June. They have mens, ladies and veterans racing with a club competition. Retro bikes and clothing encouraged. Further info at the below link: http://www.cyclingrevival.com/racing/racing-how-to-enter/