Ride a
bike with skinny smooth tyres on tarmac or track? Got some news for you
friend you're a roadie.
Whether you ride a bike simply to commute to work, improve fitness
levels, or compete at open events there can be no doubt that cycling will
improve cardiovascular fitness and may even help you live longer. At RNRMCA
we pride ourselves with the diversity of athlete we attract for cycling is
a sport with many guises and once started it's too tempting not to have a
craic at them all. Have you ever tried a tandem? what about a recumbent or
singlespeed? try the thrill of the track or get yourself down to an open
time trial to really push yourself to the limit, ride a sportive for a
longer distance challenge or what about a charity Lands End to John
O'Groats?? The list is endless
Computer space couldn't allow full justice to every variation of
discipline so the intention is to concentrate on the primary genres
currently being carried out by RNRMCA riders. If your sport isn't shown and
you want to tell others about it then
Andy H wants to hear from you now. Please e mail him with details.
Road Racing
All matters road wise are coordinated by CPOPT Sean Childs (contact
details via committee page). The following is Sean's message for the Road
Racing Scene in 2008. Keep checking the message board for more details.
The RNRMCA are going to have a go at a few Road races this year, so here
are a few pointers for those who intend racing for the first time.
1. You must be a current member (in date) of a Cycling Club that is
affiliated to the BCF. For you that is the RNRMCA. If you have not joined
the club or your membership has run out then update it soonest.
2. You will require a Licence which costs £31.00 for the season and also a
minimum of Silver membership to the BCF. Gold (£62.00), Silver (£35.00) and
Bronze (£13.00) come with various incentives! Check the BCF website for
info. So to race it will cost you either £64.00 (Silver and Licence) or
£93.00 (Gold and Licence). Note if you are new to BCF currently you can get
Bronze membership for FREE more details on their site.
3. When you apply ensure that your first claim club is the RNRMCA. If you
compete in over 5 recognised BCF events during the season then our
association will reimburse you some of your licence fee at the end of the
season. Results will need to be forwarded to the Road/TT Race Sec.
4. Entries range from £10 upwards depending on the scale of the event, but
normally are between £12-20 for local races. Ensure you enter on a proper
BCF form that can be downloaded on their website.
5. Entries normally close about 2 weeks in advance, but can close on the
day for circuit races or events that have smaller fields.
6. Points are awarded for the higher up final placing. the more points you
acquire then the more likely you are to finish as a higher placed
categorized rider.
You will start out as a 4th cat, then aim to become 3rd, 2nd, 1st and
finally Elite. Some local races will only have 3/4 cats or 2/3/4 cats, so
you have more chance of finishing in the points.
7. The club aims to participate in more Road Races in 2008, so if you need
more info, please contact Sean soonest.
Time Trialling
Again all matters Time Trial wise are coordinated by CPOPT Sean Childs
(contact details via committee page). The following is Sean's message for
the Time Trial Scene in 2008. Keep checking the message board for more
details.
The RNRMCA is currently ranked No3 best all round team in the country and
in 2007 we had many members of the club competing week in week out. For
those who haven't tried it then here are a few pointers as to the way
ahead.
1. You must be a current member (in date) of a Cycling Club that is
affiliated to the CTT. For you that is the RNRMCA. If you have not joined
the club or your membership has run out then update it soonest.
2. You do not require any licences as £2.00 of your entry fee acts as a
levy towards the CTT.
3. When you apply ensure that your first claim club is the RNRMCA. You
will need to wear club kit and for some races under 50 miles you may also
have to wear a hardshell helmet. Results will need to be forwarded to the
Road/TT Race Sec.
4. Entries range from £6 upwards depending on the scale of the event, but
normally are between £6-12 for races up to National Standard. Ensure you
enter on a proper CTT form that can be downloaded on their website (also
via the RNRMCA site).
5. Entries normally close about 2 weeks in advance and no late entries
will be accepted.
6. With the exception of regional points series (Rudy Project Series)
there is not a National points system, but there is a British Best All
Rounder which anyone can enter for riders who complete a 50 mile, 100
mile and 12hr TT that will result in you gaining a ranking.
7. The club will be racing regularly throughout the season at local and
National events in 2008, so if you need more info, please contact Sean
soonest.
Sportive Rides
RNRMCA Riders competed in
many sportive's throughout 2007. Some great results were obtained at home
and abroad with riders competing in the Etape Du tour. A Sportive
challenge is generally a mid - long distance road ride with the aim of
finishing in the fastest time possible, or for some just finishing!!! The
sport is growing in popularity each year with some likening the challenge
to completing a marathon (and we have all wanted to do that at some point
in our life!). So keep your eyes/ears open 2008 is going to be a bumper
year for participation in cycling events from the club and Sportive
riding might be just what you are looking for. If you joined the club to
do a charity ride then this is right up your street why not use a
sportive as your next fundraiser???
So these are just a taster of varieties you can try on your bike if
you want more details then check out the Committee contact details below
and keep on checking the message board for bang up to date what's on
information.
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