LWCC Newsletter (1)

Issue 4 Winter 2025

February 15, 2025

ISSUE 4 | WINTER 2025

Chris Hough 1957 - 2025

We can only open this newsletter with one piece of news, and that’s the tragic passing of our dear friend and club member, Chris Hough.

Most of you will have heard by now that Chris sadly lost his life on 15 January in a road traffic accident on the A26.

Our thoughts are with Liz, his son Patrick and all who loved him.

Chris’s funeral takes place at 12:00pm on 27 February at Hamsey Church. All members are invited to attend.

Full details of the funeral and our tribute to Chris have been posted on the website. A donation has been made to Preston Park Youth Cycling Club in his memory.

WE’VE GOT A NEW WEBSITE!

After serving us faithfully for more than 12 years, we’ve retired the old site and replaced it with one that is shiny and new.

All your favourite news and content is on there, including details of upcoming rides and events.

Take a look around, give us some feedback and don’t forget to keep an eye on it. Oh, and share it with potential new members too.

Home Page

ON TOUR

We’re off to Calpe!

The countdown is on! From 29 March to 5 April, the Wanderers are heading to Calpe, and you’re invited to join the adventure.

So far, seven Wanderers have signed up, but there’s still room for more. Whether you’re up for the full week or just part of it (depending on your schedule—or what your partner allows!), we’d love to have you along.

New Forest Sportive

Don’t forget the New Forest Sportive.

The event is being held on Saturday 7 June and is still open for entries.

We will travel on Friday 6th, do the Sportive on Saturday 7th and then a club ride on the morning of Sunday 8th before heading for home. You can, of course, do all or any part of the trip.

Drop a committee member a line if you’re interested and see the Sportive website for more information.

RACING NEWS

While most of us retreat to the shelter of Zwift over the winter, our tougher members are outside, slogging their way through the mud and rain of the CX season, enjoying type 2 fun! Dan Street, Darren Haynes, Paget Cohen and Stephen Burgess regularly represent the club.

CX Results Update

The final round of the East Kent Cyclo Cross League took place on Sunday, 19th January, in the grounds of Betteshanger Country Park.

Darren finished 23rd overall, and Paget was 48th, with Stephen achieving a commendable 10th in the over 60s category.

Darren’s result was good enough to place him 7th overall in the final Sussex League standings for men in their fifties. Dan Street was 14th and Paget Cohen 25th. Stephen Burgess took 14th in the category for men over 60.

Dan did better in the London & South East League, where he was 22nd overall. Darren was 39th, and Paget came 59th, Vet50. Stephen was 17th, Vet60.

Time Trials - The Circuit of Danehill

The new season will soon be upon us and opens with our traditional curtain raiser, the Circuit of Danehill, on 23 March at 9:00.

This 18.1 mile rolling course, with a testing climb in the last third, is a firm favourite.

The opening event is always as much a club social gathering as it is a competition, so, even if you can’t be persuaded to pin a number on and give it a go (you really should!), put the date in your diary and come along to Chelwood Village Hall for coffee, cake and a natter with other club members.

Calls for riders and volunteers will be going out shortly. Please ride or help out if you can.

Accredited Marshal Service - Training for Club Members

The future of road racing across the country depends on the Accredited Marshal Service (AMS). AMS marshals play a crucial role in keeping races safe, and in return, they receive expenses for attending. Additionally, British Cycling offers free membership to those who complete their accreditation.

Alex Steer is leading the way as our first AMS marshal 👏. He begins his training this Saturday, and we’ll be sharing his experiences in the next newsletter.

If you're interested in becoming an AMS marshal, the nearest training courses are held in Crawley. To express interest in future courses, please fill out this form:
Register for British Cycling AMS Training

MEET A WANDERER

David Beale - Paris by Lunchtime

From marathon running to representing Team GB in triathlon, David Beale’s journey into cycling has been anything but ordinary. In this feature, he shares his most memorable rides, hard-won lessons, and essential safety advice for fellow Wanderers.

Among David’s greatest adventures? A midnight ferry to Dieppe, a 4 AM ride to Paris, and a 125-mile return leg—one of many epic endurance challenges.

But cycling isn’t just about distance; for David, it’s about the freedom of the road, the friendships made, and riding smart to stay safe.

Read David’s profile on the Wanderer’s website.

COACHING

We are delighted to announce that we now have a professional coach in our membership, Michael Renardson.

Michael joins us with a strong desire to help members who want to get fitter and stronger while also attracting new members to the club and supporting our return to racing.

Michael is offering two training packages, with an introductory offer for anybody who wants to dip their toe in the water first.

Essentials - £80 a month

One-month trial - £50 with no commitment to continue.

The Essentials package is for you if you are new to coaching and structured training. This package is aimed at members who want to feel more confident on faster group rides and build their fitness without the cost and time associated with a more hands-on, bespoke coaching service.

  • Tailored training plan delivered in 5-week blocks

  • Designed to make you a fitter, faster rider

  • Perfect for those needing structure for their cycling without full 1:1 coaching.

Bespoke - £145 a month

One-month trial - £99 with no commitment to continue

The Bespoke package is for you if you are committed to training and want to compete in local TTs, road races, or CX competitions. Training is fully customised and can be geared to specific events or goals, for example, a race, a sportive, or an endurance challenge.

  • Individually designed around your current fitness and goals

  • Full TrainingPeaks premium account included in the price

  • Unlimited feedback and communication between coach and rider

If you, or anybody you know, would be interested in training, please complete the form on the website.

AGM

The club AGM took place at the King’s Head in East Hoathly on 14 January. Topics were wide-ranging and, as well as the formalities of the reports and election of committee members, covered important issues such as the Lewes Crits, our commitment to Time Trialling, the quest for new members, and the addition of added value services such as coaching and sports therapy.

Peter Baker was awarded Honorary Lifetime Membership for his commitment to the club.

We are delighted to welcome to the Committee:

Graham Faultless as Treasurer. Graham takes over from Graham Jeffs, who has done the job immaculately for more years than even he can count! Thank you, Graham.

Alex Steer as Secretary. Alex takes on the Secretary role, which has been vacant for the past year and covered in the interim by champion multi-tasker, Paget Cohen.

Darren Haynes, Chairman; Dan Street, Road Race Co-Ordinator; Neil Edwards, Time-Trial Secretary; Gina Boakes, Membership Secretary; and Paget Cohen, Press Secretary and Club Rides Co-ordinator, were all re-elected unopposed.

The full minutes are available on the website.

OUT ON THE ROAD

☕️ Cafe Stop Review ☕️

Cafe du Jardin - Lewes

By Karl Holliman.

On the 22nd December, the Sunday Club run found the perfect coffee stop in Lewes, once the Old Coaching Inn on Malling Street, now an antiques store and.... Cafe du Jardin.

Through the arch, there is a wonderful old courtyard with plenty of outdoor seating (to enjoy on warmer and sunnier days!) and plenty of bike parking space.

Down a few steps there is a warm and cosy wine cellar where friendly table service soon brought quality coffee and pastries, fitting of the classic french vibe. We were warmly welcomed and looked after well.

To share good pre-Christmas banter with friends was great, and I will remember the time fondly as the last club ride where we shared a coffee and chatted with our late dear friend Chis Hough.

I hope we stop there again soon.

Cafe du Jardin delights

Café stop rating 5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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