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Neccl Rd 8 Race Report, Whickham Thorns. Sun 17th Jan 2010

Race Report

Neccl Rd 8 Whickham Sun 17th Jan 10 093

This a new venue for Cyclo X racing and there was plenty of riders (over 70 !) to take on the new mixed terrain. Well what a differnece 48hrs makes with all the snow melted and only patches of ice left where the sun never sees made the course rideable. The planned course had to be altered on the day as the all the melted snow had to go somewhere ! Alot of hard work had been put in on morning to get two courses set out and and safe to use.
The U12’s was mainly based around the BMX track area which they loved including a testing climb out the back. Matthew Worton took the houors today with Thomas Mein following on and Emma Brady taking 1st Girl.
Next up was the U16/14’s race which was the full Sen course so they had to work extra hard to burn off the Christmas chocs etc. Alex Hopper won with Joe Brown taking 2nd.
In the main race the going was tough on the bike / body and terrain finished off a few bikes and bodies but Tony Fawcett took the led from lap one and had a clear win over Darren Binks followed by Tony Glover. Rob Smith pulled up a few places to take 1st Vet. As for the Juniors it was a great battle from the start with Ian Lee just beating William Brown, they both had a fantastic race. Pam Glover took the Ladies win.
Many thanks must got to Tony/Pam Glover, John Mein, Jamie Brady, Alan Taylor and all the other helpers from Derwentside CC. A big thank you must also got to Whickham Thorns Centre / Gateshead Council for the use of the land / facilities on the day. We hope to return again next season.

Next Sun 24th Jan is the Grand Final at Hetton Lyons followed by the AGM

Photos are in the gallery

Results are in the Results section now

NECCL RD 8 WHICKHAM THORNS, GATESHEAD. SUN 17th JAN 2010

NECCL RD 8 WHICKHAM THORNS, GATESHEAD. SUN 17th JAN 2010

Whickham thorns 1Whickham thorns 3
This is a new venue for Cyclo Cross and is set within the grounds/area of the Activity Centre. The Venue is based on the bankside adjacent to the A1 Western Bypass near to the Metro Centre. Tony Glover and John Mein have been test riding the venue and there will be a great mix of new terrain to test the riders skills on the day. There is a Free Carpark and the address is Market Lane, Dunston, Gateshead. The postcode for sat nav users is NE11 9NX
Plenty for the kids to do and the Wife/Girlfriend/Partner can go shopping as well, what more could you ask for

NECCL Rd 7 Hetton Lyons Country Park, Hetton Le Hole. Sun 20th Dec 09

NECCL Rd 7 Hetton Lyons Country Park, Hetton Le Hole. Sun20th Dec 09

 NECCL Rd 7 Hetton Lyons Sun 20th Dec 065
Well words or photos just dont do the setting at Hetton Lyons today justice. What a winter wonderland setting for the Christams Round. Nearly 55 riders turned out on the day to test their snow riding skills to the max. The U12’s raced on a new circuit set out by Jamie Brady & Dave McLean. The U16/14’s raced on the full sen circuit which was an altered version of Rd 1 planned by Tony Glover.
The kids had the most fun on the day but not on their bikes but making snowmen, sledging on the bmx track and of course snaowballing the adults !
The only thing missing was some Swiss Cowbells at the finishline.
Many thanks must got to Tony Glover, Dave McLean, Jamie Brady, Rob (from Trihard) and the Hetton Hawks ladies for the Festive Refreshments.
There was 12no cash prizes on the day and goodies for all the U16/14/12’s as well. 3no Free Race Entry Vouchers were also awarded for Rd 8 at Whickham Thorns on Sun 20th Jan 2010.

RD 7 HETTON LYONS COUNTY PARK. SUN 20th DEC 09

RD 7 HETTON LYONS COUNTY PARK. SUN 20th DEC 09
Please note change in venue as Neil Withrington has been involved in a road accident and knocked off his bike. He has suffered from a broken back but is recovering well. All for Neccl passes on there best wishes and a speedy recovery.
Tony Glover & Dave McLean had very kindly taken over the Rd and the will be moved to Hetton Lyons
All the other details remain the same ie times / fees etc
There will be a challenging course set out with a great mix of climbs, downhill, singletrack etc.
Facilities will include – car parking, indoor signing on, showers, toilets, changing rooms etc Directions- from the A1M turn off junction 62 and take the A690 towards Sunderland. Then take the slip road signposted A182 for Hetton Le Hole, continue along the road (Hetton Country Park is signposted with Brown tourist signs) until you see Barclays bank on your right. At the this junction turn left into Caroline Street, at the end turn right/straight on onto Downs Pit Lane. Hetton Lyons is on your right.
Please remember that if you are a TLI memeber to bring along your current membership card if not you will be charged the day fee – sorry but it the rules.
Dave Mc has informed me that the Hetton Hawks Ladies are putting on some festive refreshments so leave your sarnies at home and bring a couple of extra couple of £’s instead

NECCL RACE REPORT. ROUND 6- 13th Dec 09, Sports Centre, Meadowfield, Co Durham.

NECCL RACE REPORT. ROUND 6- 13th Dec 09, Sports Centre, Meadowfield, Co Durham.

Neecl Rd 6 Meadowfield Sun 13th Dec 09 207
This round of the Winter Season was based within the grounds of the Sports Centre at Meadowfield and 75 riders were having a great battle for a few extra points to count towards their league positions. The course was a mix of downhill, climbing, off camber corners and flat sections. There was one section of singletrack through the woods and a few technical sections on the banks next to the all weather pitch / gable end of sports centre. The weather was cloudy but dry for the U12’s & U14/16’s race and the sun even came out briefly for the main race at 12.30pm. The course had to altered in a few places and some faster tarmac / gravel sections added as the field was a little soft in places due to the recent weather. The course held up very well considering and there was only a few softish sections to negotiate.
There was spot prizes for all the races which were sponsored by RINGLAND SCAFFOLDING & WESTBROOK CYCLES. The event was also supported by Durham County Council. Also presented on the day was 12no cash prizes & 3no Free Race Entry Vouchers for Rd 7 at Hetton Lyons on Sun 20th Dec 09. All the U12/14/16’s received a goodie bag as well.
Many thanks to Trevor Sharp, Richard Barnett & Ian Dunn for their assistance in setting out / altering the course and taking it all back in, without them this round would have not gone ahead.
Remember it is your best 6 from 9 rounds to finish the League inc min 1 after Christmas.

NECCL NEWS UPDATE. ROUND 6- 13th Dec 09, Sports Centre, Meadowfield, Durham.

NECCL NEWS UPDATE. ROUND 6- 13th Dec 09, Sports Centre, Meadowfield, Durham.

Come and take on the grounds of the Sports Centre at Meadowfield. Many riders will be battling for points to count for their final league positions. The course will be very similar to the Autumn Series that was run this season taking in the singletrack section through the woods, climbing and descending on the bank side at the bottom end of the course and the short but steep ups and downs adjacent to the new all weather area and Sports Centre gable end. This year the race will be run in a clockwise direction.

The Round has been Sponsored by RINGLAND SCAFFOLDING & WESTBROOK CYCLES and supported by DURHAM COUNTY COUNCIL. The total prize fund exceeds £220 worth. There will be 12no cash prizes, 3no FREE Race Entry Vouchers for Rd 7, Spot prizes for all 3no races & goodie bags for all U12’s.

Parking is based on the new car park on your right as you come off the main road. Registration is based in the rear of the sports centre NO MUDDY SHOES inside please. Facilities include- changing, toilets, drink/snack machines, signing on / presentation.

Directions- Leave the A1 at junction 62 and follow the A690 through Durham, Nevilles Cross, Langley Moor then the Sports Centre is on your right hand side. It will be sign posted off the A690. Postcode for sat nav users – DH7 8RS.

RD 5 PRESTON PARK & MUSEUM, STOCKTON. SUN 15th NOV 09

RD 5 PRESTON PARK & MUSEUM, STOCKTON. SUN 15th NOV 09

We return back to this venue which has been used many times before in the past by the old ‘Durham Cycle Sport Club’. It was always a very popular venue as the grounds are very varied with a fantastic mix of all terrains including the ‘singletrack woods’. Alan has gone to great effort to put this venue back on the calendar and has plotted the course’s out ready (click on news section & scroll down). It is going to be a fantastic day out for all.

Directionshttp://www.stockton.gov.uk/contact/loca … estonhall/
Preston Hall Museum and Park, Yarm Road, Eaglescliffe, Stockton-on-Tees. TS18 3RH

From the South A19
Branch left, then turn left onto the A67 (signposted Yarm A67)
Travel 1.22 miles at roundabout take the 2nd exit onto Thirsk Road – A67 (signposted Stockton, Darlington) Entering Yarm
Travel 1.28 miles onto Yarm Road – A67. Entering Eaglescliffe
Travel 0.02 miles at traffic signals continue forward onto the A135
Travel 1.69 miles arrive at TS18 3RH, Preston Hall Museum on Right

From the North A19
After the Tees Viaduct take 2nd turning on left, then merge onto the A66 (signposted A66 Stockton, Darlington, Airport)
Travel 1.63 miles and continue forward (signposted Darlington)
Travel 0.53 miles onto the A66. Entering Stockton On Tees
Travel 0.88 miles branch left (signposted Stockton West), then at roundabout take the 1st exit onto the A135 (signposted Yarm, Teesside Airport)
Travel 0.39 miles at roundabout take the 2nd exit onto the A135 (signposted Yarm, Teesside Airport)
Travel 0.55 miles arrive at TS18 3RH, Preston Hall Museum on left.

From the East A66
Follow A66 entering Stockton On Tees
Branch left (signposted Stockton West), then at roundabout take the 1st exit onto the A135 (signposted Yarm, Teesside Airport)
At roundabout take the 2nd exit onto the A135 (signposted Yarm, Teesside Airport)
Arrive at TS18 3RH,Eaglescliffe

From the west A66
Join A66 at Darlington (signposted Teesside)
Travel 6.80 miles then branch left, then at roundabout take the 3rd exit onto the A135 (signposted Yarm, Teesside Airport)
Travel 0.39 miles at roundabout take the 2nd exit onto the A135 (signposted Yarm, Teesside Airport)
Travel 0.55 miles arrive at TS18 3RH, Preston Hall Museum on left.

A few reviews on the venue – http://www.stockton.gov.uk/citizenservices/environment/parksandopen/countrysidesites/32277/
http://www.stockton.gov.uk/citizenservi … afeteespp/
http://www.stockton.gov.uk/citizenservi … 2277/tsgr/

“Preston Hall Park – Parkland popular with families, with its extensive picnic areas, well equipped and spacious children’s safe play areas, and a large outdoor aviary and pond. After all the exertion undertaken in exploring the many rambling riverside pathways, there is a much needed respite to be found in the cafe, adjacent to the children’s play area.”
“Butterfly World -For a complete change of climate why not visit Butterfly World? This tropical environment has been recreated to support the myriad of highly coloured butterflies on show here.See how these delicate and beautifully marked flying creatures evolve from those nasty crawling things.Explore the pathway as it winds among exotic plants between the tropical pools teeming with aquatic creatures.”
“Preston Hall Museum is set in 100 acres of beautiful parkland overlooking the River Tees. The museum has displays of art, armour and social history. Visitors can discover what life was like in the home since 1825 and stroll back in time along a typical local street of the 1890s where the museum’s resident traditional craftspeople can be found at work. As well as the museum, Preston Park also has a range of permanent attractions including exotic bird life in the aviary and wildfowl pond and many riverside and woodland paths. You can walk amongst hundreds of beautiful butterflies at Butterfly World, take a ride on the Tees Small Gauge Railway or boat on the river. There’s also a safe surface play area for children and a café.”

Round 4 – Killingworth Lake – Update

The week leading into Round 4 at Killingworth Lake was an organisers nightmare with strong winds, heavy rain, dark skies and a forecast scary as Halloween! Thankfully it was warm and dry on the day but it  was showing some signs of the effects of the weather, with a few soggy spots scattered across the length of the course sure to make the legs ache.  The course itself was yet another variation to test every rider including an altered direction and some testing off camber turns and short climbs.

In the Under 12s Matthew Worton made the very best of the shortened senior course making a break off the front and pulling out a gap to second place Angus Brown. Matthew held onto his first place to take the win with Angus claiming second and Nick McWhirter coming in a very respectable 3rd.

Activ Cycles’ Adam Martin dominated the U16/u14/Novice Lady pulling out all the stops and taking a well deserved top spot with Alex Hopper pushing hard coming in a fine second with Joe Brown chasing hard for second but ultimately settling for 3rd.

The Senior race had a 63 strong field and a great team presence, it was a real spectacle. When the whistle blew, to coin a phrase it really was a “cavalry charge” with everyone exploding off the start line and belting down the long straight fighting for the first bend.

Once the pace “settled” if you could call it that, Tony Fawcett stamped his authority on the race and began pulling away from a chasing pack that contained James Anderson (Picarsso Pulman), Tony Glover(Derwentside CC) and the two Hambleton RC boys Darren Binks and Steve Middleton.

Tony Fawcett however continued to stretch out his lead until the final two laps when James Anderson began to slowly pull the leader back but time was against him and Tony took the win.  Tony Glover came across the line in 3rd followed by a great battle between Darren Binks and Steve Middleton seeing Darren taking the honours and coming in 4th.

What a great day – big thanks to everyone that came, racers, spectators and organisers including Geoff Turner, Jason McCourt, Brian Bayne, Dave McLean and the boys from the Sage Cycle Club: Andy Palmer, Colin Edgar and Phil Healey who we expect to see racing shortly (no pressure!)

RD 4 BOATING LAKE, KILLINGWORTH. SUN 25th OCT 09

NECCL NEWS UPDATE. ROUND 4- 25th Oct 09, Boating Lake, Killingworth, Tyne & Wear.

There is no excuse for the ‘Northern’ riders not to have a race in our series with the course set around the scenic setting of the Boating Lake at Killingworth. The course is set within the park / woodland to challenge you with singletrack through the woods, several gentle climbs, wide grass sections for overtaking and flat out speed. Geoff will probably throw in a couple of hurdles as well just to slow you down a little! Signing on will be in the car park and the start/finish over on the course. After the races please DO NOT WASH your bike in the Lake. There will be 12no cash prizes on the day and al ittle something for all the U12’s.

Directions– A19 heading North turnoff onto A1056 (Killingworth Way), 2nd roundabout turn left onto B1505 (Station Road) then turn left then right onto West Bailey road, follow the road around and the car park is on your right. A167 North from Newcastle turn left onto A189 North, turn right A1056 (Killingworth Way) rest as above. For Sat Nav users etc postcode is NE12 6TW

 

Hold on one second, why does this all sound very familiar? ( … Griff )