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This is simply a guide to what is going on in the wider cycling world involving some of the larger cycling bodies, it does not cover everything.
RACING
Road racing, cyclo-cross, track, BMX, MTB
The chief organising body is British Cycling (www.britishcycling.org.uk).
From their comprehensive website you can find out what is going on and where in most aspects of bunched, competitive racing. Choose the discipline you are interested in from one of the tabs on the left and you will easily find links to calendars of events, facilities, entry forms, rules etc. Getting started can be a bit formidable but don’t be put off. Things are much more straightforward than they seem. If you are unsure, ask around in the club or ‘phone the organiser for advice.
It’s not a good idea to go straight into a road race on the open road without any prior group riding experience. Closed circuit road events at Dunton (Ford test track), Hog Hill (Hainault) or Hillingdon are the best ways into this craft and don’t require pre-entry. For track, contact Welwyn Wheelers about their track training nights at Welwyn (Gosling stadium). This will give you experience of a banked track before you actually have to race.
For BC events, Maldon is in Eastern division. This does not mean you cannot race elsewhere!
Time trialling
The chief organising body is Cycling Time Trials (www.ctt.org.uk).
Calendars of events, entry forms and course details can be found on this site. At the time of writing, their website was being reconstructed due to a virus hit, so some details are not as complete as intended so, unless you purchase one of their handbooks (recommended), a ‘phone call to the organiser may be necessary.
Open time trials must be pre-entered on a standard entry form, no later than 11 days in advance.
For CTT events, Maldon is in London East District (L.E.). All courses are prefixed “E” (the Steeple “10” course is described as E21, for example).
NON COMPETITIVE EVENTS
Everyday cycling (http://www.everydaycycling.com/) is perhaps the best source, giving details of most non-competitive events throughout the year. Non-competitive challenge based events (variously described as “sportives”, “audax” or “reliability trials”) have become increasingly popular in recent years. Several of these become over subscribed very early, so it is worth noting if pre-entry is required. The website links should provide all necessary information.
ANNUAL CLUB ACTIVITIES
Duo Normand:
This is the club’s annual pilgrimage to race abroad. The “Duo” is a 50km 2-up time trial based in Marigny in Normandy and takes place in late September. Typically, 40 or so club members go over for a long weekend to race or support. See http://www.duonormand.com/benevoles_eng.php . Details of club participation will be posted later in the year.
Mildenhall Rally:
August bank holiday weekend. A brilliant weekend for campers or caravanners. See http://www.mildenhallrally.org.uk/startpage.html . Ask Dave Tyas for details.
ECCA Festival:
The Eastern Counties Cycling Association is an organisation representing almost all cycling clubs in our region and promotes many racing and non racing activities. Their annual festival takes place across the spring bank holiday weekend, based largely at High Easter. Clubs keenly compete for championship points in a wide variety of events. Participation is more important for points scoring than high placings, so all members are encouraged to take part. See http://www.easterncounties.org.uk/.
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