Veteran Leaguer - LVRC

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FORMER OLYMPIAN HARRY LODGE TAKES BASSO CUSTOM FIT TEST AT SPIRIT BIKES Most of us have set up a position on a bike and said “That’ll do!” The human body is one of the most adaptable machines on earth and it will work, even if it is forced to work in a poor position. At Spirit Bikes “That’ll do” does not exist. Harry was invited by Chris Parks, Bike Fit Specialist to come along to their premises on Rabans Lane in Aylesbury in Buckinghamshire. ” From the moment I walked in, I felt reassured that here was a guy who understand what correct bike position testing was all about………and after 35 years in cycling I’ve had many tests. Obviously, I had to bring my current cycling shoes. I changed into my cycling clothes and the test began. Chris took a series of body measurements which were fed into the Spirit Bikes positioning software program set with the rider’s specific discipline – Time Trialling, Road Racing, Track Racing, Sportive Riding or Cycle Touring. Each discipline requires a different set up requirement to ensure an optimum position. Spirit Bikes have a bank of set ups for all types of cycling. I chose the road racing position, despite not having raced for several years now! Each leg was measured separately, from knee to ankle and also from knee to top inside leg – together with each arm, chest and back length. Chris put me on the custom bike rig and I clipped into the pedals. My saddle height was set according to the body measurements taken. Checks and tests were taken on my leg position at the bottom of a pedal revolution and at 90 degree power stroke, and knee position in relation to this, to make sure my saddle position was an optimum one. I was very comfortable with a near perfect set up at the first time of trying. However Chris was not satisfied and set about checking my shoes. Since I stopped racing, I have been very good at making do, but by inserting a small wedge to raise one side of my shoe cleat the lateral movement in my pedalling arc was eliminated. We then agreed on top tube length, frame size and stem length, handlebar width and brake hood setting, whilst maintaining careful attention to saddle height and saddle positioning over the bottom bracket. Spirit Bikes has built its increasing reputation for excellence of service by listening to the requests of its clients and by accommodating feedback when finalising a custom set up. At all phases during my bike fit, Chris, a cyclist of much experience in a variety of disciplines, listened to what I had to say, what I had found had worked for me in the past and what hadn’t. Most people in the past had suggested I used 175mm cranks, but I never got on with them – this was taken into account when we did the test and I used my preferred 172.5mm cranks. I came away from Spirit Bikes absolutely reassured about my new bike position and had learned something new at the same time. I 've used this new set up for eight weeks now and I am very pleased with the results. I would recommend this test to any cyclist from rank amateur to seasoned professional, and as a must have for anyone taking this sport seriously. Harry Lodge Professional Cyclist 13 Yrs Great Britain Cycling Team Seoul Olympics 1988 To arrange a custom bike fit contact Chris at Spirit Bikes on 07780 672053 www.spiritbikes.co.uk • PASSION • PERFORMANCE • PRECISION 49 Rabans Close, Rabans Lane Ind. Estate, Aylesbury, Bucks HP19 8RS. Chris Tel: 07780 672053 E: chris@spiritbikes.co.uk Page 22 The Veteran Leaguer: Autumn 2011
Point of view by Tom McCall I want to take a moment to talk about Steve Watson who is going to live and work in Australia to be near his family. Most of you will be aware that he has served on the National Executive Committee for a few years now, but he has also been the mainstay behind the Mstina Sharp for Prostate Southern Jersey Series. This series was devised by Steve, who obtained the co-operation of both Mstina and Sharp, and it has been most successful in the few years it has been run. It has been well-supported, and it has been keenly contested. GC leaders have a special vest to wear at each event supplied by Mstina. When you get one stalwart like Steve who devises a series, and then runs with it week on week, producing the up-to-date GC lists, it becomes a hard act to follow when he is suddenly no longer around. Thankfully one brave soul has emerged who is prepared to take up the reins. This is Robin Parker from East Grinstead, who has recently returned to the sport, and is happy to do his bit right away. He will have unofficial help from a few quarters, but there is one thing that needs to be underlined. All you guys who line up in the Jersey Races, don’t lose sight of the fact that a lot of work goes in behind the scenes to keep the series going. Any offers of help would be much appreciated. Don’t also forget the efforts put in by the guys and their teams who promote events in the series. Some have more disposal resources than others, and all these guys need to feel that their efforts are appreciated. We have had some new promoters in recent years. My message to them is clear:- please keep it going, as your efforts are appreciated. The Jersey Series is loosely based on the original Vetarace Series devised and run by Barry Packman. That was run on a co-operative basis with morning and afternoon races. Participation in the Series was conditional upon helping out at other times, and it worked. The only reason I am highlighting this is to point out that races are put on with helpers - no helpers, no races - simple fact. Next year, please remember my message - any offers of help overall, or on the day, are very much appreciated. Finally, good fortune Steve, and I hope you enjoy your new environment Down Under. I got involved in an interesting series of conversations recently on the subject of riders’ capability in LVRC races. The point being put across was that some riders were so much better than others of their age group that they did not give lesser riders a chance. It was also mooted that a Category or Ability system should be brought in, whereby these riders would be made to ride against younger riders. I pointed out that BC has a national category system, but that it is not agerelated. As soon as a rider gets older, and starts to feel the strain, there is a home for him in the LVRC where he can race against his peer group. I could not get full clarification, but it seemed that the argument was centred around the older age groups. Younger riders who feel off the pace in their race can ride in an older race to find their feet, but once a rider enters the “Blue Rinse” race for E/F/G/H, there is nowhere else to go, and I suspect that this is where the “problem” lies. Wherever you go in life, in any athletic sport, there are always going to different standards of capability. Even in Veteran status, our guys and girls who win international events and titles are heroes, but it is almost as if a certain faction says “Well done, but don’t come near me”! Where do you begin - clear them all out somewhere else, then the next lot will begin to dominate! Let’s put some sense on this. Personally, I find it a pleasure to line up with former stars, in spite of the fact that they may beat you out of sight. I am probably in the middle ground here, as I am currently recovering from a couple of strange years where I have raced spasmodically, but below par. I have taken plenty of beatings during this time, but I have soldiered on hoping that I could get back to full strength and be more competitive. There are plenty of guys who line up in an LVRC race, who don’t often get a result. These guys are the real heroes in my book, as they line up week after week, and compete in good spirit. You don’t hear the complaints coming from this quarter. All these so-called superstars have to put the roadwork in to get fit - nobody does it without hard work. Personally, I have never expected a race to be easy, so instead of complaining about these guys, use them as a benchmark to better yourself! I’ll rest my case. I worked in France for Sporting Tours for many year, and on a recent trip my coach was parked near the bottom of the Hautacam where the stage would finish. All my charges had departed to various spots to watch the race, and I was left alone. I fancied a ride on quieter roads, so I rode through Argeles-Gazost towards the Col du Soulor. This is an agreeable climb in two halves, with a gradual valley road in the middle. As I topped the Soulor, I decided to continue along the ridge road to it’s twin peak the Aubisque before returning for a snack at the top of the Soulor. About 1 km along the road, I stopped to take some pics, and I had walked probably about 30 metres from my bike and my small backpack. As I was returning, I could not believe my eyes as a large pig was taking more that a healthy interest in the food in my bag, which I had left open. I shouted at it, but that didn’t do any good, so I ran up and gave it a good slap on the rump which did the trick, It gave me a look of disgust, but it ambled away. I then noticed that it joined two more pigs who had also appeared. Needless to say, I put my bag on my back, and scarpered as quickly as I could. They were big enough, and I did not need them coming at me mob-handed. I could see the headlines - “Cyclist savaged by pigs on Aubisqe”, or worse still - “Cyclist eaten by pigs on Aubisque”. I did check the situation out at a later date, and there do seem to be a number of wild pigs in that area. What they eat, I cannot say, but they obviously find enough judging by their size. Pic as proof. The Veteran Leaguer: Autumn 2011 Page 23
Page 1 and 2: The Veteran Leaguer Autumn special
Page 3 and 4: From the Chair Don Parry The Execut
Page 5 and 6: Announcements, additions and amendm
Page 7 and 8: 2. By the executive committee. That
Page 9 and 10: Results 2011 TUESDAY 3rd MAY - REGI
Page 11 and 12: Results 2011 THURSDAY 19th MAY - RE
Page 13 and 14: Results 2011 Ruta, Barnsley RC E, 6
Page 15 and 16: Percy Stallard Series 2011 SUNDAY 5
Page 17 and 18: Stage 2b Same as stage 1b except a
Page 19 and 20: Vehicle Excise Duty for Cyclists? b
Page 21: Book reviews By Dick Selley & Gordo

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