Witham Wheelers Cycling Club

04/06/2024

Weekly-ish Club Round-up 4th June 2024
• Finally a sunny warm day saw a good turnout for the Sunday Clubrun, 65 miles to a new coffee stop Pick’s near Lyndon south of Rutland water. Nicely split into 2 groups one at 16.3mph and the other 18.1mph.
• Tony Hardenberg organised the clubs Open 10 mile TT on Saturday afternoon, won by supervet Richard Oakes in 20.07. Reece Egner 4th in 22.06, full report and pictures on club web site
• Last Thursdays social saw a smaller turnout with a poor forecast deterring quite a few riders
• Also the latest Newark circuit road bike TT tempted several club riders Thursday evening.
• The clubs Tuesday TT was cancelled due to a poor forecast and quite a few of the regulars away, due to the half term holiday.
• The East Mids combined with the West Mids regional road race champs to take place at Hose. Women 6 laps and men 10 laps of a 9 mile circuit, up Long Clawson and down Harby Hill. Ella Tandy (West Mids) and Adam Lewis (West Mids) the overall winners. Full results on Velo UK. Ex-Wheeler Peter Cocker was 17th having almost recovered from catching Covid on the Irish Ras stage race.
• This Tuesday it’s the next 10 mile TT, all welcome on any style of bike.
• Date for the diary, club BBQ 9th July at the Cricket Club, all members, friends and family welcome, proceeds go to charity.
• Another Date Saturday 29th June, Club open 25 on the Sleaford-Osbourby-Donnington course, enter via the CTT website, again ably promoted by Tony Hardenberg

29/05/2024

Weekly-ish Club Round-up 28th May 2024
• Rain affected club Sunday rides yet again, with it not happening on the 26th May after heading out to the Boathouse café (Thorpe on the hill) the previous week
• Thursday evenings Social rides have been similarly affected, looking a bit more promising this week.
• Mark Taylor got the Saturday social ride back up and running, with a ride out to the Crafty Café at Fulbeck on 25th May
• Simon Cocker organised the 2 club open Road races on Monday 27th, full reports and pictures on the club web site and the Velo UK page.
• Mike Ainsworth completed Ride London in 5.12.03
• Matthew Kingston-Lee appears to be taking a relaxed attitude to cycle touring around Wales, only doing 125 mile days.
• Darragh McBride 7th in the Bourne Whs Open 10 in 23.18
• Tony Hardenberg organises the Club Open 10 & club champs which take place on the Sleaford to Osbournby course on Saturday 1st June afternoon, HQ at South Rauceby Village hall
• Junior Isla Kolbert won the womens 3 / 4 race at the Harvey Hadden circuit
• Club 10 was cancelled this week, due to the poor forecast and number of regular riders away for half term week. Resumes next week on Tuesday 4th June.
• Ex-Wheeler Peter Cocker finished the 5 stage Irish Ras international race in 11th overall and equal 8th on time only 32 seconds down on the winner
• This years Regional roadrace champs take place on an interesting new course on Sunday 2nd June, HQ at Hose then up the first Long Clawson climb and descending Harby. Womens race (6laps 54 miles) starts at 9.00 and the mens (10 laps 90 mile) at 13.00. Could be well worth a trip out to watch.

22/05/2024

Monday 27th May – Witham Wheelers Road Races
Pleased to say we now have a full field with one reserve for the afternoon GA Bennett Road Race (E123) near Grantham. The morning GT Ellingworth (3/4) support race still has a few spaces available, entry is available again via the BC calendar.
However we are struggling this year for Red Flag marshalls (we have AMS) and a driver, so if you could help for either the morning, afternoon or both please message me.
Thanks
Simon Cocker

13/05/2024

Weekly Club Round-up 14th May 2024
Busy weekend for club riders with some big mileages in at last glorious sunny weather.
• This Tuesday (14th May) it’s the 8.5 mile Road Bike only TT, so hopefully a few more club members venture out to give it a go.
• Newark 100 mile Sportive with some club riders adding riding to/from the event, Matthew Kingston-Lee (152.) Carol Milne (125), Jon Brown (130), Tony Hardenberg (110), Colin Gray (100), Kim Flower (101), Sean Wragg (101), James Flower (101), Russell Newman (101), Darragh McBride(101) with mobile support from Dave Borchard.
• Nick Parkin rode probably the toughest UK Sportive the Fred Whitton challenge 112miles round the lake District, taking in all the famous climbs, in 7hrs 26mins
• Mike Ainsworth Poppy Ride Sportive in Kent 100 miles.
• Club Sunday ride went to the Hickling Wharf café, 6 riders 60 miles.
• Lincoln GP road races were very tough in the heat with only 36 finishers out of 150 entries in the mens after tackling 107 miles and 13 times up the Michael gate climb. Ex-Wheeler Peter Cocker finished 22nd for his best finish, only 1.20 down on winner ex world tour professional Matt Holmes. Reece and Adam Egner also started but found the hot conditions too much and pulled out.
• In the supporting Hill Climb the previous day before Isla Kolbert was 1st Youth girl and second women overall.
• Amy Kolbert rode the womens Lincoln GP, which she didn’t finish but would have benefited from the experience.
• Not cycling but a fantastic effort by Crispin Bridges-Webb completed the 46 mile trail run lap of Windermere in 10 hours 52mins 30 seconds
• Thursday night social saw 17 riders gather back at Barkston for a pint following a pleasant ride in the sun

02/05/2024

Witham Wheelers Road Races 27th May, entries required for both races to make sure they are commercially viable to proceed.

05/02/2024

Presentation Evening Friday 23 Feb. 7pm at Cricket Club
Presentation at 8pm
Quality Buffet from Finkins. Subsidised @£5 per head.
Will require confirmation and let me know if you are vegetarian.
Contact me on 07950 360 882.
Thanks DKB.

29/07/2023

Wishing the bet of luck to all of our riders competing in the grass track races at the Heckington Show this weekend.

The wait is over! The gates open at 9am for a full weekend of family fun! 🤩🦋🍭

Did you know you can buy tickets on the gate for Saturday or Sunday? Find out more at https://www.heckingtonshow.org.uk

See you there!

28/07/2023

Grantham’s cyclists from Witham Wheelers Cycling Club have been in action this evening participating in the Newark Town Centre Races, presented by Pro-Noctis & 200 Degrees Coffee.

In the Under-16 races Earlier racing saw Isla Kolbert battle to 4th and Sam Grundy secure 7th and in their race classes.

Taking part in the regional race, Adam Egner and Karl Baillie just missed the podium finishing 4th and 5th respectively. Reece Egner and Joshua Hemmings were also in the fight for places coming in 14th and 28th.

27/07/2023

Cycle to work day on Thursday 3rd August…

The Active Lincolnshire team will be riding on Cycle to Work day next Thursday. 🚲

Why not get your workplace involved with this national cycling celebration? It's a great chance to experience the brilliant benefits everyday cycling offers – mental, physical and financial – first-hand.

Not commuting to work? You can still take part by going for a bike ride on the day.

Find out more: https://ow.ly/wKQ750PltqX



Cycle Lincolnshire

26/07/2023

Riders from Grantham’s Witham Wheelers are competing in the Newark Town Centre Races, presented by Pro-Noctis & 200 Degrees Coffee this Friday, the 28th July. They will be racing around the historical Royal Market Square in Newark Town Centre.

At 4pm, a social community ride will happen for younger families, following this a Pro AM Brompton Relay Race.

Here's the timeline for the competitive races throughout the evening

- 4.00pm - The Ceremonial Opening followed by the Newark Crit Community Ride
- 4.30pm - A Pro AM Sponsors Brompton Relay
- 5.00pm - Under 12s’ racing for 15 Minutes
- 5.30pm - Under 14s’ racing for 20 Minutes
- 6.00pm - Under 16s’ racing for 25 Minutes
- 6.35pm - Regional / Amateurs’ race for 45 Minutes
- 7.30pm - Women’s National Circuit Series Finale 50 mins
- 8.30pm - Mens’s National Circuit Series Finale for 50 mins

Full details here ➡️https://www.newarktowncentreraces.com/

The official homepage of the Newark Town Centre Races, a British Cycling National Circuit Series event delivered by volunteers on Friday 29th July 2022

26/07/2023

The Lincolnshire Cyclo Cross season starts again in September with Sleaford Wheelers hosting the opening event at Ancaster on 24th September.

Witham Wheelers Cycling Club will host our neighbouring clubs on 22nd October at our course near Stroxton.

Time to get excited for the upcoming season! Here is your calendar for the Lincolnshire Cyclo-cross Championship and Trophy Day Series.

There are a few new changes to this upcoming season, which are a direct consequence of the feedback you kindly gave us in our survey. Some of them will be announced after our August committee meeting, but the first change you can see on our calendar below.

This season will see all 12 rounds included in our Trophy Day Series and this series is also open to ALL competitors who register for points, regardless of what town, city or country they live in.

For the Lincolnshire Championship, you will need to live in Lincolnshire as previous. On Lincolnshire Championship days, eligble riders will receive points in both the Lincolnshire Championship and Trophy Day Series tables.

The aim of this change is to make our races more inclusive and to help keep healthy competition throughout the full season. A season which starts 9 weeks on Sunday, so time to dust off those bikes and practise your skills!

19/07/2023

Reconnecting Grantham are planning to operate the family ride, through Londonthorpe Woods and Belton Park, once a month up until Christmas. The first date is Tuesday 25th July, so a great opportunity to entertain the family. Children over 8 can ride, if accompanied by a responsible adult, and children carried on an adult’s bike are welcome and don’t need to register. These rides are both fun and free of charge.

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06/07/2023

Huge congratulations to Witham Wheelers Cycling Club member Matt and his friend Brad for completing their North Coast 500 Challenge.

Get well soon Matt.

A group of friends have completed their 500-mile cycle ride to raise money for various charities.

03/07/2023

As Grantham’s cycling club, we are pleased to be supporting South Kesteven District Council’s Gear Up event on Saturday 15th July 2023.

Our monthly Introduction to Club/Group Cycling Session for July will be the first activity on the day. It will leave from the Market Cross at 10AM for a 30-mile round trip to The Side House Coffee Shop in Claypole. Come and join us for a social spin.

Witham Wheelers’ Recreational Ride sign up: https://www.letsride.co.uk/rides/gear-up-30

British Cycling-led Family Ride at 10:30 sign up: https://www.letsride.co.uk/rides/skdc-gear-up

British Cycling-led Family Ride at 1pm sign up: https://www.letsride.co.uk/rides/skdc-gear-up-1

24/06/2023

22/06/2023

No points for guessing where I am today.

17/06/2023

After Ashes dinner.

14/06/2023

We're hoping to have youth team(s) representing Grantham and Witham Wheelers Cycling Club in the grasstrack cycling at the Heckington Show Heckington Show on 29th July.

No prior experience of track cycling is needed, and the club have bikes that can be used for it. It is a great introduction to racing, in the past the club has taken many children there who have never raced before.

We will be holding a few practice sessions in the next few weeks. If you know any children who would be interested or want more information please let us know.

🚴‍♀️🚴‍♂️Entries are OPEN for possibly one of the oldest GRASS CYCLING competitions on the planet 🚴‍♀️🚴‍♂️

Heckington Show's main ring will host riders on the 300m track on Saturday 29th July. With packed viewing areas and a generous prize list, a grand days racing is guaranteed!

The Youth GoRide Club Championship will open proceedings, which is open to all riders from all clubs! Clubs can enter whole teams, or we can help make composite teams from entrants.

The senior events will include rounds for the National Grass Endurance League. There will be prizes for all podium positions in all races, with the best individual rides across all events taking home the Victor and Vitrix Ludorum Trophies.

13/06/2023

13/06/2023

In partnership with local British Cycling ride leaders, the The Woodland Trust, and the National Trust, we held the first Reconnecting Grantham Wood and Parklands Ride today.

The Ride follows a 7-mile circuit that is mainly off road, and includes Londonthorpe Woods and Belton House.

The National Trust were very supportive and even supplied a Ranger, Sacha, to give us a short talk about the deer park, during our coffee stop.

We hope to make this a regular fixture in what is an area with few opportunities for inexperienced cyclists to ride safely.

12/06/2023

Witham Wheelers held their annual British Cycling road races which have a history going back to 1963.

10/06/2023

Weather looking amazing. There are a handful of places left.
Please message me if you’re interested, with the distance.

09/06/2023

Wishing all the best to our members and all of the other riders taking part in the Belles of Belvoir annual ladies only sportive on Sunday.

It’s good to see the event supported by a couple of our favourite local business, Cafe Allez and No Two Cycles.

Annual friendly non competitive cycle sportive 11.06.23