Team Midland 24hr trackathon 2010

AKA The Boss. Elite canoeist in a previous life, whose passion for competition still burns brightly. Hmmm. So that’s why his turns at the front are so short. Second is nowhere, is it Phil….Phil?

Built the team around himself (just to secure his place) Sees himself as a “rouleur”. Given that he’s the widest in the team, so do the others. Expect to see him at the front; till it starts hurting.

Calshot’s ‘pocket-rocket’. Her permanent grin belies a steely determination. One to have on your side, she says she “no longer needs to prove anything to herself” Yeah…
Loves nothing better than for blokes to overtake her, especially on the road…a lesson in humility usually follows.

The baby of the team, what Fi lacks in experience she makes up for in drive and determination. Puts in the ‘hard yards’ when others are slipping off the pace. (It is suspected she’s secretly got one eye on 2012). At 5ft 10in she’s head and shoulders above our other female riders!

An avid cycling commuter, (who recently moved house to halve his commute), Ben is a recent and obsessed convert to all things lycra (much to his fiance’s amusement). Pencil-slim, he is one of those uber-annoying types who’s only got one speed going up hills…bloody quick!

“English” Rose has a background in adventure racing and rowing, so she should know all about suffering for the cause. To acclimatise for Calshot she has taken to riding into work at the crack of dawn in chilly autumnal weather. A strong, silent type, we’re expecting her to carry the fight (and the team)

Chris is Calshot’s hardrider. You’d almost think he was Belgian. He’d ride through walls if you asked him to (and I think he did once …) Likes nothing better than a challenge, (which staying on the track might be!) If Chris was a rower he’d be James Cracknell

Great team player and an example to us all, with her determination to cut it with the more regular track proponents. Very willing, but I ask you, at 5ft 1in, would you want to draft behind her?

Accomplished windsurfer and one-time successful road runner before a knee injury curtailed her success. She dipped her toe in the water of cycling and found it was warm! A rider to count on, she’s another of our shall-we-say ‘diminutive’ team members.

Has the utmost confidence in the team to get the job done with the minimum of fuss. However confidence in his own ability is another thing entirely. Mike’s on a journey of discovery. We’re hoping it’s 3 hours at 22mph!

“Ant” has an interesting “less is more” approach to training, so we’re not expecting as much from him as he is! As a rugby player he’s prone to riding on the “blind side”, so it might be an interesting hour (or less)

 

Three is the magic number... this is Phil's 3rd Pudsey Trackathon and 3am was the time that he was properly chewing the bartape last year - he's also now 39 years old - what could possibly go wrong?

Andy is back for a 3rd year of torture (fun) - all for a good cause. He's taken his team's advice from last year and ditched the white shorts on health & safety grounds (although Neil did say he'd bring a pink skinsuit this year!) Andy's with Stu on the sprinters' convention approach to racing - so that's 2 of us in lots of trouble.

Mountain biker Mike made his Pudsey debut in 2009, and since then has got hooked on this track cycling lark - regular sessions and a shiny bike quickly followed, and he's ready to step it up a level in 2010.

In my younger (and faster) days I've road raced, time trialled, and mountain biked, riding for a variety of clubs around the south of england. Stopped riding for several years but got back in the saddle again a few years ago - I'd forgotten just how much enjoyment you can have flogging yourself on 2 wheels. Looking forward to helping raise money for Pudsey, so just one last thing to say - bring it on !!!

I've enjoyed a couple of seasons of cycling now. Two of three sportives have been a silver finishes and am proud to say I didn't get lost on any timetrials this season, although still having trouble shaking off my "Satnav" nickname. I'm looking forward to taking part in this great event for a brilliant cause, see you on the boards.

When not busy enjoying time with my gorgeous wife and 3 daughters, I like to wander out on my bike and pedal 'til my eyes bleed!

First year for me riding for Pudsey, however, not a newcomer to the Calshot track, first rode Calshot over 35 years ago! Been racing road, track and time trials since 1976. Various degrees of success locally and nationally. Hopefully will show the youngsters the way round.

After a couple of seasons of road racing it has become apparent that Stu would happily miss all parts of a race except the last 30 seconds (and even then he just wants to finish). Despite this he finds himself part of something that will require a little more sustained effort. We have no idea what the consequences will be.

The teams Rouleur - previous tens and road rides have have been beaten into submission and 'Nelly' is a valuable addition to the team for 2009. A real team player he'll be knocking a man size hole in the wind for Phil G and the guys to follow.

I can't believe it's been yet another year from the last 24Hr event. Major upgrade in equipment this year, self inflating mattress, sleeping on that floor last year was worst than the pain of cycling all those weird hours. So things are looking rosie for this year, just hope the fitness improves.

Well.... where to start? Fat bloke on a bike? I am 47 (on Friday unfortunately) work as an engineer, and have returned to cycling in the last year after a very long break (20 years). Nickname is 'fella'.

 

 

 

Have ridden all the Children in Need events and love it so much keep coming back for more. After the first 1 hour session last year I could hardly walk thanks to Ross, Tim, George and Simon pushing the pace and making me suffer ;-) Hopefully this year my supporters won't have to put up trying to talk to me while I am moaning on the floor in pain. I ride at Calshot most Tuesday evenings and some of the riders have said riding behind me is like riding behind a furniture lorry. Not sure if that's a compliment or not!

Josh has also ridden all the previous events and is really looking forward to this year. In June, Josh had major back surgery so we are all really pleased that he has been able to get back on the bike so quickly. Hope the extra metalwork in his back doesn't slow him down too much.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Been riding for far too long and should know better but I’m back again, trying to do better than last year when I was some what ill and only lasted 10 minutes!! Main target for the event is to keep the team in line and ensure that everyone has a good time. In the meantime we all need to get as much sponsorship as possible. In between riding I’m also down to do some track monitoring so I thing its going to be a long night!.

This will be my third tour of duty for this great charity. I have been cycling for the past 20 years mainly on MTB's. But have been a regular on the Calshot boards for the past 3 years. Just getting into TT with my first season out of the way.

This will be my second 'Children in Need' marathon and hope that with a new track bike I can help Poole Wheelers go even further than last year. I have only been involved with Time Trial's and road cycling since Christmas. I love racing especially up hills and especially beating my Dad to the top. This will be my first season in Calshot track league so you had better watch out!!.

A triathlete for a few years with little/no bike experience, I joined Poole Wheelers in 2008 hoping the time trialling would improve my bike splits...it did! Soon found I was enjoying the cycling more than the other disciplines which was just as well cos a knee injury in '09 put paid to any more running. From there, it was just a short and surprisingly easy step to giving up the early morning swims too. Since joining PW, have had a go at various things - TTs, road races, sportives and track - and loving 'em all. Not sure I'll be quite that enthusiastic when it's time for our 4am slot on the Saturday though...

I started track riding about 2 years ago and have loved it ever since, I did this event last year but only did 1 hour, this year I am going to do the full Monty.

Les Pick - An old "has been" that makes up for the beer belly and lack of power with grit and determination these days! He expects to be in pain for the duration of the event and you will hear him grunting and gurrning his way around the track. Despite his competitive background in riding and coaching at national level he only rides on an ad-hoc basis for fun these days due to family and work commitments. Despite the lack of miles nothing stops him from trying to "mix it up" at every opportunity when out with the guys......always the frustrated racer!

Former British track and team time trial squad member. Having said that my last national medal was in 1989 when I was riding for the Zenith and we came 3rd in the National Team pursuit, beaten by Boardman and Manchester wheelers. So I am a bit of has been.[Ed: Photo shows Adam in his party outfit being held up on his bike by Hagrid.]

Balder and more solid than in previous years but looking forward to going around in circles for a day.

Well, I got talked into this last year and it was a right laugh, though it turns out that riding for hours at a time around Calshot does weird things to your body. Despite, or perhaps because off, this I'm back for another go, over worked, under trained and running on Magnus Maximus coffee. You can read all about my/our exploits at Gordo's World Of Zoom (http://zoom-gordo.blogspot.com/).

Managed to get out of work long enough to do half the 2008 trackathon but back this year with my own track bike and getting warmed up for the whole 24hrs. On short term loan to Poole Wheelers from Southdown Velo based in Chichester, and used to time trials but really enjoying the Velodrome.

OMG is planning to guest ride for the Poolies. See the Team Midland info below for his life story.

 

Has consistently managed to amaze fellow inmates members at The Sunshine Home for Bewildered Cyclists with his pace and ability to ‘pull one out of the hat!’ Despite the onset of trench foot he manages to ride hard and far, some have been heard to say ‘Not bl***y far enough’

In the face of advancing age and the onset of dry rot he continues to surprise his contemparies with his depth of knowledge on loft lagging. His recent well publicised paper on shoe horns and how they shaped the 19th century attracted much praise and a trip to the local funny farm! Rides daily and can be seen around the Dorset plains shouting ‘They’ll never get the jacket on me!’

If smiling was an Olympic sport this guy would be a gold medallist. Infectious zest for life and the ability to look busy even when asleep makes him the one to avoid at dinner parties. He can describe in detail the chaos theory and at weekends marshals at cross stitch classes. Very fond of the outdoor life and messing about in boats.

His recent outing in the Ride Across Britain confirmed what most of The Wheelers already knew – this guy can ride a bike on water and not make ripples, there is no finer wheel to follow. Enjoys caravanning and has a large collection of welding goggles. The annual family holiday to the New Forest gives his neighbours the chance to relax in their gardens without fear of having to listen to Wurzel records blaring out.

Has a liking for Sportifs on foreign shores although his inability to string two words together in any language has proved rather embarrassing. His photograph appears in all HM Customs and Excise publications with a warning ‘Do not approach this man without first consulting your Supervisor and a damp copy of Cycling Weekly’. He is the current holder of the Chippenham Wheelers trophy for ‘Best Dressed Cyclist’.

I have to choose my words carefully with this one! Mrs Cook provides the stability and common sense required in the squad; she makes no fuss and rides her bike with a fluid motion that masks the determination to win. An inspiration for the ladies in The Wheelers and her financial support for The Sunshine Home for Bewildered Cyclists is well known.

Crystal Cranks is his nom de plume; another smooth pedal action and an output of high, consistent speed are a trade mark of Shane. He should prove a valuable member of the squad as his team work is second to none. A natty collection of head gear and the ability to kick a football are little known facts so he should be able to keep warm during the rest periods whilst playing ‘Keepy Uppy’ with has bike helmet.

The brains in the outfit and a mean dude on 2 wheels, he loves to sprint, he loves to race, be it on a training ride or a sportive. A very approachable character who makes you feel at ease as he describes his fascination with astrophysics and flower arranging. Can be seen pressing the keys on his latest gizmo gadget at tea stops whilst uttering he words ‘I’m late, I’m late, for a very important date….’

When you are feeling low or a tad blue this chap will lift your spirits and put a smile on your face (or make you cringe with embarrassment). His sense of humour knows no limits and he is guaranteed to make the team ride harder and faster….in an effort to disassociate themselves. A long cycling career with many achievements, notably he recently completed our local 100 miler whilst gurning throughout.

Vocal support is important during this event and there is no finer exponent than Miss Archard. Was once touted as the new Chippenham Town Cryer but local ‘elf and safety bods warned that the inhabitants of Melksham (some 8 miles away) had raised a petition against the appointment on the grounds that many greenhouses in the area had required re glazing after her try out test was recorded at a level above that of a supersonic jet engine. Has been known to ride a bike on the odd occasion

 

 

 

Has trained hard all year for this event with weekends on a mountain bike around the northern Pennines; all the mountain climbs in Majorca; up the Tourmalet to watch Le Tour; and arranging the team trip to climb Mont Ventoux. And then after all that climbing, found that the Calshot blue line is less than a metre above sea level. Can be compared to the Betamax Recorder in that he's spent all his life in the wrong place at the wrong time. As well as riding the event, he has been conned volunteered into working for the whole 24 hours as track manager, timekeeper, web-meister and generally wandering around aimlessly annoying everyone.

Another grimpeur who made his way up Mt Ventoux in the summer. Particularly enjoyed the crepe + plate of chips at Chalet Reynard, and the rather rapid descent down the other side. If there was a World Championship for eating then Phil would be in with a good chance of a podium spot. He usually needs to refill his lanky 6'3" frame every 59 minutes so whether he can manage a whole hour on the track remains to be seen. Aged 17, he passed his driving test recently so he doesn't even ride his BMX to tennis these days. Oh dear.

This is Ryan's first foray into the land of sleep deprivation and frozen gonads that is known by the name of Planet Calshot. Has had a couple of quiet years cycling-wise due to giving birth to several babies, but came back quite strongly during 2010 and ended the season with something apparently called 'form'. Has consistently lost weight over the past two years at the steady rate of one lb per week. As part of a balanced diet, the monthly 4lb weight loss is countered by eating 5lbs of pies. With his swarthy complexion, if he doesn't shave during the Calshot weekend then we can expect a visit from the anti-terrorist squad.

Picture taken last Christmas shows an old bloke with a white beard and wearing a natty red outfit. Alongside him is an electrically operated plastic Santa which would beat him up the hills if there was a decent supply of 10p pieces. Nick did climb Ventoux this year. Eventually. Despite his advanced age, he still has an open mind - sadly it's so open that most things pass straight through without even touching the sides. A very experienced track rider with an awesome sprint, so just beware of the famed "elbows and red mist syndrome".

This summer, Luke was another member of the BCC on the Ventoux trip. Being a quiet and reserved lad, if pressed, he'll very shyly tell you that he got up the climb quicker than his dad. Has been cycling since has was about 5 and rides most types of events - MTB, cyclo-cross, track and the road.

This is a man who doesn't know the meaning of the word "fear" - but then again he doesn't know the meaning of most words. Paul is usually the first to the top of most hills, probably because he's riding one of his many Hondas. Unless he's managed to park it in the hedge (once again!). New to this track riding malarkey, Paul has taken to it like a duck to waterboarding.

Came to Calshot for the first time last year and, having missed the team's first session, gave everyone a right kicking in session number two. Employed as a teacher (despite fourteen Advisorys on his CRB report) his pupils will follow him anywhere - but mainly out of curiosity. His speed on the track comes from the fact that he is skinnier than a racing snake on clenbuterol and so is able to dodge between the air molecules.

Trev rode with us last year or, to be precise, Trev rode and the rest of us hung on. One of the smoothest riders you'll ever come across, he is the role model for Castrol's liquid engineering. On loan from the Royal Sutton.

Colin has been a lifetime cyclist since 1966 when he competed in the 1st ever GHS '10' as a schoolboy and the National Junior '25' in 1968. Despite a short 25 year gap to raise a family the calling returned some 15 years ago with the Hemel Hempstead CC which included excursions to the Alps to ride 2 versions of L'Etape including the year 2000 version on Mt Ventoux, only just escaping the mountain closure due to severe weather. This year has included charity rides including the off road Exmoor Bike Marathon & Cat & Fddle Sportive in horrendous rain. More recently a regular of the Solihull CC evening time trial scene, both solo and as tandem pilot. AKA the puncture king, possibly due to some ability in the bike repair dept on club runs and being a serial bike tinkerer.

Paul has been preparing all year for this one event, selflessly tying himself to a grueling training schedule. He has been using a personalized isotonic and rehydration fluid developed in conjunction with those nice R&D boys at Marstons brewery. Always one to follow the latest training strategies and being keenly aware that rest is as important as the hard work, he has been ramping down since early March. Paul is sponsored by Stannah. His own club - Beacon RCC - when asked if they could spare Paul for this important event said “Who’s Paul Deane?”

Has been racing for almost 20 years already, including representing GB in the World Mountain Bike Marathon Championships and World Student Games - so 24 hours of sleep deprivation shouldn't be an issue. Ross is riding courtesy of Red Kite.

 

Tried most forms of cycle sport and pretty average at them all. A 2nd cat roadie who believes he can still ride a BMX, Mark is the Team Captain which appears to only mean he bullied everyone else into doing it. When not riding Mark can be found in his motorhome or watching Discovery Turbo and learning how to rebuild the classic car hes never gonna buy!!

A self confessed caffeine addict, 24hrs with no sleep will be no big issue for James. Just beware of the twitching and sudden movements that come with this though. A bike rider for over 40 years, which considering he is 34 is amazing, James will be the experience side of Team BTA, with a career highlight of winning all the opening events on this very Track (with Trophies to prove it!!) after it was rebuilt. During the rest periods you will find James heading down the spit on his road bike, seeking a Costa or Starbucks (other coffee houses are available). NB james is being modest – 30 national titles on his racing record – he is taking the laps for us!!!

Jason is one of Cycling’s true ‘Racers’ . Renown for his season round racing palmares and high points Tally he will be a driving force for Team BTA at Calshot. All his friends describe him as a nice guy...but once the gun goes Jase gets his race face on and all hell breaks loose. A tall gangly fellow...Jase will tower above all the Triathlon lads. For anyone spectating, Jason will be the one who doesn’t smell of chlorine.

Gav is still learning his trade on and off the bike. A bit like a puppy he is enthusiastic but in need of training and discipline. Potentially a good roadie he scraped a 3rd cat lisc a few years ago but has yet to live up to his potential.

Mr OCD Dave will want to do an even number of laps at a speed that is also in even numbers. A 2nd cat roadie he does tend to do things the hard way. A triathlete at heart he is currently investigating laser surgery to remove his Ironman tattoo.

Self proclaimed and never proven “official” winner of the 2009 Ronde Van Vlaanderen, JC makes his return to the boards of a Velodrome that many describe as the “most technical track in the world to master”. JC’s aim is to make sure that the other members of the squad adhere to the team plan. Sergeant Major style.

Rob is originally from Bromsgrove now living in Manchester with his wife and daughter Olivia. A keen track cyclist Rob races for MJS Racing and is a multi Regional Track Champion. He can also cook and go to the toilet unaided.

Gareth is a proper triathlete with a very respectable ironman time to his name and just a whiff of chlorine. Happy to try his hand at anything he rides road, track Cross and MTB and is always happy to have a chat mid race.

 

 

The Big Cheese organiser for this whole shebang and who we can all blame thank for the pain, suffering and public humiliation which we will endure. Hides under many identities and is known on various police files as the Dark Lord, Darth Hewson, Lord Puds, and Scarface. At his last appearance before the magistrates his brief asked for twelve previous offences of animal molestation to be taken into consideration.

Known as the quiet man of cycling and a calm gentleman of the bike. However here is evidence of a character change. At the world Champs this year the organisers had heard of Simon's Jeckel and Hyde transmogrification. These transformations can be very scary - similar to the Incredible Hulk - some brave rider tries to pass him and......... we can say no more. Before this time trial the organisers had caged the Wild Thing up just to be safe. We were going to ask what happened next but caution won the day.

 

I have been riding for about 13 years starting in Triathlon and currently in time trialling with a few track sessions thrown in for variety. I try to get out cycling when I can but the usual things get in the way, Like work ,D.I.Y. and keeping the domestic harmony around the home as well as fixing most of the Team Midland cycling Faux pars. This Season has gone well with me breaking into the 23 minutes for 10 miles time trial.

 

 

 

John is on loan from the Chippies.

 

 

 

 

A recent graduate of medicine from Southampton University Tim Wallis has raced at the highest level as a junior, representing GB at many races. Recently he has been a very strong and active player in the Hampshire cycling scene and is always keen to bash some legs in if someone lays down the gauntlet – especially at 3am!

Currently studying at Southampton University and the reigning president of the University cycling club George has had a strong and ecclectic year of cycling, mixing touring through Europe with time trials, hill climbs and plenty of miles on the bash route. 24hrs on the track is the next logical step…obviously!

 

Not sure he is up to this at this time of year but will be sure to do everything possible to beat old sparring partner James Taylor even if it's on the "I can drink more coffee than you can" game.