Subject: FCCC exiles.
Greeting to all FCCC members,
My thanks to Ron Taylor for sending me copies of Inter Nos over the last few
months. Its great to see that the club has continued to make progress over
the years since I left for the middle east in 1982. (Saudi Arabian Airlines)
I have continued to follow club progress in the racing results of the
'comic' since I left and all credit to the club for continuing to produce a
constant stream of junior talent.
As part of the FCCC in exile on the Welsh borders we have Phil Smith and
others not far away.
I am able to continue cycling on the best country roads this island has to
offer.
Get your maps out, grid ref SO 234561 is home, or look at www.multimap.com
and feed in postcode HR5 3PP. Kington, Herefordshire is five miles away,
Hereford 25 miles. So I can turn left onto the Herefordshire plains and the
black and white village trails or right into the welsh hills.
There is no club life in the immediate area, the Hereford Wheelers are 25
miles away so I ride with a group of friends every week. We are not a club
as such, most of us are CTC members and the only rules are verbal. These
are, if you ride with us, don't bring any baggage, we do not want to hear
all your gripes, enjoy the day out. If the going gets tough don't moan and
that's it.
A good run must consist of all of the following. At least forty miles, some
lanes with a tree canopy and some grass down the middle of the road, streams
at the side of the road. A 'God' stop, (Church Visit) a 'Pub' stop (Real Ale
is essential and dogs must be welcome) one of our number carries a small
terrier on the rear complete with leather 'US flying jacket' or Barbour
waxed jacket in winter. A bloody great hill, we are not short of these, a
triple is essential. Hills are classified, C. Man and dog ride up, B. Man
rides, dog walks, A. Man walks with dog.)
Food and drink are carried as we are short of cafe stops. Numbers vary from
four to eight, (two ladies) depending on season and commitments. Ages 30 -
64, I am the old fart, pension book in April. Our kit is mixed, mainly 531
lightweights, I must admit I still prefer the look of a lugged steel frame
but we don't worry about what anyone rides. There are three tandems spread
around the group. Well you can see its not much like the FCCC but its fun
and there is hardly any traffic. I do miss club evening 10's, I was never
any good at it but there is sport in trying to beat your peers. I see Dick
Poole, Ron Taylor and Dave Hutchins are still answering the starters call,
frightening. I was pleased to see Sid Hygate had ridden out with the club
again, I may see him in March at a Naval 'do'. I spotted his name on the
'naval association' membership list. I joined the FCCC because Sid was a
member, we were naval engineering apprentices and RNCA members at the same
time in the fifties.
A happy and successful season to you all.
Yours in Cycling.
Dave Twiddy.