The first year we ran the ‘Barry’, I remember a glorious sunrise lighting up the Crystal Palace transmitter, like a radiant Eiffel Tower, on my ride to Penge. We we treated to an almost indecently warm and sunny day to enjoy the lanes before gathering for a feast back at the Velodrome to remember our lost pal. A feast that lasted until the same, still radiant sun had slipped below the western horizon, in a blaze of orange.
It’s important that we hang on to these memories.
This year, it looks very much like the weather will absolutely suck and nor do have a feast to look forward to. But we will have a day that creates it’s own memories, including our first, semi-official gravel ride.
The forecast for Sunday isn’t actually that bad – we’ve had and will endure worse. It would be wonderful if you could join one of the rides to help mark the day – but cycling is supposed to be fun remember!
Note: If, for any reason, you can’t make it, please let me, Niki or your ride leader know. Because it’s a paid-for event, the usual (simple?) cancellation process is not available.
1) Morning Rides
A set of fairly normal morning rides will leave from our two locations as follows:
- Long 4: 7:00 (shop), 7:15 (Crooked Billet)
- Long 3: 7:30 (shop), 7:45 (Crooked Billet)
- Long 2: 8:00 (shop), 8:15 (Crooked Billet)
- Long 1: 8:30 (shop), 8:45 (Crooked Billet)
- Short 4: 7:30 (Crooked Billet), 7:45 (shop)
- Short 3: 8:00 (Crooked Billet), 8:15 (shop)
- Short 2: 8:30 (Crooked Billet), 8:45 (shop)
- Short 1: 9:00 (Crooked Billet), 9:15 (shop)
- Steady: 9:30 (Crooked Billet), 9:45 (shop)
- Gravel Ride(s): 8:00 (Corner of High St/Maple Rd)
Please sign up for a ride now if you can so that we can manage the rider leaders and maybe put on new groups if needed. We charge a £5 entry fee which is donated to Barry’s chosen charity and now our club charity, Wheels for Wellbeing. I’m sure you have seen what they do by now, but do go and find out more about them and think about volunteering or fundraising for them.
Sign up for the ride of your choice
We’ll confirm the full ride list and exact start times later in the week with leaders.
2) Velodrome Crit Training 1:30pm to 4:30pm
We are running a Crit training session for all ability levels. (with a bit of racing too). This starts at 1.30 and will be done by 4.30pm. There are just a few places left for this, so, if you fancy it, sign up below and you will get more detailed instructions. It really is suitable for anyone, even if you have no intention of racing on the track or road.
You are welcome to come and watch the race training, but please practice the right social distancing and don’t congregate at the stands. Use the perimeter of the track to see the action.
3) Facebook Live event 4:30pm
There will be a couple of awards for the most skilful riders and we will broadcast a short prize-giving ceremony with me and special guest, Tom Covington giving out the awards. Tom is Barry’s Dad and along with Ann, Danny and Paul and many others, part of the loving family that miss Barry and love being involved in Penge events that remind them of his passion for cycling. Please join us and make sure to comment on the live stream.
Keep an eye on FB earlier in the afternoon and let’s see if my tech skills are up to showing some live racing. Penge CC’s first outside broadcast?
Follow this link to sign up for the event or find it on the club Facebook page.
Closing Thoughts
I look forward to seeing you on Sunday.
James Hanscomb, Chair of Penge Cycle Club.