10th May 2009
Over the EdgeOnce again the weather conspired against us and the forecast for today was not good. Despite this, over 350 entrants took part and thankfully the rain held off until late morning.
The start and finish HQ at Hollinworth lake had the usual carnival atmosphere, with stalls handing out medals, refreshments and there was even a massage tent for those weary limbs.
Well done to every one who took part in les than ideal conditions. We hope to see you again next year.
18th January 2009
News from the Table TopThe Transpennine table at the velodrome sale had a rather spartan look this year. No real surprise after the bumper sales of the last few years – we had very little left. Nevertheless, Colin , Richard and Russell managed to rustle up a few morsels from the back of their garages and with a bit of creative window dressing, the stall lured in a number of flushed punters.
Almost a social occasion in itself, it was a chance for members to meet in their civvies, and quite a few put in an appearance – Chris, Cliff, Steve T, Steve C, Nichole, Phil, Russ, Richard, Kym, Andy and it was especially nice to see Colin up and about and looking well after his Christmas holiday in Oldham Royal. Border city wheelers had the track and provided some impromptu entertainment with a good handful of graceful and not-so graceful dismounts while negotiating the unexpectedly slippy banking.
By the time we fled, most of our wares were sold and although it was still early in the afternoon, table TPCC was as empty as a Scottish pay toilet.
14th Sept 2008
The Grand Opening of Paulines New Kitchen Treasure Hunt
A fine dry day set the scene for this years hunt with fully five teams dispatched from in front of Rochdale Town Hall. Pauline and Dave forwent the clue searching formalities and hammered the course so they could get their coals burning. The first clues were straight forward and other than a few wrong turns we found ourselves skirting around Accrington in no time. Unexpectedly, at around half distance, we were flagged down by Phil (the organiser) and had to do an inpromptu time trial. Thankfully this was an average speed event - 15mph over 5 miles and the closest to the calculated time would gain points toward the fianl result. the Twitchers (Graham and Richard) had no computer to rely on, but with the use of a watch and some mental arrithmatic managed to win this section with a time of just 13 seconds away from the target. Later in the ride the the Twitchers were to have a close encounter with a high powered open top sports car. The car shot past them a high speed on a fast bend and within a minute or so the pair met the same vehicle in an advanced state of disrepair and minus a wheel or two, middle of the road facing the other way. A little further on and most teams were bumping into one another near a church trying to answer the question 'what does James Bunk do?'. The church sign was scrutinized, the graveyard was combed, all local signs and buildings were inspected and even the passing residents were interrogated. But no James Bunk.
Back at Paulines a very lavish barbeque was laid on with Andy on hand to keep the saussies sizzling and the drinks flowing. When the Three 'he who shall be last shall be first' Stooges eventually arrived the results were announced by Phil the chair and the prizes were awarded by Dave G who made a special guest appearance.
- 1st - Twitchers (Richard & Graham) with 10 points for time trial and 40 points for clues - 50 points
- 2nd - The Three Stooges (Steve C, Steve T & Colin) with 8 points for time trial and 40 points for clues - 48 points
- 3rd - Wanderes (Alan & Chris) with 6 points for time trial and 30 points for clues - 36 points
- 4th - Team Pennine (Graham & Pete) with 4 points for time trial and 30 points for clues - 34 points
- 5th - Pauline & Dave with 6 points for time trial only - had to get back for the coals
So yet again the results were very close, and yet again the Three Stooges were bridesmaids instead of brides - good luck to them next year. The barbeque carried on until dusk and beyond - long after the last embers had died away. It was finally revealed that James Bunk was the church parson. Unfortunately, in the intervening week between Phil setting the questions and the big day, a new parson had been installed and the sign duly changed! Ah well, here's to you reverend Bunk.
29th Oct 2007
Once again the treasure hunt has been an astounding success. Nervous contestants gathered outside Rochdale town hall on a sunny Sunday morn and giggling sheepishly, they furtively paired off. Clutching crumpled mystery sheets they set their jaws to the wind, girded their loins and put their best pedal forward. Soon the surrounding countryside of Rochdale was crawling with hundreds of pairs of contestants and racking their brains whilst pedaling furiously in search of cryptic clues. Many were lost never to be seen again. Others simply threw the towel in and headed for home, fulminating obscenities that cannot be rendered here. But a few stout fellows persevered and returned triumphantly to a heroes welcome back at Auntie Pauline’s who had laid on one of her world famous barbeques.
21st May 2007
This year's Over the Edge has been a resounding success. Although Roger Hammond didn't show up after all, a record 600+ field turned out for a day of predicted mixed weather. Thankfully the rain held off for the most part and the event passed without any major incidents. The rain did return for Dave's marshal's barbeque later though.
1st May 2007
After the near disaster that the shop suffered recently it is great to hear that they are still in the swing of things at Surrosa cycles. Below is communication to us from them which you may be very interested in...
I wanted to let you know about a re-launch event which is taking place on 12 May (Sat) at the Surosa Cycles shop on Lees Road, formerly known as Oldham Cycle Centre.
This all-day event will be attended by three members of the Recycling professional team (Adam and Ryan Bonser and Chris Newton) as well as by Dan White of CUBE mountain bikes who will be providing a demonstration and also giving away a free CUBE mountain bike.
The shop, which was formerly Oldham Cycle Centre, is under new management and has been re-branded as Surosa Cycles. Very much dedicated to the serious cycling enthusiast, the shop now carries mountain bikes as well as gear and equipment for female riders.
New owners Nigel and Mandy Bishop are both former champions, and Mandy was the Ladies World Road Race Champion in 1982. They are committed to seeing the sport gain popularity and providing the specialist gear and equipment serious riders from every discipline need.
I was hoping you might be able to make the Trans Pennine Cycle Club aware of the open day and perhaps stop by for the chance to see what the shop offers – and maybe even win a CUBE mountain bike! Nigel and Mandy would be happy for you to bring along any literature which you might have to offer to those attending the event.
Please let as many people know about this event as you think would be interested - the more the merrier.
If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact me and I will be happy to help.
Many thanks in advance. Regards, Paul
08.01.07 – AGM. This year's meeting brought a couple of changes to the comitee with Chris stepping down as secretary and Pauline resigning her social secretary post. Malcolm Dillon is now the new secretary and Andy Hatch the new social sec. We wish them well with their new positions and thanks to Chris and Pauline for their sterling work over the years.
05.11.06 - Today saw the 2nd annual Graham Richards Mamorial 'Scouse Supersprint' 1 mile hadicap time trial. Victoria Avenue in Chadderton was the venue again and was run East to West with a good tail wind. The over all winner was Brian 'Howitzer' Howarth with a best run of 2.38 which was +36 seconds on his handicap. The fastest run on the day was 'Rocket' Russ Hagreen with an astonishing 2.24.
15.10.06 – Whally Ride. Colin's popular annual ride was well attended and the good weather made for an enjoyable day in the hills of Lancashire.
08.10.06 – Hill Climb. This years hill climb victory went to Graham 'Captain Contours' McCulloch. The course took the climb up Nant Sarah's. Congrats to Contours for taking a full minute out of the runner up.
01.10.06 - Last Sunday saw an A and a B ride depart from the Wrens Nest. The B ride was led by Phil whilst the A ride took in Saddleworth and then Holme Moss. Ron, Richard and John did this ride which was fairly uneventful until John locked horns with a caravan as they made their way through Glossop. At first the others thought he’d got his second wind after the café stop, as he came shooting past with the traffic. But it was soon realized that he was in fact attached to the side of a folding caravan, and would no doubt have ended up at some scenic location such as the lake district had he not managed to wrench the bike loose. Although deposited unceremoniously in the gutter he was thankfully unhurt and the bike was ok after straightening the handlebars. The caravaners must have heard the clatter and pulled over. A rotund couple got out of the car and wobbled over. Instead of voicing concern for their victim, they played hell over a hole that the rearward facing prong of John’s handlebars had punctured in the caravan’s canopy. After they were put right on a few matters they returned to their car and that’s the last that was seen of the portly pair.
09.09.06 - Last nights Silvery Moon Ride was well attended and enjoyed by all who took part, including Phil, Austin, Howard, Richard, and Pauline and David on a Tandem. The full moon rose just as we departed from Hollinworth Lake, and lit our way along the lanes. Colin, recovering from a knee injury, drove over to Hebden Bridge on a chip shop reconnaissance mission. There were no chipoils however, so we all piled in a kebab shop instead. Two incidents occured on the way back. A couple of sweet young maidens threw a can at poor Howard as we rode out of Hebden - nice. And we had a puncture along the dark long road between Todmorden and Littleborough. Luckily, and strangely, at the exact spot where the tyre blew stood a local man hoding a torch. It seemed as if he was waiting for us. He was very friendly and I think we made his night.
20.08.06 – Treasure Hunt. This years treasure hunt was well attended, with around 8 teams of two following Phil Dean's cunningly prepared trail. There were one or two sojurns off the designated course, but by around 4pm everyone had rolled up at Pauline's barby with their soggy clue sheets filled in. Special thanks must go to Phil for his preparation this year, and to Pauline for hosting a wonderful barbeque afterwards. The winners were Colin and Steve, who came in last, but obviously looked at each treasure point with great consideration.
27.07.06 – The 'Scouse Super Srpint' was held last night on Victoria Avenue. Yet again it was a warm and balmy evening which caused problems of it's own with many competitors coughing and wheezing with the polution inhaled on the one mile course. A rather small field of seven turned out to compete with Phil the friendly chairman doing the honours with the stop watch. Scraping into first place by one second only was Richard, with Scott in second and Pauline in third only three seconds down. Keep a lookout on the racing page for a full report which will be coming soon.
24.07.06 – At last the Snowdonia route has been completed after April’s first attempt was curtailed by diabolical weather conditions. The’Snowdonia Re-visited’ ride took place on Sunday with ideal cycling conditions – warm, but with occasional cloud to stop us over-boiling. Four riders completed the longer 70 mile route (Phil, Steve, Pauline and Richard), whilst Colin took the shorter 45 mile loop which bypassed the Llanberis Pass and the thrilling descent into Llanberis itself. It was a shame that Tony, who had been planning the ride for several years, couldn’t be there, or our Wales based member Jeff who worked out the route, but the ride was enjoyed immensely and it could well become an annual fixture.
12.07.06 - As some of you are aware, ex member Kath Sladen had a recent altercation with an articlated lorry, in which she came off worse - sustaining an injured arm. Today I saw Kath and although her arm is still badly swollen, bruised and grazed, she is back in the saddle and regaining her confidence with some short rides. In five weeks she plans to do the Lands End to John 'O' Groats, and then in a further two weeks she embarks on a charity ride from Lithuania to Poland.
11.07.06 - News has just come in that Graeme 'Contours' McCulloch has cracked the hour for 25 miles. The details are still sketchy, and rumours that he wasn't racing in TPCC colours have yet to be confirmed. His spokesman hasn't contacted the Transpennine news desk for an exclusive but we will give you the details just as soon as we get them. Prince Charles will be returing from Hawaii on the next available flight.
27.05.06 - Rochdale Triathlon Club now has a new website. You can check it out by clicking here
14.05.06 - There is exitement amongst the North-West cycling cummunity as the news of Kens return to 'the Cabin' filters through. Ken, the amiable proprietor of the Hebden Bridge cafe had been a popular and well known character to cyclists from across the region. With his friendly welcome, generous portions and cheap prices the establishment was high on the adgenda for most clubs as they made their way through Calderdale. But last year it was announced that the Cabin would be soon in the hands of new owners, and Ken was bade a sad farewell by the peloton. But Trans Pennine can now reveal that it was not to be, and lo - there he was last Sunday - firmly ensconced behind the counter where he righfully belongs.
07.05.06 - Despite the inclement weather, this years Over the Edge event has again been a resounding success. Although numbers were slightly down on the previous couple of years - due in part to the weather - a total of around 380 took part. As always, Dave's evening barbeque was well attended with a happy crowd dodging the showers as he gave a very entertaining presentation for the marshals who rode the Gold route last week.
09.04.06 - Sunday's long awaited tour of Snowdonia was well supported by the club with ten riders making it to the start in Bets-y-Coed. Some drove down in the morning, with others staying over in the local youth hostel. The ride itself was one of grit and determination, as after a sunny start the weather descended into regular bouts of driving rain, sleet, and stinging hail. Occasionally the sun did break through and we caught a glimpse of the snow capped peaks above. But as the majority were in early stages of hypothermia, we decided to cut the ride from 70 to 45 miles and take a shorter route back. Something that was slightly regretted later due the the weather completely changing to sunshine the minute we arrived back.
19.03.06 - Steve Cohen's historical tour of Manchester has been a resounding success. Although Steve anticipated only several interested parties, no less than thirteen members joined him on this fascinating and very enjoyable potter around the less well known features of this great and vibrant city.
26.12.05 - The Christmas Party held jointly between the Transpennine CC and Rochdale Tri Club on the 23rd Dec. has been an astounding success. The well attended event including a disco, buffet, raffle had somethinng for members and their family of all ages. During the presentations it was announced that this years Transpennine member of the was Mr. Contours himself - Graham McCulloch. Congratulations Graham.
16.11.05 - The frist 'Moon Ride' took place tonight by the light of a full moon. Richard, pauline, Colin, Austin, Howard and Steve braved sub zero temperatures to ride the silver route by night. See 'rides' page for full story.
23.10.05 - The inaugural Graham Richards 1 mile handicap sprint took place today on a rain lashed stretch of Victoria Avenue. Despite the rotten weather a good sized contingent turned out for the event which ran smoothly until panic stricken time keepers were forced to synchronise watches from one of the racer's computer as he was about to embark. The unwarranted alarm was caused by our unfamiliarity with the stopwatches, but the funny side was seen by all. A cunningly impressive handicap system had been devised by Graham McCulloch which saw an eventual winner in John Barlow. The fastest actual time on the day was a blistering 1.28 by John’s son Luke.
12.09.05 - For the first time the T.P.C.C. entered a team for the Manchester District Assosiation C.T.C Beard Cup hill climb event on the Standedge Old Road in Diggle, Oldham. Sundays event was a great success and our own Pauline Cooper won the ladies category outright. The team prize for the Beard Cup was won by Blackburn, but a good team performance by Pauline, Graham and Richard ensured that the T.P.C.C was in the running.
03.08.05. - Our race secretary Graham Richards who was recently injured in a hit and run incident tragically died on Sunday 24th July. Our sympathies go out to Graham's family and friends at this very sad time. His funeral is to be held at the Hollinwood Cremetorium on Thursday 4th August at 2.00pm.
16.06.05. - Yesterday evening saw the resurgence of the TPCC 1 mile dash along Victoria avenue, and thanks to the organisation of our new race sectretary it was a resounding sucess despite the small field. The winner on the day was Chris Forde with a time of 2.32
13.06.05. - Ever ready to try new things, today the TPCC ran it's first ever treasure hunt (organised by Phil the chair, and Nicole). The event was enjoyed by all with positive feedback for teh event to be repeated sometime. The day was rounded off with a very hospitable afternoon at Steve's house to celebrate onother notch on his frame.
08.05.05. - It has just been anounced that Graham Mc.Culloch has lunched it during a recent biathlon, resulting in a broken arm, wrist and toe. As you are all aware, Graham has been getting some outstanding results in time trials, runs and triathlons, so I'm sure that we all wish him a speedy recovery and hope he's back in competition very soon.
17.04.05 - Paul Bruffell of the Oldham Cyling Forum has organised a bike fun day in Alexandra Park during half term on Wednesday 1st June 2005. Company of Cyclists have been booked to host a roadshow at the park (they have been booked as part of the a series of events across Greater Manchester and funded through the the Greater Manchester Cycling Marketing Plan). Cyclists will be able to try out the new sections of off-road cycle track running adjacent to Kings Road which are being built as part of the Oldham Cycle Network. Councillors will be invited to show them what cycling infrastructure is being built including the cycle tracks, cycle track short cut between Queens Road-Brook Lane, cycle track through the car park etc. and what bits of the Oldham Cycle Network still need to be completed to make the routes coherent.
06.03.05 - News is breaking of the existence a brand new website for the Trans Pennine Cyling Club. A spokes-person for the organisation did not deny the allegations, and stated "Yes we have a website. Could any members with any news send it in the usual way. Please bear in mind that malicious gossip and scandalous rumours would not be posted, but send it anyway so I can have a good shufty"