AmisVélo Racing Team

Colchester riders take cyclo-cross league medals after race in Bungay

2011-12-19T19:47:00.004Z

The Broome Heath Scramble course winds round an old gravel pit with short climbs, tricky corners and a sapping sand bank run up. In the main Open race, Ben Paton (Amis Velo RT-Solo Scaffolding) began well from the front row of the starting grid to shadow the leaders.

However, an inexperienced rider slowed Paton several times, allowing the race for the win to slip away.

Following a close battle with Elite Veteran rival Martin Carter and senior Ross Tricker, Paton caught Carter with just half a lap to go. Leading out the sprint for the finish line, he was then blocked by lapped riders. Paton's seventh place overall confirmed he takes the silver medal in the Eastern League Elite Veteran category.

Ivan Burch (Ciclos Uno) started strongly before being baulked by Paton early on but recovered very well to a take a fine 12th place, ahead of several league contenders. This result moved him up to sixth in the league table, just six points away from the bronze medal place ahead of the final round on the Mistley course that suits his climbing ability. Mark Longstaff (Colchester Rovers) rode to an excellent 20th place overall which promoted him to fifth position in the Senior league table. Team mate Greg Andrews rode smoothly to take 26th. David West (Amis Velo) struggled with the cold to finish 31st and James Webster was forced out by a mechanical problem.

James Jobber (Colchester Rovers) was confirmed as the gold medal winner in the Junior (16-18) group, having built up an unbeatable lead with excellent results in previous races.

All the local cyclo-cross competitors are looking forward to joining forces for the 'Runners and Riders' battle on Boxing Day at Friday Woods.'

South Eastern Regional championships

2011-12-05T20:19:00.000Z

Colchester riders well represented at the South Eastern Regional championships at Stanborough Park in Welwyn Garden City.

The course ran along an open grass hillside with short stiff climbs and softening off camber corners requiring a combination of excellent fitness and bike handling skills.

Ride of the day came in the Junior race by James Jobber (Colchester Rovers) taking the silver medal behind national Youth champion Harry Franklin (Hargroves Cycles).

In the Veterans race, Ben Paton (Amis Velo RT-Solo Scaffolding) only held onto race winner Greg Simcock (Phil Corley Cycles) for the first half lap but paid for his early effort and slipped back to finish just 17 seconds off the bronze medal.

Ivan Burch (Ciclos Uno) had prepared by riding in Belgium the week before (taking a top 12 position) and crossed the line in fifth. Colchester Rovers' Greg Andrews and Jim Clayton finished 15th and 27th with Alan French (Interbike) 32nd.

Richard Jackson and Peter Hall (Colchester Rovers) took 13th and 14th in the Veterans 50+ event won easily by Mick Bell (London Fire Brigade CC), leader of the National Trophy series.

The Youth race was won by Chelmsford's Sean Dunlea, with Rovers' trio Frank Longstaff 15th (and fifth under 14), James Jackson 21st and Finlay Clayton 25th.

Colchester Rovers team were again well represented in the under 12s race, with Bob Longstaff 11th, Daniel Hall 23rd and Fergus Crouch 24th.

The Elmy Cycles Eastern Cyclo-Cross League resumes with round 12 at Broome Heath near Bungay on 18 December when Jobber and Paton will defend their overall leads.

Colchester riders lead their Eastern Cyclo-Cross League

2011-11-28T22:04:00.000Z

Colchester riders lead their Eastern Cyclo-Cross League tables after top 10 finishes in the Redgrave Open race near Diss.

Ben Paton of Amis Velo RT-Solo Scaffolding began on the front row of the starting grid to track the early leaders over the opening laps.

After a slow start, Norfolk's Tim Guy (Iceni Velo) came through to the front. The chasing groups could not hold his pace, leaving him to take the win.

Paton crossed the line just 1 minute 24 seconds later for a season's best fifth place overall and also took second Elite Veteran prize.

Colchester Rovers James Jobber was held up when course marking tape caught in his gears but he recovered to take an excellent ninth position and first Junior. David West of Amis Velo rode steadily for 26th place, Colchester Rovers pair Greg Andrews overcame illness to finish 41st and Mark Longstaff retired after crashing.

Paton leads the Elite Veteran league by 14 points with just two races left. West is seventh, Ivan Burch of Ciclos Uno eighth and Andrews 11th. Jobber moved up to the gold medal position in the Juniors group with a 23 point cushion and Longstaff is eighth in the Seniors table.

On Sunday all the area's top riders will compete in the East and South East Regional Championships at Stanborough Park, Welwyn Garden City.

Colchester cyclists are riding high in the Eastern cyclo-cross league standings

2011-11-08T21:56:00.000Z

Ben Paton of Amis Velo RT-Solo Scaffolding tops the Elite Veteran group with 352 points and team mate David West is fifth with 291 points.

Ivan Burch of PCA Ciclos Uno is eighth on 250 points but with rides in hand and Greg Andrews of Colchester Rovers is tenth on 243 points.

James Jobber of Colchester Rovers is second in the Junior category with 297 points and should take over the lead in the coming races.

In the Under 12s section, Colchester Rovers' Daniel Hall is fourth, Bob Longstaff sixth, Fergus Crouch eighth and Oliver Partner 12th.

Mark Longstaff of the Colchester Rovers is sixth with 219 points in the Seniors table.

The Open race at round 7 at Davy Down Country Park saw Paton make the most of a place on the front row of the starting grid to sprint into the lead for the first half lap.

Overtaken by eventual race winner Darren Barclay of Artic Premier RT he dropped back to lead a group of Elite Veterans.

An attack by Burch split these riders and Paton capitalised to move ahead again, finishing ninth and first Elite Veteran with Burch 11th.

West rode well to take 18th, Longstaff 23rd and Andrews 25th.

Round 8 on a faster course at Mistley saw Paton start in the top four but was quickly overtaken on the numerous climbs, including by Jobber on his way to another excellent fourth place overall and first Junior.

Paton finished ninth again and third Elite Veteran, Michael Smith was 24th, West 29th, Andrews 32nd, Longstaff 34th and David Wilson 47th in his first ever cross event.

Oliver Wellstead of Amis Velo took 29th place of 38 starters in the under 12s race.

Eastern league races continue this Sunday with round 9 at Grafham Water near Huntingdon.

AmisVelo Cyclocross Race Report

2011-10-19T08:50:00.004+01:00

Colchester's Hilly Fields saw a record 236 riders for the Amis Velo RT-Solo Scaffolding Supacross races and round 6 of the Eastern cyclo-cross league. Racing was fast thanks to the fine weather and the course being mostly open grassland with wooded slalom sections and just a few steep banks.

National Junior Champion Hugo Robinson from Ipswich was in control from the start of the Open race to repeat his clear victory of last year, speeding away to leave Andy Nichols and Shaun Aldous to again battle it out for the remaining podium positions.

Ivan Burch was first local rider home in 19th, also taking fifth Elite Veteran place. Tom Stephenson was 24th, James Jobber 28th and fourth Junior and Mark Longstaff 30th. Greg Andrews took 35th, Michael Smith 38th and Andy Hurst 51st.

In the Veterans and Womens race won by Phil Buick, Nick Webber finished 17th, David Triggs was 25th, Richard Jackson 32nd and Michael Barnard 40th. Peter Hall crossed the line in 44th, Kevin Looker 47th, Tony Sheppard 51st and Peter Partner 65th.

The Youth race was won by Sean Dunlea with great performances by all the Colchester Rovers under 14s riders. Frank Longstaff took 19th and James Jackson 20th with Adam Looker 24th. Finley Clayton placed 33rd, Harry Bohn 34th and Tom Baslington 35th.

The largest local support was in the under 12s race with 13 riders from 41 starters. Bob Longstaff rode excellently to fourth place behind winner William Raymond, Robert Mercer was 12th, Daniel Hall 17th and Sam Boslington 18th.

Oliver Partner finished 20th, Fergus Crouch 23rd, Silas Warren 26th, Cameron Douglas 29th. Oliver Welstead was 30th, Joshua Paynes 31st, Tom Carson 34th, Jack Letch 35th and Eddie Cannons 39th.

The Eastern league races continue with round 7 at Davy Down Country Park near Thurrock on Sunday.

More photos on our Flickr Photostream.

Amis Velo RT-Solo Scaffolding Supacross

2011-10-10T22:27:00.001+01:00

Colchester's Hilly Fields is the venue for the Amis Velo RT-Solo Scaffolding Supacross races and round 6 of the Eastern cyclo-cross league on Sunday.

Riders from all across the east and London areas are expected to battle for prizes and league positions. Andy Nichols from Chelmsford will want to keep up his 100% record in the Senior group with Mark Longstaff tenth overall.

In the Elite Veteran section, race organisers Ben Paton and David West will be unable to defend their first and fifth positions but Ivan Burch in ninth will look to move up again, as will Greg Andrews and Michael Smith.

Local interest will also focus on James Jobber after taking first Junior position in all his race finishes, as well as Veterans Chris Gooch, David Triggs, Peter Hall, Richard Jackson, Kevin Looker, Jim Clayton and Peter Partner.

The Youth race will see James Jackson, Adam Looker and Frank Longstaff in action and under 12s Daniel Hall, Fergus Crouch, Bob Longstaff, Oliver Partner and Robert Mercer will aim to maintain their consistent results.

Round 4 at Baldock on a fast, flowing course in unseasonally hot conditions saw Paton finish tenth, Burch 15th and West 21st .

A tough, hilly route at race 5 in Basildon rewarded climbing ability and Jobber took an excellent eight overall, with Paton 17th, Longstaff 20th, West 27th and Greg Andrews 31st.

Ben Takes the Lead

2011-09-27T22:57:00.002+01:00

Colchester's leading cyclo-cross rider Ben Paton (Amis Velo-Solo Scaffolding) moved to the top of the Eastern league Elite Veteran category with a strong performance at Chelmsford.

65 riders started the Open event of round 3 in Springfield on a fast and flowing grassland course, including three sets of steps to run up each lap.

Paton made his usual fast start from second row of the grid and then led a large group of experienced riders.

After half distance this group split and Paton finished tenth behind winner Jack Clarkson, a junior rider who raced in Belgium the day before.

Taking second Elite Veteran position added enough points to move Paton into the lead of the 13 race series.

Ivan Burch of Ciclos Uno lost time with a puncture to finish 27th but still took fifth in the league table.

Paton's Amis Velo team mate Dave West crossed the line in 32nd and moved into eight position overall.

The opening league race at Writtle College saw Paton take tenth place and third Elite Veteran, with West 27th overall and 12th in the age group.

In the second series event at Redbridge, Paton crashed heavily but changed to a spare bike to finish 20th, behind Burch with a fine 15th place with West 32nd.

Paton will defend his top spot at the next Eastern league event in Baldock this weekend.

Ben's report for the Olympic MTB course

2011-05-24T21:23:00.000+01:00

Got to ride about half of the Olympic MTB course on my 'no susser' in baggie shorts, trainers and no lid! Marshalls didn't have a clue!

Rocks strategically added to climbs, descents n drop off, a pipe section too. Good course with open hairpin climbs, nice for spectating. 50 rider elite event on 31 july, 5000 tickets via essex county or legacy website.

Of course i didnt recognise any of the riders i saw from belgium, italy, holland or canada. Apparently french n yanks were there too. Most had left by time we finished schools races

AmisVelo Sportive

2011-02-14T22:23:00.003Z

Colchester's Amis Velo RT-Solo Scaffolding followed their success in the cyclo-cross season by running the first local road event of the year.

Starting from Boxted Village Hall, the sporting event offered four challenging routes from 15 to 60 miles through the picturesque county border countryside.

Despite the early morning rain, a total of 140 riders took up the challenge.

Over half opted for the longest distance, with the fastest returning in just over 3 hours. Several novices also enjoyed completing the rolling shortest route at their own pace.

This Sunday the VC Revolution organise sporting rides of 28 and 50 miles starting from the Orpen Memorial Hall in West Bergholt.

End of season team event

2011-02-08T19:58:00.003Z

Colchester club Amis Velo RT-Solo Scaffolding travelled to the Danbury Outdoors Centre for the Eastern league end of season team event.

95 riders representing 25 teams lined up for 7 circuits of exposed grass land, strength sapping climbs and technical slalom sections through woodland.

Ben Paton led away the first group and stayed at the front for the opening lap before being overtaken by Shaun Aldous of Extreme Sports Therapy which eventually took the team win.

Aldous was later passed by the newly crowned league senior champion Andy Nicholls of the composite CX Research Team who was first rider home.

The Amis Velo riders crossed the line with Paton in eighth place, David West 29th, Paul Barrow 31st and Richard Alexander 72nd.

The quartet were edged out by just a single point from sharing the third step of the podium with the Ford CC and PCA Ciclos Uno entries.

The 13 race league season still finished on a high for Paton and West as they collected bronze medals in their respective Elite Veteran and Veterans classes.

Paton also celebrated climbing to 36th in the national Veterans rankings.
With the cyclo-cross season ending, the road season warms up with a series of local non-competitive events.

Amis Velo RT- Solo Scaffolding run their annual sportive rides this Saturday from Boxted Village Hall in Cage Lane.

A new distance of 15 miles has been added to the 30, 45 and 60 mile routes through the Essex and Suffolk border countryside.

Start times are staggered from 9am to 11 to allow for all levels of ability.

The final Eastern league event

2011-01-24T16:32:00.001Z

Colchester's Amis Velo RT- Solo Scaffolding riders were out in force chasing medals at the final Eastern league event on Sunday at Mistley.

The course's repeated descents and tough climbs on loose ground made competitors jump off and on their bikes several times each lap.

In the Veterans and Women's race, over 50 riders lined up at the start and David West put in another consistent performance to finish in 13th place. This result ensured he took the bronze medal in the Veteran's league standings.

Changing from their usual mountain bike discipline, Paul Barrow crossed the line for a well deserved 16th and Richard Alexander was 32nd in his first 'cross race.

The main Open race was led away by Junior Hugo Robinson of Elmy Cycles XRT, with Ben Paton of Amis Velo RT starting well up in fifth place.

In between, Andy Nichols and Shaun Aldous were duelling for the Senior title as they were only separated by one point overall.

Nichols finally took second place behind winner Robinson and so the league's top prize.

Further back, Paton was locked in a battle with Martin Carter and Richard Dunnett.

On the line he took seventh overall and second Elite veteran prize, confirming an excellent season with another bronze medal in the league standings.

The Amis Velo RT quartet line up for final event of the season in the team Championships at Danbury on 6 February

Paton takes Eastern league bronze medal

2011-01-05T20:46:00.003Z

Colchester cyclists put aside the loss of the Boxing Day runners and riders event to race the 12th round of the Eastern Cross League in Ipswich.

The Elmy Cycles Supacross at Foxhall Stadium attracted riders from all over the south east of the country looking to fine tune their form ahead of the national championships in Derby this weekend.

Although the ground had thawed, the risk of slipping remained as tree roots were exposed by the circuit twisting through the woods and a testing section of three short climbs in quick succession.

A quality field of over 50 riders lined up for the main open race and Colchester's Ben Paton of Amis Velo RT- Solo Scaffolding started well in a top 12 position.

Junior Hugo Robinson of Elmy Cycles XRT returned from racing in Belgium over the Christmas break to take another clear local win, this time on his home course.

Paton was in a tense race with Ian Newby and Richard Dunnett, both from Diss, and Ben Spurrier of Rapha Condor and this battle also reeled in Gavin Rumbles of CC Luton.

Paton led in this group in a tight sprint for 15th place overall and took third Elite Veteran prize. This secured the bronze medal in the final league standings ahead of the last race at Mistley on 23 January.

Ivan Burch finished in 27th position, James Jobber took 37th and fifth Junior, and Michael Smith was 48th.

Of 70 starters in the Veteran and Women's event, David West of AmisVelo RT was 13th.

Report from Broome Heath Scramble

2010-12-21T14:55:00.001Z

Hardy Colchester riders braved the weather on Sunday to race in event 11 of the Eastern Cross League at the Broome Heath Scramble near Bungay.

The snow in Suffolk was much lighter, giving more grip on the course compared to the previous very muddy rounds at Mistley and Redbridge. The cold also meant the sand banks were much firmer and so partly rideable. Usually sand makes running very slow, especially as the bike is carried on the shoulder.

A quality field lined up for the main Open race and Colchester's Ben Paton of Amis Velo RT-Solo Scaffolding began well from the second row of the starting grid. Avoiding a crash on the first corner, he settling in behind the early leaders.

Some attacking racing at the front led to small gaps that were difficult to close and Nathan Miller (Elmy Cycles XRT) went clear with Andrew Nichols (Cambridge University CC). They could not be separated until the sprint finish, where Miller crossed the line first but was penalised for riding Nichols into a bush who was awarded the victory.

Paton followed in the chasers less than two minutes later, finishing in an excellent eighth place overall and taking the prize for first Elite Veteran (40+). This catapulted him from sixth to second position in the league standings, with just two of the 13 counting races left.

Ivan Burch of Velo Schils Interbike also rode very well to 15th place and sixth Elite Veteran spot. The penultimate round of the league is at Foxhall Stadium in Ipswich on 2 January.

Sunday's Regional Cross Championships

2010-12-07T21:36:00.001Z

Ben Paton of Amis Velo RT-Solo Scaffolding confirmed he is Colchester's top cyclo-cross rider by taking the bronze medal in the Veterans (40-49) category of the combined South Eastern and Eastern Regional cyclo-cross Championships at Redbridge on Sunday, one of only four title events in England.

The purpose built cycling facility at Hog Hill replaces the old Eastway circuit at Stratford given up for the Olympic velodrome site and has a testing finishing hill and open tarmac route. The cyclo cross course combines short stretches of the road with more testing sections on the grass, banks and shale tracks.

The melting snow left freezing surface water, turning the ground to sloppy mud which meant the riders skill to stay upright on the difficult descents and numerous slippery corners was as important as strength and fitness on the climbs.

Paton tracked the front runners from the gun before taking the chance to lead the race after just half a lap, opening a significant gap. Gary Lingard of CC Hackney sensed the decisive move and on the second lap bridged across to Paton before then attacking himself.

The 53 starters from all over the south east corner of the country were already well stretched out by the pace on the demanding course and Paton dropped back. He held second position until Martin Carter later caught up and applied more pressure.

Paton was forced into small errors that caused a break and he focused on a podium position. At the finish he deservedly took third place, his best individual Regional result since 1995.

Ivan Burch of Velo Schils Interbike crossed the line in ninth, Gary Wood of Maldon CC finished 23rd and David West of Amis Velo completed the course in 24th. The Eastern Cross League events continue with round 11 at Broome Heath near Bungay on 19 December.

The Gazette Sports Report

2010-10-24T20:58:00.010+01:00

The regions top cyclists returned to Colchester's Hillyfields Country Park for round 5 of the Eastern Cyclo Cross League, organised by AmisVelo-Solo Scaffolding racing team and supported by the Colchester Institute and Colchester Council.

The fine weather meant the off road course held firm so the main Open race was run off at top speed, national Youth champion Hugo Robinson (XRT-Elmy Cycles) confirming his prodigious talent with a convincing solo win, distancing the chasing Senior trio of Andrew Nichols (Cambridge University), Shaun Aldous (Extreme Sports Therapy) and Greg Simcock (Team Corley Cycles).

Colchester Rovers James Jobber took third Junior place and an excellent 16th overall in the season's biggest field of 51 riders. Ivan Burch (Velo Schils Interbike) confirmed his return to form with a fine 23rd position.

In the Veterans and Womens event, Gary Allen (GA Cycles) overtook and then held off Tim Butler (Ipswich BC) for a narrow victory. Nick Webber and David Triggs took eigth and tenth places respectively as the best riders of the eleven strong Colchester Rovers team in a large starting group of 68 riders.

Alan Trolove (West Suffolk Wheelers) edged out Shaun Dunlea (PCA Ciclos Uno) in the Youth race, with four Colchester Rovers riders putting in determined performances on a tough course.

The closest finish of the day was in the under 12s event, Zak Coleman (Great Yarmouth CC) sprinting to the line just ahead of Pierce Bacon (Ipswich BC) with Matthew Baker (City of Norwich) a few seconds behind. The eight Rovers competitors were led in by Bob Longstaff in seventh, James Warren ninth and Finlay Clayton eleventh.

The league events continue this Sunday at Davy Down Country Park near Thurrock.

TOP CYCLE RACING BACK IN TOWN

2010-10-12T01:11:00.002+01:00

The annual cyclo-cross races take place again at Hillyfields Country Park this Sunday. Following the successful event in January, when then National champion Jody Crawforth took a convincing win ahead of local riders, the Amis Velo-Solo Scaffolding racing team is organising these events as round 5 of the Eastern League series.

Cyclo-cross races are exciting mass start, multiple lap off-road events that mix paths and woodland tracks with short, sharp climbs and descents which test riders fitness and skill. Local events welcome
novices of all ages; just bring a bike suitable for off-road riding, a helmet and entry fee to register at least 30 minutes before the start time.

The Veterans (aged 40+) and Women (16-40) event begins at 11am for about 45 minutes, followed by the under 12s at midday for 15 minutes. At 12.45pm the Youth (12 to 16) group race for 30 minutes with the Seniors (18-40) and Juniors (16-18) starting at 1.45pm for up to a hour. Spectators are very welcome too.

Colchester Rovers will have cyclists out in all the races to challenge Maldon and District riders who currently lead the League's combined team standings but can also expect tough local opposition from Marks Tey shop Interbike. Parking, race HQ and refreshments are at Colchester Institute.

Tour of the Cornfields

2010-09-05T19:04:00.006+01:00

Ben, Simon, Mark, David and Greg Andrews (Interbike) completed the Tour of the Cornfields

A mix of both on and off road riding over 60 miles.

Very enjoyable ride and some good preparation for the start of the Cyclocross season which starts next weekend at Brickwall Farm.

couple of pics from the ride today.

Weather was perfect, the ground was rather dry and bumpy on the majority of the off road sections- even those with full suspention set ups were glad to get to the smooth road surface for a little relief from the pounding on the contact points!!!!

Not a bad place for a bike ride!

2010-06-19T15:43:00.002+01:00

This was our last day in the French Alps, Fantastic climb, clean fresh air, no cars to worry about and a great bunch of mates ~ The true spirit of AmisVelo.

Room with a view!

2010-06-19T15:13:00.003+01:00

Alps Trip 2010

2010-06-18T20:37:00.004+01:00

Day One
Left at 2:30AM Ouch! Drove to the tunnel and made it into France in good time, just the matter of a 10 hour drive to Venosc now.

Arrived at Brian and Michelle’s, what a place views are spectacular. The only problem is we are a day early (well done Stu)! Some room swapping, a meal out and all is sorted.

We can’t wait for our first ride. However most of us are a little nervous as the ride from the Chalet Michelle to Bourg-d Oisans is 6 miles, 15 minutes and all downhill That’s 922 Meters of descent. We are not worried about the descent, just the return ride home after a long day riding.

Day Two
We wake to heavy rain, so spend the morning looking around Bourg-d Oisans. Mark can’t resist a sock purchase in the local bike shop. We stop for lunch at a local Café and boy do we under estimate the size of the ham and cheese baguettes. We spend some little time working our way through our giant size lunch and wait for the rain to stop.

One thing we notice about being in the Alps is the light, even when it’s raining it’s still really bright if that make sense.

After lunch it stops raining, the sun comes out and the roads are dry and clean in double quick time (unlike at home). We make for our bikes and Stuart takes us for our first ride in the mountains. Something we are all going to remember for a very long time!

We descend to the main road and head upwards almost straight away for Champhorent. The first part of the climb is brutal for someone who hasn’t experienced this sort of riding before. What a shock, a 12% incline with no sight of an end. However I have to say that it was all worth it as the scenery opens up it is spectacular and the climb eases off. After a while 5-6% seems positively flat and for me it was the best ride I’d ever had!

We go as far as we can stopping a few times to all keep together and take in the views, until we can go no further. The road has been washed away and a digger is desperately trying to stop the rest of the road disappearing over the edge.

Now for the descent, it’s 25 minutes all downhill! Julian has a slight sideways moment into one of the turns, but we all get down safely.

The rest of the week will be spent ribbing Stuart on his gentle introduction to the Alps. We may never believe him again.

Day Three
We wake to rain again, but we are optimistic it will clear up, like yesterday. Another trip into town and more looking around the Bike shop, this time I crack and buy some socks as well. What a price, but they're rather nice.

Sure enough it stops raining and we head for the bikes again. This time Stuart takes us up a real climb to Les Deux Alpes ski resort.

We do the 15 minute descent toward Bourg-d Oisans and start up hill towards the start of the climb. The road up to the start of the climb feels like the climb itself but we enjoy passing huge numbers of Dutch who are practicing for their multiple ascent of L'Alpe d'Huez on Wednesday. After what seems like an age we reach the start of the real climb and stop for a group photo by the Dam.

Photo taken we start for the top, it’s starting to get really warm as the sun is quite bright. 40 minutes later we reach the top, our first Alp conquered!

Another group photo and few drinks in a rather nice street side café and we head down at break neck speed via a beautiful forest road. Reaching the bottom requires us to go through a longish tunnel downhill. What a bizarre experience gaining speed and catching the car in front of you in the dark. It’s just like a video game.

At the bottom at last! We start the up hill ride home. Total ride time 2 hours 14 minutes, total climbed 1,279 meters. However it’s not all over yet we decide to try ourselves against the last climb to Venosc and home. The Record is 4 minutes something (I took longer than that to descend). So I have no idea why we are doing this but we give it a go anyway. 7 minutes later I reach the top completely finished. What a day! Now the best bit, we do nothing until our evening meal. We drink tea, laze around, clean bikes and for some of us think about changing our rear cassettes for something bigger.

How often do you get to do that at home, out all day on the bike then just do nothing when you get home. What a life.

Day Four (The day of the Alp has arrived)
Stuart and Brian (The owner of Chalet Michelle) decide to go for a marathon ride into the South of France. For the rest of us it's our only chance to go up Alp d'Huez as it's closed on Thursday while the Dutch plan to climb it multiple times for charity. Later we find out that someone climbed it 10 times!

We start with the now usual descent into Bourg-d Oisans and from there we ride directly to the start of the ascent. We've been told that the first 3 hairpins are the worst so we are ready for a tough start. Well they weren't wrong for me the the whole thing was hard, what a climb! The Alp is packed with people all shapes and sizes going up and it progresses mercifully quick for me passing many people on the way, some of which who are clearly crazy as they are attempting it with touring bikes fully loaded one guy even had a trailer full of camping kit (WHY! the road goes nowhere, the only way is back down again).

We push on to the top and then onto the Tour de France finish. For me it takes just under an hour, but I will never know for sure as my Garmin throws a wobbly and looses all the data. We all finally make it up and have a quick look around the ski resort before finding somewhere nice for lunch.

After lunch we decide to go down to hairpin 3 and then take the pass over to the start of Les Deux Alpes climb and then descend from there. We are told is only a small climb over the pass. Dave and I stop at hairpin 3 and wait for Mark and Julian but there is no sign; they miss the turn and end up going home via the main road. Dave and I decide to push on how hard can it be! how wrong can we be. After a short descent we start back up hill again and boy does it go on and on, we are not sure of the way and start to get worried that if we get it wrong, it's a long way back again. After what seems like and age we finally make it to the main road and start the long descent back home. It's with some relief that we start the long up hill pull to Vensoc. It takes 1 hour 50 minutes to get back from the top of the Alp to Chalet Michelle. Total riding time 3 1/2 hours. We are completely knackered.

Day Five
We are all back together again if a little tired. We decide on an easy day, a ride around the reservoir at Allemont then a lunch stop. We have our usual Ham and Cheese baguette with a couple of portions of chips, all washed down with a Coke. We sit in a nice garden in the sun eating and generally enjoying life. Someone suggests we try the Col d'Ornon and we all agree. I thought this was going to be an easy day.

Lunch over, we head towards the start of the climb. Lucky for us it's not a too difficult Climb and by now we are getting our climbing legs so in places it is very enjoyable. I've taken to passing people in the big ring try not to breath heavy and say Bonjour to them in a way the says how easy is this. It seems to annoy the Dutch the most. What fun! After a little over 40 minutes we reach the top 1,371 meters and stop for another coffee break (well this is supposed to be an easy day).

Coffee stop over we head downhill towards home. All goes well until we reach the final slog up hill to Chalet Michelle. At this point the pace picks up and Stuart, Dave and I start what can only be described as a total pointless and energy sapping race to be first home. Dave and I know it's a hopeless cause but we try to keep up with Stuart up the first part of the climb, Dave cracks and it's left to me to chase Stuart down. Only the last bit and I can still see him one final stupid effort and I and starting to close the gap, only for him to sprint away up the final few hairpins. You can't blame us for trying, but I am beginning to wonderer just how much that took out of me. Easy day done 3 1/2 hours, 52 miles and 1,282 meters climbed.

Day Six (The big one!)
Marks not feeling great so he opts for a walk into Venosc village and a short ride on his own later in the day. The rest of us eat as much portage as we can at breakfast to prepare for the longest day in the saddle yet. We set of early and head down into Bourg-d Oisans and towards the reservoir which is the start of a 20 mile climb up the Col de fer (it's a monster). It 56 minutes to the start of the climb and it opens up at 12% -14% straight off the bat. We climb up through a forest into a small village, we stop and top up our water bottles as this is the last stop before the top. We push on, there are a couple of small descents which is off putting as I've been watching my altitude meter on the Garmin counting down the 2,067 meters so loosing hight is the last thing I need. Anyway the final small descent over the last part of the climb begins and it's all worth it. What a view, it's more a high mountain pass than a direct up hill slog. It's fantastic up here! We finally make it to the top 1 hour and 40 minutes later.

Lunch is needed and you guessed it, Ham and Cheese Baguettes washed down with a Coke! Some of us are felling slightly worse for wear and need a rest before returning home.

The ride home is super fast Dave manages 53.4mph! we all reach the bottom safely and Stuart tows us into a coffee stop at Bourg-d Oisans. We sit in the sun drink coffee and just shoot the breeze, what a day. I make Dave promise me that he will stop me racing the last bit home again, I should be more sensible at my age. Coffee over and we get on the bikes again and prepare for the last bit up hill to get home and a well deserved rest.

Stuart tows us again to the start of the last climb home. Dave must have had too much caffeine, he utters the words "give me two minutes" and shoots off at full speed down the road. What happen to stopping me racing the last bit? Stuart and I wait the two minutes and then decide to just let him go. This doesn't last long and Stuart ups the pace very slightly and starts to catch Dave. I wait all of a few seconds and start after him as well. It's happening again, we are racing home! I see Stuart close the gap and over hall Dave, before the Dutch hotel I close the gap slightly only to find Dave has opened it again on the small descent past the hotel. I dig deep and get some of it back before the really steep part of the final climb. We turn into the last bit Dave is a now level with me just one hairpin above me. I give it everything I've got an catch him just before the final couple of hairpins. I reach the top completely wasted, Dave appears shortly after and he looks much the same.

Only Stuart looks Ok he's sitting on the bench waiting for us and laughing. I am starting to think he's not human no matter how hard we try we can't get by him. Still it's all good fun, we put the bikes away and go for a lay down in a darkened room. Total ride time 4 1/2 hours, 47 miles and 2,153 meters climbed.

Day Seven (Our last day in the mountains)

A bit tired and a bit sad, this is our last day riding in the mountains. We head into town for a bit of tat shopping and to collect Mark, Dave and Julian's Alp d'Huez photos. We stop to collect lunch, yes it's ham and cheese baguettes again (why change a tradition). One the way back we stop by the river to eat our rolls. Lunch over we take a stroll by the river and take some photos. Is it just me or do we look like an ageing boy band.

It's time for our last ride, Col du Galibier. This is a simple straight up and down ride and we take the van and car to a few miles short of the Col du Lautaret, parking up in a lay-by we unload the van and get the bikes ready. Heading off we reach the Col du Lautaret in short time and turn off the main road to start up the Galibier. It's not a too challenging climb from where we start, but it will be the highest we will get this holiday the top is 2645 meters. If we started from Bourg-d Oisans it would have been 31 miles all up hill!

Anyway we can see the top from the bottom so we know what we have to do, the snow is piled high at the sides of the roads and it's quite cold in places, even though the sun is really warm. This is a spectacular ride and well worth any minor pain, the pace is reasonably quick and it's not long before we've reach the Refuge du Galibier at 2556 meters. To our disappointment the road up to the top is blocked, we have less than 100 meters to go and 2-3 hairpins, that's all. There's been an avalanche further up and they closed the road. There was nothing we could do but take a few photos and hang around a bit and start the descent down.

We all take it a little easy as it's the last day and we don't want any last minute crashes and it's a vertical drop if you make a mistake. One the way down there's been an mini avalanche and the road is covered in fallen ice and show, we all realise that we were lucky to get up as far as we did. We reach the Col du Lautaret and have our final coffee stop of the holiday. We sit and chat for a while before hopping on the bikes again and going back down to the van.

As this is our last night we leave the bikes in the van and pack the rest of our kit and then head into Venosc for our last meal.

Day Seven (The long journey home)

Breakfast over we take one last photo outside Chalet Michelle and say our goodbyes to Brian and Michelle, what excellent hosts they've been!

It's time for the long drive home, this time it seem to take even longer than on the way Stuart is a real hero and drives the van all the way (confirm my theory he's not human). No mean feat as it has no air conditioning and it's a boiling hot day. We arrive home after 13 1/2 hours on the road very tired and ready for a good sleep.

For some of us bike riding will never be the same again. It's been a really special holiday, one we are going to remember for a very long while. For me I've found something I am actually good at (going up hill), we will be back. Roll on next year!

Ben Rides the Ixworth Criteriums

2010-05-06T10:40:00.003+01:00

Ben Paton rode the Ixworth Criteriums on Monday, the only town centre race in East Anglia that emulates what were once a lucrative and very popular feature of the events calendar with races including Beccles, Bungay, Bury St Edmunds, Cambridge, Diss, Felixstowe, Haverhill, Ipswich, Lowestoft, Norwich, Pulham Market, Redgrave, Woodbridge and Yarmouth.

The half mile to kilometre long circuit is a proper test with a tight corner into the fast back straight leading into a narrow last corner and very short uphill sprint to the line. Ben was unsure about how well he would cope with flat out, elbow to elbow racing after a long break with no proper competition since the cross season ended.

He went with the logic that the conduct and pace in the Masters race would be a bit more sensible than with less experienced and over eager 3rd and 4th cat riders. In fact it only proved that the older buggers are just more crafty! Fortunately the 2 race format also meant there would be another chance to make up for mistakes.

The West Suffolk Wheelers organisers have done a fantastic job building up local support and co-operation over several years allowing the main street to be closed from 12 to 5pm. The preceding weekends events and wind and showers on the day didn't encourage the number of entries they deserve although the average number in each senior event was a reasonable 25.

The Masters 20 minutes plus 5 laps race opened preceedings and they did a good job of building interest amongst the spectators as the sunshine turned to showers and then briefly, hail! The group didn't go flat out from the gun which was a bit disconcerting as this made it difficult to find what pace it would take to find the limit and enable a successful breakaway.

Ben had to rediscover his cornering confidence as well as being unsure of his own fitness level within the group, so opted to stay close to the front to avoid the whip lash effect off the back but this meant faster riders picked their moment to attack from behind. Once a small group had been allowed to go up the road rather too easily it seemed the group sensed no-one else should be allowed away and they then chased further attempts down.

The previous days rain had added dirt to the gutters of already gravely road surface and with 18 minutes done, Ben sensed a soft front tyre and rolled round to the finish line to recover and change the wheel. The bunch had closed the gap to the break but Ben had to rejoin the front of the group and the gap opened again, leaving some late positioning for the sprint for minor places where he took a slightly half hearted 9th place.

As only the first 3 from the Masters and 3/4 races and the Junior winner were selected for the A Final with the E/1/2 riders, the B final was a combination of all of these remaining riders. The 4 Glendene Juniors went to the front from the start and built the pace until the first pair were let go, then the second pair made a good escape with Phil Hetzel (who had been in the break in the Masters race
but punctured within the last 5 laps) the only rider canny enough to spot the obvious and catch them up.

This left the remaining lags to avoid riding at the front but then make stinging attacks which demanded they be chased down by others! It all got a bit frantic and the last few laps were high paced with little chance to take a sneaky pass to the front for the sprint. Ben took a quick breather but in the process drifted just a little bit too far off the leaders and once he'd caught up with them again had run
out of room to push in for the sprint to the last corner so took 10th place.

After a 6 year gap from riding this event, Ben was pleased to still be able to mix in the racing a bit which was good fun (as it should be!). Hopefully we can get a few other members out to give it a go in future (especially if the weather is kinder!) as it's very well organised event with a friendly atmosphere which deserves support. Pictures are on line at www.mphotography.co.uk.

Mud, Sweat & Gears Round 1 winter series?

2010-05-05T12:57:00.006+01:00

The weekend saw round 1 of the Mud, Sweat and Gears summer series at Tunstall Forest. WHAT A DAY!

To be honest it was warmer and dryer at Thetford Winter series round 1 and that was a complete mud fest! The course was almost unrideable in places and if I am being 100% honest, wasn’t set up great either. With a very short starting straight into a hairpin right only wide enough for a single bike. The single track at this point was the worst on the course! I personally ended up running this section after I fell off numerous times on my first run through.

The team had a good turn out but only saw one of us actually finish. Well done Mark (Cushin), what a superhuman effort. I think if it had been dry and sunny it would have been a completely different story. Still a tricky course, but fast running and much more enjoyable.

Enough whingeing, roll on round 2 and some warmer dryer days.

Blog
To view the Mud, Sweat & Gears Blog click on this link http://mudsweatgears.blogspot.com/

Results
To find out where you came click on this link http://www.TimeLaps.co.uk/results.aspx

Photos
To check out and purchase photos from Tunstall Forest click on this link http://www.flashharryphotography.com/

Feedback
To share your thoughts on the event and advise on how we can improve please click on this link http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/HJVYHBK

Colchester Rovers Sportif - Another soaking!

2010-03-01T10:08:00.008Z

The weather forecast predicted rain and it duly arrived overnight to Sunday morning for the Colchester Rovers Sportif rides on Sunday from Great Bromley Village Hall. This new venue, opposite the entrance to the traditional start, will be used by the Rovers as their HQ for open TTs this season.

Ben Paton was the first to sign on and with only a few riders in the hall it looked like the only option was to make an early start with the 50 miles gold ride target time of 2 hours 40 minutes (average 18+ mph) so, when dropped, get picked up by the silver ride.

Just 6 riders (including Tom Starmer and Alan Lawrence) were ready for the 10am start time but more had arrived for the silver standard starting 10 minutes later. Getting lashed seemed all the more likely when one rider charged off into the rain and exposed headwind, through the puddles towards Dedham at evens pace!

Unfortunately this rider's investment in a Powertap hub meant he couldn't afford mudguards so we all got to taste the water thrown up by his rear wheel! The slight shelter after Ardleigh meant doing a few turns was feasible but it still felt like a minimal contribution.

The climbs to Dedham Heath and Lawford saw the same very strong rider strangely sprint away and then sit up after the top. Through Manningtree and somewhere between Mistley and Bradfield Alan dropped back which left Ben hanging on to the quartet in the side winds past Wrabness towards Ramsey.

The Dovercourt turn towards Thorpe-le-Soken simply reversed the sidewind from the left side to the right. This strong rider now really picked up the pace and sat on the front but on the left hand side of
the road, leaving no room for echeloning. This left following riders dodging potholes in the gutter and where the road had broken up.

Despite shouts to the front to call out the holes as they could actually see them, in Little Oakley Ben was finally dropped into a flooded one which buckled both wheels and caused a puncture. Steve stayed with Ben while he ranted about others riding skills and changed the tube. Alan rode past heading straight home as he was not feeling too clever.

They restarted but Steve was too strong for Ben and despite generously offering his wheel through Kirby, Walton and Frinton, into the headwind to Thorpe the elastic finally broke. A lonely ride ensued into the headwind through Tendring (where Martin Hunter drove past, smiling in acknowledgment that we were mad to be out in such horrendous conditions) to Little Bentley and across the A120.

The speed dropped to 11/12 mph on the exposed sections and despite desperate looks over the shoulder, disappointingly the cavalry (aka the silver group) never appeared to provide some shelter. Therefore arriving back at the HQ in 2 hours 45 minutes seemed a minor miracle given that the wind and rain never stopped and can only be credited to others strong riding on the front.

However, Ben still had a few words with 'the strong man' as he left about his approach to group riding. From his experience, other first cats will sooner offer him a tarmac sandwich than put up with these tactics! There also seemed to be few survivors returning to enjoy Julie's tea and cakes. Now that the local pre-season events have passed, can we finally hope for better weather?!

VC Revolution 50 mile Reliability

2010-02-21T19:02:00.006Z

David and Ben rode the VC Revolution 50 mile Reliability in the 18 mph average speed group. The overnight frost led to standing water in the lanes freezing, particularly in the starting and finishing loops, so organiser Brett Travers did an excellent job of quickly plotting an alternative route around this and sending his hardy club mates out to marshall the new turn points.

Despite the early rain there was a very healthy turn out of club riders, with a large Interbike contingent in the fast group out for a tear up and 25 odd in the medium pace group. A steady start down to the Asda turn and back out to Nayland to join the course proper up to Stoke saw most riders doing a turn or two. The narrow lanes to Hadleigh made this more difficult but there was a noticeable reticence to show at the front on the B roads to Monks Eleigh and Lavenham.

Although the cold rain was persistent, the side wind was compatively calm so Ben and Dave joined the few pace setters to drag the rest of the group along, most of whom resolutely refused to join the 'up' line. How can riders sign up for a medium pace group but then seem incapable of actually riding at that speed? Do they really expect others to give them a wheel to sit on all the way round? They must have watched too many sprint stages on Eurosport!

Alan Lawrence and Ben's patience finally broke on the road back to Sudbury, just as the heavy rain really started, and they made a couple of sustained pulls that eventually created a group of 6 experienced riders. Unfortunately Paul Dewberry was caught with the wheel suckers left behind. The rain then turned to driving sleet which may have added to their discouragement as the cold really penetrated to already soaking hands and feet!

Thereafter we pushed on around Cornard and the flooded B road to Bures with lots of impatient drivers backed up behind in their nice warm motors. Their toots of encouragement were met with the usual friendly replies! Alan punctured which left Dave and a couple of others to pull the small group along. However, Dave dropped back on Wormingford Hill due to a minor mechanical problem which left Ben hanging onto a pair of good samaritans straight back to West Bergholt, missing out the usual Fordham loop.

The revised route came out at about 45 miles which we averaged at well over 18 mph so, given the atrocious conditions and lack of group cooperation, was pretty good. The tea and cakes back at the Orpen Memorial Hall must have been very welcome, but Ben pushed on home for a hot shower to thaw out!

Many congratulations to Brett and the VCR for a very good event. Hopefully this will make next weeks Rovers 50 mile Sportive less painful!

Eastern Cyclo Cross Team Champs

2010-02-16T12:16:00.002Z

Ben Paton (Amis Velo) leads the charge away closely followed by 3 extreme sports therapy riders.

New Norwich based Extreme Sports Therapy team won the end of season Team Championship which rounded off the Eastern cyclocross League at new venue Danbury Park, Essex on Sunday 31st January.

Read full article on British Cycling Website...

A good weekend for AmisVelo

2010-01-25T20:29:00.003Z

Great results for us on Sunday.

Paul took 8th place at the Thetford Winter Series round 3 and Ben came 4th in the Colchester Rovers Cyclocross at Mistley.

Not bad when you consider the weather of late, training must have been difficult. Well done Guys!

Full results for the Cross are at ht tp://www.easterncross.org.uk and for the XC they are at http://www.timelaps.co.uk

Stuart ventures out in the Snow!

2010-01-09T20:09:00.001Z

Love the crazy eyeware. See our Flickr photostream for more pictures.

PRE VALENTINES DAY SPORTIVE

2010-01-08T15:49:00.000Z

Saturday 13th February
Boxted Village Hall
Colchester
Essex CO4 5RE

Spend Valentines Day with the one you love and join us the day before for the AmisVelo Sportive.

Challenge yourself with one of our well marked routes that will take you through the picturesque Essex and Suffolk countryside. 30, 45 and 60 miles routes to suit all fitness levels.

Sign on from 8:00am. 60 mile group leaves from 9:00am ~ 45 mile group leaves from 10:00am. Costs just £4.00. Refreshments will be available.

Visit our events page at www.amisvelo.com for route guide information.

Happy Christmas to all…

2009-12-14T17:59:00.001Z

Ho! Ho! Ho!

Sunday was our first club Christmas dinner and I think everyone would agree that it was a great success. The whole team got personalised kit bags and the wives got a Teddy bear each. Nice touch Stuart!

Two awards were also given out; Mark Cushin won the A&E Award and Simon Carson won the AmisVelo Trophy. Mark posted this on Twitter about his award... "won't be going all out to win my award in 2010" :-)

The photos have been uploaded to our Flickr Photostream. Merry Christmas to All!

Round 2 of the Winter Series @ Thetford

2009-12-07T13:16:00.000Z

You’ve heard of pistols at dawn, well this was mud pies just before lunch. What a muddy mess, worse than round 1 in a way. I personally found some parts of the course very difficult and very slow. My bike must have weighed about 3lbs more at the end, with the chainset, front & rear mech’s one solid lump of pine needles and muddy sand.

Still at least the sun came out just after the start which made the whole thing a lot better. But I am going to need to work on being less polite at the start and much faster through the muddy mess if I am going to get any further up the leader board.

Giro stop making our helmets!

2009-11-13T17:00:00.000Z

Having checked the 2010 models on the Giro website, it looks very much like Giro have stopped doing our team helmets.

Listed below are the top 5 best prices I have found on the Web for our 2009 model…

1) Petra Cycles @ £108.46
2) Probike Kit @ £115.19
3) Chainreaction @ £125.99
4) Ribble @ £127.49
5) tredz @ £127.99

AmisVélo Cyclo-Cross @ Hilly Fields

2009-10-20T14:44:00.000+01:00

Big thanks to everyone who was involved in the AmisVélo cyclo-cross at the weekend. We'd especially like to thank our wives and families for all their help and support; I think they may just have had an enjoyable day as well.

The photos have now been posted to our Flickr Photostream.

See you all next year!

Thank you Paul!

2009-10-07T14:11:00.000+01:00

A big Thank you to Paul Douglas, for his kind permission to use some great photos, he took of the team at the East Anglian Cyclo-Cross League Round 2.

Click here to see the photos...

More of Paul's work can be found @ www.flickr.com/photos/lutonian and lutonian.wordpress.com

Count down to D2D...

2009-09-29T08:57:00.000+01:00

This weekend sees the start of the Thetford Dust till Dawn. AmisVélo are well represented this year, with a 3 man team and a guess rider on another team.

Here is a clip of last years start to get you in the mood. I think fast lap times might be difficult guys, wait till you see the size of the field!

Is it winter already?

2009-09-17T11:56:00.001+01:00

It seems like only a few weeks ago that it was summer (such as it was). Now I’ve learnt that the Cyclo-Cross season has started already.

Next thing we know it will be mud guards, gloves and woolly hats. Is it really, winter yet?

Anyway enough moaning about the impending cold, the cross is here and you can follow the teams exploits on the East Anglian Daily Times Cyclo-Cross League Website.

Time Trail swan song…

2009-08-20T22:51:00.001+01:00

Wednesday was the last midweek TT of the season. It’s been a good season for us with two new bikes, some great support from Mark C, a first ride by Mark W, several PB and a number of wins.

The early season saw Dave and Stuart lock in a battle exchanging weekly wins by a handful of seconds. Towards the end of the season unfortunately Stuart became unwell and he hasn’t been able to compete since, so we will have to wait until next season for the battle to resume.

As for me, this was my first season and I am really quite pleased with how it went. I am not in the same league as Dave and Stuart, but I improved by 2 minutes 35 seconds and I am sure there’s more to come. Who knows, I might even make a half decent bike rider one day. But all that will have to wait until next year now. I for one can’t wait.

But for now, role on the turbo training which starts in a few weeks, it’ll make the TT’s seem easy!

Two PB’s for the price of one!

2009-07-30T14:00:00.000+01:00

Despite the rather threatening clouds and windy conditions, it was a good night for us last night at the Colchetser Rovers 10 mile TT.

Dave took first place with a PB of 23:08 on his new bike and I also managed a PB (26:29), getting into the top 10 for the first time..

Admittedly there wasn’t a large field (31 riders), but a top 10 is a top 10 as far as I am concerned.

Not a good night for AmisVelo

2009-07-22T22:29:00.000+01:00

Tonight’s 10 mile TT wasn’t that good for us :-(

First Stuart couldn’t make it as he isn’t feeling at all well…

Then it rain heavily as we started and carried on right through the whole race. It stopped as soon as we finished (nice!)…

Dave punctured with 2 miles to go; so he still hasn’t recorded the PB I know he will get on his new bike…

Finally I didn’t record the best of times on my new bike. The Bike was good, but the Rider, the Weather and the Driver on the roundabout weren’t so good.

Still there’s always next week to make a mends!

New Bike Complete!

2009-07-16T18:53:00.000+01:00

Over the past couple of months I’ve been searching the web for special offers in order to build the cheapest possible, well equipped Time Trial bike. As you can see from the Photo it’s now complete and just in time for the last month of racing.

All that remains is some fine adjustment of the riding position and to saw the mile of steerer tube off once I have the correct height of the bars.

I can’t wait to see how it rides next Wednesday night.

A good night for AmisVélo

2009-06-25T17:23:00.000+01:00

Dave takes an impressive victory using Stuart’s bike in last night’s Colchester Rovers 15 mile Time Trial in a time of 34:04; that’s an average speed of 25.75 MPH. His winning margin was 23 seconds and I hear he may have broken the previous course record, held by Stuart.

Also Mark crossed over from the “Dark Side” (mountain biking) to do his first Time Trial. He posted a very respectable first time, considering he was using a mountain bike and also the difficulty of the course. I suspect it won’t be long before a road bike is on order.

Finally, I didn’t do so badly myself. Putting last weeks disappointing time behind me I managed a very respectable 39:53 (it must have been the extra support from team Cushing). Working out the average speed (using www.machinehead-software.co.uk) I put my 10 mile time to be 26:36 which would be a PB and gets me closer to my goal of a sub 26 minute 10 mile.

2009-06-25T17:10:00.000+01:00

Very Tempted!! Special edition Planet X TT machine is back in stock and after riding Stu's at last nights 15 on the Wadley circuit I think its going to be hard to resist. Good to see Simon and Mark getting stuck in around the 2 lap course -that final climb up to the finish was nasty, nice to hear little shouts of moral support from Mark and Mathilde.

Just a Little Hill

2009-06-24T23:09:00.000+01:00

Stuart has sent some more photos back from his trip today.

Check out the description of this monster; the Col de l'Iseran (2770 m) on Wikipedia.

It's is the highest paved mountain pass in the Alps in the department of Savoie in France...

Geneva to Nice

2009-06-21T20:11:00.000+01:00

Stuart is cycling from Geneva to Nice at the moment.

It was his first full day in the mountains today, and he has sent back a couple of Photo's. I have uploaded them to Flickr.

If I receive any more I will post them to the same album so keep checking for updates.

The Tour Series comes to Colchester

2009-06-18T22:58:00.000+01:00

AmisVelo Team enjoy a good night out in Colchester!

It was really nice to see everyone in town tonight enjoying the racing.

It was especially good to see a major road race come to our town and done with some style; TV coverage, road closeurs, etc.

A selection of Photo’s have been uploaded to Flickr.

Bike Week Time Trial; Dave comes out on top

2009-06-18T14:54:00.000+01:00

Dave put in a good performance again last night, to win a packed (44 riders) Colchester Rovers Private 10. His win was very impressive considering the difficulty of the course and strong windy weather.

Well done Dave! Full results are on the Colchester Rovers Website

As Stuart won’t be riding next weeks TT, he has lent Dave this PlanetX TT bike, full disc wheels and all. Can’t wait to see what time Dave records next week!!!

10 mile PB for Dave

2009-06-11T10:10:00.000+01:00

Dave produced a personal best at last night’s 10 mile Time Trial, Taking first place by 2 seconds in a time of 23:25. Full results are available on the Colchester Rovers Website.

Very good considering the condition of the Langham circuit; cold, windy, potholed and very wet in places.

Well done Dave!

Publish Post

New Bike Takes Shape

2009-06-10T21:45:00.000+01:00

Dave and I both received our new TT frames from Ribble this week. I am happy to confirm that the frames are great value for money.

I also managed to win some Easton EC90 Aero forks on eBay for a great price (which arrive this morning). I spent a few minutes at lunch time throwing on the bits I already had plus the new forks.

As you can see, it doesn’t look half bad considering what you can see cost less than £200!

Stuart back on top!

2009-05-28T17:07:00.001+01:00

After a few weeks of not feeling well Stuart is starting to get his form back, taking 1st at this week’s 10 mile TT in a time of 23:14.

Not bad considering he's still not feeling that great!

At the other end of the field, my times are also improving 29 seconds better than last week and a massive 2:04 better than my first week. I am well happy, but on a different scale to Stuart.

Ribble supply team TT frames

2009-05-27T22:58:00.000+01:00

After seeing a Ribble TT frame at tonight's Colchester Rovers Private 10, I have just pushed the button on their website to buy one. At £97.50 it was just too good to pass up.

Also heard from Dave tonight and he is doing likewise.

So it looks like Ribble is the official supplier of AmisVelo TT frames! Now who would have thought that:-)

P.S. The Ribble stickers come off just like that; so no one will ever know... Will they?

Thursday Night Training Loop - Ouch!

2009-05-25T22:27:00.000+01:00

Thursday night training loop does seem to be hurting the legs a little more than usual, could be something to do with the efforts on the previous evening Rovers 10 time trial, or just down to the fact that Stuart is inflicting a little more pain increasing the pace on those 3 sharp climbs. The weekly hilly loop is a fantastic training ride and come rain, snow or ice we ride those quiet county lanes at a swift pace. Riding in the dark winter months brings a whole different experience and its a pleasure to get round at this time of year with some daylight left. 7:15pm from The Albert Pub every Thursday if you fancy a great mid week ride.

Stuart gets his revenge!

2009-05-20T23:11:00.000+01:00

Stuart’s defeat of last week was over turned this week when he beat Dave by a single second at tonight’s 10 mile time trial. Although unofficial sources tell me he has already made Dave pay for last weeks 3 second win; cranking up the pace during Thursday night’s hilly training ride…

Anyone care to comment?

Road Race Result CCAshwell 17.5.09

2009-05-18T21:37:00.000+01:00

Early start on Sunday morning for the journey over to the CC Ashwell road race in Beds. A full field and some decent road racing on a very blustery but bright spring morning. Pace was high from the start and a breakaway looked like it was going to be difficult in the challenging conditions and any moves from the front soon came to nothing with the peleton working towards a predictable bunch sprint on a steep drag to the finish.
Felt good to be racing again

http://www.errl.org.uk/results.php

Dave beats Stuart without Pedals!

2009-05-13T21:01:00.001+01:00

Dave had an interesting time at tonight's wet and road works shorten Time Trial.

First he forgot his pedals!!!! Then he swapped numbers with me and to complete his evening he managed to beat Stuart by 3 seconds!

Well done Dave, but next time check your bike for those funny things that fit at the end of the crank arms, before you leave home.

CC Ashwell Primavera Road Race 17.5.09

2009-05-10T19:45:00.000+01:00

First and possibly the only road race of 2009 for me next Sunday over in Cople, Beds. Looking to improve on last years 9th place, memories of not really paying attention to events at the front of the bunch and missed the winning break last year, then found myself caught in no mans land and not quite strong enough to bridge the gap - wont make the same mistake this year.

A better Bike doesn't always mean faster times

2009-05-07T18:20:00.001+01:00

Despite using my best race bike, I was 14 seconds slower over the Langham Time Trial course last night. I have to say I am very disappointed. Up till now I’d been using my winter training bike and I had high hopes that a good bike would knock 30 seconds to a minute off my time. In my defence it was very windy on the way out and by the time I’d reached the turn I was spent.

Still there’s always next week:-)

wed. tt

2009-04-30T14:21:00.000+01:00

good weather for last nights test . well done simon. bad luck dave .i must go faster .
stuart

Brakes Off!!

2009-04-23T17:20:00.000+01:00

Felt much beeter last night on the Langham 10 Time Trial, the addition of the new Giro helmet did help if only from a psycological point of view but that seems to be a big part of being a competent time trial rider - Its all in the mind - although my legs and back would disagree this morning.

Dave takes Wednesday night’s time trial.

2009-04-23T10:48:00.000+01:00

Congrats to Dave West for his 1^st place at the Colchester Rovers 10 mile time trial. Dave’s winning time was 23:38; it must be that new helmet!

Guilty or Not Guilty?

2009-04-22T22:02:00.000+01:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7JMY68cS9gw&NR=1
Have you seen this clip from the Tour of Turkey?? Never seen anything like it!!!

2009-04-22T21:32:00.000+01:00

Smithfield Nocturne 2009, anyone still interested in getting the train into London for this one?

Ribble Delivers

2009-04-22T14:29:00.000+01:00

Delivery this morning from Ribble Cycles on time and in full!!! Its the new Time trial helmet in Amis Velo team Colours and looking shiny and fast, lets see if it helps to knock off any seconds from the Rovers 10 TT at Langham tonight .

Gutted with my time last week having felt really strong and hoping to improve on some of my times in 2008 and really couldn't explain the few extra seconds until I realized as I took the bike out of the back of the car that my rear wheel had been rubbing on the brake block!!! In my haste

to get to the start line on time I had made a very basic error which will be put to right this week.

AmisVélo all a Twitter!

2009-04-21T17:53:00.000+01:00

AmisVélo launches new twitter site, if it's good enough for Lance Armstrong it's good enough for us!

Please follow us @ http://twitter.com/amisvelo

AmisVélo Easter Blow Out!

2009-04-17T22:59:00.000+01:00

The fowl weather made for an Eventful Bank Holiday.

Training rides were cut short by a series of mechanical failures this Bank Holiday weekend. The toll at the end of the weekend was…

An unrideable cut tyre, one broken chain and a double puncture.

Stuart wins the award for most lifts home and Dave wins the award for the only one to complete Saturday’s ride. Well done guys, better luck this weekend.

Essex roads sportive. 5th April

2009-04-09T10:07:00.000+01:00

Did any one ride this event ?

Tour Series Comes to Colchester

2009-04-04T22:43:00.000+01:00

The Tour Series announced Colchester as the final hosting venue completing the 10 round line-up for this summer’s brand new UK town and city centre cycle racing tour.

The Colchester event falls in the middle of National Bike Week, on Thursday 18 June 2009, when 10 of the very best professional teams in the UK (including internationally and nationally renowned cycling stars who have been invited to race in the Tour Series) will take to the streets of Colchester to battle it out around an exciting 1.6km street circuit.

1st and 2nd at First Time Trial of the season!

2009-03-23T20:18:00.001Z

Stuart Chatting and Dave West both took part in the first Time Trial of the season on Sunday. The medium gear 25 Mile Time Trial was organised by Colchester Rovers and was well supported considering it was Mothering Sunday…

The boys performed really well coming 1st and 2nd!!!

Well Done guys, great result… Especially considering the 160 Revs per Minute Cadence caused by the restricted gears. Loved the “Crazy Legs” pedalling action!

The final results and times can be found on our Results Pages.

AmisVélo Stickers are a real hit!

2009-03-23T20:06:00.000Z

The arrival of our new AmisVélo Stickers are proving a real hit! As you can see the stickers have already been put to good use and they look really professional…

Click here to see more kit related photos.

Welcome to our Team Blog

2009-02-28T15:12:00.000Z

This Blog has been created to allow members of the AmisVélo cycle team to post their pictures, results and other information like details of training runs etc. Its aim is to keep everyone up to date with what the cycle team have been doing.

Please visit the website for more information on AmisVélo!