Barnsley Road Club Newsletter – 21.08.25
- Dominic McCall
- Aug 26
- 5 min read
The Spirit of Choice
Miguel Induráin was a quiet and modest man, happiest when letting his legs do the talking. Famously, when he declined to wear the Spanish national champion’s jersey, speculation swirled about politics and identity. When pressed, his answer was simple:
“I was born in Navarre. I hold a Spanish passport. But I am, above all, a bicycle racer.”
That line sums up something important – we are who we choose to be. At Barnsley Road Club, we see this same spirit when members step up to lead rides. Each volunteer shapes the club with their own vision of what cycling should be. Together, that makes us stronger.
A special thank you to Stuie, who did just that on the mid-pace ride to Birkin last Sunday – and even added a bit more on at the end, simply because he and the group were enjoying themselves. Magic. Also, when Mick Thornton on the steady ride shot off the front when a group of Ravensthorpe CC riders moved through the group- a great turn of pace. Epic moment!
If you want something different, something new – choose to do it. Lead a ride, share your idea, and the club will ride with you.
Sunday 24th August Rides
We’ve got three great options lined up – thanks to volunteers who’ve chosen to give something back:
Steadier Ride – Led by Robert ‘Bob’ Pinder. Just as Induráin chose to define himself on his own terms, Bob brings his own flavour of cycling to the club – offering a steady pace, plenty of company, and the chance to enjoy the ride together. Perfect for those who want a sociable spin without the pressure of speed.
Medium Ride – Organised by Paul Dickinson. Heading out to Snaith, then back via Great Heck, with a stop at The Bay Horse after 35 miles. Total distance: just under 60 miles.
Pacier Ride – Led by Chris Smart. Out to Castle Hill via Honley, climbing up Lady House Lane, then returning via Emley. Distance: 64 km with 1,350 m of climbing.
Every ride reflects the choice of the person leading it – and together, they give all of us the freedom to ride how we want.
Calder Clarion Hill Climb - Wednesday 27 August
The final Calder Clarion Hill Climb of 2025 takes place in just two weeks’ time. They are hoping to see plenty of familiar faces on the start line, along with a few new riders giving it a try. It would be fab to have some of our BRC jerseys in the event. Sign-on opens at 6.30 pm at the Woolley Edge viewing point (What3Words location: workforce.prank.trams) and the first rider will set off at 7.01 pm. Lights are mandatory for all riders, and the entry fee is £4. This is a friendly and informal way to test yourself against the clock on a short, sharp climb and we know how much BRC members love hills. A group will meet at 6:00 at the Eastfield for a Wednesday Wobble for a 55 minute ride up to the Hill Climb, watch for 30 minutes and then make are own way home.
End of summer party - Saturday 27 September
The Club’s End of Summer Party will take place at the Nailmaker Brewery in Darton on Saturday 27 September. This is a great opportunity to get together with fellow members, share stories from the season and celebrate achievements. Awards will also be presented across a number of categories. The event starts at 12.00 noon with presentations at 1.00 pm, and will run into the afternoon. Everyone, members, friends and family are welcome, we just need people to RSVP so we can plan for numbers and catering.
Please confirm your attendance and any people in your party here:
Midweek Rides
Tuesday – Chewsdi Ride – fast and fun 90-minute blast. Meet Eastfield Arms, 6.30 pm sharp. Lights and spares required.
Wednesday- Wednesday Wobble – steady ride up to watch Calder Clarion Hill Climb 6:00pm sharp… Light and spares. Expect a 55 minute ride, watch the Hill Climb 30 minutes max and then a wobble home of 30 minutes.
Thursday – Gravel Group – off-road social leaving from Higham Cricket Club at 6.00 pm. Mixed terrain, spare tubes and lights advised. Expect smiles and dust (or mud if it rains).
Up Coming Dates
24/08 – Welcome Ride
31/08 – Club runs to watch The Wentworth Woodhouse Grand Prix –part of the British Cycling National Road Series.
07/09 – Big Day Out Ride to Knaresborough
12/09–14/09 – Sherwood Pines weekend
27/09 – End of summer party at the Nailmaker Brewery
19/10 – Sunrise Ride to Holme Moss
09/11 – Black Diamond Cyclocross Races Hoyle Mill Barnsley 8:00-16:00 (anyone know someone with a 4X4? To speed up set up and take down of the course let Dominic know
21/12 – Santa Ride
Big Weekend – Sherwood Pines (Adult Section Info)
We’re heading to Sherwood Pines for a big weekend away – here are the details:
👉 IMPORTANT complete this form https://forms
as we have to let the site know if there are groups larger than five going- you may have to pay an additional returnable deposit.
👉 Accommodation
Please email me if you’re staying over (camping or glamping). The site needs advance notice for groups larger than five.👉 Food & Cooking
We recommend organising into small groups for food and cooking. For example, Bob, Dom & Chris are sharing between their group of five. But don’t feel you have to eat alone – if you’d like to link up with others, let me know and I’ll connect you.
👉 Parking
All-day parking is £9 for those visiting for the day – payable by cash, contactless card, or the PayByPhone app (location code: 806294).
👉 Itinerary Example
Friday 12/09/25 – Arrive from 12:00 noon and set up. No organised ride yet, but a great chance to explore the local roads, gravel, and trails. (Sunset is at 19:29 – don’t forget bike lights and headtorches.)
Saturday Morning 8:30 – Dominic will lead a 30 mile gravel ride with some road, heading up to Clumber Park.
Saturday Afternoon 13:00 – Steady road ride of 37 miles. https://www.komoot.com/tour/2438279223?ref=
Sunday – Pitches must be vacated by 11:00 am. Departure can be delayed until 4:00 pm for an extra £5. (Glamping accommodation must be vacated by 10:00 am.)
Other example routes are on Komoot: Komoot Discover | Routes and Must-Sees Where You Are
But we want your suggestions and offers of rides so we can tighten the itinerary.
It promises to be a great weekend of riding, exploring, and socialising.
So here is to ‘Epic Moments!’ choose to do it!
Dominic McCall
Communities Secretary
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