BRC 1924 NEWSLETTER 29/7/25

Chapeaux Chris Francis and his family

The 65 mile Black Diamond Sportive the club organised a few weeks ago was conquered by 3 generations of the Francis family raising money for Dementia UK. I know many of you were there, but for those that missed it, Chris rode the whole route on a 1918 bike, with lever brakes and wooden rims.  Not only that, in the sweltering heat of the day, he wore traditional merino cycling jersey and shorts.  Chapeux Mr Francis!!Massive shout out to his dad Gary, sister Claire and especially his 12 year old nephew Joel who really pushed really hard to make sure he completed the route without assistance!If you feel able, the donation page is still open please use the below link:-Support Chris at:https://www.justgiving.com/page/chris-francis-1?utm_source=IG

Missing the Tour de France and the ITV coverage already??

Are you feeling at a bit of a low now the Tour has finished, especially with the last ever tour coverage from ITV?  Well here are a couple of suggestions.

1.       If you are already missing Ned Boulting’s voice, it can be distinctly heard in his writing, and so of his many books I recommend “1923 The mystery of lot 212 and a Tour obsession.” It tells the tale of how Ned came across possibly the oldest film recording of the Tour, a few flickering minutes of Pathe news film that briefly shows Henri Desgrange the founder of the Tour.  Ned sets about trying to identify all the riders and places in the precious footage and in doing so tells a compelling story of the Tour in its place just before the 1st World War.  He manages to make it into a page turning thriller as he tracks down the facts. Well worth a read. The footage can be viewed here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=avp72imh6D4 (the bikes look remarkably like the one Chris used!!)

2.       Perhaps the best film about cycling few have heard of; The Triplets of Belleville.  It is an award-winning animated film by the French animator Sylvain Chomet.  Nominated for two Oscars, it sadly lost out to Finding Nemo as best animation and for its music to Lord of the Rings! It tells the tale of how a poor French Grandma turns her grandson into a Tour cyclist only for him to be kidnapped by the Mafia. She and her sisters then travel to America to track him down and rescue him.  It’s a marvellous comic tale and is visually very rewarding. (you can find the film on several of the popular streaming services)

Members will be saddened to know that Gary “Pencil” Barnes had an accident on his MTB and is in hospital following a hip replacement op.  As soon as we get more details we will share, but I know everyone will want to wish Gary and Zoe all the very best

Sunday Rides 3rd August

If you can tear yourself away from the screen or your book our Sunday rides this week will as usual meet at Pals Square by the town hall ready to roll out at 8:30am.

Bob will be back from his hols and is leading a steadier group going to Crown garden centre at Whitley

Other ride options for Sunday will be decided by members on the morning - with a pacier ride as well as the traditional club run led by Dec and Wayne.Midweek Riding

• Tuesday – Chewsdi Ride: 90-minute pacy loop. Meet at Eastfield Arms at 6:30pm sharp. Lights & spares essential.

• Thursday – Gravel Ride: 6:00pm from Higham Cricket Club. Off-road, lights and grippy tyres recommended!

🚴‍♂️ BRC – it’s time to ride together! The Sherwood Pines “Big Weekend Out” is calling - Friday 12th to Sunday 14th September at Sherwood Pines Camping & Caravanning

Barnsley Road Club family – this is our moment. A weekend not just of riding, but of connection, of laughter, of dirt-trails and fire pits. A time to bring our bikes, our children, our partners, our stories – and share them under the canopy of Sherwood Forest. This isn’t just a trip – it’s a collective experience. One where we set up camp side-by-side, where the rustle of sleeping bags competes with the crackle of evening barbecues, and where the sound of cleats clicking in the morning echoes with unity.But to make this weekend special – we need you. Book your spot now – whether it’s a tent, a campervan, or a glamping pod: https://sherwoodpinescamping.co.uk And don’t just come yourself – bring the kids, bring your other half, bring the dog if you must! This is about community. A shared journey on two wheels and beyond. And for the seasoned legs and passionate leaders among us – step forward. We need ride leaders for:🚵 MTB loops through pine and trail🌲 Gravel rides between Sherwood and Clumber🚴‍♀️ Road spins through Nottinghamshire’s best lanes.

This weekend is more than miles – it’s about memories. It’s about showing who we are when we come together – as a club, as a family, as friends. So don’t wait. Don’t assume others will carry it. Be part of it. Shape it. Ride it.BRC – this is our Big Weekend Out. Let’s make it Unforgettable!

End of summer party at the Nailmaker Brewery

Once again we will be holding our end of summer party at Nailmaker Brewery in Darton.  It will be on Saturday 27th September when our annual awards will be presented.  There will be a food concession serving Fish and Chips and it will be a wonderful chance for all club members to meet up and share stories of their summer riding. We will be asking for numbers in the next few weeks so please look out for this.

Have a great weekend’s cycling and stay safe out there!!

 (one for all the teenage Hill St Blues fans)

Alastair

Other key dates ahead

• 24/08 - Welcome Ride

• 31/08 - BDO - Humber Bridge

• 12/09-14/09 - Sherwood Pines weekend

• 27/09 - End of summer party at the Nailmaker Brewery

• 28/08 - Welcome Ride

• 19/10 - Sunrise Ride to Holme Moss

• 09/11 - CX Races

• 21/12 - Santa Ride