BRC Newsletter 15-8-25

Hello BRC riders - I hope you’ve been making the most of the summer riding weather, it's getting hot so do remember to use sun protection cream, wear a sun hat and make sure you have cool shades. 

Here’s your weekly update of all things Barnsley Road Club and it is a little longer this week because there is so much happening!

Sunday club runs  - 17 August

All Sunday club runs meet at Pals Square by the twon hall for an 8:30 am roll out. And this week we are having a club meet up at one one of the best cycling cafés in Yorkshire – Birkin Tea Rooms. Whether you are after a steady social or something a bit faster, there is a ride for you and we hope to see a good few out in their sunday best:

• Steady group led by Bob – relaxed pace and plenty of time to chat. Route details here: Komoot link

• Medium-paced group led by Stuie – a good social tempo with some miles in the legs. Route details here: Komoot link

• Pacier group led by Chris – for those wanting to stretch it out a little. Route details here: Komoot link

Remember cash is king at Birkin - take cash or do the washing up for the rest of the day. 

A traditional club run will also be led by Dec and Wayne with a destination TBC (unless we can tempt them into coming to Birkin!) 

Keep an eye on the BRC Facebook and Strava groups for any weather-related changes but it should be lovely.

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.

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: https://forms.office.com/r/3fKFiNeUPV

Scottish bikepacking trip by Connor and Josh - a less arduous, more sightseeing-friendly adventure than usual

Setting off from Bearsden, near Glasgow, we headed north to Killin following a mix of gravel climbs and tracks that ranged from fast and smooth to rough and reminiscent of the recent Gralloch gravel race. We tackled the largest (and very famous) climb at Aberfoyle, a place known as a gravel mecca in the UK. Our first night was spent wild camping beside a peaceful river. From the stunning cascading waters of Killin, we pushed westward into a headwind and rain for a further 100 km to Oban—a bustling town with two distinct sides. We camped at a local holiday park where the facilities were basic, but the view was nothing short of spectacular.

Next, we headed south, into the wind again, towards Lochgilphead on a shorter 40-mile day. Fish shop chips and a makeshift beach buffet made for a memorable supper.

Our journey then took us further south and onto the Isle of Arran, arriving at Blackwaterfoot. This leg involved a time-trial effort down the island’s scenic west coast: 17 miles in 50 minutes, battling both the wind and the clock. Our motivation? A shop - the only real sign of life in an otherwise sleepy village. We camped again, this time for a cheap but basic two-night stay. The rest day included a lift from a friendly local to Brodick for a much-needed laundrette visit. We wandered the town from 10.00 am until 7.30 pm, catching a late bus back to camp just in time for tea.

Originally planned as a two-day ride, the final leg was condensed into a single 72-mile push. We cycled along Arran’s picturesque south coast and through the charming villages on the eastern shore. A ferry crossing and a stint on Bike Route 7 returned us to Bearsden by around 5.00 pm. And finally… the drive home. What should have been short and sweet turned into something epic: an 8.30 pm departure, a loose fuel injector, three recovery trucks, and a clamp tightened with a bodged tool fix. We eventually rolled in at around 6.30 am after 24 hours awake (and 72 miles in the legs) a very tired final leg indeed. see Connor's Instagram for some great pics too:  

In memory of Sarah - Sam’s 10K for Ovarian Cancer Awareness

A big shout-out to club member Sam who recently took part in the Barnsley 10K to raise funds for a charity close to her heart, in loving memory of her dear friend Sarah. Sarah was a vibrant, larger-than-life person who touched the hearts of everyone she met. Her warmth and spirit extended to the ward staff who cared for her, many of whom joined Sam, her friends and her family for the cheque presentation in support of this incredible effort. Sam chose to raise money for the Gynaecology Inpatient Ward, where Sarah received compassionate care. Her aim was not only to honour Sarah’s memory, but also to raise vital awareness about ovarian cancer — a disease that often goes undetected until it is advanced. One key tool in this fight is the CA125 test, which can help identify ovarian cancer earlier and potentially save lives. 

Thanks to her determination and the generosity of supporters, Sam raised an amazing £1,000. This donation will make a significant difference to the ward and help support vital services for women facing these challenging diagnoses. Sam’s dedication keeps Sarah’s legacy alive, shining a light on ovarian cancer awareness and the importance of early detection. From all of us at BRC, thank you Sam - you are truly remarkable, and your efforts bring hope to many. 

For more information on ovarian cancer awareness, visit: https://targetovariancancer.org.uk/ and you can still donate to this important cause here: https://giving.targetovariancancer.org.uk/landing/ 

Midweek Rides

• Tuesday – Chewsdi Ride – fast and fun 90-minute blast. Meet Eastfield Arms, 6.30 pm sharp. Lights and spares required.

• 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).

Other key dates for your diary

Note a couple of changes to future dates, the next BDO will now be on 7 September and head to Knaresborough rather than the Humber Bridge, following the lovely route that many of us completed last year. That change in date also means that club members can go along and support the Wentworth Woodhouse Grand Prix race on 31 August, which will see top riders across the country racing on our local roads. 

• 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

• 21/12 – Santa Ride

Hope to see plenty of you on the road this Sunday – and do not forget your inner tubes, rain jacket, and a smile.

Ride safe, ride strong,

Garreth Club Secretary, Barnsley Road Club