Well can you believe it; here we are already into March. There is not a lot to report but some very exciting things happening in the next couple of months.
Colchester Rovers Monthly Newsletter issue 2 – March 2024
As you are aware we held our planning meeting on Monday 12th February. We had 25 members attend and Paul Blacker very kindly did the facilating. We did the SWOT analysis Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats. It was a very productive meeting and Paul has now gone away to put together the ideas that we shared. We are hoping to publish this very soon. We are also working on a motto for the club and once again some great ideas came out of the meeting. Once decided we will let you know.
Cyclo X Sunday 4th February
Well, what can I say other than a huge thank you to Simon Wilson and his many helpers who all contributed to organizing an amazing event. The feedback received was things like what a great event, well organized, excellent course if somewhat very muddy but so enjoyable. It’s feedback like this that makes you very proud to be a part of Rovers. We also did very well with not 1 but 2 Eastern Region awards. Emily Roast won 1st place U10 girls and Issac Starmer won 2nd place U16 Boys. A Massive well done to both Emily and Issac.
Emily with her Trophy
First U10 Girl Eastern Region.
Issac 2nd Place U16 Boys Eastern Region
Youth News
Simon has recently put together a program for this year’s events. If you have not seen them yet here are a few dates for your diaries.
Here’s a quick summary of the next few months:
- After Easter we will launch a new series of 6 sessions aimed at 10-14 year olds on Thursday evenings at the Northern Gateway circuit. The session will be strictly for riders on ‘road style’ bikes and will focus on fitness and riding as part of a group. (Please let me know if there is a rider who wants to take part but doesn’t have the right bike)
- In May we will start Grass track racing at Shrub End; this is for all riders and is a fantastic introduction to track racing. It is also great fun!!
- There will be a Colchester Rovers Grass Track Open event on the 30th June which will have races from Under 8 to the National 400 metre national championship.
- In July we will run a series of ‘Muddy Monster’ off road races for younger riders, before we turn our attention to cyclocross in August.
As always, do ask if you have any questions.
Future events
Jock Wadley Road Race Sunday 10th March 2024
Entries started off a little slow but we are now pleased to announce that we had 110 entries for a field of 80. This year for the first time we have Alex Dowsett riding. Alex has never ridden in the Wadley before but has been in a team car and a spectator. We wish Alex all the best for this year and send many congratulations on him becoming a father for the second time.
TT Social
We are hoping to hold a TT social in March/April to award the end of season Medals/Trophies. Thank you to Kelly for organizing; further details will be published in due course.
For those of you wanting to participate in this years Time Trials the TT calendar will be published shortly.
April – Reliability ride is on the 21st April starting from Great Bromley Village Hall. We will be starting our Thursday nights with VCR from Thursday 4th April. We will confirm this as soon as we have confirmation from Northern Gateway.
July 20/21 The Dunwich Dynamo
I know that some of you have already entered the Dunwich Dynamo which will take place on 20/21st July. For those of you thinking about it or would like further information please see the link below.
General News
On Saturday 17th February Malcolm and myself went out to the Assington Barn to have Tea and Cake with the Saturday riders. I have to say it was great to see so many of you and how much Malcolm and I enjoyed meeting you all. It was so nice to be able to put names to faces. In the next few weeks I am hoping to get out and meet some of the Sunday riders.
The Lap of Essex
I have been approached by Peter Watts of Gateway CC who is the organiser for the charity ride ‘Lap of Essex’ the ‘Lap of Essex’ is to raise funds for the Essex & Herts Air Ambulance. It is a 3 day challenge, covering approx. 100 miles per day, starting and finishing at North Weald, the base of the helicopter.
I am attaching some documents with all the details. If you are interested in taking part you can contact Peter direct.
peterwatts@compasstraining.com
mobile 07973 734083
If anyone has anything that they would like included in the future Newsletters can you please let me know.
Margaret Hargreaves
Chairman