SCC Members Newsletters

Mince Pie Run 2023

Only a week to go…..

Before we know it, we will all be in Lowsonford Village Hall munching away on mince pies, and other goodies from our legendary Star Bakers. Once again, all this is in support of our charity partners, Solihull Wheels for All.

I know you will not let us down, but that never stops me being nervous! So… please let me know I can expect donations to arrive at one of our drop off points ideally by teatime Friday 1 December.  cvmk125@gmail.com or text to 07805324242

If you are home baking, please let me know if your item(s) contain nuts etc.

Drop Off points:

Cliff Dobson         Trevor Bayliss        Ailsa Neely

125 Hampton Lane 140 St Johns Close  126 Ralph Road

Solihull                  Knowle                  Shirley

B91 2RR                 B93 0NH               B90 3JZ

Thanks in anticipation

Clocks gone back, rain aplenty, so mudguards seeing early action, and the start of our social season, opening with the Bring & Buy sale and the fun of the Hobo Run.  The hill climb season is over, but the cyclo-crossers are still getting wet and muddy – why do they do it and in such large numbers?

New members – from Pete James
This month we welcome….Dave Sanders, Rob Perry, and Brett & Keleigh Hendricks 

Membership Renewals 2024 – from Phil Rosenbloom
Club membership subscriptions will remain unchanged for 2024. If you pay by direct debit your subs will automatically be paid via your existing mandate. Do not fill in another Direct Debit form.
If you want to set up a new Direct Debit, for the first time, please fill in the direct debit form and the membership application form and send both to Pete James. These must be received, by him, before 7th January 2024.
 

The forms are available to download via the website at https://solihullcc.org.uk/documents
 

Membership Payment.
Existing Direct Debit - there is no need to send in an application form.
BACS - there is no need to send in an application form but please let Pete know how much you are paying.
Cheque - please send your cheque and a completed application form to Pete.
 

Direct Debits will be collected on or shortly after the 5th February 2024
 

If you have any membership queries please contact Peter James at cpjames49@gmail.com
For direct debit queries contact me via e mail tophil.rosenbloom@blueyonder.co.uk 

Mince Pie Run 2023 – from Cliff Dobson
Our much-loved Mince Pie Run is back to our normal date this year, on Sunday 3rd December.  Once again, we will be raising money from our charity partners Solihull Wheels for All.  Most of you know the drill, - all rides will converge on Lowsonford Village Hall for tea, coffee and homemade seasonal cakes donated by the many star bakers in our ranks.  All you need to do is bring money/payment cards and swell the coffers of our chosen charity.  SIMPLE
 

As ever, I will be after donations of cakes from Friday 1st December – I’ll publish drop off points on the website <BULLETIN BOARD> 

Club Rides – from Cliff Dobson
The Winter 23/24 club rides programme is almost complete and will appear on the website as soon as clashes etc are ironed out.  The Tuesday D run will start later, and be at D/E run pace.
 

Club run co-ordinators recently reviewed the core programme description to check it’s still OK.  It’s important that (so far as possible) each run has well matched riders.  If you are feeling below par for whatever reason, please consider dropping to a lower paced / shorter ride.  Equally if you are always ripping it up, is it time to see how you get on with moving up?
Check out the programme at https://solihullcc.org.uk/core-programme#6414665b-5f86-4dbf-8ab4-081c89e3f294
 

November – February are potentially hostile months for group rides.  I’m not keen on predominantly black clothing – but definitely not in winter. With low sun, and the reflections off wet roads we can be nearly invisible to other road users. Most of us are going for at least a splash of hi-viz, and using front and rear daytime running lights.
 

Unless it’s bone dry, full length mudguards are required, with a long rear mudflap that extends below the rear wheel spindle height. Anything shorter will offer little or no protection for following riders.  Watch out for slippery leaves, mud and gravel, and even fruit and nuts!
 

And finally – wrap up warm, and if anyone knows of a full winter glove that will ACTUALLY keep my hands warm and dry – answers on a postcard please. 

Cyclo-cross and offroad
Keep checking the website for details of cyclocross and gravel/offroad opportunities at
https://solihullcc.org.uk/cyclocross
https://solihullcc.org.uk/off-road-%2F-gravel-1 

Dates for your Diary – planned but not promised….
Sun 3 December       Charity Mince Pie Run. Lowsonford Village Hall
Wed 24 Jan 24          Annual General Meeting
Sat 3 Feb 24             Annual Awards presentation
Sun 11 Feb 24            Reliability Rides 

You can read this and the previous month’s newsletter at: https://solihullcc.org.uk/news-items
Expect the next newsletter to appear in your inbox around 10 December
 

e&oe