As of next Tuesday night (6th April) the chain gang will again be threading it’s majestic route through the peak district at warp factor 53×12.

We will be meeting as last year up at the Norfolk Arms at 6pm for prompt set off soon after 6pm (we may be able to relax the start time slightly as the nights get lighter).

Last year on occasion the group got a little large to be effective so if we get a big turn out again this year we are planning on splitting up into smaller groups down at Hathersage and having a bit of handicapped style pursuit down to Castleton and back. We may also lenghten out the route a little if there are any takers…

Anyway I for one can’t wait so engage that big ring and see you up at the Norfolk Arms !!!

Last weekend things turned to the road racing scene with the first in the series of Saturday afternoon road races around Carburton Lakes. The day was fine but very windy when the riders set off for the 35 mile race with the scatch group having a 10 min handicapp to make up, things were quick with Marc Mallender, Simon Keeton, James Baillie(Sheffield Sports) and Sean Smith( Halifax Whrs) being the main riders driving the scatch group along. On the last of 5 laps James Baillie attacked up the climb out of Cuckney and was joined by Simon Keeton. Marc Mallender jumped across to the pair alone and pushed hard over the top of the climb to force the split. The last rider to make the split was Sean Smith. The four pushed on, caught and ripped through the first group leaving only them four to contest the final sprint. Sean Smith got the jump from Marc who lead out but faded a little in the sprint to finish 4th Simon grabbed second with James a creditable 3rd for a 16 year old.

Visit  http://www.nmrrl.org.uk

After last weeks victory for the Rutland in the Sheffrec 2 up it was down to solo business this with the VTTA 18k at Ranby and our riders did not fail to impress although the win was taken by Ian Dalton we did fill the rest of the podium with Marc Mallender 2nd in 23.54 and Darren Otter third in 24.29 and just outside the top 10  came Simon Keeton and Alan West.

Darren Otter and Marc Mallender took an impressive win in the Sheffrec CC’s 2 up time trail on the Hadfield Woodhouse course on Saturday in a time of 55.05 having the odds against them with a late start penalty they still beat scracth riders John Surtees and Gary Beezer on a cold day to take victory by over 30 secs.

Do you know riders who would like to come out on the teacake but are a bit put off by the pace? We’re thinking new to the sport riders, ladies and younger riders. Anyone really who would like to come out cycling but has been put off by the pace of the teacake. If you know any riders that would fit the bill then invite them along on the all new Slowcake. A ride just like the teacake and going to the same cafe but at a steadier pace…No one will be left behind and the emphasis will be on encouraging new members to the sport and club. Myself and Danny have agreed to lead the ride once a month but if other members would be willing to lead the ride let us know via the website. Let’s do our bit for Dave Brailsfords quest to get one million new riders out on the bike. Who knows the next Mark Cavendish could well be out there…and we want them in the Rutland!

 First one is Sat 6th Feb 9.15am depart Bents Road and Eccelsall Road Junction meet. None club members welcome.