The news has just reached me that Les Dawdry died last week. He was 98. Les was the first secretary of the Eastern Region, which was founded on 11th February 1951 at a meeting at Ely youth hostel. Les himself had first raced, for the Colchester Rovers CC, in 1937. In recent years he lived at Chelmondiston and he and his late wife Mary walked down to meet the TA East at Pin Mill, not very many years ago.

Here is Les , writing in the Xmas 1952 TA Gazette:

" I cannot let this issue of the Gazette go to print without saying a few words before 1952 is behind us. The Region has come a long way since that day in February 1951 when it was formed, with interest still growing and new faces amongst us.
Bouquets and brickbats have come at me from all angles, but I would like to stress that the bricks I'll keep and the bouquets I'll forward to all of you who have made it possible for the Region to be in its present state, healthy, happy and active. It is good to have a bunch of fellows around with so much enthusiasm and interests. Thank-you for making my job worth doing. All the best for 1953 and a Happy Christmas".

Entries for the Tricycle Association Gazette Champions Photographic Competition close on Tuesday, 9 February. Please send your entry to the Editor by post or e-mail. The result will be declared at the NEC on Saturday 13 February. The competition can be found in the centre pages of the Winter 2009-10 Gazette. The conditions for entry are on page 2.

and that is his 500,000th on a trike. Well done Pat, now it's downhill to the millionth!

Please note a number of South Western events have missed inclusion in the 'Diary Dates' section of the latest TA "Gazette". These include the first tricycle event of 2010 on 28 February - a 25 mile time trial on the U17. This is a Tricycle League counting event. Other South Western events missing from the Gazette list are the July '10', the August '25' and two events scheduled to be held in conjunction with the Charlotteville CC on the 9th May (50) and 3rd July (25). See Activities for details. The 50 will be a Tricycle League event and an opportunity to warm up before the National 3 weeks later.

The final fling of the social season will soon be upon us so now is the time to book your place at the following regional lunches. Visitors are welcome at them all, so take the opportunity to get some miles in visiting another region's do.

31st January: North East Regional Lunch - 'The George' Easingwold - 12 for 12:30 Tickets £16.00. Please contact Noel Knox on 07828 903359, 0191 5271286 or 'e'mail trikie1201@yahoo.co.uk with choice of menu (see Activities entry for menu).
Appetizer Run 10:30 from ‘The George’, Easingwold, North Yorkshire, YO61 3AD. Fifteen very steady miles.
Full details from Keith Buck. Tel.: 01653 628211 or bucksawpit@btinternet.com

7th February: Eastern Regional Luncheon, The Manger, Bradfield Combust, near Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk.
Organiser Geoff Morse 01787 375983.
Cost - £12.00
Appetiser Run – Meet 10:00 am at "Sweetmeats", Water Lane, Lavenham, opposite the kitchen door to the Swan Hotel.
Details from Martin Badham 01603 897738 or martin.badham@talktalk.net

14th February: Midland Annual Luncheon at Kings Court Hotel, Kings Coughton, Nr Alcester - Bookings to Greta Spiers 01789 491119 - £14.50
Meet at Kings Court Hotel at 9.30 for a ride around local lanes, stop for coffee to be arranged.

28th February: Thames Valley Regional Luncheon at Little Gaddesden
'The Bridgewater Arms', Little Gaddesden, Berkhamsted, Herts HP4 1PD.
£20.00 per head. 12:00 for 12:30
Bookings to Captain by 22nd February 2010: Chris Hewitt 01582 763622

Bon Appetite!

A new page has been added to the 'Activities' menu listing Regional Lunches.

Herbie Nevill who was first chairman of the TA East Region after it was
formed in February 1951, died on 29th December, aged 93.

Herbie first joined the TA in September 1946 and was a regular attender,
together with his wife Joyce, at TA East annual lunches until recently.

Herbie spent his early years in Mistley and joined his first club, the
Brantham & District Wheelers in 1932.
By the mid-fifties he was living in Ipswich and was famous for commuting to
the BX Plastics factory in Brantham, near Manningtree, usually by trike, in
all weathers, and sometimes to the alarm of his colleagues.

(Photo: Herbi Nevill - Ipswich BC - Colchester Rovers CC '25' 1964)

At one stage his brother was a hairdresser in Tunbridge Wells, so every
three weeks or so he nipped over on bike or trike on Saturday and back on
Sunday for a trim - another 170-190 miles under his belt. Never very fast at
short distances, he could certainly keep going, and did 203 miles 1500 yards
in a TA 12 hour in 1957.

Opinions differ as to whether or not a collar and tie was his normal riding
wear, but that is what he was wearing when he rode out to join the TA East
at for a riverside Meet at Pin Mill in 1996 where the top picture was taken.

Herbie's funeral will be on Friday 15th January, 10.15am in the West Chapel at Ipswich Crematorium

The address is:

New Cemetery
Cemetery Lane
Ipswich IP4 4AL

In preparation for the February NEC, I am putting together a short paper on the subject of recumbent tricycles. The UCI are considering introducing recumbent tricycles into international paracycling competition at some stage after 2012, possibly in place of upright tricycles. The Tricycle Association has been asked to comment on this proposal.

Would it be possible to ask our website readers who have experience of riding both upright and recumbent tricycles to contact me with their comments?

I am interested to know how the two types of machine compare in general use and in racing. Are recumbents easier to ride or more difficult to ride ? Are they faster, slower, or much the same? Has any member experience of races in which both uprights and recumbents competed?

How do recumbents compare in terms of cost, weight, maintenance, safety and ease of transport?

It would be particularly helpful if members with disabilities would report on their experiences of the two types of tricycle.

If you can help, please contact Roger Alma

THE WORLD TRICYCLE UNION - www.worldtricycleunion.org

There are men and women all over the world, both able-bodied and disabled, riding tricycles for sport, recreation and work. Some ride thousands of kilometres a year. Some are pleased to be able to ride to the shops and back. Until 1 January 2010, however, there was no international organisation to bring them together in friendship and few sources of help or advice.

2010 marks a new beginning. The World Tricycle Union (WTU) has been established as an association of organisations and individuals whose interest is in encouraging the use of tricycles world-wide for sporting, leisure and domestic activities.

As well as aiming to encourage tricycling for the able-bodied, the WTU has a special interest in the use of tricycles for people with disabilities, for rehabilitation, mobility and sport.

The WTU is an international association. As a non-profit making association, it has no links with any government or political organisation. It communicates through the internet and is open to all interested groups and individuals

Two tricycle organisations, The Tricycle Association in the United Kingdom and 3wielweb in Belgium have committed their support to the World Tricycle Union. Individuals outside these two organisations are invited to become members of the WTU, through application to the WTU Committee. For the first year (2010), as a provisional arrangement, the WTU Committee will consist of two secretaries:

Roger Alma (UK) Rogeralma21@aol.com
André Van Bosbeke (BEL) info@3wielweb.be

In order to extend the network of interest world-wide, the WTU has now Correspondents in Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Holland, South Africa and the United Kingdom (see WTU website for contacts). Tricycle riders outside these countries are invited to act as Correspondents for their country.

Please contact either of the Secretaries or the Correspondents if you would like further information about the World Tricycle Union and tricycling in general.

PLEASE CIRCULATE AMONGST TA MEMBERS WHO ARE NOT ON-LINE

What a glorious opportunity to get out your trike and enjoy the delights of cycling through the countryside with reduced traffic numbers. The snow in Norfolk was six or seven inches deep in places as I trundled to Fakenham Farmer's Market in search of a Christmas Pud. The 45 mile trip took just over 5 hours including shopping, but vegetables are now in store, and Mrs Temples Brie-like Copys Cloud to look forward to, washed down with a glass Raspberry wine. The sun shone on the sparkling snow, and the air tasted like champagne.

Following requests, I have created a gallery to display members images of their tricycles in the snow. Please feel free to send Webmaster your pictures. Trikes in the Snow Gallery.

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas

Geoff has announced intial plans for the World Tricycle Championships see World Championships.

Geoff Booker has forwarded me the following note from his correspondence with BC:

In 2009, British Cycling introduced a new series of races for riders with a disability. More information on the series can be found on our website: new.britishcycling.org.uk/disability.
Do you have any disabled riders in your association who may be interested in racing? If so we would love to have some tricycles compete at the events as there were none this year.

A comprehensive programme of events for disabled riders was held in 2009, including a handcycle race in conjunction with our own National Championship. Geoff is planning a handcycle event at Blenheim this year.

A copy of the newsletter, issued from the Eastern Region Captain Ferg Muir is now available on East News Letters Volume 4 (2009) click on 2009-11-2009 to read. This contains tributes to Johnny Helms, noted cartoonist and recorder of the minutia of cycling life, from the President and John Purser.

Welcome to the correspondent for Denmark - Alan Schmidt - his website. Thanks to Chris Bolwell for the information

On the international front, I have received an interesting e-mail from Chris Bolwell, a new TA member in Denmark. He has sent some photos of his trike enjoying the autumnal colours of Denmark, more on Overseas Gallery.
There is also a link to his blog at pedal-trikes.blogspot.com/ with copious details about tricycles and unusual bikes. Well worth a browse.

The World Tricycle Union has been established an association of organisations and individuals whose interest is in developing, promoting and stimulating the use of tricycles world-wide for sporting, leisure and domestic activities. As well as aiming to encourage tricycling for the able-bodied, the WTU has a special interest in the use of tricycles for people with disabilities, for rehabilitation, mobility and sport.

The WTU is an international association, open to all interested groups and individuals. It is a non-profit making association and will have no links with any government or political organisation. The WTU will not organise races or events, and will not intervene in the administration or operation of other national or local associations and organisations unless invited to do so. The WTU will fully respect the integrity and independence of all other associations and organisations.

The Tricycle Association (UK) and 3wielweb (BEL) have both committed their support to the World Tricycle Union. Individuals outside these two organisations are invited to become members of the WTU, through application to the WTU Committee. For the first year (2009 -10), as a provisional arrangement, the WTU Committee will consist of two secretaries:

Roger Alma (UK) (Rogeralma21@aol.com)
André Van Bosbeke (BEL) (andre.van.bosbeke@edpnet.be)

In order to extend the network of interest world-wide, we are looking for tricyclists outside Belgium and the United Kingdom to act as Correspondents for their country. Please contact either of the Secretaries if you would like further information about acting as a Correspondent.

The World Tricycle Union website will be launched formally before the end of the year. In the meanwhile further information can be found on the Belgian website, www.3wielweb.be

Roger Alma

Details have been received for the following Regional Lunches:
8th November - North West Closer at Garstang;
29th November - South East Lunch in Tunbridge Wells;
6th December - South West Lunch at Rangeworthy;
31st January 2010 - North East Lunch at Easingwold (Further Details on North East News);
7th February 2010 - Eastern Lunch at Bradfield Combust;

Details of functions are available under Activities.

The traditional gallop around the Warwickshire lanes was curtailed due to roadworks on the main road into Leamington being closed and heavy traffic using the traditional starting road.
So the start was moved around the corner, reducing the distance to 6 miles.
Organiser Geoff Booker was the fastest, with Peter Brocklehurst 2 minutes slower. Ian Matthews filled third spot. Myra Alma received fastest lady and the turtle prize.
Full Results

North West 'Closer', Cobble Hey Farm, Claughton by Garstang, Lancs PR3 0QN,
Sunday 8th November, 12 for 12:30
Home made soup, Chicken roast dinner(Veg. option),fruit pie, tea/coffee,bring own wine/beer, no corkage,also donation of wrapped raffle prizes please.
Guest: Joyce Blow,record-breaking tricyclist,plus other lady speakers!
All this,in glorious Lancashire hill country,for just £20,-cheques with booking to Alan Rogerson,27 Milking Lane,Lower Darwen,BB3 0RB,
01254 661486-answerphone.Limit of 45 persons-elbow-room!

With the news of a National Postal Strike being announced Greta has asked that people contact her by ‘phone to make bookings for the dinner and accommodation.
The National Reunion will be held on the evening of 24th October 2009, 6:30 for 7:00 pm at the Ramada Hotel in Warwick.
The traditional 7.50 mile Appetiser Time Trial will take place at 3:00 in the afternoon. Entries on the line, please bring a prize if you intend to ride, these will be distributed after the event.
Dinner Tickets are £25.00; B & B Accomodation £35.00.
Greta can be contacted on 01789 491119 or by e-mail.

Please pass this information on to anyone you know who would be interested and is not on the internet.

Thanks

Unveiled at Blenheim were the new items of Tricycle Association clothing, namely caps and socks enabling you to be properly clothed from head to toe.
Alison has a limited stock of both, though they were going like the proverbial hot cakes on Sunday.
Caps cost £5.50 and socks (currently available as size 8-11) for £6.50.
Please order from Alison.

Details of TA Clothing on About Us > Tricycle Association Clothing

Sunday 4th October.
Seven out of the eight trike entries rode the 20km Time Trial around the grounds of Blenheim Palace.
Starting in the main drive, and heading for the front door before swinging right to drop to the big bridge over the lake. Swerve to avoid the photographers then up the rise, bearing left and through parkland to descend a technical section with left handed corners and adverse cambers, to pop over a little bridge and begin the big hill, The gradient of which eased as one rose, just enough to maintain a constant level of pain. A straightish whoosh down through the woods brought you back to parkland and another rise, followed by a steep descent to another bridge, this time with a switch of direction and a scattering of sand - thank the Lord for three wheels.
Using the momentum to get up the next climb before completing the first circuit, repeat a further two times then, if you've read the instructions properly, roll into the finish lane.
Martin Badham, Ian Matthews and Steve Avery comprised the first wave of trikies, Paul Martin not appearing. Followed, at sufficient gap to enable us to recover and give out tips, by Roger Alma, Dave Hardy, Geoff Booker and Wayne Baker at half-minute intervals.
Tension was high as we witnessed Wayne gradually overhauling Geoff to put 40 seconds into him at the finish.
Results
We then repaired to the Tricycle Association display with photographs and machines on show, ably presented by Martin an Alison Purser. We had many visitors who showed interest in the tricycles, and several who showed a great interest in Mary Hardy's TA gingerbread men.
The whole event was a great family friendly occasion, with hundreds of Brompton enthusiasts supporting or competing in their World Championship, a display of veteran cycles, bicycle polo, trials acrobatics and the returning riders from the Sportives.
Negotiations to have our World Championship there next year are well under way.
Member's photos from the day
Official Photos
To view trike riders put the following numbers in the coloured number categories:
Yellow - 025, 029. 110;
Orange - 003, 004, 005, 006.

In the North Eastern 25, the 'Jack Riley' Memorial Handicap Trophy was taken by Charlie Cromack (Tricycle Association (North East)) with a net time of 54:38. This was achieved from a Personal Best ride of 1:19:38. Congratulations Charlie.
Other placings were:
2. Bob Fotheringham (Gainsborough Aegir C.C.) - Net time of 55:58
3. Steve E Brown (Scunthorpe R.C.) - 57:40
4. Peter Hopkins (Icknield R.C.) - 58:36
=5th. Paul Martin (South Pennine R.C.) }
=5th. Carl Saint (Yorkshire R.C.) SCR } - 59:31
Carl's ride of 59:31 being the fastest ride, Full Results

On 20th September 25 mile time trials were held in the North-West and South East regions.
In the North West, Nick Wood won the Thorburn trophy with his 1:05:51, Dennis Hornby was fastest on handicap. On the previous day Carl Saint rocketed around the 10 in 21:20, beating Nick Wood(22:35). M McAluster was fastest on handicap. This proved to be a successful weekend, and will be repeated next year. Nearer the equator, Richard Bailey was fastest in the South Eastern 25, Paul Ansell triumphing in the handicap section.
Full Results

The East Region 50 was held on the 20th September on a day when an unhelpful NNE wind blew. While Nik Bowdler cruised around on a bicycle fitted with his habitual huge gears, Andrew Nye rode his tricycle to win the relevant event in 2:21:24. Not to be outdone, Caroline Nye in her first 50 finished with a creditable 3:06:45 and best on handicap of 2:11:45.
See 2009 Results

Nick Wood traveled North,and on a cold but fine day,took the course & event record, by a cool 2 minutes, with his 1-5-51, on L2523.Considering that the course is basically a winding country lane across reclaimed marshland,this was a remarkably swift ride.There was also a tie for the Vets Standard award-a mock-vellum certificate produced by Bob Nolan.As the day warmed up,and the sky filled with parachutists from the nearby 'jump school' some of us met at the Pinewood Cafe,some two miles away and sat out in the sun,for a chat & meal.I later trundled round a few lanes,as it was a glorious afternoon,before heading for home.Next year we will be repeating the 'weekend' format, 10 on Sat. 25 on Sunday,in the Cumbria/North Lancs area.Come along!
The previous day Carl Saint won the opening event of the weekend on the L1015. 2009 Results

The Tricycle Association National 10 and 25 Championship time trials were held in good weather last weekend (12/ 13th September). Sunday was more overcast than Saturday's cloudless skies, which was good for the longer distance.
Jenny Noad Memorial 10:
33 solos contested the Championship with Carl Saint heading the honours in 22:53. Pete Martin, in his first event following several years illness, topped the handicap tree with a net time of 16:18.

Stan Spelling Memorial 25:
In the 37th edition of this event Carl Saint again claimed the crown with 59:33. Tim Wardlow was fastest on handicap (Net: 53:35).
Young Emma Kirby stoked the tandem trike piloted by Roger Akers to a 1:43:44, a creditable effort on her first time trial.

Kevin Hosking was around the course for both events and his pictures can be seen on the following link: www.photoboxgallery.com/3010009.
Pictures can be ordered from Kevin at £3 plus p&p, details at the same place.

Eight trikes, out of nine entered, lined up in Old Square, Warwick, together with several long, low, racing handcycles that were sharing the circuit with us.

National Captain Greta led through the first corner in the Market Place, then as the field shuddered and bounced leaving the pedestrian paving round the County Museum corner, reigning Criterium Champion Geoff Booker put the hammer down and opened up a gap with his wide Trykit machine through the downhill right – left - left corners into Warwick High Street. Ian Matthews (Team Tor 2000) attempted to follow, but could not hold the Oxonian man’s wheel. Passing the Lord Leycester Hotel Booker was away.

Steve Avery (Oxford City RC) took up the challenge and chased for two laps on his own before joining up with Jeff Jones to drive a Jones/Avery/Akers threesome around the circuit.

Behind, Martin Badham (CC Breckland) was steadily drawing away from Ferg Muir (TA East) and Greta was rolling round with a sharp eye on the lookout for what was coming up behind.

The field started to overtake the handcycles, which had started one by one, on a handicap basis. The handcycles were quick downhill but it was fairly easy to overtake on the long climb past the landmark St Mary’s Church.

Geoff Booker was never again challenged, but second place was up for grabs.

With a five-speed block Jeff Jones was dropping into his small ring for the climb, and not always finding it. On the last time round the fast corner leaving the High Street, Steve Avery seized the inside line and charged up the hill for second. Roger Akers got round Jeff Jones and took third. Ian Matthews, Martin Badham, Ferg Muir and Greta Spiers followed, one by one, in that order, while Karen Darke beat all the disabled men to win the handcycle race.
Pictures
Pictures on BC website