Please note that the fully revised version of the TA Handbook is now available for download from Handbook Contents.
This is the latest version with the odd correction added where necessary.

Saturday March 17th at 2.00pm, sees the start of the Thames Valley Hardriders 30 mile TT.
The route is mainly on country roads with only about 6 miles on the A41.
There are one or two little climbs, but what goes up must come down, except for the last hill!
I would be more than pleased to have your entries drop through the letter box in the next week or two.
Closing date is Tuesday 6th March.
£8.00 and your form to:
Geoff Booker
Fairmead, School Lane
Tiddington
Thame
OX9 2NE

The Time-trialling season stars on Sunday week with the South Western Regional Spring 25, Start sheet attached - ta(sw)25 start sheet.DOC.

In the second phase of my attempt at an RRTY award (Randonée Round the Year) I rode this event starting in Bedford. A dispute with my GPS meant that I arrived to find the bunch had already departed so rapidly picked up my Brevet card and set off in pursuit. The route westwards out of Bedford gradually climbs up to Chichley Hill roundabout and Newport Pagnall and two more late starters overtook me along here. Through Wolverton to Old Stratford where I took my first, planned, deviation from the route. The Official Route was all on A and B roads and I thought to use some lanier alternatives. The first took me along a cycle-path that crossed the big roundabout on the A421 by a flyover. The cycle-path was fairly clear of snow and ice but the metal flyover was covered in irregular ice. The trike made it over after a fairly rough ride, then onto the lanes heading for Wicken and Maids Moreton, then a short piece of main road into Buckingham for the first control. All controls were free, meaning that proof of passage could be obtained by producing a till receipt from any shop, café or ATM. Buckingham appears to exist in a different century, the centre of town was absolutely quiet with nary a shop open. Eventually I spotted a convenience store where I bought some biscuits but had to ask the shop lady for a receipt which she produced with a quizzical look. As I sorted myself out before setting off again Jane Swain and Geoff Booker whizzed by in a little group. They disappeared around the corner leaving greetings hanging in the air and, by the time I had gathered my wits and set off, they were out of sight. I caught a glance of them as they exited the roundabout at the top of the next, long, hill and apart from the guy I caught and the rest on the return journey didn’t see anyone until the finish. Reverting to the Official Route along the A4095 around the Bicester ring road and off on Lane Variation 3 along part of the Akeman Street. Then back to the Official Route for the rest of the day to Witney and the final few kilometres along the A40 to the Little Chef at Burford. Replete with eggs and beans on toast, ordered, eaten and paid for in 12 minutes, I set off on the return leg. The views from the A40 of Cotswold valleys below the ridge were stunning and the wind, now largely behind me was very helpful. Passing along the Bicester ring road I was waved at by Geoff in his car who had retired with painful knees and was on his way home. Darkness came shortly before Buckingham and the drizzle started at Wolverton, interspersed with heavy showers. I donned my rain jacket and now blessed the slope of the land from Chichely Hill to Bedford, bowling along until the odd climb reduced my head-long dash to a crawl. Its surprising how slowly kilometres can pass at the end of a long ride, but at least they pass quicker than miles. Eventually the organiser’s house came in view and I was able to chat with Jane before she headed home. Refreshed with tea and pizza I headed further East until I was able to cry “One more kilometre and we’re in the shower!” but when I got into my room I could not make the thing work so settled for a bath. Two rides done, only ten more to go!

Martin Badham

It is with great sadness the death is reported of Robert (Bob) Fotheringham (Gainsborough Aegir C.C.) on Saturday, 11th February. He had been ill since November.

It is with sadness that the death of Ken Usher on Friday, 3rd February 2012 is reported. He was involved in a collision with a motor vehicle near his home at Crowland. He was 77.

Our condolences go to his wife, Gladys, and his family.

The arrangements for Ken's funeral are as follows:

Peterborough Crematorium

Tuesday,14th February at 1-30pm

Donations for the Air Ambulance.

This event will be held on 26th February 2012 and entries are invited.

The Event Secretary is Ian Matthews, standing in for Geoff Lonsdale as he recovers.

Entries (£7.00) to Ian Matthews - 01278 452593
44 Purley Drive,
Bridgewater,
Somerset,
TA6 4UJ

ianmatthews@talktalk.net

by 14th February.

Among the items on the agenda for the VTTA AGM last weekend was the proposed revision of veteran standards.
News item from their website states:
"After lively debate, the delegates attending the 2012 AGM voted to adopt the new VTTA standards. The vote was carried with 22 delegates voting in favour, 10 against. The new standards will be in place for the 2012 season."

The changes feature a general tightening up of age standards in line with experience gained over the recent past. Certain members of the Tricycle Association feel that the standards for tricylists are over harsh, especially compared with the difference allowed for the extra wheel on the old set of standards. Some of us feel that this is due to, and the compilers of the new table admit to the small database that has been used.

Although nothing can be changed for the 2012 season, there is the prospect of adjustment in the future and we feel that by assembling a representative database we, at the TA, can give advice to acheive a fairer balance between bicycle and tricycle riders in competition for Vets Standards placings.

To this end, Martin Badham is still keen to receive details of riders performances at the standard distances (10, 25, 30, 50 and 100 miles and 12 and 24 hours) on both tricycle and bicycle if possible.

Details are now available on the International Tricycle News page.
Or by accessing 3wielweb.supertrike.be/WTC2012.htm.

Yesterday, Geoff had an appointment with his consultant, to be told the result of the MRI scan he had last week. As he entered the office, both the doctor and the specialist nurse greeted him with huge grins.
As far as they can tell, Geoff is “all clear.”

Of course, there may still be miniscule traces of tumour left; too small to be detected. Geoff will need to return to the hospital for another scan in six months’ time. In the meantime, the doctor insisted he should get out on his tricycle and get fit.

Now all he needs to do is lose the extra inches he’s gained from taking steroids for so long ("well, thanks, Sue..." g.l.) We hope he can finish with those pills over the next few weeks. He will have to keep on taking anti-seizure pills for the rest of his life, but if that’s what it takes to keep going why should he worry?

We’re looking forward to going away in the caravan in the spring. Our kind farmer friend near Malmesbury has invited us to park in his garden again, and our neighbour will be happy to tow the caravan there for us. All being well, we’ll be spending a lot more time there than we did last year. We also have an on-going invitation from other friends in mid-Wales to camp in their field. Sue will be happy to tow a small trailer, so we can take our cycles there as we usually do.

It’s good to be able to make plans at last. We intend to make the most of this year!

Best wishes,

Sue Lonsdale

Dorothy’s funeral will take place at Vale Crematorium, Luton on Tuesday 24th January at 1.45pm.

Angela, Dorothy's daughter, has invited us to ride our tricycles, the short distance from the crematorium gates to the chapel, to accompany the hearse. She has requested donations to two local charities for the blind, who had helped Dorothy considerably in recent years, instead of flowers. There will be facilities for donations to be made on the day, or they can be sent to the undertakers.

The reception afterwards, is to be held at the Co-operative Club at the top of nearby Stockingstone Road..Directions will be given on the day.

The Social Season is nearing its close and many of us will soon be tearing up and down the road in pursuit of who knows what.

Before the Racing Season begins there a few Regional Luncheons to attend giving us a chance to fete our local champions, meet up with friends again and engage in stimulating conversation.

January 29th - North Eastern Region, The George, Easingwold

Annual Luncheon & Prize Presentation, The George Hotel, Easingwold. YO61 3AD
Contact Keith Buck, Sawpit Cottage, The Green, Slingsby, York YO62 4AA
Tel: 01653 628211 bucksawpit@btinternet.com

Book now to avoid disappointment, as seating is limited.
There will be a short appetizer run from The George leaving at 10:00

February 5th - Eastern Region, The Manger, Bradfield Combust

TA EAST LUNCH – The Manger Bradfield Combust, South of Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk.

Bradfield Combust is on the A134, 6 miles south of Bury St Edmunds.
OS Sheet 155. Grid ref TL893574. Postcode IP30 0LW

£12 per person, please contact Martin Badham,
9, St Pauls Close, Horsford, Norwich, Norfolk NR10 3HG
Tel: 01603 897738 martin.badham@talktalk.net

Chairman’s appetiser run:
Meet at 'Sweetmeats' café above sweetshop in Water Lane, opposite kitchen door to 'The Swan'. Approx.10:30 in Lavenham.

The Chairman will be leaving the Manger car park about 9:30 to ride to Lavenham, you are welcome to join him.

February 19th - Midland Region at Kings Court Hotel, Kings Coughton

Pre lunch ride - meet at Kings Court Hotel, Kings Coughton near Alcester at 9.30am for pleasant ride to 11's and back in time for lunch.
Annual Lunch at Kings Court Hotel, Kings Coughton 12 for 12.30, £15 (Cheques made out to TA please to Greta). State if Vegetarian
Bookings Greta Spiers, Jasmine Cottage, 25 Cleeve Road, Marlcliff, Bidford on Avon, B50 4NX
Tel. 01789 491119

February 26th - Thames Valley at Little Gaddesden

Regional Luncheon at 'The Bridgewater Arms', Little Gaddesden, Berkhamsted, Herts HP4 1PD.
12:00 for 12:30
Bookings to Captain: Chris Hewitt 01582 763622 by 20th February.

It is with great sadness that the death of Dorothy Tuffnell is reported. She was 91.
Dorothy was for many years an active tricyclist – racing, record breaking, touring and organising – and a lifelong supporter of the sport.
Dorothy founded the Women’s Tricycle Association in 1954. She was National Secretary of the Tricycle Association (February 1982 – November 1986) and President (October 1993 – October 1996).
Deepest sympathy is extended to Roger, Chris, and Angela and their families.

News Update:

Dorothy’s funeral will take place at Vale Crematorium, Luton on Tuesday 24th January at 1.45pm.
Angela, Dorothy's daughter, has invited us to ride our tricycles, the short distance from the crematorium gates to the chapel, to accompany the hearse. She has requested donations to two local charities for the blind, who had helped Dorothy considerably in recent years, instead of flowers. There will be facilities for donations to be made on the day, or they can be sent to the undertakers.

The reception afterwards, is to be held at the Co-operative Club at the top of nearby Stockingstone Road..Directions will be given on the day.

Following an extensive review, on 28 January the VTTA AGM will be asked to approve a new set of standards. The methodology adopted is mainly focused on getting the slowing-down-with-age rate closer to what actually happens, but it has also resulted in a drastic reduction in the relative allowances for tricycle riders. For example,the extra allowance for a 25 is about 4 minutes - 1:06:00 compared to 1:09:59 for a 40 year old male, whereas the current tables set a 1:11:39 tricycle time to be equivalent to 1:06:00 on a bicycle.

The analysis carried out so far is based on comparing the performances of DIFFERENT riders. The data available did not allow for differences between individuals to be explicitly taken into account. Where the data sets are large, such data will provide a reasonable approximation - but the numbers of tricycle riders are not large - and the results are not consistent with the experience of most riders who race on both bicycles and tricycles. It should be possible to get a more precise measure of the "tricycle effect" by comparing the times of the same rider at a similar age on different machines. The comparability of the
efforts made could be monitored with pulse – or – better – power meters. Weather and course effects could be taken into account by comparing with other riders riding the same events.

There is not much time, but if TA members could offer to provide the necessary data, the VTTA review team would be in a position to review their recommendations.

To this end, could we ask members to provide the webmaster with their times on tricycles and bicycles, the course the rides were done on, along with copies of result sheets where they are available, together with their age at the time. The wider the database that we can assemble the more accurate the comparison, so times from previous years would be very useful.
Thankyou.

John Thompson and Martin Badham

Eastern Region member Alan Nye (Viking RC) led the way into the new season in the CC Breckland New Years Day 10.
On a mild day (for January) he came smiling past my marshalling point having spotted Ferg Muir wielding his camera, picture attached.
He completed the ride in 41:27 with a nagging head-wind back to the finish.
John Dupen also rode, on his fixed bike to a 25:45 and eventually collected his 2010 TA medals from your correspondent.

We hope our readers had a wonderful Christmas and those that ventured out in the clement conditions found everything in working order for the forthcoming season. Your webmaster rode the Veteran-Cycle Club Boxing Day 10 on his 1936 Raleigh clubman's bicycle and was pleased to meet Cliff Tremaine on his 1942 Higgins conversion, mounted on a lady's frame with a 72" fixed which proved just too high when he got to the hill just before the finish. Also riding was Dave Rossall of the promoting Hitchin Nomads on his Ken Rogers trike.

We would pleased to hear of other members out and doing over the festive season.

Eric Coles offers us this interesting film of a 1960 tricycle race from Hyde Park Corner ot Brighton Pier. Points awarded for identification of riders but, as it is out of season, there are no prizes on offer. www.britishpathe.com/record.php?id=1059.

Maybe we could stage a re-run for the 2013 World Championship?

Details have been released for the 2012 Gas Hill Gasp, to be held on the Friday (6th July)of Norwich's Lord Mayor's Parade. The organisers are hoping to have enough support from 'other' forms of cycles (Veteran cycles, tricycles, tandems and shoppers) to hold rides for each category. Gas Hill is a climb up the scarp slope to the east of the River Wensum. It is not long but it is steep, Photos from last year's event.
The idea is for four riders to climb the hill at the time, accolades being given to the fastest. In the event of sufficient riders in any category there will be heats.
The social side of the occasion will not be forgotten, having strained up the hill, sit back and re-hydrate while watching others at it.
Other events happening in the area on the same weekend are the Norwich Amateur BC 10 (7th) and 25 (8th) and the Garboldisham Grovel Audax (54, 100 and 200km rides) so if you fancy some exertion in the wonderful town and countryside of Norfolk then Go East!

NW Closer prizewinners: Vic Trigger, Jim Lawley,Alan Shuttleworth, Alison Purser presenting prizes, Mike Roberts, NW Chairman Dennis Hornby.

NW monthly NWTA run to Old Ma's Kitchen, Gatesheath, near Tarporley.

Top Tops: Dennis was presented with a beautiful Dennis the Menace jumper by organizer Alan Rogerson. Dennis is not really a menace! Carol is sporting a genuine TA hand-knitted jumper from the 60's?

Happy trundling Christmas, and safe miles in 2012.

Regards,
Carol and John.

Subscriptions are due for 2012 on 1st January and should be paid before 1st March. The rates were left unchanged at £10.00 for full members and £5.00 for each family member.
Download a Renewal form here: MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL e.doc or MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL 2012 e.pdf.

Included on the form are details of the TA Bank Account for making direct payments or setting up standing orders. If you are making a direct payment please let me know by e-mail so that I know to look out for it. I look forward to hearing from you all in due course.

Alison Purser (Hon National Treasurer)

Sue writes:

"Today Geoff had another hospital appointment, for his usual monthly check-up. The doctor is very pleased with his progress, and she has prescribed "more of the same" for the next course of chemotherapy. This will be course number 5, so only one more to go. There will be a scan to follow, to see if the chemo treatment has done the job. Then, all being well, Geoff won't have to see the doctor again for another 6 months.

So, next year we can look forward to Geoff making a steady improvement, and we can once more make plans for all the things we've missed out on this year. In the meantime, we're looking forward to a weekend in Woking, staying with our daughter Claire & her partner. We'll be travelling by train again, just as we did back in the summer. Three weeks later we'll be back on the road, driving to Marlborough. We've taken advantage of a special offer in the Bristol Evening Post. Two nights at a hotel we've stayed in before - when we cycled back from Woking 2 years ago - for a total of £58. It's as cheap as youth hostelling, but far more luxurious!

Geoff was thrilled to get his TA mileage certificate recently. Under normal circumstances, 163 miles in a year would be hardly worth a mention. After what he has been through this year, it's an amazing achievement. Things can only get better from now on. It may take quite a while for Geoff to return to full fitness, but he has a good chance of getting there eventually. And of course he continues to say: "I'm not giving up."
Wish him well!"

On Wednesday night (12thOctober) at the East India Club the winners of the Oldie Travel Awards were announced.

Those of us who may be planning to go touring in Devon next year should note that the 'Most Original Map Award' was won by Mike Harrison of www.croydecycle.co.uk.

Mike has produced the following range of maps:
Walking Maps at scale of 1:12,500 - rectangular area maps with much local information based on resort(s)
Coast Path maps mostly at 1:15,000 - detailed strip maps for walkers of South West Coast Path
Cycle maps at 1:30,000 or 1:60,000 - for cyclists exploring on or off road or following trails
Cycling or touring maps at 1:100,000 - Devon/Cornwall maps with much detail, covering a wide area for touring

National Captain, Dave Hardy, regrets to inform you that unfortunately the Police have refused permission for us to hold the traditional 7.5 mile appetiser time trial on the afternoon of Saturday 29th October. In its place Geoff Booker will run a reliability trial on the same route.

Everyone will get a different time to complete the route and all will start together.

No computers, watches or other timing devices to be used.

The person who gets closest to their time wins.

I will sort ot the times and allocate them.

If anyone wants a fast ride they can either have a rest before finishing the route, or not go off from the start with the others. It's up to them.

We will all start and finish in the hotel car park.

Dave and Mary will provide some refreshments after.

Another NATIONAL TANDEM TRIKE AGE RECORD falls to the pairing of PETER HOPKINS ( Team Swift ) age 66 and COLIN BUNNETT ( King’s Lynn C C ) age 68 in the VTTA 30 mile time trial held on the E2/30 on 1.10.2011 They recorded a superb time of 1.13.39 in very hot conditions. Well done to both of you.