Garstang 10km

As we woke up to snow some of A&T's hardcore travelled down the M6 to Garstang to compete in the annual 10km.

The headline performance has to be Mary Anne becoming a member of the 'sub 40' club by clocking 39 mins 43 (PB) to finish 3rd lady. 

Shaun Moran followed up on last week's Chernobyl performance by going one step better to finish 10th overall in a time of 36.11 which once again shows that all his treadmill training is paying off.

There were ever consistant performances by Steve Coleman 38.47 and John Foulds 41.27 and it was great to see Dave Pritchard back racing 'without fancy dress' to clock 52.59.

http://www.ukroadraces.info/Csv_Files/2010/garstang.htm

Great North West Half Marathon Grub

Several members are taking part in Great North West Half Marathon at Blackpool on Sunday 21st February.


Fiona Saunders is willing to book a post-race buffet curry for those interested at the Far Pavilion at 4p.m.

Will interested parties e-mail Fiona on: fiona_saunders@hotmail.co.uk by Sunday 14th February?

Spouses, partners, children, family pets are all welcome.

Calling all marathon runners!!
Marathons run for W/C 1st February are as follows:

Tuesday http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=3443116  – Newbrook Rd, Salford Road, Watergate Lane, Smethurst Lane, St Helens Rd, Salford Road, Watergate Lane, Smethurst Lane, St Helens Rd, Newbrook Rd, Central – 9.53 miles

Thursday - http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=3407418  - Douglas St, Hough Lane, Chaddock Lane, Ellenbrook Road, East Lancs, Chaddock Lane, Princess Ave, Hamilton St, Liscard St and back to central - 11.92 miles

Tuesday/Thursday - Off at 6.15pm prompt from Atherton Station.

Sunday – 18 miles. http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=3446189

Cheers
Matt

1st Training Bike Ride - Sunday 7th February

The first of our planned training bike rides for the 100 miles challenge start next Sunday 7th February, meeting at 8.50am for a 9am start at Atherton Train Station.

The route will be 35 miles on a undulating course over Belmont to the M65 round about and back.

See http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=3444406

This ride will not be easy and incorporates a few nasty hills along the way but is a very scenic course with little traffic.

If you plan to come on the ride or would like any more information please email stevensgary@hotmail.com or speak with Craig Bradbury at training.

Blackpool Half Marathon

Theres a few of us from the Tuesday/Thursday marathon group who are going to be running the Great North West Half Marathon on 21st February as one of the weekend training runs. I believe this is a popular race so early entry is recommended.

If anyone fancies this details can be found on the link below.
http://www.ukresults.net/10feb.html#gnwhalf

Cheers
Matt

This week's poll

Thank you to the 46 of you who voted on last week's question about the track sessions.

15 of you said you use it regular and 17 occasionally with 2 of you who would try it for the first time.

12 of you said you would never use it.

Please take a few seconds to vote on this week's question about next weeks important AGM on 07/02.

Website

The new A&T website is up and running, please have a look and send me any feedback, suggestions, content and I will try to update it asap.
http://www.astleyrunners.co.uk/

Cheers
Terry G

Curry Night - Saturday 13th March

Due to the very busy schedule in early 2010 with road races, bike rides and duathlon's the first available night for a social event is Saturday 13th March.

The plan is to meet in the Bluebell, Atherton at 7.30pm for a couple of drinks before making our way to Far Pavillion for 8.30-9pm.

If you would like to come for the meal and want to reserve seats please email stevensgary@hotmail.com or ring 01942 799162.. members, none members, family and friends all welcome.

Anita Webb's 40th Birthday Party - Saturday 30th January 7.30 - REMINDER

Hi Everyone,


I am having a birthday celebration this year, as i have reached, unbelievable, i know, the age of 40!!..lol!.


It would mean alot to me, if everyone attending my party, could donate to Wigan and Leigh Hospice, rather
than buy gifts for me. The Hospice is about supporting people with illnesses who need alot of care,not just for them, but their families to. I really need your help in making a difference to support, encourage and promote the quality of life for people, less fortunate than us...

You can donate on my justgiving page http://www.justgiving.com/anita-webb-jones


Regards,Anita.

Marathon Training

For those budding marathoners there are a number of options this week..

Tuesday - http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=3412057 – Dougie, 1 way to East Lancs, down the Lancs to Higher Green Lane, Princess Ave, Squires Lane, Millers Lane, Concert Inn and back to central – 8.68 miles


Thursday - http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=3431600 - Newbrook Road, Chequerbent, Roundhouse, A6 to Church Street, Cricketers Way, Park Road, left onto A6, right at the lights up Bolton Road (Roundhouse loop the other way round), back to Chequerbent, A6 and down Newbrook - 11.5 miles

Tuesday/Thursday - Off at 6.15pm prompt from Atherton Station.

Saturday 30th January - a 17 mile training run is planned from Gin Pit at 9,30 a.m. sharp.

Chernobyl 10km - Report written by Garry Baines

The Road Race campaign for 2010 got underway at the Chernobyl 10km in Preston with 36 entrants, which included a record turnout of 13 runners for the ladies.
The race produced some superb individual results but it was a fantastic achievement for the Club to bring home both the Men’s and Ladies’ team Prizes.

Simon Ford continued where he left off in 2009 to finish 9th overall in a time of 35:38, narrowly missing out on a PB. 2nd A&T finisher and overall V50 winner was Shaun Moran in 36:36, back to his peak after a lengthy lay-off and a new training pattern. Pete Chan, by his own admission a slow starter to the season, was relatively pleased with his 37:06.

Next followed a cluster of runners, which included Scott Christey, Mark Riches and Gary Atherton, who collected a PB with 38:10. Pete Mulleady, pre-knee op, equalled his recent PB time at Ribble Valley with 38:48. What can we expect after the op Pete?

Alan Hilton, another PB in 40:33, Terry Gardiner and John Lee all finished closely followed by Mark Lysycia and yours truly, both perhaps a little disappointed with their times.

Making her debut for the club at this distance, Josie Maley finished first Lady in 44:36, with gas still in the tank. More to come from Josie for sure.

Perhaps story of the day was Gary Stevens’ comeback after serious health problems in 2009. His time of 44:52 surpassed his expectations by some 3 minutes and was seemingly effortless.

Brenda Wane came home as 2nd Lady in 45:23 to take home the Lady Vet 45 prize, but breathing down her neck was Carole Baines in 45:36 – over 3 minutes off her PB which was achieved in the same race last year. The 50 mile per week schedule seems to be paying off for Carole.

Matt Crompton came home ahead of Craig Bradbury, who sadly struggled again with a leg injury. Ray Taylor pulled off another PB in 47:23, just pipping Dave Crowe and Paul Mason to the line.

Sue Hopkin ran her first 10km for several years and finished in 47:47 and was challenged all the way by Suzanne Gregory, another debutant at 10km, with 47:50.

Mark Crowley, despite recent injury got round in a credible 48:00, followed in by Ian Hamilton, Paul Basnett and Cliff Stanley.

The 2 Michelles were next over the line with the Fairclough variety edging out the Fuller brand by ½ minute.

Denise Babynec had an excellent run in preparation for the London Marathon in 55:53, closely supervised by her poorly husband Wayne.

Fiona Saunders and Helen Minshall, who were seen to be splashing out the fivers before the race, and sinking the pints afterwards were both pleased with their times – Fiona’s a PB 57:14.

Vanessa Thompson followed in soon afterwards and Lorraine Broadhurst and Joanne Fairhurst stuck to their task well to complete the A&T finishers.

In summary this was a superb turnout by the club and everyone seemed to enjoy the race.

The next club race is the 6 miler at Lostock on 28th February which is also the first race of the CLGP calendar. Another full field is expected so early registration is recommended.

Full Results Link http://www.ukroadraces.info/Csv_Files/2010/chernobyl.htm

Photos by Mrs C

Chernobyl 10km - Message by Me !

As you know today was my first race for almost 10 month's due to illness during 2009.

I'd just like to thank all the members of A&T for their much appreciated support today with your good luck messages before the race and well done's after the race.

During the race itself i got encouragement all the way round from Ray, Mark C, Carole B, Matty C, Brenda and Craig B, I even got a cheeky smile from Josey as she passed me with 400 mtrs to go !

Quote of the day from 'Bacon Mon' shortly after the race when i told him my time he replied
"thats a bad time for you" only Ian Hamilton could say that !!

I can now look onwards and upwards for the rest of the season.

Cheers, Gary S.

Chernobyl number

All

There is a spare number for Chernobyl tomorrow for anyone who's not entered and wants to race. Please call me on 07793 802329 if you want it?

Garry Baines

Chernobyl 10km

We will be meeting at Atherton Train Station at 9.15am Sunday if you would like to join the convoy to Preston for the Chernobyl 10km.

Can someone please bring a camera so we can have a new team picture for the blog.

UPDATE 22/01/10
NOTE THE RACE IS NOW OFFICIALLY FULL - NO ON THE DAY ENTRIES

This week's poll

Thank you to all 54 of you who voted on last week's question.

The poll revealed that 27% of you have only been members for less than 12 months, 24% 3-4 years, 22% 1-2 years and only 12% 5 years or longer.

12% of you are none members

Please take a few seconds to have a go at this week's question

Message from Mark Riches

My wife, Joanne, is organising a quiz as a fund raiser for the minis & juniors at Tyldesley RUFC on 29th January at the Club on Astley Street – see attached flyer

If anyone is interested you can purchase tickets from me at the race on Sunday or pay on the door
Cheers

Mark

Tyldesley Rugby Union Football Club

St Georges Park, Astley Street.

Family Quiz Night

Friday 29th January 2010

@ 7.30 pm

Form a team (maximum of 8) and have some fun.

Adults £3.00 & Children £2.00 per ticket. Family ticket (2 Adults, 2 children) £9.

Tickets from Jo Riches 07984 746751 or ask your team coach.

All proceeds for the development of the TRUFC Minis and Juniors section.

100 Mile Bike Ride Challenge - Saturday 24th April

We are now putting a list together of people intending to do the 100 miles bike ride.

So far we have Gary S, Craig B, John L, Michelle Fairclough, Terry Hughes, Mark Ruscoe, Lyndsey Carter, Sean Spillane and Mark Lysycia as confirmed with a number of others showing interest.

Virgin Trains who go from Penrith to Wigan direct say its company policy to only allow 4 bikes per train which means we may have to travel back in groups of 4 unless we can persuade Richard Branson to turn a blind eye.

We have a number of other options open to us, some of the cyclist are staying overnight either camping or B&B.  John Lee has offered to forfeit participation in the ride to enable him to be our back up vehicle and also to take the bikes home.  At this stage we would rather John do the bike ride with us but its another option if we get larger numbers than aniticipated so we can dump the bikes in his van all get the train home together.

Email me at stevensgary@hotmail.com or speak with Craig Bradbury asap to confirm your intentions.

Chernobyl 10km - Entry Information

Please note that it is 'very unlikely' you will be able to enter the Chernobyl 10km on the day according to Shoestring results.

You can still enter online and pick your number up on the day at http://www.shoestringresults.com/

Enter now to avoid a wasted journey.

Message from Clare Unsworth

Calling All Plodders!


"Hi all, just wanted to say that if there are any newbies reading or anyone who wants to come back but is worried about being left behind I'll be going to training on Tues night and will be run/walking the 3mile route (at 11min/mile + pace). Come and have a plod round with me and I'll make sure you're not last in cos that'll definately be me!"

A&T x-country – Blackpool 16 January 2010

We had another excellent turnout (18 runners) for the first x-country race of 2010

The overnight rain had washed away all the snow but not before the organizers took the decision to amend both the ladies & men’s courses due to treacherous conditions underfoot (better safe than sorry) So it was 3 medium laps for the ladies & 1 small & 4 medium laps for the men with not a hill in sight!

Our 5 ladies arrived in plenty of time for once so there was plenty of time to chat (& warm-up!) Sue Hopkins just got the better of Brenda to finish first A&T lady; both running well. Carole Baines & Michelle Fairclough came in next with solid runs followed by Helen Minshull who was making her debut on the country after her fantastic run on Boxing Day on the fells

Next it was the turn of the men; first A&T finisher (as usual) was Simon with another impressive run. Peter Mulleady set off hard with me (Mark Riches) & Shaun Moran in pursuit. Shaun, who had a fantastic run, pulled away from me with just over a lap to go & was the first to catch Pete, I caught Pete with about 400m to go & set off after Shaun but he was too strong & beat me in by 3 seconds. Pete held on & was followed home by the 2 other Marks (Ruscoe & Lysycia) respectively, who both ran well. Terry Gardiner & John Lee had a great battle with Terry just edging it by 9 seconds but John is improving all the time. Terry Hughes, Steve Foster & Marcus Taylor, who was making his debut, had solid runs. Craig Bradbury & Dave Ruscoe completed the line-up.

After Saturday’s race the Ladies have moved to the top of Division 3; the men remain 3rd & have extended their lead at the top of the vets Division 3

Next race is at Hyndburn on Saturday 13th February 2010 & we need another good turnout – see you all there

Link to photo's

4 Villages Half Marathon - By Matt Crompton

3 of the finest A&T runners made the trip to Helsby for the 4 Villages Half Marathon with John Foulds making his 10th appearance in this race. Steve Coleman had the best preparation possible taking my spare place at 10am yesterday. We met John there and swapped tales of great races, most involving massive hills or outlandish locations over a coffee. I have to admit i just stood and listened given my lack of war stories of me vs. the hills, roads etc. I think John nearly fell over when he saw Steve at a race at 9:30 am for an 11 am start!! Maybe this will be the start of a new trend, eh Steve? Fashionably early could well become the new fashionably just in time.

The race itself got away on time in near perfect conditions with just short of 2000 runners starting the race. The course was undulating and had a few tough hills on it, starting with a steady climb, a flat, another steady climb, gentle down hill,etc, im sure you get the picture. The worst point was (in my opinion) around the 9 to 10 mile point with a tough climb followed by a steep downhill section which made my feet feel like they were on fire. The last couple of miles were thankfully pretty much downhill giving opportunity for a fast finish.

Steve was first A&T runner home in an excellent 1:27:20 followed by ever consistent John in 1:36:01 and yours truly in 1:48:20, knocking 5 mins off my last half marathon.

Overall a well recommended race which is very well organised, scenic, quite tough and has beer in the goody bag at the end. Maybe one for the club calendar for next year.

Welsh Castle Relays - by Garry Baines

Dear All

Some of you may be aware of a relay race which takes place annually from Carnavon to Cardiff in Wales over a weekend in June. This year it's due to take place on 12th and 13th June. This event attracts teams from Europe and the New York Fire dept even entered a team a few years ago.

Basically the race consists of 20 legs (average around 10 miles per leg) from castle to castle in Wales. There is an overnight camping stop at Newtown. A different runner completes each leg for the team. There is a cut-off point for each leg - you need to be able to run 10 miles at 10 mins/mile pace or less.

Full details of the event can be seen in the link below.

The question I have is; Would A&T be interested in fielding a team in this year's event?

We would need 20 runners plus 2 or 3 substitutes. We would also need to sort out transportation.

Please e-mail me if you would interested in competing. If the response and interested numbers are positive, I would suggest appointing a Project Manager for the event who could oversee all the arrangements - volunteers welcome.

There are no conflcicting club or CLGP races on the weekend in question although I know a few of you are attemtping the Bob Graham challenge this year and I'm not sure on which weekend that falls.

Anyway let me know what you think?

Cheers
Garry

http://www.lescroupiersrunningclub.org.uk/castles/

4 Villages Half Marathon - By Matt Crompton

I've got a (free) spare place for the 4 Villages Half Marathon which is this Sunday at 11am. If anyone fancies it can you give me a call on 07736572429. Theres a free lift thrown in as well.

I've not ran this race before but i believe its a good one with a few good hills and it was full well before Christmas with just short of 2000 starting.
See link for any further details.
http://www.helsbyrunningclub.org.uk/halfmarathon/index.htm

Hope to see someone on Sunday!!

Cheers

Matt

Open Night - Tuesday 19th January

Hi All


We’re having another open night as we did last year next Tuesday. The following advert is in this week’s Journal & Reporter.

Thinking of getting fit in 2010? Why not try Astley & Tyldesley Road Runners.

The club has well over 100 members of all abilities ranging from walking/jogging to runners who race regularly. We have a great social side with numerous events organised throughout the year. We meet at 6.30pm Monday and Wednesday at Astley & Tyldesley Miners Welfare Club and Tuesday & Thursday at Atherton Train Station car park. We will be holding a free open night on Tuesday the 19th January. Come along and give us a try. For more information contact Pete on 07950 694024 or email peterm@f2s.com
So invite any family or friends who you think might be interested. Also if you want to help out on the night let me know.


Cheers
Pete

Coniston 14

For those who have entered or thinking of entering this is some information from the Race Organiser

Yes the race will go ahead, but just last night we have been able to announce that the we can use an alternative route for the race.

Damage to the bridge between Water Yeat and Nibthwaite during the floods in November has meant we have had to lengthen the course to make the circuit of Coniston Water. The race will continue beyond Water Yeat to Lowick, cross the bridge and turn back towards Nibthwaite. This will make the total distance 16.7 miles. There will be an extra water station at Nibthwaite.
Race records will be suspended for this year
The race will be called the 'Coniston 14 +
We will inform the secretary's of the running clubs and race magazines plus paste a notice on our web site.


We have chosen to do this rather then cancel and hope that all the runners will be up for the additional challenge.


Best Wishes
David Walmsley Coniston 14 committee

Blog Poll

Thank you to everyone who voted on last week's blog question about the Chernobyl 10km.

The results show that we should have a record turn out for the first road race of the season with 31 of you already entered, 4 intending to enter and 6 undecided.

Please take a few seconds to vote on this week's question.

A&T cross-country 16/01/10

All

The next race in the x-country champs is this Saturday at Lawson Ground, Blackpool (note change of venue)

This is a Mid Lancs race so please wear the number you wore at previous Mid Lancs races at Kendal and/or Burnley. If you didn't race at Kendal or Burnley then I will provide you with a number on the day

Start times - ladies 2:00 pm & men 2:30 pm

For those of you wanting to travel in convoy please be at Atherton train station ready to leave at 12:00 sharp

This is one of only 3 races left in the Club Champs & they are all in the Mid Lancs League. So lets have a 'big turnout' for the remaining races as we have got a great chance of securing back-to-back promotions in the Mid Lancs series (our ladies are currently 2nd in Division 3 & our men joint 3rd in Division 3 plus our male vets are leading Vets Division 3)

Travel directions & parking information

"Reach the area by leaving the M55 at junction 4 (signed North Shore) and taking the westbound A583. After about 2 miles turn right on to the A587 (signed zoo) Go straight over at the first traffic lights and bear right at a mini-roundabout on to East Park Drive (A587) At the second set of traffic lights carry straight on for the model village car park or turn right on to Lawson Road for Lawson Ground and street parking"

Postcode for Satnav FY3 9RS

Marathon Training Runs - By Matt Crompton

All,

There is a link on the "Training Days" part of the blog to some basic routes we can use for the marathon training on Tuesday/Thursday. They range from 7.9 to 12.35 miles. They are only a guide to get us going and it would be good to build on these so we have plenty to choose from. We can then either plan these in advance or decide on the night.

Intention is to increase the Tuesday run to 10/11 miles and the Thursday to 13 miles.

If you have any suggestions or requests for training routes then please let me know.

Leaving time from Central is 6:15 sharp for anyone who wants to join us.

Cheers Matt

Kenneth Moss

Sad news as regular Gin Pit racer Ken Moss died over the Christmas period aged 58. 

Ken was a regular winner of the V50 and V55 prizes representing the Northern Vets. 

In my time as race organiser i had brief coversations with him and he appeared to be a nice guy and very humble about his running qualities.  He also said how much he loved the Gin Pit course and the race.

I'm sure he will be missed by the athletics family.

Power of 10 Rankings

The 2009 rankings have now been published on the Power of 10 website, this shows the top 1000 runners in each age category, have you made it ??

There are a few new names added to the list but just to pick out some notable performances.

Paul Mannion 39th V35 5km
Simon Ford 165th V35 1/2 Marathon
Shaun Moran 40th V50 10 Mile
Peter Chan 43rd V45 Marathon
Arnold Melling 13th 5km, 12th 5 mile, 37th 10km

Click link below to see if you made it.

http://www.thepowerof10.info/athletes/athleteslookup.aspx?surname=&firstname=&club=astley

Marathon Training

Some of the Tuesday/Thursday who are training for Marathons will be meeting earlier from this week and increasing the mileage. New meet time is 6:15 pm at central station and we aim to get away sharpish so please make every effort to be there on time, or dare i say it a couple of minutes early!!

Given the everlasting snow there is no formal route planned for Tuesday but the plan is for 8 miles and then 10 for Thursday. If anyone has any ideas for any good runs then bring them along with you. The aim is to push the Thursday run to 13 miles and use it as the mid week long run.

Obviously you don't have to be training for a marathon to join in, so fingers crossed we get a good turn out from all.

Training - Monday 11th Jan

Hi All

Simon has been scouting about today and the roads at Volex are clear. So the plan tomorrow is 20x1 minute efforts at Volex unless there are any big changes in weather. We will be setting off from Gin Pit at 6.30pm.

Also a reminder that Tuesday & Thursday sessions this week will be from Atherton Train Station.

Cheers

Pete

New "Reason" to Join A&T

Congratulations to Mike reason and his wife on the birth of their son James.

Weight etc. (for the ladies) to follow.

Garstang 10km

If anyone has entered the Garstang 10km this Sunday then you need to know its been cancelled due to heavy snow, i believe its been postponed until 31/01/10

Monday Training - by John Lee

I came to training on Monday night for the first time since my knee operation April 2009.  Althought it was really tough and my legs are only just recovering i would like to thank Simon for the session and also the lads for all the encouragement.

Felt like the old days and i hope to be back again Monday for more punishment....legs permitting!

Saturday 18th December - Presentation Night (tickets available)

Starting at 7.30pm at the Miners Welfare Club, Gin Pit.

Presentation of Trophies & London Marathon Draw 8pm -9pm
Buffet 9pm - 9.30pm
Comedian 9.30pm - 10.30pm
Disco by Hopey - 10.30pm onwards
LATE BAR

Entertainment by Frankie Allan - Liverpool's Number 1 Comedian

. Liverpool born & bred and a professional for over 25 years. His quick mind will have your audience in hysterics with his fast off the cuff remarks and personality.

He gained his trade around the many clubs in the North of England. Following national exposure on the highly popular TV series, 'The Comedians'.

Frankie was a winner of 'Bob Monkhouse's - Opportunity Knocks and co-hosted Central Television's Live Programme which broadcast all over the Midlands for over a year.

Frankie has entertainment 'Her Majesty's Forces' in - Germany, the Gulf, and The Falkland Islands.

If you are coming please collect a ticket please request a ticket.

Halloween Spooktacular - Saturday 30th October

HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR

SATURDAY 30TH OCTOBER

DOORS OPEN AT 6.30PM

THE MONSTERS ARRIVE SHORTLY AFTER!

FAMILY'S WELCOME

EVERYONE ENCOURAGED TO DRESS UP IN FANCY DRESS

PRIZES FOR BEST DRESSED

KIDS GAMES

DISCO

'ALL DRINKS TO BE PURCHASED AT THE BAR'

"ENTERTAINMENT SUPPLIED BY 'HOPEY'"

Family Fun Night - Saturday 15th May

Astley & Tyldesley Road Runners

presents

"FAMILY FUN NIGHT"

At the Miners Welfare Club, Tyldesley

Doors open at 6.30pm

All drinks must be purchased from the bar

For Kids 6.30-8.30

Includes

Party Games

and

"So you think your kids can dance?"

Dancing competition for kids

1st Group kids under 1-7

2nd Group kids over 8 and over

PRIZES ON OFFER

For the Adults

"Astley & Tyldesley Road Runners does the X-Factor"

Karaoke competition with prize winners 

Plus Disco

Something new for 2010 - Make it a night to remember

Free Entry

For more info contact Gary Stevens on stevensgary@hotmail.com or 01942 799162

ALL ENTERTAINMENT PROVIDED BY PULSE ENTERTAINMENTS & TODDLERS 2 TEENS

.

Marathon Training

Hi All

Matt Crompton has kindly volunteered to organise some longer runs on Tuesday’s and Thursday’s for all the spring Marathon hopefuls. The plan next week is for an 8 mile Tuesday and 10 mile Thursday. He will be looking to start a bit earlier to finish at a similar time to the main group. You don’t have to be doing a marathon to take part, if you just fancy a longer run come along. If you want more details contact Matt on mattycrompton25@hotmail.com or 07736 572429.

Cheers

Pete

100 Mile Bike Ride Challenge - Saturday 24th April

100 CYCLING CHALLENGE

ATHERTON TO PENRITH (NORTH LAKES)

SATURDAY 24TH APRIL

Meeting at Atherton Train Station at 8am

 http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=3458718

We have now confirmed details of the 100 mile challenge and are now looking for volunteers/victims to take part in what should be a great day out.

Everyone is welcome and we will cater for all abilities, no one will be riding alone and as long as you are fit and healthy and have a road worthy bike you will get there is one piece.

The route we will be taking is down the A6 through Chorley, Preston, Garstang, Lancaster, Kendal, Windermere to Penrith.

There will be regular stops every 20-25 miles for drinks, food, toilet, etc

We should get to Penrith around tea time so hopefully we can find a good friendly pub for food and a few drinks before catching the 8pm train from Penrith direct to Wigan Wallgate.

We have decided to do the ride in memory of Angela Smith who recently died after a short battle with cancer.  Angela is Marie Moran's (Shaun's wife) sister and we are going to raise as much money as possible for Macmillan nurses who helped Angela through her illness.

I have created a justgiving page http://www.justgiving.com/astleycylcelakes

On a more serious note the riders safety is our biggest concern, all the riders must have decent bikes that have been serviced by a proper bike mechanic and that you have all the right equipment for the ride i/e helmet, cycling shorts, hi viz clothing, inner tube and pump.

Geoff Smith Cycles in Bolton charges £10.00 for a bike MOT, well worth it http://www.geoffsmithcycles.co.uk/

100 miles of cycling will require training and we have set up some good training rides starting Sunday 7th February which will test your body and bike to see if you are both up for the challenge.

Training Rides

http://astleyrunners.blogspot.com/2010/01/training-bike-rides.html

If you are interested we are now taking names, you can either email me on stevensgary@hotmail.com or speak with Craig Bradbury.

The train fare should be no more than £25.00 and we would like each cyclist to try and raise some money through sponsorship so we can reach our £500.00 target.

Keep posted to the blog for more information.

Blog Poll

I am going to run the blog poll on a trial basis for a few weeks to see the response, my opinion is people don't take it all that serious and put in silly replies like on the poll "What should be our next social event" getting 35 people wanting a pub crawl and actually 5 men, 3 women and a dog turning up!! but seriously please vote but try to be honest as the committee see it and it can have a bearing on club decisions.

Gary S.

REMINDER *Curry Night along with a quiz, karaoke and music*

Thanks to those who have already responded. I need to finalise numbers with the caterers so please call/text me as soon as possible on 07866 227294 or email sharonandwarren@tiscali.co.uk.

Date: Saturday 16 January

Venue: Miners' Welfare, Gin Pit Village

Doors open at 7.30 pm until midnight

Menu:
Chicken curry and rice
Naan bread
Samosa
Popadoms, red onions, salad and sauces

Vegetarian option:
Mixed vegetable curry
Chick peas and potatoes

Cost to members: free of charge

Cost to non members: £5

Training - Written by Pete Mulleady

10 hardy souls managed to make their way through the snow to training at Gin Pit last night. A special well done to Suzanne, Dave C & Josie for making it. I suspect they never thought we would really run in those conditions but now they know different! We decided to run on the trails rather than the roads. A couple of the guys had head torches but we didn’t really need them as the visibility was fine. We even picked up some Bear Grylls tips from Suzanne, the trick is to wear certain items of clothing on the outside!! Can’t wait for some more tips next time! Anyway we did a 4.5 mile loop and nobody fell. It was a bit harder work than normal running but good fun. Conditions permitting we’ll do something similar on Thursday.

I’ll be covering the Tuesday and Thursday sessions from now on. We’ll do sessions from 2 miles walking/jogging right up to high mileage for those who are doing marathons this year. Let me know what you want to do and we’ll do it. Nobody will be left on their own. So if there are specific things you want to do let me know beforehand otherwise we’ll decide on the night. You can contact me on 07950 694024 or email peterm@f2s.com

Have fun in your running, it’s what it’s all about!

Pete

Wednesday 6th January Training

Hi All


Simon has been down to the sports village and it is a bit snowbound so training tonight will be from Gin Pit. Not sure what the session will be, Simon will decide tonight.

Cheers

Pete

100 Mile Bike Ride Challenge - Saturday 24th April

Myself and a few equally insane cyclist are planning a challenge for 2010 in which we are going to cycle 100 miles in a day.

We are in the early days of planning but its very likely we will be cycling from Atherton to the Lake District and then returning home the same day on the train.

We will set off around 8am and take it steady all the way with stops every 25 miles, probably work our way down the A6 before taking a scenic route around the Lakes.

Anyone can come along including our friends from Leigh Harriers and we will cater for all abilities.

If you are interested please let me know on stevensgary@hotmail.com or you can speak with Craig Bradbury at training, i will update with more information in the next few weeks regarding cost and we will need at least one volunteer to follow us in a car in case of any breakdowns or accidents.

Bike Rides - Sunday 3rd January and Sunday 10th Janaury

Due to the dangerous conditions we have decided to cancel the above bike rides.

We will now wait until February before arranging any more rides

Anita Webb's 40th Birthday Party - Saturday 30th January 7.30 - UPDATE

Anita's Justgiving page is

http://www.justgiving.com/anita-webb-jones

Anita Webb has invited everyone to her 40th Birthday Party on Saturday 30th January 7.30pm at the Gin Pit Miners Welfare Club.

This is also a fundraiser for Wigan and Leigh Hospice so instead of presents Anita would like charitable donations.  To do this you can give cash or write a cheque on the night and she is also trying to do a justgiving page which hopefully should be on the blog soon.

Hot and cold food will be provided and there is also a disco and raffle.

Hope to see as many people as possible to what should be a good social event.

Training

Happy New Year All
Just a reminder that training is back to normal times next week.

Monday 4th Jan is AT THE TRACK

And as  it’s the first week of the month Tuesday and Thursday sessions will be from Gin Pit

Cheers

Pete