Dr. Bike to Note

Seen at St. Helier Hospital last friday a crude conversion in "Wood" to add a child's seat. Innovative no doubt I just hope that the black insulation tape is strong enough to hold and does not produce any electrifying results for rider and passenger. What would Shirley Quemby have to say if the modified bicycle appeared at Dr. Bike?

Toni & Godfrey's Demise

Having been shocked by the effects of poor Toni & Godfrey's miss hap I took these two pictures of what I believe are the 3 bollards very strategically placed on the Sutton Bypass cycle track as one approaches downhill from Cheam crossroads to Gander Green Lane while going to St. Helier Hospital last Friday.

Cyclists beware they appear to be designed to kill though no doubt the Highways Department will have a good explanation as to why they are there???? I believe that representatives of our DA are taking this matter up with Sutton Council as well they should. They do not appear to represent a separation zone or to serve any useful purpose!

Beginners Saturday Ride 21 May 11

News of Toni & Godfrey. Within a mile of the start of the all day ride to London last Saturday Toni came into contact with a bollard on the Sutton Bypass cycle track, came down heavily wrecked his Titanium Raleigh bike and his very expensive new glasses only to be followed by Godfrey who ended up dislocating his shoulder. Both ended up in Hospital Toni with 3 stitches under his eye. No serious harm has been done and both are recovering but will not be out on the bike for a while. Godfrey is waiting for an orthopaedic consultation in two weeks time and Toni will have his stitches out in 2 or 3 days both are feeling very sore. We wish them a speedy and full recovery.

The CTC Conversion to Charity - Outcome of Vote

The CTC - born 1878 - died 2011

Dear All,

At the CTC AGM last Saturday, the outcome of the vote on the changes to the CTC Memorandum and Articles of Association was a large majority in favour of the motion. This means that the CTC will be proceeding with arrangements to convert the CTC into a full charity.

Although the voting took place last Saturday at the AGM the CTC has not released the full voting figures. They have said only that over 11,000 members voted, of whom 88.3% supported conversion.

Of this 11,000 I understand from other sources that 5,439 voted for the motion and 4,184 left the Chairman to decide for them. The Chairman held 1,212 proxy votes against the motion. Votes + proxies in the room were 72 for and 73 against. Bottom line seems to be:

• For: 9,695
• Against: 1,285
• Abstentions: 206
  

This means that of an approximate membership of 62,000 (subject to amendment), 51,000 failed to vote - a turnout of about 18%.

Members across the country will now have to decide what their personal response is to this significant change to the CTC as a membership organisation for cyclists and what choices they have. I'm sure that we shall be considering those options.

Jeff

IOW Randonnee 1st May 2011

Carolyn John & me en route. This year the route was anti-clockwise but Graham & Gill Holder were seen in a clockwise mode. I like people who are unconventional and do their own thing well done! Mark & Maggie did it in Tandem in around six hours so well done to them also. This was my first try and I hope to repeat it next year. It was great riding with John & Carolyn and I hope that next year young sister will make it also.
Having stayed with daughter Natalie in Cows I saw the Cunard Flagship QM2 leaving Southampton from my Red Funnel as I set off home to Walton via Redhill station but due to a track side fire my 3 hr journey took me 7hrs by train via Brighton!

New Baby

Pictures of Lorraine McDonnell's new baby, they were taken on 20th March soon after his birth. Lorraine was a regular rider with the beginners group on Saturday
From David Salmon