This November marks the end of the Club's 125th year since it was formed as the Maidenhead Wanderers back in 1881. We've seen some major changes over the years as cycling has ebbed and flowed in popularity, but have always managed to keep the pedals turning thanks to the efforts of our members. This year has been no exception, with a healthy turnout at the Thursday evening 10s ably supported by Peter Bell, Malcolm Brewer, Tony Deadman and myself. We had some visitors from Japan one week and they asked why we did it - it was hard to explain that it was for fun, and not a commercial enterprise. Special thanks to Peter for his idea of the table that has helped cope with the signing on, and arriving early to ensure that the signs are in place.
On a personal note, I've been accepted as an assistant timekeeper for open events and joined the CTT district committee. This also means that I'll be representing you at the national AGM in December - apparently a novelty as I'm under 75. You may have seen me out on my bike occasionally too; this is after all a cycling club! I finally climbed Windsor Hill in under 3 minutes, though the happiness was somewhat tempered by also being the first year I've been taken by my minute-man. More miles next year...
The committee has had a quiet year, with no major issues to resolve. There were a couple of minor disappointments with the early season 'Border 15' open not getting registered with the CTT, and the long lead time on the clothing. The 15 should be back this coming year on Sunday 15th April - I've got the chit from the LWDC! On a more positive note, all the competitors enjoyed the hastily organised 1km sprint and we hope to run it again. The riders may be less keen to hear that we've also had two new hill-climb courses approved - Quarry Wood Road (the switchback from Marlow to Cookham Dean) and Burroughs Grove Hill (the old A road from Marlow Bottom to Handy Cross). This means that the championship will be decided on an aggregate time from all three hills next year.
In performance terms we can look back on a year of outstanding success from our racing members. John Woodburn has once again taken up the challenge of the Rudy Project series and been rewarded with both the national veterans championship, and set a new 30-mile record in his age group. He has also made time to coach Danuta Tinn who is now becoming recognised as a challenger at a national level. Meanwhile David Marshall has been active on Thursdays, notably being feted with champagne after finally cracking the 21-minute barrier. These are only a small selection of the national and personal goals achieved this year. Congratulations to you all, and good luck for 2007.
The Club's membership has risen to 49 members.
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| Veteran | Senior | Juv. | Unknown | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||