BOTH A and B sections of the club were out last Sunday.

The early starting B section decided on a flatish ride out to Southport with the highest point on the route out being Parbold Hill which is only about 300 feet above sea level.

It does though give me a splendid panoramic view of the Lancashire plain. With the miles slipping by quickly it was decided to take the longer route out through Ormskirk.

On the ride John Yates produced from his pocket a toy sheep which his sons Adam and Simon had bought for him as a memento of his being brought off his bike by a real life version of this stupid animal. The later starting A section took the regularly used route out over Belmont moors to Briscoll and then on to Chorley.

Only Adrain Smith competed at the first of this years ACT meetings at the Velodrome. He opened his account of points with a third in the devil and getting through to the final of the 750 metres sprint. In this event he was able to match the speed of winning Finnish visitor Terie Tho.

Its almost eight years sine Phil Collins became our club's first competitor at the newly built velodrome. This year he is not competing in the tract leagues so that he can focus on riding Audax events. He does, however, intend to return to this branch of our sport which he has done so much to foster amongst other members of the club.

TANDEM RIDING

CLUB FOR THE

VISUALLY

HANDICAPPED

ARRANGEMENTS were made for six tandem pairs for last Sunday's ride to Uppermill which lies on the route of the River Tame and close to the Pennine Chain to the east of Oldham.

The intentions of two pairs were thwarted and only four pairs came together for the ride. One of these was trainee front rider Charlie Scullion, a Scot, living in Bolton and he demonstrated his toughness by turning up in shorts.

It will be interesting to see if he rides similarly attired again during the weeks of winter that lie ahead. Unlike the previous week the temperature was above freezing point but the dampness of the day meant that there was a chilling factor.

Visually handicapped rider, Derek Pritchard was paired with Radcliffe resident John Cameron who has now completed his training. This Sunday's ride is to Hebden Bridge. Meet Tottington HQ at 9.15am.