jez

Founder member of Sotonia, passes away, aged 91

Barbara Braithwaite, a founder member of Sotonia CC, passed away on Monday, 29th July. The funeral is on Thursday, 8th August, at 10:00am at the West Chapel, Southampton Crematorium.

Barbara was a lifelong cyclist, being a member of Solent & District RC., a constituent club when Sotonia CC was formed in the late 1960's. She set a number of VTTA age standards for Vets. One still stands in the current VTTA Handbook, of a 1.:32.:45 for 25 miles at the age of 80.

She was also a keen cycle-tourist, and her exploits over the years would fill a book. She will be remembered for a long time.

by jez

Calling the club's lady riders: series of women's events in 2013

The Bournemouth & District Womens Cycling Association was formed many years ago when women were not permitted to race with the men. The Association promoted and encouraged cycling for women at a time when it was a male dominated sport. The Association is still run by a committee of Ladies from various clubs in the South D C and it is affiliated to CTT.

Over the years, the B&DWCA has evolved from promoting ladies only club and open time trials, to now having all events open to both men and women. However, the various points and distance competitions are only open to women from Clubs whom are affiliated to the Association (which Sotonia CC is).

The club time trials are extremely informal and friendly, although adhering to CTT regulations. They also run reliability rides and have a social calendar.

A list of the 2013 seasons events is set out in the posting on the Sotonia Forum (for Sotonia members) however if you are interested in participating or would like more information, please give Mary Corbett a call on 07837 551768 or email mary.corbett7@btinternet.com

by jez

Poole man takes Sotonia Open 25, May 18th 2013

It was was you were in the Sotonia CC 25 held on the P128 course west of Southampton, with Poole based James Gilfillan (Velo Refined) claiming his second win in the event to follow up his 2012 success.

Despite a poor weather forecast earlier in the week, the day dawn overcast but dry with only a slight westerly breeze and with the sun coming our once the event had started it was a pleasant Spring day for the small but quality field. The course uses a circuit which is covered there times taking in a variety of both single and dual carriage way roads, which were fairly quiet on this Saturday morning. Despite the good weather, some riders described the conditions as 'sticky' with no real help in any direction.

Gilfillan's winning time was a little slower than last yearâ??s 53.52, coming home in 54.25 this time. Second placed Andy Bryson (Peter Hansford Racing Team) enjoyed better luck than 2012 when he had mechanical trouble and this time finished in an impressive 55.16, with Simon Berogna (Velo Club St Raphael) making up the top three in 56.27.

First veteran was a previous winner and regular supporter of the event, Ray Hughes (Clarence Wheelers CC) who this time finished fourth in 56.54, whilst the first lady home was the promoting club's Jenny Hill who improved over two and half minutes to record 1.06.29.

However, possibly the biggest star of the day was Sotonia CCs Phil Connell who got up especially early to go out and sign the course (no small undertaking!) and still had enough energy to take 1.24 off his personal best, posting a fine 1.02.42. What a fine example to all!

by jez