Colvelo 2016 recap…

So as 2017 begins it seems fitting to gather thoughts on the previous year for Colvelo. There were a number of highlights to reflect on, as the club continues to establish itself both locally and beyond! The list below is by no means exhaustive, it’s simply a recap on the best parts of the year just passed.

Membership

The number of Colvelo riders grew in 2016, a big plus for us being one of the fringe clubs in the area, and given there is a finite pool of riders. Colvelo members also participated in a big range of riding; cyclo-cross racing, time-trials, hill climbs and Audaxes. The club also offers second claim membership to any curious members of other local or far-flung clubs, to compliment the riding they do already. More information can be sought on the social media channels or colvelo@outlook.com.

Coffee and Canvas

An idea spawned by club stalwart Andy Colsell, combining the three elements which define the club – sociable rides on great roads, powered by good coffee (cans of Old Speckled Hen have also been consumed on occasion!). This has been a success on many fronts, drawing new members to a shorter distance and condensed ride format, allowing Saturday riders to recover from the previous day’s exertions or the more ambitious to tag some extra kilometres either before or after.

Monument rides

The four staple Colvelo rides – Ronde van Anglia, Colchester-Swaffham-Colchester, Reverse Dynamo and Anglian Echappee. These amounted to over 1,000km combined and were completed by four plucky heroes/idots (delete as appropriate), rewarded by glory and a green T-shirt depicting the achievement. These rides underpin the club ethos, long days out, camaraderie, sausage rolls and more often than not, a beer to underline the effort. The format is subject to some tweaks in 2017, watch this space…

Bike jumble

In November the club hosted it’s first Bike Jumble in conjunction with the Waiting Room, a community space which gives a platform for local musicians, artists, chefs and more. This gave would-be Del Boys the chance to sell their unwanted bike related clutter (most likely to fund their next build!). The day was an unqualified success, with all pitches selling out and good attendance. The event brought together local club riders, everyday cyclists and intrigued passers-by. Be sure to keep an eye out for the next jumble.

Adventure

As much as we love exploring East Anglia, sometimes further shores beckon. 2016 saw a variety of club trips which included a long weekend around Loch Assynt in Scotland, followed by two consecutive weekends running the annual club trip to the Lynn Peninsula, Wales. There have also been a number of great transit rides to places such as Norwich, in particular a route which touches the Broads before skirting back west into the city for the train home. In 2017 this theme will continue, as well as looking for adventures which don’t drain both the wallet and annual leave allowance!

With the aim of retaining interest for what promises to be a couple of cold and wet months ahead, a communique will follow in the next few weeks as to club plans for 2017, including monument dates and potential trips! Keep an eye out on social media and your email inbox for this.

Words by Liam Hendry