Taunton Vale Cycle Racing Association
Ilton training starts next week (Thurs 4th April) at the Merryfield Airfield at 19:00, signing on for 18:45. The sessions continue on Thursdays throughout the season (apart from 2nd & 16th May, 6th 20th and 27th June, 11th July and 8th August which are either race evenings or when the circuit is in use), finishing sometime in September by which time it is getting too dark and everyone is too tired! Its £35 for the year for Seniors, £25 for under 18’s, £15 for under 16’s and £50 for a family. NB – if paid by the 1st April there is a £10 reduction on these prices. Anyone who wishes to attend should complete the application form and return with a cheque, payable to Taunton Vale Cycle Racing Association, for the appropriate amount to Mike Smith (address on the form).
These sessions are a great opportunity in a friendly, supportive and traffic-free environment, to acquire the skills and confidence required for participating in road races . Although the airfield perimeter track is relatively flat it is also lacking in shelter from the wind and weather and the sessions are a tough workout. As the main intention is to give everyone the opportunity of practicing their bunch riding skills, it is quite permissible to take a short-cut down the runways to regain the bunch if you get dropped. There are normally two groups – one more eyeballs-out than the other – so you can choose how hard a kicking you want! There is a programme of open races on the airfield throughout the season in addition to the training sessions and an ever popular 4-up team time trial evening which is usually followed up with a curry at the local hostelry. The 4-up is on June 20th this year.
