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This past weekend, nearly 100 cyclists from local clubs gathered for the much-anticipated KWCC Reliability Ride 2024. Riders keen to test their bikes and winter training (or lack of) joined for an adventure that tested their ability determination in some wet conditions.

The 2024 edition offered two routes, catering to different skill levels and preferences, with riders dividing into three speed groups. The previous night’s rain made for some interesting sections of road (or river crossings) put the term ‘reliability’ to the ultimate test. Everyone remained keen to complete, hiking fields, riding and wading through water to complete both the shorter and longer routes.

The day was not just about the ride; it was a celebration of the cycling community’s solidarity and generosity. After conquering the routes, participants were greeted with warm smiles, a much-needed cup of tea, and an assortment of homemade cakes, providing a perfect end to a memorable day.

Most importantly, the event was organised in memory of Denis Witt, a member of Kenilworth Wheelers who sadly passed away the previous year. In Denis’ memory the event organised more than £540 donated to these two charities:

• Motor Neurone Disease Association
• Air Ambulance UK

As we reflect on the 2024 KWCC Reliability Ride, we’re reminded of the power of community and the enduring spirit of cyclists. Together, we’ve not only faced the elements but also made a meaningful difference in the lives of others. A heartfelt thank you to all participants, volunteers, and supporters who made this event a remarkable success.

You can see a short compilation of videos from the ride here: KWCC Reliability Ride 2024

29th November marked the KWCC 2023 annual general meeting and took place in That Gin Place, Warwick.

It was great to see 30% of the club in attendance with members covering the full range of cycling and social interests across the club. Along with the usual celebrations of 2023 activity, committee elections and discussions around plans for 2024 we also held our annual awards ceremony.

Awards

TT – Champion	John Stather 22.27 for the K10/10F
Road Race – Male	Mac McGready Age cat National Handicap Champs 7th overall 1st F-Cat
Road Race – Female	Sara Northover
Crit Champion	Dennis Gorman BC Warwick town – 3rd + Banbury Star – 3rd
CX – Male	Andy Owen 5th V50
CX – Female	Abigail Lister 1st in Cat after 9 of 13
MTB – Friday Night Summer Series	Andy Owen 6th overall
MTB – Orienteering	Alistair Landels 3rd in the British Long champs (in Mens-50)
Half Wheel	Richard Holden
Boy Scout of the year	Helen Lang
Most improved – Male	John Murphy
Most improved – Female	Suzanne Brown
Audax	Will Adams
Best race report	Mac McGready
Club Member (Dennis Witt award)	Jonathan Davies

Last Saturday was the 3rd edition of the British Gravel Championships aka The King’s Cup Gravel which took place in the Kings Forest just north of Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk. Our Andy Owen took on this race and here is his race report.

The Senior Men’s and Women’s races were first up with some big names competing, Connor Swift (Ineos Grenadiers) was favourite for the Men’s title but got beaten on the line by GB rider Joe Blackmore.

The Masters race kicked off from 3:30pm, it was hot waiting on the exposed start line for the younger of the masters to start, then my new age group, the M50’s were off to a flying start to get first into the pinch point of the forest entrance. 4 laps of 15.3km then pursued over a mixed, dry terrain of gravel, sand and very bumpy hard packed soil. I managed to stay in the lead group of around 15 riders for 3 laps but then got stuck behind a couple of ‘technically challenged’ riders before entering the 400m grassy start/finish field where a group of 7 opened the taps and pulled clear of the rest of us leading into the forest for the final time.

I had to go super deep for a couple of km’s solo to chase back on, eventually did and was rewarded with the group sitting up and some much needed recovery! We were now 8 and I thought that was it, I would take 8th as a minimum…. but no, racing’s not that straight forward, we got caught by the chasing group with half a lap to go and it got really sketchy with everyone jostling for a position near the front. We all knew that there’s a short, punchy, gnarly climb in the last km which was key to come over the top first in order to tackle the following technical sandy descent and sharp left-hander into a single track section which prevented overtaking. Somehow I found myself slung out the top of the climb in 5th and there was no way I was giving that position up, so another red line effort to hold off the rider behind into the fast finishing area, empty the tanks and cross the line in 5th.

The whole event was great from when I arrived to camp on Friday afternoon to the post race beer and banter. There’s also a 40km and 100km Gran Fondo on Sunday and live music Saturday night so it’s a fantastic weekend in a stunning area, would be great to see more Wheelers at these gravel events, come on give it a try!