Marshals, helpers, drivers for the Veteran's National Champs

[PhilBixby]

Some years back I noticed posters encouraging people of my age (ie over 50) to exercise more - you know, get off the sofa and walk to the TV instead of using the remote, or some similar unchallenging activity. My determination to prove that much more was possible has fuelled my determination to keep racing way into old age if possible, and furthermore to encourage others to do the same. Which is an introduction to...

I'm organising this year's League of Veteran Racing Cyclists National Championships for the 60+ age groups, which will take place on Sunday 10th May. We'll be using the same Sheriff Hutton - Stillington circuit which we used for our club RR last year, and will have Sheriff village hall as race HQ. The races start at 10:00 (there are actually two events run concurrently - a 60-64yo race and a 65yo+ race) and should be over by 12-ish, with prizegiving to follow.

We will have professional traffic management and fist-aiders, but I still need some help in the shape of:-
- Help with signing-on and dishing out race numbers at HQ, and then judging the finish at the finish line
- People with a car to drive lead and following cars for the two races (so four drivers in all). You get a big "Cycle Race Approaching" sign and the opportunity to drive along flapping your right arm at all and sundry.
- People to pair up with the Traffic Management fellas to control each junction. You get instruction in what to do, and the power to stop traffic, legally, with a big "Road Closed" sign. I'm told it's hugely satisfying, plus you get a very up-close view of the race.

LVRC or Vets racing is great fun and truly inspiring - these fellas don't hang around and for any of us hoping to still be cycling into our latter years, it really warms yer cockles. Plus you'll get a voucher giving you afternoon tea for two at Your Bike Shed. Orderly queue, please. Thankyou!

(Also posted on the Racing & Training forum, but it would be really great to see some faces from outside the usual race crew suspects).

[craigdabrown]

Hi Phil

Not one of the usual race crew suspects, as such, but happy to help/marshal again.

For anyone who hasn't helped out at these events before, I can confirm that it is a simple and rewarding way to put something back into the Club and everything is extremely well organised on the day, in conjunction with the Traffic Management Team, so you do not need any previous marshaling experience.

Craig

[PhilBixby]

Many thanks, Craig - marshalling would be great!

You've also saved me bumping this back tot he top of the forum - with four weeks to go to the event I still need:-
3 drivers with cars
3 marshals to work with the traffic management lads
1 helper for signing-on and finish judging

Come on people - four hundred members and I have to go back to LVRC and say "sorry, we can't run the Nationals because club members won't put in half a day's time..."?

[timj]

I could Marshall Phil

[PhilBixby]

Good man, Tim!

C'mon folks - nearly fifty entrants so far in the 60-69 age group and a dozen over-70's. The smell of embrocation will stay with you for weeks!

3 drivers with cars
2 marshals to work with the traffic management lads
1 helper for signing-on and finish judging

..and counting!

[Cam B]

Sorry Phil ...can't help I'm afraid as I'm racing (not in this one I hasten to add!). Come on everyone...it's quite inspiring watching these vets still trying to rip each others legs off. It's the Tour of Yorkshire the previous w/e isn't it so no doubt your appetite will be suitable whetted and you will want to see more exciting road racing at first hand!

[IanH]

Hi Phil, I'll be able to help Marshall (if I'm back from the previous days 300k).

Ian H

[PhilBixby]

Woohoo! Good man (mind you, you should be riding this event, although possibly not the day after a 300k Audax...). So, now we need:-

2 drivers with cars
1 helper for signing-on and finish judging...

Just to confirm:- I'll be in touch with all of you a week or so before the event with details of what's happening, where to meet, etc. And your Your Bike Shed vouchers will be waiting for you on the day!

[Broom Wagon]

I'll do whatever is required though may fall asleep at the wheel or roadside after doing the Wiggy 300 the day before.

[PhilBixby]

I'll buy you a stiff espresso from the mobile catering van before the off and you'll be fine! How can you not drive the broomwagon?

Right - we're down to needing...

1 driver with car
1 helper for signing-on and finish judging...

[PhilBixby]

That's the front and back of the race convoy dealt with then, given Melly's offer on the other thread, so now we just need:-

1 helper for signing-on and finish judging...

[PhilBixby]

Okay, just over a week to go, and in the traditional Clifton arrangement we're just about sorted, albeit with a few extra grey hairs! The team for the day looks like:-

Signing on - me and Tim Jackson

Drivers:-
E Race lead car Muzzy
E Race broomwagon John Savage
F/G/H lead car Melly
F/G/H broomwagon Broomwagon!

Marshals:-
TM 1- Sheriff roundabout - Tim Jackson (quick dash up the road after signing on, fit lad)
TM 2 - Farlington exciting bridge - Martin W
TM 3 - Stillington - Ian Hagyard
TM 4 - Moxby Lane - Dave I'Anson
TM 5 - Cricket club - Craig Brown

Many thanks to all. There will be Your Bike Shed afternoon tea vouchers for all and petrol money for the drivers. And the heartwarming gratitude of the LVRC, who will remember you when you get older

I've got the HQ (Sheriff Hutton village hall) booked from 8am and signing-on starts at 9am. If anyone is able to arrive early-ish to help with setting out the signage then that would be very much appreciated. Races head off at 10, and both are five-and-a-bit laps so I'm guessing will take just a bit over two hours, depending on what the old fellas have put on their cornflakes. Prizegiving (with medals! And jerseys!!! ) will follow as soon as we've sorted the results. We're not providing refreshments but the catering van which does the NYERRL events will be there doing good coffee and cake. Bring some change.

Please can all of you either text me on 07875 570476 (so I have your mobile number for the day) or email me on my first name at constructiveindividuals dot co dot uk so I know you've got all the info you need, and I'll see you bleary-eyed on the 10th!

Lastly... ...if anyone else is out and about on race day and fancies helping me make sense of the finish - especially if you're competent at using the video function on your phone, then please come along - around about noon I'll be just west of Farlington looking stressed. Ta!

[PhilBixby]

Many, many thanks to all the drivers and marshals who enabled today's LVRC National Champs road race to go ahead. I got lots of feedback at the end, all of which was unreservedly positive, so thank you all for your part in that.

Enjoy the afternoon tea at Your Bike Shed! (Tip:- decide carefully whether to take your nearest and dearest along while they're showing the Giro live on big screen TV, or some other - more romantic - time.... )