Clifton CC

Okay, two days to go and am I worried.....? A.N.Other is still driving one of the cars for the vets race in the list above, so I still need one volunteer driver. Expenses will be paid. You get a great view of the race and an excuse to tuck in to what will doubtless be impressive refreshments at HQ.

You never know what weird ideas may kick in when you hit your sixties and seventies and if one of them turns out to be "hell, I'm going road racing!" then you can do so with a clear conscience knowing you've already put something into the sport. C'mon folks!

Just to add to Phil's post above for those that might wonder what is involved.

I volunteered as a driver at last night's NYERRL Road Race around Eskrick so I thought I'd pass on experience.

I'd never driven at an event before but it was all very straightforward. If you haven't got BC Membership it's a 5 min job to join online then give the organiser your membership number, vehicle and personal details so they get you on the BC Insurance. You get your fuel cost paid for.

Turn up in plenty of time and the organisers will equip your vehicle with a VHF radio and some magnetic signage, and that's it for prep. Grab a coffee and mingle with the riders until the start.

Last night there were 4 vehicles; 2 riding shotgun out front, 1 protecting the front of the peleton and 1 at the rear of the race. The aim of the vehicles is to protect the race from other roadusers, mainly by making the race very visible. But also the vehicles carry the Commissaires. So you may be alone or may have company in your vehicle. The Commissaire may instruct vehicles to slot in different places in the group if there's a breakaway group. You don't have to worry about stopping traffic etc as there are Traffic Management professionals on hand for that, although a little 'persuasion' for oncoming vehicles to slow down is sometimes called for.

Last night they reserved the best seat in the race for me! I was in 'Lead 3', which meant I was driving right in front of the peleton and saw the whole race (in my rear view mirror!) from start to finish. You get running commentary on action over the radios from the Commissaire, who rides in the rear vehicle and get to see all the attacks and action at the front of the race.

I'd encourage everyone to get involved in helping out at events, just make an effort to help out at 1 event per year and it'll help massively. You get to learn about the sport and it really is very little hassle on the day and all the riders are very grateful for helping to make their event happen.

Well done to Rich and Co last night for putting on an extremely slick and professional event.

I can't drive but if any of the other non-driving helpers can, I could take their place if they want to transfer up to car duties?

...what Tullio said really - plus it's even simpler for the vets race on Sunday as no BC membership is required (sadly you don't get the thrill of radio either - LVRC radios would probably have glowing valves on them anyway) but you still get the best seat in the house for watching the race.

Hi Phil, I'm racing Sunday as you know. But the missus would be willing to do following car if you get desperate. Can she follow the A/B race if needed please I might need a sticky bottle at some point

Comes to something when a club with as many members as Clifton have to get outside help really, buy hey we're all in it together.

You looked pretty handy last night Darren in your lone breakaway. I liked your tactic of going the opposite way to the others too..that really confused them.

Tullio wrote:You looked pretty handy last night Darren in your lone breakaway. I liked your tactic of going the opposite way to the others too..that really confused them.

Did you like my tactic of lap out for pint of beer and packet of crisps

Just to echo what Greg said really - if one of the other marshals is okay to drive then I'm also happy to take their place at the side of the road.

Phil, I'm happy to help. I've sent a PM with details

We're there! Now have:-

A/B lead car - Melly
A/B following car - Gavin
C/D lead car Muzzy
C/D following car - Neil
E/F/G/H lead car - Damian
E/F/G/H following car + first aiders - Cam

...and I am avoiding eating two large trays of The Good Food Shop's chocolate biscuit cake, which are sat atop the box of race numbers borrowed from our circuit race squad.

Many thanks to all who are coming along to make the race happen. Game on!

"...You looked pretty handy last night Darren in your lone breakaway. I liked your tactic of going the opposite way to the others too"

It gave me the opportunity to solemnly announce "oncoming Darren Bendelow" on the race radio. Won't tell you what Julie Rodman said....

Does that mean Andy and I are surplus to requirements?

It's (almost) always handy to have spare bodies around - especially at the finish for judging purposes - but all of the essential jobs are allotted for the morning. If Cam needs people for the afternoon (or if you've already contacted him about doing specific things) then I'm sure he'll post on here. Many thanks to both of you for offering.