Waltham Chase MCC News - February 2021
We now have a better understanding of when the Covid restrictions will be eased so can now start to move forward with our plans for the rest of the year.
However, there is the caveat that if government restrictions are imposed again all our plans may change, and as a reminder, for the foreseeable future at “Waltham Chase” all existing “Covid” restrictions remain in place, there is no on the day entry, and no spectators will be admitted until after 17th May.
It would be all too easy to “ease off” now and mess things up for the future.
Practice Trial – Hut Hill 13th March - CANCELLED.
Practice Trial – Oakridge Copse 27th March – CANCELLED.
Thank Goodness It’s Friday – Club Practice Trials - 2nd April and 30th April.
These will be at either Hut Hill or Oakridge, depending on how much contractor’s equipment is currently stored in the car park at Hut Hill.
The contractors will finally move out by the end of April so Hut Hill will be back on the Waltham Chase map.
Good Friday is possibly not the best of dates, but after lockdown it will just be good to get on the bikes again.
Youth members are advised to book early to secure a ride for these Practice sessions, as we then have three “Open” Trials that will not be suitable for our younger riders.
Members will be notified by email as soon as the entry is “open”.
Potential new “Observers” are invited to come along to this event for an “Observing Practice” session. We have a couple of volunteers who will ride practice sections to be practice marked, using the various “failure” scenarios.
If you would like to get involved with Observing, please advise by email.
Observers for Upcoming Open Events
We have three “Open” Trials scheduled during April and May and need to confirm that we have Observers available in advance of opening the entry for each event.
There is no hiding place! All Club members need to do their bit! Can you please volunteer ASAP by email (Not Facebook please) if you are able to help at one or more Trial?
Riders who provide an Observer are guaranteed a ride. All Observers being paid £20.00 expenses.
The Francis Family Trial – Bunny Lane – 11th April
This adult only OTC trial is being held by way of a memorial event for Mark and Ken Francis, two local Trials legends. Members will appreciate the significance of the venue and we plan to make this a special day for the family. We also hope to see three members from the Francis dynasty competing.
There will be some “Legacy Awards”- old trophies with history, donated by the Family.
The entry, which is restricted to 70 adult riders, will open on Wednesday 10th March. Full details will be published on the ACU website in the event Supplementary Regs.
Parking can be a problem at Bunny Lane, so please consider doubling up.
This Trial will be run over 3 laps of 12 sections in and around the “pit” to help maintain “social distancing”.
The Dick Hoyles – Ham Lane – 18th April
Our first outing to Ham Lane in over 15 years, a super venue with some challenging sections – with lots of hills for this “Open” Trial.
All riders who had their entry cancelled for the original NYE Dick Hoyles will have a 24-hour window for priority booking, a small gesture in view of the £3.00 cancellation fee incurred. You do need to re-book – it is not an automatic entry.
We are still looking for a “scaffolder” to build a low bridge at the venue? Any offers or suggestions appreciated.
The George Greenland – Manor Farm, Langrish 9th May
The first round of the ACU Southern Centre Championship is being held at Manor Farm Langrish. Plenty of hills and climbs at this venue, just across the road from Ham Lane.
Full details will be publisher in the on-line Supplementary Regs.
Additional Practice Sessions
We will announce additional members practice days when dates are confirmed. Just a reminder that all Waltham Chase events for 2021 will be “on-line” entry only, where you need to have renewed your ACU Trials Registration and joined the Club to enter.
Charity Trial
Advance notice – Our nominated beneficiary for the Club Charity Trial being held on Saturday 13th November will be Macmillan Cancer Support. Full details will be published nearer to the Trial.
AGM
No update to report; We have looked at the “Zoom” option, but you do not get the same atmosphere without a sandwich and a pint. Unless there are any major objections or Club issues we will wait until we can meet later in the year.
Event Cancellation Fees
A reminder: if an event is cancelled because of imposed Covid restrictions the ACU will make an admin charge of £3.00 to process the refund if you have entered on-line.
If a rider cancels a paid entry up to three days before an event Waltham Chase will issue a full refund. If under three days before the event no refund will be made.
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