Introduction to Didcot Phoenix CC
Despite sharing its name with the local dramatic group, Didcot Phoenix Cycle Club has had it's fair share of dramas during the previous 40 years of its existence. The club is represented by over 70 members who participate in a range of cycling activities including touring, racing, Audax and off road events. We like to emphasize a friendly approach to new members and many of our events are designed to encourage aspiring cyclists who might wish to discover the benefits of cycling longer term. In an era when cheap transport, environmental and health issues are prevalent, cycling has a big part to play in these matters.
Didcot Phoenix hold club runs every Sunday, these involve a steady ride, typically following the quietest and most scenic routes possible. The organizer will always wait for new attendees should the pace become excessive and the ride always includes a cafe stop at the halfway point. Hard chargers however are encouraged to attend their own training rides and pursue the active sporting calendar the club also enjoys. This includes time trials, road races and cyclo cross with the occasional MTB race for mountain bike owners. Many members pursue races in a variety of disciplines, whilst others prefer to specialize.
Thursday evening time trials are always popular and last year we included some Come & Try It events which enabled novice riders to do just that. These proved a success and have been instrumental in introducing newcomers to the club. We plan to hold more of these events this year. The club also holds Tuesday evening training rides, under the watchful eye of the club coach. At the end of the season the club coach awards a cup to the rider who in his view develops the most.
The club continues to meet socially in the off season on Monday evenings. Tea and cake is supplied for new and potential members alike whilst enjoying talks and slideshows on previous excursions to France and videos of classic tour stages. Qualified coaches with a wealth of experience are on hand to offer practical advice and tips amongst the occasional indoor training session during grim weather. We hold an annual auction with added entertainment factor that makes BBC's Bargain Hunt look tame in comparison. But perhaps the piece de resistance for entertainment is the infamous roller racing. This involves a pair of riders on ordinary bikes precariously balanced on a set of purpose built rollers making determined efforts to beat each other over 250 and 500 metres. Progress is tracked on a large clock with a blue and a red hand for the respective player. The event culminates in a manic interclub battle that involves spectators shouting and cheering at numerous pairs of hapless rollerers in pursuit of a fast time and possibly a medal. Didcot has won the event for the previous 4 years and is hot favourite to do so again.
Phoenix members take great pride in representing the town at a plethora of open events. During previous year's annual prize giving ceremonies, we have been privileged to be joined by the mayor and mayoress of Didcot who generously acknowledged the achievements of the club. Didcot Phoenix continues to grow in numbers and quality and the club is shaping up for yet another exciting season. Details of all events and meetings are displayed on the website's fourm.
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