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June 26 Offical Race ResultsHot from the race organisers HQ the official race results show that Team 1 finsihes 398th overall and 180th in their category. Team 2 finished 461st overall and 200th in category. That's out of 657 entries overall and 229 in the same category. That's an amazing achievement considering the lack of experience in the team, most having never raced before, some even having only taken up cycling a fews weeks before the race!
Unlike most of the other competitors however, the Stroud & Swindon Teams raised an amazing £5,000 doing the race. In total the two teams raised over £15.60 per mile completed or in other words about 15p per calorie burnt!
Well done to all who raced, cooked, supported or sponsored. Roll on 2010!!! June 22 Race ReportBoth teams did really well in beating last year's SSBS record of 14 laps. In total the riders covered over 320miles in the 24 hours.
The inter-Team competition was won by Team1 beating Team2 by two laps. But for the first 8 hours there was very little between the two sides. At the 9 hour mark there was just 3mins gap between them!
Adam (Team 1) and Dan (Team 2) started by doing the 1/2 mile running race before collecting their bikes and hitting the 10 mile course for the first time. Both riders came back in safely, handing over to their team mates. This was Scott and Phil. Scott having a four minute lead on Phil at the start, was caught by the time the two teams reached the transition area again. Now Colin and Tony set off virtually at the same time. Nobody thought the racing would be this close.
Unfortunately the race pace took its toll. Firstly Colin suffered a chain break about halfway round his lap. A quick change onto his team mate's bike and he was back in the race. But now 22 mins behind. This allowed Dan a nice cushion of time over Carl. However, just before the final climb of the lap Carl met Dan at the side of the track with his bike in bits!
He'd managed to break the gear changing mechanism when he crashed. With his bike temporarily fixed he limped back to the transition area, ten minutes behind. Team 1 now took the lead and as the sun set they managed to extend this to over 1 hour and 20mins by the dawn.
However, during the evening both Teams suffered rider injuries. Chris on Team 2 needed smelling salts to bring him round after crashing out heavily. Scott twisted his knee when crashing after hitting a tree root. Dan, suffering fatigue, had that thousand yard stare by 3am and didn't ride again. Adam found there was nothing left in the tank by 8am. Leaving both team with just two riders each to see through the last few hours.
For the last lap both teams went out and rode together, Colin and Phil crossing the line to collect their medals. It was an extremely difficult race, with lots of weather changes and mud to contend with. The Team as a whole really pulled through and saw the finish. There maybe some sore limbs but at least there's the same number that we started with!
The individual rider competition results are:
Pos. Rider Laps Time MPH
1 Carl 5 6hrs 1min 8.3
2 Phil 5 6hrs 43min 7.4
3 Colin 5 7hrs 43min 6.4
4 Adam 4 5hrs 46min 6.9
5 Tony 4 6hrs 5mins 6.5
6 Scott 3 3hrs 55min 7.6
7 Chris 3 4hrs 34min 6.5
8 Dan 3 4hrs 57min 6.0
Team Competition
Team 1 17laps (170miles)
Team 2 15laps +3hrs 55mins (150miles)
The Team's positions in the main race hasn't yet been published by the organisers, when it is you'll be the first to know! Team Meets The Challenge...The 2009 Mountain Mayhem 24 hour race is now over and both SSBS Cycling Teams did themselves proud. Not only in getting through the amazingly gruelling 24 hour test of endurance, but by also managing to reach our charity target of raising £5,000 for the Meningitis Trust. A full race report will follow but for now...
CONGRATULATIONS & WELLDONE!
The 2009 SSBS Cycling Team PA, Carl, Alan, Tony, Helen, Adam, Sue, Colin Phil, Scott, Tina, Tori, Amy, Dan & Chris
June 18 Just 48 Hours to GoNudging ever nearer to both the start of the 2009 Mountain Mayhem race and reaching our charity target of rasing £5,000 for the Meningitis Trust. The Team have now raised over £4,200!
 This evening the Team will be setting up camp ahead of Friday evening's pre-race BBQ party
 . Hopefully the Team can celebrate reaching their charity target as well as reaching the eve of the race without any major injuries from training!Those wanting to come along and show their support for the Team should come along any time day or night! We will be manning our stand in the main Start / Finish arena. Look out for the SSBS and Meningitis Trust banners / flags and t-shirt wearing crew.
Directions to Eastnor Castle
 Exit M5 at junction 8 onto M50.
Exit M50 at junction 2 Follow A417 to Ledbury. Follow the Brown Tourist signs (Eastnor Castle) via bypass and through Ledbury Town Centre onto A449 (signed Worcester and Malvern). After 1 mile turn right again onto A438 (signed Tewkesbury and Eastnor). Entrance to the Deer Park after 2 miles on the left hand side. See you all there! June 17 Team Gears up to Cycle ChallengeWith an exhibition stand located within the Main Arena the SSBS / Meningitis Trust Team will be easy to find amidst the excitment and chaos of the race event. The stand will be manned from Friday evening through to Sunday, by both the Race Team and Trust guys and girls. So come along, show your support and be part of the Team.
As part of the Team's goal to raise £5,000 for the supply and distribution of 250,000 symptom cards the stand will be used to raise awareness of the challenge and hopefully a few more pennies towards this fantastic cause. June 14 Last Days Before The Mayhem StartsWith less than a week to go before the two SSBS / Meningitis Trust teams take to the start line for the 2009 Mountain Mayhem 24 hour endurance race there's still lots to do and get done. Last week the Team met up to discuss issues like accommodation, food, tactics, food, fundraising and food.
Most riders are now fully equipped with lights, inner tubes, new bikes, helmets, etc. Except that is for Dan who has decided to buy a new bike from Leisure Lakes Bikes Cheltenham in the last week before the race! What a way to get to grips with a new bike, by competing in the Worlds biggest 24 hour race!
This weeks Thursday night training ride is replaced by the team going to the venue to set up the camp. We should be having an impressive SSBS/MT village with a caravan, 8 man tent, numerous 2 man tents, team gazebo and a dome bike tent. We're going to need so much of Eastnor Deer Park to ourselves, that's why we need to get there a day early!
Don't forget its not too late to get involved. The team need 24 hour support and although we have a fantastic team of volunteers to see us through the race, they themselves will need a break now and again. So if you're keen to be a part of the team come along and lend a hand. We also need helpers to assist the guys and girls from Meningitis Trust manning the SSBS / MT stall, selling merchandise and raising funds towards the cause.
So whatever you were planning for next weekend, weddings, birthdays, visiting gran...just cancel and get your self down to Eastnor Deer Park, near Ledbury and be part of the team.
Softball Challenge NewsCongratulations to all those who competed in last weekend's SSBS Softball Challenge. A great turn out despite the weather
 .Teams from SSBS Head Office, Dursley & Stonehouse branches, Ryefords Cleaning Services and The Meningitis Trust competed for the much coverted 'Top Dog' Trophy.
In a straight forward knockout tournament five teams dodged the showers to enjoy a great day of home runs, fly balls and swing batting. In the first game Ryefords lost out to the crack team from Meningitis Trust. This put MT through to the 2nd round.
In the second game the Dursley / Stonehouse Team beat SSBS Cycling's Colin and his own team of friends and family. Sadly for Colin there was just the wooden spoon awaiting him at the end of the day.
In game three SSBS Marketing Team lost out to SSBS Cycling's Tony and his team of friends and family. Tony managing to get a home run from his first ball.
This left Ryefords and SSBS Marketing to compete in a playoff match to progress to the 2nd round. SSBS Marketing came out the victors and progressed to round 2.
In the 2nd round Dursley / Stonehouse Teams beat Team Meningitis Trust by the closest of margins. Needing 2 runs in the last seconds of play a stunning out field ball allowed two of their team to make it back to home base. An unlucky Meningitis Trust Team could take heart in that their team took part in clearly the best game of the day.
Having scratched their way through to the 2nd round SSBS Marketing managed to beat Tony's own team. Despite the match referee's attempts to slow the Marketing Team down by forcing them to run backwards between 3rd and home base, it was to prove the last match of the day for Tony. It can't be said he took it in the most sporting manner!
 . God help the rider who holds him up out in the woods during the night of the race! Valium anyone?This left SSBS Marketing to face the Dursley / Stonehouse branch in the final. With some very threatening clouds on the horizon, the two teams raced through their five minute first innings. Just as the heavens opened the team were level at 6 runs each. With no hope of a break in the rain and the need for a winner, it was decided that the 2009 SSBS Soft Ball Callenge should be decided by the toss of a 2p coin.
2009 SSBS Softball Challenge Runners Up:
SSBS Marketing Dept
2009 SSBS Softball Challenge Winners:
Dursley & Stonehouse Branches
June 06 WEATHER OR NOT THE CHALLENGE IS ON!Met Office severe weather warnings...SSBS Cycling Team say whatever!
According to all sources the weather will be terrible during Saturday night and early Sunday morning. But clearing during Sunday leaving plenty of opportunity for a Softball Tournament.
Unless the A46 is blocked by snow, biblical sized floods or protesting French farmers we will be there at Painswick Rugby Club. Those willing to brave the British summer for the cause should try and be there from 11:30, to get a bit of extra coaching and practice. The first two teams registered will play straight away from noon. The next two will follow on immediately.
Good luck.
P.S. don't for get your brollie and your money!!! Think you can leave the sunblock for another day.  Head Office FUNdraising Day SuccessWhat a difference a cooked breakfast and a duck costume can make! Friday's Dress Yellow Day at SSBS Head Office raised around £500 towards the Team's goal of raising funds to print and distribute thousands of meningitis symptom cards. Friday's efforts ensure that around 20,000 families can benefit from knowing the early signs of the disease, enabling them to seek appropriate medical advice. To achieve this fantastic pot of cash the Team and supporters provided a series of delights help raise money and have some fun.
Firstly, staff were asked to wear anything yellow for the day. Top banana of the day was Laurence Parsons who managed to find not only a yellow t-shirt but also a pair of yellow trousers in his wardrobe! Clearly they'd been lying there waiting for this day! As staff walked into to the office they were greeted by the welcoming aroma of the Marketing Breakfast bar. Queues quickly formed as plate after plate of delicious cooked breakfast was served.
To collect people's pound coins for dressing yellow Monty the duck turned up with his collection buckets. Making his way round Head Office, Monty received a warm welcome as SSBS Staff really got into the spirit. To burn off the breakfast there was the Estates Dept cycle race.
Staff took part in a virtual reality sprint around an olympic cycle track (ala Chris Hoy). Some close competition was had with the top five times all within 1 second. Fortunately for the Team it was Race Team member Colin who won top honours with 36 seconds. For that bit of sugar energy candy floss was available to satisfy those with a sweet tooth. And a fantastic array of prizes were up for grabs with the Reception Raffle.
All in all a very successful day for the Team with a little help from their friends. So a huge thank you to all those who got involved and helped raise a fantastic sum of money. Next top The SSBS Softball Challenge. May 31 Softball Tournament LoomsThe 2nd annual Softball Challenge takes place this Sunday 7th June at Painswick Rugby Club in aid of the Team's Meningitis Trust campaign. Teams are invited to take part from SSBS, Meningitis Trust and the Team's sponsorship partners. So far confirmed teams are coming from Ryefords, Meningitis Trust, Stroud Alarms, SSBS Marketing Dept, The Race Team and The Support Team.
The competition will be a simple knock out tournament with the best losing team [with the highest number of runs] getting a 2nd chance in the semi finals. The event is free but a donation to the campaign would be welcome. There'll be a professional bbq and a bar open.
Bring the family, bring a picnic, bring some friends but most of all bring your money!!!
 Team entries should be sent through to Carl at cthompson@stroudandswindon.co.uk
First game starts at 12 noon TEAM CAPTAINS must download the tournament rules. These are available from the download zone, to the left hand panel lower down this page.
See you there! Dress Yellow DayThis Friday 5th June will be Dress Yellow Day at Stroud & Swindon Building Society's Head Office. Members of staff will be encouraged to get into the spirit of raising money for the Team's Meningitis Trust campaign by wearing something, anything yellow to work. There will also be a breakfast and lunch BBQ, candy floss and raffle prizes to be won. May 28 Official Team Entries ConfirmedStraight from Mountain Mayhem HQ the Team got news of their official confirmation that they have made it into this years race. The event was oversubscribed as usual with applicants far out stretching the number of available places. Nonetheless both the Teams are officially registered in the Sport Men category. The official team entries are as follows:
Stroud & Swindon / Meningitis Trust 1
Captain: Carl Thompson
Rider 2: Colin Campbell
Rider 3: Scott Wilsher
Rider 4: Adam Woakes
Stroud & Swindon / Meningitis Trust 2
Captain: Tony Hall
Rider 2: Chris Wallace
Rider 3: Dan Savage
Rider 4: Phil Reid
Its now up to the individual Team captains to determine race strategy. Who will start the race, doing the 500m run before attempting to compete elbow to elbow with 650 other teams around the first lap? Who will be doing the pitch black night hours? Will they double stint or just do one lap each before changing riders? Decisions decisions... May 23 Sponsorship NewsThe Team are now almost half way towards their £5,000 target. With some amazing donations and pledges of support coming we're sure to meet our goal. Dont forget you can make a donation by simply clicking on the Sponsor Me link above. Every penny counts! Training News: Sun Shines on the RighteousAfter weeks of rainy training rides the Team were for once greeted by that big firey ball of flame in the sky we call the sun..
 Due to other commitments only four of the Team could make this week's training, Tony, Chris, Phil and Carl. Despite the small numbers the Team attacked the route faster than previously, mostly down to the dry conditions. It certainly helps to see where youre going!
 Having said that...Chris managed to be the first to launch himself over his handle bars. Fortunately for Chris he had the benefit of a soft landing. Unfortunately for Chris it was in Nettle Alley...Ouch! Dock leaf anyone?
Well once recovered from that entertainment, the Team plummets down Cow Pat Field, which was still wet from the previous months rain. At the bottleneck, a small gap in the hedgerow which the riders thread their way through before the final flat out drop to the end of the field, a number of riders almost lost their good looks against the adjacent flora and forna, like trees and bramble bushes.
Luckily nobody got really hurt, well nothing a bath in Savalon cream would cure anyway. Phil tried out his new bike, a Giant with front suspension and disc brakes. Meanwhile Tony and Chris continued to learn the limits. Both brutally attacked the first part of the course to record their fastest complete circuit to date.
Hopefully we've now received all the wet weather training we need and can now enjoy a sunny Thursday every week until the big one!
RIDER OF THE WEEK: It has to be Chris for showing his ability to continue riding his bike whilst itching parts other riders wouldn't reach!
May 14 Training NewsThe weather for this week's training ride was probably the worst ever in the history of mankind...well maybe not, but it was pretty miserable.
But this didn't deter seven team member who braved the elements to complete, some for the first time, the full training route. This includes some key parts of the course including...Ewok Forest, Pie Key Hill, Cow Pat Hill and of course...The Wall.
 With no major technical maladies or serious injuries all riders made it back to Painswick, though very wet and muddy. Tony, Chris and Dan all attempted the Wall for the first time and survived. Though there was certainly some explicit language used. Chris's love affair with his new bike seems to be on the rocks. It doesn't matter how hard he tries the right gear never comes.
RIDER OF THE WEEK AWARD:
The revelation of this week's training was Dan. He shot up the first of the many hills and bravely attempted The Wall. But most impressively he descended down Cow Pat Hill in wet slippery conditions, with limited visibility, holding on for dear life. He definately would have had the toughest ride, having no suspension. Ouch!
 Last year the actual 24 hour race was blighted by some terrible weather during the night, so the experince the riders are getting is useful. Though not pleasant.
www.metcheck.com weather forcast for next week is for cloudy skies but no rain...we'll see! May 12 Sponsorship NewsTelewest have very kindly offered to sponsor the Team. This brings the total number of confirmed Team sponsors to three, raising a total of £950 so far. Fantastic news considering the offical launch only took place last week.
Any more potential Team sponsors are to contact the team as soon as possible so their kind support can be reflected on the Team's official jerseys and banners. But any body can get involved and make a donation, just follow the justgiving link above. May 09 A Must See! Go watch this fantastic video of one team's Mountain Mayhem experience
Look out for the guy pulling his bike through the mud, so thick his wheels won't turn!
Its just like actually being there! ...enjoy!Training NewsCongratulations to Adam for being the first to crash during this year's training rides. Adam came off at speed in 'Nettle Alley'...Ouch! I'm sure his bruising and nettle rash will clear up before next week's ride.
Chris made his debut on 'the new bike'. Very proud he was too. Until he suffered a chain break that is, as he attempted 'Pikelet Hill'. Long walk back to the car park from there!
Again the Team endured the wet weather, but soldier on regardless. If it ain't raining it ain't training as they say . Still training is more fun in the sun!
Tony flew down 'Cow Pat Hill', regardless of the bumps and lethal ruts. How Phil manages to attempt this flat out descent with no front suspension, nobody knows.
The following Riders have yet to face the challenge of the dreaded 'Wall', a virtually impossible stoney climb nearing the end of the ride:
Chris, Tony, Dan. Next week boys, next week!
Just five full weeks of training to go...Here comes the sun! May 04 Sponsorship NewsThe Team have now received some fantastic pledges of support and donation payments using the www.justgiving.com/ssbscyclingteam website. So far Axonex Ltd have made a whopping £500 contribution to the target of £5,000 with Ryefords adding another £200 too.
In addition to these much appreciated contributions other sponsors including Longcroft Building Services, Stroud Alarms, MFM and Premier Office Solutions have pledged their support in helping us reach the target.
Team members are also doing their bit, with individual sponsorship forms now heading your way, so be warned! April 26 Team's Fundraising Plans Announced To help us reach our goal of raising £5,000 to help print, supply and distribute a quarter of a million Meningitis symptom cards across the region, the Team has announced the following exciting list of events:
7th May: Official Launch Event 10:30 - 11:15
To be held at Stroud & Swindon's head office, the event will involve all the Team and Monty the Duck, from the Meningitis Trust.
5th June: Head Office Fundraising Day
A day filled with fundraising events to involve all the hardworking SSBS staff. Including a raffle, a specially themed dress down day, candy floss sales and a virtual cycle race.
7th June: Softball Challenge
A fun day open to all SSBS staff, Team members, sponsors and members of the Meningitis Trust. All those attending are divided up into to two teams (or more depending on the numbers), two innings each. Winning team collects the 'Top Dog' trophy. A simple guide to playing Softball will be provided, but basically its just like rounders but better!
18th June Cheque Presentation Day
Held at Head Office, the Team will present the Meningitis Trust with a cheque for £5,000.
So pen these dates into your diaries, book your time in Outlook, clear your calenders of weddings, birthday parties, visits to granny. These dates are all you need to know between now and the race! April 23 Team Plans Coming TogetherWith now seven riders and five support team confirmed, not to mention five corporate sponsors offering their support, the 2009 SSBS Cycling Team is begining to take shape. Our friends at Leisurelakes Cycles of Cheltenham are kindly offering technical support and discounted equipment to ensure the Team is well kitted out for our challenge.
Already a number of training rides have been undertaken by the Team's riders. Starting and finishing in Painswick, the route offers the riders similar challenges to that presented by the 10 mile Eastnor Deer Park course. Though it is difficult to simulate riding your bike at 3 in the morning, in the rain and mud! So far anyway, no major crashes or injuries.
Some early good form shown by Scott as he gets to grips with his new bike. Also on a new stead is Tony, with a lot to get used to. New bike, an armful of gears, disc brakes...relentless climbing, mud in the eyes and still to come The dreaded Wall!
Still to ride out with the Team is Dan, Chris and Adam. Hopefully next week Chris will be debuting his new bike (courtesy of Leisure Lakes) and we can all enjoy watching him regret every penny!
To make a donation please go to www.justgiving.com/ssbscyclingteam March 26 Just Give!The Team's Just Giving webpage is now up and running so get your debit and credit cards at the ready. Don't forget our target is £5,000. That will mean we can supply over 200,000 meningitis symptom cards. Making a donation via Just Giving is safe and secure. Its also the quickest and most efficient way of donating.
So go on don't be shy, leave a message if you want (as long as its not abusive or mentions Colin's legs!)
March 03 Team Submit Race EntryColin and Carl made the annual trek 'up north' to hand deliver the entry application form and cheque to race organiser Patrick Adams [Mr Mountain Mayhem]. We were made very welcome by Mr & Mrs Mayhem who had been up all night receiving the first race entry forms for this year's race. The official entry form was made available at midnight Feb 28th and within hours the organisers were receiving hand delivered forms by the keenest of racers.
By the time the SSBS Team made it to the middle of the Derbyshire countryside, where Patrick's HQ resides, over 60 teams had already entered the race. The total of 650 entries are expected to be filled in just four days! So it was important for the Team to secure this year's entry by making the trip as soon as possible.
Well its all about training and fundraising from now until June.
February 24 Team Partners with Meningitis TrustThe SSBS Cycling Team are very excited to announce their new partnership with the Meningitis Trust. As part of this year's challenge the Team plan to raise enough funds to print, supply and distribute over 200,000 meningitis symptom cards to doctor's surgey waiting rooms, student halls, toddler groups and schools across the region.
These credit card size information cards will enable parents and individuals to identify the early signs of meningitis and thus get medical support as soon as possible. This could help to save lives. Its a very special objective that the Team is very proud to be taking on. If you would like to know more about the work of the Trust visit their site at http://www.meningitis-trust.org.
To make a donation or get involved in this year's challenge please contact Carl on 01453 768423 or email cthompson@stroudandswindon.co.uk. |
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