• Very sad news to report. John Southall, former Team Captain and Treasurer has died suddenly from a heart attack. John, and his wife Gill, had been members of the club until December last year when John's job caused them to relocate to Essex - just months before his retirement. It had always been their dream to retire to the New Forest where they had spent many happy cycling holidays, and they seized the opportunity during the summer this year moving south to a house they called 'Peddlars' Retreat'. John was both a gentleman and an athlete and will be sorely missed by the many members of the club with whom he retained strong bonds. Our commiserations go to his wife Gill

• Hot news from one of the final competitions of 1999 - the downhill. Lots of riders out for the final cup on offer - most riding out from Wycombe as part of the club run. Committee members did rather well with Harry and Ann Henley taking second place on the tandem(Harry just pipped Ann), and Malcom Freeman coming in third. However, the winner by over 50 yards was Derek Gamble with an amazing 'waggling' technique on his mountain bike. If it hadn't been for a car coming the other way, I'm confident he could have made it up to Christmas Common.
• Dave Buffham has been slightly hurt in a collision with a car when out on his motor bike yesterday. The coming together happened on a roudabout near Oxford when a fast car trying to 'straightline' the roundabout tried to cut through on the inside when he was trying to continue round. Not only is Dave a leading-light in the off-road section, but he is also an enthusiastic member of the growing motorbike section.

• Some sad news to report. Irene, the wife of Brian Hoskins died last Friday after a battle against cancer. During her illness, Brian had lost touch with the club but now intends to take up cycling again.
• Cyril Lewis, who broke his back in a horrific accident when training just over a month ago, had been moved from the John Radcliffe hospital in Oxford to Stoke Manderville where he is expected to stay for several months. Several club members have visited him, including myself during the last few weeks. He is being very positive about his future. Despite facing a retirement which will be vastly different from the one he anticipated, he still managed to make me laugh. Make every day count - enjoy your health.

New boy Sam Knight is gearing up for the Three Peaks Cyclo-Cross challenge on the 26th September. He reports that his training is going well on a bike he has managed to beg for the season from his brother, who will also be competing in the event but in Milton Keynes colours. Sam hopes to complete the race in around four and a half hours, but says he will be pleased just to complete it. Sam is the only HWCC member competing in Cyclo-Cross this season, and we re-affiliated to the BCCA in his honour.

Bulletin 9 was mailed out to all members on the database last week and should have arrived through letter boxes by Saturday, 31st July. Anyone not receiving a copy should mail the editor

A HWCC Ride and BBQ is being organised by Ann Henley for the Tuesday evening following the last Evening League Time Trial. Assemble in the Car Park at Budgens at 7.00pm. BBQ to follow chez Henley. Phone Ann or Harry on 01844 346465

HWCC road race event on Sunday 12th September 1999 at Stokenchurch. A 64 mile race for cats 3rds 4th and Vets, commencing at 10.30am. Promoter Ian Davis has also proposed a women only race to run at the same time covering half the full distance. Entries and volunteers welcome! Mail event organiser

A bad weekend for HWCC riders. Cyril Lewis crashed heavily in the Chiltern League of Veteran Racing Cyclists weekend event during stage 4. See Reports for more on this. He suffered cuts and bruises and a blow to the head. Martin Freeman came off during a race in Belgium - again fortunate to suffer only cuts and bruises. Finally, Helen West fell during her first ever Road Race which took place at Hillingdon. By all accounts she came off the worst of the trio, splitting her helmet, damaging her jaw and face, pulling a muscle in her back and collecting the usual cuts and bruises. She was taken to hospital suffering from shock but released after treatment. She says it hasn't put her off and is looking forward to a week's recuperation in Wales at the end of this week.

Dave Buffham's Bring-a-Friend Off-Road Summer Audax will be on Sunday 8th August. The plan is to get all club members with Mountain Bikes out that day. Start is 9.00am from Cowleases Wood near Christmas Common.

Weekend 3/4 July:.

• Dave Johnson and Ralph Dadswell (Antelope RT) pedalled their way into the history books on Sunday with a new Tandem Trike National Road Association record for the London-Brighton-London route. Their time for the 105 miles was 4:20:15 - 1min 30sec better than the previous record set 20 years earlier. See Articles for report.
• Cyril Lewis tool 2nd place in the League of Veterans Racing Cyclists event on Saturday. This weekend coming he will be competing in the LVRC's 2day/4stage Chiltern Weekend event which has stages in and around Lewknor.

Bits & Pieces from Committee Meeting held on 14th June.

• Dave Buffham is looking to organise a Summer (ie no mud!) off-road audax for club members and friends - the 'Bring a Friend' Audax.
• Organisers needed for 'fun' events - eg Treasure Hunt
• Did you know that organised HWCC Saturday Morning Training sessions were available? Scott Paterson has been running them on the quiet from the The Harrow, Hughenden at 10.00am. Check with Scott on 01494 712736 if you are thinking of joining in.
• The CTC mid-week audax is scheduled for 30th June from West Wycombe garden Centre - 100k and 150k routes.
• The Oxford Heart Cycle Ride is planned for 11th July starting at Heathfield Village near Bletchingdon. 25 and 50 mile routes. £5 pre-entry, £10 on the day.
• Interested in a millenium cycling event? Surf over to www.ridethenet.co.uk
• A date for your diary - the AGM is scheduled for 3rd November
• Welcome to new member Sam Knight. Letter of resignation received from james Mahoney who has joined Team Clean. he remains 2nd claim on HWC

Issue 8 of the Bulletin was mailed to all members on 29th April. Anyone not receiving a copy should mail me.
An off-road ride will take place this Sunday, 9th May. Contact Dave Buffham on 01844 346110 for details.
Wednesday evening off-road rides will commence on 12th May at 7pm from West Wycombe Village Hall.