“WHITE BOXERS”
NEWSLETTER No 21 – December 2023
Seasons greetings – we hope this month’s offering finds you and yours both warm and well
News from the front –
All 4 x 2024 Sportives are now registered with British Cycling and online entries are open.
Book your places and look forward to heading to Lancaster to enjoy some of the most scenic and at times challenging places to ride a bike in the country.
Looking forward –
Thanks to all the riders of past events that replied to our recent request for feed back on the way we might improved both the quality and value for money of our future events.
The overwhelming message was that electronic timing and the necessary increase in entry fee this would require to provide it, is of no interest to the majority of you.
We are still investigating the way forward – but plan A is to do away with any timing at our events altogether – as the definition of a sportive is “a non-competitive cycling challenge”. While setting up an event Strava page / group for those riders, who wish to record and time their rides this way to share and compare their efforts post event.
Waste will also be reduced by no longer printing route cards and recovering event numbers from riders in the finish area – to be reused on future rides
While any entry fee increase will go towards extra event day helpers, hot drinks at each feed station, and a donation to Wheels For All – a brilliant local charity that provides specially adapted bikes, rides and coaching sessions for the less able.
We are also happy to provide complimentary medals to anyone entering
and completing all 4 of our events in 2024 – as Peter Sheldon did this season.
We welcome any further feed back on way we do things and can improve – including stopping or keeping the goody bags we give out and the possibility of receiving an online completion certificate to print and keep if desired ??
Coaches Corner –
Some great advice from GCN about getting the most from this winters training –
Top Dog Team riding –
Top Dog broom wagon driver, Steve, and his wife Emma headed off for some end of season riding in the warmer climate of Menorca before the season closed down. The smaller and less popular cycling destination to its big brother Majorca. Reports came back of an amazing cross country mountain biking / gravel destination ideally suited to those with a rough and gravely disposition!!!!
With Emma riding the ‘E’ and Broom Wagon Steve on a trusty rented hard-tail, they found many a quiet cove and empty road, and the odd bike’a’hike aka ‘push’ to adventure through.
They covered many miles with many smiles, but not enough cake. Don’t forget siesta time in Spain…
While Chris took part in the recent Cumbrian Cracker event in the South Lakes.
Which was not quite as sunny as Steve + Emma’s Spanish adventure!!
Gifts for cyclists –
Q – What is better than booking a place in one of our great events ??
A – Getting someone else to pay for it !!
This couldn’t be easier, tell your nearest and dearest about the Top Dog Event Gift vouchers so they can pay for your place in one of our brilliant events in 2024, and receive a gift voucher to wrap up and give you on the big day.
And finally –
Thank you for supporting our events this year, have a fantastic Xmas and we look forward to seeing you on the other side.
Chris, Lynn + All @ Top Dog Events Limited