Cheshire Ghost Riders

NEW BLOGSITE

2010-05-30T12:31:00.000-07:00

The blogspot has moved:

http://www.cgrbmx.blogspot.com/

All Club related information will now be displayed there....

CGR BMX CLUB AGM MINUTES

2009-11-16T03:53:00.000-08:00

Below are the minutes from the Cheshire Ghost Riders BMX Club Annual General Meeting 2009.

CHESHIRE GHOST RIDERS BMX CLUB AGM
Meeting Minutes
24th October 2009

I. Call to order
Tyronne Ashley called to order the Annual General Meeting of the Cheshire Ghost Riders BMX Club at 12pm on Saturday 24th October 2009 in the Eight Farmers, Crewe.

II. Roll call
Felicity Brown conducted a roll call. The following persons were present:
Felicity Brown, Kev Brown, Tyronne Ashley, Alistair Burton, Ash Davey, Dan Sobutta, Gav Worrall, Kirsty Worrall, Chris Worrall, Sue Brereton, Ged Fisher, Lesley Fisher, Charlotte Walker, John Walker, James Rogers, Fred Barlow, Mark Barlow, Sarah Chidley, Gareth Chidley.

III. Approval of minutes from last meeting
The minutes from the previous AGM were unavailable due to secretary changeover issues. All agreed that there were no issues that sprung to mind from the previous AGM.

IV. Open issues
a) Cheshire East Council representative – SB discussed her role and informed the meeting that she was the new development officer who would be working with GW to further the facility and sport in the local area. SB stated that the site falls into the Green Spaces area which encompasses sport/play and leisure facilities. Toilet facilities would be a priority for making the site suitable for all users. SB said that the council would be looking at ways to solve the current maintenance issues, hopefully in partnership with the Club.
b) Chairman’s Report – TA stated that he was happy with the past year progression and the successful Bob Field Grands event. TA said that the relationship between the Club and council was the most positive that it had been and hoped this partnership would continue under Cheshire East.
c) Coordinator’s Report – GW handed out the coordinators report. Copies available on request.
d) Treasurer’s Report – FB handed out the Club’s account sheet.
FB informed everyone that there were two sheets, one showing the total accounts and one showing only the Bob Field Grands expenditure. It was discussed that the BFG had run well in arrears but was considered to have been worth it. All accounts were in order and no issues were raised.

V. Election of New Officials
All current officials stood down and new officials elected, all accepted.
Chairman: Tyronne Ashley   Nominated: GF Seconded: KB
Vice Chairman: Ged Fisher   Nominated: TA Seconded: CW
Secretary: Kirsty Worrall      Nominated: TA Seconded: CW
Fundraiser: Wendy Billington Nominated: FB Seconded: DS
Treasurer: Felicity Brown      Nominated: CW Seconded: TA
Riders Rep:Dan Sobutta       Nominated: GW Seconded: KB
Asst R Rep: Ash Davey        Nominated: DS Seconded: GW

VI. New business
a) Toilets – the issue of lack of toilets was discussed at length. SB said that she would speak to the necessary people at CEC. GW said that an engineer had been looking at the possibility of fixing the current toilet block but had no feedback at present. It was noted from the accounts sheet that the Club will have paid over £1,000 to hire in toilets for the three events in 2009.
b) Training times were agreed to return to 630pm-730pm on Tuesdays. Gates would run till 9pm on a Tuesday. A gate rota would become effective in January and a list for volunteers would be placed in the container by GW. It was decided that official Club sessions would be charged at £1 member/£2 non member regardless of whether gates were running. GW stated that the Club offered a supervised secure environment for riders and was in effect at the moment a free baby sitting service.
c) KW said that the first aid kit needed to be checked on a regular basis and restocked when needed. Some items were out of date or low on stock.
d) National series regulations were discussed and GW showed the guidelines for next year. Any member who wishes to have a copy of the guidelines should see GW. The acceptable dates for a 2010 application were agreed as: 1st: May 14th-16th and 2nd: July 2nd-4th. Camping was agreed to be discussed with British Cycling as to the best site. GW will complete and submit for CGR.
e) The Bob Field Grands date would be set following the National race calendar confirmation.

VII. Adjournment
The date of the next meeting was agreed as Saturday 21st November 2009, 12pm at the Eight Farmers, Crewe.
TA adjourned the meeting at 2pm.

Minutes submitted by: Kirsty Worrall     CGR Secretary
Minutes approved by: Tyronne Ashley   CGR Chairman

CGR - SPORTS CLUB OF THE YEAR WINNERS - CHESHIRE & WARRINGTON SPORTS PARTNERSHIP AWARDS CEREMONY - TONIGHT

2008-11-27T09:23:00.000-08:00

CGR HAVE WON THE CHESHIRE & WARRINGTON SPORTS PARTNERSHIP SPORTS CLUB OF THE YEAR AWARD. DETAILS OF THE EVENT ARE SHOWN BELOW - JULIE & FLISS COLLECTED THE AWARD FROM OLYMPIC SWIMMER STEVE PARRY. WELL DONE TO ALL INVOLVED WITH CGR.
ALSO CONGRATULATIONS TO 12 YEAR OLD CHRIS WILMER FROM CREWE WHO WON THE DISABLED SPORTS PERSON OF THE YEAR AWARD.

CGR represented the Borough of Crewe & Nantwich at the Cheshire & Warrington Sports Partnership Awards Ceremony on Fri 28th November, at The Park Royal Hotel in Warrington. CGR were nominated having won the Crewe & Nantwich Borough Council Club of the Year award.

CGR were up against Sandbach United FC, Deva Handball Club, Hartford Tennis Club, West Cheshire Athletics Club, Warrington Rowing Club & Poynton Junior FC.

CGR had that little bit extra on the other Clubs by offering a community base where competition or being part of an actual team is not neccesarily required - you can turn up & ride socially without the pressure of competing or not wanting to compete but to simply stay healthy & active. CGR also caters for the whole of the region not just within the Borough. This may have had a bearing on the judges decisions & also having a World Champion attached to the Club?

A fantastic achievement in what has been a difficult reforming year.

SHANAZE ENTERED ONTO THE SPORTING ROLL OF HONOUR

2008-11-06T03:30:00.000-08:00

OFFICIAL CREWE & NANTWICH PRESS RELEASE

OLYMPIC HERO ENTERED INTO CREWE AND NANTWICH
SPORTING ROLL OF HONOUR

BMX and Cycling Champion Shanaze Reade was admitted into Crewe and Nantwich Borough Council’s Sporting Roll of Honour on 5th November 2008.

The sporting hero, whose determination and “all or nothing” attitude, gripped the nation during the Beijing Olympics, has been recognised for her contribution to the sport of BMX and Track Cycling.

Shanaze’s many achievements include 2007 and 2008 World Track Champion in the Team Sprint where she holds a world record time (with Victoria Pendleton), and 2007 and 2008 World BMX Elite Women’s Champion.

Leader of the Council, Cllr John Hammond, proposed the nomination for Shanaze to be included on to the list. He said: “We are all very proud of what Shanaze has achieved so far and we look forward to even more success in the future – especially at the London 2012 Olympics. What’s great about Shanaze is that she is Crewe through and through – Crewe and Nantwich really does have a local sporting hero who has competed successfully at the highest level, and who is an inspiration and role model to a generation of young people.”

Cllr, Roy Cartlidge, who has seconded the motion, said: “When I was first introduced to Shanaze in 2007, I had no idea who she was. When it was explained to me that she was a world BMX champion, I was absolutely stunned that this was not better known locally, but delighted by the knowledge that someone from Crewe and Nantwich was a world champion. Since that day, Shanaze has certainly shown what an asset she is to Crewe and Nantwich.
“For the future, I am sure the whole Council will join me in wishing her well for the 2012 Olympics in the UK - on home turf. She must be in with a good chance of a gold medal.”

Cllr. Bill McGinnis, Portfolio Holder for Leisure, who also supported the motion, said: “What makes a sporting hero and role model is not just how fast they are or how far they can run. It is also about their attitude; it is the things they see as important and the sort of person they are. There is no one with a better attitude then Shanaze. Her achievements are now legendary, but her feet are still firmly on the ground. She is proud to be from Crewe and Nantwich and indeed Crewe and Nantwich are proud of her.”

Shanaze said of the ceremony: “I didn’t know what to expect but it has been amazing to see the support for my achievements. I am proud of where I come from and I have always been very grateful for the support I have been given and to be recognised by the people of the Borough in such a way is an absolute honour and it will live with me ‘til the day I die.”

Shanaze was presented with a framed Roll of Honour by Mayor Brian Silvester & Mayoress Sheila Davies. Also pictured are Cllrs John Hammond, Roy Cartlidge, Bill McGinnis & Deputy Mayor Rachel Bailey.

Congratulations on another award!

OFFICIAL CGR RESPONSE TO CHRONICLE ARTICLE

2008-06-18T13:10:00.000-07:00

In response to the following article in the Crewe Chronicle http://iccheshireonline.icnetwork.co.uk/crewechronicle/news/tm_headline=anger-as-bmx-track-excludes-regular-riders%26method=full%26objectid=21091248%26siteid=50020-name_page.html#story_continue
The Club have issued the following statement:

The BMX track was designed as a BMX race track not a stunt riding track - there is a difference between the disciplines of BMX racing & stunt riding. Stunt riding would take place in a street or park environment.
The correct information on track time is as follows - CGR use the facility on Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday. The Sunday slot is for racing use & would be a maximum of 5 Sundays a year. If you take note the sign actually says "when the BMX Club are in attendance". If the Club are not present then the track is open for use. The track has been closed for one Sunday so far & the next planned Sunday closure is in November.
No rider is excluded from using the facility during a Club session. All the Club ask is that they sign in as a non member (for insurance & legal purposes), wear a helmet & follow the standard BMX track rules. The wearing of a helmet & using the track for the purpose it was designed for should be followed at ALL times anyway regardless. British Cycling has clear guidelines on the policies & procedures to follow. These are available in the Club containers for any one to view as stated on the sign.
All useful information is clearly shown on an additional sign above the sign shown in the article but not shown in print.
There is no charge to use the track during a Club session unless the riders want to use the start gate system in which case the membership fees are shown as detailed on this website.
Any rider being asked to leave the track is given all the relevant information - the reason that many do not take up the offer is that they simply will not wear a helmet. In this case they should not be using the facility anyway.
The Club have a selection of helmets available for rental - these are always offered when speaking to non helmet wearers but normally refused.
The skatepark issues do not involve the BMX Club - many riders who are on the skate park are on park bikes - ie bikes that are designed to be used in that environment & not on a BMX track. A BMX track is no place for stunt pegs for safety reasons. Please note that there have been very few skateboarders on the skate park during Club hours since January regardless of bikes being on there or not.
The CCTV is effective at keeping anti social behaviour to a minimum & that was its intended purpose, not to check on useage.
It is since the warm weather & light nights have come that these problems have been raised. For the first 3 months of use the only riders attending on the cold, dark nights were either Club members or riders who wanted to join the Club - these would be the youngsters who were thrilled when the facility was opened.
If you note the previous article - the rider from Australia is not a Club member, he is however wearing a helmet & had signed in as a non member. The track has many visitors during Club sessions from all over the UK - as long as these riders follow the rules they are free to ride.

If anyone wishes to find out more then please contact the Club by the methods shown on the site.

National Series at Cheddar

2008-05-05T01:08:00.000-07:00

Six CGR riders made the return journey to Somerset for Round 3 of the National Series at Cheddar. For once the weather was with us for the weekend & the sun shone right up to the start of the finals on Sunday. The racing was excellent on a relatively good downhill running track. There were lots of crashes & incidents as riders pushed hard to improve their results.
Nice to see “Wozza” back racing wearing his Robocop knee brace to take 2nd in Elite Men & Levi pushing hard for his first win in Junior Male...

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CGR Results from Round 3:
10 Boys – Chris Worrall – 5th B Final
15/16 Boys – Kyle Evans – 7th A Final
Junior Male – Levi Ashley – 2nd A Final
19+ Male – Marco Dell’Isola – 5th A Final
19+ Male – Dan Sobutta – moto’d
Elite Men – Warren Bancroft – 2nd

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Series Results after 3 rounds:
10 Boys – Chris Worrall – 12th
11/12 Boys – Aaron Brown – 24th
15/16 Boys – Kyle Evans – 5th
15/16 Boys – Tim Kirk – 32nd
Junior Male – Levi Ashley – 2nd
19+ Male – Marco Dell’Isola – 5th
19+ Male – Shaun Issitt – 9th
19+ Male – Dan Sobutta – 32nd
Elite Men – Warren Bancroft – 12th

CGR at Coppull, North Region rd 2

2008-04-23T04:34:00.001-07:00

CGR riders attended Round 2 of the North Region BMX Series at Coppull on Sunday 20th April. An enjoyable & successful day was had by many of our riders, some on their first outing of the season. Special note should go to George Hammond & Dean O'Neill who both took 2nd place in their respective novice categories in their first ever events & Jake Jones who finished 4th on the day (9 boys) in his first event. Current North Region rankings for CGR riders after Round 2 are as follows:
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9 Boys - Jake Jones - 9th
10 Boys - Chris Worrall - 3rd
11 Boys - Ash Walker - 5th
12 Boys - Aaron Brown - 7th
15 Boys - Dane Dring - 10th
13-15 Girls - Becky Barlow - 3rd
16+ Boys - Mark Barlow - 6th
16+ Boys - Matthew Royall - 7th
16-29 Cruiser - Kieron McAvoy - 4th
40+ Cruiser - Fred Barlow - 6th
Payback - Kyle Evans - 3rd
Payback - Levi Ashley - 11th
Payback - Dan Sobutta - 15th
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The next North Region event is Round 3 at Preston on Sun May 4th.

North Region BMX at Crewe!

2008-04-20T03:59:00.000-07:00

On Sunday 25th May, round 4 of the North Region BMX Series comes to Crewe. Anyone can go along to watch (free), just take the advice of stewards who will ensure that riders and spectators remain safe.
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The schedule is as follows: Expert and Novice riders register from 10am onwards. Racing fees are £7 per rider and Expert Riders must have a British Cycling race licence. Official practice starts from 10.30 (inc gate practice) when First Aiders will be available. Racing starts from 12 noon.

North Region BMX Series at Bradford

2008-04-10T08:47:00.000-07:00

Update on recent competitions - CGR riders attended Round 1 of the North Region BMX Series at Bradford on Sunday 6th April. Official results have not yet been issued but our riders had a relatively successful day:

10 Boys - Chris Worrall - 3rd

11 Boys - Ashley Walker - 6th

12 Boys - Aaron Brown - 2nd

16-29 Cruiser - Kieron McAvoy - 1st

Payback - Kyle Evans - 6th

CGR currently 5th place in the Club rankings.

The next North Region BMX race meeting is on Sunday 20th April at Mid Lancs BMX Club, Coppull.The next BC National Series race meeting is on Sunday 27th April at Cheddar, Somerset.

At Tipkinder, in preparation for the North Region meeting on 25th May, CGR/CNBC will be carrying out essential track maintenance work over the next two weeks starting on Wednesday 16th April. There will be some disruption to the availabilty of the facility during this work, however it is hoped to have as much of the track as possible open at the end of each days work. Your co-operation in keeping away from the work areas during this time will be much appreciated...

Photos from the Bradford meet courtesy of Brian Greenwood from http://www.thegreenwoods.com/

Northern Region round 4 coming to Crewe...

2008-03-25T14:30:00.000-07:00

Update on the Crewe BMX front and the CGR club now boasts a membership of nearly 50 with a regular turnout at club sessions of around 25-30 riders. Some advance warning for anyone wanting to see some top-class riding, as round 4 of the North Region BMX Series is being held at Crewe on Sunday 25th May (Bank Holiday weekend). More information on this event to follow in the coming weeks...

Easter weekend saw CGR travel to Burnham-on-Sea in Somerset to compete in the rounds 1 & 2 of the 2008 National Series. Our riders were involved in some competitive racing & current rankings (by age group) after 2 rounds are as follows:
Chris Worrall, 13th - 10 yr olds

Aaron Brown, 21st - 11/12 yr olds

Kyle Evans, 4th - 15/16 yr olds

Tim Kirk, 23rd - 15/16 yr olds

Levi Ashley, 3rd - Junior Men

Shaun Issitt, 5th - 19+ Men

Marco Dell'Isola, 7th - 19+ Men

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Special note should go to Levi Ashley racing for the first time in 18 months due to injury - made the A finals both days finishing 3rd on Saturday & 4th on Sunday. Tim Kirk returning from a 4-year lay-off to miss out on a semi-final place on Sunday by half a wheel, and Chris Worrall with a B final 3rd on Sunday in his first ever event. If you wish to have more information on when, where & how to race please contact the club...

Visit from shadow minister

2008-03-16T06:55:00.000-07:00

The Crewe track was visited by shadow minister Peter Ainsworth the other week. Pictured here with some local CNBC Conservatives and some lads from Nantwich who had popped over to test out the course...

Mid-air action from Crewe's Tipkinder track

2008-02-26T23:35:00.000-08:00

Speed, power, technique and, if possible, a full bag of tricks. If you have all of these then chances are you're an experienced BMX rider. The Cheshire Ghost Riders, based at Crewe's awesome Tipkinder site, welcome riders of all ages and abilities. Come and enjoy yourself...

Cheshire Ghost Riders BMX information

2008-02-26T08:18:00.000-08:00

Cheshire Ghost Riders will be offering both competitive and leisure riders the chance to participate in BMX sessions. The sport is a great way to keep fit as well as building confidence, balance and coordination. Participants are welcome from an approximate age of 4 years old upwards. If you are competitive and want to race then all the help is on hand to get you on your way. The CGR club is actively involved in the North Region race series and has representatives at all National events, also at the annual British Championships. Novice races are held at all North Region and National events for those just starting out.
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The club has three Level 2 qualified British Cycling coaches available for training purposes. All coaches are CRB checked and first aid trained. There will be bikes and helmets available for hire, however demand is expected to be high so please contact the club to check availability. If you wish to use your own bike then please ensure that it is in a safe condition. Although riders have used the track without helmets, please be aware that helmets MUST now be worn at all times when on the track. Gloves, pads, long sleeve top and long pants are highly recommended.
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For more information please contact the BMX Project Coordinator via email: sports@crewe-nantwich.gov.uk or call down at the track. The Cheshire Ghost Riders will be meeting on a Saturday afternoon from 2pm each week. Evening sessions on a Tuesday and Thursday are now underway with the new start gate in action...

Waiting...

2008-02-17T15:59:00.000-08:00

Gates installed at Crewe - and live!

2008-02-16T09:29:00.000-08:00

The first proper Cheshire Ghost Riders club session was also marked by the hydraulic starting gates going live. Plenty around the track, and anyone with helmet and gloves (required) was keen to give them a go...

There will be gates available on most Saturday, Tuesday and Thursday club sessions. Check with Gav Worrall for latest information.

Fly me to the moon!

2008-02-16T00:47:00.000-08:00

Important info - club/member track times

2008-02-13T07:26:00.000-08:00

From Saturday 16th February 2007, the Cheshire Ghost Riders BMX Club will become fully active. Gate practice on the new state of the art Pro-Gate & training sessions will be taking place under the control of the club.This will mean a few changes from the current situation at the track in that on a SATURDAY from 2pm-5pm, TUESDAY 6pm-9pm & THURSDAY 6pm-9pm, the track will be closed to the general public. If you wish to ride the track at these times then you must be either a club member or a signed in non-member.

New memberships are being taken with forms available from the track containers or by emailing gavin.worrall@crewe-nantwich.gov.uk. Fees are priced at £10 junior & £12 over 16s. Club sessions are then charged at £1 per session junior / £1.50 per session over 16s. If you are riding as a non-member then the session fees are £3 per session. Consent forms for non-members will be available from the containers at each session & must be completed BEFORE riding the track. Any junior riders must have their consent forms signed by a parent/guardian BEFORE the session. Helmets must be worn at all times on the track during club sessions. Gloves, long sleeve tops & pads are recommended.

Just in case you were wondering...

2008-02-04T10:18:00.001-08:00

The official sign goes up!

Crewe's Tipkinder BMX track open...

2008-02-03T12:33:00.000-08:00

The fantastic BMX track at Crewe's Tipkinder site is almost complete, with just a few additional jobs necessary to make it one of the best, floodlit national venues. The Cheshire Ghost Riders will be based here but riders from around the country are most welcome as the BMX community continues to grow. Just down from Queens Park and next to the skateboard track...

Information:

Contact: Gav Worrall via sports@crewe-nantwich.gov.uk

Telephone: tbc

Track address: Victoria Avenue, Crewe

Map location: here

All ages welcome at Crewe's Tipkinder...

2008-02-02T14:14:00.000-08:00

All ages are welcome at Crewe's Tipkinder BMX track off Victoria Avenue. If you'd like to meet with Cheshire Ghost Riders and join the club sessions please contact Gav Worrall (here) for latest details...

Tipkinder at night...

2008-02-01T14:09:00.000-08:00

Tipkinder looks the business - day or night!

Memberships available for 2008

2008-01-21T09:18:00.000-08:00

For anyone interested in joining, the Cheshire Ghost Riders BMX Club memberships for 2008 are now open. For information on annual fees & joining procedures please email project coordinator Gav: gavin.worrall@crewe-nantwich.gov.uk

It's official - Crewe track is open!

2008-01-18T09:42:00.000-08:00

Ok, so riders have been putting the track through its paces for a while but every new venue requires a bit of tape, a pair of scissors and a bottle of bubbly. Throw in local MP Gwyneth Dunwoody and CNBC Mayor Maurice Jones and you have all the ingredients for an official opening...

Testing the track...

2008-01-15T15:06:00.000-08:00

Plenty of bedding in to do, but riders are already coming from around the region (this fella from Wigan) to test the Crewe Tipkinder track out...

Getting used to the new track...

2008-01-11T15:28:00.000-08:00

Tipkinder BMX track

2008-01-06T06:38:00.001-08:00

Part of the new Tipkinder BMX track off Victoria Avenue in Crewe. The starting area in the distance will soon have national-standard gates fitted for racing. The picture shows 3/4 of the circuit, with the final straight to the left of the floodlights...

Training sessions down at Tipkinder, Crewe

2008-01-05T10:47:00.000-08:00

There's a really friendly bunch associated with the Cheshire Ghost Riders, all ages welcome. A few photos taken in early January as the club and track gears up for an official launch and completion of the facilities...

2008-01-05T09:59:00.000-08:00

2008-01-04T08:29:00.000-08:00

BMX competition action

2008-01-04T08:16:00.000-08:00

Some Cheshire Ghost Riders club members from the 2007 British Championships held at Burnham on Sea...

BMX Project Coordinator, Gav Worrall

2008-01-03T11:13:00.000-08:00

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Gav Worrall has been appointed BMX Project Coordinator for the Tipkinder track off Victoria Avenue in Crewe. The Crewe & Nantwich Borough Council are hosting the position of BMX Project Coordinator which has been funded by Barclays Spaces For Sport through the Cheshire Ghost Riders BMX Club. The role is to work in partnership with the club to increase membership, help the club obtain the British Cycling GoRide Clubmark and to work on new funding opportunities. The role will forge a strong partnership between the club and the Borough Council enabling the club to become a focal point within the local community. The club is run by a dedicated group of volunteers and will be assisted by the Project Coordinator.

Gav Worrall can be contacted via the sports@crewe-nantwich.gov.uk email address.

Introduction to BMX racing

2008-01-03T08:35:00.000-08:00

BMX racing is an extremely exciting sport open to riders of all ages, making it great fun for all members of the family. Up to eight riders race, Moto-Cross-style, around a 300-400m track, with jumps, bump and berms (banked corners). The excitement and popularity of BMX racing have caught the attention of the International Olympic Committee and BMX is now an Olympic sport.
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It is very easy to get yourself on track for BMX - comparatively little equipment is required and BMX bikes are simple and robust (which means they're not too expensive), with powerful brakes and no gears.There is a thriving club structure nationwide and Cheshire Ghost Riders is your local club. Regional series take place in the Northern Region of the UK, allowing you to develop your skills on other tracks. So, why not get down to Tipkinder Park and give BMX a try?

Photos when track was WIP...

2008-01-02T13:59:00.000-08:00

Please note that riders used the track without helmets before the facility was fully completed. Riders MUST wear helmets at all times for their own safety.