Tomorrow’s Ride, 9th March

By on 8 March, 2016   /   latest news  
The weather forecast for tomorrow is currently dire, heavy rain for most if not all of the day, and high winds.  I cannot believe that there will be much demand for a ride, and would not want to require leaders to turn up in such conditions.  Of course, riders may wish to go out on their own, and there is also the possibility of postponing the rides for a day, to Thursday.  I should be able to lead the 4’s that day, at this stage I cannot guarantee any further ride leaders.
Of course, the forecast might change, I will monitor the situation, and will post a further note, with a decision and update, late this evening or first thing Wednesday.  Please make sure you look for this before heading out (in the rain).
John
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Annual Dinner 5th March

By on 4 March, 2016   /   latest news  
A reminder that the annual dinner takes place tomorrow.  Bookings have now closed, and we have 65 attendees, which is wonderful support for the evening.  I have just sent an e-mail to all who have booked to confirm arrangements.  If you think that you have booked, and do not receive an e-mail shortly, please contact me direct.
John
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Wiggle to buy ChainReactionCycles

By on 14 February, 2016   /   Blog posts, latest news  

On Thursday last week the retail trade press was reporting that Wiggle had made an offer to buy ChainReactionCycles.  On Friday the deal was reported as done.  Wiggle is owned by Bridgepoint Capital (if memory serves me right) – a private equity company. Wiggle has a stated objected of becoming a £1bn revenue business – currently about £170-£180m revenue.  ChainReactionCycles is family owned and has a slightly smaller revenue – about £150m.

Wiggle has voluntarily referred the deal to the Competition & Markets Authority (used to be called the Competition Commission) but they do not believe the CMA will object as very significant proportions of both their revenues come from overseas.  Apparently the CMA will review the deal but the usual rule of thumb is that the CMA would block the deal or would require significant divestitures if the combined market share was in excess of 20-25% on the grounds of a reduction in competition.  Although the market size for the bicycle & bicycle kit market is very hard to come by (and presumably the swim and triathlon markets ditto) I cannot see the CMA do anything other that give the deal a green light.  Halfords is thought to have a 25% market share of the bike market.

The process is expected to take 5 months before the deal can be closed.

Personally I think it would be a great shame if they did merge as these two are the most competitive in the marketplace.  This will leave Amazon – which has massively increased its cycling ranges of late – as a key competitor (and its not often in my line of business that we talk of Amazon in that way – usually it is the aggressor.  Most of the other websites I use have relatively limited ranges.  I will be watching this deal very closely.

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The Bicycle Icycle ~ it’s this Sunday !!!

By on 12 February, 2016   /   latest news  
Bicycle Icycle 2013

Bicycle Icycle 2013

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Yes folks, it’s time for the Icycle. With a route spawned from the delightful Tour of the Greensand (run alongside the Tour of the Hills each August) and adapted to start from Godalming, with a few more hills and miles added to boost up the fun, it’s hard to resist the lure of the Icycle. And this year, the intrepid cyclists of West Surrey have the opportunity to ride it as it should be ridden – in the deep, dank chill of mid-February. And it’s on St Valentine’s Day no less, so how could your divine ‘other half’ possibly resist the opportunity of cycling by your side – what could be more romantic!

A massive turnout is expected, especially since the forecast is now predicting rain for a good part of the day. Let’s see if we can beat recent records and get into double figures.

I’ve decided to offer some splendid alternative entertainment this year in the Conservatory Cinema, in the form of a late breakfast and a showing of ‘Jour de Fête‘, a Jacques Tati classic. I myself will be grappling with my ancient film projector since I have no intention of riding in the predicted conditions.  So don’t be a stay-at-home, come along for coffee, croissants, home made marmalade and a good film, and enjoy the additional pleasure of remaining warm, while our brave and foolhardy compatriots test their mettle against the Surrey Hills. We’ll welcome them back and warm them up at around 2 o’clock.

Whether planning to ride or remain chez moi, it would be helpful to know in advance if you’re planning on coming – and I need to know how many crossants to get!

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Annual Dinner, Final Reminder

By on 11 February, 2016   /   latest news  
This is a final reminder that the Annual Dinner takes place on Saturday 5th March, at the Princess Royal in Runfold, near Farnham.  I am pleased to say that we already have over 50 attendees, but there is plenty of space for more.  If you would like to come along, please e-mail me (johnmatsouthview@btinternet.com) with your menu choices by Saturday 20th February at the latest.  Any later, and although I will try to fit you in, I cannot guarantee it. 
I would stress that this is very much a social occasion for all, not just regular riders, but most certainly also for partners.  There will entertainment laid on to suit the nature of the occasion, as well as the presentation of the awards.
John
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