These are attempts to get as many club members together on the last Sunday of the month, for a communal cafe halt, somewhere out in the country. It is meant to unite all levels of ability and activity (so if you wish, you can cheat and drive out). They work well: in winter, you'll make that special effort if, even if the weather looks a bit dodgy, whilst in summer, it's an excuse for a relaxing lunch and an extended afternoon. Who'd rather be home cutting grass?

Hill Climb

This is a semi-open event, that is, open to club members, guests, or anyone else daft enough to have a desire to punish themself against gravity.
The format is flexible - date and venue - but the purpose is always the same: to see who is the best climber in the club on the day. The general time is late Autumn. Last year, the event crept into early November, though it has been held in October. Prior to 2003, we used Archers? Lane, the climb up from the A34 by Nether Alderley, to the Wizard PH.
These were a standard time-trial format (i.e. timed individual rides at 1 minute intervals) although in 2002 we nearly had a variation on the theme because only 1 Time-Keeper had turned up at the alloted time, so there was a suggestion by the riding members to stage a one-off mass-start race, winner being first over the line. This would have been quite novel and tactical, but common sense prevailed (in the narrow, twisty lane) and the second Time-Keeper eventually arrived.
2004 saw a second attempt by the riders to stage their Road Race variation, this time on a different hill, at Higher Sutton (by Langley, Macclesfield). But the Officials were having none of it as it was deemed unsafe for that road. No fun? A further variation was enforced. Before the start, we had assembled at The Ryles Arms, where it was mandatory to consume a Bacon Buttie within 30 minutes of the start time, then to race. Although no-one actually saw their breakfast twice, it was a close thing...

Velodrome Sessions

Occasionally, we've gone mad and hired the Manchester Velodrome for a couple of hours, having the track to ourselves. With one of the Track Coaches to assist, these can be interesting evenings, particularly for newcomers. It gets our non-racing riders into their skin-suits and is an excuse to wear the club track-mitts for their original purpose. Such joy, not to have to worry about head-winds, pot-holes, horse-poo or traffic... We might not be up to Revolution standard yet, but we can dream on.

Annual Trophy Presentation and Christmas Dinner

This is the social highlight of the club year and it starts off well before dinner time. Purely by coincidence (but for as long as memory serves), the Christmas Dinner is the last Sunday before Christmas Day and has been the M&DTTA's Fancy Dress & 10m TT event. So, the day commences with a ride down to Byley to see who have been brave enough to enter, and in what costume. There is the option to attend the Cyclists Carol Service in Chelford Church (2pm) but, for those on bikes, its a case of return home for a quick shower and change, then out to the Club Dinner.
This is almost a full DJ function and is certainly worthy of posh togs & frocks. But it's not all deadly serious either. The recent format has been dinner first, then the Prize Ceremonies. A 'Guest Of Honour' may make the presentations of all our trophies to their recipients, and its a pretty extensive set of trophies too. After that, it's 'Eyes Down, Look In' for the Stretford Wheelers top event, our 'Stand Up - Sit Down Bingo.' And if that doesn't get the adrenaline rushing, then 'King or Queen' will.
If you can't work out what these are, you should come and attend. It's as exciting as a Madison.