CYCLING UGANDA

2012 UCI London World Cup - front of house back of house

2012-02-25T15:20:00.005-08:00

I was fortunate to have duel roles during the recent 2012 UCI London World Cup, my work was quite well cut out, however it was a great experience and an insight. Two hats, one for coaching and another for my Games Maker/London Prepares post, both given up as pro-bono publico activities.

Keir Apperley, Sir Chris Hoy & Patrick Lawino

Front of House

Accreditations - Uganda Coach & Workforce

Keir Apperley

Back of House

2012 UCI London World Cup - real contact. friends and supporters

2012-02-24T15:18:00.011-08:00

Wednesday 15th February 2012

Burly Patrick Lawino exits the track after practice during the third training day having swerved the second session due to a bit of cough and also for not being made so welcome by one particular official on training day one. Pat was feeling much better on this day and enjoyed his rev-ups on the new Eastway loop.
"Friday 17th, 8pm 1km?...roll on" Said Mr Lawino.
The Vigorelli bike (on loan from CC Hackney) has been fitted with a Mavic rear disc wheel by UCI's World Cycling Centre chief mechanic Alex Rousel seen in the picture below holding the aero skid lid (on loan from the UCI along with the wheel). On the way out our man laid down a challenge to Pat: 'win the kilo race on Friday, you keep the wheel' ...the safe bet was on.

Thursday 16th February 2012
With Patrick staying at home to fully recover I came in to check out the first day of racing. On show were the qualifying rounds which were interesting enough but what really struck me and everyone else I think, was the home crowd roar when team GB came to the track, it was an impressive sound.
I was also relieved when I was minded about how friendly cycling fans are and that come Friday Patrick had nothing to worry about, unless it is the case that he really can't bear being willed and cheered on by a jovial and enthusiastic audience. I was happy to pass on this sentiment to Pat by phone and he said that he was looking forward to racing even more now. Inside I was a little apprehensive and daunted my self but not at all after a mingle with the good GB cycling folk gathered here today :)

It's all about the Track...Neil Irons

2012-02-22T16:41:00.002-08:00

Read the report from CC Hackney's U13s coach and former Kenyan resident Neil Irons - go here.

Eastway

Message from Ronnie Jarsen - Uganda, Kampala, Salama Road

2012-02-22T03:13:00.003-08:00

Cycling Uganda Manager Mr. Keir in Ugandan colours pose for a photo with Cycling Club Hackney young stars.

Lawino and Mr. Keir shining in Ugandan Colours

It is really a suprise and a memorable day for a Ugandan flag colours to appear on a world scene in cycling spot. We therefore appreciate the manager for Cycling Uganda Mr. Keir and Cycling Club Hackney for this initiative. We thank Patrick Lawino for the good representation.

2012 UCI London World Cup - 1kmTT Patrick's split times - result sheet

2012-02-22T02:57:00.005-08:00

The split time results clearly show that our man Patrick has got power in there and that he can improve his time a lot, especially by looking at his starting and finishing laps.

The full results can be found here.

2012 UCI London World Cup - forum contact

2012-02-21T17:31:00.014-08:00

Forum crew at Road.CC - Cycling Uganda would like to thank you for your humorous and astute observations, and also for leaving me to cut and paste the easy way, or as ye olde N4 Finsbury Park youth tribe cult figure (UK national treasure?); John Lydon once penned:

'How many ways to get what you want? I use the best I use the rest'

"you never know, this might spark some interest back home and in a few years they could have a few decent riders, a bit like China has now..."

posted by Gkam84

'It has to be said that you do have a point, but like the less well known nations at the world TT champs, give them a chance.

Wonder how many tracks they have in Uganda?'

posted by Raleigh

'CCHackney are doing lots of stuff in Uganda to try and promote cycling and give Ugandans a chance to try bike racing'
posted by botoxking

'Yeah, I read that blog, what does Keir Apperley ride? I hope that this doesn't get taken the wrong way, but he doesn't look too Ugandan.'

posted by Raleigh

Reflections on the remaining training and competition days at the 2012 UCI London World Cup are yet to be posted - soon come.

UCI World Cup track training session 2 - Olympic velodrome

2012-02-15T15:45:00.003-08:00

Wednesday 15th February 2012

Olympic Velodrome UCI World Cup track training session 2

Ugandan pen pal Raja Audi (representing Lebanon) will be competing in the sprint and Kerin events at the end of the week and over the weekend.

Pat looks on after his 2nd training session.

Crank it...meanwhile

UCI World Cup track training session 1 - Olympic velodrome

2012-02-14T09:54:00.004-08:00

Introducing Patrick Lawino to our new local track.

Track verdict: it works really well but you end up going round n round in circles. This amazing space has been raised on top of the cycle racing circuit that was Eastway, a place that I used to use for racing back in the day, it's cool to be here again - 'make ya self at home Pat - 'nuestra casa es tu casa'
Our next door neighbour is a fella by the name of PJ Lane who is all the way from a small island country called Carpenters...actually he is the chippy who built the track and jolly PJ is on hand to fix it should the need arise, let's hope not - touch wood please. We done PJ, on stand by, see you again soon.

Today's training session was about Patrick getting a feel of the venue, the boards and the bike set up. However we were interrupted after a couple of laps by the commissar whom we found had been getting an ear bashing from one or two of the 'big' national team coaches who were judging Pat and making unfair predictions before he had a chance to get into it. The guy over reacted too quickly I think, I couldn't see what the fuss was about, Pat kept his line and indicated his movements. Style not to their liking? I spoke to the commissar with Pat and reassured them both that according to the UCI rules Pat is as entitled as any rider to test ride and train here today - Chris Hoy et al. Elitism was left a bit exposed we feel, anyway no problem as we all returned to rights. Apparently it's often the case that the 'big' teams moan about the small and unknown national riders looking to get ready. Yep give a dog a bone & keep on trucking riders and coaches, your time will come.

In tomorrow's second of three training sessions Patrick will be on a larger gear and we will be running a few standing start tests, going though the process.

Keir

PJ - Baltic pine in hand

Pat with our Estonian neighbour Monika

The Eastway Circuit - Temple Mills Lane

Lebanon & Uganda are neighbours in the London Olympic velodrome

2012-02-12T16:03:00.000-08:00

UCI London World Cup up-date:

The cycling teams of Lebanon & Uganda are to be neighbours this week. They are to share a pen in the track centre at the London Prepares Series test event in the new 2012 London Olympic velodrome.

In advance, Uganda's Cycling team would like to welcome Lebanon and looks forward to an interesting cultural exchange during the London round of the World Cup - Matoke meets Falafel meets Fish 'n' Chips - in East London.

Exclusive preview - Uganda's kit for the 2012 UCI London World Cup

2012-02-10T16:06:00.000-08:00

Uganda's kit for the 2012 UCI London World Cup

London 2012 Ugandan Olympic hopeful joins CC Hackney and Cycling Uganda

2012-02-05T10:29:00.000-08:00

Partick Lawino flanked by his escort of riders; Robert Sweeney (L) & Jac Daley

As result of CC Hackney's on going support for Cycling Uganda, track sprinter and London 2012 Olympic Games hopeful Patrick Lawino has joined CCH. Moreover Patrick has formed a coaching partnership with yours truly. He and I will be representing Uganda at the forthcoming London round of the UCI World Cup. Objectives for this event are to gain experience in the sprint event and clock a creditable competition time in the 1km TT. So please, any Cycling Uganda supporters tracking our progress from anywhere, do send Patrick a message (Face Book, email, text or blog comment) and even a shout at the TV - this would be very much appreciated by Mr. Lawino as he takes to the boards I'm sure.
After the London World Cup we will be focusing on the Olympic qualifying event that is the UCI World Championships in Melbourne Australia. Patrick will need to do well enough against the African quota of riders who are also hoping to gain entry into the London 2012 Olympics.
Additional support for this effort is coming from Velo Club Londres who have offered track time and have donated shoes and other items of equipment to help keep our man in the frame.

Yours,

Keir Apperley

Meeting with Tour of Uganda chief Bumali Lubega

2012-01-30T10:38:00.000-08:00

Wednesday 11th January Kamapala Entebbe Road 2.30pm...

Today a meeting was held with Bumali Lubega at the Tour of Uganda office in Kampala. Also present was local gov. youth worker Dickson Muti (Mokono district) and Cycling Uganda (CU) members Stephen Okellow and Ronnie Jarsen. The main discussion topic was how to deliver a decent cycle race for Ugandan Minister of Youth and Children Affairs; Hon. Kibuule Ronald (AKA Jim). This followed another Cycling Uganda meeting at government offices earlier in the week in down-town Kampala. We discussed our proposal looking into the possibility of a 450m tarmac velodrome for Uganda and East Africa amongst other worthy topics. A cycle race for the Hon. Jim was called for his own two eyes to see. Assistance and help for this event was offered, our man needed to know how he can help. Time will have to wait for this because of a parliament recess. Hon. Jim is back on the scene now and progress is sought - today a post CU meeting meeting is taking place in Kampala regarding this planned event.

2nd Mbuya Hill Climb 8th January 2012 - classified results

2012-01-29T10:28:00.000-08:00

Thanks must go to all the volunteers and well wishers (including Kiwendo Robert & crew at UCA) who made the race go ahead safely and efficiently as well as to all those who took part. The next event will be held at an alternative location due to the numbers who had signed on and who were gathered at the Mbuya hill summit. There was a problem because the top of this hill is a Ugandan Military HQ and staff there were ok but advised us that with so many numbers present, they'd rather we did our race on another route. Kampla is a city of hills, we will find a more suitable course for next time, any suggestions for this? ...please send them to Cycling Uganda.

Well done to all those competitors who brought life to the Mbuya road and raised heartbeats of those watching as well as their own. Good exercise = a good life:)

Mbuya Hill Climb - pictures, no results yet...

2012-01-24T13:27:00.000-08:00

2nd Mbuya Hill Climb 8th January 2012

On this day it became clear that in Kampala there are many cyclists that can rise and take on a steep hill with heavy bikes and big spirits - no such thing as a barrier to these heroes and heroines, you just cannot keep a good rider down. While we wait for the full results to be released by race official Stephen Okellow here are a few pictures to check:

A NOTE OF THANKS

2012-01-19T03:10:00.000-08:00

On behalf of CU,we would like to extend our sincere thanks to cycling club hackney, Hackney council,The learning trust, British cycling among others for their continued support to us through Keir.
On this note therefore Keir has to be credited for all his efforts for instance the good cooperation we had with him. On the first day on his arrival to Uganda on his second time@ a place called Kansanga food centre. In his speech he emphasised the slogan "we are brothers of different mothers" and this was reflected by his staying with us for a period of 2 weeks. The way he associated with us and going in remote areas,eating ,chatting with us and this really showed us he meant what he said.
In addition that Peter Catermolle who contributed so much for the prizes and has expressed an interest in sponsoring one of our members . In conclusion there fore, whoever does good must be credited, we appreciate all the support towards cycling in Uganda.

Jarsen Mubiru a sponsored lad by CCH in Uganda wants to thank Mr. Keir for being a simple man in that he sustained all we went through as we were moving with him in the different impassable areas we visited.
Damut designs also want to thank Mr. Keir for sparing time and visit our offices where the training of the Cycling UgandaYouth Riders club is conducted .

The images for the activities carried out during Keir's stay will be forwarded soon.

Peter Catermolle is in support of Cycling Uganda

2011-12-27T15:21:00.000-08:00

27.12.11
Today I met Peter Catermolle, British Cycling London Regional Development Manager (and leader at Velo Club Londres) by Herne Hill Velodrome in south London. We had a talk about Cycling Uganda and building on specific support for cycling and cyclists on that side. Peter offered me some great advice about velodromes to carry forward. He also thought it was excellent that CC Hackney were sponsoring a young Ugandan racing cyclist (Ronnie). Peter was of the view that one sunny day it could be that many London cycling clubs will support individual cyclists in Uganda and even in other developing countries. Peter asked me if I could find a rider in Kampala for VCL to work with - well now we're on track, watch the space a follow-up is coming soon. After our talk I was generously handed items to take as prizes to hand out to competitors after the 2nd Mbuya Hill Climb on 8th January 2012.

It was really great of Peter to come out and give up his time to help the project along.

Mr. Catermolle - ya' large :)

Happy new year 2012

Keir

2nd Mbuya Hill Climb 8th January 2012

2011-12-23T15:09:00.000-08:00

Poster image: riders competing on 5th December 2010, near the finish line at the top of Mbuya hill.

Following last year's successful event, we're back to rise up again, taking on the 1300m Mbuya climb with style and grace. We're looking forward to reuniting and seeing you there - remember it's 2pm registration.

CYCLING UGANDA RACE RESULTS HELD ON 11.12.2011

2011-12-23T14:49:00.000-08:00

	CYCLING UGANDA RACE RESULTS HELD ON 11.12.2011 AT SALAMA - MUNYONYO ROAD
	LIST OF RIDERS WHO PARTICIPATED IN OUR HISTORICAL GET-TOGETHER RACE.
1	SSEWANKABO FRANK
2	KAFERO ROGER
3	KANYIKE CHRISTOPHER
4	SSERUNKUMA BRUNOH
5	SSENABULYA JOSHUA
6	SSENTAMU FRANK
7	WALUKAGGA RONALD
8	BUKENYA MISISI
9	HASSAN WASWA
10	KIZITO JAMILU
11	SSEBUFFU HENRY
12	MUGERWA STEVEN
13	KAGAME RONALD
14	KAFERO LUKAYA
15	MULANGILA ANGEL
16	SSEBUMA JOSEPH
17	MUKASA JOHN
18	MUBIRU JOHN
19	BUKENYA PAUL.
20	MATOVU AMERICA.
21	KIIZA FRANK.
22	DAVID M
23	KIRYA BASHIR
24	KATWESIGYE
25	AGURE JOSEPH
26	VICTOR BASHIR
27	ADRIAN JOHN
28	SSEMUJU SHAKIRA
29	KABUYE HARBERT
30	BESIGYE GODFERY
31	SSENYOGA BEN
32	NKUKWASA MOSES
33	MUSIRIVU MUGANGA
34	MUDASIRU LUKWAGO
35	NSEREKO BASHIR
36	LWANGA CHARLES
37	MUKASA BALIKUDEMBE
38	SSEMANDA MOSES
39	KAFERO ABBY
40	MUKIBI ROBERT

	OVERALL WINNERS
	SSERUNKUMA BRUNOH	01 hr 5 mins	24YRS
	SSENTAMU FRANK	01 hr 6 mins
	KAFERO ROGERS	01 hr 8 mins
	SSEBUFU HENRY	0I hr 10mins

	YOUNGER BEST RIDER
1	SSEBUFFU HENREY	16YRS.

	OLDER BEST RIDER	39YRS	( COACH TO THE BEST TEAM OF THE DAY)
1	SSEMANDA MOSES

	THE BEST TEAM CAME FROM KAWEMPE AND IN BEST 4 HAS 3 OF THE BEST RIDERS.

	MORE DETAILED/COMPLETE RESULTS TO FOLLOW

Magnificent Revolution power surge

2011-12-19T01:53:00.000-08:00

Magnificent Revolution are getting behind CC Hackney, Interlinkx CiC and Cycling Uganda.

After visiting lead person Adam Walker at Mag. Rev's base on Hackney City Farm. It was agreed that there is plenty of potential for interesting and productive partnership work in all three linked projects.

Adam presented me with one 24v motor to take to Cycling Uganda in the capital Kampala. It's ready to use, complete with the aluminum contact point for the rear wheel's tyre to spin that thing. This motor is the type used in electric scooters and can produce 300w of DC power (the scooters are not so challenging in my eyes now:))

Power produced in this way has many applications including, LED lighting, computer/phone charging, sound and vision.

Planning for partnership work and increased learning opportunities into 2012 with Magificent Revolution; this is something interesting to look forward to, happy new year in advance.

Keir Apperley

Wednesday 14th December 2011

Look Mum No Hands

CCH club fellows; Shaveh and Jace Daley joined in by revving the Magnificent Revolution generators to supply electricity for the Gorilla Film Magazine's short film night at LMNH. The evening was entertaining, thought provoking and pleasurable as well as being a bit of a work out for those who donated their leg power in watts for conversion.

L-R Adam Keir Shaveh Jac

Cycling Uganda Road Race - Salama circuit pictures

2011-12-16T03:30:00.000-08:00

Here are some pictures from the Cycling Uganda Road Race that was held on the Salama circuit.
Start sheet and full report to follow. Results here.

Go here to check the response over at Cycling Club Hackney.

Cycling Uganda - text & phone ahead of CU race 11.12.11

2011-12-16T02:45:00.000-08:00

Yep the blog has been neglected, it's true. Dose that mean Cycling Uganda is inactive?
No!
CU has been 'actually' active rather than the virtual one, apologies on behalf of myself and fellow contributors for keeping quiet and not publishing news earlier. I'm heading back to Uganda early in the new year to follow up from last year's visit. I'm due to catch up with our partners and leaders and to meet some new heads who share our interests.

It's going to be exciting and interesting, we have the energy and vision, imagination is our only boundary,

Keeping the vibe alive.

Keir Apperley

Arrival of the long awaited items at Cycling Uganda Hdqtrs in Kampala

2011-07-29T14:54:00.001-07:00

All the items that were sent are there by pictured above, reached at our offices in Kampala and they include: Tifosi bike, Toshiba Laptop, Digital CameraCycling Club Hackney kit and other clothes, shoes, 3G modem etc. Thanks to all people who worked tirelesly to ensure the timely arrival of the package.

Finally Ronnie's racing bike & Stephen's computer are on their way...

2011-07-13T15:44:00.000-07:00

Wednesday 13th July 2011

Cargo was dispatched at Salama air freight specialists in Forest Gate earlier today: A racing Bike & spare parts, a lap-top computer (powered by Ubuntu) plus a portable modem, more spares, cycling shoes, cycling clothing, two digital cameras, CCH kit, a solar lamp, tools, posters, LED lighting, and more are winging their way to Kampala to be collected by our Cycling Uganda staff Stephen and Sylvia at the end of next week. After picking up our bike box from the Forex Bureau in down town Kamapala, they will take it to our Cycling Uganda HQ in Kinawataka, a district in the north east of of the city. Here they will unpack and present Ronnie Mibiru Jarsen with the bike.

Pictures and comments to follow.

Ronnie will need a period of getting used to handling a drop handle bar racing bike as opposed to the heavy single speed Hero boda boda machine that our young fella has been competing with up until now. Soon Mr Jarsen will be able to play the cycling game in CCH colors with a bike fit for purpose. Let's see what he can do with it, knowing Ronnie I think a lot including raising the profile of our on-going development work on their side.

To all those who contributed to this direct provision, many thanks and much respect to you. Do check for up-dates regarding how the equipment gets put to good use by Cycling Uganda in East Africa.

Cycling Club Hackney to sponsor Ugandan cyclist Ronnie Mubiru Jarsen

2011-03-16T05:11:00.000-07:00

During yesterday evening's CCH committee meeting it was confirmed that Ugandan cyclist Mubiru Jarsen (Ronnie) is to be sponsored by the club, soon he will be training and racing in CCH colors. In addition to this Ronnie will be sent a renovated racing bike with parts and spares to keep him on the road. Ronnie has been invited to contribute to this blog with news items, reactions, race results, pictures and reports. His role is to be an active figure helping to raise awareness of the Cycling Uganda project, the accompanying youth exchange and of any related developments in this area.

Mr Jarsen on his way to 1st in his class and 2nd overall during the Mbuya Hill Climb on Sunday December 5th 2010.

Pictured here by Stephen Okello's house in Kinawataka

Second meeting for youth exchange candidates - HACKNEY TOWN HALL

2011-03-09T16:35:00.000-08:00

Tuesday 8th March, 4.30pm, first floor, room 103 - Hackney Town Hall. This was the date, time and (well known) place of the second meeting for youth exchange candidates who are interested in developing and bringing to life the Hackney - Uganda outward bound leg. Count down to landing at Entebbe airport and arrival in the capital Kampala is under way towards Friday 9th December 2011 - all being well.

Present were Kyroah Pang, Liam Pelgem, Linton Harper, Bartoz Tomaszewski and Keir Apperley. Apologies were received from Devina Jalbert, Devonte Knight and Bianca Maxwell.

The session was an opportunity to try out the space, discus questions raised and go through the preset agenda items. Among those Qs were; "what can I gain?" and "what could I bring" (from/to the project), also "what are the costs?" and "what's it all about anyway?"

Talks were interjected with evidential pictures and video clips taken during Keir's trip the Uganda last November/December 2010. The main outcomes in the end were that those at this meet were keen to keep building and it was agreed for all to put some thought into what skills and job descriptions would best suit each member.

Some good news: Earlier in the day it was confirmed that the Common Wealth Youth Exchange Council (CYEC) has officially adopted and endorsed this project and the application that was completed and handed in by Linton & Keir some weeks previously. This is a really welcome credibility boost for the ambitions of the Hackney Uganda Cycling Youth Exchange and for 'Cycling Uganda' as well.

The next meeting is at the same time and place on Tuesday 22nd March 2011.

Meeting Kampala resident Nigel Ball in London

2011-03-07T06:01:00.000-08:00

Keir Apperley February 2011
Last week I headed south across London from my place in Hackney on the way to Brixton (Lambeth borough). I was going there to meet expat and Kampala resident Nigel Ball who has been in London for a short stay. Nigel is with the Mara Foundation and was a speaker at Cycling Uganda's founding meeting at Makerere University December 2011.

I rode through Shorditch, the financial district in The City and over the Thames at London Bridge. From here a view of London's latest sky-scraper named the Shard is in your face and unmissable, cranes hang off it half way up with warning lights for air craft. While this elongated steel and glass pyramid is being constructed, London is never quite finished.

Continuing south past Borough Market and negotiating the challenging double round abouts at Elephant & Castle before I took the road to Brixton. I met Nigel outside the Ritzy Cinema opposite Lambeth town hall and we went in search of a pint of bitter.

Topics of discussion were a progress up-date on heading up 'Cycling Uganda' and my concerns after checking the BBC documentary: 'The Worst Place in the World to be Gay' and news of civil rights campaigner David Kato's murder. Nigel's take on this topic was that the middle class and well educated Ugandans are equally tolerant, worldly and understanding while most in Uganda have too much on to get busy with other's lives. Apparently a minority of uneducated and ignorant people have been targeted by right wing evangelists who trade in extreme & aggressive posturing towards people who's sexual preferences don't fit their ideal. I gather this is done to generate fervor to increase support from congregations at the expense and risk of margionalised and isolated LGBT people. Choice! Nigel thought that MP David Bahati's attempt to get the death penalty instated for being gay was loosing ground and would not become law.

We also talked about Cycling Uganda's progress and prospects and how important it is for there to be a united and settled front from all Ugandan cycling groups. Nigel was not sure if this was so easy to arrive at but I assured him that having spoken to key players recently and supporting neutrals there is really nothing to worry about – it's going to be all right.

So essentially it was a case of two fellows in London worrying a bit...but let's hope not too much.

Keir & Nigel in Brixton & Hackney

Meeting Lira CC (Northern regions Uganda) Founding Western CCH (Mbarara)

2011-02-24T15:55:00.000-08:00

Stephen Okello (Secretary, front left) with his new Lira CC club mates after their planning meeting in January 2011.

Keir Apperley, Musah Denby and new club members at the December 14th founding meeting of Western Cycling Club (Mbarara)

Team work...

2011-02-23T12:25:00.000-08:00

If you want to achieve more, team work matters. Obvious to many yes?
The text in this clip is a reminder for anyone looking for more than just strength alone.

New Cycling Uganda logo

2011-02-18T11:30:00.000-08:00

First meeting for candidates - LOOK MUM NO HANDS!

2011-02-16T16:24:00.000-08:00

Liam Pelgem, Niel Irons, Kyroah Pang and Keir Apperley out side Look Mum No Hands! This was before tea and talks about the Hackney - Uganda youth exchange project set up in conjunction with 'Cycling Uganda's' main objectives. We all agreed to sign up to Drop Box to share our input more easily. Two other members were unable to reach.

Youth Exchange Project - launched via 'Hackney Today'

2011-02-13T08:47:00.000-08:00

You can download the article in the on-line edition of Hackney Today, turn to page 27.

Link here