Wymondham teenager Imogen Buick emerged from a muddy final round of the cyclo-cross National Trophy Series with her best result of the season.

Buick (16), who rides for Moda-Diablo, took eighth place. Morning frost on the course near the River Severn in Shrewsbury had just thawed by the start of the women's race, leaving mud that was just the texture to stick. Imogen made three bike changes on her way to a result which lifts her to 13th place in the overall series

There was no thaw in France where Hugo Robinson was racing in a World Cup cyclo-cross at Lievin near the WW1 battlefield of Vimy Ridge. The mud was frozen solid and the course consequently extremely fast. Robinson ended 18th after a sprint finish for 15th in which five riders crossed the line within a half a bike's length.

There was a lull in local competitive events, though the VC Baracchi 50 mile reliability trial, starting at Oulton Broad Community Centre, provided an opportunity for social riding. In cold but dead-still conditions the route took participants to Laxfield, Harleston, and Bungay before returning via St Olaves.

Many other cyclists were enjoying good company on club runs. This is an excellent time of year to start riding with a club. Those tempted to wait for better weather should remember this – acquaintances quickly turn into clubmates and friends on shared rides in hostile conditions. Those who would like to get involved in the world of club cycling will find the website of the East District Cycling Association most helpful http://www.eastdistrictca.org.uk/. Click on the tag 'Clubs' for links to websites across the region.

If contemplating riding with a club for the first time, ask about mudguards and mudflaps. With many clubs a rear mudflap extension (to about 8 inches off the ground) will greatly increase your popularity.

Regarding forthcoming Audax and reliability rides, the Norfolk Nips 3 Audax already has a full field, but the VC Norwich have a 100km on Sunday, January 22. Start is at the A140 Cromer Road layby near Norwich Airport between 8.30 and 9.30 am. Ian Doe (07931 446065) can tell you more. On Saturday, January 28 the Diss club have 50 and 35 mile rides starting at Occold, near Eye (IP23 7PN) starting between 9 and 10am (details from 01379 678708).

Next day, Sunday 29th, there are 50 km rides starting at Carbrooke Village Hall (10-10.30am) as a prelude to the East District CA Prize Presentation and (baked) bean-feast see http://www.ccbreckland.