We had not one, not two, but 22 persons wanting to partake in the annual Boxing Day 10 this year! Having analyzed that fact, it’s not the fact we’re the only club running an event, it’s not the fastest course, so it must be we’re the friendliest club around……
Thanks to Paul Fallon who said he could do the turn a few weeks ago (takes the pressure off last minute .com), “The two Julies” for their time keeping efforts, “The Destroyer” also at the turn, Tiny Timbo for pushing off and George Burgess for the pics of a couple of the riders.
Well it has to be said well done to Colin for managing to embarrass everyone on his old winter hack, with lights, mudguards, a rack and saddlebag for his sandwiches. Thanks Mate!
This was the first time I’ve met Jez, he could be a name to watch in the future as this was another good ride managing to knock our “Turbo Will” into third spot. Will spent a little longer on his warm down to think of excuses as to why the boss beat him…. In fairness, I think Will did what he set out to do in his pre season programme so it will be good to see what the two do in a mere 5 months time.
Jon of the Gannets put up very respectable time for the time of year chased by our own “Mad Max” who will have some other Ross riders worried about his fitness for this time of year, sandwiched by the second Gannet Mark.
Kerry only seems to come out in colder events but has also shown he’s fit. Messrs Stephens & Streather had the poor timekeepers panicking with their times as they had started a minute apart, then finished in the same time. Spooky!
The majority of the visitors were squeezed into this next bit with Clinton being the quickest of the Hereford riders, Jamie looking like he had had to work to get to the event on time, and an always enthusiastic Gordon who was not quite as fit as usual. Ed had his first go on the course, failed to find out what he thought of it. Will see next year if it was to his liking.
“Wobbly Bob” on his winter hack brought his fan club out with him (they were supporting you all at the Courtfield Inn) with Our Nigel in his first TT. His first comment at the finish was “I started too fast” finding that the event was not won in the first mile. Valuable lesson learnt, expect to see some really good times next year from him if we can keep him out of the hedges on downhills during social rides.
Another rider putting in a good ride was young Matt, 2 seconds
off his PB. Tom “The Power” Knight had the biggest smile on his face during the event, chased by AJ with what must be one of his best rides in a long time. “The Spinner” turned up on a fixed wheel bike complaining it was not the right tool for the event. He’s only broken 2 frames this year with his spin rate. The only lady of the day Louise showed she was still fit (cycling’s not her number one sport) shaming “Bill the Chair” who seems to go one speed all year. Last home was Dale, who’s not racing anyone but himself, done purely for pleasure!
Rider of the Day this year is tough due to the fact the fastest rider was on his hack, but I think Jez steals it for the manner he attacked from the off, and accepted Will’s congrats this time out.
Thanks all who turned up
