Second Club 25 Mile TT (plus report from timekeeper) - Saturday 3rd Sept 2011

As usual the event was dominated by a strong headwind along the exposed back straight that never seemed to materialise as a tail wind at any point on the circuit.  A change to course HQ to the Memorial Hall at Dunton, meant a more difficult finish on the final lap making what is already a testing course even more challenging.  A fine ride in the conditions by Tim Brown, nipping under the magic hour, gave him the honours amongst the North Road riders.  Andy Hasting from the Finchly RT, managed an even more impressive 56-13 to achieve the quickest time on the day, and along with Tim become the only riders under an hour. Thanks are due to all the marshals, caterers, and time keepers whose efforts where rewarded by a good turn-out of riders.

The Timekeepers Perspective on the Afternoon by Graham Thompson 

Graham decided to ride out from Stevenage via Weston, Clothall, Quickswood, Baldock, Ashwell, Hinxworth, Edworth and so to Dunton.    A tail wind and sunshine helped before duties commenced at the Village Hall – riders signing on, handing over money, fixing numbers and preparing machines.

Motoring to the start near Wrestlingworth, a short walk to the starting line, chalked on the road, and a prompt start at 2 o'clock, help at hand from Peter as second timekeeper and Adrian pushing off  was the well established routine, good views all around with a strong south west breeze for this sporting course.  Time for a sandwich before motoring to Dunton for the finish which the riders were relieved to reach  as the breeze had been stiff and some of the miles had been hard.   There was help for the event secretary, Nick, from Annabel in charge of catering with help from June and Brenda, marshalling from Ken, June, Brenda and Adrian.

Leigh considered riding but not wishing to aggravate her sore throat instead rode round the course, Steve took a wrong turning and Dave's tyres threatened to roll off on the corners.     For some of the senior members this had been a long and tiring outing so at home in Stevenage after a cup of tea one assumed a state of dormancy for a couple of hours.  A younger member cleared the car of signs, marshal jackets, other race paraphernalia, a bicycle and from time to time checking that the dormant one was still fast asleep. After supper the state of dormancy changed to a state of soporificity such are the rigours of being a cycling hero.   

 

Pos.	Rider	Time	Handicap	H.cap time	Vet on std	Vet +/-	Points
.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.
1	Tim Brown	59.50	1.00	58.50	1.09.33	+9.43	60
2=	Marcus Machell	1.02.05	1.00	1.01.05	.	.	54
2=	John Mcdowall	1.02.05	4.00	58.05	1.08.31	+6.26	50
4	Simon Best	1.02.29	4.00	58.29	1.08.31	+6.02	46
5	Gavin Lewis	1.04.16	SCR	1.04.16	.	.	42
6	Dave Kiely	1.04.40	5.00	59.40	1.09.02	+4.22	38
7	Adam Spector	1.06.12	10.00	56.12	1.13.16	+7.04	34
8	Alan Harvey	1.07.25	11.00	56.25	1.20.05	+12.40	30
9	Nick Ison	1.11.33	9.00	1.02.33	1.10.35	-0.58	26
10	John Rumbold	1.13.43	8.00	1.05.43	1.09.02	-4.41	22
11	Jim Ewers	1.14.08	12.00	1.02.08	1.15.29	+1.21	20
12	Jim Parsons	1.15.16	13.00	1.02.06	1.16.37	+1.21	18
13	Jennifer Hill	1.16.08	20.00	56.08	1.16.37	+0.29	16
14	Steve Livingstone	1.24.14	1 12 43	.	1.12.43	-11.31	14
.	Steve James	DNF