North Road Hog Hill Report and Results - Sat 13th June 09

The inaugural North Road Hog Hill event attracted a large entry of club members to race on a gloriously sunny Saturday.  The 3/4 cat event attracted entries from eight North Roaders in a decent sized field of riders.  With a large number of 'young buck' third cats riding, the hour plus three lap event was going to be a tough introduction to those unversed in the intricate set of riding skills required in circuit racing.

The early laps where at the usual full on speed setting, which Glyn Teare and Steve James lacking a little match fitness, found very tough and dropped out of the action.  New member, and Brickendon regular, Andrew Benson held his own in the early laps with some particulalry adept cornering before his lack of road racing experience lead him to drop off the pace. 

Tristan Emptage, with his all-action-style, was up and down the bunch making numerous attempts to break away. Jonathan Aplleby was also a player while Ian Coles, John McDowall, and Simon Checkley where more cautious in their race tactics.  With Peter Little's renownd organising skills it shouldn't have been a suprise for the riders to receive a full RAF flyby at about the half way mark, although the clash of dates with the Queen's official birthday was the reason modestly given by Pete.  Indeed, some in the judges box were heard to remark that all the riders should have been disqualified for not stopping their racing, standing to attention, and saluting!  

Simon was the next to drop out stating that 'he was not enjoying it'.  Frankly, at that point in the race I could see his point!  Ian suffered an unfortunate puncture on the sharp hairpin, but after a lap out, rejoined the action and looked strong all race.  It really was Jonathan and Tristan that carried the colours for the North Road in their contrasting styles -  Jonathan silky smooth, Tristan legs pumping elbows out, bullying the bike.  John was starting to suffer and did a couple of laps domestique work easing Tristan up the group before the decisive break formed with about ten to twelve riders, including Jonathan and Tristan, with a handful of laps to go

The final full on sprint up the hill left Tristan about seventh, Jonathan one behind him and former North Roader Ed Checkley, riding for the Welwyn Wheelers, battling manfully for twelth. Ian finished in the main bunch while John pulled out with two laps to go.

Jamie Anderson was the sole North Road representitive in the E/1/2/3 event in a smallish field of riders.  The pace looked gruelling and unremitting, and although Jamie battled on with tremendous spirit he was forced to drop out after a particularly ferocious lap sparked by the race for a prime.  

So a big slap on the back for those members who turned out and raced, and those that came along to cheer and offer kind words of encouragement.  A huge champagne and truffle reception to organiser Peter Little and his helping minions Andy Lancaster, Chris Glithero and Nick Harris (apologies to any other helpers that I have missed) 

3/4/W/J

1 Tom Castle Ipswich BC
2 Mickael Metayer Kingston Whlrs
3 Malcolm Dixon Dulwich Paragon
4 George Pearl Southend Whlrs
5 Peter Anderson Elite CC
6 Kieran Dineen Amersham RC
7 Tristian Emptage North Rd CC
8 Kristian Cormack London Dynamo CC
9 Phil Cloak San Fairy Ann CC
10 Jonathan Appelby North Rd CC