North Road Hardriders Feb 2023

To welcome the new organising team, the roadworks gods kept away, and on a bright, chilly day, the North Road Hardriders continued to provide the thrills and spills we have come to love. There was a little frost, and a damp patch on the Epping Green corner caused a couple of riders to hit the tarmac, but both completed the course. 

£100 first prizes were on offer, not to mention the Thistle Trophy, and 52 riders registered, the same number as last year, including 6 intrepid North Roaders. The number of young riders including several juniors and juveniles was especially pleasing and offered hope for the long-term future of the event at a time when entries at TTs are generally falling. 

Like last year, Jamie Anderson led the North Roaders home in 1:11:58, with very creditable times from Dan Brown, Jobe Usher, Martin Quinn and Abigail Coles. And like last year, Dan Tarry felt under the weather and wisely decided not to ride. There were four other DNSs. Youngster Abbey Thompson was the only DNF after a mechanical on Cucumber Lane, and thanks to Erol for returning her safely to HQ.

Josh Crow-Stewart (05/03) won the Thistle Trophy as faster rider, and the Mens first prize, in 1:02.09.  Not far behind were Ally Spiers (Harworth and District CC) in 1:03.22 and Freddie Checketts (LFGSS CC) in 1:03.45

Karine Jones (Verulam Really Moving) was fastest woman in 1:13:37, with Elspeth Grace (Cambridge CC) cursing (politely) a dropped chain that put her second by 22 seconds in 1:13.59. Third prize went to Alice Wood (Islington CC) in 1:20.31.

Fastest Veteran was Adrian Tovey of Maldon & District CC in 1:09:52,

Fastest Junior Jamie Bretton Stonham Barns Park - SYRT 1:15:32

Fastest Juvenile Leon Atkins Welwyn Wheelers 1:04:33 £ 20.00

Fastest Espoir Jack Rose Team Milton Keynes 1:24:41 £ 20.00

Fastest Team East London Velo Graham Galvin 1:10:56, Vincent Christan  1:10:16 and Rob Chaplin 1:13:29 

Fastest Veteran on Standard Graham Galvin East London Velo 0:02:33 

Thanks to all the organisers, helpers, marshals, timekeepers, caterers, photographers and riders, but especially to Neil Lewis. Neil took his leave after a decade of running this challenging event so brilliantly, with Graham Potter taking over as organiser.  Well done Graham for stepping in so ably, and good luck for the future. 

Photo: Ian Turner