Club Notes - 9th November 2003

Those who can remember my last report may recall that I said “only the hardy or foolhardy” would be still out in shorts, well the following Sunday we found some, the occasion was Congleton Cycling Club’s Hill climb, in times gone past we use to combine the event with our own club championship so it was only right that we should offer some support and a so it was that a band of 5 club members struck out for Macclesfield. It could only mean that Congleton like a number of other clubs had chosen the ascent of the Cat And Fiddle for this years event, not a traditional get up as far as you can before you fall off type of venue “ I can remember when all hill climbs were held on hills that were so off the beaten track that grass grew up the middle, and so steep that marshal were stationed on the hill to mark how far each competitor reached” the Cat is more of a road-mans course, heck even I’ve ridden up it twice before this year and even though racing might have been a strong word for it I had a number on my back and its still enough of a hill not to be elected to tackle for pleasure! A burst of speed part way to the venue just got us to the signing on in time for 3 off the five new man Phil Bridden, our own Champion young Adam Kenway (doomed to be probably known as Young Adam for eternity) and yours truly. Mile Muncher Dave Cooper electing to ride up without a number but probably quicker than either me or Phil whilst Marc Briand only had time to ride up to the Setter dog to offer support before having to dash back home for family duties. The Congleton crew were taking it a bit more seriously with an abundance of Carbon-fibre and an unhealthy amount of exposed flesh, although Congleton provided the winner in Neil Skellern, Adam did manage second and if it wasn’t for being held at a set of lights on the climb may well have clinched the title, Phil Bridden in his first competitive venturing for I think a couple of decades beat his training time, whilst mine fell between my last two outings. After the event Dave made his way home whilst the rest of us joined Congleton for the obligatory refreshments in Buxton before tackling Axe Edge on the return trip to Leek. Full results of the event below: -

N Skellern 21.46, A.Kenway 22.23, M.Dooley 23.36, K.Austin 24.38,

T.Elliott 27.11, K.Milward 27.51, S.Collins 27.53, H.Morgan 27.54,

W.Jackson 29.34, B.Dale 30.05, P.Bridden 33.07.

Next Week comments on the AGM and hints on the run to Noels Garage, not that Noel and risk of only one pink monstrosity and that’s if its not raining hey Whiz!