Club Notes - 21st September 2003

Time to get catch up the racing scene starting with a couple of events from the 30^th of September. In the Morning Mark Poyser took part in the final S.P.O.C.O. which took place on what will be the series new course for next season and although Mark informs me that it’s pan flat (as if I’m going to believe that from some one less than 14 stones!) his first experience of the course was marred by an artic driver decided to block the road for a few minutes with Mark being one of the riders having to wait denying him a chance to set a proper target time for next year. The frustration was tempered by his overall excellent result in the series winning his group and runner up overall. YT on the other hand continued my season wind down by dropping outside the top 10 in the Stretford Wheelers 25 my 58:09 being only good enough for 14^th.

Jumping forward a week and Leek had a couple of riders flying the Den Engel flag in the Altrincham Ravens 25, Stuart Cope putting in a sterling 1:09:18 and Mark Poyser finishing on form with a 59:00, over a minute faster than his previous 25 outing, however Ex Leek man Pat Kinch was the quickest of the local riders his 57:31 pushing winner Ian Stott’s time of 57:12 close.

A positive flurry of activity and Leek fielded 5 riders for the final solo 25 on Cheshire of the season, not including the Christmas 25 fancy-dress event, which we will gloss over before that Mr. Halden starts getting any Ideas! No this was A.B.C. Centreville’s 25, where Phil Gayes, Stuart Cope, Rich Brooks, Mark Poyser and yours truly were pleasantly surprised by a warm dry conditions. That was until we actually got on the course where after the customary or it so it seems 4 mile ride from the HQ to the start in nice sheltered lanes we were greeted by the infamous Cheshire Plains wind, despite the circular nature of the route some how manages to be against more than with you. Phil was the first victim electing to cut short has the course passed the HQ, always a temptation. Of the remaining Stuart had probably the best ride as he only slowed a matter of seconds on his last outing to a 1:09:48, whilst Marc and YT slowed over a minute, although I did manage to stay ahead (just) with times of 59:38 to 1:00:12, Rich Brooks once again impressed with a time of 1:00:46 demonstrating that if he ever gets tired of the running and swimming stuff he will be a formidable opponent for the club trophies. Rich still gave Leek one of its best results with 3 riders inside the top 10.

And finally a last reminder that Friday night is Oscar night all nominations are in, the Muffin mix for the world Championship is being prepared, and the Junction shouting equipment is complete are you ready if so I will see you there!