Club Notes 7th March

Despite the freezing cold weather (more of which later) the new racing season as started, this can only mean one thing, no not snow that’s just a coincidence I’m talking about the 2003 awards ceremony. Now we are not normally this far behind but have been waiting for our sponsors Den Engel’s Belgian bar and restaurant to move into their new premises. Although the restaurant is not quite open yet I can assure everyone that if the fine buffet is anything to go by our host’s have certainly not lost their touch during their absence, and will be one of those waiting with mouth-watering for the inaugural sitting.

It was good to see so many of the club including many long-term members such as Geoff Lees, Maurice and Mary Wilshaw along with returning faces Andy and Diane Gilman. There was also friends from Both Congleton Cycling Club and Macclesfield Wheelers some of whom, Neil Skellern, Sue Collins and Phil Jones having ridden out. All in all it made for a cosy one might even say intimate gathering. Having fed and watered Masters of Ceremony Graham Halden and Marc Briand did the formal bit handing out the winner cups and shields as well as enthusing about our hosts Geoff and Hilary and some rather dubious plans to mark the clubs 130^th in 2006 that seems to involve courtyards, turbo's and 130 hours! Fortunately that’s a long way off yet so first I will list the winners of the club trophies for 2003. Phillip Gayes won the Senior Hill climb. Dave Cooper, Achievement of the year for his Paris-Brest-Paris Randonee. Graham Halden long distance Competition challenge for 183 miles in a 12-hour time trial along with a much deserved Club Person of the Year. Marc Briand fittingly took home the DSB Memorial trophy for the Best All Rounder with an average speed of 22.79mph for 25,50 & 100. First of the Multiple winners was Andy Bain for 100 miles in 4-49-34 and Veterans 100 with a plus of 27-15 (this means he completed the distance over 27 minutes quicker than his age allowance)

Adam Kenway who spent his first year with the club before going to pastures new won the Junior Hill climb in 5-58 actually quicker than the seniors and the Club 5 championship outright in 11-45.Kelvin Milward who managed a good bit of form for the season must have been the nice weather or the fact that Mark Poyser and a rapidly improving Richard Brooks were concentrating their efforts elsewhere and I feel sure that despite losing a few riders the completion will be stiffer in 2004 for now I will bask in the titles for 10 miles 22-30 & veteran +4-50. 25 miles 58-47 & Veteran +11-48. 50 1-57-23 & veteran +11-48. Short distance BAR 2x10’s,2x25’s + a 50 at 26.72mph average, and Vets BAR.

Of the less serious awards Mark Poyser received the Coveted Half Wheeler Trophy, whilst Katie Austin took the Junior Junction Challenge Award. Fittingly for Oscar awards the New world Champion Muffin Eater Gary Thomas and Senior Junction Shouter Paul Whiston did not attend the ceremony. Awards completed the Afternoon was rounded off with a raffle with many of the prizes donated by Den Engel’s, Nothing left but to thank everyone for making it a pleasant afternoon and hope to see you all there for the 2004 celebration later in the year.

Oh just before signing off despite the bitter cold weather some idiot actually ventured out in shorts on the Saturday before the Do. Yes racing amongst the snowy lanes crazy! But I at least I managed to be the fastest Leek rider a position I probably won’t be repeating again as in the next round of the M & D.T.T.A. 10’S I will be joined by Rich Brooks and my 24-22 will not cut muster.