Club Notes - 15th August 2004

The 2004 drought continues! No I’m not talking about the weather because my ponds full so we must have had a drop or to over the past month. No, I’m talking about the lack of members racing. Now it may in part be attributed to the weather or as in yours' truly, a case of old age, not enough training and too much racing last year catching up on one.

Whatever the reason the last two weeks final evening 10’s drew little support from the ranks. With no-one riding the Macclesfield Wheelers events, which appear to have gone out of favour with guest riders i.e. non-Macclesfield club members since they introduced a policy of guests having to wait for a ride till all the Macc’ riders have been accommodated, instead of a ‘first come first served’ basis. Understandable when the numbers started to exceed 40, but the drop off has been noted by the Organisers and I believe they are going to review it for next season, so keep your fingers crossed and I will keep you up to date with any developments.

This leaves us with the last two Congleton events, in the first Leeks' main ray of hope this season the flying Ipstonian Richard Brooks took advantage of being on holiday to join me on the last Gawsworth 10. Rich as been a bit quiet of late as a few health problems with his good lady wife were sorted, however she’s now back on the mend, and get well wishes from the Club are obvious. Richards' lull however certainly hasn’t blunted his performance, despite being the first time on that particular course he had an emphatic win, almost two minutes quicker than his nearest rival as he recorded a personal best of 21-52. Second place went to Congleton's own Tony Elliot in 23-57, whilst YT trailed in 3^rd at 23-56, my podium position having more to do with Karl Austins absence on a well deserved holiday than any prowess on my part.

In the established tradition the season finished where it started on the infamous Bermuda triangle circuit, otherwise known as the Sommerford, Holmes Chapel course. Torrential rains during the day kept numbers down to single figures but the Gods smiled and conditions were near perfect. I can prove so as I was joined by Mr Butterworth who doesn’t do rain! In fact that’s a lie, his last outing, the Club 25, resulted in thorough soaking. However he must have been so upset by it he hasn’t touched his bike since. This cycling inactivity doesn’t mean Dave’s been idle though as most weekends he’s been trying to master the mysteries of water skiing on one ski, two obviously being a bit too normal. With Dave’s reputation though it does beg the obvious question whether he water ski's when it rains.

Once again I digress, back to the race, and Dave will be the first to tell you that skiing uses different muscles which makes his 28-23 very respectable as like yours truly, Dave’s not a little bloke and the course is both winding and rolling. Ideal for the road racer type of build i.e. light enough to accelerate back up to speed on hills and on the numerous bends. Also road reacers tend to be a bit more nimble anyway. Enter (or should that be speed past) Neil Skellern who looks about 8 stone soaking wet and caught me part way round the course on his way to victory in 23-38. Second place and Karl’s back off his hols and regains his position in 24-22. I did hold onto third place though piping Tony Elliot with a time of 24-50 to 25-01.

As it was the last event of the season I must thank Joyce, and her assistants John Dean and Bob Dale for organising, timing and providing the Tea, I hope to see you in 2005 where I will bring some better legs.