Club Notes 22nd May 2005

Well its been a couple of weeks but in my last offering I did predict that the flying, Ipstonian Richard Brooks would be claiming victory before too long making him the first club member to claim victory in an open event for a good few years! In fact I think YT was probably the last but that was in a charity 10 during the fuel crisis which somewhat depleted the field. No such luxuries for Rich this was a well attended event despite the diabolical weather, If you cast your mind back a couple of Saturdays you may well remember that that it was what the meteorological experts describe as a mix of sunshine and shower. Only the showers were torrential and the sunshine was accompanied by very strong winds that

Kept it decidedly chilly and also meant that the dry spells were brief. I know because I had fleetingly entertained a notion of riding. Well I had paid my entry fee, plus it was the last day of my Anti-biotics, but a morning trying to dodge the torrents whilst washing the car off (I even gave that up in the end) I decided discretion was the better part of valour. However in fact Rich who had second thoughts whether to go as he passed through one of the flash floods one his way to the event avoided a soaking, only having to contend with high winds and cold temperatures. Talking to others who took part in the event mentions of headwinds on the Ollerton leg limiting progress to low teens, and buffeting from side winds making other sections scary to tackle at anything approaching top speed! All this is born out from the results with only 4 riders going under the hour, Rich rising to the top with a stunning ride

Finishing in 58.09 almost a minute clear of Southport CC’s rider Dave Hilton at 58.56. Rich is now taking a few weeks off to hone his position, after witnessing himself on a photo taken during an event he concluded that he looked like a sack of spuds (a rather rapid one). So he has been experimenting over the last few events and plans on now setting the bike up to match, so who knows what times he could achieve on his return.

Yours truly did venture out the Congleton 10 the following Tuesday purely in a spectator role thinking I could cheers club members on, after Mark Poyser had taken part the week before, plus I could confirm whether the John Middleton in the same results was our own. Unfortunately no leek riders took part, but I offered to marshal and was made welcome by the Congleton crew. Suitably inspired I ventured out on my own bike on Wednesday, and after my 3-week lay off progress was somewhat

Pedestrian but I plugged away over the next few days and along with Saturday regulars George and Frank, accompanied Graham Halden for the inaugural fortnightly Cheshire plains ride. Which started at 50 miles building to a 100 mile ride on the 9^th of July, actually we was a mile short on Saturday but I’m not complaining. After resting was up for the Monday social where once again accompanied by George plus Phi Langford, Andy Bain and Marc Briand, who himself as been out of commission for 3 weeks. The ride took in the quiet if somewhat steep back roads around the back of Rushton, very pleasant if a bit nippy. Summer arrived

Tuesday so I decided that I may as well ride the latest Congleton 10, thinking if I was the only one I would be the quickest Leek rider! On the night however Mark Poyser and John Middleton, yes it is our own J. Middleton was also taking part. Well it was a nice night if a bit blustery (but dry Mr Butterworth take note!) Of the three of us I managed to pip John whose time slipped a little to 26-30 from 26-19 although I suspect my margin at 24-44 was more to do with equipment than preparation. Mark had the best ride of the night recording a time of 22-37 to take the event from Congleton's own rider and the winner of the previous 3 weeks Karl Austin, who was the only other rider to go under 23 minutes with 22-40.

And finally with the Club '5' approaching we will be looking for marshals on the evening of the 6^th

If those available can contact myself, Marc Briand or Mr Halden, as soon as possible I would be very grateful