Club Notes 24th July 2005

Apologies for the lack of a report last week I was expecting an entry by our erstwhile club member Graham Halden extolling the virtues of how a group of seven survived the heat of the Cheshire plains but he must have decided to actually tackle some of his outstanding homework instead. Pleasant as the day was it does not appear to have had had much effect on YT’s speed over ten miles although knowing I can cope with higher mileage means I have started to do 10’s on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. So here we go with around up of the latest of the Congelton & Macclesfield series starting with the 5^th of July we had 3 members riding the quickest being Mark Poyser, who accompanied leek resident and top roadman Mark Lovatt for a two up resplendent in matching bikes and outfits the pair fairly scorched round the Gawsworth course in a rather rapid 20-38. Of the solos the best time of 21-56 was posted by Paul Dentith a regular of the TLI series of racing. Congletons own Karl Austin was runner up just over half a minute down at 22-39. A somewhat longer wait was required for third place yep YT at 24-05. Having a better time was our latest racer John Middleton recording a personal best time and getting almost within a minute of me with a time of 25-12. Perhaps desperate measures are required to elevate me out of Johns clutches, If so Wednesdays effort during the first of the Macclesfield events I’ve taken part in this season was not particularly promising slipping back over half a minute with a time of 24-48. Some cold comfort could be had in that both of the two-up pairing also slipped back when they rode as solos, Mark Posyer with 24-32 and Mark Lovatt 21-50 this still took the event with half a minute to spare from Macclesfield wheeler Graham Trevana whose had brilliant form all year and whose time of 22-20 on a blustery night was an excellent performance.

Jumping forward a week and Graham Trevana joined in on Tuesday but despite a major improvement with a time of 21-45 could not match Mark Lovatt's 20-51 although he did push the previous weeks winner Paul Dentith into 3^rd place with his time of 22-06. Mark Poyser improved significantly on his last solo performance with a time of 22-53. All these fast riders shuffled YT down into a more fitting 7^th place despite managing an improvement to 23-27. John Middleton chipped another second off his personal best with a consistent 25-11. Mr Trevana and myself were the only ones to have a second nights racing at Macclesfield on Wednesday. The two Marks taking the day off to do some hard training, how’s over 120 miles at 18+mph sound! Graham was still the bridesmaid though coming second to regular open race winner Greg Roche with times of 21-23 & 21-35 respectively. Well down the field but managing another slight improvement recording a time of 23-13

Bringing us up to date last Tuesday despite ominous clouds and showers our regulars were joined by Dave Butterworth on a rare outing, perhaps he’s limbering up for the hill-climbing season?

Rising winds may have kept the rains off but the blustery conditions slowed all the riders down

The two Marks Messer's Lovatt and Poyser once again teamed up but failed to get under 21 minutes covering the course in 21-10. In the absence of Macc' Wheelers Graham Trevana, Paul Dentith once again headed the leader board despite slipping almost a minute at 23-13, Karl Austin once again in 2^nd but a strong ride into the winds saw him drop less time than Paul finishing just 3 seconds adrift at 23-16. Yt was back down the pack although curiously losing less than most with a time of 23-37, this did give me a bit more of a cushion from being hunted down by John Middleton who was one of many slipping a minute to 26-16. Difficult to gauge the effects of the conditions on Dave who was probably doubling this month’s mileage by just taking part however he did turn in a solid 27-22. I was on my own on for the Macclesfield Wheelers event the following night so I have nothing to substantiate my claims that conditions were even rougher. Although winner Graham Trevino at 22-06 was nearly half a minute down on the previous week despite limiting his efforts to the one event, My 23-39 was similarly down from last weeks time but only 2 seconds down from the previous nights, a hint of consistency which as been total devoid all season now if only I can find some speed, but alas me thinks the flat season will terminate before that happens. And I’m not as eager as some for the hill climb season with rumours that one member as already entered the Weaver Valley climb of the Cat & Fiddle despite the closing date being almost 2 months away, now that’s Keen!

Must go now as the Club sponsors hostelry, Den Engels beckons and the will is like my climbing ability weak.