This years event on the H25/17 course saw 55 entries from all from relatively local clubs. This made a change from last year where the H25/17 was the haunt of a few superstars of the sport setting frankly ridiculous times on our course (Hamish Bond 45:52, and Marcin Bialoblocki 45:49). The field was split into 2 on the start-sheet with the faster riders starting in the second half, this allowed us to start at 8am and clear the road by 10am. The course does get busy and 10am is a sensible threshold for the traffic count. This seemed to work reasonably well although the odd rider got delayed on the way back in the single carriageway sections. This seems to be a feature of this course that is unavoidable.
The record breaking weather of the day before (Saturday temps hit 34degC) had broken and riders were greeted by a pleasantly warm day but with a tricky 11mph wind from the SW. Riders familiar with the ride up to Faringdon will appreciate that a wind from the SW s not exactly what you might hope for, and so it proved for some! The ride home was much faster though.
I’d like to thank Howard and Patrick for timekeeping; Mick and Marion for sorting out the results; Anna, Rad, Colin, David and Bernard for Marshalling and keeping everyone safe; Sally for manning the kitchen and keeping me sane; and Emma, Sally, and my son Ben for making the cakes (which were enjoyed by all).
Regarding results, they are posted up, but in short Matthew Alder (Fairly United) won the overall and on standard, Tony Turner (Mickey Cranks, Oxonian 2ndClaim) came 3rdin each of these, and Linda Dewhurst (Team Milton Keynes) was the 2ndfastest woman and 2ndfastest on standard. The other results were Helen Roby (Spirit Bikes), David Holland (Cowley Condors) 2ndfastest man, and Aimee Jones (Cowley Condors) 3rdfastest woman.
Oxonian won the team event (Malc, Dan and Matt).
Thanks for everyone who came along and I look forward to seeing you next year.
Matt
