With temporary traffic lights reappearing in Medbourne at short notice a course change was necessary yet again for the evening time trial. Marshals had been organised for the valley course and when a disappointed Michael Church offered to act as start timekeeper, it was decided to stay on the 'Valley'
rather than use the 'Devils'. Michael had been looking forward to riding with so many time keeping duties booked in the coming weeks, but was concerned about handling the strong winds with his not so good shoulder. The riders were set off in Ashley Road opposite the junction with Payne’s Lane, while Richard Daniells timed the riders finishing at the 30mph sign entering Medbourne from Drayton.
Some competitors commented that they liked the start in Medbourne, allowing them to get the crossing of the River Welland flood plain and the climb to Ashley, into the very strong and blustery south-westerly wind, over and done with at the very beginning of the ride. Others were frustrated with the course change, not allowing them to compare their performance from week to week.
As for me; I just enjoyed the ride, and it all coming together on the night, thanks to all involved. Perhaps we were lucky to only have had short notice of the course change, and to get twelve riders turning out for the evening.
Paul Beattie and Pete Wilson put in very determined rides to finish well clear of the rest of the field. Super competitive Paul, preparing for his adventure in Australia at the UCI World Cycling Tour Championships, going just over 25mph average for 22:45 and Pete Wilson not far behind at 23:10 giving him an outstanding best veterans plus time. Kettering CC’s Mark Weathersby, who has been focusing on competing in triathlons, the only other competitor on a full time trial machine, finished almost two minutes further back in 25:05. That put Phil Earl third fastest Rocko with 25:44 on a road bike with tri-bars. Similarly equipped Harry Freeman was next clubman with a 26:06 leg loosener in readiness for Saturday’s National Junior ‘25’ Championships. A relaxed Paul Furnell, on his disc brake equipped road bike, finished only another 11 seconds slower. Starting number one, Paul was soon back at the clubhouse to be ready to serve up the club supper he had prepared (looked after by Rachel Walkden while he was out playing). Good work.
There was a little gap back to the largely older (oldest) club TT generation led by yours truly, all on road bikes with John Aldridge on yet another single speed, while all the others used derailleurs. The only exception to the age rule in this group was recent member Andrew Jones, doing his first time trial in two years and looking to me that he will soon be going a fair bit faster.
Some competitors commented that they liked the start in Medbourne, allowing them to get the crossing of the River Welland flood plain and the climb to Ashley, into the very strong and blustery south-westerly wind, over and done with at the very beginning of the ride. Others were frustrated with the course change, not allowing them to compare their performance from week to week.
As for me; I just enjoyed the ride, and it all coming together on the night, thanks to all involved. Perhaps we were lucky to only have had short notice of the course change, and to get twelve riders turning out for the evening.
Paul Beattie and Pete Wilson put in very determined rides to finish well clear of the rest of the field. Super competitive Paul, preparing for his adventure in Australia at the UCI World Cycling Tour Championships, going just over 25mph average for 22:45 and Pete Wilson not far behind at 23:10 giving him an outstanding best veterans plus time. Kettering CC’s Mark Weathersby, who has been focusing on competing in triathlons, the only other competitor on a full time trial machine, finished almost two minutes further back in 25:05. That put Phil Earl third fastest Rocko with 25:44 on a road bike with tri-bars. Similarly equipped Harry Freeman was next clubman with a 26:06 leg loosener in readiness for Saturday’s National Junior ‘25’ Championships. A relaxed Paul Furnell, on his disc brake equipped road bike, finished only another 11 seconds slower. Starting number one, Paul was soon back at the clubhouse to be ready to serve up the club supper he had prepared (looked after by Rachel Walkden while he was out playing). Good work.
There was a little gap back to the largely older (oldest) club TT generation led by yours truly, all on road bikes with John Aldridge on yet another single speed, while all the others used derailleurs. The only exception to the age rule in this group was recent member Andrew Jones, doing his first time trial in two years and looking to me that he will soon be going a fair bit faster.
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