Norman Wells 50 mile open Time Trial

The club ran its open 50 mile time trial on Sunday 15th July on the E21/50 course based on Steeple village.  As has become usual, this year the race was run off in very wet conditions; in fact the early starters had to contend with thunder, lightning and even a hail storm! As a result there were a number on non starters on the day although the weather brightened up towards the tail end of the field with a hot sun rapidly drying the roads. Naturally enough the torrential rain washed a large amount of debris from the surrounding fields onto the roads and 9 riders retired with punctures. More riders punctured but were able to continue and one unfortunate rider came down quite heavily on one of the turns. Fortunately he was not badly hurt and continued to ride until he got a puncture causing his retirement.

So on a day best described as “epic” it was not surprising that for the first time the winning ride was over 2 hours (Results). Prizes were awarded to the top 3 riders and group winners with a special prize awarded by the marshals being split between 2 riders. This year their prize was for the rider who appeared to be suffering the most and although the riders did not know this as they rode I think the marshals should have been given a prize for standing out in the driving rain for 2 hours plus!

The day was completed when a late announced special prize for the fastest lady was donated by Chris Hutson, our membership secretary. This may become a regular prize if we can get enough ladies to compete in future years.

Finally, on a sadder note, this year saw a dramatically reduced entry, partly because of the weather forecast and partly as the result of calendar clashes which we will be working to avoid next year. As a result it looked as though the event was going to lose money and there were rumours that it may not run next year. However, thanks to an incredibly generous donation to expenses from a competitor from the Hainault RC we have broken even and WE WILL BE BACK NEXT YEAR. We look forward to seeing the sun and more riders in 2008.

Report by Arthur Knowler