Feeling hot, hot, hot...........

A warm easterly wind and temperature of nearly 40 degrees didn't deter 32 keen riders from lining up for the start of the Spokes Farewell to 2009 ride at Deepdale today. The difficult conditions led to the committee reducing the distance, with teams completing 3 laps of the 5km circuit. Each team comprised 2-3 cyclists set off at 1 minute intervals, resulting in some hard racing and very close finishing.

Paula Purcher, Deb and Mark Greene took line honours having gained 5 minutes across the ride to overtake the teams in front of them. The three worked well together on the hot and windy circuit. Spokes Vice President Tim Glenister combined with new club cyclists Paul Matthews and Duane Crabb to take fourth place on corrected time, an excellent result condering the team had never ridden together prior to today's race.

Claire Tutton and David Geqwin rode as a pair team and backed up their form from the Geraldton Southern Transport Corridor Opening ride with another good performance today.

The shorter course led to the top five placings only being separeted by a mere ninety seconds. Designated winners on the day were Reg Salmon and Peter Johnson, who were announced as the fastest time. The two rode hard from the outset, holding off the team of Mort Harslett, Max Nowrojee and Jonathan Tamm, and although final results suggest a slight variation, the announcement of the day stands.

Jacinta & Jason Potts were the workhorse pair for the day, riding the event on their Cannondale tandem, ably assisted by the strength of Paul Hearne, Richard Correy and Ian Beard. Richo had a little rest halfway through the event and was seen by many enjoying a cold beverage on the finish straight whilst his team soldiered on in the heat, wondering where he had gone......

Roger Swan and Paul Wilson finished strongly and with their matching glasses the pair took out the prize for 'looking good'. Father and son team, Dean and Matthew Carroll, showed the rest of the field how well the combination of senior and junior rider can fare with Dean riding in front and Matthew again competing on a fixed wheel bike.

Sonia Davies, Jennie Haste and Shane Turner managed to hold off a fast finishing Darryl Sheilds, Andrew Toovey and Barb Glenister with the two teams only 20 seconds apart. Fleur Bishop and Bec Swan rode together, enjoying the event and the chance to be back out on the road!

Full results are available in the post below.

Thanks to Anita for timing at today's event, Dom for marshalling and to Jennie for her hospitality, welcoming riders to her house for pancakesand home made jams after the event. Well done Pancake Turner and Hannah - very nice! Thank you also to Barb for providing delicious scones after the ride.

Spokes have now finished their riding calendar for 2009, however training will still leave from Red Rooster at 6am Monday to Friday over the festive period.

Watch this space for the 2010 calendar and membership form.

The President and Committe of Spokes Cycle Club would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a New Year of no wind and cooler temperatures!!