On our way out to the Nukara Farm, Burch made the comment
that the race may have been cancelled due to the heavy rain that morning. It had been discussed that at previous meets
the rain wasn’t a factor. Having said
that, we wondered how many riders would be competing. It soon became evident
that some people were participating after we passed the old fella (aka Paul
Dodson), Eddie Muller and Johnny Barber riding out. “Well, there will be three anyway”.
On arriving there was a few more getting ready, so no doubt
there would be a race. By 9am we had 19
riders and absolutely beautiful weather (apart from the little friendlies
looking for a home up your nose, in your eyes…..).
Welcome to few new
riders, Garry Potter, Sara Armitage and some 2nd timers Rhonda Bradley
and Gus Ruiz.
Burch and I sorted out the handicaps , created 4 groups
separated by 5 min except for the scratchers who requested a smaller gap of 4
min? The old man requested an earlier
start group as there were hills and these don’t apparently agree with him (this
wasn’t all he had to worry about as glass didn’t do his tyres much good,
twice!).
The course went from Nukara farm gate, to NWCH and return,
measuring 27km with 4 hills on the way out and guess what…4 hills on the way
back. Apologies, I shouldn’t keep
bringing up the hills.
59min 58sec after the start John Barber and Eddie Muller
were 1st and 2nd over the line followed by the powerhouse
Firth and one of the new boys on the track Gus Ruiz with his new Giant (very
nice if I can say so) with Simon Mulligan arriving in fifth position.
With adjusted times the order changed, with Simon Mulligan
finishing in a fairly unassisted time of 48 min 19sec (good riding big
fella). Second and third to Jonny Barber
and Eddie Muller with 49.58 and Julie Firth in 51.11 sec followed in fifth @
51min 21sec Gus Ruiz (that will cost you a bit of handicapping next time Gus),
beating some more fancied riders Reg Solomon and Mr Wild West…..Paul Matthews.
A couple of old timers in Tom (Gravel) Thuijs, John Andrews
and Gary Porter (also on a very nice new Giant) held off the up and coming
junior of the club Jonti Calder. Jenny
Haste had just under 90 sec on Barb (I never win anything) Glenister who got
over the line in front of another new Giant (which developed brake issues
metres away from the finish line????), of Andrew Toovey. Peter Burchill was next after assuming a few
teaching positions along the way and in front of Paul Dodson who had the
misfortune of two flats and due to his experience changing tyres, on
reflection, his time wasn’t too bad.
Patrick Bettridge came in just after a fast finishing Dodson. A
little way back Sara Armitage rolled in front of Rhonda Bradley, also on
a new Giant. I think Rhonda was a lot
happier on her roadie compared to the last meeting on her MTB.
The weather held out to be cool - warmish conditions minus a
few flies and low to mild winds.
Standing at the finish line was great listening to the bikes come down
the hill at a rate of knots, there is something to be said about the whirring
of gears, chains and tyres on the bitumen.
A good turn out to be involved in this a great race - can’t wait to have
a go next year.
Many thanks to Paul Baldock and Cameron Dawson for
officiating and to Peter Burchell for event coordinating.
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