Jandanol 20km Individual Road Race

With the darker clouds looming and the promise of rain, Jandanol was looking less than joyous for a ride.  Despite this, sixteen dedicated riders assembled at the start line split across three grades for this demanding circuit.

Rhonda Bradley, Barb Glenister and Duane Crabb were joined by junior riders Jonty Calder and Mitchell Crabb to be the first onto the course.  Just four minutes later Julie Firth led out Paul Baldock, Tim Glenister and John Andrews with the A Grade group of Paul Matthews, Eddie Muller, Max Nowrojee, Mike Reymond, Reg Salmon and new rider to Spokes, 'Cannondale Steve', waiting another five minutes to start.

Reg Salmon had a mechanical problem at the start which resulted in him only being able to access his small chain ring.  Despite this he was able to hang on to the A Grade bunch for the first lap before speed became an issue and he dropped off.  Jonty Calder and Mitchell Crabb were flying in their group and if not for a flat tyre on the third lap, Calder would have been the strongest in his grade.  With Calder effecting tube change, this opened the door for Mitchell Crabb to work with Barb Glenister towards the finish.  Julie Firth showed her strength in the B Grade powering up the hill on each lap - this caused John Andrews and Tim Glenister to splinter on the second lap and Firth then upped the pace again, dropping Paul Baldock and riding the last lap on her own.  Baldock was good enough to stop and assist Calder with his flat tyre - we aren't too sure if this was great sportsmanship or an excuse for a rest!

Max Nowrojee, Eddie Muller, Mike Reymond, Steve, and Paul Matthews worked well for two laps of the course before Matthews accelerated over the climb with two laps to go and left the field behind.  Steve suffered a flat tyre at the bottom of the climb on the last lap which ended his race.

Firth was first to complete the course, taking line honour as well as 1st in B Grade.  Mitchell Crabb out sprinted Barb Glenister to win C Grade with Paul Matthews flying in for the A Grade win and tastes time.  With Mitchell Crabb now out riding dad, Duane, on this course, it will be interesting to see what future races bring.......

Full results are below.

Results - Jandanol 20km Individual Road Race

46km Individual Road Race from Nabawa to Northampton and Return

Riders gathered in Nabawa on Sunday for Spokes Cycle Club’s annual Nabawa to Northampton and Return handicap Roadrace.  Since its introduction last season, this event is widely anticipated by riders as a challenging race course through the scenic Chapman Valley.

After the stiflingly hot weather of the last few days, riders were pleased to face the starter Vicky Sheilds in better weather conditions, all be it a bit warm and into a North east headwind.

First riders called to the line were Cheryl O’Brien, Catherine Brosnan, Mitchell Crabb, Rhonda Bradley, Cath Dumont and Duane Crabb.  Barbara Glenister and Sharon North had to wait 4 minutes before getting under way.  While promising Junior Jonty Calder led his group   (Sara Armitage, Andrew Toovey, John Andrews and Tim Glenister) away after a further 5 minutes. Ten minutes later new guns Reggie Richardson, Gus Riuz, Paul Dodson and Julie Firth were away, after a tactics meeting in the primary school car park, complete with drawings in the sand and role plays.   Max Nowrogee and Mike Reymond set off 24 minutes after the first riders and 4 minutes ahead of the inform Paul Hearne and Andre Eastough with Paul Mathews, Eddie Muller and Darryl Sheilds completing the group.

The undulating course and headwind caused groups to split and Sara Armitage rode through the field to be first to finish 50 seconds ahead of Tim Glenister with Paul Hearne winning the sprint to claim third and fastest time from Andre Eastough and Paul Mathews.

Cheryl O’Brien completed her best ride with club to finish over 10 minutes ahead of other rides from her group.   Firth and Ruiz crossed the line together after the punishing ride.  Andrew Toovey led Jonty Calder and Barb Glenister across the line next.  Sharon North had to put $10 in swear box after telling Andrew Toovey what she thought of the hills in very explicit terms.

Many thanks to Tim and Barb, Vicky, JB and Mick for putting out the signs, marshalling and timekeeping.

                           

Results - Nabawa to Northampton Return Individual Road Race