Saturday, March 24, 2012

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.
                           

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