"Light my Fire" 32km Individual Road Race

On Sunday 10^th March 28 riders set out in the drizzle in A, B and C grades plus a group of 5 social riders to tackle a 32km ride from Giles Park to the top of “the cutting” and back. There was no wind, although there were rumours of some at the rear of the large peleton which formed on Chapman Valley Rd.  A grade caught B grade riders and together they caught C grade riders near Fig Tree Crossing, just as the big climb loomed large.  Who would survive and light their fire in such damp conditions?

Out of the murky haze a peleton of 11 emerged in the final stretch after just 50 minutes of riding.  Could Jonty steal another early win?  Nearly.  He was 4^th behind a new champion, Sybrand Cillies who secured his first win at Spokes.  Closely following was a fast Jarrod Bell, recovering from a broken collar bone.  Then Andrew Blake, Jonty Calder, Alex, Godley, Peter Johnson, Tom Thuijs and Reg (I’m not A grade) Salmon along with Sara Armitage, the first woman.  All were given a time of 52min 21sec, an average of 37.25KPH!!!  Darryl Sheilds was only 30 seconds back.  Mark Hollander and Kylee Crabb were next, only 4 minutes behind.  Kylee was awarded a special “fire starter”  prize by Barbara Glenister, our event sponsor.  Other “fire starter” awardees were Sybrand Cillie for his overall win, Ben Harris for reaching hair raising speeds and Marisa Gilles for a gutsy overall ride.

C grade riders came across the finish lines in small groups sprinting for line honours in their groups.  Despite the damp conditions the event was hotly contested and thoroughly enjoyed by all participants. 

This ride was great preparation for Spoke’s next event on Sunday 24^th March, an Individual Road Race from Nabawa to Northampton return.  This 47km Blue Ribbon Event is along an undulating course.  All levels of cyclists are encouraged to ride, signing on at the Chapman Valley Recreation Centre at 7.30am.