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

Light My Fire 32km Road Race

Dozens of Rider's 'Lit Up' by 32km Road Race

Many riders lifted their performance in an individual road race on Sunday morning with strong competition amongst 30 riders with prizes from Revolutions Geraldton awarded for the winners of 4 grades racing. Andre Eastough won the overall event, storming back into the south easterly breeze just ahead of Jarrod Bell and averaged over 35km/h.

Setting off before the main bunch were the social riders. Jenny, Catherine and Fleur They all put in strong efforts over a hilly course and were welcomed home after an hour and a half in the saddle.

Older veterans, talented young riders and some fast-improving women made up the 8 E-grade competitors. Young Jonty Calder crossed the line 1 minute in front of Sharon Bell and Barb Glenister with experienced riders Vicki Shields and Peter Burchell not far behind and all around 28km/h.

Regina Richardson notched up her first win just ahead of a chasing group in the C-grade. At nearly 32km/h this was a really strong and closely contested ride with Julie Firth, Garry Porter, Gus, Tom and others separated by only a few wheels at the finish. Regina's win was really well-deserved as she has trained, raced and consistently improved over the past few years. Over the season we can expect to see further improvement in this bunch as more and more cyclists like Regina join in regular training rides and improve their fitness and times.

Tom Davis lead home a small B-grade bunch and tested his new HED wheels - an impressive effort given his training schedule also includes lots of running and swimming in anticipation of the Busselton Triathlon in May. Reg Salmon was just a minute behind with Spokes El Presidente Andrew Toovey proving to himself and others that he probably needs to put in a few more kilometres in training to hang in with the rest of the B-grade riders!

Training more would not be hard to do at the moment with group rides heading out every morning from around town at various speeds and distances. Several riders are training for the 5 Dams Race in April, regularly clocking up 80km on Tuesdays and Thursdays and 180km+ on a Saturday morning.

The A-graders speed reflects the step up in training happening, but also the increasing numbers of riders and depth of talent in the Geraldton. Andre Eastough and Jarrod Bell flew across the course at more than 35km/h and catching more than half the field. Daryl Shields was 30 seconds behind the leaders and Paul Matthews 4th was still 2 minutes faster than the B-grade riders.

These sorts of results and racing are very inspiring, and Spokes races are sure to be the scene for more fast, fun and exciting races over the rest of the season.

Results - Light My Fire 32km Road Race

Waggrakine Individual Time Trial

Individual Time Trial - Waggrakine Circuit

Due to spiralling wind conditions over the last week the long Waggy circuit was stretched an extra 2 kms and turned out to be 17.3kms, as attested by 20 riders.  Darryl Sheilds ruled the day with the fastest ride of 28:09mins, giving Paul Matthews a run for his money on 28:48mins.

The club was pleased to see a number of riders returning for their first ride of the season.  Mitchell Crabb led the field out and rode a slightly shorter circuit due to some misdirection.  Vicki Sheilds, Marissa Drummond, Rhonda Bradley, Brad Ewing, Kate Watson, Tom Thuijs and Duane Crabb all put in strong rides.  Ian Andrews back gave way forcing him to withdraw after one lap.

Jonty Calder stunned the field as a Junior rider putting in a very fast ride in 34 mins.

Mike Reymond, Gus Ruiz, Garry Porter, Julie Firth and Tim Glenister completed the circuit in around 32 minutes with Reggie Richardson hot on their heels at just over 33 mins.

Max Nowrojee is a force to be watched with his podium finish as he strives to beat his third place.  Sara Armitage is trading up her flat bar bike for a swifter model so watch out everyone at the next race!

It will be interesting to see the improvements in time when this circuit is ridden again for a second Individual Time Trial later in the year.

We look forward to seeing even more riders on Sunday 26^th Feb at the 32km “Light My Fire”Giles Park Road Race, contesting the four $50 prizes on offer.

Results - Waggrakine Individual TT