Ian Penson competed in this race in Black Park, West Drayton. As reported by Bike Magic " The course features a track that is pan flat and is a mixture of fire roads, some superb flowing sinewy single track with a couple of bomb holes on well drained surfaces which always results in fast and furious racing and this year was no different. "
The object was to complete as many full laps as possible in 4 hours and then finish the lap you're on when the 4 hour time limit expired. Clive finished 17th out of 49 starters in his category although there were a total of 500 participants across the full range of categories which included Fun male & female, 2 hour and 4 hour for both men and women which were further broken down into juniors, seniors and vets (over 40).
A foggy start turned into a cold but sunny morning as Tony prepared himself for his first open event in 20 years, albeit a 2up with Brian. They completed the reasonably flat, apart from a short steep hill, course in 26:51.
Merv rode the VTTA 30 (Leo CC) on the Newmarket course. It was a very warm afternoon with very little wind.
These conditions enabled Michael Hutchinson to break Competition record by almost two minutes in recording 55:39!! Merv reports " Unfortunately my performance was not on that standard, as I only managed 1.19.18. However this was my fastest for a couple of years ".
James Wilson of Banjo Cycles.com won the 60 mile event in a time of 2 hrs 42 min. 50 sec. Second was Toby Parnell of Cambridge University C.C.at 3 sec. Campbell Noon (Team Virgin Active) was third at 9 sec.
Three 'Wheelers' rode in the Eastern Counties 10 on the A11 at Six Mile Bottom, last Saturday afternoon. It was a warm afternoon, with a light breeze from the turn. Times recorded were:- Phil Young 22:45 Merv Player 25:29 Chris Walker 27:13
Two 'Wheelers' rode in the Norlond TT Combine 10 at Leighton Buzzard. It was a warm afternoon but, as is usual for this course, a strong wind blew across the course.
Chris Walker recorded 28:51 and Merv did 26:50 for second Vet on Standard - equal with two other riders; Roger Porter of Verulam CC and Ian Cammish of Planet X.
Four Wheelers were entered for the Victoria CC 10.2 TT at Newport, Essex. The 3-up composed of Steve Watson, Paul Fennell and Clive Wellings did not start but Merv rode and recorded 28:54 to take the age award for 75/79 year olds and the 5th Vet on Standard award.
Three Wheelers' rode in the Chronos RT 10 on the Cambridge to Caxton Gibbet road. Fastest was Phil Young in 24:10 then Merv. Player (26:11) and Chris Walker (28:34).
