Ben Hardisty writes…
Saturday morning fun for a wannabee TT-er
Being woken up overnight in the early hours by high winds, rain, thunder and lightening made me think I should perhaps stay in bed this morning, catch up on some sleep and go for a DNS. But my 5.30 alarm call came and although it looked very damp and overcast I was already busy getting ready.
When I arrived at HQ conditions had markedly improved although it was still damp on the course. I was 4th off, my target for the day being to ride to my very first sub 25 minute 10. 25 minutes is regarded by some as a semi-respectable time for 10 miles. So here was my chance to gain some self-respect at least.
On the outward leg I worked hard, the idea being to hang on, on the quicker return leg – having ridden this course twice before, this was my experience. The damp almost caught me out as my rear wheel “twitched” a couple of times on negotiating the turn on the Broadfield roundabout.
While I did ride quicker, there was just enough of a headwind on the second half of the course to hold me back and I came home in a 25-07. Not too disappointed really as I have a few more attempts at this course before the season’s out.
Back in the car park, as I was packing up, last man off Christian Yates was setting off for the start – I felt suitably intimidated.
Paul Blackmore rode to an excellent 21-18. Meanwhile Paul Winkley had mechanical problems with his cassette coming loose, but despite that still managed a 24-54.
Paul Blackmore writes…
After riding out I had a good warm up and managed to get in a good rhythm start away – even going up the hill. I actually thought it was faster going back but I was on a good day, first ride of the year I really felt good.
So I was pretty pleased with my time, good enough for 6th. Prizes down to 5th! Yates with a C won with 20-24, beating Keith Coffey by just 1 second.
Full Results: 1st Christian Yates (InGear) 20-24 2nd Keith Coffey (Bec CC) 20-25 6th Paul Blackmore (EGCC) 21-18 EGCC Results: Paul Blackmore 21-18 Paul Winkley 24-54 Ben Hardisty 25-07
