Steve Dennis writes…
The Southern Counties Cycling Union 50 is a popular event due to it’s reputation for fast times using two laps of the Broadbridge Heath/Crawley/Southwater ’25’ course.
This edition was no exception as far as entries were concerned, having attracted over 100 riders. However, Sunday morning brought with it a deluge that engulfed the early starters and certainly put off over two thirds of the field from starting. The brave souls who did turn out to ride (Not forgetting the marshals and timekeepers who had no choice), faced gale-force winds and squally showers.
Times and fortunes reflected the conditions with at least 2 of the seeded riders puncturing and another suffering a mechanical.
Lewes hard-man Rob Pelham was fastest on the board for a while with a 1:54:18, and with club-mate Nick Dwyer out with a puncture, his time ended up being good enough for 2nd overall. In-Gear’s Rupert Burbidge broke his ‘bars going down a pothole and retired, which just left me to mop up the scraps. Avoiding the punctures this time and riding on repaired tubs, my 1:48:54 was good enough for the win in not only the overall but the vets as well. Let’s pray for a dry day next week!
