Ben Hardisty writes…
With a fast ten in mind, last night Stef and I headed down to the G10/98 course for the Worthing Excelsior evening 10. This is a very popular event so we knew we needed to arrive with plenty of time in hand for the 7.15pm start time.
Just how popular can be highlighted by the fact that at precisely 5.50pm I was signing on to the startsheet and 7 riders had already picked up their numbers ! This event is generally restricted to 40/45 riders so you do need to arrive early.
I then dragged Stef out on a 10 mile warm up, heading out past Storrington and onto the lumpy GS/990 course before turning back near Amberley. It was a warm evening and with only a slight south westerly wind, conditions were pretty much perfect.
Starting from Washington Bostal the only time I really felt the wind was on the fast start on the descent to the first turn at Findon (at 2 miles). On the return back the Washington roundabout (at 5 miles) is always a challenge because you approach at a fair lick down the hill, you must time your run in to coincide with a gap in the traffic so as not to lose any speed/momentum out the other side.
Then with the tailwind behind it was on to the Ashington turn at the north end of the course (at 7.5 miles). Just before the turn the A24 ramps up and you have to slog up the slope, before taking the slip road. This is an unusual turn, you take a left to the far roundabout before returning, under the A24 and right at the next roundabout and back up slip road to rejoin A24. Then the final 2.5 miles to the finish which is placed 400m after turning left at Washington roundabout.
Handing in your number to Mel Roberton you are treated to a cup of tea, biscuits and friendly chat, making this one of the most civilised club rides around. Stef and I were rewarded with seasons best rides of 23:01 and 23:23
Note if you fancy having a go at this event, there are only two more evening tens – on 12th and 19th July.
My Garmin track
HQ is close to the finish, in a small car parking area near the bottom of Washington Bostal next to playing fields.
