Written by Stuart Bruce.
Saturday July 12th 2008

Despite the event being moved from the springtime last year, the weather conditions this year meant that only one rider managed to improve his time from last year. The day was dry and bright but a blustery westerly wind meant that half the route was into a strong headwind.  Twenty three riders signed on to ride, strangely enough, this was the same number as last year. As organiser, I rode the course to check it at 8.45am and set the early mark (a bit like Jens Voigt) but my time was challenged with claims that the wind did not start to blow until 10.15am.

The racing section, who had been largely absent last year were there in force and times were eagerly scrutinised at the finish. Early finishers were Brian Cavendish Little ( 28.28 ) and Gordon Schumacher Dunsmure ( 28.06 ), then new member Dave Reid romped to the finish in 27.26. Next to better that was Richard Exley, who sprinted up the hill to record 27.01. Gareth Huxley who was fourth last year then came in with 27.58, only good enough for seventh this time round.

First timer Richard Shawcross crossed the line yelling in agony ( or was it ecstacy ) and collapsed in the grass with cramp. Good effort Richard, 29.48. Jon Powell was the only person to improve on last years time. He finished in 26.02 and was feeling pretty confident, especially when Mike James recorded 26.12. However, that confidence lasted less than four minutes when Paul Hague tore up the finishing hill and stopped the clock on 25.49.

Anharad Porteous was the only woman to take part. She was looking very smart in her blue Cambridge Uni kit with matching blue nail varnish, but shouldn’t that have been orange and green? Anharad finished with 30.48 after unshipping her chain twice and had the oil stained fingers to prove it. Also very unlucky was Jonny Connop who punctured during his warm-up and was unable to start. He could have been a contender! Another new member Neal Wesley was unsure about taking part. I told him to aim for half an hour as a standard for a first timer. Neal then timed his ride to perfection and finished in 30 minutes exactly!

Last to finish was Stuart Herbert who signed on late after puncturing on his way to the start. His efforts were well rewarded with fifth place in 27.24. No handicaps were given, as I never know who is going to take part, however the clear winner in the veterans standards times is Richard Exley. His time was 58 seconds faster than a man of his age is expected to ride 10 miles on a flat course. Well done Richard.

Congratulations to everyone who took part. Everyone went flat out and there were some excellent times considering the wind and the parcours. Finally, a big thank-you to Neil McCormick for helping out at the start.