Once again it was the second Sunday in August and time for the highlight of the time trial year for me! It was up at the crack of dawn, sadly not to ride but to assist two of our riders, Mark Amon and Dave Wheeler, both of whom were riding their first twelve hour event. Dave’s preparation with drinks and food left nothing to chance with an array of proteins and carbohydrates or something like that (as one who has ridden all his long distance events on sultanas and liquorice allsorts and a few gallons of orange juice I was well out of my depth). Luckily Aly Continue reading Wheelers are 12 Hour Champions Again
How do you fancy spending a whole twelve hours one Sunday on a push bike? Sounds painful? You have heard nothing yet.
This twelve hours is a race! The idea to go as far as you can in the time. Even the Tour de France riders do not spend that long on their bikes in one session. Continue reading Twelve Hours in the Saddle
On Sunday 8 June Rye & District Wheelers, on behalf of the Kent Cycling Association, promoted the famous June K.C.A. Fifty Mile time trial on the Romney Marshes. A seven year high of 84 riders competed on a blustery morning and the course, known for its fast road surfaces, produced a winner in a time of One Hour and Fifty Two Minutes, 27 M.P.H.
The Rye Club’s Championship was incorporated into the event and was won by Steve Gooch in a time of 2-02-46, a six minute improvement on his personal best.
The real stars of the Rye contingent were the Timekeeper, reco r de r , chie f marshal, course marshals and Jo’ & Jane who put on such a great selection of goodies for returning riders and helpers. The club hopes to emu la t e t his success with another later in the year when they promote, on behalf of the V. T . T . A. a n o t h e r Fifty Mile race in September.
CHAMPIONSHIPS AND RECORDS
June was the month of Championships and records. The “50” came first with Steve Gooch winning in fine style with 2-2-46, taking Jeremy Temple’s title but not his record just 20 seconds short. Barry Goodsell was second and Dave Spice third. Jeremy could only make fourth spot.
Surprise Ladies Champion was Brenda Davies in 2-50-49, two minutes faster than last years champ Liz King. Alison Steed was third.
Two weeks later came the “10”s. and it was that man Steve Gooch again. Another near record 22-25, from Barry Goodsell and Trevor Bridge.
The Ladies “10” was a hard fought event with seven women out to get the title. Liz King came out on top with 29-39 with Sue Spice in second place. Third was Brenda Davies.
Two days later, in gale force winds, the “100” was fought out, Steve Gooch picked up his third championship of the year and, despite the conditions, smashed the “100” record with a 4-22-35. Jim Hollands was second and Granville Bantick went off course just before the finish.
Liz King retained her Ladies “100” Championship with a fine 5-44-57, a brilliant time in the conditions. Alison Steed was second.
Brenda Davies
Surprise Ladies “50”
Champion.
photographs f rom Rye
Wheelers web site www.ryewheelers.
co.uk
Liz King
New 10 mile and 100
mile Ladies Champion
Steve
Gooch Mens 2008
Champion at 10,
50 and 100 miles
photographs f rom Rye Wheelers web site www.ryewheelers. co.uk
Rye’s Own July 2008
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Paul Osborne, the cycling Mayor of Rye, has made a tremendous contribution to the Rye & District Wheelers and cycling in Rye generally, during his two year term of office at the Town Hall. Continue reading The Sprocket Page
