A fine Autumn morning greeted riders as they lined up for the Rye Wheelers Championship “15”, held in conjunction with the Kent VTTA event at Bethersden on Sunday 2 October.
Ten Rye riders were entered, first into the fray was Rye architect David Patten. His 46-08 led the Wheelers event for some time. Derek Bayntun, better know to many Rye residents as ‘Mine Host’ at the Old Forge Restaurant in Wish Street was next to go, a time of 52-42 was very good considering the tough course and in some places, very rough roads.
Jim Hollands, off number 24, was quickly caught and passed by club fastman Barry Goodsell, who started just two minutes behind, Jim recorded 50-30 over ten minutes slower than Barry Goodsell’s who finished in 39-20. This was the eventual winning time. Bill Waters was unfortunate enough to puncture at the half was point, he replaced the tube and finished with a 61-52.
Championship “15” Jim Hollands at speed.Bill Waters going well before he punctured Gary Booth & Bill Waters
Gary Booth continued showing the good form he has all season, his 46-52 was only seconds off Dave Patten’s third place effort. Gary was placed fourth. Rodney Harrow, racing for the first time since 1969, stormed round the course, recording 49-52, a very creditable effort.
Jon Beasley hit a bump in the road and became a Wobbly Wheeler, he stopped, thinking his tyre was flat but finding it was bone hard and seeing no other trouble he continued on his wobbly way, still taking second place with 42-37.
Full Result
BARRY GOODSELL 39.20
JON BEASLEY 42.37
DAVID PATTEN 46.08
GARY BOOTH 46.52
RODNEY HARROW 49.19
JIM HOLLANDS 50.30
DEREK BAYNTUN 52.42
BILL WATERS 61.52
JULIE BRYANT D.N.S
ERIC SMITH D.N.S.
Wheelers Looking Ahead to the Social Season
The Championship “15” was the last event of the season for most Rye riders who are now looking ahead to the ‘Social Season’.
For the Wheelers the highlight will be the Annual Dinner and Prize Presentation on Thursday 10 November at the Riverhaven. Guest of honour for this event will be Sean Yates, the rider from Sussex who actually wore the Tour De France ‘Yellow Jersey’ of race leadership. He is one of only three Englishmen ever achieve this position. Sean is still connected with the ‘Tour’ as assitant to the Director Sportif in the Discovery team who guided American Lance Armstrong to his seventh victory in the race.
Members of the Hastings and Tenterden Clubs will also be in attendance swelling the numbers of Rye members and friends well past the number that attended the 2004 Club Dinner.
On Sunday 17 December members will be meeting at the Riverhaven again, this time on their bikes. They will ride ten miles or so to ‘Planters’ at Reading Street where they will enjoy the Club Christmas Dinner. As many as thirty riders are expected to make the trip, some dressed in seasonal attire which sets the party mood.
From “Rye’s Own “ November 2005
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