The Phoenix C.C. was out in force tonight,
10 riders from a field of 22.
Fine weather greeted the enthusiastic peddlers
who were ready to spin their big rings up and
down the Bickerstaffe bypass. There was a slight
breeze which the riders said didn't help much
coming back down the carriageway.
Everybody off to a fine start on the first 10
of the season and this could be another
stunning season for Dave Massen who finished
with a winning time of 23:37, which was also the
fastest time of the night from all riders.
Riders :John Leach,Mal Sherridan,Kieran
Leach,Dave Massen, Andy Burton,
Ricky Coppell, John Williamson,
John Hampson W.James and
G. Mawdsley John Leach
click on name for photo.
JL-25:46,MS-27:45,KL-25:07,
DM-23:37,AB-26:58,RC-26:52
WJ-26:05, JW-27:40,JH-6:06,
GM-27:08

W.James

click on photo for larger view

Taking a chance on the weather staying
reasonable were 7 hardy Phoenix C.C. riders.
The sky threatened heavy rain and sure
enough half way into the 10 the heavens opened.
This didn't spoil the night but most riders
went back on last week's times (except
Graham Mawsdley and Dave Massen)
Dave, once again was fastest on the night.
Picture this week is of the Webmaster, taken
by Keith Linge who, along with the Marshals
braved the rain and shouted encouragement
as we passed. Thanks to all.
Riders:- Dave Massen, Kieran Leach,
John Leach, Bernie James,
Graham Mawdsley, Keith Williams, and
Andy Burton. Great photo of John from
last week's race taken again by
Keith Linge.(click on name) John Leach
DM-23:34, KL-25:37, JL-26:16, WJ-26:18,
GM-26:39, KW-27:10, AB-27:36

Keith Williams
click on image for larger view

John Williamson

Yes, the Phoenix C.C.(Aintree)had 10 riders riders tonight.
We must be mad, or everybody is very enthusiastic. It was blowing a gale and the temperature was 9degC but according to
Mr.Dave (aerodynamic) Massen he was unaware that there we we in the middle of a hurricane and won once again, with a time not much slower than last week. For everybody else, their times were between 51secs and 3 minutes slower.
The ten riders (from a total of about 17) were, JL,KW,KL,AB,DM,WJ,JH,JW,SMc,
RC.
Photos taken by Keith Linge.
(updated - click here for results table)

Click for larger view

The Club time trialists are a finely turned, well trained and self disciplined bunch of dedicated cyclists. Throughout Tuesday they are thinking about and planning their day in preparation for the evening's race. Food at the right times, rest periods essential and then finally to the race.
For me, tonight was slightly different.The bike is removed from the boot, race number obtained and my warm up begins,.Carefully timed, the warm up should bring bring me to the start line in peak condition and raring to go. Constantly looking at my watch (which is atomically correct and has a Cesium 132 radioisotope inserted to keep it that way) I roll gently up to the start and discover that I have missed my start. WOT!!! Another look at watch and some quick maths, number 12 on my back,. 7:15 start.. time now 7:23.. 3 or 4 minutes to spare why are they waving frantically at me to get to the start line.
It turns out that someone had decided to start early and not tell the riders. Ah well, a rolling start is as good as a good push so I'll take the 26:46. (Keith Williams)
RIders tonight: DM, SMcB, JL, KW, RC, BJ,
AB. Dave Massen storming around and winning with a time of 23:30 on a very windy night. Well done Dave.
Click here for results table

Dave Massen
(click for larger view)

Tonight will be remembered for two related incidents.. and the weather.
Getting ready to warm up and chatting with other club members, Dave Massen re-appears shouting," my spoke's broken",
Sure enough a very specialised aerodynamic spoke had cleanly snapped at the hub entry point and the wheel was buckled.With only a few minutes before his start Dave was desperately seeking a spare wheel. Jimmy Mc.Knight was first to offer his 27x1and 1/4.. Before Dave could accept, Steve McBride stepped in and offered his own time trial wheel and relinquished his ride for the night. Dave was very thankful and quickly raced to the start (and finished with his best time of the season 23:04).
Steve, not only gave up his ride but he also offered to be the photographer for the night, taking some "interesting" and unusual shots from various positions around the course. See opposite and web album.
And the weather.... fine drizzle and dead calm. Riders tonight:- DM, JL, KW, AB, RC, BJ, JH, JW,
Click here for results table.
Click here for web album.

I think it's errr..... a road....
(doesn't look that twisty when your riding)
click image for larger view

John Hampson
click image for larger view

Base camp at the football club's changing rooms. Dry and warm for the organisers with space to sort out the time sheets and numbers but limited space in the car park.
Menacing sky (see opposite) but luckily it only threatened to rain. I think the very strong wind from the south east kept it at bay. Warm and windy just about sums up tonight. Dave's strong ride of 24:09 was the best on the night when the times were slower than the previous week.
Picture of Dave Massen posing by the slalom course for learner mountain bikers.
Riders this week:- DM, JL, KW, AB, W.J,
MS, JW.
Click here for results table.
Click here for web album.

Group

John Leach

John Hampson

Keith Williams
Click on image for larger view