Manchester and District 10TT (J2/3) March 19th 2011

Bathed in sunshine the Cheshire lanscape has never looked better. Perhaps the first indication that Spring is upon us and with temperatures well into double figures and a light south south westerly (apparently) it was a perfect way to crack off.

Arthur was off at 14.40 and I at 15.13pm, roughly in the middle of the massive starting list. I just wanted to get it over with.

As the time keeper counted down I tried to control my nerves. Why do they always hold you at an angle? They must be able to feel you leaning the other way. Three, Two, One, for the next twenty minutes the world is on hold. No longer do you notice the passing scenary, people or cars etc. I hadn't even reached the main raod and the lactic was already building up. Pushing hard out passed Jodrell bank, down the dips and up to the roundabout. On the other side of the road the returning riders looked f*d (very tired) muttering hysterically and crying out for their mum's! This was going to be hard.

The last few miles were excrutiating. I was told that when Arthur crossed the finish he was growling like a rottweiler, the signing sensation and reigning Merseyside Best All Rounder showing he still has the eye of the tiger. Arthur came in at 23.56 and I got 23.23, Not a bad start and we were both well placed in respect to the rest of the field. As for me, the best part about TT races is the cup of tea at the end.

SR