WCTTCA Pulford 10TT (D10/19) April 3rd 2011

When I loaded my bike into the car at 5.30am it was a lovely mild dry Sunday morning. Twenty minutes later whilst driving to collect Simon it was raining. This was to be the story of the day.

As we arrived at the Red Lion car park next to HQ, this bloke rode up on a Sky Pinnarello Dogma in British colours (the bike of my dreams). I think he was a Pro. His car was parked next to mine and I asked him if I could fondle his bike, “it's not very light” he said and to be honest he was right, I was expecting ultra lightness but it still looked the dogs. He then produced a Pinnarello Prince TT bike out of the car!! I didn't get his name but I'll look him up when we receive the results.

Once again Simon and I had start times half an hour apart. We arrived early enough to have a quick drive of the course to see what was in store and it did look fast. Simon was off first at 8.15 in slightly damp but drying conditions. I saw him coming in to finish on my way out and he stormed in a very short 22 (22.03).

As usual on this course there was a stiff headwind out but a good 'taily' for the return leg. The turn on this course is an up and over. A slip road leads up to the bridge with mini roundabouts at either side and then a slip road returns you to the opposite carriageway. The damp conditions made these roundabouts particularly treacherous and they commanded the respect usually reserved for icy conditions. All went well until the 2nd roundabout when I lost my back wheel and came down for the 2nd time in 24 hours. When I checked I’d managed to fall on the same side as at the Chelford Island yesterday, adding to the road rash on my elbow, hip, knee, ankle and tearing my skin suit and overshoe. A lovely lady marshal held my bike whilst I wrestled with the chain, picked up my broken light and generally got myself together to finish with a 24 something. . ...gutted! On the positive side my bike has escaped unscathed but I still can’t believe it, how unlucky and unfair.

Meeting all the other riders back at HQ I found out at least 2 others had come down at the same spot and this Island has a bit of a reputation! Ruth Williams told me that in one event 20 riders came down on this Island and Keith Boardman broke his hip here. I only wish I'd known all this beforehand!

As I lay on the settee tending my wounds, recovering and feeling sorry for myself Simon was climbing Sherdley brow/Ashurst/Stoney lane and then looping back (but we wouldn't expect anything less!).

AW