Year: 2012

The clocks changing and losing that hours sleep were worth it to be greeted to another sunny if not a little chilly morning with a slight breeze from the north. Two circuits of this testing course certainly drains the legs. 2nd claim member Mark Newton had an early start getting the chillier conditions and not feeling 100% still managed a 59.05 (12th). Dave Twin started in warmer conditions due to his much later start and finished in 1.01.58 (28th) even though his seat pin dropped a couple of centimetres in the last three miles. The overall winner was Jerone Walters, VC St Raphael in 54.13.

Driving down in sunshine a with little wind it looked like it was going to be a great day for the later starting small field in the solo event. By the time you got to the hall however there was mist which held the temperature down to 4 degrees which meant gloves were a must have. Dave Twin was the sole club ride in Sydenham colours and went round in 1.03.16 (11th). Dave was caught in the final couple of miles by a very smooth riding Ben Wimpory in his Loughborough Students CC strip who finished in 58.49 (4th) picking up the £10 junior prize. Second claim member Mark Newton carried on with early season form recording 58.18 (3rd) picking up £10 for his scratch ride and £20 for finishing 2nd fastest vet. The event winner was Steve Berry, Team Swift-Allsports in 54.34.

East Surrey Hardriders 29.9 held Sunday 11th March 2012
The weather condition were far better than previous years. Being dry, 7 degrees and with only light winds coming from the north. Not bad for a early season event. The club was represented by three members. Pete Mahoney was first at the start and proceeded to hammer round the course on his road bike fitted with clip-on tri-bars to record a 1.14.52 (20th). This was a four and half minute improvement on last year’s event. Ed Rieu was second off going round the course in 1.23.27 (59th). Last off was a bruised Dave Twin having parted company from his bike on the way home from work on Friday evening. Dave finished in 1.20.13 (45th). The winner was Steve Berry, Team Swift-Allsports in 1.05.57 setting a new course record.

VTTA 10 held Saturday 10th March 2012 on Q10/22
2nd claim member Mark Newton rode his first event of the year for his new Edwardes Elite Cycling team and showed good early season form by finishing 5th overall in a time of 22.28. He also picked up a silver medal for 2nd on age standard. The overall winner was Michael Barnes, Kent Cycles RC in 20.49.

KCA 3up 25 held Sunday 11th March 2012 on Q25/11
First claim member Jack Gregorie was riding under the name of Kent Velo Boys and his trio put in an impressive ride to finish 4th in a time of 59.11. 2nd claim member Mark rode his second event of the weekend. The Edwardes Elite Cycling team recording 56.39 to take 3rd. It sounds like Mark did most of the work especially as Paul Mill had to ride his road bike due to mechanical issues with his TT bike. Both teams pick up KCA bronze medals for their efforts. The winners were Artic Sram RT in 53.39.