Thankfully the weatherman got the forecast of rain wrong and conditions generally were good for this early season classic. After a couple of years of a shortened course due to the broken bridge which has now been replaced, it was back to the full distance. There was a good representation from the club on the start sheet, but unfortunately Paul Bellamy due to having metal work taken out his shoulder and Kevin Beament going off skiing meant there weren’t as many riding. The conditions resulted in some quick rides, with the winner John Dewey, Team Bottrill/HSS Hire finishing in 1.02.53. First claim rider times were as follows: Richard Birtwhistle 1.18.13 (48th), Robert Royston 1.18.41 (52nd), David Twin 1.19.25 (56th) and Ed Rieu 1.31.20 (86th). For a while there was a thought we were in with a chance of the vet team prize unfortunately that was not to be. Second claim members times were: Mark Newton 1.11.44 (21st) and Winsome Levy 2.08.44 (94th).