Wednesday, October 17, 2018

Free wheel competition

Some of you may not realise it but today's competition is thanks to Ed Sharp. Some years ago he asked the then Secretary, Steve Bott, 'Why don't we have a free wheel competition ?' Steve then organised one for several years until he left the area.

More recently with more girls competing they have had their own awards, Pam, Steph and Angie have won a few times. The boys' competition has been won by Keith Rook and the late John Mason a few times each but now Mark Gladwyn wins though he generously forgoes the award. The winners' awards are always a unique carving thanks to Ed and runners-up receive a tube (today's boys' runner-up was on tubeless !).

Having used Norwood Hill and Root Hill for a few years I decided it was time for a change. I checked out the unnamed hill in the narrow Tilehurst Lane three times and it  seemed fine - the only road users I saw were two cyclists and two deafish walkers. However, when riding up the hill with B group today we were overtaken by an MG car rally (about twenty strong) and during the competition two large tractors headed into an adjacent field. 

I set off first, followed by Jennie (the girl who went furthest). Mark passed next and disappeared round the corner at a reasonable speed. Janice was runner-up (unfortunately Pam couldn't make it today, she was busy mending a puncture in the middle of Weybridge). Dave Bartholomew won the boys' award and Mike Reynell ran up. Fortunately the only delay was suffered by Tim Court who met a car crossing the stream bridge.

Thanks to Tony Hooker and Jennie for assisting, hope you all enjoyed your day.

Terry

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