Not the best of morning weather wise and I think it put a lot of people off coming out for the ride we only had 12 riders but that did not detract from the morning in any way

With 6 clubs including B.E.C.C. being represented

The winner was Charlie Parson 25.52 (must be lack of sleep as he and Amanda have just had a 2nd little girl which they have called Zoë) 2nd Stu White 26.22 and 3rd Keith Balcombe 27.47

Alastair Carter (VCJ) 28.59, John Scott 29.23, Elaine Scott 20.34, Bob Harber 31.41 and finally Andy Attwood 38.11, he did the race on a 1905 Dursley Pedersen he looked fantastic in a sage green tailored ‘plus 4’ suit and deerstalker hat (see photos) this bike has been lovingly restored by Andy and Vanessa and is part of a collection that they have and shows their true love of the sport

BEST OF THE REST
Mike Anton (East Grinstead) 25.04, Dave Dallimore (VTTA) 28.11 Dave Galle (Arun Adur WS CTC) 28.49 and our old mate George Vargha (Steyning A. C.) 32.24

My thanks to Rick Stringer for the start timekeeping (this left me free to take some photos) and Mike Murray for pushing off

Poor Barry Deacon turned up to ride and then punctured just before the race better luck next time

The mud in the lay-by is getting deeper and the drive in was unusable still no one got stuck this year and I did notice that Andy parked his van in the area opposite the start, wise man.

Then onto the real festivities at Bob and Collette’s they did us proud the food was delicious (I could eat your truffle all day) and the drink flowed, and it was really lovely to see so many people that nowadays we only seem to catch up with on New Year day.(see photos)

As hosts Bob and Collette reign supreme and their home is as welcoming as their smiles

Our Dinner Dance in on the 25th Feb fish and chips YUM YUM!! my favourite

The fist evening 10 of the new season is on the 25th April, 7pm at Hamm Farm, so I’ll hope to see most of you on the line, if not at an early season event.

Let’s hope the 2006 season brings you all personal best and NEW CLUB KIT!!!!!!!

29 riders with 16 from the club and 4 of them women of which 2 were ours, HOORAY!!!! Shame it was a little gloomy towards the end, I think I’ll make the start 6.45pm next year.

Still some good rides and impressive times so early in the season.

1st was Steve Woodbridge 22.31, 2nd Chris Lord 23.15, and 3rd Stu White 24.38

Chris Hodge 24.49, Mike Leonard 25.25, Roy Page 25.44, Chris Shearn 25.55, Keith Balcombe 26.14, Stan Cox 26.16, Bob Harber 26.29, Adrian Robins 26.45, Elaine Scott 28.58, John Scott 29.19, Adrian Scott 30.15, Sally Page 31.45.

Michael Bentham who is just getting over a bad cold and was in two minds whether or not to ride, felt so rough half way though he packed.

BEST OF THE REST
We had a couple of GS Stella 2ups last night with Mark Jones and Tony Reeves 22.16 and Dave Abbott and Chris White 24.45 Dan Paine (B’ton Mitre) 22.45, Mark Paton (Sussex Nomads) 23.06, Mike Anton (East Grinstead) 23.48

My thanks to Rick Stringer for pushing off and John Roberts for starting and Keith Balcombe being sign monitor.

The season has just started and there’s a long way to go and many photos to be taken, so bring your smiles with you next week cos I hope to have my new camera with me and if you thought I was a pain in the bum before you ain’t seen nothing yet. ☺☺☺☺☺☺

Still even with a full field of 30 riders of which 13 were ours, we did manage to get off right on time, which was more by luck than judgement – so thanks to everyone for being so patient with me.

The weather started a little gloomy but by about 7.30 the cloud had broken up a bit and it was quite bright.

1st was Steve Woodbridge 22.38, 2nd Mike Murray 22.49, and 3rd Chris Lord 23.01.

George Higgs 23.28, Paul Gosling 24.21, Charlie Parsons 24.23, Chris Hodge 24.42, Mike Leonard 24.50, Stan Cox 25.56, Keith Balcombe 26.24, Chris Shearn 26.54, Elaine Scott 27.58, and Claire Leonard 29.43.

Well done to Claire who was doing her first unaccompanied race and managed to get under evens.

BEST OF THE REST
Dan Paine (B’ton Mitre) 21.49, Tristan Court 22.33, Mark Patton (Sussex Nomads) 22.40, Martyn Potter (B’ton Mitre) 23.55,

And waiting at the finish with fresh cauliflowers for everyone that wanted one was Andy and Vanessa Attwood (I had two cos I’m a greedy piggy I loooove cauliflower cheese).

Thanks to Rick and Val at the start, Roger Hughes for pushing off and Keith on sign duty.

It was a lovely evening with only a very slight breeze just perfect for cycling.

1st was Chris Lord 22.47, 2nd Chris Hodge 23.52 and 3rd Mike Leonard 23.53 which is a new PB for him well done!

Stu White 24.26, Simon Roberts 25.10, Roy Page 25.25, Bob Harber 25.40, Stan Cox 25.56, Steve Flowers 26.07, Keith Balcombe 26.09, Chris Shearn 26.14, Adrian Robins 26.32, Claire Leonard 27.30, Elaine Scott 27.32, Mike Murray and Steve Woodbridge did a 2 up and did a very impressive 21.35

BEST OF THE REST
Tristan Court (B’ton Mitre) 22.22, Jay Chisnall ( B’ton Mitre) 24.15, Adrian Brown (Steyning AC) 24.25.

Chris White and Tony Reeves (G. S. Stella) did a 2 up in 23.30.

Thanks to the TEAM of John Roberts starting, Rick stringer pushing off and Keith on signs.

It’s a 16 ½ next week so bring lots of energy with you.

The times where up on last year with 1st Mike Murray 38.37, 2nd Steve Woodbridge 38.50 and 3rd Chris Lord 39.46.

Paul Gosling 41.14, Charlie Parson 41.21, Chris Hodge 41.41, Mike Leonard 44.11, Roy Page 44.25, Keith Balcombe 44.43, Adrian Robins 45.57, Claire Leonard 47.12, Elaine Scott 48.18, Bob Harber 48.30.

BEST OF THE REST
Tristan Court (B’ton Mitre) 38.42, Dan Paine (B’ton Mitre) 39.05, Tim Holmes (B’ton Mitre) 40.15

Mark Jones, Chris White and Tony Reeve (GS Stella) did a 3 up in 38.38.

My thanks go to Rick for pushing off and Keith for the signs.

Charlie brought some gorgeous photos of his new (6 Months) baby she is the splitting image of him, and then I heard him complaining later of being tired - I thought that came with the job of parenthood.

We still had 29 riders, so cyclists must be made of sturdier stuff than me.

1st Chris Lord 23.25, 2nd Chris Hodge 24.40 and 3rd Charlie Parsons 24.44.

Mike Leonard 25.15, Steve Woodbridge 25.22, Roy Page 26.01, Bob Harber 26.33, Stan Cox 26.55, Alastair Carter (VCJ) 27.33, Elaine Scott 28.37 and Claire Leonard 29.22

BEST OF THE REST
Dan Paine (B’ton Mitre) 22.38, Tim Holmes (B’ton Mitre) 23.58, Richard Weatherstone (Crawley CC) 24.05

Thanks this week to John for doing the start, Rick for pushing off and Keith (even though he was feeling poorly and did not ride) for the signs.

Next week is a 2 up - so pick your partners for the 10 mile tango with a 7.15pm start.

10 2up’s and 11 solo’s and some good times considering the wind.

2up
1st Steve Woodbridge and Mike Murray 21.43, 2nd Chris Hodge and Charlie Parsons 23.33, 3rd Mike Leonard and Roy Page 24.02, 4th Stan Cox and Keith Balcombe 25.27, 5th Elaine Scott and Claire Leonard 26.46.

SOLO’S
Paul Gosling 24.41, Chris Shearn 26.05, Simon Roberts 26.21, John Tomkins 28.27

BEST OF THE REST
Mark Jones and Tony Reeve (G. S. Stella) 22.19, Chris White and Dave Abbott (G .S. Stella) 23.59 and Tony Wright and Gar Valier (Phoenix)

SOLO’S
Martyn Potter (B’ton Mitre) 23.23, Adam Gent (Sussex Nomads) 23.27

My thanks this week go to Rick for starting, Roger Hughes and Mark Paton (Sussex Nomads) for pushing off.

Next week we are on the Washington course with a 7.15 start, I’m looking for a pusher off if anyone’s interested.

And it was also great to see Geoff Boore and the family - 3 generations of Boore’s something to celebrate :-)

26 riders come out to play on the Washington course and the times were good.

1st Chris Lord 22.19, 2nd George Higgs 22.40, 3rd Paul Gosling 23.02

Chris Hodge and Charlie Parsons 23.10, Roy Page 23.30, Mike Leonard 23.52, Stan Cox 24.35, Simon Rogers 24.45, Chris Shearn 24.46, Bob Harber 25.03, Keith Balcombe 25.22, Clare Leonard 25.52, Adrian Robins 26.02, Elaine Scott, John Tomkins DNF.

BEST OF THE REST
Dan Paine (B’ton Mitre) 21.42, Roger Smith (V. C. Etoile) 21.55, Martyn Potter (B’ton Mitre) 22.28

My thanks to Rick Stringer for doing the start Neil Garrett for pushing off, Mike Murray for marshalling the Washington RAB and Keith for the signs.

NOW let’s talk about next week!!!! It’s the ‘Come & Try It’ and I still need some small prizes Elaine has given me a bag of energy bars but a little extra bits would be great as I like to give everyone a prize.

I am looking for a pusher off and an extra marshal so please let me know.

Evening 10 Results

1st Chris Hodge 23.37, 2nd Roy Page 24.30, 3rd Stan Cox 25.01, 4th Simon Roberts, 5th Keith Balcombe 25.46, 6th Matt Howard (our intrepid explorer) (V. C. Jubilee) 26.11, 7th Bobby Harber 27.55, 8th Neil Garrett 31.36, Claire Leonard and Elaine Scott did a two up in 26.04.

BEST OF THE REST
Dan Paine (B’ton Mitre) 21.59, Martyn Potter (B’ton Mitre) 23.05, Nigel Herron (B’ton Phoenix Tri) 24.05 Felix English (P.P.Y.C.C.) 24.40

My grateful thanks go to John Roberts for doing the start, Rick Stinger (whose knee op was postponed) and Lawrence Clifford (ding dong here comes the bride) for pushing off, Ian Essex, Stan Cox, Roger Hughes and Val Stringer for marshalling, Keith Balcombe for the signs.

Also Sally Page for helping with the prizes and giving out the certificates at the end of the 3 ½ mile race.

It’s the accompanying riders that make this event possible, so a big hand goes to Roy Page, Keith Balcombe Adam Gent, Anthony Rogers, Mike Murray and Bruce English.

What can I say about Mike Anton (East Grinstead) he is a prince among men, for doing the photographs, I for one can’t wait to see the results.

I will be sending out the photos as soon as I can, I have had a look at the ‘sign on’ sheet and can’t read some of your address so if that’s the case I will be bringing them out over the next few weeks or try and phone you.

Don’t forget to let me have any sponsorship monies or donations for Matt’s trip as soon as you can, tonight’s race and photo sale plus a £10 donation (race winnings from Chris Lord) came to £64, but I am hoping we can do a lot better.

Well as they say I have good news and bad news and in the time-old tradition I’ll start with the bad news:-

It’s with enormous sadness that we hear that one of our best club mates Adrian Robins, has had a very bad accident, he was out training last week on the A23 and went into the back of a stationary lorry, he has done some serious damage and will be out of action for about a year. I was thinking about having another sponsored ride in a few weeks for him and will keep you posted on any news I hear it, I’m sure he would love to receive any cards from you but I don’t think visits will be advisable for a while yet.

The good news:-
Lawrence Clifford has just got married to Suzanne, they had May wedding which is so romantic, and we wish them all the very best of luck for the future.

Next week it’s at Washington and I’m looking for a marshal for the Washington RAB and a pusher off, so if you’re in the mood let me know.

KEEP YOUR HEADS UP ALL THE TIME!!!!!!!!!!

1st Mike Murray 22.33, 2nd Chris Hodge 23.55 and 3rd Stu White 24.02

George Higgs 24.07, Paul Gosling 24.09, Lawrence Clifford 25.26, Tom Shearn 25.50, Chris Shearn 26.03, Keith Balcombe 26.07, Bob Harber 26.10, Simon Roberts 26.27, Claire Leonard 27.55, John Tomkins 29.31

BEST OF THE REST
Dan Paine (Brighton Mitre) 22.00, Adrian Brown (Steyning AC) 24.46, Nigel Herron (B’ton Phoenix) 25.24, Joan Lennon (Steyning AC) 27.34 and Jason O’Donnell (Steyning AC) 28.29

Big thanks to Rick Stringer pushing off, Val Stringer starting, Mike Leonard and family for Washington RAB

I hope that everyone likes the photos that Mike Anton took last week I put everything he took in the various envelopes as an extra bonus, I personally think they are smashing, if you want extras just let me know

Don’t for get to let me have your sponsorship/donations for Matt Howard.

WELL…… next weeks it’s our ‘Inter Club’ race with Brighton Mitre and there is a prize for the best time so let’s have a great turn out

No new news about Adrian Robins but keep watching this space.

The weather was warm and the atmosphere was even warmer, although a little windy for a ‘float night’

27 Riders 9 from Mitre and 11 from Excel, and the times were good and very close (except for Dan who seems in a class of his own;-)

1st Dan Paine (B’ton Mitre) 21.51, 2nd Chris Lord (B’ton Excel) 23.08, 3rd Martyn Potter 23.24

Paul Thatcher (BM) 23.28, Chris Hodge (BE) 23.31, George Higgs (BE) 23.47, Tim Holmes (BM) 23.52, Stu White (BE) 23.55, Nick Haskoll (BM) 24.01, Jay Chissnell (BM) 24.52, Nick Herbert (BM) 25.10, Mike Leonard (BE) 25.21, Chris Shearn (BE) 25.45, Lawrence Clifford (BE) 25.46, Keith Balcombe (BE) 26.19, Gianfrance Marletta (BM) 26.25, Claire Leonard (BE) 26.31, Trish Stewart (BE) 26.43, Robin Johnson (BM) 27.15, Neil Garrett (BE) 29.32

BEST OF THE REST
Andy Heath (SIS) 23.22, Michael Valks (Sussex Nomads) 23.16, Graham Parsons (BN12RT) 26.30, Ade Fadero (Sussex Nomads) 26.59, Joan Lennon (Steyning AC) 28.35, Sarah Hughes (Phoenix) 30.18

And at the end we had prizes a couple of bottles of wine and its only fitting that both a Mitre (1st) and an Excel (2nd) rider picked up the ‘bootie’

My big thanks this week go to John Roberts for starting, Rick Stringer for pushing off and Keith B for the signs and Robin Johnson for the wine

With photos before and after the race I feel I have well and truly christened my new camera

NEWS

Steve Woodbridge did the Hounslow 100 on Sunday and did 4.00.53 which is a NEW CLUB RECORD so well done to him, and he is doing the SCA in a few weeks so watch this space

ADRIAN ROBINS

An update on Adrian, Judy Lord (Chris’s wife) saw Denise (Adrian wife) and here is what she had to say:-

“She seemed quite upbeat, he'll apparently be home in a few days, and he’s just taken a few steps for the first time.

It seems that everything will mend ok, and he should be able to swim in 3-6 months, and be back at work within 6-12 months.

Denise seems to have coped amazingly, and with the help of some hired hands is running the business ok. Her wobbly moment came when she went to the hospital for the first time, and was met by a woman wearing a badge with 'Counsellor' on it, she naturally feared the worst.

It seems he hit a big Waitrose lorry which was in a lay-by, but partially sticking out into the road. Broken ribs punctured his lung, which is now mending fine. Two smashed vertebrae have been repaired with steel plates and bone grafts. All sounds horrific, but will be ok. Main thing was his helmet saved his head from serious damage.

So all in all, really good news”

Thanks for that, anyone with any updates let me know and I’ll pass it on to everyone else

Everyone seemed to be in a good mood, the weather was almost perfect, and after a little light rain the air was clean and fresh and what wind there was in the right direction for once.

It’s a shame that only 19 riders were there to enjoy it, but in those riders we had 3 (yes three) personal bests so well done to Chris Hodge, Mike and Claire Leonard.

1st Mike Murray 21.23, 2nd George Higgs 22.01 (Oh so close) 3rd Chris Hodge (PB) 22.17, Paul Gosling 23.04, Stu White 23.09, Mike Leonard (PB) 23.35, Roy Page 24.05, Lawrence Clifford 24.07, Stan Cox 24.13, Mike Bentham 24.55, Keith Balcombe 25.03, Claire Leonard (PB) 25.08, Elaine Scott 26.32, Neil Garrett 29.44

BEST OF THE REST
James Stone (West Kent RC) 23.11, Graham Parsons (BN12RT) 25.10, Ade Fadero (Sussex Nomads) 25.12, George Vargha (Steyning AC) 26.57

My thanks this week go to Val Stinger for starting, Rick for pushing off and Keith for the signs, and Steve Woodbridge for marshalling at Washington.

Big congratulation also to Chris Hodge for getting under the hour on the P885 last week with 57.20 which was another PB taking a couple of mins of his last under the hour time.

Hot news that Keith and Claire are going to do the 2up on the 25th July as their times are so close this year that’s one to watch.

NOW let’s get ourselves together for next week, it’s our Inter Club event with G. S. Stella and there will be TEAM PRIZES to be won, so let’s have a really good turn out.

And with Team prizes to be won it made for a really interesting evening.

I won’t spoil the suspense and tell you now who won the team, you’ll have to read to the end of the report.

The weather was hot and very sunny although the wind was a little strong the going was good.

1st Mike Murray (Excel) 22.28, 2nd Tony Reeves (Stella) 22.55, 3rd Dave Abbott (Stella) 23.00 Steve Woodbridge (Excel) 23.01, Chris Hodge (Excel) 23.14, Chris White (Stella) 24.00, Steve Trott (Stella) 24.20, Lawrence Clifford (Excel) 24.46, Roy Page (Excel) 25.12, Stan Cox (Excel) 25.15, Chris Shearn (Excel) 25.38, Claire Leonard (Excel) 26.26, Keith Balcombe (Excel) 26.40, Neil Garrett (Excel) 28.36, Elaine Scott (Excel) 28.50

BEST OF THE REST
Mike Coyle V. C. Etoile 21.15, Martyn Potter (B’ton Mitre) 22.58, Michael Valks (Sussex Nomads) 23.11

The winning team were………Mike Murray, Steve Woodbridge and Chris Hodge (Excel) with 1.08.43

1st was Mike Murray 21.49, 2nd George Higgs 21.57 and 3rd Charlie Parsons 22.46.

Chris Hodge 23.06, Mike Leonard 23.41, Roy Page 23.46, Lawrence Clifford 23.49, Chris Shearn 24.10, Stan Cox 24.48, Keith Balcombe 25.55, Elaine Scott 26.38, Rob Merrington (new member) 27.16

BEST OF THE REST:
Steve Calland (Norwood Paragon) 20.56, Dan Paine (B'ton Mitre) 21.08 which is a PB so well done to him, Michael Valks (Sussex Nomads) 21.59 and a 2up with Mark Jones and Tony Reeves (G.S.Stella) 21.42

My thanks to the team this week Rick Stringer for starting, Steve Woodbridge for pushing off, Chris Lord and Claire Leonard for marshalling at Washington RAB, and Keith for the signs.

L'ETAPE DU TOUR
Both Bobby Harber and Stu White did The Etape du Tour, which is a stage of the Tour De France open to the general public. Each year around 8500 people from all over the world take part. The Etape du Tour features roads closed to traffic, and free food and water stops. Medical and some mechanical backup is provided.

Bob finished in 11 hours “just before the broom wagon” he says we hope he will write a little bit about it for the Echo.

Here is a what Stu had to say “I finished in 8hrs 53 minutes (9 hrs 16 minutes including refuelling stops) - 3272/7548, with the final climb of Alp d'Huez taking 1hr 39 minutes (2 minutes slower than the singer Sheryl Crow!) during which I felt constantly like vomiting, but didn't stop. The photo shows me with 3km to go to the finish: ie still another 30 minutes away! 7100 kcal, 39C heat, 3kg weight loss despite 10.5 litres of fluid.” The winner on the day did 6 hrs. The winner in the Tour de France 18th July stage did 4h 52m and the slowest rider did 5h 22m. Well done to both of them (what these guys will do for a free drink:-)

Bob also did the National 100 championship with a very respectable 4.46.51 a PB and was placed 52 in the field

NEXT WEEK It’s a 2up next incorporating a ‘Grand Prix de Gentleman’ so please pick your partners for the 2up tango!!!!!

NEWS The good news is Adrian Robins is getting very well albeit slowly, and hopes to be marshalling before too long if someone can give him a lift home afterwards;-) Its with the greatest sadness that I have to let you know that Jack Harris from the VTTA, passed away on Monday 17th July, he was such a nice, kind, gentle man and a great friend to all cyclists, he had so many fingers in so many pies its hard to know where to start, but I do know that we will all be the lonelier without him I know you will all join me in sending Kath and his family our love and condolences .

Till next week take care

2up results
1st Mike Leonard and Bruce Samuel 24.00, 2nd Claire Leonard and Keith Balcombe 25.12, 3rd Paul and Becky Gosling 30.49

Mixed club results
Elaine Scott and George Vargha (Steyning AC) 26.34

Best of the rest
Roger Coyle and Roger Smith (VC Etoile) 20.45, Dan Paine and Tristan Court (B’ton Mitre) 21.15, Jon Brook and Adrian Brown (Steyning AC) 29.06

Solo results
1st Chris Hodge 23.04, 2nd Roy Page 24.15, 3rd Trish Stewart 27.01, Neil Garrett 28.08, John Tomkins 29.44

Best of the rest
Mark Paton (Sussex Nomads) 22.38 Martyn Potter (B’ton Mitre) 22.43, Will Thomas (Evans Cycles) 22.52

My thanks this week John for starting, Rick, Martin Penfold and Stan for pushing off and Keith for the signs

Next week is the last Washington race of our evening series, so let make it a good one and I’m looking for a pusher off I must admit that someone said they would do it and I can’t remember who it was so if you could remind me that would be great

And our last event on the 8th August is going to be a 16 ½, starting at Hamme Farm, as the road works still be going on

It’s our Open 25 on the 6th August and Keith needs some serious help with marshalling so give him a ring on 01273 891170 to offer your help

Because of the road works the last stretch will be on closed roads which will be fun.

1st Mike Murray 22.01, 2nd George Higgs 22.35, 3rd Roy Page 24.02

Paul Gosling 24.04, Mike Leonard 24.26, Lawrence Clifford 24.32, Bobby Harber (birthday boy) 25.01, Keith Balcombe 25.24, Chris Shearn 25.40, Claire Leonard 26.06, Rob Merrington 26.21, Elaine Scott 28.03, John Tomkin 29.18, Stan Cox DNF (he got caught on the Findon RAB and was forced to go straight on)

BEST OF THE REST
Dan Paine (B’ton Mitre) 21.31, Adam Gent (Sussex Nomads) 22.28, Tristan Court (B’ton Mitre) 22.34 and Michael Valks (Sussex Nomads) 22.38

Thanks go this week to Val for starting, Rick for pushing off and Keith for the signs

Don’t forget its our last event of the 2006 evening series next week and cos of the road works its going to be a 16 ½ starting at Hamme Farm at 7pm

I think there will be some photos taken next week so be prepared to smile a lot as I don’t take no for an answer:-)

We only had 60 riders and 2 tandems which was down on last year but the number who went under the hour proves that it was a quality field .

The winner was Steve Dennis (East Grinstead C.C.) 53.59, 2nd Graeme Stirzaker (A3CRG) 55.03, and 3rd Tristan Davenne (API Metrow) 55.14

Tandems
1st Chris Birch and Rob Allan (East Street Cycles and Farnham RC) 54.55, 2nd Andy Smith and Dave Abbott (G. S. Stella) 55.30

Lady
1st Heidi Mason (Hastings and St Leonards) 1.06.23

WE WON THE TEAM PRIZE:-)
With Steve Woodbridge 58.52, Mike Murray 1.00.06 & Stuart White 1.00.25 making a grand total of 2.59.23

There where 19 Riders that went under the hour which is AMAZING I think

CLUB 25 CHAMPIONSHIP & WINNER OF THE FORMEN CUP

The winner this year is Steve Woodbridge with 58.52, which was fantastic after his crash
2nd Mike Murray               1.00.06
3rd Stuart White              1.00.25
4th Rob Luff (Winner 2005)    1.01.30
5th Chris Hodge               1.01.56
6th Lawrence Clifford         1.05.41
7th Bob (birthday boy) Harber 1.06.23
8th Chris Shearn              1.06.57
9th Elaine Scott (jelly baby fan) 1.16.05
Stan Cox                      DNF
Chris Lord                    DNF
Alistair Carter               DNS

Keith would like to thank Mike Kilby for timing, Rick Stringer for pushing off, Val Stringer for the canteen and Dick Jones, Alan Bowery, Steve Flowers, Chris Beckingham for marshalling

And I was wearing a bed jacket by mistake, I thought it was a cardigan and ½ way through the day it dawned on me what I was wearing, so all in all it was a sad evening.

1st Chris Hodge 40.31, 2nd Chris Lord 40.34, 3rd Charlie Parsons 41.04, Tom Shearn 41.28, Roy Page 42.21, Lawrence Clifford 42.46, Chris Shearn 44.11, Bobby Harber 45.27, Steve Flowers 45.37, Keith Balcombe 45.56

BEST OF THE REST
Dan Paine (B’ton Mitre) 36.58 (WOW), Patrick Carmody (Private) 47.14, George Vargha (Steyning AC) 50.58

What can I say about the ‘A TEAM’ John Roberts, Rick Stringer, Val Stringer and Keith Balcombe they are the BEST!!!

We could not run the series with out them, thanks also to all the friends who have marshalled over the last 16 weeks

However, the evening ended very well with a drink and a meal at the Star, and with almost everyone coming and bringing their wives and girlfriends it was a really good night (see photos)

The next club event is the PICNIC on Sunday 20th August at the Star in Steyning, good food, good beer and good company, let hope for good weather, I really don’t think anyone has the right to ask for more on a Sunday afternoon:-)

And our Hill Climb is on the 22nd October, 11am start

If you are still in the mood for a race on a Tuesday evening, then Brighton Mitre are running 3 events on the G10/99 (Wineham Lane) 7pm start, I’m doing the timing so I might see you there.

Happy Birthday to John and Rick who were born just a few days apart (see photo)

GOOD LUCK to Rick who is going into Southlands Hospital for a knee op on Wednesday 9th.

Good news about Adrian Robins, Chris Lord saw him yesterday and he is in a slightly different body caste, which offers him more freedom and he was walking his daughter down to the train station, slowly but surely so that’s great.

Well I will miss you guys and I hope to see some/all/most/a few of you, on the line before too long

Take care and keep your head up!

But the turn out was still very good with 12 riders coming out to brave the conditions, with 3 from VCJ which is excellent.

1st George Higgs 5.12, 2nd Alastair Carter (VCJ) 5.31, 3rd Steve Woodbridge 5.33.

Charlie Parsons 5.46, Roy Page 5.59, Chris Hodge and Mike Leonard both did 6.08, Paul Gosling 6.16, Ben Miller (VCJ) 6.36, Tom Grant (VCJ) 6.43, Andrew Tucker-Peake 7.00 and Elaine Scott 7.26.

I think the times reflex the conditions as George did 4.55 last year.

My thanks today go to Rick Stringer for starting and Keith Balcombe for pushing off.

Welcome back to Pete Churchill, who after a number of years has rejoined the club and who came out to support the riders today.

We did 19 events this year with 444 riders and no cancellations although I did change the last 10 to a 16 ½ due to road works.

Next year I hope to do an extra early season race of 5 miles, just for a bit of fun and to get those winter legs going.

Well the next event on our calendar is the Christmas lunch on the 17th December at the Windmill at Thakeham, West Sussex, contact Rick Stringer for tickets and a menu – I really don’t think you can have too many Christmas dinners.

Then our New Years day 10 mile T.T. starts at 11am at Hamme Farm, just what you need as an antidote to the party hangover;-)

And remember that nothing says “Merry Christmas” like some new club kit, as I go to varies Open events during the year, its great seeing BECC riders in club kit, you look really good!!!!!

Thanks for making this a great year, see you all soon I hope.