The early morning began with winds and torrential rain but thankfully for the 11 am start the bad weather had subsided and passed over making for pleasant conditions with just a slight following
breeze for the riders.
It was immediately obvious on this occasion the supporters,volunteers and marshals would outnumber the riders reluctantly willing to sign on milling around the back of Alan Stark’s car,who incidentally had already checked out the 1.65 mile course and placed out signage.
Eight riders entered and some for the first time including Melissa Moscrop at 12 years old the youngest competitor. The pre race favourite Joe Wilson was in a buoyant mood and in good form after a long road racing season,not sure about the other competitors but Mike Rimmer was focused and in ‘the zone ‘ and seemed up for it after most of the year half wheeling his clubmates on cafe rides.
Once the watches were synchronised and the race was ready to go and marshals in place it just remained for club supporters already at Dalton Church to be prepared to shout encouragement to the anti gravity grimpeurs.
A large crowd had gathered at the summit outside the now boarded up Prince William pub to cheer the riders across the line with the last lung burning effort.
RESULT:
Well ahead of the field in first place was winner Joe WILSON in a club record time
of 6 minutes 5 seconds a fantastic effort,well done and only a couple of days after his
17th birthday.
The remaining times:
Mike RIMMER..8.15
Neil LAING..8.43
Tom WILLIAMS..8.52
Mark MARSHALL..9.03
Carole JAMES..9.38
Dave MOSCROP..12.12
Melissa MOSCROP..13.04
It has to be said that Melissa was furious when she found out that her dad had beaten her time,rest assured the result will no doubt be reversed next year as she gets stronger.
Once everyone had recovered we adjourned to the nearby Applecast cafe at Cobbs Brow where refreshments had been organised and for the prize presentation.. Medals were presented and returned for engraving to be re-issued at the Club Dinner on November 27th.
Huge thanks to all the officials,marshals,supporters and of course the riders for their valiant efforts on the climb.
See you all next year.
Colin
El Prez ??
