Words by Pete Leonard
It’s Sunday and I am riding to Blackgate Lane to meet like minded members for the Sunday
Eddie O’Brien in action on the SCC hill climb event once again dominated the freewheel competition. Picture by Ian Bailey.
ride and the freewheeling contest which for many is the highlight of the year. It’s a headwind and there is rain in the air. On reaching Blackgate lane it is now pretty wet but there is still a surprising number of riders present.
The ride sets off but conditions get worse and one by one riders decide that discretion is the better part of valour and turn for home. Maybe they realise that taking the freewheeling crown from Eddie O’Brien is a fruitless exercise?
The event is basically a non contestant with Eddie winning by at least two metres from Karl Turner with Alan Stark 3rd and yours truly 4th. Not sure how many times Eddie has won this event but it’s amazing how many and the margin he achieves. The usual after event debriefing took place at the Cobbled Hey Café where Eddie offered his services as a downhill trainer for next years event.
By the way, Cobbled Hey will be closing on the 6th of November for Winter.
