Quite a strong wind and the first rain for a couple of weeks made it not such a brilliant night but 29 riders faced the timekeeper. Traffic was lighter than usual but we can put that down to a clash with an England game in the world cup.

First back were Pete Smith and Mark Dicconson, I’d guessed they would do a 2 but they did better, a 1.1.35 hit the leaderboard. It was eight minutes before the next pair came in, Dave Jacketts and Matty Barratt, they did a 3 but hot on their heels were youngsters Vince Cartwright and Calum McElwee and they took over the lead with a 58. A very good ride for them.

Glenn Whitehouse arrived alone next, he’d lost his partner Mike Kilgour somewhere but still returned with a 3 on his own. Mark Walker came next and I was pleased to see that Phil Eden had stayed with him tonight; Mark did a very good ride in the road race league last Thursday so I know he was capable. John Anson and Ged McElwee, the next pair to arrive are probably pleased with the 11 they did.

When Andy Barnes and Steve Macklin came in they were 4 minutes better than anyone else, a storming 54.04. This proved to be the best of the night, Chris Whitelam and Paul Purdy failed by just over a quarter of a minute, and Chris Daddy and Richard Moore by just over half a minute.

Just outside the hour were Paul Kilvington and Tim White with 1:0:10, Andy Peers and Nathan Wilson with 1:0:30, and Nathan Chester and Mark Summer with 1:0:35. We should look to some ding dong battles between these in the forthcoming events.

Riding on his own Ryan MacLachlan did a very creditable 58.14 and he told me he found it very hard on the return leg from Bainton on his own.

Best ride of the night must go to Andy and Steve, Andy gets faster and faster and Steve’s no spring chicken any more.

Thompson Two-up 25

Tuesday, June 20, 2006

24 Miles on Hardriders Course