Sunday July 13th.
It was a weekend when washing your kit seemed superfluous. A Grand Prix and two Summer Series races in four days. If you are Simon Fenton then you run them all and pick-up two M70 prizes and your best points score of the Series. I think Rob Wilson, Tom McGaff, Mike Hill and Janine Ellis also did all three, have I missed anyone? Most of us, however, had to chose which one(s) to go for, either balancing family commitments or preserving the legs. The' stars' were driven by club loyalty to Thursday's Grand Prix; the Men's and Ladies' teams both winning at the Wizard. The 'tarts' were at Buxton; as Don notes the lowest turn-out for a Series race for some time. Bollington has rivalled Langley as the club's favourite race in recent years and, with many having Buxton in their legs, it seemed to me a reasonable points gamble over a course I would enjoy.
Peter Speak who, jointly with Damian, had led the Wilmslow team to their Wizard success, came 2nd. Trevor 6th., Allan, 8th., Tom, 15th., Mike 17th. and Rob 19th.had all featured prominently at the Wizard. James was 24th. and Jeremy 27th.
The Di's led the Ladies. McVey won the race and Bygrave was first M40 then came Louisa and Janine followed by Huma and Clare, who was first L50.
Matt took the League 2 60-points ahead of Jon and Ian, who, despite coming on his bike, was, on this occasion, present for both the start and the finish. Paul was just 4 seconds in front of Louisa with Janine only a little further back.
Richard was again first in League 3. Di, failing by only 4 seconds to beat Ian, was 2nd.,Chris 3rd., Geoff and Simon.
My thinking that I would get more points at Bollington than Buxton, a misguided piece of decision-making, was partly rescued by both Amanda and Jon, 'blowing-up'. Huma, of course, won League 4. Clare was ahead of me early-on but I was confident of catching her on this sort of course. Catching her? I never saw her. James has been improving race by race, I had passed him just before the finish at Bosley, but here he demonstrated his growing strength. Gail, I was ahead of on the climb and had expected to pull comfortably away from on the descent, especially as she had done a "points bonanza" Buxton, it was only when I finished that I looked-round and saw how close she was. Carolyn held Gail over the early hills but after that could not keep in touch. For much of the time, League 4 were flattered by the company of guests; Andy, Chris and Gavin, all three of whom would have little burst of running to their true potential only to fade and drift back to us. As we emerged from the wooded hill onto the road, Jon declared himself finished and a little further-on, Amanda, who'd been struggling on the rough surface, was spectating with Roy, the points tally was starting to move into a more promising zone.
Jan joined the contenders for promotion from the League 5 with 60 points and Don and Trevor also enjoyed high rewards for their endeavours.
Many thanks to Patrick, Christine and others, runners and non-runners, who provided the race organisation. Support from Roy, who sees the surgeon again on Tuesday, and Cat and Mike was also much appreciated.
Reports of Tony's injury sound concerning, hopefully we will see him tonight.
Ian