Mercia CC-Lloyds Cycles Report 01.08.19

Tweet

Mercia CC-Lloyds Cycles report 01.08.19.

Ian Hill Mercia CC-Lloyds Cycles extreme distance rider completed his Super Randonneur series for the year, riding events by Audax UK, the long distance cycle club. This involved distances of 200km, 300km, 400km and 600km. The 400km route started from Poynton, Cheshire and followed the North Wales Coast onto Anglesey to Holyhead and return. There was a biting northerly wind so temperatures were no warmer in the daytime than at night. Hill finished within the 27 hours allowed.

The 600km ride from Bristol had 6150m of climbing since it took in the hills of Exmoor, Blackdown Hills, Wiltshire Downs, Chilterns and Cotswolds. The Saturday was one of the hottest days of the year and on other events on the same day some riders gave up due to the heat. However, Hill kept a steady pace during the daytime heat and recovered time during the cooler Sunday morning to finish within the 40 hours allowed.

Hill also rode another 600km Audax from Sleaford. This was much flatter and headed down to Great Dunmow, Essex before turning north to Goole, East Yorkshire then back to Sleaford. Although there were 50 entrants, a good number failed to start due to the anticipated conditions then further riders dropped out having gone too hard early in the ride to leave the very experienced Hill as one of only 12 finishers.

Terry Knight has also been in long distance action successfully completing the 200k Vale of Belvoir Audax ride from Lichfield to Colsterworth via Melton Mowbray and back to Lichfield.

These were all extreme rides and it takes a great deal of fitness and no little determination to complete them.

Mercias Thursday evening 10 mile TT on the Sudbury course was won by James Brayford of Lyme RC in the time of 23:45. He was a comfortable winner over Rob Gower of the home club in 24:57. Another Lyme RC rider, Gail Howe recorded an excellent time of 26:32. Other riders times were Keith Staley, 26:43. Steve Ingram, 29:19 & Dave Baines 29:22.