A good start to Hayward’s first VCB season

Paul Hayward of Velo Club Baracchi, who formerly rode for Rock Estate, took part in his first time trial for his new club at the Plomesgate CC 10-mile event near Snape.

He was initially disappointed with his time, 25:15, perhaps not realising that everyone would be affected by the sporting nature of the course.

He achieved nineteenth place out of 43 riders, the fastest of whom was the only one under 22 minutes, Mark Arnold of CC Desiragear in 21:46.  Jim Hardwicke of the home club was second in 22:50 and Matthew Senter of Peterborough CC third in 23:05.

The fastest lady was Tricia Goulden of West Suffolk Wheelers in 27:04, beating her nearest opposition, Verity Smith of Stowmarket & District CC by just three seconds.

Hayward described it as a cold but dry day with no wind and the hard was made worse by lots of pot holes and the top layer of tarmac lose and coming up for about 5 miles and having seen the other times he was pleased with his ride.

John Thompson rode the Horsepower 200 audax from Gt Dunmow on Saturday, which he decribed as a 201km event, perhaps based on the accuracy of his Garmin.

The basic route was to Lavenham control (49km), Snetterton control (100km), Newmarket control (149km) and back to Gt Dunmow.

Last year it had been windy in the event, but this time there was little or no wind.  Thompson said, “This means that arguably I should have got round quicker than 11 hours 45 minutes,” but he had only just recovered from a cold and was pleased to be able to get out again.

He added, “It was obvious to me that it was affecting me, particularly on the hills, of which there were a lot!” The worst hill was with just three miles to go.  He was therefore able to be philosophical, as he put it.

On Sunday he had a short ride, crossing briefly into Hertfordshire via Bishops Stortford and through some pleasant lanes via Sawbridgeworth and Hatfield Heath, back to the car at Takeley.

The main VCB club ride on Sunday was out to the Olive branch café at Tunstead though various club members were also out on different routes, as many cyclists seemed to be, encouraged by some sunshine but with a cold easterly wind.

Advance registration for Beccles Cycle for Life on May 15 is open.  Already, early in the campaign, nearly 40 riders have entered and if previous years are any guide they will build up to about 400.

Early entry is particularly welcomed by the organisers.  It is cheaper for the riders and makes the event easier for administration on the day.

There are also special rates for families and teams if they enter in advance. See www.becclescycleforlife.org for entry details and a link to Virgin Money Giving for on-line entry, which solo riders can use.