The first 25 of the season was held at Betteshanger in warm and sunny conditions and we had one of the biggest fields ever for the longer distance. In total, 42 riders signed on, including a very healthy group of 10 juniors.
The times recorded were very good, aided by the fine conditions and one or two other factors! In fact there was 15 rides under the hour by the senior riders. Alex Ashman was fastest junior rider with a fine 1:01:45, and Catherine Morrell was first girl with a very creditable 1:09:32. It is believed that there were a couple of new age records; for a 13 year old girl by Talulah Butcher and for a 10 year old boy by Max Robinson.
Moving onto the seniors, Chris Fennell of The Independent Pedlar and second claim TRC member recorded an exceptional time of 50:31. In second place was the fastest TRC rider, Nic Fennell with 52:02. The quickest woman was another Independent Pedlar, Emma Lewis with a time of 56:11 which was also good enough for 5th place overall. Faye Faiers was the first of the TRC women with a good time of 1:07:32. Finally there was an age record for Jenny Fearn as well.
All times can be found in the attached PDFs.
Many thanks as ever go to the band of helpers who ensure the event can take place. This week they were Sue Shields, Terry Fearn, Brian Hood, Andrew Morrell, Pete Huckstep, Colin Robinson, Rob Milnes, Malcolm Adams, Andy Faiers and Dave Mastin.
Report by Dave Mastin.