Brereton Wheelers CC

News added 07/03/2010

Fresh from his recent success in the winter long Watt Bike series, at the Lichfield Leisure centre, Brereton Wheeler Ian Beard did a complete metamorphosis to eager mountain biker on Sunday. Despite the heavy overnight frost the intrepid Wheeler took off to Wales for the annual 50 Kilometre Gold Rush Challenge.
Having retired injured from the event last year Beard was determined to make amends this time round. Never fearful of what awaits Ian charged headlong into the task and found that the strength he’s developed over the winter could be redeployed quite comfortably in this altogether different environment.
Up against teams riding relay Ian’s solo effort was all the more meritous in a field in excess of 150 riders. Describing the course he noted that ‘the climbs were big and the terrain was 80% rocks with the other 20% wide fire roads’. A succession of spills on the hard surface resulted in significant damage to both his bike and his knees
As the course was based quite literally on a mountain it was a case of warm sun on the one side and a diametrically opposite climate on the other shaded side. Feeling battered and bruised Beard confessed to many thoughts of quitting but told himself that he would only regret going back home without completing the event so he rode on. When he finally crossed the finish line his time was of no concern, he just took great pleasure knowing the rocky mountains of Wales hadn’t defeated him.

Riding the CDWM Races at Tudor Grange, Solihull young Brereton schoolboy Niall Siers got his season off to an early start. The tough youngster braved a cold but sunny morning, acquitting himself very well. His day’s racing commenced with a one lap time trial in which he finished in the top 5.
After taking an hours rest he jumped back on his bike for a rapid circuit race. The discipline called on every ounce of his bike handling skill as he competed alongside a mixed ability group of boys and girls, with age ranges from 6 to 12. The programme finished off with 3 one lap handicap races with Niall successfully completing every event.

As well as all the competitive activity the club still had time for a gentle club run around the local scenic lanes taking in Yoxall, Hoar Cross, Newborough and Kingstone before heading back to Rugeley via Admaston.