Brereton Wheelers CC

News added 25/07/2010

Still bursting with energy, Brereton Wheelers enjoyed the luxury of two club events in one week last week starting with a team time trial on Tuesday evening. Some twenty riders lined up for the event, tentatively peering into the grey skies to see if they could predict the outcome of the weather, as well as the race.

It rapidly turned into a fast night as the wind dropped, the traffic calmed and Brian Hession and Pete Beatson shot off into the night air. Following at two minute intervals the field were dispatched on to the A51 heading out to Aston island at Stone. The lumpy course caught some of the pairings off guard as the rise out of Sandon witnessed the unhitching of one or two riders not so accustomed to racing uphill.

The well matched father and son-in-law Hession, Beatson twosome comfortably crossed the line in 29 minutes 51 seconds, marking another 20mph ride for Brian.

Out on the 10 mile course an array of local clubs were represented including Lichfield, Stone, Newport and Stafford and it was from Stafford Roads that the fastest time of the night came by way of a 23-41. Not too far behind though appeared Brereton regular Neil Walker and Peloton cyclist, in his first event, Mark Crompton. Their 24-02 was quick enough to raise one or two eyebrows of onlookers.

Short of a partner the omnipresent Steve Moss manned his camera until the last minute then rode off to produce a very healthy 26-08 solo performance.

Sunday morning’s 25 was a real grueller. The course from Cleat Hill on the A51 took riders to the far side of Draycott in the Clay only to face the feared climb out of the village on the return leg.

The direction of the warm swirling breeze couldn’t be pinpointed but finishers advised that it didn’t offer too much resistance on either leg.

After some three months of suffering from a chest complaint Geoff O’Farrell acquitted himself vey well, improving nearly a minute on his last outing on the course to record 1 hour 10 minutes and 57 seconds.

Next home for the promoting club was Steve Moss. He saw a 3 minute jump from his April performance with a very credible 1-9-31.

The unmistakable figure of Neil Walker brought home a 1-7-40 ride, setting a new standard for members to aspire to.

Brian Hession crossed the line in 1-32-01, his first words confirming that it was indeed the hardest 25 he’d ever ridden.

Getting away from competition the club are having a mid-week club run on Wednesday August 4th. Starting at 7:00pm from Keystone Lane in Rugeley the leisurely ride will take in the local lanes for an hour before returning to the Scout Hut starting point, for refreshments. Anyone who would like to enjoy some company on a traditional cycle ride is welcome to join in.