Once groups were finalised, there were 36 minutes between the limit and scratch.
Glen Kettle stepped up from the ride group last week, and we welcomed new riders David Menzies and Michael Lindenback.
With a gentle easterly tailwind, the pace for all groups was swift on the way out with limit and second limit joining forces, while in the middle of the field, Francis Lias’ group had caught Will Kettle and company.
Scratch and block looked set to join up, at about the time they saw the ominous gap on the field already established by the train formed by limit and second limit.
As the middle groups were swallowed up by scratch and block, racing got a little messy in pursuit of the leaders and unfortunately there was a fall involving Michael Lindenback, Bryce Denham and Troy Griffiths.
Hopefully bodies heal quickly, it’s always distressing, but these things happen in racing — we’ve been lucky recently to escape the curse.
With the finish in sight it was the riders off limit and second limit who would fight it out and in the end it was Tom Jenkins who burst clear to cross the line in front of Dave Oman in second, Heather Lias in third, John Jenkins in fourth and David Menzies in fifth with Rachel Jenkins the first unplaced female. Levi Hone recorded the fastest time.
A big shout-out to club favourite Darren McKemmish. It’s been a great week for the birthday boy, who is now a grandfather. Dropped by his group, perhaps he was distracted wondering if he’ll be known as ‘Poppy Dazz’ or perhaps ‘Granddazz’. It was a great rendition of Happy Birthday as he crossed the line with best mate Mick.
Thanks to race director Mel Smolenaars, handicapper Cam Smith, photographer Richard, turnaround marshal Phil Herd and to the Hone family, who provided the lead and tail vehicles, without all your help, these races don’t happen.
Thank you again to our sponsor, Ash Hall Cycles.
Also thanks to the hospitality of the Caledonian Hotel — our sponsor for next week’s race, Harry’s Handicap at Trewins.
