(Norwood Paragon webmaster David writes: Oh dear! Peter kindly submitted this article 27th March. I thought it had been published – but alas not! My sincere apologies Peter – I owe you coffee & cake on our next ride)
Bristol South Cycling Club (WTTA Hardriders)
Peter Owen, our man in Wales, having relocated to Monmouth in August last year, opened up his racing season with what should have been a hilly hard 25 miles. Due to road works on the hilly B road sporting loop all that was left was a 12.2 mile ride up and down the A38.
Compared with the A22 or A24 G courses, this U7 course between Bristol and Gloucester typically has much lighter traffic. However Peter was held up, or at least slowed, by a herd of cows making their way to be milked. The road was wet from heavy overnight rain, but no standing water, and the weather was windy with intermittent light rain for the ride (ideal conditions to mist up the most carefully prepared visor).
As a first ride of the season getting back into the rhythm was key and time and position of less importance. Peter reports that the provision of tea and cake was right up there with the best as was the welcome from local riders, marshals, and timekeepers. One enthusiastic marshal announcing everyone’s approach to a side road with loud, but tuneful, blast from his hunting horn.
Peter is confident of having broken the hour but awaits the formal result. Peter can also confirm he wasn’t the slowest on the day as he nearly caught his minute man, albeit with him on a road bike. Suffice to say that the important bit is riding and enjoying the training, the racing and the social.
More reports are expected from Wales and the West as the season progresses with events on the fast Abergavenny course already entered at 10, 15, 25 and 50 mile distances.
Peter hopes to be riding with Monmouthshire CC as second claim and racing their Thursday night evening 10’s starting on Thursday 6 April and then every Thursday until 24 August. Perhaps we can get a Paragon Team up for one of these Thursday evening events?
More local Paragon racing is happening right now on our usual local Surrey circuits – details here. You can enter online via the CTT website for just £3.