HELP RECEIVED - 29th April - ACC 25 - Info sent to helpers

[Andrew G]

I have just sent out a marshal/helper pack which should be in your inbox soon. Please let me know if you have volunteered and do not receive it as it probably means I have the wrong email address for you.

Any questions when you get it give me a call.

Thanks,

Andrew.

[Andrew G]

Good news everyone.

We have a full field (and reserves) which includes 10 Addiscombe for you to cheer on.
A good field of 10 women .
Also entered are the last 2 winners and a couple of the fastest testers around and a whole host of very very fast riders, George is 15th fastest entry time with a 53! I'm sure he'll finish higher up than that on the day though. Oh and also on the start list is the 2009 National 25 mile Junior champion .

[Ian A4size]

hope the weather is better than forecast.

I see you have Noah down as a reserve...... he might just edge it if he gets a ride

[Ian A4size]

someone must be able to get a few "floater" jokes in........

[Andrew G]

I'm keeping everything crossed it's not as grim as forecast, and that we don't get too many DNS. Had a few so reserves get a ride, so if you are a checker please be aware that they will be riding in their startsheet number but mixed in the field, basically don't be alarmed if you see number 124 somewhere amongst the 70s say.

Hoping Joe Perrett makes it as it will be interested to see how he goes. He's 2009 Junior 25 Mile National Champ, BTTC Champ and European TT Champ, more recently he was 3rd in the National 10 last year behind Wiggins and Hutch...a fast lad.

[Phil H]

Right now I am thinking about riding it on the commuter in full commuting gear. I think the deep-section front wheel is a no.

[Ian A4size]

is steve redgrave a starter? more nautical jokes to follow.....

[Phil H]

I'm more concerned about the wind. From the forecast, up and down the A24 you should be on a beam reach. Any restrictions on taking a sail?

[Dominic]

Yes, should be interesting according to Sky news 'strong to gale force winds with heavy rain'. For most of the day

[Roy Green]

If you see me as a Checker on the first roundabout, I'll be twice as broad as normal with all the gear I'll be wearing. I'd better not forget my waterproof ballpoint ....

[Ian A4size]

Well rain didnt stop play, but it was a tough day in the saddle for all, had a firm grip of the rudder and steered a course.........

[Andrew G]

[size=150]A massive thank you to everyone who helped me run this event today. You are stars of the show on occasions like this standing out in the rain for the riders.[/size]

Only 45 finishers and 4 DNF today with everyone else from the 120 strong field a DNS. Such a pity the weather put a dampener on things as with such a strong field I was hoping for a real ding dong between the strong men.

Conditions were horrendous for racing with rain pelting you and strong winds, by all accounts the last 5 miles from Southwater to the finish were in to a block headwind that more than one rider said they thought about getting off and walking as it would have been quicker!

Sadly Joe Perrett had an early puncture so didn't get very far. Steve Dennis is still recovering from an early season wrist injury and is unable to grip bars and use the bar end shifters properly so rode his road bike...and still beat the hour.

George held the early lead with a 58.33 and then was toppled by an amazing ride by Richard Gifford of In Gear who held top spot for half the race with a 55.41 - right up to when Rich Simmonds came in. George eventually finished 9th.

Rich was scratch man and won last year, he retained his title this year with a most incredible ride of 52.35 - this had everyone staggered and was the most extraordinary ride in such conditions. He said that "he was cold and wanted to get back quickly" .

In Gear won the Team prize, Helen Bullimore of In Gear won the ladies competition with Lucy coming in 3rd.

Well done to all who rode, the toughest of debuts for Addiscombe's Naomi Gayler and Roland Townson. It will be a lot easier in future, honest.

[Jon C C on a Bianchi]

and well done, Andrew, for promoting and organising the whole thing - a massive amount of time and effort. Nice one!

I have received a couple of emails this evening which I would like to pass on to all the helpers, thank you once again.

[quote]
Nick Dwyer - 3rd place(Lewes Wanderers)
A big ‘Thank you’ to you and all your team of helpers for promoting todays event in such difficult conditions. Thanks for running the event, I think it was the right decision although it must have been marginal with the amount of surface water.

Without the efforts of you and all your volunteers, marshalls, timekeepers etc. these events would not happen so please pass on my thanks from me and my fellow Wanderers.

[Alex P]

Yes, well done for organising the event.

I have to say that in all the years that I have been at these the weather has never been the same, rain, sun, frost, drizzle, rain, and the kitchen sink today - Nowadays I take no chances and fill my boot up with all clothing including all my coats, boots, chair, scarves, gloves, hats - but I wouldn't miss it.

What was funny were the car drivers going past looking at you as if you were an alien.....

Hey ho, I might start riding down to the event again next year........mmmmmmmm - maybe not

2007 was sunny and warm at least

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