Antelope RT 10 12th July

[SteveD]

Having been told by a number of folk that I should try the P613 course at Andover I finally managed to get a ride on the course at the third atempt (I had been previously too slow and too fast to get in). I hadn't ridden this course before so I decided to check it out on the Friday. I was glad I did as the turn is a bit dodgy and I missed the bridge exit the first time - I had three goes around it to make sure all would be well on the day.

The day itself was cold and windy as usual for mid July (I notice the conditions were similar for other events) and the later riders had to put up with heavy showers as well (the first shower started about 5 minutes after I finished). The good news was that the wind was blowing the 'right way' for the course. For those not familiar with the course there is a mile downhill before you join the dual carriageway which you don't have to climb coming back and the wind was a tailwind for this bit! Another novelty was having to ride 5 miles from the HQ to the start, along side the course itself - at least it was a good warm up!

Needless to say the start was pretty fast with me doing over 30 mph most of the time and touching 35 mph occasionally. Once on the dual carriageway I was nicely warmed up and managed to keep the 30 mph going most of the way with a top speed of 38.5 mph in one of the dips on the way out. I was lucky at the turn which was completely clear and I made no mistake getting the right exits. The return leg wasn't as bad as I expected though the final climb to the finish was a bit tough, but by this time I was completely on the rivet trying for a PB. Got past the timekeeper in 21:52, an all time PB and my first ride under 22 minutes. It would be nice to get inside 22 minutes on a proper course now.

[Andrew G]

Fantastic time, and well done for getting one in on that course. I'm not going to make it there this year and I've seen somewhere else that it may vanish after August if Tesco get their way so looks like I'd miss the chance . Have to stick with the Q10/19 to try and get a quick one, if they aren't doing roadworks, put the finish in the right place....

[tel]

Nice one Steve, fantastic time.

Earlier in the year, I did exactly what you were frightened of at the turn and went off course at the turn but still managed a pb, that is how fast the course is. Going to try to get another ride there befor the inevitable.

Not feeling too good at mo but hope to see you at weekend.

Terry