Club Newsletter
June 2024
It seems a while since I last put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard) and so much has happened. Our wonderful club has so many active, talented, able and busy members. It is hard to keep up at times. This newsletter (blog) will have to start way back in March, when Wes and Botts took part in an event at Brands Hatch. In his own words:
Wes and I rode the Kentish Killer the weekend after the Hell of the Ashdown - it was another 100km route with 1855m of elevation. We enjoyed this much more than the Ashdown due to 3 things - firstly the temperature was up to about 6 degrees rather than the 1C the weekend before!! The route also had more “flow” and took us though some local haunts with a feed in Groombridge. But the best part was starting and finishing on the smooth fast tarmac of the Brand Hatch race track. Great event that I would whole heartedly recommend. Big thanks to Wes for waiting for me on a couple of climbs - he really is an animal!!
In March Wes was well into his 40/40 events, and nearing the end of his mammoth challenge. He raced the Lydd half marathon on 10th March. Then his last challenge, the London marathon on 21st April. He finished in a hugely impressive 4hrs 13.
Geoff also ran the London marathon and again sped to the finish in an incredible 3hrs 20. What speed.
Dean was in action again racing a qualifier duathlon, at Mallory Park in Leicestershire.
In his own words:
It was a 5k run (18 minutes 20 seconds) 21k bike (34 minutes) and finally a 2.5k run in (9 minutes 20 seconds). I was happy with the run, but a bit off on the bike and finished 4th at 102%.
Congratulations on a fantastic result.
On 26th May, Becci raced at Bewl Water. This was her first full triathlon (doesn't last year at Southwater count?). She must have had a great time, judging by the big smiles in the photos. Well done Becci, and congratulations. What next?
Also on 26th May I raced at Barry Island. It was a sprint qualifier for Euro champs 2025. As in previous years the conditions were tough, with weather (and sea temperature) turning very cold overnight. There was a strong current, and the start was delayed to reduce the swim from 750m to 350m. In fact the swim ended up at 600m. Hey ho, it was a good race, with some tough opposition. I managed to secure 3rd place in 115%, and so qualified for Istanbul 2025.
Now! The big club event of the year. The Round the Isle of Wight bike ride. Unlike last year's dreadful conditions we were blessed with great weather. Sunshine and just a light breeze along the Military Road. We split into two groups - The Fasties (74 miles) and Annie's - renamed by Malcolm "the Specials" - (56 miles).
All fourteen of us stayed together, mostly, for the first two stops, then the Fasties (Iain's group) set off on a longer route back to the Ferry Port. We all managed to get back in time for the evening ferry, even if the Specials got there first!
Hugh did an incredible job of driving the support car, with all the bags, spares, tools, food, water and some emotional support. What a great day out; easier for some, harder for others, but smiles all round on the ferry back. You will no doubt have seen some of the many photos posted on the club WhatsApp group.
The participants in this adventure were Malcolm, Iain, Andrew, Dean, Botts, Grant, Ben, Chris, Wes, Diana, Christine, JoJo, Heather and Annie.
Where to next year?
I must end this newsletter by congratulating Wes on his amazing achievements of 40 challenging events in this his 40th year, raising funds for the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity. He has a JustGiving page which I believe is still active.
And finally congratulations to all those who have raced so far this year, and all those who swim, bike and run for pleasure, all with great results. Let's keep it going.