Grouse '10' - 11.06.08
Wednesday’s Open Grouse ‘10’ attracted a strong field of 61 riders including 12 who were riding medium gear [MG]. Medium Gear is a standard gearing which generates 72 inches of travel from one revolution of the front chainring which should in theory mean all MG riders are competing on an equal basis.
The fastest rider using medium gear was Jonathon Hobson of Otley based Team Chevin Cycles who recorded 23-58 which is no mean feat on 72”. Fastest rider using gears recorded 21-36.
On the night there was a significant North Westerly breeze which meant that the competitors faced a stiff headwind up to Bakewell but had the benefit of a tailwind on the longer homeward leg. Scratchman Aran Stanton of VC St.Raphael was the clear winner recording 21-36 with Rutland CC’s Marc Mallender 25 seconds back with 21-51, which were the only sub 22 minute rides on the night. Stanton was also the first veteran home! Darren Buckby of Nottingham Clarion finished third in 22-11 and Simon Parkin of Heanor CC fourth in 22-19.
First Matlock rider home was Richard Cordin, who opted for gears rather than fixed, to come home in 22-24 with fellow clubman Peter Colledge just 2 seconds behind in 6th. Second claim rider Andy Woolf riding for Nottingham Clarion finished 7th in 22-28.
The team prize was won by Matlock courtesy of Messrs Cordin, Colledge and Chris Green who, riding fixed, finished 11th in 22-47. Fastest lady was Jill Brown of VC Long Eaton who finished 45th overall in 28-24. Emily Thoday riding her first Open Event finished 55th and first junior recording 33-51.
Andy Eagers of Derby Mercury secured the handicap award as well as 9th place overall. The lantern rouge award of a rear LED light was won by Colin Parkinson of South Western RC who rode fixed and finished in 24-13; however Colin was penalised 16 minutes for a late start and finished with a time of 40-13. Out of 61 riders there were only 4 DNS with 57 finishers.