Strong show by Cherry Valley riders in Simon Goodge memorial race

Cherry Valley RT 10 - 7/5/2005 - Course C10/28

Nigel White (Sherwood CC) was the inaugural winner of the Simon Goodge Memorial trophy in the Cherry Valley 10 held on 7th May. A mixed day for Cherry Valley riders meant Ian Dalton was second and Andy Lintin close behind in third with other pre-race favourate Andy Moore unable to start.

Dodging the showers on a very windy but sunny day, the course started at Ingham top, running along the middle street to Harpswell Hill roundabout and finishing back again at Cammeringham. With a strong cross headwind to the turn, wheel choice was critical with many riders still opting to use disc wheels. First rider to finish was race organiser Gareth Williams (Cherry Valley RT) who managed a time of 23.00 to finish 7th despite not having time to warm up before the start.

Next Cherry Valley rider on the road was Richard Robinson. Just recovering from a cold, Richard made a last minute change in wheel choice opting for a standard spoked front wheel to avoid being buffeted about by the wind to much on the open sections of road to the turn. Despite this being Richards first race back from illness, he still returned a very creditable time of 24.01 which was still good enough for 17th place. Sam and Aaron Tuplin where the next Cherry Valley riders to finish. Both Aaron and Sam opted for disc wheels despite the ever increasing wind and looming storm clouds. Sporting a new look aero hat, ever improving Sam finished with a time of 23.46 which was a great result having returned to University after the Easter break and struggling to get any serious training done. Meanwhile, unfazed by the windy conditions, Aaron continued to show good form is on its way by wining the Junior competition and finishing 11th with a time of 23.09.

Andy Lintin showed his fast rides over the previous weeks were no fluke by once again returning with a storming ride in terrible conditions. Crossing the finish line with a time of 22.36, Andy nudged Eddie Humprehys (GB Fire Service) out of first position to take top spot himself with only Ian Dalton and Nigel White still on the road and capable of beating his time. Starting before Ian, Nigel White finished with a time of 21.45, pushing Andy Lintin into second place and setting the time Ian had to beat to win. Unfortunately Ian returned a time 22.01, which was well below is normal pace, but put him 2nd overall and Andy Lintin followed closely in 3rd spot with his great ride.

Ian couldn’t really explain his below par performance but has not been feeling himself recently and has resulted in several visits to the Doctors and he is awaiting the results of subsequent blood tests. Andy Moore couldn’t race as he was still recovering from the effects of a nasty cold and we wish him well and a safe return to racing.

Cherry Valley would like to thank the following people, without their help, we wouldn’t have been able to run the event:-

Jenny Goodge and Martin for attending the race and presenting the prizes.

John Richards for providing us with all the information about Simon, the links to the past riders of Cherry Valley RT and on the day for acting the perfect host to Jenny and Martin on behalf of the team.

Sue Dalton, Hayley Robinson, Nita Williams, Shelia Williams, Mrs Tuplin and Hayleys Mum for providing a choice excellent refreshments and ensuring the riders and helpers never went without a drink and something to eat.

Caroline, Andy and Devon Moore for running the unenviable task of the result board and sorting out all the prize winners and collecting the numbers after the race.

Les Lintin and Paul Reynolds who braved the elements to act as time keepers.

Pete Kennedy for standing in the cold to push the riders off for an hour.

Stuart Blanchard for getting the times back to the HQ quickly.

Keith Dalton, Michael Moore and Dave Tuplin for looking after the riders safety by marshalling at the turn and bringing the safety signs back to HQ.

Brian Jones of Kimroyphotography for covering the race and kindly donating 3 prizes

Thanks to all the riders who weren’t put off by the wind and rain and made the event a success.