Wind and hail no match for hardy Ythanites this week!
The Lumpy Python: Following on from the success of Ythan CC’s first Audax last year, the Lumpy Python, organised by Paul Gordon, returned on Saturday 4th May. It took riders on a very scenic route around the roads of the North-east, or at least a route that would have been scenic were it not for the howling gales and horizontal rain! Riders had the option of the Lumpy Python (112 km) or the Wee Python (63 km). After leaving Ellon, the Lumpy Python route heads north east towards Cruden Bay, affording riders fantastic views of the coastline, before crossing the A90 at Hatton towards the first control point at Strichen, where riders were able to refuel at the Lodge. The route reached its highest point at 63km, before an all-too-brief descent into Cumminestown, where the route turned south and straight into the relentless wind. Even the descent into Fyvie required a push to maintain a respectable pace, and drained legs definitely required refuelling at the Fyvie Castle tearoom. With brevet cards stamped, there was no delay in heading directly for the tearoom and securing a coffee and a suitably calorie dense wedge of carrot cake, before saddling up for the final leg back into Ellon. Club chairman, Donald Stewart, said, “Overall, the Lumpy Python lived up to its name, and the wind added an element of challenge and ensured every returned home with a sense of achievement. Thanks to Paul’s excellent organisation, and his band of hardy volunteers, we have already received some very positive feedback.”
10 under the Ben: Cruden Bay rider, Andy Scouller, lined up in the endurance mountain bike race – 10 Under the Ben on Saturday 27th April. Held on the marvellous trails around Leanachen Forest at the foot of Ben Nevis, the race program guaranteed a great day’s riding irrespective of the weather. The aim was to complete as many laps as possible within a 10-hour time limit. The event was open to teams working on a relay basis or to solo riders like Andy.
Andy managed seven laps of the circuit – an epic 54 miles and 6700 ft of climbing, and retired after a marathon seven hours racing, having succumbed to a knee injury sustained in a crash during a mountain bike race weeks earlier. Kudos Andy!
Gary MacDonald of Nevis Cycles Race Team set a new course record for the first rider to achieve 13 laps. After the race he posted that it was his first solo endurance race … and possibly his last.
Ythan CC Confined Time Trial no. 2: A large contingent of riders turned up at the first of the season’s time trial events on Tuesday 30th April, held on a new out-and-back course on the B9000 from Pitmedden to the roundabout near Foveran, and back. Due to the number of riders, the race was split into two races with 10 women (and juniors) competing in one race, and 20 men competing in the other. All riders were faced with slightly better conditions than on the first TT of the season, with almost all posting faster times. The times of the three fastest riders were:
- Women
- Carol Middleton 28:28
- Jenny Noble 28:44
- Wendy Gault 31:34
- Men
- Alan Smith 23:12
- Lee Smith 23:45
- Mike Giles 24:42
- Junior
- Gavin Gronkowski 34:10
Scottish National 10 Mile TT Championship – the Stuart Turvey Memorial: Sunday 5th May saw the National 10 TT Championship being held on an out-and-back course along the A92 between Monifieth and Arbroath. Ythan riders Carol Middleton, Alan Smith and Mike Giles assembled alongside the other 125 riders registered for the event, which incorporated competitions for juniors, youths, men and women. After registration at the Monikie Country Park, the riders assembled near the Ethiebeaton roundabout for the start. In cold conditions the riders headed north-east in the direction of Arbroath, with some impressive times posted for the first five miles. However as soon as the riders crossed the dual carriageway at the Muirdrum junction flyover, they were faced with a stiff headwind for the return. The testing conditions affected most of the riders’ times, although a number of riders still managed to post impressive finish times (including personal bests) – proof that leg speed developed on the track was key. The Junior race was won by Daniel Kain of team Squadra Scozzese in a time of 22:04. The Youth race was won by Oscar Onley of team Spokes RT in a time of 21:13. Carol Middleton finished in 18th place in a time of 26:59. Winner Victoria Smith, team Aerocoach, finished with a time of 21:47. Alan Smith finished in 44th place with a time of 23:29, with Mike Giles close behind in 63rd place with a time of 24:41. Winner Kyle Gordon of team RT23 finished in a time of 20:09.
SXC round 3, Beecraigs Country Park Linlithgow: The 2019 SXC Mountain Bike Racing Series is shaping up to be a fantastic series with six great races, at six exceptional locations. Beecraigs Country Park near Linlithgow was the venue for Round 3. Ythan rider Ewan Gronkowski was the only rider who made the journey south and finished in 5th place in the Male Sport race category.