Red Rose Scramble, 13 Jan 2007

Results and approx 10 million Photos here … a report below (click ‘more’)

Red Rose Scramble January 2008 – Results (excel)

The League‘s also up to date now.

At least it didn’t rain on the day – well not too much. I know you won’t believe me but when we first looked at the course before Christmas it was frosty very hard under foot and fast to ride. I even thought about putting hurdles in to slow things down. I think some of the competitors would have strung me up if I’d put them in, along with the sludge that resulted from consistent rain over the last few weeks.

Lots of interesting comments:

‘One to remember’

‘That will go down in NWCCA history’

‘a good old fashioned cross course’ (from someone who didn’t actually race)

‘Give me the name of the !!#??#! course designer’.

The day got underway with the youth race, a slightly smaller field than usual as some riders were attending the national cross in Derby. Jack Bowyer (Eastland Velo) led from start to finish with a strong ride from Mike Gregg (Liverpool Century) in second followed by Tom Armstrong (Ribble Valley) continuing a good comeback following a long absence through injury. First girl was Becky Preece (Red Rose Olympic) who seems to be improving race by race. Well done to those who managed to dodge the mobile hazard (game keeper on quad bike). I ran after him as he made his way through the wooded section but he was too quick for me.

The under 12’s race was well supported as usual and was probably the toughest test of the season. Sam Turton (Ribble Valley) again came out on top with Robert Armstrong (Ribble Valley) finishing a close second. Bryn Davies coped well with the conditions for a well deserved third place. First girl was Moira Davies (Eastland Velo).

We were very grateful to James Whewell the landowner who stepped up to present the medals for both the youth and under 12’s race just before the main race got underway.

A field of over 60 riders battled against each other and the course for just short of an hour. Steven Ward (VC Azzurri) was the clear winner over 30 seconds ahead of Dave Crawley (Keswick Bikes) in second. Third place went to Alistair Robinson (Keswick Bikes). First Vet was Mick Style (Manchester Wheelers) with Vicky Ware (Keswick Bikes) being the first female adventurer home.

Thanks must go to all the Red Rose members who helped to put the event together especially Peter Fairclough, Louise Cooper, Gail Humphreys, Stuart Blackburn course building and scoring, to Ivor and Matt for providing equipment and commentary, medical support from Mandy Preece, Colin from Leisure Lakes, all the marshals from Red Rose and Salt Ayre and a big, big thank you to James Whewell for allowing us to ride through and around his home and putting up with all the vehicles that converged on the normally sleepy village.

Finally a special thanks to all the competitors who braved the extreme conditions, I only wish I had been able to take part! I’ll just have to be content with taking an average score as one of the organisers.

See you next year?

Colin Humphreys (organiser)