NATIONAL 24 HOUR TIME TRIAL - 26 - 27TH JULY 2002

Organised by the Mersey Road Club and based up in Cheshire / Shropshire, this is a classic event - not for the faint-hearted or weak-legged. A good field of 65 riders (including 7 ladies) plus one Tandem pair (mixed).
The course started at Farndon (HQ) and went to Whitchurch on the A41 and then to Prees island. This was the centre of activity for the bulk of the event. The riders then continued to Tern Hill island, and right on the A53 to Hodnet where left on the A442 to Shawbirch, the edge of Telford. Back to Hodnet and left to Battlefield island, the edge of Shrewsbury. Then the long leg back to Tern Hill and Prees island. Mike and Toby handed over to The Boys (Ed, George, Neil) for the Quinna Brook circuits - Ann managed 3 of these. Toby popped up around the circuit on his Brompton, providing moral assistance - 18 miles of charging around.
At 9.00 we changed over to the night bike, armed with good front and several rear lights. Mike was back in the driving seat and the Boys went to bed. The night section commenced - back to the long legs to Shawbirch and Battlefield islands. Certain sections were cut out, according to the progress of the riders. At 2.30am Pete Humble took over an dmike returned to the B&B with Sheila (our taxi girl) for a well-earned rest.
Ann was not well at around 3am, so the remaining of the ride (11.5 hours!) was going to be a struggle. Her 12 hour distance was 193 miles, an excelent start. The second 12 was slower - numerous stops to rest and take on food and drink. This was almost every 10 miles! Still, needs must!
The morning saw a return to the Quina Brook circuit, three times round here - the Boys were back on duty and each took a turn.
Then Neil was in charge on the return leg up the A41 to the finishing circuit back at the HQ. not an easy 12.5 mile circuit, with any number of undulations, a niggling southerly wind picking up and hot sunshine for the final 4 hours or so. This cooked the remaining riders whilst the helpers scampered around. Toby was back on the Brompton patrolling the top end of the circuit.
Ann managed 3 circuits and finished as far away from the HQ as possible! Neil was in attendance on the spare bike and Mike was in the van.
We all regrouped back at the HQ to rest / wash / change etc as the heat and excitement built. Eventually the calculations were complete :
Winning distance 482 miles by David Shepherd (he had to be carried in to receive the applause) ; team was Pete Read Racing (one had to be supported due to crashing twice and exhaustion) ; Lady was Lynne Taylor with 436.5 miles (and looking as fresh as a daisy) ; Tandem pair broke the record by a mere 1 mile - despite 2 punctures, including one on the finishing circuit.   All the ladies finished.
Ann did a very creditable 333 miles, which considering the sickness and the subsequent frequent stops was a great effort. Thanks go to all the helpers.

Here are a few photos of the event :

Before the off - the helpers at the HQ                                     Ready to go! 2.39pm, 27/7.

Centre of the Universe, cafe at Prees island ;          The winning team - Chris Hopkinson ,                                                                                          Steve Gelder, Brian Walker.

Tandem pair - Eileen and Dave Brabbin,  Wigan Wheelers.
New mixed tandem record of 464.924 miles.
                                                                                Winning lady - Lynne Taylor, Walsall RC.
                                                                                    436.51 miles, 10th overall.

Ann resting - new club record of 333.277 miles.            
                                                    The crew and Ann ready to go back to the B&B for a rest.