John Dodgin registers his first victory of 2012 on familar territort on Grizebeck Hill.
Full Report by race series organiser Howard Lindow: http://groupspaces.com/HospiceHillclimbs/item/274308
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GRIZEBECK GLORY FOR DODGIN, PICKTHALL & HAMEL.
The first road hillclimb of the season was blessed with good weather on Saturday morning as 19 riders battled it out in the Biketreks sponsored Grizebeck hillclimb. There was no magical tailwind like last year but the rain held off and the sun was shining on a fresh 10oclock start.
Quality shone through as Biketreks John Dodgin again stamped his authority all over the race with the only sub 8 minute ride of the day. Next in was LRC rising star Adam Pickthall, putting in a great time and showing that all the training is paying off. The first Lady was a strong display from returning national champion Lynn Hamel in the new Herbalife kit.
I was second LRC, closely followed by the days first veteran Graham Huddlestonwhich wasnt bad considering he wasnt even going to race. Next in and seperated by only 10 seconds (& 34 years) was a family effort by Patrick & Edward Elliott of Penny Bridge. Glenn Rhodes was coming back from illness & was first BCW, followed closely by LRCs Sam Greenall.
First junior was LRCs Jamie Bryson going well on his new wheels and gaining another prize voucher towards his bike fund . LRCs Tom Holland was next in and first in his own catagory of 'mudguards fitted class'. Ian Smith-Ward rode in at 9.33 with BCWsRoger Lindsay and LRCs Stu Walker close behind. Wheelbase class act Anne Plantwas next in followed by LRCs 'Statler and Waldorf' Carl Ballantyne and Rob Spencer. Keir McKenna put in a good effort to be last rider to cross the line.
Biketreks 'Mr smash it' Gaz Spencley managed the impossible, with a DNF in a hillclimb after destroying a pedal- its a bloody good job he's sponsored!
Sign on and time keeping duties were sorted out by Brenda & George Jackson, with marshalling assistance from Andy Woods, Wils 'watch that picnic table' Jenkinson, Graham & Mary Lindow.
The race was kindly sponsored by Biketreks and team rider Connor Furness was on hand to dole out the five £10 vouchers. John Dodgin was a true Gent and allowed his to be handed on, so a spot prize for being the oldest bugger there went to Rob 'suffering like a dog' Spencer.
The interclub got off to a one sided start with BCWs giving the LRC a head start after last years performance. LRC top two managed 17-25 with BCWs at 18-58.
I managed to win back my hillclimb cough, then everyone blasted it home to catch Milan-San Remo.
NEXT RACE- Gill cycles sponsored, Bigland Hall, Monday 16th April, 1800hrs sign on.
Thanks to everyone who participated in some way and good luck to all the riders in their other races.
On a serious note local stalwart Mike Speight was not able to attend due to a recently discovered heart problem. Hes due to go under the knife soon to have have a new turbocharger fitted, so everyone connected to the hillclimbs & local clubs wants to pass on their good wishes and hope to see him back out soon.
Grizebeck Hillclimb results 17/3/12 Sponsored by Biketreks
1- John Dodgin Biketreks M 7.57 *1st m
2- Adam Pickthall LRC M 8.40
3- Lynn Hamel Herbalife L 8.43 *1st L
4- Howard Lindow LRC M 8.45
5- Graham Huddleston - V 8.52 * 1st V
6- Edward Elliott Newcastle Uni M 9.09
7- Patrick Elliott - V 9.19
8- Glenn Rhodes BCW M 9.22
9- Sam Greenall LRC M 9.29
10- Jamie Bryson LRC J 9.30 *1st J
11- Tom Holland LRC M 9.32
12- Iain Smith-Ward - M 9.33
13- Roger Lindsey BCW M 9.36
14- Stuart Walker LRC M 9.44
15- Anne Plant Wheelbase L 10.29
16- Carl Ballantyne LRC V 11.30
17- Rob Spencer LRC V 11.35
18- Keir McKenna LRC M 12.21
DNF- Gary Spencley Biketreks V -
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