ON the race scene, Retford Wheeler Graeme Waters underwent a rigorous weekend at Manchester Velodrome, training for the forthcoming European Masters Track Championships.
During the training sessions he recorded a personal best time of 21.14 seconds for the one lap standing start time trial; a seasonal best of 12.57 seconds for the 200m time trial, backed up with five first places in the six lap Kieron races.
At th
e Forest Town Track League, Matt Waters was again in sparkling form, taking first place in the junior one mile scratch, Devil and the Italian Pursuit.
In the senior events, Alan Hazard took second place in the 10 lap scratch with Sam Kirby fourth; first in the one mile scratch with Kirby again fourth and another fourth place in the Unknown Distance.
Road race specialist Dave Houlton competed in a LVRC road race around a course based on Serlby and Bawtry.
Riding strongly throughout the race, he had the misfortune to miss the race-winning break and finished in the bunch after 49 miles of hard racing.
Tony Keyworth rode in the Barnsley Road Club 10 mile time trial on the Hadfield Woodhouse course, returning a time of 26 minutes 29 seconds after being delayed by heavy traffic at the turn.
Meanwhile, Paul Austin completed the John O'Groats to Lands End charity ride last Monday with a total mileage of 925 miles in 10 days.
One of the highlights of the club run calendar took place last weekend when the club held its annual ride to the Humber Bridge.
Eighteen riders left Retford in sunny and calm conditions – perfect for cycling long distances.
Taking a route to Keadby, the group moved swiftly over Flixborough Hill and on to Normanby, South Ferriby and over the 'Bridge' for welcome refreshment at the visitors centre.
The ride continued along the busy A63 for five miles before turning on to the Trans Pennine Way and the highlight of the ride; passing through the isolated villages of Broomfleet, Yokefleet and Kilpin before making a second café stop at Boothferry Bridge.
The decision was then taken to extend the scheduled ride by a few more miles in order to follow the River Ouse to where it joins the Rivers Humber and Trent at Ousefleet; the journey then continued through to Keadby, Epworth, Bawtry, and onwards to home.
Retford riders recorded 125 miles for the round trip while riders from Ollerton, Worksop and some of the outlaying villages recorded around 150 miles.
The club run this Sunday is to Hathersage, with the option of riding Winnats Pass en route.
This will be another century ride over very hilly terrain.
Meet in the market square at 9am or Shireoaks Triangle at 9.50 am.
Experienced guest riders welcome.
