Killinchy TT 12th June

Great to see a good turnout this evening despite the late change of venue. The events of the weekend have focused minds somewhat and there is a consensus that we need to review how we run the TTs from a safety point view to ensure that we all are able to continue this great event as safe a manner as possible.

It was agreed that we will go ahead with the group ride as planned next week followed by the barbecue at Desi's house. If all riders could give a thought to how we can improve upon our own safety between now and then, we can discuss the best way forward as a group. If you can't make the BBQ, then please email though all ideas, regardless of how outlandish they may seem to Gary beforehand.

Vaughan and Enda continue to be the Hamilton and Vettel of the TT world with two blistering times with a mere 20 seconds between them. A similar battle is developing between Frank, Steve and Desi all finishing with a minute of each other with Frank shading it this week.

Leeanne mentioned she joined so that she could improve, which is the main reason that we exist, apart from the friendly rivalry of course, and improve she did, taking over a minute from her first journey from Ballygowan to Killinchy! Well done Leeane :)

Vaughan - 21:12
Enda - 21:32
Frank - 25:00
Steve - 25:12
Desi - 25:47
Emma - 26:35
Mark - 26:43
Peter - 28:18
Leeanne - 32:08

Earning marshall points this week were Glen and Gary.

Next week, the group ride will start at 6:45pm at the Carryduff lay-by, followed by the BBQ at Desi's place.

Change of venue for 12th June TT

Folks

Following the tragic incident at the weekend where our own Mark Millar was seriously injured, we have decided to change the venue of tomorrows race to the Ballygowan to Killinchy route.There are a number of reasons for this, its is a quieter stretch of road and a shorter race. 

Following the race we ask that as many as people meet afterwards in the Ivanhoe (opposite the reservoir) to have a meeting to review how we run our races and see if there is anything else we can do to improve our safety procedures. 

What has happened to Mark is truly shocking and could so easily happen to any of us. Our sport is fast and can be dangerous, given the other road users and their attitude to cyclists, whether that be aggression or neglect. Its important that we have a full review of what we are doing as we don't want anything like this to happen any of us. 

Our thoughts and prayers are with Mark and his family at this challenging time and we wish him a speedy recovery.  

Kind regards and I hope to see many of you tomorrow to have your say about our league. 

Temple 5th June

As the weather continues to hold up, the racing just keeps getting hotter. Whether its on the new flying machines such as Desi, Vaughan and Mark G are sporting these day, or previous years' legends making the first appearances of the year, the competition is hotting up with PBs being made all over the place.

Vaughan was the leading light this evening, followed closely by the improving Enda, with Glen completing the podium.

A special mention goes out to our very own Captain Fantasic, Peter McG, sailing around just a few weeks after surgery, a startling effort by any standards.

Peter McG - 37:19
Vaughan P - 26:30
Enda M - 27:14
Glen P - 30:53
Mark G - 33:13
Gary H - 36:17
Desi McH - 32:10
Paul H - 31:12

Many thanks to Mark Millar and Steve Begley for the timekeeping.

Next week is the 2 lap version of Temple and Glen has volunteered to watch over proceedings.

Note: Watch out for an email asking you to respond to a Survey Monkey questionnaire. The mid summer ride is on the 19th June and we need to get an idea of numbers for the group ride and BBQ, so please complete the short form.