I would like to begin by quoting form the minutes of the pre-season meeting on 25th March 2014
Punctuality was discussed. Riders should be present to sign on between 6:30 and 6:40pm.
The TT starts sharp at 6:45pm. Anyone running late and not going to make it for 6:40pm should not bother and do their own thing for that week. We agree that TOUGH LOVE rules
Therefore in reality there were actually only six starters this evening, as some notorious timing recidivists (Ms Kerr clearly chief amongst them with Mrs Lonnen as her right-hand woman) were spared the aforementioned tough love and allowed to compete. Excuses for this lateness varied but mostly centered on the distance to the start at Annahilt – although clearly the geographic location at Annahilt is not subject to seasonal variations or temperature fluctuations and therefore if adequate time is allowed a prompt appearance for sign-on should not prove to be an insurmountable problem. There were, however some more novel excuses, with Judith’s mechanical tinkerings providing some amusement to the time-keepers and allowing her to start, and indeed set a new course record, as did Vaughan in the men’s category (Resplendent – is that the right word? – in Trisuit and arm-warmers!)
There were a number of excuses floating about that failed to be as amusing as Judith’s with Enda having undertaken a slightly overcooked 120km warm-up that morning ahead of the TT and was at pains to mention so (He tried to compensate by pumping his tyres up to 130psi+!). One man who always gives of his best and never is one for excuses is Peter McGuckin, who was in “classic” model on a much-admired Reynolds 653 frame, complete with down-tube shifters….none of this fancy STI malarkey, never mind aero-frames and bar end shifters! Much admired that is until 27 metres into the course he managed to un-ship the chain (Clearly too much power when shifting onto the big ring!) and stop for running repairs!
Timekeepers and Marshalls were plentiful this evening (although not available for mechanical support!) with Marshalls available at each turn and two time-keepers….nice to see everyone doing their turn for the Time Trial League.
-Gavin
Results
Femme Fatales
Judith Lonnen 22.44
Ali McConnell 25.19
Emma Kerr 25.30
Jenny McCready 26.18
Men of Mystery
Vaughan Purnell 20.25
Enda Marron 21.10
Chris McNevison 21.13
Mark Hanna 23.35
Paul Hetherington 24.14
Peter McGuckian 26.00
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