The weather forecasters predicted wind speeds of 15 mph and gusts of 25 mph. I had considered being a non-starter but having pulled a similar trick at the same event last year, I was determined to give this one a go.

It’s certainly not the fastest course you’ll ride, nor is the surface particularly favourable. However; 2 Thorpers were in attendance for an early season test of their fitness. Despite John Lancaster trying to put me off riding with a disc wheel, I rode one anyway. The disc was a good idea, the 65mm front wheel was not such a good idea and I was blown all over the place! The first 7.5 miles to Crowle were very fast indeed due to the vicious tail wind - I must have averaged 31 mph to the first RB. Once around the first turn the wind ensured that the speed would dip well below 25 mph and I struggled to control the bike for the next 12.5 miles!

At the second RB and approaching 20 miles the average speed was not great so I had to have a storming last 5 miles to try and go under the hour. The last 5 miles was more of a side wind and therefore I was unable to generate the kind of speed that I had maintained for the first 7.5 miles. However, I just managed to duck under the hour. The event was won by Julian ”Rambo” Ramsbotton who knocked out a 54:37! Results as follows:-

Alastair Wareham - 59:54

John Lancaster - 1:04:42

Full results here:- http://www.timetriallingforum.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=43880