Last TT of the season - 29th August

So after 18 weeks, the last TT of the season took place at the Abbotsley course and 32 riders were on the line for the 2013 finale.

65 different club members have taken part this season, with 3 first timers this evening, showing the increasing popularity of the event. If we add in the number of guests who rode then we have had 80 riders enjoying the SNCC TT in 2013.

The fastest time of the evening was posted by Tom Stead who claimed a PB of 25.32. Tom began the season with a 28.10. Tom was followed by Chris Ritchie, who started the season with a 29.06 and who posted a 26.32. Excellent times and improvements from these two young riders.

PB’s were recorded by Mark Greenhow who has taken almost 4 minutes from his opening time and Abi Bruce, both in their first season with the Club.

Alisdair Higgins, Tom Dunkley and Steve Walker all posted respectable times on their Club TT debuts.

A more detailed summary of the season will follow, however it is important to acknowledge the help and support of members who have ensured that, once again, we have had a successful and interesting TT season.

The timekeepers are essential for ensuring the smooth running and organisation of the evening not only on the night, but in the recording and collation of the times and the handicap scores. Our thanks to Colin Mullins for volunteering this season to replace Brian Morley and for the use of his Land Rover to deposit bottles and items of clothing.

John Brysden has been a permanent fixture at our TTs for the past 33 years (he set up the current Handicap system in 1983), first as a rider, then as Time Keeper, Handicap Rule Maker and Results Collater. He has also been responsible for setting up and collecting the various signs that we are obliged to place around the course in accordance with CTT and police requirements. At the relatively young age of 77 he has decided to hand back his time keeping watch and spend more time in 2014 touring the country on his bike. I am sure that we will still see John on the occasional Thursday evening , however our immense thanks to John for keeping the SNCC TT’s going and for being there every Thursday, even in the bad old days when there were only one or two riders competing.

Thanks also to Keith Ritchie for stepping in a couple of times this season to help with the start.

TT Results 29th August 2013

Handicap Trophy

After 17 weeks the destination of the trophy would be decided this evening and with 21 points on offer it would be a close call between Gareth and Jon as to who would lift the Trophy.

Congratulations to Gareth Smith for securing first place with a total of 182 points, Jon Keefe was second with 175 points and Simon Richardson third with 161 points.  Adrian Taverna, the 2011 winner, was fourth and Andy Holt a very creditable fifth place.

Gareth timed his run to the finish very well by delivering consistent improvements in his time, starting with a 33.14 and including a number of sub 30 minute performances. Condolences to Jon who led the field for the majority of the season.

Of course all the excellent improvements in PB’s mean that you will need to keep improving in 2014 if you want to be a contender for the trophy!

Only 34 weeks left to the start of the 2014 season. Your training regime begins now.