McDonald sets the early standard for 2021  

This was a very welcome return to our “normal” TT format and 25 riders were at the start line on a cold April evening to test themselves on the challenging 11.2-mile Abbotsley TT course.

We did think with the new A428 road construction that 2020 would have been the last year for the old course but all being well we should have another season out of this track.

Given that it was the first TT of the season and the cold PB’s were not to be expected, however Sam McDonald was only 27 seconds from his PB with another excellent sub-25-minute ride. Excellent ride also from William Hinshelwood, a recent new member to the Club, on his debut posting a time of 27:10. Very good to see two other recent new members Simon Brick and David Rouse join us tonight and a welcome back to Jonathan Pang after an absence of five years.

6 guest riders joined us this evening and we look forward to seeing them all again at the TT.

Some sort of family telepathy going on in the Bond family with father Martin and son Richard sharing the same time and it is likely that this will be the last time that Martin (according to Richard) that his father will be that close to him again. Bragging rights retained by Martin for the moment!

We expect that as in prior years the Handicap Trophy for 2021 will be keenly contested. As covered below keep improving your PB over the next 18 weeks and it is likely that you will be in contention.  

As always, these events can only go ahead with help and assistance on the night.  Mandy McEvoy on registration and timekeeping ably assisted by Florence Lendrum enable us all to ride. Simon Richardson secured all the police authorisation required to ride the course and Norman King for setting out all the signs. Thanks to you all.

We look forward to more Club members joining us at the TT on a Thursday night.

A few housekeeping reminders to keep us all safe and compliant:

• remember a working rear light – mandated by CTT
• try not to ride past the start when other riders are starting 
• be aware of cars and other riders after you finish 
• even before covid, Timekeepers need to be able to concentrate on giving every rider the correct time. Please do not try to see your time until everyone has finished 
• Paying in advance is very helpful and thanks to the 19 riders who have done this. Pay for 6 rides (£4 for member, £5 for guest) to 404010 and 80724513 and credit will be carried over for any unused rides.

NEXT TT – THURSDAY 6^th MAY – 7:00 pm START –

TT Results – 29^th April

Handicap Trophy – 2021

Quick reminder that for the Handicap Trophy points are awarded for the number of riders on the night less Guests and First Time Members. So tonight 25 riders and 16 points on offer. A Handicap Time of 25 minutes or less means that you have either matched your PB or improved on it. A Handicap Time greater than 25 minutes shows how much you are off your PB.

To be in contention to win the 2021 Handicap Trophy you need to ride as close to your PB as possible or set some new PB’s over the next few months.

Congratulations to Sam McDonald for taking the maximum points on offer tonight by one second ahead of Jim Robertson