2-up 8 mile TT - Hillsborough-Ballynahinch (map)
18 April 2013
Another wet Thurdsay greeted the riders for Round 3 of the Dromara CC club league. This round was a 2-up time trial from Hillsborough to Ballynahinch one way, an 8 mile trial. In the 2-up trial riders work in pairs taking turns on the front to increase speed and, at the end, it is the time of the second rider crossing the line that is counted. This round was the first of 3 events for the coveted John Patterson Versatile Windows trophy. The next two 2-ups will take place on 13 June and 22 August.
First away were last year's 2-up trophy winning pair Gavin and Chris Magowan. There were high hopes that these two would again dominate the 2-ups. Next up were a visiting pair from Dromore CC and West Down Wheelers (Neil McCartan & Andy Hodgen). One minute behind them Ivan Bradford & Stephen Wallace set off. In total there were 14 starts of which 10 were pairs.
It came as no surprise when the Magowan brothers set the fastest time of the night 15 minutes and 44 seconds. Only four seconds slower was the pairing of Ronnie Smyth & Marcus Magowan. Third fastest pair was John Clyde & Trevor Wright. These first 6 riders were all using time trial equipment. The first non-TT pairing were Tommy Downey & Gary Bailie with Nathan Mullan & Barry Kellett 5th overall in a time of 17:18.
Well done to all the riders and many thanks to the timekeepers and marshals.
Timekeepers: Nigel Sudlow and Malcolm MacDonald
Timekeeper support crew: John Shanks and Tony Quinn
Photographs: Martin Grimley
Report: Martin Grimley
