4 mile hill climb, Clonvaraghan Road (map)
6 September 2012
With the nights getting darker earlier the Thursday evening road events take on a different format with timed hill climbs fitting better with the available daylight. For Round 24 of Dromara Cycling Club's league there was a return to the tough 4 mile hill climb up Clonvaraghan Road. This challenge starts from English's pub and finishes at the top of 'The Rib'.
Twenty three riders signed on for this round with Paul Gick the first away around 7 pm. The other riders followed at 1 minute gaps overseen by Trevor with John waiting at the top of the hill with a synchronized watch. To add to the atmosphere, the riders who had completed their round stood at the side of the road and shouted encouragement to their fellow riders who were working hard up the last sharp section of the climb.
Fastest rider on the night was visitor Matthew Adair (Banbridge CC) who completed his run in 15 minutes and 48 seconds. Second fastest was Anthony Quinn in 16:35 with Ronnie Smyth just 4 seconds slower. Barry Kellett and David Chambers continued their rivalry with Barry just beating David by 2 seconds. Nathan Mullan was out on only his fourth event with the club but finished 6th overall just ahead of junior rider Zak Hanna who considers this hill climb his home ground. Conor Rice showed great determination to finish 8th just one second behind Zak.
Using the club's time handicap system Anthony Quinn took the full 40 points for this round followed by Ronnie Smyth and Zak Hanna.
Many thanks to the timekeepers and marshals.
Next Thursday (13 September 2012) will be the ¼-mile hill climb up Begney Hill Road. See website for details (www.dromaracc.co.uk).
Timekeepers: Trevor Wright and John Clyde
Marshals: David McClurg and Martin Mullan.
Photographs: Gavin Magowan and Martin Grimley
Report: Martin Grimley
