10 mile 2-up time trial, Downpatrick Road, Ballynahinch (map)
12 April 2012
The sun appeared for Round 3 of Dromara Cycling Club's Thursday night league but there was still a nip in the air. This was the second of the 2-up time trials and had attracted 54 riders to the Downpatrick Road just outside Ballynahinch. Thanks must go out again to the farmer who allowed the club to get their cars in off the busy road. Phil O'Neill and John McGuigan had their work cut out for them getting the riders sorted into a starting order and a big thanks to the marshals for looking after the riders as they lined up on the road.
The fastest pairing from last week's 2-up, Gavin and Chris Magowan, were first away. The other riders set off at 30 second intervals with 14 doing the distance on their own. The distance turned out to be short of the 10 miles coming in at 9.6 miles overall. The times below show both the time at 9.6 and the estimated time at 10 miles.
Fastest for this round was solo rider Ronnie Smyth who completed the 9.6 mile distance in 22 minutes and 16 seconds. The Magowan's were 31 seconds slower with solo rider Rodney Stewart just 8 seconds behind them. The only female rider was Lisa Millar who was taking part in her first time trial and completed the distance in 28:24.
Many thanks to the marshals and timekeepers for volunteering their time to the smooth running of the event. Once the sun dipped in the sky the temperature dropped and everyone got off home quickly. Next Thursday night sees the first of the 10 mile individual time trials which takes place on the Annahilt circuit. See website for details (www.dromaracc.co.uk).
Timekeepers: Phil O'Neill and John McGuigan
Marshals: Malcolm MacDonald, Mary Hunter and Tommy Downey at the turn and to Martin McAnulty, Peter Morgan, Davy Robb and Neill Fitzsimons at the start/finish area.
Photographs & report: Martin Grimley
