MICHAEL PUMPHREY SMASHES CLUB 12 HOUR RECORD

The Kent Cycling Association 12 Hour Time Trial took place on Sunday 9th August. 5 Thornton riders took part this year to test themselves in the ultimate one day challenge.

The hero of the day was Michael Pumphrey who rode an amazing distance of 244.653 miles which earned him 6th place overall. Michael also won the award for best improvement over the last 3 years (23.43 miles). Michael's great acheivement means that he has now beaten the longest-standing club record. The previous record for 12 hours was held by Frank Rose for over 50 years with a distance of 242 miles. Congratulations Michael!

The 55 starters' prayers for good weather were certainly met - conditions were close to perfect. The north easterly wind was very light and the sun was shining nearly all day and brought with it a max temperature of around 23 degrees.

The field was much stronger than last year and this was illustrated by the fact that 8 riders surpassed the 240 mile mark. In first place was Richard Masters from Wigmore CC with a distance of 257.977.

The Thornton riders results are as follows:

Michael Pumphrey 244.653

Colin Tuckwell 224.904

Russ Mason 195.000

Bey Lainson 156.712

Russ and Bey's efforts merit a special mention as they successfully completed their first "12". It takes a lot of stamina and determination to achieve what they did and they both deserve praise of the highest order.

Unfortunately Rob Wheeler had to abandon around the 160 mile mark due to being violently sick. I can confirm that he has since made a speedy recovery.

This event was in serious jeopardy of being lost for good at one point. In 2006 only 20 riders entered. However it has enjoyed a wonderful renaissance in recent times and long may it continue.

No one can complete a 12 hour event without the assistance of friends and family so a big thank you goes to everyone who cheered by the roadside and kept the energy drinks and malt loaf flowing. Thank you Gordon, Graeme, Rachelle, Elaine, Jane, Roy and all the others who supported our efforts. As for the ladies in the lay-by on the A28 on the finishing circuit, you were awesome!

Best wishes

Colin Tuckwell

2009 MEMBERSHIP

We've had a great response this year regarding membership subscriptions. A whopping 39 people have paid their subscriptions (earning BARMY points as well!). They are as follows: Richard Foster, Toni Spain, Paul Hope, Michael and Darren Winsor, Gordon Davis, Eric Bates, Chris Wells, Alan Presneill, Michael and Rachelle Pumphrey, Russ and Elaine Mason, Heather Reeves, Ian Fowler, Robbie Wheeler, Florence Knowles, Roy and Jane White, Martin and Richard Worley, Robert Saunders, Danny Frost, Bey and Beryl Lainson, Ben Saul, Niall William and Toby Clutton, Colin and Zac Tuckwell, Andrew Montford, Kevin Mitchell, Lee Smith, Jim Reeves, Don Houghton, Malcolm Strickland, Matthew Morris, Bernard Oxford. The good news is it isn't too late to pay if you haven't yet had the chance to do so: Racing Adult £10, Non Racing £5 Junior Racing £8 Non Racing Junior £4 Under 16's FREE 25% Discount for families of 2 or more You can pay in cash direct to Gordon or send a cheque to him at 21 Tower Estate Dymchurch Romney Marsh Kent TN29 0TN Colin Tuckwell

FOR SALE

Bernard Oxford has a pair of Tubular Sprints available for sale. Details below: Mavic CD2 Rims 28 Spoke Campagnolo Record Hubs - small flange 130mm Axel Width - takes a screw on block Tubular Tyres included Price: £60 If you're interested, please contact Bernard on 01303 87009

BARMY TROPHY LATEST

The Best All Round Member of the Year (BARMY) competition rewards members for representing the club in a range of activities. Points are scored for competing in Sportives and Time Trials, attending the Sunday Club run and Club meetings, Marshalling, Paying Subs, etc., etc. The race for this years BARMY Trophy is hotting up! The current Top 10 looks like this: Gordon Davis 97 points Roy White 97 Jane White 97 Eric Bates 89 Richard Foster 83 Russ Mason 79 Michael Pumphrey 62 Steve Bunn 59 Colin Tuckwell 47 Rachelle Pumphrey 45 If you would like more information about this years' competition please contact Richard Foster at: fosters@lympne.wanadoo.co.uk. Richard also often has an up to date score sheet on him at the Sunday Club Run.