Armidale’s fastest octogenarian John Bentley celebrated his first ride as an 85 year old this Saturday 3 July. Asked what his secret was later at the Bowling Club he replied “plenty of riding and the occasional tipple of Dr Tooheys’ Magic Elixir” . He also admitted he is considering hanging up the bike and taking up bowls in 5 years or so. We hope he doesn’t make that decision too hastily!

The race on saturday, a 30km handicap held on Longswamp Road in very cold and windy conditions, was taken out by the 8 group minute who worked hard to hold off a fast finishing scratch bunch.

Phil Bookalil riding strongly off go held the race lead until the second lap of the course when he was overtaken by Peter Creagan who had ridden away from his 5 minute group.

The 8 minute group were gradually overhauling the other riders and after the final climb of the Imbota Forest hill, Phil Thomas put in a monster turn to try and hold off scratch and in doing so reeled in PC. Having sacrificed his own chances he dropped off at the cutting, leaving PC, Dan Creagan and Andrew Swan to battle on to the finish.

They only just survived with Andrew Swan crossing the line ahead of Dan and PC, with John Scott-Hamilton fourth and fastest time and Mick Hoult fifth after yet another strongman effort.

Full results below:

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