With the recent blast of winter weather temporarily receding, it was a glorious afternoon for the 16 riders who turned up for 30km of Graded Scratch racing on Long Swamp. Although the conditions were balmy, there was a stiff westerly wind blowing which meant a fast outward leg would be paid back with a block headwind on the return leg.

Three Grades were lined up to start, with C grade starting on GO, B Grade on 7 mins, and A Grade on 14 mins respectively, making three separate races – as well as a modified overall handicap across the field.

C Grade consisted of old hands Jacqui and Pete Creagan, joined by Adam Edwards, Abbott White, and newcomer John Kenny. By the first turn, Adam and Abbott had already been dropped and Jacqui was to suffer the same fate going across Nymboida. Abbott realised that playing rugby in Tamworth the previous evening was NOT ideal preparation for a bike race. PC and John powered on to finish about three minutes ahead of expected handicap time and contested a final sprint for line honours, with John taking first in his first race – handicapper: please note!

B Grade consisted of Rod Christie, Kirky, and Clint & Dene Bourke. The quartet rode tightly across each lap rolling turns and keeping a sharp pace with the finale hanging on the final climb – Rod took out the win ahead of Kirky, with Clint taking 3rd. All 4 of them managing to cross the line just ahead of A Grade – a minute less gap would have resulted in a blanket finish.

Seven riders started A Grade and all riders were together the first time, but Andy decided a short ride was enough for him and Matt ended up with gear and chain problems which knocked him out of the race on the way home. Brent, Shaun, Toby, John Scott-Hamilton and Houlty swapped turns until the final charge up Dump Hill: Brent just pipping Jacqui on the line, closely followed by Shaun, with the remnants of A grade rolling in behind.

Thanks to Col & Wilf for running the race and manning the turns; congratulations also go to ACC riders who participated in the John Dewhurst handicap race in Tamworth, with notable results of 3rd & 4th place for Phil Thomas & Andrew Swan respectively!

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