A bright and sunny early morning on Saturday seemed to promise quicker times for competitors in Farnham Road Club's 10-mile event, but appearances can prove deceptive.
A cold wind across the course made the outward leg difficult, without providing much benefit to the riders on the return. Some were able to register improvements on the previous week; others found themselves slipping backwards.
One rider who found the conditions to his liking was Allen Huish (British Airports CC), who won the event in 23mins 57secs.
Hard on his heels was the improving Rob Pennell of Farnham RC, only two seconds behind in 23-59.
Other Farnham riders: Ian Howard, dropping back slightly to finish in 25-29; John Essex, recording 25-41; Rob Clark, improving to 25-42; S Harris, 26-07; Andy Dibnah, 26-26; Jim Parker, 26-51; David Campbell, improving to 27-30; Nigel Bicknell, 28-10; Stephen Langhurst and Greg Harding, both quicker than last week in 28-46 and 28-53 respectively; Heather Dibnah, improving to 30-20; Deana Dibnah, 33-07.
A total of 13 Farnham riders in a field of 20 was evidence of the strong support members have given to this series in the early part of the season.
On Sunday, a Farnham RC foursome rode in the Border CA 15-mile race on a course following minor roads in the Maidenhead area.
Competitors were advised against the use of lightweight wheels and tyres because of the poor state of sections of the course.
Again, the morning was clear but chilly and the final section was against the wind.
The winner was Ray Hughes (Clarence Wheelers) whose time of 32mins 15secs was far quicker than the rest of the field.
Rob Pennell was the fastest of the Farnham riders over this unusual distance, recording 39-16, closely followed by Rob Clark in 39-22. David Campbell and Jim Parker came home in 41-22 and 41-49 respectively.