Paul Charman of Farnham Road Club organised Sunday's Border Cycling Association 30-mile time trial on the Bentley-based course. Riders were greeted by wet, humid and windy conditions.
The course lay-out resembled a paper-clip, with two 'legs' out to Chawton and Holybourne respectively and one turn at the Coxbridge roundabout. With the wind facing the riders on the sections towards Chawton and Holybourne, it was a day for the stronger riders and some remarkable times were achieved.
The event attracted seven tandems, and 91 solo riders. Farnham pair Robert Allen and Andy Weller were hoping for a club tandem record for the distance, but were short of the mark with 1-09-09. The tandem winners were John Limpus (GS Stella) and Steve Geran (VC Bayeux) in 1-03-28.
In a close-fought solo event, two riders were quicker than the tandems. The winner, Ray Hughes (Clarence Wheelers) recorded what is believed to be a Border CA record time of 1-03-01 to hold off another regular visitor to the local courses, Steve Walkling (Portsmouth North End), who was just six seconds slower in 1-03-07.
Third place went to Graeme Stirzaker (Anglia Sport Condor), better known in road racing circles but a time-triallist of great ability, in 1-05-23.
Walkling had the consolation of leading team-mates Anthony Hart and Chris James to the team prize.
Portsmouth NE continued their success in the event, with Lesley-Anne Allen taking the ladies' prize in 1-16-13, only seconds short of the fastest '30' recorded by a lady this season. She was closely challenged by Gill Reynolds (Willesden) in 1-16-54.
Don Hunt (Farnborough & Camberley) again figured on the prize list, his 1-19-01 giving him the veterans' age-related award. The handicap prize was won by a visitor from afar, Alex Munro (Lancashire RC).
Farnham Road Club had eight solo riders competing, the fastest being Rob Pennell (1-17-03). He was followed by Rob Clark (1-18-31), Andy Dibnah (1-19-59), Jim Parker (1-20-13), Michael Rice (1-23-54), Nigel Bicknell (1-24-43), Deana Dibnah (1-40-13)and Brian Rogers (1-40-38).
Timekeepers were Jim Brown and Dave Wright.
This event brought to a close a very successful season for Farnham Road Club, in terms of race promotions, increased participation, rising membership and outstanding levels of enthusiasm and co-operation from members. In addition, many riders have made steady improvement through the summer and are already planning their campaigns for next season.