Dear Phoenix member, these are unprecedented and difficult times for everyone and I think the most important thing is for each of us to stay safe. Sport is falling victim to the ravages of Covid-19 and we should all follow the guidelines to stay safe and look after those around us.
I understand that Audax rides have been postponed and that our club rides and TT season will also be affected. Let us all hope that by acting responsibly, sensibly and carefully we can deal with this unique situation in an effective manner. Bearing all that in mind – the Club has been active this year and here is a quick recap.
The Club dinner was another resounding success and thanks should be passed on to Brian and Jake who put so much effort in to organising the evening.
The Time Trial season managed to splutter out of the starting blocks– the Club’s Medium Gear heralding the commencement of another season. Jake and Stephano Hillier performed the timing duties and thanks must also go to Kim and Simon’s mum who marshalled in freezing weather conditions at Clarke’s Green. I understand that wheelchair access is being arranged for next year’s event to make entry to and from the marshalling point a little easier. Simon spun impressively to lead home an impressive field containing Alex, Elliott, Chairman Dave and John Walsh. His mum was so pleased she dropped a stitch in the blanket she was knitting.
There was no time to polish his brass monkey though – the following day he was on the line for the East Surrey Hard Riders, a race where the clue is definitely in the name. Club top gun Dale Lush had polished his 56 tooth big dog and led home the Phoenix riders in the TT. The biggest cheer of the day was reserved for Suzy Shaw who – smashed her (second best) road bike all the way to the podium in the ladies competition - proving that preparation for a successful race is sitting in the middle of the A24 with a blanket over your knees. Special mention must go to the tea lady who made a bigger profit than Richard Branson in a few short hours.
The following week a new Phoenix star was revealed in the SCCU Hard Riders race. Young Dillon Lush was the second rider in a week to put the Phoenix on the podium, coming home fourth in a competitive field that saw Mark Smith pushed in to second place. Two other Phoenix riders are probably still out on the course, if anyone spots them do not offer them a lift or drink from their water bottles.
No-one is quite sure what will happen over the next few weeks – but let’s all ensure we stay safe and act responsibly over these trying times.
A lovely start to the year, but let’s hope that it’s not an ephemeral TT season.