Kingston to Worthing Report

The Hands Off Leith Hill protest camp were relocating to the Holmwood area of Surrey on Sunday morning following reports of sonic booms in the vicinity of the A24. The great unwashed need not have bothered. This was no shale related rumbling. This was the Phoenix, racing through their homeland for the last time this season, unleashing a spectacular amount of firepower in a race that was closer to Guy Fawkes night in more ways than one. This race was no dead rubber, the Dare Handicap, the Consolation Trophy, the prestigious Derek Mason K2W trophy itself and a bacon butty were all up for grabs in that crisp Autumnal morning. The Sunday Riders were happy to forego the cake shops of Windsor and Surrey either riding, racing or supporting the event – they know how good Macaris is on the South Coast. Old man Macari himself was eager to present the trophies – given it was the second time this year he sold out his restaurant covers to the Phoenix riders, his grandson's next few terms at school safely budgeted for. The coffee had only just percolated when Dale Lush sped along the front, capping his notable season that included the outstanding 19:45 at the Ickenfield 10. Rumour has it there are a team of carpenters working round the clock at Dales to finish the extra-large trophy cabinet he now needs. Simon Trehearn, successfully led home the Phoenix representation at the Kingston Wheelers Hill Climb the previous week and carried on his great late season form, following closely behind Dale in his summer kit and easily ducking under the two hour mark. Despite topping the women’s table – this was no processional celebration ride for Suzie Shaw who put in a speedy time of 02:10:00 to be the first woman at the cafe. The Women’s Scratch table is always keenly contested – and with Lizzie Ingham completing her first TT and Frances Stewart completing her longest TT, it is expected to be fierce next year. Iron Mike Morley put in a tremendous last-ditch attempt to place the Handicap trophy on his mantelpiece – but it seems this year he will have to console himself with the Consolation trophy. Such is Mike’s notoriety on the South Coast – he had to remain incognito at Macaris and kept his helmet firmly in place whilst he ate his well-deserved breakfast. Lastly, anyone wishing to exercise their fast-twitch muscle fibres should attend the excellent RollerRacing at Sutton and Epsom Rugby Club and represent the Club. This is on the evening 18 October at 19:30 – which I understand is in half term - so teachers/students have no excuse. Last year Marcus took on Bec CC singlehandedly and will need some backup this year at an event that will include TT and head to head races. So as nights get longer and weather deteriorates, fear not for your Phoenix fix. The excellent week-end rides continue, as do the monthly meetings at the Rifleman in Epsom. There is an AGM on the horizon where all members are welcome and encouraged to attend.