A posse of six riders were on the start line for the Consolation 25 on Sunday. After a roadwork-enforced absence, they were back, back to their spiritual TT homeland, back in Holmwood, The Phoenix had returned.
With sheriff Shaw and deputies Dale and Dave out the territory, the prized vault of scratch points lay unprotected and the unruly mob of unwashed outlaws sensed a windfall to be made. The ladies trophy safely locked away – Suzy Shaw could go hunting elsewhere and PB’d on the Westerley 25 at 1:04:13 – a fantastic time. David Percival came home with a yet to be confirmed 1:06:40 on a route that appeared to feature a built in cliff dive, both riders enhancing the reputation of the Phoenix in rarely explored frontiers.
Back at the Consolation Saloon, Mike Sanchez Morley was first out of the gate and came home with a full tally of handicap points. This has added spice to the Mexican Stand-off for the HC trophy, now to be settled on the last race of the season – the rescheduled Kingston to Worthing. Phoenix gunslinger Simon Trehearn has also ridden himself in to HC contention and is eager to add this trophy to his scratch title.
Pete Smith placed impressively given his last 25 TT was in 1971 – where I understand there is a timer still waiting for him to cross the line some forty seven years later. Peter will be riding a newly acquired TT bike next season – and will present a serious challenge having already completed a tough Ride London and on the start line for the Velo South next week.
Kim and Elliot Dickenson found the event too short for their liking– nevertheless - Kim came home with the seven points for the ladies competition, throwing down a marker for next season. Elliot put in a great time and will also present a serious challenge next season.
Finally a clarion call – the Kingston to Worthing is a unique event – a straight forward cavalry charge from Malden Rushett to the south coast. So popular is this ride that even though the race was cancelled in in the summer – some twenty or so Phoenix riders turned up for breakfast at Macaris on the seafront. This ride will also determine who wins the Consolation 25 (between Mike and Elliot) and who of the three amigos (Mike, Simon and Gavin) wins the Handicap – as well as the coveted K2W trophy itself. Three trophies one ride and a full English – get your names down now.
