Dark, threatening clouds did not detract from the celebaration of our Franko at the Frank Cubis 50 Mile TT at Bentley on Sept 9th. From arrival at the HQ, to the post-ride refreshments, it was clear that the Kingston Phoenix had planned an event befitting of Frank and one I feel sure would have delighted him. The Phoenix-organised occasion was easily the stand-out event of the year and is testament to all the hard work and thought that went in to this proud day.
It was remarked to me in the morning, what a happy, jovial and cheerful atmosphere there was at the event HQ, clearly a perfect reflection of the man it was honouring. For what was billed as a one-off event (what are the chances of it being inaugural?), on the back of a hot, fast season– the attendance is a tribute as to how highly Frank in particular and the Phoenix in general are regarded.
The race report would have to start with the outstanding Adam Bidwell – who headed up the Kingston Wheeler challenge and came back to the shed with a very impressive 1:47:36. Adam kindly donated his prize money to the London Air Ambulance – contributing to the impressive £400 - £450 that the event raised for this charity. There are two four letter words that would also have to get a mention as Dale Lush pulled on his brakes in attempt to claim the spot prize (time closest to Frank’s 1:55:05) and came home with 1:55:39 - this was donated to the LAA. Needless to say Dale was the Phoenix Star Baker once again this week leading the way back to the cake stall, first among the Phoenix riders.
Chris Murray was the first woman home with 2:02:30 and Jake Dodd was in the prize money for the second week running with 2:21:55 – how proud Frank would have been knowing one of our own and a true Phoenix stalwart was on the podium.
The day started overcast and the first batch of riders (among them Jake) had a ferocious head wind with which to battle. This is a popular course – there are truncated versions used for 25s and 10s – but only the longer ones head south to the Chawton roundabout, deep in Jane Austen country. There is nothing of sense or sensibility about the surface of the roads in this southerly section – they were grippy and difficult and the turn north to the Farnham roundabout and the welcome sound of the cowbells could not come soon enough before the struggle south to recommence. Simon returned home with a fighting 2:07:48 and can now prepare for his assault on the Handicap trophy – knowing that the Scratch is secure with two events of the season remaining.
I feel it only right in mentioning that the racing was only a side show to the real competition that was hotting up at the cake stall. As Mary and Paul DNS’d the tandem category – Dale took on the the role of chief judge– a task he set about with great enthusiasm – he assures me he will post up his results of the Phoenix bake off shortly.
As a footnote – I overheard a conversation between Adam Bidwell and a fellow Wheeler prior to the start. His colleague expressed a concern to Adam that he had never ridden a fifty before. Adam advised him not to worry and instructed him do what he (Adam) did – the gist of it was - blast off at a ten pace hold it for as long as possible – and when you crack – hang on in for the remaining thirty eight miles! Sound advice.
So a great week-end – no rain – fewer soggy bottoms – money raised for a worthy cause – our friend Frank honoured and the Phoenix reputation enhanced. Please feel free to post any photos of the week-end in the comments and join me in congratulating the Alex and Brian, the marshals and volunteers who made such an event possible.
Anyone wanting to race this week-end – please put your names down and let’s see the final weeks of the season out in real style with as many as possible on the start line. Simon and Suzie head up the respective scratch tables – whilst the handicap table is a three way shoot out between Mike Morley, Simon Trehearn and Gavin Hughes.
What a great writeup. Thankyou Gavin.