This year’s Ross Hill climb was once again purgatory. I never know why I put myself through it during the event. Every year I threaten to bring an oxygen bottle for the finish.

We had 10 fruit jobs up for the challenge of a) winning, b) winning the trophy c) winning and winning a trophy, d) first lady, e) surviving.

The two whippersnappers from Climb on stole the show up Alt Bough. Watching Ceri fly off the line was impressive. I said he’ll never keep that up, needless to say he did. Fantastic ride, fantastic time. Not a million miles behind, team mate Josh managed 2^nd spot, again a very good time, most of us ol’ timers can only now dream of.

Fastest Ross rider was our own hill whippet Jerry, I lose count of the times he’s won the event, always putting in a good consistent ride whatever the year. Top marks for effort has to go to Rick, not sure where this burst of speed has come from but to be a mere 3 seconds behind Jerry is good, when he sees the trophy for fastest Ross rider, I’m sure he’ll go faster next year.

When I saw Huw and his mum turn up on bikes I was sure Debs (his mum) was going to have a go. Huw ended up holding up family tradition to be a smidge over the 2 minute barrier. Millie has suddenly found his mojo, 2 events in 2 weeks having retired from racing 2years ago. Will we see him going for it next year?

Tim was the person I struggled to work out how he’d fare, as it was, not too badly. You always know when someone’s given it the full beans, as he was complaining about tasting blood afterwards. Me, I’ve either got to stop doing HC’s or lose 2 stone – watch this space.

Rachel achieved first lady home. Admittedly she was the only lady, but as in all these events, “you can only win it if you’re in it”, just squeezing under the 3 minute barrier.  What an effort over the line, racing side by side with Rick up to the line – he wasn’t going to pass….. (he did but then got worked over on the line). 

In last spot, yes someone’s got to be last was Sharky. Riding John’s winter steel horse frame was a far cry from the last time he rode 8 years ago. Cookie slipped a disc trying to lift the bike afterwards.

Thanks this week to Julie starting watch, Bill (supported by Jon) mountain goat watch at the finish, Tom “the Power” launching and Emma for the photos. There are a lot more, so if desperate for more of yourselves, let me know. 

Rider of the day was (difficult choice this week), but Julie decided  our own Peter Pan Jerry should be rider of the day

Next event is the Boxing Day 10; stick it in your diary

Check the forum for what’s on or face book for up to the second activities

1	Ceri Middleton	1:42	C-o-B’s
2	Josh Sandman	1:50	C-o-B’s
3	Jerry Roberts	1:53
4	Rick Harris	1:56
5	Huw Edwards	2:03	Newport Olympic
6	Steve Millard	2:18
7	Tim Newland	2:20
8	Paul Stephens	2:39
9	Rachel Morgan	2:56
10	Catalin Patrichi	3:02

 What goes up must come down