The Hill Climb Championship was cancelled in 2015 because or poor weather conditions on both days, weather for the 2016 event could not have been more different. Under sunny blue skies on a warm September morning a mixed age range of Acme members fought out the Hill Climb Championship on the Barn Hill Climb between Tonyrefail and Penrhiwfer. This is a difficult 0.6 miles which starts on the hill but does have a flat section to finish off.
Ever present time keeping duo Roger and Margaret Evans took charge of the event after signage had been put in place by Wayne Morris and Chris Thomas.
At the start line all riders were supported by Mark Nicholls before they had to go it alone and fight gravity. First off was Mike Bevan, coming out of retirement, and raced off up the climb. Next off the start line, making a comeback to Club events after a long injury enforced break was Dave Roberts. Dave was followed by Rory Jenkins who, after a curtailed racing season, was up for this challenged. Last off the start line was favourite and Hill Climb Series Champion, Dean Cummings.
When the results were read out Dave Roberts posted a very creditable 3:12, not sure what the Vets Std would be on this course. Next best was the returning Mike Bevan with a solid 2:49 while youngster Rory Jenkins posted an excellent 2:10. But leading the field was favourite and Hill Climb Champion for 2016 Dean Cummings with a time of 2:00.
The R&M Trophy was presented to Dean by Club Chairman Jeff Matthews, though Dean decided not to take possession and have to cycle home with his prize.
