The month of June offered road racer Dean Cummings two further opportunities to cross Offa’s Dyke to compete.
The first race meant crossing the M5 to reach Bearley just south of Birmingham to race the Tommy Goodwin Memorial RR organised by Solihull Wheelers under LVRC Rules. The 56 mile event was organised for C/D Cats on a hilly course with fast descents. Though the race split on lap 3 Dean managed to stay in a group who all worked together enabling him to finish in a strong field of riders. Often riding against a strong easterly wind Dean was very pleased with his efforts with placed him 10th in his age group.
Stats for the day: Av. Speed 21.5 mph – max 40 mph Power output Av. 215 Max 779 Watts.
The second race was only just over Offa’s Dyke at Aston Clun in Shropshire, this Cat C/D event was organised by the Ludlow Brewery CC over 45 undulating miles. A strong field assembled at the start with several younger C Cat entries. Riders were expected to negotiate 5 laps of an 8.67 mile circuit with a one mile climb at the start of each lap. The climb managed to control the early pace but on Lap 3 one rider attacked the field and was soon joined by two others while the bunch hovered about a minute behind.
Feeling strong, Dean was able to hold his position well in the bunch until the final lap when the pace increased. The bunch fragmented on the long climb but came back together on the fast descent. The three in the early breakaway managed to stay away while the bunch frantically chased after them before the final sprint for the line. While the first three riders were positioned the bunch was given a formal result as they could not be split.
The event was very well organised with excellent prizes and lots of beer from the organisers.
Stats for the day: Av speed 22.5mph Max 42.1mph Av HR 143 Av. Power Output 225 watts Max 701 Watts.
