Thorney Island

In conjunction with Ciclisti Vecchi and VC Meudon we put on the first road races at Thorney Island since the 1960s. A very big thank you to everyone who helped and thanks to Simon Pattinson who supplied Montezuma's Chocolates for the youths. I'm very grateful to Shane O'Neill who provided the introduction to the right people on the base and drove the lead car. Without him it would probably never happened.
It turned out to be a glorious day and most things went smoothly.
We ran youth races on a 0.7 mile course which we also used for the Islanders' Mum's and Dad's race. For the LVRC races we used a 2.4 mile course. Both courses were popular with the riders and I must say that belting round the junction at West Thorney, not clipping the kerb and swinging right out into the gutter was a great buzz.
The number of Islanders that took part was very low, but we did have the station's Commanding Officer, hiw wife and the Regt Sgt Major. The latter took home first prize of a bottle of Leffe, Montezuma's Chocolates and one of my hideous trophies (Mrs C's description) from Flanders. The CO also presented the prizes to the youths and expressed his desire that we return. VC St Raphael are considering an event there in September or October.
The Station Staff Officer, Chris Hallam, could not have been more helpful. SSAFA Forces Help charity provided refreshments.
In the AB LVRC race Shaun and myself enjoyed some time off the front together before I switched to domestique duties for Ciclisti Vecchi. Shaun finished 8th and Andy Page 9th in the sprint.
Eugene rode the EFGH race and hung for a while before continuing at his own pace. It's not that easy when you're 70+!
Conrad Dinwiddy notched up another win in the E category of the youths.
I hope to run the event again next year.

Goodwood Spring Challenge

Pete McGuiness was involved in the organisation of the Goodwood Spring Challenge. Fay Cripps won the Master/Veteran - Female category by three minutes. Well done Fay. Mark Holland was 6th in the Master - Male category. Pete McGuiness was 16th in the Open - Male category.

Conrad races to his win at Thorney

This picture was taken by former VC Noviomagus member Ann Owens who met her husband Richard whilst he was based at RAF Thorney Island. Ann travelled up for the weekend from Devon for the event. There are more pictures from Ann on Flickr here and here.

Copyright 2009 Richard Owens

Tim and Shaun go off the front for a bit of a laugh

This picture was taken by Chris Wallis who lives in Chichester. The complete set is available here. I note the Chris has been taking 'photos of the Bognor TTs.

Copyright 2009 Chris Wallis.

Racing round up

Toby Neave finished a very creditable 4th on Sunday in the elite BEC CC road race on the tough Edenbridge course and 2nd at Portsmouth on Wednesday. Toby has 198 points so far this year.
Andy Page was 4th in the 3/4 race at Portsmouth and then finished 10th in the elite race.
In the Hants Rc 2-up TT Toby rode with Pete McGuiness and won beating an A3cRG pair. Pete did tell me who was third pairing (more SDV), but I'm afraid I can't recall.

Racing at Goodwood on Sunday

There are Surrey League races at Goodwood on Sunday. Details here.