The Wheelers’ annual Open time trial saw 58 riders take to the 19 mile Bruton course in dry springtime conditions on Saturday afternoon.  The temporary traffic lights at Charlton Musgrove, which threatened a five mile shortening of the coures, were thankfully cleared away just three hours before the first rider set off.  There was a tough headwind in the first few miles out to the Hunter’s Lodge pub, but after that things were pretty good, especially on the constant rise from Mere to the top of Druly Hill.
Rob Pears from Bath CC won in convincing style, his time of 42.58 leaving him well clear of the opposition and not far off of the Richard Prebble’s course record of 42.14.  Giant CC’s Rob Lyne was second (44.24) with Derek Smetham (Avonlea-Treasure RT) third in 44.58.
The fastest Gillingham rider was Simon Barfoot with 48.14, just ahead of Kim Little (48.20) and Simon Rouse (48.39), all three really pleased with their times at this early stage of the season.  The two SImons and Kim made up the second-placed team behind the Bath CC trio of Rob Pears, George Rowntree and Leon Boulton. 
Of the other GDW riders, Chris Mullett was really pleased with his time of 55.01, a course pb for him.
Penny Gardiner (Clevedon RC) beat the two GDW lady riders to take first place with a time of 55.25 ahead of Jane Pritchard (56.48) and Emma Bradley (60.41).
Thanks again to everyone who helped out with marshalling, putting signs out and feeding everyone with an impressive spread of cakes at the HQ.
The full results can be seen here
Here are some of Daryol’s photos, taken at Hunter’s Lodge

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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