19th October 2003 - 3,640 MILES IN 6.5 HOURS ON BIKES - 'C' Tourist Test
To celebrate the club's 70th year in cycle sport, the 100 mile 'C' Tourist Test ride was revived this year, over the traditional course. Nearly 40 riders met at the Bicycle Chain in Taunton, with ages ranging from 14 to 73. The weather was fine, if a little cold with the easterly wind.
The first 37 mile route passed through Milverton, Wiveliscombe and Bampton on the way to South Molton, where there was a stop at the Tiverton Inn. The next 36 mile leg followed the River Taw for part of the way to Copplestone and then uphill through Crediton, Cowley and into Exeter for the second stop.
The final 31 mile leg back to Taunton, through Cullompton and Wellington, was finally taking its toll with the group slightly fragmented into the strong easterly wind. All the riders arrived back into Taunton by 4-30 p.m., after nearly 6.5 hours in the saddle to find out that it was actually 104 miles (an average of 16 miles an hour), to make a grand total of 3,640 miles.
Ecxeptional rides were done by young 14 years old Max Perris and age 16 Dean Robson, along with our two new lady riders Juliet Rowe & Diana Choffin to complete this far from easy ride in this fast time. Club president Pete Sandy was not to be outdone and at the ripe old age of 73, even crashing with 25 miles to go, was still determined to beat as many as he could to the finish line.
Despite 3 punctures, a crash and the strong head wind coming home, everybody had a great day. Every one was presented with a commemorative certificate at the finish by the chairman of SRC, Tom Cox, and the organiser's wife and helper, Lesley Pollard.
Many thanks to Lesley Pollard for helping out at the start and finish, Tom Cox at the finish and finally Brian Sandy and Jill Kurpyta who both spent the whole day following in vehicles, protecting the riders from the traffic and carrying the spares.
Ray Pollard SRC Secretary and Ride Organiser (and Ride Finisher).
A list of all riders with finishing times.
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