Event Details
Club: | The Bike Place in Kielder |
Event Name: | Oktoberfest |
Date: | 16/10/10 |
Format: | Enduro |
Mapping: | Ordnance Survey |
Time Limit: | |
National League: | - |
League: | The Bike Place Marathon Series 2010 (Round 4 of 4) |
Electronic Punch: | No |
Event Report
Saturday 16th October ushered in the final round of The Bike Place Marathon Series.
As dawn approached in Kielder Forest, marshals were already out checking the course, ready for the arrival of a bunch of hardy mountain bikers all set to tackle a course of over 55kms of challenging terrain. All this in a bid to out do their rivals and try and lift the 2010 Challenge Trophies in their respective class.
A quiet Autumn morning saw riders of all ages and from all parts of the country assemble at 10am for the start of this fundraising event. Determined faces and full commitment was plain to see, as there were individual prizes in each class (kindly donated by The Bike Place and SaddleSkeddadle) to aim for, as well as those all important points towards this year’s Trophies.
Richard Rothwell from Morpeth, winner of the first event this year, was in good form and came home first in an impressive time of 2hrs 31 mins. Steven Young took a worthy second place in this Mens 17-39yrs class for the third time this year in 2.36. A mention must also go to local lad Ray Honour from Chester-le Street who has scored in every round, again showing his consistency with a fine fourth place. This left Mr “Rocket” Rothwell with a deserved Overall 1st place for the year.
The 17-39yrs Ladies class saw a first time appearance from Julie Fearns from Wylam. She not only walked away with her class win in 2.59, but ended up in 11th place overall. One fast lady! Katie Palmer(Cumbria) was second, with Lizzie Dingle(Durham)
The Mens 40-49 yrs class was looking very open before the start of Oktoberfest. Dieter Booth who was leading on points could not attend due to a broken collar bone, so could brother Dominic steal the honours, or would someone else spoil the show? Mr Booth it was 1st in class, hard pressed by newcomers Donald Smith and Damien Dungworth. Local lad Paul Pickett did not have his best day at the office and could only manage 4th place this time. These results led to a very close finish for overall honours, with Dominic on 25 points just shading it from Dieter on 24, and Paul so close on 23 points. This will be one to watch in 2011.
The Ladies Over 40 class has been close all year between Pat Hercberg and Helen Costelloe. Overall points before this last event were Pat on 26 and Helen on 24, so it was all down to who would triumph on the day. Sadly, Helen had to retire, leaving Pat to take the overall honours for 2010.
The Over 50 Mens class has been dominated all year by Ian Robson from Durham turning in some impressive times. He did not disappoint coming home 1st in 2.52 which placed him 6th overall! Consistent rider all year, Colin Murley gave him a run for his money being only 7mins adrift and 10th overall. Graham Brown from Carlisle, entering for his first time took 3rd in 3.02, followed closely by Tony Brand-Barker. Neil Hercberg and David Byers took up the last two point scoring positions. It came as no surprise that Ian Robson topped out the overall points to take the trophy from Colin who held it in 2009.
A great ending to yet another great series organised by the Kielder Trail Reavers, who would like to thank all their helpers over the year, and all the riders who have entered. All the money raised is shared between local charities, the Great North Air Ambulance and Kielder Trail Reavers, with a donation from each event to the Mountain Rescue Team who give their time to provide safety cover.
Next year’s series kicks off on January 22nd with The Winter Warmer. Details from www.thebikeplace.co.uk under Kielder then Events, or call Ian at The Bike Place on 0845 6341895.