Event Details

Club: | Allerdale Bike Challenge |
Event Name: | Watchtree Nature Reserve |
Date: | 30/06/21 |
Format: | Bike O |
Mapping: | Ordnance Survey |
Time Limit: | 2 |
National League: | - |
League: | The Keswick Bikes Allerdale Bike Challenge 2021 (Round 4 of 5) |
Electronic Punch: | SportIdent |
Event Report
"Oh, what a night!"
Not quite sure how we secured such a beautiful evening - clear air with tremendous views over to the Cumbrian hills and the Solway - alongside a gentle cooling breeze.
When we approached Ryan at Watchtree Nature Reserve earlier this year to ask if it would be possible to have an Allerdale Bike Challenge event there this year, the answer was a very encouraging YES.
Ryan and his team made us very welcome and served up delicious snacks to eat outside in the sun. He has said that ABC can return (as long as we bring the same weather with us!).
The Watchtree Nature reserve is the home of Watchtree Wheelers who encourage cycling for ALL. They are currently raising funds for a second "velo plus". This is a pedal cycle with a platform for a wheelchair on the front. ABC has donated the profits from the events so far to this fund. Many riders commented on how they didn't know the roads around Watchtree - remember that this centre is open all year round with the centre / cafe being open until 4pm daily. A great excuse to explore more lanes and drink coffee / eat cake as well as supporting a great cause!!
Warnings about potholes were obviously heeded with only one puncture reported. The only other incidents were when cyclists met oncoming cars and had to really breath in (sorry, didn't warn you about cars on roads...).
It was great to see you finishing with smiles (or fixed grimaces due to the challenge of riding up to the 60m contour of the old Fairfield?!). Tom Gibbs managed to clear with a few minutes spare. Close behind were 3 riders with 24 controls - one more than usual for Andy Walkinshaw who unfortunately also incurred penalty points. Caitlin Pearson was next on 23 controls for an easy victory in the W class. With only 0.02 points, yes just 0.02, separating her and Fiona Wright in the league everything is well poised for the final round at Uldale.
Kate Charles quizzed Tony as to how we plan consistent events? Well, maybe other questions will be asked after the next event at Uldale!
Controls were collected with a beautiful sunset as a backdrop. Riding past houses, you could see folk were watching Wimbledon. Wonder how Andy Murray would cope with one of these events?!
Thanks for coming and a see you at Uldale in two weeks.