2007 Reliability Trials
There were sixty seven entrants in the Mercia HBM C.C. Reliability Trials. Fifty one in the 100 km & sixteen in the 50 km.
It was a fine clear day as the 100 km riders started from the Mercia’s club room the Shobnall Sports & Social Club at 10:00 am to cycle over Lawns Farm. The route then took the riders to Abbotts Bromley, then continuing over Blithfield Reservoir to Rugeley, up over Cannock Chase to Milford Common. Stafford was avoided by taking the road to Tixall, then continuing past the Staffordshire Showground to turn left for Hopton, Sandon, Milwhich, Bramshall, Marchington Cliff.
To return back to the club room in Burton through Hanbury & Anslow. Out of the forty riders who completed the trial within the maximum allowed time of 5.5 hrs, five riders were from the Mercia C.C who finished within 4.5 hrs, they were David Clarke, Matt Simons, Simon Parker, Noel Adams, and Roger Owen.
The 50 km trial was along the same roads except after Blithfield Reservoir the rides turned right to travel through Newton, Blyth & Kingstone to link up with the 100 km course near Bramshall. Fifteen riders completed the ride within 3 hrs including four from the Mercia C.C namely Nick Marriott, Ivor James, Keith Malcolm & Mark Eccleston.
At the last Mercia committee meeting Ian Hill was elected the new president taking over from the late Tom Slater.
Posted by Pete Rose on Monday, February 05, 2007
