As is the case every year we hold the hill climb, the weather was cold and damp. However this did not deter the 14 riders who appeared to contest the freewheel and hill climb competitions. This was the best turnout for a good number of years.
First competition to be decided was the freewheel. Strangely enought the first man off David Turner set the benchmark that no other rider could match. Even Jack had to run back up the hill to mark the spot. David dedicated his win to his wifes cooking, particularly the sausage and egg butties!!!
Now onto the serious business of the Ardoch rigg hill. With a cold wind coming from the right and a threat of rain, the hill was going to prove a hard slog as usual. Any rider who could climb the hill in under 3 minutes was in with a shout of the title. An early benchmark was set by Gary Duncan with an excellent 3.19.56.
Alan Cullie rode into a graet position with a 3.06.37. Unfortunately for Alan his time did not last long. Defending champion, Colin Meikle was the first rider to break the magic 3 minute barrier with a 2.57.31. Only 2 riders at Colin's back remained to dent his hopes of keeping the trophy.
Peter Duncan who flew in from Isle of man( with some of his fan club) to ride the event made his trip successful when he recorded a 2.51.46 to blew Colin's dream out of the water. Only Colin Gillespie now stood between Peter and the hill climb trophy. Despite his best efforts Colin trailed Peter by 3 seconds at the finish to take the runner up prize.
Well done to Peter on becoming hill climb champion 2011. A big thank you to Jack and Alexis
( Peter's fan club member) for time keeping, Tim and his daughter for 'pushing off' and Roberta for the hot coffee and biscuits.
