Contributed by Ben O'Brien
With the end of lockdown and resumption of community sports, there were plenty of keen riders on hand last Tuesday to get back to track racing, and an even bigger turnout on Sunday morning for the first race of the Sunday Summer Crit Season.
Sunday cycling at the Dubbo Regional Cycling Facility kicked off with Team Dubbo getting in a few extra miles on the last day of the October Great Cycle Challenge.
The challenge was all about raising funds for finding treatments and cures for kids’ cancer. We were privileged to have Molly Croft behind us this year and Team Dubbo raised more than $12,000 and rode very close to 12,000 km.
The team was ably led by local legend Ian Crafter, who, riding an average of 70 km/day for the month, was inspirational.
Kate Spicer from Coonabarabran was a late starter but managed a massive 3700 km for the month. A notable mention was John Curley, who rode raised more than $3,000 and rode 1,800 km. Well done to all the riders, and a big thanks to Molly and her family for helping us out with the barbecue.
Sunday also saw our inaugural Ladies Only ride which proved to be the most popular event on the day, with more than 17 women of all ages enjoying a catch up while pedalling.
Ladies, if you bought a bike during the lockdown, bring yourselves down to the Dubbo Regional Cycling Facility on Sunday mornings and enjoy a ride with no traffic, pedestrians or potholes!
Sunday’s racing got underway with Sid Pickering taking out the Juniors ahead of Cooper Farr and Will Tanswell. In her first race with the seniors in E Grade, Bella Weeks took the honours with a big sprint finish, Lauren Fuller second and Julie Farr third. Michael Howlett justified the lockdown investment in the smart trainer, winning D Grade with Penny Banks second and Nathan Weeks third. C Grade was a photo finish between Tim Howlett and Ben O’Brien who were inseparable on the line, with Chris Richards only half a length behind.
Rod Milner made the trip from Warren worth his while by taking out B Grade ahead of Zac Fuller and Craig Lennox.
Kyle Dunn and Jason Farr took the A Grade line honours.
Track racing is on every Tuesday, with free entry and a canteen available. Crit Racing and the Ladies Only ride on Sunday mornings, also has free entry and all are welcome,. For details go to www.dubbocycleclub.com.au.
