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Event #14: Thursday 25th July 2024 @ 19:00h
Report: The penultimate event of the 2024 season was hampered by damp and murky conditions, and a course change. Nevertheless a decent number were on the startsheet and we had Louisa making her hi-vis debut at the Mayfield RBT. It was Paul ‘McRocket’ McDaid who finished first, securing the TT Comp, he was followed by Ivo ‘Pogacar Jnr’ Thwaites who wrapped up the RB comp. A huge shoutout also to Ed Steele who took advtage of Emma Haswell’s absence to secure the HCP Comp. Hannah Graveney also set a blistering time on her RB. Nice to see our AEIGHT Bike Co sponsor riding his first event this season too.
Red Lamp Moments: This goes to Ian Stephens who picked up the STRAVA local legend award for a course he allegedly hates!
Rider of the Evening: As to go to everyone who rode, supported and the timekeepers – not a very pleasant July evening.
TT Debrief: 7/10 – solid turnout despite the weather – Mike made us sit outside too – urrrggghhh!
TT Debuts (Season Target x5): Nobody new this week so we stay on 18 debutants for this season.
Event #13: Thursday 18th July 2024 @ 19:00h
Report: It was the 2UP finale and once again Rory Barrett & Jacob Arnell proved unbeatable to take the SDW 2UP TTT awards for 2024 (assuming ROry dons the Hi-Vis next week, having only just picked up the SDW Online Trophy I’m not sure Jacob will be expecting anything more than the adulation). Some superb rides across the field on a warm evening, Ivo Pogacar Jnr Thwaites giving McRocket a tow round to almost secure the RB comp and ensure the former has more than one hand on the TT Comp. In the HCP Comp it’s Ed Steele leading the way, with just two races to go it will be interesting to see what bribes appear for the start sheet organiser.
Red Lamp Moments: This goes to JoHHnny Fuller for ripping his crank off trying to keep up with Carol.
Rider of the Evening: Ian Stephens for his powerful performance dragging his near useless partner around (Cilla would not be impressed).
TT Debrief: 8/10 – excellent turnout, Monster Munch count was high, plenty of rehydration depsite some weekend tweed run pending.
TT Debuts (Season Target x5): Nice to see Ed Bowyer getting involved – but not a debutant so we stay on 18 for the season.
Event #12: Thursday 11th July 2024 @ 19:00h
Report: We managed to pick seemingly the only ‘summer evening’ of year and it was the returning Olly Clements, who made more than a guest appearance enroute to races in Belgium, smashing his way around the course in under 34 mins (having had to stop x2 too!). Olly was closely followed by Neomie Thomson who made a very impressive and rapid debut. In the TWTC vs SDW Interclub it was victory for SDW who take the competition and likely send Jonny Fuller up that Catford HC in the autumn. Patrick is closing in on Ivo, but are there enough events left, McRocket is surely uncatchable … but the HCP is wide open as we approacjh the final two events before a break until the end of August.
Red Lamp Moments: We’ll give this to Own and Julian for attempting the course on TT bikes – it’s a hill climb!
Rider of the Evening: Noemie Thomson for a superb debut
TT Debrief: 7/10 – Monster Much consumption was at an all time high
TT Debuts (Season Target x5): Great to have both Noemie & Michael Thomson make their TT debuts – so that makes it 18 for the season … surely we can find x2 more for 20?!
Event #11: Thursday 4th July 2024 @ 19:00h
Report: A brilliant ride by Ivo Junior Rocket secured all 20 points and in all liklihood the SDW Club Road Bike competition with it. In the TT comp only McRocket rode so again should now enough for a shiny trophy. In the HCP competition we have a new leader as Ed Steele storms to the front, this will be a close one with just four more events to go. In the AEIGHT Bike Co SDW TT Ladder there is just one more event and we have both Ivo & Emma locked on 35 points each, all to ride for next week.
Red Lamp Moments: It was very quiet on the chat – perhaps we give it to Carol for giving Simon such a soft HCP time. x
Rider of the Evening: Ivo Thwaites for his rapid time and almost securing the RB comp
TT Debrief: 8/10 – hearing good things, apparently the Guiness has worn off and we are back to normal now.
TT Debuts (Season Target x5): None this week so we remain on 16 for the season for far.
Event #10: Thursday 27th June 2024 @ 19:00h
Report: The 2nd 2UP TTT event of the season saw Rory Barrett pull out a new secret weapon … Jacob Arnell and almost bit off more than he could chew. The pair set a blistering pace and finished more than 1 min ahead of John Rogers and Omar Malik. Impressive rides from the youngsters again as Ivo Thwaites gave McRocket something to think about on the climb and Theo & Matthew gave it a really good go too. In the HCP comp Jonny Fuller went 3 mins quicker than last time out and scooped max points.
Red Lamp Moments: This goes to Richard Bysouth for not turning up.
Rider of the Evening: Jonny Fuller for this supreme effort, beating his previous time by 3 mins.
TT Debrief: 8/10 – a decent crowd in, Carol & Simon missing in action following their Irish CtS adventures
TT Debuts (Season Target x5): Welcome to Jacob Arnell & Matthew Flatcher who make it 16 TT debutants for the season.
Event #9: Thursday 20th June 2024 @ 19:00h
Report: Numbers were down as we Gareth Southgate offered up 90 mins of disappointment, a second half screening at sign on not even enough to tempt people away. Those who did attend were treated to summer evening and gentle breeze as we were able to tackle that awful Chuck Hatch start for the first time this season. Despite a loose spoke nobody could stop John Rogers, who was closely followed home by Omar Malik. In the HCP comp Emma Haswell scopped 20 points but will it be enough to catch John Tutt?
Red Lamp Moments: This surely goes to Louisa Bryant who arrived with a flat rear DI2 mech and then found the front was flat too!
Rider of the Evening: Ed Steele for his steadfast support of the TT and anti football stance.
TT Debrief: 6/10 – a very select bunch, most had left the pub post England disppointment too.
TT Debuts (Season Target x5): Hello to Hannah Graveney who made it 14 SDW TT debutants for the season.
Event #8: Thursday 13th June 2024 @ 19:00h
Report: The course was voted riders favorite so we can only assume it was the biblical British summer rain that meant numbers were down this week. Neverthless kudos to all the riders who gave it a go, and even more so to the 5 marshals and timekeeper who stood out so the event could take place. Well done to John Rogers who set an unbelievable time given the conditions and also to Patrick Bareham who not only organised the event, drove the course, managed the sign-in and was then first road bike home.
Red Lamp Moments: This can go to the person who questioned their handicap… who know who you are 😉
Rider of the Evening: Jamie Bryant, riding just his 2nd TT and having been given an awful HCP and start time stuck at it …
TT Debrief: 8/10 – didnt see many pictures this week – let’s blame the weather.
TT Debuts (Season Target x5): Well done to Louisa Bryant for getting involved in that weather and beating her brother (that’s x13 debuts for 2024).
Event #7: Thursday 6th June 2024 @ 19:00h
Report: The second TWTC vs SDW interclub and the triclub predictions were a little ambitious this week, giving SDW an opportunity to extend their lead. Shout outs to Mike King (:00) & Richard Bysouth (00:01) who best know their abilities! In the RB Comp it was Omar Malik picking up 20 points, cloisely followed by Theo Sandell and Ivo Thwaites – this TT stuff is becoming a young man’s game. Well done to McRocket who again powered his way to victory in the TT comp and it was John Tutt who picked up max points in the HCP comp – both extend their leads in those competitions. Massive kudos to Bruce for expterly marshalling the Ladies Mile section, made tricky this week by those pesky lights… will they be gone for next week?
Red Lamp Moments: Julian Fussell this week – forgot his bike computer thingy and relied on tears in the eyes to get round.
Rider of the Evening: Richard Bysouth for his interclub prediction and riding so close to the Portugal triathlon event.
TT Debrief: 7/10 – low on chilli talk, high on Band Meeting and Scaramanger. Plenty of Monster Munch consumed too.
TT Debuts (Season Target x5): Hello to Ben Conway-Jones riding his first event (that’s 12 debuts for 2024).
Event #6: Thursday 30th May 2024 @ 19:00h
Report: The first 2UP TT of the season is always a popular one as riders picked their dancing partners, or let Cilla weave her match making magic. There were some impressive combos and some even more impressive performances as Mossy & Danny stormed to victory in 26min 37sec (they still have a target with Rory & CPG riding 25:41 in 2023!). The dynamic duo were followed home by this season’s Club TT superstars McRocket & Ivo (28:13), another super ride from our future world champ (that’s obvs Ivo!). Good to see the Baggey recovery continuing has he clung onto Ian for 30:11 secs. A big shoutout to Emma for riding her gravel bike, and to Cathy for keeping up. The roundabout segment Q/KOM remains intact for another event despite some Formula 1 style overtaking manoeuvre by Paddy Senna.
Red Lamp Moments: Paddy Senna who managed to pair his bike computer to Alex’s power meter and record a few PBs.
Rider of the Evening: Henry Tutt for his second TT and pushing Dad all the way – Cat Stevens would approve!
TT Debrief: Mmmmm. The less said about CPG and #jalapenogate the better. How we aren’t barred from the VG is anyone’s guess, perhaps we are and just dont know it yet?! Roll on next week.
TT Debuts (Season Target x5): No new faces this week, just some returning friends – we stay on on x11 debuts for the season.
Event #5: Thursday 23rd May 2024 @ 19:00h
Report: Brilliant to have another good field with some ‘old’ friends returning and some new riders appearing. It was a superb ride by Ivo Thwaites to lead the field home and extend his lead in the SDW Road Bike Competition – it would be worth joining a SDW TT event just to say you’ve ridden with a future cycling world champ! We had McRocket just 2 seconds behind to extend his lead in the TT comp – the other chancer in this category was way behind. In the HCP Comp we have a new leader as John Tutt takes his place in the leaders chair this week. This was also Round 1 of the TWTC vs SDW Interclub comp with riders predicting their time. Despite a particularly accurate prediction from one ‘TWTC’ rider it’s SDW who take an early lead in that competition.
Red Lamp Moments: Russell Vanhinsbergh only realised it was 3 laps as he cruised past the meeting point and was told to get on with it by Marshal Pip! The returning Alex Jefferys managed to get his ‘mechanical’ noted on the results sheet – nobody likes the teachers’ pet.
Rider of the Evening: Nate Fulcher (that’s a superb time and anyone who holds Patrick off deserves some recognition!)
TT Debrief: The Velo George; a bit cooler this evening and busier. Well attended with the Band Stand IPA highly recommended.
TT Debuts (Season Target x5): Henry Tutt, Jamie Bryant, Issy Gibson (meaning we are already on x11 debuts for the season!)
Event #4: Saturday 18th May 2024 @ 14:30h
Report: The event was also the SDW 10-mile TT Championship so congratulations to Neil Harris (SDW) for another impressive ride, completing the undulating course in 20 mins 12 seconds (just 5 seconds off his own course record) to scoop the Solo Scratch award. A special shoutout to Helen McKay (Les Filles RT) who was first lady home in 24 mins 22 secs (just 1 second off the course record!). We really need more younger riders riding TTs so well done to Theo Sandell (SDW) 23:34 who was our 1st placed Youth rider, followed by Ivo Thwaites (SDW) & Alice Tulett (Thanet RC). Ewan Tuohy (Artic Aircon) took the Road Bike Scratch (22:45) & Emma Haswell (SDW) Road Bike Lady (27:38) prizes. In the Veterans competition Andrew Meilak (Velo Refined Rule 5) won with a brilliant age standard +06:15. Finally, it was SDW who took the fastest team competition – well done to Neil Harris, Daniel Northover (21:10) & Paul McDaid (22:31) for their rides.
Red Lamp Moments: This goes to Henry Weaver & CPG who managed to get to the event hours before the start only to then miss their start times.
Rider of the Afternoon: Neil Harris (storms to solo scratch victory & picks up the SDW 10 mile Champioship trophy!)
TT Debrief: The Old Dairy Taproom – great to see riders and supporters… and a load of 1940’s fancy dress. Cracking venue.
TT Debuts: Rowena & Theo making their Open TT debuts
Event #3: Thursday 16th May 2024 @ 19:00h
Report: Another cracking turnout and 3 riders giving up their spin to don the Hi-Vis which let us flip the course to the rarely used GS879 pothole ridden Wadhurst loop. CPG was back from holiday but apparently his gears arent, and he spent most of the ride in the wrong one. Henry Weaver was able to benefit most from this, briefly enjoying a 2UP hill climb before streaking past CPG (now that doesnt happen very often) on the infamous Riverhall Heights segment. Big shout to Ivo Thwaites who followed up last week’s debut ride with a brilliant 2nd place. In the TT comp McRocket was in the hi-vis which keeps him a wheel in front of the other chancers. Edward Steele is once again romping the HCP competition – this will be looked at next week!
Red Lamp Moments: Simon Baker got to Frant… without his shoes so ended up DNS-A; the CPG/Henry 2UP hill climb is worth another mention and then there was CPG turning up without lights – surely that’s a DQ?
Rider of the Evening: Ivo Thwaites (another blistering ride and he’s racing up those competition tables – brilliant!)
TT Debrief: Velo George – excellent effort; we celebrated Carol & Simon’s 9th anniversary and having ridden tonight that racks up 30 consecutive years of SDW club time trialling for Martin Yardley – unbelievable stuff!
TT Debuts (Season Target x5): Emma Vickers (meaning we are already on 8 debuts for the season!)
Event #2: Thursday 9th May 2024 @ 19:00h
Report: With 31 riders on the start sheet and just one DNS-A the scene was set for another brilliant evening. The sun was out, the wind almost gone and after Russ ‘The Sweep’ Cook had cleaned up Ladies Mile we were good to go. Neil ‘TMIB’ Harris turned up on a road bike, we saw him briefly at the start and rumour has it he briefly slowed at the Groombridge junction… otherwise it was a blur as he blasted his way around the course in what must be a near RB record 27 mins 41 secs (yep – that’s on a RB!). Dave Fuller made a huge impact on his debut, despite suffering a warm up puncture; Ivo Thwaites (14 years) & Nate Fulcher putting in brilliant times on their debuts too. We ought to also call out Agnes Rogers (another debut!) stopping for a mechanical and still managing to fly past Jonny Fuller (at least twice – his words, not mine!). Brilliant to have so many riding, big shoutout to Richard, Russ & John for the hi-vis action and John, Jo & Douglas on the watches.
Red Lamp Moments: This absolutely goes to Matt ‘$4I¬ or bust’ Hammond’s blistering first lap… and spectacular blow up! Lloyd tried to claim a mechanical was the reason he didnt win, apparently he was able to put a chain on whilst descending Cherry Gardens – impressive stuff. That descent is nothing short of terrifying – The MIB topped out at 48.9mph according to a well used ride tracking app.
Rider of the Evening: Patrick Bareham (for supporting the sign on this week and last and for turning up with a GOLD helmet!)
TT Debrief: Velo George – very well attended, Dave Fuller demostrating his ability to sup as quickly as he pedals. Jorge swerved the Gamma head this week (he’s given a pass given that HCP competition result – but is now on watch!).
TT Debuts (Season Target x5): Agnes Rogers, Dave Fuller, Ivo Thwaites & Nate Fulcher.
Event #1: Thursday 2nd May 2024 @ 19:00h
Report: The SDW TT season kicked off in style with 27 riders on the startsheet. Spring is definately not upon us as it was a little gloomy as Carol Tsang and then birthday boy Jonny Fuller set off. John Rogers is absolutely flying at the moment and followed up his recent open successes by setting a PB and topping the tables. It was tables too, as he turned up on a TT bike so nobody could beat him on HCP times either (that wont happen again!). It was BRILLIANT to have three new riders join their first club TT – shoutout to Jorge Esilva, Chris Walton & John Tutt for getting invovled, we’re assuming they will be back now. Shoutout John, Doug & Jo for the watches, to Patrick for the hi-vis action at the roundabout and for help at sign on, and to Rob Burdon (cow bells) & Martin Yardley (photos) for supporting. We had Theo Sandell (16 yrs) through to Colin Jarman (you dont ask a gentleman his age) and everything in between taking part – what a club!
Red Lamp Moments: Theo finshing his ride on a nearly flat tyre, Bruce in his first TT for 10 years cramping badly and finishing with one leg (apparently his cadence was around 40 on the way out so well deserved); oh and me shouting ‘Good luck Gary’ … to Kester (know your team mates)!
Rider of the Evening: Jonny Fuller (he chose to ride on his birthday and has taken up the TWTC vs SDW Interclub captancy)
TT Debrief: Velo George – well attended by at least 15 riders, the rest of you are now on debrief watch and better be there next week!
TT Debuts (Season Target x5): Chris Walton, Jorge Esilva & John Tutt.
