The classic CATFORD C.C. HILL CLIMB on Yorks Hill near Sevenoaks Kent (10.30am Sunday 12th October 2008) GH/32
The Oldest Cycle Race in the World still existing. It was first run on the then unmade road of Westerham Hill on August 20th 1887 and won by S.F.Edge of the Anerley B.C. (later to join the Catford), riding a newfangled chain driven ‘safety bicycle’. The only Old Ordinary (‘Penny Farthing’/High Bicycle) to finish came fourth and was a 54†wheel machine and therefore had a 54in gear. The lowest permitted gear was 52in. (presumably to stop the new chain driven bicycles from having an unfair advantage, as there was a limit on the smallest size wheel that you could use on an Ordinary, due to leg length). Three tricycles reached the top. The average weight of the machines was about 37lbs.
The Modern Version has been held on Yorks Hill near Sevenoaks, Kent since 1939 and the event record of 1min. 47.6 secs was set by Phil Mason (San Fairy Ann CC) in 1983.
Last year’s event was won by Dan Fleeman (Blue Sky Cycles.) in 1min 48.2 secs.
The Catford event is one of the events which form the week-end’s ‘4 Hill Climb’s Competion’. The winner of the £100 prize in 2007 was Chris Mcnamara of Wildside R.T.
Come and watch the oldest hill climb in the world – See the spectacle of riders tackling the formidable Yorks Hill which averages 12.5% but has two lung searing stretches of 1 in 4. You’ll be surprised just how fast the country’s leading cyclists launch themselves up this brutal ascent. Blood, sweat and tears for all the competitors!
This event has always been an annual re-union for club cyclists, a once a year opportunity to re-new old acquaintances. Why not enjoy an autumn ride through the beautiful Weald of Kent countryside (contact us and we’ll suggest a scenic route) to Yorks Hill and afterwards have a lunchtime pint in one of the local hostelries.
Come and compete in the oldest hill climb in the world – Over £1100 in prizes.
As its 25years since Phil Mason broke the record for the San Fairy Ann Cycling Club we would like to thank them for their kind donation of £250.00. The winner could walk away with a prize in excess of £650.00
Prizes 1st to 6th. W e would like to thank `Rapha`for their generous donation of quality cycling clothing - Prize for fastest - Woman; Veteran; Junior; Mountain Biker; and a `Lantern Rouge` prize of £10. £60 Team prize donated by `Vaz Cycle Finishers`
Entries £7 (closing date: 1st October 2008). Forms can be downloaded from www.cyclingtimetrials or www.catfordcc.co.uk.
Post with cheque to Dave Marshall, 30 Jay Close, Eastbourne, E.Sussex BN23 7RW.
Tel. – 01323 762762; Email – davesprockets30@talktalk.net.
‘Come & Have a Go’ – Entrants pay £7 to ‘have a go’ which includes temporary membership of the Catford C.C. So that they can pit themselves against the merciless Yorks Hill, and see how their time compares to the ‘racers’ and indeed whether they can make the top at all (quite an accomplishment!) Special entry forms available direct from the Catford web site, see above.