There was an incredible 50+ turnout from RCC at our very own Sportive on Sunday. And we were rewarded by a perfect day to match one of the best routes for testing those legs at the end of a great summer.
Huge thanks go to the YMCA gang back at base but also to the large numbers of route markers and helpers led by the intrepid Mike Ormerod... Whose only disappointment was that his commitment to the last in correcting last minute signage vandalism meant he could not carry off his customary gold in a summer of awesome achievement. Not that the club was lacking. Most of the top 50 times (remembering of course that's it's NOT a race... We only look for fun!) had Rcc next to them. Although Marvelous Marcus Brueton of NP appears to have taken the top spot despite stopping to assist with a puncture around Ardingly.
RCC heroes? Brian C and Matt K of course - the Batman and Robin of such events - but for me this year's honours go to Stuart Metcalfe - 4h01m and nudging his 8th century on this cycling planet! This was fresh from taking our TT handicap award. And a true gentleman he waited for wife Gill to get back an hour or so later and planted a kiss on her lips as she crossed the line.
Meanwhile on the love-and-cycling-do-mix front, Brian fresh from his a top 10 spot went back out on the course en velo to rescue DNF Mrs C, Sue. Other top RCC performances included Charl who aimed to TT the whole thing but says he ended up crawling up Hornecourt Hill, Phil Gibson in an incredible 4h10m (that's what not stopping for more than 10 seconds at the feedstop can do for you!), Nick B, David B, Peter E and Howard plus scores of other great times including a great turnout of MTB afficionados led by Graham, Fran, Alan and Jon.
Everyone will remember their own personal highlights - high being the word as the second half is much hillier than memory does justice to. Perhaps a little like childbirth, we all forgot the pain in the joy of finishing! Also, the fantastic welcome back, nosh, tea and shared memories of a fantastic day.
Thanks to the YMCA (and did I mention, Ian Burks counted everyone out, then picked most off on his bike to great them all back!) who make this a very special day.
And respect to every RCC rider who made our event a great one!