Seven velos took part in the Kent Cycling Associations annual reliability trial, held in the lanes on and around the Weald of Kent.

Opting for the 100km route, including a couple of challenging climbs of the High Weald Ridge, the velos split into two groups, Matt Nunn, Rachel Hartridge, and Martin Smith set the early pace and completed their ride in just under 4 hours, whilst the second group of Sally Smith, Mike Stanley, Cassie McGoldrick, and Phil Booth covered the 100km in just over the 4 hour mark. Cassie, gaining extra kudos for riding out and and back to her house as well.

Whilst the weather was inclement, with steady rain falling for almost all of the time that they were on the road, all remarked afterwards that it had been a good test of fitness and an excellent route.

Thank you to the KCA for organising the event, and raising funds for the local air ambulance in the process.

Velo’s Rob Kennison travelled to Dover’s Duke of York Military School to race in round 2 of the East Kent Cyclo Cross League.

In contrast to his recent holiday in Majorca, Rob was facing with torrential rain and slippery conditions, however his sunshine miles demonstrated the benefit of training and he finished inside the top 20 of the V50 race.

After the race Rob remarked that he went a lot better than his previous couple of cross races, as he builds towards the UCI Masters Worlds in December.

Thank you to VC Deal, and EKCX and their volunteers for putting the race on in such challenging conditions.

The KCA reliability ride is on Sunday 30th October, some velo members are intending riding the 100km route starting at Potters Corner, on the A20 near Hothfield at 08:00 ish. There are other distances at 50km and 100 miles, and links to the routes are below.

Anyone intending riding needs to enter themselves by 28th October, using this google form (we can sort out payments once we know who from velo is riding ) https://docs.google.com/…/1FAIpQLSeWSZj5kw…/viewform

Full details are here https://kentcyclingassociation.org/kca-reliability-ride/

and links to all three distances are here https://ridewithgps.com/…/193536-kca-reliability-trial…

Hopefully we can see a few velos riding!

Velo’s David Mackey took part in the London Revolution sportive, billed as one of the toughest one day cycle events in the UK.

Including over 2,000 metres of climbing the sportive challenges riders to conquer an entire loop around London in one day.

Setting off early Saturday morning from Lee Valley Showground, David took in the famous London landmarks before leaving the urban cityscape behind, and venturing into the green fields and testing climbs of the North Wessex Downs. Once through Windsor, it was onto the Chilterns to conquer more incredible countryside before heading back through Epping forest.

David completed the tough day out 157 miles in 10 hours 48 minutes.

Elsewhere, Keith Johnson left his bike at home and went for a run around London, completing the London Marathon in a sub 4 hour time.

Well done both!

A strong showing from a number of velo riders saw them claim the overall team prize at the Wigmore CC Hill Climb event, held on Hollingbourne Hill.

Fastest Velo rider was experienced hill climber Mike Stanley who came home in 4 minutes 14 seconds. Not far behind were Matt Nunn and Jon Graciano who both covered in the course in less than 4 minutes 30.

Riding the event for the first time were Fraser Blandford (4:53) and Rachel Hartridge (5:36) who was fourth placed woman in the overall standings.

Thank you to the Wigmore CC and the volunteers for their organisation.

Elsewhere, Rob Kennison took part in the London Cross League event held at Crystal Palace park. Despite having had a long period off the bike due to work and holiday commitments, Rob was able to complete the event as he starts his work towards the World Masters Cross Championships in December.

Well done to all those repping the velo colours.

Velo’s Jon Graciano took on the UCI Grand Fondo World Championships held in Trento in Northern Italy.

Over a distance of 90 miles Jon faced 4,000 metres of climbing including climbs of 20km, 18km and 4km. There were also a number of lumpy undulations between the climbs.

Jon described the ride as the toughest ride he had ever done, and remarked that whilst the climbing was tough the descents were awesome. Competing in the 50 – 54 mens age group Jon completed the distance in just under six hours, claiming 129th place in the event in which many failed to finish.

Well done Jon!

Velo’s Rob Kennison raced in the opening round of the East Kent Cyclo Cross Series, held at Sandwich Technology College.

Having spent the previous week working on the Tour of Britain, Rob admitted that he was lacking in race fitness, however despite being passed by a few riders on laps 2 and 3, Rob was able to pick off about 7 riders on the last couple of laps to finish mid field.

Elsewhere, Tom Knight raced the Exmouth Olympic Triathlon in Devon. A choppy swim made the first 400 metres tough going, however Tom finished in a time of 2:36:16, taking 16th out of 73 starters, and claiming fourth place in his age category.

After the race Tom remarked that he was “happy with that”.

Thank you to both sets of organisers, and well done both!

Well done to our member Dan Berkhauer who, along with his friend Jamie, undertook a ride from London to Newcastle upon Tyne to raise money for Great Ormond Street Hospital. The pair completed the unsupported ride of 312 miles in just under 23 hours.

Saturday 20th August saw the velo promote the Kent Cycle Racing League races at the cyclopark at Gravesend.

Led by Matt Nunn three races were staged, the 3/4 women’s race was won by Steph Wheatley (Full Gas racing) ahead of Harriet Kefford, and the 4th category men’s race was taken by Chris Parsons-Green (Southborough Wheelers) ahead of Ben Durbridge and Edward Howard.

Velo’s Matt Nunn competed in the 3rd category race staying in the main bunch for the majority of the race before dropping back to finish 18th out of 30 starters. This race was won by Keke Orth (Maldon and District) from Liam McLaughlin and James Hawkins.

Thanks to those from the club who helped: Matt Nunn, Rob Kennison, Phil Booth, Rodney Kennison, Nigel Wharton, Keith Johnson, and Cameron Carthew.

Velo’s Matt Nunn recorded a 3 minute improvement on his 25 mile personal best, ducking under the fabled hour mark for the first time in the KCA 25 held for the first time on the Q25/3 course on the A2070.

Starting early in the field of TT bikes Matt was first to finish and looked strong throughout. He took full advantage of the new configuration of the course including more of the fast flat roads between Hamstreet and the Brenzett roundabout.

Matt came home in an excellent time of 59:21, in an event won by Chris Fennell.

Earlier in the week Matt had also performed strongly in the Wigmore CC evening ten, finishing in 23:59.

Well done Matt on an excellent time!

Thank you to the organisers: KCA/Woolwich CC, and John Longbottom for the 25, and Wigmore CC for the 10.