July News letter

Congratulations on a 'Nice' Triathlon

Simon Kimberley took his family, and made a week's holiday out of his self-financed trip to Nice to represent GB in the World Triathlon Championships on Sun. 18th. June.

The whole trip had been in jeopardy, however, when Simon was knocked off his bike by a car when he was on his way to work just 2 days before he was due to fly out on Friday l6th. He sustained leg and shoulder injuries, which, luckily, were not too serious . His training bike, which he planned to use in the race, was also damaged (to the tune of £400). Fortunately his back-up bike was available and this was packed up in its own special box, ready for the flight.

The competition started at 7am on Sun. l8th.on Nice beach when the 2200 entrants took to the water for the 2.5 ml. swim. Simon finished in a very respectable time of 1:11, which he was pleased with considering his sore shoulder and grazed legs. The transition area took up more than 1/2ml. of Nice promenade. Here they jumped on their bikes and headed into the mountains for a 75ml. ride. The route was at first flat, but after about 5ml. it began to climb steadily up hill for the next 30ml., eventually reaching about l000m. above sea level. The return to Nice, although a bit easier, was nevertheless, still exhaustingly undulating.

Finally it was the 18ml. road run. An out and back course to Antibes (just down the coast), in the full glare of the afternoon sun and at a staggering temp. of 36C (97F), (if you guys thought it was hot on the Potteries - this makes you look like wimps ).

Simon says the heat eventually got to him with only 5ml. to go (I think that may be because he wasn't wearing his Sneyd vest). He finished in a time of 9:19, and is a bit disappointed because he feels that he could have got closer to 8hrs. He should be consoled, however, with the magnificent achievment of being there in the first place. Simon finished 475 (out of a field of 2200, all age group, international athletes; I think that's pretty damn impressive). WELL DONE, SIMON I We're proud to know you.

Heat Stroke Potteries Marathon

The weather for this event is almost always warm, but this one was OTT with a temperature of 86F. Runners were dropping like flies all over the course and the ambulance and 1st. aid services were stretched to the limit. Thankfully, all our runners managed to finish (a testament to their level of fitness ), but their times were well below their best, as one would expect in those tropical conditions. They all suffered sunburn, and varying degrees of sunstroke and dehydration. Trevor was perhaps the worst casualty, but after a good vomit and a visit to the 1st. aid tent, was back to his normal chirpy self, with only an injured toe to nurse back to health.

Whilst the tough-guys were out on the course ,the others did a gentle run through the park. Mac Mills managed to collect another head injury (No.2), when he failed to duck low enough to avoid an overhanging bough and sustained a nasty cut to the top of his head the things some people will do to get their name in print; brain damage is a real possibility )

4th Annual Lake District Weekend

Due to a variety of reasons, fewer runners (9) than usual took part in this years event. However, we all arrived safely on the Friday and, after making camp, repaired to the local hostelry for liquid and solid refreshment. After eating, and imbibing a few ales it was time to head back to Canvass City. By this time, of course, it was dark, and this is the reason put forward for Chris Catton missing his tent and having to be rescued, by Dick, from wandering aimlessly around the site until daybreak. He insists that It had nothing to do with the tiny amount of beer quaffed.

Saturday morning found us being threatened by one of the nob's-worth) wardens with immediate eviction because Dave Lockley had parked his car on the grass next to the tent, (a BIG NO-NO), and had subsequently been blocked in by Shaun Harvey. However, a diplomatic solution was found (i.e. a grovelling apology was offered and the car was moved immediately and we were allowed to stay. (Rumour has it that somebody 'grassed' on him). The midges and gnats had taken their toll overnight and several members emerged from their tents sporting several lumps and bumps reminiscent of the 'Incredible Hulk'. Our climb was the most adventurous so far due to a climb up Jack's Rake (a very steep and narrow route ) to the top of Pavey Ark, and then on to Harrison Stickle ( nothing to do with Stanley), and Pike of Stickle. This was the first year that we've had clear weather and we could see the splendid views for miles around. Whilst at the summit some wag managed to distract Mac Mills for long enough for one of his 'best' friends to deposit a lump of rock in his rucksack, which he then unknowingly transported all the way down the mountain before it was discovered (much to the annoyance of Mac, but to great juvenile hilarity from the rest of the group).

On Saturday night we patronised the other local inn. There we took sustenance and watched France beat Portugal on TV. The ever attentive Mills again surprised us all by leaving his wallet on the bar when buying drinks (it's so unlike him to forget anything ). We were more surprised when the barman brought it back to him at our table (apparently the moths were beginning to escape and disturbing the other customers). Mac and Shaun were quickly nicknamed 'Wallet and Grabbit'.

The only rain we had was during the night, but by Sunday morning it had cleared, and the sun was beginning to peep through the clouds as we all set off on a 9ml. fell run. This year Dick remembered the map, so we only got 'slightly' lost. There were few mishaps, apart from Dave slipping and twisting his 'gamy' knee, and then falling backwards into a swamp; and 1 1/2hrs. later we were back ready for a shower and a great fry-up breakfast. In the afternoon a group went rock climbing whilst the rest took a leisurely stroll around Ambleside, before de-camping and hitting the tarmac back home to get some proper rest. (Video release out soon - X cert. - see Dave Lockley)

Grand Prix Update

The front runners (men), at time of going to press, are:-

Paul Carrol 25:00

Peter Horton 21:50

Chris Catton 5:00

Stan Harrison 4:46

Ron Nicholls 4:36

Look Alikes

Who thinks -

Glyn Marston looks like Kevin Keegen

Simon Kimberley looks like Jean-Claude van Damme (the Muscels from Brussels) but without the muscels of course.

Chris Catton looks like David Coulthard (formula 1 driver)

Any more suggestions?

Birthdays

As mentioned in April's newsletter Rob "Blue-Toe" Drew will celebrating his 50th on July 16th.

Sean Haydon ( a young lad just coming in to his prime) will be 37 on July 23rd