Matt escapes from the Chaingang, Feb 20

Barney and Sue

Nathan R

Seventeen riders zipping along with a great easterly at our backs, Sue strung out the bunch with a fierce spell along Bexhill, then Matt R broke away on first climb and might have stayed away too if not for the Hastings train holding him up at the level crossing, better luck next time. Cold meant we didn't hang about long and some were caught on the hop, tightening loose bolts, mending spokes or pulling on gloves as the bunch rolled back east into the teeth of a cruel wind, I think I saw some stray snowflakes . . . maybe a sign of what's in the post for us this weekend?

For many of us the ESCA Hardriders marks the end of winter and the beginning of the racing season, and a chance to catch up with old pals from our sister clubs.  Aero bikes not essential as it's a   "sporting" course - think hilly back lanes - around Bodle Street Green and Wood's Corner, with  a couple of tough little climbs, one with it's own prize,  and an exhilharating long downhill swoop to the finish. Chris Parker writes

"East Sussex Hard Riders 15 mile Sporting TT on Sunday 17 March. First rider set off at 10 am from Bodle Street Green a few miles from Battle.
This is an event we always have a very good turn out for: the East Sussex Hard Riders 15 mile Sporting TT on Sunday 17 March.

For Open Time Trials a CTT entry form needs to be filled in and posted with the entry fee (£8 cheque payable to East Sussex CA) to arrive with the organiser at the latest on the Tuesday 11 days before the event.  After the successful (third) test system for electronic entries last year even more events can alternatively be entered on line, including the ESCA Hard Riders. You can download Entry Form here:  www.ctt.org.uk  scroll down for pdf or word versions. For people who want to use snail mail to send off their form for the hard riders, they need to send their form and cheque to
Peter Moon
73 Wannock Lane
Eastbourne
East Sussex
BN20 9SG
or online entry here
https://evententry.ctt.org.uk/https://evententry.ctt.org.uk/

And a plug for our annual social -  Hastings CC prize giving evening with buffet and beers on Thursday 28th at Cinque Ports Arms, All Saints Street, Old Town. Partners welcome, filling up fast so email daniel.hanlon@live.co.uk to book your places.