HOSPICE HILL CLIMB SERIES - 2011 roundup

The first running of the Hospice Hill Climb Series was a great success, and it was particularly encouraging to see many new cyclists in the area giving it a go. I must say I had my doubts that the best way to encourage someone to take up cycling was by throwing them into a hill climb, but I was happily proved wrong. The picture on the right sums up the fun and enjoyment all competitors seemed to get from the event (who said cycling was good for you ;-)

Four races were contested, two on the Grizebeck course and two on Gamswell.

To add a bit of spice to the event, inter-club rivalry was brought in to play between Barrow Central Wheelers and the Lakes Road Club.
For each event, the fastest 2 riders times from each club were added together with the lowest cumulative time taking the victory for that event.  The final score (which should be read out in the style of Tim Gudgeon for best effect) was ...

Barrow Central Wheelers 4 - Lakes Road Club 0

That aside, the main aims of the rides were to encourage new riders to get out on their bikes and maybe join one of the local clubs, promote the local businesses who kindly sponsored the events, and above all support a very worthy local charity.

Sponsors of the events were...
Topmark (Barrow-in-Furness), DC Cycles (Ulverston), Gill Cycles (Ulverston) and the Ulverston Brewing Company.
The trophy was designed and donated by The Stone Workshop Ltd of Ulverston.

All proceeds for the events went to St Mary's Hospice in Ulverston and pictured left are Mike Speight (BCW) and Howard Lindow (Lakes RC) presenting a cheque for £220.

Special thanks must go to Howard Lindow of Lakes Road Club for getting the series off the ground and ensuring it was such a success.

Full results for each of the events are available here, and there are pictures of suffering in it's finest form here (though some obviously suffer more than others - or they chose to hide it well!).

Finally, here's a picture of some of the BCW riders who took part in the events, taken at the Club Dinner - thanks to Simon Jackson for the photo.