Jon Hughes smashed the difficult conditions with an awesome 4:59, proving his status as our hillclimbing expert. Chris Carroll and Charlotteville's Jon Saunders were joint second with an excellent 5:13, with Mark Pritchard setting a new pb hot on their heels in 5:21 (must be the saddle!) Well done to Ali Walters for knocking nearly a minute off her previous time and first lady back in 7:18, and to Callum Hall's very respectable 6:20 in his first season as an espoir (age 18-21).

Thanks to the team who helped out this morning, and made it possible for you all to experience such agony. This month, my excellent volunteers were:

Push-offer: Matt Hurst

Start timekeeping: Frank Edge

Finish timing & results: Marco Burgin

Thanks also to the guys at Allez Mobile Catering's 'The Pitch' who set up early especially for us and catered very nicely with hot drinks and snacks.

Full results are here.

See you next year!

As usual the lead time is 6-8 weeks once the order is in (so we're looking mid November for delivery), and the minimum order quantity is 10 so for special-order garments marked in bold below we will need demand for at least 7-8 in order to justify an order for that garment.

(These custom items represent a saving over retail Castelli kit.)

Please would you let me know by the end of next Friday 28 September if you would like to order any of the below:

NB: Prices are ballpark

I have some of the items above in some sizes in stock. I will fulfil demand from existing stock first.

If you are unsure of what the garments are, or what the sizing is like, there is more info on the catalogue linked below. You can also make an appointment with me to have a look / try for size, as this saves disappointment later.

We had beautiful conditions yesterday with sunshine and dry roads. Characteristically chilly for the September event which meant, as usual, slightly slower times with only one PB (Tim Powell). First rider back in the road bike category was Jon Hughes in 24:21, followed by Carl Wichman in 26:06. First woman home in the road bike category was Laura Senior in 28:13.

First in the TT category was David Walters who finished in 24:03 followed by Elliot Brown in 26:01. Ali Walters was first woman in the TT category in 28:15.

A big thanks to all the  riders who joined us yesterday and at any of our season's events. I know the early start time isn't appealing, but it ensures quiet empty roads and enables everybody to have plenty of time to get on with their day.

Special thanks to the volunteer crew who this month had to face a bit of abuse from some of the local residents who are sensitised to the proliferation of local cycling events by the inaugural Velo South next Sunday. Thanks for keeping your heads guys!

This month my team was:

Push-offer: Pete Ross

Marshals: Peter Davies, Robin Snook, James Andrews, Chris Carroll, Antonio Silano & Rob Wheeler

Finish Timekeeper: Tim Rogers

Results: Marco Burgin

HQ Teas: Chris Eaton

Full results are here and if you're interested in some wider statistics, the updated Results Summary spreadsheet shows how this year's riders have fared year throughout the season and against their previous year's achievements.

Please come along to the hillclimb in October, and please make a plan to ride as many of the TTs as you can next year. The Club puts these events on for you guys - the riders - and it would be great to get a few more participants (spread the word to the local clubs if you have contacts). Who knows, Skiff Lane might even get resurfaced if we're lucky!

To which end, please would you email a headshot (or you can use this opportunity to update an old one if you prefer) to membership@vcgh.co.uk and Andrew will publish it onto the website.

Much appreciated!

The Plan

The trip will follow a simple plan;

The Riding

All routes will be fully rec'ed ahead of time and published. We will be aiming to take in some of the Exmoor Beast Sportive route and include;

• The Valley of the Rocks
• Countisbury
• Porlock Hill Climb route (via the Toll Road)
• Dunkery

Expect it to be great riding across the National Park and dropping down onto the coast. If you want to enjoy some different scenery and maybe get in great shape for a bigger summer event, then it should be perfect.

Costs - What’s included

Accommodation has been reserved and the budget is £100.00 per night which includes: room, dinner and breakfast - so the total maximum commitment is £200.00 per person for the weekend. This is based on room sharing. Single occupancy will attract a surcharge. We will calculate actuals at the end of trip and re-distribute any surplus

You will need to separately fund lunches, coffee stops and hotel drinks yourself.

Travel to and from Exmoor is NOT included. We will aim to facilitate car sharing etc. and encourage those who can drive to pull together – although ultimately, it’s your responsibility to get yourself there and back.

The Legal Stuff

Anyone joining the trip does so on the understanding that it is a group event organised by a private individual (in this case Brian Waters) with the support of the VCGH Exec Team. By joining the trip, you will be accepting responsibility for your own safety and security and insurance of your property etc. Bikes will be stored in the hotel meeting room

The trip will only be open to members of VCGH at the point of sign-up and who continue to be members until the trip has finished.

How do I sign up?

In the first instance register your interest by using the event sign-up form by 1st October 2018.

In the next few weeks you will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit of £50.00 to secure your place. Should you subsequently not be able to attend the trip the organiser will try to re-sell your place to another rider but if this is not possible then your deposit will not be returned.

The balance of payment will need to be made closer to the trip.

Any questions to brianwaters02@gmail.com.

First rider home in the road category was Jon Hughes in 24:33, followed by Chris Carroll in 25:37. Laura Senior was first woman home in this category with a fantastic time of 27:29 for her third ever time trial, making her the fastest VCGH lady on a road bike to ride this course. Definitely one to watch!

In the TT category, Elliot was first man home in 25:31, followed by Carl Wichman in 25:50.

Thanks to my brilliant team of volunteers, who this month were:

Push-offer: Matt Hurst

Marshals: James Evans, Nick Davison, Chris Eaton, Frank Eisenhower, Andrew Hall and Duncan Robertson

Finish timekeeper: Brian Waters

Results: Marco Burgin

HQ teas & yummy cake creation: Judy Goodall

Full results are here.

Our final 10 miler of the season will be on September 15th, with only the hillclimb to follow in October.

Bring your own drinks (we will provide cooling buckets to keep it cold!)

In the road bike category, Matt Hill stormed home first in 25:07, followed by Carl Wichman with a PB of 25:17, and Mark Pritchard with a road bike PB of  26:06. First woman back on a road bike was Laura Senior in only her second ever TT, having knocked over 1:30 off her June time. Someone to watch!

Congratulations to all those who rode today, and especially to the many who achieved PBs and those who attempted the course for the first time. Special thanks to my team of volunteers who made the event run like clockwork once again. This month these were:

Start timekeeper: Ali Siddall

Push-offer: Matt Hurst

Marshals: Chris Eaton, Frank Edge, Nick Davison, Kate Cheeseman, Andrew Hall, Peter Davies

Finish timekeeper: Dave Triska

Results: Marco Burgin

HQ teas and cakes: Judy Goodall

And thanks to Adrian & team at Loxwood Sports.

Full results are here.

Next event is 18th August. Hope to see you there!

1. Bring your own drinks (and cups/glasses if you need). There will be ice buckets provided

2. Camping is available in the field overnight

3. Dress casual

4. Kick-off is 18:00, with kids' activities starting at 18:30

Questions to captain@vcgh.co.uk