Andy Gorton storms round Cheshire lanes to set new East Lancs Riding Club record

East Lancs beginners group riders near Lumbutts

Andy Gorton stormed around the Cheshire lanes in the Stretford Wheelers 25 mile time trial last Saturday afternoon and broke the club record over 25 miles.

Held on the regular J2/9 course in Cheshire, just south of Knutsford, in weather conditions which were perfect for time trialling with very little wind resistance over the entire course, Gorton, who had broken the club record over 25 miles just the week previously in 55:33 minutes, beat his old record by over a minute in a new record time of 54:27 minutes, which is a seriously fast time on the J2/9 course.

Ben Whitehead, the club’s regular road race participant, chose the 65 mile 3-4 category National Masters Road Race Championship near Milton Keynes for last weekend’s racing, whilst Ben Trippier opted for the 56 mile Aughton Road Race in the Lune valley near Lancaster. Both riders contributed with some attacking efforts off the front of the bunch but neither worked out for them.

East Lancs riders often start with the regular club 'beginners rides'. Last Saturday new members took part in a steady ride under the watchful eye of club president, John Howard as he took the group towards Littleborough and up the old Calderbrook Road towards the toll house on the Todmorden road. After a short ride down the valley the group turned right to climb up towards the ancient villages of Lumbutts and Mankinholes before descending to the main road and into Hebden Bridge and a well-earned café stop.

After a short break the majority of the group decided they had the energy to ride up the now famous tour de France climb of Cragg Valley before dropping into Littleborough and back to Rochdale.

The group all enjoyed the ride and will be back for next week’s ride as they continue their induction to club cycling with the East Lancs.