Cyclists in Aberdeenshire
Last weekend Shetland Wheeler Christine McLean headed to Aberdeen district to take part in the Ythan Cycling Club 10 mile time trial.
The weather was awful with torrential rain and a stiff head wind to contend with on the return leg. Surprisingly, despite the weather none of the 35 riders pulled out although there were two crashes caused by the conditions. The course is a new route and has only been used for an official time trial once before.
It goes over the B9005 that runs through Ythanbank to Methlick and includes a fast curving descent start through woodland and two sharp 90 degree bends with a right turn junction on the return leg. Christine was last off and did not relish the challenge of tackling such a technical course in the poor conditions.
The rain had washed gravel across the smooth tarmac making the corners extra hazardous so to avoid another tumble Christine found it necessary to take most of the speed off at these points. It didn’t make for a fast finishing time but her 25:05 was enough to take first place for the ladies’ prize beating local rider Fiona Duncan (Sandy Wallace Cycles) by only seven seconds.
Meanwhile in considerably better conditions back in Shetland last Thursday the Shetland Wheelers’ time trial saw another large turnout and a crop of new personal best times.
Seven riders did the 10 mile course, with new personal bests from Barrie Scobie and Tommy Dedman, and a great new women’s course record from Christine McLean when she recorded 23:18.
Six riders did the 25 mile course and really enjoyed the calm evening. John Anderson, Robin Atkinson and Shane Winson all set new personal best times, while Lynsey Henderson set a great time on her first 25 mile time trial to average 20mph.
