R3 Mower Mec 2-Up Series: Bridgnorth CC 10

The inaugural Bridgnorth CC 2-Up saw eight pairs of riders take the line in Round 3 of the Mower Mec 2-Up Series as Series supporter Tim Beardmore promote a 10 mile race on the Bonningale – Shifnal course. This course is deceptive as a seemingly simple out and back had a number of drags into a headwind to cope with, sapping strength towards the turn. Won overall by Phil Glaze and Michael Boden in a creditable time of 22 minutes 49 seconds, Glaze revealed that this event had been marked on his calendar since being announced: “Me and Mike had to ride aggressively on the way out to Shifnal due to the headwind, but made it to the turning point and put the hammer down once again on the way back. It was our first time partnering up for a 2-Up which has been on our radar since it is was announced. I would like to thank Bridgnorth CC for hosting it; and all that were involved”.

One of 2022’s most competitive riders has been Paramount CRT’s Chris Riley, who with partner Rob McGregor has so far taken maximum points from all three rounds, increasing their tally to 60 with a fine effort of 23:40. That competitiveness bit Riley however as he seemed to be suffering early on: “The wheels started coming off pretty soon after we started. Tired legs, mid season form slump, who knows. But we kicked it all the way back from the turn and I don’t think we did half bad in the end – thanks to Bridgnorth CC and Tim B”. McGregor concurred with Riley’s sentiments, adding: “Really happy to take another win in the SCCA league. It was a tough race, and Chris and I were both fatigued after racing at the weekend. Thanks to everyone who helped to make the event happen”! The pair now hold a huge 42 point lead in the Series and are looking like a shoo-in for the 2-Up title.

Taking the honours for the promoting club Nathan Fullwood and Rob Childs were the best placed of three Bridgnorth CC teams with their 24:03 taking third place. Fullwood’s comments about the course were revealing as the nature means it is difficult to find a rhythm: “It was a great event, and it was nice to ride with Rob on the road bikes. It was hard to find a consistent pace for us to target as it was up and down a lot – but we know how we would pace if we were to attempt again. Overall was it great fun on the course”. Childs added: “A good ride, but hard pushed to the limits and well organised”.

There was sadly only one mixed team trying their luck with Nova Raiders’ Steve Chapman and Jenny Newton stopping the watch on 27:44. This didn’t stop a determined effort to post a good time however, with Newton reflecting on how time off the bike affects riders differently: “The only mixed couple is disappointing, but I guess you have to be in it to win it! I don’t have any race legs this year so it was hard for me, but Mr Chapman as always is a machine. He’d not ridden a bike for two weeks and has just had four days on the beer in Le Mans – yet he was still the stronger – let’s not mention the 10 year age difference”!

Full result:

Mixed Team:

Cumulative Standings after three rounds

Overall

Mixed Team

Women’s Team