Team JD Cycles were out in force for the 2007 Isle of Man End to End race on Sunday.
Keen big hitters included Reg “The Veggie” Haigh, Bruce “30 patches” Rollinson and Johnny “no training” Ratcliffe.
We got the ferry over to the Island on Saturday, and just as the coffee’s were being consumed who did we bump into… such big names as Stef Macina, Helen Jackson, Steve Bottomley and various other dubious racers. Pot hunters beware!!
We rode out to the start at the Point of Eyre on the southerly most point on the Sunday, legs feeling a little weary. The start was along 15 miles of road, and this year the pace was very nice indeed, none of this road racing lark of last year. So we hit the first climb feeling fresh. Not for long mind, as the hill is a toughie. The route climbs higher as Reggy rides faster. Brucey had a few punctures so I kept overtaking/being overtaken by him – Reggy was long gone in the distance. The route features three major sections of climbing mostly on open tracks but there is enough single track to keep you entertained. The finish climbs another road climb which is so steep after the 43 mile route. The finish helpfully being up a field this year which didn’t help those weary racers!!
Final results were:
Reg 7th overall (1st Grand Vet)
Johnny 23rd (2nd Senior
Bruce 36th (7th Vet)
Ilkley boys Mark and Scott Thwaites came 1st and 2nd. Nice day out for the Ilkley boys then!!
