Charlesworth Chase (Simon’s Seat)

Charlesworth Chase (Simon's Seat) on Sat 17th May 2014

Sunny and most pleasant up Wharfedale way today. With most of the 1000 foot of climb packed into the second mile of this five mile jaunt, it's tougher than the statistics suggest ... and a good deal too much fast running to boot. Plenty of good runs from the Carshare regulars, with the exception of your correspondent who had a bit of a stinker - I'm blaming last night's load of fish 'n chips in Leeds which was still sitting heavy on the stomach, together with the previous Saturday's exertions in Lakeland, but I'm not sure that washes really.

Greg had a particularly fine run to take first MV50, Keith lost a place downing his fizzy water at the finish line to come in second MV60, Sally declared herself more or less returned to full fitness following her storming run at the Highland Fling, this time finishing third female, and David had yet another impressive outing, and not just for his running. It is rumoured that he came in to the pint stop in eighth or ninth, downed his bitter in double-quick time, and thus made up three or four places to cross the line in fifth.

Good to see three newbies to the Carshare party, with Richard bringing along the whole family to witness his continuing climb up the DP leaderboard, whilst Sally and Simon were stretching their legs in the company of assorted friends and family. More alarmingly Matt H, who was also in attendance, had been entrusted with (should that be to?) the care of his ten year old nephew, who notwithstanding appeared to be having a good time.

Carshare himself was absent in Zurich, but must be thanked for the suggestion - definitely a race to consider if you ever find yourself free in a future mid-May; though Greg and I agreed it might be better to camp overnight post-race and so take full advantage of the setting, including two village pubs, campsite, fine views, and riverside walks.

PS. Should anyone care, the team prize may be David and Keith's (pts total 164) or Sally and Simon's (total 157), depending upon their engine size denominators. Richard (75 pts) may also be in with a shout if, having deducted 1.0 litres from his engine size, his denominator comes in at less than half of the oppositions'. Lewis can no doubt confirm (I've forgotten), but I think this is the correct ruling since Richard had his two kids in tow (and Mrs Bembridge in the role of childminder - good to meet you, Julie). Worth noting also, I suppose, that we're still waiting for our first Carshare arrival by bike (and I've now entirely forgotten the ruling on that one - was it a 0.5 denominator?).

PPS. Next up is the very fine Cwm Pennant Horseshoe on Sat 14th June. Definitely not one to be missed.