YOUNGER racing members took a back seat this week, as the veteran cyclists of Lancashire Road Club showed what they could do. The club open 50-mile time trial on Sunday morning was dominated by older racing members, with many younger riders offering supporting at the roadside.

Competing within a small field of 47 competitors, riders such as John Partington and Mike Bland made short work of the Lancashire lanes under the calm, dry conditions.

Although, according to one observer, "it looked as if it would be a fast day", final results proved otherwise, despite valiant efforts by all LRC riders. The best time of the day for the road club was recorded by Steve Marsh who, despite a puncture, finished up with 2-08-51. Other finishers were Frank Mackin 2-19-58 Alex Munro 2-26-27 John Partington 2-24-26 and Mike Bland (riding on a fixed wheel in only his 2nd ever 50 event) 2-17-11.

Two riders in particular showed a definite improvement - Mike Bland beat his previous time by 5 minutes and Frank Mackin, chasing another standard time as a veteran, achieved his goal by just under nine minutes. Frank's time was an improvement of just under eleven minutes on his last attempt. The winning time was 1-57-05. A day earlier, an even smaller group of road club racers had challenged all comers in the Ribble Valley 10-mile time trial. Jon Purdy completed the course with a fast 21-35 and veterans Bill Parkinson 28-24 and Stan Simister 25-29 also showed that they could maintain standards, despite being close to the end of the season.

Club runs LYTHAM lost some of its appeal this week, as clubrunners had a shock on Sunday's ride to the coastal resort.

The full breakfast, dear to the heart (and arteries) of many cyclists, had been subjected to a new policy, and was only available until 11 o'clock.

Arriving at 1130 to discover that the multiple order for cardiac timebombs could not be filled, many of the group were left in despair, frantically searching the menu for an alternative stomach liner.

Prior to this, the ride had been thoroughly enjoyable with cyclists ranging from 16 to 56 taking in the lanes around Inskip and Wrea Green. Even the River Ribble at Preston looked scenic, reminding seasoned traveller Neil Taylor of the Rhone in Switzerland (excepting the smell of course!).

Next Sunday, riders will meet at the Riverside car park in Garstang for a mystery ride around an area a little further afield than usual. All those who would like to take part in the clubrun should meet at 0930. Anyone wishing to join the run should turn up on the day with a roadbike with a spare inner tube - you will be made very welcome.

If you would like to contact the Lancashire Road Club for further details about clubruns and other activities ring 01204 653280. Lytham loses its meal appeal . . .

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.