Astwood '20' 6/7/11 - NBRC time trial championship

After a few days of quite pleasant calm weather, it was back to altogether rougher conditions for tonight's time trial, held over two laps of the Astwood circuit and counting as the NBRC time trial championship. The wind had been building all day, and had become rather strong and gusty during the day.  We were fortunate not to be clobbered with the heavy showers that blew through during the day, though I imagine all riders got a light shower at some point in the race.  The potential for difficulty due to the wind was obvious during the ride up to the course.  Indeed, at various points in the event, I was finding it slightly difficult to keep a straight line, and found myself easing off slightly.  In particular, the leg from Astwood to Chicheley seemed to me to be particularly difficult - though I was repeatedly buffeted by unexpectedly capricious gusts of wind.  In fact on the second lap one gust of wind pretty much blew me to a standstill. Interestingly, given the conditions, some good times were recorded: Tony Parks won the event with a 46:37, I was second (I think) with 48:34 - my first lap was 23:31 - and some riders recorded PBs, including John Buchanan. All in all, a worthwhile outing on my favourite club event course. Results to follow!