A perfect day for a hill climb, dry roads and warm sunshine, saw 21 riders send the Sandhoe climb. We haven't had this number since 2013 so its very encouraging for the current strength of the club and the insanity of its members. The climb is a brutal 3-7 minutes of eyeballs out effort, with only the exceptional making it under 3 minutes.

This year two riders were added to the hall of fame, Mike James took the win in 2.48.78 and Matty Wells was runner up with a 2.54.34. Ken Thursby completed the podium with a 3.01.00 - his latest of a number of attempts yielding results frustratingly outside the 3 minute cut off.

We had 3 ladies riding and Charlotte Henderson took the honours with her 6.13.28. The under 16s were well represented with 4 riders, Matthew Walton (aspirant Vag) taking the top spot on 3.42.59 and Harry Sylph and Matthew Betson completing the podium. Poor James Urron took a tumble on the gravelly approach to the main climb and was the only DNF.  

James Moles seemingly effortless power to a 2.35.75 was testament to the suitability of e-bikes to this sort of course an an acknowledgement of the superlative achievement of the club record holder (TW) with his  2.28 ride back in 2013.

The spectators enthusiasm was boosted by the weather and the opportunity to avoid the ordeal, and there was a great sense of fun,support and camaraderie on the course.

Many thanks to everyone who helped to make the event a success, from ride organisers to time keeping support and impromptu pusher offers. It was a pleasure to be involved.

Results below (Rounded up by excel although clearly I cant push a button to an accuracy of 1/100 second. Sadly this cost Charlie T his sub 3.40 ride as I had him on a 3.39.95).

Read more: Vags Hill Climb 2019

All First Claim members (individual members and the main member of a family group) will have been sent an email about the proposal for new club kit. 

Background
Building upon all the positive energy and activities in our club, the Committee has commissioned a small team to refresh our club kit.
The purpose:

• Build on the positive momentum in the club and renew our identity
• Address fit and performance issues by selecting a different kit supplier, to meet our broad membership needs.

Our Approach
We are an inclusive club which enjoys a broad range of cycling activities, across all age groups and gender (~25% of members are ladies!).
A Club Kit Team was pulled together to represent the main sub-groups

• Club rides: Adrian Snell
• Ladies: Becci Leung / Sue Thorn
• Kids: Lee Casey / Jeff Sylph
• Audax: Andy Berne
• Racing: Mike James
• Club Heritage: Roger Clarke
• Design Lead: Gary Burnie
• Facilitator: Ken Thursby

We are tremendously fortunate to have a professional and talented Graphic Designer in our Club, Gary Burnie.
Gary worked with several creative member of the club to produce 20 preliminary designs, a mix of traditional and contemporary designs.  The Club Kit Team shortlisted the 20 down to 3, below.

Read more: Proposed new club kit