RECORD TURNOUT FOR NOVA'S RELIABILITY TRIAL

There was a record turnout for Harrogate Nova's reliability trial, the second in the Ron's Reliable 5 series, a challenging 50 mile route starting near North Rigton, through Kirby Overblow, Wetherby, Boroughbridge, Ripon, past Fountains Abbey, Ripley, Killinghall and finishing at Norwood Village Hall. 138 signed on with a number joining en-route culminating in over 150 riders, which included a club record entry of 22 Nova riders. Whilst not a race and with no official timing, these rides offer the chance for many riders to meet up after the winter months, in readiness for the season ahead. Groups quickly form depending on fitness levels, with the lead group containing some elite riders. The climb out of Fountain's Abbey is usually the catalyst for defining the groups and this year the elite riders very quickly stamped their authority, with a group of around 20 going clear including 3 Nova riders, Greg & Simon Ketteringham and Mike Wilberforce. Nova's Paul Lehan quickly linked with a chase group, but couldn't bridge the gap, finishing around 5 minutes down. Other Nova riders included (not in order), Alistair Mitchell, Bruce Dinsmore, Richard Pennock, Sam Frankland, Ian Watts, Mark Wrigglesworth, Eamon Hannaway, Geoff Morgan, John Tiffany, Mike Hutchins, Chris Mawer, Dave Barker, Phil Burton, Mike Hudson, Brian Howarth, Tim Broomfield and Joanne Ketteringham & Corrine Mitchell. Many thanks to Margaret & Vaughan Caswell for the excellent organisation and refreshments.