Brunswick Cycling Club

It’s been a long season, since November we have only had 3 weeks off over Christmas. That makes 19 action packed days of clinic action!

I was constantly checking the weather forecast all week, nerves building as rain was predicted.

Friday night was a late one as Boxy and I sorted, cleaned and painted the sprockets for the trophies. (and build wheels)

The trophies were finished Saturday evening after the Road Intro Session and the final touches put on the program and thank yous.

It was with a mixture of nerves, excitement and sadness that I crawled out of bed for the final Sunday of the season.

Nervous about the weather and not knowing how many would turn up, excitement about the what was in store for those competing and remembering the excitement and nerves that I felt 35 years ago when I contested the Championships and a hint of sadness that I’d have to wait 7 months before I can ask kids and parents to step outside of their comfort zones and experience the thrill and skill of track cycling.

Arriving at the Harrison St gates in day light was a welcome change and finding cars already parked suprised me!

But there was no need for panic, relaxing in the morning sun were the remnants of Saturday night’s enduro. Dave, Jessica, Kimberly and Nathan, had stayed on and had a movie marathon!

The old track looked a treat, over the previous weeks the edges had been trimmed and weeds pulled out by Helen, Jessica, Kimberly and Nathan while Dave repainted the stayers line and Cam sealed the cracks and gaps between the duck board and banking.

40 excited kids were introduced to the excitement of Championship style racing, numbers were allocated and pinned onto jerseys.

The first event was the Alan Grindal 30 sec challenge, conditions weren’t conducive to setting personal best times but the effort from all was 110%

Next was a new event for the riders, scratch races in age categories and without a pacer! it was great to watch the kids apply their skills and tactics in a real race situation… and they didn’t dissappoint!!

Graded Scratch races followed and again the racing on display was sensational.

Alan Grindal popped in to say hello, he’s looking fit and well, I think retirement suits him!

The finale was the Drapac Porsche handicap, first 4 in each heat went through to the final and what a final!

Conor Murtagh was the back marker… and I don’t mean scratch! -40… that’s right! 40 metres behind scratch.

The starters whistle breaks the silence and the chase is on!

A thrilling finish saw Callum’s older brother Declan celebrate his first time at the Brunswick Clinic with a win.

And so the final race for the 2008-2009 season had been ridden, before I go some special people need to be thanked.

My family, who have supported my love of the greatest sport in the world and have accepted that on Sundays through Summer I won’t be home.

Dave Morgan, without his enthusiasim and dedication to this great sport the Clinic and the Brunswick Club wouldn’t be what it is.

Helen Morgan, Sheryl Vicino and Tracey Slattery for keeping the paper work up to date and the kiosk fridge and cupboards full.

Ben and Matt Ladner, two outstanding young men who choose to wake up early on Sundays rather than sleep in after a night out and help out at the clinic.

Jessica and Kimberly Morgan, inseperable sisters who, like Ben and Matt, could be doing other things on a Sunday morning but enjoy coming down to the Clinic instead to lend a hand.

Our “older” clinic riders, Peter, Nick, Christian, Will, Christina, Kirstie, Shaun, Conor for their mentoring of the younger riders.

The Drapac Porsche team for their generous support of the clinic and junior development.

Bendigo Bank and Rapido Cycles.

Peter Bourke for his donations of equipment  throughout the season.

Annabell and Jamie Drew for their generous donation of cycling apparell.

Mick and Opal for their support, encouragement and donation to the clinic.

And of course, the 120 kids and their parents who have come down to Harrison St and made Sunday mornings so enjoyable!

Hope to you all and more in November

onya cam.

This entry was posted by C. McFarlane on Monday, April 6th, 2009 at 10:43 am and is filed under Reports, Sunday Clinic.