It was a warm, sunny, Spring day for the hill climb competition this year and numbers were triple that of last at 17.

This was my 16^th year of organising and will be my last and so if the event is to continue, we will need somebody else to volunteer to take on the job for next year.

It was great to see a mixture of ages and sections competing as well as about another 10 others who came to support the event, not least the legend that is John Ennis. Including the marshals and refreshment servers, there was approximately 30 people there, which was a pleasure to see.

My hardy, experienced band of helpers were in place but we nearly had a major mishap when it was found that the stop watches had no batteries about 5 minutes from the start. Polhill, where the event is held, is not known for its plethora of shops selling such items and fortunately the able Mike Gerlin and Emma Coffin were able to make do with just their mobile phones and disaster was averted.

The previous day several of us had been to the hill to blow, sweep, cut back branches and shovel a suitable path for the riders. The hut owner at the top had received a “thank you” bottle of wine for letting us serve the home made cakes and tea, from under their awning cakes were made the stove checked and all was ready.

So to the event itself. Richard Bevis not only helped marshal but had encouraged his sons, James and David, and their friend Chloe Haffenden to ride. Youth certainly shone through with James taking first place, 50 seconds ahead of the next rider, Paul McQuillen, and Chloe taking 1^st lady. David was well up the field in joint 5th, tying with our Secretary Martin Gill.

Paul was the winner of the Martin Davis cup, being the 1^st West Kent CTC rider. Justin Quelch did a very good ride and was 3^rd with last year’s winner, Simon Hattersley, 4th. We should not forget the determined ride of our oldest entrant, Peter Woods, who at 83 gained second place overall in the handicap.

The team prize is awarded to the section with its’ best 3 riders’ times combined and this went to the Sunday Shorts, with The Orpingtons second.

All in all a good time was had by all and my thanks go to all of the helpers, riders and supporters that made the day a success.

Peter Ashlee.

Name	Age	Section	Time	Place		Handicap Time	Place after handicap
James Bevis	28	Guest	2.02	1st		2.02	1st
Paul McQuillen	62	Sunday Shorts	2.52	2nd		2.41	4th
Justin Quelch	62	Bexleyheath	2.59	3rd		2.48	6th=
Simon Hattersley	68	Hardrider	3.01	4th		2.3	3rd
Martin Gill	76	Hardrider	3.02	5th=		2.44	5th
David Bevis	25	Guest	3.02	5th=		3.02	9th
Peter Ashlee	64	Sunday Shorts	3.03	7th		2.48	6th=
Andrew Wythes	67	Ton & Tun Wells	3.17	8th=		2.5	8th
Chloe Haffenden	26	Guest	3.17	8th=		3.17	12th
Jon Ennis	64	Medway	3.19	10th		3.04	10th
Andy Davis	64	Sunday Shorts	3.20	11th		3.05	11th
Mark Dow	60	Medway	3.34	12th		3.27	14th
Stephen Brown	67	Orpingtons	4.21	13th		3.54	15th
Rob Seal	72	Ton & Tun Wells	4.22	14th		3.18	13th
Peter Woods	83	Orpingtons	4.26	15th		2.24	2nd
Mark Nelson	67?	Bexleyheath	4.29	16th		3.58	16th
Richard Bush	68	Orpingtons	5.02	17th		4.31	17th

1st Overall                    : James Bevis

1st West Kent Cyclist : Winner of the Martin Davis Cup : Paul McQuillen

1st Lady                         : Chloe Haffenden

1st Veteran (0ver 80) : Peter Woods

Team Prize (with best combined times of 3 section members )

1st Sunday Shorts : 9:15

2nd Orpingtons     :13:49