Dark Knight - Howes Creek Handicap
By Chris Miller.
The night was dark and stormy as the MMBCC gathered for the Howes Creek Handicap. It was a brave group of souls who somewhat reluctantly kitted up for an evening of racing knowing that their tiny layer of lycra was barely enough protection against the roaring southerly and black clouds on the horizon. As I left the bike shop Tim Ross eye-balled me saying "I hope you checked the weather radar as we will need a spinnaker tonight!!"
Capital Mel Green ran the show at the start line with strict instructions to hold your lines and watch for strong wind gusts. 3, 2, 1, and Tony Morris was off with a 5min lead then Jacob, Bocky, Jagger, Dr Eisner rolled out and were the first bunch to take on the headwind. Tim Hall, Belinda Cipa, and Bella Green were next off with a nod and wink from Capital Mum. Off next with a 4 min gap to chase was the engine room of the race with Bruce "The Don" Halket, Cannon Ball Bakker , Tim "Spinnaker" Ross, Elise "What is a road bike?" Empey, Janine "I'll show you what a road bike can do" Appleton. With a 3 min gap chase the next group welcomed the local Member for Tourism Chris McKnight to the MMBCC with Chris Miller as his only wingman as handy fella Matt Empey had been called out by the CFA for a fire at Balmattum. Last but not least was the crack Scratch Squad with Jake "Youth" Lay, Andrew "Freight Train" Garrett, and local legend Josh "Legs and Lungs" Hopwood.
The tempo needed to be kept high as the bunches took on the headwind out to Howes Creek Rd. All were too scared to look up and see the weather front and black clouds getting ever closer. We all navigated the Howes Creek Rd intersection safely thanks to the marshals. Allen Gerrans, Rob Skinner, and Mike Peace.
The cross winds continued to strengthen as we headed east with McKnight providing some excellent turns on the front with Miller and maintaining the gap back to the scratch pack. We took on the rolling hills and winding course before we saw the first rider. Tony Morris was doing a great job staying at the front of the race. Then we passed a few more groups that were all ahead of us before the turn at Cummins Rd. That’s when the rain started with some heavy raindrops on the course. Slowly McKnight and Miller bridged the gaps of the groups encouraging others to join the train home. Soon we caught the engine room bunch with Bruce the Don jumping on the wheel and leading his group to do the same. The rain was now heavy as we hit the rolling hills and steep pinches. Everyone did a great job cresting together and then supporting each other on the descents.
The storm was now really upon us with heavy wind gusts and thick pouring rain. During the long final descent, I could barely see through my sunnies as the rain was so heavy. Everyone did a great job riding safely in very tough conditions and looking after each other. With the final rollers to go Miller put in a final push but from nowhere came the great local legend Josh " Legs and Lungs" Hopwood who used his momentum to pass and gap Miller just enough to hold him off for the win. Followed closely by Andrew Garrett, Chris McKnight, Jake Lay, Bruce the Don, Eilise Empey, Belinda Cipa, Darren Bakker, Dr John, Tony Morris, Tim Ross, Bella Green, Tim Hall, Dave Jagger, and Bocky.
Well done Joshy as you rode the perfect race and especially well down to all riders taking on the challenging conditions, looking after each other, and all getting home safely.
Huge kudos to all marshals for volunteering and ensuring our presence is known while on the roads.
Many thanks to Tony Copland for his race images.
