A report by Richard Lewin

On a misty morning in mid-September ten brave-hearts set off on the inaugural Ashendon biathlon.

The course; a five mile run followed by a 6 mile bicycle race.

There were three categories, Adult male/female and Under 16s. Although numbers were low each group was represented.

At 8:10 they set off from opposite DAF car park and headed off towards Princes Risborough.

Details are vague about this section of the race as I had to stay behind and move the Starting point into Thame to become the Finishing point. (Someone had to do it!) However they all turned up to claim their bikes from 39 to 57 minutes later. Split timings were by Jo Gundle who had been left earlier in the morning (with husband Roger) at Horsenden Tennis Club guarding the velocipedes. Good work.

Having mounted, they then pedalled with all haste back to Thame to try and find where I had put the finishing line. Competition was fierce and speeds previously unheard of during village events were achieved. Again, my knowledge of this bit are vague, as I had to move the start…(you know the rest). However I have heard tales of one person going over his handle-bars (twice) and landing on his feet both times (no names as he was on a borrowed bike); someone got lost, (on the Phoenix Trail?) and detoured up someone’s drive and there was an incident of un-gentlemanly language used when he was overtaken by a member of the fairer sex within sight of the finishing line. Poor show I say. Later, he reported to having cramp in his leg. He would say that wouldn’t he?. At this point I should mention the great work done by Dennis and his children on the pelican crossing button. By spotting the competitors as they approached he could give them a clear run through to Thame.

By 10o’clock it was all over and by 11o’clock we were eating bacon sandwiches at home reminiscing about the morning’s events. Post race analysis agreed that this should be run again next year but with a 3 mile run (the bit they all hated) followed by a longer bike ride. Sounds OK to me, tell me where to start and stop them and I’ll be there.

The category winners were;        

Well done to all those who took part, they all receive a medal and sore legs to remember the day by.

Finishing times, after adjustments for my lack of a stopwatch, were;