Hospice Hill Climb Series - All is well that ends well on Gamswell Fell

The final round of the Hospice hillclimb series took place on 1st September up the Gamswell hill course. 18 riders took part on a picture perfect evening and produced some seriously quick times.

Youth shone through with the overall win taken by Barrow Central Wheelers, Connor Furness clocking a lightning 5-27 and shaving over 40 seconds off his first go.

In the women’s category the win was taken by recently crowned (for a 9th time!) world masters champion Anne Plant, with 6-52.

The veteran’s category was hotly contested, and top wrinkly was Lakes Eammon Quinn at 6-27, taking over 30 seconds off his last time. Also competing was an interesting effort by local tri-athlete George Ambrose, who ditched the bike & ran the course!

The Mens category was taken by Scotty Smith, just missing out on the overall at 5-33.

Congratulations must go to the Barrow Central Wheelers who completed a clean sweep in the interclub event. Well done to the yellow menace for a comprehensive win and big turn out to all the races.

A huge thank you goes to the Ulverston Brewing Company for sponsoring this race and to all the businesses that have sponsored the other races. 4 £10 vouchers were handed out to the winners of each category at this event, along with 4 spot prizes kindly supplied by the Brewery.

None of the races would have taken place without the help of volunteers who gave up their free time to marshal, time keep, take photos, update websites, and give assistance. THANK YOU also to Steve, Ian, Wils, Andy, Miss Jenkinson, Zoe, Chadders, Ivor, Brenda & George, Tony, Mike, Claire, Allan, Pete, Charis, the Furness's, Roz & Flumps, the oldies, & Martyn.

We are delighted to announce that throughout the series we have raised £218.53 for St Mary’s Hospice, which is more than we had hoped for.

The organisers hope that everyone enjoyed a chance to have a go throughout the summer at what is usually an autumn sport and appreciate all the generosity in raising funds for the Hospice.

Thanks to everyone that had a go this year and we look forward to seeing you in 2012.

Howie Lindow