Heckington Show 2009 – News Article from BC Web Site

When Dave Kennedy took over the organisation of the long-running Grass Track racing at the Heckington show (near Sleaford Lincs) he wanted something new on the program and proposed an inter-club challenge between local Go-Ride clubs. Witham Wheelers (Grantham), Sleaford Wheelers and Spalding CC took up the challenge of finding six under 16 riders ready to race on the day.

The teams were a mix of existing club riders with several years experience participating in local talent team sessions to riders who had only started a couple of months ago in Go-Ride schemes at local schools on mountain bikes, with only one practice session on track bikes to get the hang of a fixed wheel.

The racing took part on the Saturday morning in the main arena scheduled around the start and finish of the 10 mile running race. The competition consisted of Pursuit, Team Sprint, Sprint and Scratch Races with each rider taking part in 3 events each spread over two different age groups and all finishers scoring points. This resulted in some well contested events throughout despite the wide range of abilities. In the end, Sleaford Wheelers were worthy winners having the strongest all-round team from Spalding CC and the more inexperienced Witham Wheelers. 3rd.

All agreed it had been a great experience to have the chance to race in front of a large crowd appreciative of their efforts and the chance to win a healthy prize for club funds, courtesy of sponsors HSBC. From this experience, Grass Track racing is definitely an underrated way of introducing young riders to racing in a safe fun environment and we hope for at least a repeat event next year, with possible further local events being planned.

Thanks go to Elaina Kennedy for organizing the Track bikes and the racing programme on the day, and Club Go-Ride coaches Peter Pain, Adrian Hayler and Adam Ellis for putting the teams together.