Paragon Hill Climb and Downhill Championships

The weekend of October 17th And 18th was the club's Hill Climb and Downhill Championship. 12 of us turned up to compete on what was a cold Autumn day for the Hill Climb. White Lane, aka Titsey Hill was the chosen climb - also the hill used in the Bec CC climb the week earlier. I'd only cycled this a couple of time before - it's a real brute. Only 700 yards (640m) but relentless. It starts of with 17% and ends up with a 25% finish.

I set off 5th and decided on a steady start. After 200 yards the gradient ramps up. The cold air hitting the lungs was like breathing in anti-freeze. The legs scream. The last 100 yards I'm out the saddle giving it everything and cross the line completely exhausted.

2.17.00 is my time - very happy with that. Just milliseconds ahead of Mark B for second place. Matt puts in a stunning time of 204.7 to win.

1. Matt Pilkington - 2.04.7
2. Alan Strang - 2.17.0
3. Mark Brown - 2.17.2
4. Louis Proust - 2.21.1
5. Mark Perry - 2.24.4
6. Graham Little - 2.31.3
7. Jeff Tann - 2.42.4
8. James Felstead - 2.43.0
9. Nigel Wood - 2.54.9
10. Mark Orphan - 2.56.6
11. Matt West - 3.02.3
12. Andrew Eagles - DNF

The following day 14 of us set off for the club Downhill. Some cracking roads lead us to Tilburstow hill near Godstone. Cranks were cable-tied up and one-by-one we set off in our best aero tuck. This was a real hoot. Two cars passed me on the way down but as they slowed at the junction I trickled past and eventually came to a halt just before the brow of the hill towards Godstone. Comfortably first - Woohoo!
1. Alan Strang
2. Matt Pilkington
3. Mark Parsons
4. Simon Bird
5. David Jones
6. Gary McGowan
7. Steve Sorba
8. Louis Proust
9. Sarah Strong
10. Jai Watson
11. Mark Turner
12. Mark W
13. David JB
14. Giles Borton