A competition to set speed records for the Medway Velo club resulted in some fast times being posted.
The event, which took place at the 442-club, Gillingham on Wednesday, 11 January, involved club members riding rollers – a non-motorised ‘treadmill’ for push bikes. Two riders raced over 500 metres in what was described by onlookers as ‘an epic battle for speed.’
Stealing the victory for the veterans and reaching 58.5mph was head coach Rob Kennison who completed the 500 metres in 19.1 seconds. He narrowly took the win from son junior Tom Kennison (18) who was a mere 0.3 of-a-second behind Rob in 19.4 seconds.
Preventing a Kennison 1-2-3 was junior Adam Mumford (18) who reached 53.8 mph and finished in 20.84 seconds.
Bringing it home for the ladies in fine sprinting form was Debroah Hope who refused to let a fall from the rollers phase her and went for another round to clock up 22.9 seconds – 48.8 mph. In short – she smashed it!
Head Coach for the Medway Velo Club and winner of the event Rob Kennison said: ‘This was a fun event which really has showcased some of the talent coming through the clubs ranks. The juniors are showing a huge amount of potential and for the first time in some years we have some excellent lady riders who are keen to compete.
‘We welcome all levels of riders to the club and have rides to cater for everybody. If you are looking for fun sociable cycling or are a competitive cyclist looking to move onto the next level come and join us.’
The event would not have been the success it was had it not been for the ‘match officials’ Tom Knight and Ernie MacKey who kept a watchful eye on proceedings. Also preventing accidents, thrills and spills were Club President Rodney Kennison, Stan Franklin, Richard Kennison and Steve Harris who did a sterling job in keeping everyone safe by holding them in place on the rollers.
The next Medway Velo event will take place at the 422-club on Wednesday, 25 January. This is a turbo training session with roller champion Rob Kennison. Non-members are welcome (£3-fee) and the charge to members of £2. (Own bike/ turbo or rollers required).
Roller Racing 500m |
||
|---|---|---|
| Name | Time(s) | Av. Speed (Mph) |
| Rob Kennidon – Vet | 19.1 | 58.5 |
| Tom Kennison – Jnr 18 | 19.4 | 57.6 |
| Adam Mumford – Jnr | 20.84 | 53.8 |
| Jacob Kennison – Jnr 16 | 21.3 | 52.5 |
| Tyler Lemmon – Jnr 16 | 21.6 | 51.8 |
| Andy Hawes | 22.19 | 50.4 |
| Deborah Hope – W | 22.9 | 48.8 |
| Sally Smith – W | 24.1 | 46.4 |
| Vicky Strilla – W | 25.94 | 43.2 |
| Lou Mason – W | 26.0 | 43.0 |
| Alison Smith – W | 30.69 | 36.4 |
