The 2006 edition of the Bec CC Hill Climb was absolutely remarkable on several fronts. Firstly, for the very first time in the history of the event we had a dead heat for 1st place.
Gary Dodd of Sigma Sport, and Bill Bell of the Gemini B.C. battled to the line, in atrocious weather to both record a time of 1.49.17. Neither of these ‘Kings of the Hill’ have, as yet, stuck their heads above the turret for this years event, and neither have they been spotted out reconnoitering White Lane in prep for another crack at taking the honours.
But there’s still ample time for them to get their entries into the post, so watch this space! Having said that a couple of ‘Names’ have thrown their hats into the ring for 07, but more of that in further bulletins from Hill Climb HQ!
Secondly, the very fact that the event was run at all was remarkable. The weather was possibly the worst the race had ever been held in since its 1956 inception, apart form when the Great Storm of 1987 made the hill impassable by fallen trees.
Yet despite such appalling conditions, still a record number of competitors battled their way up the hill against a torrent of rain that made it more akin to a swimming gala then a cycle race. Remarkable feats of riding, that have added stories of valiant ascents to the history pages, of what is fast becoming a ‘cult event’ amongst hill climbs.
And on a final front, the crowds! To quote one of last years riders “This event has better crowds, and more atmosphere, than most Premier Calendar events”, says it all.
The very fact that so many people came out to stand in the torrential rain, watch the riders, shout themselves hoarse, and create such an incredible and probably unique cycle event atmosphere was unbelievable. To all of you that were there, we at the Bec thank you & hope that you enjoyed yourself enough to come back for more this year. And if you weren’t there, or have never been, than you dont know what your missing!
This year, it is my aim to have an even bigger, better, (and a lot drier) event, and we have again been granted a Full Road Closure by those very nice people at Tandridge District Council. And for that we are very very grateful.
Race Details
Date: 21st October, 2007
Time: 2.00pm
Course: GH/31 White Lane, ‘Titsey’ Nr Westerham, Kent. 700 yards of mainly 1 in 6, with a 1 in 4 ‘blip’ approx 100 yards from the line!
Prize List:
1st — :£1,000.00. Plus the Mr & Mrs R.G.Beckett Trophy to be held for one year, and a complimentary ticket to the Bec C.C. Luncheon & Prize Presentation.
2nd — :£100.00
3RD — :£50.00
Fastest team/club of 3 — :£900.00
Fastest Lady — :£20.00
Fastest Jnr — :£20.00
Fastest Vet — :£20.00
Lantern Rouge — :£10.00 for making the effort & taking part.
Greatest beating of the event record of 1.44.4 set by Gary Dodd, Kingston Phoenix RC in 1995 — :£75.00
Special Prize for 50th place — :£50.00 from the organiser who will have just celebrated his 50th Birthday!
Further details:
Event Organiser, Garry Beckett
H: 0208 656 9724
Mob: 07802 898 259
Email: garrybeckett1@aol.com