The 14 riders that signed on for the Bournemouth Jubilee100 , the final trial in the four ride winter series were rewarded with bright sunshine and light winds, the roadside snowdrops adding to the springtime feel. A further 3 signed on for the 100k option, the total numbers a little disappointing with the weather being so helpful however the wind and rain that was a feature of both the 100k in December and the 75 in January perhaps spoilt ambitions and ability to complete the set.


As far east as Holmsley and as far west as Piddletrenthide, the 100 is a great loop around this end of Dorset, no big climbs but plenty of ups and downs along the way. What little wind there was was on our backs and the cold start of the day dissipated as we flirted with the national park before heading west to Blandford; the road was flooded at Harbridge Green but we’ve seen it worse. Through Bryanston School and on to Shillingstone, a little bit of main road before the left hander and the lanes started to get mucky. Mud and gravel spread across roads at Okeford Fitzpaine before the filthy drop down to Fifehead St Quentin, it seemed like we were off-roading at times. Droop, Hazelbury Bryan, Mappowder, Folly, Plush, a grippy section rewarded with the fast drop down the Piddle Valley to Puddletown, we are now 70 miles in, Concentration is called for! Tincleton, Waddock Cross and Cloud’s Hill, the legs can feel it now but as someone said “it’s all downhill from here”. Good to see Oliver Gill out again supporting the local club, look out for the Great Britain junior academy rider at the National Track Championships in a couple of weeks time, but for now he was ramping up the speed on the front, eventually riding away at Corfe Mullen, first one back is always nice if you can do it.
Well done to all that got around, 100 miles in the first weekend of February is always a challenge, which of course is the reason to do it!


A thank you also to Jonathan Charman and Mark Hitchcott, smiling, making teas and coffees as well as bacon sarnies for the more hungry. It was a late one for them as two of the Purbeck Peleton rolled in after 430pm having set off a little late but were still greeted with a much needed hot drink and cake.
The finishers (in no particular order): Gennaro Apetino (PP), Fareed Azimee (BJW), Louisa Cooper (BJW), Eamonn Deane (BJW), Oliver Gill (TofautiEAM), Nick Henson (PP), Chris Hoare (PP), Robert Pilato (BJW), Kevin Ridge (BJW), Tom Stocker (BJW), Roland Tilley (B’mouth Cycleworks), Mark Westcott (BJW) and Marc Woodall (unatt)
Also completing the 100K: Michelle Walters (BACC), Richard Walters (BJW), Gary Chiverton (BJW) and Martyn Sheppard (BJW)
A special congratulations to Eamonn Deane, Tom Stocker and Marc Woodall for completing the set, a couple of beers waiting at the finish to greet them.

