Tell Dylan not to be put off by having his entry returned. The National Hill Climb has become very popular in recent years and particularly this year with it being held on Long Hill which is probably the least painful hill climb course in the country. To get a ride in this event you really need a few results in open hill climbs or time trials to put on your entry form as this piece of paper is all the organiser has to go on unless you are a well known rider. I suspect Dylan had to get his entry form sent off before he recorded his impressive 26th place in the Weaver Valley CC Hill Climb. I'm probably a less gifted rider than Dylan but have ridden the National Hill Climb, National 50 and National 12hr on account of the fact I was a regular rider of open events and always had a string of moderate performances to put on my entry forms. Sometimes experience will suffice in place of ability.

Keep on riding!

Paul.

I'm not to fussed about not getting a rider in all fairness, but there's people on that start sheet who i put 1minute+ into on our WVCC hill climb so i dont understand how my times didn't seem respectable. The fact i was the 3rd junior when i'm still only a juvenile obviously wasn't enough to get me a ride, Well never mind onwards and upwards I'll just make sure i ride a couple of hill climbs next near so i have more results to put on because aprently it goes on your average! seems stupid to me but I'll win it next year 😉

On the subject of hill climbs Paul, would you be able to post some good links or some more information on how you went about finding them? I haven't given it much thought yet but it is something I wouldn't mind having a go at next year as a change to road racing (mainly as I wasn't much good at it!). How is Scotland treating you too?

You need to get a CTT Handbook (the website will not give you all the info you need to enter an event) as 99% of HC's are run under their umbrella. There are also many good club events that you can ride and for those you need to find the clubs website, ask a member or me for details. Most events are in Sept-Oct with rare exceptions e.g. Kent Valley, Shap HC in May and Border City Whlrs, Hartside in Aug. To stretch your season out mountain/hilly TT's from March to May are one option.

I started a temporary job at Longannet power station on Aug 22nd then went onto nightshift on Sept 10th. I work 80.5hrs a week usually and have had one day off in the last six weeks. I've haven't turned a pedal since Sept 4th! Not that I'm complaining given what they are paying me. The time trialling scene up here is rubbish and the Renfrew Bunch chaingang really is the fastest in Scotland. I look forward to returning to Cheshire at some point, WVCC really is one of the best clubs in the land, but it all depends on whether I get kept on as storeman by Cape Industrial Services who I'm working for.

Thanks for the info Paul, I should've known that the best place to start would be the CTT handbook - what a novice!! Shame they dont run throughout the year, but I'll have a look at whats available as and when.
Sounds like they're working you hard up there, not surprised you haven't found any time to ride your bike! Still, if they're paying good money, make hay whilst the sun shines and all that. Think of all the shiny new bike bits you can buy later... Hope to see you soon.

Gareth I should also add that the 2012 handbook will be advertised and available for pre-order on the CTT website around November. It is published mid January. Nearer the time I can advise you or any other members on courses, parking, warm up areas, gearing etc for many of the events. Some of the club events take a bit more detective work to find but there are plenty to choose from. Although hill climbs can be brutal experiences they are probably the closest you'll get to feeling like a pro for a few minutes. The spectators are more numerous and enthusiastic and once you get to know the small band of HC specialists and the time keepers it's a great atmosphere. If I had one piece of advice to give it's that the warm up is crucial to getting the best out of yourself (30-45 mins on the rollers or on the road is essential).