KCA Speech

Well I have written a speech, I hope it is OK on the day, just have to wait and see I guess, transcript of it is below. Should be a great day, and really looking forward to it as well.

Bit of a bonus, is that I have been told my ticket is free whoo hoo, perk for winning the BAR.

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Wow, thank you very much. I would just like to say a few words,

Winning these awards means the world to me, looking at the previous winners, it makes me realise what I have achieved this year, and the honour it is to have my name alongside them. To actually set records and 1^st along the way just adds that little bit extra.

Obviously my race of the year was the 12 hour, what a fantastic event it is, I am just so glad we have someone like Ester that is willing to organise this after so many years. Breaking Ian’s SFA and KCA record was an emotional moment I will admit, I hoped to do it, but hoping and achieving can be miles apart. The 12 has a special atmosphere that is hard to beat, and being cheered on throughout the event is a amazing feeling. The event I feel is the jewel in the crown for the KCA and long may it continue, so a big thanks to Ester, Peter Stone, Pat and Ted Hill, Val and Tony Peachey and everyone else that assisted in the running of the 12 hour. I will certainly be back for more pain next year.

I must also thank the KCA for putting on events for us to race, and massive thanks to all the organisors, timekeepers, marshalls, and helpers that help to make sure these races are run for our benefit, I feel indebited to you all, and really do appreciate all the effort you go to.

I think us racers could do more to help though, as organisors sometimes suffer with a lack of helpers at KCA events, Pat is always going on about it in the mag, perhaps we could all try and give up one event and help with marshalling etc. I think we all must try our best to ensure the races go ahead.

I would like to say well done to all the award winners and medal winners, and to all riders that took part in 2010. Lets hope 2011 is another good year for the KCA and all riders in Kent, and that we get good competitions in the BAR again next year.

Lastly I must say thanks to Ann for organsing the lunch today and everyone at SFA, for the encouragement you have given me these last few years, a very big thanks to Ron Lee, who has helped me for both my 12 hours, thanks to my coach, Ruth Eyles she has done wonders for my riding, and to my wonderful Wife Heather, and my little lad Killian, for allowing me the time to train and race. It is never easy when your lad is pleading with you not to go out and train again. I hope I haven’t forgotten anyone, if I have I am sorry.

I wish the best to all riders in 2011, and hope you all have a good year. And once again Thank you very much.

What to Say

Well on Sunday it is the KCA lunch, and as I am the BAR Champion no doubt I will be expected to say a few words. Now, never really having been in this position, I am struggling to find words to express my feelings.

I was told to say something witty, not too sure I can think of anything witty that would be suitable, so I will probably stick to the thank you's etc.

To be honest it is a great privilege to actually win the title, in fact I have set a few records and first's as well which makes it even more special.

Delving into the history of the KCA BAR (I never knew anything about it 2 years ago), and seeing the names of some of the riders that have won it, it does make you think about the history of the KCA and the calibre of rider you need to be to actually challenge for it, let alone win it. It makes me feel quite humble, that in my 2nd year of TTing, and only 3 years of riding with a club (San Fairy Ann CC) that I have managed to win it, and in a record speed as well.

I know Sunday afternoon will be a magical afternoon for me, and no doubt my wife as well. I just hope that I can make a little speech, without making myself look foolish.