National 24 Hour TT Championship

 

In the ladies’ event Mrs Biddulph’s ride, although short of the record which she may have hoped for, was done under difficulties unknown to the spectators. Arriving on Friday evening she and her husband had eaten in a local restaurant, which seems to have caused him to suffer an acute attack of food poisoning. As a result Lynne herself had to manage on a single hour’s sleep – just about the last thing one would want as preparation for a 24.
 

 
Jill Wilkinson, who had looked so promising in the early stages, suffered a recurrence of a digestive ailment which has been affecting her for a couple of months and although she might have carried on, her helpers encouraged her to abandon fearing that there might be long term damage to her enthusiasm if she continued.
 
Silver medallist Marina Bloom, who must be one of the most experienced long distance riders on the current scene, commented that she felt she would have done another twenty miles on the Mersey course, and if this is correct it certainly gives added gloss to all the rides described above.
 

 
Most of us find it difficult to imagine riding a 24, but how would we feel about organising one? This event seemed to work perfectly and it would be a great omission not to mention Esther Carpenter and her team. Sadly, this season will mark the end of Esther’s career as an event promoter (at least so she says). Fifty two years of organising! It would be interesting to know if anyone else has exceeded this. Her presence will be greatly missed.