Hiya Everyone,
The 2nd Durham Big Ride took place on Sunday and the Hawks were well represented in every ride. The 10 mile and 25 mile ride set off together with the Hawks lined up on the front. Alex, Joe, Edward, James, Matt, Keir, myself and the newly joined Imogen set off in a field of more than 1.000 riders. It wasn't a race but Joe and Alex wanted to be first back and I wanted to be 1st girl. I was 1st girl back last year in about 25th place and was hoping to do better. Its a great course mostly on roads and very hilly with the last part back into Durham on good trials. Alex and Joe got away from the start and I was in the bunch behind them. The bunch stayed together until the 2 big climbs just prior to the off road section when it broke up with just 3 of us left. Myself, my Dad and another guy (sorry didn't get his name). On the approach to the finish in County Hall we took a wrong turn which I recovered from quickest and took advantage to finish 3rd. Dad died finishing 5th and our cycling companion 4th. It was a good ride and I really enjoyed it. All our riders did really well. The Hawks had their photo taken with the Mayor and Mayoress.
Imogen Brook did really well on her ride representing the Hawks she did the 10 mile ride.
In the little ride we had Rebekah and Daniel Scott riding for us and they also along with Roshen demonstrated the skills session promoting Hetton Hawks. Hopefully we will have attracted some new members. There was a good photograph of the start in the Northern Echo yesterday and if you google BBC Wear there are more photos of the event including some good ones of the Hawks.
Well done to the organiser Ed Tutty and to everyone who made the ride possible. If you get the chance to ride next year give it a go it's really good.

On Saturday Emma B and myself went to Manchester to join Eastland Velo for their track session. We were made very welcome and both enjoyed it. Thanks to Eastland Velo we'll be back soon.

I'll be at training at Hetton on Saturday hope to see you all there.

Love from
Emma T
xxx