End of term report

2009 felt like a long year, though as the last hours crept up it was gone. The realisation really hit home when clearing the snow outside the back door I found a bogging pair of Sidi's that had been dumped there after Mull, a reminder that the off season had begun.
VCM have now completed two full seasons and is starting to realise its identity and potential, not a vintage year with a few exceptions but a good one never the less, charactors have been built, ill health has been dealt with and passions have been stirred but good times have been had. We've seen the arrival of several new riders and lost a couple of of old ones, never easy to accept but that's the way it is, this thing called VCM can never be everything to everyone, everyday and so things change.
Goodbye first up to Anja, she was missed by all of us this year and most notably at the SCX, her influence on the team has been a big and strong one. Goodbye to Phil Moore, this guy is a stud on a bike, this year he fought through Lymes and came back stronger than ever, always pushing harder and always with a smile, good luck with Morvelo, our paths haven't finished crossing yet. Goodbye to Jac (Strachan) Marquis, Jac who was one of the first to sign up to VCM has moved on. Jac had a turbulent year with health after the epic Portugal race and has decided to have a rethink about her racing strategy for 2010. Anja, Phil and Jac, you are friends, good luck for the future.
And hello to, Lyndsey Carson, what a great season, her first full season riding cross and finishing 4th in the series, a great start. Lyndsey is a great all round rider and we look forward to hearing about her 2010 season.

And so to the awards.
thanks to all who took the time to nominate their favourites of the year.
Combatant rider of the year. Steve Halsall for his awesome ride at this years 3 peaks cyclo cross
Blog entry of the year, so much good stuff but a clear favourite, On a Whim was Mark's account of riding up to the Black isle, good lad tapping out a big ride on his own and blogging it nicely.
The Carp of Shame, John McCallum for driving all the way from Strathpeffer to Dundee for a cross race to discover he forgot his kit, an unforgivable sin.
Supporter of the Year. An easy one, Andy Wardman, the first man to draw blood from cowbell ringing! He set the standard for support but we look forward to seeing him back on the start line this year.

Ok folks, well done everybody.

See you all soon for the VCM Spring Classics.