In a break from our usual TT tradition of howling windy weather, riders were greeted with near perfect conditions for our first race of truth of the 2023 road season. A light westerly wind gave the racers a gentle push on the way out, while making the return leg a little more challenging, meaning that pacing would have to be perfect if riders were going to hold pace on the hilly return leg.

First off the start ramp was Jo Wauch, and all riders benefited from Marty Inglis giving a welcome hold on the start ramp ensuring a clean take-off – thanks Marty! It was 2 Wilkos off next, and a special mention goes to Richard Wilko returning to his TT bike after a long layoff…amazing return! Dene and Abbott followed on, with Roddy and Hugh next off. This left the big hitters to follow, as current RROTY champ Pat Ferris sailed off with his new TT lid on his schmick aero Merida roadie, followed by new gun James Greene on his slick Canyon Speedmax rig. TT specialist Phil “keglegs” Thomas was next up, followed by current TT champ Andy Robb, with current road champ Toby Inglis last off.

Halfway time splits were not available, but holding her ground was Jo Wauch who was first to cross the finish line. Abbott White was not far behind, and he literally emptied the tank over his race jersey at the finish to shave 30 seconds off his effort on last years Long Swamp TT – top effort Abbott! Patty was closing in on Hugh on the Imbota climb, and these two would trade places on the return leg before Pat finally put Hugh to the sword on the final push up Dump Hill to record the fastest time on a road bike averaging just under 39kmh.

At the pointy end of the race James, Phil & Andy were neck and neck on the run for home, with Andy just nudging out James by a measly 6 seconds, and Phil coming in just behind. But it was Toby Inglis who was revelling in the hilly parcours that was tailor made for his skillset, and he blazed the return leg to easily overhaul Andy and set a new sub 22min course TT record averaging just under 42kmh – sensational effort Toby!

Well done to all racers – next week we return to Boorolong for RRORTY round 3!