I unfortunately wasn't able to attend the meeting and have been away a lot due to work commitments so haven't managed to contribute yet. I'd like to echo the comments of others that it was an excellent series this year and I really enjoyed being involved, so thanks to everyone who gives up their time to make these events happen.
I thought the Wheldrake circuit was a nice addition and the two events were exceptionally well organised by York Cycleworks.
On the courses used, I thought it was a good mix of flat circuits and more challenging ones, and I personally wouldn't mind seeing more hilly events. I accept that isn't everyone's point of view, though, and I think a similar mix to this year would be fine. I would be sad to lose the Ganthorpe and Coneysthorpe courses, but I can also see why we are discussing dropping them. For me it isn't really Terrington Bank that is the problem; sure, it's fast and a bit scary, but it's straight and in any case descending is part of the sport. The bigger problem is the descent before climbing Bulmer Bank, where if there is traffic coming down the bank it can be impossible to avoid riding in the gravel at the bottom. I think this just about edges into being too dangerous.
The 19.5 mile course proposed looks appropriately challenging, but my personal view is that this is a bit long for an evening event. As one of the slower riders I would definitely be out there for over an hour given the hilly nature of the circuit, and that's not so easy as I would be coming home from work in Leeds and then riding out to the event and back home again. So I would suggest that the Castle Howard circuit mentioned might be a better option.
Finally, as alluded to earlier, it would be good to have accurate course distances. The Sutton "10" as we currently run it is not 10 miles, and I think the Coneysthorpe circuit is described as being 14 miles when it's nearer 13 as far as I can tell.
Anyway, thanks again for a great series and I look forward to supporting this again next season. I probably can't assist in organising events, but I can certainly marshal and would also be happy to help out with timekeeping if there is someone willing to mentor me at this.
Cheers,
Paul Wilson