WITH the cycling and triathlon season coming to an end it is tempting to try and compete in all the last remaining events being held and it is particularly unhelpful when some are scheduled to take place on the same day.

However, this did not deter Okehampton cycle club members and local triathletes Mike and Jacky Rice who, being unable to choose between entering a cycle hill climb competition or triathlon, both scheduled for last Sunday, decided to participate in both events on the same day!

The first was the Rodney Pyne Memorial Hill Climb taking place on Sunday morning at Sidmouth, hosted by Sid Valley CC.

This was held in memory of a local hotelier, who had been a keen cyclist, and was well supported by the local community who lined the course and gave vocal support.

Competitors are sent off in one minute intervals and having requested an early start Mike and Jacky set off just after 10am and were part of a 50-strong field of riders taking on the infamous Peak Hill, which rises steeply from Sidmouth seafront, the course being a solid one-mile climb with a 16% average gradient.

Having not ridden a competitive hill climb for two years it was from the outset a hard uphill slog to the finish with little time for recovery. However, Jacky was rewarded for her efforts by taking the prize for the fastest lady, with a time of 8 minutes 36 seconds and received a trophy, framed picture of Sidmouth and cheque.

Following the prizegiving the bikes were hastily packed in the car to make the 80-mile drive to Wadebridge Sports Centre in Cornwall to participate in their annual sprint triathlon event, consisting of a 400-metre swim, 15-mile bike ride and five-mile run.

The organisers had agreed to a later starting time for Mike and Jacky and a little after 2pm, feeling a little jaded and questioning their sanity for their decision to take on both events, they were quickly into the swim discipline.

A strong headwind on an undulating course made the cycle ride a challenge, followed by a relatively flat run which utilised part of the popular Camel Trail cycle path.

This time both Mike and Jacky were rewarded for their efforts, Mike taking first prize in the male veteran competitions aged 45-50 category, with a time of 1.32.20 and Jacky awarded the top lady's prize for being the fastest female competitor with a time of 1.34.50.

They have no plans to repeat this feat and needless to say after such physical exertion both had a very good night's sleep!