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Home Contacts Events Safety Membership Club Rules Links Photo Gallery Club Kit News     website by MM	Coach Profile - Terry Blake Profile on Terry Blake (contd.)   Through Mick Ballard's help I eventually "beat the hour" which was my original target (I've always had targets), finishing up with a 56'. On the day, beating world champion Beryl Burton on the notorious V134 and getting a mention in TT Legends. I was only ever a journeyman club rider with the West Kent RC but managed to qualify for National Cahmpionship 25's and got a best position of 10th in the National Cyclo-Cross Championships. Not much, really, for all that effort. I dabbled with road races, but was once disqualified by E.Wingrave after 65 miles and getting a second place. My crime was taking a banana from a spectator at 25 miles ! I never rode another road race. Thanks, Eddie ! A knee injury, as a result of using too big a gear on a slope in a 25 forced me into a 'layoff'. When I was fit again I had lost heart, momentum and my mates had moved on, so I packed up for the second time. I took up squash, which I found much easier and warm too. Come the '90s, the bug bit again and with Mick B started riding Sunday mornings to the cafe, barely hanging on. On retiring from work I turned to coaching. This got me into a job as a National Standards cycle trainer working for Bexley, Bromley and Greenwich councils and freelance adult training too. For fun I then went on to do a BC coaching course with Sophie which led me to Go-Ride Bexley, joining my 4th club, the Woolwich CC and further courses to get the Level 2 track endorsement with Calshot accreditation. This year I have been lucky enough to achieve more life-long targets, riding the classic Alpine Lake Annecy circuit, one of last year's (2009) Tour stages, with both my son and son-in-law. I also got to ride the boards at Calshot and Newport - that was great fun ! I can no longer afford the luxury of ambitions, but have certain regrets, one being not trying hard enough when it mattered, but it's all been wonderful fun and I have met and made the best friends you could ever wish for, and it is still happening ! I have enjoyed my time with GRB and I hope the kids have and enjoy the same fun as I have had in cycling. Looking back I now think it is time to call it a day, my only intention being to help ocassionally (if required) with the future generation of bikers, despite my now limited capabilities. Thanks, guys !