Well, it was a distinctly damp run-up to the start of Round Two at Edinburgh on Saturday 14th June 2025. However, the Weather Gods must have smiled on us as the torrential downpour subsided and stopped altogether by start time or just after. Edinburgh and Glasgow clubs between them had provided most welcome covered pits so we'd have stayed dry in the pits at least.
Heros of the day though had to be Neil "Archie" McPherson and his little squad of helpers whose fantastic efforts in digging a fresh drainage trough from th starting gate to the central soakaway really saved the day and made racing at least possible. However, not everyone managed to get to grips with a still very tricky surface! Still some great scraps on track though with careful line choice more important than sheer power.
Turnout was very low, not a total surprise with early holiday season looming, the obvious harsh weather forecasts all the preceding week, and the sheer distance for many of the normal suspects. However, one instant benefit for organiser Fred Rothwell was that only a single 16-man programme was required, making previous long-drawn-out administration before, during and after the event thankfully unnecessary.
With five Scots in the meeting home support was good, and the organisation by the Falcons second to none. Great work by Edinburgh Old Boy Alan Smith on the loud hailer and a prudent move of Falcons Supremo Alex Matthews to acquire the gazebos and get the whole show on the road as well as volunteering to Referee the meeting. Unsung hero Irene McPherson and her merry little band of helpers did a great job with the refreshments and that super BBQ was a real bonus.
As to the action, there was a lot more passing than normal due to the sketchy conditions so plenty of entertainment to brighten up the afternoon. As is generally the case, the cream tends to rise to the top, and the usual suspects dominated the strong Over 50s field with a familiar look to the podium, and the current core of the England Vets team scoring big. However every rider deserves high praise for their efforts on a tricky day. Star performance in my humble (irrelevant) opinion came from the aforementioned Archie McP, really getting stuck in against a pack of the UK's very best Over 50 superstars.
As ever, George Swanson has covered the event widely with his variety of lenses, (see his stuff on Facebook) going for mood this time with an atmospheric Black & White portfolio.
I should mention that you'll no longer see Over 60s being awarded points in the Over 50 club, and ditto the Over 50s in the 40s, thanks to an eminently sensible suggestion to keep the categories separate by our E-V Ambassador Craig Marchant and chum Kevin Burns which means we will no longer see the possibility of the same four riders, for instance, filling more than one Final and taking home an armful of pointless silverware.
And the up to date Results Sheets after the first two rounds:
