RAAM ends with transcontinental record after brave ride.

Taken from CTT web page

RAAM - Ann Wooldridge

Ann completed the 3,000+ mile Race Across America but is classed as DNF as she was outside the time limit.
After a nasty crash around the 1,900 mile point and an 18 hour break

(trip to hospital etc) Ann bravely continued to acheive her aim.
Below is an extract taken from the Official RAAM site
The Briton, a long-time member of Gloucester RC, fought tooth-and-nail to stay in the race after sustaining several injuries crashing into a drainage ditch in Montana. Unfortunately, she narrowly lost out to the time limit, being ruled an official DNF in Rouzerville, PA, a mere 140 miles from the finish.
Despite this, Wooldridge fought on to finish “unofficially” in Annapolis and to secure the fastest crossing for a 50+ woman.
In this whole race, from all the categories, her story has been one of my favourites. I admired her quiet tenacity and focus while riding, while the fact she is a fellow Brit also helped to endear her to me; I was really hoping she would make the finish, against the odds after her nasty tumble. After coming so close to an “official” finish in Annapolis, we dearly hope she returns in the future to banish any unfortunate memories from this year’s race!

Also this:-
Ann Wooldridge could teach the world a lot. She rode to the city docks in Annapolis, MD last night and was cheered by about 150 supporters from the USA, Brazil, the UK and many other places. Team Can Be Adventures was there with both Daniela Figueiredo Genovesi and Janet Christiansen, who applauded and hugged this bike warrior Ann Wooldridge.
There was a lot of awe and many tears. Ann appeared frail in the least, shy and overcome. In all my years of involvement with RAAM I have never witnessed such a moment. I was alarmed at her state, but with time she spoke, she had a megaphone but was barely audible and a little time later she smiled, she knew she had accomplished something very special.
In RAAM, it is always a thrill to watch the first place finishers cross the line, but a deeper appreciation and understanding comes with the back of the pack. Ann was an official DNF in RAAM, but she still set a transcontinental record for women 50+ and she accomplished so much more than finishing what she set out to do. She inspired millions; she rode the good ride, the toughest race and then some.
To Ann Wooldridge I say thank you for demonstrating what is important and what can be accomplished with true grit, a gigantic heart and an unstoppable spirit.
Photographs HERE

Walford 10 25/6/09 & News

Welsh Champion for 50. Has he got one leg shorter than the other?

Tired of his picture, send me any you think suitable for blogs.

A warm but slightly breezy evening greeted the 18 riders taking part in this week’s Walford 10. I seem to recall saying last week it would be a fast night, and as per usual I was right. Cookie brought out the fast wheels covering everyone with cobwebs. He found the return home a little hard in the end having to settle with being 10 seconds off his record. Highlight of the night was the smile on Jerry’s face when he got back and the announcement

“the daddie’s back”, amazing what a little training does for some people!

Fallon seems to be stuck in the 24:30 bracket. Maybe a slower out will give him more horsepower for the return leg. Martin set himself a new PB this week on what is a harder course than the Forest’s same course but in reverse. I thought I might cut into his advantage this week (well I did, but not by much), my superb aerodynamics closed the gap from last weeks road bike 10! Its now my turn to have the bad neck, looking around to see Graham closing in to within 1 second. That Aero wheel and helmet must be doing the thing.

Will had a couple of practice launches at the start with his chain coming off twice. Alan Crowley appeared happy with his 1st ride on the Walford course from our end. Clive appeared to struggle a little this week, is it the over training? Wayne put in a really good ride, and is a good gauge of the differences between Old Gore and Walford as he uses a road bike on both.

The 27-minute club is being a little elusive for James, again just outside it. Robin improved from the last Walford and has now put his gun sights on James. Bill & Mike look to have resumed their battle from last year. Mike must now be serious, as he took the front mudguard off and put in his fast front wheel. Jason turned up on a borrowed road bike saying he was going to knock 10 minutes off his time. Well blow me, he almost did it! His new bike is on order.

Gerald also improved and has been steadily knocking time off all year. Colleen thought her training the night before had taken the edge off her performance, but still set herself a new PB. Mary was also a happy lassie with her best performance this year. Rider of the night this week is Jason for such an improvement in time.

Next week is 3 laps of Much Marcle Circuit. If driving out park safely, and don’t use the village hall.

Forest event is a very fast Lydbrook 10.

Our man Cook this week won prize monies from the Worcester St John 10 miler. Dangerfield failed to turn up when he heard Cookie was riding, so Cookie ended up with a nice big trophy. This is going to cost him a fortune, as he will need an extension for a trophy room. To round the weekend off, he struggled like crazy in a Hirwaun wheelers 50 with what can only be described as a tough day to win that one as well. Beers on him tonight (Sunday)

Don’t forget, next Sunday is the epic. A cross-country endurance mountain biking trip up at Rhayader. All welcome including the Forest Boyz. Dean’s done the route. Give me a bell for more info.

And there’s more,

Message from Matt Heaman

The Forest club is celebrating its 60th anniversary in July and to mark the occasion we would like as many of the Ross club as possible to join us at the Fountain on Friday 17th July from 7.30pm onwards. There is nothing formal planned beyond a few words and a toast for our birthday.

It will be a good chance to catch up with club mates and friends from local cycling clubs. You never know the Forest might even buy you a drink!

No need to respond but if you feel like dropping me a line it would be helpful to gauge numbers.

Please could you pass onto your rabble. I have already spoken to John and Audrey.

Hope to see you there

Regards

Matthew Heaman
Chairman
Royal Dean Forest CC

We could do a late Friday night ride not forgetting lights for the return ride

Road bike 10 - Old Gore

Apologies for the late results, been away all weekend living the life of Reilly. Had to come back when he wanted his life back. What an eye opener the event was. Bog standard bikes and kit (well almost) on a tough windy night. A cracking tail wind meant the trip out was very quick, but the return leg was anything but easy, not that anyone would have wanted easy!
Dave Evans of the Forest managed to bloody the Cook meister’s nose, beating him into second spot. Cookie did wear cock socks, a skin suit, appeared from afar to have shaved his legs, also using what may have been deep section wheels. He assured me they were legal for the event? I thought Andrew might have had an advantage from his road racing, but the first 2’s brute power showed through.

The Battle royal between Fallon and Harwood is still locked at seconds, with Dave only just ahead again. This will turn for their next go at each other. A very happy Jerry managed to take the both of them, but looked tired over the line telling me he tried! Martin proved his speed is all down to fitness but the TT bike may not be as aero dynamic as first appears. Boyo Taff snuck me for 4 seconds, table will be turned next time out. Will put in a monster effort only just behind, with Wobbly Bob just behind. In fact there’s quite a few in the 29’s, with Graham, Wayne and Clive all close together. Can we assume the differences on TT bikes are what’s been paid for and or streamline bodies? James on the new machine will look at the results, feeling pleased to be in the same ballpark. Could he be the next to purchase a TT machine?

Fletch put a good ride together, not losing much time compared to last weeks ride, and was noted as a potential rider of the night. Mike had a technical, no big chain ring! Colleen led Mary home. Colleen put a big gap in on the outward leg but Mary must have made big inroads back, also managing a smile over the line. Jason brought up the rear on his mountain bike; a new road bike is on the cards.

"Rider of the night" this week is Dave Evans of the forest for what must be one of his best rides. What I have noticed is he’s very fast on the shorter distances, fading as the mileages go up. The endurance side will come through before long.

Time keeper this week was Julie Stephens, turn was John & Audrey, with Bill Reay pushing off

Next event is a Walford 10 for us.

On Tuesday, June 23rd, is the Club's inaugural Hilly 15 at 7.30pm. This new TT starts from our usual push off point for the Lydbrook 10 adjacent to the Eastbach turn and finishes adjacent to the New Inn at Shortstanding, Christchurch.

We have negotiated parking that evening at the New Inn so riders can freewheel down to the start. The hosts of the New Inn, Rena & Jack, have also kindly offered to put nibbles & chips on for the riders post event in the pub so please make an effort to sample the hospitality before Paul Stephens does!! Its not often we get chance to socialise post race so lets make best use of this opportunity... our friends at Ross make a habit of this at the rowing club each Thursday (stuff of legend).

Course details below for those not familiar.
Start (GR SO589167) 1 mile north of English Bicknor, proceed in a northerly direction on B4234 to turn round mini-roundabout for Frome Valley Way, retrace to finish (GR SO572134) by New Inn car park.

Walford 10 and lots of news, also rules for Road Bike 10

What did I say last week? I felt it was going to be good weather and conditions in my water as early as last week. If cookie had listened to my wise words of wisdom he would have brought his fast wheels out in an attempt to move the course record on a little further. As it is, he now has the stiff neck, looking around for the ever-improving Dave closing him down. It didn’t stop him from winning the event though. On a week that saw Dave ride his 1st open 25 and finish 20th overall, with a time of 57:01. The man’s on a roll. Next weeks event will see if it’s paid for speed.

I can say that Paul Fallon’s neck condition has now improved, as he no longer has to look behind for Dave. He looked super smooth as he passed me, but did he use too much energy in catching me too soon? Martin was again pleased with his ride knocking 52 seconds off his previous ride on this course. Has he peaked? More questions, am I through the hay fever thing? A pleasing result for me, for a change.

Taff on the new (Cookies cast offs) TT machine is just starting to get used to it, and is one to watch in the near future. Graham Carter is starting to pick up pace, which makes him another to be watched, slipping under the radar, a 25 can’t be far away.

Wobbly Bob looked recharged from his little trip away, a few miles in the legs and I’m sure he will be another in the 25 bracket. Will appears to be stuck in the 26 minute 10’s at present, but I’m sure he will start knocking some good rides in soon. He always seems to be fast over the finish line, does he save everything up for the sprint to the line?

Clive went well, only losing out as far as I could see on the flat fast bits and the steeper gradients. Fletch opened his 2009 season with a ride he was happy with just failing to get into the 28’s, not bad as under 30 was his target.

This week saw the battle of the Mountain bikes! Three to be exact. We had Dean on his knobblies, James on slicks and come try it rider Jason. James was home first, saying to me it was unfair for Dean as he was riding on knobblies. A change of mind was required after Dean beat him by 14 seconds. Postman Mike used his best bike complete with rack and mudguards to prove you can tour and race at the same time.

The battle of the ladies was a little closer with Colleen again holding Mary off, but not by a lot this time. Another question came to mind, When racing, trying like crazy, how do they both appear to have big smiles on the faces during the event?

Last home this week was come try it rider Jason. He may not have been the fastest but he did gain marks for the skid finish after crossing the line. "Rider of the night this week" is Dave Harwood for curing Fallon’s neck troubles.

Wanted: - Either entries for the Don Woodman or bodies to help marshal. The Date is 12th July; don’t go all shy on me! talking of which I will be riding the Ludlow the day before, contact Dover Disney for that. Fast, that's all I will say!

This coming Friday night, the 24 hour Mayhem mountain biking team will be going over to Eastnor to set up camp for their challenge. There is a proposed ride around the course after setting up camp to check the course out. If you fancy riding the course prior check the forum out for details at http://s2.excoboard.com/exco/forum.php?forumid=142020

Planned for the 5th July a good ol fashioned “EPIC” This will be a motor assisted run to Rhayader, where the car/cars will be dumped in favour of a very cross country route (MTB's)around the dams. It will be a gentle but tough day, where you will need to be self-sufficient. There’s nothing to bad apart from having to cross the odd river, and being miles from civilisation. This was a route we did a couple of years ago which was a real good day out. We need numbers so as to plan transport, let me know or log onto the forum at http://s2.excoboard.com/exco/index.php?boardid=23755 to let us know if you’re coming, All welcome expect an all day ride. This will be suitable to those with little MTB skills, but do possess a mountain bike as it not overly technical.

Next weeks event is the road bike 10 at Old Gore starting at 7:30.

Rules are

No TT bikes.
No Aero helmets.
No Aero bars.
No Deep section Wheels.
No baldheads. A Syrup must be worn if hair is sparse!
No Shaven legs- carpet or similar must be stuck on legs if you lack leg foliage.
No Shaven eyebrows, drawn on is acceptable this year only.

Forest event next week is a Lydbrook 10 at 7:30

Bonus for 10

Name the lengend in his own life time below left

Ledbury & Back 2009

Good conditions for a change greeted the 16 riders for this year’s Ledbury and Back. With both the Ross record holder (Jerry Roberts) and the actual course record holder (Andy Jones) in attendance, was the record safe? In reality, I think we all knew it was going to tumble, but by how much?

In the end a massive 2:17 was eroded off the time. I think it could have been more but for the fact Cookie’s weak up the hills! Another well-done Cookie!!!

Andrew

put in a ride only 12 seconds slower than his course record, his form almost back for the rest of the season then. Fallon put in a jolly good ride but is now suffering with Neck Problems!!!!! It appears he is now spending too much time looking around to the ever-improving Dave on his shirttails. You can tell Dave’s serious, as he has now shaved his legs, when asked about it, saying he preferred Immac as opposed to wet shaving. Jerry looked like a tired man as he crossed the line, obviously having given what beans there were. A lack of miles in this company is showing, but wait for the hills, that’s all I’m going to say! (Jerry - don’t let me down).

Revelation of the year Martin Green of the RDFCC once again has put in a really good effort, basing his performances on his winter training giving him a good base fitness. Can’t help thinking there must be a few good miles there as well as the new bike.

Initially I was disappointed with my ride, but looking back in the history books, I’m in the normal ballpark so happier. Mr. Reynolds this week had his extra strong bi-focals on, managing to complete the course in its entirety, all this being in his game plan for the weekend’s adventures on a bike. Many commented on how well young Tom’s performed. I can personally say he is climbing really well, but lacks serious speed on the flat bits, and was a bit naughty - sitting on a wheel will get you disqualified in an open.

Graham Carter appeared to have enjoyed his ride, with his 80’s retro aero helmet giving that slick look. Graham possibly suffered up the climbs, as his fitness level is still building back up from his accident last year. Taff used the new TT bike, but with the saddle dropping down to the original owner’s short leg length, the return journey was tough. What I will say to him is it takes time to get used to the new position. James on a borrowed bike put in an absolutely cracking ride. This is the sort of course that suits his style.

Clive, in his first club event of the year seemed very happy with it, especially as hills are not his favourite. Will’s lack of mid season miles is showing up, but the spurt to the finish was one of the quickest over the line, leaving Taff in his wake. Apologies to Wayne! Accidentally gave him a later start than I should have. Wayne appeared to enjoy his ride even if it was a little lonely, again with a very good time. I get the impression Wayne enjoys the hills back. Bill again rode with his customary grin on his face. He always appears to suffer on the easy downhill outward section, then comes back on the return leg at a fair lick.

Rider of the night this week is a real hard choice. Several at the post race meeting said Dave, but one has also to consider Cookie’s performance, hacking such a large chunk off the record. In the end, rather than have rider of the night, I plumped for performances of the night and called it a draw between the two!

Alan Cook 36:11
Andrew Jones 38:40 RDFCC
Paul Fallon 40:39
Dave Harwood 40:44
Jerry Roberts 41:00
Martin Green 42:35 RDFCC
Paul Stephens 43:38
Steve Reynolds 43:50 Pontypool CC
Tom Knight 44:10
Graham Carter 44:24
Mark Lavington 44:37
James Wilson 46:13
Clive Chappe 46:29
Will Bevan 46:33
Wayne Mason 47:34
Bill Reay 51:29

Timing equipment used this week was Julie Stephens.
Launch control system used this week was Steve Millard (thanks & I thought you had changed your mind and was going to ride)
Trajectory changes and official notice suppliers to other violators of space, John and Audrey Hall.

Next week were back for another very fast (I can feel it in my water) Walford 10 starting at 7:30

Forest event Tuesday is 3 laps of their Cannop circuit.

Paul

Walford 28/5/09 and new record!

from Our Will


Sorry for the late results, racing and straight to Glasgow last week hindered getting these out for Paul. To many good rides for me to mention (or bad in my case), possible course record for Mr Alan Cook, will need to get Paul to confirm this, and one great ride for Taff even before he is on his TT bike! Someone who shall remain nameless pulled a short course again, I’m sure he did this last season on this courseName

Alan Cook 21:50 and course record course

Paul Fallon 24:31

Steve Reynolds 25:51 Pontypool RCC (Short course)

Graham Carter 26:12

Bob Hill 26:51

Mark Lavington 27:03

Will Bevan 27:32

Tom Knight 27:45 COB

Wayne Mason 27:50

Dave Giles 28:20 RFDCC

Brian Amsell 29:23

James Wilson 29:41

Bill Reay 30:22

Kevin Marsden 31:44 Rutland CC

Charles Bowden 32:10

Gerald Brain 33:37

Clive Newey DNS (Puncture)



Thanks Will for looking after the bag of importance, and Steve Millard for time keeping, hope they all behaved for you!
Well done Cookie! another course record with your name on, it may be short lived as there is several people who may be catching you. Looking at the results, there were several good rides, but I can't believe someone short cut the course a second time! Definatley going to get some specticals for him.
I imagine James was pleased with his ride, as I here he did it on his mountain bike, which was only just slower than his road bike. Hope to see more of Charlie out and drag the old man along.

Paul