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