Tuesday 21 August 2012

Old Gore - 16th August


It was the season finale on the hilly one and the Old Gore still had a thing or two to say. On a windy and drizzly night, Will Bevan set a blistering time of 22:35, breaking Alan Cooke’s 2011 course record by 2 seconds. Now only 20 seconds off Walford’s record, and another weeks worth of racing underneath his belt, who knows what the last Walford will hold?

It was fantastic to see four young riders pitting their cycling wits. With a few choice words of wisdom; watch out for the first few corners, don’t go to fast on the way out and save yourself for the last hill, they all set out with youthful exuberance. First back was Matt Fallon, 20 seconds off his PB with a time of 25:27, swiftly followed by 2 new prospective members, the Berry brothers, with 32:32 and 30:27 respectively. Allowing dad to conduct his second week of pushing off was Mark Carter, with a time of 34:29. Once he converts that mountain bike skill into straight line speed, he will be shaving off those minutes.

Max Suff continues to impress with his consistent progress. He was almost 2 minutes quicker than at the start of the season and only 15 seconds or so off his season’s best, which is good going for such a blustery night. Taff insists that circuits the night before is good for you and promptly proved his point by setting a time of 26:54, over a minute quicker than his previous ride; maybe he knows something that we don’t, or was it the tow behind the large tractor as he set off? Chasing down Taff was Dave Harwood who is getting quicker by the week, although he had to admit that he has lost almost 30 seconds or so on the Woodredding climb to last year.

Tony Price is certainly recovering from his early season trip under the knife, shaving 2 seconds off his PB and a further 2 minutes and 30 seconds off his season’s best time. Nigel Skyrme, riding all the way out from Ross, was extremely happy with his PB, so much so that he wasted all of that good effort down the pub later on that evening. Perhaps the blustery conditions suited more riders than not, as James Wilson also reduced his season’s best by 4 seconds.

Thanks go to Captain Steve Millard for marshalling everyone, Graham Carter for pushing off and for Bill and El President at the turn. Next week is the last Walford of the year. Be early for a handicap and watch out for those ringers, leaving their best times till the end.

Wednesday 15 August 2012

Walford 9th of August


With perfectweather conditions for perhaps only the second time of the 2012 season, timeswere bound to tumble, and the 20 riders did not disappoint.

Will Bevan, successfully navigating the largewhole near the finish this time, came home in first place with a storming timeof 21:59, knocking 40 seconds off his pb and in the process just missing thecourse record by 20 seconds – a possible contender for rider of the night? Onone of his few outings this season, DaveHarwood proved that you can’t put a good time trialer down despite a dodgyknee, with a very respectable time of 24:33.

Our very ownracing secretary, creaking around atsuch a low cadence, seemed very pleased with his sub 24 minute time - at least thatwas what Julie told me. Settling down into his new time trial position was Mark Raddenbury who posted a very goodtime of 25:34. If we had actually managed to host another full and calm 10 mileWalford this season to compare rides to, this might have even been a pb. Taff, once again proving that a goodhard circuit session the night before was no barrier to time trialing, camehome in seventh position with 25:36.

OK, thismight be a bit biased, but what a fantastic time by Junior Fallon aka Crash Matt! Knocking over 40 seconds off his pb,he stormed around in a season defining 26:01. If it wasn’t for Julie watchingmy every move during my first, and probably last, time keeping session he wouldhave secured his first 25.

Other ridersof note were Chris Walker with atime of 27:32; despite riding a road bike, being a triathlete and his seatdeparting company from his post after 5 miles. I am sure once he gets it alltogether he will be a force to be reckoned with. Tony Price is riding his way back to form; one spoiler for the handicappedrace I suspect? Nice to see Mike Druceout and about on his highly polished steel steed, complete with hairy tyres andmissing handlebar tape.

Sarah Cosker will certainly be pushing for medalhonours next year. Only three months into riding a bike she is completing longSunday rides, pushing the pace at the front and moving towards the 30 minutemark on Walford.

Bringing upthe rear were the venerable members of our club, the league of gentleman withonly a few minutes separating them. DennisBeard signing on late - who should know the rules by now - still managed tobe the leader of the pack. Just getting a few training miles in ready for hisumpteenth 12 hour attempt in September.

Rider of thenight was as difficult as always, but one rider shone out the most. Not only didhe manage to stay upright, but also makes going fast look so easy – Mr WillBevan.

Now for thelist of apologies: all those that I missed out, Paul being on holiday and notwriting the report, writing the report and finally the finish time keeping.Next week we pay our respects to the last Old Gore of the season. Be there at7pm to witness hilly punishment.

Finally,thanks to all of those who supported: Graham the Phelps Carter for pushing off,Julie for time keeping and Bill for doing his turn, at the turn.


Sunday 5 August 2012

2/8/12 Old Gore 10




Another quickie, but quicker (blame the Olympics, beer drinking and a 50 which hurt)

Tongue still out from licking car windows

Results for Old Gore this week.

Senior Fallon won but was definitely not firing on all cylinders. I, Max & Steve have been locked in our own little battle for the last few events.  Mark’s new bike helped, Nick was 1st road bike, Blane on his first outing on Old Gore. James was a lot happier this week having moved his handlebars, with Andy T. riding his first TT. Mark H. had the wake up on Marcle to tell him to pedal faster meanwhile, Fallon Junior had a tri bar come loose, hence the slip down the results. 

Ross’s fastest postman Mike on a bike took the penultimate spot with Gerald making sure we all got back safely in last spot. He was very keen to inform me he knocked a minute off his best!

A hero’s thanks this week go to Sam for the launch, Julie for the timings and Bill signs and turn.

Rider of the night this week is Gerald for that minute’s improvement.

Next Old Gore 16th Steve M. will be timing. I think Bill offered to do the turn, but I may be wrong.

The week after that is the handicap 10, where all the ringers come out. Again, I think Wobbly Bob offered to time that one. Let me know ASAP if you can't do it Bob

Be on your best behaviour for our timekeepers, and we will require a Marshal. 



Also, check the forum to make sure Walford will be used, as at present there is still a big hole outside the school. In fact check this week as well. Looks like they may have started doing something……