The Aber & Back

It was touch and go as to whether we run the Aber & back this year. With the Coco the Clown construction company putting power cables in underground causing untold mayhem for many people, we had have a plan “B” as the dual carriage way was down to one coned lane. On top of that we needed a timekeeper. A plan B was formulated, with Paul Fallon stepping forward to time keep. Top Bloke! We had The Destroyer turn up for pushing off duties, roll on the contestants. With the exception of Will, I think we all knew the results were going to be close. 

Max inches perfect on the apex

We had a slight headwind out which grew stronger as the day went on. it appeared very good towards the end.

I personally gave Will the benefit of years of experience to tell him to just ease of till he’d got past where the Old Everstone  garage was, which he took. As he passed me he looked to be on the pace for a cracking time but not busting a gut. Needless to say he won! Quote of the day “didn’t notice the first 20 miles, well actually I didn’t notice the last 20 either”.

Well the even money was for Max to be next in the pecking order, but instead Nick P popped a quick one in. As I remember, he had a good one last year, looking slightly surprised to have beaten Max. Max was not that far behind, but looked exhausted with a fair bit of sweat dripping off him. I like to see effort dripping...

Johnny must love us; he’s travelled 33 miles just for our company and maybe to do the event, took 4^th spot. The distance held no fear for him, but being a road racer meant he was more used to sitting in a peloton rather than having to cut through the air all the way. Bet he wishes he lived closer to Ross, as he has done a few events already this year with us.

Now I bet you’re all wondering what of I? A pinch puncture at 40mph made it game over for me, with a 3 mile walk before Andy of Climb-on-Bikes lent me his phone to call the AA. Thanks Will for the offer of his spares, but I was close enough to get home, which would have left him with nothing for the rest of the ride. 

Rider of the day from a personal perspective was Will. As he actually stopped before a climb to offer me a phone (could not call too early as Julie enjoys her beauty sleep) and spares, and still caught everyone by the top of the Dawn of Day.

Thanks again to Paul & Graham for your time & support

The Vintage Tankard team is looking very good now. We have five big hitters, one who’s legs look like a humming birds wings on the climbs, and 2 possibles waiting to see if their  fitness is going to still be good in a few weeks’ time. We need a couple more so the team is strong in depth and numbers. 7^th October  is the date, give me  a reply if you can ride.

 

To keep the fitness up, don’t forget we have a Tuesday Evening every week, and the main Thursday night ride followed by a social lemonade glass at the rowing club afterwards. All welcome.

Next event is the Hill Climb in Hoarwithy up Alt Bough on the 30^th September. 10 for 10:30, followed by a ride afterwards