The Flood that was the Old Gortex 2 up 10 aaand Old Gore 10 5th June

The only dry place to stand before the race

The Flood that was the Old Gortex 10 2 up

Dry when I left home, Julie in tow. Couple of spots and she said I’m going home ….. I said it’s clear in the direction we’re heading.  It wasn’t. Minutes after getting to the signing on, the heavens opened. Did actually for a couple of seconds feel bad for her. 

Hardest job of the evening seemed to be keeping the paperwork dry. Will only turned up to pass the signs etc.  but ended up stopping and getting as wet as the rest of the fools happy to ride in the wet. At least it was warm wet! 

Checking conditions over the valley below, although raining hard, visibility was clearing. Poor Tim Newland ended up with the short straw failing to have a partner, but undeterred went off first on the road, the rest of the field chasing him down. 

Not happy about the rain expression, or just cold?

 The rain was so hard, it made the eyes sting and water, so speed had to be eased, there were biblical floods across the road, and cars were going slower than we were.

First pairing home and winning were Jared and Adam who had a good warm up riding over. I’m pretty sure judging by the crossover they’d gone very steady out, blitzing the return leg. 

I’d have lost money on the next pairing Earl & Steve riding in the rain, was sure they would bail out, but they seemed to really have enjoyed the ride afterwards.

 

Dry for a couple of seconds- Sunshine on the return leg!

Poor Gary! Possibly squeezed more out of him than he wanted to give. How he stayed on my wheel so well down the hill  I’ll never know, and yes it was us stuck behind a car for almost a mile. 

Wobbly Bob & The Spinner had what I would call a steady ride, whether they’d say it was steady I’m not sure.  Next up was the “The Power”  &  Cat weasel. I don’t think they know what went wrong, I would have expected at least 2 minutes off their time. Looking forward to hearing their explanation one day soon.

Tony “The Tiger” & Richie Rich were next. Before the start Rich was telling Julie all about his adventure around Lake Geneva, when Julie said what number are you? Ahhh I’ve missed our start slot….. Tony was all revved up waiting patiently at the start for him. Late start required then!

Gary did a full power take off

 Last pairing on this occasion was Jenifer & Adam.  It was pleasing  to see Adam beasting, I mean encouraging Jen up the final climb whispering gentle encouragement in her ear to get the last bit of effort.

Thanks to Angie for her first go doing the turn and making friends with the general public, Will for being there and Steve timing. He brought the Caterham , having been offered the wifes car which he turned down. Got the feeling it would have been an uncomfortable drive home.

Normally I’d  do a team of the night, Gary having had a great ride but looking more closely at the results I’m giving Tim honour of rider of the night for a great solo effort.

1	Jared Linden Adam Taylor	26:22	RDFCC
2	Earl Smith Steve Williams	27:12	C-o-B’s RDFCC
3	Paul Stephens Gary Downs	27:52
4	Robin Hill James Wilson	28:40
5	Mark Raddenbury Tom Knight	30:05	C-o-B’s
6	Tony Price Richard Harrington	31:35
7	Jenifer Hill Adam Spector	34:59
	Tim Newland	28:20

Old Gore 10 5^th June

A splendid turnout for this week’s Old Gore 10. The water sports adventure of the previous week must have spread, everyone wanting a bit, and the pleasure of riding a section of the Paris Roubaix through the woods. 

The favourite did not disappoint, Earl just sneaking a win by a close margin from me who’d earlier in the week had the worst 10 miler in recent history and was making amends from the pesky Forest boys. 

Max at max

 Adam’s improving every time he rides stood on the 3^rd spot of the podium for a change, something he’s not used to in these regions. Taff had a good un, and it won’t be long before his full speed starts to show, possibly as early as next week. 

It’s about time Doctor John bought the boy (Jared ) a TT machine. He’d be seriously fast with some quality kit under him instead of an old road bike. Maybe someone could loan him a good machine for a couple of races, its definitely the flat where he’s leaching bucketfuls of time. 

Mr Williams didn’t look so sharp this week, and at the end did nothing but complain about the wind (he wasn’t the only one to notice it).

Max was very quick in places, but unusually seemed to be struggling up the climbs. Think he was thinking about what to buy Julie for their 16^th wedding anniversary. Wobbly Bob has improved every ride this season, appearing to have his mojo back again. Nigel was very happy, very close to his PB and scalping The Spinner at the same time who’d struggled into the wind home. Tim also had a good ride but I have noted he’s 2 seconds slower than last week in the rain. Was the wind that bad (I really didn’t notice it till the last section)?

 

Gary once again did a sub 30, but by a good margin this week, I think it’s his fastest so far this year. Jon Airey was a happy Chappy, his Pb for the course and getting the better of the Tony “The Tiger” and Tom “The Power” Knight, who had a shocker.  Thomas, think I’m going to have to tow you for 10 miles to get you used to speed again.

Thanks this week to  “Turbo” Will timing, Dawn and the new guy (can’t remember his name-sorry!) pushing off. I could see Dawn fancied having a go but was in denial with Bill and Adam at the turn.

Rider of the night this week was Jon Airey, he’s making it happen and enjoying it as well.

The evening lemonade after the event last week was well attended, great to see some old faces pop down for a quickie, hope to see more of all of you.

Next week is the Ledbury & back. Meet at Old Gore cross roads. Race all the way to the pitcher roundabout and back, 16 miles of pleasure. Rumour mill has suggested “Humming Bird Legs” Fallon could be out to resume where he left off last year. We require at least 2 turn marshals 1 for each roundabout .  https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0Ar8wVTWUZuHzdFd2S052NERxd3FkSkJWVzZkLWFKaXc&usp=sharing#gid=0 , we do have some volunteers, but don’t be frightened to add your name on the list for upcoming events.

Also we have 2 opens coming up. Both me and Will need people on the day (both days). 19^th /20^th July needs to be put in your diaries, as help is expected, we can’t run without it.

1	Earl Smith	23:46	C-o-B’s
2	Paul Stephens	25:31
3	Adam Taylor	25:46	RDFCC
4	Mark Lavington	25:57
5	Jared Linden	26:02	RDFCC
6	Steve Williams	26:50	RDFCC
7	Max Suff	27:07
8	Robin Hill	27:33
9	Nigel Skyrme	27:79
10	James Wilson	28:19
11	Tim Newland	28:22
12	Gary Downs	29:00
13	Jon Airey	30:32
14	Tony Price	30:44
15	Tom Knight	30:46