1st Walford 10
Well good conditions or they appeared that way greeted the
start of the Ross & District Cycling Club’s 2015 club racing season. This
was the first time the course has been used properly for almost 3 years, a
favourite with everyone, being the flattest or fastest depending how you look
at it. I must say the road state has deteriorated quite badly in that time
though.
What was really good to see was the range of riders out, some
a first time, others seasoned vets. Apologies if I didn’t get around speaking
to everyone, but it was quite busy. Of the 27 riders, a surprised and very
happy Mark Alston took top honours, not bad for someone’s who’s not been
cycling that long, just edging Earl out by 5 seconds.
Shock shock horror, the T1000 in the guise of Allan Matthews
took 3rd spot, so willing to bet he’s happy with that having had
major surgery on his knees recently. Possibly the biggest shock of the evening
was Steve “I’ve not been on my bike “Williams poaching 4th spot. I’m
sure he’ll thank me for that.
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| Max shaking on down |
Fastest Ross rider of the night was Max, never says a lot,
just does the bizz. Betting he rode home afterwards with a big smile. Nigel
started the season with intent, setting himself a new PB just ahead of Wobbly
Bob, another who had a good ride, fresh back from the cobbles of Belgium.
As for myself watch this space next week, was not happy with
my performance….
A new position in life( fatherhood ) seems to have given Mr
Radders a new lease of life, suspect he will go well on Old Gore.
Tom “the Power” also fresh back from Belgium’s cobbles also got
a PB, will he get that elusive sub 27 minute 10 on Walford this year?
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| "The Power" |
Gannet Johnny was first road bike home, expect to see the
same sort of time from him on Old Gore. Swiss Tony was the only other to get
into the 27’s, before a confused feeling James first of the 28’s gang.
Gary & Richard were next up. Now I know what their
winter Watt bike results are, but here’s the thing – is Gary sandbagging on the
Watt bike or is Richard daydreaming in the race? This could be the season
battle to keep your eyes on. Tony the Tiger had a good ride, and at present has
them in his sights, the Saturday morning training has paid off. Afraid I did
not get to speak to Tim will catch you next time, but if that’s your first
race, well done.
Young James was next; I suspect he will improve greatly over
the next 12 months, followed very closely by the first lady (3 ladies a record
as far as I can remember). I have to say when Sarah looked like a naughty
school girl as she went by me looking very cross playing with her Garmin till
she saw me then deciding that was not the right thing to do in a race.
Fresh back from 1 of his 20 holidays a year, Phil was the
last rider to break the sub 30 minute barrier or better known as evens which is
20mph average, with Jon Airey just over evens.
Rachel Morgan was super keen to do a time trial, and has exponentially
improved in a very short space of time. Starting a tad slower should give a
better result next time. Sub 30 is on the cards easily.
Number 2 on the road
Paul C was soooooo overcome when he
finished he took his number home. This could have been a ploy to get an early
shower so he’d be first in line for the chip buttys.
Senior racer, Dennis, never fails to impress for his age,
the 12 hour is his goal this year, and will be looking for team mates as I can’t
do it this year. Not that far behind Dennis was Angie, badgered into riding by Rachel.
Now I was expecting her to say never again but, she did seem to actually enjoy
the challenge. I think this was Martins first race as well, hopefully it did
not frighten him off. Bringing up the rear as sadly someone’s got to was
Gerald. In fairness we don’t see him till it’s a little warmer so we were all privileged
to see him out so early.
Thanks this week goes to Will and Sammie for the
timing, Taff for pushing of and a really
big shout to Bill who not only did the signs and the turn, he organised the
Chip butty feast afterwards. Adam @RDFCC fpr pics. Did we forget to mention to Will Bevan about the
free puddings afterwards as well?
Next week is Old Gore.
Please do not block the access to the farm and leave space
for the time keepers to park. This is a busy main road so please do not park
dangerously. There is parking down the hill and 300 metres on the Ross side as
well. You could also park at Old Gore Cross roads and use the short ride to the
start as a warm up. We do not want any complaints. Also, please don’t hassle
the time keeper for your time whilst riders are finishing, sorry to sound like
a nag.
Rider of the night this week is Allan Matthews, quite a comeback.
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| The T1000 in action |
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| Angie |
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| Dennis, 12 hour training |
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| Earl |
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| Gary chasing his wife |
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| Gerald, out in April |
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| Young James, he'll not give you a chance in a few years |
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| The Spinner spinning |
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| Race secs Sunday ride |
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| Nigel |
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| By deduction Tim Lock |
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| Due another holiday Phil |
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| El Sid Raddenbury |
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| Richie Babes |
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| Steve Williams creating a large gravitational pull |
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| Tony Tiger |
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| Wobbly Bob |
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1
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Mark Alston
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24:22
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University Birmingham CC
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2
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Earl Smith
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24:27
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RDFCC
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3
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Allan Matthews
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25:10
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RDFCC
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4
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Steve Williams
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25:47
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RDFCC
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5
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Max Suff
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26:16
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6
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Nigel Skyrme
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26:34
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7
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Robin Hill
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26:51
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8
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Paul Stephens
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27:02
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9
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Mark Raddenbury
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27:08
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Shutt VR
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10
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Tom Knight
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27:27
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11
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Johnny Webb
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27:44
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Gannet CC
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12
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Tony Phelps
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27:52
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13
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James Wilson
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28:13
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14
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Gary Downs
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28:35
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15
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Richard Harrington
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28:37
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16
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Tony Price
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28:50
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17
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Tim Lock
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28:53
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18
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James Hall
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29:05
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Newport Olympic
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19
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Sarah Cosker
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29:08
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20
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Phil Hill
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29:27
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21
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Jon Airey
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30:08
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22
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Rachel Morgan
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30:40
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23
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Paul Cooper
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31:17
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24
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Dennis Beard
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32:04
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25
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Angie Downs
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32:23
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26
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Martin Williams
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33:31
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?
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27
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Gerald Brain
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36:43
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