Old Gore 10/5

Sam trying to get over his sore neck

 

Once again, Will Bevan left the door open for the other riders in from Ross-on-Wye & District Cycling Club; instead choosing to rest for this weekend’s events and taking on the role of timekeeper. With the rain having gone through 30 minutes prior to the start the ground had just about dried out with what can only be called a most fierce maelstrom. The tail wind out saw the riders nowhere near 100% effort getting to the turn in under 10 minutes which was well over 30mph average. The ride home was a totally different story, with the race secretary remembering the struggle back being harder only once before. An in form Paul Fallon topped the time sheets only losing 20 seconds to his best time this year doing a time of 26:23. Graham Carter seems to improve every week to take second spot and Max Suff third gaining large amounts of time on the final uphill climb finishing in 27:52. Mark Lavington came close to winning the rider of the night award for his improvement in time with 28:14, but in the end it went to Steve Millard in 28:20 for such a good performance first time out this year. Paul Stephens 28:34 was chased down by another of the big improvers Sam Walker 29:01. James Wilson just beat Matt Fallon 29:51 and 30:02 with Nigel Skyrme bringing up the tail end of the gents in 31:27. Last on the evening was Mary Middleton who normally has a smile regardless, but failing to smile this time declaring it the toughest event she’d ever done.

Will Bevan raced Saturday doing a Ludlow 10 mile race where he finished in second spot in a time of 21:17, then back on his bike the next day down in Usk for a 25 mile event. This time he ended up third doing a time of 52:29. Julie Suff also rode the event, looking very pleased with herself as she managed to knock almost 4 minutes off her previous time on the course in 1:12:34.

Thanks this week to Will timing, Bill and Sam at the roundabout

Rider of the night this week was a toughie at first till someone said it’s Millie’s first ride of the year, so this week  Millie, it you.

Next week we have a Walford 10 & the forests are going to do their hilly 15 which is being used for the Vintage Tankard this year.

Sorry for the cop out blog but short of time this week.

Some of the other club results found here http://www.timetriallingforum.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=68453  &  http://www.timetriallingforum.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=68457

 

Cross Ash Hilly pained 25

After last year’s shenanigans, I was willing to bet someone wasn’t going to make the same mistake again of riding through the gravel at the start (for those watching, he did!).

Looking good at this point

The annual running of the Cross Ash Hilly 25 with a trophy up for grabs draws the real men/women of the sport for what I can only describe as purgatory. This year there were 6 gladiators up for the challenge. 

Somehow 2 of them were prepared to marshal/time keep, but were somehow coerced into riding. Was it because the conditions were not too bad with the sun out? With the seeding fixed, sorry I mean doctored, no I mean carefully planned, the mental preparation started with the old fashioned mind games. With the field split 50/50 between road bikes and TT bikes - which was the right choice?

One thing was for sure, Turbo Will made the right shout with him having passed everyone before hitting the back road to Monmouth. Having checked his data, he did not make that much if anything up in the first 5.4 miles, but then the climb up the Skirrid made an enormous chunk into everyone’s times. What was more impressive was the last 5 miles to the finish, serious power output, which in turn helped him smash the old club record for the course by 4 minutes.

 

First road bike home was Fallon senior, who did not look fast but soon disappeared into the horizon using a high cadence technique. Just wish I could spin my legs that quick.

Max was out full of enthusiasm. His 7 stone wet frame ready to bloody the noses of those with more brute horse power on the flat. Sure enough he floated past on a TT bike to claim the third spot on the podium. I must say, I was expecting to see a far higher cadence as he went by, but if that works for him then all well and good posting what can only be described as a very respectable time for a first outing on The Hilly.

As every event, “The Destroyer” and I locked horns. I chose the road bike, Graham the TT bike. I was willing to sacrifice some of my outright speed just to have a hope of getting up the climbs without making it look like I was doing a track stand. At the golf course, a glance over the shoulder showed “The destroyer” as very close, up the hills I just opened the gap slightly till we were

slowed because of traffic at the foot of one of the climbs. This gave us both the opportunity to see which was the best option up the climb, “I’ll see you soon” I said as I left him up the climb. About a minute later he went passed like I was stationary, “hasta la vista” I thought. As the next climbs came along, his poor legs were grinding to a halt, at about the same time as Fallon was going by. 

At this point the cycle shoes were getting some extra wear as he pushed up the hill.  Just to compound things he decided to go a bit further than the turn to have a straighter approach to the fork back up to the finish. This was the point where all my suffering seemed insignificant as he was off pushing again. Problems with dissipated power/the chain/block (Will & Cookies school of maintenance?) meant his fight with me was over.

That Broken look

“Wobbly Bob” brought up the rear on his first outing of the year, another not sure if he really wanted to ride, but did.  With lots of encouragement had to work hard to keep “The destroyer” at bay. Bill said “he’s on the way looking pretty red in the face”, this was half a mile away. As it turned out it was another cyclist in a red top. I think Bill’s glasses need a little check..

At the end of the day were still undecided whether a road bike or TT bikes were the way to go.

Thanks to Sammie for timing, it meant some of us had no excuses, Bill at the first junction, and young Fallon spotting.

Rider of the day has to be Will, with both Max & Fallon getting a mention.

Walford 10 3/5/12

WallyFord 10

Gerald, first man off acting as pacer

With the Cat away, Fallon did play! This week’s Walford had a fortunate break in the weather, cold and damp on the ground, but at least dry.  “The destroyer” & I are closing the gap on him though. Amazing what a difference the terrain can make on some riders……..

Max had a lonely ride in 4^th spot but the times are coming down. Johnny Webb made a guest appearance, seeming to turn up a couple of times a year. Must be our good company. “Taff the Chair” had a mare. Circuit training the night before not advisable, but it did amuse Brooko the trainer when he saw him afterwards. 

With almost 1:30 minute improvement Fallon Junior on his new TT machine was very happy as was dad proving the investment was worth it. Won’t be long before he’s closing the gap on courses like the Old Gore. “ The Missile “ appeared to have a sore neck, having spent so much time looking behind him for closing riders, then not having the fitness to hold them off yet…..

James is now starting to fire again on all cylinders; will that 27:30 be a barrier again this year?

Nigel too had his best ride of the year, with a titanic battle for the finish with young Matt, but has to be careful of drafting, which is frowned upon. 

That sick feeling getting closer for The Missile

I somehow failed to chat to everyone at the end, Rich was one of them (also forgot about the secret party, sorry),  but I’m sure he was happy with his effort this week with his adoring fans cheering him through the finish. Bill’s first outing gave him the same sort of time as The Boxing Day 10. I know Bill’s fitter than that so am inclined to think he’s sand bagging for the handicap 10 later in the season.

Justine’s first attempt at a time trial was I’m sure a good experience for her, as she looked slightly apprehensive before the start, but was glowing by the finish. I think after another couple of events, the time will improve greatly, as pacing is learnt and potential speed is found. 

Mary Mary quite contrary, oh how your smile grows. How many people do we know who smile all the way around a race? Concentrate. Aim for the person in front and nail them, easier said than done, so aim to have covered way points in a certain time ie the next rider not passing within 4 minutes, the turn in 15.5 minutes. Keep it realistic….

Last but not least putting in the effort as everyone else was our Gerald. I suspect he has Mary in his sights.

Thanks this week goes to Julie timepiece operator, Timmy mallet pushing and Sam accessing turn technics at the half way point.

Rider of the night this week was Fallon junior for a second time this year.

Rich focused

Politely put, can all riders refrain from riding near the start whilst warming up, as it was creating a bottleneck near the start, which had the potential to upset motorists. 

Next Week is everyone’s favourite, An Old Gore. Park sensibly please with a prime spot for your time keeper, offers for a turn person more than welcome..

1st Old Gore 10

Turbo Will in the Praying Mantas position

Very different conditions greeted the 15 Ross riders who turned up this week for the 1st Old Gore 10 of the season. There were guilty looking faces when asked by the new faces what the course was like. When told it was fast out, someone forgot to tell them of the purgatory they would suffer on the return leg. 

The ground was slightly damp, so the warning about slippery conditions went out as well as reminding everyone about the deep section wheels getting blown around. As expected, the out leg was Great!!!!

“Turbo Will” keen to make up for last week’s pitiful efforts blew the opposition away, but was still almost a minute away from "the Ginger One’s” record. Once up to full speed, the record could go!

Proving week one’s result was no fluke, Fallon senior put in another good result, but “The Destroyer” appears to be keen to catch him closing the gap from last week. The training in the chicken shed must now have started in earnest. 

Not sure what went wrong for me as I had an awesome ride to the turn, only to find there was no power for the return leg. Max on his first club ride of the year was on the money. Old Gore suits Max, his weight advantage up the hills playing to his strengths.

Taff, poetry in motion

“Taff the Chair” put in an impressive effort, already running in the times he was doing the end of last year. Kerry also had a good ride out to the turn; maybe we both put too much in on the way out. The hardest thing to do is back off when on full chat taking advantage of a tail wind. Maybe sacrificing an event to find out might be the way forward, nah!

“The Spinner” lost a lot less time on the night, but did have the TT machine out, Walford next week will show where his form is. The winter track work is due to kick in!

Matt Fallon

Fallon Junior was both pleased and disappointed with his ride. A mechanical problem left him revved out when he lost both gear cables right from the first gear change after the start. This was not the full story! I caught him in 4:11 seconds (5:11 his time) and 2.2 miles in. Having left him by a country mile to the turn. You can imagine the amazement at the finish when he came over the line less than 40 seconds behind me. http://connect.garmin.com/player/172000143  I caught him at the point my HR went a little crazy! He either really flies up the hills, or he’s super aerodynamic at cutting through the air. With good kit, the potential result could have been a lot closer to dad…

Nigel’s face said everything about the ride; the smile could not hide the sweaty pained expression of all the effort that had been put in. I knew he had not given it his all as he rode home faster than he’d raced. Maybe it was the cool glass of lemonade at the rowing club he needed more.

Mike looked happier after finishing this week compared to last week, are hills his forte?

Oh dear oh dear, the wind definitely was not “Tony The Tigers” friend, topped with the hill up to the finish made him look another 3 years older. The lack of serious winter big mileages show in these conditions.

Mark’s first Old Gore experience was not as he’d planned suffering with cramp on route. Julie Suff  might be looking at Mark as her first target this season. Julie wins the face of pain this week, she did not look happy at the time. As always someone has to be last, this week it was Mary Munchkin". The daydream moment up the finishing straight allowed Nigel the chance to just beat her over the line.

Thanks this week go to “Bill the Sec” for the turn, lurch control was Steve Millard, with my “sugared cherry” timing.

Rider of the week this week was an easy choice for the select panel back at lemonade central, for another PB despite his mechanical, Fallon junior

Next week is a Walford 10. 

Forest event is a Lydbrook 10 on the Tuesday night

For real fun leave 6^th May free for the Cross Ash hilly 25, 10:00 at the top of Dawn o Day. I am more than happy to time this event. For those that forgot about the fun from last year check the blog out.

http://bikeroutetoaster.com/Course.aspx?course=387253 for course and http://rosscyclists.blogspot.co.uk/2011/05/cross-ash-hilly.html  for blog

One more volunteer for next Thursday would be good!!!!!

1st Walford 10 of the year

Once again the machine that is the Ross-on-Wye & District Cycling Club rumbled into life. Six months of hibernation, secret training, open training evening rides and the very popular Sunday rides have led up to what looked to be a wet and windy start to 2012. As it turned out, apart from a little dampness on the ground, conditions were very good. No wind. No rain, plenty of attitude. 2012 saw several new faces out for the first event, some having never ridden before, so PB’s guaranteed.

A flying Fallon

I must admit I was a little surprised by some of the results, expecting better from a few, some excelled, meaning there was secret training…….

A “Flying Fallon” senior took the honours in this 1^st Walford of the season, clear of his nearest rival by just over a minute. Those cold lonely Saturday afternoons have paid off for now!

Last year’s closest protagonists appeared to be at it again for this season “The Destroyer” and “The Racing Snake” came in 2^nd and 3^rd separated by seconds. Might have been even closer if I had not got stuck behind slower cars and Taff had not inspired more effort out of The Destroyer…..

International coach Jamie (ladies VC St. Raphael team) took the 4^th spot, watch him get faster as the weeks roll on. 

Taff has been accused of having all the gear, no idea! Not this year! He’s looking up for a good season, starting very quickly. I’m expecting him to be in the 24’s this year, no pressure.

Tom The Face of Pain

I’m sure Tom (“The Boonen”) looking at the results now would be happy with this result. Walford’s never been his favourite for some reason, but a top 6 finish is sure to make him smile in this company. The man to watch “The Missile” is firmly locked onto Tom, but I’m sure he will make several top riders uncomfortable later in the year. It only a lack of miles at this stage holding him back.

First of the major surprises for me was “The Spinner”. In fairness he looked at the weather and rode his old hack, but those legs with carpet stuck to them cannot have helped in the aero dynamics department. When mentioned, Alice (James’s daughter) looked around deciding possibly dad needed the Immac treatment. 

Nigel was my next surprise. I know having ridden with Nigel how fast he is. Am going to assume he took my advice of start slower to last the 10 miles not just the first mile. My guarantee with Nigel is he will be doing fast 26’s very soon. Rumour mongers have suggested he has new kit waiting to come out in clean dry conditions.

A winter’s worth of training, club rides and mountain biking sees Fallon Jnr  pop a new PB in first time out. The 6 Ps come to mind (can’t put them on here for fear of being seen to be rude) but the gist of the 6 Ps is to prevents poor performance. Matt put undue pressure on himself needing to change a puncture before the start. Not good mental prep, but could make it onto the Entertainment trophy awards.

“Save of the Day” had to go to “Tony the Tiger”. Too fast on the wrong line into the monument corner saw him have to pull a rear end slide back into line. Being just behind him at the time, gave me the perfect view of his correctional skills at work. I’m just grateful for no paperwork so early in the season. I don’t like paperwork!

My biggest surprise of the evening was Chris. He’s like a human dynamo normally, he too could have just been finding out how to tackle the Walford course. He did carry around a bike rack, saddle bag full of sarnies and lights. I will expect him to be a good match for Nigel soon.

Mark Herriot was one of the best surprises of the evening. He has only been cycling since January, first time out beating evens (20mph), and his enthusiasm afterwards was great, so a real well done. His mate Mike also had the same time, one had to assume they were either too polite to beat the other or they trained together.

Richard, also new, had his first taste of time trailing. I’m sure he too is happy with his ride as it was far quicker than his self-timed effort. Having looked at the photos, a little lower on the bars would create less drag, and no one smiles as they cross the line at the finish….

Mary in full flow

Our Very Own “Mary Munchkin” took her first scalp of the season first time out. I suspect there has been some sort of secret training having occurred passing Gerald who ended up almost last man on the road.

Last was the favourite. “Turbo Will”.  Will put the all singing, all dancing glasses on to check bodily functions whilst on full chat. In fairness, he was flying as we passed in opposite directions, but as he approached Vention lane his instruction in his ear piece said move slightly over to the right to avoid that gigantic piece of glass. The rest is history as they say. What could have been? Do we run a book on how many punctures Will has this year?

Thanks this week go to “Bill the Chair” and “Sam the Man” for signing and organising the turn, “Mike the Post” for the signs at the start, “Tiny Tim” for lunch control and my sweetie Julie for the timings.

Thanks also to Bill & Mary for the chip butty supper they organised later. As they know my body is a temple so I had to go without, but it was like feeding the 5000, with groups of vultures swooping in from all angles. Thank You both!!!
 

Another to thank is Mark Raddenbury for the photos. A slight cold stopped him riding so instead electing to capture your images. Catch Marks deals at http://www.fetishbikecompany.com or speak personally to him, his arm can be twisted. There’s 10% off online to Ross riders or 15% in store. An interesting internet sight for those who want a challenge, either to yourselves or against others in the area is http://www.strava.com Mark is current record holder for Yat Rock. It has the ability to break rides into sections so you only do certain parts not a full ride, go for it; you know you want to…

Rider of the Week was almost forgotten about as a topic down the club but fortunately we did have a quorum to discuss this important subject. Mark H was near the top of the list as well as Matt F with his PB bashing ride, but in the end Fallon Snr wins the converted "Rider of the Week".

Next week is Old Gore. We require one turn Marshall. Don’t forget, if getting there by car, leave a space for the timekeeper and don’t block the driveway down to the farm. Better still, ride up as  a warm up. It only takes minutes to get back to Ross 

 from there.

Club Kit Order Close Date Approaching

Just a reminder for everyone.

Club kit order close date is on Friday, I will be collecting forms again at the rowing club tomorrow night so please bring them along.

I doubt there will be another order any time soon so please let me know if you want something and havn't got your form in yet.

Cheers Will

2012 Race programme

Well here it is, this years Race Programme.

As per usual, we’re going to need volunteers to make the season run smoothly. No volunteers, NO Races!

Last year we had lots of different people helping throughout the season. This made things run smoothly. Letting me know before the night frees up other volunteers, if you can volunteer please let me know beforehand.

According to our Money Penny the season costs £25.00 for the whole season or £3.00 per an event. You must have paid your subs to race and be eligible for trophies. By the way for those that dunt do maffs, that’s bist a £50 saving….