Boxing Day 10

Good conditions greeted the enthralled masses at the meeting point before the traditional Boxing Day 10. Due to a landslide on the course, a change of start and finishing point was needed. Kerne Bridge was used for this purpose, which meant the length of the course was reduced to a mere 6.9 miles. Even reduced, it still felt hard, as there was a light breeze on the return leg, with large amounts of cold air just to hurt the system even more.

We had a few riders from around the district, even one from as far afield as Japan. We obviously have an international appeal! Fastest rider of the day this year was not a Ross rider.

Ian Rivers from Hereford came along on his best TT machine to set the pace this year. Even with the roads clear Ian was having trouble getting the power down, reporting he was having traction problems. Colin took second spot on his winter hack giving an impressive sprint over the line at the finish. Talking of a Parry, I hope Papa Parry’s problem heals up soon……

Our international rider Keith managed to get into the top 3. When I was e-mailing him I did suggest he would not like our cold winter roads, to which he replied they had cold winter roads over in Japan complete with snow on them, so it would be a home from home. Another Hereford rider came next, again on TT bike. In fairness at the finish Dave did look like he had tried, blowing like a good un at the at the assembled group of spectators.

Another fast finisher over the line was Gordon from Gloucester, in his 3rd go at the Boxing Day 10. Every year he has just pipped me. This year was no exception. With the pre race hype (had been going on for a few weeks) the battle between Will and myself was going to be close (whilst the cat was away, we knew there was going to be a different winner). All season there was a bit of nip and tuck, with Will just coming out on top. I have to thank Will for the loan of his Turbo after my accident, which did the trick of knocking him into second Ross rider. I rode my old Giant with drop bars, which felt good uphill but not very aero dynamic on the flat. Will on the other hand did use his winter hack with mudguards.

James had made up his mind he wanted to get inside the 20-minute bracket, just failing, leaving him slightly disappointed. Personally I think it was one of James’ best rides. We need to follow it up in the new season, maybe even investing in a new TT bike, failing that a set of tri bars.

Clive the Animal had let his fitness drop off slightly, but I’m sure he will be pushing James in the new year, whilst looking over his shoulder for the ever improving Fletch, who has a lot of potential for spoiling everyone’s parties next year if he works on his speed. New man Neil put in an excellent time for a first go at time trailing. His mountain biking background helped, and I’m sure were going to see more of him. Alistair did his first Boxing Day 10, finding his lack of fitness became a bit of a lung buster. More winter work required as I think his result in the new season will improve greatly. At the post race de-brief, I’m afraid yours truly got the accolade of rider of the day.

Thanks this year to Julie for time keeping, Paul Fallon for launch control, and at the turn including signing Steve Millard & brother in law with John & Audrey backing them up.

Don’t forget the Ross and District Cycle Club Annual Dinner and Awards Ceremony taking place at the prestigious Wilton Court Hotel, on Saturday the 30th of January 2010. Get your order off to Taff A.S.A.P. Information and menu on the link off the web page.