Old Gore 2 up 10

When the going gets tough the tough get going!

The weather this week was described a float night, in other words a good night to have gone for course record. I’m not so sure as I defiantly felt so breeze on the way back. With partners selected, we had a few solos lead out, with only just a slight discrepancy in abilitys! First out of the traps was Mike the Post, did he know something the rest of us didn’t as he still had his mudguards and saddle bag on. Wobbley Bob wasted no time in his persuit of him looking very fast down the hill, showing he may have got his down hilling Mojo back.

The next person to come down was “Crouching Tiger Tony”, which I thought odd at the time as he was meant to be riding with “The Destroyer”. He was, Tony & The Destroyer have very different lines and abilities down the hill, and “The Destroyer” was some 50 metres behind after only 400 metres! The instruction to Tony was “don’t look back, see you up the other side” oh how he was going to get his own back for dropping him…

Most friendly start had to go to the Tandem, waving like the folks on the Titanic as she set sail tinging the bell for all their worth. Out on course one thing became very clear to me, the difference between a 12 & 11 tooth sprocket on the rear. Cookie dragged me down the hill at insane speeds, with the final lefthander taken at 40mph. At this point I got a turn on the front, one of the few! The turn was reached in 9:35 minutes which may have accounted for the slight redness in my face but our quarry of Harwood & Fallon were mere seconds in front, could we catch them?

At this point was where the wheels started to fall off, I dreaded passing The Spinner & Animal just before the top of a hill. To make thing worse, HR had just hit 94%, which meant I had to have a polite word in Cookies ear to just back him off a little. So far so good, we had lost nothing to the 2 in front, Hr was dropping back down. Marcle was just pain for me, with our arch rivals just starting to pull away up the end of the straight, at the same time passing Burke & Hare thinking they were really struggling. Everything focused on the last climb, The Enemy knowing how I struggle up the climbs gave it some beans. As we ascended the climb, poor ol Mike was frightened out of his skin by the expletive coming out of Cookies mouth trying to make me go quicker. I was ok as Cookie was using a language I did not understand. The shouting continued going right up to the finish which made everyone look to see what was happening down the hill. One thing was for sure, I had got the best out of Cookie as he looked a broken man as we went over the line, in the process just taking top spot by a mere 16 seconds, the hill almost costing us. They had climbed like angels but just not enough.

The rest I here you ask?

Burke & Hare did just enough to take 3^rd spot, but must be very disappointed with the time, only seconds quicker than on a solo night. Steve W. & a partner he’d never met before must have worked really well together especially as Steve was not going to ride as he thought he’d had a hard day at work. As I work with him. I know it not to be true!

Surprise package was “Crouching Tiger” & “The Destroyer”, who got the best out of him in the process Scalping The Spinner & Animal. This feat made Tony very very happy, to the point he collapsed on the side of the road in great distress almost talking to some one called Huey. Last of the pairings saw Dave P drag his brother around showing much brotherly love in the process.

The Tandem pairing appeared to have had a grand ride in the country, only spoilt by a lack of suitable gearing for the flatlands spinning out most of the ride. The Wobbly One put in a very respectable time, probably wishing Happy Taylor had turned up being his partner from earlier in the season. Mikes choice of the mudguards could have been the wrong shout.

Thanks this week goes to Steve Millard Scud launcher 1 & Wayne Mason Scud 2 with Earl Smith Scud 3. Bill Reay was your turn master. Julie did the timing with Earl eyeing my car up and spotting the riders as they came over the line.

Rider/Riders of the night this week Went to “The Destroyer & Crouching Tiger Tony” for a pairing that got the best out of each other.

Next week We defiantly need a turn marshal and a second time keeper. Am open to volunteers, give me a shout asap.

We are at Walford with a 7:30 start

Cross ash Hilly

Never have I been happier to watch a race, instead volunteering to be the time keeper. This year’s event was positively warm with a nice tailwind on the back section so everyone was blown up the big hills. Thanks to Dennis Beard for doing the first and last turn. There’s something sadistic about Dennis, as he really enjoys watching the suffering on the last junction. Paul Fallon who rode out and marshalled the junction at Aber, and once again to Earl who pushed off and did the sag wagon, more about that to come….

Being slightly mean and so there was a chance everyone would get back in the same 15 minutes I set everyone off at 2 minute intervals. First back was Paul Sharpe, who had made a point of telling me hills weren’t his bag. I think you had a good ride, especially as you did not know the course. Favourite for the event was “Turbo Will”. He lost no time in tracking “The Destroyer” down only being 15-20 seconds behind him at Aber. That was where it all went wrong, in his excitement managed to tug on the brakes a little too hard, locking his rear tub. It only took a second, but he managed to go through to have a blow out, Game Over! Thanks to Earl he had a lift service almost immediately. Once back at the finish Earl gave a status report. Harwood was well ahead on time, but the last hill found his weaknesses, which “The Destroyer” took full advantage of winning the event (and a Pot) which gave him one of the biggest cheesy smiles I think I have ever seen. Dave finished fast but admitted that last 5 miles were hell. Our own Wobbly Bob was gutted when he found out he’d missed Paul Sharpe by 4 seconds, and knew exactly where it was lost. Nothing worse than farmer types holding you up on downhills with an indicator on, with Bob not knowing what they were going to do.

Earl’s second outing of the day was to find Martin Green, who turned up almost immediately, so was a false alarm. Martin had ridden to Burnham-on-sea the day before just to try their pie and chips and a couple of beers before returning over Cheddar Gorge, so was forgiven for being a little tired. Last but not least was “Touring Tony”. He had a momentary forgetful spell, forgetting to turn left at Rockfield. This took him into Monmouth, then up to Buckholt. At this point we got the phone call. Oh how the mobile has modernised the world. In years gone by we would have been waiting for hours for his safe return. Instead we just despatched transport to retrieve him. I’m not going to say anyone laughed at his predicament, but it has been logged in the entertainment awards booklet.

Rider of the Day was “The Destroyer”

Walford 12/5/11

Walford 10 12/5/11

Monster turnout this week for Walford, even if the conditions were a little windy with a headwind out that failed to help on the homeward leg. First time out at Ross event saw Colin Powerhouse Parry having a cracking ride. Will we see more of him on his TT bike this year? Dave Evans “The Turbo’s” mentor just pipped his young protégé with “ Turbo Will’” having all sorts of issues before the start, enough said for time being, but you never know what may come out when the entertainment trophy is awarded…..

Talking of “The Turbo” (well writing actually) there was a hint of turbo lag this week, with Harwood gunning for him at the same time the gap to “The Destroyer” opened a little with “The Tourets kid" wanting to join the party. Mr. Raddenbury decided he preferred Walford to Old Gore, which surprised me, will we see his times improve once he knows the course?

Taff had a blinder this week showing that a little rest and a light duties job is good for times, I must admit, he looked good on the cross over. Burke and Hare were at it again with Andy just holding off an ever improving Burke in the process of taking Dave P’s scalp.

There were 4 players in the 26:40 to 26:50 bracket, but if you add another 20 seconds on top of that you have 8 players, which makes it the most competitive group. Julie felt sorry for Adam T. who turned up a tad late. It was pretty obvious he had made a valiant effort to get to the signing on in time, judging by the 6 pints of sweat dripping off him. Young Gazzer managed to go faster this week on a harder night so that should please his sponsor Marcus at Servern Valley Cycles. Kerry although not as quick as he has been in the past, looks to be thoroughly enjoying his return to racing, and I can see him joining the big 8 man battle just in front of him. Steve W. had his first go on Walford with a respectable time for a newbie.

This week’s waggiest tail went to “Tiger Tony” showing his times are getting better, only a matter of time before that magic 27 minute comes ( it would have been this week, only he noticed the timekeeper’s error…). Out of hibernation saw Clive C. getting into the racing thing again. Must be serious as he entered the Ludlow open 10 going a lot quicker than on Walford. Has Max maxed out? He was definitely giving it the beans but looked very tired at the finish. Another rider improving was young Charlie, only a matter of time before he breaks into the 28 minute category. (Charlie, did you take number 38 home with you 2 weeks ago? Can you check your car please). In his first event of the year Paul C. seemed very happy with his ride, with a young Ali D. snapping at his heels, it too being his first ride of the year. It was also great to see a face from the past in Jon Airey out looking like he was enjoying the experiance. Tim B. was another turning his wheels in anger for the first time, a little different to all the snowboarding he’s been doing (and partying). In last spot was Gerald who in fairness I failed to speak to, was he incognito?

Thanks this week, as we really needed help with 31 riders, goes first and foremost to Sam Phillips who stepped in at the eleventh hour to do the turn. Earl for launching everyone and doing a grand job for Julie Stephens time keeping by spotting the riders as they came over the line, and last but not least Julie Suff your starting time keeper. Thank you all!

Required for Thursday a turn Marshal, do we have a volunteer?

Rider of the night this week was between Dave H. & Taff. Once again the process was a difficult one with many a beer drank to discuss the merits of both rides. In the end this week’s rider of the night goes to Taff.

A note from Madame Treasurer. Some people have not paid their subs yet, or decided how you’re paying your racing fees. If you’re one of these people expect an only very slightly painful prod when she catches up with you. She checks every week!

Next week’s event, technically this week by time you read this, is a Lydbrook 10 on Tuesday night 7:30 start.

Our event Thursday is a 2 up 10 at Old Gore at 7pm. Be early to blag the partner of your choice. Remember to park sensible not blocking the driveway down to the farm.

2nd Old Gore 10 of the year

The second Old Gore of the season saw some significant improvements from the previous race 2 weeks ago. Weather was about the same, with the breeze coming in more from the side and a little crisper. The bug bear of the night was the fly’s which managed to draw blood in the first 1minute. Must put the mozzee spray on before the next outing up there. Winningest rider again this week was “Turbo Will” who was one of the few to o a little slower this week. He may have been saving energy for The Fred Whitton challenge which he completed in 9 hours and 47 minutes in the pouring rain. Well done Will, who raised over £500 on the way. We expect a full report on here during the week when you’re resting at work.

A shy and bashful Dave H. was quick to tell us about his new PB this week knocking a whole 3 seconds off, but not to be out done “The Destroyer” managed to shave a little time off him and also got a new PB by 8 seconds. Having been told to improve his time trialling by his manager Mr Raddenbury of Performance cycles turned up on his road bike. Afterwards was quoted to say “the return into the wind and up the hill to the finish where the highlights of his race”.

Dave P. did have a new bike which has defiantly improved his pace. All he needs now is a the fancy helmet, that should knock off another 20 second. I can hear his wallet being unlocked as he reads this. Incredible! I gave it the beans this week, and only went 2 second quicker, at the same time it felt so much faster.

With a box fresh chain, Steve M managed to finish this week; with a few thinking he was going to be a little faster from what they’ve seen so far out on the club rides. Now he has a race under the belt I think he’s going to surprise a few people.

Another saving his energy to ride with Will at the weekend was “The Missile”. The chunks of time are falling away fast; I wonder what difference his Whitton challenge will make next time out?

What a ride by “The Spinner”, only 2 seconds slower than on Walford last week, and knocking 42 second off his best for the course. He looked awesome on the way out, with an audacious over take of the race sec up the finale climb. Can’t see the race sec take that lying down for long!

“The Animal” was in his second race of the night, the first was to get to the start on time. James for now has his old sparing partner right where he wants him. Steve W. had a storming ride in only his 2 event, but I think Earl will have to take the credit for Steve’s time having dragged him around all winter.

Anthony P. was a face from the past, apologies for not chatting after to see how you thought you had done, but clearly you were inside evens.

I assume Cookie has opened a franchise up for bicycle maintenance, as Will’s crank fell off just before his big ride then “Tony the Tigers” seat post dropped down the tube making him look a little uncomfortable to say the least.

Matt Fallon was a young man on a mission. This week he removed a minute and 8 second off his previous time, according to dad, he was going like a train up the hill, especially once he clocked Ollie’s back wheel. Ollie was a happy chappie as well having also set a new PB by 38 seconds.

This week’s Lanterne rouge was Mary Munchkin, who tackled her first race of the season with a very large smile and lights!

This weeks Rider of the night award was a little easier to choose from this week. With only 4 nominations these were very quickly reduced to 2. This weeks Rider of the night becomes Riders Of The Night going to Both James and Matt who both performed well above expectations. Congrates both!

Thanks this week to Julie for timing, Sam Phillips for the pushing off and photies, and Bill Reay & John H. at the turn.

Next week is back to everyone’s favourite Walford.

The Forest event is their Hilly 2 up 15 starting from Shortstanding at 7:30.

Then on the 15^th is The Cross Ash Hilly. 25.4 miles of both pain and pleasure. I’m happy to time keep, but if there are any volunteers to Marshal let me know please…….

Were going to meet at the top of Dawn of Day with the event kicking off at 10:00. I don’t think Will’s here so there could be a chance to win some silverware!

Planned a new race on the calendar, let me know if it’s for us? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pAz4RYxDc8s

I will sort out (Fix to some) the 753 grouping next week. This is going to be very difficult to do as there are some many similarly paced riders which is why I havn't done it yet.

1st Walford 10

The first Walford saw some great times for the first fast event of the year. Slightly cooler tempertures and a slight breeze did not slow some down, in fact it inspired some. Top of the heap again this week was “Turbo Will”, but the day could be numbered as some one with Ginger hair was spotted out training recently!

Closing the gap Dave H put in a good time, being chased by “The Destroyer”. It’s only a matter of time before the gloves are off properly. Not wanting to be left out Paul F. has pulled his finger out. Could this be a real handbag’s at dawn battle brewing?

1st of the foreigners was Andy P or from now on “Hare”. Dave P. put in a good ride, which was on what looked like a new piece of machinery. Burkey was happy to have got my scalp, when asked after if he was happy all Burke wanted to do was beat Hare, who between them appear to take it in turns to beat each other, hence Burke & Hare!

“The Missile” has gone up a notch homing in on the battle in front passing my good self along the way. Martin Green quietly got on with the job in hand sneaking up the field.

New to this side of the world saw Jon W. just edged out our own “Mr. All the Gear, No idea Taff Lavington”, who put in a very good ride. Back on the scene after a few year off saw Kerry Trigg looking keen to get back up to speed tying with Paul H. who was looking forward to the chip supper more than the race I think!

Wayne was like a man possessed, once caught by his minute man never let him get to far away. “The Animal”, Terry Grey & “The Spinner” ended up split by 6 seconds, which I think will be interesting to see what happens next time out. Young Gary managed to do the course without doing an extra loop, with his best time this year.

Max S. just squeezed Tony “The Tiger” out in his first time trial looking like he had just ran a marathon. Well actually he had, The London Marathon.

For an old Pie eater Ziggy Fletcher was happy to be inside evens on the Ross side. Charlie B appeared to be pleased with his ride as was new boy Ollie who is getting closer to his target of 30 minutes.

Julie Suff put in a fantastic effort looking really smooth. It’s only a matter time before she dips into the sub 30’s. Someones got to come last, this week was “Mike The Post”, but we could all be in trouble soon as he is threatening to take his saddle bag off!

Timing this week was Julie Stephens, Mary Middleton & Bob Ryan were launch control, with Bill Reay at the turn, thank you all.

Rider of the night was an interesting one this week. We had more nominations than ever. After much whittling down we were left with 5 candidates. Well after a smashing great super (thanks to Bill & Mary from all who enjoyed) chip supper, we then got to the nitty gritty over the odd beer. Good job we had Friday off! After much deliberation commendations to Dave H. The Destroyer, Wayne M. & Taff were needed, but this weeks rider of the night goes to Max Suff. For a first effort that was a great ride on a normal road bike. The pain was in your face from the effort as you finished, well done!

This weeks event is an Old Gore 10 at 7:00pm sharp.