Aber & Back

Aber & back

Heavy rain may have put a few off the Aber & Back this year, but in reality the rain had stopped about 20 minutes before the event which was bathed in sunlight for the majority of the event. A strong breeze was felt on the way out giving a good push from Aber to Raglan. With a quality field of 4 Max led the proceedings off. 

As I dropped down from Broad Oak you can imagine my surprise to see Max cycling the other way. His Watch/heartrate monitor had come off his handle bars which needed a quick look to see where it had gone, which failed to yield a result. At the top of The Dawn of Day Nick P. was right behind me on his road bike, but this was where the TT bike now took over and the chance to gap him. We had Cookie, Tony, Bill and “The Destroyer” all out on course marshalling and time checking (I assume they did the same for everyone (I couldn’t actually hear with my head faring on after 18mph!)). 

I knew I had a good advantage, just as well as I had to stop for 2 minutes going under the dual carriageway for a herd of cows to be moved, then I had Ivor Mc Giver “The Sunday driver” who had a procession of 10 cars behind him at Mitchel Troy halting my progress with their 20Mph procession, then to add insult to injury having to stop at the lights at Monmouth with the “Ginger One” on his way to Neath sticking fingers up at me laughing at the fact I’d been stopped. 

A check over my shoulder going up the hill said I still had plenty of time. Imagine how horrified I was to see first Nick Philpot only a minute and a half behind at the end with Max only another four seconds behind. Both must have had a brilliant ride for the last 10 miles. Could have been a very different story but for Max’s Garmin Hunt! 

That leaves a mention for Tom. Well I can tell you all, Tom started at an easy pace, but he was going like a train towards the finish and this year he looked like he had thoroughly enjoyed it.

Thanks to all that turned up to help, Sam P, John H, Cookie, “Turn marshal Tony”, The Destroyer, Bill R. & Mary Munchkin for the Timing.

Rider of the Day Nick P not far off the pace on a road bike!

Vintage Tankard team  is looking good so far. Let me know if you’re riding. The date is 2^nd October

The Hill climb is the week after that at Hoarwithy starting at 10:00. Has anyone got a spare oxygen cylinder, as I may need it afterwards

This week sees the start of the Thursday night rides from the rowing club, 7:00 prompt. Bring lights, then back for a social lemonade

If anyone fancies viewing the Tour I go on most years across Europe, there’s an evening deciding where to go this year on 23September. Contact me for more info

1	Paul Stephens	2:22:40
2	Nick Philpot	2:23:56	N-Tec Racing
3	Max Suff	2:27:00
4	Tom Knight	2:44:06	C-on-B’s