Much Marcle 3 lapper

Just before the rain

Gruesome weather seems to have become the norm on a Thursday night, once again this was no exception. Pre-race banter was at a high this week as people fought for shelter under trees. In fairness it was only light rain till the first rider was due to start, then it chucked it down. We held the start up for 20 minutes waiting for Clive Chappe who had said he was riding, but never materialised.

Clive Newey led the proceedings, steam pouring from his rear tyre as he pulled away, this gave young Matt a dry line when he started. The tail wind in the village gave the impression we would have a flyer from the first turn to the roundabout. Funny how these things never pan out. Headwind for the rest of the course was what the doctor ordered.

Back on the road to recovery Turbo Will lit it up for the 3 laps, upsetting Clive as he passed him up the big climb doing about 25 miles an hour difference in speed. Judging by the lap times the pacing was good but he did look a little disappointed with his result. 

Mr Consistent on the evening was “el Destroyer”. He did say afterwards he felt he could go faster, but there was a gravitational thing slowing him down, similar to the moon going around the earth. At the time he couldn’t quite get a handle on it. He did say it started about the same time as he passed “The Missile” which was about lap 2.

On the other hand The Missile had his fastest lap on lap 2 about the same time as this strange gravitational pull befell Graham. Several marshals said Graham kept slowing down at their marshalling points which allowed The Missile  to re bridge the gap and persuade Graham to go a little faster as I was in sight.   I was wet and cold, but not going too bad up the climbs, a whole 2 seconds faster than the vintage tankard time from last year.

Young Matty was next home. What happened lap 2? Did you go to sleep, as you were back on the money for the third lap. I suspect you were taken out of your comfort zone being an extra 9 miles compared to what you’re used to. 

I thought James would shine here, having a few hills, so was very surprised to pass him on his own territory. I think we have to reassess your position on your bike, as I know you can go a lot faster.

The inclement weather, lack of riding, one of the hardest Ross courses may have been a little too much for “The Animal”. With back pain and feeling cold he jacked at the end of the 2 lap.

Thanks this week go to Paul Fallon for pushing off, Bill Reay turn 1, Mary Munchkin Middleton turn 2 and Paul Fallon turn 3. Julie timed with the help of Mark “Downhill” Carter spotting.

Rider of the night this week is Turbo Will for almost a minute off his last attack of the course.

New award this week only is Drafter of the night. This goes to The Missile for his gravitational effects on Graham.

 

Next week is the Road bike 10.  This levels the playing field as no one will be using any aero kit. It will show who’s fast fast..

This means 

No Aero helmets

No Aero Frames

No Aero wheels

No Aero handlebars/Tri bars

No shaven eyebrows or bald heads. If bald please wear a toupee.

You may shave your legs this year

Help wanted

With 2 opens being run next month, myself and Will will need help/volunteers, and maybe the odd cake (normal cakes also welcome). Please get in contact if you can help out, we need your support. If you’re planning to enter, get your entries in, not long now.

 

Wet Walford 10 June 14

Max attack

 

When asked for help this week, I didn’t expect as many offers of help as I did/ had, thanks all.

With the rain raining it was wet, very wet. Sam’s Tranny doubled up as a signing on booth in an attempt to keep the paper work dry, which it did almost. Steve Millard volunteered to time but did not look to keen to get wet so employed Tony & Graham to hold the umbrella for him. 

As the nerves built up before the start the rain increased, with almost everybody using a rear light. Mary was keen to have the number one slot so headed out on the highway Looking for adventure in whatever comes her way(please note that is copywrited).

Fallon once again stood in for Will (who was on his death bed, but had said he’d come along if desperate) taking the top step of the podium. A strong wind slowed everyone this week in a direction I’d never ever felt on Walford before in 30 odd years of racing on it.  

A Lucky Missile came second, lucky as he knew I was still recovering from a heavy cold from the week before. Max once again stood on the 3^rd step. After he finished, he looked very cold. It’s important to get out of cold wet cloths A.S.A.P.  or at least get something warm on. Fourth had to do this week…..

Fallon and the flared skin suit

Kerry improved greatly this week when everyone else had slowed down, well apart from Fallon jnr. Who once again went a tadge quicker, tying with visitor Johnny Webb who was a tad slower than his last outing. James “The Spinner” followed them home, with Come try it rider Tim Newland just, and only just missing out on evens (the 20mph barrier). Will we see him again, he looked like he had enjoyed it.

Just in case Dave Halls reading this, Walky did 10.6 miles. Everyone else he did 10 miles. Again he struggled with the windy conditions but would be pleased I’m sure when he sees he knocked 2 minutes of his short course night…

First lady of the night occupying the Lantern Rogue spot was Mary Munchkin, again still managing to raise a smile for Steve as she crossed the finish line.

Thanks this week for timing was Steve Millard who left me to do the working claiming it would be drier if I did it back at the rowing club. Who was I to argue with that over a beer and some birthday cake. Mmmmmmm cake. Tony & Graham for pushing off and umbrella duties and last of all Bill Reay on turn duties..

Rider of the night this week after a slight change having had a better study of the results was Andy Walker for find 2 minutes somewhere out in the gloom & doom.

Next week is Marcle circuits. 3 laps around Much Marcle. If you’re driving, don’t use the pub or the village hall, and park sensibly so as not to create a bottle neck where were timing. 

Some turn marshals would be good and someone with a brush for the first corner.

Forest event is a Lydbrook 10

Ledbury & Back

What orrible conditions! A bike or a pedalo were the choices. On the positive side the rain had all but stopped. We still had to negotiate rivers of water racing across the roads, and then to top it off a further delay was needed for a tree to be removed from the downhill section on Woodrdding. With wind racing across the course, deep section wheels had hairy experiences for the riders, not fun…..

The Destroyer, looking terrified by the conditions

On form Turbo Will romped home first, with a The Destroyer taking the silver medal position.

Third spot was more of a fight. I could tell The Missile had dropped the hammer down on the first downhill as he was at the top of the first climb as I rounded the left hander on the downhill section. Max on the other hand had given it his all to the finish, well almost the finish. Reports say he’d blown badly on the final section and was on impulse power over the line, which may have given The Missile the edge taking the bronze medal. I was wondering if Max had forgotten the finish was another mile on and not at the top of the hill, something I'd done in the past.

Adam looked happy with his ride afterwards, but possibly wondering why he’d done it. Little Fallon had his first big scalp, taking me by 10 seconds. If I’d not been so ill, even Will would have been worried about me. In fairness I should not have ridden, but hey – kill or cure!

James, you have confused me on this one, I was expecting you to have my scalp as well. You were 4 minutes quicker last year. Last this week, as someone has to be was Nigel. This was his first outing, and the longest he’s raced so far, so pacing was important. Steady this year, light it up next year!

Thanks this week, not sure I have enough space was Julie timing. Chief Marshal in charge of signage and tree removal co-ordination was Bill Reay, Paul Fallon & Mary for the marshaling either side of the clear up and Preston’s Cross roundabout. Last but not least Tony “The Tiger” for pushing off.

Rider of the night this week was “The Missile” as someone said, he did a good job getting that exceeding large frame up the finale climb. Well actually, I made that bit up….

PTW50

 

Bit of a surprise Sunday, after a pep talk on the way down in the car, The Destroyer Scalped Fallon who immediately had a re-occurrence of Tourette syndrome again before graciously congratulating Graham. Max & Julie both tackled their first 50, both reasonably happy afterwards. Bar counting times are Times were Graham 2:02, Fallon 2:04, Max 2:15:37, Me 2:17, Julie 2:41:25. Can’t read the time on the photo, but you all get the idea.

Next week is back to Walford, the long range weather forecast is not good. 

Forest event is a Speech house circuit. 9.6 miles with a climb up speech house hill to finish

A Shortened Walford 10

I get the impression people read the blog to find out how I think they’ve really done. Well, even on a short course, everyone has moved the bar on. Thanks to Turbo Will (he has given up his dinner times working on the new web site) who has managed to put in your virtual times in brackets on the new web results page. Still accessible off the old web page at http://www.rosscc.co.uk/website/res12.shtml at present. I’m still to fine tune the 753, as this year it’s even closer than last year which was a nightmare, but last year I would say it was about right.

Simon Burke slows down to have a rest on the bench before continuing

Will once again put the top performance in on the night, with Fallon appearing to have moved up a gear. Opening his account a little late Harwood put in a fine time, although still has some work to do. The Destroyer will be feeling the pressure of  The Missile bearing down on him, who appeared jubilant to have beaten nobody in particular…..

Dave P was the best of the visitors on the night; show good form on so little riding. You could really hate some people! Millie, having been shown last time out how to go fast went fast, sneaking in front of Max who in turn snuck past me. You’re all on borrowed time, the horsepower will return Mwahahahaha.

More worrying than the front runners are the ones like Fallon Jnr improving every outing. I wonder how long it will be before he’s up with the big boys.  I think there’s only a few more second he can find this year but I may be wrong.  Young Anthony P seems to thrive on the Ross end of the course, or is it we get the best out of him?

Simon Pie Eater Burke proved very hard to catch this week, and will get faster as the season goes on. James once again has stumbled on the 26:30.  A smidge more oomph on the flat will see that 25 minute 10 happen, as I know you can do it. Climb on Tom must be having his best season to date, but more fire off the start line required, and perhaps leave off the Sunday roasts… Aim for the rider in front, plan to see them up the saw mills climb, then slowly reel them in. Ziggy found it hard this week, once he has done his tour this year will get in the fast 27’s.

Dave Hall only turned up to support his ol mucker, but secretly enjoys the challenge. A bit more in the way of aerodynamic (sail/flappy top) could see the impressive results, as he’s a strong boy! Virgil looked happier this week, the long Sunday ride that left him tired was just starting to pay off. Neil didn’t hang around long after but looked happy with his time before disappearing with his number as a trophy.

 

Julie should play cards. I can never tell from her expression if she’s happy with her ride, but she’s riding the PTW 50 Sunday, so will expect some good gains on Walford next time out. And what’s this? She’s taken the Secretary’s scalp by four seconds. Hang your head in shame Mr Reay!

 Rich has also put in his best ride to date, I think he’s been out training on a little route I gave him for his challenge later in the year. Last on the night, someone’s got to be, was new signing Walky. Nowhere near as fit as last year, can only improve, hope it gets easier for you as you did look to be enjoying it

Thanks this week to Julie timing, Nigel for the starting role and Taff sending you back home again.

Rider of the night was split straight down the middle, so we have 2 who will have to share the honour this week, being Harwood for being close to the money first time out (we secretly knew he wouldn’t ride till he had a chance of beating me) & The Missile who looked dangerously strong.

Next week is the Ledbury & Back, meeting at Old Gore cross roads.

 Other news from around the globe. Jwooones entered a mountain bike race over and around Oak mountain. He took 7^th spot, when asked how many were in it was told he’d been knocked back a place for a technical infringement.