The Aber & Back

It was touch and go as to whether we run the Aber & back this year. With the Coco the Clown construction company putting power cables in underground causing untold mayhem for many people, we had have a plan “B” as the dual carriage way was down to one coned lane. On top of that we needed a timekeeper. A plan B was formulated, with Paul Fallon stepping forward to time keep. Top Bloke! We had The Destroyer turn up for pushing off duties, roll on the contestants. With the exception of Will, I think we all knew the results were going to be close. 

Max inches perfect on the apex

We had a slight headwind out which grew stronger as the day went on. it appeared very good towards the end.

I personally gave Will the benefit of years of experience to tell him to just ease of till he’d got past where the Old Everstone  garage was, which he took. As he passed me he looked to be on the pace for a cracking time but not busting a gut. Needless to say he won! Quote of the day “didn’t notice the first 20 miles, well actually I didn’t notice the last 20 either”.

Well the even money was for Max to be next in the pecking order, but instead Nick P popped a quick one in. As I remember, he had a good one last year, looking slightly surprised to have beaten Max. Max was not that far behind, but looked exhausted with a fair bit of sweat dripping off him. I like to see effort dripping...

Johnny must love us; he’s travelled 33 miles just for our company and maybe to do the event, took 4^th spot. The distance held no fear for him, but being a road racer meant he was more used to sitting in a peloton rather than having to cut through the air all the way. Bet he wishes he lived closer to Ross, as he has done a few events already this year with us.

Now I bet you’re all wondering what of I? A pinch puncture at 40mph made it game over for me, with a 3 mile walk before Andy of Climb-on-Bikes lent me his phone to call the AA. Thanks Will for the offer of his spares, but I was close enough to get home, which would have left him with nothing for the rest of the ride. 

Rider of the day from a personal perspective was Will. As he actually stopped before a climb to offer me a phone (could not call too early as Julie enjoys her beauty sleep) and spares, and still caught everyone by the top of the Dawn of Day.

Thanks again to Paul & Graham for your time & support

The Vintage Tankard team is looking very good now. We have five big hitters, one who’s legs look like a humming birds wings on the climbs, and 2 possibles waiting to see if their  fitness is going to still be good in a few weeks’ time. We need a couple more so the team is strong in depth and numbers. 7^th October  is the date, give me  a reply if you can ride.

 

To keep the fitness up, don’t forget we have a Tuesday Evening every week, and the main Thursday night ride followed by a social lemonade glass at the rowing club afterwards. All welcome.

Next event is the Hill Climb in Hoarwithy up Alt Bough on the 30^th September. 10 for 10:30, followed by a ride afterwards 

 

KM Sprint

Perfect conditions for the KM sprint this year was the cue for the course record to fall, and fall it did. 

Gerald giving it large

Will popped a swift one in banging 38mph down the course, complaining he was dying over the line. From where I was stood at the finish, I could hear power still happening through his rear tub. Yours truly took the first losers slot just pipping Millie & the Missile who both looked surprised after!

Taff’s Circuit training has paid off matching Fallons pace down the course. A mere second later was The Destroyer who tied with Nick (who was on a road bike I think). Harwoods 40 mile warm up failed to pay off, taking off and trying to do the course in a spinney gear all the way down. Still not a bad time for a spinney gear…

Tony for 2 years running did a 18, just scalping Humming Bird Legs Fallon who has yet to develop the monster power of the front runners. The Spinner and The Animal are locked in their own little battle, on this occasion coming out equal. 

The first of this seasons new comers was Richard who’s getting stronger every ride, with Wayne keeping him honest. Now unless I’m mistaken, Wayne obviously wants a good season average on his certificate at the end of the year (26:6 mph), crafty! 

Young Mark managed to knock 16 seconds off his previous best, but I’m sure if he’d had a second go could have possibly gone faster. Come try it rider Martin (Will, Julie got his name wrong) enjoyed the experience, sounding disappointed it was the end of the season. Hopefully we will see him again in the future.

Gerald found the evening hard running out of speed with 400 metre left to go. Tom knocked a large amount off his best escorted by dad down the course, with Felix also having his first outing with his dad rounding off the riders.

Thanks this week to Mary for the start, Julie the finish. Steve Millard, Paul Fallon & Richard for pushing off. Apologies for the lack of hundredths, as Julie had inadvertently given Mary the watch with the hundredths who did the start.

Rider of the night this week has to be Turbo Will, what a time, what a new challenge for the rest of us to beat… 

Vintage Tankard team looking good so far, stay fit and focused so we retain it again. Keep the 7^th October free.

Next event is the Aber & Back on 16^th September. Keep an eye on the forum as this may have to be cancelled due to road works at Pencraig. Alternatively we may shorten it and finish at Whitchurch. Any volunteers to hold a watch if it goes ahead?

 

Long Hill Climb Plus other news Item from this week

Retro thing happening. LHC from 2006, Sharky Testing the presidents Hack, it never been the same since

Only 9 riders turned up for the long hill climb this year, but in fairness we had the biggest number of spectators ever! 

 Harwood & Millie were cursing as they’d already been out, having forgotten about the hill climb; instead Steve volunteered to push off. Julie loved the fact Will took charge of proceedings and set the signing on & start order, well all except Rich who turned up a tad late.

Now he’s probably been fretting since he won, “where are the results and the blog?” to himself.  Been a bit busy this weekend, but if you’d not heard, young Matthew “Humming Bird Legs” Fallon won the long hill climb outright. Seems like only last year dad was accompanying him in the races. With legs spinning faster than the spin cycle on the best spindryers he swept all before him.

Visiting riders took the next 3 spots with Mr. Raddenbury rushing to get to the start on time (poor Penelope) must have fancied his chances had to settle with the second spot on the podium.  Nick had a stormer of a ride for 3^rd place.  

Antony likes the hills if I remember right, and pulled out a good ride, but must have been worried about the steam roller coming up the hill behind him in the form of “The Missile” on full chat tearing up snorting and growling. I did like the fact he left a mudguard on to give everyone a chance. 

I was happy with my effort only 6 seconds off my best, maybe I’ll surprise a few next year as I’m getting the hang of this uphill lark. Virgil in his first uphill event just held off young Mark, who really lit it up for the last 200 metres. 

Last man to sign on, and last place up the hill was Rich. Don’t be disappointed with the result. Look back to where you were at the start of the year and where you are now. That’s a good time, check the past results to see who had similar times in the past, that will give you a base line for next year.

Thanks to Julie starting at the bottom, Steve for the rude jokes and pushing off, and Will timing at the top.

Rider of the night was a close run thing, “The Missile” got several votes for a cracking time, but in the end Humming Bird Legs Fallon was Rider of the night for the first of what we hope (and I bet he hopes) will be outright wins. Well done Matt!

As some will know, we had a team of 4 in the Welsh Championship 12 hour. Am pleased to report all finished within I thought we all could realistically do.  

 Dennis included a fall, but after a bit of treatment carried on for the full 12 to do (roughly at this time as results are not finalised yet) 177 miles. Paul Fallon was close to 230(think it will be a PB) with Graham at about 232PB. I managed 234.6 and a PB. The weather was as warm at 6 in the morning as I’ve ever known it, but the wind was unpleasant right from the word go. 

Well done guys, damn good team effort. The pains will be gone by Wednesday. The only serious thing to report was Graham found he could not drink beer Sunday night as it would not go down………

Will seconds from Launch

Elsewhere Will rode the British Time Trial Championship up at Leicester against the country’s best. Will rode well, (plagiarism I’m afraid, ripped this off his coach Dave Evans’ F/B post) Firstly, let me say that this was a very tricky course. Following the start was a technical and unnervingly bumpy descent with wet patches of water AND mud coupled with a sharp bend or two. On my scout of the course, one rider was already down and out with a broken collar-bone. I believe there was another incident whilst Will was out. In addition to this, the course was peppered with tractors shipping silage and I believe Will got held up by a trio of Landrovers and had to stop at a junction for cars. He managed to finish in the top 10 (about 6th) with a time of 50.22 (winner long 46?). Will lost time on the descent which was totally understandable, but he showed great form by gaining time on the flats and climbs. Unfortunately, I feel the descent was a deal breaker and no doubt cost Will at least 3 places. It was great to see Will out there showing off everything he has worked hard on for the past couple of years. He looked confident, worked exhaustively, and gave a great performance. Well done Will! Results at http://cyclingtimetrials.org.uk/Default.aspx?&ge1246__geka=WMj5FrnM8xg2AtWi73DtcDFPYGf2w4V4DqQq15p888nDTjdNcTZI2ZL0WxIK-6D7&ge1246__gevi=d5s6PWCfWaJT6GTmyocJca0xLl71NOBHhe2yAjq6CFs&gv484__gvac=2&gv484__gvff0=57757&gv484__gvfl0=0&language=en-GB&tabid=109

 

Even more to throw at you

 

The Vintage Tankard "Inter-Club" Time Trial competition is just one month away...on Sunday October 7th RDFCC - Ross & District CC & Newport Phoenix will do time trial battle over the Forest  Hilly 15 course(Lydbrook/Ross/Shortstanding)...fingers crossed for fair weather and no roadworks...

The team from 2006 More Retro pics. Run out of new stuff apart from the stuff that will make people cringe later in the year, Muhahahahaha

We have permission to use the car park at the New Inn, Shortstanding for parking but where possible please car share to allow some room for Pub Clientele...As for their catering on the day, it being Sunday choices are limited to "Sunday Roasts"....with Vegetarian options available. Prices are £6.95 for main only...£9.95 for 2 courses or £12.95 for 3 Courses...portion sizes are usually generous in line with cyclists’ appetites. There is generally always Beef available + Pork or Turkey.

It would be useful to know numbers of people planning to dine to let the pub know...please e-mail me by return by Thurs October 4th latest.

The New Inn's postcode for Sat Nav wallers is GL16 7NT ...or Grid Reference GR SO572134, which is also the Finish Line.

Let me know if you want to enter, we need a team of 6 minimum, better more than less. The Ladies are more than welcome, both the other teams will have lady representatives.

If you want food please e-mail me, and I will pass on Martin's e-mail address.

 

Finally the last Thursday night event is this week, the 1KM sprint at Much Marcle.  Just over 1 minutes worth of full power, what could be easier? Signing on 6: 30, don’t park in the village hall.

 

Four Ross Riders Complete the 12hr

Congrats to four of our club mates who completed the 12 hr time trial yesterday, what a mamouth task!

Dennis Beard
Graham Carter
Paul Fallon
Paul Stephens

Exact mileage to be confirmed but it looks like Dennis did around 170mi which is remarkable as he is 82 and had a nasty off with a grate which left him with some nasty cuts.  He got back on his bike and finsihed!  From what I understand when everyone else was grumbling about finishing Dennis was still motoring!

The other three all did around 230miles (about 19mph average) with I belive Paul Stephens just coming out on top.

Big congrats to them all!

Old Gore - 16th August

It was the season finale on the hilly one and the Old Gore still had a thing or two to say. On a windy and drizzly night, Will Bevan set a blistering time of 22:35, breaking Alan Cooke’s 2011 course record by 2 seconds. Now only 20 seconds off Walford’s record, and another weeks worth of racing underneath his belt, who knows what the last Walford will hold?

It was fantastic to see four young riders pitting their cycling wits. With a few choice words of wisdom; watch out for the first few corners, don’t go to fast on the way out and save yourself for the last hill, they all set out with youthful exuberance. First back was Matt Fallon, 20 seconds off his PB with a time of 25:27, swiftly followed by 2 new prospective members, the Berry brothers, with 32:32 and 30:27 respectively. Allowing dad to conduct his second week of pushing off was Mark Carter, with a time of 34:29. Once he converts that mountain bike skill into straight line speed, he will be shaving off those minutes.

Max Suff continues to impress with his consistent progress. He was almost 2 minutes quicker than at the start of the season and only 15 seconds or so off his season’s best, which is good going for such a blustery night. Taff insists that circuits the night before is good for you and promptly proved his point by setting a time of 26:54, over a minute quicker than his previous ride; maybe he knows something that we don’t, or was it the tow behind the large tractor as he set off? Chasing down Taff was Dave Harwood who is getting quicker by the week, although he had to admit that he has lost almost 30 seconds or so on the Woodredding climb to last year.

Tony Price is certainly recovering from his early season trip under the knife, shaving 2 seconds off his PB and a further 2 minutes and 30 seconds off his season’s best time. Nigel Skyrme, riding all the way out from Ross, was extremely happy with his PB, so much so that he wasted all of that good effort down the pub later on that evening. Perhaps the blustery conditions suited more riders than not, as James Wilson also reduced his season’s best by 4 seconds.

Thanks go to Captain Steve Millard for marshalling everyone, Graham Carter for pushing off and for Bill and El President at the turn. Next week is the last Walford of the year. Be early for a handicap and watch out for those ringers, leaving their best times till the end.

Walford 9th of August

With perfectweather conditions for perhaps only the second time of the 2012 season, timeswere bound to tumble, and the 20 riders did not disappoint.

Will Bevan, successfully navigating the largewhole near the finish this time, came home in first place with a storming timeof 21:59, knocking 40 seconds off his pb and in the process just missing thecourse record by 20 seconds – a possible contender for rider of the night? Onone of his few outings this season, DaveHarwood proved that you can’t put a good time trialer down despite a dodgyknee, with a very respectable time of 24:33.

Our very ownracing secretary, creaking around atsuch a low cadence, seemed very pleased with his sub 24 minute time - at least thatwas what Julie told me. Settling down into his new time trial position was Mark Raddenbury who posted a very goodtime of 25:34. If we had actually managed to host another full and calm 10 mileWalford this season to compare rides to, this might have even been a pb. Taff, once again proving that a goodhard circuit session the night before was no barrier to time trialing, camehome in seventh position with 25:36.

OK, thismight be a bit biased, but what a fantastic time by Junior Fallon aka Crash Matt! Knocking over 40 seconds off his pb,he stormed around in a season defining 26:01. If it wasn’t for Julie watchingmy every move during my first, and probably last, time keeping session he wouldhave secured his first 25.

Other ridersof note were Chris Walker with atime of 27:32; despite riding a road bike, being a triathlete and his seatdeparting company from his post after 5 miles. I am sure once he gets it alltogether he will be a force to be reckoned with. Tony Price is riding his way back to form; one spoiler for the handicappedrace I suspect? Nice to see Mike Druceout and about on his highly polished steel steed, complete with hairy tyres andmissing handlebar tape.

Sarah Cosker will certainly be pushing for medalhonours next year. Only three months into riding a bike she is completing longSunday rides, pushing the pace at the front and moving towards the 30 minutemark on Walford.

Bringing upthe rear were the venerable members of our club, the league of gentleman withonly a few minutes separating them. DennisBeard signing on late - who should know the rules by now - still managed tobe the leader of the pack. Just getting a few training miles in ready for hisumpteenth 12 hour attempt in September.

Rider of thenight was as difficult as always, but one rider shone out the most. Not only didhe manage to stay upright, but also makes going fast look so easy – Mr WillBevan.

Now for thelist of apologies: all those that I missed out, Paul being on holiday and notwriting the report, writing the report and finally the finish time keeping.Next week we pay our respects to the last Old Gore of the season. Be there at7pm to witness hilly punishment.

Finally,thanks to all of those who supported: Graham the Phelps Carter for pushing off,Julie for time keeping and Bill for doing his turn, at the turn.

2/8/12 Old Gore 10

Another quickie, but quicker (blame the Olympics, beer drinking and a 50 which hurt)

Tongue still out from licking car windows

Results for Old Gore this week.

Senior Fallon won but was definitely not firing on all cylinders. I, Max & Steve have been locked in our own little battle for the last few events.  Mark’s new bike helped, Nick was 1^st road bike, Blane on his first outing on Old Gore. James was a lot happier this week having moved his handlebars, with Andy T. riding his first TT. Mark H. had the wake up on Marcle to tell him to pedal faster meanwhile, Fallon Junior had a tri bar come loose, hence the slip down the results. 

Ross’s fastest postman Mike on a bike took the penultimate spot with Gerald making sure we all got back safely in last spot. He was very keen to inform me he knocked a minute off his best!

A hero’s thanks this week go to Sam for the launch, Julie for the timings and Bill signs and turn.

Rider of the night this week is Gerald for that minute’s improvement.

Next Old Gore 16^th Steve M. will be timing. I think Bill offered to do the turn, but I may be wrong.

The week after that is the handicap 10, where all the ringers come out. Again, I think Wobbly Bob offered to time that one. Let me know ASAP if you can't do it Bob

Be on your best behaviour for our timekeepers, and we will require a Marshal. 

Also, check the forum to make sure Walford will be used, as at present there is still a big hole outside the school. In fact check this week as well. Looks like they may have started doing something……