14/5/2015 Old Gore10, the wet one ---- Not!

Well folks, lots of 753 points went begging on Thursday.  Conditions had not been nice leading up to the classic Old Gore course, but it was almost tropical seconds before the start, well apart from the wind, with only a couple of damp patches on the ground. For a change it was a monster wind out, but for some strange reason we never felt it was helping on the way back.

Tom the Power stepped in to undertake the 20 seconds of training needed to do the timing, before the 3 Bravest of the Brave riders locally were sent on their way.

As she was looking a tad chilly, the timekeepers gave Rachel a 4 minute head start, which actually was 7 due to second on the road getting lost. I’m not saying Gannet Jonny is laid back, but we knew his car was at the event, and so figured he too must be around. Transpires, a power nap had been required so we had to wake him up to sign on.

Anyways, the advantage of an aero position paid dividends with the downhill out to the turn in the wind, meaning everyone’s favourite Racing snake took the top of the podium position. Second home on his road bike was Gannet Jonny, with Rachel happy to have 3^rd spot, and a nice warm lift home afterwards

Thanks this week to Julie & Tom timing, with Bill at the turn.

Next week/this week is everyone’s favourite, a Walford 10, with good weather predicted.

I have a timekeeper for Thursday, not sure about a turn marshal yet.

Gannet Jonny fresh from his power nap

Not had results for the Cross Ash Hilly but sounds like we had 5 out, thanks Tom for sorting, with Bill helping.

Rider of the night this week is Rachel. It was a hard cool night, with both me & Jonny nowhere near where we should have been, oh and Julie chose the rider of the night this week.

1	Paul Stephens	27:41
2	Jonny Webb	30:20	Gannet CC
3	Rachel Morgan	33:00

Second Walford 10 of season

Not meant to smile when racing

For the second Walford of the season, we had a cooler night than previous, with a 50/50 split about whether this week or the race previous was harder due to more wind (don’t blame me!!!). Just looking at those that thought it was harder you could see they’d tried. Me personally, although the wind was a little more prevalent, the air was not as dense to cut through.

Earl’s first trip out having spent winter on a mountain bike took the top step this week, which gave him the right to have that big smile the rest of the evening. Luke again on a road bike impressed with a 23 minute effort. Big Bob in his first outing for a while took 3^rd , all that time spent on Colin’s wheel paying dividends. Adam was next up, his speed may be a little blunted due to the distances he’s currently riding, but willing to bet he has a 23 in his legs at some point this year. 

Another who’s been training on a mountain bike was Jamie, willing to bet he surprised himself with a 25.

Now for the psychology part of the blog, Is Steve Williams slowing down or am I catching him? He’s going to have a crick in his neck, check to see if I’m there – cos I’z a coming….

Radders has upped his game taking 25 seconds off the previous, and turning the results around with Wobbly Bob. Maybe the waving to his family on the course slowed him down, allowing Ant Pollard to pip him by a whole 2 seconds.

Our man the “The Power” still with aches and pains once again put in a sterling performance, he’s like a new rider this year, hopefully managing to keep it up all season. The Spinner improved from 2 weeks earlier, but looked far more broken. 

Gary had a very good ride, moving close to James and the 27 minute window. It was also good to see Adam out, I’m guessing very pleased with his time, just beating youngest rider James by 1 second who in turn found 34 seconds.

Richard, Richard, Richard, I’m going to give you the benefit of the doubt. I’m willing to bet he was still tired from the Forest classic he rode the weekend before. A little speed work now will see gigantic leaps forward in the very near future.

Tony The Tiger & playmate Jon Airey (they had a good battle royale last year ) were very close this week with Jon upping his game and Tony slowing a little to wait for him. Best not slow down any more Tony.

Rachel was first Lady home this week, shaving 10 seconds off last times effort, with a more controlled start this week. Only another 4 weeks till the sub 30 at this rate!

Last week’s egg & chips(read last blog) must have been sat at an odd angle in Paul C’s stomach as he gained 16 second. Should treat your body like a temple and have the chicken salad just like I do.

Julie Timekeeper type Stephens did her first club10 since 1987, she pretended she didn’t enjoy it , but I can assure you all she was buzzing after!

Unfortunately, someone has to come last on the time sheet, this week it was Angie. Where’s Gerald when you need him! Angie’s face told the story of pain and effort; her whole body language suggested how she’d not enjoyed it. As I said in the beginning, the 3^rd week is the hardest – it all gets easier from there.

Thanks this week go to Will & Sammie for picking the signs up and timing, currently needing 2 timekeepers on a Walford. Taff for launch control and Dave Hall & Cookie at the turn. Should just mention the Destroyer watching at the start, plotting his return, second in command as launch controller.

Next week/this week depending how you look at it we have an Old Gore and the Cross Ash Hilly Sunday. Please check Forum regards last minute changes for this events.

RDFCC event Tuesday is a Lydbrook 10

This week’s rider of the night is Adam Spector. With all the problems Life’s thrown at him recently, it’s just good to see him back, getting stronger I hope.

1	Earl Smith	23:33	RDFCC
2	Luke Churchus	23:54	Gannet C.C.
3	Bob Parry	25:11	RDFCC
4	Adam Taylor	25:25	RDFCC
5	Jamie Streather	25:39	VC St. Raphael
6	Steve Williams	25:43	RDFCC
7	Paul Stephens	26:03
8	Mark Raddenbury	26:43	Shutt VR
9	Antony Pollard	27:07	RDFCC
10	Robin Hill	27:09
11	Tom Knight	27:41
12	James Wilson	27:56
13	Gary Downs	28:09
14	Adam Spector	28:28
15	James Hall	28:29	Newport Olympic
16	Richard Harrington	28:51
17	Tony Price	29:34
18	Jon Airey	29:43
19	Rachel Morgan	30:30
20	Paul Cooper	31:33
21	Julie Stephens	32:46
22	Angela Downs	33:01