1st Walford 10

Well good conditions or they appeared that way greeted the start of the Ross & District Cycling Club’s 2015 club racing season. This was the first time the course has been used properly for almost 3 years, a favourite with everyone, being the flattest or fastest depending how you look at it. I must say the road state has deteriorated quite badly in that time though.

What was really good to see was the range of riders out, some a first time, others seasoned vets. Apologies if I didn’t get around speaking to everyone, but it was quite busy. Of the 27 riders, a surprised and very happy Mark Alston took top honours, not bad for someone’s who’s not been cycling that long, just edging Earl out by 5 seconds.

Shock shock horror, the T1000 in the guise of Allan Matthews took 3^rd spot, so willing to bet he’s happy with that having had major surgery on his knees recently. Possibly the biggest shock of the evening was Steve “I’ve not been on my bike “Williams poaching 4^th spot. I’m sure he’ll thank me for that.

Fastest Ross rider of the night was Max, never says a lot, just does the bizz. Betting he rode home afterwards with a big smile. Nigel started the season with intent, setting himself a new PB just ahead of Wobbly Bob, another who had a good ride, fresh back from the cobbles of Belgium.

As for myself watch this space next week, was not happy with my performance….

A new position in life( fatherhood ) seems to have given Mr Radders a new lease of life, suspect he will go well on Old Gore.

Tom “the Power” also fresh back from Belgium’s cobbles also got a PB, will he get that elusive sub 27 minute 10 on Walford this year?

Gannet Johnny was first road bike home, expect to see the same sort of time from him on Old Gore. Swiss Tony was the only other to get into the 27’s, before a confused feeling James first of the 28’s gang. 

Gary & Richard were next up. Now I know what their winter Watt bike results are, but here’s the thing – is Gary sandbagging on the Watt bike or is Richard daydreaming in the race? This could be the season battle to keep your eyes on. Tony the Tiger had a good ride, and at present has them in his sights, the Saturday morning training has paid off. Afraid I did not get to speak to Tim will catch you next time, but if that’s your first race, well done.

Young James was next; I suspect he will improve greatly over the next 12 months, followed very closely by the first lady (3 ladies a record as far as I can remember). I have to say when Sarah looked like a naughty school girl as she went by me looking very cross playing with her Garmin till she saw me then deciding that was not the right thing to do in a race.

Fresh back from 1 of his 20 holidays a year, Phil was the last rider to break the sub 30 minute barrier or better known as evens which is 20mph average, with Jon Airey just over evens.

Rachel Morgan was super keen to do a time trial, and has exponentially improved in a very short space of time. Starting a tad slower should give a better result next time. Sub 30 is on the cards easily. 

Number 2 on the road Paul  C was soooooo overcome when he finished he took his number home. This could have been a ploy to get an early shower so he’d be first in line for the chip buttys.

Senior racer, Dennis, never fails to impress for his age, the 12 hour is his goal this year, and will be looking for team mates as I can’t do it this year. Not that far behind Dennis was Angie, badgered into riding by Rachel. Now I was expecting her to say never again but, she did seem to actually enjoy the challenge. I think this was Martins first race as well, hopefully it did not frighten him off. Bringing up the rear as sadly someone’s got to was Gerald. In fairness we don’t see him till it’s a little warmer so we were all privileged to see him out so early.

Thanks this week goes to Will and Sammie for the timing,  Taff for pushing of and a really big shout to Bill who not only did the signs and the turn, he organised the Chip butty feast afterwards. Adam @RDFCC fpr pics. Did we forget to mention to Will Bevan about the free puddings afterwards as well?

Next week is Old Gore. 

Please do not block the access to the farm and leave space for the time keepers to park. This is a busy main road so please do not park dangerously. There is parking down the hill and 300 metres on the Ross side as well. You could also park at Old Gore Cross roads and use the short ride to the start as a warm up. We do not want any complaints. Also, please don’t hassle the time keeper for your time whilst riders are finishing, sorry to sound like a nag.

Rider of the night this week is Allan Matthews, quite a comeback.