Ryan Evans Completes Some Early Season TT’s

Newly returned member Ryan Evans got his season off to an early start, entering the Cardiff 100 Milers organised 15 mile event on the R15/5 course between Abergavenny and Raglan. Ryan finished in 10th place with a time of 39.02 and an average speed of 23mph

Ryan’s second start was in the Bynea CC 10m TT in early March on the R10/22A Course on the A465 starting at Resolven and going to Aberdulais before returning back along the A465 to the finish.  On a cold day Ryan’s goal was to get home in under 25 minutes which he just about achieved with a time of 24:59.  Averaging 24mph Ryan finished 39th overall, he said “ I am more than happy with this result considering my season goals are triathlons”.

Well done Ryan, great to have you back with Acme Wheelers.

Pinvin Potholes and Mud

Sunday March 26th was the first road race of Dean Cummings’  British Masters season. The Pinvin Road Race, in Worcestershire, was sponsored by CASP Performance Clothing and Dean was competing in the E Cat (60-64), 6 laps of an 8 miles circuit.

It was a cruel day for all the riders, 6 degrees, cold Northerly wind and rain. Despite the riders having  to contend with  wet country roads, potholes, mud and gravel the race set off at brisk pace.

 At the end of Lap 1, despite numerous attacks from the front of the bunch, the riders remained together. During  Lap 2 a Bath CC rider drifted off the front and created a considerable gap for the others to chase down. The next 4 laps were a mix of attacks and chases as the Bunch negotiated wet roads and the stiff headwind. Riders were more or less flat out on the last lap and a strong early attack on a rise before the climb split the bunch. It was a chase all the way to the line to the Race finish.

Rob Pears, Bath CC went onto win with a clear 7 minute gap. Dean’s verdict on the day “ It was a superb ride in the tough conditions”. In a very good field of riders Dean finished 17th in his Category.

Gareth Welcomed back to the ACME

Returning home after a long period working in the Far East we are pleased to welcome Gareth Clements back into membership of the Club. As a former junior Welsh international, Gareth will be a great asset to the Club and we wait to see if he decides to become involved in competitive riding again.  Either way Gareth’s experience will be eagerly anticipated on Club Runs.

By re-joining Acme Wheelers,  Gareth continues the long association between the Club and the Clements family going back to his grandfather Joe.

Ryan Evans returns to Acme Wheelers

The Club are delighted that former member Ryan Evans has re-joined the Club after several years with the Rhondda Tri Club.  Fireman Ryan has been a very successful time triallist riding in Acme colours and achieved Welsh Champion status on two occasions.

In 2005 the Rhondda Fach product was part of the three man Acme team who won the Welsh BAR Team Championship.  This led them to receive the Rhondda Sports Personality  Team Award at the 2006 presentation at the Rhondda Sports Centre.

Boosted by the addition of Carl Banwell, our current Treasurer, 2006 was an even more successful year.  The Team won the Welsh 100ml Team Championship, Welsh 12hr Team Championship and the Welsh BAR Team Championship.

At the Welsh 12hr Championship Carl achieved a notable 2nd place with 258mls overall with Ryan coming in 4th with 257.75mls.

Welcome back Ryan we look forward to reading your TT and Triathlon results on the coming year.

New Club President

Following the untimely death of Club President Gerald Clements the Club Committee has held discussions to appoint a new Club President.  Following previous convention, the Club Member with the longest continuous membership takes over the Presidency, at this time it would be former Secretary and Treasurer Tony Gammon.  Unfortunately, due to failing health, Tony feels he is unable to take on this responsibility. The Club sends its best wishes Tony and Brenda.

The next longest serving member of the Club is Chris Clements who has willingly accepted the role of Club President, extending the long link between the Clements family and the Club, and we thank him for that.  While Chris does not need any introduction to members, he has written a brief outline of his long association with Acme Wheelers which will be of interest to everyone.

“I am honoured to be taking over as the Club President after the sad loss of my brother Gerald who carried out the role for twenty-seven years. My late father Joe joined the club in 1931 and I regularly attended events with him as a young boy, I joined the club in 1958 and rode my first race. During my racing days I competed in all forms of events including, road racing, track, cyclo-cross and time trials up to the twelve hour. I also regularly participated in Club Runs and Club social activities.

Over the years I have been the Event Secretary for all forms of Acme promotions including road racing, time trials and cyclo-cross. One of the most popular events was the Acme’s “Ideal Home Grand Prix” which was a part of the Llantrisant festival and finished on Llantrisant common.

Away from the Acme I served as Chairman of the Maindy Track League in Cardiff and organised the Welsh Track Championships which were held over two days. Additionally, I organised the two-day South Wales Stackpole Pembrokeshire training ride which started in Aberdare and attracted up to a hundred riders from all over the country. 

I look forward to being involved with the Club in the future and help it continue to thrive in the local community.”