24th February

50 mile Reliability Ride

At 10.00am Sunday 2nd of February 2014 with a break in the terrible weather, Phil Andrews, Steve Williams and Dean Cummings set off from the Welcome Inn, Tonypandy, picking up Steve Bennett and Hywel Morgan a few miles down the Valley . A good tempo was set from the outset and all the riders were working together as they tackled Nantgarw Hill and headed in the Newport direction , Steve Williams had a slight issue with his rear mudguard as the group approached Newport but this issue was quickly resolved ( mudguard nil, bin 1 ). Quickly the riders set off hoping to beat the black clouds building in the distance. Sadly, as the group entered the Newport Flats, it rained, and rained and rained for the whole 12 miles . As they arrived at Newport Road, Cardiff, the sun appeared to lift the riders spirits and they negotiated the Cardiff traffic without any problems .

The tempo pace continued as the riders tackled the LLantrisant Road climbs. In-form Hywel Morgan turned the screw on the last drag past Dynevor Arms and gained about a 6 second lead on the chasing group of 4 . The Castell Mynach lights were thankfully green so moments later the bunch was together again for the run in to the Black Prince. All riders finished together in 2 hours 45 minutes, well under their target time of 3 hours . Everyone was pleased with their efforts, a true test of form at this time of the year.

17th February

At the recent Annual General Meeting, the outgoing officers all agreed to continue in their positions during 2014. The following members were then elected to the Committee : Carl Banwell, Jason Dodd, Gwyn Humphreys, Dai Long, Tony Rees and Chris Thomas.

We welcome another two additional members to the Acme Wheelers this month. Dave Nelson is a final year student at the University of Glamorgan. He hails from the Wrexham area where the seriously tough climb of the Horseshoe Pass figured in his rides. He was a keen member of the Sunday training ride during the winter but a college-related spell in Africa early this year means he is now trying to recapture his lost form. Having started with the faster riders last Sunday, he later stopped at Cowbridge cafe on Stalling Down [now bereft of motorcyclists, making room for us again] where he was able to meet up with a more relaxed club group for a chat and pleasant ride home.

Eddie Morse from Penygraig will be remembered by many of us, having previously ridden in Acme colours in 2012 when he won the Longmarker’s Trophy in our open 25 mile time trial. Unfortunately, work committments caused his disappearance from the scene soon afterwards although he has continued to ride his bike. This year he has an opportunity to challenge for the trophy once again when the Bryn Griffiths Memorial 25 mile Time Trial is held on 13th April. This event is well known in South Wales for the quality of its organisation and a well-marshalled course and we want that to continue. With the heightened interest in racing this year, some of those who acted as marshalls last year wish to compete in the event this time around so we need replacements. To allow Tony Rees to concentrate on the main organisation, hard-working Kerry Lewis has again taken on the role of Chief Marshal and is keen to receive promises of help as soon as possible. To help ensure the successful continuation of our “25”, which has been held annually since the formation of the Club, with the exception of 2012, please contact either Kerry Lewis or Dave Roberts to pledge your support.

One member unable to ride last weekend was Chairman, Jeff Matthews, who is recovering from an operation to remove his gall bladder. It means at least a week off the bike before some easy riding but he is itching to get out with other members as soon as possible. We look forward to seeing you soon, Jeff. When the weather is suitable, a number of members now meet mid-week for a leisurely ride. This is intended to become a fixture on Wednesday mornings, leaving the Welcome Inn at 9.30 and as the forecast is for a dry day this week we look forward to seeing anyone who is interested.

The stock of Club garments is diminishing rapidly. If you intend riding circuit, road or other races held under British Cycling jurisdiction, remember you will have to wear the new kit design. You may ride time trials wearing any design which does not carry advertising. However, if you have not yet paid your Club subscription for 2014, remember it must be in the hands of the Treasurer before your first race of any kind.

John Pritchard would like to remind riders about the Five Valleys Sportive, details of which can be found at www.thefivevalleys.co.uk