If you think that Acme has no characters left, think again. The Wednesday group included a visit to the remains of Ogmore Castle this week and when Chris Thomas was asked to pose for a photo by the river Ogwr, this was the result. His comment afterwards ? ” My feet are nice and cool now, they will soon dry out.” He was wearing his shoes and socks at the time!
The first event of this season’s 5 mile TimeTrial series appeared doomed by the rain showers throughout the day but a window of dry and relatively calm weather provided ideal conditions for the eager competitors at the start in Porth.
First rider to face the start timekeeper, Margaret Evans, was Fiona Davies. Having recorded a personal best time of 26-42 for an open 10 on 17th May, she also set her best time on our 5 mile course, finishing in 14 mins 59 secs. Tom Stoddard, who used his lightweight build to fly up the Bwlch last week and win the hillclimb, found it more difficult to compete against beefier riders on flatter roads but still recorded a very good 13-19.
Several riders are in their first year of racing so Andrew Sheldon should be pleased with his 15-08, Rory Jenkins with 14-28 and Ross Morgan with 13-47.
Kevin Millard, unable to ride much in recent weeks, performed well to finish in 13-35 and was challenged closely by ever improving Simon Kinsey’s 13-41. Ryan Evans, making a comeback and keen to do well, then pipped Simon by 10 seconds with his 13-31. Steve Williams, a much improved rider this year, broke the 13 minute barrier with 12-29, following on from his recent PB of 24-16 in a recent Merthyr club 10. Kevin Bartlemore, full of confidence this year, just beat Steve with 12-27 to challenge for the lead. Neale Lewis, however, enjoying his riding this year, was just a fraction faster, passing finish timekeeper Dave Roberts in 12-14 to take the win.
The atmosphere at the start and finish was uplifting, with all riders and spectators applauding the achievements of each rider. Watching the event and enjoying the experience, was our newest member, Alec Morris from Penygraig, who looks forward to competing in the next event of the series. Welcome to the Acme Wheelers, Alec.
Thanks go to all who helped with the event, especially Chris and Kerry for marshalling and erecting warning signs around the course. We all missed the presence of our usual timekeeper, Gwyn Humphreys, who is unwell at present. We all wish you a speedy recovery, Gwyn and look forward seeing you at the roadside again soon.
