The Christmas Dinner and Presentation Evening went ahead on Saturday 14th December due to the determination of Tony Rees, seen here accepting his award for second place in the 5 mile Time Trial Series. Held at ‘The Colliers’ in Porth, it was great to see the event strongly supported by members and their families on what is an important occasion in the Club calendar.

After an excellent three course meal the following Club Champions were awarded with their trophies by our President, Gerald Clements.

25 mile Time Trial Neale Lewis

30 mile Time Trial Dan Taylor

50 mile Time Trial Gary Flower

100 mile Time Trial Gary Flower

Short Distance BAR Dan Taylor

Hill Climb Ethan Derrick

Cyclo Cross Dan Taylor

Criterium Evan Rickards

Criterium Freddy Rickards

Hill Climb Series 1st Paul Harries ; 2nd Ethan Derrick.

It was wonderful to have Judith and David Thomas at the dinner to see Ethan Derrick receive the Dudley Thomas Memorial Trophy for his win in the 5 mile Time Trial Series. In 2nd place was Tony Rees and 3rd was Paul Harries.

ClubTime Trial Standard Awards were made to Steve Williams, Dai Long, Dan Taylor and Gary Flower.

The 2013 Clubman of the Year Award was given to Dave Roberts for his loyalty and commitment to the Club throughout 2013. Due to an injury he has not ridden during 2013 but hopefully he will make a comeback this year.

Following the formal presentation things became less serious as a number of “deserving cases” were awarded with the usual ‘novelty prizes’.

The Club would like to thank Kay and her staff at ‘The Colliers’ for their hospitality,service and great home-cooked food !

Members will be pleased to hear that Ross is now home from hospital and will need a couple of months recovery before riding once again. During the accident caused by a car braking violently to avoid a head-on collision, Ross landed on his knee which was forced backward, damaging bone which requires a graft. He feels everyone should be aware of the benefit of wearing a helmet which was smashed when his head hit the curb. The result could have been a lot more serious.

Photos from the Dinner can be viewed in the Photo Gallery.

Happy New Year to all our members. The weather has not been the best for cycling during the holiday period but a group ride wasplanned this morning to take advantage of the few hours of drier and less windy conditions. One member who was unfortunately unable to take part is Ross Morgan who collided with a car on New Year’s Eve and was admitted to hospital with a broken leg. We all wish you a speedy recovery, Ross and look forward to seeing you back on your bike. To help cheer you up in the meantime, here is a photo of your grandad, Neville Yeo, taken in the 1950’s when the usual racing attire was a racing cap turned back to front for better aerodynamics, woollen shorts which tended to become baggy with age [especially if it rained!], and a woollen racing vest with the same qualities. Note the fixed gear and single, front brake although the hood section of a second lever was sometimes fitted, as here, to grip while riding in a more upright position, especially when riding hill climb events. The rear wheel usually had a larger sprocket on the other side for use when riding to and from the race unless you had carried spare wheels. The large flange hubs were a favourite as they shortened the spoke length, making the wheel stiffer. No radial spoking in those days. The bell was an essential, being required by law and time trial rules. This one was again a favourite, being made of aluminium for lightness with a spring loaded arm which made a single strike against the bell. Not very effective but legal.

The clubroom will be open from 7-9 pm on Friday 10th January and the regulars would enjoy seeing you there for a chat and cup of tea.

The Annual General Meeting will be held in the clubroom on 31st January and any items for the agenda should be presented to Hon. Secretary, Mark Nicholls before the 16th January.