We are sad to announce the death of David ( Dai ) Evas.

David first joined the Club in the 1950’s and is well known to long standing members. In later years he rode regularly in the Vale of Glamorgan with a few others and enjoyed his cafe stops. Although he always looked trim and fit, ill health restricted his activities in the last couple of years while he underwent treatment for cancer. Although he appeared to be in better health later in 2014, he had been in hospital again during the past month and finally lost the battle. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.

These photos have been supplied by Tony Gammon and feature riders from the 1950’s. A young Tony is top centre in the photo alongside and enjoying the company of female members below !. Dai Plaza had a cycle shop alongside the entrance to the Plaza theatre in the now empty space to the right of the Welcome Inn. Members like Chris Clements and Dave Roberts spent many hours there in what was a second clubroom to young members. Len and Lil Jenkins still live in Clydach Vale. Len was a famous long distance champion and also set road records with Neville Yeo, another excellent long distance rider and grandfather of Ross. Gwyn Thomas was a top roadman who competed in the Tour of Britain.

50 mile Reliability Ride – Sunday 25th January 2015

The first ACME reliability Trial of the year was to be the 50 mile tour out to Newport then onto Cardiff and to finish in Llantrisant. Nine riders setting off at 9.30am were pleased the weather was reasonably mild and dry after the cold rides the previous weeks.

A steady pace from the start was the order of the day to complete the ride in 3½ hours as they set off down the valley to the first big climb up Nantgarw hill to Caerphilly. Splits occurred within the group on the steep gradient, but with a regroup over the top members again got into a comfortable rhythm with the help of a tailwind through Machen and on to Newport.

A headwind was the next challenge along the exposed “Flats” coast rode through Wentlooge, this was made easier with organised teamwork , the group taking turns on the front making it more bearable as they rode for Cardiff. A puncture delayed the group as they rode through the capital city and once repaired they set off on the final hilly miles to Llantrisant.

The hills once again caused a split as two groups developed through Groes-Faen and the following sets traffic lights adding further disruption for the riders. Finally the end was in sight and the final straight past the Royal Mint was a welcome relief as all the riders finished within minutes of each other.

Completing the ride in 3¼ hrs were Steven Williams, Jeff Rees, Ross Morgan, Paul Harries, Simon Kinsey, Tony Davies, Tavis Rees, Tom Stoddart & Phil Andrews. (In no particular order)

Other members pictured out for a less strenuous ride were Dave Roberts, Chris Thomas, Alec Morris, Kerry Lewis and new member Craig Weeks.