The first event in the club calendar finally took place on Sunday 17th February after being delayed for a fortnight due to the atrocious weather we are (again) suffering this year. Sixteen members and two guests left The Welcome Inn at 9.30am in dry but cold conditions to complete the 50 Mile Reliability Trial. Recently retired Chairman Roger Evans deputised for his successor as ‘starter’ as Jeff Matthews was off relaxing in sunnier climes.

The group rode steadily through Pontypridd and on to Treforest Industrial Estate before the first climb at Nantgarw. After a bit of regrouping it was on through Bedwas and the rolling roads through Machen and Rhiwderen to Tredegar Park. At this point there was a diversion along the A48 to Marshfield, due to roadworks on the Newport Flats, before the usual route was rejoined. Ian Humphries provided the entertainment during a ‘natural break’ when he performed a ‘piked triple somersault’ down a grass embankment that resulted in some unfortunate brown stains on his shorts. (Always a crowd pleaser!).

The centre of Cardiff provided unwelcome disruption to the ride, with every set of lights changing against the group. A slight increase in pace at Old Llantrisant Road caused small gaps to appear on the undulations towards Groesfaen.This resulted in some riders being held at the traffic lights at The Castell Mynach pub while the majority rode together to the finish at the Royal Mint. All riders finished the ride in just over 3 hours – at least 20 minutes inside the allotted time for the distance.

Sunday 24th February saw Dai Long, Steve Williams and Dan Taylor competing in the first circuit race of the year at Llandow. A huge number of riders and supporters overflowed the car park and were greeted by a grey morning with a biting north-easterly wind on the riders left shoulders approaching the finish line on a clockwise circuit. All three of our riders were competing in their first ever race of this type. Their lack of experience didn’t allow them to challenge for points but all rode strongly throughout, maintaining their effort to the line which bodes well for future races. It was especially pleasing to see the large number of juvenile riders of all ages taking part. With the amount of talking and shouting going on it was a wonder they had breath to race but were certainly enjoying themselves. Work commitments and health problems prevented a number of our riders from taking part on this occasion so it will be good to see a large number of Acme jerseys in the upcoming races. There are many others in the Club with the ability to compete in these events so why not join the current riders for a half hour race ?

More pictures from both events are in the Gallery. Thanks to Kerry and Chris for standing for so long in the freezing wind to provide the superb quality, Llandow photos.

Question of the Week.

Which Acme holder of a TDF climbers jersey tempted fate this week by asking a Llantwit Major butcher ” Which stable did it come from ?”

Continuing the jersey theme, illustrated below is the new Club design chosen at the recent Annual General Meeting. The final details will be subject to approval by British Cycling and the production requirements of the manufacturer. At present, several manufacturers are being considered, with quality as well as cost being an important factor. It is intended that the new kit will be available to members in time for the 2014 racing season.

Welcome to new member, Dale Stollery from Nantymoel who, together with Colin Jones, also of Nantymoel is expanding our catchment area westwards. We look forward to seeing you both on clubruns and at the clubroom.

The clubroom was packed for the Annual General Meeting on Friday 1st February. Longtime chairman, Roger Evans had announced his decision to stand down and Jeff Matthews was elected to take his place. Jeff ably chaired the remainder of the meeting during which the retiring officers and committee were re-elected. Roger was given a vote of thanks for the way he has carried out his duties, always having been cheerful, ensuring members concerns were heard and encouraging new members. He frequently turned up to greet everyone before the clubrun left on Sunday mornings.

A number of matters were discussed at length and everyone was keen to see the proposed new designs for our kit. Kerry Lewis projected images of the two designs put forward by the committee before the meeting made a choice between these and the current pattern. In a short space of time there was an almost unanimous decision to adopt one of the new designs. The next step is to choose a manufacturer so the new kit will be ready and registered for racing in the 2014 season.

The room was just as busy the previous evening with three under 18 members enjoying themselves on the rollers and demonstrating their skills to the senior members. Seen here is Ethan who began as a very junior member in 2003, learning skills in the Saturday morning sessions. He is now very active using those and the other skills he has developed on the boards of Newport Velodrome where he rides and races three times a week. His younger cousin Evan was also riding the rollers unaided. Both seem to have inherited the genes of grandad, ex- chairman, Roger Evans. Also exhibiting a very smooth style in his first attempt on the rollers was 17 year old James. More photos can be seen in the Gallery. Members are recommended to look at the History section which has just been updated with some interesting facts about the Club.