Big turn out for Memorial Ride for David Rendell

In the region of 60 cyclists took part in a Memorial Ride for David Rendell on Saturday night.



(The memorial ride makes its way towards Orcombe point)

The ride was organised by members of the Exeter Wheelers, starting at the Odeon in Exter and finishing at Orcombe Point on Exmouth sea front.

Many local cyclists took part, riding two by two along the route which passed through Topsham, along the main road from Clyst St George to the Nutwell Lodge where the route turned down to Lympstone to follow the Estuary cycle path to the sea front.

David's family greeted the line of riders as they arrived at Orcombe point.  They were clearly overwhelmed with the turn out.  It was very emotional for everybody.

A minutes silence was held for David before riders slowly dispersed.

David's funeral will be held at St Johns in the Wilderness Church on Tuesday 22 July at 2.00 pm.  David's Family have said that anybody who knew David is welcome to attend and they are quite happy for cycling gear to be worn - it's up to the individual.

Funeral set for David Rendell plus a message from Sean Childs of RNRMCA

The funeral for David Rendell has been set for 

Tuesday 22nd July at 2.00 pm.

at St John's in the Wilderness Church.

Any CS Dynamo members who wish to pay their respects will be welcome.

An e-mail received form Sean Childs of the RNRMCA ( the cycling club that David had joined:

Tragic Cycling Accident on Sunday 6th July

While cycling home from Dawlish on Sunday with a C S Dynamo member, David Rendell fell into the path of  a car on the A379 by the Swan's Nest.  I understand that he did not regain consciousness and,later, died in hospital.

David had been cycling regularly with the CS Dynamo Sunday run for just over 12 months but had elected not to join the club as he was due to begin trainng for the Marines in the Autumn and so had joined the Royal Navy Cycling Club.

 David was always sensible and polite and a very keen cyclist.  He was only 23.

The news of his accident has deeply shocked the Club, particularly the regulars of the Sunday Run, and our thoughts and sympathy go out to David's family.

This has been the hardest thing that I have ever had to write.  The words seem so inadequate.  It is very, very sad.

LVRC Road Race- Wool, Dorset.[MORE ADDED]

See end of article for update - 5th July

Keith White, David Stephens and Paul Martin visited Darkest Dorset this weekend to take part in the CC Weymouth LVRC Road Race on a circuit between Wool and Lulworth.

LVRC Road racing (League of Veterans Racing Cycling) caters for riders of 40 years and above.  The races are categorised in age groups A= 40 -45, B=45-50, etc up to H !

Keith, Dave and Paul fall into the C Category, but unfortunately our race was combined with the A's and B's, so there were "some young kids" stirring it up and making it hard!
None-the-less the races are run as "races within a race" so in theory you are racing agianst your own age group, which you can tell, on the road, by the colour coding of the numbers.

The circuit was roughly triangular with a long climb on the one side (with the finish at the top) long descent down the next side and then an undulating- wind against leg to bring you back to the foot of the climb.  The lap distance was 14 miles.  Our event was advertised as 3 laps (and we should have been with the D Category) but because of the numbers we had to ride with the A and B Categories over four laps, total of 56 miles.  LVRC races are very much "sort it out on the day" so that everybody gets the best racing possible - it's great!

The race started with a neutralised section to the top of the climb and then the race was started proper.  Everybody was so knackered from the neutralised bit that there was not a great deal of racing done until we had nearly completed the first lap.  The orgainisers had evilly decided to put a prime on the top of the hill at the finishing line for the first lap. ("Prime" is a lap prize or a prize for being first over the top of a hill - I think it's french or something).  So anyway, for some reason the sniff of a bit of money makes everybody go hard up the climb.

I should explain that the climb was a really long drag for about a mile and a half, (one of those where you thought "what climb on the first lap") and then it turned into a horrible steep bit for the last 250 yards.  To make it even more uncomfortable the wind was block head-on as you crested the climb.

So back to the race - half a dozen riders sprinted over the last hundred yards, causing a split - Keith made the front group - I was grovelling about three places back from the split - and Dave must have been suffering (still recovering from his Deli-Belly) because I didn't see him again.  I managed to get across the gap over the top of the hill and the group came back together, albeit somewhat thinned out.

The descent each lap was really enjoyable, with a couple of technical bits that were fun for some - scary for others.  The undulating head wind bit was a bit tough and there were a few gaps opening in places, but the group tackled the foot of the hill intact.

If they tackled the hill the same as the last time I was going to be dead, and I told Keith to make sure he wasn't behind me.

As it happened the climb of the steep bit wasn't so frantic - so idiot here decided to attack over the top to stir it up.  Which it did.  The peleton caught me and went past, but I was able to latch on in about 10th place - then somebody else attacked (one of the fancied riders - Martin Hulbert) and the group chased him down then sat up.  We were still on the false flat over the climb at this point - with everybody sitting up I thought, "This is the place to go" so I did and opened up a sizeable gap.  One rider came across to me (the eventual winner) and passed me as though I was standing still as the messages from the brain were not being translated correctly by the legs.

The chasing group passed me and I was able to get in with them, but then there was a spit about six places in front of me and about six riders went clear.  unfortunately Keith didn't make the split either.

I thought that we might catch them down the descent but they were going for it and our lot was slightly knackered and not able to put in the revs.  We also had a people carrier pull out in front of us as we were hurtling at 40 miles per hour and we had to slow before we passed him - what I am leading to is that that was it as far as the front of the race went. (Perhaps we should have all piled in the peole carrier?)

I tried to organise a chase but we were seven or eight against six and there were a couple in our group that didn't kow how to ride "through and off" and there were a couple that were too tired to contribute - so it was a bit frustrating really.  This did mean that I was able to have a good shout and swear - which is what racings all about and all part of the enjoyment.

We went over the climb for the fourth time, to take the bell lap, and we were only 55 seconds behind.  I tried to get everybody to ride fast down the hill in tandem, but again, they didn't know how to do it and were free wheeling rather than f*****g pedalling as I was advising.

With about four miles to go we gave up trying to motivate a chase, as it was now lost and Keith and I just rode side by side on the front.  It then occurred to me that there might still be some prizes left for our age group and I suggested that Keith cleared off while I sat on the front.  So he did.  The plan was working when a couple of riders in our group, who miraculously weren't as tired as they had made out earlier, came round me and chased Keith down - so I got on the back of them (and the remainder of the group got on the back of me).  When they caught Keith, just as we started the climb, I immediately attacked but there was nothing left in my legs and I sort of rolled back to the group rather than them catching me !!

So we then grovelled up the climb for the last time and Keith and I got tailed off (me more than Keith) by our five passengers as we hit the final steep 100 yards.

We then found out that there were only four in the group in front of us and only one of that group was in the C age category.  I think, therefore that Keith and I were 9th and 11th respectively and in the first six in our category.

The race was won by Roland Tilly ( a mere slip of a 40-45 year old) with second place being taken by Martin Hulbert, who is in the C category.

Dave completed 3 laps and was able to cheer Keith and I as we grovelled over the finish line.

A really good, enjoyable day and we are looking forward to the next one.



Keith dies a thousand deaths on the climb to the finish.  You can see me in the back ground with rigor mortice setting in !!

We didn't hang around at the finish because Keith and dave had ridden this race before and it is notorious for being slow to sort the results out.  We found out afterwards that there had, indeed been seven riders in the front group but three were dropped.  Our group caught one so presumably the others packed.

It turned out that the rider that we caught had hidden in the bushes and missed a lap out before he got back on his bike once the leaders had passed through.  This was spotted by the race officials and he was disqualified.

I wish that I had stayed for the results, now, because I would have laughed in his face!

You can't credit it, can you?  This was a race for over-50's and the prize would have been of the order of £5.00.  If somebody feels he has to cheat in an event like this, is it any wonder that there is a drug problem at the top of the sport?

Ilton Circuit Race 26.06.08

A brief report featuring Nigel Orpin's race last Thursday.  I must stress that the report was written by Emily and not me !!!!

Nigel had a good race, he was doing his turns and looked comfortable in the bunch - he was on good form.  There was a ripping tail wind down the finish straight, which looked fun, but the riders were soon cycling straight into a fierce head wind as they turned the next corner.  Nige finished in the bunch and I gave him a big hug when he finished!  Oh yes and Jamie said that I was embarrassing because I was the only one cheering at the side of the track every time the riders came round!!!  "



Nige leads the bunch through - unaware that he was going to get a hug from Emily.

Evening 10- EWCC organised 28.6.08

Win for Andy Waite with 23.14 - hard night night - at least it was warmer and drier.    Can some one shut the door and stop the draughts please  - a good still night would be much appreciated.!

Photos on FLICKR as per   link on the Forum page
 

TWO WINS in TWO DAYS FOR DYNAMOS (report from Thurs added - photos added)

YES TWO wins - ANDREW BRIMECOMBE the Evening 10 on Wednesday 18th  and then  IAN PHILLIPS gets a super win at Westpoint on Thursday 19th  -    lots of photos on FLICKR.

A short report from Mrs O on Thursday Crit at Westpoint (Short from Mrs O - surely not) 

News this Week 17 June 2008

Keith Stephenson wakes up in Hospital

I don't know any more than that at the moment.  Apparently keith went out for a ride on his bike and then he woke up in hospital, under observation, presumably for head injuries.

It's believed that he was knocked off his bike by a car but we don't know where or when.  The mystery further deepens by the fact that his bike is not even scratched.

All of the above is hear-say and I apologise to Keith if it's wrong - but I'm sure you will all join me in wishing Keith a speedy recovery.


Paul Martin and Ian Phillips complete the Dragon Ride.,

Paul and Ian went up to Wales at the weekend to take part in the Dragon Ride cycle Sportive.  The event consisted of a choice of 120km  or 180 km circuits, starting and finishing at Pencoed, just outside Bridgend.  The 180km cicuit did the same route as the120km and then put a further loop on to go over the Brecon Beacons before rejoining the 120km route.  there was a total of 2800m of climbing.  Paul and Ian completed the 180km ride (112 miles in English money, as David Duffield would say, by the way and there you are then with a burst on the banjo) with times of 6-09-34 and 5-54-32 respectively.

Ian also managed to run over half a dozen rabbits on the drive up and wrecked his front grille and dented his radiator on a crows head as it attempted to play chicken with him.


Friday Night Liesure Rides.

These are now running on Fridays, which may be a bit of a surprise but if you think about it logically, friday is actually the best night to have a Friday night ride on.  Meet at Phear Park main gates at 7.00pm.

There were only three of us out last Friday but I am hoping for more his week.  We went up the Budliegh cycle path to the Dog and Donkey, had a drink and then came back. The run this week will probably go out to the sea front and then along the new cycle path to a pub in Lympstone.  You won't need any lights unless you are planning to have a session in the pub.


Ena does a repeat performance

Let's just say I'm not going to bring Ena, my Golden Retiever, down to the club room for a while after last night !

FRIDAY NIGHT LIESURE CYCLE RIDES TO START THIS FRIDAY 13th June.

If you fancy a short social ride on Friday night then meet us at Phear Park at 7.00pm.

These rides are aimed at "family participation" so most people will be in civvies and on mountain bike type bikes rather than in lycra and stripped down light weight machines.

The route and pace will be to suit whoever is there - with a strong possibility that the destination will be a pub.

High Drama at Dynamo Club night

CS Dynamo members attending the Club Night on Monday 2 June were shocked, astounded and disgusted to witness the inhuman behaviour of one of our members.

Several members were horrified and, ashen faced, had to exit the club room for fresh air and the support of solid ground.

Even Buster, the Wire Haired Jack Russel, stood in open mouthed amazement and, it has to be said, some admiration.

I'm afraid to say that Ena, The Golden Retriever, so often the centre of attention due to those sad eyes, this week disgraced herself by puking over the carpet.  The resulting mound of regurgitated half digested mass was half the size of the Jack Russel and unlike ordinary dogs, she refused to eat it back up again.

  Ena - in happier times

This meant that Paul Martin had to clear it up, but fortunately there was a pair of marigolds available.

Ena later said that she was very sorry to have disrupted the evening but she was now feeling a lot better, and very much lighter.

There will be an enquiry at the next committee meeting when it will be decided if disciplinary action should be taken.  It is hoped that the many weeks of good behaviour will be taken into consideration.  Hopefully the whole episode will be forgotten and it won't be brought up again - I can't imagine that there's any more left!!

C S DYNAMO 10 - 28.5.08

A foul day gave way to a reasonable night for a ten on Daisymount for those who braved the night but it still feels cold for May - perhaps June will bring better eveings!!.

Thank  you to all who decided it was worth the effort especially the time keepers Ian and Gill and  marshall and helpers Pam, Roger D, Dave S who were there early with Sue and Andy B - even tho it  looked no-one  else would be!    19 riders with Karl Hodson fastest - Karl didnt believe he'de done a 22.04  - we could make it slower if you like .  The ladies competition is hotting up and we shall see some more improvements there as the good natured rivalry continues.  Well Done Keith  W- so Keith was fastest Dynamo - hard luck Andrew B - who punctured as the time keeper said GO.

Div champs on Sunday around the Aylesbeare circuits - Ian Phillips and Keith White respresent Dynamo - come and give them a shout.
 
Photos http://www.flickr.com/photos/cyclingmrso/sets/72157605309959461/
AO

SVCC Evening 10 - 21.5.08

Sunny evening belied the cold and wind.  Karl Hosdson won with a 22.32 - Andy Waite was 2nd with 23.0.  Andy is beginning to feel better after his nasty bout of flu but he "still cant get his heart rate up"  Never mind Andy I'll shout at you - that'll do it every time  - Pete - dont take me serious - good ride.  And welcome Steve Medlock and Andy Haigh - first 10?    Next week is Dynamo event - 7 oclock start   

Steve Medlock - CS Dyanmo ;-




Dynamo Results (in race order)

Pam Symons        30.15
Pete Money            28.29
Ian Daveriddge      28.21
Emily Adkin             27.54
Jamie Fabrizio       26.59
Keith White             25.40
Simon Hill              27.08
Andy Waite             23.00  2nd Overall
Steve Medlock       28.57
Andy Haugh           29.05
Paul Martin             26.25

Theres going to be some close fought rides this season with some nice little personal battles going on .     Photos of all riders on FLCKR later - Ille post the link.



Ann O   

Exeter Wheelers Open 10 - Results

I wasn't there but Mrs O sent me a report:

 

It was, in the words of the venacular - and those of Greg S, a "bloomin" hard night - Greg reckoned the hardest he'd  ever encountered to the turn, so good on everyone who made it back.  Greg won with a 21.40 Karl Hodson was just behind with a 21.43!!

 

Dynamos times

 

Andy Waite                 23.08
Andrew Brimecombe   24.35 (improvement on last week!)

John Fuke  -                   25.35

Sue Brimecombe          27.41

Ian Daveridge                28.40

Terry Wood                    29.16

Pam Symons                 30.33

Keith Stephenson          31.29

 

Ann O 



Andy Waite



Terry Wood

Dynamos At SVRC 10 - 7 May (Updated 11 May)

Sorry it's taken me so long to put the results up, any way here are the Dynamo times:

Pam Symons             28-54      (earning her the prize for fastest lady, well done Pam)

Keith Stephenson      30-50      (Keith was getting a lift out with Terry but his hand brake was jammed- so Keith had a rushed ride out)

Ian Phillips                 24-04       Earning Ian the prize for the meanest looking rider - see photo below.

Andy Brimecombe    24-44

Paul Martin                 25-22

John Fuke                   25- 09   (Well done John, looks like we are going to have some battles!)

Ian Daveridge           27-38    (Have you noticed how we are all going faster now Ians not doing the timing?

The winning time was put up by Greg Sandy at 21-26.

Sue Brimecombe didn't finish because she was sick.  When I asked what made her sick she replied, "I don't know go and have a look!"   Well I can report that she definitely ate too many carrots !!

What I like about the Dynamo is that every body is pleasent and friendly :






A warm sunny evening and should have been a great night but for some Dynamos not so good -  I am sure Paul will inform all but surfice to say Well done to Pam who won the ladies prize.

For some strange reason four of the lady compeitors were segregated from the rest of the field with  Sue b being Number 1.  It wasnt a good night for Sue and she didnt finish - at the other end of the field - last but one NIgel O was having his personal nighmare when he punctured on his warm up and didnt make the start.     Terry and Andy W didnt make it on the night - hope youre better soon guys  but the rest of the guys put in some great times.  Its getting very interesting  and the evening points series is going to be a hotly contested affair.

Photos are on FLICKR and there are more if anyone wants them - just email Mrs O 
AO

Time Trial Reports from everywhere in the world !

Dynamo riders took part in  three different time trials this weekend.  You go for ages without any events and then there are three local events on the same weekend !!

Plymouth Corinthians 10 mile TT

Andy Waite, Andy Brimecombe, Sure Brimecombe and Ian Daveridge (YES I SAID IAN DAVERIDGE) all took part in the Plymouth Corinthians 10 on the S4.  

Andy Waite                      21.31

Andy Brimecombe         23.41

Sue Brimecombe          26.08

Ian Daveridge                 26.11     

Winner: Pete Vincent - Mid Devon CC with 20.00

It looks like Sue just had the beating of Ian, who is obviously improving at a rapid rate of knots.

Andy Waite was over the moon because he scored a lifetime personal best for 10 miles at 21.31.  This does not bode well for my lungs and legs as I am partnering Andy in the Plymouth Corinthians Sporting 2up 25 on the Ermington Circuit next Monday but it's good to hear that here is getting good form despite our efforts to hold him up on the club runs and training bashes.

 Somerset RC 10 mile Time Trial (Report from Pam Symons - thank you very much):

(That John Fuke is just getting faster and faster).


Tavistock Wheelers CC Sporting 25

Finally the Hard Men of the club rode the Tavistock Sporting 25 on Sunday 27 April:

Nigel Orpin     1.06.049           11th
Paul Martin      1.10.18             17th
Simon Hill        1.16.00             25th

Winner: Stuart Hall of Altrax with 59.05

Nigel was just three minutes behind second place, which he was pleased with, as this wqs his first time trial of the year.

I was surprised at how well I went. While I can't say that I felt good at any point in the ride, I did feel quite strong.

Simon was devastated that I went so much quicker, but then I did clean my bike !!

Time Trial Reports for weekend 19 April

Thanks to Sue Brimecombe for this report on last weeks Time Trial racing:-

Last weekend saw Andrew and Sue go to Cornwall to ride the St Austell Wheelers 10m TT, first open on a new course at Indian Queens.  It was not a good day again with strong winds and hailstorms (luckily going off early the hail was whilst riding back to the HQ and not whilst racing) Sue did 29.02 and Andrew did 25.05, unfortunately he went the wrong way at the turn (not the only one)  It is a good course apart from the start which is on a bumpy side road, the remainder being on the new bypass. There is also another 10 course which is being used for the SWDC champs on 4th May  which is the opposite way round and has the potential to be even faster. 

Saturday saw 4 intrepid riders brave the weather to ride the Yeovil CC 10 on the A303 at Podimore. Roger had the best idea of not even attempting to go!.  It was horrendous weather with all of us thinking(or hoping) it would be cancelled but there was a break in the rain which dried the roads out. The strong easterly wind/gale didn’t die down though and didn’t seem to help on the way to the turn.  John Fuke did 26.39, Ian Daveridge getting rid of the stopwatch and his first open event for a few years, did 30.02,  and Sue, getting to the start with only 30 seconds to go did 30.18. Unfortunately Andrew suffered, getting caught in the rain and only managed 29.04, nearly suffering with Hypothermia and not stopping shivering for the rest of the day. 

Five of us are riding the Corries 10 on Saturday evening at Buckfastleigh, hopefully the weather will change by then and we may get some warm, windless and dry weather. 

There are also three of us (Simon, Nigel and Paul) riding the Tavistock Hilly 25 on Sunday.

That was a good ride by John Fuke, he is obviously putting in a bit of work and will soon be a force to be reckoned with in the next couple of months.

It also looks as though Ian Daveridge has been inspired by John's comeback.  I expect that Ian's times will be plumetting too.  I predict that there are going to be a number of needle battles within the club this year.

Incidentally, anybody can cotribute to the Web site - just e-mail your articles to me (Paul Martin) and subject to appropriate content I'll post it for all to read. - Paul.

Grim But Strongly Improving News

Fed up of the Eurosport UK coverage ???......

If you've got a reasonable fast computer try www.myp2p.eu for live sports coverage.

It's all in foriegn lingo - but even that is better than listening to David Duffield.

I am currently watchng Amstel Gold live (timed at 2.55 Sunday).

Dynamo Chain Gang - starts 01/04/08 - UPDATED

SOME FEED BACK ON THE FIRST TUESDAY NIGHT TRAINING BASH

I went out to Daisy mount on Tuesday.  There were only three of us, at such short notice, but it was really good.

We rode the "10 course" taking turns on the front (twenty revs after passing the previous leader's front wheel - then pulling over and slowing  for the next person to come through - then jumping on to the back as the last rider passed.  This is harder when there are only three than when you have more riders in the chain - but I had a really good work out.

Then, just when I was looking forward to having a nice steady ride home, Andy Waite turned up, and I ended up being motor-paced all the way back to Exmouth.

The whole evening was the first real training that i have done in a few years - it was great.

When I went to bed that night, I didn't know what to do with my legs !!  And it was Thursday before I had recovered properly.

I'm going back for more next Tuesday - I reckon another 4 or 5 weeks of that sort of training and I will be ready to race.

Don't let me put you off - you can make it as hard or as easy as you want.  Me, I need other people to ensure that I push myself - so I thought it was ideal.

See you there next week - Paul M



Keith White is keen to start a training chain gang.  If you don't know what this is come along and have a go - you are sure to benefit from increased fitness and speed in a very short time.

Keith has recognised that certainly in 3rd category road racing there seems to be a lot of ignorance regarding how to ride a working line, how to shelter from the wind, how to work with others to maintain a fast pace.  These skills are learnt in a chain gang, not on a turbo trainer.

If you are interested, or just need an excuse to get out on the bike during the week we are trying to start a chain gang :

Every Tuesday night  - 7.00pm at Daisy Mount.  First one Tuesday 1st April

For best results, ride out there, take part in the chain gang, which will initially be just one circuit of the pursuit course (same as the club 10 course) then ride home to Exmouth.  Don't forget to bring your lights !!

Margaret Baker Trophy - Four Firs event - RESULTS and a bit more.

As I watched the World track Championships on Saturday afternoon, the weather outside was doing it's best to emmulate the crowd at Manchester by lifting the roof !  Despite the weather , with the threat of more to come on Sunday, I still scraped all the hair off my legs in preparation for the time trial.  I didn't think that I would ride if the weather was bad, but the fact that I was making preparations proved that i was actually keen to ride, in a reluctant sort of way.

Having shaved the legs, the resultant pale lumps of flesh hanging off the corners of my hips did not inspire the vision of health and power that they did in recent years.  None the less I checked that the racing bike was still where I'd left it after last September and set the alarm for the unearthly hour of 6.45, having first set the clock an hour forward for the beginning of British Summer Time.

Well, it must have worked because the next morning it was like summer - well it was dry, the sun was poking above the horizon and it was 3°C.

I got some breakfast down me, went to the toilet the requisite three times and with a bag full of spare clothes I cycled up the Exeter road to Clyst St George and the headquarters for the tme trial at the village hall.

I was nicely warmed up when I got to the head quarters.  I signed on, picked up my race numbers and sat in the middle of the hall trying to decide whether to take clothes off or to put them on.  I just couldn't decide.  I took the cycling tights off,  then put them back on again, then off, then on.  When I'd decided that I would keep them on, I saw Ian Phillips riding out to the start with shorts on.  So I went back in and took them off again.  Ian Deakin then said, "You're not riding in bare legs are you ?"  This was his third race of the season and he hadn't ditched the leggings yet.

That was it - I put the tights back on.  It has to be said the legs looked better with them on.  Besides I wasn't sure if I was fit enough to try hard enough to keep myself warm if I wore too little.

So, with three layers on top, spare tube levers and pump in the pockets of my second layer I set out for a good warm up in the direction of the start.  It was hard going along Topsham Flats towards the start because I had to battle against the turbulance caused by Andy Waite racing in the opposite direction.  And why do they call it Topsham Flats?  I didn't notice any flat in either direction !!

I got a fairly good warm up in, for me as I normally just tootle along saving my energy for the racing effort.  I suppose the cold had something to do with it - it encouraged me to keep moving.  I got to the start with just over a minute to go as Pete Vincent the eventual winner was getting the count down.  He started like Chris Hoy going for the Kilo world record, almost dragging the "Pusher" through the mini-island 50m away.

My own starting effort, a minute later, was a little more measured.  I knew that I had to build gradually in order to get to the top of Woodbury Castle without reaqainting myself with my breakfast.  As it was, it was a close thing, which meant that although I didn't go very fast - I certainly went as fast as my fitness would allow.

I climbed fairly well up to Clyst St George.  As I crested the hill before dropping into Woodbury I sneaked a look behind and was pleasently surprised to see that no-one was there - mind you I hadn't got my glasses on.

I swept down through Woodbury and ground up the drag, down the next dip to begin the steep part of the climb up to Four Firs.  I had agonised all night whether I should leave it in the big ring for the climb or not.  Whoa !! - no hesitation, the sound of the chain clattering on to the inner ring could barely be heard above the rattling of my lungs.

I did manage to stay in the saddle - as you should when you time trial - and my breathing started to come under control, only to be replaced by the discomfort of my guts objecting to the effort (that's effort with a small "e").  I could hear the swish of a disc wheel behind me - then it all went quiet as the gradient steepened.  Dave Wilkinson of exeter wheelers came around me just as I rounded the last bend before Four Firs Cross and then he seemed to pause, obviously he was feeling the effort.  I managed to curb the natural urge to cling on to his wheel, or to up my cadence to maintain the gap, and I continued tapping out the rythm that i knew I could maintain.

It was at this point that I saw the Mongolian tent with the camera lens poking out that presumably was Richard Owens.  I did my best to look fit and healthy and fast, failing miserably on all three counts, as you can see.



Dave Wilkinson gradually pulled away from me as I turned the corner and continued the climb to the castle.  Then as I approached the last third of the climb I could feel the climbing power surging into my legs and I was rapidly pulling him back.  I crested the hill - and died a thousand deaths !!

I still managed to keep it moving okay on the winding descent and then climbed up to Halfway House moderately well, although by the top Dave Wilkinson was a good forty seconds away.

I cornered well at Half Way House recieving a shout from Didier, who was marshalling, and got the big gear going down the hill - well big for me anyway!  I was moving well - or so I thought until Steve Sage came thundering past me.  I swear there was a sonic boom as he quickly went out of sight.

I continued hammering away and then in the distance I could see two riders - surely I wasn't going to catch some one.  As I got closer I could make out the two Dynamo jerseys - then I realised they were walking.  It was John Fuke and, as I went past I could see it was Roger Dean.

Having ascertained that John had punctured I pulled my spare tube and levers out of my back pocket and dropped them on the pavement for him to pick up.  I couldn't get the pump out so I turned around in the road and rode back to the scattered tube and levers, as John and Roger approached - only to find out that John was on "Tubs" so my gallent gesture was totally wasted - but I had to stop, it wasn't going to make much difference to my ride.

I stuffed the tube, etc back in my pockets and continued to the finish as fast I could, but actually feeling quite fresh having eased up to help John.

As you can see from the results below I finished up with a time just 50 seconds behind Simon Hill - I think that I would have been very close to Simon had I not stopped - so this has given me an immediate goal for the next time trial - to beat Simon.

I did in fact, really enjoy the event.  If I can do a bit of training and see some improvement in my performance then I may even get some tri-bars!!!

RESULTS:

Pos	No.	Name	Club	Time
1	51	Pete Vincent	North Devon Wheelers	30:38:00
2	10	Phil Borrett	Bikinmotion CC	31:30:00
3	20	Adam Holmes	Trigon etc…	31:33:00
4	40	Steve Kelly	RNRMCA	31:43:00
5	45	Andrew Parker	Mid Devon CC	31:48:00
6	58	Karl Hodson	Trigon etc…	32:14:00
7	60	Chris Scott	Plymouth Corinthian CC	32:19:00
8	42	Nick Harwood	Trigon etc…	32:51:00
9	36	Andrew Waite	CS Dynamo	33:10:00
10	32	Glenn Borrett	Bikinmotion CC	33:16:00
11	56	Steven Sage	North Devon Wheelers	33:19:00
12	12	Jamie Howard	Exeter Wheelers	33:29:00
13	25	Jake Durrant	Mid Devon CC	33:37:00
14	64	Rob Scott	Plymouth Corinthian CC	33:39:00
15	62	Adrian Clode	Trigon etc…	33:45:00
16	13	Adam Gitlin	Plymouth Corinthian CC	34:00:00
17	54	Dave Wilkinson	Exeter Wheelers	34:11:00
18	22	Terry Leonard	St. Budeaux CC	34:20:00
19	39	Ian Philips	CS Dynamo	34:21:00
20	35	Simon Edney	North Devon Wheelers	34:46:00
21	14	Martin Fullard	Sid Valley CC	34:50:00
22	65	Mark Sanders	Mid Devon CC	35:22:00
23	48	Ken Bowditch	RNRMCA	35:28:00
24	15	Martyn Holmes	Mid Devon CC	35:48:00
25	28	Mike Parker	Mid Devon CC	35:57:00
26	43	Adam Beams	Mid Devon CC	36:00:00
27	27	Greg Rorke	Exeter Wheelers	36:02:00
28	33	Tim Reeves	Somerset Road Club	36:16:00
29	57	Bob Richards	RNRMCA	36:18:00
30	63	Chris Gostling	Exeter Wheelers	36:29:00
31	50	Chris Puertas	Alltrax	36:37:00
32	5	Nick Denning	Exeter Wheelers	36:39:00
33	46	Chris Barretto	Plymouth Corinthian CC	36:56:00
34	55	Keith Watts	Mid Devon CC	37:18:00
35	41	Andrew Brimecombe	CS Dynamo	37:24:00
36	49	Ian Deakin	Mid Devon CC	37:27:00
37	17	Alan Elworthy	Exeter Wheelers	37:49:00
38	53	Jon Warner	Mid Devon CC	37:54:00
39	44	Neil Minion	Plymouth Tri Club	38:18:00
40	34	Colin Bennett	Sid Valley CC	38:31:00
41	61	Brian Tucker	Mid Devon CC	39:14:00
42	29	Paul Bennett	Sid Valley CC	39:32:00
43	6	Simon Hill	CS Dynamo	39:42:00
44	52	Paul Martin	CS Dynamo	40:32:00
45	26	Andy Blonden	St. Austell Wheelers	40:53:00
46	37	Mark Kurpyta	Somerset Road Club	40:53:00
47	3	Neil Leonard	Exeter Wheelers	41:05:00
48	31	Pete Money	CS Dynamo	41:15:00
49	7	Chris Ash	Mid Devon CC	41:23:00
50	18	Ken Robertson	Mid Devon CC	42:03:00
51	8	Tom Challacombe	Sid Valley CC	43:14:00
52	23	Max Vautier	Mid Devon CC	43:28:00
53	2	Sue Brimecombe	CS Dynamo	43:33:00
54	9	Juan Alvarez	CS Dynamo	44:49:00
55	4	Terry Wood	CS Dynamo	45:01:00
56	19	Harry Edney	North Devon Wheelers	45:17:00
57	1	Keith Stephenson	CS Dynamo	47:47:00
58	21	Susan Edney	North Devon Wheelers	49:38:00
59	11	Roger Dean	CS Dynamo	DNF
60	16	Simon Paget	RNRMCA	DNF
61	24	James Fuke	CS Dynamo	DNF
	47	Stuart Brooking	Exeter Wheelers	DNS
	59	Keith Satchwell	RNRMCA	DNS
	30	Rex Facey	1st Chard Wheelers	DNS
	38	Adam Birnie	Plymouth Tri Club	DNS
	66	Sean Childs	RNRMCA	DNS

PHOTOS,   http://www.flickr.com/photos/cyclingmrso/sets/72157604313682417/
NOW posted full set of pics - unable to load to this website but Paul will be adding shots later  


Pre Race 

There will be a deluge of green red and white jerseys across Woodbury on Sunday as no less than  12  Dynamos have entered this testing 17 mile time trial.  (now reduced to 16 miles due to road works - the start is now just prior to the mini-island at Topsham Station)

First off and first Dynamo is Keith Stephenson closely followed by Sue Brimecombe - will Sue catch Keith before the Four Firs cross roads - and they'll be followed rapidly no doubt by Terry Wood - unless he's caught them.  They'll be looking for your support and encouragement - as will SImon Hill who starts number 6 - so the green red and white will be much in evidence. 

Next Dynamo scheduled to be up the hill is Juan Alvarez - now Juan likes this event but will want a shout when he reaches the Cross roads - and he'll be followed up by Roger Dean - its unlikely Roger will be rdiing the fixed wheel he usually favours as the fit 70 year + wants to keep away from the "youngster" John Fuke who starts number 24 and in his own admission - isnt built for hills.  So will John make it up to the Common before another senior Dynamo Pete Money -  Pete's new to racing but having caught the bug from the recent Two-up  time trial, when his partner was John F - he'll be hoping to find John's wheels again.   

Pete starts number 31 and no doubt hoping to catch him will be Dynamos new fast man Andy Waite.  Andy admits his job at present isnt helping get much training in -but he's looking forward to his first try at this event.   No stranger to this event - and some one who also proffesses to enjoy it is Ian Phillips,  even though he isn't a fan of the time trialing Ian relishes a tough ride across Woodbury Common.

Not so keen on the hilly events Andrew Brimecombe starts number 41 so he's hoping his last couple of time trials will stand him in good stead for the climbing; he'll be pleased Dynamo's last man off, Paul Martin has got a  9 minute defiicit - Paul  likes the climbing events; and this event will  suit the Dynamo Web master . (as long as it's a calm, dry day in excess of 20°C)

Dont  foget CLOCKS GO FORWARD it will be an early start - but worth it In all as a good selection of Dynamo riders, will be looking for your support.

AO 

Easter Bank Holiday Weekend

From just wet last weekend to howling gale, sleet (snow) , cold and a little sunshine - well what else is there?  Andy Waite was the only Dynamo to brave the revised course of the Teign Valley HIlly and frankly he feels the rest of you made the right decision  not to enter.    A challenging course made even more arduous by the inclement weather coupled with not a long of opportunities for training this week meant Andy wasnt  par for this traditional Good Friday leg stretcher  - Andy finished with a 1.6.18 - 

The event was won by Andy's tip for the top - Pete Vincent with a cracking 58.45 - Pete and Adam Holmes were the only two riders to get under the hour  - maybe youth was on their side in  the  cold!  

Photos on FLCKR later - or email Mrs O 
Andy - Doccombe

Sue and Andrew B rode the Northover Vet's 2 UP 10 TT on Bank Holiday Monday and ended up with a 28.05 - which was a good ride on another cold and windy morning.    



  

Andy Waite and Keith White - a wet weekend

Keith travelled up to Worcester Yesterday Sunday 16th - for a road race as racing in Devon seems to get sparser .  It was a long drive with some pretty foul weather - and it didnt improve for hte duration of the race.  Keith enjoyed the racing but finished out of the points.  Anyone wishing to get a few miles in - to a race - should contact Keith, he could do with more Dynamos shoing the colours in the road races.

Andy Waite didnt go quite so far - but ended up in the results - Andy explains below

I rode the North Devon Wheelers 32 mile TT today, result for top 5 below:

1. Pete Vincent NDW 1:13:47
2. Glen Borret Bikinmotion 1:18:02
3. Nick Harwood Trigon 1:18:40
4. Steve Sage NDW 1:20:54
5. Andy Waite CSD 1:21:22

No heavy rain thankfully, just some of that fine rain that soaks you through.  Roads were awash though so blue feet by the finish.

Just as my legs and back were starting to give me serious grief Pete Vincent caught me at South Molton for 5 minutes!  Then took another 2 and a bit by the finish.

Some unexpected roadworks on the run towards South Molton would have cost about 30 seconds, but probably the same for everyone.

PV will definately be the man to beat 

Andy Waite

RESULT CS Dynamo 10 mile 2up TTT