PTW

The weather's still looking a bit unsettled at the moment but it just has to be better than it is right now, n'est-ce pas?

Anyhoo, meet up at the Neath Canal Car Park in Resolven for signing on from about 18.15hrs to 18.45hrs and an approximate 19.00hrs start over by Rheola Pond. Please note that no one (not even Amy Adams in strappy slingbacks) will be allowed to sign on after 18.45hrs and it is important that the timekeeper is not disturbed or distracted after this time.


R10/23 ‘BACK ROAD’ COURSE DESCRIPTION

R10/23 START on the B4242 Old Vale of Neath Road at the entrance to F.E. Chick just north-east of Rheola Pond. Proceed south-west on the B4242 to Resolven junction. Continue south-west on the B4242 passing through Abergarwed village and Ynysarwed village to the ‘Rock and Fountain’ hill, climb and get into a lovely bit of oxygen debt and continue to TURN with care at the break in the dual-carriageway opposite the Groundhog factory at Ynysgerwen, SA10 8HH (5.0 miles).

Descend the hill and retrace the route smashing it north-eastwards along the B4242 through Ynysarwed village and Abergarwed village. Continue north-eastwards through Resolven junction and then really wind it up passing Rheola Pond to sprint FINISH directly opposite the start.

Your target is a course PB and getting ahead of the rider who was in front of you last week

PORT TALBOT WHEELERS – CLUB EVENT 04/08/16 – COURSE: R10/23

Pos RIDER CLUB / TEAM TIME POINTS
1 ROD HICKS PTW 23:47 20pts
2 NEIL GREGORY PTW 24:31 19pts
3 MATTHEW SMITH PTW 25:08 18pts
4 STUART EVANS PTW 25:33 17pts
5 NEIL SEAWARD PTW 26:00 16pts
6 BOWEN MASON OVW 26:11
7 ROBERT LUCAS PTW 27:13 15pts
8 DAVID REES PTW 27:54 14pts
9 KARL REES PTW 27:57 13pts
10 DAVE HENDRY PTW 27:59 12pts
11 DEAN JOHNSTON PTW 28:09 11pts
12 OWAIN ROBERTS PTW 28:10 10pts
13 GAYNOR HUGHES BYNEA 28:11
14 ALEX THOMAS PTW 28:21 9pts
15 HOLLIE LABUNSKY PTW 28:21 8pts
16 GARETH HILL ABERCYNON 28:33
17 SIMON DENNY PTW 29:59 7pts
18 JOHN THOMAS PTW 31:38 6pts
19 DAI TRIGGS PTW 34:34 5pts

The rain at the signing on quickly passed over only to be replaced by midgies but at least it was much calmer than in recent days and we had a good nights racing.

First rider back was Alex Thomas who edged out Hollie by a mere 24/100ths of a second and both of our girls are putting real pressure on Gaynor Hughes who finished just 10 seconds ahead.

In the middle of the starting order we had a much anticipated heavyweight battle between Owain Roberts and Simon Denny but the latter was a bit off-form after illness and Owain reversed last weeks result and made a 36 second improvement on last weeks time too. But Dave Hendry made an even bigger improvement lopping a huge 54 seconds off his time (but was still slower than Morgan's time from last week ).

We had no less than four new riders tonight and all four did well on a tough course with Neil Seaward's 26:00 getting him into the top 5. Stuart was a good sport in having a go on a course he famously doesn't like but did OK and carries good form forward to next week's return to the DC. The Top 3 wrote itself with 'Longsocks' moving closer to the 'Milk Tray Twins' with Rod taking the win with an almost identical time to last week.

As always, thanks to Will for pushing off and to Nigel for support on the night.

Update: Course PB's for Dave Hendry, Owain Roberts, Matt Smith, Alex Thomas and John Thomas.

Thanks for the time keeping Alf as always. Next time come to the pub after!

Thanks Hollie - enjoy your holiday!