PTW

OMG! I've been waiting for weeks to introduce our 2021 Club Events but before I ramble on let me thank Matt Smith for his innovative work on the Virtual eTT series - chapeau Matt from a very grateful PTW.

Well whilst Covid-19 has delayed the start of our club events a different virus is going to shape the early part of our club event season - namely Coned-19 with 19 standing for the 19,000 cones all over the R10/22A turn. So we're on the 'Back Road' this week and for quite a few weeks to come I fear but it's a chance to challenge yourself on this very charismatic sporting course.

Meet up at the Resolven Canal Car Park at about 18.15hrs and get yourself signed on by 18.45hrs ready for a prompt 19.00hrs start.

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 continue to TURN with care at the break in the dual-carriageway opposite the Groundhog factory at Ynysgerwen, SA10 8HH (5.0 miles).

Descend hill and retrace route north-eastwards along the B4242 through Ynysarwed village and Abergarwed village. Continue north-eastwards through Resolven junction and past Rheola Pond to FINISH directly opposite the start.

I was just about to publish what I thought would be the last virtual TT before the real ones are under way.

Thanks for the kind words, Alf. All the best for the season ahead!

Just a quick reminder to all concerned that social distancing is an absolute must tonight and for the club event season ahead of us.

As per last year, you'll be given a race number for the entire season and you should bring your own pen for signing on although we do have a huge box of unused little pens from last year and you're welcome to take one to keep in your car (they must be from that well known Bristol frame builder because they all have ARGOS written on them). No turbos in the car park or start line area and just like last season there will be no pusher off.

2021.06 by Alf Williams, on Flickr

Well the 2021 club event season finally got underway on a really cold night on the R10/23 'back road' but there was plenty of sweat visible at the finish!

Stephan Wilcox, on his road bike, was first off and first back something we don't see too often with Mike Broadbent (a most welcome new recruit) off fourth but back second with a very good ride. John Shehan really felt the cold tonight and also felt the pressure of being chased down by his minute man Rob Lucas but held him off and can look forward to warmer evenings.

A very hairy John Deeley narrowly lost the midfield battle with Graham 'Roadie' Rogerson whilst Les Thomas was happy with his 26:26 with John Aspell taking the midfield win with a very respectable 25:20.

Rather belatedly, Mike Hall was painfully reacquainted with his TT bike but still managed a 24:18 to finish third leaving our top two to upset the seeding with Rod Hicks finishing second with 23:43 and Neil Seward taking the win with a 23.19 - well done Neil. With us having a few weeks ahead of us on the back road we'll have to wait to see what becomes the new normal but, for now, tonight's result becomes the seeding for next week... so the pressure is on you now Neil!

Alfie's 'man of the match' award goes to Mike Broadbent for an excellent comeback ride after some time away from the bike and not pinning a number on for a couple of years.

BTW Dai Triggs saved my bacon after I pressed the stop button instead of lap/split - thanks Dai! Thanks also to Will and Gareth Davies who kindly offered to marshall the turn. Great work guys.