PTW

First race of the year for the Squadra Chrono and we were blessed with a light south westerly and Glorious sunshine, a perfect day for the Neath valley course. What a great day, and what great times were recorded. Nice one Will, you can come again next year.

First out of the gates were Dai Triggs and Skippy they completed the 25 miles in 1:21:05. Mike hall was next up and in his first 25mile TT he completed the ride as a solo effort recording a 1:13:57 on his winter bike no less. Result!...... (No doubt Mike’s going to be considerably quicker by the end of the year).

Fortunately for me Spot was in fine form and he was able to drag my lardy ar5e around in a 1:1:46 (yippee that’s the quickest I’ve been round that course). Shortly after, Mark Hillier and Andy Lewis crossed the finish line in 1:7:29 and Chris Allen and Greg Williams kept the Ystradgynlais chapter’ end up by recording a 1:4:16, an awesome ride guys in what I think was Greg’s first attempt at a time trial.

There was some debate as to whether Dai Smith and CJ were going to be in attendance but attend they did, recording a 1:9:57…… And all this after a day training in the Millennium stadium….. Rumour has it that CJ was the First………. To the first roundabout…….. But Dai was first over the finish line…….

Unfortunately the threat of Dai Crowley and Charles Reynolds starting a two up 25 never materialised and Paddy Power opened a book on first; would Disco Start, and then as 25miles is a long way on your own….. Would he finish… apparently the bookies made a killing today as everyone bet he wouldn’t do either…… But not only did he start, but he finished in 1:7:48 (on his winter bike) …….. Welcome to Squadra Chrono Davey Boy…… I hear a Low Pro and pointy hat are on order.....

Two of the Squadra were out in Composite teams today and John Pritchard and Becky Aicheler (Castle Bikes) did a sterling ride just beating the elusive hour mark and recording a 59:56 whereas Rod Hicks and Colin Wallace (Merthyr C.C) went round in 58:09.

Finally keeping the best till last Tank and Hefin were the fastest Club Team recording a 55:10 and the fastest pairing on the day were Kieran Davies (Bynea CC) and Rhys Payne (Porth and District) who went round in 53:42.

Thanks to all the people who worked very hard to once again put on a successful Port Talbot Wheelers Promotion. It takes a lot of effort to put on a show the way we do. Specifically; John Williams for putting it all together, Tud, Pip and JD for pushing off, all the marshals, Jeff Griff, Bevan Hulse, Tony and Shirley Howell, Colin Speakman, Len Griffiths, The Ystradgynlais Chapter, Peter Jones and Little Kev, (I think that’s the order I saw you but apologies if I’ve missed anyone as I could taste blood and my vision was blurred for most of the way round). Also a special mention for Alf who is the master at the results board and award ceremonies and to Amanda and Karen for running things so smoothly at the TRW.

Finally a big thanks to Tudor Thomas (Bynea CC) and Norman James Ogmore Valley Wheelers) for timing the event.

Many thanks guys once again you did the club proud.

Thanks to all involved in today's event. Brilliantly organised especially whoever sorted the weather. Thoroughly enjoyed, I wanted to break even and without my scenic detour would have done it by more, so, very pleased with my time. My only regrets were forgetting to refill my bottle before I left and not grabbing any cakes, as it was a hungry, thirsty ride home!

That was the longest ride I've ever done in my life. Thank god the sun was shining! Enjoyed it (sort of!) and cheers guys for a great event. I think I would have packed if there weren't so many marshalls at every turn off on the course!

Excellent day. Well done to all the riders, especially the single ones! Ordered the same weather for the 'Presidents' , so get your entries in.