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Ogmore Valley Wheelers National 50 mile Time Trial Sunday 18th June 2006 Abergavenny, Wales A John Colman Special Report
Carl Saint, Brian Jennings and John Colman rode this event over a undulating back road and quite fast uphill stretch of dual carriageway. The course consisted of three laps. The Yorkies and Denise Shackleton, of the Yorkshire Ladies, rode a lap of the course together the day before to get a idea of how to ride the course. There were two quite steep short climbs to knock the wind out of your sails. The wind on pre-ride was favorable and we seemed to fly along despite it being a very hot day. Mr hutchinson was also on his pre-ride of the course and came flying past and gave us all a wave. I was leaving nothing to chance, so as I had a few cuts in my tubs, I felt I had no option but to put new ones on (with expert assistance from Brian). As we all stayed at the same hotel we had our evening meal together with families and girl friends, however no alcohol was consumed and all had a reasonable early night. The next morning we were all up early for breakfast. Looking out the window it was noted by the direction of the flag flying outside the hotel that the wind was to be less than helpful. We all set off to the HQ, signed on, picked up our numbers then drove to Raglan Castle. This was where organized parking facilities including toilets were available for the riders. It was there I felt a little nervous with all these top riders milling around. Carl set off and Brian and I wished him a good ride. Brian and I then rode the short ride to the start. I was off at 11.16. Iset off fairly well but as this was a three lap course it was a little difficult for me to gauge. It was also nice to have the support of my wife, two sons and Brian's girlfriend cheering me on in a lay by. There were lot's of spectators around the course giving encouragement and blowing whistles. This Definitely made the event feel special. According to the result sheet, as they gave split times I did the first 25 in 56.18 but lost time in the latter half to finish with a 1.59.31 51st place. Carl did a 1.51.54 for 16th place Brian did a 1.52.30 for 18th place. Brian received a medal for age standard. Team was won by A3CRG. Mr Hutchinson won the event with a 1.44.34, he came past me just before the finnish like a rocket. I had a chat with him and even bought his book. Top fellow. I also met Ruth Eyles of Beacon Road Club, the women's 2nd placed rider. Its nice to be able to compete in a event where people from all levels get a chance to ride with the elite of this countries time triallists. A great weekend in Wales. thank you to Carl and Brian for giving me the chance to ride the event with them as a third counter for the team. John Colman

Carl Saint, Brian Jennings and John Colman rode this event over a undulating back road and quite fast uphill stretch of dual carriageway. The course consisted of three laps. The Yorkies and Denise Shackleton, of the Yorkshire Ladies, rode a lap of the course together the day before to get a idea of how to ride the course. There were two quite steep short climbs to knock the wind out of your sails. The wind on pre-ride was favorable and we seemed to fly along despite it being a very hot day. Mr hutchinson was also on his pre-ride of the course and came flying past and gave us all a wave. I was leaving nothing to chance, so as I had a few cuts in my tubs, I felt I had no option but to put new ones on (with expert assistance from Brian). As we all stayed at the same hotel we had our evening meal together with families and girl friends, however no alcohol was consumed and all had a reasonable early night.

The next morning we were all up early for breakfast. Looking out the window it was noted by the direction of the flag flying outside the hotel that the wind was to be less than helpful. We all set off to the HQ, signed on, picked up our numbers then drove to Raglan Castle. This was where organized parking facilities including toilets were available for the riders. It was there I felt a little nervous with all these top riders milling around. Carl set off and Brian and I wished him a good ride. Brian and I then rode the short ride to the start. I was off at 11.16. Iset off fairly well but as this was a three lap course it was a little difficult for me to gauge. It was also nice to have the support of my wife, two sons and Brian's girlfriend cheering me on in a lay by. There were lot's of spectators around the course giving encouragement and blowing whistles. This Definitely made the event feel special.

According to the result sheet, as they gave split times I did the first 25 in 56.18 but lost time in the latter half to finish with a 1.59.31 51st place. Carl did a 1.51.54 for 16th place Brian did a 1.52.30 for 18th place. Brian received a medal for age standard. Team was won by A3CRG. Mr Hutchinson won the event with a 1.44.34, he came past me just before the finnish like a rocket. I had a chat with him and even bought his book. Top fellow. I also met Ruth Eyles of Beacon Road Club, the women's 2nd placed rider. Its nice to be able to compete in a event where people from all levels get a chance to ride with the elite of this countries time triallists. A great weekend in Wales. thank you to Carl and Brian for giving me the chance to ride the event with them as a third counter for the team.

John Colman