Catalina Architecture TT Series sees the course record smashed

Wednesday (5th August) proved to be an exciting night for local time trialling. The Cwm Rheidol 10 mile time trial course was broken not by one but by two riders on the night.

The course record was set in 2018 by Gruff Lewis and has stood for two years at 21.03. Round 3 of the Catalina Architecture TT series saw Gruff Lewis break his own record and set the bar higher with 20.51. Junior rider Josh Tarling also broke the previous course record on the night and crossed the line in second place with a blistering time of 20.57. Ieuan Andy Davies completed the overall podium with third place and first V50 rider, 22.34.

First male V40 across the line on the night was Scott Tompsett having a great season so far and finishing in 23.43.

The men’s road bike category saw Richard Eakins take the win in 24.25, followed by junior riders Gerwyn Humpheys taking second place and Gwion Humpheys completing the podium in third place. Both Gerwyn and Gwion were riding cross bikes and completing their first time trial.

The ladies podium saw Eva Marshall take the win on the night with 28.09, closely followed by Lowri Richards in 28.14, and Elaine Rowlands in third place and first V50 rider with 32.05.

Well done to all the riders and thank you to the time keepers Andy H and Derek R and marshals Nia R and Helen J for their help.

Elaine Rowlands riding her way to third lady overall and 1st V50 lady. Photo credit: Aled Richards

Catalina Architecture TT Series 2020 Rd3
Results
Gruffudd Lewis 20.51
Joshua Tarling 20.57
Ieuan Andrew Davies 22.34
Finlay Tarling 22.44
Rhys Evans 23.07
Caron Owen Pugh 23.19
Scott Tompsett 23.43
Richard Eakins R 24.25
Eva Marshall R 28.09
Lowri Richards R 28.14
Elaine Rowlands R 32.05
Gerwyn Humphreys R 32.23
Gwion Humphreys R 33.28
Timekeepers
Andy Hunt & Derek Rattray
Marshall’s
Nia Richards & Helen Jackson

14 Riders tackle the hilly Devil’s Bridge Time Trial

The fourteen riders that braved the damp conditions last Wednesday (29th July) were treated to a south westerly wind which helped slightly with the tough relentless climb from Southgate to Devil’s Bridge.

This was the second round in the Catalina Architecture TT series and proved an exciting event with some of the strongest local riders competing.

The overall first place went to local pro rider Gruff Lewis, with a time of 39.31. Second place and still a junior rider was Josh Tarling with a fast time of 40.01 and third place, was won by another upcoming and local junior rider, Dafydd Wright with a swift 42.49.

The first male V40 and in overall fifth place across the line, was Rhys Jeffreys in 44.34. With the male V50 category won by Ieuan Andy Davies in 45.10.

The first overall ladies winner and junior was Lowri Richards with a fast time of 48.13, followed by Elaine Rowlands in second place and first V50 rider in 64.03.

Congratualtions to all the riders taking on the hilly route and to Andy H and Derek for time keeping and to Scott T and Gwen for marshalling.

Lowri Richards the first junior and lady across the line and Dafydd Wright on his way to a podium third place. Photo Credit: Ade Price

The full results are below:

Catalina Architecture TT Series Round 2 – Devils Bridge Hilly (Revised 15.8m)
Gruffudd Lewis 39.31
Joshua Tarling 40.01
Dafydd Wright 42.49
Finlay Tarling 43.57
Rhys Jeffreys 44.34
Ieuan Andrew Davies 45.10
Caron Owen Pugh 45.17
Huw Jones 45.21
Lowri Richards 48.13
Rhodri Jenkins & Llion Rees-Jenkins 2up 49.16
Will Thomas 51.00
Gari Jones 57.59
Elaine Rowlands 64.03
Michael Tarling DNF

Ystwyth CC member completes the gruelling Everesting Challenge

Ystwyth CC member Gethin Howells took on the Everesting challenge in June this year and achieved the incredible feat of climbing 8848 meters on a local gravel climb known as the ‘legburner’, earning his place in the Everesting Hall of Fame.

This is known as the most difficult climbing challenge in the world. The idea is simple, pick any hill, anywhere in the world and complete repetitions of that hill in one go until you reach 8848 meters which is equivalent to – yep you guessed it…Everest.

Gethin has shared his Everesting experience…

“I’m quite a fan of band wagons. A couple of years ago I jumped on the gravel riding band wagon and over the Covid lockdown Everesting turned out to the wagon to jump on as everyone was having a go. As I’d been training quite hard over the last few months (exactly why I’m not sure!!) I thought I’d combine my love of gravel riding with the new world wide obsession of Everesting. I played around with a few locations for the attempt but eventually decided that it had to be the Legburner as it’s such a local icon.
The weather wasn’t amazing on the day of the attempt however this probably helped me as I don’t do too well with hot weather and the tail wind up the climb was not unwelcome!!! After starting just before 5am, the first half flew by. I had great legs and hit the half way point in less than six and a half hours. Inevitably the second half felt a lot harder but fortunately this is when all the friends and family I’d told about the attempt turned up despite the wind and rain at times and rode a few laps with me or passed me supplies from my box of goodies. My low point was at 32 laps, I wasn’t sure if I could make it but once I got to 40 laps I knew there was no quitting after that point. I reached the magic number of 8848m just before the end of lap 48 but did one more just to make sure I’d done enough.
It was a seriously tough day out however it was probably less than 24hrs before I started dreaming of the next stupid challenge to pit myself against!!”

In the photos are Katie Miles, Huw Richards and Alan Cole.

Riders set blistering times for round 1 – Catalina Architecture TT Series

With all the safety measures in place and following the advice and guidance of the Cycling Time Trials Association the Ystwyth CC club time trials are back for 2020.

It was great to see a club activity return after four months of all activities being suspended. The rain stopped in plenty of time and the gentle south westerly breeze provided great conditions for riders on the Llety Gwyn 10 mile course.

Eight riders had signed on for the first time trial of 2020. A time trial is often known as the ‘race of truth’, with just the rider against the clock. With the new regulations, riders started themselves and were not given a holding start. Each rider then set off every two minutes to ensure as much spacing as possible on the road.

With the good conditions there were some very fast times recorded on the course. The overall ladies winner of round 1 and also a junior rider went to Lowri Richards in a superb time of 27.47 also earning her first place in the ladies road bike category. The overall mens winner was another junior rider Dafydd Wright in a fantastic time and new course personal best of 22.15. In second place across the line, was Rhys Jeffreys in 22.36 with a new personal best time and riding his way closer to breaking the V40 course record set by Danny Thorogood in 2009. Following in third place, was Scott Tompsett in 23.48, setting another new personal best time.

The road bike category winners were Wayne Maguire, crossing the line in 25.21 and Lowri Richards with 27.47.

A thank you to all the riders for taking part in the first event of 2020 and following all the new guidance to keep themselves and others safe. Thank you also to the organisers, Andy Hunt and Derek Rattray and to Andy Davies for marshalling.

The next event in the series is the Devils Bridge Hilly on Wednesday 29th July. The full list of events in the series can be found here: https://www.ystwyth.cc/2020-time-trial-series/ Details about how and where to sign on will be posted on the Club Facebook page before the event.

Catalina Architecture TT Series – Round 1 Results (22nd July 2020)


Dafydd Wright 22.15
Rhys Jeffreys 22.36
Scott Tompsett 23.48
Wayne Maguire R 25.21
Andy Starr 27.01
Lowri Richards R 27.47
Anita Saycell R 27.50
Toby Driver R 30.01

First Round to launch the Catalina Architecture TT Series

The club are pleased to announce that the TT series are back for 2020! The first round starts this Wednesday 22nd July 2020.

To ensure everyone’s safety please adhere to the following;

Each event in the Catalina Architecture TT Series is pre-entry only. Details on how to pre-enter are available on the YCC Facebook site.

* The TTs are for YCC club members only.

* Each event is limited to 30 riders only.

* The start sheet will be published 2 hours before the start time on the YCC Facebook site.

* Bring your own pen and correct money (£3) to sign on. The details of the sign on location will be published on the YCC Facebook site.

* Riders will be set off at 2 minute intervals (this is to minimise congestion at the start line) and there will be no pushing off for riders.

* Arrive at the start line with a few minutes to spare.

* After you finish leave your number in the bucket opposite the finish line and vacate the finish area.

* The results will only be available online 1 hour after the event on the YCC Facebook site.

A revised list of dates and courses for the 2020 Catalina Architecture TT Series is now available online.

The YCC Time Trials are back and sponsored by Catalina Architecture

It is great news that the Cycling Time Trials governing body have given the go ahead for club time trials to restart.

Under the organisation of Andy Hunt, TT Secretary and Derek Rattray, Assistant TT Secretary, the weekly club time trials will resume this week, with the first event held on Wednesday 22nd July.

The time trials are a great event for all riders because it’s only yourself against the clock. They are all held on courses in the Aberystwyth area making it accessible to take part in a weekly local event.

All club members are welcome, and no special equipment is needed. Just bring yourself, £3 and a road worthy bike with a rear light.

Also, new for this year the club are grateful to Catalina Architecture for sponsoring the 2020 time trial series. Catalina Architecture will provide a prize to keep for each of the time trial trophy winners presented at the end of 2020.

The first event starts on Wednesday 22nd July. This will be held on the 10 mile course starting at Llanbadarn. With all riders needing to sign on.

There will be a number of safety measures to follow and these will be advised before Wednesday on the club Facebook site and on the YCC News feed.

A revised list of dates and courses will be published shortly.

YCC Member Update – 14th July 2020

With the club effectively shut down since March, the committee have started discussions on how to resume future club activities. We hope that everyone has kept well over the last few months and been able to enjoy some more cycling since restrictions have eased. Over the next few weeks and months we will keep you posted when we can resume safely any club activities following the guidance from Welsh Government, Welsh Cycling and the Cycling Time Trial Association.

Diolch yn fawr,
YCC Committee

All Club activities are cancelled until further notice

Our priority is the wellbeing, health and safety of all our club members, ride co-ordinators and the general public.

We are following the latest Government and Welsh Cycling recommendations that no organised activities take place until further notice.

Thanks for understanding, stay safe and when any information changes we will keep you posted.

https://www.britishcycling.org.uk/news/article/20200313-welsh-cycling-news-Welsh-Cycling-Coronavirus—Covid-19-Guidance-0

What essentials should you carry on a ride?

When heading out on the bike you should carry the following on every ride, whether cycling on your own or in a group;

* Face mask (if requiring first aid/maintenance assistance)

* (MTB social rides) own spare clothing, waterproofs and personal medical requirements

* Mobile Phone

* Card/cash

* Food / Drink

* Gilet/Waterproof

* Inner tube

* Tyre levers

* Pump/CO2 canister/multitool

* Quick release chain link, and

* ID – carry this to ensure it’s easy to be identified and friends and family can be contacted. Also note any important medical information.

Ystwyth CC have updated the club contact cards with the ride co-ordinator phone numbers and space for you to add your own emergency contact details. It’s also a good idea to note on the back any important medical information and carry this with you on every ride. Ask your ride co-ordinator for an updated card.

Learn how to keep your bike in good health with Summit Cycles.

For more information check out the British Cycling Essential Kit Guide.

Summit Cycles Bike Health Workshop

Ystwyth Cycle Club sponsor Summit Cycles, have kindly agreed to hold a Bike Health Workshop on Tuesday 17th March 18:30-20:30. There will also be a chance for Q & A session afterwards.

This is a great chance to learn some tips to keep your bike in good shape.

This is a free of charge session exclusive to club members. Not yet a member? Sign up to join the club: https://www.ystwyth.cc/membership/

There are limited spaces on the workshop – email ystwythcc@gmail.com to reserve a place.