According to organiser Terry Mappin, the 12 riders who wrenched themselves away from the turkey constituted a record for recent years for this somewhat light-hearted race. Only one pair of tri-bars was in evidence, Sam Hughes from Camel Valley, but he can be excused because they were an Xmas present. With the faint-hearted opting for a 2-up experience and the more foolhardy adopting a traditional solo effort, Stuart couldn't decide what to do, starting as one thing, switching to another, and totally confusing everyone, including the organiser!

A big thanks to Terry for organising, starting and timekeeping. [1/1/05]

A high quality field assembled at Penzance AFC on Monday last. Once the officials had been coaxed out of the bar, the competition began. Numbers permitted a round-robin competition, although this format meant that in each round one rider had the handicap of having competed in the immediately preceding round.

The official photographer remembered his batteries, but forgot his camera, so born-again technocrat, Matt, took some photos on his new digital camera. As soon as he works out how to download them, they will be published. [10/12/04]

With Stuart Pickering providing a superb 'pushing off' facility and myself as official photographer and timekeeper, the five competitors faced a blustery wind on the climb.

You can see where we ended up after the race![11/10/04]

A start sheet listing 59 entries promised a good morning's competition, but the blustery and showery conditions in Cornwall didn't look too promising. As has happened so many times this season, the weather in south Devon was much calmer, with hardly any wind and a rapidly drying road surface.

Competition was cutthroat. Sean Childs, fresh from his win in the Welsh 12 Hours Champs (Gary Fouracres was a very close 3rd), showed that his recovery had been good. Jason was really unlucky to puncture in the last mile, but still managed to salvage 4th = with John Payne. After her 'Ride across America' Jane Thurnall-Read was rewarded with a PB. [20/09/04]

The weather wasn't as bad as predicted, but the bad forecast probably accounts for the small entry. Good time by Dave Minns. [15/09/04]

Another evening of very favourable weather conditions. The Cornish contingent had a really close tussle. John Payne, Stuart Pickering and myself all did PB's, and Jason Ball was only 5 seconds short of his PB.

A warm and still morning, with Gary and Wendy in fine form. [6/09/04]

A fine evening for the last mid-week time trial of the season on this course. Only two 'Wheelers' taking part, both managing a season's best on this course. [6/09/04]

The showers held off until the race had finished and the Ladock Valley was sheltered from the worst of the blustery wind. A big drop in the number of riders from previous mid-week races, but the two 'Wheelers' acquitted themselves reasonably well.

Driving up towards Okehampton through the holiday traffic, the windmills at Mitchell seemed to be turning ominously quickly and the trees by the roadside were swaying discouragingly. There's no doubt that the S40 is the nearest we've got to a fast course in Cornwall and Devon, so it was worth the risk, but was it going to be worth the long drive? For those of you who haven't ridden the S40, it's an out-and-back course on the A30, starting and finishing west of the Sourton junction, and turning at the Broadwoodwidger (I love that name) junction. The outward leg is about a mile longer than the return leg. The first 3 or 4 miles are flat, then an uphill drag and descent before the turn, with an uphill ramp on the exit road at the turn. Immediately after the turn there's the uphill drag and descent in reverse, then flat to the finish.

Having decided to get in some longer time trials this season, it was out of bed at 4.30am again. The start list of 50 riders and the fine weather during the drive up to south Devon held the promise of a worthwhile morning's sport.

Nigel Polkinghorne was a clear winner, but the next 13 finishers were within 3 minutes of each other, and 21 riders beat the hour. [3/08/04]

A beautiful warm sunny evening, with no wind. Six Wheelers signed on, but I didn't manage to get all the times and positions at the end. Apologies to those concerned, but if you let me know I'll include your results as well.

Andy narrowly failed to beat 24 minutes and I managed to avoid being beaten by Wendy, but only by doing my fastest time on this course for several years! [29/07/04]

The usual three suspects were out of bed early again for the trek up to south Devon. By the time the race started, the early morning stillness had been replaced by a swirling breeze that seemed to be constantly changing direction.

It seems a shame that one now has to travel outside Cornwall for regular races over 10 miles. [27/07/04]

Tom Southam finished a very creditable second in the National Senior Road race Championships in South Wales this weekend.

Interesting to note that the race was dominated by the British pros based in Europe. [29/06/04]

It seems that this was a tough race, with breaks going from the start. Layton just missed out on a top 10 placing, and Jon was just outside the top 20. [29/06/04]

Martin and John drove up the day before and camped in the rain. I got up at 3.00am and drove up on the morning. Time trial madness!!!

As a first-time 'centurian', it was an interesting experience, but one of these per season is probably enough. Hopefully 50s and 25s will seem easy now! [28/06/04]

Driving up to the race, John Payne described the course as 'like the S6/10, but longer'. That's just what it was like. A winding, undulating road, gradually climbing from Barnstaple to the turn, with hardly any traffic. Unfortunately the return was spoilt by a slight headwind.

In the battle of the 'Wheelers', John Payne came out on top. [28/06/04]

A warm, humid sunny evening, with a bit of a breeze. Another big field of more than 30 riders. Perhaps having fewer mid-week races is leading to larger entries?

Thanks to the Camel Valley team for organising the race, and to Neil James, another golden oldie, for 'pushing off'. [18/06/04]

The riders started the 30 lap,40 mile, race in bright sunshine and pleasant cooling breeze. The first rider to go off the front was Dave Bentley, Richley Cycleops, who led up the hill for the first time but was soon replaced by Adrian Street, North Devon Wheelers, who made a successful break and steadily built up a 20 sec lead over a number of laps.

Sluman maintained his advntage and won ,crossing the line on his own with Retter 40 secs in arrears. The bunch were another minute or so behind. Bentley was leading the sprint but with Street right on his wheel ready to jump in sight of the line.Tony Farnell was the leading Wheeler so taking the PZW RR Championship. [Matt Southam 13/06/04]

Overcast, warm, with perhaps the remains of a breeze. A healthy field of 24 riders, but only 5 'Wheelers for the club '10' championships.

Chris Murphy thrashed us all again with another impressive sub 22 clocking. Thanks to Truro CC for organising the race. [10/06/04]

Clouded over after a sunny day and a bit of a breeze, but quite a good evening on the A30 between Okehampton and Launceston. Fast course with long flat stretches and a couple of uphill drags. Two 'Wheelers' did battle, but were firmly put in our places by Greg Sandy's course record. The quality and quantity of the cakes were excellent. [4/06/04]

WARM NIGHT BUT A RATHER STRONG BREEZE IN YOUR FACE ON THE WAY OUT. LAYTON HAD A GOOD RIDE BEATING HIS P.B. BY 24 secs. MARK TRAVIS HAS REAPPEARED FROM RESTING? AND SAID HE WILL BE BACK NEXT WEEK. [Mike Tonkin 20/05/04]

The action started at 11.00am with forty riders rolling off from the start line at Leedstown. The first mile or so was neutralised but once the red and white flag dropped the racing started straight away.

Twenty eight of the original riders finished. [Matt Southam 2/06/04]

Just a few lines to say a big thank you to you, Di and all the Penzance Wheelers for taking on the South West Divisional Championships on our behalf. As you know we fell (tripped)! into hosting the event, you managed to get us out of a Jam - Many thanks the day was a great success.

It is only with the unstinting support of clubs like the Penzance Wheelers, and the time and effort put in behind the scenes by people such as yourself, Terry, Leyton's Dad, Mark, Mike and every body else who are prepared to turn out in numbers and stand on windy Road junctions for hours on end that ensures that there is safe road racing in the County. Hopefully events such as this and the Channel Atlantique spur on all who witness them to join clubs such as the Wheelers and endeavour to have a go. The sport needs High Profile and varied events in order to attract young blood and to provide clubs with new members. It is refreshing to see that the Penzance Wheelers have recognised this and are prepared to turn out if force to ensure that the events can take place. All the Wheelers riders in the event seemed to get the bit between their teeth and appeared to enjoy themselves. The club should feel justly proud of hosting a fine race. [Steve Coram Cycle Logic 4/06/04]

A warm sunny evening with hardly a breeze. The 28 starters included 5 'Wheelers'. Aggie Williams reduced his seasonal best for the second week running, hacking a further 28 seconds off his time of the previous week. Dave Morgan appeared fresh from his triathlon exploits in sunnier climes. I promised that I wouldn't publish his time if he let me have a race report, but he hasn't sent me a report, so ... Many thanks to George Smith and his team for a good evening's sport. [20/05/04]

Two 'Wheelers set off at the ungodly hour of 5.00am, picking up Martin Legg at Redruth, for the drive to south Devon. We were rewarded by another sunny morning with a hardish outward leg into a south easterly breeze, followed by a fast return to Buckfastleigh.

John Payne, riding his wafer-thin featherweight Giant, rode to a fine 5th place and took the V50 prize, much to the despair of his travelling companions! Back home by lunch time for sunbathing and beer, although John was threatening to do a training ride in the afternoon. [23/05/04]

A sunny evening with a light breeze. Another bumper field of 32 riders including five 'Wheelers'. When Alan congratulated Mike on his fine time, Mike replied that he must have been going fast because he felt ill on the return leg! Aggie Williams managed to knock 42 seconds off his time of the previous week. Many thanks to the usual Camel Valley team for a fine evening's sport. [20/05/04]

A superb morning, hot and sunny with only a hint of a breeze. Disappointingly, only 15 riders had entered, including six 'Wheelers'. Dave Henderson was spectating and Tony Rowell signed on at the last minute as a non-competitive participant. Surprisingly, times were generally slower than last year, when the race kicked off in a torrential downpour!

Jason Ball showed us all how it should be done, but Wheelers managed to pick up a few prizes, including Alan Jones in the Vets. [17/05/04]

This was a curious race. It started in the mist and finished in bright sunshine. The E/1/2 group started 45 seconds before the 3/4/J group, but dawdled sufficiently to be caught after a couple of laps! Then the racing began, and at the end the two race results were combined.

In the second group, a much improved Ian Jeffrey lost contact in the last couple of laps, while Layton put in a couple of determined but unsuccessful attacks, before it all ended with a 6-up sprint with Dave Bentley powering away up the final drag. Once again, many thanks to Matt, Len and Terry for their hard work to ensure a good afternoon's competition, and to Jon Moore for the excellent [17/05/04]

A cool evening with only a hint of a breeze. I thought I'd arrived early, but found myself signing on as No. 27! Eventually 32 riders, including seven 'Wheelers', came under starters orders - an encouraging turn-out.

Chris Murphy put us all firmly in our places with an impressive 21-47. Many thanks to Truro CC and George Smith for the smooth organisation. [13/05/04]

After a week of gales and rain, the sun was shining and there was only a gentle breeze. The temptation of additional 4 x £25 prizes, the Police Championships, and the PZW Championships produced the largest start list I can remember in a Cornish time trial - 38 riders had entered and 34 actually started. Well done St Austell Wheelers. Incidentally, there is now a link to the new St Austell Wheelers' web site on our Links Page.

As far as the PZW Mens' Championships were concerned, it was very much the battle of the Vets, with John Payne, Tony Farnell and Alan Jones occupying the first three podium places overall, and Ian Jeffrey and Paul Friday taking 1st and 2nd in the Seniors. New PZW Senior Woman and Vet Woman Champions are Jo Glasson and Jane Thurnell-Read respectively. Unluckily, Mike Tonkin went off course at the Fraddon round-a-bout, but still managed a very respectable placing. [10/05/04]

This hugely enjoyable new event was held on a new course, starting and finishing at the Lizard, promoted by Camel Valley, and organised very well by John Trott. The race was a nice mixture of flat fast stretches, interspersed with three descents and their corresponding climbs. The weather was grey and overcast, but mild with no wind.

There were free pasties and a fine selection of cakes afterwards - good training for the freewheel championships - a trophy, cash prizes, and some goodies donated by Cycle Logic. Surely this type of event is much more fun than the S18? It really is worth supporting in the future. [29/03/04]

Wind, wind and wind. The only way to describe Saturday's crit at Portreath. Imagine battling into the hardest headwind you ever thought possible. Then forget that, because you won't even have come close. OK, the tailwind on the 'runway' bit of the course meant at times you were taxing the speedo of Len's car, but the turn at the far end was like being pushed sideways and backwards at the same time.

All in all it was great to see the Wheelers represented in force and flying the flag for Cornish clubs at road race level. Many thanks to Matt, Len and Terry for organising and officiating in their usual cheerful and efficient way. [Lloyd Peters 22/03/04]

This was won by Nigel Polkinghorne, riding for Team Alcan/Bianchi.

Polkinghorne, who did well to recover after losing a lot of ground as a result of a minor crash, rejoined the leaders and broke off the front with 4 laps remaining, crossing the line first, with Sluman twenty five seconds back, two seconds ahead of Lilley. [Lloyd Peters 22/03/04]

Three Penzance Wheelers took part in the first Open Time Trial of the season, the Camel Valley early season series of four. The trial was held on the S6 course, in a very strong northerly wind, which gave ample assistance on the starting straight, but seemed to be either on the side or in your face everywhere else!

The Camel Valley cakes were up to the usual high standard. [Alan Jones 23/03/04]