Page 9 - GRFC_NEWS_AUTUMN_2017

09
up, the vans packed neatly with food, drink, bikes and kit bags. All this was not possible without many people, too many to name, but one has to be mentioned is Mr Phil Griffiths. After meetings leading up to the ride, he would pull me to one side, “ It will all be fine, leave it with me”. Those stable, calming words from a hugely respected man. Sure as night falls to day, it was all going to be okay.
Some were less than impressed with our first nights’ accommodation - it was a little limited, certainly not luxurious, but it served it’s purpose - although some of the riders to this day deem one toilet between 58 riders was not particularly appropriate! Every crook and cranny was filled in the cabin in Holyhead - gazebos, vans - all put to use to grab a few hours sleep. It must be how team Sky prepare for their races! Four hours on a bus, Mcdonalds, army beds.
Morning soon came, after we managed to wake Will Skyrme from his van following reports his snoring had registered 4.6 on the Richter scale! Michelle and others created a breakfast for kings, fruit, porridge, hot coffee - all went down a treat. Phill Taff Davies, John Wilding and friends along with Martin Bunny Johnson and a urine soaked Andrew Powell set off ahead of the riders and plotted and signed the route.
We set off in waves of ten riders and as I type this, the hairs are rising on my arms. Smiles, no moaning, all together for one cause, OUR CLUB under the sunny skies of North Wales, a long way from home. Not one person criticised or moaned about anything.
The day was long, tough and at times very unforgiving. To some a challenge was the time, to some it was just doing it - full stop. But nothing other than support to each other came through.
Minimal issues on day one. A few punctures, a few wrong turns, not even reaching check point One! Poor old Steve Harley, four punctures in a few miles short of Llanidloes was tough but as always he cracked on. A few found alternative routes to the forecasted route, to make life easier or not is still at the point of the jury, but anyone with sense would have avoided the stretch between Llanbrymnmair and Llanidloes! Many riders are still too emotional to talk about this stretch! If any friends or family are walking in this area - please take care, due to some required deposits in hedgerows.
We all checked in at varying times to Llanelwedd. Day One’s sleeping arrangements were 58 camp beds laid out in the school hall. Hot meals, again prepared by the wonderful ladies and gents helping us and fresh apple juice courtesy of our sponsors.
After a massage - courtesy of Bronnie and Rosie Jones and MJB fitness Brecon all riders freshened up and a few even summoned up to the energy to visit a local ale house on the showground - with a few of the more mature riders heading into town for birthday celebrations.
After bedding down late, Day Two soon came around. Breakfast again and it was time to roll. We all set off in our groups again. Down to Erwood station where a support gang had set stall and made some inspirational noise. Then on to Llyswen to be greeted by more support, down to Pontybat where a large Llanfilo contingent had gathered and then, to cap it all, to an even better greeting at a closed road courtesy of the local constabulary - making the riders feel like a Geraint Thomas or a Sir Bradley Wiggins.
The sense of pride really hit home but it was soon knocked out of many of us pushing up Storey Arms into driving wind, torrential rain and a wintery two degrees!
Still, as ever, determination set into our fabulous team. The check points passed and soon the sun of Llantwit Major greeted us. The roundabout was awash with well wishers and family members. I can’t lie, a little tear trickled down the cheek. In for a beer, nursing the two boiled eggs that had settled into my rear end and burst. Reflecting and watching from afar the riders talking, laughter, crying whilst having a beer it all hit home. WE DID IT, as a team we did it. 240 miles, two days.
The collections rolled in and the riders as ever were hugely supportive. The family fun day was held again at the Club and a cheque for the sum was handed over to the committee. £45,000 raised from the team. Pitches bought, job done. Many other efforts should also be noted, as not this alone secured the pitches, but I can proudly say, this is our effort. Many many people should be thanked and I cannot name them all. They know who they are and what they did, safe in their mind they can think of the contribution they made secured the pitches.
To all the sponsors, thank you. To all the riders - you are now etched in the history of our great club and your efforts will never be forgotten.
Here’s to our next ride in 2018.
The Great East to West!
In memory of Titch.
Geraint Skyrme
Cycle Ride Coordinator
AUTUMN 2017