Would appear Rob P (and family) did much of the organising for this one in the end - very good job and very enjoyable event thanks Rob. Starting at Resolven - 3 laps around a well known TT circuit comprising A465 and the parallel B road, then onto Glynneath and finally finishing on a hill. All in the rain and drizzle of course!

In the race for OVW was Allan, Jase and myself. Best I've seen both Jase and Allan race upto now, but then I haven't raced with either since early season. Allan was towards the front of the group from start to finish looking very strong. Jase was up and down the group, more like myself, but enjoyed his 1st ever role in a breakaway on the dual carriageway section of the last lap. Only a big effort from PTW/ VR Davey reeled Jase and his comrads in before the final long climb. I wasn't really in the mood for racing having travelled back from hols much of the previous day and spent a week away from the bike. So I was in it more because I had paid to be and to get some fitness back. I happily sat at the back of the group for the 1st few laps, watching little breaks form and escape from the peleton whilst feeling a little guilty about it. But then last lap felt strong so joined Allan (and then Jase too) at the front of the peleton for. Allan usefully then briefed me on the finishing climb which lifted my spirits somewhat being a lot longer than I'd assumed.... It was a 2 mile climb up from Glynneath towards Severn Sisters on a good surface at a steady gradient. My kind of climb (like a short version of the bwlch). The 3 of us started the climb at the front of the main group and all finished well up there. Only 1 of the main group got to the line ahead of me but unfortunately the breakway group was I think 7 riders; so our efforts was at a race within a race. In the end there were over 50 riders in the race so concerns over numbers didn't materialise. I hope this one happens again next year as everyone I spoke to enjoyed it (especially Allan and Jase) - made for exciting racing.

Rob Jones