Acme Wheelers - News

 April 2008

Welcome to new members Mark Jones (Hopkinstown), Fiona Davies (Ynyshir) and Michael Davies (Ferndale).

The Club's racing scene is quite buoyant at present and it's been nice to see so many Acme jerseys at the early time-trials. Fastest of our racing men at the Veterans 10 mile event on 30th March was Steve Bennett with 22:21 which gave him 3rd place overall. Carl Banwell wasn't far behind with 22:43 for 8th place and Ryan Evans just out of the top ten with 23:02 and 11th place which secured the team award for Acme. Gareth Clements recorded 23:24, Jayson James 23:56 and Paul Griffiths 26:51.

Colin May returned to the fray on 6th April in the Bynea 30 which incorporated our Club Championship. He took 4th place overall with 1:14:22 closely followed by Ryan, 7th in 1:16:10 and Anthony Redman a very close 8th in 1:16:22. The following weekend Ryan was again 7th in the Llandovery 25 with a time of 1:00:18.

Sunday 20th was our own Bryn Griffiths Memorial 25 with club members out in force either as riders or part of the organisation. A full field was lucky to experience a hole in the awful recent weather and the atmosphere at event headquarters was very lively, friendly and enjoyable. On this occasion Steve Bennett (56:41) had to give best to Ryan's 56:29. Colin continued his comeback with 57:46 followed by Gareth Clements who improved by over two minutes to break the hour with 59:35. John Hughes also went under with 59:44, Dean Cummings recorded 1:05:32 and Peter Williams 1:06:21. Paul Griffiths fought his way around in 1:11:00, overcoming the discomfort and lack of training caused by his recent accident. Passing a parked bus at speed, he was knocked off by a pedestrian who ran out from in front of the bus, putting them both in Casualty. Paul's a big guy so I dread to think what the other one looked like after that! Photos of the event should soon be online.

Also riding our 25 was Justin Cannon, son of Councillor Paul Cannon, Guest of Honour at our Annul Prize Presentation. Justin rode with us as a junior before moving away to join the RAF and completed the course in the excellent time of 56:02. His comment after finishing was, "I'd be happier if I'd gone 3 seconds faster !"

 March 2008

Cardiff Ajax 3 up 10 TT Sunday 9th March 2008

The club was again well represented at the Cardiff Ajax 3-up 10 mile Time Trial held between Abercarn and Risca on Sunday 9th March. Four teams were entered but due to illness only one team started with a full complement.

Due to road works appearing overnight on the course just after the start, the event had to be shortened to nine miles. However, following some rain while the teams were warming up, the sun soon appeared, improving the atmosphere of the event.

Seventh to start of the twenty-six teams were Anthony Redman and Jayson James who again rode strongly and smoothly to record the eighth fastest time of 21 minutes and 37 seconds. They were closely beaten by Carl Banwell and Steve Bennett [who seems in very good form at present] who rode around in 21m 25s, recording seventh fastest.

Gareth Battle, Chris Woolley and John Hughes finished as a complete team in 22m 12s, entering the turn a minute behind Peter Williams and Paul Griffiths. They rode the return leg wondering why they couldn’t catch them. The answer? Pete and Paul were on their way to Newport and turned two roundabouts further on! They did finish the event [time unknown] but completed about fifteen miles. Never mind, they enjoyed the practice and are clubbing together to buy a Satnav ready for the next event.

The event was won by Darren Carpenter, David Povall and Andrew Williams of Cwmcarn Paragon in 19m 06 s.

Photos are available in the gallery.

New Member

A warm welcome goes to our newest member, Rhys Jones of Porth, who proved his worth in the first event of the season on Sunday March 2nd.

Port Talbot Wheelers 2 up 25 TT Sunday 2nd March 2008

Five teams from our club started in this, the Port Talbot Wheelers 2 up 25 mile Time Trial, meeting with mixed results on a cold and very windy morning.
More details are in the Results section and some photographs in the Gallery.

 February 2008

Welcome to our latest new members who are:
Carole Dietman from Ynyswen.
Mike Owen from Aberdare and
John and Gail Lusardi from Blackmill.

 November 2007

Prize Presentation Evening

(Photo's of event can be viewed in the Photo Gallery)

The Rhondda based Acme Wheelers recently held their annual prize presentation at the Colliers Arms function room in Porth. The evening doubled up with the Club's 80th birthday celebrations.

Guest of Honour was the distinguished Councillor Paul Cannon, the former racing member of the club was introduced by MC Eddie Blayney.

Once again Jeff Matthews's slide show display was a real bonus to evenings celebrations, displaying photo's of all the members throughout the night.

Club champions were recognised with Ryan Evans at ten and twenty five miles, Steve Bennet over thirty miles, and Peter Williams collected the Longmarkers twenty five mile accolade.

Chris Woolley dominated the long distance section, he won the fifty, hundred and twelve hour trophies.

Peter Williams claimed this seasons polka dot jersey in the hill climb championship ride.

The Bwlch mountain hill climb series sponsored by Hugh James Solicitors was won by rookie Andrew Harries with Kerry Lewis taking second place and Jason Dodd taking third in the four event series.

Steve Bennett received the roadman award and the clubs most consistent rider was collected by Tony Morgan for his efforts in the hill climb series.

Club treasurer Dave Roberts added a classic touch to the evening by providing hand carved trophies in slate for the Welsh Champions Long Distance Team of Chris Woolley, Ryan Evans and Carl Banwell to celebrate winning the Rhondda Sports Personality team of the year for the second year running.

The prestigious Clubman Of The Year award was then presented by club president Gerald Clements to Jeff Mathews for is continued support and commitment to duties within the club.

The final award of the evening was presented by Chairman Roger Evans, a Life Membership award which are very rarely received was presented to Eddie Blayney for is enthusiastic work that he as done over many years for the ACME Wheelers.

Dates for your Diary

Racing members now look forward to short break before resuming training in the New Year with the date for the first reliability trial of fifty miles set for 27th January 2008. The ride leave from the Welcome Inn Tonypandy with the steady riders at 9am and the faster group at 9.30am.

As usual the route takes in Pontypridd, Caerphilly, Newport, Cardiff and finishes at the Royal Mint.

 October 2007

Llandeilo Weekend

(Photo's of event can be viewed in the Photo Gallery)

The valley based Acme Wheelers cycling club recently held their annual end of season ride to Llandeilo this year. With a hard racing season concluded the relaxed ride is always looked forward to by the riders giving everyone chance to catch up with each others' exploits.

With a damp and misty start from Porth the twenty strong bunch rolled out and headed for Pontypridd. With a gentle climb to Aberdare then Hirwaun it was a fast descent to Glyn-Neath climbing over Onllwyn and then a right turn at Abercraf. The improving conditions allowed the group to enjoy the mountain road that winds it way past the Cray reservoir and on to Defynnog. At Sennybridge the traditional coffee stop was held and a westerly direction set through to Llandovery then Llangadog and finally Llandeilo.

The club members chilled in the Cawdor Hotel that evening with a fabulous well-deserved dinner being served to everyone. Again a damp start faced the riders on the return leg of the journey. Ammanford was the first town to pass then on to the Swansea valley to Abercraf with three stiff climbs to face at Onllwyn, Glyn-Neath Bank and the Rhigos Mountain with over 100 miles in their legs by this stage. All riders completed the 120 miles in under 8 hours total. A sterling effort was made by club secretary Mark Nicholls and Veteran Ken Washington to finish the distance.

Many thanks go to Mary, manager of the Cawdor Hotel for the warm welcome received and also to the support team of Darren Warren, Dave Bebb, Jeff Mathews and Bleddyn Pugh.

 September 2007

Hill Climb Series

(Photo's of event can be viewed in the Photo Gallery)

Event 4

Congratulations to Andrew Harries for becoming the Acme Hill Climb Series Champion for 2007. Andrew set competitive times throughout the 4 event series, gaining the series lead on event 3 and held onto the position for the final event.

Club president Gerald Clements presented Andrew with the Hugh James Solicitors Trophy in a presentation that took place after the event on the Bwlch mountain. Andrew was extremely pleased to have won the series and acknowledge the talent of other riders who competed with him throughout the series.

Second place was taken by Kerry Lewis with Jason Dodd holding onto third to claim the final podium place.

Event 4 winner Lee Williams from Llwynypia, an Elite Mountain Bike rider and who recently became the Welsh Mountain Bike Champion for 2007 was a welcome visitor to final event and was to make quite an impression. Climber at an incredible pace set a new Course Record, beating Gareth Battle previous Record time which was set during the 2006 series by 52 seconds, an impressive feat.

The ACME Wheelers wish to Thank Hugh James Solicitors for their kind support for sponsoring the 2007 Hill climb Series.

Congratulations to Paul Griffiths, riding his first 50 mile TT in very windy conditions on the undulating Neath Valley course recorded a 2:19:37. An impressive feat as Paul is still in his first year of racing.

Keep up to date with all the members' results during the month of September in the Results section.

Club 50 mile Champion, 100 mile Champion Chris Wooley has now taken the club 12 Hour title with a fine performance at the Welsh Cycling Association 12 hour promotion based in and around the Usk, Raglan and Abergavenny area. Over the 12-hour period Chris managed to clock up 225 miles, quite an achievement in this gruelling event and by far the most difficult time-trial race of the year. Specialising in the long distance trials Chris will also become the Club's Senior Best All Rounder Champion for 2007 and will be presented with is awards at the annual Presentation Dinner in November.

 August 2007

Hill Climb Series

(Photo's of event can be viewed in the Photo Gallery)

Event 3

Racing Rookie of the year Peter Williams arrived home from Bristol to take the Club Hill Climb Championship with a convincing win. Beating in form John Hughes into second place and Andrew Harries claimed third place. Peter has now achieved two Titles this year, in May he also won the 25-mile Longmarkers Title.

The Hill Climb Championship was incorporated into Event 3 of the Hill Climb Series and Andrew Harries has now moved into the leading position overall. Andrew a new members to the club this year as performed consistently, setting top times throughout the series. Andrew enjoys riding the mountains of South Wales and as also taken trips to the French Alps to ride the famous Col's, which feature in the Tour De France. Kerry Lewis in second place is looking unlikely to topple Andrew in the final event on Thursday 6th September as the series reaches its peak. Kerry last won the club hill climb championship back in 1991 and set out at the start of the series with a hope to repeat is success of 16 years previous, but it's not looking good for Kerry and maybe he'll have to wait another year.

Penygraig's Jason Dodd is also under pressure to hold on to third place as Paul Griffiths lies just one point behind in fourth place, with both riders improving weekly the Challenge is still on to the final event.

Acme Wheelers Hill Climb Series 2007 - Sponsored By Hugh James Solicitors - Points Table - (after event 3)

The ACME 100-Mile champion for 2007 has been won by Chris Wooley, this adds to his success just weeks after becoming the club 50-mile champion. Chris's time of 4 hours and twelve minutes was a personal best, beating his old time over the distance by an incredible 14 minutes. Specialising in the longer events Chris looks favourite to take the 12-hour title in the coming weeks.

Keep up to date with all the members' results during the month of August in the Results section.

Members are reminded to place their Time Trial times with Kerry Lewis during September if they intend to claim Club Standard Awards at the Prize Presentation Dinner on 10th November.

(Photo's of event can be viewed in the Photo Gallery)

Event 2

Under Twelve Minutes !!!!!!!!!!

Acme riders and spectators were amazed at Gareth Battle's climb to victory in event number two of the Bwlch mountain climb series sponsored by Hugh James solicitors. Powering his way up the three and a half mile course Battle's time of 11 minutes 51 seconds secured first place on the night by over a minute to second placed Ryan Evans on 13 minutes 22 seconds. Darren Conquer had to settle for third slot after his last event's win, his time of 13 minutes 58 seconds was just 8 seconds ahead of fourth placed Andrew Harries - 14 minutes 6 seconds. Kerry Lewis enjoying his racing this season pipped Chris Wooley for fifth position after long distance man Wooley recorded 14 minutes 42 seconds behind Lewis's 14 minutes 15 seconds. First time up the Bwlch this series proved successful for Hywel Morgan, his ride of 14 minutes 54 seconds was 13 seconds ahead of Dean Cummings - 15 minutes 7 seconds, their efforts placed them seventh and eight respectively. First season riders Jason Dodd in ninth place - 15 minutes 17 seconds and Paul Griffiths in tenth place - 16 minutes 9 seconds were followed by Eddie Blayney on 18 minutes 1 second and stalwart Tony Morgan - 22 minutes 37 seconds.

Club secretary Mark Nichols accompanied the series sponsors Hugh James Solicitors representative Lowri Bryer, who attended the evening's race explaining the event to her.

Acme Wheelers Hill Climb Series 2007 - Sponsored By Hugh James Solicitors - Points Table - (after event 2)

 July 2007

Hill Climb Series

Event 1

Darren Conquer threw down the gauntlet to all would be contenders for the clubs polka dot jersey this season. His impressive time of 15 minutes and 11 seconds up the lung bursting Bwlch mountain road secured first place and maximum points to send the message out that he intents to follow is 2005 success in the event, by dominating this seasons Acme Wheelers Hill Climb Series.

With a close call by timekeepers Gwyn Humphries and Gerald Clements to cancel the ride due to the bad weather conditions they decided to give the green light to the handful of hardcore riders that had turned up. Andrew Harries powered through the strong headwinds to finish second in 15 minutes 38 seconds with long distance specialist Chris Wooley clocking in third place on 16 minutes 23 seconds. Club captain Kerry Lewis gained seven seconds over rival Dean Cummings for fourth place with his climb timed at 16 minutes 40 seconds. Cummings recording 16 minutes and 47 seconds. Rookie Paul Griffiths first time effort of 17 minutes and 43 seconds was an excellent bench mark for his first season racing. Finishing just 10 seconds ahead of veteran Eddie Blayney, Jason Dodd recorded 18 minutes 38 seconds with Blayney on 18 minutes 48 seconds.

Kerry Lewis commented that due to the very strong headwinds encountered by all riders that all times were approximately two minutes slower. The series sponsored by Hugh James Solicitors has three more events to run, the next (event 2) will be on Thursday 9th August 2007.

The club would like to take this opportunity to thank Rob Peachey of Advasign for tireless support of club events.

cme Wheelers Hill Climb Series 2007 - Sponsored By Hugh James Solicitors - Points Table

 June 2007

Dragon Ride 2007

(Photo's of event can be viewed in the Photo Gallery)

Weekend Ride To Llandeilo - Sat 13th/14th October 2007

Accommodation:- **** Cawdor Hotel **** Llandeilo
Bed & Breakfast, two course evening meal @ £55.00
No deposits required - Register with Eddie Blayney before 7th September 2007
Kit bags to Eddies house Friday night (12th October) or bring to start.
Meet for a 9.30 start at Wedding shop Porth.

Outward Ride - Porth - Pontypridd - Aberdare - Hirwaun - Glyn Neath
Onllwyn - Abercrave - A4067 Sennybridge (dinner stop)
Sennybridge - A40 Llandovery - A4069 Llangadog - A40 Llandeilo.

Return - Llandeilo - A483 Ammanford - A474 Glanaman - A4069 Brynaman
A4068 Gurnos - A4067 Abercrave - Onllwyn - Glyn Neath - Rhigos.

Keep up to date with all the members' results during the month of May in the Results section.

Summer Hill Climb Series

The first of the five event series takes place on the 26th July, weather permitting on the high 1800ft Bwlch mountain road. As well as the title to decide the overall Series Champion, event three on the 23rd August will determine the Acme Hill Climb Champion for 2007. Winners of both these titles will be awarded a trophy at the end of year Presentation Evening. Signing on for the evening events will start at 6.30pm with the first rider starting off at 7.00pm. Signing on and the Starting point will be at the pick-nick area at the bottom of the Bwlch (Treorchy side)
(Series Dates - see the events section)

Welcome to new member Jason Dodd from Penygraig.

 May 2007

Rhondda's Team of the Year

Ryan Evans, Carl Banwell & Chris Woolley achievements during the 2006 season were acknowledged at the recent Rhondda Sports Award dinner held at the Tylorstown Leisure centre. Presented with the Rhondda's Team of the Year award on the evening their efforts were clearly recognised in front of an audience of 300 guests. Numerous sporting groups from throughout the area supported the event along with special Guest of Honour Jayne Ludlow, team captain of Arsenal Ladies Football Team.

Well Done to Ryan, Carl & Chris. Once again the talents of ACME members highlighted the sport of Cycling within the Rhondda Valley.
(Photo's of event can be viewed in the Photo Gallery)

Keep up to date with all the members' results during the month of May in the Results section.

23rd May

Ryan Evans produced a 22.06 during the Merthyr CC event to put him in the leading position for the fastest time by a club member over 10 miles to date. Earlier this month John Hughes lead the competition with a 22.52 recorded at the Port Talbot event on 5th May.

The member who sets the fastest time at an open event on Welsh roads this season will be awarded the Emlyn Jones Memorial trophy at the end of year Presentation Evening.
(Full Acme Result - see the Results section)

17th May

Bright conditions set the scene for the second ACME Whls open promotion of the year, once again ACME members & Family enthusiastically turned out in force to help in the organisation to ensure a successful "2-up 10 mile TT".

Event winners Luke & Matt Rowe (pictured) from the Recycling.co.uk Team recorded a time of 19.46 over the 10 mile distance. With an average speed just over 30mph they beat the second place team by 55 seconds, an impressive win by the brothers.

Chris Woolley and John Hughes were the first Acme team finishing in seventh position recording a time of 22.07.

This was the final race promotion of the year for the Acme Whls and the Committee wishes to thank all who helped out at both trials, and the riders for supporting the Acme events.
(Result - see the Results section, Photo's of event can be viewed in the Photo Gallery)

13th May

The Welsh 25 Championships based in the Abergavenny/Raglan area was the event to decide our Club 25 mile Champion and the Longmarkers Champion. All the competitors had to battle against the atrocious weather conditions throughout the event, the British weather was back to normal after weeks of fine and warm weather.

Seven Acme riders took to the start line to compete for the Acme Titles. Peter Williams and Paul Griffiths first time competitors at this distance were also competing for the Longmarkers Award.

Ryan Evans involved with winning various Welsh Team Championship Awards during 2006 season was the recognized favourite for winning the Club 25 mile title. Ryan has been focusing the shorter distances for 2007 and the 25 Title was going to be an important event, with tough competition from other Acme members he knew he had to make a huge effort over the distance right from the start in the difficult conditions. Storming past the finishing line in a time of 57.01 he managed to fend off the opposition to claim the title with a 1.28 lead over Chris Woolley the second placed Acme rider.

Peter Williams the Bristol based member who for the past months as been competing in 10 mile events, thought it time to test is endurance over the 25 miles. Not put off by the wet conditions managed a time of 1.06.59 to claim the Longmarkers Award.
(Result - see the Results section)

The end of season Weekend Ride will take place during October to the town of Llandeilo. Further details will follow next month.

 30th April 2007

A brief report for Dale's Diary and a picture showing bizarre prizes from his recent achievements.

87 riders entered the Bryn Griffiths Memorial 25 on Sunday 22nd April in the scenic Neath Valley. Event Secretary Chris Clements along with ACME Members & Family enthusiastically organised and run a first class event which was appreciated by the riders.
Winner on the day was Colin Wallace riding for the Merthyr C.C. who will again have his name placed in the Bryn Griffiths Memorial Book having won the event previously in 2003.
Fastest Lady on the day went to Helen Boatman who had travelled from London and a member of the Finsbuy Park C.C.
Merthyr C.C. also claimed the team award, which included Stephan Barret, Nigel Williams and spearheaded by event winner Colin Wallace.

Well done to all the riders for making this event a success.
(Results - see the Results section, Photo's of event can be viewed in the Photo Gallery)

Welcome to new members Paul Griffiths from Beddau and Paul Jasper from Porth.

The first of the Club Championships recently took place with the 30-mile test. The event nominated to decide the 30 Champion was promoted by the Bynea Cycling Club.
Best ACME rider on the day was the experienced and talented Steve Bennett, a first time winner and a new name to be added to 30 Trophy which as been competed for since 1950.

ACME Wheelers early-bird riders have been competing in the spring time-trials laying down benchmark times for the season ahead.
John Hughes teamed up with Chris Wooley to ride the Port Talbot Wheelers open 25-mile two-man time trial, working well together they recorded a 1.04.19.
Cardiff Ajax CC held their three-man 10-mile open trial, ACME riders Jayson James along with Port Talbot CC Andy Evans and Pencoed Try Club Steve Morris formed a composite team. Their effort over the distance left them with a time of 23.49.
The Welsh Cycling Association Magic Dragon Series started with a 10-mile trial, Ryan Evans and Jayson James recorded 23.41 and 25.22 respectively in the first event of the series.
Concluding a busy time racing for Jayson James, he was joined by Anthony Redman in the Hereford Wheelers CC open 25 mile TT. James finished in a time of 1.06.59 and Redman recorded a 1.09.23...

 27th March 2007

Veteran Duo Shine in 50m Trial

ACME riders kick-started their season with the first of the clubs reliability trials. No fewer than sixteen riders set off on the 50-mile route on Sunday 28th January in dry, but windy conditions.

Top ride performance must go to veteran duo Howard Williams and Andy Hamilton, the pair set off at 9.00am - 30 minutes ahead of the Quality group of members including Welsh Champions and Experienced Roadmen. Managing to stay ahead at the finish at Talbot Green, Howard and Andy's time was three and a half hours.

The 9.30am group ride started steady out towards Newport via Bedwas with a favourable tailwind, but things were about to change. On route to Cardiff across the Flats the wind became a Headwind with an uncomfortable pace. First to find the pace difficult was Kerry Lewis who hours earlier and still feeling the effects had arrived home from holiday, Eiron Atkins was aware of Kerry difficulties dropped back from the group to help in the difficult conditions as the group sped into the distance.

Unfortunately the group had to stop when Gareth Clements suffered a puncture travelling through Cardiff, and was delayed for a number of minutes as members assisted Gareth to carry out repairs.

Fortunately this allowed Eiron and Kerry to catch up and ride ahead of the group with a couple of minutes lead, and this was about to set the cat amongst the pigeons. The pair increased their pace hoping to arrive ahead of the group in Talbot Green and knowing they would be chased by the quality group of members behind.

With just three miles to go Eiron and Kerry were caught by a breakaway group with the rest of members just behind riding at very rapid pace. Only seconds separating the groups at the finish in a time of Three Hours, Just failing to catch Howard and Andy Hamilton.

Trial Riders : - Peter Williams, Ryan Evans, Dean Cummings, Carl Banwell, John Hughes, Hywel Morgan, Anthony Redman, Gareth Clements, Chris Wooley, Glen Waters, Gareth Battle, Steve Bennett, Eiron Atkins, Kerry Lewis, Andy Hamilton, Howard Williams.

11th January 2007

Visit Dale's Diary to see what he's been up to since his last installment.

14th December 2006

Those of us who attended the Welsh Cycling Association Prize Presentation on Sunday 5th of November enjoyed a good, hot, mid-day meal in pleasant surroundings before joining in the applause for Acme's 2006 Welsh Best All-Rounder Team.

Carl Banwell, Ryan Evans and Chris Wooley became BAR Team Champions by way of excellent rides which also claimed the team awards in the Welsh Championship 100 and Welsh Championship 12 Hour.

Carl also took 2nd place in the individual BAR Championship and 2nd in the 12 Hour where he was the best Welsh rider.

Third in the BAR and only 0.5 mph slower was Ryan who pushed Carl closely in the '12'.

Completing the team, Chris did an excellent ride in the '12' winning the Best Improvement award with a distance 24.668 miles greater than last year. He was also an excellent 8th overall in the BAR.

What a great team and no swollen heads in sight! Well done boys.

Photos of them receiving their awards are in the Gallery together with those from the Llandovery weekend and the World Championships in Salzburg where the Club even got a mention on Eurosport.

Thanks to Rhydian Roberts for designing and maintaining this website. Please contact him at with any news, photos etc.