Season’s greetings from all members. Not a busy time of year, but still members are finding the odd event here and there to compete in.

Annual Christmas Ride Out

Last Sunday saw the annual ride out on the last Sunday before Christmas (see picture right). This gives members the chance to turn up with their bikes pimped out with Christmas decorations - tinsel, lights and even an elf on the handle bars. A nice route of approximately 28 miles, catching some floods along the way and then back to Mike’s Café for a well-earned coffee and cake.

Colby Run

A lot of us have taken part in the Colby Park Run over the last year and it has proved to be very successful. The Colby Park Run is a 5km run against the clock which is held every Saturday at Colby Woodland Garden (National Trust), near Amroth.

Last Saturday, saw Hayden Johns taking his daughter Ava to take part in this (see picture below). She is obviously inspired by her father’s tremendous efforts this year. Unfortunately for Hayden, he now has something to live up to as Ava beat him in the sprint to the finish. Well done both.

Stackpole Run

The details taken from the Stackpole National Trust site show this as a lovely running spot for beginners, with lots of places where you can stop to catch your breath and enjoy the view. The route is approximately 5km long and the paths are relatively flat and solid. You might even see an otter.

Alex Merrony took her eldest son Noah there after he had been taking part in the beginner run sessions on Fridays and we are led to believe that he beat her over the 5km distance, although the quote from his mum was that he ‘finished before me, but it wasn’t a race’. Obviously inspired by father and grandfather Nigel, a good role model to have.

Portsmouth Coastal Marathon

Last Sunday saw the fifth running of the Portsmouth Coastal Waterside Marathon. It gives people the opportunity to run something slightly different just before Christmas. A full marathon running from South Parade Pier to the end of the Hayling Billy Line and return, with fantastic views across Langstone Harbour, and all in aid of the RNLI. Mandy Draper, running in we believe her 20th marathon for the year, took part and got a great time of 4:17:25. Well done Mandy - now try and enjoy Christmas.

Christmas

Turbo Session

Mike did us proud with a great session which he had devised himself with his own take of the Twelve Days of Christmas, when he took us through a great variation with the Twelve Intervals of Chrismas, including sprints, climbing, Russian steps and time trial riding, although there were a few recovery sections (see pictures right). Thanks Mike, a great session, and well turned out by members wearing various Christmas fashions.

Activities for the coming week

Saturday, December 26: Boxing Day Swim - members meeting 10.45 am on beach under cafe. Fancy dress theme is ‘Cool Cymru’ - there are three charities this year benefiting from swim sponsorship, so Nicola will be collecting donations on the morning. Be great to see as many as possible, along with their kids. The raft race before swim is donating to the Dai Rees Foundation. We will be meeting for a Christmas drink afterwards.

Sunday, December 27: Club ride, meet at Tenby Leisure Centre at 9 am. Ride approx 35 - 40 miles.

Also some running on Dan Mumford’s ‘last mile’ of his 2015 challenge. Departing Carew Cricket Club at 2 pm - again fancy dress optional - be great to see as many as possible, along with their kids, join in this special occasion for Dan after his fantastic achievement.

Monday, December 28: Turbo with Rhys at Tenby Bowling Club, 6.30 pm to start for 7 pm.

Wednesday, December 30: Aces run session, meet at Tenby Leisure Centre at 6.30 pm.

Sunday, January 3: Club ride, meet at Tenby Leisure Centre at 9 am.