Royal Dean Forest Cycling Club's Annual Awards Dinner was held last weekend at the Annexe in Lydney to celebrate and reflect on the 2010 season, one of the most successful in the club's history.
Club chairman Matt Heaman opened proceedings, welcoming friends from Glos Velo, a cycling fellowship based in the Forest and also cyclists from Ross & District Cycling Club.
There was then a fanfare as then he introduced the club's two national champions, Bob Parry and David Evans.
This year's chief guest wasAndy Cook from Chippenham Wheelers, who was to assist presenting the trophies.
Andy came to the dinner straight from a 24-hour track fundraiser at Cowshott Track in aid of Children in Need.
During the course of his cycling career, Andy has clocked up an amazing 300,000 miles in the saddle.
He holds an impressive CV, riding many Pro-Tours representing GB in the Tour of Normandy and Tour of Ireland, where he finished 14th.
He also holds the National 10-mile Tandem record for a mixed pair with his wife – an impressive 19 minutes 35 seconds.
After retiring from the cycling scene, Andy decided to put something back into the sport and in the past few years has been chairman of the National Cycling Tourists Club (CTC), is a Cycling Commissaire (referee), has organised the famous Chippenham & District Wheelers 3-Up and is the driving force behing Chippenham Wheelers, a 500-strong cycling club.
Highlights of the season include Bob's and David's big wins, another successful Enduro with new partners Black Sheep Sports and the club's win in the Welsh Time Trial Championships, as well as increased participation in the club's events and 'Club Runs'.
They say the cream always rises to the top and that was certainly true of the 2010 season, with elder statesman and multi-titled Welsh and National Vet 60 Champion Bob Parry scooping several of the awards.
Not to be outdone, revelation of 2008/2009 seasons Earl Smith now consolidated his position as top dog in the veterans ranks in 2010 capturing four awards, followed closely by David Evans with three titles.
The awards were made as follows;
Aly Rowell – Women's Season's Best All Rounder in the CEBAR competition and Women's Hill Climb Champion, setting many new course records in her first season.
Alistair Dobbyn – Season's Best All Rounder in the Schoolboy Series and Junior 10-mile time trial champion.
Earl Smith – passed a landmark birthday mid-season and therefore scored wins in both the Senior and Veterans categories.
He ended up 25 mile Senior Time Trial Champion with an awesome new club best of 52.50 as well as taking the Veterans' 10-mile, 25-mile and 50-mile Time Trial awards.
David Evans – had by far his most successful season with the club and his reward was three trophies – Senior Hill Climb Champion, 10 mile Time Trial Champion with a new club record of 20.38 and winning this season's Road Racing Trophy.
Martin Green – was awarded the Reg Berrow Memorial Tankard for leading Club Runs and promoting the club's mid-week ride. He was also the winner of the Blue section of the CEBAR competition.
Dave Giles – winner of the Black section of the CEBAR competition.
Andrew Jones – Senior Mens 50 mile Time Trial Champion and 12-Hour Champion for his leg-busting 254 miles set last July in the Welsh Championships.
Steve Price – retained the Audax Trophy having ridden several 200 kilometre Audaxes throughout the year.
Bob Parry – wrestled the Lindsay Venner Memorial Trophy for the fastest 10 on a conventional set-up bike from his son Colin, who won in 2009.
Also won the Red section of the CEBAR competition for best all-rounder in the top category and the 100-mile Time Trial trophy.
Paul Stephens – for the eighth consecutive year for Most Rides by a Ross & District Member wins, the Jim Riches Fellowship Trophy.
John Linden – Clubman of the Year for his meticulous preparation and organisation of weekly time trials as well as both the Audax event and Forest Enduro rides.
Adam Taylor – new member Adam was named Mountain Biker of the Year for his effort in the four-lap version of the club's Enduro and participation in other endurance MTB events.
Henry McGill – the Chris Ball Memorial Trophy, awarded to a club member for providing a moment of mirth during the year.
Henry cut short the club's Hilly 15 time trial by turning round in Walford rather than Ross, cutting his ride down by two miles.
Simon Burke – won the coveted Most Improved Rider of the Year award for his efforts in lowering his personal best marks on all the club's time trial courses and the Ross ones as well.
Finally, a blind auction was held for Children in Need and a healthy £142 was raised. Thanks to Severn Valley Cycles in Lydney for donating some quality prizes.