As the weeks countdown towards Ironman, the activities get less and less, but this week there were still a few going on, with the Swim to the Edge in Solva, the Haverfordwest Kids Go Tri event, and the chance for the Aces to help out Tenby Round Table at the Dunk Tank.

Solva Swim

to the Edge

After the Caldey Swim was cancelled earlier in the season, a large contingent of members decided to take part in the Man-Up UK Solva Swim to the Edge. Man-Up UK run a number of events locally, of which this was just one, which gave members the chance to challenge themselves in the open water. It gave the option of two distances:

The Green Monster - a 2.5 mile open water swim starting at Solva Quay, then heading out of the estuary around the picturesque Green Scar Rock and back to the harbour. As it suggests, this is a monstrous and unique open water challenge for those who like to feel a real sense of achievement. Taking part were Gareth Morris, Adam Brown, Neil Duffy, Paul and Niamh Slack, Nicola and Carlton Coates, Nigel Lewis, Huw Bridges, Des Rees, Simon Stanford, Dylan Lawrence, Ceire Merrison, Richard Day, Luke Burton, Gareth Rees, Pete Armytage, Oliver Brace, Aled Smith, Hayden Johns, also Peter Brace and Jake Jenkins. Jake came in second place, so very well done.

The Black Run - a 0.8 mile swim from Solva Quay, then heading out of the estuary and around the Black Rock, before returning to the start, a challenge in it’s own right, but an achievable one for all. With Elaine Brace and Caroline Cumberlin taking on this route, along with fellow locals Tracey Scotcher and Karen Vickery, there was certainly a good local contingent.

With over 20 members deciding to take part in either of the events, we all set out to Solva in dreadful conditions, but then we were going to be getting wet anyway, so it didn’t really matter. We all went and registered and, looking at the quay, the conditions seemed ok, but then the race briefing took place and advised that the longer swim would be cut short by about half-a-mile as the conditions were too rough to go around the island.

We were now starting to wonder how it was out past the quay. Well we didn’t have to wait long, and once we started, we all found out how rough the seas were, with trying to spot your course being very difficult indeed.

There were some excellent performances, though, with father and daughter Paul and Niamh Slack coming in together, while another family affair saw Nicola Coates and Karen Vickery come in with Ceire Merrison.

An excellent warm-up for the Ironman swim. Let’s hope it’s calmer seas on September 13.

Well done to Aled Smith, Olly Brace and Gareth Rees for taking the decision to ride bike from Solva; the weather was rubbish, but true dedication.

Haverfordwest

Kids Go Tri

After taking part in the Pembroke Go Tri event, Megan Williams and Harri Hughes brought along Joe Williams and Ella Hitchen, to take part in the Haverfordwest Go Tri, again run by Pembrokeshire County Council, and the aim of getting kids into triathlon seems to be working. Well done to the four of you and keep it up.

Tenby Round Table Events - Aces Dunk Tank

With all the good work that the Round Table do fundraising for local groups and charities, when they asked if we could take a turn in the ‘dunk tank’ to raise money, some of the members were only too happy to take a turn.

Huge thanks to Carlton and Nicola Coates, Tom Stubbs, Ryan Semper, Ollie Brown, Billy Connor, Nalda Wainwright, Hayden Johns and, after a bit of badgering, Gareth Rees. I know pay back will be coming!

Well done to all who took part and helped out the Round Table.

Future Events

Good luck to Vicky Jones who is taking part in the Ironman 70.3 World Championships in Austria this weekend.

activities

Activities for the coming week are as follows (please note some time changes):

Monday, August 31 - Sea Swim, meet at North Beach at 5 pm (just a friendly swim, earlier as Bank Holiday).

Tuesday, September 1 - Club Ride, meet at Tenby Leisure Centre at 6 pm.

Wednesday, September 2 - Aled’s Run Session, meet at Tenby Leisure Centre at 6.30 pm.

Wednesday, September 2 - Beginners Ride, meet at Tenby Leisure Centre at 6 pm.

Thursday, September 3 – Club Ride, meet at Tenby Leisure Centre at 6 pm.

Friday, September 4 - Sea Swim Session, meet at North Beach at 6.30 pm (safety boat cover, so Aces hats must be worn and subs paid).

Friday, September 4 - Pool Swim Session with Slacky for those booked in. Tenby Leisure Centre at 7 pm.

Sunday, September 6 - Club Ride, meet at Tenby Leisure Centre at 8 am.

Route for Tuesday, September 1: Route 6 - Gumfreston, turn right after Heatherton, Redberth, Jeffreyston, Reynalton, Templeton, Tavernspite, Llanteg, Amroth, Wisemans Bridge, Saundersfoot, Tenby (approx 25 miles) http://connect.garmin.com/activity/27678952

Sweepers - John Badham and John Shuttleworth.

Route for Thursday, September 3: Route 9 - Tenby, New Hedges, Devonshire Drive, Heatherton, turn right after Heatherton, Jeffreyston, Reynalton, Canaston, Bluestone roundabout, Canaston, Loveston, Jeffreyston, Broadmoor, Templebar Rd, Pentlepoir, Tenby (approx 26 miles) http://connect.garmin.com/activity/30473460

Sweepers - Carlton Coates and Nicola Coates.

Rides leave Tenby Leisure Centre at 6 pm and helmets must be worn on all club rides.