16

Back at the hotel Carol put her hand on my shoulder as she said to Dad.

"I think we'll have a night-cap Dave We'll see you at breakfast OK.?"

Dad Grinned as he guided Mum up the stairs. Of course I pretended I didn't know what was going on, AS IF.

The bar was pretty crowded when we got in. The rest of the NZ team had got together for their squad talk earlier even though only 7 were staying at Mama's.. The smallest of them was about Dads size but a bit wider at the shoulders. The scrum half and skipper I learnt later, it was quite funny watching him order the rest of the giants around.

"Right lads" he cried make this the last no more before the Game We can party after. Ok."

There were grunts from around the room as they started to drift away. Soon just the guest's at Mama's remained. Plus a few visitors

I saw Nikki the same time as she spotted me, as the walking walls moved out.

"Gaby." she squealed as she rushed across the room.

"It's a relief to see you, I was so worried when I saw that report, are you Ok? Should you be up? Are you still riding tomorrow?"

"Whoa, slow down Nikki. Give the poor girl a chance." called Joe from behind the bar.

I had to go through the whole thing again, when mad and Carol filled in the gaps even I got a clearer picture of what happened.

"So How come you got the story?" I Asked

" A stringer called it in to the news desk and a copy was past to me on the sports desk."

"Just out off interest who do you think would have seen that report?" asked Carol.

"Well we picked the bones out of it and as it wasn't exactly earth shattering scoop material it would have gone out on the wire to other agencies with our by-line that's a sort of copyright notice."

"The Wire?" I asked

"A sort of Internet for news agency's, Press Association, Reuters, CNN, a whole bunch of them."

"So it's a safe bet that Mums mobile is full of messages from Germany, France and Italy and probably the States as well." I chuckled

"How about emails from Britney?" put in Maddy.

"Oh" It didn't seem so funny anymore.

"So your Mum's here?" asked Nikki

"Yeah she's having a quality moment with Dad." I joked.

I think Carol was about to give me a poke but she thought about it and laughed instead.

One of the NZ team was sitting at another table I saw the blazer badge and asked Carol what it was.

"Why don't you ask him?" she said

I made my way over I noticed Maddy came as close support.

"Hi." I said

Hello Gaby and you're?" the Mountain on legs asked.

"Maddy" she said

"I'm Brad"

"How did you..."

"I was in the lobby when you got in earlier, quite an entrance."

"I guess so, I was wondering about you badge."

"Ah, the Fern. That's our National Emblem like the daffodil or leek here in Wales"

"But the Welsh use the feathers." said Mad.

"The Prince of Wales Feather's" he corrected" They represent the Principality."

"Do you wear the uniform all the time, we can't wait to get out of our blazers." said Maddy

"That's probably because they represent someplace you don't like" he guessed

"Yeah that's right." Said Maddy

"To wear the blazer of your country is a special honour only granted to a few. We all take great pride in it and wear it whenever we can." He said

"I guess that does make a difference" I said, "Is this your first tour?"

"Second" he said "but it makes no difference. The feeling you get when the National anthem is played is indescribable. You watch tomorrow there'll be more than a few tears shed on both sides as the anthems are played and not just from the first timers either. And we're not ashamed of it."

"Wow. Well good luck tomorrow."

"And you Gaby I hear your riding a championship race as well"

"Thanks"

Saturday morning found me pulling on my skins when Mum came up behind me and gave me a hug.

"Something missing." She said holding up a bra.

I groaned but knew that after yesterday everyone was expecting Gaby. Maddy produced the forms and gaff. There's a surprise I thought. As I went to the bathroom to put them on.

"I think you should use the glue Drew." Said Mum,

So we set my boobs firmly in place though I had to admit it did feel better than having them move about. Mum gave me a fleece and I pulled it on, not because it was cold but just to cover up.

We went down to breakfast together in matching skins.

As we entered the dining all conversation stopped. And I could see every eye in the place on me, Mum and Mad who not to be outdone was wearing a skimpy top and the tightest shorts I'd ever seen her in.

Brad was sat with the rest of his teammates.

"Looking good ladies." He said

"Another breathtaking entrance Gaby."

"You behave now boys or you wont get your bacon and eggs this morning." Scolded Mama.

Mad leant toward me and whispered.

"Sod Em."

"You do look pretty spectacular this morning girls." Said Mama " My figure went south years ago "she chuckled.

"Have you seen this?" and handed a copy of the "Western Mail" to Mum

"Oh, my" said Mum as she quickly scanned the paper.

"It seems we made the front page yesterday Gaby"

"What just because I feinted?"

"No they've added a bit to that. Take a look."

There on the front page above the fold no less was a large picture of Maddy Mum and me. Obviously taken last night, watching the fireworks. The caption read.

"Cycle Stars Take time off to enjoy the festival" see col3.

Oh Shit I thought these guys had really done there home work, I was just glad the guys on the Chad weren't as thorough. I passed the paper on, and tried to think who might have seen it, Gran was a distinct possibility as I'd seen the Mail on sale in Cheshire. Rhod might see it if he's at his fathers but I couldn't think of anyone else.

17

We were on our way by 10:00 as Dad and John had volunteered to help the organisers. I was lost in thought as Dad followed the airport signs. Mad hugged me all the way there, life does have its compensations I thought. At one point Mad asked.

"You're not really worried about the paper are you?"

I told her my thoughts on who might see it.

"And then there's Mr. Woods he seems to know every time I win a race and I haven't figured out how yet."

I was broken out of my thoughts by Dad waving and pointing out of the window I looked left and saw the awesome sight of a Jumbo almost hanging in the air as it made its approach to Rhoose. I could see the airport buildings and radar ahead, so I guessed we weren't far from St. Athan about 10 minutes later I was proved right as we turned toward the village and we pulled of into a large car park at the entrance to the camp.

A couple of marshals directed us to the guardroom, where we were checked against a list and given ID papers and a sticker for the camper.

Wow those guys had guns!

John guided us to the airfield this place was seriously huge. We found the perimeter track and followed the signs to our assembly point on the south side. There were a few vehicles already there so we parked along side and got out to look around it was far to early to warm up so we left the bikes on the camper.

Mum and Dad were doing the handshaking bit as I heard the unmistakable sound of a Jet engine start up. I looked around and apart from a Harrier parked up close to a hanger could see nothing.

John pointed to the centre of the airfield where a couple of cars were parked just as a large delta winged model took to the air. Mega Cool.

The delta swooped around the airfield with real precision this guy was good. The only time I'd seen R/c planes before they'd jerk all over the place. After about five minutes the delta swooped down in a wide arc I could see the wheels drop down, Wow retracting undercarriage. The model settled onto the runway just like the real thing. I wanted to go over and have a look but John told me to hang on a bit as Mum was calling me.

Mum was talking to Mike Preece outside a large green tent with a WCF banner across the front just as I got there John the timekeeper came out.

"Hi Gaby your well down the start list I'm afraid no point in warming up for a long time yet."

"Ok. John I'll find something to do I'm sure."

"There's a competitors brief at Noon in the camp cinema you free till then and for a while after" said Mum. "Your start number is 193. The Trial proper starts at 1:00."

I gasped as I did the sums. 4:13.

"Why so late?" I asked

Mike explained they had to allow for people travelling from the North and Mid Wales to get to the event, some would take four or five Hours to get there.

"Your time is due to the late entry, it will be close to 5:00. when we finish."

Mum guided me away and she went into manager mode.

"Drew I've been looking through the junior entries and if you repeat Tuesdays performance you'll have no trouble. This Stuart Lacey could be a dark horse but no one else is even close. Just do your best and you'll end up with the trophy."

I nodded. Maddy was bouncing.

"What's the matter Gaby? That's good news isn't it?"

"I guess, but I've still got to win it, there's really no such thing as a shoo-in. is there?"

We wandered back to the tent.

"Have you thought about your Welsh entry Gaby?" said John

"Well yes and no. I'm really not sure about this"

"That's Ok. For this event you can wait until you actually start all you've got to do is fill in these forms, Hand over your fiver before your start time and that's it."

"Can I see them?" Mum said

"Sure. Take them away and think about it. There only membership applications nothing sinister about them."

We walked back to the Vdub climbed in and spent the next five minutes going over the implications in the end it boiled down to picking up an extra pot today, and being named as National Champion for this year. Mum filled in the forms got me to sign them as well, put a five-pound note with them and stuffed them into her bum-bag.

We wandered over to join Dad and John.

"Is it Ok. To go see the models" I asked

John said he'd come with us so we trooped over the Peri track to the runway intersection. As we reached the car's we saw 5 models laid out on the tarmac some of them huge like the delta I'd seen earlier. Out on the runway where two of the Pilots. One with the R/c box the other seemed to be talking to him non-stop. In the air was a large model, which seemed box like to me. After a while the guy with the box handed it to the other one, who landed the plane, even taxied it back. Very impressive.

As he handed the box to the first pilot he noticed us watching and came over.

"Hi girls. Here for the racing?"

"Gaby is, I'm a supporter." Chirped Mad

"Well pleased to meet you Gaby, I'm Jim and you are?"

"Maddy, That's my Dad over there looking at your models. It's all right isn't it? Only we weren't sure if we were allowed on the runway. It's so wild flying models off a real runway."

"Yeah. I do get a buzz out of that." said Jim." I've got to get back to the day job shortly can you guys give me a hand?"

"I guess." I said, "what do we have to do?"

"Well see that aircraft there, I've got to load my kit onto the trolley and get it to the hanger behind it that's where I work." Jim said.

John took over the conversation then chatting about his time at Saints, while we helped load the bits and pieces on the trolley. As we made our way to the hanger Jim told us that the harrier pilot had reported a snag on a flight from Brawdy to Coningsby yesterday. We're trying to fix it so it could be flown out today.

"Coningsby, that's about 50 miles from where we live." I said. "Near Lincoln isn't it?"

"That's the place. It'll take the pilot about 10 minutes to get back."

"TEN MINUTES!" Yelled Maddy "It took us 5 Hours to get here Thursday."

"Well it's been stuck here 24 hours." he laughed.

"I'll go sign in and clear you with the chief, if you wait here."

He came back out with a girl behind him.

"Hello I'm Chief Technician Sandy Brooks, you have got to be Gaby Bond and Maddy Peters, right?"

"Wha. How?" This was becoming a habit.

"Let's just say I read the papers. But Jim gave me a clue when he said your first names."

She was about 24 or 5 I guess not much bigger than me with blond hair pulled back in a twist. She was wearing green coveralls like Jim. I thought it was quite funny to see her boss the guys about.

"How long corporal?" She called to the crew on the Harrier.

"Ten minutes by the book Chief, we'll see." Jim called back

"Right I'll hold off calling the pilot till your done"

Turning to us she said.

"I wonder if you'd do something for me?"

"Sure" said Mad. "What is it?"

"Well the Station Commander is keen on P.R. on the station and I thought it would be a good Photo Op. For him."

Yet more pictures of Gaby I thought.

We were whisked into a locker room in the Hanger through a door marked safety equipment and in ten minutes flat found ourselves dressed in flying kit and carrying Helmets.

"I'm afraid you can't wear the helmets they have to be specially fitted to the user. Just don't drop them or knock them against anything they cost about a £1000 each."

That made me gulp. I was blinking a bit as we came out into the sunlight and didn't see the folks approaching.

"Oh. Cute!" said Carol, Mum just laughed.

18

"That was the intention Ma'am"

The next 20 minutes were spent posing around the Harrier sitting in it, pretending to inspect it, pointing at things and all with cheesy grins, while the Station Photographer and Carol directed operations.

"Well that was a surprise" said Maddy as we peeled of the flight suits

"I hope we don't get to regret that. "I said

"Oh phooey" said Mad "lets go find some food."

We found the rest of the gang back at the camper, Cars were arriving, thick and fast now and the mobile tea bar was the most popular place there.

"We've got tea coffee and stuff in the camper but only energy bars for food" said Dad

"How about the "NAAFI" said John

"Best leave it till after the briefing Its nearly 12:00 so if we can eat straight after Drew will have 4 hours to settle" said Mum

The briefing was a non event really mostly it was about health and safety stuff that the station insisted on the meat was about the course itself marshalling and so forth. There was a short pause as we heard the Harrier departing. Then the race stewards took over.

The course for me was 2 and a bit laps of the airfield. That's a seven-mile circuit. I said it was a big place. Other classes had more laps until you got to the seniors or animal class who were doing 50 miles. 200 plus competitors take a lot of handling so we stayed clear and John guided us to the NAAFI where we were able to get burgers and such, washed down with coke.

As we got back to the tent Dad pointed out an old Morris Minor or "Moggie Thou" as he called it. I couldn't see what the fuss was about. But John and Dad insisted we check it out. They were getting as close as possible without actually touching it when.

"Excuse me is anything wrong" an elderly lady with a frown approached ready to do battle.

"No. No." said Dad trying to put his innocent face on. "We were just admiring the car it's very rare now."

"It'll be even rarer soon I don't know how much longer it'll keep running" She said softening a bit.

"I only use it to run Stuart to his trial's even then not as often as we'd like"

She had a soft lilt to her voice that made you want to smile. When a boy walked past she called him.

"Stuart have you got all your kit out of the car?"

"Yes Gran." Then He saw us.

"Oh. Wow! You're Jenny Bond, You must be Gaby."

"Then I'll hazard a guess that your'e Stuart Lacy." Said Mum

"H.How did you know?" He stuttered. I was relieved it happened to other people.

"I was checking the entries for the juniors, you're the only Stuart I saw." Mum grinned.

"Where you from Stuart? Asked Mad

"Gelli Aur" We must have looked blank because he added. " That's Golden Grove in Grockle."

Maddy and I just cracked up.

"What's so funny?" He huffed angrily

"That's the first time we've been accused of being Grockles." I managed to get out

"It's normally us complaining about them." Added Mum.

"I didn't think you'd understand the word. I thought it was only used around home" said Stuart.

"Shouldn't you be warming up?" asked Mum." I noticed you were in the low numbers when I checked." Stuart checked his watch

"10 minutes yet." He said I've already had one ride today, down to Gran's she lives 20 miles from me, but I've been 2 hours in the Moggie so I've stiffened up a bit" he said.

I was shocked when I heard that. I don't ride at all on the day of a race certainly not 20 miles.

"And another 20 when you get back?" Mum asked

"Yeah, Dad hasn't got a car, only tractors." he laughed

I was looking at his bike If he'd done 20 miles on it today then he spent time cleaning it I thought. It wasn't new by any means some bits looked older than others and the brake levers didn't match. Every part of it had been state of the art, but a long time ago.

"Right I suppose I'd better start then." And he moved to a clear area and started warming up.

"You've gone quiet." Maddy nudged me

"Just thinking how lucky I am Mad."

"I've invited Mrs. Lacy for a cuppa" said Dad

"It's already on." Said Carol from the back of the van

Five minutes later frantic cries of "Gran" could be heard outside Maddy was nearest the door and stuck her head out.

"Over here Stuart. Your Gran's here." She called

He came panting up looking upset "Gran my skins are torn help please.."

"Needle and thread in the car come on Stuart lets see what we can do."

Off they went. I got back in the van and checked my watch 5 minutes to his start. I looked at Carol.

"Er. Its' not going to work is it Auntie?" The skins were made of Lycra.

"No I don't think it is I don't know how they stitch that stuff but it always tears open when I try"

I dived between the seats to get my bag and pulled out the Notts.Velo strip. Grabbed the bundle and headed for the Moggie. Stuart was getting distraught as the minutes ticked by. His Gran was frustrated as she attempted to repair the skins.

"Here Stuart!" I yelled, "Quick put these on."

"I can't accept these." "Of course you can put them on now or you'll miss your start. Go." I must have got through to him as he scrambled round the back and pulled the skins on. "Oh. God thank you Gaby." He started. "GO. Go " I yelled. He got the message and shot of to the start

Stuart pulled on the skins in the back of his grans Moggie!

We followed after him, He did get there before his number was called so he had a moment to settle himself, but it was close.

We cheered him off in fine style.I felt two arms go around my shoulders as Mum hugged me from behind.

"Well done Drew I'm very proud of you." I felt my eyes start to sting and I spun round and buried my face in her to hide the tears.

"Hey what's wrong now?" she asked holding me tighter

"I'm Crying that's the matter"

"I don't understand, do you mean you crying because you're crying?"

"I don't understand what's happening to me. Mum I'm crying all the time. Yesterday I cried because I hurt Maddy, then I cried because I was happy to see you. Sunday I cried so much my eyes were glued shut in the morning."

"What's wrong with me Mum?"

"Carol said she gave you the sex talk."

"That's another thing. I passed out then as well."

"What. Why didn't you say something at the hospital?"

"I just forgot I suppose, it's not exactly something I want to remember."

The tears were easing, I furtively looked around expecting to be the centre of attention. No one but Carol and Maddy were paying any attention. Dad and John were watching from the van.

"Yes I can understand that Drew. But remember when Carol gave you the talk? Carol talked about changes in your body due to Puberty. Yes?

"Yuk! Spots!" I said

"Yes, and Tears and Anger and Frustration. I've seen people get pretty violent as well."

I looked up at Mum

"Violent."

"On balance I'd take the tears any day if it meant you didn't go around smashing thing up."

"Yeah I guess, but I don't want to end up some kind of wimp."

Mum laughed and said.

"Just how many wimps enter National Championship races Drew?"

I laughed too.

We had drifted down the track as we'd talked. Mrs. Lacey was at the track side ahead.

"Come on lets give Stewart a push."

We started walking faster to the track, Carol took the hint and followed, I looked back to the Vdub but Dad must have been watching as both he and John were sprinting toward us.

We lined the track about 3 Metres. Apart to give Stewart the long cheer.

As soon as he came into sight we started yelling. He was already starting to sprint as he attacked a leading rider. Stewart put in an impressive burst as he hit our wall of sound and squirted past his opponent. I was, well impressed.

Maddy came over and hugged me

"Almost as good as you Drew."

I squeezed back and said.

"Thanks Maddy."

"For what?"

"For being there when I need you."

Her nose crinkled and I had this burning desire to be somewhere private with her.

Mrs. Lacey's eyebrows seemed a bit higher than usual as we linked arms and headed for the van.

"Put the kettle on kids." Called Carol.

Damn she can read minds. As well as lips.

I quickly filled the kettle while Maddy lit the gas. 30 seconds later I discovered tongue wrestling as a sport has much to commend it.

I heard Carols voice still someway off say.

"Of course timing is all important in this sport isn't it?"

We quickly parted and set about tidying ourselves up.

"Drew Have Checked your phone today? Only the batteries flat in mine, and I forgot to bring the charger."

I opened the bumbag and pulled it out. It was off.

"How did that happen? It was on yesterday."

"Oh the Paramedics found it and turned it off in the ambulance." Supplied Mum as she got in.

"Ah. That explains. Oh cripes!" The phone was beeping like crazy as text after text was received.

Most of the usual suspects were involved and I viewed them with Maddy looking over my shoulder. They started quietly enough but got more and more frantic as I got through them.

"What am I supposed to do with this lot Mad? It'll take ages to answer them all."

"Easy, group text them. Here let me." Mad acquired the phone, as in snatched it out of my hand.

"What do you want to say?"

"How about I'm fine. Will call when I can."

Her fingers flew over the buttons, then selected the numbers and hit send. With a smug grin she handed the phone back.

"You've got voicemail as well." Mad pointed out.

I hit the key and got the usual synth voice then

FIRST NEW MESSAGE.
DREW WHATS GOING ON THE RADIO SAID GABYS IN HOSPITAL /another voice/ Miv give me a hand. /CLICK

NEXT NEW MESSAGE.
NOT THE MACHINE AGAIN COME ON DREW PLEASE YOUR ALL OVER THE PAPERS TODAY THE MIRROR EVEN HAD PHOTO OF YOU BEING LOADED IN THE AMBULANCE /another voice/ Vanoo come./CLICK

NEXT NEW MESSAGE
GOD DREW SWITCH THE BLOODY PHONE ON OR SHOULD I SAY GABY. YOU'RE ON THE TELLY NOW. THEY JUST SHOWED THE WHOLE GANG CHEERING ON THAT LACEY KID /new voice/ Mfanwy Morgan ge/ HELL'S TEETH /CLICK
END OF MESSAGES.

My mouth must have been open 'cause Mum said.

"Come on Flycatcher let's go and see Stewart in."

As we walked over Mad had the phone.

"Hello can I speak to Rhodri please?___Oh in that case is Mfanwy there?"

Mad handed the phone back to me. Mouthing 'Go on.'

A very timid sounding Rhod said

"Hello?"

"I think we need to talk Rhod"

"Like maybe at a sleepover" Mad interrupted

"What's the panic?" I asked

"Your picture has been all over the papers he gasped"

"Yeah I saw the Western Mail this morning"

"Ok. What about the Mirror and the Sun then."

"Oh Shit!!" Cheers were starting up "Look Gotta Go. Call you in ten." As I killed the phone.

We ran up the track from the finishing line so we could give Stuart a final boost.

He finished in fine style gasped his number and went into the overshoot lane. As he turned we could see he was all in. and Mad and I ran to support him as he got off his bike.

We helped him onto the grass then sat him down so he could get his breath back. Then both of us started the leg rub.

The rest of our crew were still someway off as a camera crew puffed up, they stuck a microphone in his face and started asking stupid questions.

"Give him a chance!" I yelled. "He can hardly breathe let alone think straight."

The guy with the mike looked at me. Maddy nudged me and said.

"I think we should say hello to Rhod don't you?"

Stewart was showing signs of recovery so we eased up on the leg rubbing and I found the microphone shoved in my face.

"Miss Bond would you care to comment on Stuart's finish?"

"Well first I'd like to say" and Mad brought her head close to mine as we chimed.

"HI. MFANWY "

"The finish Gaby?

"Yes it was a super finish, a really fine style with an excellent sprint for the line. I'm sure he'll be satisfied with the ride. As you can see from his condition he put maximum effort into the 15 miles."

"Thank you Gaby Bond." And he turned back to Stuart.

We took the opportunity to move away from camera range and giggled our way back to the folks.

"And what mayhem have you two been causing now?" Said Mum

So we took turns at giving our version of the event.

"Drew haven't you heard the expression. When your find yourself in a hole stop digging." Asked Dad

"I don't see how it can get any better by refusing to speak to reporters Dad. Apparently I made Three National dailies and we've already been seen together on National TV."

"Who's we?" Dad asked

"All of us, we were shown cheering Stuart on the first lap. Rhod told me on the phone just now." Dad was side-tracked beautifully by Mums phone ringing.

Mum answered it and almost immediately lapsed into German. It started of quietly enough but soon got a little hotter.

I drifted over to Mrs. Lacey.

"Has Stuart's time been posted?" I asked

"Oh Dear. Someone did say but I missed it in the noise."

"Come on, let's go find him I'm sure he's dying to tell you all about it."

"Do you know I'm so proud of him. He's worked so hard for this. It's been hard for him since his Mum died last year but the cycling has helped him work through it. We sit down together with the calendar and work out which meetings we can get to through the year, then he finds out which ones the WCF Reps are going to attend so he can get his times initialled. It usually means a trial every 6 weeks or so. "

We caught him just as the camera team was moving away. I took his bike so he could hug his Gran.

"Did you see Gran" he started and I knew she'd get a review of every twist and turn of the course. I smiled to myself as I thought of the number of times that I'd done the same thing myself with Mum and Dad.

19

I scooted Stuart's bike back to the Vdub. To be greeted by the site of Carol, struggling across the airfield carrying a bucket.

I walked to meet her with Maddy.

"Give us a hand girls this is heavy!"

"Watcha got Mum?"

"Ice" "Cool huh Mum."

"No. Hot and bothered" said Carol

"Help me get it back before it turns to steam in this heat."

Me and Mad grabbed the handle and set off for the van

It wasn't really that hot. A light breeze was keeping things reasonable but I realised that Stuart had made his ride at the hottest time of the day.

Back at the van Carol mixed up a big jug of squash, half filled every glass she could find with ice and poured the squash into them. I felt thirsty already.

"Hand them out girls and I'll mix some more."

We headed out to find the others, and we were soon back for more.

"This is great." said Stuart "almost as good as that shower thing on the far side of the course."

"What shower thing?" I asked

"AH. I'm glad you liked our little toy." A big voice said behind me.

It wasn't a shout just a normal level but you'd definitely listen when you heard it.

I turned to see three people. One I knew at least, Sandy Brooks, was flanked by two tall men in RAF Uniform, the light blue shirts contrasting the darker blue trousers. Unlike the green that we'd seen earlier. Sandy too was wearing a light blue short sleeved shirt with rank badges on the epaulettes.

"Allow me to introduce Group Captain Cairn. The station commander, and Flying Officer Moran his Aid.

"Sir this is Miss Gaby Bond and Miss Maddy Peters our two models this morning."

Mum and Carol came up and stood behind us. As the big voice continued.

"A pleasure to meet you, I wanted to thank both of you for helping out. It helps to show the service in a good light and raises our profile in the community."

"Oh I'm sure the girls enjoyed themselves as well sir. Said Dad as he joined us.

Dad made the rest of the introductions. I don't think I've ever seen him so formal, John seemed to be standing to attention, I almost laughed.

"So what's the toy?" I asked.

"I spoke to our Met officer this morning she informed me that there might be a problem with the heat. So I had one of our decontamination units put on standby. There normally used for washing down aircraft after low level opps. over water. A bit like a crop sprayer they spray a fine mist of water, if you stand near it you can feel the temperature drop.

"Of course the competitors can ride through it if they wish it's clean water just an instant rain storm really. The comments have been quite favourable."

"I'll say, It was just about perfect it helped on the first lap, but the second it was awesome as I went through it." Stuart put in.

"Another satisfied customer." he laughed "Oh. And there's a truck load of ice coming over shortly, and the hanger is available should anyone need shade, its quite cool in there."

"Has the duty crew been warned 'Chief'?"

"Yes Sir they're on stand easy at the moment." She cleared her throat as she added "Waiting for the kick off Sir."

"As is everyone else on the station Chief,"

"A pleasure meeting you all, I'll leave you to enjoy the rest of the afternoon. Lead on Mr. Moran."

"Sir"

And off they went toward the WCF tent. Carol held onto her laugh until they were out of earshot, as John visibly relaxed.

"I felt like a snotty nosed 'Erk' All over again." Said John "I thought I'd left that behind year's ago." He let out a long sigh of relief.

Sandy had stayed with us added

"As Groupie's go he's not bad"

"Whats an Erk Dad?"

All the Olds were laughing as John said

"The lowest of the low Maddy"

"Actually Gaby you've raised the profile of the Station enormously today"

"How?"

"They've shown Stuart's finish three times so far including you review, one thing though. Who's Mfanwy?"

Right on queue my phone rang

"Gaby! You said you'd ring back"

"Sorry Mfanwy we got a little side tracked, did you get our message?"

"Let's just say my street cred round here has gone through the roof"

"What are friends for?" Maddy had her head glued to the back of the phone

"Where are you staying, only Cherys has offered to drive me down to Cardiff." Maddy let out a squeal.

"The Aston on Newport Road. Where are you?"

"Ynysybwl, about 20 miles north of you right now." Maddy squealed again

"What time will we be back at the Hotel Mr. Bond?" Asked Maddy

"Well the last riders are timed to come in around 5:00. Allow 30 to 45 minutes for the results and given the holiday traffic, about 7:00."

"I can't see you being presentable much before 8:00. then there's dinner." said Mum.

Before I could say anything Maddy had the phone and squealed.

"Dine with us at 8:00 Ok."

Mum had her mouth open but Carol nodded.

"Cherys say's that's fine, Dad's gonna be legless buy then."

"What d'ya mean?"

"I mean he's down the Miners now watching the match in the bar. "

"Really, well don't say anything but I think he'll be kicking himself in the morning." I laughed

"What's that mean?"

"You'll find out when you get here. Give us a ring when you get close and we'll guide you in Ok."

"Right. See you at 8:00. Bye."

20 My god what have we done, invited two people to dine with our parents, we only new one of them and didn't now if he was going to be Rhodri or Mfanwy.

Just who was Cherys?

"Just who is Mfanwy?" asked Mum

I looked at Maddy. Maddy looked at her Mum I looked at mine and pointed to the van and we all got in.

Dad, John, Stuart and his Gran were deep in conversation with Sandy.

"Anybody like to start?" said Mum.

"Remember the fancy dress thing a few months back?

"You mean when you conned Drew and Rhod into Gaby and Piper?"

"Yes Mum." Maddy looked down "..Err.. Well Rhod kept leaving mail on Drew's phone and, Er. You listen and see if you get the same answer.

I pulled out my phone and called up the mailbox. Mum and Carol leant in to share, after a minute.

"Oh. Drew. You're supposed to put money on this thing you know." As she pulled out a credit card and topped up the phone.

Three minutes later "Well yes but what made you...?"

"Maddy rang back and asked to speak to Rhod." I said

"....and Rhod answered."

"...So that's how we knew." Finished Maddy.

"Come on Drew time to stretch those legs, less than an Hour now." Yelled Dad

We climbed out of the van, Carol handed me another glass of squash, while Mum checked my sun screen.

Dad was unloading the bikes as Mum and me changed our shoes.

"You up for this Drew?" she asked

"I think so, Mum, all those cameras make me nervous though."

"Now you worry Ha." She laughed

We pedalled off to find some clear tarmac, which turned out to be the runway. Slowly making our way to the far end and picking up the pace as we returned.

"SPRINT NOW!" Mum yelled and took off. Then slowed after 100 metres.

Drew that was terrible. Let's try again."

"SPRINT NOW!" she took off. This time I managed to stay at her rear wheel for a bit before she pulled ahead.

Mum eased to a stop. And I came alongside again She looked up and smiled.

"Much better Drew. Now do you think do you think you're up for it? I mean the cameras didn't bother you that time did they?

"What?"

"Over there, they've been taping the whole thing" Mum nodded her head to the side of the runway where a group of photographers were watching us.

"Let's give them something to photograph then." She added

We set of at a faster rate this time and got to within 30 metres before.

"SPRINT NOW!" We were both up off the saddles powering past them side by side. We got well clear of them before slowing almost to a stop.

"That was good Drew"

As we got back to the Vdub Carol handed me yet another glass as Mum described the warm up she wanted me to do before the start.

I must have looked nervous because Mum eventually said.

"I'll be there we'll do it together Ok."

Maddy fixed my number on and Dad took the bike. As we made our way to the start.

"Oh and what should I do about these?" mum held up the affiliation forms.

"Tear them up Mum."

"I Knew, you'd work it out. Well done."

An area about 20 Metres Square was roped off, as we entered it the crowed buzzed a bit. Shit I thought no pressure.

Mum took position 3 metres in front facing me and we began the Isometric part of the warm up. Mum didn't take her eyes off me the whole time and I found that if I locked on her then the cameras and crowd disappeared.

At 2 minutes. Mum stopped and we began pacing in silence. 4 Paces turn 4 paces back easing nearer the bike all the time.

At 1 minute Dad took the bike to the line

At 30 seconds. We both turned to the bike and strode on our toes.

Dad lent out of the way as I mounted the bike..

At 15 seconds I was in the traps. I glanced down to check which gear Dad had set for me, so there would be no surprises.

10 seconds. The rock started, my skin was tingling.

5. 4. 3. 2. 1.

And I was off to an enormous cheer.

I soon got into rhythm, and within 50 metres I was in top gear with the tyres singing on the smooth tarmac. The course was easy to follow, yellow flags every 50 metres told me where to go as I continued down the first straight.

That straight was 2 miles long slightly up hill and what breeze there was, was coming straight at me.

I was enjoying this, perhaps too much as the first corner a long right hander was coming up fast. No way was I going to waste all that energy by braking. So I set myself up 3 metres from the inside edge and powered around it.

A short straight now, across the threshold of the runway, Banking left to enter the next straight, which would take me to the northern side of the airfield. Passing between several hangers on my way.

I could see my minuteman ahead of me but the distance seemed unchanged, As he flashed into the right hander ahead I could see that he had stopped pedalling as he entered the turn, perhaps he'd been caught out as I'd almost been on the first turn.

I reasoned the turns were deceptive they looked sharper than they actually were, due to the vast width of the perimeter road.

Again I eased to the left of the circuit and powered myself through the right hander, I was now travelling east. Another half mile and the next right hander took me south heading straight toward the runway that I'd used for practise with Mum.

The next was a long lefthander to complete the dogleg and as I swept around it I saw the water tanker feeding the spray machine. Stuart had been right I could feel the temperature drop as I approached it. And decided to get as close as possible without going through the spray.

Whoosh, what a blast, it must have been 3 or 4 degrees colder and the tyres hissed there way across the wet tarmac. I just caught a glimpse of a camera team as I flashed through the water mist.

The going was easier now and I realised I was going down hill, balancing out the slight incline I'd felt after the start. The extra speed took me past a group of three riders, and I started to set up for the long sweeping right hander that would take me south. As I cleared it I saw that I had made ground on my minuteman and continued on across the piano key markings that marked the main runway threshold.

The distance between us was cut to about 100 metres as I came out of the final turn, he was holding me on the straight but my technique of going wide was eating into his lead at every turn. Half mile further and I flashed through the gate.

Carol and Maddy were going berserk. I missed Mum and Dad altogether and the noise from the crowd took me completely by surprise. What a Buzz, I kept my head down into the tuck and concentrated on the rear wheel in front

That first right hander marked the ten-mile point as I hit it for the second time I distinctly heard one cameraman say. "Jesus Look at her go!" As I powered around it.

Again I'd cut the ground between us and concentrated on hanging on as we swung between the hangers again.

Travelling at these speeds along this wide a track wreck's your peripheral vision, Staring ahead you become aware of a patch of tarmac around 25 metres in front that is in sharp focus. Everything to the left, right and immediate front is a blur from the speed. You seem to be looking through a smudged glass tube, and the faster you go the longer that tube is.

I went still wider on the next few turns to keep out of his line of sight, cutting back in to get a slingshot effect as I came out of each turn.

He still hadn't seen me as we came out of the dogleg 50 metres apart and fast approaching the rain machine. I saw him taking the same path I had on the first lap but I opted for the 'Full Monty' to get the Max effect that Stuart had told me about.

Good Grief. What a shock! In a split second I was drenched, and I knew the effect this time would last a lot longer. I hopped the camera crew got the result they wanted because I certainly got mine, and I clawed my way up to my minuteman's wheel.

He finally saw me as we swept down the incline. I could see him dig deep but I held onto him as he prepared for the turn.

I let him choose his line and again swept wide and powered my way back in. not so tight this time, as I didn't want an appeal for obstruction against me.

I knew I'd beaten his challenge as I prepared for the final turn, grinning to myself as I thought of what would have happened if he'd seen my cornering style earlier.

I creamed the final right hander and set myself up for the cones that would guide me to the timekeepers. The finish was a Half-mile beyond the start point. And I cleared that before starting my sprint

I could now feel my legs start to burn and I knew there wasn't much more to give but I dug in anyway and headed for the line. I'd just cleared the first cones 50 metres out when "Whump" My rear tyre went not with a hiss but a muffled bang. A split second later I could feel the rim grinding on the tarmac. I was losing speed rapidly and tried to power through it. But the 'Bike Gods' had other plans. The tyre was shredding and a second later a great wedge of it caught in the brake blocks. The wheel locked and decided if it couldn't go forwards, it would go sideways.

The wheel skidded out to the left and I had visions of scrapping my right leg as I wrenched the handlebars into the skid The Gods must have had second thoughts as the bike started to rise back to the vertical. There was a whoosh, As my minuteman squeezed past me. It was time to get off!

As the bike passed vertical and started move right. I jumped, just as the handlebars decided that they were going where they wanted. I was going over them any way.

I stretched my arms out, then thought don't be a bloody fool that's gonna hurt. So I tucked my head down and pulled my arms up around my head and my knees up. Mercifully I started to roll, and the first impact was to my left shoulder.

I felt every scrape and bump from shoulders to kidneys as I opened back out and spread my arms to stop the tumble. My legs shot forward and my heels drummed the ground. I have a distinct recollection of the bike passing overhead.

I heard rather than saw people running toward me as I struggled to get up.

"STOP LEAVE HER BE!" Yelled Mum. What a voice!

Angela Peters 15.02.04 © 2004

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