Pre - Viking Challenge

All week the boys at Morfa Bay Adventure have been setting up the activities for The Viking Challenge 2010. Mervyn Dogchaser from the Viking village of Ely prepares his ship with two coats of BonQ special dark brown ship paint. He wanted battleship grey but there was only dark brown available!

Disappointingly we have been decimated from 16 provisional teams down to 8 definites.

The Centre is up for it and hopefully we can raise some money for Diabetes UK Cymru.

Activities are vast and I don't think the invading Vikings know what is going to hit them!

CLIMBING WALL–'TOUCH THE HORN'

Viking Instructor-Jonathan Faintheart

AXE THROWING

Viking Instructor-Rhys Moosegrabber

ARCHERY-BURST THE BALLOON

Viking Instructor

–Dave Wussypants

WELLY WANGING/TYRE CHALLENGE

Viking Instructor

–Paul Runnynose

SUMO RELAY

Viking Instructor–Gethin Treehugger

QUEST FOR THE GOLDEN EGG

Viking Instructor–Mervyn Dogchaser

THE FINALE-NAVY STYLE ASSAULT COURSE

Andy Strongcow will be referee for the day.

Daffodil Classic 2010

February 28th

Six months ago I was lying unconscious in a gutter at the side of the National Highway of Crete. My back was broken and a leg and ankle torn and fractured by the impact of a car hitting me from behind and forcing my leg out of my clip pedals. Comparatively speaking I am so lucky; there are so many that are either not with us today or who are still struggling to overcome their misfortunes. Today I can walk. Today I can cycle. Today I can smile and enjoy the camaraderie that a cyclo sportif can bring to a group of people that decide on a cold, rainy morning in late February to take on 43 miles of the Daffodil Classic and raise money for the chosen charities.

Thinking it to be an easy job I ask Gethin with his dislocated shoulder to take charge of signing in the cyclists. Registration is a nightmare as the 60 pre-registered are swamped by another 60 who have turned up on the morning. Geth is disorientated after a heavy night out celebrating his 30th and struggles with the pace of updating the database with his one finger typing.

12 midday and Pendine hill awaits the 122 registered cyclists. I let them get on with it, pump my tyres up to required 100ish. My intent is to be a so called back marker sweeping cyclists up looking after any punctures, keeping in touch with marshals and having a chat with whoever would take the time out. It's an excuse to take it easy and not to suffer too much on the hills. Reports were fed back to me that the realisation of a lack of any bigger cogs had meant that many pushed their bikes up the first 1 in 20 and that one or two had missed the big downhill left hander and had headed off-road towards the stream running alongside the road. Hawthorn and blackthorn cutting accounts for the first puncture not 5 miles from the start. Others find that within 6 miles of mountainous hills and a fast pace that they have bitten off too much, too soon in the season and call it an early day and take a route to get them back to the safety of Pendine. I soon catch up with the cycling god that is Mike from Kidwelly, determined to finish the course we spend an hour or so together chatting about the cycling fraternity and Jimi Hendrix' relationship with Little Richard. I leave Mike resting on his way to Trelech, eating a banana and perusing his route card.

The rather fiery red haired photographer has clicked through a thousand photos. Cyclists in the distance abound in his portfolio with many hedge and verge shots aswell as numerous photos of the side of the sag wagon as he lent out to get the one perfect image that he strives for. I arrive at the attractive food stop and Ian has moved on in search of the golden shot for his horticultural project. Fifteen minutes, three cups of tea and two chunks of chocolate cake are consumed greedily. Phil's sag wagon comes in with Mike. Brian has had his second puncture. Phil provides mechanical service and a tube as part of his extensive value that he brings to the Daffy Classic. The cross winds over the top section slow us up as we are buffeted by the northerly winds. Turning south 5 miles on and everyone realised what they had been fighting against for the the last 20 odd miles. Speeds got higher as the 10 mile drop towards St Clears flew by. Onward to Laugharne and with the wind changing direction the headwinds that greet a cyclist entering Pendine from the east. Phil in the sag wagon came home in under 4 and a half hours.

The pasta party followed 43 murderous miles. Curses of the extreme hill climbs have passed as cyclists come together in collective smugness that they understand as the achievement of overcoming the challenge that was set out before them. The third Daffodil Classic is aspiring to become 'the' early season event for cyclists of all ages and all abilities in South Wales. It can only grow bigger and the organisation will have to become more efficient. The length and toughness of the course will hopefully shock and at the same time attract more cyclists. The hard frost of the winters has kept the daffodils away but the cyclists keep on coming.

Donations of help have been gratefully accepted from: Princes Gate Spring Water, Castell Howell Cash & Carry, Gilbert's Cafe and Morfa Bay Adventure. Without these institutions, the sportif would still go on but it's nice that they contribute and a huge thank you for your kindness.

Many thanks to the various marshalls and to all at the food stop: Gethin, Rhys, Tom, Suzie, Mandy, Lowri, Ffion, Charlie and Henry.

Thank you everyone for making it a special day.

Photos available - click here and click here for some more

Coast 2 Coast USA - Houston March 2009

Ian and Jacqueline Cross said thank you on behalf of the C2C team to THE RED LION, HOUSTON after the pub landlord indeed looked after us.

Ian presented the landlord with framed newspaper cuttings of the trip and a thank you message from the squad.

THE VIKING CHALLENGE

The Viking Challenge will be one of the most fun fundraising events that you will ever have been involved with. It will test your team’s skill, teamwork and sense of humor, whilst raising funds for Diabetes UK

Set at Morfa Bay Adventure on the golden coast of South West Wales, this 4-person team challenge will involve many adrenalin-filled challenges such as axe throwing, archery, team challenges, a muddy assault course and much more, all packed into a one fun filled day of adventure. Accommodation is available for teams on the Saturday evening.

The objective of the challenge is to gain maximum points for your team, and a minimum sponsorship of £200 per team for Diabetes UK (and more if possible!) The winning team will be presented with the Viking Challenge trophy

Included in your costs is:

§ Entrance fee to the event and activities including insurance for the activities

§ Accommodation on Saturday night if required (there is limited accommodation and will be offered on a first come first served basis to teams who book first. Accommodation comprises of shared rooms)

§ Evening entertainment Saturday night

§ Breakfast and lunch on Sunday

§ Safety and qualified instruction

Extra

§ There will be a small charge for teams requiring food on the Saturday night

Safety

Safety is paramount at all times during this event. All teams will be given a thorough health and safety briefing prior to the start of the event. There will be qualified instructors supervising each activity

Compulsory Kit

All safety equipment will be provided throughout the event. However, each person must bring suitable footwear for the events (walking boots are ideal but trainers are fine), waterproof clothes in case of inclement weather, old clothes for the mud assault course, including an old pair of trainers + towel etc. Bin liner to take muddy clothes home.

Food

Breakfast and lunch will be provided for all teams on Sunday. There will be food provided on the Saturday evening at a small cost and there will be evening entertainment! There are no cooking facilities on the site but snacks and drinks can be purchased.

Some of last year's competitors: Henry's Kittens

THREE PEAKS CHALLENGE WALES JUNE 19th 2010

in aid of Diabetes UK (Cymru)

Target: 21 hours

The Welsh Three Peaks Challenge, lesser known than the National Challenge, takes in the three peaks of Wales: Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa) in the North, Cadair Idris in mid-Wales, and Pen y Fan in the South.

While Snowdon is the highest peak in Wales, Cadair Idris and Pen y Fan are much lower, and are chosen for their position rather than height.

The 'two fat cyclists' are organizing an attempt on a cycle challenge which includes climbing the three major peaks of North, Mid and South Wales and cycling between the peaks. The fact that it has not been attempted before means they will be creating a challenge precedence. Money raised by the challenge will go to support Diabetes UK (Cymru).

Bank Holiday Monday - ASPIRE

Morfa Bay Adventure XI took on Pendine AFC at Llanmiloe on a cold Bank Holiday Monday afternoon to raise money for the ASPIRE charity helping people with spinal injuries.

Captain Gethin Jones saw the Adventurers take a shock two goal lead early on with slick passing and good finishing leading to Gareth Jones and Rhys Hughes slotting the early goals. The rugby players of Morfa Bay slowly slowed up as the superior fitness and tactical substitutions found the Adventurers struggle after their early exuberance. Man of the Match Dave Bradbury kept the Seasiders at bay with save

after glorious save.

A cruelly deflected clearance saw the goal keeper become an onlooker as the ball curled over his outstretched hand to find the back of the net. Even with a 2-1 lead it didn't look good for the part-timers as Pendine piled on the pressure and brought on the big guns with Roger Hunt filling the Pendine defence and Terence Langdon adding his deft touches to the Pendine attack. After Langdon was hacked down in the box the penalty was put away with aplomb. 2 - 2. Attack conscious Pendine wore the the Adventurers down with Robbie Walters slamming the sure winner into the top of the net. The game had been end to end entertainment and with tired exhausted

legs and the last attack of the day Jason Blewitt made sure of the penalty after Hughes had thrown himself to the ground without a defender in sight to give the teams a deserved draw. A penalty shoot out should have been the order of the day, but the charity shield will be shared on this inaugural occasion.

Back to the clubhouse, sausages, chip butties and beer , raffles and live music from The Frank Jenkins Experience - £400 raised.

Thank you Pendine AFC and Llanmiloe Social Club for the welcome and to all the players for a great game.

Boxing Day - Diabetes

Laugharne RFC 2nds v Legends XV raising money for Diabetes. 6 tries to 1 Laugharne shocked the Legends with a storming victory More tries but for poor handling over the tryline! Man of the Match and Laugharne captain Robert Thomas commented that he was satisfied with the win as they normally find it tough beating teams with less players.

Back to the club house, Phil gets BBQ going but there aren't many clients. The Jumbo Hot Dog (70% poultry) is marketed as the best

sausage that Lidl sell but it doesn't convince the punters and we break even on the BBQ - just!

The entertainment couldn't start until the Scarlets had finished their game. With 3 people transfixed watching the Ospreys win and 50 waiting for entertainment rugby rules in the Fountain Inn!

Uncle Lyndon and The Bear start it off. 'It's a slow burner' Lyndon the Kenfig Krooner remarks. The crowd having

only passed 3-4 units of alcohol clap politely to roaring renditions of Mustang Sally and Pink Cadillac.

With people packing into the clubhouse and copious amounts of beer being consumed the audience loosen up and with inebriated help from the young people of the township the party kicks off and tambourines are handed out.

The Diabetes bucket goes out and the collection starts.

A musical break allows Rhys and Kieron to get on stage and try out a few songs that they hadn't practised. Lyndon helps them out on vocals. Substitute (without the bass solo) Sweet Child of Mine (wrong key for Lyndon) Whiskey

in the Jar, that went on and on ( Lyndon left out Verse 9) and the crowd pleaser

that is Dirty Old Town.

With the beer flowing the time was right to bring on the main attraction. The ensemble finale of the evening with an attractive tambourine wielding backing singer saw Phil rip in to some huge singalongs with Lyndon forever saying, 'I got lots more in the tank'.

Four hours after starting the set, fingers raw and throats sore the music ends with the swaying crowd communally singing 'Let It Be'.

The bucket goes around again, one guy throws in £40 and the final

count sees £400 raised with a promise of more from the Laugharne RFC who obviously had a good day aswell.

Let's hope we can break the £500 mark.

Thank you everyone for enjoying yourselves. Many thanks to the players who put their bodies on the line!

Xmas Period Fund Raising

Boxing Day Saturday December 26th

Charity Rugby Game for Diabetes UK - Laugharne RFC 2nd XV v Legends XV

Kick Off: 1300 hours

BBQ and singalong with THE TWO FAT CYCLISTS and UNCLE LYNDON in the club.

Monday, December 28th

Charity Football Game for ASPIRE - Pendine 2nds v Morfa Bay Select

Kick Off: 1430 hours

After game entertainment with THE FRANK JENKINS EXPERIENCE in Llanmiloe Social Club

Pendine 3rd Annual Christmas Polar Bear Swim

Snow - I'm Not Swimming in the sea...

Pendine hasn't seen anything like it since, well last year...

Today was the 3rd Annual Christmas Polar Bear Swim at Sunny, Snowy, Freezing Pendine Beach - in aid of Aspire the spinal injuries charity.

Around 100 brave souls from far and wide (Pendine, Laugharne, Carmarthen and North Cornelly) laughed in the face of sub zero tempratures and early Xmas snow as they gathered at Gilberts Creative Cafe` for registration and the trot down to the sea for a dip at Midday.

Andy had chosen today especially so that the tide would be as far out as possible making the walk down to the sea and back to the safety of the bonfire and BBQ after the swim as painful as possible.

After a quick dip, all returned to Gilberts and filled up on homemade turkey burgers with Rhys `the boy` Lloyd Hughes` handmade cranberry sauce and stuffing, or hotdogs with onions for the less adventurous, all washed down with Michelle's fantastic mulled wine and a pint or two of Xmas cheer from the Spring Well.

An amazing £2000 was raised by all with Dai the milk weighing in with an outstanding £650 and a collection of around £400 from public houses of the area by a group of local's (Cinderella and friends). Uncle Lyndon also weighed in with £100 and with several other collections still to be made this has been by far our best ever year and the swim goes from strength to strength.

A massive thanks to all that collected and donated monies and bought from our BBQ and supported us by coming to swim in the sea in mid winter.

We look forward to seeing you all again in 2010..

Happy stroking & a peacful and joy filled Christmas 2009

Phil `frozen and shrunken` Pork Pie