Community

Mark Llewhellin takes on Ryan Jones

Published

8 years ago

March 1, 2016

Ryan Jones and Mark Llewhellin: Before competition began in Haverfordwest

PEMBROKESHIRE fitness star Mark Llewhellin, who is famous for finishing 1st for the Strava Distance Running Challenge out of over 51,000 people in 2014 & 2015 and for breaking the 100k Treadmill World Record, recently took on 3-time grand slam winning former Welsh rugby captain Ryan Jones in a cycling challenge in aide of the Princes Gate Trust at Haverfordwest Tesco.

Here he tells his story of the immense challenge, and how plenty of money was made for a worthwhile cause, which helps many people in Wales:

As I walk in to Tesco the crowd of people immediately watching say “go on Mark you’ve got to do this.”, I’m thinking to myself “oh my god my fitness is about 25% as I haven’t trained much and cycling is something that I hardly ever do.”

I know I’m a complete fish out of water but it’s for a good cause so I think why the heck not.

The local crowd are excited about me and Ryan going head to head and after the positive local support for me Ryan is giving me a look as if to say, ‘who is this guy?’

The only time I’ve come up against professional rugby players was when I did a treadmill test, which was roughly 10 minutes in the University of Glamorgan. The Welsh rugby squad had done the same test as me a few weeks before and on that occasion I was lucky enough to beat their fittest person by a comfortable margin.

But this bike sprint was a different ball game. It was explosive power for a 10 second burst so I knew it was going to be a very tall order to beat Ryan.

I’d never met Ryan before but have a mutual friend Ian Gough so we end up talking and chatted about what we’re both doing these days. My first impression of Ryan was, what a nice guy but I know when he gets on that bike he’ll give it everything he’s got to try and beat me, this is something he trains for so I knew he was going to be good.

Ryan had beat every challenger that he took on and I get a sense from some of the locals that they think I’ll easily beat him because of my fitness background.

The last time I got roped into a challenge like this was at the Welsh Boat show when there was a rowing competition to see who is the fastest person over a certain distance. “Go on” my brother Darren said, you’ll be good at this rowing thing. I never row but out of the 40 people that took on the challenge I was lucky enough to win it on my second attempt (I fell off the seat on the first go) so here I am again having a go at something I never really do.

I mount the bike and adjust the pedal straps, then sit up and (jokingly) give Ryan one of those boxers stares that they do in the weigh ins before a big boxing event. He returns the favour and (jokingly) holds his fist up to me, his fist was a lot bigger than mine.

Before we start we both stand up on the bikes to use our body weight to push the peddles down when someone from the crowd shouts “ready, steady, GO.” As I’m pushing down the pedals I can see Ryan in my peripheral vision. His big powerful legs push down the pedals like “Mallard – The Worlds Fastest Locomotive” and I knew within those first few seconds the race over…Ryan powered to victory!

I could see a mixture of smiles and disappointed faces in the crowd as their local fitness lad had lost.

After the race someone in the crowd says “go for a run together,” So I invite Ryan to do a 50 miler with me, there’s a big smile on his face, he gracefully declines and we shake hands.

Overall a great event and a great day for the locals in Pembrokeshire to see Ryan who’s not only a Welsh rugby Super Star but also a genuinely nice person.

Community

Welsh National Scooter Rally gears up for a revival in Tenby

Published

10 hours ago

April 27, 2024

Tom Sinclair

SCOOTER enthusiasts from across the country are set to descend on Tenby for the eagerly anticipated return of the Welsh National Scooter Rally this May Bank Holiday weekend. This marks the event’s grand return to the popular seaside destination for the first time since 2022, promising a vibrant celebration of scooter culture.

Organised by the Scooter Collective South Wales, the rally is expected to draw hundreds to Pembrokeshire’s “jewel in the crown.” Attendees can look forward to a colourful array of scooters lining the historic Tenby High Street, adding a splash of retro charm to the town’s picturesque scenery.

The weekend’s schedule is packed with activities, starting with a scenic ‘ride-out’ from Tenby United RFC on Heywood Lane on Saturday afternoon. This event promises to be a visual spectacle, with a parade of beautifully maintained and creatively decorated scooters cruising through the local area.

Music lovers have plenty to get excited about as well. The Specials Limited, a renowned two-tone tribute band, will be performing at the De Valence Pavilion on Friday night, supported by DJ Steve Foster. Concurrently, the Ex-Servicemen’s Club and Tenby Rugby Club will host rooms dedicated to Northern Soul and Reggae soul, respectively, ensuring that there’s something to suit all musical tastes.

Saturday’s festivities will also feature a customs show and traders fair at the Rugby Ground. This event provides a perfect opportunity for enthusiasts to showcase their scooters and exchange tips and accessories with fellow aficionados.

As the rally winds down, the weekend will conclude with a grand end-of-rally party at the Rugby Club, where participants can celebrate their shared passion for scooters and music, reflecting on a weekend full of fun and camaraderie.

For those planning to attend, the Welsh National Scooter Rally not only offers a chance to revel in scooter culture but also to explore the enchanting town of Tenby.

With its rich history and stunning coastal views, Tenby provides the perfect backdrop for an event that celebrates classic style and community spirit.

Community

Barley Saturday makes a grand return to Cardigan

Published

10 hours ago

April 27, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ON SATURDAY (Apr 27), the historic town of Cardigan in West Wales is abuzz with excitement as it hosts its largest annual event, Barley Saturday. This significant day marks not just a local festival but a vital link to the agricultural roots of the region, attracting spectators from across the country to witness a spectacular parade of livestock and vintage vehicles.

At 2 PM, the main streets of Cardigan transformed into a vibrant parade route featuring the best of rural life—from the supreme stallion, admired by an enthusiastic crowd, to the meticulously prepared parade participants. This parade not only showcases the beauty and strength of these animals but also the care and tradition that continue to thrive in Cardigan.

The event kicked off early with an impressive lineup of agricultural workhorses displayed on the show field. The anticipation built up throughout the day as crowds gathered, lining the streets, eager to catch a glimpse of the gleaming vintage vehicles and the majestic livestock. According to Tudor Harries, the show secretary, “Barley Saturday helps restore the lost link between our community and its agricultural heritage.”

With such a large turnout, local authorities implemented strategic road closures and diversions to manage the flow of traffic effectively. Between 1:30 PM and 4 PM, several main roads were closed, ensuring the parade route remains clear and safe for both participants and spectators. Traffic around the town was slow-moving, indicating the high volume of attendees this year.

Beyond the festivities, Barley Saturday is a day of community and giving. Volunteers play a crucial role in marshaling the event, and bucket collections are conducted throughout the day, with all proceeds going to local charities. This spirit of community service is a testament to the values that underpin Barley Saturday.

Barley Saturday is more than just an event; it’s a celebration of Cardigan’s heritage and a vital part of its cultural calendar. It offers a day filled with joy, community spirit, and a deep appreciation for the rural traditions that are so often overlooked in modern times. As the town enjoys today’s festivities, it also renews its connection to the past, ensuring that these traditions will not be forgotten.

Community

Train disruption expected due to essential works at Clarbeston Road

Published

12 hours ago

April 27, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PASSENGERS are being asked to check before they travel between Carmarthen and Milford Haven/Fishguard Harbour next week when Network Rail will be carrying out essential work on the platforms at Clarbeston Road station.

Buses will replace trains at all stops between Carmarthen and Milford Haven/Fishguard Harbour on the West Wales lines from Saturday to Tuesday 27-30 April inclusive.

Network Rail engineers will be working at Clarbeston Road station, preparing the platforms to be able to accommodate new Class 197 trains.

The work will include lowering the platforms by removing the coping stones on the platform edge, altering walls, installing new coping stones, and finally laying new tarmac surfacing.

Nick Millington, Network Rail Wales and Borders route director, said: “These essential works will prepare Clarbeston Road station to accommodate the new Class 197 trains our colleagues at TfW are introducing.
“We’re grateful to passengers and local residents living near Clarbeston Road station for their patience and understanding while we carry out this important work.”

The line between Carmarthen and Milford Haven will also be shut all day on Sunday 12 May and Sunday 19 May, when buses will again replace trains, as Network Rail engineers carry out essential track renewals on a 100-metre stretch of track near Haverfordwest station.