More TT Vicar?

Allo again.Where did we leave it last time?

I think we had just finished the first TT of the year at Hemel. Indeed my taste for TT’s, I knew then, would only grow and it certainly has.

After the first instalment, I was keen to return to see if I could post up something a bit quicker (Of course, who wants to go slower?). this shouldn’t prove too difficult as the condition I was in before was less than ideal. Recovering from the death cough and first time on the course leaves plenty of room for improvement.

So there I was, back on the start line. The last time out left me with a 23:26. So I was aiming to knock off some, if not all, of those 26 seconds. My effort was decidedly harder. I thought if I push harder, I can only end up going faster, I might not keep it up for the duration but if I don’t try I will never know. It was slightly windy but nothing which would affect too much. 

Anyway, long story short, everything went well, passed a bunch of people which always make you feel like you’re doing well. Also no-one came past so again add to the winning mentality. At the Dagnal roundabout I had to negotiate past some cars and may have upset someone ,sorry if that’s you. After then It’s all out, till the little hump, out the saddle for a last blast over it then change up for the grind to the finish. I didn’t wait around for the time as I had duties to attend to but on the way past, David from HHCC (and work) gave me an enthusiastic thumbs up, suggesting a decent time.

Checked on line and ended up with 22:40. Another new PB and placing me 5^th again of 20 riders.

The following week, James and Wilfrid came along to have a crack. We also bumped in to Plowman Craven cycling legend George Olive who has jumped back on the bike recently and giving the TT a go (second race in one week).

We got there a little later than usual so we out of the block further down the order. It had been windy during the day but had seemed to have died down that evening, I had been on site that day so didn’t have a great prep.

It was quite nice having the other on route as you can give them a shout of encouragement when they come the other way and indeed that’s what we did. James went off first and I ended up seeing him come the other way at dagnal, good I thought, that’s on schedule for a decent time, then after looping round the bottom roundabout I gave Wilfie a wave who was making good time on his first TT too.

Back at the finish, we checked out our times, George 26:50, Wilfie 25:20, James 23:59 and I got 22:54 in 6^th of 37. Good results all round I think. not a fast night but good all the same.

Then came the Team MK 4-up Team Time Trial.

We had formed a group of us to compete in this local event as part of Milton Keynes Cycling ‘Festival’. Not much of a festival but they had closed the roads to let cyclist loose to race on. A horrible circuit full of hairpins, 90degree bends, long uphill sections and then more hairpin bends. The team training session consisted of us shouting at eachother on the warm up laps how we were going to deal with all the bends. Needless to say this went out of the window after 30 seconds but we did try! We had support from friends and family and its our first attempt at a TTT so lessons learned were more important than the time. Speaking of which, we knew it would be hard so were aiming for a sub 30 minutes which we joyfully achieved with 28:14. Not first.. but not last either.

After that, for some reason, I decided to do it all again on my own for the MK club TT. My legs were sore after the first lap but never will I reduce my effort. Bends could be taken quickly to carry speed but the 180degree ones were killer. Having to sprint out of them so many times totally sucks your energy. 
I couldn’t quite manage a sprint finish but posted a 27:11 time, placing me 4^th of 33 finishers. The top 3 all came from team-salesengine who also came 3^rd in the team event!

The ride home was horrendous, into the wind all the way. The rest of the day I was a corpse. Normal Sunday really!

Next up, this week came the Stoke Hammond NBRC TT. Starting at Kelly’s Kitchen roundabout, up to the top, left and to the next junction, turn and retrace. I hadn’t ridden this course before so didn’t know what it would be like but James had done the previous time round and let me know how it would be. Myself , James, Wilfrid and Miles turned up to show our colours, although mine was in the wash and James was in his super sleek new skinsuit (very fetching by the way James) so only two in green.

There were only around 15 riders so we would be back and home soon for chilli! James went off 6^th, then Wilf, Miles and me were after each other. I had thought if I catch up 2 minutes, I’ll be doing well. wind was low but the course has lots of undulations. Impossible to leave it in one gear like you can do with Hemel. I don’t like changing gear at the best of times never mind when I’m trying to be ‘Aero’. I caught up with Miles just before the big roundabout, a thumbs up and a cheer of encouragement helped us both I think. after rounding the next junction I could see Wilfie in the distance, it would take some real effort if I was ging to make up another minute but the guy behind me looked fast when we were just standing on the start line and I would refuse him to pass me. round the roundabout and making my way back I could see I had made ground and the chap behind cant have gained more than 20 seeconds. I eventually caught up with about 1 mile to go I was hoping wilfie would tuck in behind me but this was, just before a roundabout and a car separated us. Legs were very tired on this false flat road, but I must chage up and finish hard. Over the line and gasping for air I rolled into the finish to wait for times. Times are yet to be published but on the sheet i had a 22:34 I think, placing joint third. All other club buys made a PB time so great day for everyone. Off to Hemel tonight to see how many seconds the new aeroshell helmet cover can offer me!

Punctured at Hemel. was on for the fastest time yet too of course. the fish that got away!

Check out Wilfie’s new blog too for an even younger man's point of view http://cyclingyoung.blogspot.co.uk/

Recent Activities (Not so Recent)

There have been only a few appearances since our last correspondence.

Week 3 was short and sweet. Race started well, myself and Simon in green but I punctured after 30 minutes.

Week 4 was a tight stretch. Having spent the day in London, I was called back to the office at lunch time and then had to make my way back into London and then back out to Leighton. By the time I got back to the train station, I ran out to my bike, pedalled home like a maniac for a quick grab of my stuff, sling the bike in the boot and zoom off to Milton Keynes. On my way there I saw someone in front of me with a bike in the back. Must be someone doing the 3-4 race, nobody would leave it this late… turns out it was Gareth and he was just a late as I was. Now there are two crazy drivers weaving in and out of traffic, cutting up roundabouts and generally driving like a pair of nutters. As we screeched into the car park at the bowl and ran into the hut, we spotted Neil there for his first race of the year. When we tried to sign in we were sadly informed that we were too late, probably a good job as the race starts at 6:00 and it was 5:57 and I was still in my work clothes.

We hopped up to the start line to see the group off, I watched a few laps then made off for the pub. I later found out that Neil punctured after 15 minutes so back luck start to the season for him. The pub was open though so not a total right-off.

Somewhere in between there I took part in the NORPIP charity bike ride at Silverstone. Essentially, your allowed 3 hours to ride around part of the circuit at whatever pace you feel like, soaking up the lovely surroundings. there were a few other guys from the club too, Gareth M, the two Neils G and B myself and James completed the group. I thought we would start off at a leisurely pace and build up to speed, I think we got a bit carried away and went straight into 25mph laps.

After a while, we picked up James and then Neil who arrived a bit later on. Once on the move, we kept it up with a good strong rotation. We were clearly the fastest group out there and it was obvious to others what we were up to, needless to say, some folks thought they could show us up and come storming past us on the straight, all well and good until they realised they would have to keep that pace for the rest of the night to stay ahead (unlikely). Some more thoughtful guys decided to join our train. Something I was unaware of until about three rotations and caught a glimpse. At one stage we had about 10 other guys on the back. Eventually we realised what was going on and made sure that the tagalongs had their turn on the front. Some were clearly new to the idea and struggled to maintain our pace when they hit the front, others were super helpful and stayed with us for a good while.

Anyway, eventually as it got a bit colder and starting to loose light, we knocked it on the head and rolled around for a few more laps to really enjoy the race circuit.

Back to the bowl… the following two weeks were wet. Actually one week was wet, the other was Super Wet. I don’t like riding in the wet. Not on my new bike. Its clean and nice and I don’t want it getting wet. Also I get wet, which I don’t like too much. The first super wet week was horrible, the track was slippy, the group was small and I didn’t trust anyone including myself to stay upright which meant I was at the back playing catchup for the whole race. Also It was raining so hard that I couldn’t see, and there was a river running round the inside of the track. Horrible. I finished 20^th out of 23 I think. Thankfully James loved it. Reminded him of home apparently! Nutter

The week after that was just wet, not super wet. We also had a big crowd of riders in green. Myself and Wilfrid pitched up together, James, Gareth and Neil were there too. A good strong group and hopefully we could do some damage. The track was wet again so I was still a bit nervous about the slippy surface. On in particular was concerning me just before the climb to the finish is an off camber bend and you cant freewheel it cos its at the bottom. Every time you turn the crank, you can feel the back slip and slide. Because of this I spent the race at the back again, no big issue but it did leave me playing catch up once more.  The other guys were doing well, mixing ip up in the middle of the pack, I saw some of the guys go off the front once or twice. Wilfie dropped off the back after a while and we found him later on where he managed to hold on till the end.

After a brief spell at the front at the 5 to go point, I thought I’d be ok to stay up in the group, it wasn’t so and I found myself at the back again. I just don’t have the confidence in the wet. Anyway, last lap came round and pace picked up. It had been fairly quick race so was strung out by the last bend. I had nothing to lose so gave it a bit of effort up towards the finish, passed lots of tired looking folks and crossed the line. Counting the people in front, I had managed to get top 10. Turns out it was ninth so not such a bad day afterall. Toby was there for MK too and placed 5^th.

Good fun racing with a group of our team, not quite as dominating as we had hoped but that’s something we can work on for sure.

So this last week I was sin the office and with no hope of getting back to Milton Keynes for the race I thought I would give the Hemel 10 mile TT a go. I have been looking forward to trying it out as their hilly event was so fantastically organised, its right on our doorstep and its practicaly on my way home. I took my bike to work so wouldn’t have to worry about rushing anywhere. I also think I much prefer a TT to circuit racing, nobody to get in your way and its all down to your lungs and legs, no race brain needed!

Signed up, paid my monies and went for a quick warm up spin. I know the course so I knew when I would push, when I could relax a little and where the finish line was!

I was 8^th out so had someone to aim for rather than last time being out on my own, sadly I had mr speedy, Luke Clark, behind me who I knew would pass me fairly soon. He’s the guy who shot past me on the Hilly one. so off I went, after a very short period, I caught my minute man which I wasn’t expecting too as he looked the part (just goes to show). About 1/3 way through, I was passed by the guy behind. Not ideal as I was hoping to be a few minutes behind him at least. At this rate I’d be miles behind. Oh well…

So on I went, I didn’t stay too far behind him and I thought if I stay within sight, I can only be 2 minutes at most behind. I went round the roundabout and back up the hill ready to wind it up. Oh yeah, I forgot to mention, I had an awful cough. This ride didn’t make it any better! By now I had to make a bit more of an effort cos we are on the way home. I did pass a couple more riders before the next roundabout which made me feel I was doing well. Over the final junction and only a few  miles left so pile on a few more coals but leave something for the last little hill finish.

I crossed the line in a roaring rage, and slinked back to the hall to get times. I waited around for everyone to come in, pausing for 3-4 second where I wasn’t coughing my lungs up. After all that I posted a time of 23:26. Over a minute quicker than my previous 10 mile TT of 24:29. It’s a different course so cant take too much from that but more importantly I had set a time for this course to aim for next time. Checking the finishing timesheet, I managed the 5^th fastest time of 39 riders. Two minutes behind the fastest rider @ 21:27 and yes it was Mr Clark of TMG Horizon. I don’t feel so bad knowing that.

So there we are. Sorry its so long. Sometimes I forget to care.

Someone is ON FIRE!!!

I have tried to put in a bit more practice this week on the bike. The tri-bar disaster from last time will not do. Extra miles on the bars should hopefully allow me to find an efficient position too.
I tried out the TT route on Tuesday,  only one lap but worth doing I think as I hadn't been round that way for a while.  Neil and I went round for a bit of practice the opposite way on Wednesday. So much easier with two, I won't have that luxury on Sunday.
Thursday I was able to ride in to work.  It's a 18.5 mile journey so almost the same as Sundays TT. Hopefully I could get a hour each way at a decent lick, get a taster of the pain.
On the way home,  my bars came loose again so I had to hold them in place all gimpy like. I didn't have allen keys so could only sort it out once I got home. And sure as shit will I tighten them up good and proper like.

Kathy and Al were down this weekend (hello) so I was able to have a good rest before Sunday. A few beers on Friday night and a humongous calzone on Saturday meant I was all carbed up and ready to race. Sunday didn't start quite as well as it could have done because next doors fire alarm started going off at 6am and I was the lucky fellow who was selected to investigate. They have moved out so couldnt see anything or do anything. pah!

Off to the start I go then. Pitstone HQ is only 10 minutes away and then 5 minute ride from there to the start. Once I'm signed in, I had back to the car to suit up and then the heavens open. Its already wet, windy and if this rain holds it's gonna make for a miserable morning. Thankfully it stops after just 5 minutes so now its only wet and windy...
I get to the start line early.  I'm the first out so nobody to line up behind. There is a little stretch of road to warm up on just before and about 25 other people have the same idea as I do lapping the road up and down trying to warm up.
Just before I set off, a guy sat in his car on the start line nearly reverses over the woman doing the countdown.  She didn't bat an eyelid, just said "30 seconds to go"... crazy.
Anyway, off we go. Quick off the line and settle down soon as possible. Conveniently, the main climb is fairly soon after the start, after that its a descent, gentle climb into the wind another descent and then back to Cheddington for another lap.
It was a bit slippery with the rain around some of the turns bit nothing to sketchy. After coming up the road to Wingrave, on the turn I could see my man behind, bloody hell, am I really going that slow?  I can't let it bother me,  if I push too hard now, I might end up dead before the first lap.  On the nasty bastard descent from Wingrave, I could tell he was behind but still want going to change my pace. Just before he came past I heard the nastiest carbon pang from where he hit a pothole,  followed by an angry sigh.  It can't have been too nasty because he did still come past.  He didn't leave me much so I was back on my own steam pretty much straight away, at least I had someone to look at.  He stayed in sight for the rest of the TT so either he went out hard or I went out slow. 
Not long after, the junction at Long Marston approached which I knew was tight,  the marshals kindly pointed which way to go but neglected to tell me that a bloody great big coach was coming the other way leaving 3 inches for me to fit through. Thanks chaps!
Up towards Cheddington,  the wind was behind us as it usually is,  it not too steep either so can keep a good pace up there.  Past the finish line and then it's on to lap 2. Legs are starting to hurt a bit now, and coming up to the Mentmore climb,  once I'm past here, I know I can step it up a bit and hold a decent pace to the finish. I can see some other competitors in the distance and by now I dont need to worry about blowing out so aim to catch them before the next junction,  which thankfully I do.  nearing the finish now and round the Marston junction, without the coach this time. I can still see the guy who passed me. All or nothing now,  I know I won't catch him but I can still give it some beans and go for the finish hard. It's uphill but windy behind (not like that) so can really keep the pressure on the pedals. The last stretch is hard work, just when there is nothing left, you need to try hardest, over the line I'm gasping and legs burn. 
At the end of the road, the marshals try to send me on another lap, piss off. I give them the universal "I'm dead" cut neck sign and they give me a wave and point me back to the start line. I catch up with the other finisher who passed me and have a chat, apparently he did go out too quick, in any case he posted a good time. His wheel is OK after that pothole by the way.
I spot Toby waiting at the start and have a catch up.  its his first ride on the new bike so probably more of a tester ride wish him well and had back to hq for my time.  my time is not yet on the board but the fella starts to write it on.  4... woohoo. Happy days, I dont really care what comes next but could probably guess it'll be as close to 50 as can be. 49:45 goes up swell. Get a cuppa and stick around for a bit. When I look at the board again,  its 49:25! This is getting better. I just lost 20 seconds while getting a brew.
Which one is correct,  who knows? I don't care really,  I'm chuffed either way. 19 miles in under 50 I'll take.

Get home back to our guests and they just finished breakfast, perfect timing or what. The bloody fire alarm is still going of so Amy calls the fire Brigade, who send a massive engine... for a dodgy alarm. Well they couldn't do anything and it's still going of now constantly.  Good luck sleeping!

You never make the same mistake twice.

Attempt 3.
After last weeks efforts,  I was looking forward to this Saturday's race.
The night before preparations of curry night were replaced by an even less suitable event of a wedding.  I foolishly didn't eat anywhere near as much as I should have done. Combined with a gentle mix of Hoegarden and gin (Not literally) and little sleep, I wasnt feeling exactly chipper.
When I arrived at the bowl, I met up with James for his first race and Simon who was suffering with some sort of lurgy.
The race this week was going clockwise, on the warm up Simon suggested the best place for the final sprint. After a quick bite to eat before the start, we lined up and set off.
Pace started high, higher than the previous weeks anyway. I spent the first 15 minutes or so riht at the back, surges down the bottom and stalls up the incline stared to prove tiring so I made my attempts to bunchnup into the group.
After 20 minutes, I had drank almost half my water. I coudnt rid my thirst and my mouth was sahara dry! I reached into my pocket for a gel to see if that might help, even psychologically.  But my pocket was empty, i had left them in my bag. No bother, I'll manage. The pace steadied after 30 minutes so I was able to settle down a bit. Time went by and not much of interest happened, after a while I realised that James was missing, I assumed he was just behind me or out of sight.  Turns out he punctured half way through so had a rotten start to his racing career.
Simon made a break towards the end, I was mid pack and saw the oppertunity to go with him. One other chap came with us and we gained a few seconds. It didnt last and shortly after the 5 lap board came out.
The group surged and stalled repeatedly around the circuit. A helpful fellow (I imagine seasoned racer) was calling out to the group to keep safe and not squeeze thriugh the gates.

Once the bell went, the group wad still large,  the pace was increasig and most people were clinging on.  There was a breakaway with Toby holding the front, he had done so for the last two laps or so but they were caught on the last lap.
On the bottom straight I moved up the inside to try and consest the sprint. As we rounded the bend to start the incline, the pace ramped up, and wheels were everywhere, I was boxed in, the guy in front must have thought he'd get a better line on the verge, swooped back onto the track and caused me to brake. Shortly after another fellow somehow hit the deck. By this time the group was spread out, I was nowhere near the front so after dodging the chap on the floor, decided to just get finished.
Toby appeared to my side and told me abour his breakaway antics. We crossed the line together to wrap it up in ?th position. Not placed but still upright so cant complain.
Met up with James who told me of his puncture, Simon who had a rough ride due to his lurgy then shot off home.
Next week its the Icknield road club TT. The course would have been a nice loop round our local roads, but now turned into a nasty loop around cheddington thanks to the road works on Hemel road. On top of that I'm first out so its a week of training on the new bars and having a spin around the course.

Sid Latchford memorial TT

Normal Sunday morning again. Up, brekkie, pre-game, get my bottles ready and head out the door. This mornig I was heading to the HHCC sid latchford memorial trophy. A 21.5 mile hilly TT from Great Gaddesden, down to Dagnal, round and up bison, down and accross up the Downs, back down, accross and over to Ivinghoe Beacon, down to Dagnal again and back through to Gaddesden. Tricky route but one we cover regularly wih the club so hopefully nothing too shocking.

So there I was on my way to Hemel when I realised I had forgot my helmet, so turned around and head back home. By the time I reached the start, signed on and pinned my number I didnt really have time to warm up so I'll just prep the bike and have a quick bite to eat. Hmm, where did I put my water? Im sure I did it and had it all ready to go on the counter... on the counter! "Amy? Is my bag in the counter? Are you dressed? Could you do me a favour?"
Speedy Deprez arrived 20 minutes later,  7 minutes before my start. Deffo no time to warm up so off to hq for a pee and line up on the start.
Ooh looky I left a banana in my pocket, I can eat that. Whats this peg? Guess I pulled my jersey off the washing line a bit too quickly. Good job aswell cos that could cost me valuable seconds.

5,4,3,2,1 off I go. Quick burst then just sit on the aero bars (which I only bolted on yesterday) keep it steady and dont blow out too soon.
Afer a mile or so I could hear a rattle from the new bars.  The clamps were onto my bars but the extensions were loose. I had forgotten to tighten them up so now they were rattling around sliding back and forward and generally getting on my tits. Oh well, if I shove them right in they dont rattle but I cant use them either.
By the time I reached the bottom of bison, and started on my way up, I realised I had never been so tired at the BOTTOM of the hill. I dont think ill be breaking any records today.  At the top my first rider passed me, I had towed him all the way up and then he just slid past like a big beefburger, cheeky devil. I knew bison was the worst and the other two are nice and steady so I could keep a steady pace from now on. Downhill I would coast a bit but otherwise no letup. 

For the flat straights I had managed to solve my tt bar issue by jiggling them into position and pulling hard on them to keep them from falling out, come the hills I would jiggle them back in to hold them in place. They only came out once so I'd say success.
I knew at the finish I could give it some beans because the last bit is flat and we had the wind behind us, I'll go over the last little hillock and then give it a bit of welly,  round the next bend for the final attack.
So up the hillock, and start to wind it up and get ready for the attack at the end. before I knew it I was past the end... I hadnt even wound it up yet, oh well at least I'm not dead.

Back at race HQ, I bumped into James (who gave me the optimistic outlook on my not dying situation) our other LBRCC man. He hadn't had much luck either, new equipment and a late night meant a less than 100% on the day. We popped in to the hall to check our times, I was hoping for 1:05 time as It was a hilly course. James managed 1:04:50 (46th of 62) and I posted a 1:00:03 (30th). Well chuffed for the both of us, though a bit miffed about the 3 seconds cos I could have shaved that off if I knew where the finish line was. In any case, plenty of oppertunity to improve on our times and looking forward to next year. Fastest time set was 50:03 so only 10 minutes to find somewhere! 

Sam Williamson at HHCC put on a great event, I cannot explain how fantastic the marshals were, also getting some support and a few cowbells up he hills made it a great day all round.
Back home for a sausage sandwich.

Drawing curtosey of Eleanor Williamson

Photo thanks to Simon Hemmington

Race Two at the Bowl

Week 2 at the bowl started on Friday night with the Club ‘Celebration of spring’ Curry night. Not quite perfect timing but we must prioritise and in a club centred around social activities, curry comes first. Quite rightly so. and with curry, one must partake in a beer or two. As I haven’t been drinking all year, other than a gin or two these were my first beers and I don’t think they went down as well as they used to. All this meant I woke up with a bit of a grumbly tumbly.

No bother, we must persist and this week its serious. I cant turn up and crumble like I did last week. People know I’m racing, Amy is coming with me (though going to ASDA rather than cheer on from the start) Dave and Tracy will be there too giving me some support so I gotta at least finish. And that’s todays goal. Get to the end, don’t do anything stupid and stay out of trouble.

After arrival and registering, I had a bit of time to get ready and warm up, not long after, there was a bunch of folks shouting looking for me because my licence was still only a ride and not race. I had to do a little bit of talking and waving of printouts but all was well and I was allowed to race. More importantly (I thought) I could earn points. We all know points mean prizes.

After a quick chat with Dave, I hustled up to the start, thankfully woth a bit more knowhow from last week. Also there were only 45 riders rather than 80 so I was already feeling better about things. The event organiser came up to the start/finish and belted out what was going on. 50 minutes of racing then 5 laps to finish on. I must say the organisation this week was much better than last. I felt much more comfortable also thanks to spotting another Lbrcc rider Simon who has raced quite a few times and gave me a few word of advice before we set off.

And so we were off, nice steady start, not too speedy as there were a few bits of dampness around the bend at the bottom of the track. 20 minutes in, Toby reveals the pace has been 24mph, afterwards I think the pace actually drops and the odd surge means the pack is in constant flux. Inside, outside all over the place. After a while I find myself on the outside with a big gap in front of me, pop myself into it and I’m on the front again. Bollocks! I am not making the same mistake again, just as I do find myself on the front, the 5 lap board goes up, Double bollocks! I decided if I’m on the front, I’m certainly not going to try. Either people will pass and problem solved or everone will slow down too and no worries anyway. 2 and a half laps later someone must have decided that my 15 mph Saturday morning stroll would not do. Perfecy, nice recovery for the last few laps, I’ll just tuck in here and hold for a bit.  I quickly realised that with less than 3 laps to go , no-body was going to let me just ‘tuck in’ after half a lap and a squeeze at the gate I had managed to get back in the group around the middle of the bunch.

2 lap call went out and pace was picking up a little but still manageable. We rounded the bend at the bottom and one fellow thought he would have a little nap, leaned up against someone, sliced across the entire track and finished up in the bush. Luckily, I just got past his back wheel before a jungle of bikes appeared to my right.  I glanced over my shoulder to see half the pack stuck behind the crash, many on the floor and a number of riders in the prickle bush… do we stop? Slow down? Carry on? The riders in front didn’t even turn around, crossed the start/finish for the bell and picked up the pace to what I would expect for a last lap.

Ok then, better get back on them and see what we can do. Around 20 riders were left and the increased pace was thinning out the group. No problem, I can stay with this, bend, downhill, bend, straight, bend, uphill by now we were down to around 8 riders going up the wee hill I though now, surely, is the time to make a move. MOVE, my legs were not as keen as I was to move. Either way, I think I was up front, Legs very quickly failing me. I must get out the saddle and bloody move, nope, legs are definitely spent. Anyway, try your best dig deep and if you need to… shout. As I shouted my way over the finish line, three other equally tired fellows were ahead/beside me. bugger, off the podium but hey ho, fourth aint bad.

Catching up with the others, quite a few had been caught up in the crash, Toby had hit the deck, Simon was right behind with many of the others too. Realistically would I have 4^th if everyone was there? Probably not. I would like to think top 10 as the last lap really spread the group out but who knows? I look forward to finishing with the whole lot see how we manage.

So then back home and get some soup. 

Thanks Dave for the Photos

My First Race

I am reluctant to even mention this first instalment as it shows me up as the sore loser I really am.

The day stared off like any other cycling day; up on the first alarm (no snoozes today), kit all ready laid out, bottles, gels and what not all packed in my kit bag. breakfast down me, quick 'Pre-Game', bike in the boot and we're off.
This is my first race and until now i had never even been to MK Bowl so was unsure of what to expect. I arrived to a clobbering fellow opening one of the gates with his range rover, no direction given as to where to park, go or not to go so have a quick spin round and eventually park on a verge somewhere. I'm already kitted up so I head for the sign on area to get my number and find out what to do!
up to now my Membership has been a BC ride and the race licence hadn't come through yet so I had to convince the guy I was allowed to be there.
a Bit more faffing around deciding what to take from the car and i was on my way. once I found the track I had a few laps, get ready and warmed up. everything was picking up nicely. the course is relatively flat with a bit of an incline before the finish (anti-clockwise). after a bit of warm up and a chat with some friendly faces, people started to congregate up around the start/finish line. one kind chap pointed out that i had pinned my number in the wrong place and if I wanted to "mix it up" I'd need to move it so they would see the number.
"Pants... better move it cos I'm gonna be right up there" (Fool) so anyway, jersey off ready to shift my number then a big shuffle in the group ready to go... no time , jersey back on.
through the pack of 80 riders! a fellow at the front said a few indistiguishable words to the group, blew a whistle and we were away.
click, click, click pedals, wobbles stalls everywhere, how the hell am I gonna get to the front with all these people in my way I thought, no matter, I'll just whizz past them on the first few laps, they wont be going that quick yet.
they WERE going that quick! I spent 3-4 laps just getting up with the lead group, around the outside, squeezing past riders gates and grass verges to make up places.
After catching up, things settled down, pace was high-ish but manageable, some of the surges at the front meant the lead group was minimised to maybe 40 or so. this I can deal with, still around the outside I though I need to get over so I don't end up doing extra mileage and killing myself out in the wind. about 25 minutes in, I was in a nice comfortable position, coming round to complete another lap up the ramp, the pack seemed to open up like the red sea... "ooh look" I though, I could just nip through there and 'll have a jolly good position ready for the end. my jolly good position turned into the slap bang front with not a soul to take cover behind, bugger.
"maybe if I put a bit of effort into it I'll catch that guy up there and I'll be dandy". too much effort and not enough dandy meant i was just getting more and more tired, a quick glance over my shoulder to see how much time I had gained (Yeah right) revealed a hunting group of riders 3mm from my wheel. every one of them thinking who the hell is this mug?
The only thing I could do is relax a bit and get back in the pack, reserve some and then tray again later on. some folks came past, some more folks came past and then no-one else came past. whoops, think i better keep up with them.
I think by this point you have already guessed what happened next, I didn't keep up with them, I got further and further away eventually to the point where they were about to go out of site. there is no way I'm going down like this, I'd rather quit...so I did.
Peeled off next lap stuck my bike in the car and drove home in a sulk like a little girl.
Turns out that my saddle had been dropping all the way through the race and ended up about 2 inches too low. I'm telling myself that was the only reason why I failed so miserably.
people may have had worse days but they weren't me. this was the worst day ever.

Quote of the week: " Just because you don't win, doesn't mean your not a loser"