80+ miles starting and finishing in Naseby. The fist Sportive promotion by the triathlon specialists, Just Racing. There was a reasonably tough route with over 1400m of climbing, well marked junctions (apart from the Stanford loop) and well stocked feeds. We started in a group of 20 and headed off into the sunshine a little more quickly than intended. Having only completed 1 ride longer than 60 miles, I wanted to take it steady but a glimpse at the Garmin at 90 minutes in showed an average speed of 22mph. Oh dear. It settled a little as everyone put their ego's back in the box and we completed the route in a little over 4 hours. Surprise appearances from a couple of Rocko riders helped us get a nice group together and we finished strongly for a 19mph average speed.
Good Rocko showing last night. This was my first race at this venue so wasn't sure what to expect. Anyway, if you like going fast on a bike, it's a great venue. Fast chicanes are more fun on your own after you have been dropped and then 35mph+ every lap down the hill had my heart rate through the roof. Recommended.
First Plumz ride in ages last night and I really enjoyed it. My arms are killing me this morning though - not used to bumps! I'm hoping to get along to a few more in the coming months. The guy I bought along with me, Nick, says thanks. He had a great time and has promised to bring his helmet next week.
Didn't really go to plan this one. Just 2 of us in our starting group although we did had a rather generous handicap. Still wasn't enough - when Wilkes & Co caught us, Rod Freeman and I tagged on for about 5 miles of through and off before being dumped unceremoniously out the back. There was no way I could have coped with 40 miles of that! I got caught by more groups who picked me up and dropped with ever increasing speed before there was nobody else left. I was really tired by the end of lap 3 when our normal distance races would have been finishing. Unfortunately I had to force myself round another lap of rain, hail, snow and glorious sunshine. The weather really did do everything. The only think that was consistent was the wind. Still, my Spring Series object of finishing was acheived, unlike many others who decided that the warmth of the Village Hall was too inviting. Congratulations to anyone foolish enough to race, let alone see the chequered flag.
Bloody weather - we've had windy races and rainy races. This was the first of the year to combine both. Still, usual handicap and start group on my least favourite course. We trundled off well, cathching Caveman and colleague from the 8 1/2 minute group. The it all fell apart. I'm no road racing expert but surely everyone knows how through and off works? I got dropped on the 3rd lap climb to the finish but was fortunate enough to be hoovered up by Gregg who appeared to be on a mission. Having dragged me back to the group, he towed the group along for a mile or so then rode away from all of us! Dropped again on lap 4 climb and hurt myself trying to get back on. With a desperate all out sprint I grabbed the last mans wheel and then couldn't do any more. I spent the remainder of the lap with them in view but not getting any closer. Quite pleased with the race - going quite well for Spring. Can't wait for the TT's to start. No hiding any more!
No news from Caveman so a ride is planned from my house tomorrow at 09:30. Nigel and Brownie are coming. All welcome.
Sold the Turner - just got to post it off to the lucky buyer. So what do I replace it with? I fancy something light, fast and bouncy. Any suggestions?
It's not like me to finish in the bunch in the Spring handicaps. Fortunately(!) the race seemed to be slowed down by the rain that made the road surface feel like a skating rink. Everyone got spooked and played it safe for the last lap. Even the fast boys slowed down so scratch didn't catch us. I got a good handicap again, a testament to my poor results to date but our group was hindered by riders who wouldn't go through smoothly, wanting to demonstrate their cycling prowess by going through hard and then blowing up 15 yds in front of us. Still, the roads were a little less slimy 3rd time round and as far as I know, nobody died. Slapper finally shows that his efforts are paying off with a sprint for =1st at what must be his favourite venue. Well done that man.
Ingredients: 1 x Crossmax front wheel 1 x Schwalbe Racing Ralph 2 x scoops of Stans goo 1 x workshop compressor Tyre seated at the first attempt and so far it has stayed up. It's siting in the corner of the office and I'm waiting for it to go flat.
A more reasonable handicap after last weeks performance. Rod Freeman and I rolled off 7 minutes before scratch - we thought we would do well to stay clear until the main road. As it was, we made it along the airfield road before being swallowed up. As ever, the changes in pace took their toll and I as yo-yoing off the back after the second climb at Lamport - closing the 20yds gap was achievable until the pace went up and they pulled away. I spent the remainder of the race - about 13 miles - on my own. Still, apparently I wasn't last and my time trialling is coming along nicely. 10 minute handicap at Old then? Thanks to Rowland for the tea.
I had low hopes for this race, so finishing was a good result. However, even my worst predictions wouldn't have seen me get dropped before the end of Cottingham! As Brownie and I span along thinking that there was no way the gap would get any bigger, they disappeared up Bringhurst hill. We never stood a chance into the wind on the way to Medbourne. I could have dropped out at the end of lap 2 but I had some company and we decided to cruisae round the 3rd lap. When it came to the final drag into Middleton, someone had replaced my legs with pipe cleaners and I had nothing left. Last place it is then. The only way is up.
I can still do it! Went out for 90 minutes yesterday evening and bumped into the world and it's dog training. Should be fit for the Rocko Boxing Day 10...........
It's official, Nigel and I are improving our trailquesting. 6th in class and 22nd overall at Desborough this weekend and only 1,000,000 points behind Jack! Best of all, we were a long way from last.
Entries open today!!!!! Judging by how fast the winter series has filled up this year, we should get some teams organised pronto. Who's up for it?
I am transferring some bits from an old bike that I never use onto a new bike that I will never use. Has anyone got either of these bits laying around? Shimano Hollowtech 1 crank bolt + washer. Either 8mm solid (Deore) or 10mm hollow (XT) would be nice. Spacers for a Shimano Deore front mech. The new frame has a larger diameter seat tube than the old one and I guess I threw out the spare spacers during the garage clear out!
I've set a bit of a personal record with 6 rides in 2 weeks. This includes 2 sub-zero rides in the last two days with the Numplumz visit to Thrapston lake on Tuesday and the Rocko valley run last night. It was darn chilly and I was well pleased with a cup of Rocko tea back at the clubhouse. Motivation is slowly returning just in time to be blown away by festive mince pie consumption.
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