Rowans Hospice; The Ruby Ride 2013

For the second year running Kenn Scaddan Associates Limited took part in raising money for The Rowans Hospice by cycling the 65 mile epic route. Starting at 1000 Lakeside the route takes you on a trip around the perimeter of Portsmouth before heading out into the quiet countryside.

Southern XC round 5: Avon Tyrrel

I had been looking forward to this round for a while. Southern XC had been giving away glimpses of course on Facebook and I was itching for the days to pass quickly so I could have a go on the jumps section - who said xc racing wasn't fun?!

Southern XC round 3 Wasing Estate

Arriving later than scheduled I walked over to the sign in tent to collect my number. The number of pre-entries in the sport category was a lot higher than round 2 and with a handful of on-the-day entries we were looking at a good number of riders on the start line.

Winchester Crit - 16th June

By a stroke of luck I found out that a couple of crits were being held at Winchester Park and Ride over the weekend. More importantly they were Cat4 only which meant I could have a bit of practice riding in a group in a slightly more forgiving atmosphere.

I rocked up to a pretty empty looking car park and went to sign on to find out that only four other people had signed up. I was hoping for a full field so I could compare this ride against my last hideous attempt. After a bit of a warm up 9 of us were lining up on the start line. The whistle sounded and we were off at some ridiculous pace that I was hoping would only last for a couple of laps before easing back. Trying to learn from last time I stuck to the back of the group trying to take advantage of their slipstream whilst also watching their lines to further my experience. 

Within a couple of laps the group was spread out and three individual groups were forming. Three guys went off the front with a strong pace while I was trying to stick to the back wheel of the guy in 8th. It didn't take too long until I was spat out of the back but I was adamant not to lose site of the guy in 8th place. I pushed the best I could and after a while I was becoming more confident on the bike. A sharp hairpin on the final straight was a difficult corner to get to grips with but before the end of the race I was trusting the tyres more and more meaning I was hitting it quicker which was a good thing as my legs were killing on all the other sections! 

Eventually the checkered flag was in sight and I finished in 9th which meant last place again but at least this time I didn't feel well and truly embarrassed.   With a bit of luck I may have accrued a point which will mean another 9 races with 9 people or less and I can finally do a proper road race which will suit me better. 

I'm not a roadie... but

Given the rubbish weather we've had this year I've spent a lot more time on the road bike saving the Epic from the wintry side effects of the South Downs Way. It was meant to be a means of keeping up the base miles ready for a summer of racing. Little did I know at the time that I would get hooked on it - the speed and ease was awesome.

Southern XC: Crow Hill, rd 2

After Round 1 of the Southern XC series there was no real doubt in my mind that Round 2 was a must. The course choice and organisation was excellent. Throw in a friendly atmosphere and you couldn't ask for better place to be on a Sunday. I made a slight school boy error a few months back by entering the Hargroves 4 hour enduro which I hadn't realised was the night before the SXC event so I was expecting the Sunday would be a mission to get out of bed let alone race a bike.

Stevens Enduro, Queen Elizabeth Country Park

I missed last years event as I was away so this was one for this years calendar especially as it's on my doorstep. The event was put on by Hargroves Cycles and was part of the QE Cyclefest which allowed you to mock the beardy-wierdies who were demo-ing 650B and 29ers for the first time.

Dyfi Enduro 2013

The Dyfi Enduro is probably the most exciting non-competitive race of the year. I've not come across another event that can match it for the arduous climbs, exhilarating descents and breathtaking views. Throw in some razor sharp rocks and anything can happen! Entry went live at the start of February and sold out in a record 20 minutes showing just how popular this event is.

Southern XC Rd 1 - Matterley Basin

I haven't raced the mtb in a while so decided to have a go at the Southern XC events. Matterley Basin is a new course for 2013 designed by UK Biking and is better known as the British Motocross Grand Prix venue. The week before the event was pretty appalling weather-wise and  it should have been a complete wash out but on arrival it was clear to see that the course had held up well judging by the look of the other racers. With the sun out there was also a great risk of racing in shorts and s/s jersey! 

Dipping my toes in - Portsmouth Easter Circuits

Given the weather over the past few months I've been riding the road bike a lot, who knew that when I bought the retro Giant Peloton I'd enjoy it so much. It's been my primary source of training,although not ideal,  for the upcoming mtb races. A friend bought a road bike a few months back and did really well at the Mountbatten Circuits. A closed circuit event - what's not to like?