In the words of Staind 'It's been awhile'

It's been a while since I last posted anything here and I sincerely apologise to both my followers! A lot has changed, my attitude to racing has evolved and racing experience has increased tenfold. 

After years of avoiding joining a team I found myself joining a new team - Racing Club Ravenna. A Chichester based club with some solid members who compete in a variety of disciplines. A lot of my progression is thanks to this team.

Ludgershall Crit round 9

After my last race and seeing the repercussions of Danny Tonkin's accident I think the pre-race nerves that build up as you enter Ludgershall village are more about what could happen rather than the riding itself. Today would prove that theory...

Arriving in the parking ground it was evident that this was going to be another big field and the Cat4s would be split into two groups. Hoping to go for a group ride after I tried to get in into the first race but sods law meant I was in the second group which at least meant I had time for a warm up. With a decent warm up turbo trainer (apologies, that was me on the trainer that sounds like a jet engine) it was nearing 9:30 and the time for my race to start. At the start line it was evident that the first race hadn't started their final three laps and I was rapidly cooling down in the bleak conditions. I should have gone and kept warm but talking with the other racers made seemed more convenient. After what felt like an eternity and with early onset of frostbite (there was only two of us in shorts but even the other person wasn't stupid enough to wear mitts) the final bell rang and the first race was over. 

Ludgershall Crit rd7

Just before the series ends I was persuaded to have a go at the Ludgershall race series. I've not got the best track record when it comes to crits although the end game racing in a  road race is far too appealing and this is a necessary evil. 

The course is a purpose built military test track and is essentially an oval with a small chicane leading into the final corner. I was pre-warned of the course conditions with its leaf litter and ruts. When you're imagining the worst its a pleasant surprise to find out it's no worse than some of your local roads.

After signing on it was a bit of a rush (late getting up as usual) to get the bikes ready and have a quick warm up around the track. From the start line there is a small incline which means a small descent on the other side but riding around it appears as if it is unrelenting flat. A couple of laps and its time to grid.

Lumies Insight rear light

With the increase of accidents involving cyclists being given the opportunity to test out a new and innovative light for Lumicycle was an opportunity not to be missed. The Lumicycle Insight uses a  series of cree leds to give out 50 lumens during normal riding but when the brakes are applied an internal accelerometer activates all leds giving a brake light of 200 lumens! What better warning could you give to road and trail users behind you. 

A Cycling - The Monster

When a new event is described as being the toughest UK sportive and that some entrants aren't likely to finish, the first thought is that you have to be a part of this. A few weeks later and the ride pack comes through a cold sweat starts. What have I just done?!

Matt Page set out with one aim to create a sportive unlike any other. Days later as I hobble around the office I can say that he certainly succeeded.

Dyfi Enduro 2014

The Dyfi Enduro is my favourite event of the year. Take it as you want, a chilled ride with like minded people or hammer it and race against some of the top UK riders.

As usual the Dyfi starts with me and the brother-in-law Gareth Payne queuing at the front of the starting grid. Standing shoulder to shoulder with the top racers like Huw Thomas, Neal Crampton, Matt Page and Dan Evans. After a safety briefing the group move forward to the archway and to keep up with tradition I some how move from the front of the group to about a 100 places back.

The motorbike leads us out through the town at an average speed of what would only be deemed sensible if using 700cc wheels. At the bottom of the first fire road climb the motorbike pulls off and the race is on to get to first singletrack section to avoid the bottlenecking.  

In less than two miles I suffered my first puncture. Annoyingly all of which only became apparent on fire road climbs. My front wheel squirted some sealant but a quick stop and it sealed allowing me to crack on. It wouldn't be long until my rear would follow suit. Unfortunately I would be so lucky with it dealing and within no time I had latex covered ankles. Not wanting to mess about I put a tube in, unfortunately this wouldn't last to long either.

I  pushed on the best I could trying to climb and descend as safely and quickly as possible. At the feed station I decided to put in a while new tube. Luckily this would hold up for the rest of the race but unfortunately the same was done.

I didn't finish in the top 100 where I wanted to be but at least with the amount of punctures I got to enjoy the latter part of the ride and just ride for the sake of riding.

Next year... there's always a next year

Portsmouth Duathlon round 2

7:45am on a Sunday morning and the sun is already shining as I pull up for round 2 of the Portsmouth Duathlon. After signing up and getting the bike racked it's time to wait for the obligatory pre-race piss before heading over to the start line. 

Lining up at the start line it was good to see so many other guys who, like me, were struggling to pull off a tri suit. A short countdown and we're off following the lead out around the back of the Castle. I kept up with a group of 6 runners, although by the time we hit the D-Day museum, realised that the pace was probably a bit too much for me. Looking at my watch showing a sub 6 min mile it was time to leave these guys go and settle into my own pace. Heading down the beach towards the marina the runners ahead were doing a u-turn heading back towards the start line for a loop around Clarence Pier.  The lack of running over the past 6 weeks was becoming apparent and my legs were feeling heavy. On the return to the transition I was hoping that the bike leg would loosen my legs got the final run.

With a reasonably quick transition I was off on the second leg of my journey. In the last mile of the run a few people had overtaken me and a reasonably good start on the bike meant I had regained those places. After heading down to the turn point in the marina it was time to head back up to Southsea Common. Riding down toward the Pyramids I was caught out by a turning point. A junction point near the transition area caught me out. I shouted at a marshall for direction but received none, instead I followed another cyclist that I had not long overtaken previously back to the transition. The unfortunate result of waiting in the toilet queue instead of attending the pre-race briefing would mean that I didn't know that there was a second loop of Southsea Common. This stupidity would cost me later with a 5 minute penalty - SHIT!

Back at transition I racked my bike and had a major issue with changing shoes. Who knew elastic laces could be so complicated! I set off for my final 5km lap around Clarence Pier. My legs were now screaming. The heavy feeling of my legs was evident by the scraping sound of my soles on the tarmac. Eventually there is the welcome sound of the crowd around the finish line and my legs can rest up for the rest of the day. 

A great intro into road based duathlon and I look forward to a hopefully more successful round 3.