by PhilBixby
Sun Apr 19, 2015 8:08 am
Barton Wheelers old blokes*** Aussie Pursuit yesterday for me, plus John S, Mark D and Andy C. A lovely sunny day, with a brisk easterly slowing things on the usually rapid descent on the main road at the top of the circuit. Often my season-opener, but this year I'd had a comfy ride at Seacroft Wheelers to persuade me the winter had been a success; this was different though.
The six 55-59's set off like a collective scalded cat, and before the end of the first lap I was off the back. When the 50-54's caught me I managed a couple of laps before departing rearwards; tucked in the back I survived but put in a turn or two and I ran out of steam. A lap or so later John & Mark turned up with the 45-49's and both Andy C and I slotted onto the back and pretty much stayed there until the end.
I always come away from experiences like that beating myself up for not being hard enough, and then look at the numbers:- Well over 300W for the initial stint with my age group, and nearly 280W with the next lot, neither of which I can maintain for more than a handful of minutes despite many years training with that as a goal. Just over 250W overall, despite hiding behind John & Mark, who both looked very strong. 2/3/4's at Braithwell next week, which I suspect will be a lot easier - vets racing is serious stuff!
*** Not strictly just blokes:- women can ride by simply adding 10yrs to their age, and Hull Thursday's Mandy Dean (wife of Neil) kicked off in the 60-64 group, putting in a strong ride but looking pretty shocked at the end of it.
The six 55-59's set off like a collective scalded cat, and before the end of the first lap I was off the back. When the 50-54's caught me I managed a couple of laps before departing rearwards; tucked in the back I survived but put in a turn or two and I ran out of steam. A lap or so later John & Mark turned up with the 45-49's and both Andy C and I slotted onto the back and pretty much stayed there until the end.
I always come away from experiences like that beating myself up for not being hard enough, and then look at the numbers:- Well over 300W for the initial stint with my age group, and nearly 280W with the next lot, neither of which I can maintain for more than a handful of minutes despite many years training with that as a goal. Just over 250W overall, despite hiding behind John & Mark, who both looked very strong. 2/3/4's at Braithwell next week, which I suspect will be a lot easier - vets racing is serious stuff!
*** Not strictly just blokes:- women can ride by simply adding 10yrs to their age, and Hull Thursday's Mandy Dean (wife of Neil) kicked off in the 60-64 group, putting in a strong ride but looking pretty shocked at the end of it.