I'll kick this off for a change.
Team Clifton was in action on Sunday at the Steve Rigby Memorial RR for 13 laps of the Ledsham circit near Kippax. This is a triangle of roads with a flat bit, a climb (through the finish line) and a fast descent on a road featuring Yorkshire's largest potholes. Muzzy, Tom and I were out in the red'n'black along with a number of other local regulars.
Being only a 3rds/4ths event the pace was a bit more do-able than the one LikeMyBike and I got shelled out of a few weeks back, and I spent the first three laps sat comfortably somewhere towards the front. Then, on the 4th time up the climb, with everyone up out of the saddle giving it some, this bloke appears in front of me sat down and slowly turning the pedals - doing about 10mph less than everyone else. The bloke next to me went right, I went left, and thought I'd just squeezed past him, when I came to an abrupt stop and fell off! I must have touched him on the way past (or someone else did) and he'd fallen, putting his bars through my back wheel. After clambering up and trying to straighten it all out I realised I'd got two broken spokes... ...game over!
The young lad who'd come off and I had an exchange which began with him berating me for knocking him off, then switched to me pointing out he was wobbling up the middle of the climb at 5mph and what did he expect, followed by him saying it was his first race and "I can't get up them hills". Followed by him asking for training tips and me nearly wrapping the remains of my wheel round his neck - I really am becoming a grumpy old man!
One of the marshals gave me a lift to the HQ (where a young Kippax kid asked if that wheel is meant to be like that - he nearly got it round his neck too) and back for an early bath - fortunately only a few cuts and bruises - I seem to have an imprint of my stem on my thigh; and no damage to the rest of the bike. First crash in about four years though, so mustn't grumble!
Muzzy? Tom? How'd ya do?
Weekend Round-up 9/10 May
Moderator: Moderators
Had my hardest day on the bike since the Yorkshire Alps last autumn - in the same race as Phil. Made life harder for myself by riding out, getting lost near Kippax (no road signs!) and having to sprint for HQ with 15 mins to spare. They'd given my number to a reserve by then, but heard my sob story and put me in anyway (and looked after all my gear as I'd no time to stow it).
Phil described the course - the crucial part being a nasty on/off winding climb up to the finish line. After a couple of laps it was clear what the form was: conserve energy on the rest of the circuit to use on the climb. Each time round we seemed to shed a few more there. I was coping okay, comfortably sitting in the back half of the group for the first seven laps, but around then I noticed the climb feeling harder each time, and I was slipping a few places on the way up. In my hurry I'd left all my food in my pack, and only had my bottle of carbo drink with me for fuel, so I knew I was in trouble.
I tried to be as economical as possible, but around lap 10 someone attacked near the top of the climb and the whole field splintered. Cue frantic attempts to dodge the toast and grab a safe wheel, but after a couple of minutes I was still on the wrong end of a split. I'd nearly given up when a Malton rider passed me shouting "Why sir, 'tis a shame to surrender the race now, after such exemplary efforts thus far" or words to that effect and we managed one last lunge to get back in the race.
After that I thought I would get spat out on the next climb, but as often seems to happen, the pace slowed towards the end as the leaders conclude it's going to be bunch sprint, so there was a stay of execution. Made it to the finish, just slipping off the back on the final sprint which I couldn't see the point in contesting.
My troubles weren't quite over, as I got back to HQ and handed in my number I realised I needed to be home in less than an hour so my wife could be somewhere, so I necked all the food I'd meant for the race and pushed on home with protesting legs. Overall that meant about 95 miles averaging somewhere over 21mph, and it really felt like it!
Enjoyed the race though, which was very friendly and well run, on a hard but pretty circuit. The sign-in team were extremely helpful, sorting me out with a few minutes to spare and looking after my gear during the race. One for next year, but with better preparation and more fuel on board I think.
Phil described the course - the crucial part being a nasty on/off winding climb up to the finish line. After a couple of laps it was clear what the form was: conserve energy on the rest of the circuit to use on the climb. Each time round we seemed to shed a few more there. I was coping okay, comfortably sitting in the back half of the group for the first seven laps, but around then I noticed the climb feeling harder each time, and I was slipping a few places on the way up. In my hurry I'd left all my food in my pack, and only had my bottle of carbo drink with me for fuel, so I knew I was in trouble.
I tried to be as economical as possible, but around lap 10 someone attacked near the top of the climb and the whole field splintered. Cue frantic attempts to dodge the toast and grab a safe wheel, but after a couple of minutes I was still on the wrong end of a split. I'd nearly given up when a Malton rider passed me shouting "Why sir, 'tis a shame to surrender the race now, after such exemplary efforts thus far" or words to that effect and we managed one last lunge to get back in the race.
After that I thought I would get spat out on the next climb, but as often seems to happen, the pace slowed towards the end as the leaders conclude it's going to be bunch sprint, so there was a stay of execution. Made it to the finish, just slipping off the back on the final sprint which I couldn't see the point in contesting.
My troubles weren't quite over, as I got back to HQ and handed in my number I realised I needed to be home in less than an hour so my wife could be somewhere, so I necked all the food I'd meant for the race and pushed on home with protesting legs. Overall that meant about 95 miles averaging somewhere over 21mph, and it really felt like it!
Enjoyed the race though, which was very friendly and well run, on a hard but pretty circuit. The sign-in team were extremely helpful, sorting me out with a few minutes to spare and looking after my gear during the race. One for next year, but with better preparation and more fuel on board I think.
4 of the Trailquest regulars did the Fred Whitton this weekend; Nick, Richard, Steph and myself.
Nick and Richard did it solo to see what they could do against the clock.
Steph had never ridden 100m before, so I repaid her (she got me the place) by riding round with her.
I don't think I'd recommend most people tackle the Fred Whitton as their first century but she managed it and, unlike most other riders on Hardknott, rode everything and finished in 8 1/2 hours, so a great effort. Some of you might have already seen her graphic description of what she went through, tears and all.
Scary bit for me was, descending Hardknott in the heavy rain probably a tad too quick, putting my bike in a perfectly balanced 2 wheel skid towards the edge (thus creating 3 skid marks!). Managed to recover it quickly though.
Nick came 15th in 6.15 and Richard came in at 6.57 so good results from them.
Oh! nearly forgot the important statistics for those who get off on them http://www.flickr.com/photos/paulo_c/3522170107/
Nick and Richard did it solo to see what they could do against the clock.
Steph had never ridden 100m before, so I repaid her (she got me the place) by riding round with her.
I don't think I'd recommend most people tackle the Fred Whitton as their first century but she managed it and, unlike most other riders on Hardknott, rode everything and finished in 8 1/2 hours, so a great effort. Some of you might have already seen her graphic description of what she went through, tears and all.
Scary bit for me was, descending Hardknott in the heavy rain probably a tad too quick, putting my bike in a perfectly balanced 2 wheel skid towards the edge (thus creating 3 skid marks!). Managed to recover it quickly though.
Nick came 15th in 6.15 and Richard came in at 6.57 so good results from them.
Oh! nearly forgot the important statistics for those who get off on them http://www.flickr.com/photos/paulo_c/3522170107/
Last edited by Tullio on Mon May 11, 2009 8:51 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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BroomWagon
- Posts: 280
- Joined: Fri Mar 17, 2006 8:27 pm
- Location: Elvington
Yes I completed the team in the Steve Rigby Mem RR. I can confirm all the pot holes are in the same places they were when I first rode the circuit about 20 years ago. I thankfully managed to avoid the deepest ones and avoid any other incidents (I saw you go down Phil and thankfully get up again!). I was moderately involved in the actual racing but had to queue for the final turn which left me a bit too much to do. I think I came in about 12th? Not one of my favourite circuits this and I kind of regret not riding the John May memorial at Sharlston as all the best Elites were riding the Lincoln GP (I see Kit was 10th).
However I was happy enough with my ride as felt rubbish all week.
Going back to something Tom mentioned - I've been dropped loads of times in road races on the first lap but never on the last lap. I quite enjoyed the race yesterday for the simple fact that on the last lap the bunch was together and I was getting twitchy because I can sprint uphill! As I was saying yesterday Tom in that situation you have to get your race face on, forget about the suffering thats gone before and just think about the riders you are going to pass on the way to the line. Its a mind game is this! And if you run out of food remember who your team mates are - they can only say no.
However I was happy enough with my ride as felt rubbish all week.
Going back to something Tom mentioned - I've been dropped loads of times in road races on the first lap but never on the last lap. I quite enjoyed the race yesterday for the simple fact that on the last lap the bunch was together and I was getting twitchy because I can sprint uphill! As I was saying yesterday Tom in that situation you have to get your race face on, forget about the suffering thats gone before and just think about the riders you are going to pass on the way to the line. Its a mind game is this! And if you run out of food remember who your team mates are - they can only say no.
I know this is rather late to be posting a reply for last w/e events but when you hear why you will understand.
After a very enjoyable Saturday ride watching the open TT I took part in the Selby bke ride on Sunday whcih incidently I saw Ian H and Steve 'Broomwagon' R in as well. It was on my way back home form the ride that things started to go wrong. To cut a long story short I was involved in a seroius RTA which I came off worst from. It was along Barlby road just before the Toll Bridge when I was hit by a car turning right into one of the side streets. My face has taken must of the impact and acted like a bumper. This has resulted in a broken nose, a severe laceration to my upper lip and the loss of several teeth. Without going into too much detail it left me in hospital overnight and I am now recovering at home. The real bizarre thing is I dont have any recollection of the events of been hit, all I remember is waking up from been knocked unconcious on the road side. Its going to mean a few weeks off the bike while things heal and some extensive dental work.
But let me leave you with one thought about the whole 'Should you wear an helmet debate'. The answer in my opinion is a definite YES as this particuliar item probably saved my life. I dread to think what state my skull would have been in if you could only see my face.
Jon
After a very enjoyable Saturday ride watching the open TT I took part in the Selby bke ride on Sunday whcih incidently I saw Ian H and Steve 'Broomwagon' R in as well. It was on my way back home form the ride that things started to go wrong. To cut a long story short I was involved in a seroius RTA which I came off worst from. It was along Barlby road just before the Toll Bridge when I was hit by a car turning right into one of the side streets. My face has taken must of the impact and acted like a bumper. This has resulted in a broken nose, a severe laceration to my upper lip and the loss of several teeth. Without going into too much detail it left me in hospital overnight and I am now recovering at home. The real bizarre thing is I dont have any recollection of the events of been hit, all I remember is waking up from been knocked unconcious on the road side. Its going to mean a few weeks off the bike while things heal and some extensive dental work.
But let me leave you with one thought about the whole 'Should you wear an helmet debate'. The answer in my opinion is a definite YES as this particuliar item probably saved my life. I dread to think what state my skull would have been in if you could only see my face.
Jon
That sounds rough, but like you say could have been much worse. Hope the recovery goes well and look forward to seeing you again on the Saturday rides.Jon G wrote:I know this is rather late to be posting a reply for last w/e events but when you hear why you will understand.
After a very enjoyable Saturday ride watching the open TT I took part in the Selby bke ride on Sunday whcih incidently I saw Ian H and Steve 'Broomwagon' R in as well. It was on my way back home form the ride that things started to go wrong. To cut a long story short I was involved in a seroius RTA which I came off worst from. It was along Barlby road just before the Toll Bridge when I was hit by a car turning right into one of the side streets. My face has taken must of the impact and acted like a bumper. This has resulted in a broken nose, a severe laceration to my upper lip and the loss of several teeth. Without going into too much detail it left me in hospital overnight and I am now recovering at home. The real bizarre thing is I dont have any recollection of the events of been hit, all I remember is waking up from been knocked unconcious on the road side. Its going to mean a few weeks off the bike while things heal and some extensive dental work.
But let me leave you with one thought about the whole 'Should you wear an helmet debate'. The answer in my opinion is a definite YES as this particuliar item probably saved my life. I dread to think what state my skull would have been in if you could only see my face.
Jon
All the best.
me too, John. Hope you are feeling better soon. Sounds like a real messy accident. After riding with you on Saturday and all those extra miles you've been doing every week with riding in and out from Selby aswell as the Saturday rides........
Try to rest up and recover. I'm relieved it was not worse than you describe.
Thinking of you
Claire
Try to rest up and recover. I'm relieved it was not worse than you describe.
Thinking of you
Claire
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BroomWagon
- Posts: 280
- Joined: Fri Mar 17, 2006 8:27 pm
- Location: Elvington
Sorry to hear about that John. It must have been a bit of a jinx day because Ian got knocked off his bike too, by of all things another cyclist. I also escaped by the skin of my teeth, I cut the corner on a sharp bend and it would be that point that a car was coming the opposite way. I luckily managed to swerve out of the way and there was no-one to blame but me, but it certainly shook me up.
Hope you get well soon.
Hope you get well soon.
Thanks to you all for the get well messages. The real irony is that my body is relatively uninjured so should be back riding sooner rather than later hopefully. I might wait abit longer before embarking on a 100miler though.
In the meantime the bike will be getting a thorough check over at the LBS
for any cracks. They have already told me that I should replace the carbon front forks as the principle impact was against these ( I think!!). I must say I am inclined to agree. However the overall appearance of the bike shows very minimal damage whcih quite frankly amazes me considering the accident left me looking like Quasimodo.
But anyway thats looking a bit too far ahead I think I need to concentrate on getting better.
Thanks again
Jon
In the meantime the bike will be getting a thorough check over at the LBS
for any cracks. They have already told me that I should replace the carbon front forks as the principle impact was against these ( I think!!). I must say I am inclined to agree. However the overall appearance of the bike shows very minimal damage whcih quite frankly amazes me considering the accident left me looking like Quasimodo.
But anyway thats looking a bit too far ahead I think I need to concentrate on getting better.
Thanks again
Jon