Have just about warmed up and dried out after my final road race of the season - the traditional year-ender of the Doncaster Wheelers Autumn RR. A 3rds/4ths race of 15 laps round the tight, triangular circuit at Styrrup; last year it was warm and sunny and felt very "Indian Summer" but this year it simply p***ed down and the temperature never got above the low teens. Team Clifton was me and Tim - sixth reserve but guaranteed a ride by the unappealing weather - along with Cliftonite-to-be Andy Coates, who punctured early in the race.
Unlike Muzzy, who revels in foul weather, I always go badly when the weather's poor and my legs felt tired and lifeless by the end of the first time up the hill to the line, despite a lengthy alleged "warm up". Tim and I slotted into the second half of the bunch and clung in there through the forty-five sprints out of corners and general wet-road sliding around. On the final run-in we, and a few other weary souls, drifted off the back and let those with more pep fight it out to the line. One of my least favourite races of the year, but another season completed without mishap and with lots of fun being had. Just not here.
Photos of the unpleasantness now at http://martin.photium.com/portfolio119554p1.html
Weekend round-up, 18th/19th
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Weekend round-up, 18th/19th
Last edited by PhilBixby on Mon Sep 20, 2010 7:52 am, edited 1 time in total.
Looks like we had the better of the weekend weather on Saturday. A league of nations tackled the intermediate ride from the Square, including a secondee from Italy, a Kiwi, an Irishman, various English types and, of course, an Aussie. The group of 7 comprised Carol, Andrew, Pete K, Richard, Tony, a new Dave and yours truly. A couple of brand spanking new bikes amongst us had my 9 yr old jalopy looking a bit jaded - but unperturbed 
The destination was Driffield; out through Leavening and up Settrington Bank. At the top, a whip crack prompted a mayhem chase at 30+ mph en masse across the ridge and down into West Lutton. Then on to the nice stretch of road from Cowlam to Driffield where we café’d at the Garden Centre next to the flour mills. We took the direct route back to York through Skerne, Hutton, Tibthorpe and Huggate. The return leg was a real slog into the teeth of a hefty Westerly which presented its own challenges in terms of keeping the group together. At the end, I almost skittled two kamikaze Grannies in the middle of York when they decided to dash across the road in between two of us as we belted through…don’t know how many points you get for that! 
A nice dry day and a nice route, just wish I could have turned the wind around on the return leg I might have a go at the ‘Arthur’ next week.
D.
The destination was Driffield; out through Leavening and up Settrington Bank. At the top, a whip crack prompted a mayhem chase at 30+ mph en masse across the ridge and down into West Lutton. Then on to the nice stretch of road from Cowlam to Driffield where we café’d at the Garden Centre next to the flour mills. We took the direct route back to York through Skerne, Hutton, Tibthorpe and Huggate. The return leg was a real slog into the teeth of a hefty Westerly which presented its own challenges in terms of keeping the group together. At the end, I almost skittled two kamikaze Grannies in the middle of York when they decided to dash across the road in between two of us as we belted through…don’t know how many points you get for that! A nice dry day and a nice route, just wish I could have turned the wind around on the return leg I might have a go at the ‘Arthur’ next week.D.
Quite a bit going on this weekend. Heard that Muzzy and Sean fared well "up north" on Saturday (evidently Paul actually found the race this time, and then stirred it up.)
Sunday Clubrun for me. Pleased to find Nigel, DaveC and Heather in The Square despite the rain. Agreed to head for Helmesley and see how it panned out.
Small finesse on the Reliability route through the incessant rain. Upside was that the roads were quiet and we could ride happily in 2s, sharing the work and keeping it together.
In the cafe, over some fantastic bacon, we agreed that since we were already soaked to the skin we might as well keep going round the original planned route to Cockayne. Good fun with self and Nigel watching (from a distance) as Dave tried to utilise his many extra red blood cells from a week in the Pyrenees in repeated attempts to drop Heather on the climbs....
We all agreed that the cloud/mist/rain added a certain dramatic(ness) to the scenery, though I have to admit that 30oC and blue skies would have been preferable.
Back in York around 3 feeling pretty battered by heavy conditions and roads.... but with some smug satisfaction through being out in it for the day.
Sunday Clubrun for me. Pleased to find Nigel, DaveC and Heather in The Square despite the rain. Agreed to head for Helmesley and see how it panned out.
Small finesse on the Reliability route through the incessant rain. Upside was that the roads were quiet and we could ride happily in 2s, sharing the work and keeping it together.
In the cafe, over some fantastic bacon, we agreed that since we were already soaked to the skin we might as well keep going round the original planned route to Cockayne. Good fun with self and Nigel watching (from a distance) as Dave tried to utilise his many extra red blood cells from a week in the Pyrenees in repeated attempts to drop Heather on the climbs....
We all agreed that the cloud/mist/rain added a certain dramatic(ness) to the scenery, though I have to admit that 30oC and blue skies would have been preferable.
Back in York around 3 feeling pretty battered by heavy conditions and roads.... but with some smug satisfaction through being out in it for the day.
"Unlike Muzzy, who revels in foul weather"
Unfortunately I had to make do with a fine, dry and relatively warm afternoon for the latest instalment of Steel Cycles Super Saturday Road Race Series - on Saturday would you believe. As you may recall I had a bit of a nightmare trying to get to one of these a couple of weeks ago but couldn't really let my season end there. Oh yes and this time I had talked Shaun Lawson into coming with me thinking it would be an ideal first event for a road race rookie. Set off at eleven o'clock expecting to be there for 1300. At 1310 we were still sat on the A1 in Newcastle with 20 miles still to drive! However I had no further problems and we fell out of the car at the hq (I mean roadside) on the start and finish hill at 1330.
This series follows a very simple formula - cheap entry, no facilities, well marshalled but quite tough circuit but other than that I knew it wouldn't be an easy race. No time for a warm up but saw my chance to get away from the other 39 starters after a couple of miles so had a mile or two off the front. Although it was a fine day the circuit was blasted with crosswinds, a short stretch of headwind and the only tail wind was uphill to the finish. I was feeling ok but once I was caught decided to keep my powder dry for a few of the 7 laps. The finish is on Saltwick Hill. I've used it before as a finish hill but never part of a circuit. Although it was the only real climb there was no flat and there were also long sections of really rough road. About half way through the event a couple of riders were off the front with a 30 second lead, I managed to get away in pursuit and was quickly joined by another rider. We had a full lap away but were caught by the bunch before we got across to the 2 ahead who were caught soon after. However by now the bunch had thinned down to about 20 riders. Incredibly, Shaun, who had already been dropped before I got away had kept chasing and regained the bunch in the time I was away - in other words he had ridden the lap alone & faster than the 2-up I was in and the bunch!
Penultimate time up the hill two riders blasted off the front and out of site in no time resigning the rest of us to the minor placings. Another guy who shouldnt have stayed away, did just that so the bunch were grinding up the finish climb for 4th place. Managed to get 8th and Shaun 14th so we were both very pleased with that. I reckon I've only done 6 BC road races this year and managed top 10s in 3 of them so I cant be too disappointed with that on the training I'm doing. Shaun was also pleased he made the trip and it has given him some incentive to road race next year.
Unfortunately I had to make do with a fine, dry and relatively warm afternoon for the latest instalment of Steel Cycles Super Saturday Road Race Series - on Saturday would you believe. As you may recall I had a bit of a nightmare trying to get to one of these a couple of weeks ago but couldn't really let my season end there. Oh yes and this time I had talked Shaun Lawson into coming with me thinking it would be an ideal first event for a road race rookie. Set off at eleven o'clock expecting to be there for 1300. At 1310 we were still sat on the A1 in Newcastle with 20 miles still to drive! However I had no further problems and we fell out of the car at the hq (I mean roadside) on the start and finish hill at 1330.
This series follows a very simple formula - cheap entry, no facilities, well marshalled but quite tough circuit but other than that I knew it wouldn't be an easy race. No time for a warm up but saw my chance to get away from the other 39 starters after a couple of miles so had a mile or two off the front. Although it was a fine day the circuit was blasted with crosswinds, a short stretch of headwind and the only tail wind was uphill to the finish. I was feeling ok but once I was caught decided to keep my powder dry for a few of the 7 laps. The finish is on Saltwick Hill. I've used it before as a finish hill but never part of a circuit. Although it was the only real climb there was no flat and there were also long sections of really rough road. About half way through the event a couple of riders were off the front with a 30 second lead, I managed to get away in pursuit and was quickly joined by another rider. We had a full lap away but were caught by the bunch before we got across to the 2 ahead who were caught soon after. However by now the bunch had thinned down to about 20 riders. Incredibly, Shaun, who had already been dropped before I got away had kept chasing and regained the bunch in the time I was away - in other words he had ridden the lap alone & faster than the 2-up I was in and the bunch!
Penultimate time up the hill two riders blasted off the front and out of site in no time resigning the rest of us to the minor placings. Another guy who shouldnt have stayed away, did just that so the bunch were grinding up the finish climb for 4th place. Managed to get 8th and Shaun 14th so we were both very pleased with that. I reckon I've only done 6 BC road races this year and managed top 10s in 3 of them so I cant be too disappointed with that on the training I'm doing. Shaun was also pleased he made the trip and it has given him some incentive to road race next year.
Saturday ride out to Driffield - the secret seven
Darren thanks for the post - and to Andrew, Pete, Richard, Tony, and the 'new' Dave for a great ride! Must remember in future to ride out Eastbound so we benefit from the Westerly tail winds home! 'Pretty please' Kevin our lovely route planner? 
Sorry I missed the Granny chasing there Darren, never a dull moment?!
I'm orf pedalling Etna for the next 2 weekends but looking forward to the next freezing cold Blighty Saturday ride, er with my duvet no doubt!
Sorry I missed the Granny chasing there Darren, never a dull moment?!
I'm orf pedalling Etna for the next 2 weekends but looking forward to the next freezing cold Blighty Saturday ride, er with my duvet no doubt!
Four of us at the square on Saturday for the H ride, Chris C, Shaun W, Howard of course and myself.
Set off into a headwind with Howard and Shaun steaming away at 20 + mph taking about 5 mile turns on the front, I took my turn and managed to keep the pace up then Chris did his share before having to take another route as he had to be back early, we headed out through Thirsk and then Northallerton before arriving at Osmotherly by then I was struggling up the inclines (laying heavy floor tiles at home had taken it's toll on my back and the old legs were just not up to it) although I felt ok otherwise.
After the climb out of Osmotherly with Howard and Shaun waiting for me at the top I told them to go on at their pace and I would see them at the ice cream cafe at Helmsley, I love this road between Osmotherly through Hawnby to Helmsley and feeling a bit better I arrived at the cafe just a couple of minutes behind them. good meal followed by a very large ice cream in a tall large glass dish with many extras added (must have been about 1000 calories) then back to York via Ampleforth and Brandsby bank with me hanging on unable to share any of the work.
Good hard ride which left me really tired at the end and after that ice cream did not want to eat for the rest of the day .
Set off into a headwind with Howard and Shaun steaming away at 20 + mph taking about 5 mile turns on the front, I took my turn and managed to keep the pace up then Chris did his share before having to take another route as he had to be back early, we headed out through Thirsk and then Northallerton before arriving at Osmotherly by then I was struggling up the inclines (laying heavy floor tiles at home had taken it's toll on my back and the old legs were just not up to it) although I felt ok otherwise.
After the climb out of Osmotherly with Howard and Shaun waiting for me at the top I told them to go on at their pace and I would see them at the ice cream cafe at Helmsley, I love this road between Osmotherly through Hawnby to Helmsley and feeling a bit better I arrived at the cafe just a couple of minutes behind them. good meal followed by a very large ice cream in a tall large glass dish with many extras added (must have been about 1000 calories) then back to York via Ampleforth and Brandsby bank with me hanging on unable to share any of the work.
Good hard ride which left me really tired at the end and after that ice cream did not want to eat for the rest of the day .
Are we there yet
I did my first races for GB this weekend, mountain bike orienteering at the world cup in Italy. I only had 2 weeks to learn to read the maps beforehand so was very nervous about it all. I entered the open sprint on the 1st day and managed to get some booty on the podium! I wasn't fast though as I was told go steady and nail the nav (it's so easy to get disqualified). The next day was the elite middle race and I did much better in this, I was just 5 mins off the next GB riders time, which I was very pleased with given it was only my 2nd race ever! The final race was the terrifying relay in which I raced the 2nd leg for GB. I had a complete nightmare race, getting psyched out by the sheer fact that I was in amongst all these proper athletes in country strips, who I thought belonged on the TV not racing me. So I completely messed up the 1st control, recovering for a few controls I then punctured and couldn't get the tyre off or the thorn out! I finished my leg and although slow I didn't disgrace myself. It was such an amazing experience to see how things are at the international level and to mix with such talented people.
Well done Steph. Not many MTBers can put 'raced for GB Team' on their CV so you've got some great experience there. Podium on your 1st outing too
Meanwhile, much more important competition was taking place at Tockwith on Saturday. A group of us took up our positions on the start line against some stiff local talent for some 2 hour endurance racing. After an hour of racing the 2 Clifton Teams were sitting pretty, swapping 5th and 6th place out of 14 teams. Lisa on 1 team was proving just as quick round a track as she is on a MTB and difficult to pass - until some dirty tactics came into play. Ian broke 2 machines in 2 hours (nothing new there then). Coming into the final 5 minutes 1 of the Clifton teams had made it into 3rd place, just half a lap ahead of 4th but then disaster...Al's visor steamed up and he had to pit. Thinking it was all over Rich bravely took up the chase to regain 3rd on the final bend to take a podium finish. Seb took the prize of fastest lap of the afternoon.
After the karting, we headed to the Beer Festival at the Knavesmire to meet some others, embellish tales from the afternoon and compare 'tipples'. The day was rounded off with a trip into town for more refreshments and a curry.
Meanwhile, much more important competition was taking place at Tockwith on Saturday. A group of us took up our positions on the start line against some stiff local talent for some 2 hour endurance racing. After an hour of racing the 2 Clifton Teams were sitting pretty, swapping 5th and 6th place out of 14 teams. Lisa on 1 team was proving just as quick round a track as she is on a MTB and difficult to pass - until some dirty tactics came into play. Ian broke 2 machines in 2 hours (nothing new there then). Coming into the final 5 minutes 1 of the Clifton teams had made it into 3rd place, just half a lap ahead of 4th but then disaster...Al's visor steamed up and he had to pit. Thinking it was all over Rich bravely took up the chase to regain 3rd on the final bend to take a podium finish. Seb took the prize of fastest lap of the afternoon.
After the karting, we headed to the Beer Festival at the Knavesmire to meet some others, embellish tales from the afternoon and compare 'tipples'. The day was rounded off with a trip into town for more refreshments and a curry.