After the puncture fest of the Clifton Vets and BC races last year, along with the somewhat damp conditions we have experienced of late, I feared the worst. Punctured after just over half a lap. After repairing this popped back to HQ to pick up another tube and ended up doing 5 laps in an attempt to salvage something from the morning. Loads of other fellas punctured or just packed. Gave my second tube to another unfortunate rider who faced a long walk back to HQ. Could have easily given out 2 or 3 more tubes -if I'd had them - to other unlucky riders. If I'd kept riding round - instead of missing a lap - I would have finished at least 25th which says everything in that there were 70 names on the start sheet.
Rich managed to get ride as a reserve. Don't know if he faired any better....
Racing Roundup
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Cyan Skymoos
- Posts: 525
- Joined: Mon Jan 25, 2010 1:46 pm
" Hope the vets at the Derek Smith had a bit more luck..."
Well, slightly more, although luck-wise we're clearly starting from a very low base!
Arrived up on the hill above Elland to find the sky black in all directions and rain absolutely sheeting down - a fair number of riders just gave their apologies at that point and left. By about thirty-to-go the carpark was full of riders sat in cars staring bleakly out, as a small patch of blue sky gradually grew, and by twenty-to-go we were reluctantly on our bikes and pedalling up to the start. Whereupon it p***ed down again.
Team Clifton had Tim and Richard off in the A/B race and Andy and me in the C/D's. Our lot set off pretty swiftly given the partially submerged roads and general up/down/bumpy nature of the circuit. It was a hard circuit (albeit through spectacular scenery) last time I rode here about eight years back and since then they'd added another bloomin' great hill. And indeed it was the hills which predictably did for me - just slipping off the bunch on the fifth lap of ten at the top of the finish climb; though thankfully by no means the first. Three laps alone and then the remainder in the company of another rider dropped before me but towed back by Richard and the fast A blokes when they came by. So, "I finished" is about the best I can say.
Well done to Richard who finished well up near the front in his race, and to Andy who hung in there and managed enough of a sprint to finish halfway up the C/D bunch.
Anyway, enough of this weather nonsense - can we have a bit o' sun in time for the next race, please...?
Well, slightly more, although luck-wise we're clearly starting from a very low base!
Arrived up on the hill above Elland to find the sky black in all directions and rain absolutely sheeting down - a fair number of riders just gave their apologies at that point and left. By about thirty-to-go the carpark was full of riders sat in cars staring bleakly out, as a small patch of blue sky gradually grew, and by twenty-to-go we were reluctantly on our bikes and pedalling up to the start. Whereupon it p***ed down again.
Team Clifton had Tim and Richard off in the A/B race and Andy and me in the C/D's. Our lot set off pretty swiftly given the partially submerged roads and general up/down/bumpy nature of the circuit. It was a hard circuit (albeit through spectacular scenery) last time I rode here about eight years back and since then they'd added another bloomin' great hill. And indeed it was the hills which predictably did for me - just slipping off the bunch on the fifth lap of ten at the top of the finish climb; though thankfully by no means the first. Three laps alone and then the remainder in the company of another rider dropped before me but towed back by Richard and the fast A blokes when they came by. So, "I finished" is about the best I can say.
Well done to Richard who finished well up near the front in his race, and to Andy who hung in there and managed enough of a sprint to finish halfway up the C/D bunch.
Anyway, enough of this weather nonsense - can we have a bit o' sun in time for the next race, please...?
Derek Smith LVRC over in Halifax for me with Tim, Phil and Andy. The drive over was ominous with heavy showers and black clouds. 45 mins before the race and my worst fears appeared to be realised as the heavens really opened. I sat in the car outside HQ wondering if I should bother at all and I can only guess what was going through the marshalls minds. Luckily the rest of the morning was drizzle and only a nasty headwind on the flat before the main climb to the finish. Tried to remain near the front of the race and managed to make the early break. Having not been in that position before it was quite interesting as there were lots of attacks and then coasting for a bit. Not knowing what was really going on I think I chased down too many times and should have been a bit more patient. As the group whittled down inevitably the one attack I did not follow stuck and I ended up rolling in about 7th and got a 'white envelope' for 3rd in the A catagory. Not sure I really enjoyed it to be honest (due to the weather) but glad to be active and with the result.
There was peas and pie (undefined contents) after the event and Phil seemed to be slightly suprised I was tucking into a portion. He must have known something I didn't. I would not recommend them.
There was peas and pie (undefined contents) after the event and Phil seemed to be slightly suprised I was tucking into a portion. He must have known something I didn't. I would not recommend them.
North Newbald for me today for my second ever road race. My first being on the same course last year. Improved on last years result as I managed not to get dropped for nearly a full lap this time rather than at around four miles on last years race. Avoided any punctures but had forgotten how big that hill was since last time.... Time to get some more entries in now. Can anyone recommend any courses without big hills?!
Well done everyone for getting out and racing at least! I had two rear punctures in North Newbald races last year, so decided to fit an Ultremo 'DD' rear tyre before the Clifton RR. That did the job... allowing me to get properly dropped instead. I'm hoping to avoid that circuit this year altogether, especially as the club RR has moved.
We'll see what the potholes can for inner-tube sales at Wetwang next week.
tom
We'll see what the potholes can for inner-tube sales at Wetwang next week.
tom
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Cyan Skymoos
- Posts: 525
- Joined: Mon Jan 25, 2010 1:46 pm
I've noticed there's no race service at these 3rd cat races. There was always following cars with spare wheels in elite and first cat racing, which included a neutral service for riders not part of teams. You had a good chance of getting back in the race if you had a flat.
Most riders take a spare set of wheels with them to races, and just leave them in the car, if you flat it's race over. Why not put the spares in a following car, with someone who can change a wheel....even sportives have service now.
Most riders take a spare set of wheels with them to races, and just leave them in the car, if you flat it's race over. Why not put the spares in a following car, with someone who can change a wheel....even sportives have service now.
I'm sorry to read about everyones bad luck - I punctured twice in the Scotton event last week although I only had myself to blame having used standard tubes in 28mm tyres. I know now they dont stretch that far! Mechanical problems really do mess with your head - at least if you get dropped you can just blame yourself!
I'm not sure about the spare wheel car idea Darren. Done right its great but most clubs struggle at this level to find enough bodies to provide lead cars and people to marshall without that luxury. Plus you really do need someone who knows what they are doing. The thing is then do you just give wheels to riders who've provided their own spares or do you give spares out to anyone and do you hunt around in the car for the wheel/s the riders given you or give him the first you come to and do you give any wheel or a specific make or number of gears? Having said that I've been the beneficiary of a wheel change done right - A North West 2-day in 2001- the Ted Mercer "Hard as Nails" 2 day - notable for Richard Binks (racing sunday) winning all the stages - absolutely pissing down with rain on the decisive stage - hit a water filled pothole and blew the back tyre. There were only about 20 of us left. There was a neutral service car and it was a guy I knew from training camps who worked in a bike shop. I dont even think I had to get off the bike, swapped a Neutron for a lovely & totally compatible Kysirium, a good push off and he paced me back up to the group just in time to go with the next move - I finished in the top 10 overall. I remember Rob O puncturing both wheels at different times in another NW 2 day and getting back on both times . We were hard then!
Hopefully our luck will change at Wetwang. Talking of next Sunday - anyone out there able to give me a lift - we're double booked with the car - can ride out to meet up and will pay my way or repay the compliment another day?
I'm not sure about the spare wheel car idea Darren. Done right its great but most clubs struggle at this level to find enough bodies to provide lead cars and people to marshall without that luxury. Plus you really do need someone who knows what they are doing. The thing is then do you just give wheels to riders who've provided their own spares or do you give spares out to anyone and do you hunt around in the car for the wheel/s the riders given you or give him the first you come to and do you give any wheel or a specific make or number of gears? Having said that I've been the beneficiary of a wheel change done right - A North West 2-day in 2001- the Ted Mercer "Hard as Nails" 2 day - notable for Richard Binks (racing sunday) winning all the stages - absolutely pissing down with rain on the decisive stage - hit a water filled pothole and blew the back tyre. There were only about 20 of us left. There was a neutral service car and it was a guy I knew from training camps who worked in a bike shop. I dont even think I had to get off the bike, swapped a Neutron for a lovely & totally compatible Kysirium, a good push off and he paced me back up to the group just in time to go with the next move - I finished in the top 10 overall. I remember Rob O puncturing both wheels at different times in another NW 2 day and getting back on both times . We were hard then!
Hopefully our luck will change at Wetwang. Talking of next Sunday - anyone out there able to give me a lift - we're double booked with the car - can ride out to meet up and will pay my way or repay the compliment another day?
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Chris Clark
- Posts: 34
- Joined: Thu Dec 01, 2011 4:44 pm
- Location: York
Hi PaulpaulM wrote:I'm sorry to read about everyones bad luck - I punctured twice in the Scotton event last week although I only had myself to blame having used standard tubes in 28mm tyres. I know now they dont stretch that far! Mechanical problems really do mess with your head - at least if you get dropped you can just blame yourself!
I'm not sure about the spare wheel car idea Darren. Done right its great but most clubs struggle at this level to find enough bodies to provide lead cars and people to marshall without that luxury. Plus you really do need someone who knows what they are doing. The thing is then do you just give wheels to riders who've provided their own spares or do you give spares out to anyone and do you hunt around in the car for the wheel/s the riders given you or give him the first you come to and do you give any wheel or a specific make or number of gears? Having said that I've been the beneficiary of a wheel change done right - A North West 2-day in 2001- the Ted Mercer "Hard as Nails" 2 day - notable for Richard Binks (racing sunday) winning all the stages - absolutely pissing down with rain on the decisive stage - hit a water filled pothole and blew the back tyre. There were only about 20 of us left. There was a neutral service car and it was a guy I knew from training camps who worked in a bike shop. I dont even think I had to get off the bike, swapped a Neutron for a lovely & totally compatible Kysirium, a good push off and he paced me back up to the group just in time to go with the next move - I finished in the top 10 overall. I remember Rob O puncturing both wheels at different times in another NW 2 day and getting back on both times . We were hard then!
Hopefully our luck will change at Wetwang. Talking of next Sunday - anyone out there able to give me a lift - we're double booked with the car - can ride out to meet up and will pay my way or repay the compliment another day?
I can give you a lift. Send me a PM with your address and tel no.
Have just discovered photos from Barton Wheelers online - some fine action shots of our Nigel and a very determined-looking Richard glued to either the front or back wheel of his A-group companion. Navigation (the website, not the riders) a bit flaky but give it a try - http://www.photoboxgallery.com/pfhproductions
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Tobzlerone
- Posts: 160
- Joined: Thu Jun 17, 2010 8:48 pm
Tockwith day @ the races today.
I decided to bike out, and aided by a brisk tail wind i was there in no time. It turned out to be a very good decision, as due to the earlier race there was very little time to warm up. Good start.
The clouds finally gave up their load as we lined up for the start, prompting a few pained groans, mostly coming from my bike who hasn't returned from a ride dry in a few weeks now. Unfortunately I appeared to be the only Clifton rider, a situation i hope i don't find myself in come the Tuesday evening races
The race appeared to set off pretty steady, and i was quite happy moving through the group. I panicked a few laps into the race when i noticed a large group of about 15 riders ahead. But we seemed to be closing them down pretty quickly and it turned out it was just a group of soon to be lapped riders. I don't really know why i panicked, its like panicking because the moon is blue... as you well know, a breakaway at Tockwith is something that never, ever happens.
The race wore on, and i became a little restless, and so began to watch out for any attacks. A couple of riders sprinted off with 4 laps to go, i joined them, but we only managed about 8 or 9 bike lengths max.
Two laps to go and i was third in line... and one lap to go i was still 3rd in line (thankyou mr dirtwheels) and it was looking really good.
With half a lap to go, a few riders charged past, an occurance that i really shouldn't have forgotten and i lost a few places.
Coming into the last corner, i heard a loud clunk and a few profanities as an unfortunate messed up his gears and dropped a chain. I continued to hold my own and sprinted towards the finish, where i counted 11 riders in front of me..so i'm getting closer!
Cheers
Tobz
I decided to bike out, and aided by a brisk tail wind i was there in no time. It turned out to be a very good decision, as due to the earlier race there was very little time to warm up. Good start.
The clouds finally gave up their load as we lined up for the start, prompting a few pained groans, mostly coming from my bike who hasn't returned from a ride dry in a few weeks now. Unfortunately I appeared to be the only Clifton rider, a situation i hope i don't find myself in come the Tuesday evening races
The race appeared to set off pretty steady, and i was quite happy moving through the group. I panicked a few laps into the race when i noticed a large group of about 15 riders ahead. But we seemed to be closing them down pretty quickly and it turned out it was just a group of soon to be lapped riders. I don't really know why i panicked, its like panicking because the moon is blue... as you well know, a breakaway at Tockwith is something that never, ever happens.
The race wore on, and i became a little restless, and so began to watch out for any attacks. A couple of riders sprinted off with 4 laps to go, i joined them, but we only managed about 8 or 9 bike lengths max.
Two laps to go and i was third in line... and one lap to go i was still 3rd in line (thankyou mr dirtwheels) and it was looking really good.
With half a lap to go, a few riders charged past, an occurance that i really shouldn't have forgotten and i lost a few places.
Coming into the last corner, i heard a loud clunk and a few profanities as an unfortunate messed up his gears and dropped a chain. I continued to hold my own and sprinted towards the finish, where i counted 11 riders in front of me..so i'm getting closer!
Cheers
Tobz
Tockwith day @ the races today for me also.
Sorry Toby, I only saw you at the start.
As Toby eluded to, we only managed 2 warm up laps before the start. I lost pace with the front group (and the shelter) pretty early on, and that pretty much destroyed the race for me.
Managed to get lapped and obviously didn't contest the sprint!
My first ever race and it was a great experience.
183bpm average/just under 21mph and a great soaking.
Btw, the standard seemed very good for what is a 4th cat race?
Andy
Sorry Toby, I only saw you at the start.
As Toby eluded to, we only managed 2 warm up laps before the start. I lost pace with the front group (and the shelter) pretty early on, and that pretty much destroyed the race for me.
Managed to get lapped and obviously didn't contest the sprint!
My first ever race and it was a great experience.
183bpm average/just under 21mph and a great soaking.
Btw, the standard seemed very good for what is a 4th cat race?
Andy
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reubenbarrett
- Posts: 162
- Joined: Fri Jan 07, 2011 7:44 pm
- Location: Tadcaster Road
Well done Toby and Andy. Toby, you are getting very close! It is still very early in season so you will be placing soon. Sounds like you need to be about 6th with a lap to go and then be one of the guys sprinting past with half lap to go. I should be doing Tockwith Tuesday night series from end of May onwards so I will follow you! I am getting very bored of Sufferfest and turbo now but only another week or two and will be back on road.
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Cyan Skymoos
- Posts: 525
- Joined: Mon Jan 25, 2010 1:46 pm
Good stuff guys.
I drove out with my tenner to eol the 2/3/4 race. I got there and sat in the car looking at a very dark sky, thought I'd wait a few minutes, then it lashed it down. Since I no longer have the desire or motivation to race(or train) in conditions like that I decided to use the money to buy a bottle of wine on the way home.
I did stay to watch the race though, and when it stopped raining I had a walk round the circuit, which I have to say would be good to race on. It looks like very grippy tarmac, and you can carry loads of speed into the corners. I think I'll do some of the tuesday races, good for training, I'm sure.
I really need some nice weather now or I'll never get any form...or my allotment sorted.
I drove out with my tenner to eol the 2/3/4 race. I got there and sat in the car looking at a very dark sky, thought I'd wait a few minutes, then it lashed it down. Since I no longer have the desire or motivation to race(or train) in conditions like that I decided to use the money to buy a bottle of wine on the way home.
I did stay to watch the race though, and when it stopped raining I had a walk round the circuit, which I have to say would be good to race on. It looks like very grippy tarmac, and you can carry loads of speed into the corners. I think I'll do some of the tuesday races, good for training, I'm sure.
I really need some nice weather now or I'll never get any form...or my allotment sorted.