Clifton CC

The relay changed because the wind (or what little wind there was) was coming from the right on the more exposed B1222 stretch, the more experienced riders will change the relay to suit, but if you try get less experienced riders to change on different parts of the course it just gets very confusing and messy.
I didn't think it really mattered on tuesday there was so little wind but its nice to see some riders know what to do.

RIP CAAD9, my bike is a write off. Apparently the back wheel is also abit too risky to use any more too.

A contrast for our second visit to the Etton circuit for the seventh of the East Yorkshire Road Race League events last night; the previous one had been hot and steamy, whereas last night was chilly, with a cold northerly blowing hints of rain in our faces. A slimmed-down Team Clifton with just Tim and I lining up in the second of five groups. A fella from Hull Thursday slots in behind and says "I'll do what I usually do - follow the blokes in red and black and keep reading the writing - Clifton Cycling Club... Clifton..." Nice.

Underway, and with 6½ minutes on the scratch group, we hammered round with about half a dozen showing the necessary willingness and ability to pull on the front, and Tim and I doing what felt like about 50% of the work - Tim having a couple of exploratory goes off the front when the frustration got too much. We got caught by the scratch group and the remnants of the others they'd towed with them just as we went through the bell, so the last lap was tactical until the narrow backlane towards the final climb, since where you ended up there was pretty much where you stayed. My elbowing skills aren't up to much so it was about 20th over the line. Good fun though, and a great workout.

I'll miss the last in the series (Little Weighton on 5th Aug) - as ever I'm sure there'll be the chance to enter on the line if anyone fancies it. It's been a good series throughout - safe circuits, good marshalling, good handicapping. Well worth the drive out. Would really, really recommend it next year for anyone wanting something to aim at as an entry into road racing.

I'd entered but I'm glad I wasn't there on Tuesday, by the sounds of it, it was a bit painful for some, though Tuesday was painful in it's own way for me as I was at a friend's funeral. Think my racing's over for this year - even when I was training I wasn't quite up to it and with not having done much over the last few weeks any more races this year would be a bit of a waste of time.

Still if I can keep active over winter and not put any weight on I might have another crack at it next year.

Same for me Broomwagon, not had a great year and have struggled to acheive the results I hoped for despite some good efforts. I don't know whether to be pleased with myself for having a go or dissapointed for not having the legs. Oh well, at least I've sneaked in another "thing to do before I'm 40" in the nick of time.

Steve and Mike I don't think either of you have anything to be disappointed about. It doesn't have to be all about points and the 'fiver in an envelope', it can be about fun and fitness gained, both of you were regulars on the training rides and raced which is more than most managed. And Steve you definitely win the prize for best crash for your high speed off, style points and the b**ls to finish the ride.

I was very impressed with the TDF style get on the bike and get on with it demonstrated by both Steve and Phil on that ride. I suspect most would have sat on the verge and waited for a lift home rather than doing a bit of through and off, and then caning it round a tight circuit in a bunch to practice sprinting out of corners!