Formed in June 09, Here Come the Belgians is a non-elite anti-team celebrating all things cross, cobbled and Belgian.
Seeking a different experience to the traditional cycling club, its aim is to harness the energy of a vibrant internet cycling community with grass roots racing and riding based around Cyclocross and Spring Classics. There is no race programme in the style of a racing team, more a collection of individual experiences through rides and racing, in whatever location a member may be, that all can share in and contribute toward.

Sunday 27 November 2011

Scottish CX; Round 6 Meadowmill, 27th November


To say the weather has be inclement is an understatement. Gale force winds lashed Western Scotland overnight with a side of torrential rain and temperatures well into low single figures mean ideal conditions for cx! With a heavy head I set out for the East coast where I thought the weather might be better......no.
Ive had some equipment 'problems' namely mud clearance, or lack of. I started out on a Cotic X which I wanted to love but the mudfest that has been this season so far meant I had to change tack. Promptly sold on then as the clearance at the fork was akin to a roadbike. Taking its place a Specializede Crux, adorned with a Belgians sticker to show my colours, far more like it.
So to the start then and a large crash which took down about a dozen bodies within the first couple of hundred metres, I did well to avoid it and to avoid history repeating itself as I was involved in a crash at the start here last year.
The course was a combination of singletrack open grassland, nice and soft too, like pedalling through treacle! Some off camber banks kept things interesting with some off the bike climbs and authentic style Belgian steps. All this and a howling headwind what more could you want?
A test indeed then, no idea where I finished, but it wasn't last. I have sore legs so Im happy that I tried hard enough.
I did see another Belgian today, I shouted to you although you must have thought I was a maniac. I was riding in my club colours, Johnstone Wheelers.
Next stop Auchentoshan, the Scottish Championships. As a provisional licence holder its a no go for me. I have offered to pit crew for some club-mates though, giving something back.
I have never blogged in my life before, I hope this works.

2 comments:

  1. Great race and excellent first blog! Really good course even if it was heavy going in places. HCtB are thin on the ground in Scotland so will have to ensure we meet up properly sometime, although, I doubt I will be racing anymore of the Scottish series this year.

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  2. Hi Kenny - yeah you should've come to say hello. I was in the vets race, so spent the whole of the Sen's race stood shivering at the top of the slippery steps. Soz but didn't spot the THCtB sticker or else you'd have got a cheer from me - although I doubt you would have heard me over those two girls!!

    It's the last time this season I'll be travelling north of the boarder for CX so will have to catch up next year.

    Cheers

    John

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