tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32236492287120241972024-03-20T22:43:06.419-07:00Team Here Come the BelgiansDuncan Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06092397339637341994noreply@blogger.comBlogger385125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3223649228712024197.post-78413920150499673942016-10-24T03:19:00.000-07:002016-10-24T03:19:12.634-07:00Kit Ordering!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj9Xgtzazzbt43pVUQwgx7wq5xAYYyAWIe2uYitmVSPfdmJiN8ovex0vhkgQEPDxTjb9bQDyS131Mw5r5teWvoHVbCO-CMdvYz5QuwTJCaLBYil14gxr8IURfr-FyRzWj23t1cSU2Mhic/s1600/hctb+jersey.png"><img border="0" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj9Xgtzazzbt43pVUQwgx7wq5xAYYyAWIe2uYitmVSPfdmJiN8ovex0vhkgQEPDxTjb9bQDyS131Mw5r5teWvoHVbCO-CMdvYz5QuwTJCaLBYil14gxr8IURfr-FyRzWj23t1cSU2Mhic/s400/hctb+jersey.png" width="400" /></a><br /><br />The Kit Team Store will go live on Wednesday 26th October and remain open till 2nd of November. <br /><br /><br />Enter <a href="https://teamstore.pactimo.com/stores/select">https://teamstore.pactimo.com/stores/select</a> click my team store, then input herecomethebelgians as the password in the below window.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSiVv2CI_MXSr8yPgPM1fgkS37ZfMoNIkAXTCREzMFXONfBt8boOaIpCCDXbKj9jgY4g6IAJ9lTjbfJZpC7KhHjLATg1MWdeUhVVRJhEiiFueR8tv0YX88fh2an9rOjkt4TNSRDKWyUJQ/s1600/teamstore.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSiVv2CI_MXSr8yPgPM1fgkS37ZfMoNIkAXTCREzMFXONfBt8boOaIpCCDXbKj9jgY4g6IAJ9lTjbfJZpC7KhHjLATg1MWdeUhVVRJhEiiFueR8tv0YX88fh2an9rOjkt4TNSRDKWyUJQ/s320/teamstore.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Size Charts are here <a href="https://www.pactimocustom.com/pages/size-chart">https://www.pactimocustom.com/pages/size-chart</a><br /><br />Generally sizes seem to be coming up the same as current kit - I have a fit kit of all sizes and I'll be at Thornes Park on 30th or bob round and try some on.<br /><br /><br />NB. if you are using a visa debit, inform your bank as the transaction will be USA based and may be blocked as some systems flag it as fraud.Otleyrichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17287667999465125762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3223649228712024197.post-72660013186199043862014-11-05T03:43:00.000-08:002014-11-05T03:46:34.337-08:00Fun Fun FUN at Rapha Super Cross<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Jm64gceDwyrsE3f5NCPtc9AsKWrSbhzexHtZbinJ5gynLFXpcJoUIXKzvOSvkHuOXb5RyuQudajxMV-1zfAwr6DEnY9BK9wSxcE3dk5IKuB9plwTEeamT3Zg9W3A6DmMXgC59IOFQRzP/s1600/10689634_10152988345618814_2548800816057502121_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Jm64gceDwyrsE3f5NCPtc9AsKWrSbhzexHtZbinJ5gynLFXpcJoUIXKzvOSvkHuOXb5RyuQudajxMV-1zfAwr6DEnY9BK9wSxcE3dk5IKuB9plwTEeamT3Zg9W3A6DmMXgC59IOFQRzP/s1600/10689634_10152988345618814_2548800816057502121_n.jpg" height="286" width="400" /></a><br />
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So it turns out I can sometimes be a little bit rapid off the start line... I find myself 4th into the first bend!</div>
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OK OK OK... so it's 'only' the Fun Category of the recent <a href="http://pages.rapha.cc/cross" target="_blank">Rapha Super Cross</a> event at Broughton Hall, Skipton, but still... 4th is 4th!</div>
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Yes yes yes... there's only 10 competitors in our race, and the field comprises elves, fairies and a tandem riding horse.... and not forgetting my own little homage to early 90s Acid House pioneers Altern-8. YES it's Altern-8 NOT a painter and decorator - seemed obvious to me! Still... 4th is 4th!</div>
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So the first hurdle of the race - the sprint to the first bend - is done - tick - that's history. Huffing and puffing hard through the dust mask of my fancy dress (what ever possessed me?) and somewhat elated at my progress I focus on the second hurdle of the race - Bend 2...</div>
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Now, not even 30 seconds into the race - and I'm only at the second bend of the opening lap - but holding 4th place - and my race starts to fall apart! No fitness you see, and the speed of my opening sprint is unsustainable... 4th is no longer 4th... it's 5th, 6th, 7th, etc!</div>
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And then there was foam. Interesting to ride through and horrible to inhale! Yes readers, even with the protection of my dust mask I managed a lungful! Trying a sly gulp of air on approach, an errant floaty globule found its way to my mouth.. GULP! COUGH! SPLUTTER! FAIRY LIQUID! TEQUILA! LITTLE BIT OF SICK! It all happened at once! </div>
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Fifteen minutes of Fun Cat doesn't sound like much but it turned into a bit of a queasy breathless soapy double visioned mud plugging tipsy foam smeared epic! It was a good laugh though I'll be honest.<br />
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Thanks to Joolze Dymond for the photos.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14748979121627489679noreply@blogger.com2Broughton, Skipton, North Yorkshire BD23 3AE, UK53.952938499999988 -2.089441399999941553.93425049999999 -2.1297818999999416 53.971626499999985 -2.0491008999999414tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3223649228712024197.post-75739950180716580982014-07-11T01:54:00.003-07:002014-07-11T01:54:57.229-07:00City Cross 3<div style="text-align: justify;">
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Let me start with a short non cycling related story... Last summer a famous little Disco beat combo, by the name of Chic, played my local Bingley Music Live music festival. Now, being a bit of a Disco Diva myself, I was rather excited by this. The day came and it was simple amazing! Everyone was up and dancing and generally 'mad for it', and I knew, once the last note had drifted across the arena, and Nile was rather unceremoniously dragged off stage, I had witnessed a life changing event. I looked around the arena, slightly dazed, and I could see others seemingly experiencing the same emotions as I. People were smiling, people were crying, people were hugging, talking, laughing... etc. I realised at that moment nothing would ever be the same again! No other band would ever make me feel so again! It was a new beginning, my Ground Zero. Everything would start from here from now!</div>
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So, what's all that waffle got to do with City Cross 3? Well, many of the emotions I experienced during Chic's gig last year, I experienced at City Cross! It was just so good, and just such good fun, it's difficult to see an event anytime in the near future coming anywhere near for me. City Cross was my cycling 'new beginning!' Everything starts afresh from here!</div>
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The previous Citycross - No.2 - at Piece Hall Halifax, was good - very good - but this most recent episode - No.3 - took the fun factor to another level. Set right in the heart of one of Leeds' essentially run down but in the throws of massive regeneration city center suburbs - Holbeck - the races twisted and snaked around a very compact, flat, and well surfaced course, between buildings associated with the regeneration. It also took in cobbles, wooden berm and whoops, a couple of little jumps, a run up/wooden scaffold ramp down... and a couple of beer gardens! Clever course design. The same Moto format was used here as at Halifax.</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="281" mozallowfullscreen="" src="//player.vimeo.com/video/98423277?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0&color=a2bd30" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe> <br />
<a href="http://vimeo.com/98423277">Morvélo CityCross 3</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/morvelo">Morvélo Bicycle Apparel</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.<br />
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I didn't really make much of an impact during my Moto, and just raced around as fast as I could to a comfortable last place! It's all about the taking part though eh? Even with my less than inspiring display in my Moto, I was still able to jump straight into the 'last chance saloon' race immediately after! Still huffing and puffing and lathered in sweat like a Grand National winner, I was straight back on the start line.... and off! Another lung bursting 20mins of agony! However, I did a little better this time - but I was racing against a Werewolf on one of those bikes with super fat tyres!</div>
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Kit wise, I must say I was very happy with my On One Pompy SS with virtually smooth 28c hybrid tyres this time. A more or less totally cobbled/flagged/tarmaced lapped negated the need for knobbly tyres, and the Pompy was fantastic in the bends with Guy Martin esqe leans achievable (well, in my head at least!)</div>
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I didn't strictly qualify for the final, but the organisers were sweet enough to say I could race it if I wished. But Fathering duties, and a few cheeky beers, and just kicking back were, by now, my over whelming urges... so that's what I did. I couldn't have wished for a better day out.</div>
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I wonder what City Cross 4 will bring......</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14748979121627489679noreply@blogger.com3Leeds, West Yorkshire, UK53.8007554 -1.549077399999987453.6507279 -1.8718008999999873 53.9507829 -1.2263538999999875tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3223649228712024197.post-49374208340375863702014-03-14T05:38:00.000-07:002014-03-14T05:38:24.835-07:00Hurt at the Haigh<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR-reH3CpQ1lDAdXA-U_DZa25GRo-42XMWPdK44Qo66SitPQtQuUSUBnH1PbckWwR5rpsTf2Mxvq7f8h4eUYBPv5cRePYuyRFVp2bVQgGQrxzOf69FtgKYLsod9R7VH1mA69wdswKPASJG/s1600/1012067_10152414833493814_271960457_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR-reH3CpQ1lDAdXA-U_DZa25GRo-42XMWPdK44Qo66SitPQtQuUSUBnH1PbckWwR5rpsTf2Mxvq7f8h4eUYBPv5cRePYuyRFVp2bVQgGQrxzOf69FtgKYLsod9R7VH1mA69wdswKPASJG/s1600/1012067_10152414833493814_271960457_n.jpg" height="320" width="238" /></a>Hurt at the Haigh did exactly what it said on the tin I guess - it was at Haigh Hall, Wigan, and it hurt a bit!</div>
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Following news of the demise of the excellent Hit the North, I think everyone was looking for an alternative, so when word spread of a new race of a similar 2hr format MTB/CX format - called Hurt at the Haigh - many jumped at the chance. It soon filled to capacity once entry was on-line, as the urge to fill the mid winter no racing void was obviously a little too much for many people. 170 entrants apparently. I'm not quite sure all those tuned up on the day but there was still a bumper line up. </div>
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HtN had built a reputation and delivered a real festival of cycling. Not sure Hurt at the Haigh was quite there in that department, but it's early days, and the well run event will go from strength to strength year on year I'm sure.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyvmUDxM0T5cYGslYYznrNPCjgeTxx2ruEBmld46xRzcfh_QXIODU0H5C8-G7AtCn0iHoevC_W9IOlRBTYRiiqIDFnja5eQyfEev2ITasVF0qwEh2aYMa7ev0zlVXPUEGl5VOnh3rIf-TE/s1600/12722055295_f66beb2935_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyvmUDxM0T5cYGslYYznrNPCjgeTxx2ruEBmld46xRzcfh_QXIODU0H5C8-G7AtCn0iHoevC_W9IOlRBTYRiiqIDFnja5eQyfEev2ITasVF0qwEh2aYMa7ev0zlVXPUEGl5VOnh3rIf-TE/s1600/12722055295_f66beb2935_b.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a>The 4 mile long Hurt at the Haigh lap meandered it's way through the mainly wooded park land of Haigh Hall, and was tough going on CX I thought, and perhaps slightly better suited to MTB. Indeed the winner, Nick Craig, did his winning on a MTB - I know I got to see him lap me three times! It comprised mainly loamy soils with some muddy grass and metalled tracks. It proved a test for many bikes, and some dérailleur groaning and gnashing could be heard towards the end! Mine thankfully survived! In fact the X-wing was faultless.</div>
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I plodded round in my now time honoured fashion and delivered a top 100 finish and solidly within a group of 3 lappers (approx. 15% of the field) so was reasonably content. HCtB finishing positions:</div>
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Emma Osenton 64th</div>
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Ali Mills 76th</div>
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Ben Parkinson 85th</div>
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John Parkinson 91st</div>
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Steve Cooper 98th (Mechanical)</div>
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(I think that is all....)</div>
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A glimmer of a more aggressive attacking me did rear its head at one point during the race. I got stuck in a group and behind some bloke with his bum crack showing through a bizarre mesh panel in the back of their shorts - quite odd and rather alarming! It was quickly apparent I was not going to be able to spent much time at all sitting staring at a kinky almost fish net tight clad batty crack - as hypnotic as it was - and summoned the last gasps of air from the bowls of my lungs and elbowed my way by! Much better - and my reward? A fully lycra'ed backside.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14748979121627489679noreply@blogger.com0Haigh Hall, Wigan WN2 1PE, UK53.5717884 -2.6093215999999353.571198900000006 -2.61058209999993 53.5723779 -2.6080610999999303tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3223649228712024197.post-67816574198016737332014-02-03T08:49:00.000-08:002014-02-03T08:54:06.595-08:00Playing the Points Game, Lessons Learnt and Todmorden<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPszfM5oB4USybXAGebneiPwGG0h9gcDOZBMERerso2xzDounPlcv5dRQ0r6afCuwUBOj7g2sI7bFbC5ObOR970GkilQDhH4cYOdzZ10t6p0NcDNQBjEfDXmEzq6V7sMuElIF7hkZ3FcMV/s1600/IMG_2698.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPszfM5oB4USybXAGebneiPwGG0h9gcDOZBMERerso2xzDounPlcv5dRQ0r6afCuwUBOj7g2sI7bFbC5ObOR970GkilQDhH4cYOdzZ10t6p0NcDNQBjEfDXmEzq6V7sMuElIF7hkZ3FcMV/s1600/IMG_2698.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">En route breakfast stop and derailleur in situ.</span></td></tr>
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I wasn't going to comment on my final Yorkshire Points race of 2013 at Todmoden, due it being a rather dismal damp squib of an affair, what with a ripped off rear derailleur and all! It ripped off at the start of the second lap and my remaining contributions to the race comprised steadily trotting around, stopping and chatting, having breathers and actually watching the race, and eventually crossing the line and declaring myself as DNF. </div>
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However, I've just been perusing the final standings and I've realisied what an idiot I've been!</div>
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You see, this was only about 10mins before the winners crossed the line! In retrospect I'd have been better actually walking more slowly and doing more chatting... or even popping for a coffee and a slab of heavily alcohol laced Jo Allen Tod Brownie (YUM!) before re joining the course and crossing the line as an actual finisher.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Sans derailleur! Tanks Jo Allen for the Photo</span></td></tr>
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This would amassed me ~50 points (rather than 0) - yes 50!</div>
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And would have catapulted me in the final standings from 143rd looser boy/also ran to a top 100 higher roller/mixing it with the big boys finisher of the highest calibre. The kind of elevated socially acceptable position where I am no longer mocked, no longer pointed at and laugh at, but, instead, people nudge and whisper amongst themselves "hey, there's that John from HCtB... best watch him... he knows what he's doing when he gets his leg over a CX bike... he finished in the top 100 last year!" That kind of thing!</div>
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So the you can go slow and gain lessons was learnt.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf0fG-k3NDaK9AnCyerf3IYBRKYhDkjk2H62Bgl4uFmAEDxNMeB8PsptiFeknOucrXrT11iXyOnPCF06M2YL92Pq7Cz6Ip0hthBOrCtOWwBCOZOlvRIWQP086vsgZC_XM7sT5LcncsllTo/s1600/IMG_2697.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf0fG-k3NDaK9AnCyerf3IYBRKYhDkjk2H62Bgl4uFmAEDxNMeB8PsptiFeknOucrXrT11iXyOnPCF06M2YL92Pq7Cz6Ip0hthBOrCtOWwBCOZOlvRIWQP086vsgZC_XM7sT5LcncsllTo/s1600/IMG_2697.JPG" height="298" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Gratuitous and unnecessary photo of a Sweet Centre Chickpea Curry</span><br />
<span style="color: white;">Breakfast - the breakfast of champions! </span></td></tr>
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Other useful lessons from the day were: It is possible to eat a Chickpea Curry Breakfast en route to Tod and not feel wretched for the entire race, and it's best to give it 20mins before driving after eating one of Jo Allen's Tod Brownies!</div>
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So not all was lost and remember... Every day is a school day!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14748979121627489679noreply@blogger.com2Todmorden, West Yorkshire, UK53.716344 -2.098796900000024853.641158499999996 -2.2601584000000248 53.7915295 -1.9374354000000249tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3223649228712024197.post-44826322564979092952014-01-15T08:47:00.000-08:002014-01-15T08:47:39.272-08:00Dig in at the Dock<div style="text-align: justify;">
Dig in at the Dock at Bo'ness, Falkirk, Scotland is a race I've wanted to do for a couple of years now. But is very popular and sells out almost instantly (well minutes), and I have previously been unsuccessful with my application. Bad times...</div>
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However, this year was different... This year I got a place! Good times...</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Belgians Belgians Everywhere...</td></tr>
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Dig in at the Dock owes it's success to the hard work of the charismatic organisers - see promo video below. Facebook, Youtube and Flickr<i> et al</i> are all utilised to the max to generate a real buzz about the event. They over subscribe each year, and I understand generate a lengthy waiting list in the process! This is painstakingly whittle down to the final 150 or so starters! However, still pop it the diary for next year you never know:-).</div>
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So to race day. After a recent run of poor performances in Yorkshire - due to general lack of ability, a total disregard to any form of training or healthy lifestyle, and mechanicals - I was a little worried come the morning of Dig in at the Dock. I hadn't put in a decent shift on the bike since Temple Newsam at the beginning October.... three months ago! In addition, I'd done little in the way of other cycling activities either! Dig in at the Dock could hurt a bit... if not a lot!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAizTq1Q6Bg-HaBZAf36Hra32fueF8X1x9bSEzbqvp4t44TMGpZk-IaEh3a7BgoH35GlGeyKT6nhwXvb8DkXGPCZV-QIQZQpXS3JKR0u58kHMrjpUliIh9SRa_s6ZTci9AosFwtfD2zaim/s1600/1521712_10152304398848814_526428493_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAizTq1Q6Bg-HaBZAf36Hra32fueF8X1x9bSEzbqvp4t44TMGpZk-IaEh3a7BgoH35GlGeyKT6nhwXvb8DkXGPCZV-QIQZQpXS3JKR0u58kHMrjpUliIh9SRa_s6ZTci9AosFwtfD2zaim/s400/1521712_10152304398848814_526428493_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The course looped around the back of the Bacon Butty Stall - Criminal<br />
When gasping for air!</td></tr>
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Allied to the general nervousness was a slight hangover from the previous nights antics at my Bro's house in Glasgow - not a biggy by any means - but it was there nagging at me non the less. So signed on, had a quick natter to fellow HCtB rider Andy Bell (No not or Ride fame... or Erasure fame for that matter - who was marshalling on the day - Thanks. Big thanks to all the helpers too), bacon buttied up and dressed for action I went for a pootle. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9-9Y4AXXPvGm4bqMX26Z1hmxPTexS3Nnbv-2CP_ouRxuCbW8wC70HGfVaqY3GSNytjx3NNkP-chywNdbJIyHFCjQ3MKg49utTMNGPzjN33cHihDF-Y2QOnRdR91BxNCKYCE3n0rRewgkv/s1600/1555488_10152304392513814_275579002_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9-9Y4AXXPvGm4bqMX26Z1hmxPTexS3Nnbv-2CP_ouRxuCbW8wC70HGfVaqY3GSNytjx3NNkP-chywNdbJIyHFCjQ3MKg49utTMNGPzjN33cHihDF-Y2QOnRdR91BxNCKYCE3n0rRewgkv/s400/1555488_10152304392513814_275579002_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The run up - a great noise from the crowd and cowbells here</td></tr>
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An excellent riders course around the old dock opened up before me. Phew! Essentially flat with the odd little bank here and there (one a forced dismount) and not too muddy either all things considering (Scotland + winter = MUD... not this time!). The ground felt a little odd in places - a little squelchy on top but rock hard underneath? Perhaps the industrial history of the area had played a part in this? </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Silky 'skillz' riding the little barriers</td></tr>
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The race went well. Super fast! The gun went and we launched. A fast start saw me maybe a third from the back - pretty good for me. However, the this didn't last and for the first lap or so I slowly went backwards! Eventually, once the tunnel vision, palpitations and faintness kicked in big time I just had to slow down. However, I eventually settled into my rightful place about 10 from the back and dug in to hold my place. Lapped several times by the leaders (as per normal if I'm fair) I churned away - fending off those behind me, even if I lacked the omph to chase anyone down - to 107th. I was spent by the end - 11.7miles seems a long way in a cross race to me.</div>
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I had a wail of a time. Dig in at the Dock was well organised, had a great course and was a great race. A special mention should go to the supporters who made an absolute racket with cowbells ets - and even a trombone - oh and a Salsa band, for the entire race. All credit to them, they created a right atmos.</div>
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I can't wait until next year now!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14748979121627489679noreply@blogger.com2Bo'ness, Falkirk EH51, UK56.017217 -3.60835900000006430.495182500000002 -44.916953000000063 81.5392515 37.700234999999935tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3223649228712024197.post-48605537781276025392013-12-09T07:22:00.003-08:002013-12-09T07:27:36.346-08:00Ilkley Charity CX and North of England Championships<div style="text-align: justify;">
Well I think it's official - I'm getting slower! To be fair, the realisation has been creeping up on me for a while, but I've essentially chosen to ignore the fact and bury my had in the sand. So... why? Well, a number of factors have contributed over the last couple of years, but I guess the main two are: Family/new babies, resulting in lack of miles basically, oh and sleep and life in general, and a free and easy attitude to eating and drinking equalling weight gain! Probably weak excuses I know...</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pleased with my new frame but silly slippy down seat post spoilt my day a tad</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-NWUfTIBYFJRy4qj_CMNF0KbJqGr27Vn05bPL7ptyNwz_vXq83r1Ya6GjghXJu11Y4DILlQ97sBTyvulTfMpaYBvKiDoiRK8kj_SKXWabU0a6Wj-8WSKYSQDFj_eEudTI86m9T9Tqplu0/s1600/11278516264_81e02693b9_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-NWUfTIBYFJRy4qj_CMNF0KbJqGr27Vn05bPL7ptyNwz_vXq83r1Ya6GjghXJu11Y4DILlQ97sBTyvulTfMpaYBvKiDoiRK8kj_SKXWabU0a6Wj-8WSKYSQDFj_eEudTI86m9T9Tqplu0/s320/11278516264_81e02693b9_b.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
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Yesterdays North of England Championships in York really emphasised my current lack of any fitness, and was allied to a lack of machine prep! Although excited by the purchase of a new frame, some frantic last minute and late night spannering and corner cutting, in order to get the new whip ready, produced an untested, and perhaps less than race ready, machine! Lap one, and the partly botched cost cutting wrong sized seat post, and I think wrong sized shim, slipped drastically! My saddle ended up on top of the cross bar and swivelling about! Pedalling away with my knees under my chin and bum wiggling in the breeze was a killer! It didn't really matter because I was already drifting off the back of the rather rapid pack due to the aforementioned total lack of ability! I suppose in retrospect I should have popped into the pits - I'm sure someone would have lent me an Allen Key - but I didn't, so plodded away to the end, burning thighs and all. I didn't really have anyone to race, so not really much to report on that front, but it was a nice little circuit non the less, on the typical York geology soft to firm brown 'is it sand, is it clay, is it silt' glacial deposits - not very muddy really. And of course the Here Come the Belgian crowd are always on hand for a chat, make you laugh, comfort and generally cheer you up, so not all was lost.</div>
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Photos <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/hanglebads/sets/72157638488780945/" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
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Prior to the North of England Champs, it was Ilkley Charity Cross:</div>
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And, following a gap year, it returned with a BANG!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chris Parker and I dish out a tri-podding<br />
master class</td></tr>
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As a home coming race, it's pretty sweet. And as I stood in the field adjacent to the Outdoor Pool, I could gaze up at the town and more or less see where I was born, where I lived and played, where I went to school, where I worked, etc. I was very lucky to grow up in Ilkley and it filled me with pride. And also, glancing over my shoulder at Middleton Woods, I could reminisce my early cycling days. Days of hammering the woods on Raleigh Grifters and Burners was how I spent a lot of my childhood. Happy days.</div>
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As opposed to the also excellent previous <a href="http://teamherecomethebelgians.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/Ilkley%20CX" target="_blank">Ilkley CX</a>, which was held just down the road at Nell Bank, the grounds of the Outdoor Pool and adjacent cricket pitch and woods provided far more scope for a decent and varied lap. The organisers made full of their opportunity and utilised all the all the terrain available to create an almost 'old school' course, with some rather demanding sectors within the woods. Logs, streams, bogs, unridable assents, it had it all.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great Team enjoying a well deserved Leffe.</td></tr>
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My race was a steady plod. The vicious climb was a brilliant feature but was too much in my current state, and knocked the wind out of me every lap. Garmin/Strava say I'm pretty much trying may hardest, with the likes of 75% at threshold and 25% anaerobic being the kind of figures I'm achieving - I don't know if that's good or bad - but I don't feel like I can go much faster during a race. However, post race, I seem fine. No aches or pain - essentially I don't feel spent? Again, having the team around me is great. Very supportive and encouraging during these feeling sorry for myself times. So, a massive overhaul needed I feel - try to get back on track.... I seem to remember saying that in a Blog last year. TUT!</div>
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Photos <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/hanglebads/sets/72157637776750354/" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
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Thanks to Jo Allen for the majority of the photos.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14748979121627489679noreply@blogger.com1West Yorkshire, UK53.810817600000007 -1.762609999999995153.209776100000006 -3.0535034999999953 54.411859100000008 -0.47171649999999521tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3223649228712024197.post-90813763594664001422013-11-27T12:43:00.002-08:002013-11-27T12:43:22.589-08:00Central CXL Round 8 Harlington, Bedfordshire<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Seven rounds to count, seven rounds have taken place and seven rounds have been raced. The hard work has been done, leaving three more remaining rounds left to improve your overall standings. So today is round eight, a brand new venue and possibly a chance to do well.<br />
I have arrived at the new Harlington circuit feeling like I've shaken off the bad cold I've had. i take a walk up to the circuit and I'm delighted with what I see, well clipped grassy off camber banks, a long hill... longest I've seen in a cross race actually and two Somme like run sections. I walk back down to registration feeling pretty good.<br />
However looking at the sign on sheet I see what is the biggest field of the year so far. darn. Number in hand I go to get ready. I huddle behind the car quickly putting on my kit, I don woolen gloves and rain jacket and apply warming oil to my legs to fend off the freezing wind before making my way back for a practice lap or two. On my way to the circuit I meet Neil and Alan from my old club the LBRCC, they've just completed the novices race. I'm in a hurry and all I can say is 'Hi' and 'it looks grippy' All I hear in reply is hmmmm.<br />
I dip under the tape and set off. Feels okay, a little windy perhaps, but my tyre pressure feels spot on. Around what is the trickiest bend on the circuit and onto a long stretch of off camber zig zags, awkward but okay. Along a fast flat and into some very 'mountain bikey' ups and downs. Out of those and into a series of muddy drops followed by muddy climbs that call for a running dismount. Another drop into a waterlogged field. I can't help think of the 'fast Shows' 'bottom field' then a final dash to the long climb before hitting the finishing area. Phew, not easy going.<br />
In trying to force out my cold I did a max heart rate session on the turbos the day before and my legs feel dreadful. Double darn.<br />
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Nothing left now but to race. I get gridded which gets a round of applause after being left at the back the previous week. We get held up at the start waiting for the electronic timing system to sort itself out. We're freezing and soon the race faces disappear, and we start to fool about to keep warm. the Commissaire gets some stick and Chris slopes off to join the Juniors race. We talk about the start, is it a gentlemen's start? are we having drinks pre or post race before Christmas? All to soon we're given the thumbs up, then we get the ten seconds to go, lips have gone dry and chests are heavy with pent up energy.<br />
The whistle goes.<br />
It's fast and single file right away. I hit the first and trickiest bend in fourth and come out fourth. There's chaos behind me at the corner with riders on their feet. If I was a good rider I'd have a great lead, but I'm not and all too soon better riders are on me. My legs are heavy and a group of seven are pulling away on lap one, but I'm still ahead of a few of my peers. I haven't got the legs to go hard, and by the second lap Tony is on me. I have to race a canny race from now on.<br />
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During a race isn't the time to think about ifs and buts, am I still carrying a cold, am I loosing fitness, are the others getting stronger? they've certainly turned the tables on me these last two races.All I can do is the best I can, which I know isn't the best I can do. Get every corner right. Get into the drops on every straight. Run like hell on every run section. Doing my best stabilizes my position roughly halfway through the race, though with vets now on the course I have no idea where I lay.<br />
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I see a bunch of fellow V50 riders behind me, and I vow to stay ahead of them. Over the last lap the pressure of holding them off causes me to flap and I put in my most messiest lap of all. My Mojo has gone and I rely on brute force to keep ahead. I trail in to finish towing ten metres of barrier tape behind me.<br />
I think I've done a lot better than the final results will eventually show. New riders caused me to get a little confused. Peers like Tony who beat me last week were just ahead. Chris I last saw in trouble sat on the track side, and multiple series winner Steve has just come in ten minutes later carrying his bike. Pete has won his first race fresh from breaking his ribs and puncturing his lung at the 3 Peaks, staggering.<br />
The results later show I was 15th, the worst finish ever. I now have three weeks to sort myself out, sort of make or break time. Looking back I was far too cautious, too worried about staying upright when less P.S.I and more risks would have paid dividends. Three weeks time we'll know when we are back in London.<br />
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Carlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04568361392827932555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3223649228712024197.post-81850437786300726482013-11-20T03:03:00.000-08:002013-11-20T06:58:23.518-08:00CityCross 2<br />
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Now for something completely different - <a href="http://www.citycross.co.uk/">CityCross</a> 2.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYHw92UU_9z4cKsVhNy4p2F3-xyip0LLJQOlJJAPtr68A8zWX4MmRYTgFG4wAFYWseTGmJzfRTUJy6XTDW7PwWTs0xFheLXHKT5kVZ-xjMqKqjt5JrLJ7Weet_3sM7ETS9Dqo8dEOPvb4X/s1600/1424325_10152054346419603_555781143_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYHw92UU_9z4cKsVhNy4p2F3-xyip0LLJQOlJJAPtr68A8zWX4MmRYTgFG4wAFYWseTGmJzfRTUJy6XTDW7PwWTs0xFheLXHKT5kVZ-xjMqKqjt5JrLJ7Weet_3sM7ETS9Dqo8dEOPvb4X/s200/1424325_10152054346419603_555781143_n.jpg" width="200" /></a>All set inside the Piece Hall in Halifax, it was totally unique experience comprising a mostly cobbled/flagged, tight, twisty and punishing lap, with a little foray onto some small grassed sections (surprisingly muddy!). There was a 12 ton sandpit, bermed corners, flyover bridge, good food, beer and step climb onto the DJ stage, where said DJ seemed hell bent on blowing his smoke machine right in your face every lap! Didn't really matter to me because I was blowing through my backside for the majority of the race! It was intense - so intense it was difficult cast an eye sideways to smile and thank the abundant spectators, who all seemed to love seeing a struggling HCtB! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFY4XVhoWuNUzsJ2f9499aDUb2DkGRQPGoUY_kOjalaM8sli15DBHQAed7PEQ5RezfGQO8u7jfISn_Auwbr0eLPS2H144fEPcmPN8R9OrBjCw53gQUASVoL827nupJOJaLxgpRCYZd23Qj/s1600/522011_10152054345939603_20935002_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFY4XVhoWuNUzsJ2f9499aDUb2DkGRQPGoUY_kOjalaM8sli15DBHQAed7PEQ5RezfGQO8u7jfISn_Auwbr0eLPS2H144fEPcmPN8R9OrBjCw53gQUASVoL827nupJOJaLxgpRCYZd23Qj/s320/522011_10152054345939603_20935002_n.jpg" width="320" /></a>All this madness took part over a series of 20min Moto heats throughout the day and finals in the evening. The idea being to finish top 50% and progressed to the final. However, everyone did get chance to race a second 'last chance saloon' race in a bid to make it to the final. So basically everyone got at least two races if they wanted for the entry fee. As an incentive the Final took to the covered walkways of the Piece Hall on two levels. Must have been exciting. Alas, due to family commitments, my race day was restricted to only one Moto.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY6GT0-zSLGctvLzPXycOWTHEg0_N-6erQzmzt6x-gJJfalLZQHNXfyD2dRvKPBiXtwmX3KoFr0xSq7MBB5TNhMiAdHGARJ1tjNPuVTS_uAgRcUt__kFduV50CFkRhsfskuN7HvT5tJU_E/s1600/1184757_10152054349509603_1901059712_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY6GT0-zSLGctvLzPXycOWTHEg0_N-6erQzmzt6x-gJJfalLZQHNXfyD2dRvKPBiXtwmX3KoFr0xSq7MBB5TNhMiAdHGARJ1tjNPuVTS_uAgRcUt__kFduV50CFkRhsfskuN7HvT5tJU_E/s320/1184757_10152054349509603_1901059712_n.jpg" width="247" /></a>Now, I don't know why but, after much Facebook discussion and chats over a pint or two during the build up to CityCross, I opted to give single speeding a go, and to race on 28c hybrid tyres. This was based on a presumed mostly flat cobbled/flagged lap. And we all know what they say about presumption don't we? It being the mother of all @#*£$~<!</div>
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So here I am lined up as the only single speeder in my Moto, on a very wet - and now very muddy - day, on virtually smooth tyres in a remarkably slopey Piece Hall! The prospect of a very hard race dawned on me. This indeed was confirmed once Garmin uploaded to Strava indicated Points in Read = Suffer Score! Basically couldn't have gone harder without dying!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizqmFwSe6GGFKqyAn60VRcM7x2oUGHTv3utaOvg-miNE8_iaMb_W3FZm_5J60f54uO58rMkKhf-BepNOOWjXBDGhjgMonr95Pz5KawYOSROp9-YBMOKDh3FDmlKu7pZ6Dj-ctal1its1Pw/s1600/1393222_10152054348964603_693140465_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizqmFwSe6GGFKqyAn60VRcM7x2oUGHTv3utaOvg-miNE8_iaMb_W3FZm_5J60f54uO58rMkKhf-BepNOOWjXBDGhjgMonr95Pz5KawYOSROp9-YBMOKDh3FDmlKu7pZ6Dj-ctal1its1Pw/s320/1393222_10152054348964603_693140465_n.jpg" width="320" /></a>For most of the first lap I managed to cling onto the back of the pack, before they eased away from me. The single speed aspect of my chosen whip was ok - darn hard but ok. My tyre selection was where things started to fall apart somewhat. Fair enough, the mud was muddy, but perhaps surprisingly, rear wheel traction wasn't as big an issue as I suspected, it was front wheel wash out on the tight turns that caused most head aches. But I plodded on.</div>
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So last - yes dead last - in my Moto. And it's been a good while since I came dead last I can tell you! But as a fellow HCtB team mate commented, I was the first single speeder on slicks! Yeah baby!</div>
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Thanks to Emma Osenton for organising a fab event, and Jo Allen for the photos.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14748979121627489679noreply@blogger.com0The Piece Hall, Woolshops Shopping Centre, Blackledge, Halifax, Calderdale HX1 1RE, UK53.7215291 -1.856664200000068453.7203546 -1.8591857000000684 53.722703599999996 -1.8541427000000683tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3223649228712024197.post-35405999495963893422013-11-05T10:12:00.002-08:002013-11-05T10:12:26.851-08:00Central CXL Round 6 - A5 Rangers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I wasn't sure how I'd go this Saturday after last weekends mauling. It had been a poor race and a painful fast club run the day after so the following day I decided.....risked taking a whole week off from any cycling.<br />
Come the day I certainly felt rested, and a quick practice on the course confirmed that at least I was no worst.<br />
So the course? well we had off camber wet grass, more off camber ups and downs than you could shake a stick at, some mud 'steps', gravel, tarmac and a fine selection of half buried barge board that would have to be taken at a jaunty angle to enter various sections. Our initial thoughts would call this a slow course....errr!<br />
We were called up for gridding, I was called up fourth man, which was good because the course just about took five men shoulder to shoulder. However I'd decided not to bolt for it this week, and I was going to fall back and watch the competition. When the gun went though I didn't have to make that conscious decision, the pack went off like an explosion. Just keep calm, keep an eye on those that matter. Sam, Chris, Tony forget Steve he is way up the league. Chris's Palmer Park yellow kit was the only one I could see, so upon hitting the first straight I floored it to gain my place behind them. Even though we hadn't completed a single lap we soon fell into the weekly race pattern. Sam had gone. Steve looked like he was having issues, but still kept ahead. Chris was just moving away steadily. That left Tony with a Long Eton interloper in front of me.<br />
I should say that because this was a Saturday race we had a lot of class riders from other leagues among us, either training or building points, regardless of that they were lifting the pace. Because of this everyone's game was raised.<br />
This race felt like a race, sounds daft but the course called for your best riding and the open sections meant that tactics could come into play. At one point the Long Eton rider went down leaving Tony in my sights and in check. sadly I didn't have the strength to open the advantage on the fallen rider, and he went on to pass not only me but several other riders.<br />
As the laps went by the course changed, clever riders would take new lines to avoid the greasy cambers. And if you could bunny hop or wheelie even better otherwise the barge board marking the exit/entrance to sections must have seemed daunting?<br />
I was having a good ride even if the days stronger riders had now since long passed me. I was upright and quite pleased with my efforts.<br />
Then the bell which seemed to have come very early....how time passes when you're having fun. And with the bell another surprise. I'd been chasing Tony but was now right on his wheel with less that a lap to go. And I mean right on his wheel, all I had to do was draught him and pop out for the points. Proper racing.<br />
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However someone else had other plans. A rider from the vets race came through on a bend and tried to get into a gap that wasn't there. I braked hard and the gatecrasher rode straight into Tony's rear wheel. We all kept upright. I wasn't happy, yes it's all racing but I wouldn't deliberately take out other riders, I certainly wouldn't arrive unannounced. Now I had the man in yellow blocking a potential finish line sprint out. Then our man in yellow slowed down too much for the final techy section, and without enough speed he went down taking us with him. Tony escaped the tangle first and what was only a few seconds back a few inches separating us had now become a hundred yards. It was game over Tony was heading for the flag while I was still running with my bike.<br />
Regardless of the last minute debacle this race was the best so far, an opinion universally shared. The course bought out the best riding (in most of us) The Saturday interlopers brought class and pace to the proceedings and in doing so gave us a race to remember.<br />
I didn't fare well overall compared to my fellow V50 racers, but as far as the central league riders were placed I was where I should be. My overall placing slipped from 3rd to 4th last week, but even that flatters me. 6th would be a fair final standing, unless I can pull something out of the hat on my favourite course when we resume racing in two weeks time.Carlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04568361392827932555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3223649228712024197.post-43794920434031762392013-11-01T06:17:00.001-07:002013-11-01T06:17:33.744-07:00Rapha SuperCross - The Double Header 19-20th OctoberThe plan had been hatched to do both of the 'Northern' SuperCross races but it would mean missing the Sunday's Yorkshire Points race. I had decided this year not to chase the points races too assiduously as I found last year that I missed out on some good courses/events and it is always a motivator to race on a new course.<br />
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<h3>
Saturday Broughton Hall Skipton</h3>
The same venue as last year but the course had been laid out on a different part of the grounds and was far superior. A good mix of flowing grass hillside, a bit of mud, barriers and a beer tent! A tremendous turnout for the 'Belgians and lots of pre-race catching up as well as coffee, beer and crepes/frites to be had. The only slight letdown was the parking and although it was a very pretty walk to the course it was a fair distance especially for riders with young offspring riding in the earlier races. Although we were lucky with the rain there could have been some interesting mud related moments completely unconnected to bikes as people tried to exit the carpark field (memories of the KIMM) ;-)<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/hanglebads/10366106165/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Rapha SuperCX 2013 Skipton 7 by Hanglebads / Jo Allen, on Flickr"><img alt="Rapha SuperCX 2013 Skipton 7" height="213" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5526/10366106165_d6dd157e8e_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white;">Starting line-up</span></td></tr>
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A front row gridding alongside @crossjunkie and Steve was a pleasant surprise, even more so when I hit the road section 6th wheel! Disaster struck at this point, I had heard my gears jump unexpectedly in the mud section just prior but now as I put the power down there was a horrible crunch and the rear wheel locked up. I hoped off and went to the side to have a look (don't panic - think Sven!) it took a few seconds to realise the rear QR had undone and the rear wheel had been ejected! Miraculously no damage had been done but in the 40 seconds it took to sort I'd probably lost 30 or more places :-(<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/hanglebads/10366220385/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Rapha SuperCX 2013 Skipton 34 by Hanglebads / Jo Allen, on Flickr"><img alt="Rapha SuperCX 2013 Skipton 34" height="247" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3712/10366220385_8c16c5529d_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white;">Nick rocking his new tubs</span></td></tr>
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<br />
Another battle of a race to move up through the field - thankfully the course was flowing with no real bottle necks so it was a matter of hammering it but avoiding errors. There were also lots of friends/team mates/rivals to chase and pick off on the way which was a great motivator. The slippery corners were a definite aid to the 'tub' equipped - I was running Supermuds at around 23-24psi and had no issues whereas better riders than me were struggling on clinchers. The bell lap came and I could see Stefan ahead (he'd had a few cornering issues on clinchers) and just piped him coming over the barriers to the finish.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/hanglebads/10366222094/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Rapha SuperCX 2013 Skipton 31 by Hanglebads / Jo Allen, on Flickr"><img alt="Rapha SuperCX 2013 Skipton 31" height="320" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3696/10366222094_37c5628aae_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white;">Carl hadn't got the memo re Flanders socks and it cost him dear ;-)</span></td></tr>
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<br />
Rich Allen 9th<br />
Brent Carr 28th<br />
Paul Nutton 30th<br />
Carl Nelson 36th<br />
Nick Waggett 40th<br />
Rich Brewster 50th<br />
Bruce Attwood 63rd<br />
Andrew Bernard 67th<br />
Alison Crutchley DNF - crashed then got run over by Steve resulting in a broken saddle - Steve did apologise and offer to replace the saddle though :-)<br />
<br />
Ricky Feather DNF - wrong tyres Grommit! ;-)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/hanglebads/10366840795/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Rapha SuperCX 2013 Skipton 4 by Hanglebads / Jo Allen, on Flickr"><img alt="Rapha SuperCX 2013 Skipton 4" height="247" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7330/10366840795_7a78d819ca_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white;">Beer and Crepes!</span></td></tr>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/hanglebads/sets/72157636728335024/" target="_blank">Full photoset here</a><br />
<h3>
Sunday Phillips Park Manchester</h3>
Literally next door to the Velodrome this was an interesting venue for Jo and I as we used to live just down the road. Jo's house was compulsorily purchased as part of the re-development that gave rise to the velodrome and 'Alan Turing Way' road!<br />
<br />
Super easy parking at the velodrome and access to the course were a bonus. The course was another good 'un with a mixture of fast flowing grass sections including the novel 'spiral of doom', technical woodland descent, deep mud and a brutal short sharp tarmac climb. Great to catch up with Duncan the founder (along with Al) of Here Come The Belgians, it's his graphic design that you see on the kit though he has moved on to other projects such as <a href="http://superouleur.com/journal/" target="_blank">Superouler</a> now. Emma and Ali were there too though Ali had opted not to race (boo!). Bernie was the only other Belgian to race so we were a little thin on the ground - most of the regulars had opted for the Huddersfield Yorkshire Points race. Whilst warming up I bumped into Tony who was keen to join HCTB so perhaps we'll have more of a presence next year ;-) Good to briefly cat up with Mr Haygarth (and his bike hiding hijinx) as well as Al who were both in a spectating supporting role.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/hanglebads/10386123496/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Rapha SuperCX 2013 Manchester 26 by Hanglebads / Jo Allen, on Flickr"><img alt="Rapha SuperCX 2013 Manchester 26" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7400/10386123496_e9305b4626.jpg" width="386" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white;">Bernie</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
No gridding but a nice wide starting 'track' meant another lung buster to get somewhere 'up there' and then settle in. The course was continually interesting and varied though I'm not sure about the 'spiral of doom'. It is certainly novel and amusing for spectators but perhaps less so for riders.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/hanglebads/10386143915/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Rapha SuperCX 2013 Manchester 36 by Hanglebads / Jo Allen, on Flickr"><img alt="Rapha SuperCX 2013 Manchester 36" height="248" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3716/10386143915_c577f7b886_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white;">Entering the 'Spiral of Doom'</span></td></tr>
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For the later half of the race I ended up in a mini battle with Roy Hunt but I faded in the last two laps losing 10-15 seconds to him finishing 8th - one place up from Saturday.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/hanglebads/10386064864/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Rapha SuperCX 2013 Manchester 21 by Hanglebads / Jo Allen, on Flickr"><img alt="Rapha SuperCX 2013 Manchester 21" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7420/10386064864_ca01a7c569.jpg" width="281" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white;">Emma</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/hanglebads/10386089736/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Rapha SuperCX 2013 Manchester 18 by Hanglebads / Jo Allen, on Flickr"><img alt="Rapha SuperCX 2013 Manchester 18" height="500" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2814/10386089736_4b2959aa78.jpg" width="386" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white;">Dunc</span></td></tr>
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<br />
Rich Allen 8th<br />
Andrew Bernard 48thOtleyrichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17287667999465125762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3223649228712024197.post-87682645266184629332013-10-30T08:48:00.003-07:002013-10-30T08:48:36.122-07:00Ashton Hoyle NWCCA CX 13/10/13No Yorkshire points this weekend coupled to fellow 'Belgians Mark, Alan @crossjunkie, and an injured Dave laying on the second edition of their Waddow Hall CX event meant some of the Yorkshire HCtB contingent sneaked over the border to the 'darkside'. Contrary to expectations we were not stopped at the border and it actually remained dry!<br />
<br />
The setting was very picturesque with the Ribble in the background overlooked by Pendle Hill. The course was great, a mix of fast, hilly and technical - even some proper steps! Added to was this excellent changing/shower provision together with copious and cheap food from the Girl Guides (I think?) - Ace!<br />
<br />
Being a NW race there was no chance of gridding so we ended up 4-5 rows back which meant it would be a battle to move up. Luckily the steep initial hill and some judicious riding in the rough enabled good progress on the opening lap. Time enough then to settle in and pick up places as opportunities presented themselves. A varied lap with some stiff climbing, technical descents, tricky grass loops, flat out Tarmac and steps meant there was little or no respite - excellent! Thoroughly battered myself chasing people :-)<br />
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Richard Allen 5th<br />
Paul Nutton 28th<br />
Carl Nelson 35th<br />
Bruce Attwood 37th<br />
Mark Bradley 80th<br />
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<br />Otleyrichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17287667999465125762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3223649228712024197.post-10168573740245208702013-10-30T08:39:00.000-07:002013-10-30T08:39:01.330-07:00Three Peaks Cyclocross (belated post)A new era dawned with this being the first 'Peaks without John Rawnsley at the helm. Mark Richmond and Neil Hendry amongst others had stepped up to the mark so that everyone could continue to enjoy their favourite endurance cyclocross race and for that we are very grateful. The weather that they booked was pretty good too, except perhaps for that wind! Mark even managed to follow in John's footsteps by both organising and riding the event - chapeau!<br />
<br />
From a 'Belgian perspective it was a bumper year with the highest number of HCTB competitors and the best results. Team-wise we finished 7th overall and 5th in the V40 category and individually as follows;<br />
<br />
Rich Knowles 24th<br />
Gus French 94th<br />
Bruce Attwood 106th<br />
Richard Allen 114th<br />
Dave Ward 154th<br />
Simon (Media Star) Fox 163rd<br />
Carl Nelson 168th<br />
Richard Seipp 238th<br />
Richard Brewster 340th<br />
Adam Cooper 523rd<br />
<br />
My personal race was very enjoyable if a little disappointing time/results wise. I had a flyer over Ingleborough, almost literally in that wind at times and a great descent to Cold Cotes. The road section to Whernside began to tax the lack of recent endurance miles in my legs. I had been battling along with Al @crossjunkie and this continued over Whernside I'm not sure why we didn't just settle in and work together - we might have saved some useful energy, probably going too hard to think straight! The climb up Whernside seemed to go fairly quickly - Al caught me again as did Delia and we traded places over the top. By Ribblehead I'd pulled a little ahead of Al and Delia, a quick bottle swap from Jo and shouts from Will, Ali, Mark, Keith & Dave and it was off onto the road. The support for the 'Belgians was amazing all the way round and my apologies if I missed acknowledging anyone - some I'm sure were complete strangers. As I crossed the cattlegrid Delia came past and promptly dropped her bottle - somewhat alarmingly she retrieved the bottle and came past again - this was not good (for me) my legs just weren't up for the road it seemed. What followed was a 'steady' road section and ascent of Pen y Ghent (thanks for the bottle Rick) and then a very enjoyable descent with functioning brakes this year!<br />
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Another 'Peaks in the bag - great effort by Mark, Neil and co. on their first event. Time to plan for next year...Otleyrichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17287667999465125762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3223649228712024197.post-38808656386923327732013-10-28T14:21:00.000-07:002013-10-28T14:21:11.497-07:00Central CXL Round 5 Milton Keynes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq0yFCBIiwxEx0Th5uvVs7jhIT13q2jPevBQYVvjqz_TtkNiSQVsucfKet4-HM72uIGqKMhrQknHHAL_heUbSn_KYOmSWE1WNuhh9SnIn5hxOpmyZyPL_QYeRDnuMhLC2UdamF1TSUm0cm/s1600/belgianslogo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="65" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq0yFCBIiwxEx0Th5uvVs7jhIT13q2jPevBQYVvjqz_TtkNiSQVsucfKet4-HM72uIGqKMhrQknHHAL_heUbSn_KYOmSWE1WNuhh9SnIn5hxOpmyZyPL_QYeRDnuMhLC2UdamF1TSUm0cm/s320/belgianslogo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
You're going to have one! a race where it all goes wrong even before the whistle goes. Even before Saturdays race at the MK Bowl I was in trouble. During Thursday nights mountain bike ride I'd hit a tree and my arm was killing me, no amount of pain killers could ease it. So my heads already starting to wobble.<br />
I decide to go anyway, after all it's right on my doorstep. As I enter the venue I can see the course, quite literally. You could see the whole course from any standpoint. Still it didn't look too bad.<br />
I pootle about the course before prepping the bike. It's a mix of ultra bumpy turf and greasy climbs. I pick my tyre pressure and set off for practice. Then my head wobbles some more. I had ordered some brand new Eggbeaters prior to the season starting, but had yet to collect them. Now I was being paid back as the bumps were ejecting my feet from the worn pedals mechanism. Bad arm, faulty pedals.<br />
Opting for a bit more pressure was a mistake as I couldn't make the climbs, so out went 10 PSI and suddenly all the climbs were doable.<br />
So to the start line. At least my 3rd place overall standing will guarantee a front row gridding, but no. My name isn't called out. Keith jumps to my rescue, but the man say's no, I'm not on the list? so much for online entry. So right to the back it is. Wobble wobble wobble.<br />
To make matters worst the cancelled races elsewhere around the country has meant that our race has drawn in some contenders in search of points.<br />
Wobble wobble bonk my heads come right off.<br />
I'm done in before I start. The whistle goes and I go off hell bent for leather determined to prove a point, something that gets pick up on after the race.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;">getting on with it</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;">suffering</td></tr>
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I can't last. The race is hell. Too slow and the bumps stop you in your tracks. Go fast and it smooths out, but going fast all race is easier said than done. The hills are okay, I can do those pretty well. The hurdles though fill me with dread as soon as they appear, each time I lift the bike the pain in my arm makes me want to vomit. Lap after lap of pure agony. This one I want to end. Which after what seems the longest race eventually does. I'm 9th, the worst result of the year so far. It's some little relief to find a fair few of my fellow racers looking a little broken.<br />
This race has to be my worst one of the eleven I'm racing this year. All I can do is chalk it up and prepare for the next one. The first step being to collect the new pedals and bin the 'self ejecting' ones I have at the moment. And perhaps rest all week and gain back some of the 9lbs I've lost this weekend.Carlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04568361392827932555noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3223649228712024197.post-7530521801237333912013-10-22T13:27:00.001-07:002013-10-22T13:27:53.419-07:00Central CXL Round 4 Zappi's Oxford<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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If it's wet, sandy and you can hear opera and hip-hop booming out of the PA you know you've turned up for another Zappi's cyclo cross race. This is my third outing to the Culham park venue, and I'm hoping to do better than other past visits. I was telling people I needed a bit of luck, but the honest truth is that I needed to prepare properly for this race. It's the hill, it gets me every time. last year the 25 tooth cassette was useless, so I went mad and fitted a 27 tooth one, went for a warm up and still couldn't ride it. So it's not luck I needed, it's more teeth and less belly. still I was in good company as the hill seemed to attract a fair few ramblers.<br />
However as they say in football 'it's a game of two half's' and Zappi's is a race of two half's. One half flat good draining turf on a sandy soil base. And the other half up down off camber muddy sandy hillside. I know which half I prefer.<br />
So to the racing. I've been gridded again on the front row which is always good, though as I look about me I can see that all these guys can beat me, no pressure. We get the usual 15 seconds to go, a quick check of the cleats and we're sent off. I've realised that it's not best to be the first man so I settle into fourth. That's fine until we hit the first small climb and I find it quite easy to move up. I'm now in second place behind Chris McCleod so far so good. Next is the big drop before 'the climb' I take a silly risk on the descent to be first on the climb, but as soon as I dismount for the run I'm overtaken in numbers. At the top the chase starts, I'm desperate not to lose any more places so I push a gear that takes me outside of my comfort zone, but I'm solo and I can't catch the bunch up the road. I riding pretty well, but everyone is very close, my mind can't make itself up, do I chase or avoid capture? I'm at the hill again, this time the only man to pass me is the eventual winner Simon Tottle who just glides by as if he is out for a Sunday pootle.<br />
At this point I'm just doing my best, a few guys go past and I hope they're in the younger vets race. If I can see someone up ahead I just try to catch them, it's all got a bit messy by now. The hill is demoralizing me, and I'm cursing Keith and his Trisports team mates for having 'running' legs. And to top it off I can see that my long term foe is making ground on me.<br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP8vBag_Gj_XO2jOZOiP0zQ2seY9k1uJwvLt09WdYAfuJM_AKYYjLGBkf73gsIkC_-uu0DeTrji3tHJaZZRLRn6IuOJl-4StxLTkP4o0hXfPqqxECmIAMeJK_8COPF-uD1-gF5yKmbNZuC/s1600/zappi2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP8vBag_Gj_XO2jOZOiP0zQ2seY9k1uJwvLt09WdYAfuJM_AKYYjLGBkf73gsIkC_-uu0DeTrji3tHJaZZRLRn6IuOJl-4StxLTkP4o0hXfPqqxECmIAMeJK_8COPF-uD1-gF5yKmbNZuC/s320/zappi2013.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Arrrgggghhhhhh</td></tr>
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Ding ding ding, sometimes that's a very welcoming sound. I've still got the hill to do, but I don't want to be lapped before I get a chance to get the bell myself. So an effort is put in on the hill, and I fall into the drops for the flat section that follows. I've got the lap so I give it all I've got and pass a rider under the nose of the DJ who encourages me on. The last lap always feels good and with the PA blaring out 'Here come the Belgians.....nice one' it soon passes, I even feel a bit guilty passing the lady rider just before the line.I've come in, in sixth place again. And my race mate for the day Andrew Martin racing in East Grinstead colours has come in in eighth place in the vets race. We're both happy, but a bit of variation in results wouldn't go amiss.<br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU-8sTjE0JeKZUQyPJLCgIn8hCHio1Eud2ZC7aVxchbAbRfqf-20HmpbdWO-QLFoarHBe0BNxTbgSf8gjG2BDnBULKm7HRGJ8ahfg0NMWkgRGZjWcUFPGT8Yq_3815inb95S95X2hejjYi/s1600/going+home.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU-8sTjE0JeKZUQyPJLCgIn8hCHio1Eud2ZC7aVxchbAbRfqf-20HmpbdWO-QLFoarHBe0BNxTbgSf8gjG2BDnBULKm7HRGJ8ahfg0NMWkgRGZjWcUFPGT8Yq_3815inb95S95X2hejjYi/s320/going+home.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Going home</td></tr>
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<br />Carlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04568361392827932555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3223649228712024197.post-38997164290021052112013-10-19T12:27:00.001-07:002013-10-19T12:27:52.958-07:00Central CX League Round 3 Hemel Hempstead <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2qzWMYoU9D_nPE6ZlM_Ic722vc6sELiVUDvvCKb6JSp8rkexN7NL5sz3n31asy3u5zEijMBVI8OwbXdErE10GvEl7Ub_6-3wBstDqqKF6HSFC2j34YQW_V39P3YcvP8B-fgvjp-E-Fh47/s1600/belgianslogo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="65" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2qzWMYoU9D_nPE6ZlM_Ic722vc6sELiVUDvvCKb6JSp8rkexN7NL5sz3n31asy3u5zEijMBVI8OwbXdErE10GvEl7Ub_6-3wBstDqqKF6HSFC2j34YQW_V39P3YcvP8B-fgvjp-E-Fh47/s320/belgianslogo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
What is it about abysmal weather that brings out the crossers by the coach load? Oh please keep raining, oh yes here we go. Actually it's a bit bloody cold, and after being blown about on the playing fields I scuttle off back to the car for full gloves. lets have a quick practice lap, oh okay climbing gear for the flat, this'll be a laugh. Practice over the commissaire doesn't hang about. we know we have to look after each other and he sends us off quick sticks.<br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs8rpc7K7iVVupN1ADCApXSgqARDBeMCptil8hSXhubun0CD6HoiAFgURwGEusanmFq2omJZ7jK1PsR_rCE__xZql13sIHt9aMz_7GijX-jFH8quZG0_qxdG_fpE_frDUYHAI5Xyspz_Dh/s1600/Hemela.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs8rpc7K7iVVupN1ADCApXSgqARDBeMCptil8hSXhubun0CD6HoiAFgURwGEusanmFq2omJZ7jK1PsR_rCE__xZql13sIHt9aMz_7GijX-jFH8quZG0_qxdG_fpE_frDUYHAI5Xyspz_Dh/s320/Hemela.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">On the front row with Chris McCleod</td></tr>
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I take advantage of my first row gridding to make up early ground, but the usual suspects are soon off in the distance, that said I've made equal space between myself and my chasers.<br />
I have issues on lap one, the week prior hasn't gone well and I feel sluggish so decide there and then to sit up, take it smoothly and go for the long race. That means I'm soon overtaken by the vets race front runners including a strong team mate in Andrew Martin.<br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaa1zC4sNqOhhIEQT3JixahgFNsL2MrW66WN2U4W4AK5T7s3C1ZA7I5ntfrTEWQIbyraje7fZJ74TiJwT-2gHGP-41yW_GB7P6owcDYG10bcJlNu1qye0nrESxcWx8PY8pX9CGHwe_T-db/s1600/hemeld.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaa1zC4sNqOhhIEQT3JixahgFNsL2MrW66WN2U4W4AK5T7s3C1ZA7I5ntfrTEWQIbyraje7fZJ74TiJwT-2gHGP-41yW_GB7P6owcDYG10bcJlNu1qye0nrESxcWx8PY8pX9CGHwe_T-db/s320/hemeld.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Andrew Martin</td></tr>
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The second lap see's me in a on and off race with a North Roads rider, it's even Stevens until I fall passing a walker on the left while the North Roads man passes without incident on the right. The resulting gap is too big for me to ever make up. I think I'm eighth at this point and I don't want to drop back further. so I keep it as smooth as possible for lap three. That pays off as I catch a rider from VC10 towards the end of lap three and just before the bell.<br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9WstmNe0mSIV-k0FELoxFnZ20I_w7zSc2iA-75-WEldIupBnu5PyN_vxQvqXONHJhaCoO13c0XQmhVD8WpUOQ2s9RbEbC4xBMTaP8Us3BRBdjGcHPbnYEHQf8WJWDAQr1dfRMRfRIUZT6/s1600/hemelb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9WstmNe0mSIV-k0FELoxFnZ20I_w7zSc2iA-75-WEldIupBnu5PyN_vxQvqXONHJhaCoO13c0XQmhVD8WpUOQ2s9RbEbC4xBMTaP8Us3BRBdjGcHPbnYEHQf8WJWDAQr1dfRMRfRIUZT6/s320/hemelb.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Andrew making the catch</td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh4IRVmba2NRrBFw8R34ggyKoPDcFjj4UG_cHWfw8GVekR7XDj5qQ4xFEp8n9Pg8hDZQVwETpa9bsXb0I5-Z8-WZsjaMVTCBXoUPNi1am88Or8VuuG88r__u21TXMcpQ40q1Q_FqW5hRbF/s1600/hemelc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh4IRVmba2NRrBFw8R34ggyKoPDcFjj4UG_cHWfw8GVekR7XDj5qQ4xFEp8n9Pg8hDZQVwETpa9bsXb0I5-Z8-WZsjaMVTCBXoUPNi1am88Or8VuuG88r__u21TXMcpQ40q1Q_FqW5hRbF/s320/hemelc.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Not just mud, ditches and fallen trees.</td></tr>
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I lead the VC10 man for the first half of the final lap, but he then passes me and starts to get away. I feel a bit resigned to eighth until I notice the VC10 man flounder on the final section of singletrack. I have to dismount behind him, but unlike my fellow racer who is trying to re mount and ride, I decide to run the final section of deep claggy singletrack I emerge into the fields leap onto the bike and press it. One right hander, another right hander and I can afford a glance over my shoulder just to check I'm ahead before the flag.<br />
That was proper tough, but the support from Iain and Ashley deserved my best efforts.<br />
So not 6th this week, just a lowly 7th in the vets 50's. And Andrew claimed a great 8th in the vets.<br />
I'd liked to have stayed to give LBRCC's Julian my support, and God those boys needed it. I think the deteriorating course was now adding two minutes to each lap!<br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0MnJ8dU_uOAdRzHEmr6HZuJt5nASkjIlH2pHbGUNCZ5jZOvr1S9RRA34emE6rzaQijljwdJgOOjsvtqgR5aE1s-RboCrqthGYdEblroaq_R7llSuWH4PCwIsO1TyBevNlAmSklxV1k_cs/s1600/hemeljoolz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0MnJ8dU_uOAdRzHEmr6HZuJt5nASkjIlH2pHbGUNCZ5jZOvr1S9RRA34emE6rzaQijljwdJgOOjsvtqgR5aE1s-RboCrqthGYdEblroaq_R7llSuWH4PCwIsO1TyBevNlAmSklxV1k_cs/s320/hemeljoolz.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Good eyes and bodyline into the singletrack</td></tr>
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I should mention Neil from the LBRCC who put in a sterling performance in the mens novice race, and who next week will be racing in the seniors at the Oxford round. Very Belgian is the Oxford course, deep sand, deep mud and steep hills. Bring it on....again.<br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyhHenXJrGGM1lu78ypXniOzwgVUm8MinKRhdNKOPhEZFDko4ZzC4xKz9uVPyj7k2wWX-Tt5LLujqQdKYonCk64L92ZdvIUklxQ4no1h4ccqz0cQV_WLR_e7praN3XHJhawzjRLM9RgXUP/s1600/hemelmud.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyhHenXJrGGM1lu78ypXniOzwgVUm8MinKRhdNKOPhEZFDko4ZzC4xKz9uVPyj7k2wWX-Tt5LLujqQdKYonCk64L92ZdvIUklxQ4no1h4ccqz0cQV_WLR_e7praN3XHJhawzjRLM9RgXUP/s320/hemelmud.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Needs no comment!</td></tr>
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Massive thanks to LBRCC's Iain and Ashley for the support for all those riding, and the greatest pics, cheers.Carlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04568361392827932555noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3223649228712024197.post-72649784080184542432013-10-08T05:41:00.001-07:002013-10-08T13:10:58.026-07:00Yorkshire Points Round 5 Temple Newsam<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<span style="text-align: justify;">Temple Newsam is one of my favourite course. I seem to go pretty well here, which is surprising really considering the lap has what must be one of the longer climbs of any of the regular venues on the circuit. However, what goes up must come down, and here I can put my considerable bulk to good use and just let gravity do its thing. Plenty of rest time before the slog back up to the top. Also good and varied, so keeps you on your toes and mind off the thumping heart.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvmwlVLj5l95W21WTYRCu5RdxHuNon2iWapkdN39qOyv1Udf6cBgRQUkzbL0lFExCD4QsixBk6eu7lCTXw7INUnM-Aan2yv9gSiUWydd8U4qP1Dj8__2pW0yALzKrNQStOs__YzhZ22jKD/s1600/10134862066_87e4343077_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvmwlVLj5l95W21WTYRCu5RdxHuNon2iWapkdN39qOyv1Udf6cBgRQUkzbL0lFExCD4QsixBk6eu7lCTXw7INUnM-Aan2yv9gSiUWydd8U4qP1Dj8__2pW0yALzKrNQStOs__YzhZ22jKD/s200/10134862066_87e4343077_c.jpg" width="154" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghtNDZG5qVL6TjR70oPQbJ4vdaVNBc8vGA0zsUsVx12h2gyg-OrGw2LoZ-_eunspj_MSiPYJckDJmZbETZDzDsw56Dfsb4yirOGM340t1znIfC4YFB9nMnJCHFrrkb_NQkatnlSKMKqj5j/s1600/10135053463_d239e64368_c+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghtNDZG5qVL6TjR70oPQbJ4vdaVNBc8vGA0zsUsVx12h2gyg-OrGw2LoZ-_eunspj_MSiPYJckDJmZbETZDzDsw56Dfsb4yirOGM340t1znIfC4YFB9nMnJCHFrrkb_NQkatnlSKMKqj5j/s200/10135053463_d239e64368_c+(1).jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
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A glorious day greeted another bumper Belgian turn out including Alison, Johnny, Mark, Nick, Paul, Rich, Ricky and me, and also official snapper Jo. Although a couple of rainy days preceded race day, the course was essentially dry with a couple of slightly sticky spots under the trees - splatter was minimal.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlreVnL4h1cvQG0WE8sr-KhWk0YiL8v593RFYlWT2LU5fHoKu8Mwm2JmzSJod_ES9wRZivVleIwFHtiIOzjHlykuJoTLdvu0yeuCiL2IxFZx85d8mYg0Q2Ghq_U7s9iUWQ8hPwmS0Y9-u8/s1600/10134762524_ec1e0584de_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlreVnL4h1cvQG0WE8sr-KhWk0YiL8v593RFYlWT2LU5fHoKu8Mwm2JmzSJod_ES9wRZivVleIwFHtiIOzjHlykuJoTLdvu0yeuCiL2IxFZx85d8mYg0Q2Ghq_U7s9iUWQ8hPwmS0Y9-u8/s320/10134762524_ec1e0584de_c.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The whistle went, and everyone bolted for the first corner. The hard hard toil commenced. I raced and raced and tussled all of the race with Mark, which, now thinking back, made for a very enjoyable race. Mark had the measure of me really if I'm honest, but a clogged cleat let Mark down at the crest of the final climb, and I pounced. Sprint finish and just clung on to 117th! Now I know I'm not the fittest bloke in the world, but still, I really turned myself inside out during the race and it's only worth 117th! There are some very fit and fast people out there.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ1uVloXUbbHFfPGjVfdoPhuLLZXpOos4F5WQf99gjnAg0whyphenhyphencDBcUadctTXsWfN6gRtu5SL-03zbCP_n0dwx0ePljnrm9sMqfixn8AB60QiGdVvLe0dPyD5bjeh2rwg4Gjhk2PG_tulWJ/s1600/10134764745_94831df500_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ1uVloXUbbHFfPGjVfdoPhuLLZXpOos4F5WQf99gjnAg0whyphenhyphencDBcUadctTXsWfN6gRtu5SL-03zbCP_n0dwx0ePljnrm9sMqfixn8AB60QiGdVvLe0dPyD5bjeh2rwg4Gjhk2PG_tulWJ/s320/10134764745_94831df500_c.jpg" width="247" /></a></div>
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<b>Women/Vets</b></div>
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Richard Allen 14th</div>
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Paul Nutton 43rd</div>
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Nick Waggat 69th</div>
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John Parkinson 117th</div>
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Mark Bradley 118th</div>
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Alison Crutchley 125th</div>
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Johnny Hardiman 129th</div>
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<b>Seniors</b></div>
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Ricky Feather 17th</div>
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So it was just a great day out. It had everything... meeting new team mates, sunshine, push bikes, racing in sandals, beer, everything!</div>
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*Photos courtesy of Jo Hanglebads. Thanks</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14748979121627489679noreply@blogger.com3Temple Newsam House, Selby Road, Leeds, West Yorkshire LS15 0AD, UK53.7844444 -1.459556300000031128.262409899999998 -42.76815030000003 79.3064789 39.849037699999968tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3223649228712024197.post-82209455110207989412013-09-27T04:18:00.001-07:002013-09-27T09:53:18.804-07:00SALE.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL26jXXCAdK1_N4S9SyLZLOalThVYUoRZ9wPVyNQeShRU2n-p3ewTY8uLp_WKcwT1v1JzZ411mLQZEMJV-HJkAfcZYo0y6AHlzILaWl5r4vZTXTuHiwtZBLCgQueLbQJXNsXCh581nJyo/s1600/HCTBrunningmanT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL26jXXCAdK1_N4S9SyLZLOalThVYUoRZ9wPVyNQeShRU2n-p3ewTY8uLp_WKcwT1v1JzZ411mLQZEMJV-HJkAfcZYo0y6AHlzILaWl5r4vZTXTuHiwtZBLCgQueLbQJXNsXCh581nJyo/s400/HCTBrunningmanT.jpg" width="378" /></a></div>
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Last few T-shirts are now on sale -<b> £13.50 inc postage</b> to the UK folks (postage £4.00 rest of world). <b>4 Medium</b> and <b>3 Small</b> left, get em while you can as there won't be a reorder. Find them in the <b><a href="http://teamhctbservicecourse.bigcartel.com/">store.</a></b></div>
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<br />Duncan Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06092397339637341994noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3223649228712024197.post-12166399214436580152013-09-23T13:13:00.002-07:002013-09-23T13:13:32.224-07:00Yorkshire Points Round 4 WakefieldRound 4 of the Yorkshire Points was a complete weather contrast to Round 3 - lovely <strike>warm</strike> hot sunshine and a bone dry course. The course had been altered slightly from previous editions to eliminate the lap of the fields where the football was in progress, no great loss but I used to like the 'full gas' straights that the old route offered. Signing on I drew the jinxed number 13 - I'm not superstitious but I do like the tradition of inverting the number so it was duly pinned on upside down. A big turn out in the Vets for the Belgians with a 'Magnificent Seven'.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/hanglebads/9880082145/" title="Thorne Park CX 22.9.2013 72 by Hanglebads / Jo Allen, on Flickr"><img alt="Thorne Park CX 22.9.2013 72" height="180" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5344/9880082145_2e66490e63_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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A fast course meant that errors and crashes would be punished and I was pleased with my start and enjoyed battling away with a small group including Nick Elder for the first five laps and I could see Nick Wagett and Paul Nutton just behind on the switchbacks both riding well. Three of the first five laps clocked exactly 5.28.3 which is nicely consistent. Unfortunately on lap six I felt the that horrible rolling on rim feeling coming into the the log hurdle/jump. A quick check revealed a rapidly deflating tub so I was forced to gently ride down and up the grassy sections whilst running the single track and any tight turns for fear of rolling it off the rim. Time to chill out and shout on Nick, Paul and Nick as they zipped past and trot along to the pits 3/4 of a lap away. The luxury of a spare bike kitted up for the 'Peaks with rock hard clinchers and even a rear light (!) from Wednesday nights training allowed a relaxed finish. John P being on hand with a Leffe and the glorious sunshine made it a great day out all the same :-)<br />
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Vets<br />
Paul Nutton 28th<br />
Nick Waggett 30th<br />
Rich Allen 46th<br />
Keith Brealey 63rd<br />
John Parkinson 71st<br />
John Hardiman 73rd<br />
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Women/Vet 50s<br />
Laura Jolly 48th (6th FS)<br />
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Seniors<br />
Adam Cooper 52ndOtleyrichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17287667999465125762noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3223649228712024197.post-57079986984692736442013-09-23T13:13:00.000-07:002013-09-23T13:13:00.418-07:00Yorkshire Points Round 3 OakbankOakbank was traditionally the season opener in Yorkshire for a number of years, an innocuous looking parcours that actually packs a lot into a small arena. After the stunning weather of the firs two rounds there was the forecast of heavy rain for Sunday in stark contrast to Saturday's sunshine. After a few warm up laps in the dry my legs were not feeling their best but were not completely shot from Saturday either. Paul was in a similar way I guessed, John had only ridden the aborted Novices race and Keith managed to 'forget' his BC licence so opted not to ride - how convenient ;-><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/hanglebads/9762003812/" title="Oakbanks CX 15.9.2013 26 by Hanglebads / Jo Allen, on Flickr"><img alt="Oakbanks CX 15.9.2013 26" height="500" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3674/9762003812_486e22599e.jpg" width="386" /></a><br />
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A reasonable start in the pouring rain rapidly deteriorated as I made a number of errors miss judging corners and cambers. In the slick conditions there was an element of 'It's a Knockout' with riders taking comedy tumbles, someone just clipped me but it was enough to land me on my backside and in an effort to regain lost ground the inevitable happened and I hit the deck loosing a number of places and nearly knocking the pivot pin out of my left shifter. From then on I seemed to loose all rhythm/skill and it became a slog to the finish.<br />
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Vets<br />
Rich Allen 31st<br />
Paul Nutton 43rd<br />
Nick Waggett 50th<br />
John Hardiman 66th<br />
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Vet 50/Women<br />
Laura Jolly 31st<br />
<br />Otleyrichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17287667999465125762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3223649228712024197.post-11612123930106690192013-09-23T13:12:00.001-07:002013-09-23T13:12:37.612-07:00Lister Lion CrossA new event this year promoted and organised by Emma and team (including fellow Belgian Ali). The venue was absolutely stunning, a beautiful setting with excellent facilities and plenty of stuff going on for all the family - cafe, pizza van, coffee van, mini North Shore, roller racing, fat bike demos, bouncy castle etc.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/hanglebads/9880158195/" title="Untitled by Hanglebads / Jo Allen, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="256" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5524/9880158195_516eaaaf30_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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The course itself was a toughie perhaps manifesting a little of Emma's love of fell running with a repeating up and down climb (incase you forgot to do your hill reps that week I guess) as well as some interesting technical passages, proper running sections and the fantastic back drop of Shibdon Hall and grounds.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/hanglebads/9894361275/" title="Untitled by Hanglebads / Jo Allen, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="200" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5480/9894361275_507f4d5881_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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We had Belgians represented in the novices, vets, and senior race. With so many different categories the fields were refreshingly small a stark contrast to the usual melee of a Yorkshire Points race.<br />
The novices race had to be cut short and rescheduled with the Ladies after an unfortunate 'off' in the woods. It looked and no doubt felt painful but the worst of the injuries turned out to be chipped teeth :-/<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/hanglebads/9894556313/" title="Untitled by Hanglebads / Jo Allen, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="180" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5338/9894556313_8ea3bbd902_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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Novices<br />
Tom McCormick 3rd<br />
Keith Brealey<br />
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Vets:<br />
Rich Allen 3rd<br />
Paul Nutton 5th<br />
Brent Carr 7th<br />
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Seniors<br />
Adam Cooper 8th<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/hanglebads/9895239875/" title="CX - it's all about family. by Hanglebads / Jo Allen, on Flickr"><img alt="CX - it's all about family." height="320" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7409/9895239875_d7f5fa8ff1_n.jpg" width="320" /></a>Otleyrichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17287667999465125762noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3223649228712024197.post-15954131331441499252013-09-09T10:01:00.002-07:002013-09-09T10:01:46.616-07:00Yorkshire Points Round 2 NorthallertonNorthallerton is a fast grass course with great facilities including changing rooms/showers - superb cake stall (yum) and ample parking. Another dry weekend meant that it was going to be all about the legs and avoiding silly mistakes - keep it smooth and go hard. Only three 'Belgians today Nick, Paul (again not credited to the team :-/) and myself.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/hanglebads/9704500524/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Northallerton CX 8.9.2013 25 by Hanglebads / Jo Allen, on Flickr"><img alt="Northallerton CX 8.9.2013 25" height="320" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7367/9704500524_693cbe7293_n.jpg" width="247" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Paul Diving in...</span></td></tr>
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This year's course didn't make use of the far field but kept most of the lap distance by some intricate zig zags. For the first time the chip timing made use of a staggered start in the Vets and Women's race allowing Vet 50s and Women to start a minute or two behind the Vet 40s. This seemed to work quite well on this course where there are plenty of passing opportunities and none of the faster Vet 50s or women seemed to be held up by younger/slower riders. It worked especially well for Wayne who won the Vet 50 category!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/hanglebads/9704627202/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Northallerton CX 8.9.2013 (1) by Hanglebads / Jo Allen, on Flickr"><img alt="Northallerton CX 8.9.2013 (1)" height="320" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3834/9704627202_d2b27eb071_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">I can see you're <b>really</b> pleased to win Wayne!</span></span></td></tr>
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For myself I had a good start, perhaps too good, and managed to hang onto the lead group for a lap and a half before slipping back to eventually finish 18th so still some work to do. The lap splits show a consistency with less that 7 seconds between fastest and slowest laps which I'm happy with - just need to get some speed!<br />
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<tr height="14" style="height: 14pt;"><td class="xl64" height="14" style="height: 14pt; width: 43pt;" width="43">05:44.3</td><td class="xl64" style="width: 43pt;" width="43">05:42.8</td><td class="xl64" style="width: 43pt;" width="43">05:47.9</td><td class="xl64" style="width: 43pt;" width="43">05:49.6</td><td class="xl64" style="width: 43pt;" width="43">05:48.7</td><td class="xl64" style="width: 43pt;" width="43">05:49.2</td><td class="xl64" style="width: 43pt;" width="43">05:48.5</td><td class="xl64" style="width: 43pt;" width="43">05:46.1</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/hanglebads/9704509066/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Northallerton CX 8.9.2013 31 by Hanglebads / Jo Allen, on Flickr"><img alt="Northallerton CX 8.9.2013 31" height="320" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7307/9704509066_aab8abcc21_n.jpg" width="247" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Nick steering with his chin</span></td></tr>
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Nick had a better ride finishing barely 40 seconds behind Paul - it must have been that nice clean bar tape.<br />
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Rich Allen 18th</div>
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Paul Nutton 50th</div>
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Nick Waggett 55th<br />
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Otleyrichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17287667999465125762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3223649228712024197.post-34788320157071722002013-09-01T12:39:00.000-07:002013-09-09T10:05:35.726-07:00Yorkshire Points Round 1 TongAn atypical season opener on the technical Tong course this year. Conditions were very dry and dusty with the wind actually wiping up mini dust storms on the drier tracks at times! More had been made of the technical wooded section, probably to compensate for a reduced open fields section compared to previous years. The crowd pleasing 'drop in' to the woods was still there though and as usual claimed a few victims - remember don't look at the trees unless you want to kiss them ;-)<br />
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A very good 'Belgian turn out with Nick, Paul, John, Rich B, Laura, and myself in the vets and Adam in the seniors even so both Paul and Laura weren't credited as HCtB and Rich had his name changed to 'Chris Brenster'!! Great to see so many friends from other clubs too and a special mention to the Wilkinson clan with Helen racing the Ladies literally at the last minute and Euan refusing to stop in the under 8s - he was pulled out and stopped from doing an extra lap but they failed to take his bike so he just got back on and rode it anyway - class! :-)<br />
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Results are now done on a chip timing system that means a very rapid turnaround:<br />
Vets & Women<br />
17th Rich Allen<br />
32nd Paul Nutton<br />
48th Rich Brewster AKA 'Chris Brenster'<br />
60th Nick Waggett<br />
108th Laura Jolly (5th Lady)<br />
113th John Hardiman<br />
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Seniors<br />
Adam Cooper 47thOtleyrichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17287667999465125762noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3223649228712024197.post-76727850691690645872013-08-28T09:48:00.000-07:002013-08-28T09:48:16.817-07:00Lister Lion CX<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPiCDVTmaVRFe3Fw-2JbEmYNj8ycsBSTmDXkZX5Tydn_ZXUZLCN3hWnhd68CpADILpJOVC-WaCyGjsewvqG1QX6BQoFmSqEtvpZhKBe0XasoWBz0dirvqwec356kz7UXM6wSgX9jL2XdM/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-08-16+at+12.17.58.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPiCDVTmaVRFe3Fw-2JbEmYNj8ycsBSTmDXkZX5Tydn_ZXUZLCN3hWnhd68CpADILpJOVC-WaCyGjsewvqG1QX6BQoFmSqEtvpZhKBe0XasoWBz0dirvqwec356kz7UXM6wSgX9jL2XdM/s320/Screen+Shot+2013-08-16+at+12.17.58.png" width="225" /></a></div>
So here we go, first post from me and I'd like to invite you all along to a new event that we're running at Shibden Hall Estate in Halifax, West Yorkshire.<div>
So after we organised and ran the hugely successful Morvelo City Cross in a tip in Halifax, Calderdale Council have been offering me their more beautiful tourist attractions, the first of these will be the Lister Lion CX on the 14th of September. Yes that's a Saturday so it won't mess with any of your league plans for the Sunday. It's also a great opportunity to try 'cross for the first time as we've put in a novice category and a separate womens race so they don't get piled in with the V40 men!</div>
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I know for myself it was really handy to do a couple of 'fun' 'cross events before I threw myself in and did a league race.</div>
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Now we're lucky enough to have Calderdale's Cycling Officer along with the fleet of balance bikes for the little tiny ones and Huddersfield Star along with their amazing team of coaches to run a kids session.</div>
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We then start the racing from 6 up to geriatric at 10am.</div>
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Now we all know that 'cross is one of the most fun things to watch, so why not bring along the family? If they don't want to take part in the racing then they may want to sample some of the fine food stalls that are coming too, we have the award winning The Porkery with their hog roast, Streaza Pizza with the wood fired pizza oven in a Citroen H-van, fresh coffee or ice-cream. Almost forgot the most important bit, yes, we have a fully licensed bar too.</div>
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That's not all either, there's EDS Bikes with the Roller Racing and some demo fat bikes too.</div>
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Entry is now open at http://www.mytrievents.co.uk/sportive/lister-lion-cyclo-cross/</div>
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All events are electronically timed by Smartiming with live to web results.</div>
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There's a cloth badge for every entrant too. </div>
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What more could you want? You even get to race straight past Lister's Lion!</div>
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Emma</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07510864936127054132noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3223649228712024197.post-82784780062691823022013-08-24T08:53:00.001-07:002013-08-29T07:12:56.423-07:00HCTB Kit Order - Autumn Winter 2013Seems like its time for another kit order :-) If you have ordered before using Champion systems <a href="http://www.champ-sys.co.uk/">CS-Direct</a> the procedure is the same as before. Please check your <a href="http://www.champ-sys.co.uk/#!sizing/cst2">sizing here</a> and if possible borrow a jersey to check from one of our amiable team members at a race, shorts and skinsuits are trickier depending on your chamois fastidiousness;-> If it's your first time then you need to contact me (otleyrich) via the Facebook page and I'll DM you a login. If you are a Facebook abstainer then leave a comment below and we'll work something out.<br />
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Currently there is an issue with the Bibb-Tights order button as it seems to go to the Bibb Shorts option so don't order those yet! Orders close on the 09/09/2013. (See work around in the comments below 29/8/13)Otleyrichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17287667999465125762noreply@blogger.com4