Fun Fun FUN at Rapha Super Cross

So it turns out I can sometimes be a little bit rapid off the start line...  I find myself 4th into the first bend!

OK OK OK... so it's 'only' the Fun Category of the recent Rapha Super Cross event at Broughton Hall, Skipton, but still... 4th is 4th!

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!

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...

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!

The race was not over yet, however, there was the tequila short cut.  "All these sinewy cycling types will avoid the booze surely" I thought. This leaving open to me, and my already ruined liver, full exploitation of the boozey option!  How wrong I was - the tequila short cut in fact formed the main racing line and was frequented by all as often as possible!  However, 6No. Tequilas down and I didn't care what position I was in - but boy does it burn - a bit like inhaling pepper spray!

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! 

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.

Thanks to Joolze Dymond for the photos.

Here Comes the Clydesdale...

Rapha Supercross - Broughton Hall

A festival of cyclocross - Rapha seem to do this kind of thing well.  Elite race, fun race, cowbells, food, beer tent, stuff for kids and, most importantly, a Clydesdale Category.

This was to be my time to shine - I was going to win this.  The format seemed simple enough:

1. Weigh over 90kgs - Easy... check

2. Win your race - HHhhmmm?

3. Buy food - Long queues put me off a bit but essentially check.

4. Buy beer - I can drink, and I had a driver, so a big fat check

And that was it basically - The title had my name written all over it.

Due to the franticness of signing on and preparing myself for the start of the Vets, my main goal for the day slipped my mind, and I forgot to make my intentions apparent to the race officials. 

Moving on though, the race passed without hitch.  The technically unchallenging course was very heavy under wheel, and became a slog fest of abject misery!  I tussled with a few back markers and slowly inched my way around to the finish on 82%. The highlight of each lap was passing through the crowd, where the volume created by all the cheering and cowbells was quite overwhelming, and made me quite emotional.  Chapeau to the crowd.

Post race, the first pint passed to me by my pit crew* was gasped down easily - as was the second!  Now it was time to push the pace - no surrender!  Three, four... go go go!

However, my new found eagerness to push the boundaries of human endurance, in the selfless quest to bring glory and silverware HCtB, was short lived - I was informed by the race marshals that there would be no Clydesdale Category today!  A little deflated, I slowly eased down and relaxed.  No need to lay it on the line for the team today after all.  The abuse would have to wait for another day.

So, Rapha, if you are reading - I WILL be back next year, subject to further anticipated failed diets... be afraid... be very afraid!  

I will claim the prize which is rightfully mine...

*wife and daughter - thanks for the support you two.

The Season So Far...

It is hard to believe but the Yorkshire Points competition is more than two thirds over. Round seven was last Sunday at the 'old school' Brighouse course. Also hard to believe is that Brighouse is the first points race this season where it actually wasn't dry/sunny for the vets race! Anyway having failed to post regular race reports its time to recap and take stock on a non-racing weekend!

Round One Northallerton 2/9/12

Steve giving me a 'funny look' ;-)

Well it wasn't the usual Oakbank opening round but it was the Northallerton 'grass crit', no need to dismount at any point and very fast. Bone dry and sunny, a rude awakening for the racing legs. I felt pretty good for the first race of the season but lacked a little in pace. Met up with Jon (cheers for the stickers!) for the first time since last season and best of all we recruited a new lady, Laura, with genuine Belgian pedigree! @Hanglebads photos
Rich Allen 15/88, Nick Waggett 54/88, Jon Allen 62/88, Laura Jolly 83/88 (5th W)

Round Two Oakbank 9/9/12

The usual season opener had to take second place this year but still managed to pack in the usual variety in a (relatively) small venue. Lovely sunny weather again to begin with and though most of the course was dry some areas held the rain. These areas started to cut up adding a bit of challenge. Funniest moment was having to sprint to and from the car to fetch a spare front wheel for Mark (J. D. Cycles) during the seniors race as he ran a lap to the pits with a flat. I hope he appreciated getting the first ride on one of my FMB Superprestige tubs! Jo was poorly so no photos.
Rich Allen 18/103, Nick Waggett 45/103, Laura Jolly 90/103 (5th W), John Parkinson 97/103

Round Three Tong 16/9/12

An good course with a mix of open fields, technical woody descents and a steep climb. Dry and sunny again and really not that wet under the wheels either. I felt pretty good but missed a trick by not using a log hop short cut every lap which was probably worth a place or two by the end - must get more confident/take the risk on some of the technical stuff. Things I learned or remembered - technical skills save energy and places! Jo was still poorly so no photos.
Rich Allen 19/99, Nick Waggett 51/99, Laura Jolly 77/99 (4th W)

Round Four Thornes Park 23/9/12

Hurdle!

Another fast course with just the one hurdle and it was yet again dry! Usually this race is run close to Christmas and can feature icy sections but not this year. Strangely despite having a right battle with my friend and adversary Wayne and feeling like I pushed it really hard it was my worst result of the season. Not sure why, the start was a bit crowded and I didn't get away that well but not that badly either - who knows? @Hanglebads photos
Rich Allen 23/118, Nick Waggett 43/118, Laura Jolly 93/118 (3rd W), John Parkinson 98/118

Three Peaks 30/9/12

I've already covered this in 50th Anniversary Three Peaks suffice to say it was a memorable send off for John

Round Five Temple Newsam 7/10/12

Our newest and youngest 'Belgian. 

The mud tubs (Rhinos) came out in expectation of wet conditions - so far I'd done every race on Griffos. On the day it was dry and sunny - again but there was at last some proper mud - yippee! A great course as always with a mix of technical woodland with some good muddy sections alongside the more open field sections including a 'nice' off camber 'P' turn. I had a good start - not as good as Paul though who set off at 500m pursuit pace! Things I learned or remembered - make sure you know where it is quicker to run than ride. @Hanglebads photos
Rich Allen 13/111, Nick Waggett 60/111, Paul Goulden 64/111, John Parkinson 94/111, Laura Jolly 98/111 (7th W)

Newsome High School (Huddersfield) 14/10/12

Team mates

A non points race high up above Huddersfield at Newsome High School. A mainly fast grass course but with a sand pit and some tricky off camber banking and a touch of woodland for interest. I had a great start and was actually up to 6th at one point - mainly because two riders slid out on a slippery grass corner. It was a fast course that rewarded smooth riding but punished errors - by the end a few stutters and slips and I'd slipped down to 9th but probably only 15-20 second off 7th. It was good to Things I learned or remembered - tyre/tub pressure is so important, I seemed to have it just right in the Griffos finding the slippery corners noticeably less problematic than some. @Hanglebads photos
Rich Allen 9/80, Nick Waggett 47/80, Adam Cooper 53/80, Laura Jolly 74/80 (4th W)

Rapha Supercross Broughton 20/10/12

Vets team raring to go - with Nicole. 

The whole Rapha Supercross phenomenon has stepped up a gear this year perhaps not so much in terms of the racing field, though I think there were more discreet categories this time round, but certainly in spectators and trade tents, catering etc. We arrived nice and early but by the time the vets had finished there were spectators everywhere and 'overflow parking was running short. The course itself was a compromise - heavy rain had meant that permission to use the more technical areas had been withdrawn for fear of severe damage. As a result it was an exhaustingly 'heavy' grass circuit which should have suited me but I didn't seem to be firing on all cylinders whether this was physical or just psychological given the slow going I'm not sure - though my recovery on Sunday suggests it was all in the head. Things I learned or remembered - tyre/tub pressure is so important, again! @Hanglebads photos
Rich Allen 14/91, Carl Nelson 24/91, Nick Wagget 37/91, Jon Allen 45/91, Mark Bradley 70/91, John Parkinson 75/91

Round Six New College (Huddersfield) 21/10/12

Jon in freshly laundered kit!

After the Supercross on Saturday it was a surprise to line up at Huddersfield New College actually feeling a lot fresher - perhaps yesterdays efforts had 'unblocked' the legs or more likely it was a faster course so everything just felt better! A goodish start and the good sense just to hold back a little on the 2nd corner saw me comfortably placed and avoiding the pile up. Not really any technical challenges and just two dismounts per lap (need to work on power as one of them was rideable by better/stronger riders). Actually felt that I could really power on the flats but couldn't catch Phil who had finished just ahead last week as well at Newsome. Things I learned or remembered - the turbo and rollers really do help. @Hanglebads photos
Rich Allen 11/113, Nick Waggett 37/113, Jon Allen 71/113, Laura Jolly 94/113 (5th W)

Round Seven Brighouse 28/10/12

Quicker to run than ride!

Finally we come to Brighouse an 'old school' course that includes a couple of big climbs and a couple of steep/fast/technical downhills - especially in the mud. Good to see the Lancashire raiders in the form of 'smiling' Dave Haygarth over for some Yorkshire action. At long last there was some proper mud and it was actually wet - almost anyway but nothing like the heavy rain forecast. Thanks to the points 'call up' I had a great start position and a flying start managing to stay (very much) on the back of the lead group for the first half lap. Reality soon asserted itself and a little group of us slipped back battled away for the next few laps until Mark (Hopefactory) pulled away and things fragmented. A few silly mistakes skills/strategy wise cost me a couple of places but I really didn't have the hutzpah or legs to make it count today. However it was such an enjoyable and tough course the race flew by. Things I should have remembered - know where it is quicker to run than ride even downhill and it is surprisingly easy to run a team mate over without consequence to oneself (sorry Nick!) @Hanglebads photos

Nick enjoying the flat before being run down...

Rich Allen 16/84, Nick Waggett 55/84, Mark Bradley 76/84, Laura Jolly 82/84 (2nd W)

Gin & Trombones

I've been racing since the Three Peaks on a 2012 Gin and Trombones frame set Van Dessel (the USA based company of former Belgian pro Edwin Bull) which has been kindly supplied at a nice discount by 'The Bearded Man' - an offer he extended to all Here Come The Belgians riders via Duncan. The bike has a definite 'Flandrian' flavour with its black and yellow paint job and Leeuw van Vlaanderen top tube decal. What follows are my impressions of the frame and forks so far and a few mechanical musings thrown in for good measure. I'd count myself as an experienced cyclist - I met @crossjunkie back in the late 80s at an MTB event whilst I was working as a bike courier in Manchester and I've been riding bikes fairly seriously ever since. I'm not an expert (but I do spend my own brass so I'm fairly honest) - I don't get to ride multiple bikes to make direct comparisons so please bear that in mind, other online reviews such as CX Magazines review may be more appropriate if you're after that sort of expertise.

Van Dessel Gin and Trombones

First off from the home mechanics view point the frame built up fairly easily straight out of the box. Two new technologies BB30 and a 1.125 - 1.5" integrated headset meant the purchase of some new tools but the assembly was trouble free. As I had existing 24mm spindle (external BB) cranks I used a Wheels Manufacturing adapter to fit them to the BB30 bottom bracket. I purchased the Park Tool BBT 30.3  tool and used my existing headset press to do this - check out the Park Tools site for more info. I'm not a massive believer in all the new BB technology, yes it does allow lighter stiffer cranksets but some of the arguments are a bit lame for mortals, don't forget that at the last Olympics most of the British track riders including Hoy were still on square taper, if they didn't need the stiffness I'm quite sure I don't! Having said that press fitting the bearings was simplicity itself and they certainly spin freely and replacement will be cheap and easy. The headset required a new, massive, crown race setter and I was a little nervous as I slammed it down on the full carbon fork but there was no need to worry as it seated perfectly. Just pushing the bearings into the frame by hand without cups or a headset press seemed weird to my old school mechanic's senses. Integrated headsets are becoming the norm but I must admit I'm not convinced - there are some serious forces at work there and the fit of the bearings is not 'precision', very easy to replace but I feel they will wear more rapidly (hard steel race soft aluminium frame) and on the supplied headset there is no real sealing which may exacerbate wear in CX conditions. In the end this will mean the frame doesn't last as long, but for a CX frame that will probably be replaced in five years or less it's probably not a huge problem. OK thats the grumpy old git bit out the way. The Seatpin was 27.2, front mech 31.8, all fairly standard and straight swap across for my kit. The frame set was supplied with a neat FSA CX headset, carbon steerer tube bung, seat collar, BB cable guide, spare rear mech hanger, touch up paint and some plastic blanks to use if you remove the canti studs and opt for discs.

What is it like to ride? Light, lively, superb! My previous CX bikes are Planet X Uncle Johns and they are very good bikes - a little weighty maybe but rock solid and great handling - fantastic Three Peaks Bikes. The Gin and Trombones is a LOT lighter. I reckon it saves 750g over the Uncle John, partly down to the full carbon fork but the frame is a good 400g lighter itself. On my inexact scales with a fairly normal 'build' it registers around 18lbs (I'll get an accurate figure soon) In terms of geometry it has a steeper seat tube, shorter chain stays and a lower bottom bracket. The massive BB area also means it is laterally stiffer (yeah yeah laterally stiff and vertically compliant - I'm not going to say it!). Ride wise to me it feels 'snappier' a little more road bike like but still very stable and sure footed. The lower BB may help here but I'm not convinced I can really tell the difference as I could just be imagining it - the new kit placebo effect if you will. I do notice that the bike is marginally easier to remount. To be honest I've not been able to detect any negatives as far as the handling goes, in my view it's all good and that massive head tube really stiffens up the steering adding precision. I have caught a pedal once accelerating out of a corner but whether that was because of the lower BB is moot - it may well just be incompetence or the fact that the planted feeling of the bike allowed me to lean over more. At Brockhole the technical root rocky decent from the house proved no problem for the lower BB so short of full on MTB terrain I can't see an issue. One of the more important selling points for me a are the frame clearances, they are massive. If you're an enthusiastic weekend warrior it is unlikely that you have a dedicated pit crew. In muddy races you'll either be riding the same bike or swapping once (no one will be there to clean the pitted bike). You NEED decent clearances. The clearances on the G & T are fantastic both around the rear wheel (infront of especially and to the sides of the tub) and the fork. At Brockhole on day one of the Rapha Super Cross I didn't need to pit - others suffered severely clogged bikes (Waggey actually quit in frustration on his Focus) or had to swap bikes. The G & T was unaffected. Another muddy selling point to me was the full shifter housing run down the seat stays. I've actually drilled the stops out on my previous bikes to achieve this but the G & T came ready fixed - a sign of a design team that understands muddy cross! Gore cables may be excellent but they're pricey and a fiddle to fit, full cable housing runs at the rear are virtually as good - I used this system all last year never suffering a single cable related problem with shifting. The front shifter cable is routed along the down tube, again my favourite choice. Is it me or does it make little sense to route the front mech cable along the top tube, down the seat tube to a pulley (that can clog) then up the seat tube to the mech? Certainly with Campag the front mech doesn't need the precision shift you need at the rear. As of this year the frame is also disc ready but I'm still on Cantis so can't give any feedback on that front.

In conclusion the Gin and Trombones provides a responsive, snappy yet stable ride, with massive clearances for North of England mud and a cable routing set up that should ensure a reliable ride. Did I mention the gorgeous 'Flandrian Yellow' paint job? The only weak point I can think of is the integrated headset's durability and this is really a reflection current 'fashion' in the bicycle trade. The bottom line is that I intend to spend my own brass and get a another so I can again pretend to look pro with matching bikes!  Any Belgians in the Yorkshire area who get a G&T and want to pop over to use the tools just drop me a line. Please feel free to play 'bike review buzzword bingo' in the comment section below

Rapha Super Cross

Brockhole Windermere
I don't think you can have a truly bad day at Brockhole, a bad race maybe but a bad day no. This was my third outing here having ridden the first event in 2009 which was a sticky mud bath of epic proportions and the North of England Championship last year where deep snow resulted in the vets lining up in sub zero temperatures with bikes shouldered to run the initial 250 yards!



This years event was 'soft' going but not the mud fest a few of us were expecting. Rhinos had been duly glued up during the week and Jo and I spent Friday night at the FRCC hut in Langdale in order to ease the early start on Saturday. Our early arrival allowed a chilled out reconnoitre of the course (similar to last year, no big logs up by the house but a much muddier technical descent) and a second coffee of the morning together shared in glorious sunshine and rapidly warming temperatures. Soon we were meeting up with @crossjunkie (riding in Rapha Candy stripes), @sportsartuk, @ckingimages @DaveHaygarth and a host of other friends including Waggey and Mandy who had made the journey up from York. The supply of Rouler Cowbells were rapidly exhausted with a corresponding increase in spectator noise and soon the kids races were off including Elsie Haygarth racing to victory in the under fours now enshrined in pixels on the Rapha website. The atmosphere was fantastic - great to see what an injection of media/marketing savvy cash and enthusiasm can do allied to the grass roots graft of local clubs so a big thank you to Rapha, Rouler and the Lakes Road Club.

Soon enough it was time for the massive Seniors, Vets and Women's field to line up (140 plus). Al managed to sneak a couple of bike lengths on me before we even started and I spent a few laps getting back on terms. The rest of the race was thoroughly enjoyable, yes it is a technical course and yes it was muddy (not too much) and rooty but it is cyclocross and courses like Brockhole typify an 'old school' Northern course that should be cherished. I had a wonderfully problem free race and the excellent clearances on the Van Dessel G&T meant I didn't even use my pit bike. Others weren't so lucky and Waggey ended up abandoning with terminal clogging around his front fork which was a shame but allowed him to save his legs for Sunday - a cunning move? Check out the great photo of @crossjunkie over on @ckingimages Flickr stream. Once we crossed the line it was off for a quick change and on to the Duvel beer tent which had already claimed its first victim with one of HCtB favourite pro photographers missing the start of the Elite race - ahem, no names no pack drill... Being able to watch the elite field tackle the same course we'd just riden was the icing on the cake and made made it possible to pick up lots of pointers to improvement; get faster, get stronger, improve uphill remounts, improve technical skills... errr the list got a bit long! Mechanicals played a role in the elite event too with both Paul Oldham and Jody Crwaford (joint favourites) being affected with Lee Williams turning out the eventual winner. The weather helped enormously in creating a festival atmosphere which is hopefully a pointer to future 'SuperCross' style events in the UK.

New College Huddersfield
Some rapid bike washing and prep, some epic kit washing from @Hanglebad (thanks love) and we were ready to roll for day two in Huddersfield. A very different course, more 'euro' grass crit with some steep bankings so a great compliment/contrast to Brockhole.



Again a big thank you to Rapha, Rouler and Huddersfield Road Club for a fantastic event including Tour legend Brian Robinson and Marsden brass band! The Rouler Cowbells had been replenished and like a big kid I asked @Hanglebad to nab me one. Again we were treated to a Duvel beer tent, crepes, Rapha mobile shop and coffee, trade tents, coconut shy - did I mention the beer? The course was fast and almost dry which meant no rest or let up. Another massive field, 140 plus of just Vets and Women this time! The second day of racing left my legs a little lacking (that's my excuse) and though I got a relatively decent start I couldn't close the gap on Wayne. Waggey had a very good race getting to within 25 seconds of Al at the finish, that clogging excuse was obviously a ruse to save his legs for another PB. Another quick change and off to get a Duvel (to aid recovery and with Jo driving I could have a couple) and watch and heckle the seniors race with Tim (looking very strong) and Tom representing Velocake. Thanks to (Flemish) Nicole and John we now know that Duvel is pronounced Der-vel (Devil) and that its a not a lager - something she felt announcer Anthony McCrossan needed to be made aware of as soon as the elite race finished! Jody Crawford won a close fought sprint with Paul Oldham with Hope Technology securing their series lead in this team based format.



A totally brilliant weekend bringing a little Euro/Belgian/US flavour to the UK!

Rapha Super Cross 15/16 Oct

Apologies if you have seen this elsewhere but it's worth plugging for those within striking distance of the North of England this weekend......

After a last minute scare with impounded cowbells, final preparations are being made by the respective race organisers and the Rapha Super Cross team for a weekend unlike any other weekend of UK cross, kicking off on 15th October at Brockholes, Windermere.

Belgians will be out in force as Saturday's Brockholes race is a NW League event, a firm favourite on the NW League calendar with the iconic Brockholes course providing contrasting course conditions over the past 2 years, from mudbath to frozen snowy waste, but looking good this year for another mudbath. Expect different faces the day after, as Sunday's race is a dyed in the wool Yorkshire League event, at Huddersfield, on a windswept field-based course that is bound to be a real test.

Both will have the full Rapha Super Cross treatment - elite racing, cowbells, beer, music, lots of spectators, a good dose of silliness and marshmallows.


I am risking being permanently outcast from the Belgians fold having agreed to ride in the support races for both days, in the candy stripe colours of the US based Rapha-Focus cross team. Hey ho, I'm easily pleased...

So come along to either venue if you're not already racing, have a beer and watch the silliness and throw marshmallows at me. Just don't shout 'splitter'.......