To say the weather has be inclement is an understatement. Gale force winds lashed Western Scotland overnight with a side of torrential rain and temperatures well into low single figures mean ideal conditions for cx! With a heavy head I set out for the East coast where I thought the weather might be better......no.
Ive had some equipment 'problems' namely mud clearance, or lack of. I started out on a Cotic X which I wanted to love but the mudfest that has been this season so far meant I had to change tack. Promptly sold on then as the clearance at the fork was akin to a roadbike. Taking its place a Specializede Crux, adorned with a Belgians sticker to show my colours, far more like it.
So to the start then and a large crash which took down about a dozen bodies within the first couple of hundred metres, I did well to avoid it and to avoid history repeating itself as I was involved in a crash at the start here last year.
The course was a combination of singletrack open grassland, nice and soft too, like pedalling through treacle! Some off camber banks kept things interesting with some off the bike climbs and authentic style Belgian steps. All this and a howling headwind what more could you want?
A test indeed then, no idea where I finished, but it wasn't last. I have sore legs so Im happy that I tried hard enough.
I did see another Belgian today, I shouted to you although you must have thought I was a maniac. I was riding in my club colours, Johnstone Wheelers.
Next stop Auchentoshan, the Scottish Championships. As a provisional licence holder its a no go for me. I have offered to pit crew for some club-mates though, giving something back.
I have never blogged in my life before, I hope this works.
Great race and excellent first blog! Really good course even if it was heavy going in places. HCtB are thin on the ground in Scotland so will have to ensure we meet up properly sometime, although, I doubt I will be racing anymore of the Scottish series this year.
ReplyDeleteHi Kenny - yeah you should've come to say hello. I was in the vets race, so spent the whole of the Sen's race stood shivering at the top of the slippery steps. Soz but didn't spot the THCtB sticker or else you'd have got a cheer from me - although I doubt you would have heard me over those two girls!!
ReplyDeleteIt's the last time this season I'll be travelling north of the boarder for CX so will have to catch up next year.
Cheers
John