clubrun 9/2/08

[Steve B]

Glad to hear you're ok Stu

Well, today was my first full club run for 5 weeks (I did manage Merstham and back last week) since the surgeons cartilage chomper was stuck into my knee, and boy did I feel it - the club run not the cartilage chomper

Decided to jump straight in at the deep end and took the first of the two 16 groups. I have managed a couple of turbo's over the last couple of weeks so I never imagined that I would find this first ride back so knackering , almost not making the last couple of miles home, literally crawling through my front door and jumping into bed for an hour

A good group of 10 stayed together for the most part, only splitting on the inclines which was fine as we regrouped straight after. This worked well as the group had a wide range of ability, from a good 3rd cat racer (Kevin) to a newby 2nd time out (sorry didn't catch your name) who was very pleased at pushing himself to his limit up the climbs.

I was pleased with my knee except for a small pop halfway up the steps, which then presented itself every time I got out of the saddle on the drags. The physio had told me not to worry about pops and clicks so I tried to forget about it and carry on as normal. Easier said than done

Conner turned off at Partridge lane and another turned around and headed for home (Geraldine's husband I think- sorry if I'm wrong). This left 8 of us to take the Lambs Green route to the cafe. On to the sprint road and I decided that I would have a go at a little sprint just to see how the knee was. Obviously I didn't want to do anything silly but I did want to get a 'feel' of how the knee reacted to a bit of power through it. Kevin had made an early breakaway with a couple of other guys, gaining 30m or so. I upped the pace and caught them with no problems so far. I pulled alongside Kevin and stood up on the pedals to start sprinting and sat straight back down again Me thinks sprinting is a long way off yet.

Lovely bit of cake and a cup of tea and it was back on the bike again. Me and Brian did a bit of work at the front and I was feeling not too bad until the climb through the golf course, where it felt like my legs had fallen off and someone had put my Nan's legs back on (where did that come from?) Anyway, whoever's legs they were they got me home - just.

Roll on next week

Steve

[-Adam-]

Hey Steve,

Good to hear your back on the bike. Just take it easy and do as your told by the physio's etc!

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[Toks]

[quote="Steve B Austin"]I pulled alongside Kevin and stood up on the pedals to start sprinting and sat straight back down again Me thinks sprinting is a long way off yet.

[huw williams]

Ditto that Steve - looking forward to seeing you back up to speed

Its been 10 years since the last of my cartilidge ops and I'm still getting pops and clicks - plus the occasional scrumpling up of a crisp bag inside there on some mornings.

Three things are key to helping it recover.
1) Proper warm up before you stick any big gear sprints in.

2) Build the muscles up around it, cos even if its only subconsciously - you'll be over protecting it and not working so hard with that leg
Leg extensions are good for this - better still is sitting on the floor with your legs out in front of you - back against the wall at 90°. Lift the heel of the injured leg about 3 ins off the floor keeping the leg and knee joint absolutely straight, toes pointing back toward you, and hold it there in there for 30 seconds. - do this 10 times and gradually work up to holding it there for a minute each time. Boring as hell but it helps loads.

3) Aim to run a sub 3 hour marathon (JOKE ) Don't even think about running, ever - burn your trainers (if you've got any)

[huw williams]

[quote="Marek"] Paul shouted out to attack again as Stu was down, we almost went for it but decided that maybe we should do the sportsman thing and go and scrape him off the floor.

[quote="huw williams"][quote="Marek"] Paul shouted out to attack again as Stu was down, we almost went for it but decided that maybe we should do the sportsman thing and go and scrape him off the floor.

[huw williams]

A win is a win Yeah you didn't do a very good job of turning him over if he's only out of action til monday

[Antloony]

Went out with the 18's as per, was going to move up to the 19's but thought I'd have an easier day of it today and stay comfortable. Was a bit chatoic at times, people not keeping position, just deceiding to jump around if they wanted to chat to someone...come on guys if your going to have a proper structure and keep everyone happy and doing their bit on the front then at least make the effort, I dont particulary liked being sworn at for not going on the front I'll sit on the front all day quite happily and tow everyone along so dont have a go at me about not doing my share when people are to busy arsing about further back. Keep it organised, call the rotations and things may work a little better. Rant over.... Good sprint...I won again so at least had something to smile about.


[quote]Met Antloony for the first time, he is pretty quick, we had a good head to head through the lanes. I tried to persuade him to take the step up to the training group, I think he is thinking about it.

[Toks]

[quote="Antloony"]Went out with the 18's as per, was going to move up to the 19's but thought I'd have an easier day of it today and stay comfortable. Was a bit chatoic at times, people not keeping position, just deceiding to jump around if they wanted to chat to someone...come on guys if your going to have a proper structure and keep everyone happy and doing their bit on the front then at least make the effort, I dont particulary liked being sworn at for not going on the front

[kieran]

Well, after turning up on time the last two runs I went back to my old ways and turned up a little late so wnet over the bypass. I saw a late group coming up towards the roundabout, but kept on going solo, caught an 18mph at the turn off by the garage to Reigate, being lead by Ajay.But as the club run is my only training currently I told Ajay I was going ahead and 'zoomed' up the hill to put some space between me and the group to discourage people. from breaking it up chasing. That little hill sprint saw me into the red and I was glad to slow whilst passing through Reigate. My solo adventures continued on the extended ride when I bumped into the TG and others at the roundabout nursing Stu and his muddy bike.i stayed until Stu was whisked off in the ambulance (no flashing lights though ) and did out rider duty (to force cars out from him) for Hal as he cycled with Stu's bike beside him.

After the cafe I went with a bunch of others, including Ajay, Monty, Ben, Rob (t), Kevin and a few others. We kept the group together nicely till Box Hill. Then after the climb set off at full blast home. near the end it was only me and Rob with Ben not far behind. Then after CSS myself and Ben headed up to south Croydon.

A great day out and fabulous weather, I hope the next run is as good but sadly i'll miss it as I'll be in France skiing and trying to communicate with the natives

[Tony]

So Paul / Marek - which one of you pushed him off? How did you manage to arrange it so that Stu forget what happened? That's really bad just coz. you can't keep up with these pesky juniors.

I hope you are mending quickly Stu. Don't push yourself too hard too soon after coming back. Head injuries need a bit of caution. Having said don't rush back too quickly - don't emulate me and take pretty much 18months off after having an accident.

[Stu Merckx Man]

yeh im fine now, i went out yesterday for a few hours.
hips a bit stiff, so is my shoulder, and my face was throbbing slightly.

but other than that its allllll good.