The ACC Effect: word from a newbie

[Toks]

Here's an email I recieved from Mark L who has just started riding with the club. He's 1st official club ride will be today I believe. I thought it was what we're all about as a club so I'm sharing

I have only been cycling for 3-4 months and after getting board of cycling on my own came along to the club run.

I was welcomed by all in the group led by the ever smiling John. It was great to ride in a group and have turns on the front. I rode Box Hill for the 1st time and although I have taken various off road routes on a mountain bike I would not have attempted to do it on my own.

I was very surprised that it was not as long our tough as I though and I cannot wait to ride it again.

It was up until the Acc race the best 1/2 day cycling with like minded people I have ever had. I cannot wait for the club run this Saturday.

The Acc race
Great ride down with yourself and the rest of our group. I haven't ridden on London Roads for over 25 years. riding in a group meant it wasn't as daunting as I expected.

So again I thoroughly enjoyed the ride to Hillingdon.

The race.
I got dropped within I think the 1st 10 yards, by this time my legs were on fire and lungs couldn't process the air required to make my legs work. BUT IT WAS FANTASTIC TO BE A A PART OF IT.

I just couldn't find the energy, strength or will to get to the group.

After a couple of laps of riding on my own I thought I would wait for the girls. They came on just after I passed the finish line and went pass me at some speed, again I was unable to get on their wheel. (Beaten by girls - I am still embarrassed).

As some in the main group started to tire and fall away from the group I was able to get on to the odd wheel and get a tow, although my speed didn't increase because they had also slowed.

I have learned allot from the day and probably had the most enjoyment and thrill for a very long time (Yes even more than that).

I certainly will do this again and again and again.

I realise my big mistake on the day was I carried allot more weight than the other guys. Next time I will remove my pump and water bottle holder which obviously slowed me down considerably.

I completed 16.09 miles in 17 of the 0.94 mile lap. Best lap was the 1st at 2-35-93 at 21.6 mph av. and 29.0 mph max.(fast for me).

Worst lap 12 3-06-09 at 18.4 mph av and maximum of 25 mph. I picked up after that and averaged 19.2 mph overall in 50-15-89 minutes.

Although I was tired I was disappointed it was over when Huw called me in.

I would like to say a huge thanks to everyone for a very very enjoyable day. Thanks to sean for slowing down to tow me for a while, everyone else who tried to get me on there wheel and to George for the lift home.

I don't care if I came last and was lapped a number of times by the A and B group it was still fantastic.

I will be back next year hopefully allot fitter, lighter (About 4 stone overweight) and having had a number of races under my belt.

Mark