Hog Hill - 31st October

[Keith]

I decided that it was time to "get back on the horse", following the accident at Ottershaw that Toby was caught up in last Sunday. I was also involved, a few bikes back, being catapulted into the verge.

I didn't fancy a return to Ottershaw just yet, so headed over to Hog Hill. Another of those caught up in the crash had also had the same idea. He was on a different bike, his R3 having been trashed in last week's crash.

On the drive over I realised that I'd foolishly not brought a wet suit and snorkel. However it was pretty mild, so once you'd accepted that you were going to get drenched, it wasn't too bad.

I felt fine in the small bunch, and was looking forward to a good race. However after around 4 laps I got a rear wheel puncture. A dirty great piece of flint was embedded in the tyre. Sums up my season. Though like Sylv said with ths CX rear-mech problem - "much worse things can happen".

[EdO]

Glad to see you were racing after last week Keith.

[quote="Keith"]
On the drive over I realised that I'd foolishly not brought a wet suit and snorkel. However it was pretty mild, so once you'd accepted that you were going to get drenched, it wasn't too bad.

[Antloony]

Unlucky Keith, is that in now for this season? Looks like you had the same luck as I had on the CR on sat, wet and a puncture

Good result there Ed, all the TG riding is paying off and racing with your head as well, nice one

[Keith]

[quote="Antloony"]Unlucky Keith, is that in now for this season?

[DavidKennett]

[quote="EdO"]
We got under way and I had a gap to close after struggling to clip in Got back on and started moving up the bunch.
That hill is so familiar it must be modelled on the three steps we go over on the clubrun.
First few times up the climb I could feel myself pulling away from the bunch. I could sit down spin on both big rings almost all the way up to the top then out of the saddle for the last 25 meters. I felt like I was on a granny lift going up the stairs.

My lesson learnt from Dave Kennett (and now taught) to excelarate over and after the climb was having good effect. Each time we were over the top, I tried to up the tempo. We were losing riders off the back.
I had a real bad spell mid race where it took a whole lap to get my breathing down but managed to hang in there and hold on to a wheel.
In the end we were down to 10 or so riders. The last couple of laps were a bit neutral and last lap was manic. I managed to hold on to 7th which was ok all things considered. I couldn't sprint at that point my legs had completely seized up. Glad I turned up and made the effort as I could have quite easily had a duvet day!!

Cheers

ed