Bec 25 17/7

[Andrew G]

Down at Horsham for the Bec 25 today on another foul day, quite a strong southerly wind with strong gusting...and rain for the later riders.

A partial DNS for me today, I turned up but my legs didn't. Since the 24h I've raced every weekend doubling up with two races this weekend and it's too much, I need some rest. I knew it was too much and should have rested after the 24 but was lured by the F20 for my only chance to go there this season and then this double header weekend is run by friends and I like to support their promotions.

I'd intended on trying something a bit different and sort of did but without any legs it was completely inconclusive so will try again another day, I'd have been slow today regardless of what I did. It was tempting to turn in to the HQ going past Broadbridge Heath but dawdled up to Southwater and back as I don't like a DNF against my name. Miraculously no-one caught me and I caught a couple of slow riders but it was a funny day with some times all over the show. Some were well down (2 - 3 minutes or so) on what I'd expect them to do and others did good rides. Rob Pelham and Rupert Birbidge both did 55s but then Richard Tulley only just dipped under 1.01 by a couple of seconds, strange day, okay for some, rubbish for others.

A naff 1.04.15 for me, slowest 25 in yonks, so now going to do hardly a thing for a couple of weeks to let my legs recover properly. Carl rode a superb race particularly as he was caught in the rain and clocked 56.52 only 30 seconds off Lee Turner. Some more races getting used to and learning courses and Carl's going to do some stunning times as he's only been to most courses once so been riding blind. I left before all the times were in so don't know who won and Sebastian Ader and Steve Dennis were still due in.

[carl f]

Well that was very windy and i got soaked to the bone!. Driving down i spotted Andrew and some earlier starters lining up to go off in glorious sunshine although i didn't realise how blustery it was in the car.
My computer packed up on me a few miles into the race so i had no idea of my av speed or distance. When the rain came down i felt the legs starting to cramp a bit and like Andrew i nearly dnf'd becouse it felt like i was crawling along at snails pace. Pass the finish flag on the other side of the dual carriage way i thought perhaps i must be nearly finished but oh no over another roundabout down to the next one for a final 'blast' back
Got back to HQ and had a brief chat with Andrew who was disappointed but not surprised with his time. mine wasn't up yet but i thought no was did i go under the hour. To my surprise Andrew told me a few mins later of my 56.52 . Very very happy with that all things considered today
Think Ader came in the 55's not sure of dennis time but i'm guessing he trounced it again
Well done to the Bec CC for standing out there marshelling in those conditions
Enjoy your rest Andrew sounds like you need it......

[Ian A4size]

Great result for you Carl- especially as it was a tad blowy out there this morning- it's even better when you know the course- I'd hate to ride any course blind and without a digital toy to see how you are doing, perhaps there is something in just doing perceived effort- that'll get going.
I imagine it was a bit of a grovel out to southwater- but fine on the return leg.
How was the handling in the wind, my front wheel was all over the place yesterday- I've never had a problem with the disc though

Bad luck two punctured legs, why not miss the club 10- I assume you were doing it- and go for the open 10 on saturday, still you do need your beauty sleep.

Going (on) back to yesterday, about how hard it to get moving for mid afternoon events- I got up fairly early this morning- Joanna was doing the whiteoak tri- and rode hard for 2 hours- I got far more out of myself ie higher avg wattage for 2 hours than I did for yesterdays poor 25 min effort in very similar conditions- anybody else out there suffer in the same way?

[Andrew G]

I told him not to bother with his computer next race .

I'm giving the club 10 a miss but will give Jon a hand if needed, and also next Saturday's race (you've got an email by the way). I'll give the commute a rest this week, although I have Wednesday off so will have a social pootle with Marco and co. and I'm helping at the SCCU 100 next Sunday. Following week I'll commute again but mostly easy pace so don't worry I'll be rested to tow you up the col du chicken .

Re handling in the wind, a disc is never a problem as you have your weight over it. Up front I don't use the 80 if it's windy as that does get dragged a bit, never a danger problem but I don't want to waste time and effort constantly correcting or resisting a pull. With a 50 I never have a problem, if it's very windy then the odd passing of a gate and gap in fence/bush can give a bit of a pull but I never find it a problem as the pulls are never that strong. Perhaps you are a bit too tense up front or griping the extensions a bit too tight as that will increase any effect, I find just a slight lean in as you start to feel any pull and it keeps you tracking true with no loss in time. Even on the IOW it wasn't an issue, although you did ride leaning at a 45 degree angle sometimes .

[carl f]

Steve Dennis won it with a 52.33,does that man ever slow down!.
Thanks Ian,even with my featherweight body never have a problem handling a TT bike/disk in the wind apart from like andrew said passing the odd gap in a hedge row suddenly getting jolted towards the road can get a bit scary