Norlond 30

[richv]

A trip up to the F1 today to ride the tandem with Paul T. As elsewhere a pleasant day although the wind did seem to get up a bit during the event.

We were having a crack at the club Tandem 30 record.

As with any record attempt the preparation was essential. Even more so when the record has been set by world record holders (albeit in the 1930s). Paul and I had managed at least 30 minutes on the Tandem over a year ago without killing each other (although I think Paul was a bit miffed by my lack of confidence in his piloting - nothing against Paul, I'm just a bad passenger). I'd managed to get myself half fit, another 2 months and I maybe ready to race. We'd set up and tested the Tandem at least 15 minutes prior to the start and even remembered to pump up the tyres after the test ride ("Did you pump up the rear tyre Paul?" "No, didn't you?"). Paul had decided to wear his quickest baggy top (apparently he has managed to destroy his skinsuit somehow) which enabled us to pack the allen keys in his back pocket for those last minute start line tightening of bolts.

The warm up went well apart from the turn to get back to the start when Paul decided to show off his tandem cyclocross skills. He'll probably say it was all my fault for not leaning into the turn but would you trust your life to someone who is quite content to ride a tandem off the side of the road into a field?

Made it to the start on time so that was a bonus. Told Paul we were going to take it easy off the start not that that had any effect and then we were off. the joy of cycling is seeing the countryside as you cycle through it. Not when you're stoking on a tandem though. I'm sure Paul's arse has its attraction to some but after a couple of minutes it started to lose what little appeal it had and at that point I still had an hour of it to go. Not much I can say about the ride except every time I opened my eyes Paul's arse was still there. Seemed to be going well. We caught the tandem in front after 10 miles thus wrapping up the tandem competition. With no watch I had no idea how we were going. Passed some of the solos and seemed to be going well but the way back from the final turn didn't seem quite as fast as it should.

Asked Paul the time after the finish and it was a 1.04. A minute outside the record, various expletives uttered. Back to the HQ, the relief of getting off the tandem and realising there was something else to look at other than Paul's arse.

Final result 1.04.11, 57 seconds off the record. Better that I expected given my fitness level at present. Paul is on good form.

Second fastest ride of the day, with only Cammish amongst the solos beating us. Looking at the results people seemed to be about a minute or so down on last years times so some room for improvement. Maybe next time Paul will have got a new skinsuit which I'm sure would save us a minute.

[Andrew G]

Hilarious report Mr.V and a great stab at the record. I'm sure Paul and yourself could crack quite a few tandem records if you are both on form at the same time.

Paul is flying at the mo, but look on the bright side, he's lost a bit of weight over the last year so that bum you're staring at is smaller than it used to be.

[Snoop Doug]

that's an excellent report - waaaaay too much arse info mind you Better luck next time. Guru Paul - tho it may stick in yer throat, take the good coaches advice mate

Will you be having another go this year...? Don't spose there are too many 30s available?

Snoop