I remembered speaking to Keith a couple of weeks ago at Hog Hill saying I wouldn't dream of doing a 160 mile round trip to race.
So there I was this morning driving down the M20 past the white cliffs of dover heading towards Fowlmead.
Heavy rain forecast and by the time I started unloading the bike from the car it's tipping it down.
One pratise lap to get properly weathered and I line up under starters orders.
Half the width of the track on final the bend was closed off due to standing water.
It's narrow so positioning on the final lap is really important.
We set off a minute afer the 2/3s and one rider goes off the front from the start for a lap before being brought in.
I sat in for the first few laps just watching who is around me and trying to let my eyes adjusted to the spray. I'm taking a battering from the spray, feeling lethargic after the drive down.... just hope I don't puncture.
The bunch avoid a minor disaster as some guy out for a leisure ride on his MTB gets on to the track coming the other way and starts riding towards us head on.
Thankfully nothing happens as we manoveure past him and continue with the race.
A few lone attacks come and go as I move up to the front. I up the tempo and gain around 40 meters on the bunch for half a lap. Eventually a Dulwich paragon rider comes round with a couple of other riders in tow.
There was shout of a break and we kick off a strong T&O for a couple of laps but it doesn't last.
The pack get back on and it all fizzles out.
With a distinct lack of will to work on the front, the pace eases off again so I know more attacks are brewing
Sure enough One San Fairy Ann rider goes for it and I managed to latch on. I hear another rider shout from behind "we've got a gap" and this time we really crank it up. Game on.
There was five of us T&O working well but again we are pulled in by the pack.
The T&O continued even though there's only four of us active and the bunch are now being towed along. Eventually the pace slows again but there's some tired faces looking around.
I was ready for another counter attack and not disappointed as a junior rider goes off the front for two laps. I didn't chase down straight away, just sat up and waited for someone else to respond.
Eventually another rider makes a charge for it. I latch on then come round. The was junior was being slowly reeled in. Just as I toy with the idea off bridging the gap he pulls over with a puncture.
We go past the finish and there's only 2 laps left. Over an hour has passed so quickly.
There's 11 riders left on penultimate lap which passes without much action then the final lap is all out.
I was sixth all the way to the incline then see someone go for it so I begin to respond. We're out of the saddle going full tilt. I'm trying really hard to get to that final bend in the best position as possible.
I feel my back tyre losing pressure but I keep going for the line.
I finish fourth but I'm gutted I didn't get third. Still best result yet.
We managed to stay away from the 2/3s bunch all race and get to see their finish.
After today I move up to 3rd Cat.
