19 February / Longcross / Surrey League

[Mark F]

So, my introduction to racing this morning.

A certain amount of trepidation on my part but having signed up via the Internet I felt I should go and get my money's worth. Nerves not helped by getting lost on the way but eventually found it - started to wonder whether there was enough time to build bike, sign on, put on shoes, go for a pee etc. Given the rain it was a bit of a surprise to see more than 50 other budding 4th Cats turn out. A motley selection of individuals and steeds.

After 4 fairly gentle training laps and 1 casualty we all regrouped at the start - by which time I was wet and shivering. And then we were off - all a bit different to a B Training Group ride - faster but not as hard work given some of the eager beavers on the front. Very stop go as people decided to push the pace then backed off or no-one came through.

I sat in around 15th wheel - taking the spray rather than working too hard. Into the second lap and someone went down just behind - a heart stopping moment as he just clipped my back wheel but I didn't follow suit. The drizzle and spray making it difficult at times to see too much.

The laps clicked down and the numbers dropped with a few 'dnfs' - including a couple of Agreeables who stayed to watch the final laps (guys - thanks for cheering me on - much appreciated). We eventually lapped the Women with Kate going strongly. There were a few breaks but very half hearted with no-one staying away for more than half a lap. Given some of the riding in front of me I wasn't up for having a glance over my shoulder to see how things were going behind me.

Into the final lap and it took a bit of encouragement from the sidelines before the pace started to pick up. I was still running around 15th wheel as we took the final bend and decided it was time to move up the pack. Having made a move up I failed to find a wheel to grab and kept going - hitting the front but too early, blowing up and being overtaken by all those I had just managed to pass. Lesson learned.

Overall result awaited but around 15th-20th. Average speed 23.5 mph (my highest by far) but average heart rate only 138 (probably my lowest on a Saturday morning this year).

Roll on next time.

M

[Andrew G]

Well done for getting started racing Mark, These early Surrey League races are a good introduction with help and advice and some training laps to get started with. Did Glyn have an experienced hand as sitter in to give the pack a bit of on the hoof advice or calls if need be? He used to when they had their early starter races at Chertsey.

[quote="Mark F"]Into the second lap and someone went down just behind - a heart stopping moment as he just clipped my back wheel but I didn't follow suit.

[Mark F]

Andrew,

Thanks. Yes, Glyn had some experienced London Dynamos giving some guidance / advice / direction. It was well organized and welcoming to the complete novice.

Haven't had a chance to download the Garmin yet to see my reaction on lap 2 - but felt mighty relieved at the time!

M

[Toks]

Hey well done for having a go Mark. You'll get better the more you race and soon you'll be hooked

[Sylv]

Good going. I wouldn't write about the guy clipping your wheel when going down though - although most likely not, could make it sound to others like you may have been part of the cause of him going down.

[Marcus]

Congratulations Mark on loosing your virginity so to speak

[Antloony]

Well done MArk. A good result will be forthcoming, you have a very strong finish so just race with your head and pick your moment better and you'll be away.

[NickH]

[quote="Mark F"] a couple of Agreeables who stayed to watch the final laps (guys - thanks for cheering me on - much appreciated).