Herne Hill on Saturday

[Alan M]

Unless it is raining, I am planning to do the training ride tomorrow, approx. 10.am. I believe Mark Leedham will as well. The induction is from 9 if you haven't been before and bikes can be rented. Any others interested?

[Phil L]

Alan, I haven't done it before but love to give it a go. I guess you and Mark won't be there for the induction so I'll see you around 10ish.

I am going to make my way there on my bike. I presume the hire bikes have look pedals and do I need to worry about locking my bike up? Anything else I need to be aware of?

[Alan M]

you will need to transfer pedals so take a spanner or key, usually others are doing the same. I would guess that it would be advisable to lock your bike but I haven't really noticed if others do that - they can usually be left in sight of the track so perhaps it is not a problem. Try to get there promptly for the start of the induction or just before as it seems to begin on time. Check your bike when they give it to you and don't be afraid to ask them to change it for a better looking one. Points to watch out for seem to be worn tyres and wobbly cranks. Borrow a track pump and check the pressures which can be fairly high. Expect to be shouted at if you do anything dangerous. and enjoy, it should suit you and the absence of hills makes a welcome change. If it is wet it won't happen but with the sun as strong as it is I guess showers will dry out quickly. There is a web site which you can google.

Alan

[Elliot M]

any news on whether the new fuji bikes have turned up yet?

[Alan M]

don't know elliot - are you going?

[Elliot M]

Planning on all day MTB trip as need to get some practice in before going to the Alps next weekend, but have had a habit of waking up about 9:30 and realizing that a quick blast round HH is a more realistic option!

[Alan M]

Well, it was a perfect day for the track and I arrived just before the start and Mark and Phil were already there. There was a group of maybe as many as 40-50 so after an initial warm up we split into 2 groups chasing each other at about a half a lap distance in a steady thru'n'off.

Unfortunately I chose the wrong group as as about 5 riders ahead there was a clip of wheeels and riders started tumbling off. I headed for the grass and thought I had got round it when 2 more fell directly in my path and I think at least 10 were off so a major pile up!

Myself and another came off worst, him with a possible cracked elbow and road rash and me with a vey painful rib and hip injury. We had an NHS attendance but didn't need hospital. I think that I am beginning to repair with paracetomol and ibuprofen. I just about managed to drive home but couldn't use the hand brake so quite a lot of clutch wear.

Thanks to mark and phill for looking after me. Eventually riding resumed and they both participated in and enjoyed the final seession.

Not sure if I learned any lessons as it was unavoidable from my point of view. Although I had some minor cuts on my forehead from glasses , no other head injuries but my giro helmet is cracked in several places so did its job!

Luckily my new Asseos shorts and bike were both OK.

Hey ho - see you in weeks or days depending on whether rib is bruised, which I think is the case, or cracked.

Huw's gene doping with its rapid healing and ant-ageing properties seems a fairly attractive prospect at the moment!

[Andrew G]

Ouch! Hope your back on the bike soon.

[Toks]

Damn! Bad luck Al, I hope you get well soon mate!

[Brian Nolan]

Hi Alan,

sorry to hear about your fall mate - I hope your feeling a bit more comfortable now.. Hopefully you will be raring to go ( the club run ! )by next Saturday...

Brian

[Elliot M]

Sounds nasty Alan -- hope all heals ASAP!!

Elliot

[Phil L]

Alan, I hope you are recovering well.

I managed to take a couple of photos:

[img]http://www.the-lamberts.co.uk/cycling/herne_hill01.jpg[/img]

Alan sitting on the ground waiting for the paramedic to finish with the other guy (behind car).


[img]http://www.the-lamberts.co.uk/cycling/herne_hill02.jpg[/img]

Alan semi-recovered.