The palace

[-Adam-]

Right then, now im a 3rd cat i suppose id better see what this mythical place has to offer.

So, where is it? Can i park there? What time does the race start? How much does it cost?

And who will be there to hold my hand!?

Thanks,

Adam

[Nick]

Is there a race this Tuesday?

If there is Adam I will hold your hand right up until 3 minutes from the start then your on your on, as I will spectate and give verbal encouragement and a pat on the back at the end.

Good Luck.

[Tim H (liquigas)]

ONLY 2 races left at Palace this season..

less laps as it gets darker earlier = less time to hold on for or less time until you win.

big turn out tomorrow and next week would be really good.

if its your first time - you will love it..

hope to see lots there tomorrow

Tim

[Nick]

Just remind me of the times again.

Thanks

[-Adam-]

Nick, am i right in thinking you live in orpington?

Only im working in orpington at the moment, and was just wondering;

how long will it take me to drive from orpington to crystal palace at around 5ish?

The AA reckon about 40mins, sound reasonable?

And secondly, which way should i drive? A232 then onto the A214?

Cheers,

Adam

[Matthew Ives]

I might come up and watch the carnage.
Must remember to bring a camera.

[Nick]

The only time I drive anywhere is when I have to take the kids or wife somewhere.

Therefore I don't have much of an idea on time but 4o-50 mins sounds about right. You will need to make sure that Crystal Palace FC are not playing or your time will go way up!!!

[Andrew G]

Palace ARE at home. Your best bet for driving might be to go up through Penge (A234), past the park on your left, left at the top of the hill (Crystal Palace Parade), across the top and drop down Anerley Hill to the car park on your left.

[url]http://streetmap.co.uk/newmap.srf?x=534250&y=171250&z=1&sv=534250,171250&st=4&ar=N&mapp=newmap.srf&searchp=newsearch.srf&ax=534500&ay=170500[/url]

When I rode over to watch via South Norwood the other week traffic was gridlocked for about 2 miles around the ground.
Good luck, will try to get over to support the ACC racers.

[Brian Nolan]

I want to go along to the Palace race tonight - I'm looking forward to cheering on the Addiscombe !

[Douglas]

What's the surface like at the Palace, I went for a look on Saturday afternoon and there seemed to be a large gravel section - is that actually on the course, how much of it is tarmac?

[Andrew G]

A view from the stands.

Adam making his debut at the Palace, with Kieran and Tim also out tonight. London Dynamo had a ton of riders out for reasons which became apparent very quickly. On the first lap they sent someone off the front while 3 others blocked at the front of the pack. After about 2 more laps everyone else obviously thought sod this and proceeded to have a tear up. The rest (i.e. most) of the race was then run balls out with riders being scattered all over the park. This seemed to prove that Dynamo had brought a load of riders to make up the numbers for blocking as they had a few shelled out early on who then promptly abandoned.

Tim fought hard but eventually lost the wheel of what was left of the 1/2 pack. I think he must have pulled in shortly after this as we didn't see him again. (Were by now watching on the hill so didn't see any pull ins at the start/finish). This was probably a wise move as the pace was hectic and didn't ease up all evening. Congratulations on a great season and getting 2nd cat.

The 3/4 race was equally manic with everyone trying to rip each others legs off. Lost sight of Kieran (not in an ACC jersey) and picked Adam up occaisionally (also not in ACC colours. Shame on you, you can't get a cheer if we can't spot you ) and tried to offer encouragement.

Moved round to the line for the two finishes which were very fast sprints. The 3/4 was won by about half a wheel with a bike throw, the 1/2 by a bit more and the winner waving a knowing finger in the air. Apologies for not knowing the riders names/teams but they weren't ACC so it hardly matters!

Congratulations to Adam and Kieran for sticking in and going the distance. I've seen five races at the Palace this year and this was by far the most tough looking. There was no restbite all evening in what was a good old-fashioned tear-up. Great to watch, if not to compete in. Adam said at the end his average, that's average, heart rate had been 178! Don't worry Adam next week's got to be easier.

If you want to see some good clean honest racing get to Crystal Palace next Tuesday for the last race of the season. The "hill" may not look too much when you go round but watch the relentless speed they go up it for 45mins+ and you'll rethink.

[Matthew Ives]

Sounds like it was a damn tough race.
Well done guys for hanging in there!!!

Pity I couldn't make it down to watch. Still feeling the effects of the chest infection.

Adam, look forward to reading your race report , mate.