Hillingdon: 4th Cats and Novice racers

[Toks]

Its not all about 3rds and 2nds cats? I've ridden all the main crits in London and at 4th Cat level I think this is the best place to start.

It all gets going on April 10th and runs through to August 23rd. So whether you just want to supplement time trial or cyclosportiv training instead of simply being a hardcore racer Hillingdon is a great place to start. If you can keep up with a GENUINE 19mph group you're ready. Make it an Addiscombe party all summer long. You never know you may even get to see Super Guru Ajay if baby Prya lets him come out an play.
http://www.londoncyclesport.com/news/ar ... 07&SP=&v=1

[Graham O]

Sounds interesting...Sounds like a bit of a trek though.

I live in west wickham. What time do you reckon I would get home. I guess that it wouldn't be until 10.00 or so....

[-Adam-]

Think how the maillot jaune feels after riding 200kms, having dropped everyone up alpe d'huez, only to be drug tested, interviewed, stand on the podium, talk to a load of local dignitaries who dont really care for you much, then get interviewed some more. To then get back to your hotel at whatever time, to find your team mates asleep, your dinner cold, and even the mechanics are nearly finished!

Only to have to be up again to defend your slender advantage in the morning...

Sh!t happens, just don't step in it! LOVE YOUR SPORT!!!

[Graham O]

Interesting replies then !!

Guess that the choice is;

1) Crystal Palace on Tusdays - Too hard by half (at first anyway)
2) Do hillingdon on a Saturday (pretty inconvenient time)
3) Do hillingdon on a Tuesday (late night out)

Lance Armstrong aside, I think Tuesday at Hillingdon is worth a pop. Don't feel confident to have a crack at palace as yet.

Anyone else thinking of doing this, or am I crackers !!

[Sylv]

I hadn't realised Hillingdon was 4th cat only and thought I had the choice between this and Palace, now the choice is made for me.

[Ian A4size]

I dont think "guru" soops will be racing any time soon. He is in full running mode, tho he has been out on the bike for the past 2 CRs, last week he went off the back, then had the bare faced cheek to ride in Jims slipstream all the way to the cafe.

Jim is 80.

[Paul Blackburn]

Sylv, I think that there is also an E/1/2/3 race at Hillingdon on Tuesdays.

I intend to try the 4th cat races at Hillingdon if I can get there for a 7 p.m. start.

There are also Surrey League handicap races at the Dunsfold Park circuit on Tuesdays from 24th April.

[Andrew G]

Similar situation as you Graham.

I did Chertsey a few weeks ago, and plan to do the other 3 there on Sat 14th April, Sat 5th May, Sat 2nd June (promoted by the Mozzies), all 10am starts and it's fairly easy to get to. Nice circuit as well.

I'm not sure about Hillingdon (even though it's a 4ths only race) as it would make a long day, and still have 3 days of work left. Because of that I'm going to try Palace.

Yes it's a 3/4 race, yes it's a tougher circuit. BUT, it is convenient, and with regular racing I/you should be able to keep improving and work up to finishing with the bunch. Heck if we're both dropped we can work together so we don't die a lonely race . Come and keep me company.

Kieran rode well a lot at Palace as a 4th cat last year, how did you find it Mr B?

Also if you ride "easier" 4th races all the time you may pick up points quite quickly and have to race 3/4 anyway.

Addiscombe promoted race at Palace on May 1st so there'll be some support out for that one.

I think Palace starts 24th April.

[size=59]I reserve the right to change my mind at the drop of a hat if I find it too bloody hard.[/size]

[Andrew G]

[quote]I think Palace starts 24th April.

[Graham O]

Andrew,

The chertsey event on the 14th looks cool. Have you entered, or will you just turn up ?

Been thinking again, and trekking out to hillingdon on a tuesday will be crazy. I may enjoy the race, but the 25 mile ride back home through traffic at 20.00 would not be any fun...

I'm tempted by Crystal Palace, but it may be quite demoralising at first !

Anyhow, i'm starting to get some speed I think. Had my first 'Dancing on Pedals Moment' this year the other night. W'hey !!

Ta,

Graham..

[Andrew G]

You have to be a Surrey League member to pre-register, and I'm not, so it will just be a turn up on the day affair and pay a couple of quid extra.

The only issue is if it fills up with pre-registerations then you don't get a race. Not sure how likely this is for a 4th cat only race?

[quote]I'm tempted by Crystal Palace, but it may be quite demoralising at first !

[Gavin]

Graham,

There should be racing at Royal Docks in the summer which is a bit less of a trek and you can get train home easier.

Cheers

G

[mrP(Boonen)VT]

Surrey League handicap races on Thursday evenings are a great introduction into racing. You start in groups according to ability, regardless of the category on your licence, and from West Wickham, many would be "local" to you.
Paul