Despite the odd spin round the track over the summer, on those rare days when it hasn't been lashing with rain, I appear to have learnt nothing.
We arrived in the time-honoured Coffey tradition with just enough time to sign on and get into the track centre before the first race began.
My first event was a 500m standing start time trial. No warm up and a good few weeks before I've even sat on the track bike. Hmmm. Also still feel a bit wobbly out the saddle so didn't have the best of starts. Was not surprised to come last.
There were some senior and vet events but no ACC riders so nothing to report really. Keith did quite well as usual - lack of warm up doesn't seem to bother him. I guess he's used to it.
My second event was a 500m sprint. I cannot follow a wheel so was off the back coming round the final bend. Gave it all and had the line been another m or so away I might have got 2nd....but it wasn't so I came 3rd...again.
Third event was a 5 lap pursuit. Hanna and Emma donned aero helmets and hopped on their pursuit bikes. I hadn't realised there was gonna be a pursuit so it had never occurred to me to bring aero helmet or tri-bars. Not that I've ever ridden tri-bars on the track before. Rode until I though my heart would burst but came....you've guessed it....third.
Discovered that pursuiting is a lot harder than time trialling. Did not feel that bad even after 100miles. Sat doubled over on bench waiting for the searing pain in my chest to subside. Still waiting. Still waiting. Breathing back to normal. Chest still burning. Sh*t. Is this it? Is this what a heart attack feels like. Checked left arm for signs of numbness. Phew. Was only hypochondria after all.
Final event was a scratch race where the stuck us in with the vets. Hanna & I got dropped so two-upped round until the bell when the bunch caught us and Hanna used cunning tactics and superior speed to beat me into third place yet again.
I enjoyed it though. But still haven't got a clue why. Hmm...maybe it was that envelope for 3rd place which meant I got my entry fee back.
