Redmon CC 25

[Dominic]

This was the anniversary of me breaking the hour for the first time, so I was confident of doing a good time. I was 32nd last year and had worked out to be in the top 15 this year I would have to knock 2 minutes off last year's time. On this year's time improvements I knew I was capable of it.

I was no 56 and off at 8.26am and it was fecking cold. I had ripped my skinsuit while getting changed and this did not make me very happy. My aim was to try and catch no 55 him being a seed an all. Started off steady and was soon on the dual carriageway section. I had 54 and 55 in sight. Turned onto the A29 way too fast and almost hit the traffic juction on the corner. Went past 54 who was all over the shop. All along the A29 I could see 55 and we passed a few people on the way. Was at the right end of the cassette ie the small end and by the time I came to the A281 to join onto the A264 I was 10 metres behind 55. I have to say that the surface on the A29 is rubbish.

Followed 55 along the A281 which is slightly uphill and I basically sat behind him as I was worried that if I pushed on I would put myself in trouble. Blasted down the slip road onto the A264 down to Robin Hood roundabout and passed 55 and into what felt like a raging head wind. As I climbed back up to go back over and down back onto the A264 I was passed by 55 on the uphill. As he passed he said something but I was so far in my own world to work out if he was encouraging me or something else.

Caught him again and passed him on the slip road down to the A264 and thought that would be that. We were now into about the last 4 miles. This basically goes up to a roundabout down to another one back round, up to the roundabout and back to the finish. As sure as eggs is eggs he came past me on the uphill and again said something. I sat about 10 metres again and waited. Onto the downhill and to the second last roundabout. Back round, wind behind, 53 x 13 and gave it some past him on the flat section to the last drag. I finally worked out that he was actually saying "come on". I thought I had cracked him but half way up he came past again and shouted come on again, I returned the encouragement when what I really wanted to say was "feck off and leave me alone".

Up to the last roundabout and down the other side. Back into the big gears and hammered. Caught 49 just after 55 did and then past 55. Again he shouted "go on". So I did. Got to the sign that showed the slip road and the finish was a third of a mile away. Oh no, my legs were saying, may have started the big push too early. With screaming legs got to the finish in front of 55. Thanked him for his encouragement, saw Robert R-E and went back to the HQ. Now I was really pleased with my ride effort wise. I felt like I was hammering it compared to last year.

My time was 59.36 which was only 6 seconds faster than last year. Saying that the leading time was only a minute quicker than me when I left at about 10am to watch the marathon. Initially I have to admit I was dissapointed and said as much to Tamar. She and Keith has done a 57 on the tandem and Keith by this time was well into his solo ride.

I will wait and see my placing and hope for a top 15 and that will make the effort worth it.

[Andrew G]

Well done Dom, another ride under the hour. It doesn't sound like the weather did you too many favours so to beat last year can't be bad. At my slower speed I find windy days a pain as it's always a lot harder in to the wind than the benefit I feel when it's behind.

[Dominic]

Feel a bit happier now. On the CTT forum they reckon conditions were 3 to 4 mins slower that last year After checking no 55 results from last year he was 3 minutes slower this year and even Laurence Harding who won it was over a 1 minute slower. So 6 seconds faster doesn't sound quite as bad

[George]

Don't worry Dom that's a good result, at least you didn't get a puncture and the race wasn't cancelled like last weekend.
Well done, looking forward to my first ever 25 ride next weekend

[Dominic]

You and me both George

[Andrew G]

Will be a good turnout from Addiscombe. I don't know who Rob's upset but he's got Tim Stevens a minute in front of him and George at 2 minutes . This'll be your last 9 you can bet on that George.

[Snoop Doug]

Under the hour.....now that's what I call fecking uber cool. Nice one Dominic!!

[Rob C]

[quote="Andrew G"]Will be a good turnout from Addiscombe. I don't know who Rob's upset but he's got Tim Stevens a minute in front of him and George at 2 minutes . This'll be your last 9 you can bet on that George.

[quote="Rob C"][quote="Andrew G"]Will be a good turnout from Addiscombe. I don't know who Rob's upset but he's got Tim Stevens a minute in front of him and George at 2 minutes . This'll be your last 9 you can bet on that George.

[Ian A4size]

Well done big Dom, another one in the bag!
I am glad you are not taking things too seriously tho'

Oh bu&&er, i have just received the start list for the 25 on sunday I forgot that i had entered that one. Boy is it gonna hurt- hope the cake is good.

I best let my boss know i will be late in on monday as i will be still going round the course

[Tamar]

Ow - that hurt! We rode more smoothly on the tandem this time and Keith was only 10 seconds faster without me today - hurrah! - but at what cost I ask myself? Hip flexors, glutes, sacro-ilial wotsits and I think pretty much anything else involved in locomotor activity in pelvic area are in shreds and as I hobbled along behind Keith to cheer him on for his solo ride I was VERY pleased that I had not entered the solo myself. I'm looking forward to this pilates thang on 30th.

Glad you're feeling better about your ride Dom. It was not easy out there and although the likes of Mr Harding can still churn out a 53 (!) there were plenty of good riders who did not get under the hour.

[mark mclaughlin]

Great ride Dominic, especially on a difficult morning, should be flying for next week.

Tamars also getting into her stride, hope the pains are subsiding, the joys of TT's eh.
So we have a few novices for there first 25... lets guess who's bagging 1st prize for that?

[Robert]

[quote]I don't know who Rob's upset but he's got Tim Stevens a minute in front of him and George at 2 minutes

[Andrew G]

[quote="Robert"]Andy you`ll be doing well to keep me insight, no where to hide!!!

[Toks]

Well done Dominic. I need to have a go at this under the hour lark soon. I'll be trying on a road bike though so I might not make it this season. So what time do people think the Smiling Assassin can do on Sunday?