Betteshanger race

[Paul on the Pearson]

Ok here's the report from Betteshanger. Well suprise suprise its flat and windy, ain't they all. I was under pressure from the start, in fact even before the start as I was race number 1, something about Addiscombe begining with A or something muttered the bloke when I signed on. It was a heavy burden to bear on my young(ish)ha ha, inexperienced shoulders and I wasn't sure I'd be able to do such an auspicious honor the justice it deserved.....
Its a great circiut though, if not a tad boring as its not at all technical, but its high up and exposed so very windy. Things started off fairly slow untill the 1 and 2's came past and the 3 and 4's gave chase, but the pace eased up a bit then sped up again which is pretty much how it went.With the wind behind us we were flying round at 30mph on some bits, but there's one part where you turn onto a slight up hill gradient that curves round into the finishing straight and your into a ferocious headwind and the pack comes to a virtual standstill as no one wants to be on the front. Anyway after 40 minutes of this I always seemed to be at the back of the (small)bunch untill eventually the elastic snapped and a few of us were of the back and out of the action. I'd tried to get across to a small breakaway earlier on, I knew it was doomed but thought I'd give it a go anyway which didnt help. So there it is, first race of the season. Better late than never! Theres also a winter series at Betteshanger the only problem though is its on a sunday and starts at 10 so I wont be able to get there by train. But some of the Avanti boys are racing so hopefully I'll cadge a lift. its a great circuit if a bit of a trek, but ideal for firstimers as it very untechnical. Oh yeah I nearly forgot my position? Oh the irony, race number 1 and I was last, although a fair few didnt even finish. But I'll be back!!

[Antloony]

Well done Paul for geting in there and giving it a go, more than I've done this season. Sounds like it was hard work with the wind, you did well sticking at it and getting to the finish, you may have been last but you didn't give up. Can only get better from here.

[Paul on the Pearson]

Thanks Ant. You should get yourself down there. There more or less a race every week october through to feb.

[Antloony]

Sounds like it may suit me, its flat.

Bit of a long way though, would like to give it a go though, I could drive down and give you a lift. Means an early start but at least the roads would be quiet.

[EdO]

I didn't know about this place until you posted your race report Paul. I couldn't see it mentioned on the BCF site. Sounds like a good course.

I might try and get down there at some point. It is a long way though so Hillingdon might win out for me.

[Antloony]

[quote="EdO"]I might try and get down there at some point. It is a long way though so Hillingdon might win out for me.

[Paul on the Pearson]

I think it only opened in may. Its about 2 miles from Deal and is part of Fowlmead Country Park and isnt actually in Betteshanger even though thats what its called, but it is a bit of a trek so I'll propably wait for the winter series at Hillingdon.

[Hal]

Well done, gotta start somewhere. I looked into racing here and then was put off by the distance to get there.

[mrP(Boonen)VT]

Flat.....I'll be there

Have a lot on for the next few weeks, but will get down there when I can.
Gheers
Guru P