Hillingdon 4th Cat

[Rob C]

Inspired by Paul and his Pearson I wanted to race today so having looked at the BC website Hillingdon looked the best bet. The weather was really miserable on the way over and I was hoping that would put a lot of people off and I would be able to bag a few cheeky points to get to 3rd cat status. Pah, who needs dignity? Out of the blue my girlfriend said she'd come along and watch/take pictures, this was a bit of a surprise as you could say that she isn't the worlds greatest cycling fan and it wasn't the greatest of days to be stood at the side of a windy cycle track.

On to the race and I was having a lot of fun, a guy from Thornton RC had a dig on the 2nd lap and I followed but it didn't come to anything and after another lap we were gettign reeled back so we sat up. The rest of the race was pretty similar to 99% of the other times I've been to hillingdon, people putting in digs occasionally only to get pulled back and the effort easing up on the long straight into the headwind. Had a few little goes myself but I'm not strong enough to zoom off into the distance and none of my paltry attempts at a show of strength turned into anything.

The girlfriend had the camera with her and feeling reasonably comfortable (I could still breath and feel my legs) I decided to get on the front so she could get a glimpse of her hero in action. Unfortunatley for me the timing didn't work out too well, the lap counter was only for the E,1,2 + 3 race and we were told at the start that we'd be given 3 laps notice when the commisaire felt we'd had enough. Unfortuneatly for me he decided we'd had enough just after I finished showboating for the missus. This left me feeling rather spent as "three laps" was called from the start line and the group picked up the pace for the end of our race.

Anyway, I stuck with the bunch to the finish line but didn't contest the sprint. I really enjoyed today, was a bit concerned that having been particuarly lazy recently I might not last till the end with the bunch. We were so lucky with the weather, it was raining all the way there, I got the bike of the car and it stopped, raced, put bike back on car, showered etc and it started raining again. The standard of riding was pretty reasonable I didn't hear anyone shouting at each other, I think about 25 or 30 started and few were dropped or had mechanicals.

Theres another next week and then I think the organizing club has finished with their series. There may be another race being run by another club but you'll have to check. If anyone is interested in racing at 4th Cat only races between now and the end of October let me know and we can car share or I can offer a lift...

Some photos the missus took:

Me in the bunch
[img]http://i37.tinypic.com/2vjr6ok.jpg[/img]


Me just before the sprint
[img]http://i34.tinypic.com/1076xsm.jpg[/img]

[Michelle]

Nice one Rob. Sounds like you enjoyed it loads.

Like your Brian impression. Next time a bit more Hartley please.....and now I'm giving my age away

[Grahame]

[quote="Michelle"]Nice one Rob. Sounds like you enjoyed it loads.

Like your Brian impression. Next time a bit more Hartley please.....and now I'm giving my age away

[Andrew G]

Well done Rob, glad you made the effort - for the photo .

[Toks]

[quote="Rob C"]Inspired by Paul and his Pearson I wanted to race today so having looked at the BC website Hillingdon looked the best bet. The weather was really miserable on the way over and I was hoping that would put a lot of people off and I would be able to bag a few cheeky points to get to 3rd cat status. Pah, who needs dignity?

[Rob C]

Hi Toks, to be honest I haven't really ridden much since May or at least not consistently. I was hoping to bumped into after the race and say hello but once I'd showered I headed straight off. My excuse for this year; took a trip to the Pyrenees and it rained for a week in May, I drowned my Powertap and wehen I got back I lost the motivation for yet more wet cycle rides. Anyway, I've decided to pay my way to fitness now so I'll have no excuses for myself and can point a finger of blame if things go wrong


BTW, I'm thinking about going back on Wednesday if they have a 4th only race so if anyone wants a lift I have space for 1 + a bike. They have a race there again on Sat but I won't be able to make it. At the moment I need two points to get to 3rd cat and I'd like to pick them up before the years end so I don't have to start from scratch.

[Toks]

[quote="Rob C"]Hi Toks, to be honest I haven't really ridden much since May or at least not consistently. I was hoping to bumped into after the race and say hello but once I'd showered I headed straight off. My excuse for this year; took a trip to the Pyrenees and it rained for a week in May, I drowned my Powertap and wehen I got back I lost the motivation for yet more wet cycle rides. Anyway, I've decided to pay my way to fitness now so I'll have no excuses for myself and can point a finger of blame if things go wrong


BTW, I'm thinking about going back on Wednesday if they have a 4th only race so if anyone wants a lift I have space for 1 + a bike. They have a race there again on Sat but I won't be able to make it. At the moment I need two points to get to 3rd cat and I'd like to pick them up before the years end so I don't have to start from scratch.

[Antloony]

[quote="Toks"]Hey no probs mate, By the way wednesday is LVRC (vets - 40 and over). Its for oldies but goodies (OBG's)- you still look like you've got a few years to go before you become a vet . Try doing a search on the BCF site for 4th cat races

[quote="Antloony"][quote="Toks"]Hey no probs mate, By the way wednesday is LVRC (vets - 40 and over). Its for oldies but goodies (OBG's)- you still look like you've got a few years to go before you become a vet . Try doing a search on the BCF site for 4th cat races

[Andrew G]

[quote="Antloony"] I'll be doing a cat4 race there on sat so will be a good way of trying out the circuit and see how I get on.

[Antloony]

Yeah thanks Andrew, if I am going to be a dns for the presidents on sat I'll let Jon know by weds evening.

Toks, thanks for the advice, dont know why but Im eager to get involved in a race.

[Jonathan B]

I will be heading to Hillingdon on the 13th for the 4th only race. Hoping to get those last 6 points.