ACC Members only Road Race CHAMPIONSHIPS

[Alan M]

Well, having allowed a bit of time to reflect what have learnt from this experience? Possibly surprisingly this was my first road race so I was cautious about my objectives - really I just wanted to finish in or around the mix and not get dropped, beyond that it would be a bonus.

We began quite quickly and I placed myself reasonably far back and just tried to overcome initial breathlessness and to get to know the course. The corners seemed OK but I experienced a bit of tyre slippage coming out of the first corner after the hall - but marshalling seemed secure and I grew in confidence. Overall the group was quite well behaved but a bit too much unnecessary braking on the front. I watched an early break of 2 and like Mark wanted to leave them hanging out on the front for a couple of laps but people went after them and they were soon back with the main group. Gradually I felt more and more comfortable and with others surging to the front I didn't feel stretched by the pace and probably could have done more work but hey!. I tried to position myself in the front third but people kept coming past and racing to front for a short burst before falling back - not sure what this was about. I think I went off the front once in the 3rd or 4th lap but only to test my energy levels and I quickly sat up and rested again.

So far, so good, I was rested coming into the final lap - so what went wrong? Well, I suppose I didn't really have a plan! Thinking about it, I would probably have been strong enough to form part of a 3 man break-away and ought really to have organised it in the penultimate lap or alternatively, why did I not cover Anthony's break - I knew he was strong and of course he would make a move and I think I could have covered it - ... but too late he and one other were gone!

To try and save the day, Phil set off after them and I clung on - he couldn't make the junction although we made up quite a bit of ground - I came through but couldn't do too much and I think Mark was also with us but it was really too little too late and, as we neared the final line realising we wouldn't get to the leaders the rest of the bunch joined us for the finish.

Well, all good fun and I learnt a bit and feel like I may have some other goes next year. What was it like for you?

[Daniel Gee]

what a great day that was

Not much really needs to be said about the second race except that it was fantastic fun and probably one of the most aggressive races I have been in with constant attacks during six of the the eight laps.

The course was far too flat for my liking but the main point of the day is to give everyone who wants a go a taste of road racing & so I think this is the best course for ensuring that the bunch stays together. That way nearly everyone will be able to stay in and be competitive to the end.

From the corner i was marshaling I was really impressed by both the speed & the standard of riding in the first race.

Ant I'm very happy that you managed to impress the wife but I think you shoulda bit the bullet and raced later on.

Next year same course but rather than A & B (& C) races why not a handicap?

Big thanks to Huw, Toks, Keith, Keith K, all the marshals & of course the mighty Guru.

[quote="kieran"]. Other things, I joined the ACC group at CSS for the ride out, I think we left it a bit tight leaving at 8:45am for the B race although Dan and myself took the front as we’d have time to recover for the A race.

[kieran]

[quote="Toks"]If you're not typically a cramper and assuming you weren't dehydrated your cramp would've more likely been due to race pace and intensity rather than lack of endurance.

[-Adam-]

[quote="kieran"]I think a slightly hillier course next time near the finish? Might make it less suited to Adam .

Adam was vocal in trying to organise this and can’t blame him as he’d have been aiming for a sprint finish and it wouldn’t have been a good race if we’d let a break go early just so a 1st claim could win (hint, maybe throw in a hill next time for Adam to drag his big legs over – might slow him down).

[quote="Toks"][quote="Kieran"] .. with all of the breaks going and subsequent high acceleration chasing down. Adam was vocal in trying to organise this

[mrP(Boonen)VT]

As Joyce says a boring event because as organiser, the event went fairly smoothly with no tumbles or punctures etc. There is a lot that goes on behind the scenes to get an event like this on the road.

Dan suggests a handicap race, but this wouldn't work because (a) the "b" riders would have to ride the full distance and (b) the circuit isn't long enough for a meaningful handicap.

Also having a C race would involve more helpers being out a lot longer. It is possible that we could handicap the B race though.

I really enjoyed the race itself - the most I have for a long time, finishing totally exhausted, but satisfied that I had given my all - with at least 2 laps off the front, and making and going with many of the attacks that made a fascinating race. Full marks to Adam for organising the through and off to bring back George and Marek - excellent race craft. And to Stu for some really big digs towards the end.

Finally, I have to end on a bit of a downer - I received a complaint from a horserider, which slightly soured the event. Please don't respond as I have dealt with it and have resolved it amicably, but if you were involved, please think about your reactions.....and let's continue to be Agreeeable.

[huw williams]

Well done Paul, I'm sure your innate horse-sense saw you handle it with appropriate tact and diplomacy

So handicaps are out - the next obvious consideration is a more challenging course with a hill in it. Now, though I'm tempted to say lets run everyone round Bletchingly for the sheer bloody-mindedness a course like that would obviously split the B race into fragments after about 50 yards.

But we could do a more challenging course which is still not daunting - the South Nutfield handicap circuit for example is a flat course which has a slight hill as you approach the motorway bridge for the end of the lap. (And it's even closer than Newchapel). Doing the long version of the course means you don't have to go up it more than a few times in an hour of racing but it still adds a more demanding element and even a tactical approach for the B race at least. The B group would almost certainly split in a race on that circuit - but is that what everyone wants or do you prefer pan-flat which is almost guaranteed to result in a single group race with a sprint finish?

Your thoughts please everyone

[Nick W]

I must confess my original "C" race suggestion was only in jest and I think the "B" race grouping was fine, I just had the wrong inner tubes.

For my part I also agree that the pan flat circuit was best and produced what seemed to me to be two good races for competitors and spectators alike.

"If it ain't broke don't fix it" would be my mantra albeit that it would be equally fair to say that, as a complete novice, "I know nothing" on these issues.

[Andy E]

[quote="mrP(Boonen)VT"]... and (b) the circuit isn't long enough for a meaningful handicap.

[huw williams]

[quote="Andy E"] Surely a course like Bletchingly or Cutmill will result in less entrants and less enjoyment for the masses.

[Andrew G]

[quote="huw williams"]a wee hill or a gentle slope or two

[quote="Andrew G"][quote="huw williams"]a wee hill or a gentle slope or two

[Paul on the Pearson]

I had posted a report here but it seems to have dissappeared so the new edited version is to say a big thanks to Toks for his constant enthusiasm and cajoling to get people racing and then actually giving us the chance to do so also thanks to Paul T and Huw. Race report was along the lines of....attack...attack...attack...attack...final lap...oh dear I've run out of steam. Brilliant.

[Toks]

I think a flat or flatish course is still the way to go. As far as I'm concerned the idea behind club road races is really to get more people racing. Super agreeable Nick got dropped this year but knowing he's Etapist type determination as I do he'll be back next year for revenge. Its hard enough getting peeps involved so lets not make the course any harder.