SL Handicap 18th June South Nutfield Circuit

[Michelle]

There were plenty of ACC starters at last night's handicap - Steve B, Andy E, Rob W, Gavin and Jonathon. Also appearing about 4 Dynamos, 4 Redhill CC's and plenty of others - I think about 45 signed on so not quite a full field. The threatening rain held off which meant I could sit on the grass and take my photos.

For some reason, Mr Butler shortened the course last night. There were 11 laps of the circuit, at about 11 minutes a lap. This meant it was incredibly hard with no respite at all, just a continuous heartbursting push, and would have been almost impossible to stay away. Still, Rob W and his group of 4 looked like they were working really hard together and were ahead of the chasers for the majority of the race. They were caught, unfortunately, with 2 laps to go - what a shame. Rob got a load of encouragement from me every time I saw him.

Ian Paine, Dynamo, got the win. Steve B was the best placed ACC with 7th, don't know the other results sorry, but Andy E and Rob were behind Steve with the bunch. It really got strung out on the last lap, looks like the scratch group shook things up.

Before the start, lots of yellow and quite a bit of red and blue
[img]http://i42.tinypic.com/5d9rhi.jpg[/img]

You can't quite see it but, Andy's tongue makes an appearance

[img]http://i39.tinypic.com/dfiyz5.jpg[/img]

Jonathon in front and Gavin holding on behind

[img]http://i40.tinypic.com/10eiw6d.jpg[/img]

Steve B and Andy riding up that blummin hill

[img]http://i40.tinypic.com/2hgzo0w.jpg[/img]

Andy E and his Ass(os shorts)

[img]http://i44.tinypic.com/beetxz.jpg[/img]

Rob W working hard in the leading group of 4

[img]http://i43.tinypic.com/2j46gdw.jpg[/img]

The blurry winner, Ian Paine from Dynamo (1st cat!)

[img]http://i41.tinypic.com/2zydeg7.jpg[/img]

[huw williams]

I hate the short course there - gotta go up that ruddy hill every few minutes and it's a right pain

[Andy E]

Great pics Michelle, and thanks for the support last night

That was a really hard race! The scratch group caught us on the 3rd lap i think but most of us managed to stay with them, with 1 or 2 being spat out each lap. Steve was looking strong and Rob comfortably sat in when we caught his group. I was feeling brave (in hindsight it was foolishness ) and went with an attack by Ian Paine and a few of the other scratch guys up the hill just before the bell. Think there were about 5 of us starting the final lap with a small lead, but coming round the corner I lost the wheel in front and blew completely as i tried to close it , was so dizzy and neaseous i nearly fell off my bike

Steves and Robs two chase groups finally got back on, with me and a couple of others stuck behind the cars so it was a bunch finish. Great result Steve, well done mate

[Rob W]

Yes that was a hard race.I attacked after about a lap and a bit and 1 rider from Redhill came with me.Then luckly another 2 got across.So the 4 of us got a chain gang going and off we went.That hill kept coming up pretty quick its a bit of a sod,about half way up it has a slight kick up and if you are in the wrong gear then you are grinding to the top.At one tme check we had about 2mins,but as the race went on it started to come down to the last check of 40sec.Then i looked round and there was the pack bearing down on us.As it went past i jumped across and went with them.It even felt a bit easier being in the bunch.Until the last half lap to go when the front put in a kick.So i had to dig deeper to hold the bunch.Then that hill again,and i was in the wrong gear and grinding to the top with people passing me.Then it was over the line and the rest is history.Well done to all the Addiscombe cc who took part and to Michelle for her support.

[Antloony]

Well done chaps and Michelle for the reports and pics. Sounds like a hard race. Unlucky again Rob, one of these days a break your in will stick and you'll be looking good for a win. Andy, you must be going well to mix it up with the scratch guys, well done for trying. Good result for the Shadow, he's really on form at the mo.

Really need to get back in the action now, missing racing with you guys. Im going to do the club 2 man TT on tuesday (being towed around by Mr ) so Im going to give my legs some stick (and Mr to go faster ) and see how my knee holds up, the rest its had seems to be doing the job and its been pain free all week.

[Andrew G]

[quote="Antloony"] its been pain free all week.