SCCU 50

[Andrew G]

I've done two 50s before today and done 2.14 and 2.12 but set myself a rather ambitious target of a 2.05, with a 2.10 as a back up plan - that made it nice and easy for on the hoof pacing maths at 10 mile splits.

Well for me it definitely counts as a wee-erd one today.

Rode down to the start and 5,4,3,2,1, go, set off on to the tri-bars and instantly needed a pee . All that was running through my head was need a pee, need a pee, need a pee. I looked at my computer at 5 miles and thought there's no way I can hold it in for another 45 so pulled in at the next layby and dived for the bushes.

My minute man caught me while I was going about my business and looked to be going fast. Back on the bike and off I go again, but this completely upset my rhythm and I just couldn't get my head in the right mindset. I was back to drifting about with the fairies .

Finally started to get my head in some kind of shape, although still not right, when Rob caught me and gave me a shout, was unexpected and nearly scared the life out of me . Carried on to finish the first 25 mile lap and looked at my watch, oops a long 1.06 need to make up at least 2 minutes then.

Passing the HQ for the second lap my brain just flicked like a switch - 25 race head . Went pretty well for all of the second lap and was finally reeling people in, those who'd started later and were on their first lap. Approaching Southwater for the final turn I spotted someone up ahead who was strugling, as I got closer I saw it was my minute man who'd blown in spectacular fashion as he was dying on the drag up.

Round the final turn and hammered it for home, really going well now just a bit later than I'd hoped.

Crossed the line and back to HQ to see if I'd made up the lost time from the first lap. Fairly pleased with a 2.10.32 - partial case of what could have been but you can never be disappointed with a new PB by 2 minutes. Put a minute back in to my minute man in the final 3 miles too so he'd died a death at the end.

Andrew Green 2.10.32
Robert Royle-Evatt 2.03.29
Dominic Lowe 1.59.17

The event was won by Steve Dennis with a rocket-like 1.45.43 putting 2 and a half minutes in to second place and 5 minutes in to 3rd place, a phenomenal ride.

[Dominic]

Had a similar start as Andrew, except I remembered to go to the toilet before I started Felt like I was really holding back the first lap which seemed to work as the second lap I was going really well. The only downside to the ride was I just couldn't get comfortable (don't raise saddle the day before a race ) and seemed to get baulked at every second roundabout.

Got caught by Steve Dennis for 9 minutes at about 30 miles and he was flying. He was the only person that caught me.

On my second lap saw an Addiscombe rider up ahead in a layby and thought it might by Mr PVT who had been marshalling. Turned out to be George and he asked me if I wanted a drink. I think I just grunted no. I then spent the next mile wondering why George was not riding the ECCA 100.

I really crucified myself for the last 10 miles or so and thankfully was rewarded with my second fastest 50 ever of 1.59.17. Considering I have not been under the hour for a 25 this year I'm quite impressed. Really suffered when I got home, went through a spell of not being able to do anything apart from sit on the sofa with my eyes closed and shake for a bit

[quote="Dominic"]Had a similar start as Andrew, except I remembered to go to the toilet before I started

[Dominic]

Truthfully Andrew I think I was in shock. I can't remember trying that hard for a long time. I think it was also down to dehydration. I had a 750ml bottle with me and had drunk loads before but I still felt I had not had enough.

I am though very happy with my time now I can actually appreciate it

[Sylv]

[quote="Andrew G"]so pulled in at the next layby and dived for the bushes.

[Andrew G]

Don't worry Sylv I was as discrete as possible, and it was a DC in the middle of nowhere at 6.30am on a Sunday - should be safe .

[mrP(Boonen)VT]

I was marshaling (as no-one else volunteered ) at Breezehurst rbt at the bottom of Tollgate (9 miles) and recorded the times, which seemed curiously slow for 9 miles - explanation above -

Andrew Green 29:17
Rob RE 26:43
Dominic 25:50

A few others
Brian Molloy, Epsom CC 24:20
Shaun Kennedy 23:15
Keith Coffey 23:48
Laurence Harding 23:18

Steve "The rocket" Dennis 22:15 - I couldn't believe the watch or my calculations at first - then saw he had nearly caught 5 riders ahead of him in 9 miles
He rode out to the start, and shortly after the rbt I was marshaling at, he came back round again - he said he had punctured, changed the tub and was thinking about going home......then he changed his mind and rode off to the start.

BTW was sporting a flashy disc wheel - things are getting serious

I must say that nearly every rider acknowledged me as a marshal, which is nice, having spent a couple of hours on a roundabout in the shade with one harm holding a dayglow yellow arrow.

[Ivor]

[quote="mrP(Boonen)VT"]I must say that nearly every rider acknowledged me as a marshal, which is nice