..or, “it’s a bit warm isn’t it”
Chucks Version
Having not raced all year it was time to get out and have a go. So I nominated for C grade and hoped my minimal training would mean I could at least stay with the bunch for a finish. I was very surprised and pleased to hear that we would have 10 or 12 guys/gals in the C grade race and good representation in the other grades as well.
After packing the previous night in order that I didn’t forget anything I was 5km down the road when I realized I didn’t have my shoes! Those that know me will know this isn’t the first time, perhaps I should have actually used the checklist in the race pack. Next time I’ll probably remember my shoes but forget everything else.
I caught most of the guys & gals for a pre-race brief, sorry to those I missed. The main point being don’t chase breaks if we have people in them.
From the gun things went off rather steadily, I settled in the front third of the bunch and noticed Stu near the front also. Once the legs were warmed up Stu lit the pace up with the assistance of a couple of others and things stayed pretty well strung out for a while. Soon enough we caught the Elite Women and I think as we passed them the bunch got pretty well split up.
The pace remained pretty quick for the remainder of this first lap, things started getting interesting on the second. I held my position about 8th wheel not feeling strong enough to get on the front at all but wanting to remain near the action. Soon enough there were a few attacks, Stu did a great job covering them and a few of the other SPR guys decided to move up at this stage as well. Smart riding from Matt and Jason saw them in the right place at the right time when they, along with Stu got a small break on the bunch with 3 or 4 others. A little coaching had the remainder of our guys control themselves, sit in and let the break stretch the elastic band. Thankfully the Barista boys had a guy up the road also so they weren’t interested in chasing either.
This break stayed away and I will leave it to Jason, Matt or Stu to tell the tale. Suffice to say I got an easy ride from there on in, particularly the last lap which was almost at a social pace until the final flurry to the line.
A happy return to racing for me, no accidents for our club, some prize money for our members and a great event put on by the NDCC.
Well done to all who participated and a big thanks to the support group in the tent cheering us on, it is amazing
what a difference it makes having people cheer you on.
Results can be found here
Ahhh… so that’s what goes on at the pointy end 🙂 Nice write-up. The SPR support machine was in fine form and their contribution cannot be understated.
For another take on the C-grade event from someone who also almost forgot their shoes see here http://bit.ly/8MQoYh
Hmmmm… I’d like to think that should be ” …and their contribution cannot be overstated.”
Anyway, well done to Jason and Matt who rode rode well over the last 2 laps, belying their race inexperience. Well done too to the 3 riders who finished in front of us – they rode very strongly and deserved their placings.
Just before the race finish we developed the plan to finish across the line together without the pain and drama of a silly sprint – and thinking that it would make for a nice photo. Jason and I were happy to let Matt take 4th considering that he did the lion’s share of the work in the last lap. However, the super accurate timing system laid our plans to nought, and at the awards it seemed that Jason collected all the money, which he sporting decided to share amongst us. But, later I checked to see how deep the money ran, and found that both Matt and I had money waiting for us. I collected my $50 and returned my domestique pay back to Jason (via Chris A) and tried to collect Matt’s $ too, but they wouldn’t allow me to collect on his behalf – sorry Matt!
Thanks to everybody (esp Loz) who turned up to help out on the day – truly it was a great effort and greatly appreciated. Well done to everybody who participated and congrats to all finishers on a tough day..
Great result guys – well done on what was a hot day. Fantastic turnout and I’ll echo Stu’s thanks to Lorraine…once again a fantastic job in organising everyone on the sidelines.
Well done boys, great result in the heat
I think they stuffed up the times in B grade. Scott was just ahead of me on the finish line and Gregor behind me. They have Scott and I over 2 minutes behind Gregor!
Thanks Lorraine for the cold blanket and the coke, you’re the best cougar!
Way too cool to see so many from SPR taking part. Fantastic efforts all – can’t wait to hear all the stories of heroic endeavour at The Brekky!
Great ride – big thanks to the SPR crew & also to Mark for helping me out of the sand!!!