..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
