oll
Junior Member
Posts: 64
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Post by oll on Apr 28, 2011 18:31:52 GMT -5
Well lets get this rolling. I have spoken to Dom and he assures me we should be OK to use the forum.
Last week it was the B and C group and we got off to a flyer in the C group with Jordan winning. I have just seen the video. Awesome! jordan you made it look easy. In the B group it was a Sheffrec dominated race, but to no avail as it came down to a sprint. A couple of inexperienced riders on the final straight curtailed the sprint for alot of us Dinnington boys.
So what about this week. Johnny Walters great stuff. Johnny got into the break with a couple of Sheffrec guys and stayed away. Alan, Ben and Scott were up there in the sprint and between them will hopefully have bagged a couple of the top ten placings. So a far more impressive result for the B group. For me I think back to the Tom Simpson reliability ride and think how strong Johnny was riding, so total respect for some hard earned points.
My race! well I felt good and had a couple of digs on the front, but I am finding it frustrating that many in the group appear to be so intent on working on the downhills just to position themselves for a corner and then just sit in and block the road. The pace seemed to slow on the drags uphill and I was itching to get up to the front, only to see a wall of riders. Yes I know I have to get more aggressive!
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Post by bennyburrito on May 3, 2011 6:16:36 GMT -5
Well am back from my week off and thought i better update the forum regarding what was the second race of this years TLI Thursday night league.
In our group (Group B) it was great to see so many Dinnington jerseys line up, total number 9, these included Johny Walters, Alan, Keith, Scott, Ian Parker, Danny, Richard and Chris (hopefully not missed anyone off!!). Unfortunately Sheffrec had about 16 riders so was going to be a hard nights racing.
After much pre race discussion i was advised by Mr Robinson, to try going from the gun, full gas. Sounded like an idea to me so as soon as we set off, i blasted off as hard as i could for as long as i could with Johnny Walters for company. Felt ok upto first corner, turned left up the hill, big kick and thats when the first Sheff Rec lad went past, then another, and another and another etc etc. Not really sure what happened except my heart rate monitor was showing me hitting 197 bpm and all i was doing was going backwards.
The next couple of laps were without doubt the hardest thing i have experienced on a bike, think my average was 184 bpm, started to come round a bit on the third lap and by the fourth was starting to get my legs back. By this time Johnny Walters had pinged of the front and we decided to do shut down any breaks and give Johnny his chance to grab a victory.
The final lap resulted in the usual bunch sprint for places and myself and Ian Parker ended up somewhere in the top ten with Alan and Scott also there and there abouts.
Must mention the absolutely massive turns that Chris put in on the front, between him and Keith we could have some serious lead out men!!
Highlight of the evening once again goes to Keith, loved his effort on the last lap to gap the group, talk about giving it the beans, Mr Davenport would have been proud of you!!
I know we say it every week, but now we have a group of us a little bit of organising should result in top tens and better for any of us each week.
Thoroughly enjoyed myself and it was great to get back out racing with the lads.
Ben
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Post by consultant1 on May 4, 2011 3:49:38 GMT -5
Great to read your race reports fellas and I echo your comments about hatching plans and better organising from the boys in black and yellow, but then we could have in-fighting for the leadout or last man as we are all competitive in our own way...Race again Thursday...gonna win it !!!
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Post by consultant1 on May 4, 2011 4:26:57 GMT -5
NMRRL 28April 'A' Race Well thought I would write about my first ever road race on 2 wheels. I dint really get nervous its not in my nature but I guess, all the bikes, racers and excitement and buzz of the assembled few did add to a apprehensive glow and warmth inside that has been missing for a few years...welcome back it said!! There must have been 10 of us at the line, the photo captures many of us, and from the off the pace was brisk. The first corner was an experience only those of you unlucky enough to commute daily on our roads would have the 'congestion' concertina feeling that I got at the first turn, gently in, sprint out, quite comical. The Bumps 'Inclines' were not any that were to test the legs over the 6 laps, but actually quite a few of the racers found them a steady punch, and I was itching to set myself off on the pedals but because of the wind thankfully thought twice. I had to play catch up on the first lap out of a few corners and learned where to position myself out of the wind by the time the 2nd lap came I felt like an old pro and not a Wayne Rooney in sight!! I went to the front a couple of times during the 6 laps and did a little turn, keeping the pace steady I thought, and fair play to the fella who stayed out for 4 laps on his own, I later found out on lap 5 chatting to him that he was into his time trials and had one last Monday so a good warm up then I think!! Anyway by the last lap there seemed a good bunch of maybe 20 of us and I think 7 or 8 dinnington lads left, but no getting to gether or plan was being hatched. One of the guys put in a burst at the bottom of the slope after the tight turn at Barnby Moor but was quickly reeled back and then we all seemed to easy pedal for a bit in the headwind up the north road, much to my disgust as I was feeling very strong at this point. Just before we turned for the home straight I got it into my noggin that I was gonna go for glory and could hold off the bunch ALL the way up the straight so went about 100 metres before the corner, however couldn't get back into pack so had to go round bollards..Tut tutting, barracking and grumbles a plenty followed but like I was told afterward, the bollards or me I guess (Anyway we learn from these mistakes, Apologies!!) So I went for it with all my power (Brave or stupid!!) Hmmm I can hear the cries now hahaaa. I held off the grunts and wheels until about 150 but by then my quads were on fire and most of the countries firemen are putting out fires elsewhere so mine weren't doused and I sat up and grudgingly watched the rest of the gallopers battle it out for the sprint at the end, I saw Cameron and Dave M go past at the business end too. Yet to see the results but know the Dinnington boys would have filled a few places in the top ten this week, and if I am honest should have filled in another one. On reflection I loved every minute of the race, the craic of the group on the road, the groans the grumbles the calls for help and pacing the atmosphere in the pack was good all round, I know what my plan will be this week and unless heads get together and hatch a different plan, dare I say even an organized break then I will be putting myself into a position on the straight of far more strength, so expect to see another Dinnington RC name in the top ten this week.... ;D Attachments:
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oll
Junior Member
Posts: 64
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Post by oll on May 5, 2011 15:22:03 GMT -5
Awesome performance in group A tonight form Mark. In only his second race he won the sprint and his roar, as he crossed the line, could be heard in Blyth!!!
Jordan had another great performance finishing third in the C group. Hey you can't win them all.
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iandv
Junior Member
Posts: 56
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Post by iandv on May 5, 2011 16:15:39 GMT -5
Tonights group C race was fantastic, I really enjoyed it - full on frantic racing from the start. I tried to stay in the top half of the field so as not to get dropped by the relentless attacks. I went with lots of moves, had a mini break on lap 2 and bridged to the final break just going through the bell. The effort of getting across was too much and I died on the hill, Andrew came past shouting 'get back on' but I had to wait for the main bunch and some shelter. I recovered to follow Andrew up the finish and came in top 15 but with a bit left. I need to be braver in the sprint. I was nervous tonight and had a few negative thoughts about coping with the pace in the C group but it went well and has fired me up. I have just downloaded my Garmin data - 26.8mph, ave BPM 173! max HR 190! this is amazing at my ripe old age!
Congratulations to Marc who timed his sprint to win the A race with a roar - great to see Dinnington winning again.
Keep it up!
Ian D
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Post by consultant1 on May 5, 2011 17:02:54 GMT -5
Race 2 for us A group wheelers and my 2nd race, and after last weeks 900m effort at the end on the straight, I was determined to prove what I was feeling all along, which is strong!! So I played it smart and sat near the back end of the bunch until the last lap tonight conserving my energies until needed and it worked a treat. On the last lap I waltzed onto the front on the flat between the two little inclines on the blyth straight hoping a few of the dinnington lads might get on (Cam) but did it to show a bit of strength and position myself better in the group. By the barnby moor turn and little incline there I was in 4th wheel and stayed around there up the North Rd straight. At the straight I sat in behind a canny cyclist who had also helped himself to a good position and stayed there sfae in his wheels he was taking the wind well for me. At 350 he started to slow and so at 300 I clicked up and hit the pedals hard, trustiing what I thought I had in the tanki and was pleased to hold on quite comfortably, look around even and let out a little relief at last weeks let down and as Ian says a wee roar of satisfaction...very pleased indeed and nice to reap the fruits of the trg...happy days!! ;D
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Post by consultant1 on May 5, 2011 17:09:00 GMT -5
???Quick side note all...the wife is enrolling on a photography course in the morning!!! Any help Richard with the finish vid would be grand thx
Marc ;D
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Post by bennyburrito on May 6, 2011 3:48:37 GMT -5
It just keeps on getting better and better!!!
What a great night to be a member of Dinnington Racing Club.
Fantastic performance in both groups by all the lads. Obvious special mention to Mark, who after a strong performance last week in his first race vowed at Mondays meeting to win last night, and he didn't disappoint. With a perfectly timed explosion from about 300m out he roared over the line in style. I am absolutely chuffed to bits for him, particularly as his training scheduled is a very difficult one.
Cam had another very strong performance and although he must be getting fed up with everyone saying it, it really is only a matter of time now. Two years from now when he is stringing the C group out we will all look back at these posts and chuckle! He is going to be frighteningly strong and quick, Jordan mark II.
Great to see Andrew Marsh back racing again, gives the team in the C group a real boost for the season and i cannot wait to see the fireworks go off later in the season.
Andy Robinson was as usual blasting about and aside from an incident near the end seemed to be winding it up for a big last lap. The worrying thing for everyone in his group is he is off to Majorca for the next week followed by the Etape Du Dales on his arrival back. I really really do not envy being in his group on his return, its going to hurt... a lot!!
Ian was 'Thomas De Gent-ing it' at the front in the C group and having just read his previous post it really was a remarkable performance as he held an astonishing heart rate of 91% of his max effort for the duration of the race. Very Very hard racing!! Great effort. (Hopefully he will want a steady ride Sunday!)
Jordan had another superb finish with a 3rd place and its a sign of his winning mentality that he was disappointed with this position. There are another 10 races to go with plenty of points up for grabs, if he carries on like this then its going to be a great year.
In conclusion i can only reiterate what i said at the beginning, it was another great night for Dinnington, this is a great start to the season for all concerned however the important thing now is for us to really kick on from here and make a year to remember.
Ben
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andyr
New Member
Posts: 32
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Post by andyr on May 6, 2011 5:16:35 GMT -5
How do!
A race of mixed fortunes for me last night. As I'm going away for a week to Majorca on Sunday it was important that I kept right side up & didn't cropper myself or my bike. So my intention was to be a wee bit cautious & get round unscathed. I certainly wouldn't have got involved in any argy-bargy on the last lap. My best policy was to get in a break, bugger off & hopefully keep out of the usual fisticuffs.
I did indeed bugger off with Dave Coulson & a Sheffrec rider & a decent gap was gained for the best part of a lap. Now here's the rub...we gave it the full beans, absolute full throttle & we still got pulled back. Along Bawtry Road we were really motoring & the warp drives were engaged...still not enough!!
Conclusion? There are plenty of strong lads in "C" & unless a break consists of 6+ with a rider from RVO, Sheffrec up there it won't succeed. There's enough firepower in the peleton to wind it up & get it back. Won't stop me trying tho! It's a case of going with every break & hopefully that'll be the one that is allowed to go.
I know I'm getting on abit & my ability with simple mathematical calculations is diminishing but I counted the laps & thought our 3man break was on the last lap! Dave & Sheffrec sat on me for a good portion of the Bawtry Rd stretch & I thought "hold on! I'm gonna get mugged here"...not a problem thought Andy, I'll take 3rd. Problem here was twofold, there was another lap (eejit) & by the last corner Charlie Tennick & Steve Ellis had dragged the bunch back...then...BANG! a couple of riders went down a few hundred meters before the the Blyth Rd corner, I ended up slightly tangled & stopped, at this point my day was done. I could either chase to get on & then sit out the sprint in order to preserve myself for my upcoming jolly to Majorca or turn tail & watch the finish...
Anyway the sprint looked great fun from the roadside! A wise decision I thought was to quit whilst ahead.
Well done tho' to Jordan, good work fella! Marc also who powered his way up the hill for a great victory...
I'll see you all on my return & good luck next week to riders in B & C groups.
Andy.
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Post by bennyburrito on May 13, 2011 4:09:14 GMT -5
Last nights races were Group B & C's turn. Although the night remained dry the wind made it very very tough going.
In our group (Group B) the first two laps were steady as people tried to avoid going onto the front. From the start of the third lap it seemed like a Sheff Rec rider was constantly pinging of the front trying to gap the group. No sooner had we jumped across to mark them another would do the same. This continued for the entire duration i think in the end it was on the 16th attempt that three Sheff Rec lads gapped us. Myself, Ian, Danny Chris and Keith tried to get across on the back straight but with no-one other clubs helping us it soon became apparent we would have to sit up and wait for a bunch sprint for places.
The first three Sheffrec lads just got across the finish straight in front of the bunch, Danny got a 5th and i got a 6th (I think).
In conclusion it is even more apparent that with the number of Sheff Rec riders in our group we are going to have to come up with some tactics on how to deal with them all. Last night all 16 of them had a go at various times at getting a break going and as there was only a handful of us dealing with each attack we soon got battered. Some how we need to try and get on the offensive from the off and put the pressure on them. Suggestions please guys!
Ben
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oll
Junior Member
Posts: 64
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Post by oll on May 14, 2011 6:34:14 GMT -5
This is my third attempt to post my detailed thoughts and each time the computer has lost them, therefore I will write in shorter sections!!!! As Ben said it was certainly windier and as a result many in the pack rode defensively and tried to avoid working. Having said that Sheffrec were certainly active again! I enjoyed this race as there were fewer riders and as many tried to tuck in there was space to move up and through the pack. This allowed me to be more active, I still find myself drifting back as we descend down to Barmby Moor as many riders fight for a position for the corner. It doesn't worry me and feel confident to stay on the back. It was a little worrying on one lap when we came to a standstill and Alan and myself even had to unclip. I latched onto three, then realised they were not going to make it back and so I zipped round them and made it back. As for Sheffrec they certainly have a gameplan, which is working. I wil discuss my thoughts on this in the next post.
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oll
Junior Member
Posts: 64
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Post by oll on May 14, 2011 6:48:42 GMT -5
Part two.
I feel Sheffrec are going to dominate the races if we don't organise ourselves. I think it is important for one of us DRC lads to latch onto eac of the Sheffrec attempted breaks. I don't even think we need to work in the break, if we just sat in it would surely make the Sheffrec lads think whether it was worth the effort. To allow this to happen it would mean just one or two DRC lads would need to latch on without the rest trying to close it down. If the pack tried to close it down, this would then just lead to another Sheffrec attempt. A second option would be to allow an early Sheffrec break to go and leave them out at a rasonable distance. This would mean we save our legs not having to chase down successive attacks. We then form an organised chase on lap 4 or 5 to bring them back, timing would be the key to nullify further attempts. The further problem we face is the blocking tactics by Sheffrec. On thursday we got an organised attempt going up the drags, however Sheffrec responded and came to the front to slow it down. As we were on the inside we became trapped. It therefore needs more riders to then come around the block to keep the chase going. Maybe we could set up two subgroups, so the first start the chase and the second could then takeover and maybe trap Sheffrec on the inside. For this to happen all DRC riders need to be involved, plus others!! To me it is a no brainer, that we work to bring a break back rather than just sitting in and finishing outside the top 10. I guess it is in the mindset that people don't want to get dropped. There is no shame in working your socks off to bring the break back and then blowing up and finishing off the back of the pack. End of part two.
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oll
Junior Member
Posts: 64
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Post by oll on May 14, 2011 6:56:29 GMT -5
Part three. Having said all this, there is still alot to be said for the DRC performances. It was great to see Danny and Ben getting top 10 finishes, maybe Chris too? Special mention also to Alan and Scott for good performances under different circumstances. Alan having suffered a stomach bug earlier in the week rode, I only know too well how much it takes out of you, literally!!! Next week you'll be back Al. Scott got round even with his wheel rubbing on the brake blocks, classic quote during the race 'I'm finding it tough tonight.' We now know why!
Due to the intensity post race analysis of our race I am still unsure how the C race finished. I look forward to reading your reports!
Finally my thoughts have been recorded Oll
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Post by consultant1 on May 15, 2011 6:43:41 GMT -5
Great Oll, I would agree that really from the off Dinn boys need to be on their toes and latch onto each and every break and just sit in, you guys are outgunned so makes perfect sense to me. Even if that means taking the bridging duties in turn that makes much more sense!! As yet the A group hasnt had a break attempting real getaways, but I for one will keep a more attentitive eye on proceedings from now on, instead of a freeride to the finish (luxurious though it was) Looking forward to Thursdays jaunt!!
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