Sat Road League Race 2 24th April

[iandv]

Well, another eventfull race with some bad luck (again) for Dinnington.

Great weather, sunny, warm but very windy on the exposed parts of the course. I rode in a very small third group and I struggled, the pace was too much for me today and by the second lap I was starting to miss my turns. I think the problem was that in a group of only 8, which soon became 6, it was relentless and the rests weren't enough! Anyway towards the end of lap 2 I punctured and that was that. I wonder now if I would have lasted the full distance at that pace

Ben, unable to go to Florida, decided to enter his first race on his new Pinarrello. All was well, looking good and all set to get a solid first race under his belt when calamity struck on the last lap. Some joker lost balance and their line and knocked half the group off. Ben had a bang to the head, lots of nasty RR and ripped handle bar tape and a torn brake hood. Due to the concushion he has had to get checked out - lets hope all is well. As for the new bike, it'll be ok but after searching the internet I haven't found a supplier for replacement brake hoods for the new Campy Super 11 Record yet!

Let's hope the season settles down a bit and we all start finishing some races!

best wishes to Ben - don't let it put you off, I thought you looked pretty good when you passed me ( walking back to the start !!!)

rgds

Ian D

[bennyburrito]

Well that was definitely an experience, my first race, in the main bunch with about a mile to go when disaster struck. Can't remember much about what happened next, think somebody took my front wheel, except to say a big thanks to all who looked after me particularly Sam the medic. Think the last time i got knocked out was when i was about 11!!

Must say my first experience of road rash may end up turning me into a dedicated leg shaver, however as my missus pointed out that is all well and good but considering i have no skin left on the right side of my face and my right ear is about the size of a melon she fails to see how having a pair of shaved legs would have helped the situation. Its a fair point!

As i mentioned earlier this was my first race and i would like to say a big thanks to Keith who looked after me and without him i would not have made it as far as i did, his advice and encouragement were invaluable. Ian unfortunately punctured and his encouragement was also was very much appreciated.

My next race is Thursday, so fingers crossed i actually manage to cross the finish line this time.

Going to pick my bike up from Ian later, i hope she is alright. It as the only thing that kept me awake last night. My poor poor bike!! Thank you Ian for looking after her whilst i went to hospital very much appreciated.

This incident will most definitely not put me off, I understand it is part of racing and these things happen. When i initially started riding it was in an effort to just get fit, however having joined Dinnington last October and listened to some of the stories from Dave, Joe, Ian, Pete and many others, racing was something that i aspired to. Yesterday to pull on the Dinnington jersey and take part in my first race was a very proud moment for me. I look forward to being able to spend many many years taking part (and finishing) in future races.

Ben

[oll]

The fourth sat road race took place this weekend.
Conditions were cool and windy, on the same testing course. It was a very enjoyable but tough race. Due to limited numbers the riders were split into two groups. I was in the first group, along with Pete and Alan. We worked well as a group and just about held off the faster group. Alan and myself got a top ten finish, so really pleased.
However there are now concerns on whether these events will continue due to the limited field. So if any of you guys fancy an extra couple of races there are still two to go!! The extra distance is very beneficial for racing the thursday night league!