So, 3 race have past since my last post, and only one ride that i would call successful.
Dalby was the first. We arrived on the Saturday for the sunday race. This year on the warm up i had ridden (Very slowly) both obstacles on the course; 'Worry Gill' and 'Medusa's Drop'. I think this is the hardest course of the BMBS series, and it deserves to be seeing as a world cup is hosted here. It features really technical singletrack that keeps you on your toes and two long steep climbs unique to this venue. I was gridded on the third row which is alright, seeing as im a first year. from the gun, the panic set in and i had trouble getting my foot into the pedal. I quickly got onto the wheel of Will Cheaney who brought me into around 15-20th place going into the single track. We had been in the single track around 300 meters and i was in a great position when whilst navigating a tight right corner my front wheel slipped and i crashed- Hard. I had a lay down until i was sure enough dead last, i had cut up my right knee but it was my left elbow that was the problem, i was unable to put much pressure on it at all when climbing or descending which is the least helpful thing to be dealing with on a testing course like Dalby.
War wounds.
I was pretty tempted to pack in but i think 40 minutes of pain was the least i could do for my dad who had driven for 4 hours just after coming off night work.
Needless to say i wasnt in a great position but after taking a TORQ Gel with caffeine i had the energy to chase down two places to finish with my pride intact. It was a great weekend and thanks very much to Mrs Whenman for attending to my wounds! And the sausage sandwiches...
The weekend after was the BCSA national XC championships at Wilmington school, Kent. It was a fast course with no let up and featured a exciting drop followed by steps which would test abilities. The griding was completely wrong though, i was on the second row whilst baggy short cambelback riders where on the front row. Keen to make up places i went from the gun and found myself in 6th place with a Jersey rider. I was going well and felt really strong until the worst stitch Ive ever had hit me (probably induced by the can of coke i had earlier) and he dropped me.
With about a lap to go i caught him back and it was down to the sprint. I have got a decent sprint so i felt confident that i could take it. about 25 metres from the line however, i pulled my foot out of the pedal and he rode past. I was furious and it was so annoying after having to chase him back. Thanks Billy Whenman and Roger Barker for handing the bottles up!
Finally on bank holiday monday i competed on my third road race of 2011. This was my first race on a road bike in a few years, here is this seasons motor...
Orbea Opal (Thanks to Orbea UK rep James Whatling!)
So i started the race expecting to be dropped second time up the Hoggenberg as per usual, but this week was different. it was like every watt of power i put into the pedals transformed into forward motion. I think the bike had a huge part to play as it was super light and super stiff. But also i think my mentality helped. I stayed with the lead group for the entire race. It was a really fun race as well, i had a couple of digs off the front just for fun. I have to say my friend in the U14's Joe Fry had a tremendous ride, catching and passing the under 16 field only to be caught and dropped in the closing laps. But, this was a circuit race and it is hard to write about it as it was the same every lap (another reason why i love cross- it exciting!). So i finished the uphill sprint in 7th place which i am extremely pleased with.
Some photos by Dawn Fry (Joes mum).
Next off is Ixworth crits on monday where i am looking to go well.
Thanks again to Trev, Jane, Ewan and James at Ciclos Uno for kitting me out, Billy Whenman and family for looking after us and being great company, and finally James Whatling!
