|
Special |
|
| Tandem | |
| TV Programme | |
| Webcam | |
| Archives | |
| David Duffield | |
| Features | |
|
As I set out from redhill to Dorking, I began to think that riding to the start was perhaps not the best idea. There were some annoying hills in the way, and I was soon spinning the granny, worrying that i would not get there in time for my allotted start slot. I got there with about 8 minutes to spare, and was glad to find that I had warmed myself up pretty well with the 10 mile ride. Now the small matter of the 10 mile race was at hand. I quickly scrambled my stuff into my bag, and got a friend to pin my number to my back. Unfortunately he was up in the slot before me, and I delayed him so much that he did not get a chance to put his shoes on, and he had to do the race in his trainers. Was pretty guilty when i found out at the end of the race what I had done. As I was called to the start I was still struggling to pull my gloves on, and hadn't even got round to thinking of clipping in. The 'pusher' was gripping my seat-post, urging me to clip in. I managed to get one foot in, when the flag dropped and the shove was administered. I wobbled off down the slope, managed to get my other foot clipped in, only to see that i was now in the middle of the A24. Fortunately I snapped out of my state of shock and got my head down. I had my computer set to Average speed, and set about my task of keeping it at 20mph+. The course was simple. Ride down the A24, straight over the first roundabout, all the way round the second, and back to the start. It was pretty flat, with undulating sections, but nothing which warranted getting out of the saddle. I've been riding around with Cinelli Spinachi clip-ons for years now, and they finally proved their worth. I was spinning along nicely, tucked into position, with my minute-man in sight. Was greeted at the first roundabout by forum regular, Marco, wielding his camera and shouting encouragement, which was much needed at that point as i was starting to think I had fallen into the trap of going off too fast. Was mistaken though, and soon found myself at the turn. this caused its own problems, as I hit it at full speed and almost found myself in a nice copse. I managed to skid through the gravel and discarded milk bottles and started on the return stretch. It was now that people started to whizz past me on gleaming carbon-fiber speed machines, and I managed to push past a couple of guys who had started off in front of me. (Credit where credit is due, one of them was 74, a good deal my senior). After another bout of Marco induced exhortations, I managed to crank it up to 33mph on the gentle decline, ensuring a fast finish and my stated goal of a sub-30 minute 10mile. 29:18 to be precise. Managed to get lost on the way back to the car-park for the results, but was glad to see my time had been reduced to 23:18, thanks to a 6 minute handicap. Almost felt like a pro, and I know which time I'll be repeating when I brag about this to my friends (Who all think I'm nuts after inviting me to a party, only to be told, 'Sorry, I'm getting up at 5am to go ride my bike'). With the TT all over and done with, there was nothing to do but slip it back into the granny and strain the 10 miles back to Redhill, where i was crammed into a carriage full of disgruntled South West trains passengers, who did not take kindly to my sweaty lycra and space consuming bike. All I can say is thanks to all you forum posters and the guys at Addiscombe CC. For it was all of you who gave me the determination to try something like this. Can't wait for the evening 10s to start. fancy trying this lark when its warm, and when I can wake at a more sociable hour.
|
|
