The Racing Thread..
Discussion
okgo said:
You'll soon realise BC points mean nothing anyway 
Winning races should be your aim, not BC points. Usually takes people a while to reach that conclusion though - I was chasing pointless categories for a while and it really amounts to nothing.
i was in a decent position, i would have liked to think i would have been top 3. The guy who came 4th i can outsprint.Winning races should be your aim, not BC points. Usually takes people a while to reach that conclusion though - I was chasing pointless categories for a while and it really amounts to nothing.
nevermind live to fight another day.
Thats racing unfortunately. I can out sprint 99% of my competitors but I don't always beat them 
I did a crit at the Brownlee centre in Leeds last wk .... was going to do the 3/4 and the E/1/2/3 but the womens race was in between so I couldn't be arsed to hang around for an hour in between. 3/4 race was a field of 50 and its the first crit I've done on that circuit and in the past year. Woeful riding, shouted at a few for shooting up the inside on corners. Anyhow, should have been much further up in the sprint and only managed 10th ... but knowing the circuit, I'll know where I can get sprinting from next time.
Got another evening road race in N Yorks tonight ... nice little big ring power climb to the finish so hoping for an out and out drag race ... then Beverley town centre crit tomorrow night ... praying for dry weather tomorrow as the cobbles will be a handful if wet.
I did a crit at the Brownlee centre in Leeds last wk .... was going to do the 3/4 and the E/1/2/3 but the womens race was in between so I couldn't be arsed to hang around for an hour in between. 3/4 race was a field of 50 and its the first crit I've done on that circuit and in the past year. Woeful riding, shouted at a few for shooting up the inside on corners. Anyhow, should have been much further up in the sprint and only managed 10th ... but knowing the circuit, I'll know where I can get sprinting from next time.
Got another evening road race in N Yorks tonight ... nice little big ring power climb to the finish so hoping for an out and out drag race ... then Beverley town centre crit tomorrow night ... praying for dry weather tomorrow as the cobbles will be a handful if wet.
okgo said:
Have been enjoying racing this year.
Won another 2/3 the other day which was nice, need to watch the points though, not wanting to go back to 1st cat!!!
Well done! No point if you can't enjoy it ... its supposed to be a way of enjoying life outside of the day to day pressures. The minute it becomes stressful and a chore, it ceases to be enjoyable. Won another 2/3 the other day which was nice, need to watch the points though, not wanting to go back to 1st cat!!!
I don't think you're alone, I have a few mates who are ex 1st & elites who want to race but with families and work just can't make the commitment to the both train and race at that level, so they're happy as 2nd cats, some even 3rd who maybe do 1 or two races a year (and still win!).
JEA1K said:
Well done! No point if you can't enjoy it ... its supposed to be a way of enjoying life outside of the day to day pressures. The minute it becomes stressful and a chore, it ceases to be enjoyable.
I don't think you're alone, I have a few mates who are ex 1st & elites who want to race but with families and work just can't make the commitment to the both train and race at that level, so they're happy as 2nd cats, some even 3rd who maybe do 1 or two races a year (and still win!).
There are loads yes. Which is good actually as it makes the 2/3 racing really good standard. The best guys in the 2/3's I'm doing are all getting on for 5 w/kg FTP types which makes the racing good.I don't think you're alone, I have a few mates who are ex 1st & elites who want to race but with families and work just can't make the commitment to the both train and race at that level, so they're happy as 2nd cats, some even 3rd who maybe do 1 or two races a year (and still win!).
I'll still do a few e12 races as on the right finish I'll beat most of them
Agreed, I enjoy the 2/3 races up here .... usually 55 - 60 or so miles on some great roads and in the main, a really good standard. Obviously much more challenging for me than the 3/4's which are 35 - 40 miles and usually end up in a 35 - 45 man bunch sprint, often not pretty.
The e/1/2/3's are reg C+ so shorter distance but then you have the likes of Wheelbase turning up so they're still a challenge ... if you can sprint you still have an opportunity for a result.
Went earlier in the sprint and claimed a 4th place last night ... probably should have gone even earlier but could feel myself dying towards the line! One lad was up the road and the two ahead got the jump on me but didn't have anyone manage to come around me. So hoping to get a result tonight ... would love to get a win there as this is the 3rd and final year I think I'll race at Beverley.
The e/1/2/3's are reg C+ so shorter distance but then you have the likes of Wheelbase turning up so they're still a challenge ... if you can sprint you still have an opportunity for a result.
Went earlier in the sprint and claimed a 4th place last night ... probably should have gone even earlier but could feel myself dying towards the line! One lad was up the road and the two ahead got the jump on me but didn't have anyone manage to come around me. So hoping to get a result tonight ... would love to get a win there as this is the 3rd and final year I think I'll race at Beverley.
Well thats was a bit of a f
k up! The prime laps got things moving and I ended up in the 3 man break ... we got caught by another 7 or so riders and started working to increase the gap ... big crash in the chase group which made the field more strung out.
The bell is supposed to ring to signify 5 laps to go ... unfortunately someone thought it was a good idea to give the bell to some young kids who rung the bell on each lap! So we didnt know it was the last lap and only when the crowd started cheering did we put the hammer down with about 200m to go ... so no one was ready. Managed to pass a couple and got a 6th place which fortunately earned me the 4 last points I needed for 2nd cat. We all had a laugh about it in the end but it was a bit of a farse!
k up! The prime laps got things moving and I ended up in the 3 man break ... we got caught by another 7 or so riders and started working to increase the gap ... big crash in the chase group which made the field more strung out. The bell is supposed to ring to signify 5 laps to go ... unfortunately someone thought it was a good idea to give the bell to some young kids who rung the bell on each lap! So we didnt know it was the last lap and only when the crowd started cheering did we put the hammer down with about 200m to go ... so no one was ready. Managed to pass a couple and got a 6th place which fortunately earned me the 4 last points I needed for 2nd cat. We all had a laugh about it in the end but it was a bit of a farse!
https://www.strava.com/activities/1104637614
My 2nd go at Rocky Races (Crits at Rockingham Speedway) and first time on the northern loop. The wind cut across in an arc from the south west and was fairly brutal! Only about 1/3 of the lap was with a full tail wind, the rest was pretty hard going.
Another good lesson in positioning and race tactics. Was much happier near the front of the bunch, spent some good time doing my bit at the front in the wind but got hung out to dry in the end!...
With three to go I went with the front of the race, ended up at the head of the field (mostly by accident) with thoughts of trying to take advantage of track positioning but paid the price as I just wasn't able to go with the inevitable acceleration in the last half a lap!
I have to admit to being a little dissappointed in myself for not having the legs to at least finish with the main bunch but I am happy that I did my bit and gave it a go!
More lessons learnt, still confident that with some strength training I can be competitive... maybe next time
My 2nd go at Rocky Races (Crits at Rockingham Speedway) and first time on the northern loop. The wind cut across in an arc from the south west and was fairly brutal! Only about 1/3 of the lap was with a full tail wind, the rest was pretty hard going.
Another good lesson in positioning and race tactics. Was much happier near the front of the bunch, spent some good time doing my bit at the front in the wind but got hung out to dry in the end!...
With three to go I went with the front of the race, ended up at the head of the field (mostly by accident) with thoughts of trying to take advantage of track positioning but paid the price as I just wasn't able to go with the inevitable acceleration in the last half a lap!
I have to admit to being a little dissappointed in myself for not having the legs to at least finish with the main bunch but I am happy that I did my bit and gave it a go!
More lessons learnt, still confident that with some strength training I can be competitive... maybe next time
Edited by Banana Boy on Thursday 27th July 22:29
Been a while, had a few months off with a back problem, still not up to where I was back in June.
Today was one of those days though, CX racing at Shibden Park in Halifax. It's usually a muddy mess, and today was no different, with a large amount of late leaf fall to contend with as well. I watched the earlier races, and saw many rear derailleurs being ripped off by the debris, but non of this concerned me as I'd brought out the trusty single speed. I was expecting to do more running than the geared riders, but to finish first, first you must finish and all that crap.
Fifteen minutes before my race, and I'm warming up, and stinking of embrocation to stave off the cold, when the tensioner lets go. Runs up to the van in a vain attempt to fix it, but to no avail, so out comes the geared bike...
It's an uphill start, and so boggy after five other races than very few attempt to ride, preferring a run up to and around the first corner. I make up a few places, then jump on the bike. I ride the next corner, but the rider alongside me goes down, forcing me off line and into the leaf litter. The bike is now clogged with mud and detritus. It's off the bike for the next two off-cambers, and as I run I fish out the leaves and crap from the forks and chain stays. It's another run up the next short uphill, then over the hurdles. I jump on the bike again, and the chain comes off. Off the bike again, refit the chain, and back on again for a short downhill and hairpin bend, before a cobbled climb onto the only tarmac section of the lap. I cross the finish line, then another hairpin bend back onto the grass/mud. I ride past the pit area and into a slight, but slippy right hander, and the lad behind me just clips the back end. I manage to hold it with a quick couple of right foot dabs, and get back onto the power, but he must have hit the rear mech, as I change down a gear the derailleur wraps itself round the cassette and into the wheel, ripping the cage off, and breaking the mech hanger, while breaking the chain. Most definitely game over, after five minutes and half a mile.
Good days and bad days...
Today was one of those days though, CX racing at Shibden Park in Halifax. It's usually a muddy mess, and today was no different, with a large amount of late leaf fall to contend with as well. I watched the earlier races, and saw many rear derailleurs being ripped off by the debris, but non of this concerned me as I'd brought out the trusty single speed. I was expecting to do more running than the geared riders, but to finish first, first you must finish and all that crap.
Fifteen minutes before my race, and I'm warming up, and stinking of embrocation to stave off the cold, when the tensioner lets go. Runs up to the van in a vain attempt to fix it, but to no avail, so out comes the geared bike...
It's an uphill start, and so boggy after five other races than very few attempt to ride, preferring a run up to and around the first corner. I make up a few places, then jump on the bike. I ride the next corner, but the rider alongside me goes down, forcing me off line and into the leaf litter. The bike is now clogged with mud and detritus. It's off the bike for the next two off-cambers, and as I run I fish out the leaves and crap from the forks and chain stays. It's another run up the next short uphill, then over the hurdles. I jump on the bike again, and the chain comes off. Off the bike again, refit the chain, and back on again for a short downhill and hairpin bend, before a cobbled climb onto the only tarmac section of the lap. I cross the finish line, then another hairpin bend back onto the grass/mud. I ride past the pit area and into a slight, but slippy right hander, and the lad behind me just clips the back end. I manage to hold it with a quick couple of right foot dabs, and get back onto the power, but he must have hit the rear mech, as I change down a gear the derailleur wraps itself round the cassette and into the wheel, ripping the cage off, and breaking the mech hanger, while breaking the chain. Most definitely game over, after five minutes and half a mile.
Good days and bad days...
Edited by gazza285 on Sunday 5th November 22:44
Lea Valley Full Gas Winter Series #1 3/4
Last race of the season for me and a bit of a tester to see how i was going. Was a bit of a celebration the night before and was feeling savagly hungover so didn't expect too much. weather was wet on the ground but not raining, which was fine.
slow race at c40kph, I sat on the front a fair amount going with the odd move but nothing sticking as per usual at that track. Last few laps the 3 of us grouped at the front and set a good pace then the idea was last lap (1.6km) i would smash it round try and get a gap on the bunch and help out our teammate for the win.
went pretty well, we had a 15/20m gap, i pushed c550w for the last lap and jack just about held off the chasing pack for second, pipped on the line.
Avg Max
Speed 40.7km/h 53.3km/h
Heart Rate 175bpm 196bpm
Cadence 79 115
Power 247W 1,084W
NP 289W
Elapsed Time 41:36
Last race of the season for me and a bit of a tester to see how i was going. Was a bit of a celebration the night before and was feeling savagly hungover so didn't expect too much. weather was wet on the ground but not raining, which was fine.
slow race at c40kph, I sat on the front a fair amount going with the odd move but nothing sticking as per usual at that track. Last few laps the 3 of us grouped at the front and set a good pace then the idea was last lap (1.6km) i would smash it round try and get a gap on the bunch and help out our teammate for the win.
went pretty well, we had a 15/20m gap, i pushed c550w for the last lap and jack just about held off the chasing pack for second, pipped on the line.
Avg Max
Speed 40.7km/h 53.3km/h
Heart Rate 175bpm 196bpm
Cadence 79 115
Power 247W 1,084W
NP 289W
Elapsed Time 41:36
Steve vRS said:
Are you venturing across to the correct side of the Pennines for any races this Winter?
Hoping to, I'll have to check my busy schedule, I can't figure out where the time has gone this year.There was a few of the NWCCA lot at Shibden, including one or two from your club...
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