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Red Bull Minidrome London
The Minidrome in London was my 3rd time racing and working with Red Bull on this concept. The last time I raced on the track was back in Glasgow and I ended up 4th so I was pretty confident heading into this event.
The weeks leading up to the Minidrome were quite hectic with 2 trips to Taiwan, a birthday weekend up in Sheffield and a Charge demo, I was worn right out. I was building up the lieu days and patiently waiting for some time to use them.
I qualified way down (for me) inside the top 20. Enough to qualify, but not enough to give me the confidence to race faster. The track was really slippy and I was having a big issue stopping my tyres sliding on the exit of the bends. I’m not one for excuses but felt this was a big problem for me and my head wasn’t in it.
Eventually I went through to the last 16 and met Anna Glowinski in the last round, she showed good form and used her excellent technique to knock me out of the competition prematurely.
Latvian Toms Alsberg was looking unbeatable all night and even his good friend, who went faster in qualifying, could not upset him. Toms went onto win and was followed by Minidrome newbies Straton Heron and Tristan Goodley.
Hats off to Red Bull, a little hiccup after a member of staff left didn’t affect the event at all and it all went sooo smoothly. The new format of qualifying on Saturday meant all sorts of cyclists could have a go. The use of a couple of our Charge Scissor bikes meant those who didn’t have fixed wheel bikes could have a go also. The next one moves further up the country, keep an eye out on the Red Bull Minidrome page for more information on this. Come and have a go when the details are out!
So that was my Minidrome, I didn’t bring my A-game and didn’t push very hard. At least I went home with a few more days lieu time. Luckily, I was going to use them off-road on my MTB in a few weeks time.
British Summertime
Well the clock went forward and the suns out so it must time for an evening MTB ride after work,
I hadn’t really planned where I was going to go, just an hour ride I was thinking,
Then riding down the lane I spotted the smoke on the horizon.
I had to go see where it was and had a rough idea. so I headed off in the general of the smoke.
tonight’s ride was turning in to a long one
then I found the big moor fire on the top of the Barden moor.
as the sun started to go down I was well chuffed I still had my night rider lights still on the Duster
All down hill form here, 2 1/2 hours later I was home
welcome to Summer.
Snowy Season Finale
So that’s it. Cross season done.
Since the new year the weeks and races have flown by. In the middle of January we headed to the national cross championships in Ipswich. Arriving the day before to see the course and watch some Junior and U23 races as well as Jough bossing the Vets, it was clear that the weather would be dry, and the course fast. It was technical only really in respect of the speed at which the racing would take place on the drying, smooth grassy surface of Chantry Park. No need for mud tyres or bike changes unless disaster struck by the looks of things.
Race day was a nervous affair. I was in the pits cheering Phoebe on in her first ever nationals, and she had a great ride, holding position in the mid-20′s before getting pipped by a couple of racers in the dying stages to finish 28th. Chapeau indeed, and certainly better than my first ever foray into national competition. In fact I hadn’t broken the top 30 at the last National trophy I’d ridden on a similar type of track at Derby.
To my surprise I wasn’t gridded too badly, 4th row or so and got an unspectacular start before getting baulked into the 2nd corner. Jough stormed past and I stuck to his wheel as he cleared a path with his elbows. The speed was furious over the first couple of laps, the spectators a blur in my peripheral vision. I was making progress though, sitting on wheels and jumping across to the next group of riders whenever I got the chance. ‘Top 20′ was may stated aim before the race, to which Phoebe raised her eyebrows and tried to play down my ambition. 2 laps in, I was 24th. Mike Cotty came into sight. 23rd. Then 22nd. Then a couple more riders honed into view. 20th. 3 laps to go. The barriers were uphill, and knee high and broke up my rhythm. Digging in, more riders came into sight with 2 laps to go, the green of HOPE riders Collins and Booth. Passing them uphill I started to pay for my efforts but buried myself into the headwind. I was on my own with a lap to go. Some dodgy cornering into the final bend and 2 riders were right back on me. A frantic uphill gravel finish for 16th place and a best ever ride. I was totally spent but elated.
After the nationals we had a break and hit the French Alps for some altitude drinking, followed by a jaunt across the channel to see what real ‘cross riders look like. Along with an estimated 70,000 other spectators we ate frites and mayo and drank too much gluwein and watched Marianne Vos obliterate the opposition. Niels Albert rode away from the rest of the Belgian team who occupied the first 7 places in the final result, all demonstrating an uncanny ability to ride over sand dunes.
I came back to find that if I rode the last round of the Notts and Derby league I’d be able to win the league, providing I finished within a few places of ‘cross stalwart, sometime teamate, clubmate and good friend Lee Shunburne. Darley Moor is a old bleak WW2 airstrip near Ashbourne, now used for motorbike racing. It’s always windy, exposed and cold, even in the summer, so with the cold snap taking hold and snow expected, I made sure to pack my knitted knickers. Somehow though, even the kids managed to race around the frozen unforgiving circuit and at 2pm, just at the snow began to fall, the seniors race began. Icy corners, rock hard bumpy ground and a biting headwind meant the race soon strung out. Lee was breathing down my neck until the second lap, when he was held up by a fallen rider allowing Rob Parkin and I to forge a gap behind eventual winner Lister. Lee stalked us at 10seconds for the duration of the race, knowing if I fell or had a problem the league was his. The beer, frites and mayo eventually took their toll and I didn’t have the legs to contest the win, and Parkin took second place, but I came home safe in 3rd for the league title, Shunburne just behind. With a season that started in 30 degree heat in September, it was somehow fitting it should end in the snow at -3degrees.
So after a whole season and after just 1 DNF (which I can honestly say was down to my mechanical skills) here’s what I’ve learnt. Titanium is the only material to make cross bikes from and both the Freezers still look new. Privateer racers take note- I’d be more confident using these season after season than any other bike I’ve ever used. SRAM levers work far better with cross brakes and double tap just works better for cross- having switched after a few early races I now know why they’re so popular off road. This week I’ll mainly be trying to remember how to ride on skinny road tyres ahead of Red Bull Hill Chasers II
A Grand day out..at the seaside
With My Cross season coming to an end it was off to a local grass roots race in Whitby.
I was impressed by the the quietly of the course and the field and was a little worried as I had just about turned off my training in the last week and started to let my hair down, but the thought of the famous Whitby Fish & Chips got me up early van packed and on the road to the wind swept North east cyclo cross league race.
I had my usual good start showing my Charge team colours at the front….BUT I soon realised the week off and the few beers the night before weren’t helping in any shape of form
I soon slipped back up managed to up the pace in the final few laps to finish a credible 3rd Vet on the day.
pics above by Trevor TheMachine Schofield
But then it was down to business a nice windy walk down to the sea front for Fish & Chips.
and Finally the well earned Fish & Chips.
Just one more cyclo cross then the British Cycling Dinner to finish the season with a bang.
Tod Cross
Once in a while a new event comes along that turns in to a Classic cyclo cross race, sometimes its the venue or the time of year that gives it that bit of magic or that sparkle to set it above the rest.
At Todmorden its none of he above its just it has this jocking big narrow slippy slimy greasy cobbled climb. That at times is un-ride able
you have to run your rear tyre at such a low pressure to be able to achieve the traction you require to stay on the bike and most riders change their gear ratio just for this race
But this year it wasnt only the climb that made it such a special race it was the mud black nasty thick Todmorden mud which even the most skilful rides out
I didn’t like this race year a ago its was odd ,different not like the other races, but a year on when you look again at it. Its the odd and different qualities of the race that attracts you to it, We need to repect theses races , as far too many are just normal the same old boring grass crit school playing fields, and you don’t know what you’ve lost till its gone.
What a difference a year when you look at something from another angle.
bring on next year……………..lets take it right top the top of the cobbles in 2012……
The Cross Season so far
We have reached the mid point in the cyclo cross season. and after a week of intensive week of training in the hills around Benidrom and long nights of keeping away from the temptations of the night life, I thought I have better update my blog
So far this year I have ridden 15 races and I’ve had 2 wins and 6 podiums places 4 big crashes 1 knocking me out 2 requiring treatment I have some how managed to finished ever race I have started and the bikes look like they are still only a week old.
Most the race so far this season have been dry and fast but that’s all about to change we as we move into to the second half of the season.
we have now reached a point in to the cyclo cross season where everything it’s now cold and wet and suit a different type of rider where more bike handling skills come in to play.
One of the hi lights of this season so far where the Rapha super cross race, we drafted in Charge team rider from all over the UK to take on some of the top teams in the UK,
Last week I tock my Charge Freezer to Spain to put it threw it’s paces, I just slipped a pair of road tyres on and it ran with the best road bikes out there and climbing very well and it was also fantastic on the long winding decents.
but this week see me racing at the Bradford National Trophy race this is well known for been a mud feast just check out this video from last year.
Bradford National Trophy Cyclo Cross
Mid-season Roundup
Middle of the cyclocross season, and the temperatures are on the way down and the mud on its way up. I’ve been pretty busy since the Rapha Supercross, racing just about every weekend. The Freezers have been pimped with SRAM Red kit and Avid Ultimate brakes and best of all, being Ti have had a quick once over with a sponge and look as good as they did the day they arrived.
Mainly I’ve been thrashing around the Notts and Derby league with a foray into the big time at last weekend’s National Trophy. So far this season there’s never less than 170 starters per race in the local league, and frequently over 200. It seems ‘cross is more popular than ever and long may it continue. Somehow I’ve been in the top 4 in every race, without winning. I came pretty close at Sinfin moor, leading the race from the start until the final lap when I slipped onto the floor and into 3rd place. Felt like a right plum I did. Consistency if nothing else does mean that I’m in with a shout of winning the league overall- currently I’m effectively tied for the lead with Ben Eedy. He’s won it loads of times but I don’t think he’s going to roll over even if someone tickles his tummy. There are some pretty illustrious past winners, it’d be quite an achievement to join them. The only thing holding me back is the recent discovery of hobnob creams.
The National Trophy last weekend was an illustration of the current strength of the domestic cross scene. The Belgies are still showing us Brits how it’s done and some fellow called Jelle Brackman won it. There were just over 60 starters in the senior race and not a single chopper amongst them. I started at the back clutching my lowly collection of national ranking points which weren’t enough to be gridded anywhere useful. I rode my legs off, and ploughed past as many riders as I could over the ensuing hour, but the beans ran out towards the end and I came in 31st, which admittedly sounds RUBBISH! I’ve ridden much worse for much better results- and really wasn’t that far off the pace- just a few minutes separating 15th to 40th. I did manage to overtake Cervelo pro Roger Hammond but he didn’t have the advantage of riding a Charge Freezer and had evidently spent a bit of time inspecting the turf from close quarters before resuming from a more upright position. I’ve glossed over such facts when recounting this tale in the pub.
This weekend it’s the Midlands championships in Shrewsbury. Rumour has it a couple of handy riders like Mr Hammond and Killeen are down to ride, so I dare say it’ll be another week or two before I see the front of a race, but I’ll try and look fast for the cameras which is far more important. (Thanks to Andy Jones for trying his best in this pic but he really didn’t have much to work with.)
Oktoberfest
Me and my friend Murray got 3rd at Oktoberfest in the 8 hour mixed pairs a couple a weeks ago. We finally got to race on the new Ashton Court trails that we had been practising all summer. It was only Murray’s second outing in lycra, the first being when he came 3rd at the Frome Cobble in a morph suit. It was also his first race on an XC bike, but it was the Ti Cooker 29er. Put next to my Ti duster they looked like the daddy and the baby. And yes, they are pretzel medals!
Jack of all trades with mixed success
I have just come off the back of 4 weekends of racing. In these weekends I have raced in 4 different competitions with varying success.
The first weekend was the Gravity Enduro in Afan Argoed. This involves 5 timed stages (mainly downhill) and climbing up Afan 6 times that weekend to get to these stages. A great format and it means lots of time in the saddle and the chance to open it up going downhill. I did pretty badly and ended up in 21st. Some way off my usual results.
Then it was on to the Forest of Dean for a 4x race at Redhill. The venue is awesome and quite daunting at the same time. I got there on Saturday and learnt the track and all the lines. It seems the lines you took depended on the size of your nuts or who you got stuck behind!
Racing was great on the Sunday but the heavy rain made the clay based track very interesting to ride! A straight line was impossible to hold and I got scared jumping.
My motos went real well, either winning them or coming 2nd. My gates were spot on too and I was full of confidence going into the semis. Sadly I fell asleep on the gate and was sandwiched and punted off by the first tabletop. So I didn’t get through to the A-final annoyingly but had the chance to race the B-final now. I was out of the gate first and stayed there till the end, even after coming up short on the massive step up! 5th place for me and a nice trophy too.
Next up was the Frome Cobble Wobble 3. One of the greatest events ever! It is a race up a cobbled road about 179yards long. A big list of stars took part. Kye Forte, Mick Hannah and road aces like Dan Craven, fresh from the tour of Britain. As a previous “King of the Cobbles” I was pretty confident. I chose a different bike this year and decided not to try it out on the course. It was a Ti Blender, it great at 4x and jumping and goes out a gate like a startled cat, but, it ain’t no good going up a cobbled street! I finished 12th (I think) a full 2 seconds slower than the previous years on road bikes. I apologised to my Ti Skewer when I got home. She would have been much better for it.
Lastly was the Red Bull Minidrome in Glasgow. It’s a teeny tiny velodrome that was plonked into the Old Fruit Market in Glasgow. It was a fantastic venue and was really dark and ancient inside. When the Minidrome was dropped in there with a mix of subtle lighting and drunk Scots, the venue kicked off.
I had already raced the London event so already knew how to ride the track. Keep to the red line and pump the bends. It paid off well and I qualified 5th. A new fella called Toms Alberg showed up and pretty much pulled our pants down with a very, very fast time.
32 qualified and went through to race each other. There was loads of crashes and mayhem. I suffered a blow out mid corner and slammed hard. I was lucky to get another go but didn’t win. I got 4th instead! New guy Toms won but rumour has it that he has a Minidrome back home. Ssssh.
Here is a video of the event, it has to be watched! Great edit too by Foundlight
Well that’s my whirlwind blog for now.
I’m off to Taiwan now with the other Charge peeps and will hopefully get to ride out there too. I’ll be sure to take pics and blog later.
Peace out y’all!
Some pics from the Pedal Speed ‘London’ issue
Pedal Speed mag’s latest is the ‘London’ issue. There are shop checks, crew checks and the inevitable interview with Paul Smith. There’s a bit on Fixed Gear London too and seeing as I was hanging out with those guys that day, I wound up getting snapped too. Here are a few of the pages from the feature.
Wanna check out more stuff? Check my other blog here or follow me on twitter here
Red Bull Minidrome London
The Minidrome in London was my 3rd time racing and working with Red Bull on this concept. The last time I raced on the track was back in Glasgow and I ended up 4th so I was pretty confident heading into this event.
The weeks leading up to the Minidrome were quite hectic with 2 trips to Taiwan, a birthday weekend up in Sheffield and a Charge demo, I was worn right out. I was building up the lieu days and patiently waiting for some time to use them.
I qualified way down (for me) inside the top 20. Enough to qualify, but not enough to give me the confidence to race faster. The track was really slippy and I was having a big issue stopping my tyres sliding on the exit of the bends. I’m not one for excuses but felt this was a big problem for me and my head wasn’t in it.
Eventually I went through to the last 16 and met Anna Glowinski in the last round, she showed good form and used her excellent technique to knock me out of the competition prematurely.
Latvian Toms Alsberg was looking unbeatable all night and even his good friend, who went faster in qualifying, could not upset him. Toms went onto win and was followed by Minidrome newbies Straton Heron and Tristan Goodley.
Hats off to Red Bull, a little hiccup after a member of staff left didn’t affect the event at all and it all went sooo smoothly. The new format of qualifying on Saturday meant all sorts of cyclists could have a go. The use of a couple of our Charge Scissor bikes meant those who didn’t have fixed wheel bikes could have a go also. The next one moves further up the country, keep an eye out on the Red Bull Minidrome page for more information on this. Come and have a go when the details are out!
So that was my Minidrome, I didn’t bring my A-game and didn’t push very hard. At least I went home with a few more days lieu time. Luckily, I was going to use them off-road on my MTB in a few weeks time.
British Summertime
Well the clock went forward and the suns out so it must time for an evening MTB ride after work,
I hadn’t really planned where I was going to go, just an hour ride I was thinking,
Then riding down the lane I spotted the smoke on the horizon.
I had to go see where it was and had a rough idea. so I headed off in the general of the smoke.
tonight’s ride was turning in to a long one
then I found the big moor fire on the top of the Barden moor.
as the sun started to go down I was well chuffed I still had my night rider lights still on the Duster
All down hill form here, 2 1/2 hours later I was home
welcome to Summer.
Snowy Season Finale
So that’s it. Cross season done.
Since the new year the weeks and races have flown by. In the middle of January we headed to the national cross championships in Ipswich. Arriving the day before to see the course and watch some Junior and U23 races as well as Jough bossing the Vets, it was clear that the weather would be dry, and the course fast. It was technical only really in respect of the speed at which the racing would take place on the drying, smooth grassy surface of Chantry Park. No need for mud tyres or bike changes unless disaster struck by the looks of things.
Race day was a nervous affair. I was in the pits cheering Phoebe on in her first ever nationals, and she had a great ride, holding position in the mid-20′s before getting pipped by a couple of racers in the dying stages to finish 28th. Chapeau indeed, and certainly better than my first ever foray into national competition. In fact I hadn’t broken the top 30 at the last National trophy I’d ridden on a similar type of track at Derby.
To my surprise I wasn’t gridded too badly, 4th row or so and got an unspectacular start before getting baulked into the 2nd corner. Jough stormed past and I stuck to his wheel as he cleared a path with his elbows. The speed was furious over the first couple of laps, the spectators a blur in my peripheral vision. I was making progress though, sitting on wheels and jumping across to the next group of riders whenever I got the chance. ‘Top 20′ was may stated aim before the race, to which Phoebe raised her eyebrows and tried to play down my ambition. 2 laps in, I was 24th. Mike Cotty came into sight. 23rd. Then 22nd. Then a couple more riders honed into view. 20th. 3 laps to go. The barriers were uphill, and knee high and broke up my rhythm. Digging in, more riders came into sight with 2 laps to go, the green of HOPE riders Collins and Booth. Passing them uphill I started to pay for my efforts but buried myself into the headwind. I was on my own with a lap to go. Some dodgy cornering into the final bend and 2 riders were right back on me. A frantic uphill gravel finish for 16th place and a best ever ride. I was totally spent but elated.
After the nationals we had a break and hit the French Alps for some altitude drinking, followed by a jaunt across the channel to see what real ‘cross riders look like. Along with an estimated 70,000 other spectators we ate frites and mayo and drank too much gluwein and watched Marianne Vos obliterate the opposition. Niels Albert rode away from the rest of the Belgian team who occupied the first 7 places in the final result, all demonstrating an uncanny ability to ride over sand dunes.
I came back to find that if I rode the last round of the Notts and Derby league I’d be able to win the league, providing I finished within a few places of ‘cross stalwart, sometime teamate, clubmate and good friend Lee Shunburne. Darley Moor is a old bleak WW2 airstrip near Ashbourne, now used for motorbike racing. It’s always windy, exposed and cold, even in the summer, so with the cold snap taking hold and snow expected, I made sure to pack my knitted knickers. Somehow though, even the kids managed to race around the frozen unforgiving circuit and at 2pm, just at the snow began to fall, the seniors race began. Icy corners, rock hard bumpy ground and a biting headwind meant the race soon strung out. Lee was breathing down my neck until the second lap, when he was held up by a fallen rider allowing Rob Parkin and I to forge a gap behind eventual winner Lister. Lee stalked us at 10seconds for the duration of the race, knowing if I fell or had a problem the league was his. The beer, frites and mayo eventually took their toll and I didn’t have the legs to contest the win, and Parkin took second place, but I came home safe in 3rd for the league title, Shunburne just behind. With a season that started in 30 degree heat in September, it was somehow fitting it should end in the snow at -3degrees.
So after a whole season and after just 1 DNF (which I can honestly say was down to my mechanical skills) here’s what I’ve learnt. Titanium is the only material to make cross bikes from and both the Freezers still look new. Privateer racers take note- I’d be more confident using these season after season than any other bike I’ve ever used. SRAM levers work far better with cross brakes and double tap just works better for cross- having switched after a few early races I now know why they’re so popular off road. This week I’ll mainly be trying to remember how to ride on skinny road tyres ahead of Red Bull Hill Chasers II
A Grand day out..at the seaside
With My Cross season coming to an end it was off to a local grass roots race in Whitby.
I was impressed by the the quietly of the course and the field and was a little worried as I had just about turned off my training in the last week and started to let my hair down, but the thought of the famous Whitby Fish & Chips got me up early van packed and on the road to the wind swept North east cyclo cross league race.
I had my usual good start showing my Charge team colours at the front….BUT I soon realised the week off and the few beers the night before weren’t helping in any shape of form
I soon slipped back up managed to up the pace in the final few laps to finish a credible 3rd Vet on the day.
pics above by Trevor TheMachine Schofield
But then it was down to business a nice windy walk down to the sea front for Fish & Chips.
and Finally the well earned Fish & Chips.
Just one more cyclo cross then the British Cycling Dinner to finish the season with a bang.
Tod Cross
Once in a while a new event comes along that turns in to a Classic cyclo cross race, sometimes its the venue or the time of year that gives it that bit of magic or that sparkle to set it above the rest.
At Todmorden its none of he above its just it has this jocking big narrow slippy slimy greasy cobbled climb. That at times is un-ride able
you have to run your rear tyre at such a low pressure to be able to achieve the traction you require to stay on the bike and most riders change their gear ratio just for this race
But this year it wasnt only the climb that made it such a special race it was the mud black nasty thick Todmorden mud which even the most skilful rides out
I didn’t like this race year a ago its was odd ,different not like the other races, but a year on when you look again at it. Its the odd and different qualities of the race that attracts you to it, We need to repect theses races , as far too many are just normal the same old boring grass crit school playing fields, and you don’t know what you’ve lost till its gone.
What a difference a year when you look at something from another angle.
bring on next year……………..lets take it right top the top of the cobbles in 2012……
The Cross Season so far
We have reached the mid point in the cyclo cross season. and after a week of intensive week of training in the hills around Benidrom and long nights of keeping away from the temptations of the night life, I thought I have better update my blog
So far this year I have ridden 15 races and I’ve had 2 wins and 6 podiums places 4 big crashes 1 knocking me out 2 requiring treatment I have some how managed to finished ever race I have started and the bikes look like they are still only a week old.
Most the race so far this season have been dry and fast but that’s all about to change we as we move into to the second half of the season.
we have now reached a point in to the cyclo cross season where everything it’s now cold and wet and suit a different type of rider where more bike handling skills come in to play.
One of the hi lights of this season so far where the Rapha super cross race, we drafted in Charge team rider from all over the UK to take on some of the top teams in the UK,
Last week I tock my Charge Freezer to Spain to put it threw it’s paces, I just slipped a pair of road tyres on and it ran with the best road bikes out there and climbing very well and it was also fantastic on the long winding decents.
but this week see me racing at the Bradford National Trophy race this is well known for been a mud feast just check out this video from last year.
Bradford National Trophy Cyclo Cross
Mid-season Roundup
Middle of the cyclocross season, and the temperatures are on the way down and the mud on its way up. I’ve been pretty busy since the Rapha Supercross, racing just about every weekend. The Freezers have been pimped with SRAM Red kit and Avid Ultimate brakes and best of all, being Ti have had a quick once over with a sponge and look as good as they did the day they arrived.
Mainly I’ve been thrashing around the Notts and Derby league with a foray into the big time at last weekend’s National Trophy. So far this season there’s never less than 170 starters per race in the local league, and frequently over 200. It seems ‘cross is more popular than ever and long may it continue. Somehow I’ve been in the top 4 in every race, without winning. I came pretty close at Sinfin moor, leading the race from the start until the final lap when I slipped onto the floor and into 3rd place. Felt like a right plum I did. Consistency if nothing else does mean that I’m in with a shout of winning the league overall- currently I’m effectively tied for the lead with Ben Eedy. He’s won it loads of times but I don’t think he’s going to roll over even if someone tickles his tummy. There are some pretty illustrious past winners, it’d be quite an achievement to join them. The only thing holding me back is the recent discovery of hobnob creams.
The National Trophy last weekend was an illustration of the current strength of the domestic cross scene. The Belgies are still showing us Brits how it’s done and some fellow called Jelle Brackman won it. There were just over 60 starters in the senior race and not a single chopper amongst them. I started at the back clutching my lowly collection of national ranking points which weren’t enough to be gridded anywhere useful. I rode my legs off, and ploughed past as many riders as I could over the ensuing hour, but the beans ran out towards the end and I came in 31st, which admittedly sounds RUBBISH! I’ve ridden much worse for much better results- and really wasn’t that far off the pace- just a few minutes separating 15th to 40th. I did manage to overtake Cervelo pro Roger Hammond but he didn’t have the advantage of riding a Charge Freezer and had evidently spent a bit of time inspecting the turf from close quarters before resuming from a more upright position. I’ve glossed over such facts when recounting this tale in the pub.
This weekend it’s the Midlands championships in Shrewsbury. Rumour has it a couple of handy riders like Mr Hammond and Killeen are down to ride, so I dare say it’ll be another week or two before I see the front of a race, but I’ll try and look fast for the cameras which is far more important. (Thanks to Andy Jones for trying his best in this pic but he really didn’t have much to work with.)
Oktoberfest
Me and my friend Murray got 3rd at Oktoberfest in the 8 hour mixed pairs a couple a weeks ago. We finally got to race on the new Ashton Court trails that we had been practising all summer. It was only Murray’s second outing in lycra, the first being when he came 3rd at the Frome Cobble in a morph suit. It was also his first race on an XC bike, but it was the Ti Cooker 29er. Put next to my Ti duster they looked like the daddy and the baby. And yes, they are pretzel medals!
Jack of all trades with mixed success
I have just come off the back of 4 weekends of racing. In these weekends I have raced in 4 different competitions with varying success.
The first weekend was the Gravity Enduro in Afan Argoed. This involves 5 timed stages (mainly downhill) and climbing up Afan 6 times that weekend to get to these stages. A great format and it means lots of time in the saddle and the chance to open it up going downhill. I did pretty badly and ended up in 21st. Some way off my usual results.
Then it was on to the Forest of Dean for a 4x race at Redhill. The venue is awesome and quite daunting at the same time. I got there on Saturday and learnt the track and all the lines. It seems the lines you took depended on the size of your nuts or who you got stuck behind!
Racing was great on the Sunday but the heavy rain made the clay based track very interesting to ride! A straight line was impossible to hold and I got scared jumping.
My motos went real well, either winning them or coming 2nd. My gates were spot on too and I was full of confidence going into the semis. Sadly I fell asleep on the gate and was sandwiched and punted off by the first tabletop. So I didn’t get through to the A-final annoyingly but had the chance to race the B-final now. I was out of the gate first and stayed there till the end, even after coming up short on the massive step up! 5th place for me and a nice trophy too.
Next up was the Frome Cobble Wobble 3. One of the greatest events ever! It is a race up a cobbled road about 179yards long. A big list of stars took part. Kye Forte, Mick Hannah and road aces like Dan Craven, fresh from the tour of Britain. As a previous “King of the Cobbles” I was pretty confident. I chose a different bike this year and decided not to try it out on the course. It was a Ti Blender, it great at 4x and jumping and goes out a gate like a startled cat, but, it ain’t no good going up a cobbled street! I finished 12th (I think) a full 2 seconds slower than the previous years on road bikes. I apologised to my Ti Skewer when I got home. She would have been much better for it.
Lastly was the Red Bull Minidrome in Glasgow. It’s a teeny tiny velodrome that was plonked into the Old Fruit Market in Glasgow. It was a fantastic venue and was really dark and ancient inside. When the Minidrome was dropped in there with a mix of subtle lighting and drunk Scots, the venue kicked off.
I had already raced the London event so already knew how to ride the track. Keep to the red line and pump the bends. It paid off well and I qualified 5th. A new fella called Toms Alberg showed up and pretty much pulled our pants down with a very, very fast time.
32 qualified and went through to race each other. There was loads of crashes and mayhem. I suffered a blow out mid corner and slammed hard. I was lucky to get another go but didn’t win. I got 4th instead! New guy Toms won but rumour has it that he has a Minidrome back home. Ssssh.
Here is a video of the event, it has to be watched! Great edit too by Foundlight
Well that’s my whirlwind blog for now.
I’m off to Taiwan now with the other Charge peeps and will hopefully get to ride out there too. I’ll be sure to take pics and blog later.
Peace out y’all!
Some pics from the Pedal Speed ‘London’ issue
Pedal Speed mag’s latest is the ‘London’ issue. There are shop checks, crew checks and the inevitable interview with Paul Smith. There’s a bit on Fixed Gear London too and seeing as I was hanging out with those guys that day, I wound up getting snapped too. Here are a few of the pages from the feature.
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