I’ll start but hopefully other’s can add/revise /delete as they see fit.
SPR racer’s included; Lisa, Lorraine, Bec W, Nicole, Brendan, Judd, James and myself.
As far as SPR was concerned the action began with James in the C grade race, I had tried to nominate for C grade but the organisers bumped me up to B grade. More on that later. James rode smartly within the front third of the field of 18-20 and did all he needed to be there for the finish. I caught the finish and with Lisette on the sidelines for the first time James had someone other than us pillocks to impress. In the sprint for the line it looked like a couple of guys duked it out for the win. James looked to be heading for a good finish and then decided to add to the excitement by tangling with another rider and crashing rather spectacularly after crossing the line. James is recovering with a few days at home grovelling to Lisette pondering a replacement bike (or parts) and possibly reassesing the need to shave his legs.
I missed most of the C Grade action due to having to warm-up so perhaps someone can fill in any other exciting details, much appreciated.
With no training in two weeks, unless you count a ride to work and 40 minutes on the trainer the day before, I knew I was in for pain. Happily i think I lasted half the race duration. Judd rode very well keeping himself in the first half dozen riders and not expending too much effort chasing breakways. Cyclemania were very active and with 5 or 6 riders were expected to be, with most moves being covered the race came down to a bunch sprint. With one of the cyclemania guys
away solo we encouraged Judd to go for it as he crossed the finish line for the penultimate time, perhaps stupidly he took our advice. Unfortunately he was swammped coming out of the final turn and finished safely in the bunch. Good ride Judd, sorry I was absolutely no good to you.
Brendan was next up for the A grade race and was really only looking for a workout ahead of next weekends double header at Pemberton. Brendan was all on his lonesome for this race and must have had a rush of blood early on as he ended up in a small break. The A grade race was a bit of a cracker with the usual aggresive team tactics and a number of other breakaway attempts. The final and succesful break was instigated by Eddy Hollands who was slowly joined over a number of laps by several others with this group finishing up with 8 or so riders. Eddy then proceeded to win the sprint from his breakaway companions.
Next up the ladies race. Plan B had almost all of their big guns (Davina is off enjoying Kiwi weather and hospitality) and were in my mind, undoubtedly the favourites, until of course I was made aware the Emma Pooley was out for some fun. Yes, this Emma Pooley. The SPR girls were thrilled to be racing against such a quality field, actually I think they might have been just a little intimidated. Proceedings began with a couple of parade laps in memory of Renae Baker before getting down to business. Unfortunately for a few of our girls the pace got pretty hot pretty quick lead Lorraine, Bec and Nicole to form their own race within a race. Lisa was hanging towards the back of the bunch and looked to be reasonably comfortable. Lorraine was the first to crack and after a rough week (with thieves stealing her unmentionables, amongst other valuables) took a break around the back of the circuit. I think Bec and Nicole hung in for the finish albeit a couple of laps down, good work ladies. I was a little distracted when the shout went up about a crash and Lisa was no longer with the bunch. After such a strong effort it was a dissappointing end to the day for Lisa. Punted out to the kerb, around the difficult top turn, Lisa introduced her helmet to the road/pavement with some force. After a trip to hospital for observation Lisa was released Sunday evening, we’ll see if there are any long term effects like purchasing a Cervelo soon enough.
Anyway, back to the racing. Surprisingly the Plan B girls were active in everything and eventually Josie got away for the break of the day. Working with Sarah Fraser, and with the remaining Plan B girls covering everything else, they pulled away from the chasing bunch(s). Josie kicked with a couple to go and went on for a solo win, nice work!
Anyhow, thanks to the otgher Rouleurs who turned up to support the racing contingent. I trust the jumbo point scorer on the Sunday ride made the most of it you have one more week and then Stu and Brendan will be back to claim what is rightfully theirs.
Thanks Chris..
Still a touch sore, but I’m pretty sure I got 6th 🙂 Looks a bit worse now than the picture as all the bruising has started to come out as well..
Race itself was good fun, nobody really had the legs to go it alone it seemed, there were a couple of half hearted breaks but they were brought back fairly quickly. I was in a reasonable position on the last lap, but didn’t have the jump up the back straight, in going for the line I bumped with whoever it was that was sitting on my wheel as they tried to come past (this was the battle for 6/7th you know!), lost my balance and just knew it was going to hurt, cue swearing on the way down and then the sound of skidding bike and rider..
The attending Medic was with me pretty quickly and checked all my vitals, I think by all accounts it was spectacular, Lisette was however none too impressed, I think she’ll be scarred longer than me.
Bike is off to the shop tomorrow to replace the rear derailleur hanger, new bars and a checkup, shorts are destined for the bin, jersey needs a good many stitches, will re-asses the leg shaving as the nurse today did some of it for me before cleaning up my battle wounds.
Hopefully not my last race, but I think it will take a little convincing.. Maybe see you at the weekend, maybe not..
Chuck you missed the quote of the day before the start of the women’s race:
Chuck “ I hope the girls last longer than me”
Mark “Women usually do, don’t they Chris?”
Hope Lisa and James are recovering well and that not too much damage has been done. Well done for everyone who raced and cheered them on. I’m sure we’ll all do better at Pemberton. BTW is anybody driving down on Saturday afternoon? My flight gets in from NY at 2pm and I might be a little tired and a life would be much appreciated 🙂
Looking at that Pic James – I am glad it was just my head that copped it!!! – At least my pain is contained in one area 😉
Now where do I start?? Oh well James I have been warning you about those hairy legs, Hope it hasnt dampened your enthusiasm too much, you are now a real bike rider afetr a smashing race finish like that!
Lisa, I am in awe how you only managed to wreck your helmet and hardly any skin damage what so ever glad it didnt wreck those good looks of yours 😉 If your going to crash make it a good one I say 🙂
Chris wasnt that happy with the B grade scene but those boys did smash that first 10mins as hard as the A graders… Judd pulled through and finished with teh lead group so its great to see your developement getting better each time out good work.
Me in A grade, hmmm my only incident was turning teh pedals a little too soon on the bottom corner and got a bit close to the gutter for my liking but only got a few scrape marks on my rims and no coming off for me, managed to be involved in every break of the day but when Eddie went I couldnt hold his wheel to bridge the gap with him and settled in teh pack for a sprint finish for approx 12th posy (so bystanders tell me.. Happy to pull through with no injurys and a solid hitout prior to Pemby so looking forward to testing myself on Pump hill 3 times with the likes of Luke durbridge along side its gonna be tough but looking forward to it with CLUB SPR 🙂 See you there Peeps….
PS: Its Jodys Bday down there on monday and as she doesnt read this blog (much) feel free to stir her up there at tea sunday night hehe:)