And then the rain came! And the wind. But earlier in the month we got away with a few nice days. The close out of the season for some and just getting into the nitty-gritty for others!
Words: James “soon-to-be-gravel” Smee & Chris “no, you’ve got mud on YOUR face” Day.
Edit: Adam Coppard.
2 Oct – Bill Higson Memorial Race - CX
The Bill Higson Memorial Race, also round 4 of the 23/24 Wessex Season, was hosted at a staple of the Wessex calendar, Prospect Park. The traditional CX conditions were on show, making an already tough course very technical and physically demanding. The slippery mud through tight corners and steep banks made for exciting racing throughout the day.
Chris, unfazed by some technical terrain. Or poppin’ a wheelie?
8 Oct – Sotonia CC – P612/10
Larry started early on this Sunday hitting this 10 mile TT with some purpose, delivering a 20:11. Consistent results throughout the season and good enough for 4th place out of 90 riders! Not to be finished for the day Larry headed off to Thruxton….
On your marks… Get set… LARRY!
DB Max TT Festival – Thruxton
Entered into two events the CCR team consisted of myself, Adam, Rich and Larry! The first event a four Up TTT over five laps of the track with a split time at the 10 mile point as well. It has become a tradition for us to race this event to close out the season, it’s never quite worked out to plan but on the back of our Goodwood ride confidence was high.
Larry our lead out man hit the launch button with us pulling out to fall into order, Larry, Rich, Adam and Myself…… with a bit of traffic around and the sight of a team just ahead Larry gapped us. Looking around I could see the gap growing so pulled out and shouted as I went through for Adam and Rich to follow. Unfortunately Rich ended up on the other side of a team we caught, and by the time we cleared them was stuck on his own. We made contact with Larry and decided Rich was a goner! As a trio, we set about four and bit laps working to make up for that start, but knowing we couldn’t afford to lose anyone (three must finish to record a time) we held together and finished in 24:57 and 6th Place overall.
Before (Rich’s) wheels fell off…
Pronto Bike TT relay.
A fun concept – each rider taking a lap with the next riding waiting to start once they cross the finish line. 17 teams lined up of all abilities and after some explaining we were all ready.
Rich took off first for his one lap all out effort, followed by Adam then Larry (race 3 of the day!) and myself on anchor leg!
We finished in 3rd place overall with a time of 20:56.3
Sara hunting down the competition
14 Oct - Wessex League CX
Sotonia CC hosted round 5 of the Wessex League, with a brilliantly designed course testing rider’s skill and power. The cold conditions arrived for Sunday, but the sun resulted in the ground baking, so the course was fast and flowing – although I’m sure many riders were caught out by the notorious off-camber.
Vet 40 Female Sara Hallas 3rd
Vet 40 Open- Chris Day 37th, Glenn Panton 50th, Richard Tucker 54th, Andy Hallas 64th.
Vet 50 Open – Craig Williams 38th.
21 Oct - Wessex League CX – Popham
Pedalon hosted round 6 of the 23/24 Wessex League, at Popham Airfield. The usual mixture of fast straights, treacherous corners and technical woodland meant this course was designed to test the mettle of the competitors. The early morning sun gave way to perfect racing conditions, and a buzzing crowd awaited the racers.
Vet 40 Female Sara Hallas 2nd
Vet 40 Open - Chris Day 36th, Andy Hallas 47th
Vet 50 Open – Craig Williams 49th
Already deep into November bored of the rain? Don’t forget virtual rides and racing opportunities for those on Zwift – Contact Chris Hill if you have any questions regarding this.
CX training on the 19 November at the Clanfield course, a great opportunity to improve you off road skills even if not a CX racer. The coach (Pete) is great and will have you practicing elements of riding off road to improve your abilities. Please sign up on Spond if interested.
Please also remember the seasonal changes; lights on the bike, mudguards when it’s wet, and make sure you have the route for the club rides! Please can I ask that you tick Attend or Decline to the rides so we have an idea on attendance – just helps everyone!
The November report might be a damp one…. Until next time.