Anyone doing the KURRAJONG CLASSIC?
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August 11th: http://www.nsw.cycling.org.au/cy_nsw/ra ... /13160.htm
Register before July 28th, the classic is for C and D grade riders only, there's an open race for A and B. Two course options, 2 laps (66km) and 3 laps (99km). I was thinking of doing the 3 lap race, not that I think I have much of a chance but I've never done a longer road race and I know a guy who's house I'd be riding past so I'd probably have somebody to help me if I collapsed of exhaustion
Register before July 28th, the classic is for C and D grade riders only, there's an open race for A and B. Two course options, 2 laps (66km) and 3 laps (99km). I was thinking of doing the 3 lap race, not that I think I have much of a chance but I've never done a longer road race and I know a guy who's house I'd be riding past so I'd probably have somebody to help me if I collapsed of exhaustion
Looks interesting. If I can organize logistics, ie can I have a leave pass and the car, I'd be keen. I see Mike C and Simon B are doing it.
- humanbeing
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I'm interested but I've not been in a road race before, am I still able to enter and/or would I just get in the way?
I do have a race license.
Have a great ride,
Peter
I do have a race license.
Have a great ride,
Peter
- humanbeing
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Cheers Dougie, that remains to be seen but I'm not going to die wondering
Peter
Peter
- mikesbytes
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I think your find that the 2 lap and 3 lap versions depend on what grade you are graded with. They have confused the term C, D grade with Division 2, 3.
Most of us will be in D grade, which should be Division 3.
There's a key hill that's harder than the one in Dinnerval. Heavy riders like myself who power up hills get about 3/4 way up it, where upon the true climbers take over. The course suits riders like Mark L, Phillip and Simon B, however its still great fun, you end up forming a second and third bunch that work together to chase the leaders
Edit: the entry list is here: http://www.cyclingnsw.org/entrysystem/a ... ecode=3813
Most of us will be in D grade, which should be Division 3.
There's a key hill that's harder than the one in Dinnerval. Heavy riders like myself who power up hills get about 3/4 way up it, where upon the true climbers take over. The course suits riders like Mark L, Phillip and Simon B, however its still great fun, you end up forming a second and third bunch that work together to chase the leaders
Edit: the entry list is here: http://www.cyclingnsw.org/entrysystem/a ... ecode=3813
- James Rogers
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I'm in, and may be able to help you out with transport John.
- James Rogers
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C'mon Douglas. Strava says the average grade of the course is 0%!
- mikesbytes
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Good to have you on board John, we can work together to reel in the climbers (Adrian, Mark, Simon, etc etc) after the hill
When you start and finish in the same place, average gradient should be zero
You will be put in a grade, just like any other road race
Dougie, I have it good authority that there will be some lovely ladies that acquire your assistance after going up the hill, are you going to let them down?
When you start and finish in the same place, average gradient should be zero
You will be put in a grade, just like any other road race
Dougie, I have it good authority that there will be some lovely ladies that acquire your assistance after going up the hill, are you going to let them down?
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You don't get a choice, you get put in a grade by the race officials.I'm interested and the course looks good.
Not sure which grade I would be in - what's everyone else racing?
- humanbeing
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I'm entering, got room for a person and a bike in the vehicle.
Peter
Peter
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Looking forward to it. Not in peak form but will hopefully give back some of that pain those sprinters gave me throughout the year!
Got a spare spot in the car too. Looks like a good crowd this year!
Got a spare spot in the car too. Looks like a good crowd this year!
I'm in and I'm already confused. What distance am I entered in, how do I find out?
Either way, I'm available as a domestique for hire, very inexperienced, very cheap.
Will also have space in a car.
Either way, I'm available as a domestique for hire, very inexperienced, very cheap.
Will also have space in a car.
It's yours Andrew, I'll have room for one more if any one else needs a ride. Two bikes on the roof and one with wheels off in the back.
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If you have entered in the kurrajong classic then you have entered the race for club riders (grades c&d) a and b is reserved for those who are challenging for state titles.
Only a handful of DHers will be in C. The likes of our NRS folk. The rest will be in D, 2 laps of a 33km course.
Only a handful of DHers will be in C. The likes of our NRS folk. The rest will be in D, 2 laps of a 33km course.
- mikesbytes
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Climbing the hill twice is enough for me, I'm glad that I'm almost certainly in D grade
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Ok I'm officially signed up, 10 DHBC riders registered so far, good little group to have.
Strava segments
Dinnerville climb 41m in 1km 4% avg grade
http://app.strava.com/segments/659014
Kurrajong Classic climb 104m in 2km @ 5.2%
http://app.strava.com/segments/632834
So twice as long - and steeper.
fun...
Dinnerville climb 41m in 1km 4% avg grade
http://app.strava.com/segments/659014
Kurrajong Classic climb 104m in 2km @ 5.2%
http://app.strava.com/segments/632834
So twice as long - and steeper.
fun...
So the question to them that knows what they're doing. Is it possible to gain much time on a 2km climb and more importantly is it possible to hold onto that time for the remaining 20+ km's, especially when the last 10km's is down hill? Looks like sprinters heaven to me, but I don't really have a clue.
Note to self... stay off the grass!
Note to self... stay off the grass!
- mikesbytes
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Not possible to solo to the finish. Your best bet is to drop the sprinters on the hill and work with the fellow climbers to get to the finish before the sprinters catch up
Thanks for the details Andrew on how this works
Having been inspired by Dougie I have registered.
Looking forward to working with Phillip (on the flat as I expect to see him disappear on the climbs) as it seems we have the same level of knowledge on what's going on.
Having been inspired by Dougie I have registered.
Looking forward to working with Phillip (on the flat as I expect to see him disappear on the climbs) as it seems we have the same level of knowledge on what's going on.
- James Rogers
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Just don't follow Philip onto the grass, Keith.
- mikesbytes
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I have a plan...
I've got room for one more Adrian. You'll have to take your wheels off to fit your bike in the back but I think you have the necessary skills for the task.
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I've got space too, I'll be driving solo. Wheels off too.
Funny you were hatching a plan this morning mike, JamesR and I were devising one of our own. Basically it involves going hard enough up the hills to drop the sprinters on the first lap, then drop them again in the 2nd lap. Oh wait, that's not a plan, that's last years race.
Funny you were hatching a plan this morning mike, JamesR and I were devising one of our own. Basically it involves going hard enough up the hills to drop the sprinters on the first lap, then drop them again in the 2nd lap. Oh wait, that's not a plan, that's last years race.
- mikesbytes
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Thanks for reminding me, we worked our a's off on lap 1 to catch up, only to get dropped again the hill.
Hey guys/gals one distinct advantage of this race is that you don't need to go away for the weekend, so its a stack less money and time costly than going away for the weekend.
Hey guys/gals one distinct advantage of this race is that you don't need to go away for the weekend, so its a stack less money and time costly than going away for the weekend.
Thans Phillip. I'll take you up on that offer thanks! I might also take a small workstand and toolbox as these things seemed to be quiet useful in Nowra.I've got room for one more Adrian. You'll have to take your wheels off to fit your bike in the back but I think you have the necessary skills for the task.
- mikesbytes
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Mmm.... Looking at who is giving who a lift, I smell climber conspiracy
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15 DHBC people registered from what I can see, going to be a good race!
So 66km, 1 water bottle or two? Try to eat during the race or not?
So 66km, 1 water bottle or two? Try to eat during the race or not?
Wow!! 15 riders must be a record15 DHBC people registered from what I can see, going to be a good race!
So 66km, 1 water bottle or two? Try to eat during the race or not?
I'd take 2 bottles even if you only half fill them, just in case you drop one you've still got some water
I'll have a gel before the start and one before the second climb, unless I'm dropped and way back. I'll then eat after the race.
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If you were on the front you wouldn't smell ussmelly bl00dy climbers!
- James Rogers
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So we do have to wash or we don't?
- mikesbytes
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Don't wash, my plan is to stay within smelling distance of the climbersSo we do have to wash or we don't?
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Grades are up. No suprises, we are all in the 66km race starting 11am.
In preparation I've been to the dentist to get the teeth cleaned so I can smile at the sprinters as I go past them on the way up the hill.
Hopefully they can smile back when I get dropped soon after
In preparation I've been to the dentist to get the teeth cleaned so I can smile at the sprinters as I go past them on the way up the hill.
Hopefully they can smile back when I get dropped soon after
- mikesbytes
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Excellent, didn't want to climb that hill 3 times
Perhaps I can get to the front and drop some thumb tacks......Grades are up. No suprises, we are all in the 66km race starting 11am.
In preparation I've been to the dentist to get the teeth cleaned so I can smile at the sprinters as I go past them on the way up the hill.
Hopefully they can smile back when I get dropped soon after
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Where are the grades listed? I can't see it...
Any one know if this is a transponder race, should I reattach my transponder bracket.
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What times are people rocking up? The faster races are starting around 9am so I was thinking of getting there around then.
- mikesbytes
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Great day to race. I'll put a report up later, but here's the results
Winner - 1:43:59
10 Simon BERRY ST
13 James ROGERS ST
14 Mark LACEY ST
23 Michael CLEMENT +02:46
25 Adrian EMILSEN +02:49
30 Andrew BURNS +03:00
37 Andrew MATTES +05:56
40 Keith WINSOR +07:38
41 Noel GORRELL +07:50
44 John HEALEY +12:58
47 Peter BOWNES +13:12
DNF's - flat tyres, broken spokes
Philip GACITUA
Philip LE MASURIER
John MASON
DNS
Simon BOLTON
Winner - 1:43:59
10 Simon BERRY ST
13 James ROGERS ST
14 Mark LACEY ST
23 Michael CLEMENT +02:46
25 Adrian EMILSEN +02:49
30 Andrew BURNS +03:00
37 Andrew MATTES +05:56
40 Keith WINSOR +07:38
41 Noel GORRELL +07:50
44 John HEALEY +12:58
47 Peter BOWNES +13:12
DNF's - flat tyres, broken spokes
Philip GACITUA
Philip LE MASURIER
John MASON
DNS
Simon BOLTON
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That suprises me that your group was 2:30 back. It felt like 30 sec when our group returned to the finish line.
As for my report. Everything went to pre race plan. I am delighted in the performance of the DH team collectively (not just my own). It was a tough race and to see the red and black on the front on many occasions brought great joy! I ended up 3rd in the Kom and surprisingly held on to a decent position for the finish. Fortunately no one was injured in the crash leading into the final few kms. It's never a good sound hearing carbon scraping.
As for my report. Everything went to pre race plan. I am delighted in the performance of the DH team collectively (not just my own). It was a tough race and to see the red and black on the front on many occasions brought great joy! I ended up 3rd in the Kom and surprisingly held on to a decent position for the finish. Fortunately no one was injured in the crash leading into the final few kms. It's never a good sound hearing carbon scraping.
- humanbeing
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The things I learnt in my first road race.
That descent scared the living crap out of me.
Riding solo at the back of a race is very lonely.
Turning around and realizing you're towing the half dozen people you've caught and passed in the last 20 km is irritating.
No matter how unfortunate the circumstances that put him there (puncture), being joined by another Dulwich Hill rider - the indomitable John Healey did wonders for my morale and legs.
Don't go too early at the finish!
I did not come last!
47th in fact
It was a brilliant day and thanks for the encouragement from all the Dulwich Hill riders.
Have a great ride,
Peter
That descent scared the living crap out of me.
Riding solo at the back of a race is very lonely.
Turning around and realizing you're towing the half dozen people you've caught and passed in the last 20 km is irritating.
No matter how unfortunate the circumstances that put him there (puncture), being joined by another Dulwich Hill rider - the indomitable John Healey did wonders for my morale and legs.
Don't go too early at the finish!
I did not come last!
47th in fact
It was a brilliant day and thanks for the encouragement from all the Dulwich Hill riders.
Have a great ride,
Peter
- James Rogers
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A few people mentioned smelling burning cork on the first descent, which featured some sketchy on-the-brakes riding. Second time 'round was pretty smooth though – and fast.
Both Simon and I got boxed in at the start of the KOM, while Simon made a skilful escape, I wasn't so lucky. Pretty cool to see him in contention. Second lap saw Simon, Mark (others?) and myself with the lead bunch. A few surges and breaks which didn't last long, but should be commended for trying. I tried to make an early break for the line over the little hills before the finish, but couldn't get out from under (the eventual winner) Roland Lang. Desperately tried to get myself positioned well for the final sprint – managed fourth wheel before the attack, but lost it in the ensuing melee. Finished 13th, with the same time. So, by my skinny-legged standards, I had a good race...
Again, the DHBC riders were omnipresent, rode strongly, and engaged in no fightin' or bitin'. Allegedly.
Both Simon and I got boxed in at the start of the KOM, while Simon made a skilful escape, I wasn't so lucky. Pretty cool to see him in contention. Second lap saw Simon, Mark (others?) and myself with the lead bunch. A few surges and breaks which didn't last long, but should be commended for trying. I tried to make an early break for the line over the little hills before the finish, but couldn't get out from under (the eventual winner) Roland Lang. Desperately tried to get myself positioned well for the final sprint – managed fourth wheel before the attack, but lost it in the ensuing melee. Finished 13th, with the same time. So, by my skinny-legged standards, I had a good race...
Again, the DHBC riders were omnipresent, rode strongly, and engaged in no fightin' or bitin'. Allegedly.
That was a really fun race. Great to be riding with so many clubmates in one race. I was pretty happy with my race. I managed to just hang over the first climb and stay with the lead bunch in the first lap. I knew I wouldn't make up the hill the second time, so I just rode it at my own pace. I rode with Noel for a little while when we were caught by the chasing bunch which included Andrew and Mike. I was quite a surprise that we weren't that far behind the winners when we crossed the line. It would have been nice to have finished with the leaders but then again, I'm glad I stayed away from that crash. I'll definitely do this race next year... hopefully a little leaner... with some more hill climbing skills.
That was fun. First non handicap road race.
First descent was terrifying. I slid to the back quarter of the bunch as I lacked the confidence to jostle for position at 70+ km/hr. Worked my way forward just before the climb - drawing on my deep reservoir of racing craft - but found the reservoir was dry - and was boxed in when the climbers started their escape. Couldn't even attempt to follow (looking at my numbers it is very unlikely I could have).
Was at the very front of the chase bunch for a while - and took some turns that felt forever until a bunch formed and started working. All was good until the second time up the climb where I proved I am a sloooow learner - boxed in again as I think Mike powered the chase bunch up the hill. Fell 100 m or so off the back. This one was frustrating as I was pretty sure I could stayed with them - if only I put myself in a better position.
Tried to chase back on for 15 minutes or so. I had 3 people to work with and got within 20 meters of the chase bunch twice - close enough for the person on my wheel to make it across each time. But I didn't have that little bit left to latch onto the wheel and make it across myself.
Sat up until more of the remnant chase bunch caught up and we worked together to the finish.
Looking at my numbers I saw a new max heart rate, a new max 5 minute power, an equal best 20 minute power, a new best 60 minute power, and 30+ minutes above threshold heart rate. Much harder than the Dinnerville for me, and it didn’t hurt as much as the numbers said it should have. No way can I get that kind of intensity outside of a race. I should race more.
Good fun - and I think I learnt a bit.
I’ll be back next year with a deeper reservoir of race craft (might have a smidgen?) and improved 5-minute power for the bl00dy hill.
First descent was terrifying. I slid to the back quarter of the bunch as I lacked the confidence to jostle for position at 70+ km/hr. Worked my way forward just before the climb - drawing on my deep reservoir of racing craft - but found the reservoir was dry - and was boxed in when the climbers started their escape. Couldn't even attempt to follow (looking at my numbers it is very unlikely I could have).
Was at the very front of the chase bunch for a while - and took some turns that felt forever until a bunch formed and started working. All was good until the second time up the climb where I proved I am a sloooow learner - boxed in again as I think Mike powered the chase bunch up the hill. Fell 100 m or so off the back. This one was frustrating as I was pretty sure I could stayed with them - if only I put myself in a better position.
Tried to chase back on for 15 minutes or so. I had 3 people to work with and got within 20 meters of the chase bunch twice - close enough for the person on my wheel to make it across each time. But I didn't have that little bit left to latch onto the wheel and make it across myself.
Sat up until more of the remnant chase bunch caught up and we worked together to the finish.
Looking at my numbers I saw a new max heart rate, a new max 5 minute power, an equal best 20 minute power, a new best 60 minute power, and 30+ minutes above threshold heart rate. Much harder than the Dinnerville for me, and it didn’t hurt as much as the numbers said it should have. No way can I get that kind of intensity outside of a race. I should race more.
Good fun - and I think I learnt a bit.
I’ll be back next year with a deeper reservoir of race craft (might have a smidgen?) and improved 5-minute power for the bl00dy hill.
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Yeah getting a good position is always hard, especially when you don't want to put your safety at risk to hold a good one (when so many people seem happy to do dangerous things to get ahead). On that second descent I managed to time it well and take a turn just as we got onto the putty road and so I was on the front when we started down the hill. I did have mike go past me on the way down but I was happy to be out of the group at speed and it put me into a good position for the climb. If only the first time down had gone so well
- humanbeing
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Yeah what happened Andrew? I saw you off the bike at the bottom of the climb looking at your back wheel. Needless to say you flew past me up the hill once you sorted out the problem.
- mikesbytes
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During the week prior I had discussed a strategy with some of the climbers. That being that I string out the field from the start and down the hill and then the climbers attack and get over the top and get away in say a bunch of 12.
Warming up Roland (the eventual winner) started chatting to me, he was curious as to why I was wearing a skin suit. I said that I intended to hit it hard early and get to the hill at the front so to give me some more distance for the hill. Turned up that Roland had a similar strategy.
The Attack
So I hit it off the line, but I hadn't been told it was netural and was told to slow up, which I did and then when the bunch was on me, I hit it, bumping my heart rate into ITT zone. Towards the end of the effort Roland and another guy did some of the work. Down the hill we pushed it, there was no using the brakes as some have mentioned.
Then the DHBC climbers were suppose to come past and attack, but I was being overtaken by everyone else except DHBC. The attack had failed. Later I found out that they blocked in the bunch, unable to get to the front.
Climb 1
Went up tempo, I had burnt a lot of energy on the failed attack. Riders steadily went past me. Towards the end of the hill I realised that the bunch was going to form ahead of me and upped the pace, reeled them in, only to be a few metres behind when I crested.
Paceline
I organised the group into a paceline and experienced some of the worse pacelining I've ever seen. Not the DHBC riders but a few of the other riders. Some would roll thru and keep going. I kept barking orders and finally it started to work, we gathered pace.
We picked up other riders as we went, however there too many passengers so I decided to get rid of them by rolling backwards when I was in front of them and power myself back on. But just before I did it they started to work.
We caught the pack in front of us, the officials had moved out of the gap as we arrived. Unfortunately it wasn't the lead pack, turned out we were the 3rd pack and continued to work the paceline.
Climb 2 and attack
After an easy downhill on the front, Andrew Burns, myself, 2 NSCC riders and 2 others attacked on the hill. Part way up we were advised that we were 2 minutes behind the lead group, just what we didn't need to know. We went over the top and tried to break away, but it was short lived as the pack caught us
The ride home
10 or so K we picked up 2 DHBC riders and then the pack just fell apart. At that time for the first time I was feeling it a bit and just sat in. As we got closer my heat rate had dropped quite a bit and my enthusiasm came back. We went past the crash and I started to think about sprinting for victory. At the front most of the work was being done by Andrew, Adrian, the NSCC guys and I did a little bit. But it was time to sprint for glory, I made my move at the 250mtr mark, it turned out to be a little too early, with 2 riders getting me.
Mikes sprint for glory
Afterwards I was told we finished 30 seconds behind the winning pack, which annoyed me that our pack had sat up, but later when the results came out, it was 2 minutes 40 something so even if the pack had worked, we would of probably not caught.
This was my best road race this year and so much easier than Mudgee.
Appologies to AndrewM, if I'd known you were a bit off the pack, I would of gone back and got you.
Warming up Roland (the eventual winner) started chatting to me, he was curious as to why I was wearing a skin suit. I said that I intended to hit it hard early and get to the hill at the front so to give me some more distance for the hill. Turned up that Roland had a similar strategy.
The Attack
So I hit it off the line, but I hadn't been told it was netural and was told to slow up, which I did and then when the bunch was on me, I hit it, bumping my heart rate into ITT zone. Towards the end of the effort Roland and another guy did some of the work. Down the hill we pushed it, there was no using the brakes as some have mentioned.
Then the DHBC climbers were suppose to come past and attack, but I was being overtaken by everyone else except DHBC. The attack had failed. Later I found out that they blocked in the bunch, unable to get to the front.
Climb 1
Went up tempo, I had burnt a lot of energy on the failed attack. Riders steadily went past me. Towards the end of the hill I realised that the bunch was going to form ahead of me and upped the pace, reeled them in, only to be a few metres behind when I crested.
Paceline
I organised the group into a paceline and experienced some of the worse pacelining I've ever seen. Not the DHBC riders but a few of the other riders. Some would roll thru and keep going. I kept barking orders and finally it started to work, we gathered pace.
We picked up other riders as we went, however there too many passengers so I decided to get rid of them by rolling backwards when I was in front of them and power myself back on. But just before I did it they started to work.
We caught the pack in front of us, the officials had moved out of the gap as we arrived. Unfortunately it wasn't the lead pack, turned out we were the 3rd pack and continued to work the paceline.
Climb 2 and attack
After an easy downhill on the front, Andrew Burns, myself, 2 NSCC riders and 2 others attacked on the hill. Part way up we were advised that we were 2 minutes behind the lead group, just what we didn't need to know. We went over the top and tried to break away, but it was short lived as the pack caught us
The ride home
10 or so K we picked up 2 DHBC riders and then the pack just fell apart. At that time for the first time I was feeling it a bit and just sat in. As we got closer my heat rate had dropped quite a bit and my enthusiasm came back. We went past the crash and I started to think about sprinting for victory. At the front most of the work was being done by Andrew, Adrian, the NSCC guys and I did a little bit. But it was time to sprint for glory, I made my move at the 250mtr mark, it turned out to be a little too early, with 2 riders getting me.
Mikes sprint for glory
Afterwards I was told we finished 30 seconds behind the winning pack, which annoyed me that our pack had sat up, but later when the results came out, it was 2 minutes 40 something so even if the pack had worked, we would of probably not caught.
This was my best road race this year and so much easier than Mudgee.
Appologies to AndrewM, if I'd known you were a bit off the pack, I would of gone back and got you.
- mikesbytes
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Marks face says it all, sometimes you need to dig deep and this was one instant
Photos are here => http://s301.photobucket.com/user/mikesb ... %20CLASSIC Let me know if want a high res copy
Photos are here => http://s301.photobucket.com/user/mikesb ... %20CLASSIC Let me know if want a high res copy
I was certainly digging deep! Top of the climb on the second lap and off the leading bunch. I was trying to smile but it looks more of a grimace
It was great to see so many club mates out there having a go and some other riders made a comment on our large turnout
I was happy with my efforts and result and even happier not to have got caught up in the crash ~4.5k from the finish.
I did a solid effort on the first climb and crested with the lead bunch and then sat in for a while to recover before doing turns and the pace was good.
My second descent was quicker followed by another hard effort up the hill. About 2/3 of the way up I was struggling, getting passed and dropped from the lead bunch. I looked behind and there was a single rider catching me and thought I'd stick to him. That's where the photo was taken. I didn't notice the other riders not far back or I'd probably have waited for them too. Anyway, I worked with the LACC rider in black chasing the leaders and just as we caught them, those riders behind tacked on too.
It was recovery time now sitting on the back being careful not to get gapped on the undulations, some of them were tough and some weren't. The pace was on and off as riders rested for the upcoming sprint still some 15k away. I was looking behind expecting to see a distant bunch as we were really slow at times. Simon and I agreed that we had a large bunch for a sprint.
The pace was starting to quicken and we passed the 5k to go sign. Some riders were moving up in the bunch and I changed to the left side as I didn't quite feel comfortable. Then the terrible noise of carbon on bitumen. It happened 3 bikes in front of me to the right. I went to the left and glancing I could see a pole left, a fence after the grass in front of me and a rider to my right. I was avoiding the pole and hoping the rider didn't move too far to the left. I didn't hit anything, stayed upright, rolled back on the road and looked back and the race official had blocked the road.
I started to chase the bunch with another rider and caught them with 3k to go. It was time for a mini recovery and see if there was any sprint in my legs. The pace picked up and some riders were out of the saddle with 150m to go. I stood up and only had a little kick, passed a few riders and got 14th behind James. Darn happy with that and to be unscathed
Mark
It was great to see so many club mates out there having a go and some other riders made a comment on our large turnout
I was happy with my efforts and result and even happier not to have got caught up in the crash ~4.5k from the finish.
I did a solid effort on the first climb and crested with the lead bunch and then sat in for a while to recover before doing turns and the pace was good.
My second descent was quicker followed by another hard effort up the hill. About 2/3 of the way up I was struggling, getting passed and dropped from the lead bunch. I looked behind and there was a single rider catching me and thought I'd stick to him. That's where the photo was taken. I didn't notice the other riders not far back or I'd probably have waited for them too. Anyway, I worked with the LACC rider in black chasing the leaders and just as we caught them, those riders behind tacked on too.
It was recovery time now sitting on the back being careful not to get gapped on the undulations, some of them were tough and some weren't. The pace was on and off as riders rested for the upcoming sprint still some 15k away. I was looking behind expecting to see a distant bunch as we were really slow at times. Simon and I agreed that we had a large bunch for a sprint.
The pace was starting to quicken and we passed the 5k to go sign. Some riders were moving up in the bunch and I changed to the left side as I didn't quite feel comfortable. Then the terrible noise of carbon on bitumen. It happened 3 bikes in front of me to the right. I went to the left and glancing I could see a pole left, a fence after the grass in front of me and a rider to my right. I was avoiding the pole and hoping the rider didn't move too far to the left. I didn't hit anything, stayed upright, rolled back on the road and looked back and the race official had blocked the road.
I started to chase the bunch with another rider and caught them with 3k to go. It was time for a mini recovery and see if there was any sprint in my legs. The pace picked up and some riders were out of the saddle with 150m to go. I stood up and only had a little kick, passed a few riders and got 14th behind James. Darn happy with that and to be unscathed
Mark
- James Rogers
- Posts: 457
- Joined: 13 Nov 2011, 09:58
- Location: Newtown
Thanks Philip - I almost look serious.
Impressive effort, guys.
Found some more photos here:
http://parramattacycling.com.au/news/ga ... assic.aspx
http://parramattacycling.com.au/news/ga ... assic.aspx
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