No frills @ Tudor Grange

Tim · Post by **Tim** » 30 Apr 2013 20:09

Anyone doing this tomorrow night?
If I can get over there in time I might give it a go

laurence_cooley · Post by **laurence_cooley** » 01 May 2013 14:37

I was thinking about it, but I'm still tired from the Little Mountain, having ridden Monday and yesterday as well. Would be good to hear how you get on if you make it, Tim.

Tim · Post by **Tim** » 01 May 2013 22:11

Did it. Was completely out of my depth but still loved it.

Think finished 3rd from last (of finishers).

A 2/3/4 Cat Race is probably not an ideal first race of the season (and 2nd race ever). Think there were 4 or 5 other cat 4s and rest of field were cat2s and 3s.

Started crazy fast and I went out the back within 2/3 laps, as did a couple of other riders. I was lapped by main group within 10mins but then joined a couple of other riders who had gone out the back after I did and we ticked along at a good pace with me though doing very little work on the front!

The first five miles I averaged 23.9mph, 2nd five miles 23.7mph, 3rd 24.1mph, that also didnt include the first three laps as I forgot to start the garmin (until I went out the back!). According to strava the front men averaged 24.9mph.

My calves and quads were starting to cramp up after just 10mins, possibly following the LMTT effort, but probably just not fit enough. It's 40mins plus 10laps.

Circuit is smooth and fast and there were no crashes tonight although could see how crashes must be common with the speed at the front.

Would highly recommend, I'll prob give it another go next week and see if I can hang on to the group for an extra lap or two!

Pedlo Mudguardo · Post by **Pedlo Mudguardo** » 01 May 2013 23:33

Full respect Tim, admire you for getting stuck in. After your recent awesome PB you'll probably win it next week

Tonight's Wednesday ride wasn't much easier, not far off 20mph for 50 miles.

Nice one, let me know have you get on.

andrew clayton · Post by **andrew clayton** » 02 May 2013 23:16

Good work tim, glad you enjoyed it.

laurence_cooley · Post by **laurence_cooley** » 02 May 2013 23:32

Nice one Tim. Sounds like you did well in a tough race. There are still places in the 4th cat only race there on Sunday, which might be a bit less brutal!

Grogz · Post by **Grogz** » 03 May 2013 07:30

Well done, Tim.

George · Post by **George** » 04 May 2013 11:35

A baptism of fire. Well done you for having the balls to start with something really challenging.

Tim · Post by **Tim** » 04 May 2013 18:19

Thanks. Balls though could easily be deemed as stupidity/madness.

Just gotta find an extra 1mph. Action plan:-

Decent race specific/speed training 0.5mph,
right cassette 0.2mph,
improved bike handling 0.2mph,
shave legs 0.1mph?!?

Birm uni race tomorrow would have been perfect follow up to try and get up to speed, unfortunately though I'm booked in at my Grandma in laws for Sunday dinner to consume 2000kcals instead of burning them.

andrew clayton · Post by **andrew clayton** » 05 May 2013 18:39

I had a crack at the b'ham uni crits today over at Tudor Grange. Got edged into 6th on the line but it's given me another 4 points which now gives me a tantalising total of 9 in cat4. I enjoyed the course, quick, a little twisty so there was plenty of acceleration out of the bends. Generally narrow so it made overtaking a challenge. Noted another beacon rider in the cat 2/3 race but as I'm so new i didn't know the rider. Whoever you are.. Hope you had a good one, you were looking strong!

Tim · Post by **Tim** » 05 May 2013 18:56

Great effort and result Andrew. Cat 3 on Thursday hopefully for you!

Gary · Post by **Gary** » 06 May 2013 13:29

Andrew what number was you? I was No 6 4th in 4th Cat race.

jonnyri · Post by **jonnyri** » 06 May 2013 15:41

andrew clayton wrote:?..Noted another beacon rider in the cat 2/3 race but as I'm so new i didn't know the rider. Whoever you are.. Hope you had a good one, you were looking strong!

That was Gareth Scott. He finished 5th. Well done on your results.

Grogz · Post by **Grogz** » 06 May 2013 18:34

Great results, guys.

andrew clayton · Post by **andrew clayton** » 06 May 2013 20:35

I was number 28 i think... Came 6th in the 4th cat race.

Tim · Post by **Tim** » 29 May 2013 12:24

You doing no frills race tonight Andrew? Maybe see you there.

Grogz · Post by **Grogz** » 29 May 2013 13:17

Tim wrote:You doing no frills race tonight Andrew? Maybe see you there.

Saw an announcement on Twitter earlier saying that tonight's session has been cancelled because of flooding.

Tim · Post by **Tim** » 29 May 2013 15:58

Thanks Greg, a shame but thought that may be case. Was hoping only ten would turn up so I had chance of getting a point!

andrew clayton · Post by **andrew clayton** » 29 May 2013 21:20

Hello Tim, Sadly I had no plans to race in Solihull tonight as I raced stourport yesterday and will be racing in Leicester tomorrow. Let me know which other races you have penciled in and we'll see if we can link up.

Tim · Post by **Tim** » 31 May 2013 06:27

How did the races go this week? I've posted in "where to start" the races I'm doing. Annoyingly I can't do any Tuesdays or Thursdays at moment which is limiting my options

andrew clayton · Post by **andrew clayton** » 31 May 2013 13:19

Got an 8th place and 2 points on Tuesday,last night i was about 20th in a very scrappy race at Mallory pk. Bloody terrible position at the bell.. Gave myself far too much to do on the last lap. I'll probably have a bash at the Lichfield crits tomorrow actually.

Tim · Post by **Tim** » 31 May 2013 16:11

That's still good going. Maybe see you tomorrow then