Literally, mad windy struggle on Saturday, then a big long endurance ride Sunday to make room for the legendary sized mothers day dinner. Don't think I've ever used the drops on road bars so much EVER.
The Northants World Championships kicked off at the weekend with a big Rocko riders turn out. Loads of Pictures on Niges page, and some from SarahBrooke that usually end up on BritishCycling from this link:
http://www.sarahbrookephotography.co.uk/portfolio27787.html
As you can see by the Pictures, not the usual groups, it was more like a 3 lap timetrial for most, blink and you lost a wheel, trying to close up a 2 bike length gap was near impossible at times.
My race, well I was honoured to be held in the esteme of Greg and Phil, starting in the Rocko elite group 1 minute ahead of Scratch. Why???...who knows as haven't road raced in over 2 years now, and didnt do anything then. Sure enough as I predicted to you guys on Tuesday, after 1/3 a lap I was on my own, way to fast for me as I struggled up bringhurst hill and then got finally spat out down the other side. 30 mile solo ride in the wind.....The "Sod it" voices in my head started very early.
Ploughing on I caught a very sick looking Brownie at Ashley who was no use as a partner, he pulled out after 1 lap. Next was Graham, also struggling but game enough to go for a finish. A brief period of help from Sam Barker damn near killed me again (that boy is so strong) but no way I could match him hiding behind those massive legs.
Caught wilkes group at Medbourne on lap 2. near killed me, then I shipped the chain off and had to do it all again into that wind. They were in a group of 4 and I caught them, so decided on lap 3 that I'd carry on. Then Caught Slapper and Vic and a few others at the top of Bringhurst, with them all way to Ashley then split off for flat out blast into the finish with one other rider.
In a way too long sprint, managed to nab it on the line for probably 56th place or summit, pleased with my ability to plough on when in previous years I'd have gave up, not pleased that I have no speed and am definately not a road racer.
Thanks to Nige for the photo.
