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CCA Grass Track Open, Sun 10 May, starts 2pm... Ride and/or watch!
An afternoon of Grass Track racing. Come and ride or come and watch!
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You back in the East VP?
Fingers crossed. Can we order sunny weather just in case anyway?
I'm writing to remind you that Ashwell at Home is offering your CCA members 2 Ashwell at Home programmes for the price of one (i.e. £3 each instead of £6) if they are ordered and paid for beforehand (by Friday 8th May). If anyone would like to take up this offer please let me know. We could then exchange any money and programmes during the Friday or Saturday so you have them to distribute on the great day.
Call me an old romantic, but that makes me feel like CCA has finally been accepted into the heart of Ashwell
Did we have a good spread of riders in blue?
Everyone in the Club should have a go at these Opens. Especially in 19 degree warmth, picnics and folding chairs. Great to catch up with riders, friends and spectators. A very strong Club atmosphere: and lots of shouts of encouragement during the racing. What a strong Youth section there is! Well done CCA coaches.
The view on the Track from the Back of the Pack...
Two Lap Sprint
Within half a lap, I remembered just how much technique is involved. And how much a quick start counts. And how important it is to be on the inside line. I had none of these attributes, swinging into the long grass on the second corner on the trusty 531 Falcon from the container. I resolved to get myself down to all pop-up grass track evenings and try and master our course. Of course: Iain, John and others did really well.
Devil
Kicking myself here. I thought I was wilier than how it worked out. Boxed in and nowhere to go. I had a fair bit left in the tank before Richard Maynard blasted in me ear 'ole that I was oot. Again, one to keep practicing in. Still, unlast this time.
Six lap handicap
Us five or so half-lap handicappers had a TTT plan. Iain took to the front and perhaps overcooked his turn. Much appreciated though Iain! Sorry we never got you off the front quicker. As it was, we still did pretty well as a group here. I didn't have a race radio - but I did have the Yoda-like wise words of Richard M blasting and buckling my steel frame every lap. 'Scratch coming through - jump on it!' went the call on the final half lap. Swung out. Head wind and face full of grass dust. Swung back. No chance, but maybe clawed a place or two. Delighted to come in 5th I think and get a name check. The day's mission complete.
5km Scratch race
I was unaware of this event and practicing my track stands for the following Marymoor slow lap event when we were called up. Probably for the best. 15 laps of doom, full tilt. Eventually, it strung out and a few of us formed a neat TTT team to hold on in sight of the front. I took too long on my turn - apologies Dave H and co. I couldn't hold the line near the end, but absolutely delighted to only get lapped on the finish by the fast-fast guys. btw - Dave - take some air out. You were sliding more than most out there. Great handling to keep it upright all the time!
Slow lap
I wish this was on boris bikes. As it was I struggle to stand on fixed and I was - I think we all were - a bit thrown by the quantum physics rules. But did grab an apple and sultana chewy bar from the tempters dangling goodies by the side. Crossed the line last, legs out. Job done.
There you have it. With a provisional BC licence, you get 5 races for £20. £4 a go. Less than a pint each. And the chance to put a number on your back, have a laugh, get cheered on, push your limits. And race on our brilliant grass track. Or just bring a picnic and watch the action.
Loads of members would enjoy it and many would do well at it too. We are lucky to have it.
Martin, I tried lower and higher pressure but seemed to be sliding just as much. Maybe it's my (lack of) technique but I was starting to enjoy it by the end. I'll try and make it to the pop-up tomorrow and see what can be done about it.
thanks to all involved too, i dont think claire lewis got name checked above - judged every event and loads of other stuff too i'm sure
sure others may have been missed too - thanks to everyone.
There was a strong field of riders and great to see so many of the youth riders give the 5k a crack!
Many of the lads from the other clubs commented on what a unique track we have (as they all frantically tried to change their sprocket having been fooled by the gentle uphill slope and ferocious headwind) - i think it was meant as a complement.
Iain
Out of curiosity I took a Garmin along yesterday, and was rather surprised that an afternoon of grass track gives 23 miles of riding with total climbing of 1500 feet!
I'd like to give a mention to some of the youngest and newest members of CCA and also the local Go Ride school Studlands - 23 riders aged from 5-12 turned up for the Go Ride Racing event which was also held on the main track. They had an omnium which consisted of 1 lap spint heats and finals, Kierin, block handicap, 3/4 lap sprint with le mans start, they even had a go at the Marymoor Slow Lap - quite a mix of races for them to try - they coped brilliantly and did everything asked of them with great gusto.
I was very proud of each and every one of them for not only giving 110% but doing it with great big smiley faces!
Thank you all - a wonderful afternoon indeed!
Thanks to Max especially for being such a rock and to everyone who is continuing to make this venue such a success.
Great write up Martin and glad to see you getting stuck in...hope others in the club take up your call to grass track.
Plans for a Durham grass track velodrome are gestating.......won't progress too far till I've got my big boys toys (JCB etc.) next year :-)