Entries have been opened for the keyo Brigg Bomber Quadrathlon 2013.
The date has been brought forward to the bank holiday weekend of Sunday 26th May, so that the event can become even bigger & better. This has meant that the North Lincs Challenge has been suspended for 2013, last year we saw very low entries for the challenge and although not an easy decision we have decided that we must put all our focus & attentions into building the Brigg Bomber Quadrathlon for the future.
The Brigg Bomber will once again be the British Quadrathlon Championships and BQA National Trophy Series race, as well as a WQF World Cup series race.
We are also pleased to also inform you that the Brigg Bomber has also been awarded the status of European Quadrathlon Championships 2013, thanks to our new sponsors Keyo Agricultural Services we are also able to confirm a total prize fund of 500 euro’s for the European Championships.
Although the race has increased its profile & status it is still very welcoming of newcomers to the sport of quadrathlon, either as solo, team or for the first time in 2013 as a corporate team.
The Corporate team can be made up of 2, 3 or 4 members of the same company, the winning corporate team will not only be awarded the corporate trophy but each winning team member will receive free entries to the Brigg Sprint Triathlon in September, now that’s an incentive !
Entries are available through www.point7.co.uk if your going to enter please do so as soon as possible, many thanks.
I have also attached a poster, if I could ask you to place this at your place of work, gym, etc to help promote the race that would be fantastic. Brigg Bomber Quadrathlon 2013 poster
If you have any queries regarding this event please email events@lincsquad.co.uk
So get training, get your entry in and see you in May.
We have had some issues with the site database and have lost some of the updates and news items since last May 2012! Please be aware that this issue has affected a number of pages on the site and also the forum.
After deciding to go long in my second season of the infamous sport Triathlon I finally opted for Bolton. Why Bolton?
Well there was plenty of talk towards the later part of the 2011 season and all sorts of different venues had been discussed. Including Germany, Austria and as far away as Australia. All of the mentioned would have been fantastic and indeed a little holiday away with the family and other team Lincsquaders however I thought as this was going to be the biggest challenge of my life, I needed some home support around the 140.6 mile course. Bolton it was with just a short trip down the M62 for anyone who wanted to come and support!!!!!
Out of many going long this year there was 5 from the club who also opted for Bolton, making it a great atmosphere to train in for several months prior to the big day.
Training did indeed start in Ernest some 4 months ago shortly after the early season duathlons both at Rutland Water and Clumber Park.
Long rides on my newly acquired TT bike and flashy dip rim wheels allowed me to cut through the Lincolnshire wolds with vigour……..Shame about the amount of bloomin punctures I kept getting in my ‘TUBS’ which have now set me back a small fortune.
Knee troubles had slowed the long distance running down and failure to crack the favoured and speedier front crawl would indeed force me to go with my favoured breast stroke as I knew I could battle through a 2.4 mile swim with my head above water!!!!!!!!
My season to date had all been geared around long distance so I had planned to do a couple of ½ Ironman distances both 2 weeks and 4 weeks prior to the big one. The first, ‘A day in the lakes’ went very well followed by 2 weeks prior to IMUK being the Cleveland Steelman. Unfortunately this race for me was the worst race I had competed in to date. Getting everything wrong from my nutrition and hydration prior to the race and all the way through it to getting stuck in my wetsuit in transition then attempting to make up time in the first 20 miles of the bike course!!!!!!!! I look at this now as being a fortunate incident as it made me realise that the race is not about how fast you can go whilst you are on stage but long before that the race actually begins!!! Days in fact………………
Listening to a couple of very experienced long distance and stupidly long distance athletes in the club, no points for guessing who they are!!!!! I gained some great advice about nutrition and hydration before, during and after the event. Applied this to the race and Bingo!! All my energy pots had been maxed out and enough to carry me through an event which was more than double I had ever done before.
The evening before the race saw a gathering of friends and family enjoying a Frankie and Bennies. Socialising, chatting and taking even more advice on board. This was followed by a relatively early night as the alarm clock was set for 03.45 on the Sunday morning. Needless to say I didn’t need the alarm clock as I woke up just passed midnight and at the point there was no chance of me getting back to sleep!!
The Dobber family was up and out for 4.45 leading a chain of cars and support crew through to Pennington Flash. Car park spaces was going to be a premium so we had to get there early. Just as the other 1600 competitors did!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Sneakerl y spotting a little grass track we headed down and dumped the cars. I was sure the NO PARKING signs applied to the opposite side of the lane as that were where they were!! (Pleased to say we didn’t get a parking ticket!!)
It was now time to get to transition and give the bike the final check over before it was time to jump in the water!
Bike checked and final toilet stop.! Boy was that queue big!! The PA sounded out that there was 15 minutes before the start!! Jeez……must get the wetsuit on and dump my ‘white bag’ (the one that you get at the finish line with your dry clothes in)!!
Time to get in the water. As you would imagine……1600 people channelling through a 2 metre gap took some time and we ended up starting about 15 mins late so this meant treading water for that period of time waiting for all the future Ironmen to get in the lake.
The hooter went and it was game on. My strategy was to take it easy on the swim leg as I didn’t want my breaststroke to weaken the legs for the bike or the run!! Sticking to my plan I let the fast boys get started and then followed on behind, thinking to myself….These lanes are a bit busy!! Wak!! Ouch that heart as a thump to the head and a kick to the back!! Anyway stick to my game plan…….. It wasn’t long (1hr 29mins) before I was out and heading towards T1. ‘Bump’ who was that I just barged out of the way! Whoops…….”Hello Jamie! How was that………” Rubbing his head!! We trotted in to T1 together and with a few minutes of flesh baring I had got myself vaselined up and ready to go and get my bike. T1 time was fairly slow but I now know what you have to do etc with your kit bags as its nothing like a normal T1 transition!!
On the bike and a few high 5’s. (That’s the hand slap and not the energy drink/gels). Bike game plan had to come in now. Eat was the order of the day. A nice big fat chicken wrap at 07.30 in the morning then alarm set for every 30 minutes to remind me to eat again. Alternating between Soreen malt loaf and Jam sandwiches. The customary gel slotted in the midst of my eating frenzy!! It was a great ride for me, overtaking approx. 600 people and taking in some beautiful countryside……That was when we got out of Bolton!!
Mrs Dobber, mini Dobbers and a load of family was out on the course shouting encouragement about half way round the loop which we tackled 3 times amongst other thousands of other supporters. Phil Binch, Dave Hinch and Marcus Plume had also made the journey over to Bolton and was offering some amazing support around the course also. You will only need the one guess to name the one that replicated the red devil on the tour de france!! Or the many mankeany wearers equally on the tour!! Yep that infamous Hinchy, running alongside me shouting numerous obscenities (think this was meant to be encouragement!!) and one that ended in ……………………….you great big sack of lard!!………..Whilst waving a flag, running uphill and taking in some local oxygen!!
A little more sedate was Binchy and Marcus definitely shouting words of encouragement……Cheers guys!!
The undulating (hilly) course offered everything though with different quality of road surfaces, slow up hills, fast down hills cross winds and head winds and never a back wind. The sun also shone for most of the day bringing the temperature up to a nice 25 degrees !!!!!!!
50 miles in and slamming down a hill I glanced over my shoulder to move over in to the centre of the road!! Whoops……..as my front end went from underneath me!! How I managed to stay up right I’ll never now but talk about knocking the stuffing out of yourself!! My adrenalin had fallen down to my boots and the next 20 miles all of a sudden became a whole lot tougher. Thankfully I had previously gave Mrs D a full itinerary of when I was going to be where so that she could rally the troops up and be prepared for me coming around the corner so I managed to hang on to that bit of focus and get back in to my rhythm. 20 litres of water/energy juice and 6 hours and 10 minutes in the saddle and it was time to say goodbye to my trusty speed machine and hello to the racing shoes!! Not so much racing it’s just that they weigh a tad lighter!!!!!
Transition 2 went a little bit like this. Leave the bike with some bloke who was going to rack it up for me. Trot over to the sports centre to get changed whilst having a little dance with the lady pointing me in the correct direction!! “You’re a nutter” she shouted at me!! Then it was in to the main hall to collect my red bag with my shoes and dry trisuit which I was going to change in to.
It was to be another transition with a fellow Lincsquader as Chris Spavin was also in there having already got himself ready and shortly was leaving to go out on the run. I thought to myself, stick to my game plan. This was to pop in to the changing rooms and get some dry clothes on, re Vaseline up, eat something light and take a little more fluid on. This was after the biggest wee stop ever!!!!!
It was time to go and face the roads for that gruelling marathon!! Dropping my kit bag back in to its correct position I was heading out on to the course.
The first 12k was a steady jog, running through to the loop at around 9.30 min mile pace, pretty steady and feeling good. I had made one big mistake though which I was going to pay for later in the race. Taking a couple of FREE gels which I was not used too!! Anyway the loop had started and yet again the travelling support crew was there again!! Words of encouragement from Binchy, Mrs D and the mini dobbers made me feel a million dollars. Chris Brown had also made a special detour from the lakes to give words of encouragement on the run course!!
I passed through the half marathon point with relative ease, taking in the massive amount of support from the crowds of people who had turned out to enjoy the sun whilst drinking beer!!!!! How cruel was that!! Never mind I was going to have one of them in a few more hours!!!!!!! (Beer that is)!! What was also helping was the fact that the loops gave us ample opportunity to high 5 our fellow lincsquaders and offer further encouragement to each other on the 3 loop course.
All that being said it was soon to turn horribly wrong with my stomach exploding from what I think was the gels at the start of the marathon. Yep my pace had dropped down by 3 mins per mile and my focus had gone completely. Mile 15 through to 21 was the hardest 6 mile I had ever run, visiting the loos on several occasions at the water stations. Ritz biscuits and water was the only thing at this point which I could consume as even the flat coke was turning my stomach!!
The last lap had finally come around and the only thing in my mind was that if I kept moving forward it would be the last time I had to cover that piece of tarmac again!! Family and friends had made their way down off the course towards the finishing area and was preparing the voice chords (with yet another beer) for the finishing line…..
5 mile to go and yep I was walking…….Not for the first time may I add, but this time I was nearly on my knees. It was then that a monster descended on me and gave me some serious abuse!! I mean serious abuse too………Guess it was payback time for when the shoes where on the other feet a couple of months ago!! Yes you got your own back, but that Gorilla got a pounding too!! I finally started running again thanks to the ‘good cop bad cop approach with Marcus being the good cop, well it was more of a shuffle but hay I was going in the right direction!!
3 mile to go and a final trip to the loo!! Some crazy sounds were coming from the other loos. All I could here was the sound of night club loos early on a Sunday morning!! Anyway, back on the road now and I could See Chris Spavin in front of me. One final drink of water and one over the head and I mustered up some more energy to crack on and get this race over with!! I remember looking at Chris and saying “come on buddy only 2 miles to go” and then had to focus on my own race as for the last 8 miles I kept getting dizzy and yes it was coming back again!! I kept focusing on land marks as goals to run too and I was soon running down the final hill!!
Yes I was in to the last mile and through the last water station where I gained my composure enough to give the last 800 meters some real welly!! That’s what it felt like anyway!! The race carried on getting better from this point as Hinchy had located me again and through running through the crowds of people like a mad man managed to get me a Union Jack flag to wear over my shoulders to come over the finishing line. Finally taking the exit funnel it was my time….. My time for the words to be bellowed out over the PA system! I had made it…………………..”Steven Dolby…………….You are an IRONMAN”
Special thanks go out to ALL who know me that shared the journey and travelled over to Bolton to support and especially Mrs Dobber who has let me get on with my training for the last 9 months without even one word such as “come on babes, haven’t you ignored us all enough now!!” nope not even a little one!!
Team Lincsquad had a massive representation at the weekend for the return of the Grantham Sprint Tri, despite the appalling weather conditions.
The rain was heavy and the wind was making it feel very cold so hats off to all who finished it was a very tough race especially for those who were first timers.
Josh Jones (7th) took the honours for Lincsquad, just beating Luke Mathews (8th) by 27 seconds. They were fairly even throughout and can imagine if they knew just how close they were to each other it would have eeked out the last bit of adrenalin.
Paul Fytche (12th) was the next Lincsquadder home and looked well on the bike, although I did spot a big mud patch on his rear end suggesting he may have had an unscheduled sit down. 🙂 Paul said he loved it and even had time for chit chat on the bike.
Christian Brown (18th) managed to hold off David Hinch (19th) and Alan Woodcock (20th) I suspect his kamikazee descents may have helped. Looking forward to seeing some of Daves onboard video from the bike course.
Marcus Plume (26th) takes the honours for biggest nutter on the descent, especially the 2nd time around!! Even I was beginning to wince 🙂
Digby Sowerby (28th) looked like he was enjoying himself and had a very impressive swim.
Andrew Lawson (38th) had an eventful lead up to his race, read more in the forum. You kept smiling Andrew and finished well.
Steve Beevers (40th) Awaiting confirmation on your times but you looked good out there Steve, again Scott Barley (41st) awaiting times.
Alison Deykin (52nd) was the first Lincsquadette home and looked ever so pleased to cross the finish line. William Sowerby (52nd) finished well and again said he enjoyed himself.
Jack Gardner (58th) once again Jack shows us all that anything is achievable and he must be brave to be on the back of Torrin down that descent.
Andrew Read (63rd) All day Andrew kept asking what he was doing this for!! Why? he said What the hell? he cries….. yet despite all this we know he loves it 🙂
Mark Chesman (66th) Well done Mark, again you also looked like you enjoyed it in a sadistic sort of way. 🙂
Paul Worboys (73rd) came in closely followed by Jenni Plume (74th), top effort and again smiling faces.
Steve Grocock decided not to do the run with his ankle and Jon Dixon and Gav Mann had a DNF although you still did well guys and there will soon be a next time.
Overall
Male
1st Andy Tarry, Tri Camp Blue Seventy Race team
2nd Paul Noble, Barracuda Tri club
3rd Darren Sharpe, RAF Tri
Female
1st Bo Haywood, Lincoln TRi
2nd Lara Thornhill
3rd Katy Johnson, Stamford Tri Club
My First race of the season and therefore my first race as a junior rider took place nearby to Grantham at Barkston Heath RAF flight school; the track is narrow and has relatively tight corners but very fast long straights.
After warming up on the rollers beneath the shelter of our car boot, I set out for a quick re-run of the course before lining up to start. As I approached the start, it became apparent just how tough the race was going to be the majority of the competitors were riding for domestic teams – it was a 2nd 3rd and 4th Cat race (and as an experienced rider I had been judged a 3rd Cat rider so couldn’t enter the 4th Cat only race) with the strongest riders. I set off strong, but suddenly had to stall due to another rider stopping in front of me, I quickly dodged the rider and managed to ride myself back into the bunch. Along the slightly uphill first straight I could feel the headwind straight in my face; on the home straight I glanced down at my speedometer, 33 Mph! As we approached our second lap we were still at about 27 mph, ‘they must slow down at some point’ I thought to myself, Yeah Right! After another lap the speed was further increasing due to constant attacks off the front of the group, I went wide on a corner and found myself slipping out the back of the group and despite my efforts in the headwind I just couldn’t bridge back across. I soon teamed up with a guy from St Ives who admittedly was stronger than me, we tried to hold our positions.
With about 15 minutes left to ride the whole race changed, hail, and lots of it! A lot of riders around me slowed so I took it upon myself to be the muppet who attacked! I put a big effort in and started to pull away from the group I was with, dodging the odd body crashed out on the floor I started to realise how painful the hail actually was, it was like being shot at with a paintball gun whilst riding on a field of frozen peas, a bloody good circus act! The commissaries decided that the conditions we’re too bad and called five laps to go. I was really on the rivets, struggling to keep upright on the corners whilst being bombarded by huge hail stones. With a lap to go I caught the rider closest ahead of me and worked to the line. I’d finished without being pulled out and with a massive smile on my face. Unfortunately only the top ten results have been published but we think I was within the top twenty five.
It had been a really brilliant day, the only downside being the dozens of hailstone bruises that are still covering my arms and legs.
Three Club members Alan Woodcock, Phil Binch and myself (Steve Grocock) have just returned from a week in Eilat (Israel) competing in the European Championships.
Representing Great Britain in our respective age groups (at Triathlon) has been a new experience for us all, and well, they don’t come much better!
Eilat turned out to be the perfect holiday, erm,… I mean Triathlon event. The small coastal town has it’s own scaled down Monaco-stylee Marina with bars and restaurants surrounded by the token palm trees, blue skies and golden sand. There wasn’t a ‘Life of Brian’ comedy sketch to be seen!
Route reccies were done to aplomb as our own Mr Binch doubled up as a Team Captain and organised the early morning rides before the roads became too busy. Captain Collarbone’s sea swims and desert runs gave us an insight to the lay of the land and an introduction to some invisible stingy things in the water. Hardly Portuguese Man-o-wars but nevertheless, slightly annoying, sea lice apparently.
The swim was the hot topic of the week, wetsuit or trisuit? Everybody was in debate but seeing as we hadn’t packed ours the decision was made for us, something we’d regret later!
Arriving early Wednesday but not racing until the Saturday meant a tortuous few days trying to resist pigging out at the ‘eat what you like’ buffet.
Jan, Alan’s wife thankfully supported her hubby (and newly adopted boys) by not revelling in the pudding eating. I can only apologise if my expression didn’t look one of happiness whilst eating some boring chunks of melon with natural yoghurt!
I’ll skip the Parade of Nations (flag waving), Team Photos and bike racking and fast-forward to 07:00 race day, 10 minutes before the start.
It’s our age group, the 40-44s along with the 35-39 whippersnappers before Alan’s age group the 55-59s follow us in 20 minutes later. We assembled for a beach start behind some numbered matting. Phil and I wished each other well, shook hands, slapped backs and then focussed towards the horizon, looking out at the orange buoys whilst doing an awful amount of loud sighing, gulping and large volumes of air intaking! Jan’s NLP,NPL, LPN (what’s it called again?) had been visualised. This was why we were here, all the winter’s training for this moment. Now, obviously Phil and I were taking on the best in Europe but as we joked the previous night, one of us could actually win a silver medal and be labelled the second best in Europe but not necessarily as good as the guy in the neighbouring village! Like I say, it was a joke but emphasised our own rivallry within the race. Coe versus Ovett all over again. Ok, I maybe stretching our athletic abilities a little, more Bristow versus Lowe?……..I’m sure these names mean nothing to the under 30s! So think Gareth Gates v Will Young………….probably not the best example, i’ll leave it!!
Whoops, nearly forgot, before we get wet! The excuses! Apart from dropping a clanger with not packing the wetsuits I haven’t thrown in any excuses as yet!
Here we go, first up, Phil ‘s collarbone……yawn….tumbleweeds! Now as excuses go then this must rank alongside some of Spav’s little gems. Now this Captain guy expects me to believe that his swim could be a little slower than usual because he’s had a metal plate screwed to his shoulder resulting in just 3 short swims since this side of Christmas. Show me the Doctor’s note I say?!…………..So he did! With an accompanying X-ray image straight from Barry Sheene’s scrapbook!
Despite my acerbic tone, I am of course paying my mate a compliment. The lad was up against it! (But don’t feel too sorry for him, he will still destroy you at the drop of a hat). I digress…
The foghorn blasted and the run into the sea was as frantic as most but a decent dive with goggles still in tact saw me joining a fast (wet suited) leading group. Phil’s start was a little more sensible trying to keep the windmillers off his back for 750 metres, but still within vision. The fast group I had previously latched onto all seemed to be heading in the right direction when I decided to eventually take a sighting breath. Unfortunately I had drifted and a quick direction change was needed before enjoying a faster return leg back to the beach. Steve’s 11:58 and Phil’s 13:32 were ok under the circumstances but as I’ve previously mentioned(and i will again) wetsuits were the order of the day and we should have gone with the faster swimmers’ choice.
Al was going through his pre-race preps whilst having a glance over at Phil and I emerging from the waves and about to embark on the 1 km run to T1. Al was soon on his way expecting a decent start against his fellow rivals that he’d previously raced in the two qualifiers. If we needed further proof we’d dropped the wetsuit v non wetsuit clanger then this was highlighted significantly in Al’s swim. His fellow ‘wetsuited’ rivals, whom he normally beats out of the water took great pleasure post race telling him ‘How they couldn’t believe they’d beaten him out of the water’……not what you want to hear!! Al’s time of 15:45 was, like Phil’s, not part of the plan!
Jan was now in full Lincsquad supporting mode snapping away with her camera between shouts of encouragement.
Unlike the (slight) swim disappointment, Al didn’t seem particularly phased with his bike mount that left him strewn upon the floor in the desert sand. Thinking both shoes were clipped in he rose upon the pedals to exert some serious power only to discover he was unclipped on one foot. Some gravel rash and a dusty trisuit didn’t deter the gritty Scotsman as he made his way into the wind up onto the ‘closed to traffic’ dual carriageway.
The ride out was a toughie. A steady incline into the wind favoured the stronger cyclists and umpteen triathletes could be reeled in. A wooden ramp over an Armco barrier connecting the two carriageways signalled halfway before accelerating up to 35+mph, praying for more gears and sitting on this for a good 5 miles, it was a time trialists dream. Phil and I spotted each other at this point and we exchanged glances. A series of roundabouts seemed to confuse me yet again (despite Binchy’s reccies). I found myself doubting it was the first exit and headed toward some oncoming competitors. A shout from a Marshal and some bunny-hopping over the central reservation got me back on track but left me thinking (whilst in swear mode) if I’d regret losing those valuable seconds? It didn’t matter a jot! As I made an even bigger error in transition when I thought I could go straight to my rack as the crow flies!! A lady marshal although lost in translation(and transition) managed to bring my attention to a basketball court where my fellow triathletes were already running! Idiot! Doesn’t matter if it’s the Euro Champs I still make mistakes! Almost as surprising as Phil’s daily boxer shorts theme(think Spongebob Square Pants, Pingu, Thomas the Tank) I managed the 2nd fastest bike time, got to be better than a poke in the eye with a sharp stick. Bike splits ….Steve 32:00,……Phil 34:36,…..Alan 39:30 (with spill).
The run for me, (this is where I play my excuse card) was always going to be a struggle. Not only due to the fact It’s something I’m pants at. But even for my pathetic standards an ankle injury has meant I’ve managed just two (pedestrian) 3 mile runs in the last three months. I had to just hope I could get through it without walking. This I managed and being realistic I couldn’t expect a PB, I had been prepared to be overtaken, it’s not a defeatist attitude just being realistic! My run time being 21:22. Phil (20:33), as always, made some inroads on me during the run but fortunately for me the distance was only 5km and the finish line within reach. A check over my shoulder before patriotically grabbing a Union flag for the finish photo and that was it, Euro Championships done!
Alan was desperate to claw back the wetsuit deficit and the Braveheart, bloodied and bruised put in a great run time of 21:03. Each of his rivals being subjected to the scream…’You may take my wetsuit, but you’ll never take my freeeedoommm!!’ although it sounded more Jimmy Krankie than William Wallace! Were as I was praying for the run to finish, Al wanted another 2 laps to make use of his stronger discipline as the gap to his rivals was clearly closing.
The three of us, along with Jan all congratulated one another and genuinely respected one another’s achievements. We could all point to events that had unfolded (did I mention the wetsuits, fall offs, idiocy, collarbones and ankles?) where we’d lost valuable time! But deep down I think the inner pride of representing your country and racing against such a high standard came to the fore.
It was now pub time as we sat reflecting on the weeks events, studying our individual positions on our Ipads after searching the local bars for free WIFI and cheap beer. Reading your kind comments on the Lincsquad forum was quite touching (we didn’t cry). I think it hit home to how far we’d come on this triathlon journey. It’s natural to criticise your own performances and it’s very rare you’re completely happy with your race but seeing your name on that GB trisuit leaves you feeling proud. As years pass I will ensure my grandchildren tell their grandchildren how their Great Great Great Grandad in the Olympic year of 2012 represented Great Britain………………I’m hoping time will omit the finer details(i’ll make sure of it) and as far as they’re concerned Grandad Grocock beat Usain Bolt in the 100m final!!
Thanks to Jan, Alan and Phil, I know my suggestion to become Blood Brothers was rather frowned upon but I hope you know your company was most enjoyable and entertaining. Hope you’re still talking to me after reading this. Cheers.
Sunday saw an excellent turnout for the Paul Kirk Memorial North Lincs Cyclosportive, renamed this year in memory of a Scunthorpe rider who died, aged 50, while taking part in the inaugural event last year.
The cyclosportive was founded as a way of raising funds for local charities in the area and this year it was for the Lindsey Lodge Hospice.
The morning was fresh with a “touch of frost” although the skies were looking blue.
Starting and finishing at Ancholme Leisure Centre, Scawby Brook, the event followed a scenic route through Lincolnshire, with riders choosing whether to complete the full 100 mile course or undertake the shorter 100km when they arrive at the feed station and halfway point in Market Rasen.
At this point the weather started to turn and riders also had to contend with a lashing or two from hail stones and rain. A couple of riders had unexpected dismounts, however we are glad to report nothing serious.
The full route takes in Scawby, Greetwell Messingham, West Butterwick, Susworth, Laughton, Blyton, Upon, Kexby, Market Rasen, Binbrook, East Ravendale, Swallow, Great Limber, Kirmington, Wootton, Barton, Horkstow, Worlaby, Elsham, Wrawby and Brigg.
Matthew Porter (Organiser) said today that over 200 riders had taken part, about half of whom opted for the full 100 miles. It is estimated £2,000 will have been raised for the hospice.
Matthew said: “Thanks to everyone for the support for yesterday’s event. As a club we hope that we can continue to expand the event but will need a lot more volunteers to help out to achieve this.”
“A big thanks to all who helped make the day happen, well done.”
Feel free to post your own comments, stories and thanks below.
Main photo taken by Nigel Fisher. Event photographs from TWG are also available here
Last night saw the first Lincsquad club TT of 2012 attended by a massive 54 riders. The tea time weather seemed to be looking OK but with the darkest of dark clouds looming it wasn’t long before the heavens opened. The rain came down heavy and soon left large areas of standing water for riders to negotiate.
The King Billy Car Park was full within minutes and kind resident Joe Naylor opened up some of his land for additional parking, which he said we can now use for every event. So a big thanks to both.
It was good to see so many people eager to get going and see where their winter training had brought them. Lincsquad kit was everywhere, shiny bikes galore and the latest aero of aero helmets.
A big BIG thanks must also go to Dave, Ellinor, Vicky, Kev, Nicky who was manning the crossing which as always caught a couple of riders out.
More than 1,000 runners took part in the first Hull Marathon on Easter Sunday 8th April 2012.
The race, which started in Alfred Gelder Street at 8am, weaved through some of the Hull’s most historic streets.
The route included landmarks including the KC Stadium, The Deep and the Humber Bridge.
The event, sponsored by Hugh Rice Jewellers, was won by Phil Taylor, of Bridlington, in just over two-and-a-half hours.
Lincsquad members taking part were Gav Mann, Phil Gibbs and Nick Robinson.
It was my first marathon and I was somewhat anxious having run no further than 20 miles in training. What would the last 6 miles be like on my body, many conversations with experienced marathoners had led me to expect this would be when the effects of the distance would really kick in.
The race started and I made a determined effort not to go off like a dog after a rabbit. I regularly checked my pace on my Garmin and held on to approx. 7 minute miles. Even Batman had passed me, never mind I would see him later. After a lap around the centre of Hull and the Hull New Theatre we were off along Anlaby Road and Boothferry Road towards the Humber Bridge. There was a light drizzle for most of the first half of the race, overcast with temperatures of around seven degrees. After an uphill drag along Boothferry road slowing my pace it was great to be crossing the Humber Bridge running on the carriageway. The views only slightly spoiled by the overcast conditions.
There were no mile markers (except at the 13 mile mark) so I was glad I had my Garmin to keep track of distance. Water stations were reasonably spaced with High 5 gels and bottled water with sports caps which meant you could easily take on water without having an unintentional shower in it.
From the bridge it was pretty much all downhill through Hessle, good to be heading back to Hull and the finish. A lap around Pickering Park nearly brought on a tussle with a Goose that decided to cross the lakeside path just at the wrong moment.
The route in to Hull was down Hessle road. It was great to keep running through all the red traffic lights which normally hamper my ride to work.
I was starting to feel a blister coming on my left foot and was praying this wouldn’t get any worse as I still felt relatively fresh.
Around the 17 mile mark my pace was starting to drop but only by 5 to 10 secs per mile. I ran with a chap for the next three mile who had 25 marathons to his credit and his conversation really took my mind off things which was good. On reaching the Ice arena at 20 miles I had to let him go as we turned to head to the riverside at Humber Quays.
As I came around Humber Quays where I work for Spencer (one of the race sponsors) some co-workers were and friends gave welcome shouts of encouragement. The last six miles with aches and niggles become ever more noticeable.
The route followed past the Marina, the Deep and along to a turn point before the ferry terminal. Gav had already turned and was heading back to the finish. I managed to pick off a few runners on this stretch with people cramping up and the slight head wind making things just that bit harder. I was now down to about 8:30 min/miles but thought I had done enough to achieve my 3:15 target finish. I daren’t look at my overall time as I knew I was doing all I could manage and just had to dig in and keep going. It’s definitely mind over body by this point.
The route back into the centre of Hull was great as the crowd support was a big lift. Where was the finish? At this point some mile markers would have been great just to take out any uncertainty around the accuracy of my Garmin (foot pod not gps).
The crowd down the finish straight was great and even managed a sprint finish although there was no one close behind me at the time.
I had finished 3:07:48, very pleased. Now for a massage.
Paul Carvill does his first Road Race in eight years and Chris Ware does his first Road Race EVER!
The Ray Levers Road Race (run under TLI) is held on the Torworth Circuit (nr Blyth) by the Harworth & District Cycling Club. The race is run under a Handicap System and sees three groups set off at 2.5 minute intervals. 7 laps over a relatively flat course sees the total distance at 33 miles.
I ended up in the Scratch Group (eek!) and was now expecting a bit of an ass kicking, having not road raced for so long. The front two groups were away and then finally it was our turn and off we went. The group worked well to start with and everyone seemed to be putting in turns, and then the wheels fell off!! So each time a good chain gang was formed it seemed to die with people interupting the flow! I even ended up riding of the front on a couple of my turns due to nobody being on my wheel! There were people falling out left right and centre! Nothing changed then 🙂
We did not seemed to be making much headway with the two front groups containing Chris and they had now joined into one big peloton and were tramming on. The sprint was now gathering pace and a couple of riders went down in the melee! Onimpex Bioracer rider Steve Davis takes the win, showing the younger lads how to finish.
Two had got away in our group on the last lap due to the messing about and stayed away, we then geared up for the anti-climax of a bunch gallop, Joe White was sat on my wheel and we headed towards the line at a reasonable pace and then with 250 to go Joe gave a kick and went for it. I wasnt that far behind and chuffed to have gone as well as I did in my first race back.
I saw Chris at the line and asked him how he had gone on, “F$%king Awesome” he said with a grin the size of Lincolnshire, top 20 at least he said. We both rode back to the HQ buzzing at having mixed it up and looking forward to the next race.
Chris Ware gives his account of the day…
Ray Levers Road Race, Blyth, Easter Sunday 8th April, 2012 – My First Road Race!
Where to begin? I’ve harboured intentions of trying something other than Mountain Bike racing for a number of years, however until I joined Lincsquad, these good intentions were just that.
I saw a post from Mr Carvill stating that there was to be a “road race” in Blyth with entry on the line. Being a typical bank holiday weekend I was scratching around trying to find something to do and had none other than some very tentative plans for Downhill Biking at Wharncliffe. Time to finally give it a go. What had I to lose, other than perhaps only several layers of skin and a body still full of unbroken bones.
Sunday morning arrived, bright and cheerful – me and the weather, and off I headed down the A1 to the Cricket Club inBlyth. Entry on the line seemed all too simple.
“Have you pre-entered?”
“No, it’s my first ever race and I understand I can enter on the line”
“Here’s an indemnity form for you to complete absolving us of responsibility for any damage or injury!!!”
“Ok”
“That’ll be £15 well spent, and here’s your race number, please pin it to the rear of your shirt, bottom left”
My immediate thought was that this rather specific requirement for the location of the number was solely in order that the race Marshalls and/or ambulance crew could work out who you were if you were laid face down and unconscious in the gutter following a “race incident” – think I’ve seen way too much race footage.
With that thought, and another that maybe, after all, DH biking might have been the safer option (body armour and a full face is specifically frowned upon in road race circles, and as importantly does hinder speed a little), I headed back to my car to “prepare” mentally for my impending doom.
I bumped into Paul, who offered calm words of wisdom: “just relax, and try to ride in a straight line – you’ll absolutely love it”. Wise words indeed as anyone who has followed me will understand. He also advised a little on race tactics and race etiquette (in case anyone did not know, Paul has raced at a competitive level before – but it was a long, long time ago!) “If anyone shouts at you, just smile and turn the other cheek, don’t do what I did, turn around and lamp them” – fair enough. “Try work your way to the front of the group, especially on the last lap”. How prophetic.
We rode in tandem to the start line (that’s in tandem not on a tandem – that too would be frowned upon!). The course was of an undulating nature, seven laps of 4.7 miles with three reasonable climbs per lap. The race was of a “handicap” nature. Given that my handicap was the inability to ride in a straight line, I was “allowed” to depart in the first of three groups (I later found out that Paul was released in the “scratch” group which I’m sure had nothing to do with any skin allergies he may or may not have). I approached that start line with an assorted motley crew of serious looking young and not so young men, almost all with scars and abrasions on their legs that I hoped were resultant from a series of accidents with razor blades and not anything else, but I doubt.
10.00am sharp and we’re off, the race has begun. I’m at the back of the “peloton” wondering what had I let myself in for. Before I knew it I was being towed uphill at speeds in excess of 28mph into a headwind (and that was within the first 2 miles). Every race I had ever seen on the television starts off slowly and then the serious business of “racing” commences with around a third to a half of the race to go. I was now not only concerned for my body beautiful (do chicks really dig scars??!!) but also how my heart and lungs cope with this level of pain (I was going to say discomfort, but it was definitely more than uncomfortable). Thankfully I need not have worried as it simply got harder!!!
I had previously joked with Paul that I would be either the cause of a major race incident or I would be out the back of the group within the first five miles. Thankfully after the first lap and a half neither prediction had come to fruition. I was slowly but surely beginning to enjoy this racing lark. I was following instructions. I was riding in a straight line. I was even doing my turn at the front of the peloton.
At the end of lap one, two “racers” slipped off the front of the group and dangled like a carrot for a donkey 400 yards off the front for the next 4 laps. On lap three I tried to “bridge” that chasm – for after a mile and a half off the front of the group a chasm it was as I had eaten into their gap by all of 100 yards. Once my lungs had finished exploding I dropped back into the group and held on and waited for my “recovery” to kick in. And kick in it did.
Lap four saw us caught by the second group (these were not severely handicapped but not sufficiently quick enough to be in the itchy group). I thought that when we were caught the new boys would fly past and that would be the last I saw of them. How wrong I was. The pace simply increased by a few MPH (or 10 heartbeats a minute – thank you Garmin!) and I still hung in. I think the pre-race fuelling of porridge and Easter eggs (not in the same bowl – that would just be wrong, wouldn’t it?) were beginning to have an effect as I was moving up the field and was one of the lead ten who were regularly taking their turn on the front to pull the peloton along.
The elastic band finally snapped for the two gentlemen dangling off the front as they were quickly swept up by our pack of hungry wolves on lap six, the penultimate lap. I was almost beginning to relax, I’d not heard any cussing aimed in my direction for at least 3 laps, I was still doing my turn on the front, and had not managed to force anyone off of their two wheels. I could feel the tension beginning to rise in my co-conspirators around me. We were approaching the last lap, only 5 miles until it was all over, and still no sign of the superior scratch group – would we, could we, hold off the fit boys in that final group.
Soon we would know. The last lap was unfolding underneath the buzzing of my carbon wheels, I was beginning to breathe from my nether regions, but I was still in amongst it. If you had asked me 60 minutes previously if I’d a chance of winning, I would have replied with there being more chance of me becoming Pope (and I’m not even a Catholic) but here I was amongst a pack of 40 other panting dogs baying for the finish line to arrive and almost tasting the scent of victory. As the pace rose yet again I found myself towards the back of the group with Yoda Carvill’s kind words of wisdom still ringing in my ears “work your way to the front of the group, you must…” The group was splitting with this injection of pace. I had left it too late, or had I.
It was time to make my move. Coming around the last corner and up the final drag it was time to put the hammer down. Time to drop the bomb. Death or Glory in the final four hundred metres. That’s all that was left to make the difference.
Process: Find a gap, stick your front wheel in the gap, stamp on pedals, find next gap, repeat until finish or you are finished. Using this process I managed to gain promotion into the top twenty by the time the finish line had been and gone (and managed to witness along the way an almighty crash and resultant road rash courtesy of one protagonist not holding his line to the finish – now I understand that road racers shave their legs to make it easier to pick out the pieces of gravel from underneath the flappy skin – Claire, do you mind if I borrow your VEET…)
It was now time to reflect on what had undoubtedly been my most enjoyable cycle event for some time. It had been the proverbial journey in more ways than one. What had started as fear and trepidation, turned mid race to exhilaration, onto determination to finish well, then disappointment at the end that I could and should have done better. A rookie error left me unable to fight for the win. I have certainly learned from my mistake and will not make the same one again when I race next time. There will certainly be a next time cos I am hooked…
Thanks to Paul Carvill for bringing the race to my attention and his words of encouragement. Many, many, thanks also to the Officials, Marshalls, and everyone involved in the organisation of the Ray Levers Road Race.
Chris Ware
A big thanks to all the organisers, marshals and volunteers. The event is very well run and look forward to having a go next year.
