Apr 12

Rain fails to dampen club TT opener

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.

The results can be found in the forum here

Feel free to add your own experiences below in the comments.

 

Apr 09

Hull Marathon 2012

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.

http://www.runbritainrankings.com/results/results.aspx?meetingid=59004

Gav Mann  PB 26th 3:00:39

Phil Gibbs PB 42nd 3:07:48

Nick Robinson 6:50th 4:39:05

Scunthorpe & District runner Julian Newell was 10th in an excellent 2:51:01.

Apr 08

TLI Ray Levers Road Race

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 🙂

Circuit Map Torworth 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.

Useful Links

http://www.hdcc.co.uk/

http://www.nmrrl.org.uk/

http://www.tlicycling.org.uk/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/77144547@N04/sets/72157629435109230/

Apr 08

Buxton Mountain TT

The ‘Buxton Mountain’ is an early season open time trial over a very hilly circuit in the Peak District and is renown as one of the toughest in the UK covering a total of 33 miles (for Seniors and Vets) and 22miles (Juniors and Women). The event traditionally takes place on Good Friday and this year saw some of the more extreme weather!!!

Gunnar Gronlund (National hill climb champion), Matt Clinton (former hill climb champion) and Tejvan Pettinger are all on the start list, headed up by reigning course Champion Matt Bottrill.

“What the ecky thump made me enter this race again after 8 years” was my thoughts as I got changed in Longnor! The last time I did this race I climbed off after one lap! The weather was unbelievable with heavy snow fall earlier in the week making the course look more like the Alps!

I hadn’t brought any leg warmers or proper gloves and was beginning to shake while waiting for the start. Simon Bridge was my minute man who I used to race with some years ago and he was looking leaner than ever! He passed me within minutes up the Hollinsclough Rake climb and commented after that he thought I had slipped my chain!!! I felt absolutely awful on that first climb and my only thought was “3 laps!!! S&*t!!!”

Reaching the Travellers Rest for the first time I was now frozen and clicked into a bigger gear and headed towards Leek. I started to feel a little better and then set about just trying to keep a nice steady pace with a view to finishing. I was not bothered about my overall time.

It was good to see some old familiar faces and the shouts of encouragement definitely helped, except that is the odd “only another 2 laps!!!”.

The road that takes you back across the Staffordshire Moorlands was like something from the Alps and with the descending made for a very chilly section!

Starting the 2nd lap I felt a lot better and continued in a steady rhythm and I knew at this point I was going to finish. I also realised at my current weight I am by no means a climber!!!

On the final asscent up Hollinsclough I passed Gwill Morris from Manchester Wheelers and asked how he was doing? He turned to me and simply said “I am in the Pain Cave!”… I knew exactly where that was 🙂

I was so glad to descend for the final time and see the finish board, I wasn’t particularly worried about my time of 1:56:08 just pleased to have finished!!

A video taken by Dane Walker of Weaver Valley with his GoPro Hero HD Camera of the 1st lap of the 2012 Buxton CC Mountain Time Trial.

Matthew Bottrill (www.drag2zero.com) won the event in a time of 1.26.34 holding off a challenge from Trejvan Pettinger (Sri Chinmoy cycling team) 1.27.21, and National hill climb champion Gunnar Gronlund (RST/Trigon) 1.28.34. Sarah Storey (ForViored) took the women’s title with a time of 1.03.19 (2 laps)

Just wanted to say thanks to Richard Touse for a well organised event. I would also like to say thanks to all the marshals, timekeepers and volunteers for their top efforts without which we wouldn’t race.

Enjoyed the day and it was worth the 180 mile round trip 🙂 Good to see some old faces.

Photos courtesy of Steve Gait

 

Apr 01

Apollo Sprint Triathlon – South Hunsley

The Apollo Triathlon took place on Sunday 1st April at South Hunsley, East Yorkshire.

The race consists of a 400m swim in the South Hunsley pool, followed by a loop around the undulating and scenic bike course. There are one or two climbs along the route and some sweeping, long descents through rural East Yorkshire, if you have the time to look around you’ll get witness some fantastic views of the Humber Estuary before dropping back in to South Hunsley Sports. The run couldn’t be faster with a flat and fast two lap course which brings you to an often noisy and very well supported finish line.

Report by Christian Brown

A much anticipated date with for the start of the new season, nobody wanted to be the April fool for todays first Triathlon of the season.

It was big Steve Beevers first ever event and with some fantastic winter season training under his belt he was looking to open his account and not disapoint, we had to keep his nerves under control and hope for a good supply of loo roll once we got to the leisure centre, he’d borrowed Binchy’s race belt, so there was plenty of banter about what was expected of him now.

The swim got off to a good start but you could see the nerves kicking in after a couple of lengths, he did a good job not to drown himself and finish the swim intact, after leaping from the pool his transition was completed without hitch and he felt much more comfortable on the bike, finally the racer inside him came to the fore as he competed with faster cyclists picking a few off as he went, a respectable 52 minutes over the hilly course was a good first effort and with a good final transition his run was dispatched in 24 minutes total time 1hr 33minutes.

At the finish line you could see that he had been bitten by the triathlon bug judging by the huge smile on his face roll, bring on Grantham Triathlon.

Andrew Read was looking to improve on last years events, so with some impressive winter training behind him his usual cockney banter gave way to a strange silence and determined look (unless it was constipation).

His swim time was much improved, shaving off a couple of minutes making those nights debriefing in the Yarborough Hunt worthwhile.

This is where the story becomes unclear much like an alien conspiracy, an hour into his ride he was nowhere to be seen only to turn up clad in rubber (well spare innertube) telling stories of how a nice lady had stopped to offer him assistance with his flat tyre which unfortunately brought his race to an end but im sure we haven’t heard the last of him.

I’ve also been training hard over the winter to up my game since Brigg Sprint Triathlon last September, and was determined to make the club proud, my swim was completed in 8.30, a good improvement over last years 9.50 and then onto the bike which was completed in 47 minutes and no dramas, my run seemed to take forever as the course was slightly different to last year with a uphill climb thrown in on the 2 lap course which was completed in 25 minutes making a total of 1hr 22minutes.

It was a shame Sallie couldnt be with us due to her bout of man flu, as we men know only too well its not easy to shake off, but with the support of the other club members cheering us on, the day was a great sucess and we cant wait for the next one.

Well done to newcomer Oliver Saxon who battled with the tough bike course to finish his first triathlon in 1:31:36. Find more details on Olivers race at his blogspot “http://oliversaxon1.wordpress.com/”

Report from Andrew Lawson

Whilst not doing anything to worry the proper triatheletes, I was pleased to knock 3 minutes off my swim time compared with my last attempt at the Brigg Sprint tri. (Unfortunately the actual time of 13’43” was less impressive. The Lincsquad coached sessions and a couple of swimming sessions per week over the winter have definitely helped, but there’s still a lot of scope for improvement).

I was a bit more in my comfort zone on the bike, getting past quite a few other riders, not being passed by anyone else & completing the “undulating” course in 45’43”. The run was mildly disappointing at 22’50”, 55 seconds longer than at Brigg. Feet numb from the cold probably didn’t help & I’ve done very little running over the winter due to foot problems.

My total time was 1 hour 24 minutes, 39 seconds. I’m hoping that, when the full results are out, with some careful number-crunching, I can find something with which to give this a positive spin!

Other members of Lincsquad also taking part were Ric Longcake & Steve Ornsby, with Sam Barker taking part in the junior aquathon.

Full results to follow when released.

 

 

Mar 28

Weekend round up 24th & 25th March

A weekend of action with Lincsquadders racing at Clumber Duathlon, Oulton Park Duathlon and Lincoln 10k.

Clumber Duathlon
(Report by Steve Dolby aka Dobbers)

This was the second of three duathlons which Lincsquad had representatives in through the month of March and the field was split between Saturdays Clumber park and Sundays Olton Park event.

The Saturday got under way again with an early alarm belting an old classic 80s tune out!! Shower, Breakfast and out the door…… We were again fighting the foggy morning with a slow drive over to Clumber Park. Thankfully it was the same for every one so arriving a tad later than we wanted too turned out to be not an issue.

It was time for race prep so off to transition with the ‘new’ kit which turned up only hours before…..Great timing…..Rachel Love (Lovey) nearly had to do it starkers!! But saved by the bell!!

We all appeared in transition at a similar time so there was a good bit of banter whilst also attempting to get the race face on. (One day I will find that race face instead of just meandering around looking at what everyone else is up too!!).
Huwie Davies turned up a few minutes later as he thought he would get an advantage with a lay-in, as he stayed in a local hotel………..Leaving his support crew in bed, thought he would cycle down to the transition!!!! Only to find that he had left his BTF license in the car!! Whoops!! So a speedy ride back to the hotel was on the agenda. Only to get lost in the park and not find the hotel, returning back to transition with a cap in hand as he had no cash to get a day license!! Ten minutes of Busking and he soon had the crucial fiver to get in and set up!! Apparently thanks to Binchy paying him the money not to sing……………

The race referee had announced that the race was delayed due to safety reasons and the visibility on the roads for the bike leg so we all waited around an extra 25 minutes paying more visits to the loos than we probably needed too!
It wasn’t long and we were all called to the start line. Not really being prepared for the run as chatting to the other competitors appeared to be the priority…..Off went the hooter to start the race and we was off. The two lap race was fairly straight forward with the speedy guys setting the pace and a few of us bringing up the rear. Classic women, Sprint men then Sprint women…….Everybody had eventually took to the course and it was all a bit busy. A few high 5’s as we crossed paths with our fellow Lincsquadders and we was sure to be on the bike.

At this point I was hoping and praying that the wobble factor was not going to come back as it did at the last event. Swiftly out of transition and on the to the Clumber Park roads we all went. I didn’t realise at the time but Huwie had sustained a puncture only a few 100 meters past the mount line so his ride had not got off to the best start.
The Bike leg went very smooth (well most of it) for me as I posted a 1.04.20 being the 7th fastest time of the day. That’s something which doesn’t happen very often!!

Lack of prep did however mean that I opted to take the flex of the top of the straw in my aero bottle as it was poking me in the eye on the previous Dambuster event only to leave it short and to the point where I had to drop off the bars to get a descent slurp of my drink!! Another lesson learnt………But no wobble in the wheels .. Cool!!
Not seeing other Lincsquadders on the bike route I assumed that all was well and everyone was having a good one. Fantastic cheers from the spectators (and a marshal we all know!!!) and it was soon off the bike and on to the run again for the last 5k.

There was the Dobber clang with the addition of Rioja the dog cheering away…..followed by Mrs Binchy telling me off as I didn’t have my knees high enough!! And loads of others shouting and cheering offering support on the way round.
Soon to hit the turn point and I had not seen Huwie. He must have been the chap who was down at the start with the puncture!! It didn’t take him long to whizz past me as I was limping along the last 2k with a knee injury……(Rachel Love 2.27.05) Lovey had also made it past the bike and was equally well in to the last run….High 5’s all round and the finish line was in sight.

Jack had already finished with a very respectable 1.20.50 sprint time and Huwie being the first Lincsquadder classic event over the line in 2.14.16 (with puncture).
Thanks for all the support from everyone around the course and well done to those who took part. Great start to the season!!!!! Bring on the next one………

Oulton Park Duathlon (report by Tony Yeats)

Mark York, Tony Yeats & Rob Wood all competed in this fantastic race which uses the motor racing track in a multi lap format for both run & bike legs, with transition in the pit lane. The distances are shorter than the standard distance with run1 5.4miles, bike 24.3miles, run2 2.7miles.

By the time the race started at 12:30 is was 20deg & blazing sunshine. The opening two lap run gave everyone their first look at the undulating track & by the second lap the runners where spread out into a single line.

The bike leg uses the same route as the run but for 9 laps, the track is fast & smooth. With over 300 riders on a lap only 2.7miles long large groups of riders started to form. It’s surprising on a ‘traffic free’ course how often you get held up!
The final run is a single lap with the finish in Parc Ferme.

Finishing times are below, unfortunately on the bike section, Rob Wood got held up at the back of a bunch and was left with no where to go, which caused him to fall foul the drafting rules and he was disqualified with a number of others (he also did an extra lap on the bike, probably trying to get back intio the race director’s good books)

Pos 118 – Mark York Run1 – 37:31 Bike – 1:01 Run2 – 18:52 Total 1hr59
Pos 223 – Tony Yeats Run1 – 39:09 Bike – 1:06 Run2 – 22:39 Total 2hr10
Pos DQ – Rob Wood Run1 – 34:23 Bike – 1:08 Run2 – 18:37

Lincoln 10k (report by Phil Binch)

A big Lincsquad presence in this race with just as many Lincsquadders & familes cheering on from the roadside. It was a glorious sunny day with a slight cold tinge making this an ideal day to hit that personal best (PB).

Some great banter on the way down to the start, Lincsquad Chairman Paul Carvill was keeping himself warm in his Armani bin liner, everyone was feeling ready to push themselves to the limit today, you could just sense it (even if certain members where playing it very calm).

From my point of view this was an important “see where I’m at race”, 11 weeks since the accident & collar bone operation and I needed to know where I was, I was still chasing the elusive sub 40, but I had a pace plan and this 10k I was going to stick to it.

The gun sounded and everyone sprinted up the incline to the roundabout, at 1km with Josh Grocock on my shoulder, Rick Stenton 10 metres in front, Paul Carvill another 10 metres & Neil Barker a similar distance infront of Paul, I checked my garmin, I was exactly on pace & feeling good.

At 2km having passed some of my fellow Lincsquadders on the slight incline from the roundabout, I set about getting back into a rhythm for the flat section to the half way point. Still feeling comfortable I went through 5km in 19:48 and I could still see Neil (chasing his own sub 40) some 50 or so metres in front and pulling away.

At 7km I remember seeing my pace drop slighty and had to dig in to get back on track, this was the best ever position I’d been in to go sub 40, now only 2km to go & on track, I was really up for it now, and dug in again, I remember thinking “I ain’t letting this go, it’s mine”.

I hit the cobbles (very nearly literally, I hate those cobbles at the finish) a slight stumble but all was ok, run you muppet, run. Through the castle walls and I could see the finish line clock showing 39:30, your all mine I thought, a few more metres to go, stretching my leg to make sure my timing chip hit the mat & I stopped my watch, 39:43 …… nice

We all gathered on the grass, swapping stories of success, first Lincsquadder home was newcomer Luke Matthews with some impressive running, Pete Connolly (Mr Consistent with another 37 minute 10k), Neil Barker also going sub 40, youngster Josh Grocock knocking another 30 secs off his best, Rick Stenton pulling out a fantastic 40:56, Christian Brown & Steve Beevers knocking a massive 7 minutes off their previous times, other PB’s (that I know of) from Paul Fytche, Marcus & Jenni Plume, Oliver Saxon, Jacqui Saxon, Dave Burton but I’m sure there are more.

By this time the tempting fragrance of Mrs Dolby’s home baked cup cakes was floating through the air, so there was only one thing to do ……. find them !

Lincoln 10k (report from Dave Burton)
For me the day started off like all other Lincoln 10ks……..a frantic panic to get to the car park before the roads close (I’m sure they move it every year!) followed by queueing for what seemed like hours to get parked!

Panic over and it was off to the start area for a quick run down the road, a few stretches and a quick mental check, warm up done ……check, shiny new Lincsquad club kit …….check, new Garmin wrist gadget (thanks to the advice on the forum) …….check…… I was ready to go!

As always I went off a bit quicker than my usual pace, a combination of enthusiasm and weaving through the crowd meant a first mile in 7.13, once the crowds cleared a bit I settled down to a good pace and by the water station I realised I’d given myself a great chance of a PB.

As I came around to start lap 2 my quick start was starting to take it’s toll, but as a new member what I’m coming to realise is that the support from fellow Lincsquaders on the sidelines is awesome and Lincoln was no different. The extra boost got me up the hill to the castle just in time for a super loud Team Dobber shout to inspire a sprint finish over the cobbles (I hate those cobbles!)

I crossed the line in 46.08 which is another 1.20 off the PB to add to the 2 minutes I took off it at gainsborough.

There was just time for a team photo and then, as I was giving up all hope, I spied Team Dobber with a big tin of cakes so all in all a good day for me!
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Finishing times:

36:09 Luke Matthews
37:35 Chris Gibbs
37:41 Pete Connolly
39:19 Neil Barker
39:43 Phil Binch
40:00 Josh Jones
40:45 Luke Osborn
40:56 Rick Stenton
41:15 Josh Grocock
41:19 Paul Fytche
42:28 Jamie Griffin
42:56 Chris Spavin
42:58 Steve Ornsby
43:08 Paul Carvill
43:40 Marcus Plume
44:10 Oliver Saxon
46:08 Dave Burton
50:39 Christian Brown
50:40 Steve Beevers
50:43 Jacqui Saxon
60:56 Jenni Plume
61:05 Liz Wood

Full results can be found at www.chiptiming.co.uk/pdf/lincoln10k2012.pdf

Mar 26

Alwyn achieves Gold on Cheshire Cat Sportive

Alwyn Jones is new to Lincsquad and is a keen cyclist who likes to compete in Sportives in the UK and around Europe. In his own words Alwyn gives an account of his day on the Cheshire Cat is absolutely tropical conditions…

6am alarm. We’ve lost an hour of sleep! pre ride prep begins. Start of The Cat is between 8  – 8:30am

Off to the start which fortunately was only 10 mins away. We had to drive around a little to find a car space, with over 3000 entries it was never going to be easy!

We arrived at the start on time,  just! and we were off within minutes.

Great start to the event! In previous Wiggle events I had experienced long waits to get going.

Having looked at the course profile I knew the first 40 miles were by far the hardest of the event. With the legendary killer mile of the infamous Mow Cop included at around 15 miles.

So we set off as a group of 5 at a steady pace, and at 15 miles The Killer Mile begun. It begins with  a gentle first 1/4 mile from a level crossing, then a 1-in-5 section. A steady climb up in full view of the horrors to come, and at last the truly killer bit – the 1-in-4 section past the most popular spectator spot outside the Cheshire View pub, whose front door is the 3/4 mile mark. Even the comparatively level section from the top corner to the Finish is still climbing.

As I approached the 1 in 4 section I heard a big shout ahead as somebody lost grip and fell off taking a few other cyclists out . So as we approached the steepest, obviously now slippery, section I had to call on some  MTB skills and find quickly the best grippiest way up. Which was up the right in the gutter!

Half way up there was a big shout as another cyclist lost grip and veered left fortunately and took out at least another 7- 8 cyclists.

No medals for them unfortunately for putting their feet down on The Killer Mile – marshals were there in force to take down every persons number who put a foot down!!

After successfully completing the Killer Mile, over the next 25 miles in turn Blacky Bank and Bridestones, Gun Hill and Wincle climbs were tackled.

Just before Gun Hill I suddenly found myself ahead of the others as I started to get into the ride and increase my pace a little.

The first feed station, which were all adequately stocked with High 5 drinks, Soreen, Bananas and countless other food, I decided to go straight past, as I still had enough  drink to get to the next feed station at 55 miles.

After 45 miles I knew the worst was over until 83 miles for the next major climb.

With 3000 people having entered there were plenty of groups being formed, one in particular formed by Rock Racing I managed to get onto the back of.

They were absolutely motoring along working very efficiently at the front keeping the pace very high, and a few of us were finding it very difficult to stay with them, but we managed to until the next feed station, which we all pulled into.

Three of us formed a group straight after the feed and were managing a healthy pace, and after several miles Rock Racing flew past again.

again we raced to get on the back of the group, and once on the pace it wasn’t as hard as previous to keep up with, over the next 20 miles.

There were many junctions and main roads to cross along the route, and there were mad sprints to keep up with the group after these, which were slowly taking effect on the legs. On one such main road junction they got across before the rest of us and opened a gap we could not bridge no matter how hard two of us tried to.

After a few miles we formed another group of 5 and at 83 miles after the final climb of Harthill the clock was showing 4hrs 30 so to get within Gold Standard of 5:30 we had to average 20mph for 20 miles.

After a quick chat between us we all decided to give it a go, spending as much time as we could to pull the group along.

With 5 miles to go it was down to me as the others didn’t have much left so it was head down and grind my teeth. The last miles reminded me of those big efforts along the High Street to Caistor, and surprisingly, behind a scooter on the way to Louth with LincsQuad in January!!

Unfortunately as we approached the outskirts of Crewe we kept hitting traffic lights which always seemed to be on Red and busy main roads to cross. We were close to getting Gold and I finished outside the standard by 59 seconds. Or so I thought !  I later found out the Gold Standard was 5:40 so I was well within. I didn’t need to bury myself after all in the last 10 miles!

See his ride here

All in all a great day with great weather with good friends.

by Alwyn Jones

Next events – Fred Whitton Challenge, The Dragon Ride and Maratona Dles Dolomites

Give Alwyn a shout if you want to have a go at Sportives or find out more…

Mar 24

140 mile Swim in aid of Sport Relief

Spare a thought for the energetic staff at Ancholme Leisure Centre tonight, they have set themselves a gruelling challenge of an overnight 140-mile swim in aid of Sport Relief.

Forty volunteers will take it in turns to swim 20 lengths of the leisure centre’s 25 metre pool between 8pm on Saturday, March 24 and 8am the next morning. They’ll each have to swim about 4.5 miles (or 9,216 lengths) in 12 hours in teams of four to complete the 140 mile trip – equal to the distance comedian David Walliams swam along the Thames for Sport Relief last year.

Staff members ranging from receptionists to life guards are training hard for the epic swim and want to raise as much money as possible for Sport Relief to help improve the lives of people in the UK and across the world. To sponsor them visit

http://my.sportrelief.com/sponsor/ancholmeleisurecentre140mileovernight12hourswim or pick up a sponsor form at the leisure centre.

Everyone who sponsors online will be entered into a raffle with many top prizes ranging from beauty treatments and a photo shoot to shopping vouchers and VIP tickets to the Sugar Hut nightclub featured in The Only Way is Essex.

You can also make a donation in one of the collection boxes on reception at Ancholme Leisure Centre, Hewson House or Civic Centre. Leisure centre duty manager Andy Farr said: “We’ve set ourselves the target of matching the distance comedian David Walliams swam in the Thames last year. “There are 40 of us taking part and we’ll have to swim more than 9,000 lengths – that’s about 4.5 miles. “I’d like to thank all the swimmers taking part and everyone who is supporting us, especially the Sugar Hut for the vouchers and Lincsquad who paid for the pool hire. “It’s going to be a very long night but we’re all training hard.

“Please do take the time to sponsor us or make a donation, we want to raise as much as we can.”

Mar 11

Dambuster Duathlon-Rutland Water

The day started with the alarm ringing out reminding the Dobber house at 04.15 that the season was just about to begin. Quick shower, pack the car and we was off, arriving at Rutland water just after 6.30. We weren’t the only early birds though as Marcus Plume, Emma Phillips and Mark York had already arrived and was preparing to walk over to registration. There were a few nervous faces around as this would be the 2012 opener for quite a few of us.

Transition set up and 800 people stood around listening to the race briefing!!!!!! It was here……3-2-1 go. The young guns had set off and Marcus was on his way. Great for spectators as we could see him racing the other side of the lake!! 10 minutes later the middle agers was off and Mark led the way with Steve and Tony chasing through a very busy starting 100 meters. 2km in to the race and again the perfect view point you could here Mrs Dobber shouting “GO ON DOBBER” from the other side of the lake…. A customary hand wave for her efforts was followed by some of the other athletes who were running close by saying “Bloomin hell, there cheering already and we have only just started. I didn’t own up at this point to be the one who she was shouting about!!!!! Alan and Emma was soon away bringing up the rear and all Team Lincsquad was well on there way.

It wasn’t long before Tony whipped past Dobber setting a cracking pace before we crossed the Dam. It was fairly obvious, looking at each other as we passed over the out and back 10k run that we was all enjoying the beautiful scenery and the weather was helping us all set respectable times.

T1 was on and the aero helmet and carbon was on its way out of transition with me on it!! A few shouts of “COME ON” from Mrs Dobber and we was all on our way on the 42k Rutland Ripple ride.

This is where it went a tad pear shaped for me as although elated that it was the new bikes first outing (and boy is that baby fast!!!!! ) I soon realised that lack of practise and lack of set up was not good when you are travelling close to 40MPH down hill and the whole bike starts to shake. With my heart in my mouth the brakes smoking and the wobble getting worse I managed to stay on the thing and bring it to a gradual stop. “Bum cheeks”…..I thought…..That’s my race over!! Off the bike and checking the tightness of the wheels……All appeared to be good so off I went again, well for 5 yards and then off again. Something was seriously wrong, but what was it? I didn’t have a clue!!!!! Back on the bike, having a little word to myself and I was back chasing the hundreds who flew past me whilst I was having a wobble!! Giving it everything attempting to make up the couple of minutes that I had lost soon found me at the infamous ripple and out of the aero position just hanging on with fingers tickling the brakes as wobble, wobble, wobble again!!

Now getting used to being blown around like a kite in the wind with the deep rimmed wheels I was making some time up and passing a few bikes….and a few cars (wink, wink). I hadn’t seen any other Lincsquadders so every one was going well in tough breezy conditions.

A few more shouts from the Dobber and Plume supporter crew and we hit T2 at speed. In fact I put a hole in my lucky socks when I jumped off the bike before the dismount line …..Drat!!

The second run was also a toughy as the lactic acid was kicking in. Mark was flying as he was on his way back in. Feeling my legs coming back I was able to kick in for the last 3-4k and saw Alan, Tony and Marcus on their way out on the run.

Over the line (2:26:24) I passed after a sprint finish to be met by Mark (2:19:14) who had finished and was recovered cheering us through the line. Soon to finish was Alan (2:26:33), who went off in wave 3 and Tony (2:36:33). All of us now gathering to cheer Marcus over the line (2:48:12) who had just finished his longest event ever as he had only covered sprint distances last season and Emma (2:45:46) who started in the last wave came over to complete the crew. Soon after there was a few stories being shared and the customary team Lincsquad photo.

Writteb by Steve Dolby

Feb 25

Midlands XC Round 1 – Leicestershire RC’s Hicks Lodge Leg Burner

After having such an icy winter I spent quite a bit of time out on the mountain bike instead of the road bike and although having had my mountain bike for nearly four years this was the first time that I had actually used the thing properly!

Then one evening while browsing twitter I saw a tweet by Chris Ware saying that he had entered “Round 1 of the Midlands XC” race at Leicestershire’s Hicks Lodge Trail Centre. That set the cogs rolling and I thought “what the hell lets have a go!!” So I entered and when I realised that I would not be in the same race as Chris (as he was now in the Vet’s class!) wondered what had I done and let myself in for!!!

So the nerves were slowly kicking in and by race day was eager to get the experience over with. I got to Hicks Lodge at around 10:30am (my race was not until 2pm!) so went off to see Chris racing in the morning race. A beautiful sunny day, fast drying trails, the previous day’s rain was quickly forgotten. The majority of the course was on hard pack and the remainder was on what could only be described as boggy at best! Chris was on his 3rd lap when I saw him and he looked a little whacked as did a lot of the other racers. I shouted some friendly abuse and watched him disappear to complete his 4th and final lap.

He finished with a sigh of “that was hard work!” and he looked like he had pushed hard. He had enjoyed it though and said I would like the course… We shall see I thought!!

The course was now open for the afternoon competitors to recce before the race at 2pm. So off I set and I did love the hard pack and jumps, however I was super slow on the boggy bits! Half way round I picked up a puncture on the rear and with only 20 minutes to go had a panicked run back to HQ to get it fixed!!! Just what I needed!

Eventually got it sorted (not without some stress!) and arrived on the start line with only a couple of minutes to spare. The Elite and Expert classes went off first and then next it was our (Masters) turn, my nerves had really started to build! Something that I had not felt in a long while and to be honest I had missed.

5-4-3-2-1 GO!!!! Jesus Christ!!! Full whack from the off….. big ring spinning and sat in 3rd/4th  place. Surely we cant keep this pace up!!! Then we rounded the top corner and hit the first boggy section……. BOOM!!! I almost stopped and pulled my right foot out of the cleat I was pulling on my pedal that hard!! Expletives Expletives and more Expletives!!! There must have been twenty riders that sailed past and my heart just sank!! I learned later that having nearly 80 psi in your tyres does not help!! Rookie error!!! I tried to settle into a steady rhythm and although going well still kept losing places on the boggy stuff!! I did enjoy some of the jumps as it gave some small respites and I was so glad to see the fifth and final lap 🙂 Hats off to some of the winners, some real class riding and I still don’t understand how they go so fast on the boggy bits!

The organisation was excellent and the marshals encouraging so a big thanks to both Leicestershire Road Club and Midlands XC.

Midlands XC Series 2012, Round 1 Hicks Lodge from X Trail Films on Vimeo.

Elite Men – 1st Gareth Montgomerie   2nd Dave Henderson   3rd Ryan Henry

Elite Women – 1st Maxine Filby   2nd Joanne Clay   3rd Ruth Owen-Evans

U12′s results:

U8 Boys – 1 Harry Sayles. 2 Stephen Wildman. 3 Jack Fearn. 4 Zak Machin. 5 James Garner. 6 Oscar Walling. 7 Jack Cooper Sedgley
U8 Girls – 1 Emily Newton. 2 Emily Rolinson. 3 Rosie Mansfield. 4 Caitlin Harvey.
U10 Boys – 1 Connor Smith. 2 Ryan Cambridge. 3 Josh Popham. 4 Maximus Walling.
U10 Girls – 1 Amelie Wayte. 2 Lotta Mansfield. 3 Piper Radford .4 Mia Rolinson.
U12 Boys – 1 James Swadling. 2 John Webster. 3 Sam Jones. 4 Harvey Rollason. 5 Louis Brooks. 6 Craig Rogers. 7 Timothy Elsmore-Martin. 8 Reuben Orr. 9 Bradley Hill. 10 Finn Mansfield. 11 Jack Lickorish.
U12 Girls – 1 Megan James. 2 Fyona Booker. 3 Poppy Wildman. 4 Megan Bettles.

Full results for Rd 1 courtesy of  Timelaps can be found here.

I have already entered the next round at Cannock Chase on the 18th March, anyone else fancy a go? Go to XCRacer.com to enter.

  • Round 1 – 19/02/12 – Hick’s Lodge Leg Burner
  • Round 2 – 18/03/12 – Cannock Chase Classic
  • Round 3 – 15/04/12 – Birchall Bike Bash
  • Round 4 – 13/05/12 – Hanchurch Hills Horror

Photos from RayMortlock-Images