Many of our regular Sunday riders are out on a Race Team training session this Sunday.
If you would like to ride on Sunday in the usual fashion, please leave a comment; Sunday ride format, something more social? If you need help with a route, just let us know!
Riders on the short route will be getting sectioned at Crazies Hill (29 miles), whilst those on the long route (63 miles) will be out with Graeme and had better like it lumpy! (There’s a clue in the title…)
As always, meet at 700 HQ at 08.50 when we’ll get organised into groups.
There will be a steady ride out of 35 miles with Pippa; Winter Hill via Cliveden and back through Pinkney’s Green.
Steve has a 37 mile route suggestion of Shiplake Cruising; perfect if you’re saving your legs for Sunday.
The long route will tackle a club favouite, Scraso’s YoYo, 67 miles; bring your climbing legs!
It should be another stunning morning! See you at 08.50
Enjoy the ride!
Folks
I’ve been cycling for a number of years but one thing that I have never done is been part of a club from day one. Joining a club, finding those who you enjoy riding with and carving a niche within an established body is something that a lot us will recognize, but creating the club that everyone else wants to work within and be a part of, well, that’s a bit more difficult.
Every club that I have been a part of has always had a racing arm though. They were the guys that new members looked up to and aspired to be like, me included. The race team are always the shining light that elevates a club from being a group of chums noodling about on a weekend to something that riders are really proud to be a part of. I don’t want to overstate the importance of racing, but for me it is an integral part of a club’s identity, and this is why I want to do my part and make the racing arm of the club successful.
Unfortunately, my keyboard skills far outweigh my racing skills (and for those of you who have seen my excuses for legs, that will make perfect sense). What I can do though is pull the strands together, help those who are looking for a little advice and make sure that we don’t just end up as a bunch of disparate racers at a crit, wearing the same kit.
Some courses will suit certain riders and we should work as a team to help those guys out – next week, it might be your course. We will have new racers for whom we should give back and help them get the result that matters so much to them.
Listen to all of the pros, it’s not just about winning, it’s about what you can give back to the team and how you support your friends; even when you feel a bit dicey.
We are also super lucky to have Holly on board to act as Head Coach; what she doesn’t know about the local racing scene isn’t worth knowing and with her support, we can be absolutely sure that when we line up on the start, we will be in the best shape possible. There are already some guys in club being coached by her, and they are already starting to look sharp and strong.
It’s great to see so many people starting to put their hands up to race. If we can show unity, then I’m sure it will encourage others as well developing the club and raising our profile, drawing in new members (more members = more FREE cake at the President’s Ride!).
I would strongly encourage all the racers to attend the Racing Skills Day at Hillingdon on Sunday 8 November that the club has organised. Even if you’ve been doing it for years, there may be a little nugget of gold from Holly that will serve to bring everyone together in one place and galvanise the team. Everyone in one place, same song sheet – what better way to start?
I’ll be doing everything I can to help and support throughout our first season’s racing and I hope to see you all at various races, supporting each other and having fun. Join us on Wednesday 9 September to find out more.
Dale aka ‘Winton’, ‘Chopper’
DS – 700cc
Last winter within hours of the events being open on Rider HQ, entries for the 4th cat race hosted by Imperial Racing Team at Hillingdon started to fill up. 24 hours later the 1st race for 4th cats was full and word was getting round – enter fast or face disappointment!
So why do people flock to the Imperial Cycles Winter series?
It’s fast and quick so you don’t have to give up the whole weekend to feel like you’ve done something, you can ride there to add to the training and gain kudos in the process.
The series has history with some serious sponsors and has built up a solid following and that adds to the camaraderie; meet up with your team mates and cycling buddies, and get the opportunity to beat them in the process and gain the bragging rights on the Sunday morning ride!
Then there’s the recognition, everyone is placed in the results so you can judge your progress through the winter plus a weekly roundup report.
There are some great prizes, not all of which relate to your finishing position!
The race programme endeavours to cater for as many riders as possible. New 4th cats have their own race so don’t have to ride with the big boys and women have a 4th & 3rd cat race.
British Cycling points are reset at the end of November, so even the December points count toward your 2016 results (assuming you have a full BC racing licence), so you get a head start for 2016 in terms of experience and points.
The circuit is 0.9miles, mostly flat and fast with just enough corners and undulations to make it interesting.
Racing over winter is a great way to keep up the speed work without sitting on your turbo and keep your fitness without putting in so many long, wet, gloomy rides.
If you can race in the cold, sometimes poor conditions, of winter then spring and summer races will seem easier by comparison!
Entries open November 1st, make a note in your diary as they will sell out fast!
http://www.imperialracingteam.com/
Join us on Sunday 8 November for Race Training on the Hillingdon Circuit; Surrey League accredited, ideal for novice 4th and 3rd riders.
Pippa is heading out this week on a Short & Sweet 30 miler, riding to the pace of the slowest rider. A great opportunity for new club members and inexperienced group riders to take it steady and develop group riding skills.
The longer route this week is 60 miles, heading into the Chilterns; a past Sunday practice of Sunday Worship
As always, if you are able to download the route, please do. Support your fellow riders, it might be your turn to step up and help out this week.
Meet at 700 HQ at 08.50 to get organised into groups of similar ability riders.
We are going to try out Cooper’s Coffee Bar in Marlow on Sunday, Dave, Vikki & Ash are all working at 11.00, so we’ll take a leisurely ride over leaving 700HQ at 08.45, all welcome!
Anyone that wants a longer ride, you’re welcome to join us and then ride on from Marlow, it is of course the gateway to the Chilterns! If you have other plans, please share them 🙂
700cc 