Eleanor writes:
Much to my disappointment, when I pulled into Weaverham High School all the riders looked fit, whippet-like and young. I was hoping to see at least a couple of duffers with stabilisers, but no luck. Anyway I resolved to follow the only piece of advice Kevan gave me: get to the front at the start. Somehow however I immediately found myself at the back – on the start line. I don’t know how that happened, I must have lost concentration whilst chatting. Well that was the last chatting I did for a long time: right from the start it was a question of concentrating hard in order to stay on a wheel, and trying to follow all the sudden accelerations. Despite my worst fears, the Acton Bridge hill wasn’t that bad – the girls all changed down into their smaller rings at the bottom and I was able to keep up OK to the top – but that’s when the fun started, when the leaders powered away over the crest and the group singled out, leaving us back-markers struggling to retain contact. Once safely round the corner by the Hazel Pear I could relax in the group, eat and drink something and conduct a detailed study as to how ponytails are best worn under helmets – I’ve clearly been doing it wrong, which may explain my poor performance. Anyway I kept going for six laps and was rather proud of myself for doing so, in such exalted company: but getting dropped twice, and having to work hard to regain the group, had left me knackered. At the bottom of my seventh assault on the hill I suddenly capitulated – in my brain more than my legs – a moment of weakness, and it was immediately too late to change my mind. Next time I’ll try and be tougher, but to be honest I was only too aware that these girls are in a different league, and I knew that if I kept going it wouldn’t get any easier.
So, it was a great experience, and I’m really glad I overcame my nerves to enter. Thanks for all the support, it was v. motivating to hear the shouts of “come on El” on every corner, it made a big difference and it was nice to think the other riders were all puzzling as to who this new girl was in their midst – clearly a major threat!
Racing to oblivion…
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Well done Eleanor, we thought you looked pretty relaxed at the back and were expecting maybe a sprint finish for the Weaver Valley?! There’s always next time, and in the meantime I think that you have inspired a few of us novices to give it a go this year.
well done eleanor and lest you give it ago and next year you’ll do better. my new training pal was in the race aswell, but she have issuse with her chain.
I hope to see you all soon, i am right in the middle of my fred witton training.
ps get caire with you next year
Well done El! Six times up THAT hill is no mean feat, especially in such good company. My advice (to use your big ring for the climb) was clearly useless, but I was right about the attacks over the crest every time. You must have a slick front changer – good bike and mechanic.
After the mental torment of that tough road riding you need to get off road and enjoy yourself again – Lee Quarry Saturday. See the Bogblog link.
Thanks for the comments! Gary it’s great to hear from you, we miss you! Good luck with your Fred Whitton training – I don’t envy you, Acton Bridge Hill doesn’t really compare with Hardknott and Wrynose!
Nick yes you were right about the crest and no I can’t complain about my bike and mechanic, they both did me proud!
I can’t make Lee Quarry incidentally – I’m going to a wedding – Kev thinks he’s not up to technical stuff yet, so I don’t think he’ll make it either. Have a good time without us, sounds like one for the downhill boys!