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I had a shocker tbh .
up till late on fri swapping tyres , rotors , cassette etc
Didnt finish it so set up the tubeless tyres on sat am . Brand new Spesh Storm control went up OK but pourus as anything ,literally dozens of pin holes where the jizz was seeping out. Arrived in time , but spent far too long pratting about , chatting , getting ready so started at the back pretty much last .had a gentle ride round with wwaswas but found every root treacherous on lap 1 .
Lap 2 (pairs ) was better but burped the storm on the off camber drops and had to re-inflate which all takes time.
I know I am steady but capable and recover on the fire roads and push on the singletrack ,but almost every time someone would nip in front just before the entry , then mince over the roots and round the corners where I know i could be a tiny bit faster .
Lap 3 was better as the riders seemed to have thinned out but the course felt draggy and slow , rode the drops without mincing and cleared the badger climb
Lap 4 . Had 50 mins on my watch to get in before the cut, and failed . Burped the Storm again despite starting with at 28psi but kept on riding with it at 12 psi or so . The final descent like that was interesting to say the least , with the tyre squiriming around on the rim. Missed the cut and finished 2nd to last .
Great course , but tough on old men like me who dont ride anywhere near enough
one gallery up...
https://www.kevinsheldrakephotography.com/Cycle-Races/Brighton-Big-Dog-2018/
I'm sure there was another one, but I can't find it now
https://www.rootsandrain.com/race6635/2018-aug-11-stanmer-park-brighton/photos/filters/untagged/
More here
Well that was a toughie! After crashing my tits off last year I wanted to a) keep it rubber side down and b) complete for the win in the mens pairs.
My usual partner Stephen James had messed his knee up (thats Ride London for you!) so team mate Rich Jones subbed in. I voluneteered him to ride the first lap and he duelly delivered a fast lap, sending me out as leader of the race. I won't lie, the first lap was tough. I rode with the leading solo riders (how the hell they maintain that pace for 6hr I do not know) putting in a steady lap in the greasy conditions. I kept it upright and sent Rich out and maintaining our lead.
By lap 4 we held a narrow 1min lead. This resulted in much stress when encountering lapped riders; deep breaths and calmly asking for passing space. I did feel stressed when a few riders completely failed to yield , but ya know ...its racing. Rich was doing a fantastic job of consolidating our lead whilst I was doing a fantastic job of giving it away. Lap 6 and we held less than 1 min. This was tight.
Into my penultimate lap and the second place team were ~30s behind. I could see them behind me on the long first climb. It was at this point I had perhaps the worst moment ever in a race; as I joined the course another rider joined behind me. He then sprinted past me and swerved hard across me taking out my front wheel leaving me on the ground. There was no reason for it other than a deliberate action to take me out! I was completly dumb struck that someone could deliberatly take out another rider. Back on the bike I rode passed him, gave him a 'you dumb f##k' look and left him for dead.
Into the last lap: legs are ****ed! I'm riding on the tight rope between cramp and speed. Everytime I'm out of the saddle my legs start to sieze and scream in pain. Climbing back out of the University section my legs are spasming, I make it clean up the climb and know there is just one long drag and then DH to the finish. On the drag I keep checking for second place but I'm clear. Start the DH, keep it clean, no mistakes, into the arena and I'm done; crossing the line with the arms held high. I was beyound elated to win this race again.
It really is one of the best races of the year...and one day I will make it to the after race drinks!
It was at this point I had perhaps the worst moment ever in a race; as I joined the course another rider joined behind me. He then sprinted past me and swerved hard across me taking out my front wheel leaving me on the ground. There was no reason for it other than a deliberate action to take me out! I was completly dumb struck that someone could deliberatly take out another rider.
I saw this - both the crash and you laying in a heap swearing - just after hairpin out of transition. I was between laps at our paddock! It didn't look deliberate - more careless, although how he didn't see you, I don't know as you were the only rider within about 50m.
He didn't offer much by way of apology!
@ mccraque I'm sure it wasn't. The circumstances were bizzare as you said, no one around us, straight open field and whomp I'm lying on the floor. Nothing broken so alls good.
Seventh , down two places from last year in the Wonder Dog Lap for me but very happy with that…. Second lap armed with a new number and more determination to beat the time of my first lap but couldn’t manage it, just as well as Timelap didn’t record it anyway.
A brilliant event and atmosphere. Well done all.