South West Cyclocross Round 10

Last weekend I travelled down to Plymouth Moto X Park for round 10 of the South West cyclocross series. Due to not having a cross bike and my 29er being replaced under warranty, the Sowdens kindly lent me their cross bike to race on, it had tubs the lot.

I was quite nervous on arrival as I wasn’t sure what to expect as I hadn’t raced any cyclocross so far this season, Dexter Hurlock was also racing so I knew it wasn't going to be easy. After the pre-race chit chat and a few practice laps to get the feel for riding a cross bike again it was time to line up, I knew I’d have to start near the back as it was my first race of the series, this meant I had some chasing to do. 

As the gun went I quickly tried to get myself into a half decent position my spotting the gaps and going for it, I comfortably got myself into the top ten sooner than I expected but quickly discovered that Dexter and Matt Loake had already gained a small gap on the rest of the field. 

I felt pretty strong so managed to work my way through the field and then set about chasing Dexter and Matt down, I was determined to catch them and after around three laps I managed to bridge across which felt like a victory in itself.

As soon as I had jumped across Dexter began to up the pace but I wasn’t going to let him go after I’d put all that effort in to close the gap, we started to open up a healthy lead on the rest of the field and the race was on.

The battle eventually came down to the bell (final lap), I wasn’t overly confident of outdoing Dexter as he has pretty much been unstoppable all year and the fall near the start of the last lap didn’t exactly help my situation but I was determined and in the zone and wasn’t going to give up without a fight.

The chase was back on until Dexter’s chain came off which meant I gained a bit of ground on him, he soon managed to claw his way back again though, luckily for me I had the lead which played to my advantage as I could basically keep the speed up on the straights and hold my line through the corners which made it difficult for Dex to pass. Coming into the final few corners he tried to creep up the inside but I wasn’t going to let that happen so got my lean on, all I had to do then was then hold my nerve all the way to the line which I did and I felt absolutely ecstatic to get the win and to beat Dexter who is the South West cyclocross and South West mountain bike champion.

Big thanks to Roy Wyle Smith and his crew for putting on such a great event and thanks to all the crowd who made it such an awesome atmosphere to race in, cow bells, horns, Mexican waves the whole lot was going on.

I’m now thoroughly looking forward to my next race which is Soggy Bottom R2 at Newnham Park on December 15^th.

Big thank you to Mullet Snaps for the photos, please go and like his facebook page https://www.facebook.com/MulletSnaps

Muddy Margam!

On Sunday, I traveled to Margam Park for my first race of the season; nerves were in abundance as I hadn't raced for ages and forgot my strategy of dealing with pre-race butterflies. Once I’d arrived and met all the familiar faces it reminded me of why I love racing so much. However this race was not going to be easy but I do enjoy a challenge. Whilst entering I noticed that Marc Beaumont (world class Downhiller) had entered, this added a little excitement to the race as he was in the same category as I.

After walking back to my van soaking wet, I realized Marc was parked right next to me, I went over and chatted to him and was a bit starstruck it has to be said.

After talking to him and getting a quick insight on what life is like to be a pro downhiller I got my my kit on, changed my tyres and tried to focus on what was ahead of me. My team mates, Nick Butler and Lee Hayward returned from their race and I could hardly notice them, that gives you a clue of what the conditions were like, Nick quoted “that was the muddiest race I've ever done”.

Whilst warming up I rode round the last section of the course, and what would be a super fast section if it was dry had turned into a boggy mess and it was a job just turning the pedals. I have had some decent results in the past in bad conditions so thought this may play to my advantage. On the start line I lined up right on Beaumont’s wheel, as ever the dreaded 10 second countdown began then we were off, I was very surprised with the start I had got I was straight up into second place after the first climb, sitting on the junior national champs wheel. Somehow I managed to gap the rest of the field and found myself a good 30 seconds up after the first lap. I couldn't believe it.

After feeling good for the first few laps, my lungs decided to play up and I felt tight chested for the middle part of the race. This meant Dan Lewis and James Nixon managed to bridge the gap to me. After riding like a complete tool on the rocky shoot. Dan got a gap on me and that was the last I saw of him, this left James and I fighting it out for second place.

James was looking really strong until the last few laps, I realized on the sections where we had to get off and walk/run (the mud was over a foot deep) I could gap him, I was confident then that I could hold on to second place, on the penultimate lap I managed to pull away and started to feel strong again, always a good sign to feel strong at the end of a race. I came over the line in second place just over two minutes back from Dan, I was chuffed with the result considering it was the first race of the season and I didn't feel 100%.

It was so cold after the race, I was very pleased to hear Jay say, collect your prize straight away, I’ve never been so glad about there not being a podium. Thanks to all the people involved on putting the event on in such horrible conditions and to my sponsors of course. Bye for now. 

Comeback Kid!

It’s been an age since my last blog so I thought it was about time I gave you all an update of what I've been up to. This year has been a disappointing year for racing; I began to lose interest half way through the season and thought the best thing for me to do was to have a few months off the bike so I could regain the enthusiasm I used to have for riding. I feel this was the right decision as I’m now buzzing to be back on the bike, I can’t wait for next season.

Last weekend I traveled down to Plymouth to compete in the last round of the South West cyclocross series held at Central Park, which is right outside Plymouth Argyle’s football ground. I wasn't very optimistic of my chances as I’d only been back on the bike for about two weeks. On arrival I was greeted by many familiar faces saying “hello stranger” that explains how much racing I've done this year. It felt great to be back.

After the usual pre-race social it was time for the practice lap, I immediately thought to myself this is going to be hard! The course was a mud bath and every pedal stroke was a fight to get traction. Although I was very negative about my chances of getting a good result I thought the mud would benefit me as I seem to ride well in bad conditions, must be the fact that most of my training is done off road.

It was time, after freezing on the start line because of the BC commissaire wittering on as usual. Finally we were off and I got a surprisingly good start considering I was at the back of the grid. At the first corner I was amazed to be in the top 5 so quickly. After the first lap being a bit of a procession with everyone being so close. Matt Zeitz and Dexter Hurlock quickly gained a gap and I wisely chose not to try and go with them. I found myself alone in 3^rd place with James Davey fighting to close the gap to me. Unfortunately for James he suffered a mechanical which meant his day was over, this left Jay Horton hot on my heels.

Whilst Matt and Dexter had cemented a pretty big gap and were fighting it out for 1^st and 2^nd. Jay had caught me and we had also cemented a good gap on the rest of the field. For most of the race Jay had about 10 seconds on me and I just couldn't bridge across. Until the final lap when I was spurred on by the brilliant commentating of Steve Long shouting “come on Luke show us how good you are” I dug so deep and finally started to believe I could catch him, With about quarter of a lap to go I had caught Jay and sat on his wheel for a quick breather until I gave it everything to get round him before the final decent to the finish line. I crossed the line in 3^rd place and was ecstatic as I never imagined getting 3^rd before the race considering how much training I’d done.

After the race everyone gathered in Plymouth Argyle’s club house for the presentation, beers and buffet. Thanks to Certini for putting on a great event as usual, Southfork for their support as always and Carla Haines for putting my numbers on as I hate doing it. Have a great Christmas and New Years people, chow. 

Man Flu!

A lot has been going on since my last blog post. I finished my mechanics course on March 16th and am now a fully qualified Level 2 City & Guilds bicycle mechanic. I learnt a great deal on the course and am now in the middle of setting my own Mobile bike repairs business. I'll announce the name etc. sometime in the near future. 

The next race on my agenda was Sherwood, a few days before the race a parcel arrived in the post for me, it was full of KCNC goodies (KCNC are leaders in lightweight components) fitting them to my race bike was a joy, doubt my girlfriend had the same view as she patiently watched me do it. If you want well made, lightweight, good looking components choose KCNC.

The lead up to Sherwood wasn't great as at the end of the course I managed to get man flu. I didn't feel right on the bike in the lead up to the race. My legs felt really lethargic and my chest felt like I'd been smoking for years even though I've never touched a cigarette in my life. I tried to put this all behind me and made my way up to Robin Hood County with my girlfriend. After a practice lap we made our way to Travelodge, 60 pounds for the night is a joke just for a bed and a TV for the night, Robbing ba***rds. 

After a quick breakfast at Frankie’s and Benny’s we made our way back to race HQ. After the pre-race nervous time, it was time for gridding. I was gridded about half way down the field. The countdown finally began and then "BANG" we were off. 80+ elites fighting for position is certainly a good way to get the adrenaline rushing. I got a fairly good start but after about 5 minutes I started to go backwards and my body gradually felt worse after every minute. I had no option but to pull out during the second lap. I was very disappointed and angry but have taken away some positives from the weekend.

After being one of the only elites with hairy legs at Sherwood, I decided to shave them last week. I soon regretted my decision as my legs looked like they had chicken pox. I will never be shaving my legs again, it's not like have girly legs makes much difference anyway.  

The weekend just gone was the second round of the Southwest Series at United Downs, Redruth. I made the decision not to race as I still wasn’t 100%. Thankfully my legs are starting to come back now so I'll be back in full force soon. I look forward to National R2 at Dalby as it has some hills and technical descents in it, which suits me.

Lastly I’d just like to say a big thank you to my sponsors Southfork, Clee Cycles for supplying me with KCNC components and everyone who supports me, especially my girlfriend whose support is fantastic, without her I wouldn’t know how to organize myself at the races. 

Life is good!

On the 4^th March my girlfriend (Beth) and I travelled down to Woodbury Common for the first round of the South West series. It was Beth’s birthday on the Saturday night prior to the race, it resulted in me throwing my guts up after only 4 pints, not the most ideal race prep, and I think you’ll agree.

On arrival I wasn’t feeling up for racing if I’m honest, I had a headache, felt sick and it was pissing down with rain outside. I did contemplate not starting but thought I may as well give it a bash. After a reasonable start I later regretted my decision to start the race as I had to pull out after only two laps due to having no energy as it was all lost in the toilet the night before, I also had a tumble on the second lap, the tree came off better, put it that way. Never will I be drinking on a night before a race again, even if it is a special occasion.

After the race I headed back home to finish getting my things packed for the bike mechanics course I’m currently on. I am thoroughly enjoying the course so far; I’m over a week through the two week course now and wouldn’t have thought it was possible to learn the amount I have learnt in just over a week. I originally came on the course for my own benefit as I was shocking at mechanics. I’m now seriously looking into setting up my own business. I finish the course this Friday and can’t wait to get started.  

I would just like to say a big thank you to Clee Cycles for their help. They are going to be supplying me with KCNC components for this year, something I am really excited about. Life is good!

  

Who needs shoes...

On Sunday my girlfriend and I travelled down to Newnham Park for my first race of the season. Nerves were in abundance on the way down due to the fact the race would involve running, something I hadn’t done properly for a long time. At school running was my main focus so I just hoped I hadn’t lost my running legs too much.    

As eleven O’clock approached I placed my bike, helmet and shoes into transition, I think I was the last one to do so, organisation isn’t my greatest attribute. A quick warm up followed as me and Sam Barley went for a quick jog. My legs didn’t feel great I have to say but this is normal for me. I got back to the start and positioned myself on the second row right behind Graham Sheldon.

After some friendly Banter with Rich Long and Pete Robinson, Martin’s countdown began and the butterflies kicked in, the dreaded “15 seconds” was announced then before I knew it we were off. I was surprised by my start as I went off in the front group. Pete Hawkins quickly made some ground on the rest of the field whilst Steve Ferguson, Jordan West (pairs), Tom Lapthorn and I formed the chasing group. I felt reasonably comfortable until the pace upped before the decent into transition. I hung on though as I knew the first run was nearly over.   

I hit transition and calmed myself before jumping on the bike to try and chase down Steve and Pete as they were quicker than me in Transition. The run had definitely taken it out of me a bit as I struggled to pull them back for a while. However on the third bike leg my legs started to come back and I had Pete in my sights. I eventually caught him and felt confident I could get a gap on him as it looked as though he was tiring; I did manage to get a small gap on him and felt confident I could then hold my position to the finish.

Steve was nowhere to be seen. I thought to myself he’s either having a great ride or he’s had a mechanical. I kept the pace up until I reached transition for the final time for the Stinger run, 3km of mud, bogs, river crossings and tree dodging. I missed part of the riders briefing so was running around like a headless chicken in transition as I wasn’t sure where the run started, lucky for me Steve’s twin was there to direct me. I didn’t know Steve had a twin, as do I, until after the race so at first I thought it was Steve directing me and I was in the lead. That was until I saw Steve towards the end of the run, I was confused.com!    

  

The run itself was an eventful one as I lost my shoes in one of the many bogs and decided it would be quicker to leave them as Pete wasn’t far behind. I carried on like Zola Budd and went for it. Towards the finish I had Steve in my sights but knew I would have to settle for second place. Fair play to Steve he put in a great performance. 

I was very pleased with my performance too as I have only been on three training runs this year.Thank you to everyone who cheered me on especially my Mum, Twin brother and girlfriend.

Thank you to Martin, Jay, Maddie and the rest of the team for putting on another great event also thanks again to my sponsors Southfork for my new bike. I’m now looking forward to my next race which is on March 4^th at Woodbury Common for the first round of the Fully Sussed Southwest Series.    

Hail To The Scale!

Earlier I took my bike on its first ride of the season. I eagerly left the house and couldn’t wait to hit the awesome trails Exmoor has to offer. I am really lucky to live in such a beautiful area which is ideal for mountain biking. The trails of both Exmoor and the Quantocks are right on my doorstep. If you haven’t explored this area before I recommend you do as it really is fantastic.

As soon as I’d hit the trail the Scale came alive and did everything I asked of it. In my opinion there is no better bike out there for XC riding/racing. It climbs like a mountain goat, descends brilliantly, handles superbly and is very confidence inspiring. It almost begs to be ridden fast!

Some hard tails I’ve ridden in the past were so harsh I couldn’t wait to get off the damn thing because my back would be in so much pain. Not the scale! It feels like you’re riding a full suspension bike just without the rear suspension. I honestly can’t put into words how great this bike is, it is an absolute joy to ride. Thanks again to my brilliant sponsors Southfork.