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| Great Win For Ruth! |
Simon G
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Sunday, 11 January 2015
Chain- Gang Regular Ruth Wins Her First Ever Road Race
Simon G
10/1 Pre BBR Special - 40 Miles Of Headwind!
During the week Pete Buss had suggested we move the pre BBR Lewes special to Sunday rather than Saturday due to a forecast of strong winds. Unfortunately this was not possible for me so we had to go ahead despite the warnings.
Setting off from the bridge cafe into a fierce Westerly wind we were only averaging about nine miles an hour.We had allowed half an hour to meet up with Pete and Tom at Normans bay but with the wind we ended up taking fifty minutes. Derek was finding it particularly hard but was determined to carry on. At this rate of progress I calculated it would take about four hours to get to Lewes and I was seriously worried we would never make it!
Fortunately once we got past Pevensey we had a little more shelter from the wind and our pace picked up to an awe inspiring 14 mph, lol
This route (provided by Nigel) was excellent, criss crossing very quiet well maintained country roads and we all enjoyed the stretch to Laughton.
The B road from laughton to Ringmer would normally have been an enjoyable stretch but we were now heading fully into the south westerly wind and it was becoming increasingly wet. We tried to work as a peloton but Derek couldn't hang on and it soon became each man for himself.
After what seemed an age we finally arrived at lewes, cold , wet and wind beaten. This was our lowest ebb, even the thought that we would soon have the wind behind us did little to cheer us. What we needed was hot coffee and food.
All the obvious eateries were too busy to sit down so we had to settle for a costa coffe in the local Tesco. The food there was at typical rip off prices so myself and Tom purchased some half price sandwiches (68p) from the main store and sneaked them under the table.
While we were resting the weather changed dramatically. The rain stopped and the sun came out. unfortunately the wind dropped to about half its previous strength. We were going to be denied the mega tail wind we had been promised.
The section of road down to Newhaven was to be the last section into the wind, from there we were heading east along the coast. Riding through Seaford we stopped for a quick break and enjoyed the sight of the spectacular swell crashing into the prom . Derek was now completely knackered and said he would press on at his own pace, leaving myself Tom, Pete and Diego to cycle through Seaford and down to the seven sisters country park. We now had a choice, we could either carry on home via Beachy Head (quite easy with the tail wind) or stick to the route which would head inland where the wind assistance would be less. Tom was already going to be late home so he headed for Beachy leaving the rest us on the official route.
All day we had noticed just how swollen the rivers were and how many fields were flooded. The river cuckmere had burst its banks and there was some quite deep flooding on the road. It was amusing watching the cars ploughing through the water which was almost high enough to enter their exhausts pipes. For us it was no problem but with massive amounts of rain forecast in the next 48 hours, this would not be a road I would want to ride on next weekend .
Myself and Peter were now getting increasingly tired but Diego seemed as fresh as a daisy . Pete was grateful to finish at Pevenesey but Diego and I still had another ten miles to go. Fortunately with the tailey I was able to spin my tired legs and arrived home with a satisfying 78 miles on the garmin
This was a fun ride despite the weather and is one I will look forward to doing again next year! thanks to Pete for organising and to Nigel for mapping out the route.
Setting off from the bridge cafe into a fierce Westerly wind we were only averaging about nine miles an hour.We had allowed half an hour to meet up with Pete and Tom at Normans bay but with the wind we ended up taking fifty minutes. Derek was finding it particularly hard but was determined to carry on. At this rate of progress I calculated it would take about four hours to get to Lewes and I was seriously worried we would never make it!
Fortunately once we got past Pevensey we had a little more shelter from the wind and our pace picked up to an awe inspiring 14 mph, lol
This route (provided by Nigel) was excellent, criss crossing very quiet well maintained country roads and we all enjoyed the stretch to Laughton.
The B road from laughton to Ringmer would normally have been an enjoyable stretch but we were now heading fully into the south westerly wind and it was becoming increasingly wet. We tried to work as a peloton but Derek couldn't hang on and it soon became each man for himself.
After what seemed an age we finally arrived at lewes, cold , wet and wind beaten. This was our lowest ebb, even the thought that we would soon have the wind behind us did little to cheer us. What we needed was hot coffee and food.
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| Tescos Was Our only Option! |
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| We All Had A 'Swell' Time! |
The section of road down to Newhaven was to be the last section into the wind, from there we were heading east along the coast. Riding through Seaford we stopped for a quick break and enjoyed the sight of the spectacular swell crashing into the prom . Derek was now completely knackered and said he would press on at his own pace, leaving myself Tom, Pete and Diego to cycle through Seaford and down to the seven sisters country park. We now had a choice, we could either carry on home via Beachy Head (quite easy with the tail wind) or stick to the route which would head inland where the wind assistance would be less. Tom was already going to be late home so he headed for Beachy leaving the rest us on the official route.
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| Diego Crosses The Flood! |
Myself and Peter were now getting increasingly tired but Diego seemed as fresh as a daisy . Pete was grateful to finish at Pevenesey but Diego and I still had another ten miles to go. Fortunately with the tailey I was able to spin my tired legs and arrived home with a satisfying 78 miles on the garmin
This was a fun ride despite the weather and is one I will look forward to doing again next year! thanks to Pete for organising and to Nigel for mapping out the route.
Saturday, 10 January 2015
Chain gang. A view from the front (well near it anyway)
My Wednesday evening started as usual meeting up with Barny at his house in Ore for one of our errr ‘steady’ rides to the chain via Battle, down through Catsfield, up to Ninfield then through the Bronx (Sidley) and on to the start of the chain. This steady pre chain warm up as usual quickly descended into full on race pace breakaway training that apparently I had started ( as if an excuse were needed! ). This was true actually and I wished I hadn’t as Barny was in top form on the night and made me suffer for it!
On arriving at the shelter we both had a rice cake for energy (very pro) courtesy of Suze and chatted about the wind! We set off with Barny and I two abreast leading at quite a pace with, at the time I wasn’t sure but have been told about seven riders. The wind immediately started to hurt! On the turn up Southcliff the ever powerful Neil Shier and the amazing Ruth hit the front and stretched us out. We all stayed together though until Herbrand, after taking a turn and a couple of rotations later the unbelievably low and aero Barny powered through and I just couldn’t catch his wheel and off he went thirty metres up the road. Now we have a challenge! Feeling it a bit and still waiting for the rice cake to ’kick in’ I decided to try to use the others to get back to him. With Ruth and Neil having slowed to check a mysterious noise coming from Ruth’s bike newby Jamie did enough on the front so I could recover enough to then kick and escape myself for a solo attempt to catch the git! I couldn’t. the gap stayed at about 50 metres all the way from the bridges to the rbt with us both in tt mode and struggling to keep about 20-21 mph into the wind. Neil was next in with a strong effort to catch us.
On the return Barny and I again lead it out and picked up the pace with the wind now at our heels. Reaching the hump that is spooky we maintained our speed to thin the field and were left with three of us as far as I could see without looking back to share the work to the finish, well I say share but most of the riding on the front was done by the very strong Neil and the ’on a mission’ Barny with only a couple of goes from me. The pace was silly fast with the tail wind and we arrived at the lights together with me opting not to sprint as I hadn’t done enough on the front and this would have been bad form. In a race however I would have used and abused the them without any feeling of guilt or remorse! We were however on full gas all the way back and were as ever surprised and impressed by the arrival of superwoman Ruth next in and only a few seconds behind us!
The ride home was actually steady. Which was nice. The chain was a wake up call though as the racing starts for us in march. NEED TO GET ON IT!
Cheers you amazing cycling people!
Stuart H
On arriving at the shelter we both had a rice cake for energy (very pro) courtesy of Suze and chatted about the wind! We set off with Barny and I two abreast leading at quite a pace with, at the time I wasn’t sure but have been told about seven riders. The wind immediately started to hurt! On the turn up Southcliff the ever powerful Neil Shier and the amazing Ruth hit the front and stretched us out. We all stayed together though until Herbrand, after taking a turn and a couple of rotations later the unbelievably low and aero Barny powered through and I just couldn’t catch his wheel and off he went thirty metres up the road. Now we have a challenge! Feeling it a bit and still waiting for the rice cake to ’kick in’ I decided to try to use the others to get back to him. With Ruth and Neil having slowed to check a mysterious noise coming from Ruth’s bike newby Jamie did enough on the front so I could recover enough to then kick and escape myself for a solo attempt to catch the git! I couldn’t. the gap stayed at about 50 metres all the way from the bridges to the rbt with us both in tt mode and struggling to keep about 20-21 mph into the wind. Neil was next in with a strong effort to catch us.
On the return Barny and I again lead it out and picked up the pace with the wind now at our heels. Reaching the hump that is spooky we maintained our speed to thin the field and were left with three of us as far as I could see without looking back to share the work to the finish, well I say share but most of the riding on the front was done by the very strong Neil and the ’on a mission’ Barny with only a couple of goes from me. The pace was silly fast with the tail wind and we arrived at the lights together with me opting not to sprint as I hadn’t done enough on the front and this would have been bad form. In a race however I would have used and abused the them without any feeling of guilt or remorse! We were however on full gas all the way back and were as ever surprised and impressed by the arrival of superwoman Ruth next in and only a few seconds behind us!
The ride home was actually steady. Which was nice. The chain was a wake up call though as the racing starts for us in march. NEED TO GET ON IT!
Cheers you amazing cycling people!
Stuart H
Thursday, 8 January 2015
Wednesday Chain Gang – ‘Champagne Supernova’
I start watching the weather reports in earnest on a Sunday, hoping in vain for dry, warm and windless Wednesday nights. This week it was clear that we would be in for a windy but mostly dry ride. That wind did a good job of drying the roads too; it saved us from the worst of the road spray that can plague the marsh lane sections of the chain gang route.
We had a great turnout of 24 riders despite the gusty south-westerly, more than enough for two groups. But the super-fasts set out with just six riders - a quarter or ‘Picolo’ of the group - the rest of us not really fancying or feeling capable of beating a speedy path into the wind. That outward leg was going to feel fearfully hard and I was thinking more about staying upright and not being blown to a standstill! Herbrand Walk in gusts of 35 to 40mph, whilst trying to keep up with the club’s finest? ‘Not tonight’ seemed to be the general feeling.
The rest of us ‘Standard’ riders followed a minute behind, in a long line down Marina and Western Road, splitting into small groups before the stiff pull up South Cliff into that strong but warm wind. I found myself in a group of four, which gradually grew to seven riders somewhere along Herbrand Walk. Particularly strong gusts yanked at my front wheel as the wind blew through gaps between the beach huts; definitely a night for keeping both hands on the bars.
For the first time in ages we were caught at the level crossing, but I was glad of the break after working hard to make headway to that point. We rode tight to each other’s back wheels to make sure we didn’t lose the shelter of the group, and worked well together along the lanes to the Star Inn (is that place open anymore?). I notice as the winter progresses that more riders are sporting snazzy mudguards; I’ve got some half-length ones somewhere I should really fit…
I think I was leading the group when we hit Spooky Hill, trying hard to keep a decent pace going with what was more of a crosswind at this point. As usual, on the night, the hill sifted out the fresher and stronger legs. I pressed on in a group of four across the marsh with Tom ‘Magnum’ Norris, Simon ‘Balthazar’ Grogan and John ‘Demi’ Stainsby. Entering the old sprint section before the final bend, I was again at the head of the group, with Tom coming up alongside me. I played silly-buggers and sped up a bit before letting him in as we both built up speed, half-committing to a contest to reach the corner first but settling for a honourable draw.
There followed a longish wait at the roundabout as small groups of riders kept arriving – had there really been this many at the start? With the last of them safely at the layby we set off in a more freestyle grouping. I fancied pushing myself so I set off with the ‘Supers’, spinning fast as I searched for the ideal gear ratio to match their quickening pace. They were oblivious to my fiddling about as we rode fast and two-abreast across the marshes, with me gasping for breath as they casually chatted, smoked cigars and quaffed champagne. Bastards…
It was my turn to be ‘sifted’ on Spooky Hill as the group maintained their speed and mine dropped, lungs and legs burning, hopes dashed, the bitter taste of failure rising in my throat, the harsh reality of a wasted youth slapping me in the face. Surely, a new carbon-fibre bike would give me the speed I need? Somehow, I don’t think so, but sometimes my limitations piss me off. I guess I’ve got to suck it up or do something about it.
I rode solo down the hill, with the wind pressing on my back, from there to past the Star Inn where Malcolm overhauled me before the level crossing. I watched him pull away and catch a bike showing a very bright rear light that I too was slowly gaining on. Before I reached that rider, I was caught by Simon G and John S near the Cooden Beach Hotel. The wind was fierce as we turned right at the station, heading to the 90 degree left hand turn, knowing that the wind would give us a good shove up the sharp slope.
Working together we soon caught the guy with the overly bright light on Cooden Drive, despite being half-blinded by the blinking brightness. Having shared our displeasure, we formed a group and rode fast with the wind to the lights, with Simon G breaking away strongly for a fast finish. He was not riding his fixie! The rest of the group arrived in ones and twos having fully enjoyed a wind-powered return. It’s one of the real pleasures of cycling, isn’t it? Making near effortless progress with the wind at your back, the fizz of your tyres on wet tarmac the only noise as you rip up the road.
I rode back to Cooden and then Normans Bay with Stuart ‘Melchior’ Buckland and Peter ’Methuselah’ Buss, revisiting again the shingle-strewn joy of Herbrand Walk, in what seemed to be an even stiffer wind. Payback came on the return leg, surfing the blast towards home and a hot meal. Riding with the wind felt glorious; I could have kept going all night, zipping along with a big smile on my face.
Regards, Neil
We had a great turnout of 24 riders despite the gusty south-westerly, more than enough for two groups. But the super-fasts set out with just six riders - a quarter or ‘Picolo’ of the group - the rest of us not really fancying or feeling capable of beating a speedy path into the wind. That outward leg was going to feel fearfully hard and I was thinking more about staying upright and not being blown to a standstill! Herbrand Walk in gusts of 35 to 40mph, whilst trying to keep up with the club’s finest? ‘Not tonight’ seemed to be the general feeling.
The rest of us ‘Standard’ riders followed a minute behind, in a long line down Marina and Western Road, splitting into small groups before the stiff pull up South Cliff into that strong but warm wind. I found myself in a group of four, which gradually grew to seven riders somewhere along Herbrand Walk. Particularly strong gusts yanked at my front wheel as the wind blew through gaps between the beach huts; definitely a night for keeping both hands on the bars.
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| Another (Tom) Strava Addict Is Born! |
For the first time in ages we were caught at the level crossing, but I was glad of the break after working hard to make headway to that point. We rode tight to each other’s back wheels to make sure we didn’t lose the shelter of the group, and worked well together along the lanes to the Star Inn (is that place open anymore?). I notice as the winter progresses that more riders are sporting snazzy mudguards; I’ve got some half-length ones somewhere I should really fit…
I think I was leading the group when we hit Spooky Hill, trying hard to keep a decent pace going with what was more of a crosswind at this point. As usual, on the night, the hill sifted out the fresher and stronger legs. I pressed on in a group of four across the marsh with Tom ‘Magnum’ Norris, Simon ‘Balthazar’ Grogan and John ‘Demi’ Stainsby. Entering the old sprint section before the final bend, I was again at the head of the group, with Tom coming up alongside me. I played silly-buggers and sped up a bit before letting him in as we both built up speed, half-committing to a contest to reach the corner first but settling for a honourable draw.
There followed a longish wait at the roundabout as small groups of riders kept arriving – had there really been this many at the start? With the last of them safely at the layby we set off in a more freestyle grouping. I fancied pushing myself so I set off with the ‘Supers’, spinning fast as I searched for the ideal gear ratio to match their quickening pace. They were oblivious to my fiddling about as we rode fast and two-abreast across the marshes, with me gasping for breath as they casually chatted, smoked cigars and quaffed champagne. Bastards…
It was my turn to be ‘sifted’ on Spooky Hill as the group maintained their speed and mine dropped, lungs and legs burning, hopes dashed, the bitter taste of failure rising in my throat, the harsh reality of a wasted youth slapping me in the face. Surely, a new carbon-fibre bike would give me the speed I need? Somehow, I don’t think so, but sometimes my limitations piss me off. I guess I’ve got to suck it up or do something about it.
I rode solo down the hill, with the wind pressing on my back, from there to past the Star Inn where Malcolm overhauled me before the level crossing. I watched him pull away and catch a bike showing a very bright rear light that I too was slowly gaining on. Before I reached that rider, I was caught by Simon G and John S near the Cooden Beach Hotel. The wind was fierce as we turned right at the station, heading to the 90 degree left hand turn, knowing that the wind would give us a good shove up the sharp slope.
Working together we soon caught the guy with the overly bright light on Cooden Drive, despite being half-blinded by the blinking brightness. Having shared our displeasure, we formed a group and rode fast with the wind to the lights, with Simon G breaking away strongly for a fast finish. He was not riding his fixie! The rest of the group arrived in ones and twos having fully enjoyed a wind-powered return. It’s one of the real pleasures of cycling, isn’t it? Making near effortless progress with the wind at your back, the fizz of your tyres on wet tarmac the only noise as you rip up the road.
I rode back to Cooden and then Normans Bay with Stuart ‘Melchior’ Buckland and Peter ’Methuselah’ Buss, revisiting again the shingle-strewn joy of Herbrand Walk, in what seemed to be an even stiffer wind. Payback came on the return leg, surfing the blast towards home and a hot meal. Riding with the wind felt glorious; I could have kept going all night, zipping along with a big smile on my face.
Regards, Neil
Saturday, 3 January 2015
2/1 Fri Night Ride- Baxter Is Back!
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| The Eerie Figure Of Paul Appears On Battery Hill! |
Friday, 2 January 2015
Nice and Easy Does It
The last chain gang of 2014 drew eight riders away from warm living rooms and hot dinners, suitably wrapped up for the cold conditions and vowing to be cautious on those stretches of the route we knew might be icy. Chris P was there to wave us off, and perhaps also to check the sanity of the participants. He didn’t say whether he thought us certifiable or not, but I think we can conclude that last night’s riders are hard-core chain gang addicts.
Slav joined the group somewhere around Marina Court (I hope I got your name right), making nine for the night: he joined the fabulous Stuart Hodd, Barney, Peter B, Ruth S, Suze, Steve D, me and that rascal Tom Norris. That is the first time we have had two female riders on the chain gang this season, I believe. We rode in a restrained manner along Bexhill front, two-abreast for the most part. The traffic and wind was light and the road surface damp with salted water.
The stronger riders didn’t seem to be going that much slower than usual and soon pulled away on Cooden Drive, leaving me in a group of three with Peter B and Steve - must try harder. We rotated the lead across the marshes, avoiding the icy edges. In truth, the road surface was fine. The road had been gritted and the temperature was still, I think, a little above freezing. Three of the group had ridden this part of the route on their way to the start and reported it as clear. I had also driven the route in the afternoon, checking in particular the parts of the road that are often wet and that might therefore freeze. The only ice was in the gutters and potholes, with the south side of the western descent from Spooky Hill the worst. Keeping well out from the side of the road was the sensible precaution to take, as well as taking it steady on the bends, as you would on any damp ride.
But sometimes these conditions play tricks on you. Did I sense a bit of back wheel movement on Herbrand, or was that my imagination? You know it takes just a small patch of ice to unseat you, so you ride on tenterhooks. But riding too cautiously can be as bad – you need also to ride with confidence and keep things smooth. The spouts of water drops shooting from the front wheel reassured me that the road was not frozen and so I pressed on, making reasonable progress in the three man group. Well rested, Steve decided to pull away early, perhaps mistaking our location. I dug deep and pulled past him to the layby, the super-fasts already in place, chatting, steamy breath rising into the cold night air.
It was not a night for dilly-dallying; Stuart soon had us whipped into shape and we were ready to make the return leg. The super-fasts again pulled away but appeared to slow so that Tom, Steve, Peter and I could catch them. A message came up the line that Peter was feeling unwell, having been ill for a few days but determined to ride the chain gang. He was heading home at Normans Bay.
The shelter of the group gave me fresh legs. I tucked in behind Barney and Stuart, the latter shouting that ‘we won’t go too fast so try to keep up’. I resolved to do my best but I know that their moderate pace can still be 1 or 2 mph too fast for me. I hung on up and down Spooky Hill, past the Star Inn where I took a turn at the front, through the level crossing and along Herbrand. Slav went off the front again and I tried to pull past Barney and Stuart to take another turn at the front. I didn’t have the legs, apologised to Barney and pulled in behind. A stitch started in my ride side, stapling my right lung to my ribs, shortening my breath. And that was that – the guys pulled away and Ruth overtook me to join them. They rode smoothly but steadily away, with Slav turning at Cooden to ride back to Eastbourne.
As I climbed the short slope from Cooden I became aware of a light behind, bright and flashing. I recognised it’s frequency and shape as belonging to the ‘Bianchi Bomber’, that sturdy steed ridden with determined zeal by my arch nemesis. Yes, Tom ‘Red Socks’ Norris was catching me up. I let him, knowing we would rotate our way to the traffic lights, cooperating with most of the way, before trying to get the better of each other by the finish.
We took turns along Cooden, playing cat and mouse, pulling past but not easing off too much, making the other rider work that bit harder with each manoeuvre. Tom pedalled hard up Cooden Bump, but I hung on grimly. He seemed strong and I thought I’d do well to keep on his wheel at this rate.
We swooped down the other side and Tom was still riding hard, despite my bike generally being faster downhill than most. “Crap” I thought, “I’m glad I caught the bugger but that’s all I’ll do from here.”
He kept pedalling hard but somehow I kept in touch. We rode fast past the crossroads, keeping our speed, no chat, just serious endeavour, determined riding, and hard cycling. The road rises slightly at this point and I was still holding on, but only just. Tom still seemed strong, pushing himself lower and longer over the bike. And then came the classic Norris tactic of crying out as if wounded, as if he has blown.
But I know of old that this is a ruse, a deception to lull rivals into thinking you’ve got him beat and make you hesitate for half a pedal-stroke, only to see him pull away again with fresh energy. I really thought he might. Did I want to be beaten, I asked myself, so close to the end of the ride? Was I going to let him beat me mentally before I’d given my all?
“You bastard”, I thought, “I’ll get you Tom Norris!” I went for it, urging myself forward.
For those few moments when the road slopes gently downward and the lights come into view, I hated him, deliberately and cruelly. “I’m going to grind your bones” I said to myself. I dug deep, pressed harder and faster on the pedals, sucking in as much air as I could. I found I was gaining on him - yes! I pulled to the right to pass him and cycled harder still, ready to bust a gut to get past.
I was sure he’d match me, find some extra pace with which to hold me off, but no, I was pulling away, ‘through and off’, holding the front, Tom’s curses ringing out behind me as I put the final stamp on my ascendancy, before braking hard to pull into the roadside outside the brightly-lit estate agents. Tom pulled up to my right, put-out his hand and we shook – my hatred only temporary and purely for the purpose of motivation. Tom and I remain as we have all year: close rivals on good terms, respectful of each other but keenly competitive.
We rode back toward Eastbourne with Ruth. By the time you read this she will have competed in her first Cat 3/4 road race, for ERCC I think. She should do well, judging by her performances in the chain gang. My ride home from Rock Cottage was through increasingly cold air but I don’t think it ever quite reached zero and there is a noticeable rise in temperature as you enter town.
No doubt, many of you will wonder why we rode on such a cold night with the risk of icy roads; I did too! There was a fair bit of debate on whether to ride or not but ultimately we all made an informed decision and, as reported above, the route was checked and then ridden with appropriate care.
And so ended the 2014 chain gangs. We’ve had some great turnouts and many memorable rides. To me, they’re all memorable! The New Year brings new training aims, first of all for me is to lose some weight. Second, to see if I can stay a bit longer with the super-fasts…
See you all next Wednesday for the first chain gang of 2015.
neil
Slav joined the group somewhere around Marina Court (I hope I got your name right), making nine for the night: he joined the fabulous Stuart Hodd, Barney, Peter B, Ruth S, Suze, Steve D, me and that rascal Tom Norris. That is the first time we have had two female riders on the chain gang this season, I believe. We rode in a restrained manner along Bexhill front, two-abreast for the most part. The traffic and wind was light and the road surface damp with salted water.
The stronger riders didn’t seem to be going that much slower than usual and soon pulled away on Cooden Drive, leaving me in a group of three with Peter B and Steve - must try harder. We rotated the lead across the marshes, avoiding the icy edges. In truth, the road surface was fine. The road had been gritted and the temperature was still, I think, a little above freezing. Three of the group had ridden this part of the route on their way to the start and reported it as clear. I had also driven the route in the afternoon, checking in particular the parts of the road that are often wet and that might therefore freeze. The only ice was in the gutters and potholes, with the south side of the western descent from Spooky Hill the worst. Keeping well out from the side of the road was the sensible precaution to take, as well as taking it steady on the bends, as you would on any damp ride.
But sometimes these conditions play tricks on you. Did I sense a bit of back wheel movement on Herbrand, or was that my imagination? You know it takes just a small patch of ice to unseat you, so you ride on tenterhooks. But riding too cautiously can be as bad – you need also to ride with confidence and keep things smooth. The spouts of water drops shooting from the front wheel reassured me that the road was not frozen and so I pressed on, making reasonable progress in the three man group. Well rested, Steve decided to pull away early, perhaps mistaking our location. I dug deep and pulled past him to the layby, the super-fasts already in place, chatting, steamy breath rising into the cold night air.
It was not a night for dilly-dallying; Stuart soon had us whipped into shape and we were ready to make the return leg. The super-fasts again pulled away but appeared to slow so that Tom, Steve, Peter and I could catch them. A message came up the line that Peter was feeling unwell, having been ill for a few days but determined to ride the chain gang. He was heading home at Normans Bay.
The shelter of the group gave me fresh legs. I tucked in behind Barney and Stuart, the latter shouting that ‘we won’t go too fast so try to keep up’. I resolved to do my best but I know that their moderate pace can still be 1 or 2 mph too fast for me. I hung on up and down Spooky Hill, past the Star Inn where I took a turn at the front, through the level crossing and along Herbrand. Slav went off the front again and I tried to pull past Barney and Stuart to take another turn at the front. I didn’t have the legs, apologised to Barney and pulled in behind. A stitch started in my ride side, stapling my right lung to my ribs, shortening my breath. And that was that – the guys pulled away and Ruth overtook me to join them. They rode smoothly but steadily away, with Slav turning at Cooden to ride back to Eastbourne.
As I climbed the short slope from Cooden I became aware of a light behind, bright and flashing. I recognised it’s frequency and shape as belonging to the ‘Bianchi Bomber’, that sturdy steed ridden with determined zeal by my arch nemesis. Yes, Tom ‘Red Socks’ Norris was catching me up. I let him, knowing we would rotate our way to the traffic lights, cooperating with most of the way, before trying to get the better of each other by the finish.
We took turns along Cooden, playing cat and mouse, pulling past but not easing off too much, making the other rider work that bit harder with each manoeuvre. Tom pedalled hard up Cooden Bump, but I hung on grimly. He seemed strong and I thought I’d do well to keep on his wheel at this rate.
We swooped down the other side and Tom was still riding hard, despite my bike generally being faster downhill than most. “Crap” I thought, “I’m glad I caught the bugger but that’s all I’ll do from here.”
He kept pedalling hard but somehow I kept in touch. We rode fast past the crossroads, keeping our speed, no chat, just serious endeavour, determined riding, and hard cycling. The road rises slightly at this point and I was still holding on, but only just. Tom still seemed strong, pushing himself lower and longer over the bike. And then came the classic Norris tactic of crying out as if wounded, as if he has blown.
But I know of old that this is a ruse, a deception to lull rivals into thinking you’ve got him beat and make you hesitate for half a pedal-stroke, only to see him pull away again with fresh energy. I really thought he might. Did I want to be beaten, I asked myself, so close to the end of the ride? Was I going to let him beat me mentally before I’d given my all?
“You bastard”, I thought, “I’ll get you Tom Norris!” I went for it, urging myself forward.
For those few moments when the road slopes gently downward and the lights come into view, I hated him, deliberately and cruelly. “I’m going to grind your bones” I said to myself. I dug deep, pressed harder and faster on the pedals, sucking in as much air as I could. I found I was gaining on him - yes! I pulled to the right to pass him and cycled harder still, ready to bust a gut to get past.
I was sure he’d match me, find some extra pace with which to hold me off, but no, I was pulling away, ‘through and off’, holding the front, Tom’s curses ringing out behind me as I put the final stamp on my ascendancy, before braking hard to pull into the roadside outside the brightly-lit estate agents. Tom pulled up to my right, put-out his hand and we shook – my hatred only temporary and purely for the purpose of motivation. Tom and I remain as we have all year: close rivals on good terms, respectful of each other but keenly competitive.
We rode back toward Eastbourne with Ruth. By the time you read this she will have competed in her first Cat 3/4 road race, for ERCC I think. She should do well, judging by her performances in the chain gang. My ride home from Rock Cottage was through increasingly cold air but I don’t think it ever quite reached zero and there is a noticeable rise in temperature as you enter town.
No doubt, many of you will wonder why we rode on such a cold night with the risk of icy roads; I did too! There was a fair bit of debate on whether to ride or not but ultimately we all made an informed decision and, as reported above, the route was checked and then ridden with appropriate care.
And so ended the 2014 chain gangs. We’ve had some great turnouts and many memorable rides. To me, they’re all memorable! The New Year brings new training aims, first of all for me is to lose some weight. Second, to see if I can stay a bit longer with the super-fasts…
See you all next Wednesday for the first chain gang of 2015.
neil
Thursday, 1 January 2015
SNAP, CRACKLE & POP !
Early text messages greeted me with various reasons for not making the meeting point, from colds, hangovers & weather forecasts.
Despite this, we still had 9 riders at the harrow. Hight H, Alex S, Jon S, Tom N, Simon G, Nick S, Nigel T, Derek M, John V.
We set off at a pretty frosty 2C, with both Derek & Simon commenting on the amount of icy patches on Sedlescombe Rd North, that they had seen on their way to the meet, but Jon S & myself had ridden from Westfield & the roads had been clear. We decided not to follow the planned route, for fear of some of the steep narrow lane having ice on them, and stick more to the main roads towards Horam.
We encountered a patch of ice stretching the full width of the road on the A271 as we neared Ashburnham, so when we reached the road junction towards Boreham hill, Simon G decided to bail, fearing the road conditions. The now 8 of us continued up Boreham Hill to Windmill hill, deciding to then take the turning into Joe's lane and head towards Bodle street, and keep an eye on the road conditions. Finding them to be fine, we wound our way towards Horam via Rushlake green, and then taking Horebeech lane up to the Lakeside cafe, only to be disappointed as it was closed. We set off down the road to try our luck at the bikers cafe, which was open & proved to be a great success.
Re-fuelled we discussed a route back, deciding to avoid the traditional, flatter but cold & exposed route in favour of a few more hills and a more inland route. Heading through Vines cross towards Cade street, Alex Smith suddenly hit the deck on the corner of a short descent, having lost his front wheel on some unseen ice. The rest of us cleared the corner without incident. Nigel was beside him when he suddenly decided that cycling wasn't for him and decided to do his best "Amy Williams" impression, but without the luge. He parted company with his up till then trusted velopede, and slid across the road into the grass verge. He evidently hit his head pretty hard on the tarmac, as he was out cold when we reached him, and wasn't aware of any of it. An ambulance was needed and sadly he detached his collarbone from his shoulder, tore ligaments and suffered concussion. His crash hat having scuffs, dents & a crack through it, as it sheilded his head from the tarmac, proved that they do make a difference when tested, and he was lucky to only suffer a few minor scuffs to his face. No broken bones fortunately, so we left him in the safe hands of the wonderful paramedic that attended very promptly, as they awaited the imminent arrival of the ambulance.
We couldn't let Nick S suffer any longer, as by now even his goose bumps had goose bumps, as he continues to wear shorts, whatever the weather, so now the 7 of us set off again. We reached Cade street and followed the testing undulations through Punnetts town/ Woods corner/ Netherfield & up to Battle, then along the Ridge to the harrow to complete our improvised route. We enjoyed a bright, chilly morning riding through some beautiful countryside, well most of us.
Speedy recovery Alex!
All the best, J.V
Despite this, we still had 9 riders at the harrow. Hight H, Alex S, Jon S, Tom N, Simon G, Nick S, Nigel T, Derek M, John V.
We set off at a pretty frosty 2C, with both Derek & Simon commenting on the amount of icy patches on Sedlescombe Rd North, that they had seen on their way to the meet, but Jon S & myself had ridden from Westfield & the roads had been clear. We decided not to follow the planned route, for fear of some of the steep narrow lane having ice on them, and stick more to the main roads towards Horam.
We encountered a patch of ice stretching the full width of the road on the A271 as we neared Ashburnham, so when we reached the road junction towards Boreham hill, Simon G decided to bail, fearing the road conditions. The now 8 of us continued up Boreham Hill to Windmill hill, deciding to then take the turning into Joe's lane and head towards Bodle street, and keep an eye on the road conditions. Finding them to be fine, we wound our way towards Horam via Rushlake green, and then taking Horebeech lane up to the Lakeside cafe, only to be disappointed as it was closed. We set off down the road to try our luck at the bikers cafe, which was open & proved to be a great success.
Re-fuelled we discussed a route back, deciding to avoid the traditional, flatter but cold & exposed route in favour of a few more hills and a more inland route. Heading through Vines cross towards Cade street, Alex Smith suddenly hit the deck on the corner of a short descent, having lost his front wheel on some unseen ice. The rest of us cleared the corner without incident. Nigel was beside him when he suddenly decided that cycling wasn't for him and decided to do his best "Amy Williams" impression, but without the luge. He parted company with his up till then trusted velopede, and slid across the road into the grass verge. He evidently hit his head pretty hard on the tarmac, as he was out cold when we reached him, and wasn't aware of any of it. An ambulance was needed and sadly he detached his collarbone from his shoulder, tore ligaments and suffered concussion. His crash hat having scuffs, dents & a crack through it, as it sheilded his head from the tarmac, proved that they do make a difference when tested, and he was lucky to only suffer a few minor scuffs to his face. No broken bones fortunately, so we left him in the safe hands of the wonderful paramedic that attended very promptly, as they awaited the imminent arrival of the ambulance.
We couldn't let Nick S suffer any longer, as by now even his goose bumps had goose bumps, as he continues to wear shorts, whatever the weather, so now the 7 of us set off again. We reached Cade street and followed the testing undulations through Punnetts town/ Woods corner/ Netherfield & up to Battle, then along the Ridge to the harrow to complete our improvised route. We enjoyed a bright, chilly morning riding through some beautiful countryside, well most of us.
Speedy recovery Alex!
All the best, J.V
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