Amis Velo Supacross

So, since my last update I've made a start with my training, dealt with more university application 'stuff' and have realised A2s levels are a big step up from AS levels; I know I was told but HOW MUCH WORK!?  That'll teach me to take just essay subjects.... Next up is deciding what my focus for the coming season will be - decisions, decisions!

And in advance, sorry for any spelling/grammatical errors.  I've just written a 2000 word essay and the head isn't there anymore!

Anyway, yeah Hilly Fields Supacross (Complete with Belgium-esque name) is about as local as race gets for me, around 3 or 4 miles away from my house and I do occasionally ride in Hilly Fields.  The race was organised by Amis Velo - a great effort if you consider there are only 8 of them, so chapaeu to them! They also managed to put together a fun course!

Leading up to race, I was feeling tired, legs heavy and just generally not great.   It probably didn't help that I had a solid few days of training prior to the race, but I wasn't on the back row!  Obviously the second the whistle blew all the proverbial [naughty word] goes out of the window and you just ride as hard as you possibly can, and you know what, I didn't feel too bad - that top end speed wasn't quite there but the rest of me was and I seemed to riding fairly well and moved up the field pretty quickly.  I reached an equilibrium after about 30 minutes and battled with the same two riders till the end (one got away, the other didn't).  I managed 3rd in the juniors and 19th overall, and suffered for it - believe me I can still feel it in my legs!  For reference I managed to average 188bpm for just over an hour, or 94% of my MHR!

Up the steps!  Thanks to Fergus Muir for the photo.

I was pretty happy with the result and I was even more pleased with the 'supporters club' which grew in size as the race went on (or at least it felt like it) started by my friends/work colleagues from Cycle Revolution. I think simple things like riding things like taking an alternative line to utilize the 'bunny hop' and the foot out and side ways cornering technique were appreciated (I aim to please. No really, I do!) and more importantly made it more fun! Don't worry guys, commically over-size ginger wigs are on the way!

So yeah, I nearly impressed myself and feel as if I'm getting used to this cross stuff! Lastly, thanks to Amis Velo, Ben Paton for patiently teaching the specifics and to anyone who gives up their time to run these events.

 
Race data:  http://app.strava.com/rides/25004359

Oh and don't forget to follow me on twitter! @ozza_e