Archive for March 28, 2012

Weekend round up 24th & 25th March

March 28, 2012 Phil Binch No comments
lincoln10k2012

A weekend of action with Lincsquadders racing at Clumber Duathlon, Oulton Park Duathlon and Lincoln 10k.

Clumber Duathlon
(Report by Steve Dolby aka Dobbers)

This was the second of three duathlons which Lincsquad had representatives in through the month of March and the field was split between Saturdays Clumber park and Sundays Olton Park event.

The Saturday got under way again with an early alarm belting an old classic 80s tune out!! Shower, Breakfast and out the door…… We were again fighting the foggy morning with a slow drive over to Clumber Park. Thankfully it was the same for every one so arriving a tad later than we wanted too turned out to be not an issue.

It was time for race prep so off to transition with the ‘new’ kit which turned up only hours before…..Great timing…..Rachel Love (Lovey) nearly had to do it starkers!! But saved by the bell!!

We all appeared in transition at a similar time so there was a good bit of banter whilst also attempting to get the race face on. (One day I will find that race face instead of just meandering around looking at what everyone else is up too!!).
Huwie Davies turned up a few minutes later as he thought he would get an advantage with a lay-in, as he stayed in a local hotel………..Leaving his support crew in bed, thought he would cycle down to the transition!!!! Only to find that he had left his BTF license in the car!! Whoops!! So a speedy ride back to the hotel was on the agenda. Only to get lost in the park and not find the hotel, returning back to transition with a cap in hand as he had no cash to get a day license!! Ten minutes of Busking and he soon had the crucial fiver to get in and set up!! Apparently thanks to Binchy paying him the money not to sing……………

The race referee had announced that the race was delayed due to safety reasons and the visibility on the roads for the bike leg so we all waited around an extra 25 minutes paying more visits to the loos than we probably needed too!
It wasn’t long and we were all called to the start line. Not really being prepared for the run as chatting to the other competitors appeared to be the priority…..Off went the hooter to start the race and we was off. The two lap race was fairly straight forward with the speedy guys setting the pace and a few of us bringing up the rear. Classic women, Sprint men then Sprint women…….Everybody had eventually took to the course and it was all a bit busy. A few high 5’s as we crossed paths with our fellow Lincsquadders and we was sure to be on the bike.

At this point I was hoping and praying that the wobble factor was not going to come back as it did at the last event. Swiftly out of transition and on the to the Clumber Park roads we all went. I didn’t realise at the time but Huwie had sustained a puncture only a few 100 meters past the mount line so his ride had not got off to the best start.
The Bike leg went very smooth (well most of it) for me as I posted a 1.04.20 being the 7th fastest time of the day. That’s something which doesn’t happen very often!!

Lack of prep did however mean that I opted to take the flex of the top of the straw in my aero bottle as it was poking me in the eye on the previous Dambuster event only to leave it short and to the point where I had to drop off the bars to get a descent slurp of my drink!! Another lesson learnt………But no wobble in the wheels .. Cool!!
Not seeing other Lincsquadders on the bike route I assumed that all was well and everyone was having a good one. Fantastic cheers from the spectators (and a marshal we all know!!!) and it was soon off the bike and on to the run again for the last 5k.

There was the Dobber clang with the addition of Rioja the dog cheering away…..followed by Mrs Binchy telling me off as I didn’t have my knees high enough!! And loads of others shouting and cheering offering support on the way round.
Soon to hit the turn point and I had not seen Huwie. He must have been the chap who was down at the start with the puncture!! It didn’t take him long to whizz past me as I was limping along the last 2k with a knee injury……(Rachel Love 2.27.05) Lovey had also made it past the bike and was equally well in to the last run….High 5’s all round and the finish line was in sight.

Jack had already finished with a very respectable 1.20.50 sprint time and Huwie being the first Lincsquadder classic event over the line in 2.14.16 (with puncture).
Thanks for all the support from everyone around the course and well done to those who took part. Great start to the season!!!!! Bring on the next one………

Oulton Park Duathlon (report by Tony Yeats)

Mark York, Tony Yeats & Rob Wood all competed in this fantastic race which uses the motor racing track in a multi lap format for both run & bike legs, with transition in the pit lane. The distances are shorter than the standard distance with run1 5.4miles, bike 24.3miles, run2 2.7miles.

By the time the race started at 12:30 is was 20deg & blazing sunshine. The opening two lap run gave everyone their first look at the undulating track & by the second lap the runners where spread out into a single line.

The bike leg uses the same route as the run but for 9 laps, the track is fast & smooth. With over 300 riders on a lap only 2.7miles long large groups of riders started to form. It’s surprising on a ‘traffic free’ course how often you get held up!
The final run is a single lap with the finish in Parc Ferme.

Finishing times are below, unfortunately on the bike section, Rob Wood got held up at the back of a bunch and was left with no where to go, which caused him to fall foul the drafting rules and he was disqualified with a number of others (he also did an extra lap on the bike, probably trying to get back intio the race director’s good books)

Pos 118 – Mark York Run1 – 37:31 Bike – 1:01 Run2 – 18:52 Total 1hr59
Pos 223 – Tony Yeats Run1 – 39:09 Bike – 1:06 Run2 – 22:39 Total 2hr10
Pos DQ – Rob Wood Run1 – 34:23 Bike – 1:08 Run2 – 18:37

Lincoln 10k (report by Phil Binch)

A big Lincsquad presence in this race with just as many Lincsquadders & familes cheering on from the roadside. It was a glorious sunny day with a slight cold tinge making this an ideal day to hit that personal best (PB).

Some great banter on the way down to the start, Lincsquad Chairman Paul Carvill was keeping himself warm in his Armani bin liner, everyone was feeling ready to push themselves to the limit today, you could just sense it (even if certain members where playing it very calm).

From my point of view this was an important “see where I’m at race”, 11 weeks since the accident & collar bone operation and I needed to know where I was, I was still chasing the elusive sub 40, but I had a pace plan and this 10k I was going to stick to it.

The gun sounded and everyone sprinted up the incline to the roundabout, at 1km with Josh Grocock on my shoulder, Rick Stenton 10 metres in front, Paul Carvill another 10 metres & Neil Barker a similar distance infront of Paul, I checked my garmin, I was exactly on pace & feeling good.

At 2km having passed some of my fellow Lincsquadders on the slight incline from the roundabout, I set about getting back into a rhythm for the flat section to the half way point. Still feeling comfortable I went through 5km in 19:48 and I could still see Neil (chasing his own sub 40) some 50 or so metres in front and pulling away.

At 7km I remember seeing my pace drop slighty and had to dig in to get back on track, this was the best ever position I’d been in to go sub 40, now only 2km to go & on track, I was really up for it now, and dug in again, I remember thinking “I ain’t letting this go, it’s mine”.

I hit the cobbles (very nearly literally, I hate those cobbles at the finish) a slight stumble but all was ok, run you muppet, run. Through the castle walls and I could see the finish line clock showing 39:30, your all mine I thought, a few more metres to go, stretching my leg to make sure my timing chip hit the mat & I stopped my watch, 39:43 …… nice

We all gathered on the grass, swapping stories of success, first Lincsquadder home was newcomer Luke Matthews with some impressive running, Pete Connolly (Mr Consistent with another 37 minute 10k), Neil Barker also going sub 40, youngster Josh Grocock knocking another 30 secs off his best, Rick Stenton pulling out a fantastic 40:56, Christian Brown & Steve Beevers knocking a massive 7 minutes off their previous times, other PB’s (that I know of) from Paul Fytche, Marcus & Jenni Plume, Oliver Saxon, Jacqui Saxon, Dave Burton but I’m sure there are more.

By this time the tempting fragrance of Mrs Dolby’s home baked cup cakes was floating through the air, so there was only one thing to do ……. find them !

Lincoln 10k (report from Dave Burton)
For me the day started off like all other Lincoln 10ks……..a frantic panic to get to the car park before the roads close (I’m sure they move it every year!) followed by queueing for what seemed like hours to get parked!

Panic over and it was off to the start area for a quick run down the road, a few stretches and a quick mental check, warm up done ……check, shiny new Lincsquad club kit …….check, new Garmin wrist gadget (thanks to the advice on the forum) …….check…… I was ready to go!

As always I went off a bit quicker than my usual pace, a combination of enthusiasm and weaving through the crowd meant a first mile in 7.13, once the crowds cleared a bit I settled down to a good pace and by the water station I realised I’d given myself a great chance of a PB.

As I came around to start lap 2 my quick start was starting to take it’s toll, but as a new member what I’m coming to realise is that the support from fellow Lincsquaders on the sidelines is awesome and Lincoln was no different. The extra boost got me up the hill to the castle just in time for a super loud Team Dobber shout to inspire a sprint finish over the cobbles (I hate those cobbles!)

I crossed the line in 46.08 which is another 1.20 off the PB to add to the 2 minutes I took off it at gainsborough.

There was just time for a team photo and then, as I was giving up all hope, I spied Team Dobber with a big tin of cakes so all in all a good day for me!
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Finishing times:

36:09 Luke Matthews
37:35 Chris Gibbs
37:41 Pete Connolly
39:19 Neil Barker
39:43 Phil Binch
40:00 Josh Jones
40:45 Luke Osborn
40:56 Rick Stenton
41:15 Josh Grocock
41:19 Paul Fytche
42:28 Jamie Griffin
42:56 Chris Spavin
42:58 Steve Ornsby
43:08 Paul Carvill
43:40 Marcus Plume
44:10 Oliver Saxon
46:08 Dave Burton
50:39 Christian Brown
50:40 Steve Beevers
50:43 Jacqui Saxon
60:56 Jenni Plume
61:05 Liz Wood

Full results can be found at www.chiptiming.co.uk/pdf/lincoln10k2012.pdf

Events, Lincsquad, Results, Youth , , ,

Alwyn achieves Gold on Cheshire Cat Sportive

March 26, 2012 Paul Carvill No comments
alwyn

Alwyn Jones is new to Lincsquad and is a keen cyclist who likes to compete in Sportives in the UK and around Europe. In his own words Alwyn gives an account of his day on the Cheshire Cat is absolutely tropical conditions…

6am alarm. We’ve lost an hour of sleep! pre ride prep begins. Start of The Cat is between 8  – 8:30am

Off to the start which fortunately was only 10 mins away. We had to drive around a little to find a car space, with over 3000 entries it was never going to be easy!

We arrived at the start on time,  just! and we were off within minutes.

Great start to the event! In previous Wiggle events I had experienced long waits to get going.

Having looked at the course profile I knew the first 40 miles were by far the hardest of the event. With the legendary killer mile of the infamous Mow Cop included at around 15 miles.

So we set off as a group of 5 at a steady pace, and at 15 miles The Killer Mile begun. It begins with  a gentle first 1/4 mile from a level crossing, then a 1-in-5 section. A steady climb up in full view of the horrors to come, and at last the truly killer bit – the 1-in-4 section past the most popular spectator spot outside the Cheshire View pub, whose front door is the 3/4 mile mark. Even the comparatively level section from the top corner to the Finish is still climbing.

As I approached the 1 in 4 section I heard a big shout ahead as somebody lost grip and fell off taking a few other cyclists out . So as we approached the steepest, obviously now slippery, section I had to call on some  MTB skills and find quickly the best grippiest way up. Which was up the right in the gutter!

Half way up there was a big shout as another cyclist lost grip and veered left fortunately and took out at least another 7- 8 cyclists.

No medals for them unfortunately for putting their feet down on The Killer Mile – marshals were there in force to take down every persons number who put a foot down!!

After successfully completing the Killer Mile, over the next 25 miles in turn Blacky Bank and Bridestones, Gun Hill and Wincle climbs were tackled.

Just before Gun Hill I suddenly found myself ahead of the others as I started to get into the ride and increase my pace a little.

The first feed station, which were all adequately stocked with High 5 drinks, Soreen, Bananas and countless other food, I decided to go straight past, as I still had enough  drink to get to the next feed station at 55 miles.

After 45 miles I knew the worst was over until 83 miles for the next major climb.

With 3000 people having entered there were plenty of groups being formed, one in particular formed by Rock Racing I managed to get onto the back of.

They were absolutely motoring along working very efficiently at the front keeping the pace very high, and a few of us were finding it very difficult to stay with them, but we managed to until the next feed station, which we all pulled into.

Three of us formed a group straight after the feed and were managing a healthy pace, and after several miles Rock Racing flew past again.

again we raced to get on the back of the group, and once on the pace it wasn’t as hard as previous to keep up with, over the next 20 miles.

There were many junctions and main roads to cross along the route, and there were mad sprints to keep up with the group after these, which were slowly taking effect on the legs. On one such main road junction they got across before the rest of us and opened a gap we could not bridge no matter how hard two of us tried to.

After a few miles we formed another group of 5 and at 83 miles after the final climb of Harthill the clock was showing 4hrs 30 so to get within Gold Standard of 5:30 we had to average 20mph for 20 miles.

After a quick chat between us we all decided to give it a go, spending as much time as we could to pull the group along.

With 5 miles to go it was down to me as the others didn’t have much left so it was head down and grind my teeth. The last miles reminded me of those big efforts along the High Street to Caistor, and surprisingly, behind a scooter on the way to Louth with LincsQuad in January!!

Unfortunately as we approached the outskirts of Crewe we kept hitting traffic lights which always seemed to be on Red and busy main roads to cross. We were close to getting Gold and I finished outside the standard by 59 seconds. Or so I thought !  I later found out the Gold Standard was 5:40 so I was well within. I didn’t need to bury myself after all in the last 10 miles!

See his ride here

All in all a great day with great weather with good friends.

by Alwyn Jones

Next events – Fred Whitton Challenge, The Dragon Ride and Maratona Dles Dolomites

Give Alwyn a shout if you want to have a go at Sportives or find out more…

Lincsquad, News ,

140 mile Swim in aid of Sport Relief

March 24, 2012 Paul Carvill No comments
Sport Relief Swim

Spare a thought for the energetic staff at Ancholme Leisure Centre tonight, they have set themselves a gruelling challenge of an overnight 140-mile swim in aid of Sport Relief.

Forty volunteers will take it in turns to swim 20 lengths of the leisure centre’s 25 metre pool between 8pm on Saturday, March 24 and 8am the next morning. They’ll each have to swim about 4.5 miles (or 9,216 lengths) in 12 hours in teams of four to complete the 140 mile trip – equal to the distance comedian David Walliams swam along the Thames for Sport Relief last year.

Staff members ranging from receptionists to life guards are training hard for the epic swim and want to raise as much money as possible for Sport Relief to help improve the lives of people in the UK and across the world. To sponsor them visit

http://my.sportrelief.com/sponsor/ancholmeleisurecentre140mileovernight12hourswim or pick up a sponsor form at the leisure centre.

Everyone who sponsors online will be entered into a raffle with many top prizes ranging from beauty treatments and a photo shoot to shopping vouchers and VIP tickets to the Sugar Hut nightclub featured in The Only Way is Essex.

You can also make a donation in one of the collection boxes on reception at Ancholme Leisure Centre, Hewson House or Civic Centre. Leisure centre duty manager Andy Farr said: “We’ve set ourselves the target of matching the distance comedian David Walliams swam in the Thames last year. “There are 40 of us taking part and we’ll have to swim more than 9,000 lengths – that’s about 4.5 miles. “I’d like to thank all the swimmers taking part and everyone who is supporting us, especially the Sugar Hut for the vouchers and Lincsquad who paid for the pool hire. “It’s going to be a very long night but we’re all training hard.

“Please do take the time to sponsor us or make a donation, we want to raise as much as we can.”

Charity, News

Dambuster Duathlon-Rutland Water

March 11, 2012 Dobbers One comment
dambuster

The day started with the alarm ringing out reminding the Dobber house at 04.15 that the season was just about to begin. Quick shower, pack the car and we was off, arriving at Rutland water just after 6.30. We weren’t the only early birds though as Marcus Plume, Emma Phillips and Mark York had already arrived and was preparing to walk over to registration. There were a few nervous faces around as this would be the 2012 opener for quite a few of us.

Transition set up and 800 people stood around listening to the race briefing!!!!!! It was here……3-2-1 go. The young guns had set off and Marcus was on his way. Great for spectators as we could see him racing the other side of the lake!! 10 minutes later the middle agers was off and Mark led the way with Steve and Tony chasing through a very busy starting 100 meters. 2km in to the race and again the perfect view point you could here Mrs Dobber shouting “GO ON DOBBER” from the other side of the lake…. A customary hand wave for her efforts was followed by some of the other athletes who were running close by saying “Bloomin hell, there cheering already and we have only just started. I didn’t own up at this point to be the one who she was shouting about!!!!! Alan and Emma was soon away bringing up the rear and all Team Lincsquad was well on there way.

It wasn’t long before Tony whipped past Dobber setting a cracking pace before we crossed the Dam. It was fairly obvious, looking at each other as we passed over the out and back 10k run that we was all enjoying the beautiful scenery and the weather was helping us all set respectable times.

T1 was on and the aero helmet and carbon was on its way out of transition with me on it!! A few shouts of “COME ON” from Mrs Dobber and we was all on our way on the 42k Rutland Ripple ride.

This is where it went a tad pear shaped for me as although elated that it was the new bikes first outing (and boy is that baby fast!!!!! ) I soon realised that lack of practise and lack of set up was not good when you are travelling close to 40MPH down hill and the whole bike starts to shake. With my heart in my mouth the brakes smoking and the wobble getting worse I managed to stay on the thing and bring it to a gradual stop. “Bum cheeks”…..I thought…..That’s my race over!! Off the bike and checking the tightness of the wheels……All appeared to be good so off I went again, well for 5 yards and then off again. Something was seriously wrong, but what was it? I didn’t have a clue!!!!! Back on the bike, having a little word to myself and I was back chasing the hundreds who flew past me whilst I was having a wobble!! Giving it everything attempting to make up the couple of minutes that I had lost soon found me at the infamous ripple and out of the aero position just hanging on with fingers tickling the brakes as wobble, wobble, wobble again!!

Now getting used to being blown around like a kite in the wind with the deep rimmed wheels I was making some time up and passing a few bikes….and a few cars (wink, wink). I hadn’t seen any other Lincsquadders so every one was going well in tough breezy conditions.

A few more shouts from the Dobber and Plume supporter crew and we hit T2 at speed. In fact I put a hole in my lucky socks when I jumped off the bike before the dismount line …..Drat!!

The second run was also a toughy as the lactic acid was kicking in. Mark was flying as he was on his way back in. Feeling my legs coming back I was able to kick in for the last 3-4k and saw Alan, Tony and Marcus on their way out on the run.

Over the line (2:26:24) I passed after a sprint finish to be met by Mark (2:19:14) who had finished and was recovered cheering us through the line. Soon to finish was Alan (2:26:33), who went off in wave 3 and Tony (2:36:33). All of us now gathering to cheer Marcus over the line (2:48:12) who had just finished his longest event ever as he had only covered sprint distances last season and Emma (2:45:46) who started in the last wave came over to complete the crew. Soon after there was a few stories being shared and the customary team Lincsquad photo.

Writteb by Steve Dolby

Lincsquad, News, Results
 
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