The rain was heavy and the wind was making it feel very cold so hats off to all who finished it was a very tough race especially for those who were first timers.

Josh Jones (7th) took the honours for Lincsquad, just beating Luke Mathews (8th) by 27 seconds. They were fairly even throughout and can imagine if they knew just how close they were to each other it would have eeked out the last bit of adrenalin.

Paul Fytche (12th) was the next Lincsquadder home and looked well on the bike, although I did spot a big mud patch on his rear end suggesting he may have had an unscheduled sit down. Paul said he loved it and even had time for chit chat on the bike.

Christian Brown (18th) managed to hold off David Hinch (19th) and Alan Woodcock (20th) I suspect his kamikazee descents may have helped. Looking forward to seeing some of Daves onboard video from the bike course.

Marcus Plume (26th) takes the honours for biggest nutter on the descent, especially the 2nd time around!! Even I was beginning to wince

Digby Sowerby (28th) looked like he was enjoying himself and had a very impressive swim.

Andrew Lawson (38th) had an eventful lead up to his race, read more in the forum. You kept smiling Andrew and finished well.

Steve Beevers (40th) Awaiting confirmation on your times but you looked good out there Steve, again Scott Barley (41st) awaiting times.

Alison Deykin (52nd) was the first Lincsquadette home and looked ever so pleased to cross the finish line. William Sowerby (52nd) finished well and again said he enjoyed himself.

Jack Gardner (58th) once again Jack shows us all that anything is achievable and he must be brave to be on the back of Torrin down that descent.

Andrew Read (63rd) All day Andrew kept asking what he was doing this for!! Why? he said What the hell? he cries….. yet despite all this we know he loves it

Mark Chesman (66th) Well done Mark, again you also looked like you enjoyed it in a sadistic sort of way.

Paul Worboys (73rd) came in closely followed by Jenni Plume (74th), top effort and again smiling faces.

Steve Grocock decided not to do the run with his ankle and Jon Dixon and Gav Mann had a DNF although you still did well guys and there will soon be a next time.

Overall

Male
1st Andy Tarry, Tri Camp Blue Seventy Race team
2nd Paul Noble, Barracuda Tri club
3rd Darren Sharpe, RAF Tri

Female
1st Bo Haywood, Lincoln TRi
2nd Lara Thornhill
3rd Katy Johnson, Stamford Tri Club

http://point7.co.uk/results

A massive shout to all the marshals and helpers, you made the day.

So a big hats off to everyone who raced you all did well and feel free to share your own stories in the comments below.

After warming up on the rollers beneath the shelter of our car boot, I set out for a quick re-run of the course before lining up to start. As I approached the start, it became apparent just how tough the race was going to be the majority of the competitors were riding for domestic teams  – it was a 2^nd 3^rd and 4^th Cat race (and as an experienced rider I had been judged a 3^rd Cat rider so couldn’t enter the 4^th Cat only race) with the strongest riders. I set off strong, but suddenly had to stall due to another rider stopping in front of me, I quickly dodged the rider and managed to ride myself back into the bunch. Along the slightly uphill first straight I could feel the headwind straight in my face; on the home straight I glanced down at my speedometer, 33 Mph! As we approached our second lap we were still at about 27 mph, ‘they must slow down at some point’ I thought to myself, Yeah Right! After another lap the speed was further increasing due to constant attacks off the front of the group, I went wide on a corner and found myself slipping out the back of the group and despite my efforts in the headwind I just couldn’t bridge back across. I soon teamed up with a guy from St Ives who admittedly was stronger than me, we tried to hold our positions.

With about 15 minutes left to ride the whole race changed, hail, and lots of it! A lot of riders around me slowed so I took it upon myself to be the muppet who attacked! I put a big effort in and started to pull away from the group I was with, dodging the odd body crashed out on the floor I started to realise how painful the hail actually was, it was like being shot at with a paintball gun whilst riding on a field of frozen peas, a bloody good circus act! The commissaries decided that the conditions we’re too bad and called five laps to go. I was really on the rivets, struggling to keep upright on the corners whilst being bombarded by huge hail stones.  With a lap to go I caught the rider closest ahead of me and worked to the line. I’d finished without being pulled out and with a massive smile on my face. Unfortunately only the top ten results have been published but we think I was within the top twenty five.

It had been a really brilliant day, the only downside being the dozens of hailstone bruises that are still covering my arms and legs.

I’ll skip the Parade of Nations (flag waving), Team Photos and bike racking and fast-forward to 07:00 race day, 10 minutes before the start.

Thanks to Jan, Alan and Phil, I know my suggestion to become Blood Brothers was rather frowned upon but I hope you know your company was most enjoyable and entertaining. Hope you’re still talking to me after reading this. Cheers. 

Sunday saw an excellent turnout for the Paul Kirk Memorial North Lincs Cyclosportive, renamed  this year in memory of a Scunthorpe rider who died, aged 50, while taking part in the inaugural event last year.

The cyclosportive was founded as a way of raising funds for local charities in the area and this year it was for the Lindsey Lodge Hospice.

The morning was fresh with a “touch of frost” although the skies were looking blue.

Starting and finishing at Ancholme Leisure Centre, Scawby Brook, the event followed a scenic route through Lincolnshire, with riders choosing whether to complete the full 100 mile course or undertake the shorter 100km when they arrive at the feed station and halfway point in Market Rasen.

At this point the weather started to turn and riders also had to contend with a lashing or two from hail stones and rain. A couple of riders had unexpected dismounts, however we are glad to report nothing serious.

The full route takes in Scawby, Greetwell Messingham, West Butterwick, Susworth, Laughton, Blyton, Upon, Kexby, Market Rasen, Binbrook, East Ravendale, Swallow, Great Limber, Kirmington, Wootton, Barton, Horkstow, Worlaby, Elsham, Wrawby and Brigg.

Matthew Porter (Organiser) said today that over 200 riders had taken part, about half of whom opted for the full 100 miles. It is estimated £2,000 will have been raised for the hospice.

Matthew said: “Thanks to everyone for the support for yesterday’s event. As a club we hope that we can continue to expand the event but will need a lot more volunteers to help out to achieve this.”

“A big thanks to all who helped make the day happen, well done.”

Feel free to post your own comments, stories and thanks below.

Main photo taken by Nigel Fisher. Event photographs from TWG are also available here

Full Result List

The King Billy Car Park was full within minutes and kind resident Joe Naylor opened up some of his land for additional parking, which he said we can now use for every event. So a big thanks to both.

It was good to see so many people eager to get going and see where their winter training had brought them. Lincsquad kit was everywhere, shiny bikes galore and the latest aero of aero helmets.

A big BIG thanks must also go to Dave, Ellinor, Vicky, Kev, Nicky who was manning the crossing which as always caught a couple of riders out.

The results can be found in the forum here

Feel free to add your own experiences below in the comments.

The race, which started in Alfred Gelder Street at 8am, weaved through some of the Hull’s most historic streets.

The route included landmarks including the KC Stadium, The Deep and the Humber Bridge.

The event, sponsored by Hugh Rice Jewellers, was won by Phil Taylor, of Bridlington, in just over two-and-a-half hours.

Lincsquad members taking part were Gav Mann, Phil Gibbs and Nick Robinson.

It was my first marathon and I was somewhat anxious having run no further than 20 miles in training. What would the last 6 miles be like on my body, many conversations with experienced marathoners had led me to expect this would be when the effects of the distance would really kick in.

The race started and I made a determined effort not to go off like a dog after a rabbit. I regularly checked my pace on my Garmin and held on to approx. 7 minute miles. Even Batman had passed me, never mind I would see him later. After a lap around the centre of Hull and the Hull New Theatre we were off along Anlaby Road and Boothferry Road towards the Humber Bridge. There was a light drizzle for most of the first half of the race, overcast with temperatures of around seven degrees. After an uphill drag along Boothferry road slowing my pace it was great to be crossing the Humber Bridge running on the carriageway.  The views only slightly spoiled by the overcast conditions.

There were no mile markers (except at the 13 mile mark) so I was glad I had my Garmin to keep track of distance. Water stations were reasonably spaced with High 5 gels and bottled water with sports caps which meant you could easily take on water without having an unintentional shower in it.

From the bridge it was pretty much all downhill through Hessle, good to be heading back to Hull and the finish. A lap around Pickering Park nearly brought on a tussle with a Goose that decided to cross the lakeside path just at the wrong moment.

The route in to Hull was down Hessle road. It was great to keep running through all the red traffic lights which normally hamper my ride to work.

I was starting to feel a blister coming on my left foot and was praying this wouldn’t get any worse as I still felt relatively fresh.

Around the 17 mile mark my pace was starting to drop but only by 5 to 10 secs per mile. I ran with a chap for the next three mile who had 25 marathons to his credit and his conversation really took my mind off things which was good. On reaching the Ice arena at 20 miles I had to let him go as we turned to head to the riverside at Humber Quays.

As I came around Humber Quays where I work for Spencer (one of the race sponsors) some co-workers were and friends gave welcome shouts of encouragement. The last six miles with aches and niggles become ever more noticeable.

The route followed past the Marina, the Deep and along to a turn point before the ferry terminal. Gav had already turned and was heading back to the finish. I managed to pick off a few runners on this stretch with people cramping up and the slight head wind making things just that bit harder. I was now down to about 8:30 min/miles but thought I had done enough to achieve my 3:15 target finish. I daren’t look at my overall time as I knew I was doing all I could manage and just had to dig in and keep going. It’s definitely mind over body by this point.

The route back into the centre of Hull was great as the crowd support was a big lift. Where was the finish? At this point some mile markers would have been great just to take out any uncertainty around the accuracy of my Garmin (foot pod not gps).

The crowd down the finish straight was great and even managed a sprint finish although there was no one close behind me at the time.

I had finished 3:07:48, very pleased. Now for a massage.

http://www.runbritainrankings.com/results/results.aspx?meetingid=59004

Gav Mann  PB 26th 3:00:39

Phil Gibbs PB 42nd 3:07:48

Nick Robinson 6:50th 4:39:05

Scunthorpe & District runner Julian Newell was 10^th in an excellent 2:51:01.

The Ray Levers Road Race (run under TLI) is held on the Torworth Circuit (nr Blyth) by the Harworth & District Cycling Club. The race is run under a Handicap System and sees three groups set off at 2.5 minute intervals. 7 laps over a relatively flat course sees the total distance at 33 miles.

I ended up in the Scratch Group (eek!) and was now expecting a bit of an ass kicking, having not road raced for so long. The front two groups were away and then finally it was our turn  and off we went. The group worked well to start with and everyone seemed to be putting in turns, and then the wheels fell off!! So each time a good chain gang was formed it seemed to die with people interupting the flow! I even ended up riding of the front on a couple of my turns due to nobody being on my wheel! There were people falling out left right and centre! Nothing changed then

We did not seemed to be making much headway with the two front groups containing Chris and they had now joined into one big peloton and were tramming on. The sprint was now gathering pace and a couple of riders went down in the melee! Onimpex Bioracer rider Steve Davis takes the win, showing the younger lads how to finish.

Two had got away in our group on the last lap due to the messing about and stayed away, we then geared up for the anti-climax of a bunch gallop, Joe White was sat on my wheel and we headed towards the line at a reasonable pace and then with 250 to go Joe gave a kick and went for it. I wasnt that far behind and chuffed to have gone as well as I did in my first race back.

I saw Chris at the line and asked him how he had gone on, “F$%king Awesome” he said with a grin the size of Lincolnshire, top 20 at least he said. We both rode back to the HQ buzzing at having mixed it up and looking forward to the next race.

Chris Ware gives his account of the day…

Ray Levers Road Race, Blyth, Easter Sunday 8^th April, 2012 – My First Road Race!

Where to begin? I’ve harboured intentions of trying something other than Mountain Bike racing for a number of years, however until I joined Lincsquad, these good intentions were just that.

I saw a post from Mr Carvill stating that there was to be a “road race” in Blyth with entry on the line. Being a typical bank holiday weekend I was scratching around trying to find something to do and had none other than some very tentative plans for Downhill Biking at Wharncliffe. Time to finally give it a go. What had I to lose, other than perhaps only several layers of skin and a body still full of unbroken bones.

Sunday morning arrived, bright and cheerful – me and the weather, and off I headed down the A1 to the Cricket Club inBlyth. Entry on the line seemed all too simple.

“Have you pre-entered?”

“No, it’s my first ever race and I understand I can enter on the line”

“Here’s an indemnity form for you to complete absolving us of responsibility for any damage or injury!!!”

“Ok”

“That’ll be £15 well spent, and here’s your race number, please pin it to the rear of your shirt, bottom left”

My immediate thought was that this rather specific requirement for the location of the number was solely in order that the race Marshalls and/or ambulance crew could work out who you were if you were laid face down and unconscious in the gutter following a “race incident” – think I’ve seen way too much race footage.

With that thought, and another that maybe, after all, DH biking might have been the safer option (body armour and a full face is specifically frowned upon in road race circles, and as importantly does hinder speed a little), I headed back to my car to “prepare” mentally for my impending doom.

I bumped into Paul, who offered calm words of wisdom: “just relax, and try to ride in a straight line – you’ll absolutely love it”. Wise words indeed as anyone who has followed me will understand. He also advised a little on race tactics and race etiquette (in case anyone did not know, Paul has raced at a competitive level before – but it was a long, long time ago!) “If anyone shouts at you, just smile and turn the other cheek, don’t do what I did, turn around and lamp them” – fair enough. “Try work your way to the front of the group, especially on the last lap”. How prophetic.

We rode in tandem to the start line (that’s in tandem not on a tandem – that too would be frowned upon!). The course was of an undulating nature, seven laps of 4.7 miles with three reasonable climbs per lap. The race was of a “handicap” nature. Given that my handicap was the inability to ride in a straight line, I was “allowed” to depart in the first of three groups (I later found out that Paul was released in the “scratch” group which I’m sure had nothing to do with any skin allergies he may or may not have). I approached that start line with an assorted motley crew of serious looking young and not so young men, almost all with scars and abrasions on their legs that I hoped were resultant from a series of accidents with razor blades and not anything else, but I doubt.

10.00am sharp and we’re off, the race has begun. I’m at the back of the “peloton” wondering what had I let myself in for. Before I knew it I was being towed uphill at speeds in excess of 28mph into a headwind (and that was within the first 2 miles). Every race I had ever seen on the television starts off slowly and then the serious business of “racing” commences with around a third to a half of the race to go. I was now not only concerned for my body beautiful (do chicks really dig scars??!!) but also how my heart and lungs cope with this level of pain (I was going to say discomfort, but it was definitely more than uncomfortable). Thankfully I need not have worried as it simply got harder!!!

I had previously joked with Paul that I would be either the cause of a major race incident or I would be out the back of the group within the first five miles. Thankfully after the first lap and a half neither prediction had come to fruition. I was slowly but surely beginning to enjoy this racing lark. I was following instructions. I was riding in a straight line. I was even doing my turn at the front of the peloton.

At the end of lap one, two “racers” slipped off the front of the group and dangled like a carrot for a donkey 400 yards off the front for the next 4 laps. On lap three I tried to “bridge” that chasm – for after a mile and a half off the front of the group a chasm it was as I had eaten into their gap by all of 100 yards. Once my lungs had finished exploding I dropped back into the group and held on and waited for my “recovery” to kick in. And kick in it did.

Lap four saw us caught by the second group (these were not severely handicapped but not sufficiently quick enough to be in the itchy group). I thought that when we were caught the new boys would fly past and that would be the last I saw of them. How wrong I was. The pace simply increased by a few MPH (or 10 heartbeats a minute – thank you Garmin!) and I still hung in. I think the pre-race fuelling of porridge and Easter eggs (not in the same bowl – that would just be wrong, wouldn’t it?) were beginning to have an effect as I was moving up the field and was one of the lead ten who were regularly taking their turn on the front to pull the peloton along.

The elastic band finally snapped for the two gentlemen dangling off the front as they were quickly swept up by our pack of hungry wolves on lap six, the penultimate lap. I was almost beginning to relax, I’d not heard any cussing aimed in my direction for at least 3 laps, I was still doing my turn on the front, and had not managed to force anyone off of their two wheels. I could feel the tension beginning to rise in my co-conspirators around me. We were approaching the last lap, only 5 miles until it was all over, and still no sign of the superior scratch group – would we, could we, hold off the fit boys in that final group.

Soon we would know. The last lap was unfolding underneath the buzzing of my carbon wheels, I was beginning to breathe from my nether regions, but I was still in amongst it. If you had asked me 60 minutes previously if I’d a chance of winning, I would have replied with there being more chance of me becoming Pope (and I’m not even a Catholic) but here I was amongst a pack of 40 other panting dogs baying for the finish line to arrive and almost tasting the scent of victory. As the pace rose yet again I found myself towards the back of the group with Yoda Carvill’s kind words of wisdom still ringing in my ears “work your way to the front of the group, you must…” The group was splitting with this injection of pace. I had left it too late, or had I.

It was time to make my move. Coming around the last corner and up the final drag it was time to put the hammer down. Time to drop the bomb. Death or Glory in the final four hundred metres. That’s all that was left to make the difference.

Process: Find a gap, stick your front wheel in the gap, stamp on pedals, find next gap, repeat until finish or you are finished. Using this process I managed to gain promotion into the top twenty by the time the finish line had been and gone (and managed to witness along the way an almighty crash and resultant road rash courtesy of one protagonist not holding his line to the finish – now I understand that road racers shave their legs to make it easier to pick out the pieces of gravel from underneath the flappy skin – Claire, do you mind if I borrow your VEET…)

It was now time to reflect on what had undoubtedly been my most enjoyable cycle event for some time. It had been the proverbial journey in more ways than one. What had started as fear and trepidation, turned mid race to exhilaration, onto determination to finish well, then disappointment at the end that I could and should have done better. A rookie error left me unable to fight for the win.  I have certainly learned from my mistake and will not make the same one again when I race next time. There will certainly be a next time cos I am hooked…

Thanks to Paul Carvill for bringing the race to my attention and his words of encouragement. Many, many, thanks also to the Officials, Marshalls, and everyone involved in the organisation of the Ray Levers Road Race.

Chris Ware

A big thanks to all the organisers, marshals and volunteers. The event is very well run and look forward to having a go next year.

Useful Links

http://www.hdcc.co.uk/

http://www.nmrrl.org.uk/

http://www.tlicycling.org.uk/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/77144547@N04/sets/72157629435109230/

Gunnar Gronlund (National hill climb champion), Matt Clinton (former hill climb champion) and Tejvan Pettinger are all on the start list, headed up by reigning course Champion Matt Bottrill.

“What the ecky thump made me enter this race again after 8 years” was my thoughts as I got changed in Longnor! The last time I did this race I climbed off after one lap! The weather was unbelievable with heavy snow fall earlier in the week making the course look more like the Alps!

I hadn’t brought any leg warmers or proper gloves and was beginning to shake while waiting for the start. Simon Bridge was my minute man who I used to race with some years ago and he was looking leaner than ever! He passed me within minutes up the Hollinsclough Rake climb and commented after that he thought I had slipped my chain!!! I felt absolutely awful on that first climb and my only thought was “3 laps!!! S&*t!!!”

Reaching the Travellers Rest for the first time I was now frozen and clicked into a bigger gear and headed towards Leek. I started to feel a little better and then set about just trying to keep a nice steady pace with a view to finishing. I was not bothered about my overall time.

It was good to see some old familiar faces and the shouts of encouragement definitely helped, except that is the odd “only another 2 laps!!!”.

The road that takes you back across the Staffordshire Moorlands was like something from the Alps and with the descending made for a very chilly section!

Starting the 2nd lap I felt a lot better and continued in a steady rhythm and I knew at this point I was going to finish. I also realised at my current weight I am by no means a climber!!!

On the final asscent up Hollinsclough I passed Gwill Morris from Manchester Wheelers and asked how he was doing? He turned to me and simply said “I am in the Pain Cave!”… I knew exactly where that was

I was so glad to descend for the final time and see the finish board, I wasn’t particularly worried about my time of 1:56:08 just pleased to have finished!!

A video taken by Dane Walker of Weaver Valley with his GoPro Hero HD Camera of the 1st lap of the 2012 Buxton CC Mountain Time Trial.

Matthew Bottrill (www.drag2zero.com) won the event in a time of 1.26.34 holding off a challenge from Trejvan Pettinger (Sri Chinmoy cycling team) 1.27.21, and National hill climb champion Gunnar Gronlund (RST/Trigon) 1.28.34. Sarah Storey (ForViored) took the women’s title with a time of 1.03.19 (2 laps)

Just wanted to say thanks to Richard Touse for a well organised event. I would also like to say thanks to all the marshals, timekeepers and volunteers for their top efforts without which we wouldn’t race.

Enjoyed the day and it was worth the 180 mile round trip Good to see some old faces.

Photos courtesy of Steve Gait

The race consists of a 400m swim in the South Hunsley pool, followed by a loop around the undulating and scenic bike course. There are one or two climbs along the route and some sweeping, long descents through rural East Yorkshire, if you have the time to look around you’ll get witness some fantastic views of the Humber Estuary before dropping back in to South Hunsley Sports. The run couldn’t be faster with a flat and fast two lap course which brings you to an often noisy and very well supported finish line.

Report by Christian Brown

A much anticipated date with for the start of the new season, nobody wanted to be the April fool for todays first Triathlon of the season.

It was big Steve Beevers first ever event and with some fantastic winter season training under his belt he was looking to open his account and not disapoint, we had to keep his nerves under control and hope for a good supply of loo roll once we got to the leisure centre, he’d borrowed Binchy’s race belt, so there was plenty of banter about what was expected of him now.

The swim got off to a good start but you could see the nerves kicking in after a couple of lengths, he did a good job not to drown himself and finish the swim intact, after leaping from the pool his transition was completed without hitch and he felt much more comfortable on the bike, finally the racer inside him came to the fore as he competed with faster cyclists picking a few off as he went, a respectable 52 minutes over the hilly course was a good first effort and with a good final transition his run was dispatched in 24 minutes total time 1hr 33minutes.

At the finish line you could see that he had been bitten by the triathlon bug judging by the huge smile on his face roll, bring on Grantham Triathlon.

Andrew Read was looking to improve on last years events, so with some impressive winter training behind him his usual cockney banter gave way to a strange silence and determined look (unless it was constipation).

His swim time was much improved, shaving off a couple of minutes making those nights debriefing in the Yarborough Hunt worthwhile.

This is where the story becomes unclear much like an alien conspiracy, an hour into his ride he was nowhere to be seen only to turn up clad in rubber (well spare innertube) telling stories of how a nice lady had stopped to offer him assistance with his flat tyre which unfortunately brought his race to an end but im sure we haven’t heard the last of him.

I’ve also been training hard over the winter to up my game since Brigg Sprint Triathlon last September, and was determined to make the club proud, my swim was completed in 8.30, a good improvement over last years 9.50 and then onto the bike which was completed in 47 minutes and no dramas, my run seemed to take forever as the course was slightly different to last year with a uphill climb thrown in on the 2 lap course which was completed in 25 minutes making a total of 1hr 22minutes.

It was a shame Sallie couldnt be with us due to her bout of man flu, as we men know only too well its not easy to shake off, but with the support of the other club members cheering us on, the day was a great sucess and we cant wait for the next one.

Well done to newcomer Oliver Saxon who battled with the tough bike course to finish his first triathlon in 1:31:36. Find more details on Olivers race at his blogspot “http://oliversaxon1.wordpress.com/”

Report from Andrew Lawson

Whilst not doing anything to worry the proper triatheletes, I was pleased to knock 3 minutes off my swim time compared with my last attempt at the Brigg Sprint tri. (Unfortunately the actual time of 13’43″ was less impressive. The Lincsquad coached sessions and a couple of swimming sessions per week over the winter have definitely helped, but there’s still a lot of scope for improvement).

I was a bit more in my comfort zone on the bike, getting past quite a few other riders, not being passed by anyone else & completing the “undulating” course in 45’43″. The run was mildly disappointing at 22’50″, 55 seconds longer than at Brigg. Feet numb from the cold probably didn’t help & I’ve done very little running over the winter due to foot problems.

My total time was 1 hour 24 minutes, 39 seconds. I’m hoping that, when the full results are out, with some careful number-crunching, I can find something with which to give this a positive spin!

Other members of Lincsquad also taking part were Ric Longcake & Steve Ornsby, with Sam Barker taking part in the junior aquathon.

Full results to follow when released.

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