Astwood '20' 8th July 2009 - NBRC Club Championship

The weather broke a few days before this event - this came as something of a relief for me, as I find the hot and humid conditions we've had recently as something of a trial.  I got a little damp riding down to work (I usually ride to club events directly from work), but the temperature was nice at around 13 degrees C, with only a gentle wind. 

This club event is the North Bucks time trial championship.  Last year I had trouble with the seat pin slipping on my Planet X frame - this year I rode the steel-framed Cougar, with its guaranteed "no-slip" aero carbon seat pin.  In fact, it's more than "no-slip", it's usually "no-budge", at least when servicing the bike.  As it turned out this was the least of my troubles.

One good thing was that the BBC's weather forecast of rain, rain, and more rain was rather inaccurate - instead it became quite dry, with even a few glimpses of sunshine.  My temper, however, was not helped by a rear wheel puncture shortly after leaving work to get to the race.  I pulled into a school's car park to fix it, and pressed on to Astwood.  Once I'd signed on (as number 13), I borrowed a track pump to get a decent amount of air into the rear tyre, them warmed up a bit before starting.

We had a smallish field of only 14 riders, and I had fast man Tim starting a minute behind me.  The opening leg to Chicheley was a little tougher than usual, there being a gentle head wind, but from the first turn things were roling quite well, and I felt better than in recent events.  Tim passed me shortly before Chicheley, leaving me last on the road. I carried on, and crossed the finish line to complete the first lap in slightly more than 24 minutes (I was pacing myself for a second lap).

Unfortunately, disaster struck just before the rise into Chicheley on the second lap - the tell-tale sounds of leaking air.  My front tyre had punctured and my race was over.  I limped back to Astwood to see some of the riders finish and to repair the puncture to ride home.

Still, at least I was feeling a little better, with a bit of strength returning to my legs.

Results to follow...