END OF SEASON REPORT 2018

“Reyt”, a very belated end of 2018 season report.

Currently navigating the awards and presentation season, the most recent: thanks to JE James Cycles for continuing to support the North Midlands TT League and for hosting the 2018 awards on Monday night at their Chesterfield store. Particularly very proud to have won the overall individual TT championship for the region, as five years ago the JEJ series is where it all began for me…”having a go” with clip-on bars on my road bike, aspiring to try and get in the first 30 and break an hour for a ‘25’ 

Concluding a rather ‘satisfactory” season (an understatement I know, but that’s me ) – recently collecting a generous display of silverware from various orgs as a consequence of breaking every Sheffrec CC club record from 5 miles to 100; all N Mids records available (improved at age or outright owned) and 8 National Age records. 

Also recording four top 4 overall National Championship placings (3 x VTTA (UK over 40s) & 1 x Open Welsh), wielding some seriously decent times for all distances from 5 to 100miles. Finally, currently awaiting the National (VTTA) placings what are termed the “short BAR” & “3 Distance” - it’s looking hopeful wish they’d hurry up! 

However relief was had after the final race…this “Mr All or Nothing” went rather typically “Ricky Hatton” (Operation Weight-gain - Guinness Method) resulting in a face dive and A&E after 6 weeks in an attempt to ride off a hangover - it gave me the wake up call required to remind me of what I was planning of throwing away, even at my old age ….with a milestone birthday in less than 3 months and (aaaagh!) into my 7th decade (is that easier than saying the actual age, not sure which sounds worse?) – but giving added impetus to get out at least for one more season and set some more even quicker insane times and performances, and as a consequence to set a legacy for ‘that age’….watch this space!

Seriously, thanks to those that have supported me (those again from last year that contributed and continued the progress into 2018, Lord Dan Bigham of Derbados, and John Morgan) but especially my coach Richard Simmonds – the skill of the coach is not particularly exploiting ones DNA by “training hard” but actually training “appropriately”, and Richard has clearly got it spot on....he also predicted correctly what my abilities could achieve a while back (although I surprised him at my 3h-42m 100mile debut time - LOL) – cheers mate! 

Thanks also to Tony W for allowing use of his photos and Alex for all her multitude of tasks in keeping the TT wheels nicely lubricated and in motion

Merry Christmas all and have a super fit 2019 (if that’s your bag)...remember train “appropriately” not necessarily “hard”, of course it may at times be both

SHEFFREC CC

NORTH MIDS VTTA AWARDS

NORTH MIDS 10M TT - On the A1!! - 7th October 2018

Cancelled! Confirmed N Mids TT Champ 🥇
Rather bitter sweet that yesterdays weather caused the cancellation of the North Mids 10 TT, the last in the regional series for 2018. Leading the overall individual competition (5 best performances from 10) but under immense pressure from realistically just one other competitor...alas the training change to sharpen up was unpredictably not necessary, and therefore by default I retained that lead and proud to have captured the JEJ North Midlands TT Championship.

Proud in particular as this is where it all started (in fact I reminded Marc Etches that in my first race he made me 7th reserve in an oversubscribed Sheffrec event “priceless” was his response ) and steadily through the 4 seasons climbed up the results board.

Arguably better performances elsewhere this season....but overall consistency through the series is key, although I did have a win in the Rossington 10 and 2nd in the Sheffrec 25.

So instead of thrashing it up and down a dual carriageway yesterday morning I dug out my cross bike and back to my cycling roots offroad....however a puncture in the most exposed part of the ride on Stanage Edge caused me to make the shortest route back home, and do what I should have done initially and hit the celebration beers in town (thanks Paul Y) for a fine afternoon and evening....🍻

WELSH 50m TT CHAMPIONSHIPS - Abergavenny - 30th Sept 2018

4th Overall & 1st on Standard (Welsh National Gold)

Penultimate race of the season...the Welsh Open National 50m TT Champs - 2 challenging circuits from Abergavenny.

Continued the solid consistency especially in these longer events.

Recording a decent 1-46-04 good enough for 4th spot overall (miffed I didn’t make the podium photos, but that’s me )....also picking up 2nd vet (O40) and gold medal for ‘standard’ (age adjusted).

So that’s another Championship meal, certainly won’t be starving this Winter

Last race for the season next Saturday, back to those ‘orrible ‘10’s and hopefully defend successfully my current leading position in the regional JEJ series individual comp, it won’t be easy

[N.B. Unexpectedly this was the final race of the season]

BDCA (Burton & District) 100m TT - 1st September 2018

5th Overall & 1st Vet (O40)

WHO IN THEIR RIGHT MIND...
Driving back from my pals in S London last week, I noticed that I hadn’t yet reached 100 miles and was nearly at Leicester, it made me think: who in their right mind would want to race 100 miles, in full aero “tuck” position as hard as possible on a TT bike....affectively Tooting to Leicester, some perspective, huh?

So 5 days later I’m on my 2nd lap of 6 on the A50 south of Derby, on my debut “100” thinking sh*t, I’ve still got over 70 miles to go and my neck was already aching and my a@se wasn’t happy too - even if my fitness was ok, psychologically I know I’m usually strong but suspected physically my body may just give way....after all, I had hardly done 50 miles before in full TT position.

Halfway was a mental fillip - met in exactly one second under 1hr 50m - but then I started to struggle, not with fatigue as such but with severe neck and back issues (I actually have a trapped nerve in my spine from an ice fall back in Jan, it usually stays quiet )....sporadically standing to stretch or freewheel in tuck, and stretch that way....but I persevered, but this was so uncomfortable , no joy here

All that discomfort predictably lost me over 2 mins in the 2nd 1/2, but still finishing with a pretty pleasing 3h 42m 20sec (a 2nd ‘50’ of 1-52-21) averaging over 27mph....immediately relaying though that one ‘100’ would be enough for a lifetime (in rather more colourful language )....but then I noticed on the results over 20% DNFs, and then it started to filter through from the diehards on what a super tough day it had been for a number of reasons but high temperatures and winds didn’t help....oh! and the 48 bloody roundabouts...I was reassured “100s” aren’t normally that hard, the question is: will I ever find out?

So....5th overall, 1st vet (O40), 1st age cat and new Sheffrec CC (completing the “full house” of every record from 5 to 100 miles) and N Mids records, but missed National Age Record by over 2 mins....not bad for a first bash, with much to learn too....including how to fuel ..........

Some 11 hours later and it’s 4am, I’m bolt upright in bed, wide awake with a cuppa, no way am I sleeping - considering perhaps those 12 energy gels and 1.5L of carb solution was a little fuelling overkill? May be I took some advice a little too extreme

Thanks again to Joe Le Sage (who actually did a sub 3-50, not as stated) for the invaluable wise words and to Alex for roadside fuel support 👍

VTTA NATIONAL 15M TT CHAMPS - Newbury - 25th Aug 2018

5th Overall & 2nd on Standard (National Silver)
Last chance saloon to win a coveted National Champion’s jersey, VTTA flavour - on the rarely raced “15” miler, just east of Newbury on the A4 (if there was an argument FOR dual carriageways being more safe than single this was one )....

Not giving myself a chance prior, due to me having to make up nearly 12 minutes (VTTA Champions are age adjusted, kind of handicap)...on the perennial champion, 87 year old Ron Hallam....yes 87!

Finished in 30mins 41secs inside my expectation of sub 31....but what had Ron done? Well, over 42 mins in actual time but in the age adjusting, 4 seconds, 4 bloody seconds better than me....so another silver, to add to previous silver and bronze for the season.....concluding, I must do another season, to try for that small step up....maybe

And in the real world (no disrespect) the 30-41 was quick enough for 3rd vet (and 5th overall) and broke the Sheffrec, N Mids and National Age records - a fairly decent day after all at th’office

Special recognition must go to the organiser and co-presenter of the prizes, Rachael Elliott (see picture)....Rachael was one of the top lady time trialists in the UK in 2017, in fact, an amazing rider, and had a serious cerebral haemorrhage whilst training in the Spring, Rachael now is on the long road to recovery, it was good to see her and hoping she makes a speedy and full recovery

Unknown territory next, a debut 100 miler next weekend, much trepidation on a number of levels.....pacing, fuelling becomes key too.....hoping that nice man

Joe Le Sage will give me some good tips 👨‍🏫

VTTA NATIONAL 25M TT CHAMPIONSHIPS - Newark - 28th July 2018

4th Overall & 2nd on Standard (National Silver)

Super windy conditions (come back Summer) at the National Vets (O40) 25m TT Champs - struggling to hold 25mph into the headwind, but spinning out at over 35mph average on way back with a top speed of nearly 50 - recording 52mins 30secs giving 5th overall but shaded on the National Champion gold medal (age adjusted) by 11 seconds - but no complaints in losing to Simon Beldon who recorded a remarkable sub 50 mins in those conditions ....chapeau!

That’s National bronze and silver now this season, with one opportunity left....hoping of course for a complete set. 

Kicking myself though for not reading the lowdown (see photo) on special guest, Mick Ward....belatedly learning Mick was both an outstanding cyclist and then runner (2-45 marathon at 60 ) as myself but in reverse, would have been interested in his experiences and comparisons....between the two sports.....Rest time now and back to basics 😴👨‍🎓

SHAFTESBURY CUP 50M TT - Newmarket - 22nd July 2018

17th Overall & 1st on Standard
Although a semi insomniac, I wasn’t enthralled by the thought of a 0725 start time for my first season step up to a hopefully fast “50” miler at Newmarket. Leaving my lovely AirBnB with a belly full of porridge and honey, consumed an hour later than I would normally choose....and even the pre setting of “Wake Up” on the car music player didn’t work, have you tried banging out Rage Against The Machine at 6 in the morning? Waking up was an issue as was a grumbling oat filled tummy.

Apathy is not a great mental state is this context, but bumping into Rutland’s effervescent Joe Le Sage at the warm up area, made me book up, and some of Joe’s optimism seemed to fortunately rub off...however the warm up was very sweaty, no fun.

Still a novice at this distance, this being my 4th attempt....pacing is key, not short enough to go out too hard, but short enough where you really need to be working from the start and not lose time, but you mustn’t blow....a contradiction?

Felt better racing than the warm up...some air movement....got into a rhythm and “sat” on the planned power output....hit the 25mile half way in 50-34, “fine, that’ll do” and felt comfortable....it didn’t last (I don’t think it does for anybody) - struggled but dug in, especially the last 12 miles and lost just a minute on the return - but hell, it was tough...recording a stomping 1-42-05.

Taking chunks off the Sheffrec club record.... N Mids and National Age records - however not quite as fast as former World Tour Pro, Marcin Bialobocki who set a new UK best....see the results


Four hours later and I’m wandering around Tramlines in Sheffield checking out some bands...but the legs aren’t interested.....this is friggin mad: just 2 days a go I was eyeing a possible debut at a late season “100” miler....but after that experience today, that’s not really an attractive idea, perhaps after a few sleeps, in fact make that many many sleeps 🤪

VTTA LONDON & Home Counties 10M TT - Aylesbury - 15th July 2018

4th Overall & 1st on Standard

A second marauding exercise in 4 days, darn sarf - this time Aylesbury for the London & Home Counties VTTA ‘10’ - 4th overall and 1st ‘on standard’ - 19-21 taking 3 secs off the records set on Thursday night...really felt quicker than Thursday, but the clock doesn’t lie....😊

A good four days work after the recent apathy, now with some deserved beers and the WC final, just think IF Harry had kept his shooting boots on in that Semi, IF IF IF - should’ve could’ve would’ve 🙄

ECAA VTTA 10M TT - Newmarket - 12th July 2018

5th Overall & 1st on Standard

Yep, “back on it” after some recent indifference and mojo searching....the Eastern Counties TT 10 miler at Newmarket....5th overall, 1st “standard” (gold medal & invitation dinner )....19-24 - Sheffrec club, N Mids and National Age Records - return headwind stifled a quicker time, but, y’know, you cant always have it all 😜

Good to see you 👍

Tony Cook  (great ride from yourself too mate)

SPORTZMAD 25M TT - Hirwaun S Wales - 3rd June 2018

6th Overall / 2nd Vet - 48.00mins Records Galore!

Neath Valley Speedfest (Gratuitous) – The Return
“They” rolled their eyes, when they sensed my disappointment with my recent crazy 49min-08secs 25 mile TT – I knew it could have been faster….as insane as it sounded, I knew

So, 3 weeks later, an unexpected quick return to the quietest dual carriageway in the UK (or one of them) in the gorgeous South Wales on a very still warm Spring midday, there was unfinished business.

Unusually for me I was tense before, I felt not too brill on warm up, this reflected in my first 2 miles where the planned “sitting on approx 335watts” executed so well on the previous attempt....was more like 390w, nervous energy - slow down you tw@t -you’ll blow!

Fortunately soon settling down to plan A - but it seemed tougher this time round....and I had the return subtle uphill to contend with, had I set off too fast?....it did get very tough, but I retained the target speed and even on the uphill last 2 miles, where I was so desperate for the finish line, this was friggin hurting, but actually pushed my power further up - a quick glance at my computer and with 400m to go, the clock was still at 47 mins something - 47??? WTF!.....go go go

I gave that last 400m everything...crossing the line I slumped over the bars for a short time to recover....and seeing that my computer had stopped at 48 minutes dead (like me), averaging 31.25mph....just an insane time...but one second, one bloody second! 

Jubilantly and ecstatically returning to the HQ - my request for a second to be knocked off my time was politely refused with a smile and then discovered I was 6th overall (and 2nd vet - O40) in serious company (as this always attracts) - extra bonus....and extra money

The records tumbled again....Sheffrec club, North Midlands TT and now 2 mins off what was a long standing National Age Record....nice bit of work....and although not quite up to date...the UK fastest ever 25 TTs makes amazing reading, climbing up the charts - pure madness, it’s just one step beyond

So that’s the end of “time chasing” and certainly for “25’s” for the moment - back to basics and local league races next with the Bolsover 10 on Saturday....and then a well earned break in Mallorca....

They aren’t rolling their eyes now, and even those (certain) begrudging “old schoolers” surely must have raised an eyebrow on that one, or was it just more wind

(Oh, the hens, that’s Molly and Gertrude from my regular digs in the village of Clydach - I promised them )

BIRDWELL 5M TT CHAMPIONSHIPS - Park Springs - 22nd May 2018

1st - Club Record
Pleasing win (as a guest) at a rather breezy Birdwell 5m TT Champs - recording 10m 31s - a third Sheffrec club record in 15 days...but missing my target of the Birdwell course record by 12 seconds...but I’ll be back ....first ever “5” - really enjoyed the controlled dash, especially the tailwind return 🚴‍♂️💨💨

Thanks to the Birdwell club for organising 👍

SHEFFREC 25M TT - Hatfield Woodhouse - 19th May 2018

2nd Overall
Hoping to make it 3 consecutive victories in 3 weekends, but “failing” by 15 seconds - although the fvckwit of an artic driver who firstly cut me up then blocked me in as he got stuck behind a slower moving cyclist on the return from Crowle certainly didn’t help

That’s the risk of racing on rural single carriageways (as well as the appalling road surface)

But no shame in being beaten by ex semi pro Team Giant bod, Liam Bromiley, now with Sheffrec - so a club 1-2....with the “podium” made up by Andrew Whiteley, just 7 seconds adrift....with a substantial gap to 4th....

Next a rather different challenge and arguably in some ways a harder effort...Birdwell’s rarely raced five miler on Tuesday evening, target club record, Ive a feeling that’s going to hurt

SPORTZMAD 25M Tt - Hirwaun S Wales - 13th May 2018

AINSWORTH AND LETHBRIDGE BATTLE WINDY CONDITIONS FOR VICTORIES IN SPORTZMAD 25
Published: 13 May 18
Written By: Frazer Snowdon
F | T | G+Keith Ainsworth

A week after competition records were broken on the A465 dual carriageway towards Neath, windy conditions slowed times as Keith Ainsworth (Sheffrec CC) and Alice Lethbridge (Drag2Zero) took victories.

Lethbridge, 33 and from Epsom in Surrey, had set a personal best of 50 minutes and 10 seconds last weekend on the R25/3H but blustery conditions on both the outward and homeward leg saw her clock 51.39 for victory on this occasion.

The R25/3h is renowned as one of the fastest 25-mile courses in the country and was the scene for Marcin Bialoblocki’s competition record of 42.58 last weekend but riders faced tougher conditions on this occasion.Alice Lethbridge

Veteran rider Ainsworth, who won the Rossington Wheelers 10 last weekend, thrived in the windy conditions setting a winning time of 49.08 to win the men’s event by nine seconds.

He beat Paul Jones (Primera-Teamjobs) into second with a 49.17 while Andrew White (BPM Coaching) completed the podium a further three seconds behind.

In the women’s event Lethbridge’s time was easily enough for victory finishing over four minutes ahead of Charlotte Boothman (ABC Centreville) in 55.56 while Danuta Tinn (Maidenhead & District CC) took third clocking 57.19.

* All reports are copyright of Cycling Time Trials/Snowdon Sports. Not to be used without permission.

Results:

1 Keith Ainsworth (Sheffrec CC) 49.08

2 Paul Jones (Primera-Teamjobs) 49.17

3 Andrew White (BPM Coaching) 49.20

4 Duncan Mullier (Harrogate Nova CC) 49.50

5 Philip Jones (Transition Race Team) 49.55

6 Peter Watson (Harrogate Nova CC) 50.01

7 Dean Ware (Team Backstedt Bike Performance) 50.05

8 Gavin Hinxman (Drag2Zero) 50.19

9 Luke Cornish (Cwmcarn Paragon RC) 50.31

10 Jeremy Ponting (VC Godalming & Haslemere) 50.36

Women:

1 Alice Lethbridge (Drag2Zero) 51.39

2 Charlotte Boothman (ABC Centreville) 55.56

3 Danuta Tinn (Maidenhead & District CC) 57.19

VTTA NATIONAL 10M TT - Aylesbury - 7th May 2018

1. 
   

8th Overall / 3rd on Standard (National Bronze)
“LET THE SICK FEST BEGIN....”

So, to complete the weekend exploits, a quick drive down to Aylesbury for the National 10 TT Champs (VTTA flavour)...using the undulating Tring by-pass under a baking sun.

Targeted top 10 finish, and pleasingly secured 8th amongst the relative young guns.....recording a rather satisfactory 19mins 29 secs.....which also secured a bronze 3rd “Championship Medal” (separate age adjusted award)...

Although felt that I’d thrown any previous good work on the final stretch....at one point feeling quite nauseous, no blame on the heat probably more to do with poor pacing on the rolling course....and then discovered in fact that most others had clearly suffered too, as that final Strava segment, appropriately named “Let the sick fest begin” , I was actually quicker than my final 8th placing - but what a great name for a segment, how apt?

The 19-29 also knocked a lump off the National Age Record (20secs); Sheffrec Club Record and a new slot on the North Mids Record books....not bad for only a “fairly quick” course

Biggest challenge though was 2 hours later, sitting outside the Bedford in Balham - necking some cold Moretti, trying to avoid the burning sun....but we possibly can’t complain!

Thanks to Kimroy for the photo and note the results have not yet been officially published.
Off to Wales next for some downhill TT - must pack mi wings

ROSSINGTON WHEELERS 10M TT - Hatfield Woodhouse - 5th May 2018

1st Overall

So, the 4th race into the season, the Rossington TT 10 (on the unforgiving Hatfield course) ....the body should by now start to take control, with an element of enjoyment, perhaps?

That nice man the organiser,
Richard Lunt , gave me the scratch start....favourite as a consequence so no pressure....but knowing in fact, on paper, I wasn’t quite the fastest....targeting a sub 21 mins to at least give it a go....however, a typical unforecasted fresh southerly, put paid to any relatively quick times...

With no expectation, belatedly walking in to the HQ post warm down, to pleasingly discover that I had actually won,🥇 with a modicum of comfort....of course well pleased....and a little surprised .
More spondoolies, a nice winners plate and best of all some “craft” beers (I never knew Leffe did a fizz version) - think there should be a precedent there for future race prizes! 🍺

Thanks to Rossington Wheelers for a great event and Richard in particular and also Kathleen for presenting the prizes

BIRDWELL WHEELERS 25M TT - Hatfield Woodhouse - 28th April 2018

6th Overall

Personally, I don’t “do” Strava segments per se, what counts, in performance, is only when you have a number on your back....so, when the two combine I’ll then accept....

In today’s Birdwell 25 at Hatfield (6th overall TBC) - on loading my race file, I got a notification from Strava...”Uh oh...you just lost your KoM.....”

It was for the first 7 miles....don’t these 22 year old professional riders have some respect for near OAP time trialists....come on Connor, give your elders some slack ...😝

(Btw Connor broke the course record)

MIDLANDS VTTA 10M TT - Stone Staffs - 21st April 2018

3rd Overall / 1st on Standard
Scrapping around trying to find events to speed up the race fitness in this early season - found myself in a pleasant village called Weston, south of Stone, Staffs - however nothing pleasant about the Midlands VTTA 10 organised by Walsall CC - a challenging fairly hilly out and back, recording a passable 21-19 to take 3rd overall and first on “standard” (age adjusted)....completely bollixed (technical jargon) at the end, typical (usually 🤪) of the first few races - eased though by picking up some spondoolies 😎