Post by Mark on Jun 27, 2010 19:46:06 GMT
Ventured up to Lee quarry today & entered my first cross country race.
As im not a british cycling Licence holder i chose to run in the weekend warriors class which starts just behind the racers.
Singned on just after 8-30am and got kitted up for a ride round the quarry to check out the route.
The place is very technical to ride with not long drags or let up on the pedalling.
After a good warm up lap (not that i needed warming up on the hottest day of the year so far apparently!!!
)
I returned to the start to top up my fluids & get ready to start.
I couldnt beleive the pace at the front as we watched the racers class set off up the hill to get to the main part of the course.
I lined up on about the third row but didnt realise the lack of traction due to me being on a loose bouldery part of the road so didnt get the best start but still not at the back of the pack.
It took about 2 laps to thin the field out to a point where you werent getting each others way on the very short & steep climbs.
Line choice was critical to make them up without gettin off & pushing.
I was lapped by the race leader on lap 4 which was unbeleivable but further inspection of the lap times were around 3min+ per lap quicker 
I eventually finished 9th in my category which i was made up with & i will be back for more next time.
Still more room for improvement in the fitness
Heres the garmin data
Will post up any pics & results as & when they become available. ;D
As im not a british cycling Licence holder i chose to run in the weekend warriors class which starts just behind the racers.
Singned on just after 8-30am and got kitted up for a ride round the quarry to check out the route.
The place is very technical to ride with not long drags or let up on the pedalling.
After a good warm up lap (not that i needed warming up on the hottest day of the year so far apparently!!!
)I returned to the start to top up my fluids & get ready to start.
I couldnt beleive the pace at the front as we watched the racers class set off up the hill to get to the main part of the course.
I lined up on about the third row but didnt realise the lack of traction due to me being on a loose bouldery part of the road so didnt get the best start but still not at the back of the pack.
It took about 2 laps to thin the field out to a point where you werent getting each others way on the very short & steep climbs.
Line choice was critical to make them up without gettin off & pushing.
I was lapped by the race leader on lap 4
which was unbeleivable but further inspection of the lap times were around 3min+ per lap quicker 
I eventually finished 9th in my category which i was made up with & i will be back for more next time.
Still more room for improvement in the fitness
Heres the garmin data
Will post up any pics & results as & when they become available. ;D
