Well! This time the entertainment began before we got through the gates :-). Joseph was delayed by demonstrations in London, out of contact. Not liking the idea of wasting a long journey, matters were taken in hand. By the time Joseph rode up we were through the gates (but looking a tad sheepish). Hopefully he’ll forgive us. One day.
Back to business. Pairs on the blue warm up for most while Gina “Pocket Rocket”, Kimberley “X-Ray Specs” and I circled round on the white keeping clear.
Skills. Close contact riding on the inner circuit while G, K + I played at squaring the circle. Finally, a single line chain gang for all of us.
This month’s burn-up started with a couple of 4-lap 4-up semi finals. Catherine’s Oxted looked ominously neat as they bossed it against Gina’s Redhill gang. Kimberley and Steve had to contend with ‘Plodder’ in the ‘All Stars’ line-up. Predictably, Susan’s Grinnies trounced us.
For our final Joseph unleashed the semi winners on a 4-lap handicap race. Susan and Catherine got a half lap start and showed astute tactical cunningl by gently trundling round at first, not opening up until the guys were released. Would they hold them off? Almost! Luke buried himself for a lap, taking chunks out of the gap. Chris threw all he had at it and closed it more, then Simon & Luke took it on, bridged and Simon just got half a wheel in front at the line. Simon-Catherine-Susan-Luke-Chris. Chapeau to them but also to Joseph’s handicapping judgement.
So, Oxted overall winners again. Let’s say
3 pts to Oxted. Grinnies second, 2pts. Redhill 1.
Overall to date: Oxted 18, Grinnies 4, Redhill 2
But hey, we were all winners!.
I had a chance to re-introduce a track iron that raced here in ’37, but soon swopped back to my familiar beast. “I ride/ A silver machine” (Hawkwind). 2 hours gone – time flies when you’re having fun 🙂
Thanks again Joseph. Hope you appreciated our practical security audit. Hope everyone appreciated the sunset, looked even more amazing through Kimberley’s shades.
Our next sessions both immediately precede the regular ladies’ training sessions:
February 10 15:00-17:00
March 10 15:00-17:00
A suggestion from Luke: How about booking a pizza meal somewhere nearby afterwards, for (say) 18:30-ish?
I’m assuming that with warmer weather/ clock changes most riders will be into different agendas after that, but if I have enough expressions of interest I can still book Sunday sessions for April and May. Let me know.
Peter B
p.s. Adey, Russell – please can you forward this to your riders. Cheers.
Redhill (5 riders)
Gina Brown
Kimberly Andersen
Stuart Bunt
Steve Taylor
Mark Bailey
East Grinstead (5)
Susan Fagan
Russel Cottingham
Luke DeQuay
Richard Woodward
Plodder Bedingfield
Oxted (3)
Catherine Howe
Chris Hewitt
Simon Arnold
———-
Herne Hill Track Training October to March
Stay sharp over the winter!
Coached Herne Hill winter track series, EGCC + Oxted CC + Redhill CC. Second Sunday, each month 15:00-17:00.
Dates
Oct 14th 2018 15:00-17:00
Nov 11th 2018 15:00-17:00
Dec no session
Jan 13th 2019 15:00-17:00
Feb 10th 2019 15:00-17:00
Mar 10th 2019 15:00-17:00
Series-long interclub challenge.
5 places reserved at each session for each club. First come first served!
£15 each includes hire of a track bike (bring your own pedals and spanner). Or use your own track bike if you prefer (must be compliant – f/w, no brakes, no q/r, no sticky-out sharp bits).
No previous track experience needed – fixed wheel virgins will be introduced to the dark arts with great sensitivity.
Contact Pete Bedingfield petersbed@aol.com or 07715 757819. Please reserve a place 4 weeks ahead of each date.
