Hi all
St Ives CC Go Riders are an organised bunch – I have already had 4 emails booking people in because this Saturday is Go Ride day and I haven’t sent the email out yet! (I know I’m later than usual. Sorry!)
Yes, it’s still wet and most of Hinchingbrooke Park has been under water this week but it will be fine at the top, albeit muddy. Promise!
Please still book in with James / me if you are attending. I wont necessarily be able to respond to all of you individually booking in but rest assured I will let you know in good time if we have too many. Unlikely now that Simon is with us.
Last week
Last week we had the most attendees ever – 33 riders! Simon’s decision to train as a coach was perfectly timed so we are now able to run 3 groups rather than two.
We started with our usual ride around the park, which is an interesting sight with so many riders. I was with the Athertons and we went down the Eastern end single-track. The wet leaves covering the mud meant that we had to take some degree of care as we couldn’t see what was underneath. This proved well founded when I managed to hit some branches that someone had kindly laid in the track in the direction of travel riding line. I didn’t come off (which would have given everyone a good laugh!) but the back end did get a bit wiggly! Please be careful out there and always expect the unexpected!
We also had a few goes on descending and special mention to Zach who absolutely nailed his descent this time after a couple of issues last session. It proves that the best thing you can do when you fall off your bike, is to get back on it! Well done Zach!
Boardman and Cavendish groups worked on balance and pedalling, with some impressively long track stands from some riders showing the incredible balance of some of our riders. Meanwhile, as I was taking a very excited group of 7 riders to Manchester velodrome the following day, I worked with the Athertons on velodrome practice (albeit a tad flatter than the real thing). We set up an oval and with 3 teams of 5, held 5 lap team pursuits with each rider taking one lap on the front before letting the next rider come through to push the air out of the way.
On the Sunday, Many parents and I went to Manchester velodrome with Alex, Amber, Holly, Lotty, Molly, Sam and Sophie for their first ever velodrome session. Lots of new things at once there – the home of British Cycling where many great riders have competed, riding fixed wheel bike, no brakes and steep banked track. It is scary stuff – I know because I have done it!
Whenever St Ives riders are out in public in club kit, whoever they are, they are ambassadors and an advert for the club and their actions reflect directly on the club. Their coach told me afterwards that the riders were all awesome and very capable, doing exactly what they were asked and doing it very well so I am chuffed as monkeys. The club can be very proud that we have such responsible young adults coming through. Well done all!
I also get the feeling that we may well have to look at taking some trips to Welwyn, our nearest track, next year. Welwyn is an outdoor track so we will need to wait until the weather improves in the Spring.
Rider of the week
Riders of the week this session were Charlotte, Charlie and Libby, with Charlotte in particular showing she is becoming a smoother and more confident rider very time she comes out.
Race update
Cyclocross season continues and Alex and Molly joined Emma and Sophie to represent St Ives in the Eastern League at Redgrave Cross. Full results can be found here. There are a few more races in the calendar so plenty of time to have a go!
Next session
As usual, we will meet just the other side of the zip-wire from the cafe, since that gives us some protection from the elements. Please remember to bring a water based drink and a helmet. If this is your first time, we will also need a signed parental consent form, copies of which I always have.
Session starts at 10am (finishing at 11.30) so please be prompt so riders don’t have to hang around in what could be less than ideal weather
After this week, the final session of 2012 is on 15th December.
And finally……
Please please please always wear your helmet. To underline my point above about expecting the unexpected, on my daily commute today, I saw a cyclist turn right at a junction on a cycle path in London this morning. She wasn’t paying attention and as a result, she turned right in front of a cyclist coming in the opposite direction who ploughed straight into her, somersaulting and dislocating their shoulder. No head issues fortunately as they had a helmet on.
Learning point: It’s not about how good a rider you are – its how good (or bad!) someone else is. Just look on www.sillycyclists.co.uk if you need more proof!
If any of you wonder why I ALWAYS wear a helmet, this is why!
Ride safely. See you soon
Mike, James and Simon
