Saturday 14th Of February - I Love My Bike Day for the The Kent Velo Kids

Great to welcome twenty three riders this afternoon for our February Go Ride Racing event..........pictures to follow.

As riders arrived and signed on we started the first ride through of the afternoon's course.  As well as the usual 'top lump' and 'play trail chicane', Jake and Damian added a new section including a small bank and a stepped section that required a dismount/remount manoeuvre.  Heavy rain in the preceding days meant the grass sections quickly became pretty muddy, so going was hard through these parts.  

Like a well oiled machine, riders got themselves organised in number order for the start of the TT, a one lap loop of the course.  This was followed by mass start races for U8's, U10's, U12's, U14's and U16's.  We finished the set of races with a one lap handicap race, which saw our younger riders racing to victory over their older team mates.  After a quick biscuit break we moved onto some team relay races on the playground.  Michele's Yellow team cam in first with 11 points, followed by Hannah and Michael's teams with 7 points.  Damian's green team came in third with 5 points.  Some really close and exciting racing and as every good to see riders of different ages and clubs working together and cheering each other on.

We moved onto the results and medal ceremony before drawing the session to a close.  Well done to all the riders, parents and volunteers who make these events so enjoyable for everyone.

Our next Go Ride Session is February 28th at Stocks Green 1.45pm sign on for a 2pm start.

Saturday 7th February 2015 Bedgbury

We arrived at Bedgbury to an icy Northerly blowing in the car park and lots of people looking decidedly chilly.  The plan was to split into two groups; one tackling the single track and one the family trail.  However in true KVK spirit our younger riders Hope and Nico were up for a challenge and immediately opted to try out the red trail.  Toni & Luke had ridden it before with Damian but Ellen, Sophia and Polly were all slightly apprehensive as they were new to the single track, Calvin was still in discussions about clothing.  That left Michele, Claire and Malcolm to roll around the family trail.  We agreed to meet up with them at Louisa Lake, where we could split the group if necessary.

I'm sure Claire will have something in her basket
that can saw through that.

After the first couple of sections it was clear that everyone was comfortable riding berms, and descents with a few lumps and bumps and well placed trees thrown in.  By the time we reached Louisa Lake there were smiles all round as we discussed the bits we'd enjoyed most.  We met up with the Family Trailers and discussed options from here; conclusion was they would complete their trail solo as all the riders were keen to continue.

With no kids to supervise Malcolm and Claire had to
have a go on the play equipment themselves

That meant we all headed off up 'Cardiac', which might have left some people wondering whether or not they'd made the right decision but we were soon rewarded with some lovely descents, berms and bumps.  As riders started to tire (tyre??) we had a few extra sugar burst stops which kept everyone going.  I think we were all a little surprised when we popped out by 'Genesis', the start of the red trail.  There was much relief and excitement as we headed off to 'Cake Run'.  After some of the interesting sections we'd ridden the section seemed quite tame, or maybe that was just because I wasn't riding fast enough :-)

Hope and Nico kept up well on their first go at the single track.  Ellen, Sophia and Polly were a little nervy to start with but soon worked out it was alot of fun.  Calvin seemed unphased, just over dressed ;-), Toni & Luke our experienced red trailers took it all in their stride.

Back at the car park everyone got sorted out before stopping for a quick coffee and a sandwich.  What a great morning, I can't think of any better way to spent a miserable, cold February morning than with such an accomplished group of young riders.  Our journey home took us along the A21, Polly and I chatted about our morning as we watched the queue of cars lining up on the way to the shops, I wonder if they have any idea of what they are missing out on???

Thanks as ever to parents and riders for making it over to Bedgbury for an awesome ride.

Next weekend:
Go Ride Racing at Stocks Green School.  Sign on 12.45pm £4. MTB/hybrid multiple races.

Sunday 1st February Club Cluster Session at Lee Valley Velodrome

Ellen, Toni, Polly, Luke, Calvin and Hannah.  Rider briefing prior to the session.