Weekend of 13th/14th October

Just three things going on for our riders this weekend:

• Go Ride at Kingdom - Penshurst
• Club Cluster - Lee Valley Velodrome
• London League Cyclocross

Go Ride at Kingdom - Penshurst

Twenty five riders signed on this morning and made it down to 'The Natural Velodrome', where we started our session.  Jez led the session with Gary, Andrew and Michele assisting, no Young Volunteers this morning.  I took on a welfare and general duties role, no first aid required and just one puncture to sort.  Johnny stepped in to lend a hand with a mechanical for a young rider who'd arrived on spec.

Nice pedal position from Fin :-)

We used 'Heart Break Hill' to give the riders practise and using and choosing the right gears for sustained climbing, the return route also provides the opportunity to hone cornering technique; still some very mixed outcomes on that front!  Moving onto the slightly flatter section and including a couple of slalom zones, meant the riders had to focus on control and steering while going up and downhill.  The rough surface provides some challenges too and forces the riders to think more carefully about what's under their tyres.  By the time we made it up to the 'Start Loop' everyone needed to refuel; choc chip cookies on hand this week!

Getting ready for Heart Break Hill

The demon dismount zone: rough ground up hill!

Smiling, it's down hill!

Whilst the riders were working on mounting and dismounting with the coaches, a couple of parents helped out setting up our final course; Start Loop + Cafe Loop.  We were pleased to see that Miles had 'tweaked' the car park so that the course is now traffic free and our gap in the fence was unimpeded (thanks Miles ;-)).  I led the riders out for a sighting lap/rolling start, before pulling off and leaving the riders to race for two laps.

It was great to see all our riders enjoying the race, many of them would have happily raced again, but sadly we'd run out of time.  Another great session enjoyed by all the riders and coaches.  Next week we'll be back at Stocks Green, our next session at Kingdom is October 27th.

Race leader, Harry.....

Indominitable spirit, Fraser........

Girls race leader Ella, chased by Zara

It was great to see all our riders enjoying the race, many of them would have happily raced again, but sadly we'd run out of time.  Another great session enjoyed by all the riders and coaches.  Next week we'll be back at Stocks Green, our next session at Kingdom is October 27th.

Lee Valley Velodrome - Club Cluster

Harry, Hope and Eloise all got up VERY early just for the thrill of riding at London.  I also got to help out on the coaching front with our friend Terry from Woolwich.  I didn't get a team photo though :-(

East Kent Cyclocross

Our team today were Albert, Ivo and Gareth.  Thanks to Gary for the photos.  Good results; well done to Ivo for working his way back up the field after an early unscheduled dismount. Well done to Albert for beating one of his regular rivals :-). Good to see Gareth flying the flag too.  Research says that although Olympic athletes inspire our youngsters, parents and relatives who participate in sport massively influence their youngsters own participation.  

Ivo 2nd in the U10's

Albert - 2nd in the U12's

Gareth - 14th/35 riders