Saturday 17th September - Go Ride & Youth Ride

The rain dance worked (just) and we managed a good Go-Ride session in the dry and an off-site assault of Col de Coldharbour by some of our experienced riders.

Go Ride
The focus of our session today was riding one handed (and none handed in some cases) and nailing that essential bike skill of rear observation.  While Damian got his off-site group organised we ran a quick skills check on the field; lots of waving and high fiving followed by a none handed demo from Kieran that saw him ride up and down the field and round the goal posts taking requests for shapes from the crowd.

Then we split into smaller groups to practise.  The younger riders checking behind them to identify coloured cones while older rider checked out the bike Jenga.

off-site riders gathered at the pump track

After a quick break, we ran a ten minute endurance challenge and then there was just time for a quick head to head relay.  As we finished Damian and the others returned from Col de Coldharbour; good riding, no punctures was the order of the day.

Saturday 10th September - Here We Go, Go Ride!

Go Ride

22 Riders signed on for our first session (not all shown!)

There was a good turnout today for our first Go Ride session of the new school year.  It was great to see our regular riders back after the summer and welcome some new members too.  After warming up with some riding on the site, we focussed on slow riding technique; I was pleased to everyone getting the hand of gliding on their level pedals before slowing down and trying out some slow riding techniques.  Once everyone had mastered the basics we split into smaller groups and run a couple of slow races, expect to see more of this over the coming weeks.

Sardines

Next we moved onto a sophisticated 'Post Office Queue' set up which challenged riders to make four tight U turns before heading off to spin their legs and return to have another go.  Meanwhile, some of the older riders were practising 'Sumo', so as not to be left out we set up some 'Sardine' stations; A good sardine, needs to be able ride slowly, and anticipate other riders actions, we definitely have some new emerging stars ;-)

Re-fuelled with chocolate biscuits riders split into two groups and practised taking a lap in the popular game 'Chase the Grapes'.  As the session drew to a close, the younger riders played Whistle Stop, with Cayden reigning supreme and even giving Ellen a run for her money.  The older riders had moved onto Marymoor Crawl racing; a good combo of slow and fast racing and we just had time to join them for a few last heats.

The 'Post Office Queue' requires skilful cornering

Excellent bike riding from everyone today and brilliant to see the fundamental skills really developing.  Same again next week, 9.15am sign on at Stocks Green School. See you there!

Youth Ride
Once we are packed up from Go Ride, we head out on a road bike ride with some of our older riders.  The Saturday Youth Ride aims to get our members started on the road and comfortably riding up to 20 miles.  To join these rides you must have been along to Go Ride we can get to know you, your skills and fitness.  This is to help keep all our riders safe.

Post ride, everyone is still smiling :-)

This week we followed once of our popular routes called Old Fave.  It's around 16 miles with just under 1000ft of climbing. We rode it anti-clockwise, which makes the main climb the Col de Wellers Town. I did offer my group a stop at the pub (just to catch their breath, not for beer ;-)) but they declined and made it all the way to top without stopping.  The older riders had headed off with Malcolm and Ruth and despite claiming they were all tired and not feeling very fit they managed 15mph and all looked fresh as daisies when we returned. 

Saturday 23rd July - Go Ride Racing

Thanks to all the riders who made it along to our Go Ride racing event.  Over twenty enthusiastic riders signed up for this event that was run by Young Volunteer Calvin assisted by Ellen.  We focused on track style racing with an individual TT, a Kieran and and Elimination Race, we ended the morning with an Italian Pursuit.  As ever a real treat to see our young riders enjoying their bikes, the sunshine and off course the medals!  Have a great summer, look forward to seeing you all in September.

Saturday 16th July - Bedgebury Boars XC

It was great to be at Bedgebury again and ready to race!  Another good turnout from our riders including some first time racers made it another great trip to the forest.  Our team was: Charlotte, Rosemary, Arno, Betsy, Oliver, Albert, Hope, Ellen, Polly & Me.

Our newest recruits to racing Rosemary, Arno and Betsy all got stuck in, Arno had an impressive wipe out while attempting to overtake on the approach to a narrow section but hopped straight up and was quickly on his way again.

The course was much drier this time, although there were still a few stinky black puddles to ride through (apparently they keep these topped up just to delight the riders ;-)).

Oliver rode in the U8's and the U10's, proving his total addiction to cycling!

Some very successful racing was followed by the podiums.  Next race day at Bedgebury is Saturday 20th August http://www.boarsonbikes.co.uk/round-4-bfcc-summer-xc-series-sat-20th-aug/

Oliver came 7th in the U8's

Racing again, Oliver put in a good performance to finish 11th in the U10's

New kids on the block:
 Betsy, Arno & Rosemary

U8's
Albert - 2nd place - silver
Oliver  - 7th place
Arno - 11th place

Betsy - 2nd place (13th overall) - silver

U10's
Rosemary - 3rd place (10th overall) - bronze
Oliver - 11th place

U12's
Hope - 3rd place (9th overall) - bronze

U14's
Polly - 1st place - gold
Ellen - 2nd place - silver

Women
Kary - 2nd - silver

Ellen's take on it: SCARY

Albert, Oliver and Betsy in the start pen

Me just behind the race leader Glen, I'm 2 laps down ;-)

Albert U8's - silver medal

Rosemary U10's - bronze medal

Hope U12's - bronze medal

Betsy; silver medallist U8 girls

Being indulged by Ellen, Hope & Polly ;-)

Medals all round for Polly & Ellen

Friendly rivalry in the Women's race

Full results available here: http://www.boarsonbikes.co.uk/results-of-bfcc-mtb-races-16th-july-2016/

Friday 15th July - Spring in the Park - Championship Night

Championship Night is the culmination of ten weeks of Friday night racing at Cyclopark. This year we had a mixed team of eight riders across the age categories U8 to U16; Albert Hacker, Hope Inglis, Nico Burrone, Ellen Inglis, Polly Burge, Toni Wilkes, Calvin Hooper and Hannah Graveney; pretty impressive for a relatively small club.  Each week riders are awarded points based on their finishing position within their age and gender category.  Riders who complete at least six of the nine races are ranked in the series results as well as being eligible for on the night prizes.  In short that means the podium ceremony is fairly lengthy!

As usual all our riders were a credit to themselves and the club and demonstrate just what happens when you mix excellent bike riding, good sportsmanship, humour and legendary baking.  Here's a flavour of the team:

Albert (U8 Boys) - Albert raced in all ten races, consistently finishing 2nd or 3rd every time.  He was placed 2nd overall in the series and finished 3rd on the final race.  He showed a great willingness to learn about racing, loved trying out new tactics but best of all finished every race with a mint choc chip ice cream.  

Hope (U12 Girls) - Hope is a seasoned rider and racer and has embraced the challenges of her first year in the U12's.  Her confidence has grown throughout the series and she has used her excellent technical skills together with some Terry tactics to improve her racing. By the end of the series she was consistently finishing two or three places higher and was placed xxst overall.  Often to be seen offering chocolate brownies to the volunteers, Hope is a popular racer at Cyclopark!

Nico (U12 Boys) - Nico managed to make it to four of the races this year, started using cleats and put it a cheeky attack in his final race (more Terry tactics??).  He definitely showed great improvement and much promise so I look forward to seeing him racing more in the future.

Ellen  (U14 Girls) - Ellen made it to nine of the ten races making her one of our most consistent racers.  Ellen has made lots of progress through the series including really nailing her starts and targetIng individual riders she knows she can beat.  Ellen finished 5th in the Championship race and 7th overall in the series. 

Polly  (U14 Girls) - Polly raced on all ten evenings which makes her a consistent rider. She made progress over the series by setting herself the target of getting a good start and holding on to the front group for as long as possible.  She finished 3rd overall and 3rd on the night.

Toni - 1st overall

Hannah (U16 Girls) - It was great to see Hannah racing at Cyclopark again this year although she was only able to make half the races.  They proved a good testing ground for her when she was recovering from an earlier crash and a good way to catch up with the KVK and of course the other SE U16 girls.  This is Hannah's last year as an U16 so sadly she can't race at SIP next year, but I'm always looking for marshals.............  Hannah finished 4th on the night and 7th in the overall series.

Toni (U16 Girls) - Toni raced on all ten evenings and really embraced the opportunity to build on her race skills and strategy.  By the end of the series she was riding confidently in a large and fast moving mixed bunch and finding herself well placed for some excellent finishes.  Toni finished in first place overall but just missed out on a double top step podium on the Championship night as she had to concede to Josie S from VCL.

Polly - 3rd overall 

Calvin (U16 Boys) - Calvin raced on six of the ten evenings and as always put on a good show of results despite his laid back approach to training.  It's fair to say that the U16 boys category is pretty intense but this does not deter Calvin from doing what he loves; racing his bike with some friends at Cyclopark.  He finished 11th overall in the series but wasn't with us for the Championship night.  Like Hannah, this is Calvin's final year as an U16 so I shall be putting him on the marshal rota for next year too!

 ADD PICTURE OF CALVIN & NICO