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/