Ottershaw fun

Last weekend I was in Italy with the family... and no... I never took my bike. That's a first. It was hard to see folk riding their bikes on those wicked roads. My turn will come soon...

This weekend (30 October) I raced the round 2 of the Ottershaw series. I finished 9th - we averaged over 30 m/hr. The results and photos are on LondonCycleSport.com

Results: (95km in 2hours 6 mins)

1. Justin Lomas
2 Martin Smith
3 Craig Peter
9 Rob Enslin

Photo courtesy of Dennis Sackett

A new year a new name

Well it was bound to happen. As the season draws to a close certain changes are bound to take place. For a start my blog name will change (engine - living the dream). Whether this name lasts or not is debateable. But, for now, lets leave it as that.

Also, my domain name has changed - http://robenslin.blogspot.com I hope that it doesn't inconvenience anyone?

The Shagman... aka Alex Hagman

What a beast! While working at home listening my favourite band (prime circle) I got an email from Alex with pics of him in his new Collegiate National jersey. It's look awesome and he deserves it.

He's been training hard in Italy this year. During the recent Surrey League 5 day he had bad luck - and should have had an awesome race to end his European campaign, but he was unlucky.
I'm planning a trip to the US in the new year and hope to go on some training rides and perhaps even do some mtb races with him - I'm sure he'll kick my butt - nevermind.

Alex's performance has secured him a good ride for a strong team next year - AEG-TOSHIBA-JetNetwork Team (website). There is an article on cyclingnews.com about his move. Good luck buddy - will be watching your progress closely.

Visit Alex's website here. (opens new window)

SE Series... the final round

8th October - Ockley HQ.


The last round was held on the perfect Ockley/Ewhurst course in Surrey (only 12 mins from my house by bike).

We had to complete 5 laps and then turn off of the circuit and finish on the infamous Leith Hill. I was looking forward to the race probably because I haven't raced for a couple of weeks now and of course being close to home it was a personal favourite.

I felt a little heavy in the legs, but they felt strong and powerfull. I think with all the commuting to work - with my heavy mountain bike - has helped with raw brute power. The course suits me as its just lumpy and undulating.

The race pace was fast and all the usuall suspects were there. Rob H has pretty much sealed the series so there was just minor placings for the picking. I was lying in around 30th overall going into the last race.

Most of all the breaks that tried to go clear were brought back. Richard Prebble had the best of the digs but he too was reeled in near the end. A small but strong group of 12 riders completed the last lap and headed off the circuit to climb Leith Hill. We started the climb slowly but the pace gradully picked up and by the time we started the steep section it was fast. Rob H attacked first in his big blade - awesome power. I stepped up the tempo and stayed with the front group until the riders with tired legs began to fade. As we summited the last steep section only Gary Dodd and I were near the front with Rob H away. Gary and I yoyo'ed but Gary finally got the edge over me and I rolled over in 3rd place.

The final stage result: (60 miles)
1 Rob Hurd 2:23:12
2 Gary Dodd 0:07
3 Robert Enslin 0:11
4 John Veness
5 Richard Prebble

Final South Eastern standings:
1. Rob Hurd
2. Chris McNamara
3. Gary Dodd
10. Rob Enslin (and £50 pize)

Thanks to London Cycle Sport for the images; Sigma Sport and Altio for sponsoring the series and providing the prize money and Surrey League for putting on a great series.