If you read my blog you'll have noticed that I haven't blogged for some time, and that's because I've not done much on the bike lately. So, now that my work commitments have somewhat relaxed I've decided to get going again, and so can officially announce the start of my race season. So a week ago - after my South African holiday - I finally decided to enter the Surrey League Ewhurst RR. I used the online rider registration (RiderHQ) service to enter.
With Ockley Village Hall so close to home (~5 miles) I decided to get race ready at home and ride to the start as a warm up. This would be the first time I'd used my new race bike (Giant TCR Advanced) and with my Fulcrums too. Needless to say it was great to see all the riders again - I sure miss the atmosphere. My mate Gilly (Andrew Gill) was there too so that was a bonus.
Other than the road surface this course is magical. It takes you around beautiful Surrey countryside along narrow lanes. The course itself winds its way through Ewhurst and then back on to the A29 before it heads back to the HQ, Ockley Village Hall. We had to complete six laps before branching onto the final section up Leith Hill (71 miles).
The race started in glorious sunshine after the obligatory race briefing. Immediately riders started attacking, trying to get away - a common pattern on the course. Two riders, Jodie Crawford and Sam Allen (AW Cycles) clipped off front and began to build a good lead. Soon afterwards I attacked and burried myself to bridge, which I finally did. Jody ran into some puncture trouble, but managed to get back to his car to replace it.
We got caught after a lap and soon afterwards a trio clipped off (and stayed away till the end). My team mates, Simon and Sam (AW Cycles), attacked and worked well together. Now patrolling the front of the peleton I managed to get a quick word in with John (Heaton-Armstrong, from Fit-For) where we agreed that the race was pretty much 'over'. The lack of spirit demonstrated by the groupies confirmed that there is a lot of negative riding in local Surrey League - riders seemed to rather sit in and follow wheels. A frustrated John continued near the front, secretly hoping some might be courageous enough to have a go. It was not to be.
In the closing stages of the race I came to the front main group to complete the second half of the last lap out front, holding a steady pace comfortable knowing my team mates where out of sight.
On the final turn headed towards the finish I pulled to the side and let the group fight for the minor placings. I was content with how my first ride had gone and
Results:
1. Guy Powdrill (London Dynamo/Cyclefit)
2. Steven Saunders (Kingston Whls CC)
3. Simon Ernest (AW Cycles)
28. Rob Enslin (AW Cycles)
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