How Good A Racer Were You BITD?

[legrandefromage]

I was that slightly eccentric lone cyclist found in odd places with big hair, sun worn clothes wafting around the country side quaffing lemonade and cake from village shops.






(I've just re-read that sentance realizing what a shite summer its been and how little time I have for cycling these days :cry: )

 

[mattbrown]

i wish i had entered a race, but no one i knew was as into it as me, so there was no real push, plus im not one for commitment, then the mates at college were into DH, which i wasnt a fan off, was fittest upto about 20, then moved/got kicked out of my parents house, and moved to a town and dont do a fraction of what i used to do (my mind still sort of thinks i have it - body doesnt)

 

[NakedGav]

Ooh, I love a good reminisce !
I started out doing XC in the Clipstone Forest winter series in Mansfield back in my youth category days aboard my 91 Lava Dome with moderate results.
Managed to win a couple of races by the end of the year and also started doing cyclo-cross that winter.
Won a few more local races the next season and had a few results around the top 10 in bmbf series events - 9th at the legendary Newnham Park (gotta love 'the pipeline' !).
Then I broke my collar bone at the last round up in Craick Forest and missed the nationals (at Eastridge I think)
Went on to win a few more XC races when I moved up to Juniors and cross races too including the Nationals and the National Trophy Series.
Carried on with the cross into espoir and seniors with another series win and some nationals medals, did a few worlds and world cups with the GB team in my time too.
XC seemed to be dying off a bit around the time I moved into seniors though (plus I wasn't quite as good !).
When I was a youth & junior I remember the XC races being a full day out, the team seemed to have a rider in every category and all of the riders seemed to be there all day cheering on whoever was racing at that time, then we'd stay and support the riders in the later races.
By the time I was a senior that spirit seemed to have gone and most people turned up, raced then went home. There wasn't such a family spirit around anymore.
Plus, as much as I love my new shiny carbon goodies, it seems the era of the shiny cnc anodised 'trick bits' is long since forgotten now which is a shame.
I've just got into racing cross again after 6 years out and let me tell you it's much harder than I remember !

 

[Old Ned]

Anyone else race at Lightwater Valley ???

Oh yes, I was there! I rode the veterans event and was third. Got a luminous yellow and purple water bottle for my efforts! I still haven't dared use it I found the course quite good but remember a 'corrugated field' somewhere near the big roller coaster which was not very nice on a full rigid.

One thing I've never understood was why they had that ridiculous one lap time trial in the morning? It didn't count for anything but they insisted you rode it to be able to start the XC in the afternoon. I think the organisers were not cyclists and were thinking about the TdeF prologues without really understanding the significance of them.

Also rode the Yorkshire Series events at Tong, Rother Valley, ? Hill in Leeds (can't remember the name with the huge cobbled hill). Came second overall in the vets category. I still have the final result sheet (1992 I think)somewhere with all the placings.

I started racing in 1961 when I was 14 with a '25' in 1-11-18. Developed each year from there (with a few 'semi-retired' seasons) to include TT's, RR's, Track, Cyclo-Cross and in the early 90's MTB XC. I won 5 TT's and 1 RR and several track races - but only at local league level!

Best MTB XC placing was 2nd but had several 3rds and top 6 placings in Vets category.

I last raced in 1996 in a cyclo-cross at Leeds Carnegie College when I realised half-way round that I was not enjoying the experience at all and rode off the course to my car and came home without even bothering to get changed.

However, I have had a few idle (VERY idle) thoughts about making a TT comeback next year. It'll be 21 years since I last rode one.

 

[Pickle]

However, I have had a few idle (VERY idle) thoughts about making a TT comeback next year. It'll be 21 years since I last rode one.

Least its not just me!!!

Well, not that I want to race one, but when I'm spinning away on my turbo trainer, I have often wondered how quick I'd be over 10miles again

One day, I may unbolt my road bike, drive to one of my old 10 miles TT circuits and find out............one day.........

 

[joemc99]

I was ok, not world class, but good. Raced 3 world champs elite, Metabief '93 (DNF), Chateu Deux (sp) '98, 53rd I think (amazing course), Mt St Anne 98 (83rd, sick). Many world cups, lots of BMBs, NEMBAs and SAMS......also all the Irish stuff. Did a masters and elite comeback 07 & 08, see link below. Did my fist BMB in 08 for 10 years, got 21st (brutal). Still do the Roc every year (not this year, new baby). World ,masters last year, 21st, not great. Got to world ranking of 360 this year though, not bad.

I would love to come over and do a spin with you guys. Maybe a retro champs, only pre 96 bikes?

Will someone please give me a m900 32h f hub so I can finish my 94 Axis TT!

http://rocky2007.blogspot.com/

 

[P20]

There's some greats stories in here, and some very fast people amongst us. Keep them coming

 

[capitanfigueras]

Won the Tour a few times back in the day. Thinking of giving it a try again next year.

Lance

 

[Old Ned]

Won the Tour a few times back in the day. Thinking of giving it a try again next year.

Lance

Classic, best post yet!

On mentioning Rother Valley (the one near Sheffield) in the post above, I remembered I had this photo. Taken in the days of fluo clothing (quite obviously!!). Regrettably I still have most of this and, now I am doing more riding and losing some weight, it is beginning to fit me again.

Should I wear it out in public?

 

[NakedGav]

Aah, the glorious Rother Valley - I remember it well.
My team kit at the time was pink & purple, I'd say it wasn't difficult to see us coming round but with the trend for fluro at the time we probably just faded into the general retina burning glare of the bunch !