It's always a pleasure!

BY: Louise Robinson

Published: 14th April, 2014

It’s so nice when something in life proves to be easy rather than the usual uphill struggle. A new resistance unit for my turbo trainer arrived this morning, a warranty replacement after my trusty CycleOps unit started weeping oil over the winter. Those of you who have read my ramblings before will know of my love of dry feet and turbo trainers, and this winter was definitely a turbo trainer kind of winter if you wanted to keep your feet dry. After killing our first turbo through overuse, we deliberately purchased the CycleOps unit because it came with a lifetime warranty – and thanks to Cyclesport UK and Paligap that is exactly what we got. A quick email, a few photos and some technical details and a brand new resistance unit was winging its way to us in the post. The only problem that remains is that with a new resistance unit, my FTP (functional threshold power) will be completely different -all resistance units will give slightly different readings and while my old unit was weeping my FTP became amazingly good. So there is nothing for it but to retake the 8 minute test and reset the numbers. Pass the rubber glove boys.

Anyway, I digress. This was supposed to be a blog about a race.

Yesterday’s finale to the Gorrick Saddle Skedaddle spring series took place in glorious sunshine on the peculiarly named Porridge Pot Hill. In complete contrast to last weeks racing the course was an excruciating mix of swoopy single track and short sharp climbs. Despite land access issues with the army the course designers managed to put together a racecourse that challenged technical ability and pure fitness in equal measure.

Duncan Hards in the mens Super Vets race coming in to finish a lap

A disappointing turnout in the ladies expert category saw just three of us on the start line. My current nemesis Cat Ross and Spanish MTB/CX rider Merce Pacios were the only competition. On the gun, Cat went out hard with Merce and myself on her wheel. After a couple of hundred meters from the start line the course took a steep down hill with sharp left-hander at the bottom. Both Cat and Merce hammered it down the hill but Merce failed to make the corner and gave me a moment’s gap to tuck into second place behind Cat.

The Mens Fun race take it sedately off the line and down the first decent

But as the climbing started it became clear I was in a different league to the other girls. “Unrideable climb” was my downfall. Without studs on my shoes I couldn’t even run it and I lost a good 10 seconds to the other girls. As this is home turf to me the single track was my friend and I was able to catch up by the half way point of the first lap. More climbing left me lagging again until the final single-track section again allowed me to catch up. First lap, 1 sec behind Cat. The following 3 laps pretty much followed a similar vein with me loosing time on every climb and clawing back in each single-track section. Unfortunately the loses became greater and the gains didn’t improve, leading to an eventual gap of 40 seconds on the other two girls who finished only 1 second apart with Cat just unable to get round Merce on the final stretch of single track. Fabulous racing girls, well done.

Cat Ross looking relaxed in warm up

So last place today, but the points gave me a win in the series with Cat taking second spot and Natasha Barry third. Another handmade trophy, courtesy of Four4th lights, for the mantle piece and a nice little prize pot are always gratefully received.

Showing off the new kit

With the series over, the next time the Gorrick team will be out on Porridge Pot Hill will be on 4th May at the Kawasaki 100 Enduro Challenge.

See you there!

More on the Saddle Skedaddle Spring Series Rd 4:

Event Calendar Listing

Blogger Info:

Saddle Skedaddle Spring Series Rd 4 Report

It's always a pleasure!

BY: Louise Robinson

More on the Saddle Skedaddle Spring Series Rd 4:

Blogger Info:

Louise Robinson

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