Red Kite Rd 3

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BY: phil Morris

Published: 3rd February, 2013

Coed Trallwm Round 3

Today was our first attempt at The Red Kite Series, which is very local to us, although we haven't been able to make the last 2, so today was our debut! The weather was its usual wet, miserable, damp self, but the course was apparently designed to hold up in the wet. Which it did really well!!

Phil came straight from working nights so not the best race prep, so he was gonna use it as a good training ride. When we arrived I headed to sign on, started to get cold, but soon got warmed up by the lovely wood burner in the café!! There were a few women in lycra about and I had a chat to Debbie Rowland of Cycle-Tec, who rode the last round, and she filled me in, that it was pretty hard going!! Butterflies in my belly and I couldn't face warming up in the wet so I just sat in the car and waited until a few minutes to the start.

1045 was upon us and it was a quick 1,2,3 and we were off up the hill. I managed to get a fairly good start, but as soon as we hit the flat/downhill, Debbie zoomed passed me. I just paced myself and pedalled on. After the downhill fire road we crossed the main road and then it was for a bit of hiking!! Up a steep, muddy bank. Boy it was hard, un-rideable for me and most others, pushing the bike and trying to stay upright and not fall on my backside!! Then it was a flattish, rolling path to the next big, climbing section. This is where I got back past Deb I dug in and pushed on, grinding all the way, having to de-mist and de-muck my glasses to see where the hell I was going! After the long, never ending climb, it was a fast rocky, slate downhill, with a few tight corners thrown in.

The worst part of the course was the next section, down through the trees, a made up path, really sludgy and no real line to take, think I should have taken the same route as a few quick thinkers, behind me, who headed through the trees and cut out the mud!!!

Then another fire road climb to the top and a nice downhill, single-track back to the road, followed by another climb and then soon we were heading back down the fun, muddy single-track back to the start.

The loop then diverted slightly and you went back underneath the bridge and through the river (a little tricky, having to keep your wits about you as there was a few pipes and slippery rocks) However, I was pleased that I rode it every time and didn't end up going SPLASH!!

Thanks to Linsey for cheering me on, gives ya a little boost!! Single track, then a deep river crossing to meet the horrible hike again!!  Accelerade gel consumed, alongside some jelly babies!!! Give me energy!!!

The second time round, my legs were shouting CRAMP!! Didn't like it what so ever!! I was increasing my lead on Deb, each lap and on the third and final lap managed to catch and get by 2 boys on the climb, got a lead on them and then dropped my chin and got it stuck in the horrible section, forced to run to the road and finally get my chain back on!! By now minutes had passed and they had pushed on. GUTTED!! But up the next climb I got them back in my sight but couldn't quite get to them, next time boys!!!

I crossed the line First Female rider!! Yeah!! I was really pleased and glad I hadn't got to do another lap, well definitely not another hike up that section!!

 

Had a quick chat to the finishers and fab soup from the café. No official prize giving or podium though so a little disappointed with that, but overall a really good event, cracking course. Even though it was pretty tough with all the climbing, it wasn't too technical.  I had a quick peek at the lap times and results, although they may not be 100% until Monday evening, when they are finalised. I came 25th overall and had consistent 34 minute lap times. 

Cracking day racing for XCracer.com Team- Phil came in 2^nd place and old wifey here 1^st!!!

 

Well done to everyone involved before, during and after the race. Excellent venue, great café, friendly faces, great course and generally a fun day on the bike in the mud!!!

 

Well done Deb and all the other women riders, it was a little toughie!!!

 

Next round 24^th Feb, same place, same time!

 

Donna Morris

Riding for XCracer.com

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