Ventures New....

Early next year I shall mostly be doing:

The Stinger Duathon (15th Feb) and the South Hams Hammer (1st Apr).

There is sufficient time for my performance in both events to be a celebration of physical and mental preparation. That is my intention.

I almost started thinking about going for a run last week, so things are looking positive...

Four wheels, more fun ?

This could be last sunday's Goodwood Festival of Speed or the missus driving to the shops...

Lessons learnt

Bolt upright in seat 47b (issue with the recline button) and with a 16 stone giant from Idaho next to me on the 4pm London to New York Flight, I had 8 long hours to reflect on the experience of my first but not last Dart Classic.

• The countryside and vista of South Devon (posh word for scenery) is as good as the local crew had told us


• Pints of bitter, red wine and a medium two in one pie is the ideal night before preparation for the big race


• Get a group of enthusiastic, motivated people on a challenging course and you cannot help but have fun


• I was in danger of Richard H beating me at something for the first time in 32 years until I saw that there was no limit to the amounts a rider could eat at the feeding station


• Richard Bennett and his bond with the A&E Angels was inspiring


• Team orders went out the window essentially on Saturday night


• I could make a tidy living importing 'smart' looking bike helmets into Devon


• Will be back next year.

where did it go wrong?

Feeling good at half way, but a combination of tempting food, having to help with Mikes chain problem and a very long queue for the toilets pushed me just outside that silver that I had trained for.
Now i know what it takes, i am already plotting next years route tactics and am confident that if i use the bike that Mike was fortunate to get hold of, a sub 5 is well within my reach. but then again, perhaps i should do the 100 miles?
Top marks to one and all - it was hot, and i definiltey did not see a smarter looking team all day.

The Final Reckoning

Well race day has come and gone. And what an incredible day is was ! 6 Dart Pacemakers completed the gruelling, sun-scorched, 65 mile course. Some serving up highly respectable times.

I'm sure each rider will post their personal ride experiences but for now here's the performances:

Team Member       Overall Time       Medal     Classification (out of the 1479 riders
                                                                    who undertook the 65 mile course) 

Louise O                4:15:09               Gold               128
Simon O                4:36:33               Silver              338
Mike C                  5:11:01               Bronze            671
Richard H              5:15:40               Bronze            698
Richard B              5:49:32               Bronze            907
Felix V                  6:18:43               n/a                  1022

Well done everyone ! Roll on next year.

Olympics

Since I had no joy in getting any tickets, I was wondering if we could pehaps enter a team? Am sure Greece, or someone like that, will drop out, or we could buy their place. Anyway think about it, but propose we go for a good team time incase selectors are on the look out on Sunday,

'Now this is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning.'.....

Can't Blog......... .. ..... .... . . . .. ... . tears.