Eastern Cyclo-Cross League 3 - Sat 25th Sept 2011
Thu 29 Sep 2011
Eastern Cyclo-Cross League 3 - Sun 25 Sept 2011
With everyone else in Copenhagen for the World championships, I decided to take the kids for company at round 3 of the Eastern cyclo-cross league series held at Springfield Park, Chelmsford.
Being my debut I decided not to get involved with all jostling for position to the first bend and started on the grid in last position. Big mistake, half way round the first lap, a gap in a hedge caused a giant bottleneck where people actually chatted as they patiently queued to get through. The unseasonably warm weather led to firm conditions with only a hint of mud on the odd bend.
I got round OK managing not to embarrass myself with any face plants or the like. Although my kids said I was pulling “funny faces” like I needed the toilet.
I finished 43rd of 81 starters in the Vets race, 6.21 down on the leader Phil Buick of Iceni Velo.
Next up, on his mountain bike, was my 8 year old, Joe in the U12’s. Fresh from his 2nd place in the Potters Bar district cub cyclo-cross the previous week, he was a little more disappointed this week finishing 31/37 overall, or 9/12 U10’s. Still, he loved it and can’t wait to race again. Together we are working on a plan for world domination in a few years. Even my daughter Abigail, who only came along to watch, and provided the loudest encouragement, is now signed up to the league and raring to go.
Dave Kiely