London Cross League 13 - Dartford Sun 20th Jan 2013

Having rode a strong race at Bury and with news that Sunday's planned Central League event at Hitchin had been called off, Dave and Joe looked for another place to get their double CX racing weekender fix. Thankfully theL ondon CX League offered a race at Dartford which was a lot trickier with snow falling, lots of singletrack in the woods and some icy bits. Dave was really enjoying it until he hit his front wheel on a root, resulting in eye-watering anatomic collision with the stem and subsequent fall onto a big rock. Wounded moose noises attracted lots of well-meaning attention from other riders and one kind individual stopped to help him out from under his bike. After some moments had passed Dave continued on his way and was just getting back to normal lactic acidosis when his gear cable snapped inside the shifter, forcing him to ride the last lap in the biggest gear. Despite all this it was well worth the Dartford toll money. 

Joe Kiely braved the snowy conditions at Bury and raced strongly claiming 6th overall and 2nd U10 of 28 starters. He rewarded himself with a big wedge of cake from HQ which offered the best selection all season. (photo attached) He also had a great two lap race in Dartford; he led for the first lap but was pulled back by Joseph Blackmore, his arch nemesis in the London league, and finished second.

This is likely to be one of the final reports of the CX season with just the team champs to be battled out at Mistley on 3rd Feb (Eastern League) and Haywards Heath on 10th Feb (London League).