Team Quest LVRC Hillingdon - Wed 9th Sep 09

LVRC Hillingdon – Wed 9^th Sep 2009

 

Fear and Darkness in West London

 

I took part in the last round of the Wednesday night LVRC race series at Hillingdon. I needed the training since the finish of the Brickendon 10’s and in preparation for the final few races at Hog Hill. I had only raced a 10 mile time trial at Hillingdon before so this was my first taste of bunch racing at the circuit.

 

About 40 vets lined up at 7.00 for 50 minutes plus 6 laps. Unlike Hog Hill all the vets started together. Just after the finish line there is a sharp right that old hands execute almost flat out without braking. As this was my first time at Hillingdon and with memories of grounding my pedal at a similar bend at Hog Hill I was braking coming into the bend and then starting late on the pedals coming out of the corner. As such I was leaving about three bike lengths between me and the rider in front. I soon drifted to the back to avoid annoying the other riders. After 10 laps or so a rider behind me was struggling with the pace and he was none to pleased as I left yet another gap on the bend. I buckled down and concentrated on holding the wheel next time round which I achieved by assuming that if the others can do it that fast then why can’t I?. Terrifying.

 

The pace was high, there was no soft pedalling but it’s a circuit where you can sit in fairly comfortably. It was getting dark by the time the lap boards were out. I stayed near the back for the sprint. It was an exciting race and I intend to do some more races at Hillingdon next year.