a story

(Why do I do these early season races again?)

Last Sunday morning was my second race of the season – Banbury Star CC 23 mile hard rider event.

The course was undulating with a sharp 16% twisty climb in the middle. On the way out, you descend the rather tricky descent and on the way back you climb the hill (Edgehill) just when your legs are pretty tired anyway.

I took these photos after finish line. – Hence the smile.

I finished second in a time of 54.31. The event was won by James Wall in a very good time of 52.49.

I started my ‘warm up’ 45 mins before start. It was so cold after 15 mins I returned to car and put on a third pair of gloves, turned the engine on and defrosted my feet under the car’s heater. The car thermometer said outside -1. It’s not exactly Siberia. But, it’s not much fun when you have Reynaulds disease (poor circulation in hands and feet). All I can say is I’m glad I didn’t puncture in the middle of no man’s land….

Brave tandem pair

There were plenty of marshalls on the course with red flags warning you of obstacles like the tricky descent and random road furniture that seems to be all the rage these days. I ended up taking the descent quite slowly as I didn’t know it very well.

I was very pleased to come away with £70. – £50 for second and £20 for the fastest time up Edgehill 3.38. Many Thanks to the sponsor Tuffnells and Willoughby Cafe, run by a local Banbury Star CC member, and Banbury Star CC.

Results

Banbury Star CC