Sunday Ride/Race - October 9th - West Head

[Andy H]

This Sunday's ride/race leaving from Kariong Information Centre at 6am sharp (be there 5.50am to organise car pooling).

Drive to St Ives or Bobbin Head (decide in the morning) and ride to race at West Head.

Racing is for all grades on a hot mix out and back circuit over undulating terrain. Great racing for everyone here.

You'll be home by midday if you stop for coffee (right at the car park) after racing or earlier if you skip the coffee stop.
 

If you can't drag your sorry a#&e out of bed I guess there will be a coffee ride on as well - leaving WGS at 7am.

[Matt]

I look at the posts and I could just cry.  Keen to race West Head but Nippers starts Sunday.  The calander is always conspiring against me.  Buggery buggery bollocks.

[WOODY]

Andy,

How far is the ride from St Ives to West Head ?

Do any 'D' graders go ?

Ken

[Andy H]

Hey Ken, The ride to the race is about 15km and an easy ride.

I can't remember if any of our D graders have raced there but there is definitely a D grade race - I think it's only one lap for D grade so you should be fine with the ride in and back plus racing. If not, Mick will push you up any hills on the way home 

[PeZulu]

Don't forget to mention the climb back from West Head either through Akuna Bay or up MCarrs Creek Rd. Ouch!

[WOODY]

I don't think you were supposed to mention that Col 

[Andy H]

Don't forget to mention the climb back from West Head either through Akuna Bay or up MCarrs Creek Rd. Ouch!

Typical sprinters fear mongering!

Nothing to worry about Ken - you won't remember the climb once you're sipping a hot latte and stuffing down a fresh pastry.

[greggy]

Which you can pay for with your winnings

[WHITE]

Which you can pay for with your winnings

Obviously you will have no $ to contribute Greggy.

[greggy]

Pfff... Ill be shouting all of team cc

[csfive]

Pfff... Ill be shouting all of team cc

I'll hold you to that.

[Crispin]

The wrap up

Low numbers in A grade caused a handicap format for A and B. B grade being let loose with 3? minutes over A. About a third of the way out on the second lap A came past with plenty of pace with all the B graders expecting the catch and scurrying for a wheel to try and hang on as long as possible. Two A graders opened up a gap  up one of the bumps in the last 8km with Mick patiently waiting for some distance between the two packs before bridging. Both Andy and I watched Mick wind up knowing it was the wheel to be on, Mick crossed in no time and since there were no B graders up in the front group B settled down for the crossing of the last 2 hills where it's " make or break". Errr crack!

Mr Curren takes out the win over a strong ride from Manly and bike bug rider for the other places. Nice ride Mick, must of been the box of sultanas on the second lap. 

[Andy H]

Chris forgot to add that Greggy was riding A and lasted a full lap before being unhinged - a great effort considering the riders he was swapping turns with. He jumped into B and rode the rest of the race very comfortably.

The last lap was the toughest B grade race I have ever ridden with attack followed by hill followed by attack on hill. I had to some extremely hard digging to hang on and finally on the last climb the legs just said 'that's enough' and I was dropped.  Greggy was urging me on but I was ready to hop off and walk the remainder of the climb.

Chris was still looking strong and made the climb with one B grader away and heading for the solo win to come in for a strong 3rd!

Adam also made the trip down to ride C grade but unfortunately flatted after the 1st lap.

Well worth the trip down and already looking forward to finishing with the bunch next month!

[greggy]

Was an awesome day and i could definitely get used to riding on that surface everywhere!

PS. Here's a couple of simple rules that'll help anyone Adapt to North Shore cycling etiquette....

1. If you see another cyclist on the side of the road with a flat tyre signalling for help and a pump... keep your head down and up the pace!

2. If you need to get your bike out from under someone else's expensive bike at the cafe, just push their bike on to the ground and be on your way.

[Crispin]

Andy

Glad you found it tough too. The average speed was on a par with past races in B grade however half way into the first lap I was thinking of tossing in the towel. Somehow the legs came back.

West head is a tough but satisfying ride! Well worth the trip.

Greggy if that was you offering the lead out " thanks" bummed I couldn't finish the job for cccc.