2010-10-10 - Spectators Ride - Catford Hill Climb

It was a great day out. I've been very nervous over the last week or so about how this race would go, but it all worked out in the end.

I started off fairly well, but as soon as I hit the first steep section, I wheel spun a few times which knocked my rhythm and slowed me down a bit. I then relaxed on the flattish bit in the middle and went for it at the end with the crowd's encouragement. I was pretty whacked at the top.

My main objective was to beat last year's time, which I managed by two seconds (2:15 this year). What was even better was that all of the times this year were slower than last year, presumably because of the slippiness (I think most people skidded a bit). The winner was Richard Gough at 1:58.

In the event I was only 6 seconds off the podium, which I think is a pretty decent achievement, so I'm very happy. Bike performed well and no other complaints.

It was good to have a forum crowd as ever, and I hope everyone enjoyed themselves.

It was a great day out.....................ver, and I hope everyone enjoyed themselves.

what sprocket chainring combination were you using?

those newfangled changeable ones.

I reckon it was the white shorts and freshly saved legs that saw Matt shave two seconds off his time from last year.

well done matt

sorry i assumed you had done it fixed, that was always a popular choice.

Great ride, well done to all the competitors.

first catford for me after spectating last year, what should i say. it was a great experience especially preparing for the event, getting advice from other riders, training, setting the bike up, reccing the course. judging from my training rides i was aiming for a sub 2:30 which did not happen, a 2:42 it was in the end. i am absolutely cool with that as i don't feel i left anything on the climb. yes, i lost traction a bit in the first third and should have kicked maybe a little earlier into the last section but i doubt it would have made a massive difference.
was running 49 GI 39/21 and would probably go for a very low 50 next time but again 4 weeks ago I almost came to stand still on 39/23 geared. i have learned alot in the process and really enjoyed the event today, it is quite something to ride through the roaring crowd at the top. thanks to all forumengers who came along. great day to finish the season.

For those who haven't been before, I'd definitely recommend going next year. It's a fantastic event to watch. The wall of sound as each rider approaches is something else.

claus and illy - chapeaux all round. Brilliant work. How did the others do?

You'll obviously all be looking for a new challenge; may I recommend the Via Scannupia?
The corner at 2:05 :(

YouTube - Cycling Malga Palazzo - Besenello - Via Scanuppia

For those who haven't been before, I'd definitely recommend going next year. It's a fantastic event to watch. The wall of sound as each rider approaches is something else.

+1 quite incredible.

claus (RPLZ), illy(GRPT) and andy (RPLZ)

some pics from my mobile.

5 Attachments

Thanks to Andy p and Will and all the others who showed me and other new chaps the way.

Well done all who rode & good *North*s representation.

Great ride there and back, thanks to Texas et al. Good to see some faces from TNRC and good to go for a proper ride with the Norths crowd (who all had a tough 70 miles of hills fixed I felt like a fraud with all those cogs at the back of the bike!)

The race looks evil, well done to LFGSS 's representatives on the climb.

Great to hear you had a great time spectating and racing.

Sorry I couldn't make it this year. Despite the pain of getting there it really is a good race to watch.

What a superb way to spend a Sunday morning, well done and respect to all who entered, some truly painful expressions were seen. Thanks to Will and Andy for taking care of the peleton on the way down it was a cracking ride, and nice as usual to put faces to names and meet others as well.
Same time next year with maybe a few other entrants...

Thanks for the company on the way back mate. Very enjoyable.

Thanks for the company on the way back mate. Very enjoyable.

Always a pleasure to roll with you Ant, I'm liking the sound of the new relaxed but mile hungry Ant, keep it tamed fella and see you soon I hope.

I would've come down to watch but ended up PBing a 10 (easy when it's your first haha) and then coming NOT last in a nearby Hill climb.

Very well done guys! Podium next year Matt?

Hat's off to the competitors. Great ride there and back but 70 miles was more than I was expecting. Cheers for the heads up Will. Noel and Arvy - sorry I had to crack on to get back home in time... My legs are complaining now!

Here's Illy...

1 Attachment

Thanks for the company on the way back mate. Very enjoyable.

Hey, Ant; who got your apples this year?

nice pics dave

Firstly, massive thanks to Will for getting me there for the start of Catford on time.
Turns out you make good grub to.

The results are up for both:
http://www.catfordcc.co.uk/Catford%20CC%20H.C.%202009%20RIDERS%20results%5B1%5D.pdf

http://www.beccyclingclub.co.uk/sspage-time_trailling-bec_hill_climb-results_2009.html

I'm really happy about Catford, managed 8th place and very close to some prize money, the atmosphere was amazing and next year I hope to have a new bike and some stronger legs.
I was a bit rushed to the start and the wheel was slipping in parts but not enough to complain as it's the same for everyone.

Can't believe how close I got to a top 10 here, joint 11th by 0.1 seconds. I felt I rode this harder ... I felt horrendous at the finish, but I placed lower so I don't know what went wrong. It started to rain when I was on the start line but I had no problems on the way up at all, don't think it affected times as people put in sub 2 min times at the end and there wasn't any leaves/gravel/mud on the road.

Massive thanks to those that cheered, you don't see faces when riding it but you defently know your being watched and it gives you a massive boost to get to the line.
Stelle I have a shoe lace you might need?
There must be more photos than that, no?

How much do you guys look at tyre choice for this event. Tyre slippage seemed to be a major issue and I know a lot of it is weight distribution, power management and technique but is there perhaps a secret weapon (like a CX tyre or some random solution) that might help? Have you fast fuckers tried many tyres on that slope? Just curious..

Pro3, my favourite racing clincher.
I had them at nearly 120psi, no amount of letting air out would of helped on the bits it did slip and it didnt stop any momentum.
No slipping at Bec, same pressure.