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@jim1985
Airtime Al, a non-forumunger friend, and myself foolishly went out on a Kingston Wheelers 'training ride'; i.e., the one that the racers go on to keep in shape. The ride was led by a guy who rides in cat 3, and about 2 or 3 others out of the 9 or 10 of us raced I think.
Ferocious pace (on a pancake flat route) for the first 40ish miles; around 21 mph. Us three were just clinging on to wheels for dear life. It was challenging, and not particularly enjoyable at times, but a really good insight into what's required if you want to give racing a go.
Some of the guys from the club were really friendly, but a couple were complete cnuts... sitting towards the back of the group, never doing a turn at the front, shouting shit at you if you didn't call a hole or whatever quick enough. I believe he upbraided Al for shouting 'drain' when it was in fact a 'manhole cover' in his opinion at one point. Berk. I would like to give some cat 4 racing a go, and I appreciate there will be a lot of guys like that participating, which is a shame. Really counters the generally all-embracing mentality of the sport.
The group spit after 45 miles and us three carried on alone, before also splitting. I limped another 20 ish miles into a nasty headwind before giving up at Staines. Nothing left in the head or legs.
http://app.strava.com/activities/48784437