Bikedock Belles

Hybrid bike with cross tyres? MTB with slick tyres? MTB with knobbly tyres? The decision about breakfast was easier! But then that decision didn't have the decoy intentions of Martin Grimley of Dromara CC, who appeared set on exploiting Andrea's complete lack of experience in such races and set on handicapping her from the word go!

With 30 minutes until start time, the decision was made. MTB with knobbly tyres. Now with all the instruction Bikedock have been giving on changing punctures, tyres etc, you would have thought Andrea would have done this herself. But no, she had her trusty support crew there!

Oh dear, between tyre decisions and supporting the Young Guns, there was no time to reccy the course! The women's MTB race (part of the Cyclo Cross series for those that can't afford to buy a Cross specific bike!) was a 2-lap race, so if Andrea had done a practice lap she'd have been bored halfway through the race anyway!

The MTB race started at 1130am, after the kids races, and it was a real boost hearing the Young Guns excitement at watching Andrea about to race – never mind the cheers as she got off in a strong position from the start line and came around the start/finish area at the end of the first lap.

With no idea how to race, apart from to hammer it from the start, it was a steep learning curve. Within 5 minutes lungs were burning and it became clear you couldn't lift your eyes from the course at all to see who was around you properly. The first half of the lap was fairly flat, leg sapping grass, before the turns, trees and a few wee interval climbs in the second half.

About halfway through the first lap Andrea found herself on the back wheel of Claire Oakley, XMTB McConvey Cycles. From the spectator shouts in support of Claire, well known in MTB circles, Andrea soon knew that Claire was leading the women's race.

So the debate started again….will I, won't I, will I, won't I? In the end, with Claire biking at a fast pace, Andrea decided not to try and overtake her – just as well as it took all her effort to keep apace with her! Andrea used the time on Claire's back wheel to show the Young Guns supporters, as she passed them, the gesticulation for "I'm going to have a go at this!" (please note, that is a euphemism for report purposes!). Apparently the parents are still explaining the motive! Ha, so much for calling me a role model recently?!

Anyway, as the second lap started, Andrea began planning when – if she got the chance – she would hammer it home to see if she could overtake Claire. Coming out of the trees and climbs of the second lap with 500 metres to go, Andrea made her move and with 300 metres to go on a grassy section, followed by path and then grass again to the finish line, Andrea hit full throttle and with exhilaration crossed the line in 1^st place. (nearly falling off her bike by punching the air!).

This was a great race, with Claire providing stiff opposition. It was a difficult debut in tactical racing for Andrea, but the buzz was amazing. The course and organisation by Apollo was fantastic. The weather was awesome.

Thanks to the Young Guns for all their support. You kids rock!

Ding Dong!

Andrea