RAAM 3 days to go.

RAAM: Day 2

Day 2 dawned bright and early at around 5am (jet lag still not over). Kit sorted again and then breakfast with the crew. Registration at Race HQ followed and a chance to meet some of the other teams in the race. The RAF boys looked pretty bling in their white kit (its the new black) and the 2 man team velocity ( firemen)looked fit and raring to go.
The bikes were built, the vehicles stickered and bike racks fitted. Safety compliance is a big issue in the RAAM and each team Uhas to pass a full inspection before they can start the race.

Some of our team then watched the start of the mens solo race. These are the real hard men who are riding every one of the 3000 miles; respect.

The weather in Oceanside was ok, around 80 degrees, but inland on the first day route it was over 100 at 7 at night!

The riders then went out for a ride in the afternoon; a 2 hour blast down the coast road to stretch the legs and get rid of the jet lag. There were lots of other riders out on the road and it ended up being slightly quicker than planned (all good).

So we are all in good shape and on schedule. Having seen some of the competition we have got our hands full but that’s why we are here.

Race across America (RAAM)

Tuesday.
I hope to be able to update my blog regularly using my iPhone, with regards to our RAAM.
Yesterday we travelled to Los Angeles on a 10.5hr flight.
All went extremely well with no hang ups.

Wednesday.
All woke up early, lots of prep today. I'll be putting all six bikes together and fine tuning them.
Weather here in LA, warmish but no sunshine.

Track Racing - Calshot Velodrome

Last week saw ten of us from the cycling club making our second ever visit to the velodrome. Well, Matt Welsh who organized the outing has been there quite a lot, but the rest of us are mere beginners.
We had the track to ourselves for 4 hours, and with an experienced coach 'Rick' we had an absolute wail of a time.

Rick taught us how to ride properly in a velodrome and he imparted much information and racing tactics. After a brief training period we were up & running and competing against each other in The 'Flying lap', The 'Kilo' and even the 'Team Pursuit! Albeit we were in three man teams not four.

To put our standard into perspective, Chris Hoy does the Kilo in around 59seconds, and I did it in 1min 29seconds. And I was pooped at the end of it!! I won't be in the Great Britain 2012 Olympic Track Team.

The riding was awesome and this time there were no spills or injuries. It has to be experienced before one can appreciate exactly how it feels. It's almost comparable to one of those adrenaline rides that are found at the theme parks........ only better!

Track racing is fast & exciting, and believe it or not its' actually more accessible than most would think. Yes you have to be prepared to travel, and currently Calshot (Southampton) is the nearest proper indoor velodrome. However after the 2012 Olympics, we'll have to see how accessible the new east London state of the art one is. My betting, it will be extremely busy for the first few months but will ease off afterwards.

In the meantime its a hour & half journey down to the south coast (each way), a £29 charge for the track & bike hire........ and the fun is all yours! A small price to pay.

Anyone who fancies joining me for a trip, just let me know.

Bye for now.