Sunday 6th June - Dented pride, by Chris

Training today took the form of a veteran's road race, my third since getting back into road cycling again and yet another disaster!

I will let the others(Steve and Simon) tell their stories, if they can be bothered but thought it was worthwhile recording my experience on the blog.

I had cut back on training all week so not to be tired and did a "motivational" ride on Saturday covering over 30 miles in two hours and racing up three hills trying to replicate road race speed. After that, I was reasonably happy that I might be able to stick in the bunch, if not to the end then for a few laps.

We had a unusually leisurely start for a Sunday morning bike event, to drive down to Farnham for the 10am race which was to be over 50 miles, comprising 7 laps of an "undulating" circuit. There were up to 120 riders taking part in various age groups from 40 upwards.

The weather was kind to us and contrary to forecast turned out to be dry and sunny as we started behind the lead car. The first couple of miles were unusually easy at speeds up to 20mph but then after a sharp left the dawning realisation of my abilities or lack of them became clear. The road climbed up, levelled off and then climbed again. The pace was just too much and I started to slip off the back of the bunch. I could see Steve and Simon ahead of me also dropping away.

Yet again, I was faced with a solo ride to try and catch up but it was to no avail. I was caught by the older age group on the second lap and stuck with them only to lose contact again on the same climb. The fast start and trying to stay in contact on the climb took its toll on my legs.

After hammering round for a couple of hours and being lapped by the race leaders, on the sixth lap I decided enough was enough and carried straight on to the race HQ and handed my number in, becoming a non-finisher.

Steve and Simon turned up shortly after in a similar despondent mood to mine having carried on to try to complete the course only to be turned back as the finishing line had been cleared away!

After a big boost training in France last weekend an abysmal performance in a road race was a real "come-down" I can't train any more than I do but over three road races have been dropped each time very early on. The riders are in a different league to me! I guess it's just time and perseverance?

All focus now is on the 126 mile Magnificat sportive next week and the the Etape du Tour, six weeks away today. As for road racing, I have entered one more next month but think it is the type of event I will aim to ride next year now I have the cycling bug, which luckily wasn't destroyed, only pride dented by today's experience!