Tuesday 6 August 2013

Expansion of the fleet, and MSG Round 6

Once again, this is going to be another post all about cycling. I know I promised to talk about my goals etc in my last post but I haven't found the time to do so yet, it is coming though so stay tuned. For now though, it's all bike stuff!

My lonely Cannondale now has two sisters! I purchased a 2012 Flash Alloy 1, and built a 2014 SuperSix Evo Team. I brought the Alloy 1 as a winter/hack bike, my repair bill for my race bike was astronomical last year, and seen as I'm planning on racing at the winter series I thought a winter hack bike was kind of a must. It's also going to improve my training, as it's essentially just a heavier version of my race bike. Not sure what she weighs yet though. I got pretty lucky with her though, built her up, took a step back as you do, and realised she had a 2013 hybrid lefty. I've been told that this could be because it was one of the last 2012 bikes to be imported, and Cannondale may of ran out 2012 leftys (they start producing he new forks before the new bikes). I don't usually get lucky like this, I was stoked. I paid less than half RRP for it as well! Won't be long before I start pimping her up, I've got a Tindra 2 on her already!

A hack bike has been long overdue!
I have also built a 2014 SuperSix Evo Team. Somehow, Jonat Chelmer Cycles had managed to get his hands on two 2014 SuperSix Evo Team frames. Technically, it's a 2013 frame, with a 2014 colour-way, but it's limited edition, looks pimp and in my size too! "SOLD to the man with the exceptional moutain bike, and his unexceptional credit rating!" Sorry, I watched Django recently and loved it! For the record, my credit rating is actually rather good - if you're interested. Anyways, back on point! I spent the next few weeks deciding on what components to use. After talking to a lot of cyclists, this was the build I went with.

I'm still yet to think of a name for her!
2013 Cannondale SuperSix frame set
2012 SRAM Red group set (green)
Cannondale SiSL2 crankset
Cannondale Spidering chain set
Mavic Carbone 40C
FSA K-Force finishing kit (green)
SpeedPlay Zero (stainless steel)
Fizik Arione (braided rails)

I ran out of money, and had to get cheaper finishing kit, ended up putting the Cannondale C3 stuff on there for now. I'll get the FSA stuff as and when. I thought it was more important to prioritise the frame and wheel-set over everything else. Finishing kit makes very little difference in terms of performance anyways. Never the less, the bike comes in at 14lbs 8oz and is therefore therefore UCI  illegal. It's an exceptionally light bike, I've only ridden her twice, but take it from me, she goes like a rocket!

Legalise my Cannondale? Nah - I'm alright.
I just want to take this opportunity to thank a few people who gave up a lot a lot of their time to help me with this build. I can be very picky, especially when it comes to bikes! I know what I want, which can sometimes be a bad thing, especially when what you want comes in the form of Enve rims. 

First and foremost, Ollie - I know you got pretty frustrated at times, listening to me prattle on, but we got there in the end! Jon at Chelmer Cycles, who has been absolutely first class. I spent a lot of time talking with him about various things, I think I spoke to him everyday for about two weeks or so. John was happy to answer all of my (sometimes stupid) questions, share what appears to be infinite Cannondale wisdom, and then do me a good deal. He didn't hang around either, as soon as he got the green light, he had everything done and ready for the weekend, which I was really impressed with. I would recommend Chelmer Cycles to anyone, they really have been a pleasure to deal with! Now, can't forget my local bike shop Cycle Evolution! Namely Paul, Rich and Steven. It took me ages to decide on a wheel-set. It was painful for me, let alone everyone around me. I think at one point
Paul wanted to slap me across the cheeks but somehow restrained himself and (eventually) got me on a set of Mavic Carbone 40Cs, which at the time I was a little unsure about, but upon reflection I'm really pleased with, and glad I brought. Rich was kind enough to sort me out with a fit, and done another outstanding job. If you haven't yet had a bike fit, go and see Rich. He seriously knows his stuff and will get you bio-mechically efficient in no time at all. No bullshit, no selling you stuff you don't need, just wanting to help you ride smarter and enjoy your bike. As I said before, it's the biggest upgrade you could buy for your bike! And lastly Steven, who spent some time with me applying the finishing touches to my shoddy build, adding that little bit of finess I sorely lacked! Like Chelmer Cycles, Cycle Evolution is absolutely first class. Sometimes it's hard enough to find a decent bike shop, I'm lucky to have two of them on my doorstep. I can't list everyone by name who contributed, but you know who you are. Thanks so much to everyone who have up their time to help, even if it was just answering questions on FaceBook and commenting on my various tweets and status updates. 

Now, finally onto racing! MSG Round 6! This is the furthest race away from us, took us like an hour and a half to get there! My pre-race car nerves still get the better of me, this wasn't helped by Kirsty moaning through the first 3 tracks of Daft Punks new album, which I'd put on to calm me down a bit. Still, nothing a bit of Kanye West couldn't sort out! 

I did my practise lap with Charles and his clan. I usually go off with Paddy or Will, but I fancied just bobbing along with them. His wife Donna is having a bit of a nightmare at the moment. She's had a few falls, and has completely lost all of her coincidence. Which is a shame. I can totally relate to her problem as well! When I got faster, I got slower, because I was hitting everything quicker, panicing and then slamming the brakes on. I'm only just getting over it, but still have a long way to go. To ride over technical terrain, you need to be committed, if you're not - it's not going to end well. I'm confident that Donna will get over it, and be back to her old self soon enough! After a couple of practise laps it became pretty clear that the track wasn't technical (at all) and was pretty flat. I knew that if I could get a good start and then keep up the pace, I could equal or even better my previous result (10th).

Just the start I'd hoped for!
As soon as the whistle went I put my head down and went for it and came out in 3rd behind the two Fitch riders (Dan and Stuart). I then spent the next lap and a half doing battle with Richard Matthews, who was trying his best to psych me out. I was doing my best to keep him at bay, but he was eventually able to get past me, only to immediately crashed in front of me, costing us both a place and valuable time! I lead him through the single track, and was becoming more and more nervous with him breathing down my neck and clipping my back wheel etc. He eventually came past me, and I had no reply. I was knackered from trying to keep him at bay. Now, I've learnt a couple things from this. One - Don't ride so defensively, attack earlier and attempt to drop people, rather than defending and attempting to drop them later. It invites unnecessary pressure onto yourself. Two - when people do pass you, stick on their wheel and return the favour, put the pressure back on them! It is only my first season, and I'm still developing my race craft so to speak! It's funny because Ollie actually said this to me after my last race, I'm not sure why it didn't occur to me out of the track, but now I've experienced it first hand, I won't be forgetting it in a hurry!

Me and Richard doing battle!

I spent the remainder of the race in a micro-battle with two other guys. One of which I had never seen before and was doing a fair bit of talking. In fact the first thing he said to (shouted at) me was "get out the fucking way" after attempting to go up the inside round a hair pin. It doesn't matter how good you are, there was simply no room between me and the tree. This worked to my advantage as it reignited the fire and I decided to put the hammer down on him, absolutely killing him on the straights. He was still with me though, and now wanted to work together. So I let him do some of the work. He was pretty slow and was immediately trying to get back behind me, but I just left him out there for a bit, telling him to go faster. Bit cruel really, but I wanted to break him so he could attack me later on in the lap! I passed him shortly after, we were joined by ferret man, not sure what his name is, but he has a ferret on his lid. I've heard this is so his wife can recognise him to give him bottles etc. Anyway, we got to the last little bit of singletrack and I decided to slow the pack right down, preserving all energy for the final sprint. As soon as the track opened up I went for it, dropping the two guys behind me, had to remember that there was a little rut just before the line so had to back off slightly. It was a hard fought battle, and we all shook hands at the end. I would have been gutted if I had lost it, but I held in there. 
I'd already crossed the line at this point, but didn't want to stop!
I finished 6th in the end, I couldn't help but feel a bit disappointed that didn't get my head down and stay on Richard's wheel. But I have learnt quite a bit from this race and will come back stronger. I guess that's what this season has been about for me! Next stop, Langdon Hills and this time, I'm going for that podium!