Lads clock-up the miles
By TMX Archives on 8th Mar 13
THE charity cycle ride (sounds easy doesnt it!) which the five chaps pictured left are to embark on in summer, is both mostworthy and most challenging.
They will sure earn their money, there's no doubt about that.
I can tell you that the lads have been putting in the miles practising, pedalling through the wet/ freezing winter months, meeting for dark, dangerous night rides in the Settle area of Yorkshire as well as the occasional longer weekend burst when schedules allowed.
They have already had their moments. On one dark, icy winter night Woody Hole found himself in a speedway slide as the back end of his steed let go while cornering fast on a steep descent.
Woody somehow managed to park it, still upright, in the hedge only to look round to see Jake bouncing along on his backside, ripping holes in his brand new Lycra suit as he whistled past at speed...
On another long distance run, the boys discovered that their chains, following a winter of abuse, were getting towards the end of their useful life and they suffered several failures.
They then collectively discovered no-one had any spare links or specialist tools to effect repairs.
But, next time they were on an endurance run every team member arrived weighed down with miles of chain, chain splitters, spanners,
multi-tools and welders (OK I made the last one up) – in fact so much kit they could hardly pedal!
"It taught us we needed to get a bit more organised,” said a straight-faced Mr Miller.
What they did learn pretty quickly, so I'm told, is that Dougie Lampkin, MBE, is the man to tuck in behind for best slipstream effect.
Looks like Doug can look forward to leading the Peloton for some long stretches while his ‘mates' reap the reward...
Joking aside, this is a serious undertaking with a serious point (which you can read about in the accompanying piece on this page) and I'd just like to urge you all to support the lads who really will be knocking themselves out in aid of a such a worthwhile cause.
AS you know the MXGP season got underway at the weekend and I'm sure that we all have our views on the various aspects.
Firstly, the early season start has already had an impact on other events, such as the il-fated Hawkstone International – and not many Brits chose to fly to Qatar instead.
Secondly, unless there are exceptional circumstances the Open class (MX1 and MX2 running together) is never, ever going to work.
Old time racers had a saying – "Given equal riders a good big 'un will always beat a good little 'un.”
Even if they can run the same lap times the big engine will always get the jump on its smaller sibling. Did no-one tell Youthstream?
