Haven't posted for a while, but have still been making my way to Newport every week. Last Thursday I was booked in to do a corporate taster session/cycle business networking event. Large group of riders for this over 20+ split into 2-3 groups those who were new to the track learning the basics, a slow group and a fast group. I enjoyed this for the most part but there weren't as many people there cycling with intent, more of a leisurely/fun pace.
Today was a different story however as I noticed the faster riders had come along with more serious looking track bikes. Not sure if I had gone soft missing a decent session last week or I was tired after a brutal commute home last night but I could just about hold on for the warm up, and most of the other riders just dipped in and out of the group riding on the blue line. There would be a long line of riders in front but by the time I'd got to the front and peeled off to join the back of the line there would be about 3 or 4 of us!
After a break we did a flying 500m effort which I completed in 34.9 which I was pleased with as I had pins and needles in my forearms as I approached the finish line.
The 64 lap time trial was a bit of a shambles for me as I started at the back. After doing my turn I realised the last man was off the back and instead of dropping into the gap I went behind, I then had to cycle around to get back on, before I could catch my breath a couple more riders peeled away and there was more work to do. This is good fun but at the time it is quite tough to deal with. I just about held on getting dropped on the last lap. Later the coach pointed out that I was dropping down the track to late and having to close down 20m every time I had done a turn on the front, I should have been peeling away and joining the back of the group closer to the last wheel.
Good ride this week, I put a bigger chainring on the bike so now it's at 49/15, not as much fun as the 48/15 I have been riding but I'll stick with it see if the legs adapt.
