Blogs
Fri, 19 Nov 2010
Bum fights, prize money and birthday cakes!
By Ella Sadler-Andrews - Horizon Fitness Racing Team
Well my trusty steed (the four year old Specialized Tri-cross) survived another cross race last week. After taking it apart and re-greasing bearings in the headset during the week (yup all on my own), I was worried that halfway through the race, either the forks would come loose from the frame or that it would completely seize up. I was open to any of these possibilities as it would be a perfect excuse for not having to finish what can only be described as a mud bath disguised as a cross race.
The race was yet again in Liverpool, but this time at Sutton Manor. I did this last year and remember it being rainy, muddy and pretty damn lethal. Nothing much had changed this year apart from a different course. But as predicted, still as lethal. For everyone else it may not be so dangerous, but my X bike handling skills are limited and in mud, they disappear.
On the start line it started raining after being sunny for the Youth races. If only I was still 16 =( Same as always it was a big bum fight (which I have been told is an incorrect saying, the correct being 'bun fight'. I prefer my idiolect). I thought my start was OK; at the end of the day it didn't matter on this course, as soon as we hit mud, people flew past me, shouting abuse as my wheels slid out from under me. 500 metres from the start this girl (who I now know is Becky Preece) came flying past me. Seriously, flying. If it hadn't have (or is it 'of'?) been so muddy my mouth would of resembled this - =O. I mean, she's a Junior and completely kicked my ass. As did Hannah Layland and Melissa Bury. Maybe I should give it up?!
There was this one section of course where I had to get off and run down and up this steep bank thing. It wasn't just me that was running. I'm not THAT bad. For the first few laps I was all over the moving dismounts and running amounts (made up word?) but by the last few laps I provided some serious entertainment for the marshalls. I would stop pedaling about 200m from the bank, take my feet out at the last second (very nearly falling off on more than one occasion), stop, quick head rest on the handlebars, then sluggishly get off the bike, whilst making 'uuughhh' and 'what the **** am I doing?' noises the whole time. Getting back on the bike was just as poor. Stop, leg over, quick breather, then clip in and off I go.
The rest of the race wasn't too bad. Some pretty fun, bumbling descents (one nearly landed me in A & E when I was concentrating more on giving Hannah Layland a shout as she lapped me than the huge drop-off in front of me) and technical single track with hidden bricks to provide punctures. For some reason, the race was longer than I had anticipated. A whole 30 minutes longer. 30 minutes more of suffering than needed.
Anyway, I finished. There was now just a very, very muddy bike and lack of bike rack to contend with. Off I waddled (tried to look sexy but I had a wet chamoix which made it hard) to sweet talk some guy with a spray jet. Fortunately my charm worked and he agreed. Either that or he couldn't be assed getting the grief I'd give him if he refused. Turned out this 'guy' was the winner. Didn't realise until I asked him how his race had been... Should I know these things?! I never see the blumming finish; the only glimpse I get is when they speed past me lap after lap.
Little perk of the day had been receiving prize money from the week before. That's right, money for going and having an hour's workout and laugh! Turns out I also have prize money waiting for me this Saturday for last week's race. My hard work swimming through mud paid off =)
So this Saturday I travel to Otterspool Park, Liverpool, again for another fun-filled cross race. This time with planks and other random difficult things. Woo! Then it's off the Revolution to catch up on some track racing and gossip with the girls. Sunday I'm helping out Tim Buckle at a Regional School of Racing for girls at the velodrome. Last time I got taken out by a Madison novice, did a flip and landed on my head. Fingers crossed I won't be tasting the boards on Sunday.
I have just applied for my Australian Visa. I can't think of any reason for them denying it. Can you?! Tomorow I pay the remaining £1100 for my flight. Goodbye money.
On the topic of Australia, I have been making progress in my efforts to contacts cyclists over there so I don't end up riding on my own. Ha, what a fail that would be. A big Brisbane cycling club have been really helpful and put me in contact with some people my own age. I didn't want to ask if they had any Andy Schleck lookalikes as I figured that would seem creepy. I'll leave the stalking until I get out there myself. AGGGGGHHH I'M SOOOOO EXCITED! I have also had contact from an Australian international cyclist, Zoe Appel who has been on the Continent for the past season. It's looking good =)
I am undecided about travelling around Australia as I have to consider money, cycling contacts etc. Sarah Storey has got me in contact with some people in Adelaide and I have family pretty much in every big city there... We shall have to see. I have months to organise, right? Oh no, only 10 weeks! YES!
It was my birthday last Thursday and had a pretty awesome time. So thank you to everyone that wished me Happy Birthday, sent me raunchy cards (thanks Stuart) or shared it with me.
I'm sure you are all bored of my blabbing now so I'm off (to the Co-op to get some yums). Just to let you into a little secret/the mind of Ella. This is all a stream of consciousness, hence all the randomness. Also, I don't ever proof read this. So I apologise now for any typos, mis-grammars or just bad content. I guess that's just me =)
See ya later! (Done in an Australian accent to add to the tone of the piece).
PS - I attempted to remove my bottom bracket today. I got as far as removing my cranks. That bugger is firmly stuck in there. Contacts for any seriously muscly men will be greatly appreciated (and before you think wrong of me, I prefer tall, skinny guys).
For more information on the Horizon Fitness Racing Team, visit www.onthedrops.com.