Fowlmead 1 & 2

Well...
A pretty disastrous weekend for me.
Raining heavily on Saturday morning, right after I thought we might just get away with it. Hmm. So after the rain had died down a little we all lined up for a 3 lap time trial on the top circuit. I was so cold I was shivering quite badly. I got off to a reasonable start overtaking two other riders who had started 1 minute and 2 minutes ahead of me (so I wasn't going to be last). Lap one was quick, lap two was slower (and heavier rain, what was I thinking!!) lap 3 slower still. I was overtaken by some of the quicker guys/girls, but at least I had finished.
Lunch followed, then line up for the slow race on the bottom circuit (larger round). First time I had been on the lower circuit as it had been raining lots so I didn't fancy warming up on the track. Bad start once I eventually had clipped in, so I was already off the back of the pack. I busted a gut catching and passing a couple until I reached the long drag hill (I had seen it, just not registered how long it was). As usual my hill pace was not great and I lost ground. Second lap of the 30 minute plus one lap race I was absolutely gone. I think it was a combination of feeling really cold, too many layers to try to keep warm and the psychology of riding in the conditions. It just wasn't enjoyable (it never is but this was masochistic) so I decided to DNF this one. I worked out later that I should also have gone for the 150mm crank option on the bike which may have helped me. If only I had done a warm up lap I might have realised.
Sunday race (Fowlmead 2) looked equally bad weather so I bugged out at 11am and headed home.
Shrewsbury next, which I think is flat. I'll let you know.
laters
MBG