Not wanting to cheat on my club with another I just could not turn down the opportunity to ride the Emergency Services Road Race held on the SERRL circuit in Woodchurch, Ashford on Sunday, 7 August.

So it was with mixed feelings I pulled on a Kent Police jersey and headed for the start line. I was incredibly nervous and the 2pm start didn’t really help me as I was in too much of a state to eat before hand. This coupled with a strict 1200 calorie a day diet made me anxious at the start. Continue reading →

Another great weekend of racing from club riders have seen the Medway Velos team show some great form.

Fresh from breaking the club record in the 50mile time trial, Louise Mason, did not stop there and went double the distance to complete the Kent CA 100 mile in 5:04:13 this speedy performance led to Louise claiming 2^nd lady past the finish line. Rob Sapp also continued to build on his good form and returned an excellent 4:44:08.

The weather was not on the side of the time trialling duo and the pair had to battle strong winds, rain and even a hailstorm during the ride. This makes the great times returned even more impressive.

The course ridden began in Kingsnorth and took the riders to Brenzett, Rye, Brooklands, Lydd back to Brenzett and finishing in Kingsnorth.

The big question remains, will these riders go for it and take part in the KCA 12 hour on Sunday, 4 September? If they do they will make the BAR long course list and who knows, perhaps a podium place?

Velos remember the 12 hour is a club championship, so get your entries in the post.

And Robs Sapps Report is here:

A fortnight on and Lou and I had turned out for the club 100 mile time trial. We met in the car park prior to the event and had a good old moan about the 4am wake up and how confusing the course was (10 round abouts in first 10 miles). However, the skies were brightening into what looked like a pleasant day.

We were off within 5 mins of each other so rode to the start, nice thing about a 100 is you don’t need a warm up. 6.18 and I was off. Round the second round about and into the head wind, we had been here before in the 50! Mentally picturing the course with a wind arrow over it I figure at least this time we should have a reasonable % of tail wind as well.

The first 50 were pretty uneventful, although after I discovered that Lou had a mix up on one of the earlier round abouts that would lead her to riding 103 miles. Legs were feeling good and food still going down. At 70 miles all seemed to go downhill. I could start to feel a bit of cramp in my right thigh, gave that a rub then the head wind got gustier, causing a bit of a tricky cross wind at times on the deep sections. Then it started to rain, spots at first then 5 mins of heavy rain. Rain stopped whilst I was stopped at a level crossing!

I got to the last 12 miles and things seemed to perk up. Lou’s husband gave me a big shout from the side of the road, I think I manages a raised eyebrow in response and a strong tail wind. Feeling good again I really pushed to beat my target of sub 4.45 which I was just still on target for.

Across the line and collapse. The biggest problem with this course is that after 100 miles in the saddle there is a 6 mile ride back to the HQ!!! Thankfully, the next man over the line from Sevenoaks Tri motivated me back onto the bike and I made it back..

Lou’s response to her first 100. “ That was the hardest thing I have ever done, never again!” (until next year Lou)

Personal Best for us both, and another second place overall for Lou

Rob Sapp 4.44:08

Louise Mason 5.04:13

Having floated the idea of a visit to see the continentals racing just a few miles from home in Boulogne, I was pleased to find thirteen likeminded Club mates on the early ferry to Calais.

Once ashore, and having put up with Stan for over an hour, we decided to meet up in our cars just outside the port. Mick however misunderstood the instruction; I think he heard “Head for Paris”! And shot off onto the autoroute. Unfortunately after a while he returned! Continue reading →

This was number 4 in the Dunton series and I was feeling better about my chances as I have been increasing my training and was now familiar with the circuit. Arrived, signed on and had a quick warm up with Stan and then formed up and we were off. Continue reading →

The ladies of the Medway Velo cycling club had one of the most successful weekends in recent club history (17-19 June).

First to achieve were Claire Friday and Deborah Hope from Rochester who completed a gruelling 300km bike ride called the Vätternrudan in Sweden. This is the biggest recreational bike ride in the world and follows the shoreline of the Lake Vättern. To make it even tougher the riders set off late at night, with the Medway Velo ladies clicking into their pedals at around 11.30pm on Friday. Continue reading →