Checked into our accommodation, a self contained cabin at a caravan park. Off for the weekend supplies, bachelor style, pasta for dinner, sandwiches for lunch. Early night due to fatigue and the feeling sickness coming on, score throat & cough. Plan was to get up early have a good breakfast, drive the course, and then get ready for a days racing. All went to plan except Alex’s computer had died, so we got organised to drive the course, back into town for repairs and back out to racing for a 10am start.
Not a lot open at 8.30am in Inverell, jewellers shut, chemist was an option however at the last moment noticed the camera shop. They had the right battery even had a philips head screw driver small enough.
The sky started to clear up as it had been raining over night. Alex, Guy Leckenby & Nathan Hardaker started their race at 10.10am which was a 30k road race. I grabbed the paper and a drink and headed out to see what was happening (not meant to as per race booklet but knowing Alex may drop off due to being sick thought would be OK). The leading bunch of four came past, then another bunch with Guy and Nathan and then Alex with another rider. Alex finished in 9th , he was happy.
The sky started to clear up as it had been raining over night. Alex, Guy Leckenby & Nathan Hardaker started their race at 10.10am which was a 30k road race. I grabbed the paper and a drink and headed out to see what was happening (not meant to as per race booklet but knowing Alex may drop off due to being sick thought would be OK). The leading bunch of four came past, then another bunch with Guy and Nathan and then Alex with another rider. Alex finished in 9th , he was happy.
Back into town for lunch and prepare for the 15 minute plus 2 laps crit. The riders had attacked from the go at the road race so I told Alex to be prepared and “muscle” up at the start line, (meaning, start near the front). The stronger riders again went for it at the start, Alex was placed 5th, yes, he listens. Fitness and sickness kicked in and he dropped off. Guy Leckenby caught up to Alex and motor paced him to the finish. Alex said that Guy could have gone all day at the one pace, there was no way he could come round him to assist. Alex was 9th again.
Dinner done and an early night again, woke to rain. Racing started at 8am for a 6k time trail, Alex was off at 8.47. It was raining and cold as Alex set off just after Guy & Nathan. Guy and Nathan came back but no Alex, got the info that Alex had a flat tyre within the first 500 metres. Knowing he would be disappointed I went to pick him up, first words “can I do it again”, “not sure mate we will see”. One commissaire said no way and walked off while the others said lets go it was not his fault, we are here to encourage young riders (faith restored). Followed him this time, he came 11th which was great considering.
Around 40 minutes between finishing and the start of the 2nd road racing. The last stage was 35k, raining and 11 degrees as per Alex’s computer. I went out again to have a look, this time Alex was in the 4th bunch, around 11th place. He was shaking like a leaf when he got off his bike and his feet numb. Alex said that he enjoyed himself and would be back, next time hopefully not getting sick the night before and a bit more training. Alex came in at 10th overall. Alex is really happy with this result. Thanks to the Leckenby’s and Hardaker’s for their help and company over the weekend. Next mission, Glen Innes to Inverell for Vanessa.
Dinner done and an early night again, woke to rain. Racing started at 8am for a 6k time trail, Alex was off at 8.47. It was raining and cold as Alex set off just after Guy & Nathan. Guy and Nathan came back but no Alex, got the info that Alex had a flat tyre within the first 500 metres. Knowing he would be disappointed I went to pick him up, first words “can I do it again”, “not sure mate we will see”. One commissaire said no way and walked off while the others said lets go it was not his fault, we are here to encourage young riders (faith restored). Followed him this time, he came 11th which was great considering.
Around 40 minutes between finishing and the start of the 2nd road racing. The last stage was 35k, raining and 11 degrees as per Alex’s computer. I went out again to have a look, this time Alex was in the 4th bunch, around 11th place. He was shaking like a leaf when he got off his bike and his feet numb. Alex said that he enjoyed himself and would be back, next time hopefully not getting sick the night before and a bit more training. Alex came in at 10th overall. Alex is really happy with this result. Thanks to the Leckenby’s and Hardaker’s for their help and company over the weekend. Next mission, Glen Innes to Inverell for Vanessa.
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