The Dynamic Duo.

It's hard to describe how much Monday meant, when I first started racing I was in awe of the other riders and hardly dared dream of winning. This season so far has been amazing for me. Could I make 2nd Cat?

I stayed away from the bunch in my first race (Hillingdon Winter Series) to bag 4th behind the lead group. That gave me such a thrill.

In the Wally Gimber I was in a break with Andy Bye, we didn't make it but it was nice to riding with someone of his talent.

I had a good race at Dunton. By all accounts from the other riders, I was the strongest but not very savvy. I did far too much work but I was determined that we should stay away. I'd started the break accidentally trying to get warm and out of the spray because I didn't have any glasses. Anyhow I cramped up on the last lap but hung on for fourth, which I would settled for before the start and it is of course a good result.

But Monday at Dunton was very special. My team mate Patrick knew the organiser and 'bigged' me up a bit before the race. A little embarressing but you can't interrupt and say actually I'm fairly average.

The pace was slowfor the first two laps, and I moved to the front thinking a break could happen. It was windy so a small group could make it. There was a little bit of action at the front, people jumping off but with no real effort or conviction.

I put in a turn at the front and stretched the bunch out a little. I rode up the hill quite hard and just heard Patrick shout 'Go Alex' so I did. I thought he was with me, probably with 10 or so other riders. I turned around and saw just myself and three riders were clear. After a few laps my three companions dropped off. I was on my tod with a little over 20 miles to go. I cursed myself for the early effort.

I decided to carry on assuming I'd be caught with time to recover, but my gap grew. In fact it contined to grow all the time. It seemed like an eternity to be riding alone, and I really only knew I had a good chance of making it when the 5 laps to go board eventually went up. The bell was a very nce sound too. I finished half a lap ahead of the pack.

As I was riding down the finishing straight I could see the spectators running across the track and lining the way. Then I knew I'd won. I held back my tears, but I'd achieved something that means a lot to me.

Patrick, had done his bit too. He was stayed in the top 6 or so of the pack but didn't help the chase. He communicated his situation, so as not to upset anyone. Not enough club mates ride for each other, or work together in races. So I have to thank him.

If I was going to win a race in my dreams, it wouldn't have been any different. May be they'd be a photograph! Or my family watching. But I'm still pinching myself.

Gosh I'm a wind bag. Feel guilty as I had to re-read MrBye's blog several times before realising he'd actually won at Hounslow!

Easter Weekend

Patrick will be doing two races this weekend, despite the weather. Proving just how much he wants that 2nd Cat licence.

The first is at Betteshanger on the 22nd, and he should stand a good chance of getting a high placing. He is in good form by all accounts, better than before sking accident now, plus Betteshanger is so far from anywhere it could be a very small field.

I'm joining him on the Monday, at Hoghill. It will be only the second time we have been in the same race, I hope we can work together and have dreams of a Shavedlegs 1,2. We'll see.

Dunsfold - all the work, none of the glory

The day didn't start well. I was a little hung over and tired after a late night celebrating Patricks 40th birthday again! My little boy, now 9 months, showed complete disregard for the fact I had been partying and woke up bright and cheery at 5am.

I then left the house late, so the drive was spent worrying about missing the start. I shot straight past my exit on the A3, further increasing my risk of being too late. I drove down the lanes a little irresponsibly and managed to sign on just in time.

To be honest it was so cold and wet, being too late wouldn't have upset me too much.

The first lap seemed to take forever, with muddy spray splattering me almost constantly. I found it impossible to get warm. I decided to move up to the front of the bunch, but when I got there I decided to carry on straight of the front. This was not the game plan. But the weather had made me impatient and so I had launched my attack with 48 miles to go. Approximately 43 miles early.

When I first looked back I had about 12 comrades, I kept the pace high to keep the break alive, and on my next glance over my shoulder I was left with just 3.

My companions generously let me do all the work for the next few laps, but by then I was determined we were going to stay away for the rest of race and I was happy with the work load. Every time someone took over from me the pace dropped a little at it made me nervous. Having committed myself to the break, I found myself taking the lead more often than I should and for long stints, especially the windy section, where time over the main field is to be made.

For the last 3 laps we worked okay as a unit, though I noticed the young In Gear rider being work shy.

On the last lap I figured I'd put in a huge effort and ride away from the 3 amigos. However my nemisis cramp reappeared almost as soon as I stepped on the pedals and the reverse happened. I lost contact with the others almost immediately.

It's lonely riding on your own, especially when you are cold and tired, trying to ride of cramp always aware the main field will be closing fast.

I got to the climb to the fnish still away from the pack, surprising as my speed dropped dramatically as I tried to stretch of the cramp. On the flat a kind specatator informed me they were sprinting behind me and to push hard. I gave it my all. It didn't feel like trying togo fast, just ignoring the pain.

I survived. 4th place after all that. It was so close I was given the same time as the bunch!

I shivered in the village hall,got changed, wiped my face clean as best I could and had a cup of tea.

A couple of riders said hello, expressed surprise I hadn'twon as they felt I was the strongest rider. Someone else said he tried but couldn't keep up with me. All very nice comments which mean a lot as I train in isolation, squeezing everything around work and home.

If I hadn't have been to a party the night before? May be not gone so idiotically early? Who knows? Who cares? I raced and really enjoyed it. Nice people, great race. 8 points and not 15. That's okay.

Direct Marketing

How does a new business get it's foot through the market door?

I have no idea, but I kicked off the marketing campaign for Shavedlegs with a flapjack give away. They went down very well even if I say so myself. But then what cyclist turns down a flapjack after a training ride!

The best element for me was meeting so many people, the flapjacks provided the ideal catalyst to a conversation, either about the shop or cycling in general. They was a diverse mix of riders, I only wish we'd all integrate a little more. I would like to have introduced a few groups to each other, perhaps next time.

Corporate clothing

I love the idea of 'corporate clothing'. Makes the existence of Shavedlegs a little more real. The shop sign should be up soon, that is the icing on the cake.

Any how in preparation for the flapjack give-away and the inaugural unofficial Richmond Park TT, Shavedlegs T-shirts and Hoodies have arrived. I was scared they'd be awful but I honestly like them. My hair on the other hand is another kettle of fish, I'll get the clippers out this evening and as for my pose, well I wouldn't even make the C&A catalogue.

First day in the office.

Not a bad day as it goes. Starting your own business is very hard to describe. You're on your own and no one knows you exsist. At least not yet.

I was left holding the baby as it happens. Not something I could have done in my old 'real' job. He was as good as gold and allowed to me to get quite a bit done.

Sunday is the big day for the marketing push. Starting on a limited budget means no big launch party or ad campaign, instead I will be going to the people. As you probably know, for the cyclists in London Richmond Park is something of a mecca, the roads are fairly quiet and it has rural feel. I will be there handing out Shavedlegs flapjacks as post ride snacks.

I hope people give me a chance.

The very popular Mr Bye!

I raced in the Wally Gimber yesterday. My first road race ever. The threat of on coming traffic made me unrelaxed for the most part of the race, especially since to get through the field it was necessary to go on the wrong side of the road.

I often gave my postion away rather cheaply surrendering it to riders pushing in. Anyway, a break of 6 riders went away while I was in the middle of the field and unable to react.

However with 1 lap to go I made my move, rather bold considering the strength of the field. After a couple of miles solo I was joined by the very popular Andrew Bye. Now I don't know Andrew really, I've just seen his name in results list, usually at the top. But whenever we rode past specatators, there would be cheers of Come on Andy! I wouldn't have been surprised if knickers were thrown at him.

Anyhow I was pleased he and Gareth McCulloch joined me in the chase for the lead group. We never made it. Andy's chain came off, we gave him a push while he got it back on then I got cramp which slowed me down, but ultimately I managed to ride it off.

However Tony Gibb was driving the bunch behind us, and with just a few miles to go we were caught.

Andy did well to still grap 14th. I finished somewhere lower outside the top 20.

So well done to him, Mr 'popular' Bye, he really is a very good rider and a very nice guy.