My first road race

Gafyn MacMillan describes his first road race.

A cold morning at Hillingdon in Feb 2004 was my 1st taste of road racing, or closed circuit racing at least. I did the 3 beginner races that they stage annually to encourage new riders to the sport.

Having started riding regularly aged 32, I've not been able to develop good bike handling skills - can't teach an old dog.... So my main concern was not being able to hold my line round bends; and the likelihood of me falling off and bringing others down with me. My next fear was not feeling comfortable riding so close to others, and thirdly whether I was strong enough to keep up with everyone else. These factors helped keep me awake the night before the first race...as well as me praying for a fine day (I had nightmares about skidding round wet corners!).

But like most things in life the races weren't as bad as I'd anticipated. Yes, there were plenty of stronger riders than me there and yes I could have done a lot better, but I enjoyed them and stuck at it. It wasn't long before I was cherishing my first BC point (which I still keep snugly under my pillow!).

Of the three beginner's races, I was dropped on the first, was dropped and lapped on the 2nd but managed to finish with the pack at my 3rd attempt. Contesting sprints came later, and forming part of a breakaway...well I still haven't even contemplated that.

Five months on and I still can't hold a very tight wheel, I'm still corner a little gingerly at times but I am much improved, and am loving my first racing season.