As you may have read UK-Biking took a trip down to Plymouth at the weekend riding in Round 2 of the Soggy Bottom Series. The plan? To see how the legs were working ready for the race season to come and maybe get some riders picking up some BC points if possible. Well things turned out well….
With seven of our riders lined up for rides in Masters, Vets and Grand Vets, we looked the ‘Dog’s’ in the new team kit.A great job on the design by Rich and a just a good a job by Reartu for the end product.
The course was a test, especially so early in the season; two longclimbs, a steep slippery downhill section and a very boggy set of puddles that caught me out for one (took a good minute or so to get myself and the bike out of it). Whilst it was a test, it was also a great ride, although due to punctures I didn’t get as much time on it as hoped.
Well enough of talking through the course, which you can read in the articles by Si and Radders. This article is to say a HUGE well done to Garrett Hill for getting the first win for the team!! The 1st place was well deserved; Garrett has been putting in some long hours over the winter months both on and off road.. in wind, rain and YES snow!
Speaking with Garrett, the plan was to get a good ride in and to track the front runners as much as possible, then maybeget some BC points. As the race starts Garrett gets himself into a good position sitting behind the two early pace makers, looking to sit in and see how things go.
Further into the race, Garrett spots a two rider attack coming past. Not wanting to sit back, he kicks and gets himself onto the back wheel of the riders in front, leaving the other two behind. Unknown to Garrett, the riders coming past were riding the Youth race. But with all the mud out there it was hard to spot who was who according to G. For the whole ride Garrett sticks to the much younger riders and pulls off some great laptimes that any of us would have been proud of.
It is only as Garrett passes the finish line, he realises he has won. His name being anounced and the two riders he has been tracking turn to show their true age, the truth dawns on him.
So well done Garrett, you’ve set the standard for the team. We’ll have to make sure we can get some more young pacemakers out there for him for the rest of the season. If this form continues, we should see a great season for the ‘old boy’ of the team.
Now I’m off to get me a new rear tyre that hopefully wont puncture so easily in the next race 
