HDCC Crit

[Metro Commuter]

A huge thanks to HDCC for hosting yet another good crit.  I've said it before and I will say it again - best racing around these parts.

Special thanks to the Commissaire for the day, and the Commissaire for Friday night as well, Mr Bruce Masson.  He invoked the "Glendenning Principle", offered fashion advice (yes, a bold statement given the trousers he was wearing on the day) and heckled the slowest lapped rider on the circuit.  Importantly, he gave up his opportunity to race so we could, so next time you see him go up to him and plant a big wet kiss on his left cheek, or if you are uncomfortable doing that, just say "Thanks".  I said "thanks".

[hilljockey]

The interesting bit was the huge bagging a C grade rider got before racing started.

Then, the bagger himself only lasted 2 laps in A&B.

Still, it got the C grader, resplendent in his new kit, off to a flying start.  Shame he could not maintain the effort...   

[Metro Commuter]

Hill Billie,

Yes - there was some very good bagging.  The bagger does, however, have plenty of reasons why he is not up to his usual form, so I take no delight in his early withdrawal.

I wished I could have kept that pace up, but absolute absence of trainign (due to external issues) meant I was lucky to keep my attack going for the short time that I did.  The cheer as I went around in front was funny.

It was good to see the younger kids racing C/D.  I went back (was never goping to figure in the finish) to drag Jonah back on, and then went back to keep the other young fella (not know his name, but he is the younger brother of Tim, the young guy who won)circulating until the bunch caught us, then kept followed him until we pulled out (as required) 3 laps to go.  I am always impressed by the discipline Jonah shows - hard to believe he is 13 - and Tim's younger brother was much the same.

[mattsbike]

A huge thanks to HDCC for hosting yet another good crit.  I've said it before and I will say it again - best racing around these parts.

Yes, a huge thanks for another great crit. It was only my second time out there and I was very impressed with the quality of racing in the C/D bunch. And as Metro said, it is very encouraging to see the young'uns having a go.

[crank-yanker]

(not know his name, but he is the younger brother of Tim, the young guy who won)

His name is Christian & he won F Grade at KI on Saturday in his first ever race. With Tim winning Friday evening, Saturday arvo & Sunday I think their Dad is pretty proud.

Tim, Christian & Jonah are all members of a junior training squad that Oenone organises. I'm pretty sure she'd welcome participation from any juniors whether already competing or just wanting to start in the sport. I'll see if I can track down a link to their website.

[crank-yanker]

The website is www.newcastlejcs.com.au

[hilljockey]

Hope the lady who went down hard today comes good. 

[Boostland]

Yes I hope she gets better quickly.

It very much reminded Monica and I of the crash that Brian and I were involved in last year, Monica has done another hard job having to deal with another horrendous crash, she said to me after the ambo had taken her away that it was just like Brian, she looked rather shaken and I was frankly a little scared to start.

Thankfully the all the other races went well without incident and a good day of hard racing eventuated, thanks to HD, Commissaire, volunteers and the other riders for making the effort, and a extra big thanks for Monica for excellent first aid, without these people there would be no racing.

[key]

good morning of racing, shame about the crash, i hope she recovers quick...

it sure was tough in the breakaway in C/D, man David Walsh is a powerhouse...

[Metro Commuter]

I was told about 2pm today that Danielle, the lady who was injured, was in an induced coma.

[spokey]

Best wishes to Danielle, I hope, as I am sure everyone else does, for a speedy recovery for her.

Also like to acknowledge and thank Monica and others involved in first aid. These people did and do a great job assisting riders in difficulty and also deal with the impact of the scene on their own emotions. Those involved are volunteers and do an outstanding job!

Well done HD for maintaining a professional race today.

P.S. Please keep us informed of danielles progress if it is known.

[Metro Commuter]

Monica did it tough today' physically and emotionally. It can be physically tough toi hold someone's head still and moreso when you are sitting in the sun and have ants swarming over you. She was great.

[The Ferret]

Metor,

Don't forget Alex Hersey's mum, Pauline. She being a doctor provided great support for Monica. I heard her telling Monica later that she did an excellent job. I hope Danielle makes a full, speedy recovery. No one likes accidents

Your friend

The Ferret

[Metro Commuter]

Fe-Fet,

Pauline said she is not a practising medical doctor, but a scientific doctor (which I think means research).  She still knew her stuff and was very helpful.

MC

[The Ferret]

MC,

Just like The Ferret. I still know my stuff and like to teach it to others too. Shalom

Your friend

The Ferret