Tuesday blast

Last night was the 2nd of the Tuesday night blasts held from Richmond. We meet at 6pm and start racing at 6.30pm on a route that takes an hour or less of very fast and hard racing. We had about 20 riders in A/B grade last night, good to see early on everyone doing through and off, that stopped on the first hill though as the attacking started, I did a big pull, all that did is separate me from the front before we turned into Maisey Road, eased back into the bunch, wanted to see if anyone was going to attack the climb as it is short and steep. We all went over in a bunch so had to start stretching it out again down Redwood straight, we could not get a gap, but was making it hard for the rest. I am just staying on the gas all the time. Had another go along Wamai West, as did a few others. Did get away with a young lad for about 5 minutes, he is one rider not afraid of giving it some. He was also in the break on Saturday with me.
We got caught just after Burkes Bank, Robin Reid rolling a big gear, but looking smooth as he went away from the bunch, I gave myself about a seconds rest then held his pace until someone could come round me, all came together with a 100 meters to Ranzua corner, came in third wheel, aiming to whind it up for the bunch, started then felt the wind was to much so sat up thinking I had the whole bunch on my wheel, when in fact only had 4 riders then a gap back to the bunch. I had done enough blasting so let everyone else charge to the line. I came in at the back, happy that I started the days racing hard and stayed riding hard till the finish.
Overall there was about 80 riders there last night, good turn out. What with the New Zealand Club Nationals to be held here in Nelson next week, it is bringing on the form so early in the race calender.
I feel good and strong, had my back sorted by Osteopath Richard Carruthers in 3 sessions, forgot that I had crashed and hit my head earlier in the year. Moving here took up alot of my time, makes a massive difference as before I could only manage 3 hours at the most as the discomfort was not nice, since I have done some of my longest rides this year. 6 1/2 hours last Thursday, mixed in with 2 over 4 and a 5 1/2 hours last Sunday, all last week, very big week but feel fine, well a little tired.
I am doing the 178km senior road race on the 24th of Oct, hence all the miles. The course is a honest one and is going to hurt going up Old Coach road on the 11th lap, 16km laps.
Will try to get some pics up soon.
later Warrick