It is where a power meter should come in but I ignore mine! Joking apart I find the calder course isn’t the best for using power for pacing as it’s impossible to try an keep to it. I can’t go slow enough up pineapple hill, If I tried to sit at 300Watts up there I’d fall over as i’d be going that slow. Then down the hill it’s bloody ahrd to keep the watts up and I’ve killed myself tring that. On other courses when still I always use disc.

Starting steady is supposed to be key isn’t it? I’ve read loads about it but even on a 10? I try to but 100 yards down the road I’ve thought ***k that and ramped it up. Maybe that’s where experience or a power meter comes in. I generally tell myself to slow when my eyeballs are on stalks!!!! Will have to learn for a 25 then!!

I’ve entered the vtta on the V232 a week on Sat, think I rode it last year but not sure. Only did 1 25 last year. Thing I find with 25’s is my gusset kills me. Oh and it’s hard not to set off too fast.

Would have loved to ride it again but it’s Andy’s daughter’s wedding.

I now need to have a look at entering a few of my dreaded 25s, very anxious about those depressingly painful rides!!

I don’t know the full V718 but from what I do know of it I think it could be flater than the v310 but saying that the v310 is flat, The are a couple of ever so slight drags and it’s a bit of a climb over the turn round and a slight drag up to the finish, but you can still keep a big gear going.

I’m riding the V718 this Sat so fingers crossed for a still day.

I’ve been told that when there’s an easterly wind the 718 is exceptional, so if anyone is interested in riding , there is City RC (Hull) (100 riders)(Pref To Yorkshire DC Clubs)on 17th June at 1900. I’m going to bang a few hours holiday in and get over for that one and go for a shorter 22!!

Steve.