On the side line

Thank goodness it’s a late start (1pm race) means not having to drag the kids up too early to show support for the event.  Any one with a teenager must be able to sympathise with me.....they’re not easy to wake at any time!!.

So car all loaded, bike stuff packed, rider prepared, focused and ready for the journey. Getting to the race an hour before the start is a must in our house.

Thankfully the sun is shining and kids are in high spirits and actually looking forward to attending - small bribes do help on occasions.

Arriving at the venue always makes me laugh. All the small talk.....shady looks and sometimes false hellos to other competitors, followed by the  ‘ooo’s’ and ‘ah’s’ and eying up each other bikes and wheels,....... followed by who smashed who at the last race, and speculations to today’s winner.

So sat in the hall, waiting for the race to start, we then have the joys of men letting it all hang out whilst getting changed into kit, most are very discreet (thank you), but sorry, I must apologise to any spectators of this situation, Mr Smith is not!

As I sit there I start to worry how the rider’s legs are probably better shaven than my own and they have a lovely shine to them from all the obviously necessary oiling before hand.

5 minutes to the start, time to take our supporting positions. This usually involves parking on some grassy verge, squeezed into an already overfilled lay by.  Today’s choice a nice grass verge – however the lady of the manor who’s house we were near did not think our choice was as appropriate,

So we have snacks, drinks and hyper kids all awaiting the lead car and riders. 

In the distance the car lights can be seen and the anticipation starts to build ...... who’s out in front?....is there a break away group? Where’s Dad?...how much longer to go?

So team RUTT are out supporting and ready to scream and shout support for everyone.

Best comments on day that seemed to get the best smiles-:

- you look awesome!
- you look great!

Half way though the dreaded task of feeding is due to happen. The part most of us on the side line get a little apprehensive about, the pressure of having to get it right first time – hold it right, pass it right and not drop it on contact.

“Attack, attack” I hear jokingly as the feed takes place, nice to know breakaway group is in such high spirits...perhaps the road side support from team RUTT is working!?!

After several laps of course, the entertainment between seeing the rider’s gets harder, boredom from kid’s starts to set in.........cakes at HQ after the race seem to lighten the mood.

So having entertained the kids supported the riders, we realise we’ve lost count of the laps to go – so off we go to investigate.

The bell sounds and the relief of soon getting a coffee and cake lifts all our spirits, and cheering at road side becomes louder as they pass for the last time.

So as we stand at the finish line, the excitement starts to build, who’s going to get to wave the flag??

At this point the importance of flag waving supersedes who’s winning the race, diplomacy amongst the younger ones seems to go out the window, another race is about to take place – who can be first one to the fly the flag??

Riders are sighted in the distance and excitement returns to all, screams and shouts are probably now that the loudest to help with the final push to the end.

The winner comes over, followed by the rest. “Hooray” I hear “time of cakes now, let’s go!”

Race finished, riders come over the finish line exhausted, but still smiling – well most of them.

Then the full break down on events and moves occurring during the race, who did what, who messed up can be heard in the distance as we started the journey back to the HQ for our much deserved drinks and cakes.

Do we enjoy it? Of course. 

So when you next hear the screams and cheers from the team RUTT crew, just think of what entertainment and life experiences you have provided us all with. I just hope for that short moment in time we lifted your spirits, and made the race a little more enjoyable.

Team RUTT’s next investment will be pom-poms........look out for us!