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Hi Guys, as you can probably guess from my user name, my name is Jon- and I'm in Hornchurch, Essex.

I used to cycle a little a few years back but haven't done a thing since 2007, except for the occasional ride to the gym... ..but that's 2 miles!
I've just entered the first 2 rounds of the Thetford Winter Series in the hope that I'll get round and enjoy it.
(Well, gotta start somewhere...)

I used to ride a single speed bike but have just ordered some parts to give it gears again and hope to fit them Thursday, ready for this Sunday.
If any of you guys are going please let me know! I'm sooooo out of touch with all this and obviously not at all bike fit.

Thanks in advance!

Jon

Hi jon and welcome, there is always something going on somewhere so there will be plenty to choose from, and they are a friendly bunch here and always happy for people to tag along.

Blimey dropping yourself in at the deep end!
Thetford winter series is meant to be great but very tireing, no hills means no rest on the downs! i'd keep your bike single speed for training, great for building up strength quickly, but if i were you i'd be putting in some saddle time!
what race you doing? the fun, 2 hr or 4hr?

Cheers guys. I'm doing the 2 hour.
It's probably a 90 min journey from home so I thought a 1hr fun race didn't make a lot of sense- 3 hr driving for 1hr riding!

I would've left the bike single speed but I'm not sure if I'd be able to get around the course without gears?
Honestly haven't ridden since 2007 and even then I rode perhaps 10 or 12 times per year.

Can I ask what people wear for winter racing?
I went to Cycle Surgery in Romford and bought some 3/4 bib tights and a long sleeve top. I don't want to be cold, but likewise if I'm puffing like an old man for 2 hrs I don't want to overheat either!

That sounds perfect or even a short sleeve top, after the warm up lap you'll be hot enough to ride around in a mankini!!!
I am tempted to do a few of these but just enjoying normal riding at the mo, raced all summer.