Team Sodapop Cyclesport

Nathan powering his singlespeed to 4th place. Bristol 2008 As well as designing, we like to ride bikes at Sodapop. So in a vague nod to advertising, but mainly so we can have some fun, we sponsor riders in bike races. 'Sponsorship' equates to a free shirt and a refund of race entry - at best. But it's not about the money... or, in many cases, winning. Though not all.

Bristol Bikefest, June 2008

In a weekend that could reasonably be described as 'incident-packed' for Team Sodapop, we ended up with no medals and 39.75 fingers after Jez managed to neatly lop the top of his digit off using a combination of brute force, disc rotor and bike frame. While he was getting put back together in Frenchay hospital, Rich switched his allegiance to the 6hr solo on the Sunday and did well, finishing in 13th place on 7 laps, despite losing a pedal on lap one and having to borrow a big bouncy Kona for the rest of the race. Dave and Nathan had fun on their singlespeeds in the pairs category but didn't trouble the scorers too much... an unlucky two-puncture lap for Nathan probably cost us a medal, as it was we finished in 4th place. Out of 5 pairs. Surely our luck will improve for Cheddar?

Marin Dusk Till Dawn, Oct 2007

After Steve's tree incident at Cheddar, Cathy turned out in a team of one to ride 12 hours through the night, lucky girl! She writes:

"It was ace - did 8 laps (aka 96 miles) in 12 hours 45 minutes. It was all going very pear shaped at about 4am, then I discovered cubrofen and red bull. Somewhere there's a picture of me finishing and looking very knackered in a Sodapop top. I was 7th of 9 (although the other two gave up). First and second did 12 each (eek!). Loved it though - amazing - def one for next year - Jez would love it (heh)."

Cheddar Bikefest, Sept 2007

Cheddar marked the biggest turnout yet of Sodapoppers, with 5 riders tackling the tough short course. And we got out biggest haul of medals too, with Cathy bagging gold in Ladies fun and Jez getting an unexpected and very welcome silver in the men's event... Steve came a cropper and cracked his helmet open on an overhanging tree, forcing him to retire after two laps. But he wasn't last!

Results:

Jez Ash: 9 laps in 3:37:42 (2nd Solo Mens Fun)
Cathy Atkinson: 8 laps in 3:34:54 (1st Solo Womens Fun)
Dave Atkinson: 8 laps in 3:51:45 (12th Solo Mens Fun)
Rich Ryder: 8 laps in 3:56:56 (13th Solo Mens Fun)
Steve Clayton: 2 laps in 1:03:10 (33rd Solo Mens Fun)

Bristol Bikefest, June 2007

We won our first medal! Team Sodapop Cylesport, resplendent in corporate finery, stormed to third place in the Mixed Fun Teams category at the Bristol Bikefest 12hr Enduro. Big thanks to Rich, Emily and secret weapon Cass for turning out in team colours...