Thursday 29 December 2011

Running away from 2011, 2012 targets

Not rode during the month of December, well not outdoors anyway, I have had s few short sessions on the turbo.  Instead I have been running for fitness kicks.  The new job only allows smaller windows of time for 'me time' (yes I know I'm lucky to get any) so running at the moment is a more time efficient way of getting and keeping fit.  My main objective over the winter is to keep losing weight and maintaining fitness so I can hit the ground running come spring time instead of the usual 2 months of regaining fitness, for now running suits this better.

My longest run to date is 6 miles, not bad considering I've only been at it for a few weeks, and I have never ran before.  I am aiming at increasing this to half marathon distance during 2012 and full marathon distance for 2013, yes, they are my running targets!

Planning for the bike next year I am aiming to finally crack the 5000 miles barrier as well as play my part in a world record relay attempt from John O'Groats to Lands End in August, my stint basically being a 45 mile time trial!

Other sporting plans for 2012 are to play some pool, well it cant all be physical can it ;) I've signed up to a local team (god help them) seriously though it's more asocial thing than competitive, although it would be nice to win a couple of my matches during the season.

Tuesday 22 November 2011

Monday 21 November Burton Loop

Like last week I didn't feel great on this ride, not sure if it's time for a rest or just the body is still adjusting to working at silly times of the day/night.  Took a ride to Burton yesterday, old stomping ground for me and some lovely roads around the back of Burton from Barton under Needwood up to Tutbury.

It was a coldish day but not quite cold enough for the bib tights and jacket I had on, just couldn't get my body temperature right and didn't feel at all comfortable throughout the ride.




Followed up yesterdays ride with 48.5k's on the turbo this morning, feeling better today.

Distance = 101 km
Time = 3 hrs 57 mins
Ave Speed = 25.4 kph
Ascent = 834m  (m/km = 8.3)

2011
Road Bike = 4071.4 km
Single Speed = 102.2 km
Fixed = 26 km
Indoor = 323.6 km
Total = 4523.2 km

Monday 14 November 2011

Monday 14 November Charnwood in the autumn

Not been feeling to clever the past few days, the effects of a stinking cold and too much to eat and drink on Saturday night still with me this morning.  I had planned a 150k ride for today but that just wasn't happening!  I did think of scaling it down to 3 hours, and that's what I should have done.  My enthusiasm got the better of me and I set off on the 'Charnwood in the Spring' route, a local Audax ride.  Missing the first and last few k's this is a nice 100k ride.

About an hour in I knew this wasn't working, I was going along OK but it just didn't feel right, but I ploughed on.  Once through Mount Sorrel I could have cut the route short and took a more direct route home, but no, again I ploughed on desperate to get a 100k ride in.  Again at 6 Hills I could have headed for home but guess what......  Despite not feeling good I was making good time and knowing the last 1/3 of the ride would be wind assisted I was happy to continue at my current pace.  I kept eating and drinking and this was keeping me just about in the zone, albeit at the very bottom of the zone.  The tailwind did its job and lifted my ave speed from 25.5 kph to almost 27 by the time I was home.  As soon as I got off the bike I knew I'd dine too much, feeling light headed and sick I got myself plenty to drink and even more to eat.  I hindsight I should have stuck to a gentle 3 hour ride, maybe I will next time, we'll see......

Despite me not been in good shape today I clocked the 100k in just 1 minute slower than my PB, maybe a sign of how I'm still improving.

A great route in the Autumn as well as the spring under a dull cloudy but dry sky, one to be recommended to you locals or Audax riders. 




Distance = 102 km
Time = 3 hrs 47 mins
Ave Speed = 26.8 kph
Ascent = 827m  (m/km = 8.1)

2011
Road Bike = 3970.4 km
Single Speed = 102.2 km
Fixed = 26 km
Indoor = 192.7 km
Total = 4291.3 km

Monday 7 November 2011

Sunday 6 November Vale of Belvior dawn raid

Ratcliffe Power Station at sunrise
Got out early yesterday and was treated to a beautiful sunny autumnal morning.  A cold start which didn't really warm up until well into the morning, even the bright sun couldn't warm things up.

I love the sound of the leaves crinkling under your tyres at this time of the year and yesterdays ride gave me plenty of that.  The route starts out on familiar roads out through Sawley and Long Lane to Kegworth, then on towards Cotgrave via Bunny, it's all country lanes bar a mile or so through Bunny on the A60, early on a Sunday morning there's barely any cars around.

Once through Cotgrave and over the A46 it gets even quieter as you head into the Vale of Belvior, the only 'traffic' I encountered in 45 minutes was some cows being escorted back to their field after milking.  This route is as flat as a pancake until you reach Terrace Hill, not the hardest of hills by a long stretch, but worth a mention as it appears in Simon Warrens 100 Greatest Cycling Climbs due to the fact that it the only climb of note in the Vale of Belvior.  Once up the hill I was treated to a lovely circuit around the perimeter of Belvior Castle's grounds, some lovely villages with equally lovely views of the Castle and surrounding countryside.

Long Lane at sunrise
The ride back from Belvior is not quite as spectacular but still a very nice route across country and along the Trent to Radcliffe on Trent and then through Holme Pierpont estate with a little stretch of strade bianche for those Italian classics lovers.  Then the ball ache bit of crossing from East to West Nottingham, my favoured route is through West Bridgeford and over the toll bridge before taking the cycle network to Dunkirk and then a heads down blast for home along University Boulevard and Queens Road.

A very enjoyable jaunt was had and I felt well rewarded for getting up early on a day off, the sunrise was a cracker, as was this ride, looking forward to actually keeping this bike riding up through the autumn and winter for a change.




Distance = 115.5 km
Time = 4 hrs 24 mins
Ave Speed = 26.1 kph
Ascent = 915 m  (m/km =8.2)

2011
Road Bike = 3868.4 km
Single Speed = 102.2 km
Fixed = 26 km
Indoor = 175.2 km
Total = 4171.8 km

Saturday 29 October 2011

RIP Sir Jimmy

Scarborough

Took a trip to Scarborough the other day, went boating at Peasholm Park had a great fish and chip dinner at Winking Willies amongst other things.  Not a great day for photo's but here's a couple of the South Bay beach.




Saturday 29 October - Colours of Clumber

On Audax duty again today for a 114km route through Clumber Park and around north Nottinghamshire.

I arrived at the start late as I really could not be bothered to get out of bed after a late night last night and the fact I feel exhausted at the moment.  As I was approaching the start point my Beeston CC mates were rolling out, I though it wouldn't take me long to catch them, how wrong was I.  I was batting along at a fair rate due to a descent from the start town of Bolsover and a friendly tailwind, problem was so were my club mates.  As I caught sight of groups of riders ahead I was constantly disappointed to see they weren't  Beeston riders.  The ride through the Clumber estate was lovely, the trees just beginning to shed there autumnal coloured leaves, hence the name of the ride.

Once through Clumber I was starting to feel the effects of the hard pace I was setting myself, but with a cafe at 55k to recharge the legs I pressed on hoping I'd soon be with the boys.  Not until that cafe did I catch them, rolling in 2 minutes after them, both parties impressed with one and others pace we shared drinks and cake.

I was debating whether to press on as we left the cafe as I wanted to get home as soon as possible, but a nice group of about 8 riders formed inclusive of the Beeston posse so I stuck with it.  I was glad of it as well as shortly after we got going again that tailwind was now against us as we headed back to Bolsover.  One of our riders was feeling the earlier pace a little so the Beeston boys took the decision to hold back and make sure we all got in together, we were still on a good pace so it was no worries.  We looped around north Nottinghamshire and back for another ride through the Clumber estate and back up into Bolsover against that headwind.

All in all it was a brilliant ride and one I would recommend to an Audax beginner as a taster of what Audax offers, it's a mainly flat route on easy going roads in lovely countryside, thoroughly enjoyed it!




Distance = 115 km
Time = 4 hrs 40 mins
Ave Speed = 24.9 kph
Ascent = 915 m  (m/km =8.0)

2011
Road Bike = 3752.9 km
Single Speed = 102.2 km
Fixed = 26 km
Indoor = 143.2 km
Total = 4024.3 km

Saturday 22 October 2011

Stripping down



Had another half hour on project peugeot continuing to strip it down, the simplex gears are off and ready for a clean up before making an appearance on ebay. 

Chainset and cranks are off, just the bottom bracket, forks, headset, stem and bars to be removed now.

Tuesday 18 October 2011

Monday 17 October, One in the bank

Working nights this week and away at the weekend so not sure when I'm going to find time to ride the bike, with yesterday being my only free day I took the opportunity to get at least one ride in the bank for the week.  Luckily Sundays ride was quite leisurely so I had plenty in the legs for a spin round one of my old 50ish mile routes into South Derbyshire.

It was a breezy day which some of the outward journey tougher than it needed to be, the first half of the route was also on rolling terrain out to Repton.  Then it was onto the flats and Etwall and Hilton, once turned around and heading east towards home it was flat and the wind was on my back.  Averaged over 30kph for the last hour of the ride, it was a real treat.




Distance = 83.5 km
Time = 3 hrs 7 mins
Ave Speed = 26.8 kph
Ascent = 632 m  (m/km =7.6)

2011
Road Bike = 3637.9 km
Single Speed = 102.2 km
Fixed = 26 km
Indoor = 105.6 km
Total = 3871.7 km

Monday 17 October 2011

Sunday 16 October, Beware of the plague

I was on Audax duty yesterday again, first one of the year with Dad, titled Beware of the plague due to its visit to Eyam.

The day started out bright and sunny in Alfreton but soon turned misty and drizzly as we climbed into the peak and across Beeley Moor towards Eyam.  First control in Eyam was just a card signing exercise and we pressed on up and out of Eyam.  The biggest climb of the day came on the road to Monyash from the A6, not the steepest but a good gradient for over 3km.  Through Monyash and a little more steady climbing we were treated to a lovely descent rolling through the heart of the peak before a short sharp climb into Biggin where the final control stamp was.

A quick sandwich and we were off on the final leg, another lovely descent into Parwich and then back up to Longcliffe before shooting down Via Gellia.  It's the first time I have gone down Via Gellia and a headwind spoilt it somewhat, still I stuck it on the big ring and smallest sprocket and gunned down as fast as I could, pedalling most of the way though.  Once down into Cromford the only way was up to Crich.  The climb into and through Holloway is another tough one, but with my improved climbing ability (there is still a lot of room for more improvement) I'm finding these easier nowadays.  From Crich it was a short and flattish stint into Alfreton for a well deserved cup of tea and slice of cake.

Another great ride and route from the Audax folk, if you've not tried one already I suggest you do...




Distance = 108.5 km
Time = 5 hrs 5 mins
Ave Speed = 21.3 kph
Ascent = 1801 m  (m/km =16.7)

2011
Road Bike = 3554.4 km
Single Speed = 102.2 km
Fixed = 26 km
Indoor = 105.6 km
Total = 3788.2 km

Thursday 13 October 2011

Thursday 13 October, Surprisingly brisk!

Went out for what was meant to be a steady knock around the Sutton Bonnington and Gotham circuit taking in the TT courses used by Beeston CC and VCLE.

I was joined by club mate Paul again for a pleasant chatty and brisk in places ride of 60km.  What a difference it makes to ride with fresh legs and no wind, we kept a good pace all the way round, and it is a route that would suit a good hard effort ride, maybe next week....

Next up more hills in Sunday's Audax ride,  at the time of booking I did not realise it was a hilly one!

Distance = 60 km
Time = 2 hrs 12 mins
Ave Speed = 27.1 kph
Ascent = N/A

2011
Road Bike = 3445.9 km
Single Speed = 102.2 km
Fixed = 26 km
Indoor = 105.6 km
Total = 3679.7 km

Sunday 9 October 2011

History of the UE-8

Since acquiring my Peugeot over a year ago I have been doing some research on its history.

Dating pugs apparently is a tricky business and can only be done by the type of badge and livery on the machine, the frame numbers do not give an accurate method of knowing when the bike was built.  Using cyclespeugeot I have identified it as model UE-8 dated  1976 or 1977.

Retro Peugeot has also proved to be an invaluable source of information on my (and many other) vintage pugs.

I can not find much UK based information but here's a little about the bike and its UO-8 sibling from the U.S.

The Peugeot AO-8 and its UO-8, UO-18, UE-8 and UE-18 siblings were entry-level and low-end bicycles sold in the United States during the 1960s and 1970s, especially in the early 1970s during the peak of the bike-boom .  These were commonly the first ten-speeds ridden by baby boomers.  As vintage bicycles, they do not garner the same respect as does their prestigious PX-10 cousin.

A few pictures from which I draw my inspiration from the Retro Puegeot site...


And a few brochure extracts of the UE-8 and UO-8




So for now I'm still stripping down but I think I have decided upon making this a fixed gear project.  I would like to retain as many parts as I can and intend to give the un required parts a good clean up and sell them on to other vintage enthusiasts looking to restore similar projects.

Friday 7 October 2011

Project Peugeot takes off

As it came
After over a year of sitting in the shed and nothing happening Project Peugeot has finally begun.  The original plane was to restore it to as new, fenders, lights and all.  Money and the fact I want to use it have however changed the plan.  For now it is a strip down, clean up, make good, replace what needs replacing whilst trying to keep it is as original as possible.  The mudguards will not be going back on but will be kept for future possible plans. 

I will not be having a paint job either, not for now anyway, I just want to get it on the road again.  Once I have some spare pennies then a proper paint job to restore it to its former glory will be arranged.

Today has been the first stage of stripping it down.

Thursday 6 October 2011

Thursday 6 October - Post Epic ride and banter

Took a steady and chatty ride out round Sutton Bonnington, East Leake etc with fellow epic'ists Russ and Paul as well as club members Lesa and Sean.  Nice ride with nice folk, caught  out by a sharp shower at the end, that'll teach us adding a little loop of Draycot and Breaston on the end of the ride.  Also popped a spoke a mile form home, so thats another visit to TS Bikes tomorrow, I'll have to get a cassette, tube and tyre on my old bonty wheel at this rate.

Distance = 53.4 km
Time = 2 hrs 8 mins
Ave Speed = 24.9 kph
Ascent = N/A

2011
Road Bike = 3385.9 km
Single Speed = 102.2 km
Fixed = 26 km
Indoor = 105.6 km
Total = 3619.7 km

Tuesday 4 October 2011

Sunday 2 October, The Autumn Epic

The Beeston CC team at the start
So the last 2 months of 'training' have all been about this ride, an early start to head off to Wales saw me picking club mate Paul up at 05:30 and we were on our way, until about 6 o'clock when the M42 came to a standstill due to a van crashing and throwing its contents all over the motorway, luckily though we were only held up by around 15 minutes.

We arrived in a sunny Knighton just after 8 o'clock in plenty of time to get the bikes out and ourselves dressed to battle the Welsh hills.  A quick catch up with the rest of the Beeston contingent after signing on and we were away.  Five of us left pretty much straight away running over the timing mat that we would not cross again for 96 miles!  The rest of the team were waiting a while so they had some 'tortoises' to catch in their quest for respectable and competitive times.

I rode out of Knighton with Paul and made a concious effort to ride steady until the first stop, saving as much of myself as I could for later in the ride.  As we rode I was slowly pulling away from Paul and dropping back for him, it was at this point Paul rather generously said I was to ride my own ride and he would see me later.  The first climb up Bwlch-y-Sarnau came soon after this and I only saw Paul briefly at the first food stop again on the ride.  That climb was followed by a similar one out of Abbey-Cwm-Hir and across a moor before descending into Rhayader for the first food stop.

I was quite alarmed at how many punctures fellow riders were picking up in the first section of the rides, there seemed to be upturned bikes at the side of the road all over the place, especially after the first cattle grid we encountered which had the leading edged upturned by something, luckily I spotted it just in time and managed to bunny hop over it.

I spent too long waiting here really but I wanted to wait for Paul, check he was OK and let him know I'd be pressing on and to let me know how he was getting on at the next feed stop.

Looking back to the Mountain Pass out of Rhayader
Stocked up and ready to go it wasn't long at all we were climbing the mountain road out of Rhayader, the bail out route turned off just before this pass, but there was no way I'd come this far to avoid the biggest climb of the ride.  This pass seemed to go on for an age, not overly steep but very long and a teasing headwind thrown in for good measure.  At the top of this tough climb though we were rewarded with stunning views and a cracking descent into the Elan Valley.

The Elan Valley was probably my favourite section of the ride, fast swooping roads, switchbacks and rolling terrain made for a lovely ride suited to my style and ability.

Elan Valley
This section was a good rest for my legs and very enjoyable for the mind, I'm at my best cycling at speed, I had changed direction as well so that wind was now pushing me along, of course I knew this wasn't going to last forever, there was much more climbing to be done.

This climbing started again with a very sharp climb up to the second feed station, quite short but bloody sharp, the sweet snacks and bottle filling was most welcome at the top of that one!  Listening to other riders tales of there's worse to come though left me leaving here with thoughts of what the bloody hell can there be left to do?  I was starting to feel a little tired.

I left the second stop and rolled a few km's down, taking it easyish on the flatter bits and eating what snacks I had left in preparation for the last section, again rolling terrain.  As I ride along I spot another cattle grid and people getting off the bikes shortly after, what did they know about which I didn't?  A quick look up the road and I had a good idea.

Glascwm Pitch
Glascwm Pitch was looking down on me, as was a sign telling me 25% sections ahead, time for smallest gear and a lot of will power.  I ground my up the hill, zig zagging at times in an attempt to make it easier, which it did, until I looked up again, slight breaks in the intensity gave me 20 seconds or so to catch a little breath before it ramped up again.  Thoughts of un-clipping were in my mind but somehow I made it up the last ramp.  I have to admit to taking a five minute break once at the top though to recover from this beast of a climb.

At this point I took a look at the ride profile to see what was to come, one more climb, back to the same dizzy heights as this this but nowhere near as steep, this of course meant it would be longer.  But for this in true epic style I had to descend to the rides lowest point, these organisers really know how to kick you when your down...

In all honesty the last climb wouldn't really be that tough had I not had 90 miles in my legs already, but I had and it was tough, I made it though and was rewarded with a fantastic 2 mile sweep down back into Knighton, crossing the line  on that timing mat really gave me a sense of achievement.

The ride was fantastic, I had expected it to be harder and I do think I could have rode it quicker,  but I struggle to judge my energy level and know what I am capable of, I finished with an official time of 7:36:06 (time riding 6:44).  The time spent at the stops no doubt enabled me to ride a little faster when moving but 50 minutes spent not moving is quite a chunk of time.  Very pleased to have done the ride and happy with my time despite doubts of stopping for too long at the stops.

A mention of the rest of the Beeston posse, Mike W came second overall with a ride of 5:05! and we had had 5 top 10 finishers in the various categories, a good day out for Beeston CC, we were also the best represented club in means of numbers, something to be proud of.

Would I go back?  At £26 entry fee, no I wouldn't, the rider support was good I have to admit, but it is a lot of money to pay to ride on open public roads and only get a drinks bottle in way of souvenir/freebies.

 
GPS Screenshot




Distance = 152.5 km
Time = 6 hrs 44 mins
Ave Speed = 22.6 kph
Top Speed = 66.9 kph
Ascent = 5351 m (35.1 m/km)

2011
Road Bike = 3332.5 km
Single Speed = 102.2 km
Fixed = 26 km
Indoor = 71.5 km
Total = 3532.2 km

Pictures taken by fellow Beeston CC riders Richard B and Paul N

Friday 30 September 2011

Thursday 29 September, Flat & Easy

Flat and easy was the order of the day for my last ride before the Epic, a railway bridge was about the steepest thing I climbed whilst on a gentle spin around the Sutton Bonnington, and East & West Leake areas.  It's a good area for a recovery ride/gentle spin as there are lots of small loops that can be strung together easily, meaning you can always bail out or extend the ride depending on how you feel.

It doesn't get much better than this ride weather wise, 28c, Sunny and a cooling breeze, perfect!

Distance = 60.6 km
Time = 2 hrs 11 mins
Ave Speed = 27.8 kph
Top Speed = 56.5 kph
Ascent = N/A

2011
Road Bike = 3180 km
Single Speed = 102.2 km
Fixed = 26 km
Indoor = 71.5 km
Total = 3379.7 km

Tuesday 27 September 2011

Local Bike Shops

A subject that often arises is supporting your local bike shop, now I'm as guilty as anyone else of using the online stores for buying bike bits on the cheap, and I probably will do in the future too if the right deal presents itself.

But what you don't get from your online dealer is the kind of service I have recently received from my local bike shop TS Bikes.  In the last two weeks I have had the misfortune to need to visit my LBS, once to sort a rather buckled wheel due to a spoke gone, this was repaired on the spot and even though I supplied the spoke cutting his profits in the job I still got 25% off the job (he does discount Beeston CC members 10% standard).  £8 to replace a spoke and true the wheel all within 20 mins, you can't beat that service.

Today I needed to visit again, a ticking noise from the BB area, now given my distinct lack of knowledge of all things mechanical I was expecting a new BB to be required, I had checked for play on the cranks etc but found nothing.  A quick glance and a good tighten of the crank bolts and the ticking was gone, all for free!  Can you get this service from an online cycle dealer??? 

Yes I know they cant be expected to repair the bike when it goes wrong, but if we buy all of our stuff from them then our LBS's are in real danger of going out of business, look how Tesco are killing our village shops. 

And without our LBS we won't get these good deals and free tweaks and advice, my return for a free solution to my ticking was to buy some nutrition powder which I would have bought from Tesco for £1 cheaper, but that pound is far better spent at the bike shop for those invaluable nuggets of advice you get when your in there chatting to them.  So whilst I may not buy everything from my LBS I will make an effort to keep him in business with regular trips.  Next time your LBS does you a favour, return it and buy something from him, invest what he has just saved you ;)

Monday 26 September 2011

Monday 26 September, Burton Blast

Took a flatter ride today around Burton, out into the wind back home with it giving me a little push, old favoured training roads around Melbourne, Repton, Hilton, Tutbury and Burton.  Gave it some gas today, 27+kph ave speed, and a new PB over 100km by over 4 minutes, all good :)

Bike has developed a very annoying 'ticking' from the bottom bracket area though, lathered it in WD40 overnight, will clean and re grease tomorrow and hope for the best, haven't the time for a new BB before the epic....



Distance = 102.5 km
Time = 3 hrs 45 mins
Ave Speed = 27.3 kph
Top Speed = 66.5 kph
Ascent = 676m (6.6 m/km)

2011
Road Bike = 3119.4 km
Single Speed = 102.2 km
Fixed = 26 km
Indoor = 71.5 km
Total = 3324.1 km

Chasing Rainbows

Mark Cavendish, top of the world
Great Britain woke up today with a new men's senior world road race champion for the first time since 1965 and for only the second time in history.  This victory has been 3 years in the making for Cav and team GB and man did team GB deliver for Cav, a victory not just for Mark but for the whole team.  I'm proud as punch for British Cycling!

I'm sure Cav will wear the rainbow jersey with pride next year and do it justice, here's to an even better 2012 for the Manx Missile.  But first of course there is the tour of Lombardy, maybe a bit too much for a pure sprinter, but still a good opportunity to show the world his new jersey and a fitting goodbye to team HTC Highroad.

Sunday 25 September 2011

Makes me smile every time I ride past

Saturday 24 September, More Hills

Sunrise over Sandiacre
Up and out early on a bright and chilly morning for the last hilly ride before the epic next Sunday, and within ten minutes I was treated to a sunrise at the top of the first hill Stanton Road, rising from Sandiacre.

From there it was familiar hilly ride roads, No Mans Lane, through Dale Abbey and West Hallam to Cloves Lane then onto Spanker Lane via Holbrook and Heage.  Holly Lane next up, and today I felt as though I had my best climb of Holly Lane, I definitely feel as though my climbing is becoming better.  On the way up Holly I climbed into slightly foggy conditions which stayed with me until Wirksworth, reminding me that it was still a chilly morning.

From Holly a little short tester up Bent Lane and then down into Wirksworth, a lovely little Peak town which I keep meaning to pay a visit with Mrs H.  The climb out of Wirksworth up West End is the last real tester on this route (bar Drum).  Shortly after this it's along the banks of Carsington Water, time for a little speed to build up as the roads become flatter as I headed towards Hullands Ward.  There's a lovely pub here with a B&B called The Black Horse where Mrs H and I spent a romantic night a few years back, another place I keep meaning to take her.  The speed is really getting up now and the rouleur in me is pressing on toward Kedleston and then Duffield.  Now back on familiar 'local' roads its Eaton Bank and Drum Hill before the usual Spondon, Borrowash, Risley run home.

A very nice ride on a lovely autumnal morning, well worth getting up early for.  With the epic looming  I'll have a couple of steady flat rides this week to keep the legs turning but nothing requiring much effort.





Distance = 94.2 km
Time = 4 hrs 5 mins
Ave Speed = 23 kph
Top Speed = 67.7 kph
Hillometer =16.3 m/km

2011
Road Bike = 3016.9 km
Single Speed = 102.2 km
Fixed = 26 km
Indoor = 71.5 km
Total = 3216.6 km

Friday 23 September 2011

UCI World Road Race Champs

"you like my stripes eh?"
Cav eyeing up the stripes of world champion Thor Hushovd at the Tour de France this year, this year is supposed to be Britains best chance since the last 'best chance' at winning the rainbow stripes of world road race champion.  Can Cav pull it off this Sunday afternoon?  We hope so, but I can't help feeling that a certain Mr Gilbert might have something to say about it, he has dominated this season and what better way to finish it off?  Also look out for Sagan, might be a bit too long for him this race but worth an each way bet I reckon, also good for an each way bet are Fabian Cancellara and Matt Goss (if you loose your life savings on these don't come back to me, it's entirely at your own risk, on the other hand if you win a few quid I'll take a drink off you)

Tom Simpson, our only senior world road race champion to date

Thursday 22 September 2011

Thursday 22 September - Hilly TT

For the first time this year I went for it on the 30 mile hilly TT, well about 90% effort anyway, I know where I could have put a bit more in but opted to take a quick breather.  Almost 4 minutes quicker than two weeks ago but still 3.5 minutes outside of my PB, at time of 1:54:00, not bad.  It was also the first time this year I've felt that surge as I'm climbing a hill, you know, the one where it almost feels as though someone's pushing you.  A breezy day day for it, but it was good to feel that bit of zing for the first time in a while, the rouleur in me loved it out there today :)

Distance = 48.3 km
Time = 1 hr 54 mins
Ave Speed = 25.2 kph
Top Speed = 62.7 kph
Hillometer = 7.4

2011
Road Bike = 2922.7 km
Single Speed = 102.2 km
Fixed = 26 km
Indoor = 71.5 km
Total = 3122.4 km

Wednesday 21 September 2011

Legends - Fausto Coppi

Angelo Fausto Coppi, (15 September 1919, Castellania, Province of Alessandria – 2 January 1960, Tortona, Province of Alessandria), was the dominant international cyclist of the years each side of the Second World War. His successes earned him the title Il Campionissimo, or champion of champions. He was an all-round racing cyclist: he excelled in both climbing and time trialing, and was also a great sprinter. He won the Giro d'Italia five times (1940, 1947, 1949, 1952, 1953), the Tour de France twice (1949 and 1952), and the World Championship in 1953. Other notable results include winning the Giro di Lombardia five times, the Milan – San Remo three times, as well as wins at Paris–Roubaix and La Flèche Wallonne and setting the hour record (45.798 km) in 1942. 

Source - wikipedia

Loving my retro cycling stuff at the minute, reading books, reading the net, these boys really put themselves through the mill, racing hard all year, non of this 'toning and training' for certain events, much respect to these past legends.  Coppi's humble upbringing on the farm and his obvious desire to succeed can not fail to inspire.

Monday 19 September 2011

Sunday 18 September, Mamma's Mountain Views

Audax time again, and this time some Welsh hills, and boy(o) do they know how to do hills, Old Horseshoe Pass was a best, but more of that later...

GPS Stats
I arrived at the start in plenty of time, and next time I do so remind to switch my GPS on as it took 15 mins to get a fix, by which time I was 2k's from the start!  It was a bright start but chilly so of I went with leg and arm warmers fitted.  The roads however were wet and quite dirty.  About 15 of us formed a nice group which lasted all the way to the first control which came after 44 mostly flat k's.  Flat been the operative word as just before said stop I picked a bloody great hawthorn up in my front tyre.  So after a quick flapjack and tube change I headed away from Chirk, past the castles rather elaborate gates and into the hills.

Short and steep was the order at first gradually getting longer as I rode further into Wales and eventually descended into Llangollen, then there was a big kick up to Old Horse Shoe Pass which was an even huger kick up, one like which I have not encountered before, it was evil, long and evil.  The stop at the Penderosa Cafe at the top was most welcome.

From there it was a good steady ride bar one short steep climb after the last control point, I had to bail out on this one as a car was blocking the road.

After that last climb at was a nice wind assisted 30k's back to base, most of which the old diesel engine opened up and I was away.

Another lovely ride from the Audax folk, 130km around Wrexham and the surrounding mountains.  And a good taste of what the Welsh mountains have to offer in two weeks time.




Distance = 130 km
Time = 6 hrs 3 mins
Ave Speed = 21.4 kph
Top Speed = 62.8 kph
Hillometer = 20.4
Weather = Sunny Spells, Showers 12c

2011
Road Bike = 2874.4 km
Single Speed = 102.2 km
Fixed = 26 km
Indoor = 71.5 km
Total = 3074.1 km

Thursday 15 September 2011

Thursday 16 September

The sun was out so I took advantage and grabbed a couple of hours on the bike, nothing strenuous, a flat 58k around two of the local TT circuits in West Leake and Kingston.  Kept a good tempo going and felt fresh as a daisy when I got home.  Next up a 130k hilly Audax on Sunday.

Distance = 58.7 km
Time = 2 hrs 4 mins
Ave Speed = 28.2 kph
Top Speed = 46.1 kph
Hillometer = N/A
Max H/R = N/A
Ave H/R = N/A
Weather = Sunny Spells 16c

2011
Road Bike = 2744.4 km
Single Speed = 102.2 km
Fixed = 26 km
Indoor = 71.5 km
Total = 2944.1 km

Wednesday 14 September 2011

Tuesday 13 September - Tour of Britain Stage 3

A couple of years ago I drove to Stoke for the departure of the riders and then drove up to Gun Hill to see them reach the top, this fuelled my desire to actually ride out to the stage. Last year as a group with some club mates we attempted to do so but underestimated the ability of the group and the time required, thus missing the riders by about half an hour.

This year I was determined to make it, I opened it up to clubmates again, but with it being on a weekday this year no one was up for it, either that or they didn't want to ride with me! Obviously this was going to be a hilly ride as the first climb for the pro's which was my destination was in the Peak District the other side of Ashbourne than I. I set out on familiar roads, up through Stanton and West Hallam and on to Cloves Hill yet again, then the route turned towards Holbrook, another good climb through there. This should have been followed by a quick descent into Duffield was anything but, a viscous headwind meant me peddling down the hill! Once through Duffield a tough climb into a square on headwind was a killer, it was steady up hill all the way to Ashbourne from here, into the wind, this was tough.

Kom - Ramshorn

I was starting to feel the efforts against this wind by the time I rode through Ashbourne town centre and was looking forward to reaching my goal, I was also a little concerned that I was maybe to miss the peloton again, surely if I was slower because of the wind so they would be.... I hoped.

It was a lumpy ride from Ashbourne to the bottom of Ramshorn without any real hills but plenty to keep the pain up.  Ramshorn was the first climb of the day for the tour, a cat 2 climb none the less.  I hit the bottom of the climb and to my surprise it took me up at a very favourable rate, this isn't as bad as I was expecting.  Then things levelled out, what's all the fuss about I'm asking myself.  The 'fuss' is that this goes on and on and on, a little ramp, levels out, bigger ramp, levels off, bigger ramp, you get the picture.  It not the severity of the climb, it's the length of it!

About half way up I pass the most ridiculous of things considering a professional bike race is about to pass, a tractor cutting the hawthorn hedgerow by the road side, great planning by the local authorities!

Almost missed the leaders

At that point I should add I didn't know I was half way and it kept heading towards the sky, by now the crowds are getting bigger, and old fella tips his hat "well done lad, not far to go" some one shouts "go Beeston" I'm genuinely getting encouragement from the crowds.  The road starts pointing downwards, I have a horrible feeling I'll pay for this, and yes I did, one last dig upwards and finally I can see the banner at the top of the hill.  By now the ride marshalls and police bikes are passing, the riders are near by.

A few minutes to catch my breath and a quick snack and the riders are upon us.  Three breakaway riders who by the time my phone is out and camera switched on I just manage to catch two of them.  Three minutes later the peloton approach and pass in a blur.

As quick as I've caught my breath it's all over, time to head home, first of all enjoying the descent I had just climbed.

I love descending at speed, my weight and size means it's one thing I am good at on a bike, a natural build for gravity assisted speed.  Not only was the ride home more down than up it was also down wind.  That wind that had hampered my ride out would now give me a friendly push home.

The peloton approach
The ride home was to the south of Ashbourne and back towards Keddleston and Duffield, back onto familiar hill training roads, Eaton Bank and Drum Hill.  The last few k's were fantastic, dead flat road and the strong wind square on my back, Borrowash to Toton, ave speed 40kph! Brilliant end to a brilliant ride and a brilliant ride.




Distance = 120.5 km
Time = 5 hr 11 mins
Ave Speed = 23.3 kph
Top Speed = 66.6 kph
Hillometer = 14.7 m/km
Max H/R = N/A
Ave H/R = N/A
Weather = Sunny Spells 18c

2011
Road Bike = 2685.7 km
Single Speed = 102.2 km
Fixed = 26 km
Indoor = 71.5 km
Total km = 2885.4 km

Monday 12 September 2011

Saturday 10 September - Hilly, Bulls, wheelies and spins

Carrying on the hilly theme of my riding I headed out toward the Peak and Holly Lane on a hilly ride.  Headed to No Mans Lane first of all, a local climb which always warms the legs up only 2 miles from home, after the steady incline through Stanton By Dale and decline of Cat and Fiddle lane (not THE Cat and Fiddle) it was onwards to one of Beeston CC's favourite locals, Cloves Hill, short but pretty steep.  A couple of weeks ago you may recall I came across two cows at the top of this hill, well Saturday I came across about 10 young bulls in the same place.  These young fella's didn't look too impressed as I rounded the corner headed right towards them.  I gingerly picked a course through the bulls only to spook one as I rounded the back of him, well his legs went out nearly clipping me but also spooking the rest of the herd, it was time for me to leave and quick.  I got out unscathed but lets just say my heart was pounding as I rolled down the other side on Sandy Lane.

No incidents onwards towards Heage and then the comically named Spanker Lane, Spanker climb despatched Holly Lane was next, for those who do not know Holly, she's a bitch!  Very steep first section of approx 25-30% the a relentless 10-15% drag.  The only way for me to stop pulling the involuntary wheelies is to get out of the saddle, so I did just that.  A greasy road surface under trees now meant that when out of the saddle the back wheel was spinning as I put the (limited) power down on the pedals, so I'm now wrestling the front and rear of the bike to get up the steepest part of Holly Lane, she didn't beat me though.

Across the top of the hills toward Shottle it was a bit drizzly but not enough to crack the waterproof jacket out, and once the descending began the air soon dried up, a quick section to Duffield is always a pleasure.  The little kick up onto Eaton Bank always catches me breathless before another BCC favourite Drum Hill.  Drum is another good climb which kicks up a little about half way as you pass under the A38, it seems to be easier for me this year though thankfully.  Once Drum was dealt with it was a simple ride home through Spondon, Borrowash, Risley and Long Eaton.

Really enjoyed this hilly run on what was a very warm autumn morning, too warm for the short zipped jersey I chose to wear....


 Distance = 76.6 km
Time = 3 hr 25 mins
Ave Speed = 22.4 kph
Top Speed = 57.8 kph
Hillometer = 15.3 m/km
Max H/R = N/A
Ave H/R = N/A
Weather = Sunny Spells 20c

2011
Road Bike = 2565.2 km
Single Speed = 102.2 km
Fixed = 26 km
Indoor = 71.5 km
Total km = 2764.9 km

Thursday 8 September 2011

Thursday 8th September

Rode the 30 mile hilly route today, gave it some beans today and given the breezy conditions I'm quite pleased to have got round in under 2 hours (1:57:52). Still taking rides on the easier side of the scale and just getting miles and hills in before the Epic.

Route

Distance = 48.3 km
Time = 1 hr 58 mins
Ave Speed = 24.4 kph
Top Speed = 60 kph
Hillometer = 7.4 m/km
Max H/R = N/A
Ave H/R = N/A
Weather = Overcast, Sunny Spells 16c

2011 Road Bike = 2488.6 km
Single Speed = 102.2 km
Fixed = 26 km
Indoor = 71.5 km
Total km = 2688.3 km

Sunday 4 September 2011

Camelia and Canal Bridges Audax

Rode this 100k Audax with Paul, a fellow Beeston CC member.  Did this one last year with Dad and enjoyed it just as much this year, quite a flat route from Moira nr Asby de la Zouch heading into Warwickshire past Tamworth, continuing towards Sutton Coldfield before turning back towards Atherstone and on to Hinckley, turning back to Twycross and then back onto Moira for coffee, sandwiches and cake at the end.  As the name would suggest it was mainly a flat route, but away from the canals it does throw a few hills at you.  We started out in the rain at 09:30 after a cup of tea, after about an hour though things cleared up and the rain jacket came off.  The sun came out and dried things up before the cloud returned but it stayed dry.  We missed the first cafe stop and just got our cards stamped heading for the 2nd cafe stop and some flapjack and coke.

Last year I struggled on this route after time off the bike, this year I felt much better, strong all the way round in fact.

Not hilly enough to be classed as real Epic training, today was really about getting some miles in, hills come next weekend, followed by another Audax with grimpuer (climbing) points in a fortnights time.




Distance = 105.5 km
Time = 4 hrs 20 mins
Ave Speed = 24.3 kph
Top Speed = 61.6 kph
Hillometer = 7.9 m/km
Max H/R = N/A
Ave H/R = N/A
Weather = Overcast, Showers, Sunny Spells 16c

2011
Road Bike = 2440.3 km
Single Speed = 102.2 km
Fixed = 26 km
Indoor = 71.5  km
Total km = 2640 km

Thursday 1 September 2011

Thursday 1 September

Took the Hoby route today, lovely little village near Melton Mowbray, wanted some miles in the legs but easy ones in light of Sundays 100k Audax ride.  Didn't really push it at all today apart from up a few short hills, when it felt tough I slowed down, don't want to fade out on Sunday!

Still got a lot to do for the epic, need some base fitness and also some hill practice but only four weeks to get it done!  3 big hilly ones each week and then a gentle week with a couple of short rides tapering to the 2nd October.



Distance = 92.6 km
Time = 3 hrs 32 mins
Ave Speed = 26.2 kph
Top Speed = 70.9 kph
Hillometer = 6.4 m/km
Max H/R = 195
Ave H/R = 163
Weather = Sunny, 19c

2011
Road Bike = 2334.8 km
Single Speed = 102.2 km
Fixed = 26 km
Indoor = 71.5  km
Total km = 2534.5 km

Monday 29 August 2011

Sunday 28 August, more hills

Another ride around the 30 mile...sorry 48.4km hilly route, went a little harder this time but still nowhere near full effort, still to out of shape and practice for that.  For some reason even though I'm not in shape Cloves and Drum are feeling easier, not due to the little weight loss I've managed so far either as I am now at the same sort of weight as I was this time last year.

Felt better than Thursday and was 9 minutes quicker over the course, but still a long way to go.  I'll have a flatter but longer ride during the week before a 100km (62miles) Audax next Sunday, then it will be longer and hillier rides in the build up to the Epic.

Route same as post below

Distance = 48.4 km
Time = 2 hrs 0 mins
Ave Speed = 23.9 kph
Top Speed = 61.0 kph
Hillometer = 7.4 m/km
Max H/R = 193
Ave H/R = 156
Weather = Sunny, 12c

2011
Road Bike = 2242.2 km
Single Speed = 102.2 km
Fixed = 26 km
Indoor = 71.5  km
Total km = 2441.9 km

Thursday 25 August 2011

Thursday 25 August

With only 37 miles ridden in the last 5 weeks my epic training is non existent, so it's about time something was done.  So an early and very wet start was in order today to kick start the training.

I took the clubs Hilly route with my little adaptation to make it bang on 30 miles from Hobbs Towers.  As usual it took me a few miles to get into it, Clove was slow but not too tiring, and Drum was the easiest I've ever known it albeit I was riding slow today.  The aim of the day was to have a gentle spin on a hilly route, get the legs turning, to tell how leisurely it was compare it to my best time over the course, a full 19 minutes slower today.

I'll have a couple more of these before a 100k Audax a week on Sunday, once the children are back at school I'll get out of some distance hilly rides in preparation for the 2nd of October and the Autumn Epic.




Distance = 30.1 miles
Time = 2 hrs 9 mins
Ave Speed = 14.0 mph
Top Speed = 35.3 mph
Hillometer = 39.0 ft/mile
Max H/R = 186
Ave H/R = 149
Weather = Rain, 12c

2011
Road Bike = 1363.1
Single Speed = 63.5
Fixed = 16
Indoor = 44.4
Total Mileage = 1487

Monday 15 August 2011

Off Facebook

You wont find me on facebook for the foreseeable future if at all, I have switched the account off as I tend to say too much at times, especially when feeling a little low.  Facebook also annoys me at times, well it's not facebook, more the people on it, yes I could remove certain people from my friends list, but then come the questions "Why has Liam deleted me" to Kelly or the children, it's just not worth the hassle.

So if you want to follow my life and thoughts as it and they happen you can do so through my twitter feed

Sunday 7 August 2011

Thursday 4 August - TT Course

After too long off the bike due to the summer holidays for the children and busy weekends I found myself at the top of Bray Hill in the Isle of Man about to tackle the famous TT Mountain course last Thursday morning.

I was never going to trouble the record held by Chris Boardman of 1hr 23m 54s, especially seeing as it took me nearly 10 miles to really get going, as usual it took me a while to get into it, maybe a warm  up is in order next time.

Its a good job I did get going then as at 9 miles came the first of the two real climbs, this one the much shorter 1.5 mile climb up past Sarah's Cottage. At this point I was wondering if I would make it up the cat 2 climb up the mountain!  I had 13 miles of steady decline though to charge the legs up, this was a very nice 13 miles, bowling along at a good rate and at times taking a well earned breather.

I arrived in Ramsey knowing what was in store for me having driven up the mountain 2 days before, the only thing I could do was brace myself, the climbing started, the hairpin was soon upon me, this was OK... It was about 3 miles into the climb it began to bite, I turned out of the shelter of steep bank by the road into a stiff cold headwind, the gradient still tough I was struggling a little, luckily this didn't last too long as the gradient eased at just under 4 miles climbed.  I now had thick fog to deal with!  Up to this point (after leaving Douglas) I had had sun on my back, this made the very wet roads a little more bearable.  I climbed through the fog and finally reached the bungalow after nearly an hour of climbing!  I hadn't pushed hard up the mountain, I had just about ridden inside myself.

The decent from the Mountain was spoiled by the thick fog which didn't reduce until I was almost back in Douglas, I did touch over 40 mph though, whilst peddling down the other side, it wasn't a steep decent at all, just a nice steady down hill stretch.

I made it round in 2 hrs 40 mins, not brilliant by any means, I could probably take 15 mins off that if I warmed up, pushed it harder and had better weather conditions, I'm not moaning though, it was a great ride and it has given me a real appetite to take my bike back to the IOM and really explore what it has to offer for the cyclist.




Distance = 37.7 miles
Time = 2 hrs 40 mins
Ave Speed = 14.1 mph
Top Speed = 41.1 mph
Hillometer = 74.3 ft/mile
Max H/R = N/A
Ave H/R = N/A
Weather = Sunny/Foggy, 14c

2011
Road Bike = 1333
Single Speed = 63.5
Fixed = 16
Indoor = 44.4
Total Mileage = 1456.9

Friday 15 July 2011

New Goals

Now I have relieved myself of official duties I am concentrating on a few goals which mean me actually riding my bike and not wasting time arguing about bike clubs...

So what's in store, short term I have set my sights on the Autumn Epic this October, a well renowned sportive set in the Welsh hills.  This event is know to be tough and only the toughest or bloody minded cyclists finish it, I probably fit in the latter of those characters.

No such feat planned for 2012 yet as it will mostly be training for 2013 and the London - Edinburgh - London ride, another ride of monster proportions.  It's as it labelled, London to Edinburgh and back again, in one go, within 5 days, a self reliant 'race' against the distance and conditions, a true test of endurance cycling!

One thing that will hopefully take place next year is a record attempt of a relay ride of John O Groats to Lands End and back again!  I have offered to cycle one of the 45 mile legs.... more to follow.

To achieve these goals I aim to use my Audax UK membership more effectively than I have done in the past and get some rides done!

Stepping down from @beestoncc duties

I have decided to stand down from my duties of Membership Sec and 'Web Official' for Beeston CC.

I feel that it is in the best interest of the club and my state of mind that I stand back from official duties.  It has been a pleasure to serve the club.  I have never asked for anything in return, never claimed expenses for the stationary, postage stamps and fuel used in my duties, I have spent hours and hours sat in front of a PC working on the website after a very turbulent time for the club.  I am very grateful for the support and kind comments from the majority of the membership. 

However there is one very small minority who it appears will never be happy until they regain some kind of control over the direction of the club.  Whilst I strongly disagree with this direction and oppose the suggested changes I feel that it would be even more divisive if I continue in my positions.

I am already working on a new project for Beeston CC, getting us recognised by Audax UK is just the start of this.  But for now I just look forward to spending more of my spare time on my bike.

Tuesday 12 July 2011

Johnny Hoogerland - NAILS

Pro cycling has a new hard man to take over form big Jens Voigt when he finally step off his bike for the last time.

Hoogerland was catapulted into a barbed wire fence after hitting another ride who had unbelievably been hit by a car!  This is the results of that incident.








Amazingly Hoogerland rode on 20 miles to finish the stage and take his King Of the Mountains jersey which he had earned that day.  He then went to hospital to have 40 stitches to his wounds.  Today, 2 days later he rides on the the Tour de France!