3 Sept 2014

London to Newcastle ride 24

This is it! The big day finally arrived. I woke at about 7am at my sisters house on The Isle of Dogs right next to the Thames in London.

I really couldn't believe it had finally arrived. Even as I donned my kit, checked I had everything that I needed, made the final checks of my bike and made sure I had some breakfast etc. I was still even on decaf tea at this point as I wanted full effect of any caffeine I had over the next 24 hours. It had been over 2 weeks since I stopped drinking any caffeine. 

Off I went, just before 8am I set off to Clissold park to pick up my rider number and make sure I was all in time to start with the everyone else. The ride across London was actually quite pleasant. Nice wide cycling super highways and very few motorists trying to kill me. It may be a little sensitive for some but I would say I felt far safer cycling in London than I do in Manchester.

Anyway as I made my way across the city, a bit of geographical confusion set in as I missed a turn. Then as I pulled over to check where I was I hit some glass, low and behold a flat already! Not a good sign for the day ahead. I had in a way over prepared for today as I was carrying 3 inner tubes instead of the usual 2. This time I even brought enough gas as well (lesson learnt). After much swearing to myself and trying not to wake the homeless person sleeping on a fully made up bed under the bridge where I stopped, I finally had my tube changed and I was back under-way. 

Hurrah other people on bikes! 
I finally started seeing other cyclists as I approached Clissold park and better still they were wearing ride 24 jerseys. I must be in the right place then! Sure enough I saw a big inflatable archway flags and stands all adorned with Ride24. I headed for the bike racks and parked her up. Then off to registration to pick up my numbers plus find out what was going on.

Number 90!
Rider number fixed to the handle bars of my bike and the other pinned to the back of my jersey. It was all feeing very much like any other sportive I had taken part in over the past 2+ years. This time however we were a group of about 120 riders, all on road bikes, each of us all mentally and physically prepared for the challenge ahead. 

Don't pass Bruce!!!
On mass we were herded into the starting pen for the final rider briefing. The main point was "Don't pass Bruce!", Bruce being the front pace rider and the man we were to follow all the way to Newcastle. He certainly had the credentials for leading the ride too. Turns out Bruce, (Kiwi)  had recently completed cycling 2000km in 7 days, plus had taken part in most of the ride 24 events over the past few years.
All safety points covered and everyone suitably briefed. It was countdown to 10am and ready to go.

Preparing to start In London

Already to go and being fed from the first thing too



Stage 1 London - Royston 43.1 miles
Mount up and hang on! It's time to ride the Bruce train.




The whistle blew and we passed over the start line at 10am on Saturday 30th of August 2014. We rolled out as a single group onto the streets of London, immediately we headed north and the pace was only slowed by traffic lights and motorists. As we wound our way through the city and traffic dropped off the pace started to rise, finally levelling out at around 20mph (40kph), this was going to be the way for the duration. Everyone was very chatty and we all spent the first stage to Royston getting to know each other as well as getting warmed up for the long day ahead. 

As we emerged out of London leaving the hustle and bustle of the city inside the M25, the country side opened up around us. As cyclists we see the things you never get to see as motorists and it certainly was buitiful to see.

I got talking to a young chap called Ben from Stratford-Upon-Avon. He was well into his cycling as many of the riders in the group were. He had the same thing with a girlfriend that always knew if he wasn't at home or work he would be out on his bike. Myself I know my wife has taken up starting and ending sentences with "bike" if she wants me to pay attention to what she says. Ben had been getting the miles in cycling 100+ a few times a month. 

As we hit the first good hill I dropped down the gears, got on the bar tops and sat well back. My hill climbing method is always to do this and keep a high cadence. Ben cramped and started to drop down the pack. As we were to find the Bruce train waits for no one, he was well and truly on a schedule so it was a case of keep up or get dropped!

It seemed like the miles had flown by when we reached the first stop. 44 miles in and the weather was really being kind to us. It was blue skies and light wind so far. End of stage 1 was a welcoming sight for many. Me included as I had been needing a wee since we left London!!!!

Stop 1 Royston

Stop 1 Royston


Stage 2 Royston - Peterborough 42.5 miles




The Bruce train just keeps on going!

So we left about 30 minutes after arriving at the first feed station in Royston with full water bottles and fingers crossed that the weather would remain dry we set off again. The pace didn't drop down at all, on the seemingly dead straight road from from Royston to Papworth Everard it even felt like it increased. Everyone was into the swing of things now. Following the wheel in front. Spin hard on the up hills, push harder on the down hills, always keep your distance close in, don't get dropped! At 43 miles it was a good flattish stage. When we finally did reach Peterborough a great surprise awaited us. Firstly the organisers had put on some hot food for us, BBQ time!  Everything from burgers and sausages to chicken and stakes. On top of all this we had the choice of great pastas, salads, hot and cold drinks, sweets chocolates and everything a hungry cyclist would need to keep him going over a long distance.

Sunshine at Stop 2

With a full on BBQ!

At first it did seem a little odd as it appeared they were still setting up as we arrived, turned out that the Bruce train was well ahead of schedule and we had over an hours stop to put us back on track. I saw this as a chance to plug my phone into the mains in the hope I would be able to record this whole ride on my Strava!!! 

The staff the gave us a caution briefing for the next stage. Essentially it was going to be the longest at 58 miles and we would be riding into dusk so we would need our lights. We had reflective snap bands handed out to us all to help with being seen. A great fashion accessory that you really never thought to wear!!! 

So stomachs full, water bottles brimmed, me feeling like I was mainlining caffeine, I was getting a massive hit from all the tea, coffee and max power high5 energy drinks. I stuffed my pockets with gels and away we went again. It was 4.45 and moral was high! 

Stage 3 Peterborough - Lincoln 58.3 miles 




The flat plains lay ahead as we left Peterborough, the wind was starting to pick up from the south west. As we headed east this began to take its toll on the lead group. Once you dropped back then you had nobody to hide behind and 100% of your effort was to fight the wind. 
We turned north again as we headed through Market Deeping towards Bourne on the A15. Then it was pretty much stay on the same road all the way to Lincoln. The minor undulations were not slowing Bruce down one bit. He was pounding away at the front leading the group at a relentless speed. All of us working hard together to stay as a group, drafting behind each other and doing what we could to keep our spirits up.

"Turn on your lights!" was the shout from a member of staff at the side of the road as we were now cycling into the dusk and about to drop into the busy city of Lincoln. 

I was sweating hard now and glad to see the stop in Lincoln.
I was straight in and putting my phone on charge as yet again I was down to 1%. Not really too happy with the way my brand new phone is coping with the battery life. I was thinking that I could really do with a Garmin at this point. Chatting with some of the blokes on the ride I was surprised to find that some of them had already had their Garmins run out and they were following the map/signs. The good old fashion way!

Stage 4 Lincoln - Goole 51.3 mile
The "Blinking" lights.




It was now properly dark and as a peleton we must have looked like the Blackpool illumination train on crack! I was finding some of the lights blinding and we were all now struggling to stay close behind each other. The roads up to Goole aren't particularly devoid of potholes either. The difference being that the first time you knew about them in the darkness of the night was about a microsecond before you hit it. I had adopted the tactic of floating just above my saddle now. It was saving my crotch from mind bending saddle soar pain of the constant rubbing and pounding of all the impacts. The pace remained high as before. The mind begins to wander as you cycle in the night like this. With the red lights flashing in front of you constantly I was doing my best to hide behind riders that didn't have their lights on bright flash. This sort of light is great when you are commuting for getting motorist to see you. Nightmare for when you are riding in a group as those behind you get blinded every few seconds. As we entered South Yorkshire I started seeing signs for places I know. Scunthorpe just as we were crossing the M180 then after what seemed like an age we picked up signs for Goole.

My legs were starting to feel quite tired now and I was having to really work to keep up with the pack. On the odd occasion I found that I was the last man in the group. this was not good news as when you are last man, if you drop back on your own you well and truly are on your own. Did I mention it was inky black and my lights were rubbish! I was finding it hard going having just a crappy narrow beam light as I was struggling to judge my distance to the guys in front. I was having to pedal to keep up then rest for a few seconds as I found I was closing up too fast, then pedal again as I had to keep up. I was finding it hard to concentrate now. When ever I felt like my mouth was getting dry I would drink. So that was how it was riding up to Goole. Pedal, glide, pedal, glide, drink, pedal, slow and SPRINT away from the junction or roundabout to close the gaps in the group. Suddenly I found myself on the back again and realised that nobody had passed me for me to be on the back! I was last man but those that were behind me had dropped and almost disappeared. Oddly my left hand was hurting as it appeared I may be getting a blister where I was holding onto my handlebars/brakes. With a sigh of relief we got to Goole as a much welcome rest stop. A photographer from a local news paper was there to take photos of us as we arrived and was asking us all questions about where we came from, why we were doing the ride etc. He did get a few withered smiles and grunts from some of the guys. I don't think he realised how tired everyone was at this point. Besides how civilised can someone be at 2 am???

Tired and needing food at stop 4


Stage 5 Goole - Easingwold 35.7 miles



This was a relatively short stage and did seem to fly by. However the rumour went around that this was a short stage because it was hilly! Not the best way to maintain moral in the troops! The Sergeant Major did wan to mention this but I managed to bite my tongue and ignore the comments. My only reply to this was "Well we wouldn't do it if it were easy now would we?". Inside I was hurting but at the same time I was enjoying it. For me it was like riding a train and being part of the ultimate group ride possible.

Off we went again and as the pace picked up to max chat again we headed North past Selby and on towards York. Actually Cycling through a City on a Saturday Night when all the Night Clubs are kicking everyone out is one of the most amusing things to do in a mass peleton of cyclists ever! York was one of the Start points for the recent TDF and the people of York gave us a similar welcome! Allez Allez was the shouts from not too sober locals as we sped our way through the city. One chap got quite the surprise as he staggered out of a Kebab shop, food in hand. This lifted our spirits quite well. Once we had escaped the confines of the old city we were again flying on the black smooth roads of the A19. Then it was Easingwold and a stop.

Stage 6 Easingwold - Coxhole 52.3 miles (see map above)

There was light at the end of the tunnel and the Northern lads were chatting away as this was their stomping ground! certainly all the guys from the area that use Strava were saying I wouldn't be surprised if I was looking at a few personal records from the pace we were riding at. However it did seem that us few that remained in the lead group at this point were happy with the pace. Yes it was punishing and yes I think my knees were about to explode at some points. We were all coping with our various sores and ailments at this point. Anyone that looked like they were having a hard time of it got pushed up a bit as we worked together. Keep on the wheel in front was the way.

Over to the East we could start to see the faint glow of the approaching sunrise. They do always say it is darkest just before the dawn. I was hurting as we approached Coxhole it just never seemed to end. I have cycled through the likes of Darlington before so had some idea of where we were. It was just feeling like where we were was not getting any closer to where we wanted to be!

Finally about 2 minutes before we were due to stop I saw a sign for Coxhole and the next rest stop.
I was a little worried about my legs as I was really sore. My knees hurt, my neck ached, my shoulders hurt and my hands were stinging. Thankfully my head was still in the game as I knew to give up now would be stupid and fatal. For some reason I had it in my head that the final stage was about 35 - 40 miles. a similar sort of distance to stage 1. After a nice bit of a brew, yet more jelly sweets and an empty bladder later I was happy to just sit down an relax for 5 minutes. I really didn't want to fall into the trap of closing my eyes though. This was endurance time not sleep time.

Stage 7 Coxhole - Newcastle 26.5 miles

Wow I just couldn't believe I was on the final stage. I hadn't been looking at the mileage as I knew that it would destroy my moral if I did. Now however to my surprise we had less than 27 miles to run. I was really happy that this was it and we could start the final leg.

Painfully I dragged myself back onto my bike and it seemed that I had to will my legs to get working. I was will and truly at the limit of my endurance, physically and mentally. However I knew that I had the steel to make this ride and I was too close to the finish to give up now! Bruce was still looking fresh as a daisy and was back into his pace as we dropped into Durham. I was recognising the roads as the last time I cycled along them I was being soaked to the skin as well as being mega lost. We came out of Durham and turned left towards Chester-le-Street. This area is surprisingly hilly, at this point with burning, aching legs every single one of them was requiring a huge effort to climb.

I was having to play catchup on each descent and hang on, on the inclines. I was dropping back each time as I just couldn't turn my legs fast enough. We reached Chester-le-Street and we were all back together. After a few turns around the town centre we saw signs for Gateshead and Newcastle. Spirits were rising and the pace still relentless. The pains we were all feeling was fading away as we followed the long road up and down again. I have never been so glad to see the Tyne as I was then. We dropped down and crossed the river on a bridge that seemed to be at sea level. Just one or two more miles to run and it was all uphill.

Pushing hard now I was determined not to get dropped. I was devouring every last bit of my energy stomping away on my pedals. "Never give up! Never Surrender!" is what I kept on saying to myself. I was not going to get dropped at this stage in the game, but I certainly wasn't going to be last man in the lead group either! Hammering my heart out as we climbed the final hill the finish was in sight and before I knew it we were there!


So that was it. I had actually cycled 310 miles and completed the journey in 22 hours and 7 minutes

I was well and truly in bits. Tired and exhausted but what a  high I was feeling. 

Getting scanned through the line and being presented with a finishers medal. Hard earned and well kept. It was one of the hardest medals I have worked for since I started cycling. I will never forget the experience.

So tired I had forgotten to take off my head torch at the last stop. I didn't care though as I had finished. 


Just crossed the line and feeling dead, but still smiling :)

Must stop my Strava!!!

The lead peleton us happy few!
 The Results
  • 103 people started out from Clissold Park on the London 2 Newcastle 24 Challenge.
  • 85 riders crossed the finish line.
  • 45 riders completed the challenge within 24hrs.
  • The fastest time for the challenge was 22hrs 07mins, completed by the front peloton.
Back to give my girls a big cuddle

And pass out!
What do I do next?
I think I am going to get more into racing and from the lessons learnt over the past 18 months I know what I have to do training wise.

So after 70 blog posts. Thousands of miles of adventure on my bike. Thrills spills and oh so many punctures I think I may call it a day.

I certainly have been through hell on two wheels not just on this massive ride!
My love for cycling has grown over the past number of years and I hope that by reading this you have got some of that joy too.

Unless anyone comments with either suggestions for my next challenge or just wants me to carry on blogging then this is it.

Cheers

Matt :)

17 Aug 2014

Last planned training ride out

When I say planned, all I did was say I am going to set off at a time and head in a very general direction.

Follow the route I took

http://www.strava.com/activities/181437588

It was a day of false starts, but I did manage to record a few video snaps.

Please be warned this video contains me suffering and swearing a bit too! 


Wet cold windy but a really nice and relaxing ride that I really enjoyed (for the most part).

I did get some nice snaps too

Sowerby Bridge From the Hobbit


Hollingworth Lake and heading home
So in all 60 miles down the line, a nice cup of tea at my mums and soaked to the skin from the weather, I got back home.

This is my final planned ride as I said as at the end of the month I will be riding from London to Newcastle

You can sponsor my stupidity by going to my just giving page
https://www.justgiving.com/teams/Through-Hell-on-2-wheels

Every penny counts!

My next and possibly final entry will be the ride itself in just a few weeks time. Eeeek!

8 Aug 2014

A long hard slog to Newcastle and that's just from Manchester!

So last Saturday morning I dragged myself out of bed in the wee small hours (well 5am.) covered myself in bum cream (it helps prevent saddle sore) and headed out to Newcastle.

I couldn't believe in a way that I was actually going to do it.

All I had on me was three bottles of energy drink. some gels and bits of food. My rain jacket and my mobile phone. That being my primary navigation aid as I had uploaded my route onto my phone. I did realise this wouldn't last the whole day so I even took an external battery that I had just purchased to boost it up!

So out I went out of Hyde through Stalybridge out the other side and on towards Saddleworth Moore.

To give you an idea of the hill I was going up at this point it crosses the highest motorway in England (M62) at the highest point! Hmm that warmed the legs up a bit!

After that I descended into Sowerby Bridge and set off towards Halifax. I was reminiscing on the way as I grew up in this area and at least though I knew the roads well.

Onwards up and over I cycled as I made my way down the steep valleys and up the long hills of the Calderdale area. Then North out towards Keighley and TDF country!

I didn't know it when I was planning the route I was to be riding on but a good few miles of my ride would be on the now famous roads the Tour de France's Grand Depart around Yorkshire went on last month. It was actually really nice to see that all the small villages had obviously taken cycling to heart. People waved and said hello to me as I cycled down these leafy lanes. As I admired the wonderful countryside, the landscape was dotted with Yellow bikes and signs of cyclist friendly community everywhere. I was happy and relaxed. As the miles rolled by and the hills got steeper I hardly noticed. It was really such a nice place to be!

Past Bolton Abbey I went as I climbed the backbone of Britain. Through Barden then up and over past Stump Cross Caverns. I was luck y with the weather so far as I was getting a bit of a push from the wind, the rain was just minor little showers and when it was sunny it was really very nice indeed!

I dropped down into Nidderdale, then on towards Marsham and headed up to Leeming Bar where I would cross the A1(M) for the first time. I was feeling a bit peckish as I reached Northallerton so I stopped at a shop. Locked up the bike and then quickly rushed in to buy some food and drink to keep me going.

I was doing this without support remember so I had to carry everything, food, water, spares, the works!
A sausage role half a pack of wine gums and a bottle of energy drink later I was all ready to hit the road. Northwards I went, heading down little country lanes. my only company the cows that always give you the "Are you mental?" Mooo! and the occasional tractor/farmers LandRover speeding along. Can make your hear stop sometimes, but generally I saw very little in the way off traffic and people and I rode my way through little country villages. It was really nice again and I was also making good progress. Sometimes I got a bit carried away and took the odd wrong turn or two! I was regularly checking my map on my phone and keeping an eye on the battery as I knew I would have to plug it in at some point soon.

As I passed through Yarm I could see black clouds forming on the horizon then Finally as I reached Sedgefield it began to rain with vigour!..... and cats, dogs, small rodents and everything else it seemed that I could think of that could describe how heavily it rained. I actually had to stop a number of times as I couldn't see. Rain water was getting in my eyes so much that they stung and my vision blurred! Probably pollution or sweat of my head, either way may pace dropped right down and my phone chose this as the best point to pack in.

Now with only a vague idea of the direction I was to be heading in I rode blindly towards Durham. The rain held off for a brief 20 ish minutes. Just enough time for me to blunder through Durham with still no idea and head out on the wrong road not entirely towards Newcastle!

As I found myself crossing the A1 again and heading towards Sunderland I finally caved and stopped to buy a map from a Garage. Back on track, all be on a dual carriageway where I really didn't want to be I headed up the A690. Cars screaming past at 70 + Mph I was not doing anything illegal by being there (it is still an A road) however I really wanted to get off the road at the earliest opportunity. Finally just as I got to Houghton-le-spring I turned onto a nice quiet B road and breathed a sigh of relief.

I headed through Birtley and on towards Gateshead giving a wave to the Angel of the North as I past her. I only wish I had taken my camera.

Legs numb and my body tired I continued on to the Tyne bridge (I think) A167 only to realise that having come this far I actually had no idea where my sister in laws house actually was and what the landmarks near it are!

Now it was real guess work time and attempting to navigate on a map of the scale you get in a UK road atlas (pocket edition) was proving impossible! Finally, after getting all the way to Biker (yes the irony a cyclist stuck in Biker) I found a pay phone and phoned the wife to get rescued. Once I described where I was she knew the place. It was about 1 1/2 miles from the house and I had no idea. Literally just around the corner!

After just over 12 hours and 155 miles I was in surprisingly good shape! I wasn't sore in the bum department, my legs did ache but I hadn't overly stressed them. I was a bit annoyed that I hadn't made it all the way to the door and that my phone had run out. My own fault really for not taking a good old paper map for a journey of such a distance. A bit pee'd off that my Strava only recorded 138 miles of it too. But I made it and that is what counts!

Now its the countdown to the big ride on the 29/30th of this month. I am worried as I know it will hurt. however I am looking forward to what will be a great adventure and something to be proud of.

Don't forget you can sponsor me through the link on this page (top right).

Not long to go now!! Happy cycling :)





World Corporate game, Tour De France, out training and to round off a TT. Its been a busy month!!!

Well technically it was in the past 30 (ish) days as the World Corporate games this year for the UK event was being held in Liverpool. Of course being a keen cyclist and one of only a few within the company that has taken part in any kind of racing I was really excited and proud to be selected to go. As a company, Swinton Insurance had 88 competitors in various events ranging from Dragon Boat racing, open water swimming and Poker playing to 5 and 6 a side foot ball, table tennis, running and not forgetting hockey.

It was certainly a good weekend and a very hard race for me too.

I arrived late on Friday night after finishing work cycling home and packing all my kit into the car for the long drag over to Liverpool.

To my surprise the hotel the company had booked us all into was actually very nice and I even had a room to myself. This did help also as I had my bike and lots of gear with me so took up loads of space.

On the Saturday I went to watch the Dragon Boat racers have fun literally making a splash down at the docks. I also just spent the day chilling out and relaxing with a little 30 minute workout to ensure my legs were in order for the race.

What I should have really done ( and intend to do next year) is take part in the Time Trial event on the Saturday and then the road race on the Sunday, Oh well, lesson learnt on that one.

Sunday morning came and I was up bright and early for a good hearty breakfast, then made sure I had all my kit together and around 11 made my way back to my car.

Little did I know that Aintree race course had a race circuit. It's a very big and wide track and is even used for motor racing. One of the organisers let us know that one year (sometime in the 50's) it was even used for the F1 Grand Prix! Impressive stuff. However today not many of us would be getting to much above 30mph (50kph) never mind the kinds of speeds you would see in a motor race.

Unlike the Saturday, the Sunday was red hot and a little breezy too. This would hurt a great many people in the race as we were to find out shortly. Turning up early gave me plenty of time to prepare. I made sure my bike was in good working order. I had my phone with me (because if it's not on Strava, it hasn't happened!) had a nice easy run around a few laps and then finally lined up for the start!




About 20 racers in the race I was in started, however ahead of us were about another 100 cyclists of varying abilities and experience. Now I am not saying that was a bad thing as a lot of them were doing this for the first time and had never raced. Most had taken part in a few sportives. One chap I spoke too had only just bought a mountain bike the week before and didn't even cycle to work. So it was going to be carnage! Thankfully it was a big track and we knew who too and how too avoid when we set out at race speed.

And on the whistle GO! 

From the very first moment the pace ramped up and we could tell the mix of rider classes throughout the racing field. Cat 4 rider like me got dropped straight away! then the cat 3's, 2's and 1's all seperated out into there own ability groups and various speeds. It was really impressive to see the really fast cat 1 guys go at it, but the rest of us had no chance.



The open air cooker...

As previously mentioned it was a bit hot. When you turned down wind you baked in the heat and on the long (it did seem to go on forever!) back straight, we were into wind on a very gentle incline and it hurt. I saw lots of the less experienced cyclists just drop out and call it a day after a few laps. The race as supposed to be 50 km (20 miles) or 18 laps. I managed about 10 laps at race speed before I felt like I was going to puke then decided to slow down and not totally kill myself as the cat 1 missiles came past me like I was stood still. In all I did 16 laps before the race was finished so they lapped me twice (I think).

I did manage to keep up with most of the riders in my category range and haed great fun with a sprint finish to round it all off with.

This was to be my last planned road race of the season as I not have a far bigger fish to fry.


LE TOUR DE FRANCE

No I wasn't going to be taking part in it but I was going out to watch it.
An old work mate an d cycling friend headed up to Holme Moss very early on Sunday morning to see Stage 2 of Le Tour come right through the area we live in.

The party atmosphere was tremendous. Even by 10am when we arrived it was really busy.  The best thing was that no cars meant everyone could safely use the roads. Thousands had made there way up the hill on foot or by bike. Some had camped up on the top to ensure they got the top spot and as the commentators described it, it looked like a refugee camp.


The reality on the  ground was so much better!



























However once the riders arrived the place just erupted and the crowds really did go wild!!



It was certainly a great day out and the best party ever on the top of the hill!

Next came my first (and only) Time Trial this year.

It was a great atmosphere organised by Glossop Kinder Velo cycling club

It's one of the old "secret" race type TT courses back when road racing in Britain was banned and the only way cyclist could compete was to do it on the quiet by riding a minute apart but still against the clock!

The course started up hill, and continued up hill until your lungs burst and legs drop off.

After a steep and fast descent it is back up hill again to the end of the valley. Now simple physics would say if you have gone uphill to get somewhere and you just simply turn around 180 degrees then it will be downhill on the way back. Nobody mentioned the laws of physics when they designed this course so it is uphill (or that's what it felt like) in both directions! It was so much fun though despite the pouring rain and tired legs from commuting all week. I covered the 9 miles in 28 minutes. Not a world beating time and really no where near the best time going, however when I do it again next year I will be aiming to smash it!

Have a look here for my route I took to ride the final TT of the season. Now that s my racing finished with for the year... Probably!



18 Jun 2014

Discover Race Emotions

I took part in another closed circuit race up at Tameside circuit on Tuesday. I can only say it was my best race yet!

The line up was just 13 riders all baying for blood (myself included). It was a quick brief then go on the whistle!

Immediately we all set off at a good pace. The pack was staying together this week.  We went into the first hairpin with great caution but all made it through alive. 

Then as we turned down the hill it came, I had the energy and the opertunity to make an attack. I steadied my nerve took a few deep breaths and went for it.

As I smashed my way down the outside a few of the other rider dropped in behind me. 

Breathing hard and sprinting harder I finally broke off the front! 

I was leading the race. 

Still pushing hard I kept it going for 1 1/2 laps, but I was very aware that I was killing myself on the front. 

It was at this point I decided that I was going to die if I stayed on the front so dropped back to let the rest of the group get past. I dropped back in and kept the pace with the group. 

The thunder of the wheels and the straining of the riders was almost deafening as we sped around the circuit. 

With each corner we cantered over as a group, hold your line keep your speed is the key in situations like this.

10 laps in and the group was still racing as one. Another attack went out and the pace jumped up.

 This time as we caught them and I had momentum. 

Down the straight now I was smashing myself again to get off the front. 

Tyres roaring and brakes screaming we went into the hairpin again with me in the lead. 

I really hurt now but still somehow managed to sprint out of the corner.

 I could hear my own pulse racing in my ears. 

With a quick glance over my shoulder I saw the rest of the group were gaining on me still. 

With a roar of speed they caught me and I dropped in again, by now we had only 5km left to run. 

Everyone was very twitchy and nervous as nobody wants to crash! 

A close brush with disaster came for me as a rider had a rapid change of line information of me! He didn't see me and was probably killing himself like I was too.  I hit the brakes hard and for a split second I locked up my back wheel in a corner. The back end of my bike skipped out. I was holding on tight and breathing hard, a mad moment of panic but I held on. 

Crash avoided now hammering the pedals I was back up to speed and still in the race!

We passed the line as a group and to my surprise the last lap bell was ringing. 

This triggered a massive jump in pace. I was holding on and still fighting for position. 

The penultimate bend had me in the top 5 and it was to be a mass sprint for the line. 

Smashing our way through the last corner at full pace I went to drop a gear to give me the power for the sprint, my gear change missed and I dropped back!

Argh!

By this point it wasn't sergeant major Matt that was screaming his head off, it was me! 

Less than 6 seconds behind the race leader I smashed myself across the line. I was smiling like you wouldn't believe, my eyes stinging with sweat, ears ringing from the noise of the race. My heart was still pounding in my chest and it really felt like me legs were on fire. 

Adrenaline rush was not the word for it!

I was sky high at this point and just couldn't believe how good the race had been. 

Not in the points was my own fault. 

Next week will hopefully be as good. 

Now it's back to the gym to punish myself for not winning and safe in the knowledge that I can do it and have the form to do it too. 

I wear a Discover Race Emotions jersey when I race. I certainly discovered my emotions and more in this race. 

Great fun and can't wait for the next one!

Happy cycling! 

7 Jun 2014

Centre Parcs (Penrith) to Hyde (Manchester)

Today this ride was all about distance and Shap!

I have seen the hill so many times from a distance and even driven over it once or twice, today was my turn to cycle over it.

The ride started at the end of a lovely weeks holiday at Centre Parcs with my wife and kids. We spent most of our time swimming and having a great time. The kids have really improved their swimming and age just 2 and 5 they can now both swim totally unaided. They really are fish in their own right!

We did a little bit of cycling it's the girls too. A work in progress for that but we will get there. I would certainly love t take my kids out for a ride and something I look forward too, however I think it will be a few years off yet.

So as you can guess after much packing and shuffling backwards and forward to the car, I finally managed to leave.

I actually started from right outside my lodge and headed straight out. The first challenge being the escape from centre Parcs (as the segment is called). Goes to show that whoever has the KOM for that segment wasn't going for it as I just trundled down and got 5th!

So after riding out of cycling utopia I turned not the hell which is the A66. I was genuinely coecearned about cycling on this road. Even though it is a single carriageway people still drive at 70+mph along it. Lucky I managed to route myself straight off it after about a mile.

I turned onto a nice quiet country road then, ahh! The first hill nearly killed me!

Now for my weeks holiday, I literally have had a week off the bike, done no exercise and just eaten rubbish for a week! Clearly I was now paying in sweet and PAIN for my nice relaxing week off.

Thankfully I was able to fight through it and settled in to a nice relaxed endurance rhythm/pace.

As I made my way along the country lanes, the sun came out, the wind was whistling past my ears and I was really enjoying the ride. 

The miles ticked by as I headed towards my first goal. I wanted to join the A6 and head up over Shap. 

I never knew Shap was a village too! I headed through the village and it looked like a really nice country village. Shap even has an Abby just up from it.

Not the direction I was heading in though!

Heading south all the time now I rode up the gentle but steady climb up the mountain. To my surprise it was not as long or hard as I though it would be. I managed to get to the summit in no time at all with a reasonable average speed of 10.5mph too!!!



From the high point of the day it was literally all down hill!!! 

I was flying down the road to Kendal. Keeping low on the drops. Just touching the brakes on the technical descent down the mountain. 

I wound my way through some fantastic corkscrew bends. I could certainly see why this was chosen as part of the tour of Britain route. The only point I had to stop was for a section of roadworks on the long descent. It would have been a mega fast arrival into Kendal if they weren't there. 

I made my way though Kendal, mingling with the traffic that was quite light in comparison to what I am used too. Then I turned off the A6 and headed again down some country lanes. This time I was avoiding the dual carriageway out of Kendal as I really didn't fancy that for the day! 

I seemed to have settled at a nice cruising speed now, about 18-20 mph seemed to be just nice. I only dropped down for any slight inclines as I wanted to preserve my legs. I know over 100 miles I can really hurt and energy preservation is the key!

I only had water to drink today as I have run out of energy drink. I was already noticing the difference just drinking water. I was running out of energy faster than on previous rides and I could feel myself getting worse by the minute.

I rejoined the A6 at Milnthorpe. As I turned south once again I found I was being followed by a coach. Thankfully the driver was very considerate and didn't try and force his way past me but instead held back for a good 1/2 mile until the road opened up and he had plenty of room.

On the way down the road I passed another cyclist, this time a Lady on a bike. I was starting to think that I was really going badly when I noticed that she was riding an electrically assisted bike. I smiled as I passed her as I know she would easily be able to keep up with me. I still think it is cheating a bit.

I so want one!!!

I was picking up busier roads now as I headed into Lancaster. I was only a mile or two from the coast and starting to get hungry. Must have been the fresh sea air or something, plus my water just not filling the hole!
I was on the look out for a lay-by fat van or something that I could just grab something to eat at without risking leaving my bike outside to get stolen.

That is one thing that I have always dreaded when out cycling on my own. I stop somewhere to find that I am now no longer with wheels!!!

So onward to Lancaster and still no food! thankfully the traffic was proving to be a good distraction from the hunger and exhaustion I was starting to feel. It seemed that I had obviously hit the City as it was cramming all its traffic into one small space. It was mega busy. However the joys of being on a bike I managed to cut through it all in no time what so ever. I was in and out after about 45 minutes (at the most).

I must say thought that the roads aren't that bad (surface wise), but the bus drivers just force there way through and just don't seem to care. Now I know where London bus drivers go to retire!!!

After doing battle with Lancaster I continued South still down the A6 (you starting to see a theme developing here!).

I saw the Trotters Independent Traders Yellow Robin Reliant parked up at the side of the road (very random). Must be a collectors piece or something. However I just couldn't help but laugh and then had the "Only Fools and Horses" theme tune stuck in my head. I still needed food!



I must have been on the only stretch of road in the country that doesn't have a fat van. If this was Manchester there is one on every bend with a big fat trucker working on a heart attack parked next to it!

Then behold! I finally came across a Chippy (not a fat van) at the side of the road. I just could resist and also knew that I wouldn't be lasting much longer unless I stopped.


Once I had stopped I instantly ceased up. I shoved chips down my neck as fast as I could before I was unable to ever move again. At this point I was just over half way with about 60 miles gone.

My next goal was to be Preston. I had ridden as far north as this before when I rode to Blackpool (see the blog about Blackpool and back). So I was heading into an area that I already knew the road in. Not too bad and as I was recording the ride on Strava I would be able to see where I was faster or slower. This will be why I have 88 cups against the ride too.

Most of them are 2nd best times through the segments in the area. But a few are PB's. So not all bad really.

I did seem to fly through Preston quite well heading towards Chorley, Adlington and Blackrod. I finally again hit the Blackrod by pass, not my favourite bit of road in the world as it does just seem a little too fast and with no speed control for cars! I just kept to the left and hoped not to get hit.

The road itself goes on a very gentle uphill before finally levelling off just south of Blackrod. It then remains flat and straight for what seemed like forever!

I needed sugar now and was starting to think of stopping at a garage to get a can of Red Bull or something along those lines.

I finally caved as I was passing Westhoughton. I saw a Tesco Express and pulled in. The car park looked busy enough so I took the gamble.

Thirsty and exhausted I dashed into the shop, grabbed a can or RedBull, a bottle of Lucozade and a bag of wine gums ran at the till, paid then dashed back outside before my bike ran off without me.

Gasping I threw the can down my neck faster than if it had vodka in it on a Friday night.
I ate the wine gums and emptied the lucozade into my water bottle. Chewing on my final few wine gums I set off again.

I now had Manchester firmly in my sights!

Bumping along down the not fantastic roads in this area I was chewing up the miles with no problem at all. I had certainly had a massive hit of energy from the drinks and sweets. I just hoped it was enough to get me all the way home.

Again traffic was getting busy. I can't believe sometimes how localised some traffic jams are. Usually because someone at a set of traffic lights sit in a yellow box ablivious to the miles of tailbacks this causes. This is the sort of thing you see on a bike as you can cut through the traffic and see the problems from the outside.

Ducking down under the M60 and into Salford. I was not exactly speeding along but I was still going at a good pace. The roads are still quite tight around there. Then almost with a POP! as I found myself riding on what I initially feared was a motorway, but it turns out it is a three lane dual carriageway heading into Manchester centre. Just keep left and ride as hard as you can!

I picked up signs for Chapel Street as the last time I rode down here I got a little lost. Then I headed towards the universities and Deansgate. The Hilton was the landmark I was heading for as I knew my way to the office from there then obviously follow the much travelled commuter route home.

I knew now I was only 9 miles at the most from the end of this long journey. Even though it was all up hill it was a road I knew very well and I was looking forward to finishing.

I arrived home 7hours 40 minutes after starting my ride. I had tired legs. I was thirsty, hungry, tired but elated to find that my family had just arrived home safe and well too.

No rest for the wicked. I had a car to unpack and lots of jobs to do before I could finally relax for the day.

Once I had showered and had dinner etc. I filmed this...


I was certainly happy to have achieved a good run out again.

Next time I think I will be taking energy drinks and more food with me.

I am thinking of going out on a 200 mile ride some point soon as to ride for 7 hours is one thing. to ride for 12 will be another.

This is or course all training for the 310 mile 24 hour ride in August that will really hurt.

Lets just see what happens. I know one thing though and that is I will make it one way or the other.

Happy cycling

:)

31 May 2014

Racing Rattles.... Commuting hurts!

Over the past few months I have been taking part in the racing league up at Tameside circuit. It is certainly fun and a great thrill to be racing with what are some of the faster cyclists in the area. This week as I was pounding my way around the track, my legs on fire, my muscles screaming at me to stop. Even as I felt like I was turning my lungs inside out as I could hear my own pulse banging in my ears. I was still loving every minute.

Why?

I think the reason I love cycling and racing at the track is to know I can push myself and my machine (however mainly just myself) to my limit and keep on going.

I can do this safe in the knowledge that the only chance of me being killed will be my own doing. I will hopefully not be one of these office bound business types that manages to have a heart attack whilst playing squash etc. and with a good healthy lifestyle I am intending to live forever!

That is racing and living healthy.

Part of my good healthy living lifestyle is also cycling to work everyday (or near enough).

My daily commute takes me though Hyde. Down the A57 into Denton, across the M60, then again on the A57 all the way to the city centre.

A fairly straightforward and simple route that at 9 miles each way you would think shouldn't be a problem.

In actual fact I am more at risk on this route of being killed by a driver just not having a good morning, busy talking on their phone, in a rush so ignoring the lights today, or just have the attitude that cyclists should not get in their way.

This morning was a prime example of several of these in one fol swoop.

I driver using a mobile phone, passed me so close that the wing mirror hit my right hand. Thankfully I am quite good at my bike handling so thankfully I managed to stay up with only a minor wobble!

As I carried on down the road (no the driver didn't stop even after I shouted "TOO CLOSE!" I did eventually catch them at the lights in Denton. Not much effort involved driving by car is far slower than using a bike in real terms.

When I asked the driver why they got so close as usual I got the shouts of abuse and you shouldn't have been in the middle of the road, you don't pay road tax etc.

Really amazes me in all honesty that this is how some people think they can treat other human beings.

This type of behaviour is what I see daily.

Now I have previously worked as a professional driver. I hold a full HGV (class1), bus/coach licence, plus I even qualified and worked as transport manager. I obviously hold a car licence and have been driving since I passed my test back in 1996.

The drivers I see on the roads today have to be some of the worst I have ever seen. Not just as a motorist but as a cyclist too.

Its really not hard to give someone room. Slow down. Pay attention to the road markings. It's everyone's responsibility to look after each other. If your driving, walking, cycling or any other mode of transport. The bigger you are the more responsibility you have.

Cycling to work is something I love doing because I get to work feeling great, park for free. Have a nice shower when I get to work, it's cheaper and quicker than any other way of commuting. I kid you not! It would take me the best part of 1 1/2 hours to drive the 9 miles to work. Then I would have to find somewhere to park. Plus the cost of fuel and parking. Then I would have to continue on foot as unlike when I cycle I would not be able to park in the building I work in.

The only down point about cycling is having to put up with the abuse and murderous attitudes some drivers put out, plus having to slow down for all the motorists as they sit in metal boxes isolated from each other and the world outside.

When I cycle, I regularly have a quick chat with other cyclists as we sit at red lights, or just get stuck in traffic and are unable to filter past. It's a really nice social thing.

If you see me out there give me a nod or a wave and you will get one back. If I pass you or you pass me say hello, I always do.

It's great to have the community attitude, the communication, the recovery of the lost society! Of course the shared suffering too.

All cyclist love it, but for those that don't ride it just seems lost and they will never know what they are missing.

Happy cycling. :)

19 May 2014

It's been a long road this month!!!

So far this month I have put in a good bit of mileage out on the road and even in the Gym!!!

That's right I have even joined a Gym in Manchester near where I work. Essentially I get to pop down at lunchtimes to thrash myself to death for 30 minutes work up a good sweat, then go back to sitting behind a desk for the rest of the day usually with burning legs. I have been going to one or two of the Spin classes (for obvious cycling related reasons) as well as doing some general leg strength and cardiac work. I really do want to get fit enough to not get dropped by the peloton at the races I take part in.

On the side of racing so far this month I have taken part in one race that I really did badly in. In short I am not finding my form this season and I am struggling with racing on tired legs. When I turned up last week to race I rode around the first warm-up lap and my legs already felt like lead!

As I raced around the circuit I suffered for commuting to work by bike that day and the day before.
Each time I tried to find the power and the strength I was used too I just found nothing. It was literally like I was empty and even though I finished I hardly felt like I achieved.

For my race next week I will train up to the weekend then make sure I am well rested and get as much fuel in as possible. When I am up to speed I am more than capable of holding a wheel and keeping up with the pack. I just feel that I am doing myself no favours at the minute by not really resting prior to a race and burning my legs a bit before I need too.

I want to see positive results.

The Sergeant Major wants blood!!!

I am still doing endurance training of course which is my main aim as I going to be cycling 310 miles in 15 weeks time. That in the great scheme of things is really not a long time at all...

In an effort to up my endurance I cycled to Blackpool and back on the Saturday of the May bank holiday


that took just short of 7 hours and was actually a very nice ride indeed. Apart from my bike breaking in the last 8 miles, I suddenly found I couldn't change gear. The weather was really nice and I even got a cyclists tan. (check out my legs if you see me!!).

Sunday I had planned to do something more and rack up some big miles but instead ended up having to spend most of the day figuring out how I was going to fix my bike without spending any money. That involved luck more than judgement as it was just a cable that had jammed and needed replacing.

Lucky I carry a spare!

Monday I went to meet the family up near York.

This ride took me over familiar ground towards Holmfirth heading out through Stalybridge then east up the hill!

I don't see it as a hill any more, more just a bit of a rise that I may have to work at then a nice fast flat followed by a rapid descent down the other side.

Once I got into Holmfirth however I was in having to remember my route territory!

My aim was to head to Wakefield then head north to finally meet the A64 York road turn right then end up in Copmandsthorpe (great name) where the family were staying.

Heading out of Holmfirth wasn't a problem, I even played good Samaritan to a fellow cyclist that was having gear issues and needed to figure out how to tune his rear dérailleur on the fly. Thankfully as I built my bike I know how it works so I was able to help him out and get him moving again.

5 minutes later however I snapped my chain so had to put it back together at the side of the road. Did that chap stop to help after I helped him out??? No he just sailed on by and actually looked away as he did so!

Clearly not a real cyclist.....

Anyway much grumbling and about 5 minutes later I had put my chain together (turns out I hadn't clipped the speed links back correctly) I was off and heading towards a very grey Wakefield.

It did strike me that even on such a nice sunny day I rode into the town and it was just grey and drab.

Then yet another issue hit me!

Thankfully not a bike related one (she was still holding up nicely), more a direction related one, ergo a lack of road signs.

Coming to junctions towards the town centre and where the road signs were supposed to be stood pair after pair of grey rusting metal poles. No signs!!!

Clearly the local council decided that everyone has satnav so why bother with road signs... Thank goodness that :-

A I have worked as a driver in the area (all be a number of years ago) so I recognised some of the landmarks,

B I had spent some time memorising the route so I knew the general direction I needed to go in and

C I also have a satnav on my phone and had to eventually resort to this too. Time wasted but necessary.

Once out of Wakefield I crossed the M62 and it was like I had crossed into a different country!

The fields were yellow for as far as I could see. The roads were smooth and all the colour had returned after the dreary passage through Wakefield. I almost felt as I had taken a breath of really fresh air. I even felt lighter on my bike and full of energy.

The miles seemed to fly by as I headed first towards Oulton, Swillington and Garforth then the long road to Tadcaster.

I thought that this may be a long and painful ride after my previous efforts in the weekend but in actual fact I was really happy and enjoying the ride in what I can only describe as Gods countryside!

I arrived in Tadcaster all happy and even refreshed, I found the lovely little village to be really nice and somewhere I would like to visit as it had a proper country village about it!

Next came the A64 however, This in effect is a motorway with no hard shoulder. Thankfully I didn't have to resort to cycling on the road (I did think this would be close to suicide) as the road was really very busy and I didn't fancy mingling  with metal travelling at 70+ Mph.

I had done a Google Maps recce to ensure there was a path next to the road at the very least. Otherwise I did also have an alternate route that I could take as a plan B!!!

Always important to have a Plan B when out on your own!

So after just short of 4 hours I reached Copmandsthorpe to find the village was having a fair in the best English village way. It turned into a lovely afternoon with the wife and kids eating hot dogs and contributing to the local charities! certainly a lovely atmosphere and a great find indeed!

What's planned next???

Well I will either be cycling too or more probably from Centre Parks near Carlisle back to Manchester. That will be about 120 miles and have a bit of a hill in the way as I go through the Lake District down the A6 all the way!

Between now and then I am racing still, getting some long commutes in where I can , plus and when I get chance I may even have to put in a few more long rides to places of interest.

I will just have to make it up as I go along to be honest, with the chaos that is family life I am not really able to follow a training schedule. Just keep knocking out the miles and hopefully get faster at the same time.

Great fun in the process! I will keep you posted

Cheers :)


25 Apr 2014

Tameside Race league round 2

This is quite definitely an account of how I took myself apart in this race!

Again it was very fast and furious, right from the start and that was even before I got to the track!!!

I did the usual, come home from work, sort the kids out, have dinner and put them to bed etc.

Then I had to make sure all my kit was in place and my bike in order. Before I knew it, it was already 7.30 and my race was starting at 8.30.

I drove up to the track and got there just in time to see the last few laps of the Cat 2,3,4 race that was on before mine.

I managed to put my bike together, pin on my race number, get all sorted out and then make my way over to the track.

Almost as soon as I got there I then realised I had forgotten to attach my transponder to my bike, so had to rush back to the car to get it and cable tie it on.

Finally I was ready and raring to go. I mixed with a bunch of the other riders all waiting to get onto the track too.

I got talking to one of the chaps that I know from Thursday training and last week racing at the track, Andy Gorton. He managed to come 4th last week and was hoping to do better this week. I knew he is fast but I didn't realise he was that good!

Anyway as we were chatting everyone set off around the track for a few good warm-up laps. I was very aware that having being pressed for time I was needing to get my legs warm so went for the fast cadence at speed approach to get warm. It worked too as I was nicely up and running by the time I had done a few laps.

Start time!

It was a good line-up this week with 33 riders starting (all be not everyone signed on).

Eventually after much conflab the mystery of who had forgotten to sign on was sort out. Quick riders brief, same as last week, then all straining at the leash to go!

GO! GO! GO!

On the whistle blast we all headed out off the line.

This week I managed to get a really good start and going into the first bend I was really near the front of the pack sprinting away in about 5th place.

The big battle into the hairpin forced lots of riders into a very small space and thankfully we all got through it no problem.

I was working very hard and sprinting my eye balls out at this point. I was even finding that I was maintaining position too. WooHoo!!!

This was when I relaxed when I really shouldn't have. As soon as I sat down to get on with the steady work all those behind me took this as weakness and passed me in a savage and brutal pass.

Now I was behind the pace and not able to get back up to the front of the main group. Sergeant Major Matt started screaming "Weakness! I see weakness! Go kill them all NOW!"

The pace was still high and very hard.

I was being dropped from the lead bunch at this point and my body went into shock after such a hard effort over the first 5 or 6 laps.

Now I picked up up on a group that had fallen back too and we started to work together to get back up to the main group. We were making steady progress as we worked together. Working to the front man in a chain gang. Once the front man was feeling tired he would drop to the side and we would all move up one or two places.

This worked for a while but then for some reason we slowed right down and then suddenly all the guys just exploded off not working together at all and burning hard. I was dropped and feeling the pain from working so hard too. Back in the wind on my own now I was trying my best to get back to the group. I felt like I was going nowhere fast at some points.

Lap after lap went by and I heard the inevitable scream of carbon wheels as the lead men came around to lap me.

I pulled over to give them room to pass.

Part of this group (where I had been only 10 minutes earlier) had Andy in it. Not in 4th place however and I could see he was working hard too.

Finally the last lap came in and I was really working my heart out still.

Yes I may have been last in this race this week, but I wasn't going to give up and I was going to finish even if it killed me!

I rolled across the line exhausted but happy. As it turns out I was about 25 seconds faster for the race distance this week (according to my strava).

I came 31st out of 33 starters. Two riders crashed out in the first half of the race (so I am told).

It was a good hard fast race and I enjoyed riding in the pack. Even with the guys grunting like animals and pushing hard it was high adrenaline, aggressive and great fun!

Next week is the last of my 3 races for this month, Hopefully I will be able to improve on my time and position again too.

I am still training hard trying to get my fitness up to a standard that I can compete with the front men. I know I am capable of getting there as I have been bonkers fit before.

This week I have also been out breaking my own personal records, not only on the track but on the ride too and from work as well.

I took a long route to work on Thursday as I also need to think about my endurance still.

Over the next few weeks I will be having a few 100 mile weekend rides, Plus rides over to Doncaster, Sheffield and to meet the wife in York at some point too.

The miles are important and I think that as I push myself on each ride I go out on, the next ride I am stronger and faster. Proof of the pudding with the 25 second gain on the track this week!

I am still enjoying it, all be I do put myself in some real pain some days and make myself suffer on the road. That is part of it in my mind too though as I wouldn't do it if it were easy.

Next week I will be looking at breaking my records I set this week and see how far into Hell I can drive myself!

Happy cycling :)