Kilo To Go Cheshire Cat 2014 Sponsored by Wiggle

It was an early start for the day for me but it was a day I had been looking forward too for many months since booking my place on the Cheshire Cat the day the ride opened for booking last November (I think!).

Now if you are wondering why I am doing this it is all to raise awareness of pancreatic cancer. My wife has asked if you could read and sign the petition here and support the need to fight this killer cancer. It won't cost you anything!

If you want to follow my long ride around the Cheshire Cat on Strava you can do by clicking this link here!

So as early starts went it wasn't really any different from most days when I go out on the bike, however I knew today would be a 100 mile day.

So after a hearty breakfast and giving daft dog a run around the block, I loaded up the car and by 6.15(ish) I was on the road and heading for Crewe.

It wasn't as quiet as I thought it would be on the roads at that time of day but however traffic was light enough to just keep moving at (and as usual above for most other motorists) the speed limit.

I was just having a fight with the sat nav all the way over as it would appear that the windscreen mount had gone walkies (yet again), so I was doing most of the trip from memory.

I managed to find the same area where I parked last year and in the hope that this year would be a rerun (so to speak) I parked up and started to get sorted out.

As I got changed into my cycling gear I put on my jersey, found my helmet and glasses, got the case for my phone and then only found one glove!!! Ah that is very bad news as I was already finding it cold enough to need my jacket and gloves and to ride the whole way with only one glove would not be a good thing at all.
 I decided at this point that I would have to bite the bullet and go buy some gold plated ones from one of the stands that would be at the start (or at least I hoped would be at the start).

Then I got out my bike and making sure everything was properly adjusted, quick releases all done up and tight, brake releases in the closed position and all the relevant tags, bags bottles and everything else I would need for the day was attached to either myself or my bike. I made my way over to the Alexandra Stadium next to the train station and started to mentally prepare myself for what I was about to do.

First thing was to reassure myself that my bike was OK. Now earlier in the week I had replaced my chain as I thought it was stretched and kept on slipping off the front chain ring. To test that this was the case I simply accelerated hard putting as much torque as possible down, low and behold I nearly brained myself as the chain slipped off the chain ring and I almost cracked the cross bar (could have been riding the cat as a girl!) and coming close to head butting my stem which would have hurt too.

So I now know that I cannot put my full power in and that in actual fact the problem I was having earlier in the week was a combination of stretched chain and worn chain ring!!! Bummer. I just hoped that I could get all the way around with the issue and not suffer with her complaining at me too much.

So into the Stadium parking area and first thing was the stewards directed us all to go and sign on. Now not too sure about this as I know Kilo to Go are usually quite organised and when they say no having to queue up for sign on they usually mean it. So I went inside (not too worried as it was warmer than standing outside and I would have about 30 minutes to wait before we were released into the wild).  I stood in a queue asking the same question as quite a few others, "Do I really need to be in this queue???". Once I got to the front I found that No! I really didn't need to be.  I had just wasted some valuable time that I could be using to look at some lovely Pinerello bikes that I would not have a hope in hell of being able to afford (or convincing the wife that it was worth it), plus more importantly I needed to get some of those gold plated mitts to keep my already chilled fingers warm and dry.

Wiggle to the rescue!!! Yes Wiggle (as you would expect at an event they are sponsoring) had a stand that thankfully were selling gloves. One of the sales guys there was brilliant and clearly understood that I would need something that would do the job as today being unnecessarily cold was not going to be fun. They were good enough to also ensure I got the right discount (I think it was 10% off) and understood that I really didn't want to lug the packaging with me all day too. So being the proud new owner of some DHB all singing and dancing super comfortable (and they really are) cycling gloves I made my way over to get my bike and go to the starting area.

The waiting area was filling up and I actually found that I would be in the first wave to leave at about 8am. As we all stood around shivering as we were dressed in kit to be warm in whilst riding a bike and generating some heat, right now I was just cold, (apart from my hand that were lovely and warm!). The minutes ticked by and the announcer was doing her best to keep everyone's spirits up by playing some really bad tunes (Queens I want to ride my bicycle and Here comes the sun etc) not the best tunes to now have stuck in your head (for at least the next few hours). Then just as we thought we would all freeze to death on the start line there came the call "GET YOUR WIGGLE ON!" and we were sent out onto the roads and off on what would be the first of 100 (ish) miles.

First we had to get out of town and at that time of day it wasn't really that big an issue. Unlike my morning commutes to work when thousands of impatient drivers push and nudge there way through non existent gaps and barge cyclist out of the way like we shouldn't be there, this time the cyclist were in force as one big pack and the few cars we did meet seemed to almost cower at the side of the road like scared puppies. We may have looked a bit menacing but at the end of the day we are all just bodies. The peleton headed South then turned East slowly (or not so slowly as some guys were clearly going at race speed not endurance speed) we headed towards the big climb of the day and a closed road climb too, the star of the show, the 1 in 99 killer mile aka Mow Cop. Only 15 miles in this would be the make or break for the day and knowing that I was having bike issues it may literally be break!

Now up to here it had been a little on the windy side but nothing too spectacular. The odd little rain shower had lead me to keep my shower proof jacket on. As I approached Mow Cop I knew that this would be hot leg burning lung busting work, so I took the gamble to stop and remove my jacket. Mentally I knew that this year (as last) I would have to go to a very dark place (in the shadow of the hill) that today we shall just call PAIN! I came to the first Hurdle that was getting past the road closure, not an issue as I was of course wearing a rider number and all the bits needed to get through. Now I started to change down and could feel the stress building up in my legs. As I dropped the ratios down yes I knew I would be going slower but it would ,make life so much easier than last year. This time I was prepared and have the right size cassette on my rear wheel for hill climbing. Last year I climbed with a cassette that I would only really use for flat speed work rather than big steep hills. This feather in my cap didn't stop things hurting though.

The hill started to ramp up and I was concentrating on my rhythm of my legs and my breathing. As I was looking around me I could see riders dropping like flies already less than 1/3 rd of the way in! I started to pass other riders and was thinking that maybe I was going out too fast! chatting to one of two guys on the way past them I was amazed that I still could chat, maybe all the exercise was paying off. Nothing however prepares you for the final bend as the steep bit comes into view. This point kills off the most riders but I was not going to be one of them! Gritting my teeth and getting out of the saddle I was driving hard now wanting to take as much momentum and power into the hill as I could. I was really digging deep, I could hear my heart beat in my ears by now and with power and aggression I drove up the hill and over the top not even stopping at the pub for a pint!!!

Driving hard up the hill

I rounded the top to a scene of carnage as there were riders everywhere some carrying on others collapsing in exhausted heaps in the middle of the road. Now I know from last year that this would not be the only climb of the day (all be it was the star climb) and with 80+ miles ahead I would need plenty left in the tank to keep going. The descent off the hill as quite a steep one, made all the more hazardous by not all the riders being completely with it at this point and not back into the cycling on an open road concept yet. A near pile up as I stopped for a car passing at a junction. One chap actually said to me "glad you saw him!" as we came to the first main junction.

Onward and Eastward we went heading up over the hills towards Congleton Hill and Leek. Now Congleton Hill was to some extent a bit of a killer in itself. I certainly got a bit of a sweat on as I went spinning my way up the climb, This time however I was staying seated and sitting up getting the most out of my leg power to work my way over the hill.Glad to be at the top though I was delighted to see the valley below with the small village of Rudyard nestled in the bottom. On slippy roads I was very careful to descend down the hill under control. Again I can't see the point in taking major risks for something that is not a race so I wasn't bothered about being passed by some riders really going at max chat around blind bends! I could do without ending the weekend (or starting the season) with a visit to A&E.

I passed through the little Village of Rudyard and once more headed up hill into the peaks towards Leek. Tittesworth Reservoir would be the first of the very welcome feed stations and probably the most scenic with the Roaches as a back drop and a blue(ish) sky to lift the spirits. That and plenty of food and drink to refuel with.

The View South over Tittesworth Reservoir

The feed station welcoming the hungry hordes

Looking North towards the Roaches

Just to make sure you weren't caught napping at the feed station the route then takes us marching Northward and up Gun Hill, a real beast in itself and certainly not to be sniffed at. I did get a better time than last years however still not an amazing pace or speed. I could feel my body was starting to feel the strain and only 30 miles in I still had a long way to go.

The weather was picking up at this point too, The wind howled around me buffeting me on my bike and demanding more power and energy from me with every turn of the cranks. I was starting to hurt with the wind.

I looked Eastwards to see the clouds had parted to reveal the distant Cheshire Plains. I could even see Jodrell Bank telescope in the distance. A great sight but knowing that the route would take me to and past that massive land mark that was currently could just about be seen in the distance made me just want to press on harder and really motivated me. It was as if the Cheshire Plains were saying you think you can make it but you can't!!!. I knew better.

I headed North into Sutton then turned West towards Holmes Chapel, This would be the closest I would get to home for now. Heading west was starting to hurt as the wind was in my face all the way. I was pushing hard and my legs were feeling the pain. With each hill getting gradually smaller as I ventured onto the planes it was harder to stay in a sheltered area and keep on driving forward. The wind, then the rain and even hail!!! I was really starting to think that last year Cheshire Cat in July was a far better idea, it may have been hot but being wet and cold was horrible. Still warm dry hands, in some ways I was almost glad I forgot my gloves as the new ones were doing great.

I passed the Jodrell Bank space telescope (not as far away as I thought it would be) and headed onward

Jodrell Bank Radio Telescope (I did get closer)

I was very surprised as I got towards Holmes Chapel that this was where the second feed station was as I was sure it was further on last year. It was again a welcome stop though and with the energy sapping wind a top up was required plus I needed the toilet by this point too.

Inside feed station 2

Not as picturesque but still a welcome stop

From The stop at Holmes Chapel it was then heading out with more wind and a hard drive over the M6 towards Middlewich just skirting around the northern side of Crewe. then the route split again. This time the middle distance (75 milers) would turn south and us nutcase 100 milers would continue East towards Bunbury, that was the plan anyway! as the miles were slogging by and the pain in my legs grew stronger I was starting to feel that maybe I should have done more to prep for a ride like this. As it goes my training was fairly minimal this year (so far) and I was starting to suffer for it. my pace was dropping off and I was really having to dig into that dark and painful place to power myself on.

On I went and started seeing other riders starting to question where the route was taking us. Infact what non of us had realised at this point was that some idiot had stolen one of the turn signs and now a great number of riders were heading towards Tarporly instead of Bunbury.

Not too impressed by the extra mileage I ended up doing I was happy to yet again stop at Bunbury for a quick fill and a chat with some of the other riders that had experienced the same error. A sense of camaraderie in shared suffering!!!

Bunbury at last!!!

Even the sun came out to welcome us

After that it was the final and hardest few miles of a slog home. Finally turning properly south (heading to the east of Broxton) and then east towards Acton, through Nantwivh and then finally into Crewe.

Each mile was a hard slog but this time with the wind instead of against it. As routes merged slower and faster riders met from the various distances. The emotion on peoples faces was clear as some if not many had put themselves into the same dark place to get through this day and achieve the distance. With the Stadium finally coming into sight the relief was present and the lifting of spirits gave a lift of pace too.

I crossed the finish line 7:41:48 after leaving earlier that day. Now 107.9 miles richer in experience and adventure I had triumphed on Mow Cop and was relieved to have made it round on a bike that wasn't 100%.

The finishers at Crewe

Me Glad to be back

Now I look forward to my first race of the season at the Tameside circuit. just hoping to get my speed back by then.

Still I really enjoyed riding the Cheshire Cat this year and hope to do so again next year.

I am still in preparation for the real killer of a ride from London to Newcastle that will take Place at the end of August and will cover 310 miles! Now that is really going to hurt and I hope you will offer your support by sponsoring me by going to the just giving page at the top of this page.

Still loving every mile!!! Even the ones that hurt...

Suffering but happy out on the road

Two Laps in Gods country!!!

Yes Today I went for a lovely Ride in Yorkshire. And what a really nice and pleasant ride it was too!!!

It all started a few weeks ago when a good friend and fellow cyclist Steve "the Gibbo" Gibbins emailed me to see if I fancied coming for a training ride (today) so he could test out his shiny new bike and have a shot at Cragg Vale too.

Now being a great fan of the hills and looking for any excuse to get out and hit the hills I jumped at the chance.

As I grew up in Halifax and in fact regularly traveled the route we would be looking at  (all be not usually by bike) I was loving the chance to have a go at some of the hills, the fab sweeping roads and the quite rapid descents! I was not to be let down and loved every minute of it.

So today came the day! I checked the weather last night and decided to take a bit of a gamble and wore my short sleeve cycling jersey that I got for Christmas. It is the old UPS team Discovery jersey, but still looks fab in anyone's books. So one I had gone through the usual pre-ride prep of making sure I had gels, and self recovery gear, all the bits on my bike worked as they should do, everything was in place and I was sorted for a good summer ride (no lights!!). I set off over to Steve's house on the bike and was already feeling good and strong.

Once I arrived at Steve's we had a bit of a chat, a nice brew (thanks to his other half), loaded the bikes in the car then headed over to Sowerby Bridge.

We arrived at the train station in Sowerby Bridge at bang on 10 as we were meeting another keen cyclist that would be joining us, Laurence. This is a chap that has covered some serious distance on his bike taking part in Lands End to John O'Groats plus all sorts of other serious distance rides and currently likes to go time-trialing as part of the local club 10 time-trial league.

Sounds fun but he is certainly a very accomplished rider with a few miles under his belt!!!!

First things first when we got to the station, a quick bit of bike assembly check the tyre's etc then a quick chat about the route.

Steve and Laurence getting set up ready for a good run out

We had already decided the best route was to go out of the train station, through Sowerby Bridge centre, left up Tuel Lane (bit of a cheeky steep hill), down into Luddenden Foot (where Luddites came from, see Wikipedia for details). then on to Mytholmroyd and up through Cragg Vale (where the Coiners come from, see wiki for details)

So after a minor bit of procrastination we finally set off and hit the first hill to warm up the legs and get the lungs working. Tuel Lane!!!

This started looking like it was going to be nice and easy, but hides some steep bits of tarmac around the corner halfway up. They really know how to make them steep around here.

At the top it was a good relief to see Burnley Road, this is the main road from Halifax to the like of Mytholmroyd and Hebden Bridge, again a well know bit of the black stuff for me however I didn't realise how fast it was possible to go down it on my bike.

In less than 3 1/2 minutes I had descended down to Luddenden Foot sweeping around the flowing bends, maintaining my breathing rhythm and my pedal strokes. I was enjoying the speed, with the close walls and overhanging trees it really gave me a sense of going at warp speed, even if it was only about 30 Mph (50 Kph). from there it was a flat run out to Mytholmroyd, still keeping a good pace, breathing well and allowing my legs to spin a little just adding a little pressure if I felt myself slowing. I know having ridden up Crag Vale before that my legs would be feeling stressed soon enough.

Then came the drop down into Mytholmroyd village and the left turn onto New road which becomes Cragg Road and heads up the hill for 8.34km or 5 1/2 miles of up hill!!!

Its not steep and it's not bendy, it is just long and feels like it is going to go on forever!!!

Every kilometer there is a marker telling you the distance to the top, soul destroying stuff.

Straight away both Laurence and Steve passed me really going out like they meant business. Soon enough Laurence was out of sight but I managed to maintain contact with Steve. I knew from experience that I have to just maintain a good constant endurance pace that I am comfortable with and soon enough those that burst out at the start will be caught. Sure enough as the km ticked by and the climb continued I started to see those in front slowly slide back towards me as their legs got tired and heads began to drop. It did take me until the 3km to go marker to finally catch and pass Steve again. The main issue with that being the other cyclist on the road weaving all over the place and clearly not used to being out on a long hill ride.

As we left the shelter of the village and the road became increasingly exposed the wind picked up a bit. However it was warm, unlike the last time I had ridden up that hill on the Evans Rochdale ride when it was sideways rain and freezing cold. I was really enjoying it and looking forward to the descent down to Sowerby Bridge.

Just as I got to the top and rolled over the 0km top of the mountain line I spotted Laurence at the side of the road. He had clearly just stormed up there and even come back a bit to wait for us. Very fit and extremely fast on the hills. I carried on to the junction with Rochdale road as I knew a Strava segment finished there and pulled up to wait a few seconds for the chaps to catch up again.

All a bit hot and sweaty but with big smiles and clearly happy to have done it we set off down the hill. This time at rapid speed (for me) I hit a peak of 45 Mph at this point with an average of 32 Mph. We flew down the road, heart racing, allowing the bike to move and skip the bumps and lumps while flying through the sweeping bends. I was calm and happy, yet concentrating like hell on not hitting any wheel destroying pot holes (of which there are so many) on the road down to Ripponden. The road semi leveling out at some points then dropping away again. It was certainly great fun and a real rush too!

From Ripponden it was a flat(ish) ride back to Sowerby Bridge. Not at great speed as we averaged about 24 Mph and a nice way to cool down and enjoy the miles too.

We returned to the station, loaded our bikes back into the cars then headed off on foot to find some lunch and a brew!

Now Steve and Laurence are definitely "Not from round 'ere!" with their well spoken southern accents, so unfortunately when we ordered food, my food came straight away while we then spent another 20 minutes waiting for there's. Unlucky chaps! After that, the food was nice. The conversation was about bikes and cycling (as you would expect from three bike geeks) and then it was back too it.

unfortunately Laurence had to bid us fair well at this point as he had to get back home to go and do domesticated bliss things with "The Wife!". So glad I am not the only one who calls his better half "The Wife!".

It was however at this point that Steve brought out his all new super fast all singing and dancing new bike that he had been wanting to play with. It was (and still is) a very good looking and very light bike at just over 8kg. the fruits of Steve's labour as it was his project for the past 10 months at least.

Same Route Lap 2

As before we set off and crawled our way up Tuel Lane. It was definitely harder the second time around but again a good way to loosen up the legs.

Surprisingly the run down to Mytholmroyd was a little faster this time as we managed the run in 9.34 with a max speed of 34Mph and an average speed of 21.4Mph. Still not pushing too hard but just keeping it at a good enough pace to feel like it was comfortable and maintainable.

Again the sweeping bends were great fun and the drop into Mytholmroyd felt like it came too soon!!!

Then again it was the turn up the hill and the slog for 5 1/2 miles. Steve got on my wheel and stayed there for about 4km, only after this did he take the lead for a few more km before I jumped back into the wind and helped him up the hill. It was a good wind and I do prefer to ride in shelter (as anyone would, its about 30% easier than being at the front) however I felt like he may have had enough of the wind and was starting to suffer. We powered our way through the final few Km of assent and finally on the flat accelerated up to the junction. A quick drink stop and still smiling then we set off back down to Ripponden and Sowerby Bridge.

I was keeping low on the drops, maintaining a flat back position allowing my arms and legs to absorb the bumps as before. Not driving as hard as before as I knew my concentration may be dropping and didn't want to risk a wipe out on a training ride. At these speeds it would have put more than a little crimp on your day!!!

We maxed out at 43 Mph and averaged 32 on the way to Ripponden and just cruised it into Sowerby Bridge from there.

Afterwards as we packed the bikes back into the car we both agreed that we must get out and ride together more often plus we enjoyed the ride today and felt relly good about it afterwards.

More evidence that cycling makes you feel great!

Next up on the 23rd of this month for me is the Cheshire Cat (99 miles of PAIN and 1 KILLER mile!!!).

Then into racing season.

One thing to take home from today is getting down on the drops and back on the saddle makes you faster!

Can't wait to get out again :)

Happy cycling