tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67659507124269738662024-03-13T18:58:16.312+00:00Velo Club MoulinPlayfully participating in cycle sport since 2008chrisDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03953472539873390016noreply@blogger.comBlogger611125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6765950712426973866.post-30341191879976672772021-09-23T22:07:00.006+01:002021-09-24T09:33:17.769+01:00Deeside Trail Group Start<p></p><blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></div></blockquote><p><span style="font-size: large;">Idly browsing on a Monday evening I read a forum post about the group start of the <a href="https://deesidetrail.com" target="_blank">Deeside Trail</a>. Interesting but not practical as it's only 5 days away and my mountain bike has broken forks and practically no front brake. Nevertheless a seed has been planted in my brain.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I browse a bit more and find myself checking the forecast for the weekend, it looks great.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">By Tuesday morning the idea has grown and I drop an email to Adam to say that I'm keen to ride if I can fix my bike and find somewhere to stay before the 8am start.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">A few hectic evenings later I've rebuilt the fork and most of the rest of the bike and it's looking like it might all work out. I try to book some accommodation for the night before but it's much more difficult than usual and most places are booked. After a bit of indecision I decide to drive up in the morning so I'm up and out the door by 5.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">There are 4 of us signed up for the group start and it's good to catch up with Brian McCardle who I used to </span><span style="font-size: large;">regularly </span><span style="font-size: large;">race cross against. Bob McGregor has completed the route multiple times and he's tackling it on a singlespeed and Colin Calder has a completion to his name in 2020.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I rode the route in 36 hours in 2018 but between damaging a brake hose on the first singletrack descent and getting caught in a thunderstorm it wasn't the smoothest ride. I stopped for 3 good meals and enjoyed the luxury of a tent. I'm not sure that I can ride any of the sections much faster so if I want to get round quicker I need to stop less. Straight after I emailed Adam I ordered a bivi bag from Alpkit, my untested theory is that I need to be less comfortable to go quicker. My theory is about to collide with reality.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">After a quick hello we roll into the sunshine at 8. Brian and I are slightly too busy catching up and it takes a while for us to realise that we've ridden past one of the early turnings, we retrace our route and after an extra km or two we're back on the route. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">After regrouping with Colin and Bob we all ride together for the next couple of hours, probably slightly too fast given what's ahead of us but it's fun and the early stages of the route pass quickly under our wheels. At the end of the Carnferg traverse my seatpost slips and it takes me a few minutes to sort it. Eager to catch up I set off down a fun descent that I don't remember from last time. Ah, that's because this fun descent is off route. I work my way back up and join the Fungle Road singletrack, it's so engaging and fun that within a few minutes I've forgotten about the mistake. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I catch up with Colin on the next big climb and for the next hour or so I ride pretty hard to try and catch up to Bob and Brian. I assume that they are together and I don't spot Bob filling his water bottle at the side of the trail so I keep chasing shadows. After a while it dawns on me that I've got a long way to go and I better rein it in a bit. There's a long fast bumpy descent off the hill but the grass is damp and there's definitely the potential to get it very wrong so I take it easy.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">It's a bank holiday weekend but I've never seen Ballater so busy. Even a quick Co-op stop takes an age and thanks to the sunlit uplands of Brexit the shelves are decidedly empty and </span><span style="font-size: large;"><span>they don't have any water</span>. I eat a fruit salad and strap a sandwich to my saddlebag before setting off for Loch Muick.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I'm surprised when Brian catches me on the climb as in my head he was miles up the road never to be seen again. He's had a more leisurely lunch stop in Ballater. It's good to have some company and we ride together for a while but he's obviously going better than me up here. I stop to eat my sandwich in the shade while he presses on.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw-60CA-et_VK9gWyX4M3uREalDZ6cXn8gpmskEPhylSmrX25P3es9uYSzCdaM1qhSVr1-4Pty3YTKWFr5lm7czTPZbNPP4jXKNcmXax4lIF8yNBDK7gmUMrstUYs5LBkzqFXTj0VMDsk/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span><img data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw-60CA-et_VK9gWyX4M3uREalDZ6cXn8gpmskEPhylSmrX25P3es9uYSzCdaM1qhSVr1-4Pty3YTKWFr5lm7czTPZbNPP4jXKNcmXax4lIF8yNBDK7gmUMrstUYs5LBkzqFXTj0VMDsk/w480-h640/IMG_3079.jpeg" width="480" /></span></a></span></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span>Climbing into the sun above Loch Muick</span></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">The climb up to the shoulder is tough, I remember this being mostly ridable but in the heat I'm reduced to pushing. My knee feels sore when I walk and I have some doubts about whether I'll complete. I've got two choices, turn around or get over the top and I focus on getting to Braemar and push on. The descent to Braemar is as fast and as easy as I remember it and now that I'm heading downhill I can enjoy the warmth of the afternoon.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju-FvbIEmI99bEr_LUR2gR38C4WOfzHz17sHF8uAnX5L7721ogl4158sGmk4OelLjqhW5Iwh7hz0_h7FOjYV9K3uO4qyJ1FFYxCKHrVUZ9JUnUM3GdtBIu9NyC1jfsNJf0K2qH5eeOUug/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju-FvbIEmI99bEr_LUR2gR38C4WOfzHz17sHF8uAnX5L7721ogl4158sGmk4OelLjqhW5Iwh7hz0_h7FOjYV9K3uO4qyJ1FFYxCKHrVUZ9JUnUM3GdtBIu9NyC1jfsNJf0K2qH5eeOUug/w480-h640/IMG_3083.jpeg" width="480" /></span></a></span></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Super fast descent towards Braemar</b></span><br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">I'm surprised to find Brian and Bob outside of the Co-op in Braemar. We have a quick chat and it turn out they've had a meal in Braemar. By the time I make it out of the busy shop they've moved on but as I'm sorting myself out Colin rides past. After 8 hours of riding we've all ended up in Braemar within a few minutes of each other.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB9lQ32LwDsjyaf2FFvM1hd3MV51kp6cDIzp1aV-2RlZORM0eye50OtcJ19HV1Nyx3v6oB37aa0DcZcHqHMDzpw_DXtbOOgxnj3IcaaBGij4BZYWqnzadEfx1hC403tp34i9G1jr2sv7U/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB9lQ32LwDsjyaf2FFvM1hd3MV51kp6cDIzp1aV-2RlZORM0eye50OtcJ19HV1Nyx3v6oB37aa0DcZcHqHMDzpw_DXtbOOgxnj3IcaaBGij4BZYWqnzadEfx1hC403tp34i9G1jr2sv7U/w480-h640/IMG_3088.jpeg" width="480" /></span></a></span></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span>Crossing the Quioch Water near the top of Glen Quoich</span></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I catch up <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="text-align: left;">with
Colin in Glen Lui and we ride together for a couple of hours. It's good
to have some company through Clais Fearnaig, up the side of the Quoich
Water and into Glen Gairn. I'd built these sections up in my head to be
the crux of the route but we get through them without too much trouble.
Glen Gairn in particular is easier than I remember it, there's even a
reasonable path through most of it.</span></span></div></span><span style="font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="text-align: left;"> </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I ask Colin how he managed to pack so much lighter than me and I'm surprised to discover that he's planning to ride right through and isn't carrying a sleeping bag or mat. That explains how he's managed to do without a seat pack and I'm slightly envious of his dropper post as we cover some of the more difficult sections. The conversation plants another seed in my mind, maybe I can ride further than I thought I could? My initial plan had been to get through this section then bivi in lower Glen Gairn.</div><br /></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9bag8WknM52OZSqZUzQViw61gEBTzGWgsrdF4Fr8YxksygurbP865JA9I6K0IjaPn31qTHF-KoqPY8ed2M7fJZxJpPmQxYzuT2Z1-qWWUkH8XovneGbg8BftJ_Wr8mBvqazL_4areIFQ/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9bag8WknM52OZSqZUzQViw61gEBTzGWgsrdF4Fr8YxksygurbP865JA9I6K0IjaPn31qTHF-KoqPY8ed2M7fJZxJpPmQxYzuT2Z1-qWWUkH8XovneGbg8BftJ_Wr8mBvqazL_4areIFQ/w480-h640/IMG_3093.jpeg" width="480" /></span></a></span></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Glen Gairn 'singletrack</b>'</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><div style="text-align: left;">As we get towards the end of the difficult part of Glen Gairn I look back and there is a reasonable gap to Colin. I can see that he has turned his lights on but if I'm going to ride on I don't have that luxury quite yet. I was planning to bivi so I've only packed the small battery for my light. It's been great to get through these sections in the daylight and luckily the skies are clear and there is still a bit of twilight.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">It's around this time that I notice a problem with my Garmin. I've never used the map in the dark before and with the default colours it's almost impossible to see the route when the device is in night mode. Unfortunately I don't know that this is the problem until later and the issue plagues me through the night and I have to stop frequently to check that I'm on the route.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I stop once I reach the better track to put another layer on and can't decide whether I should wait for Colin or not. The midges quickly make the decision for me and I start riding into the beautiful evening. My legs feel remarkably good and I'm onto easy terrain at just the right time. For the next 45 minutes or so I ride<span style="font-size: large;"> into </span> the darkness before I am forced to turn my light on.<br /></div><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOVM9uQjJhyphenhyphennyO0anyMHSw_tFdbTy4X3Pu53MGt9Er9uKX-hBPkHa6v-9VLcL7lJTu8I7vskbB72OvU8FSNh4M6uDqoKFn2FXdjRszs-ghy6xKvozz1MuAVaPnspRI52y0IifaKSrR7Mo/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOVM9uQjJhyphenhyphennyO0anyMHSw_tFdbTy4X3Pu53MGt9Er9uKX-hBPkHa6v-9VLcL7lJTu8I7vskbB72OvU8FSNh4M6uDqoKFn2FXdjRszs-ghy6xKvozz1MuAVaPnspRI52y0IifaKSrR7Mo/w480-h640/IMG_3095.jpeg" width="480" /></span></a></span></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span>The golden hour in lower Glen Gairn</span></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">I'm starting to consider riding through the night as a serious prospect so I stop at the main road to put on my warmer layers; leg warmers, dry socks, jacket, hat and long fingered gloves. The next section is relatively easy riding and I make good progress to Ballater. I've got plenty of food so I ride straight through.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">It's about midnight when I arrive at the Cambus O'May woods which turns out to be one of the highlights of the ride. As I climb the hill music gets louder and louder. There's a house party nearby but it feels more like a personal soundtrack encouraging me to the top and down the sinuous singletrack descent. I'm soon crossing the road towards the paths around Loch Kinord.<br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAMP5QvOMiZ2ersIac2H4dzaMjDkkVqM3nJLJpYsRfgPM4gGCDyTyQcWhXiz3FlG4MluUXpyZqESnob8gg7DnETrE3sLLKr2i3WotD9lDKsEJ9Amf75NixEW9XLKXMloWThuDSKQpBN1A/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAMP5QvOMiZ2ersIac2H4dzaMjDkkVqM3nJLJpYsRfgPM4gGCDyTyQcWhXiz3FlG4MluUXpyZqESnob8gg7DnETrE3sLLKr2i3WotD9lDKsEJ9Amf75NixEW9XLKXMloWThuDSKQpBN1A/w480-h640/IMG_3097.jpeg" width="480" /></span></a></span></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span>Sound System Singletrack </span></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">On the grassy paths I can clearly see the tyre tracks that Brian and Bob have left in the dew. It's slightly magical how clear they are and it removes the loneliness of riding at night. The tracks abruptly disappear in Tarland and I guess that they have both stopped there for the night. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">I'm starting to plan how I should approach the rest of the ride. It's still 5 hours until dawn and I don't think I've got enough battery to make it through. If I run out of light </span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">somewhere inconvenient I</span> won't have many options. After 17 hours a deep tiredness has started to set in, I could make it through but I'm not sure I'd enjoy it. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">The thought of waking up and pushing for an hour up Pressendye seems awful so I might as well get it over with and sleep near the top. I push slowly uphill into the mist.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">I eventually reach the plateau at just after 2am and fall into my bivi bag. I set my alarm for 5am and fall asleep within minutes.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">When my alarm goes it's unexpectedly dark and wet but I'm soon moving again albeit slowly up the final climb to the summit. By the time I hit the descent the light has improved enough to turn my light off. It feels a bit odd to be riding fun singletrack descents before 6am.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">The Pressendye </span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">descent </span>is quick and relatively easy but it's overgrown in places at this time of year. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Breakfast is a miserable afair in the drizzle. A squashed, barely recognisable croissant that has been in my back pocket since Braemar, a Peperami and a packet of cashew nuts. It's followed by a struggle to lift my bike over a locked gate and another steep hill. The euphoria of riding through the night has evaporated, my spirits reflecting the change in the weather.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">It's not long before I hit the fun, swoopy descent into Lumphanan which lifts my mood. It's just before 8 and by a stroke of luck the shopkeeper is opening the village shop early as I pass. It's not long before I'm enjoying a second breakfast of coffee and a chunky Kit Kat. I'm take the opportunity to top up my water bottle which is a bonus. The last section of the route is more urban and there aren't many chances to get water.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">A big road climb leads to the Hill of Fare which is easier than I remember. I'm closing in on the finish and without too much more effort I'm back in Banchory, just over 26 hours after I set off.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXcPpdVBoY1c3Ujia6RyPVVqLm1NHdrDz7EZpkZ4-mVpL7-SfQ8cFDUzP0bLgl3k89DFUHEZNXuv7jdSW2BTMzFPv4mhkhsA7UE1zQtNIxbDke6U7Yr97nx5_ZKpkDYlF3HtddYVODQic/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span><img alt="" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXcPpdVBoY1c3Ujia6RyPVVqLm1NHdrDz7EZpkZ4-mVpL7-SfQ8cFDUzP0bLgl3k89DFUHEZNXuv7jdSW2BTMzFPv4mhkhsA7UE1zQtNIxbDke6U7Yr97nx5_ZKpkDYlF3HtddYVODQic/w640-h480/IMG_3098.jpeg" width="640" /></span></a></span></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span>The mist lifting on the Hill of Fare</span></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">I've only been back at the car for 10 minutes when Bob arrives. It's good to catch up and compare our experiences of the ride. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">I was sure that someone must have already finished as I had been following tyre tracks in the mud all morning and had a vague memory of hearing disk brakes howling as I was falling asleep. We later heard that Colin had ridden through the night and finished a couple of hours earlier while Brian finished slightly later in the day after a more relaxed overnight stop.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">This ride was a great experience. It's a brilliant route which includes lots of fantastic singletrack but it does have a bit of a sting in the tail. The weather on the first day was fabulous and I was lucky that I felt good at the right times and made it through the difficult sections in the daylight. I was able to knock 10 hours off my first attempt, partly by riding some sections quicker but mostly by reducing how long I was stopped for. Using a bivi bag encouraged me to stop for less time and it was far quicker to set up and pack away.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div></div></div><span style="font-size: large;"></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="405" scrolling="no" src="https://www.strava.com/activities/5873501134/embed/1dd02a5c9775b298c23b4e92e547d0a431098a39" width="590"></iframe></span><p></p>SimonFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07110734196364458194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6765950712426973866.post-61604503375750208482018-10-06T21:28:00.000+01:002018-10-06T21:28:22.038+01:00Puddle ducks swim the Tour de Ben Nevis<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR-2XwOjYUX3qo6yPUCrs3mlQhjXt7QHBxywsvKtq8LwzoK5XTLaAlWA0zz5OSd8dFa85dsRe4tNifQKMArfCQQSnfrZaQ6dMKwFnIlkpUjEgUyZuQOylHcjGtZ7JOQjD-1QrzXMAnNRg/s1600/TDBN2018GW.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR-2XwOjYUX3qo6yPUCrs3mlQhjXt7QHBxywsvKtq8LwzoK5XTLaAlWA0zz5OSd8dFa85dsRe4tNifQKMArfCQQSnfrZaQ6dMKwFnIlkpUjEgUyZuQOylHcjGtZ7JOQjD-1QrzXMAnNRg/s320/TDBN2018GW.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
While others VCMers think about CX season or walking up West Yorkshire hills, I'm still clinging on to XC season. No Fuss Events' Tour de Ben Nevis has been on my bucket list for years, but as it always falls on the weekend of Mrs W's birthday, I tend to lack the requisite brownie points.<br />
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For those unfamiliar with the event, it is a 60km loop around Ben Nevis, starting in Fort William and finishing (for 2018) at Nevis Range. It is run as a sort of enduro/XC mash up, with points allocated based on placings in timed stages, but with the whole loop from start to finish also counting as one of those five stages. My previous attempt in 2016 coincided with biblical downpours so the race became an "out and back" rather than the full loop. In 2018, with rumours that this might be the last edition, I made myself unpopular at home and headed up to Fort William.<br />
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After a spirited early morning drive through Glencoe, I lined up for the usual trackstand procession along the High Street behind the piper. As the pace increased, the first climb appeared sooner than expected, and my mid pack start position left me still some way behind the leaders. Bugger. I burnt a few matches to move up to a top 10 position and settled into my own pace.<br />
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Arriving at the top of Stage 1 (a rock strewn descent to Kinlochleven), my only ambition was to be less cautious than in 2016. A plan to recce this stage had not come to fruition due to work and weather, but I pedalled into the stage and hoped for the best. Riding my Giant Anthem gave me a bit more confidence than the hardtail ridden previously, as I popped off rocks and hopped a few water bars. Two larger water bars had me hauling on the anchors though: whilst I could <i>probably</i> hop them without incident, the consequences of a slightly mistimed landing would be a dented rim and a long walk back. An inelegant foot down over those two bars saw me getting to the bottom without any drama, still with inflated tyres and a good chunk faster that 2016. Job done.<br />
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The following road section was a chance to grab a bar and save some energy for Stage 2: a 12 minute landy track climb which I reckoned should suit me. After faffing with my timing chip at the start, I tapped out a reasonable pace which turned out to be good enough for 2nd fastest of the day. Boom.<br />
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From there, bow-waving through a succession of puddles alongside Loch Eilde left me cold and damp. I knew the river crossing and stage 3 hike-a-bike would be soon though, so I pressed on, eventually wading the river (thankfully only knee deep) and stopping for a couple of bars and a bit of banter with the marshal. As I dismounted for the walk/jog/ride/walk routine, it quickly became clear that my super-stiff carbon soled shoes had not been a wise choice and I probably should have eaten earlier, as the legs ran out of gas. A front wheel plunge into a deeper than expected muddy puddle and the resultant over-the-bars compounded my woes, as the two riders in front skipped off into the distance. I didn't ever get into a decent rhythm on this stage and arrived at the checkpoint to regroup. Unfortunately the jelly babies in my top-tube bag had taken a dip in the aforementioned muddy puddle and were not looking too appetising. The marshals were great though, helping me replenish my supplies quickly and sending me on my way.<br />
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Armed with the news that there were "4 or 5" riders in front, the aim became to preserve my position. Eventually (probably about an hour too late) I gave in to the cold and stopped to put on the lightweight Endura jacket that I had been carrying in my back pocket for the past 2 hours. This (combined with the sugar finally kicking in) gave me a much needed boost for ticking off the final 10 miles.<br />
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The Nevis Range firetracks were a headwindy gurn on tired legs, made better only by the thought that I definitely had it easier than the plodding ultra-marathon runners I passed. I eased past a flagging rider with a few miles to go and just kept turning the pedals, longing for a singletrack descent. Pedalling into Stage 4 it soon became apparent that my front brake pads were shot after hours of muddy puddles though, so I lacked the control and flow I would have liked, and lost a few crucial seconds.<br />
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Rejuvenated by the swoopy descent, tired legs were briefly forgotten and the sunshine of the Nevis Range finish seemed to arrive too soon. Crossing the line in 5th in around 3h30min (still some way behind overall winner Gary Macdonald) I was pretty pleased to be towards the sharp end. Final results confirmed that my hesitancy on the descents cost me on the overall points though: despite finishing 5th overall and 2nd on stage 2, my lower placings on the other stages saw me drop back to a still respectable 6th.<br />
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It will be a shame if No Fuss don't run the race or something similar next year. This event is a great day out in big hills with a properly remote feel, and there are precious few races of this distance. Fingers crossed it returns in some form. I know I can go faster on those descents, bring some brake pads that last, eat a bit earlier, and shave a few minutes off in the hike-a-bike. Maybe next time it could even be dry. More of this sort of thing.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6765950712426973866.post-36560497867420303632018-08-14T21:21:00.002+01:002018-08-14T21:23:42.816+01:00I Know What You Did Last Summer: Tour of the CairngormsTap tap. Is this thing on? Time to blow the cobwebs off the VCM blog. The lack of posts suggest that everyone has been too busy making the most of the first Scottish summer for about five years. More riding, less writing. You can't waste opportunities like these. Dusty trails needed to be shredded before everything reverts to standard Scottish dreich (like today).<br />
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I can't speak for the other few dozen VCM reprobates, but one of the highlights of my summer was a cracking two days riding a Cairngorm loop with Simon Fairfull in late May. We dismissed THE Cairngorm Loop as we only had two days, and whilst the full 300k route is of course more than do-able in that time, we elected to do a slightly shorter version so that we could enjoy it, rather than making it feel too much like a race.
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After some scouring of maps and consultation with Scottish bikepacking oracle Russell Stout, we settled on the lesser known "Tour of the Cairngorms" route:- most of the outer loop of the Cairngorm Loop, but eschewing the Aviemore section in favour of Loch Morlich and Glenmore, and then finishing down Glen Tilt rather than climbing up to Fealar Lodge and the south east side of Beinn a'Ghlo.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipdkPzN3c1jV5DT2-l0HsZ9WBpT08Rj0CRKGaKoiVbTGfyeyu2b_66ouf_J4096G3Mxc_o-Lre2ABBWug69pOCia3vQQl4PDOd7bcPNtWHjP8ee0Z8_dUS4wO4lojuETg3H0BHy588dGc/s1600/IMG_1831.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipdkPzN3c1jV5DT2-l0HsZ9WBpT08Rj0CRKGaKoiVbTGfyeyu2b_66ouf_J4096G3Mxc_o-Lre2ABBWug69pOCia3vQQl4PDOd7bcPNtWHjP8ee0Z8_dUS4wO4lojuETg3H0BHy588dGc/s200/IMG_1831.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
Basking in late May sunshine we set off as pasty faced Scots on a Sunday morning (I elected to ride some of the first day in a running vest to keep cool, but the less said about that the better). The first few hours out of Blair Atholl were ticked off at a worryingly easy pace. Without trying, we were averaging over 12mph for several hours. This didn't feel like the bikepacking I'm used to. Gaick Lodge was dispatched and onwards down to Feshiebridge and a brief return to civilisation at Loch Insh. After seeing barely anyone for the first few hours, we knew that the section through Rothiemurchus and Loch Morlich would be the busiest of the route, but nothing could prepare us the bank holiday Sunday on Costa del Loch Morlich that faced us. Thousands of lounging Scots completely covered the beach and the main Cairngorm road was a double-parked strip of tarmac carnage. We stopped for a drink and ice-cream to soak up the hilarity of it all for 15 minutes before getting the hell out of there as quickly as our laden bikes could carry us. As expected, 20 minutes later and after passing the Ryvoan Bothy, Highland normality was restored and all was blissfully quiet again, save for the crunch of tyre on gravel, dust and pine needles. The next few hours saw a gradual slowing of pace as weary legs began to take their toll and the route became just a little rougher.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheMn5ToRCQXSfXngTsrl_OMgKegCUub31DBDcN4riNrvZTikQGzqIRJ8uj7SU07HoH2l8afngFnd3rZ01xDA33eDTRABCGYgl7O7EnartoyxnlSYxhfLIsJ7gVcBQ2Rcwh_RrHMgk_rK4/s1600/IMG_1834.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheMn5ToRCQXSfXngTsrl_OMgKegCUub31DBDcN4riNrvZTikQGzqIRJ8uj7SU07HoH2l8afngFnd3rZ01xDA33eDTRABCGYgl7O7EnartoyxnlSYxhfLIsJ7gVcBQ2Rcwh_RrHMgk_rK4/s200/IMG_1834.jpg" width="200" /></a>We had set our sights on Tomintoul for dinner and a camp spot somewhere along the river just out of town, so we rolled into the town square eager to fill hungry stomachs. Perhaps it was the sight (and smell) of two tired cyclists that caused the reception (or lack of), but something felt decidedly odd about the town. In a town square filled with restaurants and hotels we eventually honed in on the one with outside tables and the most buzz about it. That was our first mistake. Apparently we would have to wait over an hour for food (on a Sunday evening in May?!) so shuffled across the road to the next pub. Despite a close call where our requested 'orange and lemonade' was almost served as a bowl of sliced oranges and lemons, we were filled with generic greasy food which at least replenished some burnt calories. Limiting our losses we set out for a third hostelry for our post-dinner pint, and nipped into what looked like the smartest / newest hotel in town. Despite the white tablecloth attempt at an upmarket look, the barman was at pains to stress that grubby bikers would still be welcome, and so our cold pint was enjoyed over a discussion with a barman who turned out to be a mountain biker (and a pretty fast sounding enduro rider). Result. Oddly, the only other family in the bar elected to leave soon after we arrived. My damp shoes from that river crossing must have been smelling pretty bad by that point.
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We had planned to ride a few miles out of town and pitch near the river somewhere, but our helpful barman pointed out that the Highland Games field would be empty, flat, closer, and suffer less from the evening midges which were undoubtedly congregating by the river keen for an evening feast. In a win-win for everyone we ordered a few more pints since we wouldn't have to pedal far to our new not-so-wildcamping spot.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMOpi2lZPWfMCSeQ4RJb337oT75W5kiDgNmNNgjdl0h1iL4JH6sq8ZUh7s6iq0k4kIzILqnhZW-Pa3Im8iONRtMWFZQpeT6Zf2VfC5csfkE__c9iyXh-WfP7U0TGKEm9tLzawBkiPfqp4/s1600/IMG_1835.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMOpi2lZPWfMCSeQ4RJb337oT75W5kiDgNmNNgjdl0h1iL4JH6sq8ZUh7s6iq0k4kIzILqnhZW-Pa3Im8iONRtMWFZQpeT6Zf2VfC5csfkE__c9iyXh-WfP7U0TGKEm9tLzawBkiPfqp4/s200/IMG_1835.jpg" width="200" /></a>Day two was due to provide a shorter ride (85km vs 120km on day one, and only 1,000m of climbing vs 1,700m). The first few miles south down the River Avon road and track were easily dispatched, although in a slightly annoying fashion as every punchy climb was followed in short order by a descent back to the river. "Somebody" had glanced at the map on his Garmin screen and naively assumed that the high point of the morning's climb over to Braemar was at Loch Builg. It therefore came as something of a surprise to have to climb a further few hundred metres over the shoulder of the adjacent Corbett. Oops. All good character (and appetite) building. A fast descent to Braemar and welcome coffee and brunch followed in the always excellent "The Bothy".
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaOBdHRW0YuBFnUXa-gID24WTKtb1ZBSLZgxsw6skOhkHrEVs13v1MepeNY43HvVE5dckMiYDpagJVa4kEwIfVQu_RM9e8zrFzSbBBP7Qj1fqoZoGMUdTY9Oh4ja2WgIgYzZhLZo7v0OQ/s1600/IMG_1833.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaOBdHRW0YuBFnUXa-gID24WTKtb1ZBSLZgxsw6skOhkHrEVs13v1MepeNY43HvVE5dckMiYDpagJVa4kEwIfVQu_RM9e8zrFzSbBBP7Qj1fqoZoGMUdTY9Oh4ja2WgIgYzZhLZo7v0OQ/s200/IMG_1833.jpg" width="200" /></a>One of the benefits of this chosen route is that we knew the following section would be relatively flat and easy, and so it proved. The ride past Mar Lodge was uneventful on the way to the Geldie 'Fords'. A bone dry May allowed the river to be pedalled over without difficulty and onwards to the top of Glen Tilt. A momentary SPD-fail style topple saw Simon turning his leg into a quite impressive balloon which wasn't ideal, but thankfully the mystical properties of some recovery Haribo allowed us to continue southwards, with the promise of a dip in the river still to come. Having ridden this section before a couple of times, I knew it would be an easy blast to the finish after tight singletrack at the top of the glen. Pedalling back into the promised land of well-earned sugary drinks and ice-creams in Blair Atholl we passed a couple of fresh looking riders heading up towards the loop. Knowing nods were exchanged. This was Scottish summer bikepacking at its best - memories of great riding that will last even longer than those sunburn marks.
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Scores on the doors:<br />
Mileage: 205km over 2 days<br />
Climbing: 2,700m<br />
Wildlife: A lazily slow moving adder<br />
Mud: None. Not a single spot. Nope.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6765950712426973866.post-52200323801632297622017-10-25T20:06:00.001+01:002017-10-25T20:06:26.592+01:00club class<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://stories.endurasport.com/cyclo-cross-custom-clothing">pic. Sean Hardy</a></td></tr>
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Nice write up via Endura.<br />
<a href="https://stories.endurasport.com/cyclo-cross-custom-clothing">https://stories.endurasport.com/cyclo-cross-custom-clothing</a>chrisDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03953472539873390016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6765950712426973866.post-33667612055657839782017-05-29T21:41:00.000+01:002017-05-31T15:03:55.001+01:00The Rider<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>"Good riders? Bad riders? You can tell good riders by their faces, bad riders by their faces too - but that only goes for riders you already know."</i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">In the spring of 2015 I was studying a map of France in anticipation of a family holiday to the <span class="st">Ardèche</span>. Familiar names leapt out at me; Ales, Anduze, <span class="st">Nîmes</span>, <span class="st">Uzès</span>. Cycling clubs described in Tim Krabbé's "The Rider".</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">If you're not familiar with The Rider then beg, borrow or steal a copy. It's a great book which happens to be about cycling. It describes Krabbé's attempt to win a fictional road race: The Tour of Mont Aigoual. But the map suggested that th<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">is</span> <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">im<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">aginary </span>account </span>borrowed real terrain. A kernel of an idea began to form. Was it possible to ride the route described in the book?</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">A closer look showed that Mont Aigoual lay in the heart of the <span class="st">Cévennes </span>to the east of Meyreuis, the start town of the race. I had never considered that it might be possible to step into the world described in a work of fiction. The prospect was exciting. Would I be able to climb like Kléber, descend like Reilhan, ride like Lebusque or would I be climbing off early like Sauveplane<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">?</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Hours spent poring over a well thumbed book revealed enough detail to piece together the two loops of the race. The first loop seemed to fit the map but I just couldn't make the second loop work. Had the roads changed? Were the maps I had not good enough? Had my plan of recreating a fictional route run into the hard barrier of reality?</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Satisfied that I had enough information to ride at least half the route I started to work out logistics. Meyreuis was about 2 hours drive from where we would be staying so with an early start that would be quite achievable. I was able to <a href="http://mellowvelos.com/hire/en/bike-hire-gorges-du-tarn/">hire</a> a bike in Prades, <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">clos<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">e to </span></span>the route, which I could pick up on the morning of the ride. Now I just had to keep my fingers crossed for good weather, the Cevennes in summer is one of the wettest areas in France.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">After arriving in France I bought a 1:<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">25000 </span>map of the Cevennes to complete the route planning. I was in luck. The route described in the book fitted the map perfectly, every place name and junction seemed to fit. This was going to work. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The south of France was in the midst of a heatwave with the mercury hitting 40 degrees most days. As luck would have it the day I had arranged to hire a bike<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span>was forecast to be the coolest of the week with an overcast start and a strong wind. With the weather in mind I elected to modify the route slightly. I would start in Les Vignes at the foot of the first climb. Hopefully this would allow me to minimise the climbing in the hottest part of the day and would leave me to finish with 50km of descending and easy riding.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYvyxZSMZuMb_-ISkC6T5YDLCXuYiQP8qiL7kjwtNfVHOZ93iVch31IrcHKrLhhRD-7Y7V2Gc3q4-Wej7z45PnzvfkhlntSUXVSAxYBQSQEwRp2sXyYtQ9u6a0HncLTg7zDTYCLBFVB4U/s1600/IMG_3520.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Tim Krabbe The Rider" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYvyxZSMZuMb_-ISkC6T5YDLCXuYiQP8qiL7kjwtNfVHOZ93iVch31IrcHKrLhhRD-7Y7V2Gc3q4-Wej7z45PnzvfkhlntSUXVSAxYBQSQEwRp2sXyYtQ9u6a0HncLTg7zDTYCLBFVB4U/s640/IMG_3520.JPG" title="" width="640" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Route planning and daydreaming</span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">After an early start I found myself on a magnificent driving road. Mile after mile of sweeping bends and no traffic provided an enjoyable start to the day and I arrived in Prades earlier than expected. I collected my steed for the day, a weighty but perfectly set-up Giant Defy. Driving though the amazing setting of the Gorges du Tarn I arrived at my starting point.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>"Meyrueis, </i><i><span class="st">Lozère</span>, June 26, 1977. Hot and overcast. I take my gear out of the car and put my bike together. Tourists and locals are watching from sidewalk cafes. Non-racers. The emptiness of those lives shocks me."</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It was overcast, windy and relatively cool as I started the first climb of the day. The hairpins of the climb wouldn't have been out of place in the Alps but as I gained height the view back into the Gorges du Tarn was unique. Six hundred meters abover my starting point I reached the Causse Méjean, a vast limestone plateau. A remote and desolate landscape even on a fine summers day. The frequent stone shelters at the side of the road gave an indication of how hostile this environment could be in a winter storm. Riding here was fantastic with no cars, no people and an amazing sense of isolation.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwV0sB4wXUVOhi6wSpyteFp0gkRsX2MsH8WdgD2S84XJc-RioOYehHNTJkycI7SOGk0gv7ossCwHPyKGVVEIkRGQnSkFl5jgTlnDAuTG1_D0Ta8S63Do_tG-7KaTXCq3BNEeSJpGngaX8/s1600/IMG_20150708_092105060_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Gorges du Tarn Les Vignes" border="0" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwV0sB4wXUVOhi6wSpyteFp0gkRsX2MsH8WdgD2S84XJc-RioOYehHNTJkycI7SOGk0gv7ossCwHPyKGVVEIkRGQnSkFl5jgTlnDAuTG1_D0Ta8S63Do_tG-7KaTXCq3BNEeSJpGngaX8/s640/IMG_20150708_092105060_HDR.jpg" title="" width="640" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Looking back into the Gorges du Tarn above Les Vignes</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbKsWYo8CLMIuVoAQIzNTeAbNRgNQGx-nGjO_AW8ZJiK1q65qrgzGD9vkWFje9Pdk7w85CBqs_YZpAIxDFOmTC-UGBf2ZzHyNONMcCFZofaM1jtNS8hMQquMB1Ykmkn2B4twRxTkeQkC0/s1600/IMG_20150708_094745951_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Causse Mejean shelter" border="0" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbKsWYo8CLMIuVoAQIzNTeAbNRgNQGx-nGjO_AW8ZJiK1q65qrgzGD9vkWFje9Pdk7w85CBqs_YZpAIxDFOmTC-UGBf2ZzHyNONMcCFZofaM1jtNS8hMQquMB1Ykmkn2B4twRxTkeQkC0/s640/IMG_20150708_094745951_HDR.jpg" title="" width="640" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Stone shelter on the Causse </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span class="st">Méjean</span></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">After a gradual descent I turned onto a slightly larger road heading south towards Meyreuis. Mile after mile of false flat was eased by the warmth of the sun on my back as the sky cleared and the day warmed up. The traffic was still incredibly light and it was ironic that I got stuck behind one of the few cars on the road as I descended into scenic Meyreuis. I took the opportunity to fill my bottles before setting out on the next remote section.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The heat was really starting to build and I was relieved to <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">discover </span>that much of the steep climb out of town was shaded by trees. Reaching the Causse Noir<span class="st"> </span>was stunning and my abiding memory of the day is riding through this amazing landscape with a strong tailwind speeding me along. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ2yGoALLvHglRrIvdbZHPp7OKwk29dL3xZFO2AVgWADwFnhOEZf-UYPMf9jBB00moHc2iJXHYbaf0qJ6ymjBE0ZKr30WhRv2XdbKHRXz-D6Ys8EdY9UPUytciUXJugd_XbjDsmMrb8b4/s1600/IMG_20150708_112515535_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Causse Noir" border="0" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ2yGoALLvHglRrIvdbZHPp7OKwk29dL3xZFO2AVgWADwFnhOEZf-UYPMf9jBB00moHc2iJXHYbaf0qJ6ymjBE0ZKr30WhRv2XdbKHRXz-D6Ys8EdY9UPUytciUXJugd_XbjDsmMrb8b4/s640/IMG_20150708_112515535_HDR.jpg" title="" width="640" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Enjoying the tailwind on the Causse Noir</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXF1IT2iN72eRTJdefmb3hqdhcmWmNE9zw9_c-awK73VoVAL34TqMZUjlZry30cGoLtTNvR332mBpdl8gJchNuMN-17UT_b_YAEMEp5VMdO0GCQC9Z8kCXBN_GCli-Y80jh8vAH-yZfZA/s1600/IMG_20150708_113436756_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Causse Noir view" border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXF1IT2iN72eRTJdefmb3hqdhcmWmNE9zw9_c-awK73VoVAL34TqMZUjlZry30cGoLtTNvR332mBpdl8gJchNuMN-17UT_b_YAEMEp5VMdO0GCQC9Z8kCXBN_GCli-Y80jh8vAH-yZfZA/s640/IMG_20150708_113436756_HDR.jpg" title="" width="640" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">On the Causse </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Noir</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The race doesn't follow the main road to Mont Aigoual and I turned onto a minor road that passed through Lanuéjols but there was no-one there. I had barely seen another person since I left Meyreius. The descent into Treves began. Krabbé, the self confessed worst descender in the race, struggled here and so did I. He was overcome by thoughts of flying off the side of the mountain but my worries were more prosaic; greasy roads, gravel, blind corners and the overwhelming sense of being a long way from other people. Krabbé was dropped here but he quickly regained the lead group on the next climb. I stepped out of the novel for a moment and stopped for a coffee, une treve (a rest or let-up) in Treves. There was only one cafe in the tiny village but it was a perfect fit to this ride. A rustic, quiet place from another decade where I enjoyed an interesting chat with the owner who was was amazed to discover that her village formed part of the backdrop of a well known book.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">There was no gendarme to wave me down the correct road but it wasn't difficult to find. The road started to climb into a narrow gorge with a strong headwind funnelling down it. I struggled to recall the description of this section but it was clear that I had underestimated it. An hour of climbing on heavy roads that didn't suit me. Not steep enough to be a real climb but enough to hurt and an ever-present headwind. I was starting to wonder if I had misjudged the route. It was now fiercly hot, I was barely half way through the 140 kilometres and I had been riding for close to 4 hours. I had to trust that the climbing was front loaded and<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span>the<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">last</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span>60 kilometres would be fast.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>"Another four kilometres to Camprieu, another four kilometres to climb. Why am I whining about Camprieu? After Camprieu there are two kilometres of flat road, then an eight kilometre climb. Camprieu is a fallacy, an overgrown kilometre stone. Another four kilometres to Camprieu."</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">With no Lebusque, Kléber or Cycles Goff to share the work I was on my own and it was with a degree of relief that I reached Camprieu. After an hour of daydreaming about lunch my appetite abandoned me in the heat. Nothing seemed appealing and I ended up ordering a </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span class="st">crêpe </span>au citron and two scoops of vanilla ice cream. At least it was quick and I was soon back on the road, somewhat apprehensive about the climbing to come. But even suffering doesn't last for long when you don't have to worry about reality and a combination of smooth tarmac and a strong tailwind meant I was able to make short work of the climb. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ6fHEdp-iufLDc4c35BSNtsYSXngWdoTEAiYplgzAlhoShZFMUNfLLcLER9V12pqgkq6n9JZZDU8Fbt0hDO69up4DXLU-GG0Ew7idPrmQBQ4GlDh4Z8wa-KD736NBYjLkPgIv7-fAx-I/s1600/IMG_20150708_122745221_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Climb to Camprieu" border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ6fHEdp-iufLDc4c35BSNtsYSXngWdoTEAiYplgzAlhoShZFMUNfLLcLER9V12pqgkq6n9JZZDU8Fbt0hDO69up4DXLU-GG0Ew7idPrmQBQ4GlDh4Z8wa-KD736NBYjLkPgIv7-fAx-I/s640/IMG_20150708_122745221_HDR.jpg" title="" width="640" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Climbing towards Camprieu</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy6WUwHgqOJVfgAXrDHb9Fnh4_YozrRqNYpOOAwcwD3n0-kUdPTX834u8ZqBIhcFdv-o1IrkY-ftOwqH2lvKXq8RtbUIGaAL2WuLB-2x0W8WEOLM70NeH4mlG2D39mQBtkev1ZDQ2Cb7I/s1600/IMG_20150708_140239798_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Mont Aigoual cycling recreating the rider" border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy6WUwHgqOJVfgAXrDHb9Fnh4_YozrRqNYpOOAwcwD3n0-kUdPTX834u8ZqBIhcFdv-o1IrkY-ftOwqH2lvKXq8RtbUIGaAL2WuLB-2x0W8WEOLM70NeH4mlG2D39mQBtkev1ZDQ2Cb7I/s640/IMG_20150708_140239798_HDR.jpg" title="" width="640" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Looking back towards Mont Aigoual</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibQh-s7rcfK6bxkWWzAiz5u-B6O3BKQrAZi7u0koMum5dArPSbvK75dz4YAFTmxtTredOtqbXQiEuVMtu0dhFCxQd-hM2-UpxRp3iooeuNM19D_CEv5bcBxMP9l9vyNnNY3bfBE976GnE/s1600/IMG_20150708_141423406_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Mont Aigoual cycling recreating the rider" border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibQh-s7rcfK6bxkWWzAiz5u-B6O3BKQrAZi7u0koMum5dArPSbvK75dz4YAFTmxtTredOtqbXQiEuVMtu0dhFCxQd-hM2-UpxRp3iooeuNM19D_CEv5bcBxMP9l9vyNnNY3bfBE976GnE/s640/IMG_20150708_141423406_HDR.jpg" title="" width="640" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This is why I ride</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC387iDKioyLEEiX0KR3ByWLMeUS1NlHGmT8aB8GfkFUv45YeiRSouihq2vQpKlyGto4ILOHrhOsRdpfdIAD-Pi9ycTnf01ZMsNsFzz-KUb4Q5w6DyR5LyDdWChzTkC9lbqlo2Q_pRBGo/s1600/IMG_20150708_141434128.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Col du Perjuret cycling" border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC387iDKioyLEEiX0KR3ByWLMeUS1NlHGmT8aB8GfkFUv45YeiRSouihq2vQpKlyGto4ILOHrhOsRdpfdIAD-Pi9ycTnf01ZMsNsFzz-KUb4Q5w6DyR5LyDdWChzTkC9lbqlo2Q_pRBGo/s640/IMG_20150708_141434128.jpg" title="" width="640" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Approaching the Col du Perjuret</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The descent from the
top to the Col du Perjuret was punctuated by several small climbs but
rather than feeling like hard work they offered a chance to enjoy the
fabulous <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">s</span>cenery.<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">As <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I rode through this terrain <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">i</span></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">t occure<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">d to me that the book reads like a genuine account of a ro<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">ad race<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">taking al<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">most no notice of an<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">y<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">thing outside the <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">small bubbl<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">e <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">of the race.<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> Most of the descriptions in the<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> book deal with how the landscape affects the race</span> and t<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">he <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">few comments on the wo<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">rld beyo<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">nd the road are offered with an <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">element </span>of detac<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">hment<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">. A<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">nother dimension which the riders <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">do not ha<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">ve the capacity to be <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">t<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">roubled by</span></span></span></span></span></span>.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">On the long and straightforward descent <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">off the </span></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Col du Perjuret </span></span>I <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">started </span>to slip out of the story. My ride wouldn't finish in Meyreius and I
certainly wouldn't be contesting the sprint. None the less I kept
looking ahead for the 'CULTE PROTESTANTE' sign that marked the start of
the sprint but it's long gone, or perhaps it was never there.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Several
hours after my last visit I was back in the same shop to top up my
water supplies. The temperature had risen significantly as I descended
from the summit. The Gorges de la Jonte was beautiful but the headwind
was strong enough that I had to pedal reasonably hard to make progress
on the gentle downhill slope. The heat in the gorge was incredible,
riding into the headwind felt like opening an oven door.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">As I suffered in the heat my thoughts were dominated by the prospect of the sting in the tail; 20km into a headwind up the Gorges du Tarn. <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Again </span>I was on the right side of the thin line between fiction and reality and <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">when </span>I reached Le Rozier I was greeted <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">by </span>an uplifting roadsign: "Les Vignes 10km". I turned into the Gorges du Tarn and it became clear how hazy my recollection of the final part of the route had been, the walls of the beautiful gorge provided shelter for an easy spin back to the car.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Recreating this route was one of my most enjoyable cycling experiences and I've struggled to get the same satisfaction from similar rides. The blurred boundary between <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">the <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">no<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">ve<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">l </span></span></span></span>and real li<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">fe </span>allowed me to become part of the story. The heroes of this race never existed so there are no fallen idols to cast any shadows.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">On a more pr<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">acti<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">cal level<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> thes<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">e <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">were </span>wonderful roads <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">to ride<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> offering <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">lots of climbing in near solit<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">ude. Outside of Meyreius </span>I only saw a handful of <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">people all day, <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">at one point riding for over an hour withou<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">t<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> being p<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">assed by a car.<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">After <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">r<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">iding </span></span>this route I discovered that others had made the pilgrimage before me. CyclingTips wrote an <a href="http://cyclingtips.com.au/2014/08/revisiting-the-rider/">excellent article</a> on their adventure, it looks like they stopped in the same cafe in Treves as I did. The fantastic InRng blog featured Mont Agioual as part of the <a href="http://inrng.com/2013/02/roads-to-ride-mont-aigoual/">Roads to Ride</a> series.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhWpTjXyZlGPeHWuWzcZ506ss2nxAL3fcwVRKA5CykCEbpoNKkj67NVQxebBfRVzb4Ur_e0Xk6XrBLjrvLv89mAzbhyc9_HOfi7Nfzlk4qfjH43s4c9wM4VGBpYVN1DFdaStaWWE_k-gQ/s1600/IMG_20150708_153004523_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Gorges de la Jonte cycling" border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhWpTjXyZlGPeHWuWzcZ506ss2nxAL3fcwVRKA5CykCEbpoNKkj67NVQxebBfRVzb4Ur_e0Xk6XrBLjrvLv89mAzbhyc9_HOfi7Nfzlk4qfjH43s4c9wM4VGBpYVN1DFdaStaWWE_k-gQ/s640/IMG_20150708_153004523_HDR.jpg" title="" width="640" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Riding through the Gorges de la Jonte</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>"One more kilometre to climb. It's so incredibly pitiful that I ever wanted to do this, but now I'm stuck with it."</i></span>SimonFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07110734196364458194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6765950712426973866.post-47635765208760894612017-02-19T22:17:00.000+00:002017-02-19T22:17:04.856+00:00A Month Of CrossAs it's prone to do life got in the way and as 2017 ticked over a year had elapsed since my last cross race and even longer since my last good crack at a season. In no particular order selling our house, buying a 'project', training for the London Marathon, illness and a lack of mojo had conspired to keep me off the bike and away from racing.<br />
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When it dawned on me that this was the longest period of my adult life without riding a bike I decided it was time for some shock therapy; the Super Quaich. I figured that if I missed the first round I would have a month to get myself into some sort of shape before the 'big comeback'. That didn't quite go to plan and I ended up spending practically every spare hour fixing up the new place. A couple of cross rides with friends left me in no doubt about what to expect, even my normally easy ride to work had become hard work.<br />
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Having seen photos of the mudfest at Doonbank in 2016 I decided to keep things simple and race on my singlespeed. Handily this meant that I could ignore the fact that I didn't have a working geared bike for another week or two. The evening before the race was spent searching frantically for my race kit which seemed to be spread across every unpacked box in the house.<br />
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Arriving at the race I had no idea how I was going to go, I knew it wasn't going to be pretty but just how ugly would it be? It was great to be back at a cross race and catch up with friends that I hadn't seen for a while.<br />
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One advantage of not expecting anything was that I felt really calm on the start line. I was planning to take the first lap easy but when the gun went I got the perfect start and a huge gap opened in front of me, that never happens! Left with no choice but to take advantage I managed to get to the bottom of the first climb in a good position. Half way up it was obvious that I needed to back off and ride a steadier race.<br />
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The course was a cracker and really suited the single speed. Lots of off camber after the lung bursting run ups gave me a chance to recover without losing too much time and I managed to hold it together for a decent result; 42nd. Better than I was expecting and best of all I had avoided relegation. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Christopher Hogge</td></tr>
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A few turbo sessions and I'd be able to kick on at Foxlake, a course that I know really well and have gone well at in the past. Well, that was the theory...<br />
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...eh, no. That's not quite how it went. Surprisingly the turbo sessions went to plan, once I'd found dusty turbo lurking unloved under yet more boxes in the garage. I even managed to find some tyres for my bike, a Limus for the front (perfect) and a Chicane for the back (I'm sure it will be fine). <br />
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The race didn't go so well. I started near the back, had a shocking start and an even worse first lap and went backwards from there. I felt like I was running on empty for the whole race and a disappointing 68th was the result. Luckily I had done just enough to avoid relegation but given the stacked field for Dig In I wasn't sure if that was a blessing or a curse.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by <a href="https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipOpJ9fpW6CkMiGEBtQci9w6uiUCG4N2mDmioQOj__ZoPEzDR61qhFJyN8sre6zXSw?key=d25JZ3BaNVQwTWlZV3ZNd2FSYXJmOENqRlBQVGl3">Iona Fisher</a></td></tr>
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A stinking cold followed and that was the end of the training plan. Suddenly the weekend of Dig In arrived and I was feeling nervous. A great day of coaching with Helen and Stef Wyman on the Saturday left me feeling more confident in my skills and with plenty to work on. At least now I only had to worry about the pedalling in between the skills.<br />
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Another shocking start and I was at the back of the race. Man, please don't let me get dropped by the whole race in the first lap. I knew this was a possibility but now it seemed to be coming true. Fortunately Bo'ness is a lot more forgiving of a lack of top end fitness than the punchy climbs of Foxlake and I managed to get my head down and grind myself away from the tail of the race. 71st. Not exactly setting the world on fire but I'll take that.<br />
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So goals for next season:<br />
1. Try and re-discover some mojo and the fitness that follows.<br />
2. Fit an outside tap.</div>
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SimonFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07110734196364458194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6765950712426973866.post-27021273997908866742017-01-01T20:09:00.001+00:002017-01-01T20:11:19.705+00:00Keeping VCM Weird - Always ExploringThis was never supposed to be some sort of New Year resolution post, or a pat on the back for rides in 2016, but the reality is that I only ever manage to sit down and type these things in the Christmas holidays.<br />
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I'll not claim to be the most adventurous rider (exploits of VCMers around Europe and further afield are far more glamorous) so this is more a call to arms to the local adventurers. A show of solidarity to those who, like me, currently lack the time, the money or the "family passes" to get further afield for their riding.<br />
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I've been lucky in having a new backyard since May, so having spent years getting to know the Pentlands like the back of my hand, I now have a vast new playground in Highland Perthshire. Every ride offers the opportunity for a new bit of trail, a new way to link things up, or a bit of "I wonder where that goes...". Evenings are spent hunched over OS maps (or their digital equivalent). Weekends are spent riding my trusty Kinesis hardtail or CX bike (now a combined 10 years old) from the back door with a new horizon over every hill.<br />
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Sure, you might get some weird looks in the office on a Monday morning (or from the hill runner who laughed in my face as I slid my CX bike down a section of muddy hillside that it was completely inappropriate for), but I've (almost) never come back from a ride in a worse mood than I left in, and there is beauty to be found in those hills.<br />
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Today, despite the 0 degree temperatures and the northerly headwind, I shouldered my bike over a heathery hike-a-bike section to be greeted with one of those "this is why we ride" moments: a genuinely stunning view of the Lawers hills covered in snow set against a blue sky. 5 minutes later I was metres from the herd of deer that had generously formed the "path" I was riding. An hour later, rays of sun between sleety squalls were illuminating stripes of snow covered glen, made all the more striking by the contrast with the surrounding greyness. Even in the gloom of midwinter, there is natural beauty to be found. There is nothing that a few extra layers of Endura kit and a positive attitude can't overcome.<br />
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As the ever wise(?!) Chris Duncan often says after his usual Pitlochry based forest loops, outside is free folks. Get out there and ride.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCB6K1VC3ohFL0dwbZuiOsuIowRRYFaPEpNQ07pupRTf3Vhoy7__Yi0du1Ap5QzS_72ic1xQs8Ltc5xu1OSIeTmYSTr4mWL-duC_2J9NNelT9IHWL8X2xIpSxYzf8SJ1FCtalrwEyNojA/s1600/IMG_3858.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCB6K1VC3ohFL0dwbZuiOsuIowRRYFaPEpNQ07pupRTf3Vhoy7__Yi0du1Ap5QzS_72ic1xQs8Ltc5xu1OSIeTmYSTr4mWL-duC_2J9NNelT9IHWL8X2xIpSxYzf8SJ1FCtalrwEyNojA/s320/IMG_3858.jpg" width="45%" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6765950712426973866.post-45567358910414457752016-09-11T19:13:00.000+01:002016-09-11T19:13:37.126+01:00Cross is HereAfter the Social event on Mull in July, the Scottish season kicked off yesterday with a warm up at Balloch. It was a TLI event which meant you could choose your race, a "B" race lasting 40 mins or the "A" race for the full hour.<br />
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Most of the VCM squad plumped for the A race with Erika and Colin on the front row, Marty and I hung a bit further back. The excuses had been flying beforehand, colds and various infections had interrupted training plans.<br />
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The course was a fast flowing pretty flat affair with one dismount section and little mud. On the start line I noticed that my front brake cable hadn't been attached properly, oops. A quick bodge and we were off when Jammy shouted bang........</div>
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Marty, Erika and I found ourselves in the same position at the first corner so worked together along to the first twisty grassy section and then down to the muddy slight downhill section.There were a few mechanicals and fallers in the melee of the first couple of laps before things settled down properly.</div>
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At the pointy end of the race the young guns were setting a ferocious pace which bodes well for the future of the Scottish scene.</div>
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Erika won her race, a great result since she has been ill, Colin was well up there and Marty and I weren't.</div>
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A good fast course, with good weather and will set us up in good stead for the first series race at Falkirk. All in all a grand day out and good to see the familiar faces not seen since Mull last December.</div>
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The new Endura kit really stood out and was as usual faultless. The Challenge tyres (tires) did a great job, I only wish I had used the chicanes as there was very little mud even at the end of the hour.</div>
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Big thanks to Michael Martin for the photos.</div>
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crosser nuthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03364999398649487476noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6765950712426973866.post-89772003264733343052016-08-08T16:06:00.000+01:002016-08-11T12:03:42.960+01:00Old man strength ~ Wilderness 101, 2016Before this years <a href="http://www.mountaintouring.com/htm/wilderness_101/w101_body.htm" target="_blank">Wilderness 101</a> - a ~101 mile back country mountain bike race which highlights some of central Pennsylvania's best singletrack - I stocked up on spare tubes and energy goop in <a href="http://www.freezethaw.com/" target="_blank">Freeze Thaw cycles</a>. With old friend Harry, Justin and the guys who work there we shared a laugh about my lack of preparedness and the fact that, at the end of the day, 'old man strength' would get me through.<br />
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I think 'old man strength' is another way of saying pertinaciousness. In other words, the lack of fitness, small number of miles in the legs and poor acclimatisation to the heat and humidity could be overcome by resolve and experience.<br />
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I was to put this theory to a harsh test.<br />
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It had been many years since my <a href="http://drj0nswanderings.blogspot.co.uk/2006/08/wilderness-101.html" target="_blank">first flirtation</a> with the rocky and demanding trails in Bald Eagle and Rothrock State Forests which form the core of the W101. Years that have not treaded lightly. At the time, I never rode anything other than a singlespeed. I rode tall gears on improbable grades and trails as often as I could. Fitness was not the result of training, just a by product of riding far and often.<br />
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Nevertheless, at the time I had never ridden 100 miles off road in one go. I was also nervous of how my rigid bike (with new fangled 29er wheels consisting of crap tyres and Open Pro Mavic road rims and tyre-roll preventing über high pressure) would treat me.<br />
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It was tough, but I finished in a respectable time.<br />
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In 2016, I had decided to ride a <a href="https://drj0nswanderings.wordpress.com/2016/07/10/entropy/" target="_blank">geared, but still rigid bike</a> (albeit with a 29+ front wheel) and although my preparation was relatively poor, I retained confidence in my ability to finish having done several 100 mile races in the USA and UK in the intervening years. This was the experience bit.<br />
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The weather in Pennsylvania was hot and humid (95°f and 90% plus humidity). I had ridden early in the a.m with my friends Frank and Sean, but we were generally done by 10.30 a.m, missing the heat of the day. Come race day, I knew that I needed to get as many miles under my belt as possible early on, otherwise I would suffer. I had all I needed to stay hydrated - 2 bottles and a 1 litre bladder (minimising weight on my back) and my bike was sorted. I had minimal stuff stashed in the 2 drop bags allowed for aid station 2 (which then went to aid 4) and aid 3.<br />
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A 5 a.m wake up was less harsh than it could have been due to jet lag and we headed to Coburn park with little time to spare before the start at 7 a.m. Daisy, Trina and good friend Buck waved me off and I tried to just remain calm and in the moment as we pedaled through Coburn and then onto the first forest road of the day.<br />
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[The following is my memory of trail name and events and I admit it may have some inaccuracies. The course had changed since I first completed the race and due to it being one big loop, you ride a *lot* of different trails. If there are any glaring errors and you happen to spot them - please let me know!]<br />
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The first ~20 miles are on rolling forest road. No difficulties or hard gradients. The weather was warm but as it was so early the humidity hadn't built yet and despite having to stop twice for a loosening bottle cage, I kept the pace up but well within my abilities. Aid 1 was a simple bottle fill and after this I made sure I started to eat some food.<br />
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Longberger, Spruce Gap and the Three Bridges Trail brought back memories and I enjoyed the technical riding. A photographer - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/derek.bissett.1?fref=nf" target="_blank">Derek Bissett</a> - snapped a picture of me still looking pretty lively as I cleared Three Bridges.<br />
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Then it was time to climb Laurel Run road and turn onto the Little Shingletown double track descent. Fast as.<br />
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The last couple of miles into Aid 2 were on firm road - I cannot remember if it was forest road or even sealed road: I was just glad to have completed the first ~40 miles in 3 hours.<br />
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I knew from reading others' reports that there was a monster of a climb out of Aid 2. Seeger road delivered on this threat, no doubt! Up and up it went. the heat and humidity were stifling and the harsh gradient sapped energy from my legs. Keep calm, spin, eat and take in fluids.<br />
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At the top of the climb, we turned onto Croyle Run Trail - the first of the really rocky descents. It was clear that I was handling my bike like a sack of potatoes. I struggled to focus on one thing - my eyes were darting to and fro and I was breathing fast and shallow. Noticing my arms were completely dry - no sweat whatsoever - I stopped riding and pulled to the side of the trail in some slight shade and sat for a minute on a rock.<br />
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Sometimes my day job can be pretty useful for bike riding and my diagnosis? early heat stroke. I knew I was well hydrated, with electrolyte and I knew I had been riding (just!) within myself. In that sort of humidity, being bone dry while exercising is a clear sign my body's thermometer wasn't registering correctly. Much more of that and things would go south, quickly.<br />
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I was just over 50 miles in and the bulk of the hard riding was still to come.<br />
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I mulled over the options and in truth there were precious few: call it and give in or find a way to keep moving round the course. The latter was clearly more attractive and a streak of obstinacy (old man strength, remember) acted as an emotional and mental anchor.<br />
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Beidlehmeimer, then Bear Meadows roads, before more climbing on Stone Creek and Seeger road led into Aid 3 and a welcome refreshment of fluids. I was still able to take in calories at this point, but most climbs and some of the narrow gauge trails that required a lot of effort meant I had to stop for up to 5 minutes at a time and allow my breathing to slow and the heat to dissipate a bit. It was disappointing as basically this was not a race for me any more - it was akin to survival.<br />
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Climbing Pigpile and then Sasspig and Sassafras trail were next and we were soon in Coopers Gap. I climbed Beautiful trail (it was) and then No Name trail before Lingle Road and Aid 4.<br />
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By this stage I could not tolerate electrolyte or food - a worrying sign. My energy levels were dreadful - any effort was draining me. I could feel hot, hot air in my mouth with every breath: I just wanted to cool down.<br />
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After Aid 4 I walked up Sand Mountain road as the gradient required too much physical output even in a 32x42 gear and it was only when we continued onto Lingle Valley and Siglerville Pike that I could start pedaling again.<br />
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My original aim had been finishing in 9 hours and some. At this rate I would be lucky to come in under 12 hours.<br />
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All around me there were racers suffering in the heat. One racer noted the temp on his gps as 100°f (40°c) and I can well believe that.<br />
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With a race this long, there are always going to be multiple stings in the tail and although the next trail, Panther Run, wasn't the last it was the most painful. A slight downwards gradient but an absolute mess of sharp mobile and immobile rock. I can't quite describe the intensity of this trail. It got to the stage that I could not control my bike in any meaningful way - fast or slow. I simply let off the brakes and pedaled up to speed and sucked up the impacts, relying on my bike to not break under the onslaught. This went on and on. I stopped and rubbed feeling back into my hands then went again. And again.<br />
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I was bellowing without meaning as we finally dropped on to Poe Valley road.<br />
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Aid 5 signified 12-13 miles still to go. The old Mingle road climb with it's multiple false summits took an emotional toll and the Fisherman's trail by the river was barely walkable let alone rideable in my state.<br />
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The railroad grade back to Coburn saw me sitting, somewhat petulantly, with my back to my bike, muttering to myself 'I can't do this anymore. I can't do this anymore'. Of course, I knew that I could, I just needed one last chance to slow down, calm my mind and breathing and cool myself as much as possible in the shade. I got going after a brief fit of dry retching.<br />
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Why I didn't jump in the river is anyone's guess and probably another sign of my poor physiological functioning.<br />
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On returning to Coburn I heard Daisy and Trina and friends Frank, Gareth and Teri urging me into the finish. A welcome home from the race organiser Chris Scott finally penetrated my consciousness that the day was done. 11 hours and 37 minutes. A terrible time compared to what I had hoped, but the number of DNF's and the shell shocked bodies all around told the tale of the day - the heat had made everybodies efforts a real test of metal. Expectations had gone out the window and survival was the goal for all but the hardest of racers.<br />
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For me, old man strength got me through. Just.<br />
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(With thanks to Derek Bissett and Trina for their photos. )dRjONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18365819296812190132noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6765950712426973866.post-25472596965658010922016-08-05T20:15:00.001+01:002018-05-31T12:55:37.035+01:00Out of gas on the GalibierTwo days into our summer holiday in Bourg d'Oisans and I've got a hire bike sorted and a full day to enjoy it. There's surely only one route for today; Col du Glandon, Col du Télégraphe, Col du Galiber. Most of the route of the Marmotte although I'll save the final ascent of L'Alpe d'Huez for another day. 160 kilometres and over 4000 metres of climbing.<br />
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By 6:30 I'm heading out into a chilly but fine morning. My plan is to try and climb the Glandon before the heat starts to build. The first few miles up the valley to Allemond are cold and my rain jacket and fingerless gloves aren't quite enough. Once I get onto the climb my shivering soon subsides and I can enjoy having one of cycling's most famous cols more or less to myself. At this time in the morning there aren't many people around and the few vehicles that pass give me plenty of space.<br />
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I'm slightly unsure about how my legs will cope with a big ride. I've only managed three substantial rides this year and two of those were off road. With a lot less miles than normal in my legs I take it steady on the first climb. The majority of the climbing comes in the second half of the ride so it's easy to forget that the Col du Glandon is a 24km climb which tops out at almost 2000m. It's such a long climb that I welcome the unexpected descent half way up, a good way to tick off a couple of easy kilometres. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz9sYt8bjzreMLInbHcRWtmBfX8-fnAUeQLNejJM2w4s0q5ZWkkf8uJhY89Bs5kdzZncc8FoIU487bbREKsPmBHuOHmfl5cpfgHQSHhK71aYjaejk7PGNn5oimPT3jhYPEJQ9H4PnnJKI/s1600/IMG_0885.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Allemond from Col du Glandon" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz9sYt8bjzreMLInbHcRWtmBfX8-fnAUeQLNejJM2w4s0q5ZWkkf8uJhY89Bs5kdzZncc8FoIU487bbREKsPmBHuOHmfl5cpfgHQSHhK71aYjaejk7PGNn5oimPT3jhYPEJQ9H4PnnJKI/s640/IMG_0885.JPG" title="" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking back down the valley towards Allemond from the Lac du Grand Maision</td></tr>
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As I break into the sun towards the top the scenery changes. I've left the confines of the valley to emerge into a alpine meadow straight out of a film. I'm lucky enough to see a golden eagle circling high above and a marmotte in the meadow alongside me. What a wonderful place to ride.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsjN2ttvHkfxxi0z2MnO0sGGbOoeONoOBvvCXwHUOEZHb-WegbStbPqaaMOEmQVZ0n2bUfjsZKZKHE2X3BChDI7_6L8U2_H31A1_1_n0BE_1evHFB4QqNtuDslINYz655NcNJnimH_zVY/s1600/IMG_0888.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Col du Glandon" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsjN2ttvHkfxxi0z2MnO0sGGbOoeONoOBvvCXwHUOEZHb-WegbStbPqaaMOEmQVZ0n2bUfjsZKZKHE2X3BChDI7_6L8U2_H31A1_1_n0BE_1evHFB4QqNtuDslINYz655NcNJnimH_zVY/s640/IMG_0888.JPG" title="" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking downhill at the start of the alpine meadow on the Col du Glandon</td></tr>
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After a quick stop at the top to put my jacket back on I set off down the descent to Saint Etienne de Cuines. It starts off very technical with tight hairpins and lots of gravel on the road. Aware of my relative isolation I take it easy at first but the further I descend the faster and more flowing the road becomes. This side of the Glandon is frequently climbed in the Tour and was the scene of Armstrong's famous bluff which was followed by 'that look' on the slopes of L'Alpe d'Huez.<br />
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The Maurienne valley is initially scenic but I'm soon in amongst the industry it is known for. The surrounding hydro-electic schemes provide the power required for the multitude of aluminium smelters and chemical plants. I'm struggling to follow the route, the GPX file I downloaded seems to just be a straight line down the valley and constantly tries to take me onto the autoroute. After an unplanned detour through the center of Saint Jean de Maurienne I decide it's time for the first cafe stop of the day. <br />
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The roadside bar I stop in has wifi so I'm able to sort out my route to Saint Michel de Maurienne. I enjoy a coffee and read the paper to catch up on the previous day's Tour stage. While I'm inside someone flicks a switch on the weather, I step outside into a wall of heat. It's almost 10 degrees warmer than it was half an hour ago.<br />
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The next section is straightforward. A friendly local falls in with me and we talk for a while but he's a bit too strong for me today and I let him ride on. From Saint Michel de Maurienne almost 2000m of climbing awaits in the space of 35 kilometers, quite a thought. I spin up easily, taking advantage of the low gearing fitted to my hire bike. There is barely a cloud in the sky and the sun beats down ferociously, almost directly overhead. There isn't much shade but I greedily ride through every patch I can find feeling grateful for the respite it offers. <br />
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Close to the top the view opens up and I stop to take a photo, the first time I've stopped climbing in over an hour. I felt fine when I was riding but I get a shock when I stop, my legs are fine but I feel light headed and a bit dizzy. Luckily I'm soon at the top of the Télégraphe where I had planned to stop for lunch.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRW2X4SqLm8Cwe_w7vZgp5zwpAFcD00HPEPti9LHQBSkCHhb5IABoPzDpaoawfvWKb9VknjhPdzVccb2mZ-ltU83M-m2gqz7GflmctV05BllPxGdwJ6vhIb04Ivh1Ab6GH8MzgS35gv5s/s1600/IMG_0894.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Col du Telegraphe" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRW2X4SqLm8Cwe_w7vZgp5zwpAFcD00HPEPti9LHQBSkCHhb5IABoPzDpaoawfvWKb9VknjhPdzVccb2mZ-ltU83M-m2gqz7GflmctV05BllPxGdwJ6vhIb04Ivh1Ab6GH8MzgS35gv5s/s640/IMG_0894.JPG" title="" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not too shaky!</td></tr>
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I pick a table in the shade and enjoy a massive baguette followed by apple tart and a coffee. I'm probably at the furthest point from home and I still have well over 1000m of climbing to get over the Col du Galibier. I need a plan to make sure I keep this ride enjoyable. Right now it consists of eating lots and trying to cool down. I accept that I'll need to ignore my ego and ride as easily as I can over the Galibier and take regular stops to cool down. The temperature is well into the 30s and I'm struggling with it more than usual today.<br />
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Refuelled and rejuvenated it's time for the fun descent to Valloire. After only a few minutes I've reached the ramp at the start of the Galibier. For the next 18 kilometers the road climbs with absolutely no shade. The scenery is spectacular and the traffic is very light. I'm riding well within myself but the heat is overwhelming. I stop at an abandoned building and drink in the spectacular view hidden for a few minutes from the sun. A group of cyclists see me and do the same. From here to the top I'm continually yo-yo'ing riders as we stop in what little shade we can find.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlvbwNMo_j_RRhdFJkOkXVM5I8O5rnIuRlOcH0VfBMRf1NVCqZguOlV9nQqj0RVh-GLtgmwVzi_K3o6m8rwVpXj2AVOd4G55ZjdwD-A8BGCZpNeJccxSemN4KDydiDCIOHi1lO-RsLJmo/s1600/IMG_0905.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Col du Galibier climb" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlvbwNMo_j_RRhdFJkOkXVM5I8O5rnIuRlOcH0VfBMRf1NVCqZguOlV9nQqj0RVh-GLtgmwVzi_K3o6m8rwVpXj2AVOd4G55ZjdwD-A8BGCZpNeJccxSemN4KDydiDCIOHi1lO-RsLJmo/s640/IMG_0905.JPG" title="" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spectacular views on the Col du Galibier</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZKzIFnZsWXZeqUP7Z3kRrw57XD93LtbKLo35ZpJ8BAli276YXbiVEsQFJAUYYKjuT0LNAVZnxOJ2_7qPGqIL0QL7KzkKEhG6DEJ6UEFsLRb5ftJL4obRllpawxG4glyn_1c69JkuxGn4/s1600/IMG_0907.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Col du Galibier climb" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZKzIFnZsWXZeqUP7Z3kRrw57XD93LtbKLo35ZpJ8BAli276YXbiVEsQFJAUYYKjuT0LNAVZnxOJ2_7qPGqIL0QL7KzkKEhG6DEJ6UEFsLRb5ftJL4obRllpawxG4glyn_1c69JkuxGn4/s640/IMG_0907.JPG" title="" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The only shade for miles but what a view, spot the parked cars for a sense of scale.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi2Q8Og4F5cIvWAd9KzMMHI1GTL5j8WKVGghGZ8u35IfR11EVVspwRlUj7QS5Ll-QnWKS3Husimet2Yli_tBjaQJ6y6xxtdsJXb8xkG12OIxulqPicDWQFpv_e5ORqHbwf_1PE71YPwDg/s1600/IMG_0914.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Plan Lachet" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi2Q8Og4F5cIvWAd9KzMMHI1GTL5j8WKVGghGZ8u35IfR11EVVspwRlUj7QS5Ll-QnWKS3Husimet2Yli_tBjaQJ6y6xxtdsJXb8xkG12OIxulqPicDWQFpv_e5ORqHbwf_1PE71YPwDg/s640/IMG_0914.JPG" title="" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A coke with a view</td></tr>
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I'm happy to reach the cafe at Plan Lachet and stop for a well deserved coke, my third cafe stop of the ride. The final 8 kilometers from Plan Lachet to the top are considerably steeper but suit me better. I'm gaining height more quickly and the steep ramps and constant changes of direction are easier mentally than the unrelenting straight ramp on the first part of the climb. The scenery just gets better and better as I climb into the high mountains. I have to stop a couple of times to cool down, once in a culvert where a stream runs under the road and then in the tiny slither of shade offered by a parked car. A final steep section and I reach the top at 2642m. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCKYRVscywxwV-xQSIqByimn3iWFx4CvWxxbIdW-Yc_tUuB2L2KQWFCaOj1I5Oe-hLyvKCsAjV3DMPJBDYZPenMk-dyfyIv_df8Z2Vysygc9Sv6Q28lEh6RtlsXWSCAmCKsP90KX6EpUg/s1600/IMG_0919.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Above Plan Lachet" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCKYRVscywxwV-xQSIqByimn3iWFx4CvWxxbIdW-Yc_tUuB2L2KQWFCaOj1I5Oe-hLyvKCsAjV3DMPJBDYZPenMk-dyfyIv_df8Z2Vysygc9Sv6Q28lEh6RtlsXWSCAmCKsP90KX6EpUg/s640/IMG_0919.JPG" title="" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hiding in a culvert above Plan Lachet</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_PeWPYlYLSeDaCDB-JlTvrvsr7MAHimm68SHXM4YC8GOkWocQtbHtTHbBN5uDpAprN3sC4hIF8r7Yq2p4_z5p_VIpTlgmvgX_6A9cMAu3htvDTr3hpPIdhPJ7WZSXL8gTyw5xwTwCEos/s1600/PJD45007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Col du Galibier summit" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_PeWPYlYLSeDaCDB-JlTvrvsr7MAHimm68SHXM4YC8GOkWocQtbHtTHbBN5uDpAprN3sC4hIF8r7Yq2p4_z5p_VIpTlgmvgX_6A9cMAu3htvDTr3hpPIdhPJ7WZSXL8gTyw5xwTwCEos/s640/PJD45007.JPG" title="" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Almost there</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPIpxPZTZhfpmlgGQLDMT7rMyLbTWX1ZaU02FXyMyuvxqn5B2T1ft15ck4KUmL5Miuy_Mhx4JLw8eDmeE3yhl8QIbPDjdNZPufWv3swg0IRQ8EbOirq0FMlfzkFNVrPf526qG-Xofe8ds/s1600/IMG_0924.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Col du Galibier VCM" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPIpxPZTZhfpmlgGQLDMT7rMyLbTWX1ZaU02FXyMyuvxqn5B2T1ft15ck4KUmL5Miuy_Mhx4JLw8eDmeE3yhl8QIbPDjdNZPufWv3swg0IRQ8EbOirq0FMlfzkFNVrPf526qG-Xofe8ds/s640/IMG_0924.JPG" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
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I can't really say I climbed the Galibier, I simply made it to the top. I try my best to appreciate the view before tackling the descent. It's incredible. 8 kilometres of sweeping bends take me to the Col du Latauret, passing motorbikes and cars along the way. A cafe stop for a quick espresso and I'm back on the road. 50 kilometers separate me from Bourg d'Oisans but I've got almost 1300m of elevation to lose, hopefully the engineers who built the road used it well.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFD0B1Vj0mV_Dn-pOpGkb2PNXUjD2apZobODXNnFEZ_psfZ-dmN9UYOWn01c7vDM2uQPyfxGVjgo8yuP67ET1Hmwulp4TIFgM0gU4irfe1ixoLnoiPhXnbrJgGHERYvxXfRTEoXMB2KxU/s1600/IMG_0931.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Col du Galibier descent" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFD0B1Vj0mV_Dn-pOpGkb2PNXUjD2apZobODXNnFEZ_psfZ-dmN9UYOWn01c7vDM2uQPyfxGVjgo8yuP67ET1Hmwulp4TIFgM0gU4irfe1ixoLnoiPhXnbrJgGHERYvxXfRTEoXMB2KxU/s640/IMG_0931.JPG" title="" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The descent from the Col du Galbier is pretty special</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbR7eWxcvZl3erHReJbXqd-RUYLKdErZ8coVSVOgeyT2QYliimG425ysaKGmN9tlAhdkccWr8eiPqo6KklN5FO1QxNd10s8grcki2P00fxJVJyF91ujFoxmmugwWaqy1Z61KPPz2nHDgo/s1600/BAM38864.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Col du Galibier descent" border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbR7eWxcvZl3erHReJbXqd-RUYLKdErZ8coVSVOgeyT2QYliimG425ysaKGmN9tlAhdkccWr8eiPqo6KklN5FO1QxNd10s8grcki2P00fxJVJyF91ujFoxmmugwWaqy1Z61KPPz2nHDgo/s640/BAM38864.JPG" title="" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Who knew the B in BMC stood for banana.</td></tr>
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The first 20km are unbelievable, the descent is super-fast and so much fun that I've already forgotten the suffering on the last climb. The main road past the Lac du Chambon has been closed for over a year because of a massive landslide and I'm re-directed onto a bizarre temporary road that has been bulldozed along the other side of the lake. The next part of the descent is brilliant but it's obvious that I'm losing height too fast. A short climb followed a draining headwind section provide an appropriate sting in the tail.<br />
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I arrive in Bourg d'Oisan and find my waiting family just about to go for an ice cream, perfect timing. I haven't returned my bike yet so I'm claiming it, a 5 cafe stop ride!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijmklcZIayhAYte30UFD0sjhjrwMxJKWaW3l14a_2IYrcKZNtH6K5hNEWyflCvGuNmsxI5-DZbrFgMWVhJ6xVCzo1zv2dHbEtA8dWwi4sSc84HeCzDKnEurgkyXzRV6zC6m35IyVbKm4k/s1600/IMG_0889.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Col du Glandon signs" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijmklcZIayhAYte30UFD0sjhjrwMxJKWaW3l14a_2IYrcKZNtH6K5hNEWyflCvGuNmsxI5-DZbrFgMWVhJ6xVCzo1zv2dHbEtA8dWwi4sSc84HeCzDKnEurgkyXzRV6zC6m35IyVbKm4k/s640/IMG_0889.JPG" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEdgYfh8-32r1elJXrR4hve8OUWCieExVaVlJ_mHWp1zuBG4AhNJAxtlPB3RKYxjUwm4e6rM-sKiwU4RpWhTCgG6PUCk0MkFudf52S4iRMO2FC0JSgtM_Rw_wnBzL_R6SSotlCpd0g9i0/s1600/IMG_0896.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Col du Telegraphe summit" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEdgYfh8-32r1elJXrR4hve8OUWCieExVaVlJ_mHWp1zuBG4AhNJAxtlPB3RKYxjUwm4e6rM-sKiwU4RpWhTCgG6PUCk0MkFudf52S4iRMO2FC0JSgtM_Rw_wnBzL_R6SSotlCpd0g9i0/s640/IMG_0896.JPG" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBASrBojnJanPRqt8My23L61B0Rgpg8NIc3T_HjvjFZ8iPcKfuFyjMe0WdVzAiwIIhrdDeSct9nXQxM9flo-GqTLm49ZKUFn9-fJOcaUWo2meo687xI0Ce9ZCZbGYuMVbdNZuhTyr1Wkw/s1600/IMG_0926.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Col du Glandon summit" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBASrBojnJanPRqt8My23L61B0Rgpg8NIc3T_HjvjFZ8iPcKfuFyjMe0WdVzAiwIIhrdDeSct9nXQxM9flo-GqTLm49ZKUFn9-fJOcaUWo2meo687xI0Ce9ZCZbGYuMVbdNZuhTyr1Wkw/s640/IMG_0926.JPG" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />SimonFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07110734196364458194noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6765950712426973866.post-31330655359621440832016-07-29T22:47:00.000+01:002017-05-31T14:57:05.375+01:00Roads to Ride: Col du Sabot<div style="line-height: normal;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDh8IaOUxTQXj_4DxG95QkCCaxRCBnEGva76TLgJQHwbX_Rj1PwQyVLTh9D-xUnt-UpjoJ6nIBwBk9G1XqoWQfe5eHpC1ccC-I_DUJOrYEj4mu70HQROpS2XxNAPOIFvKDlDFy1BWztME/s1600/IMG_1115.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Hairpins on the Col du Sabot" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDh8IaOUxTQXj_4DxG95QkCCaxRCBnEGva76TLgJQHwbX_Rj1PwQyVLTh9D-xUnt-UpjoJ6nIBwBk9G1XqoWQfe5eHpC1ccC-I_DUJOrYEj4mu70HQROpS2XxNAPOIFvKDlDFy1BWztME/s640/IMG_1115.JPG" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The title of this article has been shamelessly pinched from the <a href="http://inrng.com/roads/">Roads to Ride</a> section of the <a href="http://inrng.com/">Inner Ring</a> blog.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I recently had the opportunity to climb Alpe d’Huez and it left me feeling underwhelmed. Don’t get me wrong, if this climb was in the Lammermuirs you wouldn’t be able to tear me away from it. In the heart of the Alps though the bar is a lot higher.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">It may have a lot of racing history but even it’s history is flawed to my eye. It represents the ugly side of the Tour. The wrong sort of spectacle where the focus is the spectators rather than the racing. When the Tour visits it feels like the racing is suffocated by the over-exuberance of those standing in the road. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Climbing the Alpe reveals a major flaw that means it can never be a great. There is no clear finish. Great climbs have a denouement. That moment when there is no question that you’ve reached the summit. The view is suddenly dramatically different, the road starts to plunge downward, there is nowhere left to go. That moment never arrives on Alpe d’Huez. You reach the start of the village. The tourist finish is marked but you know that the Tour stages finish higher up, but where? Somewhere near the ski lifts isn’t it? But once you get there you can’t see a sign and there is a tarmac road which continues on to Lac Besson.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Luckily only a few kilometres away there is a climb that meets this criteria in the most blunt way. The Col du Sabot used to be the main route from the Romanche valley to neighbouring Savoie. When motor vehicles started to take over it was too steep for the new technology and a new route took precedence, the road to the Col du Glandon and the Col de la Croix de Fer. The Col du Sabot has been left as a dead end which stops abruptly at 2100m.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">It’s higher, harder, steeper and a lot wilder than the Alpe. The first half climbs a well surfaced road through several villages to Vaujany. It’s a steady gradient which is never too hard with regular hairpins to break up the climbing. A kilometre after Vaujany the nature of the climb changes as the road narrows dramatically and the gradient becomes steeper. The previously fast rolling surface becomes broken and lumpy and like most minor roads in Scotland momentum is hard won.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">As you climb higher it feels more remote, this road doesn’t go anywhere. On the day I climbed it I was passed by one car above Vaujany and I only saw a handful of other cyclists who were climbing as I descended. The road simply stops at the top. This is the col.</span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd-uDq-D9LvkF1v3dCHqRm3kh95xwkBbl6nn4g5Sox7kvcAuNbjdDgr08Ceb77TuyzG4_RWxX9TsHYK73Lb974m71T7y_RWPiEITuQ6I24gw9IHQVc51xo1Yw2TQZ1yHdArR0dE6psZQ8/s1600/IMG_1104.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Col du Sabot summit" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd-uDq-D9LvkF1v3dCHqRm3kh95xwkBbl6nn4g5Sox7kvcAuNbjdDgr08Ceb77TuyzG4_RWxX9TsHYK73Lb974m71T7y_RWPiEITuQ6I24gw9IHQVc51xo1Yw2TQZ1yHdArR0dE6psZQ8/s640/IMG_1104.JPG" title="" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The end of the road.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I enjoyed every part of climbing the Col du Sabot. It’s harder, quieter and better than it’s brash young sibling. The Alpe symbolises carbon wheels, aero bikes and overpriced jerseys with a stripe on the sleeve. This climb reminds you of a simpler way; just you and the road and that’s what makes it great.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">So much for the climbing, what about the descent? It’s rubbish! Everything that makes the ascent special; the narrow bumpy road, the gravel, the mud on the corners, the cows standing in the road conspires against you on the way down. I’ve never taken so many photos on a descent, mostly because I was going so slowly that I had plenty of time to take in the amazing view. Once you get below Vaujany and the road improves it becomes a lot more fun. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">If you want a great descent there’s always Alpe d’Huez just down the road.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyN19PoANJdIb5D4mc4v-KagntsfFkKuw_cFkbc89VnB4bgwgX75qV0XzVFs3UC-deqhVetfLKl8EUZwR-oLnqea6m6Yj0eMXhE_29DYUp1-2D66E82N02BZGrD32GhfgNqr66AWDkPfA/s1600/IMG_1108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Col du Glandon from Col du Sabot" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyN19PoANJdIb5D4mc4v-KagntsfFkKuw_cFkbc89VnB4bgwgX75qV0XzVFs3UC-deqhVetfLKl8EUZwR-oLnqea6m6Yj0eMXhE_29DYUp1-2D66E82N02BZGrD32GhfgNqr66AWDkPfA/s640/IMG_1108.JPG" title="" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view from the top, the new road to the Col du Glandon is just above the lake</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggg4EpYMFDuDytRC2Ggf8umD9j4unLfeNYvexwPXhH3517NIeCpbSrpVzJjVmp3GzWWpVTHpHOPeeYKPogZ-5yEoW0QHk38jpYFzsVY8rTKfByCMec3zyQhP2phj6Uyy5SC0q4b0R3UHE/s1600/IMG_1131.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Cold du Sabot descent" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggg4EpYMFDuDytRC2Ggf8umD9j4unLfeNYvexwPXhH3517NIeCpbSrpVzJjVmp3GzWWpVTHpHOPeeYKPogZ-5yEoW0QHk38jpYFzsVY8rTKfByCMec3zyQhP2phj6Uyy5SC0q4b0R3UHE/s640/IMG_1131.JPG" title="" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Descending hazards, part 1</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4uYT0MJJAk3BxOFlsg8yb1-Bv4gMTHbhoCSLIVEVxpzT8tqYNu1zVdkrx6d2mNBDCyxm8eVUN37-0UZCiEhEu71RbqmwC6ysmkI-GI9uLB0elbAizqQBX6uOzy29z_TXnn9m1zwN0Weg/s1600/IMG_1125.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Col du Sabot descent" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4uYT0MJJAk3BxOFlsg8yb1-Bv4gMTHbhoCSLIVEVxpzT8tqYNu1zVdkrx6d2mNBDCyxm8eVUN37-0UZCiEhEu71RbqmwC6ysmkI-GI9uLB0elbAizqQBX6uOzy29z_TXnn9m1zwN0Weg/s640/IMG_1125.JPG" title="" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Descending hazards, part 2</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe65tmBh_qI_DxONoXK5cjY0v1jtBrNrfbmKHy1WYvcBJaXzf2ksG3c9l421CXeRN39b1Ej7BYq8fj4ZZGDBPRsTWTpDdv0121rUoaO9nLIMVEiUb14NGukA0_8KmJcAGaS9NE9PxfinA/s1600/IMG_1138.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Col du Sabot below Vaujany" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe65tmBh_qI_DxONoXK5cjY0v1jtBrNrfbmKHy1WYvcBJaXzf2ksG3c9l421CXeRN39b1Ej7BYq8fj4ZZGDBPRsTWTpDdv0121rUoaO9nLIMVEiUb14NGukA0_8KmJcAGaS9NE9PxfinA/s640/IMG_1138.JPG" title="" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the fun part of the descent, below Vaujany</td></tr>
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SimonFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07110734196364458194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6765950712426973866.post-20469245516480499102016-06-22T17:39:00.001+01:002016-07-30T20:20:59.340+01:00Cycling the Southern Upland Way - Melrose to Cockburnspath<b>Scotland's Best Signposted Field</b><br />
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It's been a while since I've written anything for this blog. I missed most of the 2015 cyclocross season through illness and I spend the first 4 months of 2016 training for the London Marathon. I haven't got any racing planned in the immediate future so I thought I should come up with something else to blog about. <br />
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Over the last month I've managed to fit quite a few long rides in and have started to feel a bit like a cyclist again. Inspired by the dusty trails and perfect conditions that Graeme Warren and I enjoyed riding Glen Tilt and Glenfeshie I was keen to get out for more of the same the following weekend.<br />
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My plan was to take advantage of the dry trails to ride the final quarter of the <a href="http://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/southern-upland-way.shtml">Southern Upland Way</a> from Melrose to Cockburnspath. I really struggled to find any information online about riding this section so I thought it would be worth making some notes on what I found. This might be a bit dry but hopefully it'll be useful to someone planning a similar ride.<br />
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Unfortunately the long dry spell had broken in the last few days. After looking through lots of forecasts I finally found one that looked good enough and decided to go with it. <br />
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<b>Newcraighall to Tweedbank</b><br />
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This ride was made much simpler thanks to the newly opened Borders Railway. 50 minutes after getting on the train at Newcraighall I was underway. Until the line was re-instated the Southern Upland Way followed a path along the old line so the route starts from the end of the platform. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhffh53E6fZ0bYVNCQhKptzFE30ZrjiUoutODL5lvvSAjSLxb6F0RDKUeM8c9xWN15SFHIEHhJmFl1-esIdaUe8Mky4_H8kskW43HoDhEGA8SrKwUmXxPSJIVblsT5OTD2gOtKJPpvICe0/s320/IMG_0791.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="240" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Space for 8 bikes according to Scotrail.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEHmgZ2Vqwwv0SUv6L9_yECahd1vQeh-br0ev_Eb2PigQ8BL9tybDw3ocaZ40kPfCyN_8Yy5c4qZHROIiwZPk2V-W9JcUaMI-HiL7q5X74yOXQP3fjKBwyRFQoNhXJXJt00HlFvwlW2nA/s1600/IMG_0792.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEHmgZ2Vqwwv0SUv6L9_yECahd1vQeh-br0ev_Eb2PigQ8BL9tybDw3ocaZ40kPfCyN_8Yy5c4qZHROIiwZPk2V-W9JcUaMI-HiL7q5X74yOXQP3fjKBwyRFQoNhXJXJt00HlFvwlW2nA/s320/IMG_0792.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;">Dusty trails looking less than likely.</td></tr>
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<b><a href="http://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/borders/melrose-lauder.shtml">Melrose to Lauder</a></b><br />
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Almost straight from the train station the route dropped into a nice little singletrack section down to the bank of the River Tweed. After crossing the river the route turned back west along a fun rooty path. <br />
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Unfortunately the good riding didn't last too long and the route swung north to follow what was shown on the map as doubletrack. The Southern Upland Way is obviously not a heavily used trail. Most of this section was heavily overgrown and it was hard to see an obvious path in a lot of places. It didn't take long riding in this terrain before I was completely soaked.<br />
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As the route headed north it was dominated by the sheer number of gates. Some fairly uninspiring riding on tracks, over fields and through muddy farmyards punctuated by dozens of ropey old gates. Everyone seemed to have a different style of latch and be broken in a slightly different way. In the end it was easier just to lift my bike over and climb over.<br />
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As I approached Lauder the route turned into a field of knee high grass with no sign of any path. Fortunately there was a route-post randomly sited in the middle of the field. It was a actually quite a fun descent but by the end of it I was thoroughly soaked. This sums up the Southern Upland Way pretty well, it's essentially Scotland's best signposted field.<br />
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A quick blast off Staunchly Hill in the pouring raining and I was in Lauder.<br />
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In need of a bit of respite from the weather I headed straight for the <a href="http://www.flatcatgallery.co.uk/coffee_shop_menu.html">Flat Cat Gallery</a>. Despite the fact I was plastered in mud the staff couldn't have been more friendly. After attempting (and failing) to make make myself look vaguely presentable I realised that the only person who was worried about the mess was me. Two slices of cake and a coffee later and I was feeling far more positive about the rest of the day.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chain Bridge over the Tweed in Melrose.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvE45m03O7ZtqVyozOkG9VqDGz49waRzN2z2IAIMkq55geiS_FBK84n4gMjIkJpsq4q1FFPrZEfmaKwE0KyeEZqgjSvWrpoQ6d_0WIEuWYQKej0oYztlrHFYv5e2vQDzijJqMVxDExAHQ/s1600/IMG_0795+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvE45m03O7ZtqVyozOkG9VqDGz49waRzN2z2IAIMkq55geiS_FBK84n4gMjIkJpsq4q1FFPrZEfmaKwE0KyeEZqgjSvWrpoQ6d_0WIEuWYQKej0oYztlrHFYv5e2vQDzijJqMVxDExAHQ/s320/IMG_0795+2.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There's a path under there somewhere.</td></tr>
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<b><a href="http://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/borders/lauder-longformacus.shtml">Lauder to Longformacus</a></b><br />
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From Lauder an odd mix of great paths and sheep tracks took me through the grounds of Thirlestane Castle to the A697.<br />
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A tarmac farm road turned into nice doubletrack as I quickly gained height. Just as I was starting to think this section might be better the route promptly turned left into a field. The next hour was back to fields and gates. An unexpected descent down a fast bumpy section helped to break the tedium of the gates. <br />
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As I climbed into the mist the character of the ride had begun to change. I was onto fast flowing tracks uninterrupted by gates and able to make some progress, albeit hindered slightly by a stiff easterly wind.<br />
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The last part of the climb up to Twin Law was on a great path although a look at my Garmin left me alarmed at my relative lack of progress over the first part of the ride.<br />
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The descent from Twin Law was the highlight of the day. 3 minutes of bumps and natural doubles. Maybe not the best return for all the climbing but as fun as it was unexpected.<br />
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From there a mix of doubletrack and minor roads allowed some fast progress to Longformacus.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crossing Blythe Water.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCf8tFNM684KQ8Wa8vgb6UF3aYWaKWHnvdI-ZqTslelHQ1_BdN7_gnv3eQG0OIaXJu9Yu8wgSt8lGw4_wVnSflvWrAP8gLhznq9z7IZnZ6LZTkzVyf0UJDTuivs5NN1Pkx7PEvLyVo7YU/s1600/IMG_0799.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCf8tFNM684KQ8Wa8vgb6UF3aYWaKWHnvdI-ZqTslelHQ1_BdN7_gnv3eQG0OIaXJu9Yu8wgSt8lGw4_wVnSflvWrAP8gLhznq9z7IZnZ6LZTkzVyf0UJDTuivs5NN1Pkx7PEvLyVo7YU/s320/IMG_0799.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Twin Law.<br />
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<b><a href="http://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/borders/longformacus-cocksburnpath.shtml">Longformacus to Cockburnspath</a></b><br />
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Riding on the minor road towards Ellemford Bridge brought back painfully memories of suffering on my road bike. Today's pace was more sedate and as you can see a 29er is probably more suited to this road than a road bike.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Painful memories of the Tour of the Lammermuirs.</td></tr>
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The route turned off this road and struck up the hill on the right. From the road it didn't look like the path would go as it was so overgrown. It turned out to be ok, albeit a slog up a steep field of sheep. A nice path over the top of the hill was short lived and I soon found myself slogging up a churned up muddy sheep track. This was probably the least enjoyable section of the day but it was all ridable.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;">Crossing the Whiteadder at Abbey St Bathans.<br />
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A blast down some fast doubletrack brought me out on Duns road just south of Ellemford Bridge. Over the road a steep gravel climb was waiting followed by a more gentle climb. A lovely looking singletrack descent was ruined by 3 or 4 gates in the space of a few hundred meters.</div>
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Some muddy miles brought me fairly quickly to Abbey St Bathans where it was time to sit down for 10 minutes to have something to eat. One problem with this route is a lack of water. By this point I was even looking for an outside tap on a house but I didn't see anything. In the end I didn't find any decent water source after Lauder.</div>
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A nice riverside path got the final stretch underway. It wasn't long until the route descended back into fields and gates, pretty wearing by this stage of a ride. An hour of easy, if uninspiring, riding brought me to a fast tarmac descent to the A1.</div>
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A really nice track through Penmanshiel Wood would have made a good finish to the ride but there was a sting in the tail. The Southern Upland Way goes through Pease Dean Nature Reserve. It would be a good place to walk but not when you are carrying a bike. 20 minute of temptingly good singletrack constantly interrupted by steep slippy steps and treacherously wet duckboards was immensely frustrating. It would probably be more fun in the dry but in the wet it was by far the least ridable section of the day. A quick spin round the coastal path at Cove brought me to the finish at Cockburnspath.</div>
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A tricky ride to sum up. Only a few genuinely good sections but I don't think that is what this sort of ride is about. It's much more a big day out and a bit of an adventure. But even on that measure it's hard to reach a judgement. It's a remote route with only one town on route and it barely crosses any roads but it doesn't feel that remote. The landscape is agricultural and heavily shaped by farming and feels far less wild than other areas of the Lammermuirs. It would be a good route but for me there are just too many gates to let it flow.</div>
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By far the best section of the route is through the Lammermuirs from above Lauder to Longformacus and it's the only bit I'm likely to repeat.</div>
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SimonFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07110734196364458194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6765950712426973866.post-84734639024708360552016-05-30T06:47:00.002+01:002016-05-30T06:54:21.087+01:00Back in the GameAlmost a year since the last race, and barely a pedal turned in anger in the preceding year, and I was in danger of becoming an absentee VCM rider. Work, commuting and two mini-mes will do that to a man.<br />
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Good to get back in the saddle then at Glentress 7. As good a course as you will get at any lapped endurance event, and always a good chance to catch up with the regulars, including super supporter Wardman - the only man who heckles you in the woods on both the first and the last lap. Commitment to the cause.<br />
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Top <a href="http://lappedenduro.sportident.co.uk/home/event.html?eventid=795b6831-5ec9-4d1c-9536-fc0086d2faaf" target="_blank">marks</a> to Colin Shearer for triumphing in the old boys category, Maddy for a good battle to second in Female Pairs (with Cat) and for the Marquis pairing for commitment to the singlespeed Tweedlove cause. Personally, my legs seem to be in the same shape as the last time I raced, if anything a couple of minutes faster overall, which isn't a bad base for getting into shape. Good enough for 7th <40 solo and 9th of all of the solos, but not quite good enough to catch the two guys only 2 minutes up the road.<br />
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Dates in the diary, mountains beckoning, new kit in the post and shenanigans afoot at <a href="http://www.entrycentral.com/festival/802" target="_blank">SocialCross</a>. Let's do this shit. #backinthegame<br />
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Thanks to Trevor Worsey at <a href="http://enduro-mtb.com/en/tweedlove-glentress-7-team-enduro-go-7-hours-saddle/" target="_blank">enduro</a> for the photoUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6765950712426973866.post-83453771455663426332015-12-22T09:57:00.000+00:002015-12-22T09:57:41.134+00:00Cyclocross Madness: Season 1Three days after the final race of the Scottish CX series I’m still feeling dazed. I have bruises on my shins and my shoulder, my throat is scratchy and my head is fuzzy. It’s like I’ve been stuck in a cyclone for the past few months and have just been ejected into the eye of the storm, waiting for it to suck me back in after the New Year!<br />
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It seems that Foxlake has a lot to answer for in terms of attracting folk into cx racing. It was at that race in 2013 that my husband Matt decided it shouldn’t just be our daughter Ruby representing the family, and he went on to do his first cx series last year. And so it was while I was cheering them both on at the 2014 race that I had my epiphany… screw standing on the sidelines with the coats…I want to race cross too!<br />
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I was already a member of Peebles Cycling Club and there are quite a few folk who now race cx, but no-one in the vet women category. I’d also had my eye on what I regard as one of the best kits in country – Velo Club Moulin, so when I saw the Facebook post asking for women to join the club to race it seemed like fate! By February I was a member of the club, had my first top and was well and truly committed! A new Ridley XBow soon followed, and so did my cross obsession.<br />
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Although the cross season doesn’t officially kick off until the winter Matt decided it would be a good plan to start some training sessions in Haylodge Park in Peebles on a Tuesday night, so we invited some friends along. Ali Dow is a seasoned cross racer that you’ll all know, and his fiancée Caroline Harvey is a newbie like me. I spent the first evening learning to jump on and off my bike! It took a while to get the hang of it, but once I had it dialled I knew that I could now enter my first race! I had the skills from mountain biking and the fitness would improve with training so there was no excuses!<br />
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I’m very grateful to Jimmy Mac for putting Haughcross on this year. It’s a tough race, but because it’s a summer event I didn’t have to pop my cx cherry in the usually muddy conditions. It was one less thing to worry about and I went there on the day thinking if I could just finish the first race I would be happy to forget about the second race in the afternoon. Turns out I did finish the race (in last place - woohoo), and despite saying I was too tired to race again it didn’t take much to persuade me and before I knew it I was getting changed, guzzling an energy gel and on the start line for my 2nd ever cx race! I finished the B race in 10th place (out of 12)! I was buzzing!!<br />
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I had a couple of months to get ready for the first of the Raleigh series races at Callendar Park. It was a lovely day and I’d been at the race the year before supporting the family so I knew what to expect. It’s a hilly course, but thankfully the ground was dry. I was pretty nervous on the start line but when the whistle blew I was off like a rocket! I’m really glad I’ve got a few years of track racing under my belt, albeit it from about 20 years ago! It certainly helps at the start of cx races with all the jaggy elbows and close wheels. Unfortunately my chain came off just before the first hill in front of the house. It meant I had to run up the hill on lap one and got caught up in riders who’d attempted to ride up but had fallen foul of the gradient! It didn’t put me off though and I kept my head down and just went for it. I really loved the course. Lots of good technical and rooty bits and I loved the off camber zigzags. I ended that race 13th vet woman so I was really pleased. I couldn’t stop talking about the race for days!<br />
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Next up was Knockburn Loch. It’s a long way but folk had told me it was worth the journey. The first thing I noticed when we arrived was the sandy banking. During warm up it was evident that I wasn’t going to make it up the banking on my bike so I decided that I’d just run it. This was hellish for someone who’s got wee short legs! It also meant my cleats were full of sand and it took me a few knocks of my feet on the chain stays to clear them and get clipped back in for the single track through the woods. It’s the type of course I really should enjoy but I found it a struggle and was disappointed on the last lap to be passed by 2 vet women who I’d been ahead of for the majority of the race (VCM team mate Ainsley Wood and Nienke Oostra). I finished 10th and left feeling disappointed and wondering if my cx honeymoon was over already.<br />
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Luckily I got the love back at the next race – Strathclyde Park. Apart from the section in the car park it’s a great course. The muddy off camber bits at the start and then the fast bits of singletrack in the woods. Mountain bike skills are definitely a bonus on a course like this. The red gravel hill section was hellish and on the last lap I did contemplate taking my bike for a walk, but opted for a very slow ride up instead! We were lucky to miss the rain and the vet men and seniors were not quite as fortunate! I ended up in a sprint finish against club mate Katie Newlands as we entered the ‘arena’. My mind went back to my disappointment at Knockburn and I decided not to let Katie get past me! Matt said he saw me sprint in to the finish area and thought I was possessed! Sorry Katie! I guess I am competitive after all! Another ok result finishing 13th.<br />
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Next up was Lochore Meadow. I’d been told to expect something very different from the past few races and had heard all about the ‘spiral of doom’! Turns out this was my least favourite race, despite the spiral being toned down. It was great practise for riding in mud but I was longing to ride over the bits of boardwalk that were taped off in the woods! The 2 sets of hurdles were the work of the devil, pretty much coming up to my knees. It was the first and only race where I checked my watch, so definitely not top of my list! I managed to finish 11th with my bike intact, which I guess is an achievement in itself!<br />
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Scottish Champs at Irvine Beach next. I wasn’t entered in the champs as I don’t currently have a license and didn’t think it was worth it as I wasn’t going to podium! I’d been hearing all about the ‘Big Dipper’ in this race and how it’s like falling off the end of the earth! It didn’t disappoint! Despite trying to build up more speed on each lap at the dipper I still didn’t managed to ride all the way up the other side. Something to aim for next year I guess. The sand proved a bit easier than at Knockburn and despite the headwinds, sea turtle, big dipper and other mad obstacles I loved the course. I got to ride around most of the way with team mate Jac Marquis, but unfortunately she got stopped at the finish as the lead women passed her. This meant I did the last lap pretty much on my own and was the last rider in. Entering the finish race to Motorhead’s Ace of Spades, having done an extra lap which I didn’t think I had in me was awesome! I finished 10th.<br />
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I thought Irvine would be hard to beat, but the weekend at Mull has been the icing of the cake as far as my series is concerned. Davie Graham and his band of merry men (and women) put on a show like no other! With Glengorm castle and the Ardnamurchan coastline as the backdrop I felt like I’d been transported to another planet! In previous years the weather had been ‘challenging’ but this year we were unbelievable lucky to have dry, still weather on both days. Saturday was the last of the series races and I went off like a shot at the start again and managed to do most of the first lap in amongst the lead women! I remember mumbling to myself something about how the hell will I finish the race if I keep going at this speed! I didn’t have to worry though as folk started passing me and I settled into a more manageable pace. I finally finished 10th and so my first Scottish CX series was done. I was one of only two vet women who did all 6 races and I finished a respectable 10th in the overall series results. I’ll buy that for a pound note!
Which takes me on nicely to the weekend highlight – Santa Cross World champs! I had swithered about not riding as I was pretty tired from the day before but when I got to the castle on Sunday morning and saw the other lunatics dressed in their costumes there was no way I was missing out! It was freezing and there was a smell of stale beer and whiskey in the air. Some folk looked focused, some were bleary eyed and others were missing altogether! When the whistle blew it was evident that despite the crazy costumes and the hangovers this was still a race. Again I managed a good start and was delighted when we were diverted off the road into a muddy, rocky single track chute in amongst the rhododendrons. This was going to be fun! I spent a lot of the race chuckling to myself at the insanity of it all. Following a trail of Christmas destruction with tinsel, bows and santa hats all being trampled into the mud on the course. I managed to get a few pound notes in the hand ups, and did my best to give the spectators a jolly “ho-ho-ho” as I passed. It was a brilliant race, and a great end to an awesome weekend.<br />
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So now we’re in the rest period until the 2016 races start up, and I’ve not really been out on my bike much. There are a few too many mince pies and bottles of Leffe in the house and I suspect it’s going to be tricky getting back into the racing groove in a few weeks.<br />
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But it’s a good time to reflect on what I’ve learned in my first season:
CX is the most fun you can have on a bike…I need to get fitter and faster for next year…My club mates are amazing and I’ve made loads of new friends…Challenge Limus tyres are a must have for the mud…People who do CX are bonkers!! And my advice to anyone thinking of trying a cx race….just dae it! You’ve nothing to lose and a lot to gain!
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Picture by Addy Pope<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6765950712426973866.post-495352583330981642015-12-20T15:34:00.001+00:002015-12-20T15:41:45.539+00:00Fingers crossed<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6765950712426973866" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6765950712426973866" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6765950712426973866" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6765950712426973866" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><span style="color: white; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">As the 2015 Scottish cyclocross series comes to an end, Christmas is only a few sleeps away and my hangover from #Mullorca seems to have finally dissipated (note to self, do not end up in the Mishnish surrounded by Unicorns). After clearing up the tinsel remains and removing the mud from the washing machine for the last time (at least for a few weeks), I have a lot of fond memories of my second cross season to date.</span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: medium;">As a newbie to cross, the first series went by in somewhat of a frenetic blur, so this season is definitely more memorable. Last year I was in awe of the riders, the courses (most of which I found really daunting – the big dipper!), the skinsuits and the weather. I did however find myself addicted to it pretty quickly – despite it being the most challenging and sometimes, painful thing, I’d ever done, I kept coming back. </span><br />
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6765950712426973866" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6765950712426973866" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><span style="color: white; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: medium;">This season I’d somehow got myself into VCM (begging goes a long way) and found myself in a shiny new rasta skinsuit (thanks Endura). I was hoping enthusiasm (and spin classes) would get me through another season with a few more points to add to my name.</span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: medium;">After the shock to the system that was Callendar Park, I managed to get myself a new bike (thanks for the tip Fraser Waters), get through the next few races and start to enjoy myself. Although Lochore was a spiralling mud fest, I got my best result so far. Feeling chuffed with myself, I rented some awesome deep-section Reynolds Assault wheels from Happy Cog (contact Fraser Waters) with Challenge Baby Limus tubs for the Champs. </span><br />
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</span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6765950712426973866" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6765950712426973866" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><span style="color: white; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: medium;">Finally, it was the last race of the series at Glengorm Castle, the prettiest backdrop for a course in Scotland and for once, the weather was holding up. The mix of off-camber switchbacks made for great fun and my new bike and new found skills (Dirt School classes are worth it) started to come into play. I had some great battles with fellow VCM bad girls, Elisa, Ainsley and Erika, and it was great to have so many rasta girls on the course. My favourite race and season so far with a top ten finish to boot.</span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: medium;">Now bring on Super Quaich and more skills. Fingers crossed.</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6765950712426973866.post-44272816022045781482015-12-17T21:39:00.000+00:002015-12-17T21:56:21.824+00:00Roadtripping<div style="text-align: justify;">
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Mull - 11th-13th December 2015</h4>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/gordon_watt/sets/72157662215978942">Thanks to Gordon Watt for the photo</a></td></tr>
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Let's start by getting the awkward bit out of the way first. Davie Graham and Jim Cameron should maybe stop here. Mull isn't exactly my favourite place. There goes my chance of ever getting gridded again at RGCX. In previous visits, summer and winter, I've experienced torrential rain, wind so strong that I was blown off my bike. I've punctured twice in the same race, ripped a mech off, broken a wheel and managed to get my car stuck at Glengorm Castle.</div>
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Backstory aside this year's trip looked promising from the start. Maddy arranged a great house for a group of us to stay in and it was to be a proper roadtrip sharing transport with Fraser Waters and family. The plan was to travel over on Friday, race Saturday and travel home on Sunday morning. It even looked like the weather might co-operate with the forecast predicting a spell of dry and calm weather over the weekend. Expectations of good weather were tempered slightly by Davie's suggestion to "bring toe spikes and a sense of humour".</div>
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A couple of days before we left Addy got in touch to say that I could get a lift home with them if I wanted to race Sunday. This should have given me ample time to sort an outfit but unable to overcome my inner 'humbug' I never quite got round to it. The effort that so many people had made certainly put me to shame.</div>
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The weather on the west coast was unpleasant and we were greeted in Oban by an unexpected squall and rough seas. After some confusion about whether the ferry would sail we were suddenly off. The wind departed as quickly as it had arrived and the crossing was calm. Fraser was feeling in holiday mood as we set off towards Tobermory on the wrong side of the road. A deep seated link between ferry journeys and foreign holidays strong enough to overcome the reality of a dark and wet night on a Scottish island. A relaxing evening in the house and we were ready for whatever the weekend could throw at us.</div>
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Saturday</h4>
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Saturday dawned (well I assume it did, I was last up) bright and calm. We were up at Glengorm fairly early to take in the kids races and have a walk around. Given the heavy rain in the preceding weeks it was surprising to see that the course wasn't as wet as previous years. I didn't ride the course until later in the day as it was obviously going to change dramatically before the senior race. </div>
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The course looked like it was riding well in the early races and it was great to see 6 VCM riders racing in the women's race, a new record?</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Addy Pope</td></tr>
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It doesn't seem to matter how early I arrive at a race I always seem to end up with slightly too much to do in the last 40 minutes. A quick spin on the rollers in the sunshine and I was quite literally warmed up. Ditching my leg warmers and jacket I headed for the start line. A quick roll down the hill into the shade and I was cold again. There were lots of good riders in the small senior field so I was grateful to get a reasonable call up.</div>
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I made a good start and managed to stay in position in the race up the starting hill. At some point I passed Addy who had punctured, fortunately only a short distance from the pits. The field stayed fairly compact over the first few laps so there was lots of close racing in the slippy and technically challenging main arena that made up most of the lap. The intensity of this section was broken up by the fast run down to the greasy tarmac surrounding the cafe and then it was onto the brutal run up through the rodedendron trees. A fast tarmac descent took you back to the main arena.</div>
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The middle laps were a bit of a blur but time wasn't passing quickly enough for me and I started to slip back through the field. Each time up the run up I managed to claw a little ground back but the damage was happening slowly as I failed to maintain the intensity required through the arena. Addy came past strongly as he moved back up through the field. Dropping my chain in the deep mud pushed me back a little further and a front brake failure made the descent to the cafe a little more interesting. On the penultimate lap I moved too far off line on an off-camber section as I was being lapped and hit the ground. A decent final lap saw me pick a place or two back. A steady ride but letting the side down a little as all of my VCM team mates rode to good results.</div>
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A quick trip back to Tobermory and there was just enough daylight left to wash bikes and kit in preparation for Sunday. After a great meal and a few drinks we never made the planned trip to the ceilidh but from the tales that were recounted on Sunday morning it sounded like a good night. No gossip on this blog I'm afraid. If you want to know what happens at the ceilidh I'm sure Davie will point you in the direction of a ticket for next year.</div>
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Sunday </h4>
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Sunday's race is a bit different. A chance for those who smashed it on Saturday, whether in the race or later on, to relax a little. If your Saturday didn't go so well it's an early chance of redemption. It's a friendly atmosphere but despite appearances when the gun goes there are still plenty of people there to race.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3U_5VTrICJew2knJYdJOx59KjIwvAjYD0tv-C7N6FXOgZh0-W75nHG1lgM_SMqBaKiooz7uyafS5Oii8ynqyxmQYVygZols7X1s32aPonGtXzxPM9P7O_CwDCAU7g7tKRN_nyrpvyQD4/s1600/12391983_10153753333792246_3173147120590893140_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="628" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3U_5VTrICJew2knJYdJOx59KjIwvAjYD0tv-C7N6FXOgZh0-W75nHG1lgM_SMqBaKiooz7uyafS5Oii8ynqyxmQYVygZols7X1s32aPonGtXzxPM9P7O_CwDCAU7g7tKRN_nyrpvyQD4/s640/12391983_10153753333792246_3173147120590893140_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Sue Steele</td></tr>
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VCM enjoyed a strong showing in the first race with Maddy taking 2nd and Colin Shearer completing a weekend double of race wins in the Vet 50+ category.</div>
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A combined field of vets and seniors meant that the start line was quite a bit busier that it had been the day before. And quite a bit brighter thanks to some excellent costumes. There was a bit of last minute excitement for Crawford Carrick-Anderson as he punctured on the way to the start line. His wheel was quickly replaced but he found himself at the end of a motley crew of Santas, Rudoplhs, christmas puddings, elves and Glasgow United riders (pot, kettle, black).</div>
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Fraser had kindly taken one of my bikes home with him so I had decided to race singlespeed. My thinking was two-fold; no mech to rip off and a vague hope that I'd be forced into riding harder on the singlespeed. The whistle went and I got a great start, the line was on the perfect incline to get the gear turning. A surprising easy blast up the climb and I turned into the singletrack inside the top 10. I was surprised that Addy who had started on my wheel hadn't passed me and it later turned out he had punctured on the first climb. Unfortunately he had a much longer run to the pits today.</div>
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I managed to hold steady in about 11th or 12th position over the first few laps and getting to grips with the course. It had everything: a hard climb, muddy rutted singletrack, a road descent, another climb and a reverse of the previous day's arena section. OK, so I wasn't loving the road descent but at least I had a good excuse for not pedalling. A hard frost overnight had made the arena section much easier to ride with minimal mud, easily the best course I've raced on in Mull.</div>
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I was loving this course and loving racing singlespeed again but the race was a lap too long for me. My legs fell off on the penultimate climb, where I had been getting on top of the gear I was struggling. Riding the arena for the last time I got swamped by riders I was no longer able to hold off. Addy passed me on the last climb as he worked his way back from his first lap puncture, it seemed like a fitting way to end the year in a familiar spot trying to chase him.</div>
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I'd like to pay tribute to the effort that Davie Graham has put in to this event over the last 10 years. Each time I've raced here he has improved the course and the event and with the help of the weather this year was the best by far.</div>
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Mull, another addition to the ever-growing list of things I was wrong about.</div>
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A big thank you to Maddy for organising the accommodation, Fraser and family for the lift to Mull, Maddy and Addy for the lift home and especially to Davie Graham.</div>
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How did we do?</h4>
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Saturday</h4>
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Maddy Robinson 4th (Senior Female)</div>
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Erika Allen 7th (Senior Female)</div>
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Katie Newlands 8th (Senior Female)</div>
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Ainsley Wood 6th (Vet Female)</div>
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Elisa Smith 7th (Vet Female)</div>
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Jac Marquis 8th (Vet Female)</div>
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Colin Shearer 1st (Vet 50+)</div>
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Simon Muir 16th (Vet Male)</div>
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Chris Marquis 18th (Vet Male)</div>
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Fraser Waters 21st (Vet Male)<br />
Davie Graham 22nd (Vet Male)</div>
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Martin Steele 26th (Vet Male)</div>
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Ian Dunlop 10th (Senior Male)</div>
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Steven Turbitt 11th (Senior Male)</div>
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Addy Pope 14th (Senior Male)</div>
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Simon Fairfull 24th (Senior Male)</div>
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Sunday </h4>
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Maddy Robinson 2nd (Senior Female)</div>
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Erika Allen 5th (Senior Female)</div>
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Katie Newlands 13th (Senior Female)</div>
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Ainsley Wood 5th (Vet Female)</div>
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Elisa Smith 6th (Vet Female)</div>
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Jac Marquis 7th (Vet Female)</div>
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Colin Shearer 1st (Vet 50+)</div>
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Ian Dunlop 6th Overall / 4th Senior Male</div>
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Addy Pope 16th Overall / 7th Senior Male</div>
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Simon Fairfull 17th Overall / 8th Senior Male</div>
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Chris Marquis 19th Overall / 11th Vet Male</div>
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Martin Steele 30th Overall / 18th Vet Male</div>
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Steven Turbitt 38th Overall / 16th Senior Male</div>
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Simon Muir 44th Overall / 27th Vet Male</div>
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SimonFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07110734196364458194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6765950712426973866.post-89794342380356012492015-12-16T12:59:00.000+00:002015-12-16T13:13:30.769+00:00Irvine Beach<h4>
Scottish Cyclocross Championships - 6th December 2015 </h4>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgJ3ZEE1x-O7HznLS2omADVuUEkPHWGN083l52NTI7E2lqumsD7-3B6DCQr79wYFOpd_Dsh-GshWdkxcbcNmbDL4CSJF3smfOFtiBjkmnQi071XTmKEhnRBuMQDd5rAo_vcpRsXlZvoiI/s1600/Marty_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgJ3ZEE1x-O7HznLS2omADVuUEkPHWGN083l52NTI7E2lqumsD7-3B6DCQr79wYFOpd_Dsh-GshWdkxcbcNmbDL4CSJF3smfOFtiBjkmnQi071XTmKEhnRBuMQDd5rAo_vcpRsXlZvoiI/s640/Marty_1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Martin Steele</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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My 2015 cross season hasn't exactly gone to plan. <br />
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I gave the early season races a miss so that I could race a block of road races to build some speed. That part of the plan worked well and I arrived on the start line at Callendar Park feeling confident. That's unusual for me but I genuinely felt that I was in shape to get a good result. Everything changed in the first lap and to some extent those 6 minutes shaped my entire season.<br />
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I got a reasonable start but within half a lap it was obvious that something was up, I was unable to ride with any intensity and when I tried I was finding it hard to breathe. I held out some hope that as the race went on I would get going and hoped that it would be a long race to give me a chance to move up. Instead I slipped further back as the race wore on and I was left puzzled by what had just happened.<br />
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The next morning I woke up feeling awful which was a relief. After 10 days off the bike I jumped on the rollers with enthusiam but a 30 minute session made it obvious that a trip to Knockburn was out of the question. This was the low point of my season, Knockburn is one of my favourite courses and it's a great roadtrip. With hindsight I probably should have made the trip as a spectator but at the time I just wanted to pretend that cross didn't exist.<br />
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A trip to the doctors revealed that I was suffering from a respiratory tract infection and led to some more time off the bike. I raced, or maybe I should say rode Stratchclyde Park. It was great to catch up with friends but it was obvious I still wasn't 100%. I thought I was going to have to pack it after the first lap but I managed to find a level that I could sustain for an hour. Another 18 days with only one ride and I finally started to feel like myself again.<br />
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The upside was that I was over the illness in time for the champs at Irvine, my favorite course. The downside was that I had only been on my bike a handful of times since Callendar Park. A couple of turbo sessions in the week before weren't pretty but it was great to be able to ride again.<br />
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My lack of racing and form meant that I felt a surprising lack of nerves on the start line at Irvine which maybe explains my rubbish start. I spent the first few corners going backwards before we got to the climb and I started to move back through the field. Irvine is always a brilliant course but Neil Walker outdid himself this year. Extremely wet weather in the lead up to the race meant that the course had a different character to normal. Sand is normally the dominant feature of Irvine but the compact wet sand was much easier to ride than in previous years. I really liked the new sand pit which was cleverly placed so that you could attack it and recover before hitting the dunes. The off-camber sections were slick and interesting to ride, especially after a hail shower and the muddy big dipper was more of a challenge to ride than it is in dry conditions.<br />
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The nature of the course meant that it rewarded clean riding which I really enjoyed. My one mistake of the day came when I got over confident on the off-camber section after the big dipper and I found myself sliding on my back through the tape. A steady ride over this fantastic course left me falling back in love with cross. <br />
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A big thank you to Scott Kerr and his team. Irvine really is a special event and they raised the level again this year.<br />
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A good turnout by VCM but how did we do?<br />
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Maddy Robinson 4th (Senior Female)<br />
Katie Newlands 12th (Senior Female)<br />
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Ainsley Wood 6th (Vet Female)<br />
Elisa Smith 10th (Vet Female)<br />
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Colin Shearer 6th (Vet 50+)<br />
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Simon Muir 41st (Vet Male)<br />
Chris Marquis 43rd (Vet Male)<br />
Davie Graham 54th (Vet Male)<br />
Martin Steele 55th (Vet Male)<br />
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Steven Turbitt 17th (Senior Male)<br />
Simon Fairfull 25th (Senior Male)<br />
Gareth Jones DNF (Senior Male) <br />
<br />SimonFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07110734196364458194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6765950712426973866.post-50402029901482936062015-11-14T22:51:00.003+00:002015-12-16T08:19:44.036+00:00I've got the Fever (literally)Race round up for the Scottish Cyclocross Association series so far.<br />
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During the Summer I managed to contract Glandular Fever so that put me off the bike and put paid to any thoughts of competing in the 3 Peaks race. Under doctors orders I shouldn't have been back on the bike till mid October at the earliest but as I felt ok I thought I'd give Callendar Park race a go, having done one interval session since June I knew this race wasn't going to be pretty so slipped in at the back and settled down to what I was sure would be a grim 3/4 of an hour.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHos348ZtKyS6gb4YAM-wqGzAqBe8Qv_nVpyHb0q3bZCWhqBAsaqi_hbg6_SMCqFj7HNVCzJjCfbmOdG8MypjJE-7dQE2wJRDDt4WQRfIZoUItxOYt45gn3ssP01tNOcJZ8mCTquM6N-g/s1600/IMG_0046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHos348ZtKyS6gb4YAM-wqGzAqBe8Qv_nVpyHb0q3bZCWhqBAsaqi_hbg6_SMCqFj7HNVCzJjCfbmOdG8MypjJE-7dQE2wJRDDt4WQRfIZoUItxOYt45gn3ssP01tNOcJZ8mCTquM6N-g/s320/IMG_0046.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Sure enough, off we set and it was obvious straight away that what little speed was there was going going to go off very quickly. I settled into a bit of a slow rhythm and started to enjoy myself, the Challenge Chicanes were really good to begin with but as it got a bit greasier I should have swapped bikes to the Baby Limus shod one, but hey this was just a sociable ride in the park? Aye right, the leaders went past on the final lap and I was pretty sure there was an interloper in the sunshine sneaking through with them, SPRINT for everything I was worth (chicanes spot on ;-)) and that 72nd place was mine</div>
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A good day out in the sunshine wearing the old school tropical white skinsuit. </div>
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I sat out the next round at Knockburn Loch due to the arrival of this bundle of fun</div>
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And so to Strathclyde Park, I decided to race the seniors as it meant I could leave that morning and be down in time for the race. A great plan except for the weather on the way down which made driving challenging. I made it in time to get signed on, changed and then a quick lap of the course and then off we set in pouring rain and near gale force winds, the attrition rate was quite high with quite a few DNS and DNFs. There was a crash at the start which held up a number of folk but I managed to sneak by and get the Challenge Limus into the grass/mud mid pack, these tyres were awesome all race and as I got more confident with them I settled into a reasonable groove, passed a few folk and got passed by a few, the red gravel climb was every bit as bad as I remembered but was told of the line to take by a clubmate so that made it a bit easier. The run up was enjoyable except for the camera man hidden behind a tree with a huge flash, not the first time that s happened in this park! then into a bit of single track through the trees, bit of a bombhole then back into the carpark and away we go again. I really started to enjoy this race even when the the real rain started, it got grim out there but did keep the race bike clean, no need to change it. 43rd in the seniors and a most enjoyable day out. </div>
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The glandular fever seems to have abated to be replaced with Crossfever which I am very pleased about!!</div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">The weather was certainly different to the last time I was out preparing the course at Glengorm Castle for the tenth anniversary of Cross at the Castle</span></div>
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Many thanks to Challenge tyres for the speed and grip they provided magnificently for both races, now onwards to the mud bath at Fife!! #crosslove</div>
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Many thanks to to big Mick Martin for the photos</div>
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<br />crosser nuthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03364999398649487476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6765950712426973866.post-2773523509996505502015-07-06T13:37:00.001+01:002015-07-06T21:47:35.670+01:00Capital Trail 2015.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It has been a couple of weeks since Chris 'Marquis of Darkness' Marquis and I took on the <a href="https://fearlessandunique.wordpress.com/capital-trail/" target="_blank">Capital Trail 2015</a>. You probably have heard of this event, organised by Markus Stitz and run alongside the Edinburgh Festival of Cycling.<br />
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It is difficult to know how this event is seen by Joe Cyclist. It doesn't have the back country cojones of, say, a <a href="http://www.cairngormsloop.net/" target="_blank">Cairngorm Loop</a> or a <a href="http://www.highlandtrail.net/" target="_blank">Highland Trail Race</a> (which Markus receently completed, in good style), but it is still a fairly intense under taking: 238km of mostly off-road riding with 6000m of climbing.<br />
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After a discussion on where to aim our efforts, Chris and myself decided to travel fairly light, bivi near Peebles - around 150km into the loop - and after refuelling with a hot breakfast and coffee at Glentress after an early morning spin around the trail centre, head for home on the second day.<br />
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This is probably not aligned with a true race-head perspective and we were both entirely happy with that. We had no real idea how the first half of the loop would go, given then-recent unsettled weather, strong winds and our general lack of knowledge of the trails Markus was using. The second half of the loop was more of a known entity, Chris and myself both having cut our chops riding in Edinburgh as young bucks.<br />
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It was great to see a good number of 'Moulineers on the start line, some looked in better shape than others with illness taking its toll in some cases. I'll let them tell their tales, but Russell put in a fine effort on his <a href="http://www.shandcycles.com/" target="_blank">Shand</a>, outfitted with a fairly tall gear range for the climbing required! chapeau!<br />
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Otherwise, there was a range of intentions on display from fat bikes, hip flasks and happy banter to serious faces and chiselled legs.<br />
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The first few hours were a joy: we zipped along with barely a breath of wind and the warm air and dry trails were rewarding. Far from the dull drove road and canal path it might have been, these trails tested and engaged. After passing through Melrose, the energy levels began to become noticeable. Bikepacking, even lightly loaded, still means you are carrying considerably more weight than on a more usual ride. The steep climbs as we hit the Southern Upland Way were sobering.<br />
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One poor chap's bike snapped at what was likely the most isolated point of the loop: the 3 brethren near Selkirk. It would be a strenous way to end the evening dropping down to Innerleithan wheeling the bike, but he remained in good spirits.<br />
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The good spirits were also in abundance as we enjoyed the fare in the Traquair Arms pub, along with around half the riders from the grand depart - or so it seemed! This was a particularly timely stop for me as Chris had had a small mechanical with his bike, necessitating a MacGuyverism and due to my disaster style packing, I had fairly minimal warm kit. By the time we sat in the pub, I was in full blown shivers. Orders were large and we washed it down with some ale before leaving and making the long climb, back into the hills.<br />
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Fairly late in the planning stages, there was a change in the route. Markus removed the initial HAB up Dun Rig, which was welcome, but we still had to push the bikes a fairly long way up into the thickening clouds on the route between Innerleithan and Peebles. There was a good bivi spot prior to hitting the grassy slope at an old estate building, where quite a large number of riders decided to stay. We pushed on, getting the climb out of the way as we aimed towards Gypsy Glen, where we intended to overnight. Just as the dark began to set in, the rain became a little more of an issue and by 11 we were thoroughly wet, which was not ideal immediately before getting into a bivi sack, however a couple of cans of Dale's pale ale made up for it and we were soon relaxed and chatting over the highly enjoyable day. Later, a couple of sopping wet riders careered down the trail with lights illuminating the drizzle. We snuggled into our sleeping bags gladly as we sheltered in the woods.<br />
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Day 2 dawned not-so-early and both of us slept fairly well. As we packed and got moving hunger and a powerful need for coffee gnawed at us. We climbed on the Red route at Glentress trail centre before dropping down the Blue to arrive, like several other riders, not long after the cafe opened. Full Scottish was a given and sated, we rolled off into the mild dreich to finish the loop off.<br />
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Wet trail and repeated grassy climbs sapped energy, which was in short supply by the time we pushed from Nile Mile Burn, high into the Pentland hills. Nevertheless, the reward was a fine loop on well known trails and a grand view of Edinburgh, sun now out and beaming, with only a few miles to go.<br />
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With a final, odd tweak of trail on the side of Arthur's Seat (I suspect Markus originally planned for us to ride round the volcanic lump, but could not due to a scheduled running event) we dropped to the coast and wriggled through the sun-worshipping crowds on the esplanade back to the finish at 4.30pm or so.<br />
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This was a thoroughly enjoyable loop. The trails were excellent quality - nothing was too challenging and the lack of 'exposure' and proximity to escape routes means it could act as a fantatsic introduction to multi day bike rides for an inexperienced bikepacker. Indeed, with Peebles sitting as a major destination point for overnighjting and recharging, a credit card tour with a stop in a bunkhouse or B&B is an easy possibility.<br />
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Of course, those shooting for a ITT will go as long and as far as they can - as evidenced by David King, the 'winner' completing in 15 hours 15 minutes, but my view of this loop is that it lends itself to a slightly less intense pace and the calm, enjoyment of the environment that Southern Scotland can bring.<br />
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More details here:<br />
<a href="http://www.edfoc.org.uk/capital-trail-2015-finishers/" target="_blank">Edinburgh Festival of Cycling</a><br />
<a href="https://fearlessandunique.wordpress.com/capital-trail/" target="_blank">fearless and unique</a><br />
<a href="http://trackleaders.com/capitaltrail15i.php?name=Chris_Marquis" target="_blank">trackleaders</a><br />
<br />dRjONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18365819296812190132noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6765950712426973866.post-34176072855643336112015-04-13T22:19:00.004+01:002015-04-13T22:19:43.369+01:00Training? or fun?<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="281" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/124868152" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe> <a href="https://vimeo.com/124868152">Woods Riding 3</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/user2390902">dRj0n</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.dRjONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18365819296812190132noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6765950712426973866.post-37595503456340384122015-03-22T18:13:00.001+00:002015-03-22T18:13:25.956+00:00Equinox: using time wisely.<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/drj0n/16895897085/"><img class="alignnone" height="375" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8700/16895897085_8e97194b9f.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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High pressure, stable weather and a yearning to ride all day long. A twangy lower back muscle after a bit of singlespeed induced hernia-popping climbing action notwithstanding, it was time to grab 'Maul and run to the hills.<br />
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Out through Mugdock, taking in some choice trials that haven't been dry in months. Pinballing around and loving every second of it.<br />
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Then down to business on the West Highland Way: missing the gates, considering my forward progress at Garadbhan.<br />
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The back was holding up and the legs were still going round in circles so I could cut north for Aberfoyle, then Callander but I could not think of a fun way back home. So: Mangrunt? Even sans Conic Hill, I had to have a chat with myself and see if I was up for this so early in my spring mileage build-up.<br />
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Nothing ventured….<br />
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Round the lochs through Queen Elizabeth forest park and then the terrain opens up as you approach the upper portion of Loch Lomond.<br />
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Lots of wildlife to be seen.<br />
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Some in worse shape than others...<br />
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Take the fun trails down the Lochside until Balmaha and ducking in and out of the woods, follow the West Highland way back home.<br />
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Seven hours, 75 ish miles. My body reminded me that this building up every year is always a battle, an act of perseverance, but oh, the places you'll go…<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/drj0n/16275829713/"><img class="alignnone" height="375" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8717/16275829713_fc10588d70.jpg" width="500" /></a>dRjONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18365819296812190132noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6765950712426973866.post-90039879602537678642015-03-20T21:41:00.001+00:002015-03-20T21:41:08.180+00:00EquinoxToday is the vernal equinox. Day and night in balance. For VCMers in the northern hemisphere days are now longer than nights and a long Spring, Summer and Autumn of bicycle riding awaits. What've you got planned?<div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDmzoadD8OI9GgDi67MyU94bxX6y5XCAU5dyPvGtowaqv_7gwtu3DOd_YHaKc6eDFd1a9gm5lQzFeEdcgW_5Oa4yIjkGSQ7SpUQp7taBFLQ_G8WcCp31WlgGqPr66qG2SPczciJuXCh7v0/s640/blogger-image--1794134741.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDmzoadD8OI9GgDi67MyU94bxX6y5XCAU5dyPvGtowaqv_7gwtu3DOd_YHaKc6eDFd1a9gm5lQzFeEdcgW_5Oa4yIjkGSQ7SpUQp7taBFLQ_G8WcCp31WlgGqPr66qG2SPczciJuXCh7v0/s640/blogger-image--1794134741.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>I have a hankering for long rides in the hills. The eastern Cairngorms still have a fair few trails to hit and soon it'll be time to get high. </div><div><br></div><div>Adventure awaits teamies. Get some. </div>martysavalashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08498848575805688703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6765950712426973866.post-88937182017051561552015-02-17T16:03:00.000+00:002015-02-18T09:33:21.794+00:00It's the off season so time to start preparing for next season Last year I looked at my bikes after a hard season and realised that running two different, but kinda similar bikes made little sense so bit the bullet and ordered two beautiful <a href="http://www.shandcycles.com/" target="_blank">Shand</a> cycles bikes<br />
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Well this year I have gone for the slightly cheaper option of looking at nutrition to help with not only my day to day living but also for racing. Cue internet searches and the purchase of this beauty<br />
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To go with the hand grinder I also got some Cuban coffee beans from <a href="http://shop.cuba-solidarity.org.uk/" target="_blank">here</a><br />
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I use an aeropress to make my brew so had to resort to more internet searches to get instructions for the Porlex grinder as my Japanese is slightly rusty.... So three clicks from home and off we go, first cup was with the recommended 12g of coffee, about a palm full, was no where near enough so second go was fill the fecker to the brim<br />
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I also slightly dropped the amount of water in the inverted aeropress and that was pretty much spot on for how I enjoy my coffee. I always let the water cool from the boil before adding it to the 'press and allow it to mix with the grounds for well over a minute before pressing<br /><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRQvaRq9DkJqq5AJ80tbNFPo4uhmW-ls1rrMGm6DKyO78Z6g5k9pyr6y-TkCY2l78N467UcBiZTdvDFtrvgFyDzAa7YksB2Xp7rEv4FZsAaLUBMn8_Atl0gxoMJkAdz-tEBLowxzP_nfs/s1600/IMG_0288.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRQvaRq9DkJqq5AJ80tbNFPo4uhmW-ls1rrMGm6DKyO78Z6g5k9pyr6y-TkCY2l78N467UcBiZTdvDFtrvgFyDzAa7YksB2Xp7rEv4FZsAaLUBMn8_Atl0gxoMJkAdz-tEBLowxzP_nfs/s1600/IMG_0288.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ground</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I got the mini grinder as it fits snugly into the aeropress and will be travelling with me to all the races now as part of my pre match routine as well as my pre out the door routine every day<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQR-3YVPn6kpRAHSB1gVL8HJjtKrd4lrflmXNuwrMXcWuEReP2nwaATeQr8KFZ8l4-WmBBqqMYsS5Dxy8jMe5jCMdU4ohhEQPe0ft1CgTkFmbSxhwCy8XE39mjZ2xFIiWo48eJt-YDbEU/s1600/IMG_0290.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQR-3YVPn6kpRAHSB1gVL8HJjtKrd4lrflmXNuwrMXcWuEReP2nwaATeQr8KFZ8l4-WmBBqqMYsS5Dxy8jMe5jCMdU4ohhEQPe0ft1CgTkFmbSxhwCy8XE39mjZ2xFIiWo48eJt-YDbEU/s1600/IMG_0290.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">snug as a bug<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The grinder is beautifully made with the only downside being the handle isn't held on by anything but gravity, so far this hasn't proven to be any problem. I can thoroughly recommend the aeropress for making good consistent coffee and the hand grinder just adds to my new beardyness, skinny jeans wearing fixie riding persona.<br /><br /><br /><div>
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crosser nuthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03364999398649487476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6765950712426973866.post-10937146286511186872015-02-02T10:46:00.000+00:002015-02-02T10:46:11.820+00:00Three Races of Significance <div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.0pt;">Long
overdue bloggerage but these three races really deserve some recognition. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.0pt;">Dig
in at the Dock 2015. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.0pt;">There
has has been plenty said about this event, be it about the cheeky chaps that organise
it, the blustering wind that cuts in in two every year or the blessed drum
troop that kept the beat for the entire race, so I will concentrate on what I
saw of the racing. The race usually the last day of winter holidays before we
all head back to the grind of our respective employment, is a great way to kick
off the year and blow any remnants of the previous year right out yer skinsuit.
It fills a category that previously hadn’t existed in that it is a mass start,
every rider for themselves, battle charge for the line, this is good and bad
but they get away with it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.0pt;">To
win you need to be at the front as within minutes a race with 140(ish) riders
committing for the holeshot only ever ends one way, for us great unwashed mid
packers this means accepting you will loose sight of the race very early on,
getting your head down and seeing what materialises. This year I left all my
warming up to the turbo trainer and checked out the bikes of those who were
‘hot-lapping’ to determine what the race may or may not be like. It was looking
from the bikes like it might get a bit mucky, it was also cold, the sun dropped
minutes before the start and never returned. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIB7LM8vaUeOcLEP1cmv23O-uqINw6500NCq-92HMVitU_N6feUFxuOddjox9XI42V2jeQWzQpm_oSl3FzuZpd2dkQzbD127OoE2b-PG0GI2iLAQwXd2nY-eXP_CJUESoJLRNSpSFYCUlL/s1600/oldguysdock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIB7LM8vaUeOcLEP1cmv23O-uqINw6500NCq-92HMVitU_N6feUFxuOddjox9XI42V2jeQWzQpm_oSl3FzuZpd2dkQzbD127OoE2b-PG0GI2iLAQwXd2nY-eXP_CJUESoJLRNSpSFYCUlL/s1600/oldguysdock.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">once the gun fires, fuck the team</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.0pt;">It’s
easy to forget how social the Scottish cyclocross scene is, in fact very easy
to forget, with the swell in numbers over the past couple of years and the
amount of new faces around it can sometimes all seem a bit alien but within the
belly of the beast lies a passionate group of folk with one common goal. But
anyway I digress, my warm up consisted of half an hour turning cranks on the
turbo and my preparation consisted of two weeks of winter holidays eating more
cheese than one person should and generally being a bit lazy. It felt a bit
uneasy squeezing into lycra, that’s all we need to say on this subject. So
despite this warming period I managed to be very late getting to the start line
by which point approximately 120 folk had already established their place and
dug their little tight shoes in to not let a chancer like me sneak in, thems
the breaks. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6l9kqaV1E-A6LfpBLI3XKxLZqdwoGWMcg1IrfDYbx97YVHo03-mWKMsSySmt9MMXdfHzqH8q9_QMCWKgJo9VnuteEAiOWzeP-dAOQL7_IzOE6yJHjB9VAakSsoreLf5LkzAe9ayJWV0ZZ/s1600/ainsdock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6l9kqaV1E-A6LfpBLI3XKxLZqdwoGWMcg1IrfDYbx97YVHo03-mWKMsSySmt9MMXdfHzqH8q9_QMCWKgJo9VnuteEAiOWzeP-dAOQL7_IzOE6yJHjB9VAakSsoreLf5LkzAe9ayJWV0ZZ/s1600/ainsdock.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">solid season for Ainsley, though she needs a better cap</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.0pt;">Soon
enough the race was underway and then some time later we moved such is the
effect, I charged as best I could to get further up the field and then settled
in. I love this course, it really does have a bit of everything only missing
gradient but as someone not renowned for their climbing prowess I don’t mind
that. Very quickly I was in a group containing riders I didn’t know (one of the
goods or bads of a mass start race) wondering if they were going to explode or
charge, I hung on. As it transpired I ended up for most of the race with a
couple of guys from Pedal Power RT exchanging places and generally keeping each
other going. By the end it had got really rather cold, in fact fucking
freezing, the coldest I have been at a race this season. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX0fnbxwfMwnld9NEMZ3EZJg4cWlCHohhNFa1_DnehcH10A58qIvbUV8o4iCu3JrKnd2qX7lKVPg1AoYd2ZODEKfVDPUW-KBlb-ppVlkcs2F916FB5rLEQxACSY14TiYnN7z-E1kLUMXts/s1600/huphupdock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX0fnbxwfMwnld9NEMZ3EZJg4cWlCHohhNFa1_DnehcH10A58qIvbUV8o4iCu3JrKnd2qX7lKVPg1AoYd2ZODEKfVDPUW-KBlb-ppVlkcs2F916FB5rLEQxACSY14TiYnN7z-E1kLUMXts/s1600/huphupdock.jpg" height="403" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">this dude dared to pass me, so I threw down a hex and out he went</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.0pt;">Thanks
to the amazing electronic timing, results were available pretty much as you
crossed the line, I will only mention this once but this alone has the ability
to make or break a race, gone are the days of waiting till the next race to see
how you did in the previous one, possibly the biggest advance in our races over
the last couple of years.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.0pt;">So
how did we all do?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.0pt;">30-39<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.0pt;">6<sup>th</sup>
Simon Fairful <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.0pt;">9<sup>th</sup>
Ian Dunlop<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.0pt;">11<sup>th</sup>
Steven Turbitt<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.0pt;">13<sup>th</sup>
Addy Pope<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.0pt;">45-49<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.0pt;">9<sup>th</sup>
Davie Graham<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.0pt;">40-44<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.0pt;">9<sup>th</sup>
Fraser Waters<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.0pt;">13<sup>th</sup>
Martin Steele<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.0pt;">50-54<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.0pt;">4<sup>th</sup>
Chris Duncan<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.0pt;">Women<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.0pt;">3<sup>rd</sup>
Maddy Robinson<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.0pt;">8<sup>th</sup>
Ainsley Turbitt<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.0pt;">All
in all not such a bad day out but by fuck was it cold.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.0pt;">SCX
6. Cross At the Castle 2014 <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.0pt;">Cross
at the Castle hopefully shouldn’t need any introduction to anyone familiar with
Scottish Cyclocross. It is as legendary as it is opinion splitting, “a cross
race on the edge of the world” is a fair starting point when trying to describe
it. For those of you who haven’t been, you’re selling yourself short, yes it is
a ball ache to get to, yes it is always blowing a hoolie, yes it does involve
at least one ferry but what do get in return? Well a gut wrenchingly beautiful
venue, a gut wrenchingly torturous course and gut wrenching good time. There
are opponents to this race as part of the series and I have in the past made my
feeling known on this too. But a return to the race this year reminded me of
just how important this race is, both for Scottish Cyclocross and for the
culture, heritage and friendships that our humble little scene has nurtured.
Celebrate the old school.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.0pt;">The
course takes place on a bucolic outcrop jutting out into the Atlantic on a
piece of land that could have been landscaped specifically for the purpose of holding a cross race but alas this is nature, raw and unforgiving. This years
lap was a shortened one from the last time I was there, a cavalry charge had us
careering into the sloppy descent that led to all the fun grassy cambers and
corners before sloggin our way back to the café and into the ‘jungle’ portage
and back into the wet stuff. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVVgMPaclYPudjmHvVQ7fmFMz5Ai1aEJ9lAo1Tf_CX8JI6eYXemnk_ERR15zWUiTkC_uupdrNmIwkZaVxF4K3Cu_h07e0Pa3-mZwzBpJhQ8ouPd226DIM2RNPdSIy6k-11gNJRxSLsSfw4/s1600/19A_0186.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVVgMPaclYPudjmHvVQ7fmFMz5Ai1aEJ9lAo1Tf_CX8JI6eYXemnk_ERR15zWUiTkC_uupdrNmIwkZaVxF4K3Cu_h07e0Pa3-mZwzBpJhQ8ouPd226DIM2RNPdSIy6k-11gNJRxSLsSfw4/s1600/19A_0186.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marty gets his lean on</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.0pt;">It
wasn’t the weather for hanging around and when the pistol fired all the
sprightly old blokes gave it their best and charged to be first into the
technical section. I’m not so good on the all out cavalry charge starts so
seemed to flounder a bit to find my pace but once on the grassy stuff I got
into the swing of things. I loved all the tough corners at this one and hard to
nail every lap I have to admit though my skills get flattered with the
Challenge Limus tyres. As always happens the race quickly settles and you find
yourself battling to get the guy in front and keep the guy behind at bay. In
the end I got tantalizingly close to Rob Bloor but the laps stopped coming and
he pipped me to the line. At the front Colin Shearer and Brendan Roe were having
a right old ding dong with both of them being caught out by the unforgiving
conditions, great rides from both of these gnarly stalwarts. Alongside us Maddy
was having her own Battle Royale with Kerry McPhee, if anyone dares to think
there are easy points to be had on Mull this battle for the series very quickly
dispelled that theory. To the line the pair gave it everything and once more
proved how close and fiercly competitive the womens series has became,
brilliant to watch. Unluckily for Maddy, Kerry was the stronger on this day and
took the series by just 2 points. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.0pt;">I
didn’t follow much of the seniors and V40 as I was trying to stay warm, take
photos and heckle hard. Chris Marquis again looked deceptively strong and Addy
and Stevie T took advantage of the reduced senior field to get some much
overdue top ten time. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.0pt;">Cross
At The Castle is ten this year (something that came as a shock to me as someone
who was at the first one!), something of a landmark for both the organiser,
landowners and hardy racers who make the pilgrimage every year to race. It is
looking like it will be the oldest event on the calendar for 2015, may I
suggest you embrace it, forget everything you thought you knew, leave your
prejudice at home and race/party hard in one of the most stunning parts of the
world. You wont regret it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.0pt;">We
did this.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.0pt;">Senior<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.0pt;">3<sup>rd</sup>
Addy Pope<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.0pt;">4<sup>th</sup>
Steven Turbitt<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.0pt;">V 40<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.0pt;">9<sup>th</sup>
Chris Marquis<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.0pt;">17<sup>th</sup>
Martin Steele<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.0pt;">V 50<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.0pt;">2<sup>nd</sup>
Colin Shearer<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.0pt;">8<sup>th</sup>
Chris Duncan<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.0pt;">Women<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.0pt;">3<sup>rd</sup>
Maddy Robinson<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.0pt;">9<sup>th</sup>
Ainsley Turbitt<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.0pt;">Knockburn
Loch Scottish Cyclocross Championship<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“In sport, a championship is a competition in
which the aim is to decide which individual or team is the champion.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.0pt;">Knockburn
Loch was the venue for the 2014 SCX champs, snugly nestled way up north a hefty
stonesthrow from Banchory. Organising club Deeside Thistle have had a few races
up here now and have proven both the venue and their organising skills to be
right up there with the best that the Scottish Cyclocross community has to
offer. A good solid mix of surfaces, relentlessly pedally and (god forbid) some
singletrack, its fast and torturous.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.0pt;">Having
spent the previous night in Aboyne with Mr Steele, we managed to pitch up good
and early and got to soak up all the early action. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQmH0bauFjEROgGRPr8Ym0XyGU7bOMXvQArjKcN-LvOIizO2Rl0Bkt1ufMTea6KHRX41oF300vTcpBNCWCjXn6knjFQlBVNfS5zI6NDW9tg3-gBMCcP6EFxhAGVhbDprbWsExEd-VZRT3R/s1600/knocx.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQmH0bauFjEROgGRPr8Ym0XyGU7bOMXvQArjKcN-LvOIizO2Rl0Bkt1ufMTea6KHRX41oF300vTcpBNCWCjXn6knjFQlBVNfS5zI6NDW9tg3-gBMCcP6EFxhAGVhbDprbWsExEd-VZRT3R/s1600/knocx.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">pic by Marty</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.0pt;">I
should now go on to talk about Shearer getting the holeshot, Addy messing the
holeshot, Maddy missing the podium. I should really go on more about my good
start about watching the sun rise and dip behind the mountains and the
torturous drive home over Glenshee, I should but events took a bit of a turn for
the worse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cycling legend and
commentator extraordinaire (Jammy) took a bit of a bad turn and panic and confusion
ensued while medics attended to him and an ambulance got him to the right place
in good time. A sense of community followed as riders from the senior and V40
races held back any sense of frustration they may have had and respectfully did
as they were told. Plenty has been written about Jammy and it was great to see
him back recently but what it did remind us for a brief moment was, this is
only bike racing, nobodies life depends on it, most of us are well fed (and if
we aren’t its through choice) we have families, we have lovers, we are alive.
Jammy, in a twisted kinda of a way thankyou for reminding us of this. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.0pt;">I’m
not sure I mentioned this but I love this course. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.0pt;">No
real surprises on the national champion front, which proves at least it works
and the right people got the medals.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.0pt;">Senior.
Rab Wardell<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.0pt;">Senior
Women. Isla Short<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.0pt;">V
40. Gary McCrae<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.0pt;">V
40 Women. Sian Tovey<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.0pt;">V
50. Brendan Roe<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.0pt;">Junior.
Mark McGuire<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEillEeHok1zju6hqqjlUDxrQVjHhFJJizGFJMd7R02jxnNDrx53zEzaqTBBlzMdpURWjlrR0LCSrk7FDYkgcdMYDCBro0ZYH0sl-s8OgGDHBKGk9OVTHSlyrTl09kpbOssrDNYKBJPFYvm1/s1600/IMG_2619.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEillEeHok1zju6hqqjlUDxrQVjHhFJJizGFJMd7R02jxnNDrx53zEzaqTBBlzMdpURWjlrR0LCSrk7FDYkgcdMYDCBro0ZYH0sl-s8OgGDHBKGk9OVTHSlyrTl09kpbOssrDNYKBJPFYvm1/s1600/IMG_2619.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">its over</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10pt;">What
we did.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.0pt;">V50<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.0pt;">Colin
Shearer 4<sup>th</sup><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.0pt;">Chris
Duncan 10<sup>th</sup><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.0pt;">V40<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.0pt;">Fraser
Waters 27<sup>th</sup><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.0pt;">Martin
Steele 38<sup>th</sup><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.0pt;">Davie
Graham 41<sup>st</sup><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.0pt;">Women<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.0pt;">Maddy
Robinson 4<sup>th</sup><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.0pt;">Ainsley
Turbitt 10<sup>th</sup><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.0pt;">Senior<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.0pt;">Addy
Pope 11<sup>th</sup><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.0pt;">Simon
Fairfull 13<sup>th</sup><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.0pt;">Chris
Marquis 22<sup>nd</sup><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.0pt;">So
there we have it another season bites the mud and yet again it was another good
one, controversy, all out war, laughter and tears in abundance. But one thing
that we tend to overlook about our little race scene is how each race has a
character of its own that gives us a little portal into the environment its
taking place and also into the minds of the respective organisers, they say
that variety is the spice of life, well, lets go hard on the seasoning then.
This year really has had it all.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.0pt;">All
that remains is to say that on behalf of Velo Club Moulin, thanks to each and
every one of the organisers and your army of helpers. Enjoy the off season and
charge your batteries for 2015. Thanks to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/thepressroom.co.uk">The Press Room</a> for the Dig In pics<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.0pt;">Peace.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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chrisDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03953472539873390016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6765950712426973866.post-88590161625678973532015-01-23T20:48:00.003+00:002015-01-23T20:48:30.093+00:00Rouken Glen CX<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Buried south of the River Clyde is a park defined by fine, tall trees, rhododendron, the waterfalls on the Auldhouse Burn and old, Edwardian buildings. A gem in the heart of this gritty city, Glasgow. </div>
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Once owned by the Crown, the park was given to the people in 1904, and the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/roukenglencx" target="_blank">RGCX</a> team took the natural contours and beauty of the park, applied considerable skill, and created a hard fought, icy cyclocross race of the highest caliber. </div>
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Split into an A and B race the vibe was relaxed, but no less competitive. With sub-zero temperatures for a week before the race, the ground was hard and snow lay several inches deep in places.<br />
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VC Moulin was represented well in all classes: it was good to stretch out the gammons with my homies for only my second 'cross race this year.<br />
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I was slotted into the B race, along with Fraser, Ainsley and Maddy. There was some of the usual, nervous banter before the start, at the bottom of an access track. A quick warm up was not enough to keep the cold from our bones but then the hooter signaled the off - 55 minutes plus a lap to go.<br />
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I was fortunate enough to have some appreciation of music from 'the man' for this round and Gibby Haynes laconically worked his way through 'Dancing Queen' as we climbed back up to the course, getting the sluggish blood moving through cold limbs. It seemed appropriate, as the legs wound up the climb: "you can dance, you can jive, having the time of your life".<br />
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Joining the course, it was clear it would take no prisoners. Off camber into the soft mud under a canopy of trees, then a sharp drop and climb to skirt the top of the course and the race MC. (Iron Maiden, 'Hallowed be thy name').<br />
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After the lap finish line, a grassy bank acted as a kicker to jump if you wanted, before another off camber traverse into a run up and then a rolling section before a series of chicanes and a steep climb - rideable with the application of some sausage - into a section routed around copses of trees, a double barrier hop then back to the top of the course. AC/DC, 'Sink the Pink' - the beat helped with the pedal stroke. With welcomed recovery sections allowing me to come down from red line after pumping the big meat up the climbs, the course and me were making friends, fast.<br />
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A few laps in, I was lying in third place to Fraser. I knew Maddy was close behind and a charging Matthew Smith was sitting just ahead - so close that I could hear his breath at every turn. The pace for the first 30 minutes was blistering - The Bronx, 'Young Bloods' suited the high heart rate and physical exertion. There came a point where the traffic thinned enough that I could clear the longer, steep climb by going hard right and I knew I could use this to pass Matthew, who was shouldering the bike.<br />
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True enough, I forced the pass with a hernia popping effort. Faith No More's classic 'Epic' and a smattering of Clutch fed the fire and my legs felt strong and willing. My new tubeless set up allowed me to get ragged around the corners, adding to my traction and I was truly enjoying myself. Idly, I began to wonder if I had it in me to challenge Fraser, who was still out in front, but serious consideration gave me clarity. Barring a mechanical issue or implosion from him, our positions were set.<br />
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Matthew kept battling, coming back at every opportunity. There was no way to stretch and break our elastic bond: several laps from the end, just as I began to feel a little comfortable, I nearly opened the door for him to drop me for good. A poorly judged jump into the off camber corner before the run up, led to a squirrelly landing and I dropped my chain. AC/DC - "Thunderstruck". No doubt!<br />
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I had to pull the rear wheel out of the frame to get the chain back on. As I began to tighten the qr again, Matthew came flying past and I could see him exert his will on the cranks. This was going to be tight.<br />
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He tore off into the distance, aiming for the chicanes. I gave chase but tried to stay calm. No need to red line straight away - assess the moves and situation. Still feeling good, I tackled the steep climb on the pedals after the chicane and gained some ground. Memory fails me but I think I may have even slipped past here. We were so close - it was no suprise as he took me again just on the top section of the course before the finish. I hung on and gasped for air. With one or two laps to go this was going to go to the wire. Another hard effort on the steep climb while Matthew dismounted and ran gave me just enough to stay away - ragged breathing, the taste of blood with every respiration. I dug deep to make the pass and could only hope it was the definitive move of my race. Rob Zombie, 'Superbeast' - it couldn't have been a better tune.<br />
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So it was. I rolled home extremely happy with my second place, a firm hand shake and mutual respect with Matthew and happy for both Fraser with the win and Maddy in 5th overall, first women home. <br />
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I'll let someone else tell the story of the A race, but congratulations must go to the organisers for a fantastic race. Strongly competitive but with a relaxed and welcoming vibe. Sweet as! Looking forward to next year already.<br />
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<br />dRjONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18365819296812190132noreply@blogger.com0