Fame beckons….

Dee scores it big! It’s just a shame they didn’t airbrush out a couple of my chins……

I have already…..

…done more miles since the Coast to Coast this year than I did in the 6 months after last years ride.

The sun is shining- so I popped out on the Canondale (with spud tyres). Oh, but where to? Well, I know master Ross and master Henderson enjoy the jaunt down to Puffing Billy’s at Torrington along the Tarka trail, so off I went.

Great scenery! Truth is, I have not rode that far along the trail for about 5-6 years, and I had forgot a couple things- how beautiful the countryside sis, and also how much fun the long tunnel is just after Bideford.

Once I got to Torrington, I switched to the road- I love that bit between Puffing Billys and Bideford, where I switched back to the Tarka Trail. However, Instow, I was seduced by the road again- also the chance of getting home to watch the end of today’s tour stage.

This is where I found a group of about 8 roadies, all on nice bikes. Well, the testosterone clicked in, and off I went, tyres buzzing away on the tarmac. Rode well, but I have knackered myself for the next 3-4 weeks. Bloody male ego.

Popped out the Children’s Hospice this morning, and handed in £867.91 worth of cheques which we picked up on the day. Fantastic effort you all, well done. My funds tracker shows that we know about just shy of £5000 which has already gone in to the Hospice.

It all seems worth while now, doesn’t it?

My ride

The day of the forth coast to coast started early for me- 5.15am. Truth is, I did not sleep that much anyhows. Into the van for five to six, and up to pick up my brother, meet up with Ian in the Omega van, and then onto Plymouth.

The weather was not great- it was never going to be- but the hour before the ride went by in a bit of a blur, to be honest. Things to do, people to meet, old friends I had not seen for a year to catch up with. I loved John on the penny farthing, and my lad Ethan on the unicycle added a spirit to the morning. Bugger me, it was time to go.

I wanted to spend the day riding with new people and have some fun, and indeed I did start this way. I was a bit concerned that the group was spread out so much so early, but I knew the climb from Ilfracombe would sort a few people out straight away. It’s alright, have a chat, have fun, I kept telling myself.

Onto Lynton Cross, and Nick and Mel was there on the tandem. Quick chat and off again; 100 metres later, they passed at a speed which quite frankly was not right without drugs. Sod it, I hoped on the back, and was towed up to the Hospital, passing lots of folk on the way (I was the one ringing the bell- no, I was not trying to overtake!).

Across the new bridge; shame really, as the weather was a bit dodgy, and I just rode, as opposed to looking around.

The first stop at Roundswell made me realise that the group is BIG- there are so many people I do not recognise or even acknowledge, no matter how I try.

Then the ride started. We were worried about the Barnstaple to Torrington leg, as the road is basically, shit. That was the least of the worries- the heavens opened BIG time. Cold wind, rain which was a bit of a novelty at the beginning, but became less and less funny as we rode into Torrington.

Where it was sunny.

Next the climb out of Torrington, where i had promised myself I would stretch myself a bit, and rode up it like a superhero. I wanted to be pushed a bit, but no one else was playing, so I rode off and just went for it- the personal victory. Actually, feeling good at this stage.

We decided to push onto Okehampton then, just 20 miles on, but the group spread out so much, we had to regroup again at Hatherleigh. The rain started to come down again- big time- so I pushed on with Jane.

She is FIT. I could just about keep up with her on the flat, and I think it is only my riding style that got me up the hills. But bloody hell did it rain.

We rode into Okehampton 15 minutes down on schedule, not too bad I thought. Thing is, I did not realise that we had put half and hour into some of the other riders in the last 8 miles, and they arrived there at 1.45- just before we were scheduled to start off.

A committee decision was made- we stick to the schedule- sorry if this left you with little or no dinner. I want this ride to be fun; the weather was making it hard, and the timing at the stop made it harder. Next year will be better- promise.

Next- the hardest leg- into Tavistock. The last year’s ride, this was one of the nicest; indeed, the year before, I was riding along besides Mark, when he sat up and started to strip- I had trouble riding and holding his helmet, he had his top over his head and was stripper like a whore with money in her g-string. Bloody headmasters!

But no one was to describe this leg as fun; the rain was sent from the devil, and the wind, from the late Bernard Manning himself. Basically, half way across the moor, I tossed my cookies out. I collapsed, blew, sprung a leak. I went from mid gear to small gear in half a second. Thank you Reg for riding with me and helping me through this.

Into Tavistock, and guess what, it was nice. The next leg up to Yelverton is always where we see who has the biggest balls, and I rode up there well last year. Unfortunately, I had left my knackers planted on Dartmoor, so I watched and decided to be there next year.

I WILL be there next year.

Only the last 10 miles into Plymouth- and I love these. I ride up to the train station roundabout (from Penny come quick) with tears in my eyes.

I love it. I love what we have achieved, the friends we have made, the money raised, the size of the group, the potential of the ride (imagine 10 years time! It will be MASSIVE!!!), the fact that I have now got over a dozen people who I can email, and go for a ride with at the drop of a hat, I love what Mark, Sean, Ian and Mike has brought to the ride; t is not just me, it is us.

The Coast to Coast is like a child, an this year, he learnt to walk. Soon, he will talk, start to go out, meet a girl, get drunk,and move on.

And as his Father, I will be there with him.

The ride is a lot of different things to different people- things I will not know or even understand. It is a landmark, a challenge, a reason, or for some, just a training ride.

How cool is that!

See you next year!

Only 48 hours to go!

Or 2 Jack Bauer’s as it is known.

The rain looks rough for tomorrow- but then it does look better for Sunday- keep on with the preying!

Went on the turbo (for a change!) this morning- 2 editions of friends, 56 minutes- in a very low gear, just turning to get the blood flowing. Soreness in my left knee which had better improve before Sunday, or there will be trouble, I can tell you.

Today is when you should be getting your stuff together for the ride. Things like-

• Drinking bottles- minimum 2 bottles, with contents- Boots energy drink is good (isotonic)- if at a push though, diluted orange juice with a pinch of salt in it.
• Food- jelly babies are cool, and can be shared out to the rest of the riders (mine’s an orange one). Banana’s and doughnuts will be provided.
• Money- £5 entry fee (and £8 cash if you are coming back on the coach) plus spending money in Little Chef and for the barbecue
• Sponsorship- tote up what you have been pledged to let us know at registration on Sunday
• Blankets/ cardboard- to protect your bike if you are coming back in the coach on Sunday
• Cycling shoes- tighten your cleats!
• HELMET- bloody obvious
• Some spare clothes- if the rain is persistent, it is a great chance to change into something dry at Okehampton
• A towel to dry yourself down after a swim in the Barbican at Plymouth
• A lock for your bike whilst you eat and swim in Plymouth
• A camera!
• Oh- your bike! Oil the chain, check your allen keys, pump[ up the tyres
• Tools- just in case
• Two spare inner tubes and a pump

Through in a kitchen sink- and your there!

I have enjoyed the preparation this year, and am sure it will be a great event. As long as we all ride sensibly, and no one tries to show off how big their balls are, it will be fine.

Looking forward to meeting your all.

See you Sunday!

This time next week…..

OK, so it’s raining. DON’T PANIC! There plenty of time for it to come nice! And with this wind, it should soon dry up……..!

Key things for you this week is preparation. Later in the week is the preparation of your equipment- but for now it is your legs.

Ride- but keep it light. I have done 45 minutes on the turbo tonight, keeping it at 95rpm- fluid, easy stuff. You don’t want any tiredness in your legs, so keep them spinning in a low gear, to encourage your body to get used to cleaning the acid from themselves. It’s important that you do not feel any tiredness the next day- or you will build on this the next time you ride, and suffer fatigue.

Perhaps a light ride tomorrow (Tuesday) and a light one on Saturday (yes, Saturday! 5- 10 miles, very light gear, ENJOY IT!). This will also ensure any thing up with your bike comes out.

Oh- it may also be worth considering buying a wetsuit!

War of the Elements

A real ride
In all the elements
Where the liquid’s downfall
Causes in fraction in friction
Cycling in motion
Frightened to turn in case you fall into the mirror on the ground
The rebounding of the watery bullets being fired at you
Your glasses become shields
Chin down, get home
Pedal hard through the rivers on the road
Harder faster
Colder weaker
The anti is up’ed as the heavens opened
You forget the wet and just do it
Teeth gritted, amongst the grit
The reflection of your pain in the road
Suddenly the streets are empty
Wise people look out at the clown in the helmet
The wet washes and joins the tears
The tears of regret
A dry garage, a warm meal
Desire has you here in this battle
As the bullets are fired
You fight back
You desire to be there on the day
At the front, holding your own
Wearing the medal of this victory.

By Simon Paddon
Aged 12

With two weeks to go, it’s time to consolidate. The rides which we do this week will determine our overall state for the day. Your fitness has been built over the last few months; the edge comes from this week. The following week is for winding down, clearing your legs out, and just pedalling.

It’s also a great chance to make sure your ready- that is, your equipment. Shoe plates need checking, as do the bolts on your chainrings. Oil your chain up- and leave it for at least an hour before you ride it – then wipe the excess off. This ensures it drips into the bits you want, and by wiping the excess off, you ensure that it does not attract road dust and grit which will wear it out prematurely.

Anyway, time limited again, so a hard, hard work out on the turbo.

Stats

35 minutes
Maximum speed 28.4 mph
Average 16.2 mph
9.43 miles

Average 163 bpm
336 calories

If you listen very carefully…..

…you can hear cool things getting ready to happen.

Several people have asked me what is best to ride. The only way I can answer this is to let you know about what I have road before.

The first year- 1999- there were 4 of us riding, and we all rode on mountainbikes, with road tyres on. I had a GT which I had built up- with suspension forks on it.

The second year- 2004- and there were 8 of us, mostly again with mountainbikes and road tyres (although I remember 2 rode with road bikes). I had my Canondale full suspension.

The third year- 2006- and the ride had grown to 38 riders; and there was a split. Both groups had road bikes and mountainbikes in them.

This year? Well, it is early to say, but here is the bike I am riding

The key thing is the lowest gear, and if you are comfortable on the bike enough to spend up to 9 hours on it pedalling. My Trek has a lowest gear of 39×25, and it makes me feel like Lance Armstrong when I ride it. So yes, I am comfortable on it.

Hope this gives you some thoughts about the ride. Let’s not forget that the day is for FUN and raising money!

Turbo tonight, interval training to get some strength into my legs for the day.

Stats

34 minutes
Maximum 30 mph
Average 16 mph
Distance 9 miles

Average 163 bpm (that’s why I am knackered now then!)
316 cals

Bloody heck, it’s hot!

Only three weeks today to the ride!

It’s been VERY hot last couple days, so I got up, and was out on the bike early today, to try and avoid the heat.

It did not work.

Two bottles on the bike- both were empty by the time I got home.

Started off going out through Braunton, then on to Georgeham.

The view from the top of Saunton (above) really was amazing- though I am sure Mark and Sean will bit disappointed by the surf!

Ont through Georgeham, and the climb out by the cemetery. This is a BIG hill- the sweat was as big though.
Dropped into Woolacombe then (above). I hate riding down this hill; it is so step that you feel like you are being thrown over the bars. My thoughts always go back to 1984 when the National Hill Climb Championship was held here; Daryl Webster, Karl Merchant- and Mike’s ear in Cycling weekly.

Another climb- this time the one out of Woolacombe towards the Fortescue. Not that steep, just long and punishing, especially with temperatures above 20 degrees.

On then to Mullacott Cross, across the top to Lynton Cross, and back to Barnstaple tracing the route we will be taking in 21 days time.

It was a good ride- I did enjoy it, and climbed well. My recovery is good- I soon pick up the pace after a climb.

Stats
32 miles
2 hours 13 minutes
33.6 maximum
Average 15 mph.

Three weeks?

Bring it on.

Swapped Groups

I have decided to swap groups back to the Alpha group from the Omega.

There’s a couple great reasons for this. Primarily, it is to support the group- there aer 5 organisers of this event; one was with the first group (of 60+ riders), and the other four was with the second group (which will be about 15 riders). Does not make sense.

The second reason is simple- I want to enjoy my riding. It has not been there this year for me- I do love riding (as this blog shows) and I do get inspired by Lance Armstrong and the like. I have struggled this year- the motivation to ride has not been there. I do try to inspire myself- watched my Armstrong DVD’s and the like, and hoped to take interest in the Giro de Italia.

But with all the drugs in Cycling, it is hard to be inspired by false prophets. So much, that I am not going to London this year to see the tour. No one I want to see. I may regret this in the years to come, but right now, it feels right.

So if you don’t mind, I will ride with you folk on the 1st. We can chat, smile, get to know each other.

And enjoy it.

Half hour on the turbo tonight- 7.3 miles, just shy of 15mph.