Diary of a Sportive Rider – Virign Money Cyclone 2012

Saturday the 30th June saw the completion of the 2012 Virgin Money Cyclone ( formerly the Northern Rock Cyclone).

I signed up for this event last year with the intention of completing the 104 mile ride.  I have previously completed the 63 mile ride on two occasions (last year was 67 due to an enforced diversion) and this was why I decided I should now complete the 104. 

In the weeks since the Fred Whitton Challenge and leading up to this event my riding / training has been sporadic at best with no real structure or aim to most of the rides I have done.  In fact it wasn’t until Thursday last week that I finally made the decision to take part.  My mojo for sportives had dwindled somewhat and I will admit I had a feeling of “can’t be bothered” for this event.   This feeling annoyed me and once I had snapped out of it I realised I probably wasn’t in good enough shape to do the 104mile justice.  I have no doubt I would have been able to complete the distance just through my base fitness and miles but being the ever so slightly competitive person I am I wouldn’t have been happy not coming close to the GOLD standard time of 5hrs 40Mins and I doubt I would have come close on saturday.

With the North East Flood waters subsiding, on Friday I decided I would complete the 63 mile ride and use it as a bench mark for my fitness compared to the previous two years.

I set off for the event at around 7am as I needed to register before the event.  I arrived at the Park and Ride which was steadily filling with cars packed with bikes.  I readied myself and donned my pre-packed jersey, arm warmers and helmet and headed off to the Newcastle Falcons Rugby Ground to register.

When I arrived at the ground I was surprised to see so few people ready to go.  Last year the queue for the start stretched for a good distance.  Registering was quick and simple and I received my timing chip and number.  I briefly met up with @Doctorwoolley and @workshopslave from Cycleworld in Sunderland who were providing back up for the ride this year.  After a quick chat and some cable tie trimming I joined the queue for the start.

I headed off in a group of guys doing the 104mile ride and soon realised there was a bit of helping wind for this first section so I decided to push on.  I was hoping deep down to break the 3hr mark for the 63miles  which was going to be tough so I couldn’t hang around at the beginning.  I picked up a couple of passengers early on and a guy from Beacon Wheelers stuck with me for a few miles and we shared the work for the first 20 or so miles until the first feed station where I stopped to quickly top up my bottle and then headed back onto the road.

Prior to the feed station I have to say I was a little annoyed with some of the rider son the course who were determined to ride across the road even with cars behind trying to get past.  It is only courteous to move over to allow them to pass safely but some people weren’t even acknowledging that they were there and were carrying on 4/5 abreast regardless.  At one point there was so many Gosforth CC riders spread across the road chatting I couldn’t even squeeze past them on two wheels!  It’s bad enough dealing with impatient motorists and their perception of cyclists but, as the cyclists, we could help ourselves by being a little more aware at times also. This was at the end of the day a sportive on open roads not a close road race.  ( and breath……rant over)

Just after the feed station is the split for the 104 and 64 mile rides.  As many of the guys around me turned right and went left and rode straight into a headwind.  It was like hitting a wall.  from the relative comfort and speed of the wind on the first section and the shelter of other riders it became a battle leg and mental strength.  The next 20 miles I completed pretty much solo, driving into the headwinds and trying to keep the pace high to try to hit my target.

This section of the ride was tough  and at times I struggled to keep going with the wind driving against me and in some places the condition of the roads didn’t help.  When I eventually hit the turn for home I was hoping for a super fast tailwind and a high-speed final 20miles to the finish.  This wasn’t exactly how it worked out.  As I turned there was shelter from the wind but it seemed to more of a cross wind and although it did help it didn’t give me the boost I was hoping for. 

It quickly became obvious I wasn’t going to make the 3hr mark especially when I hit the Ryals climbs which last year I can remember almost sprinting up but his year I just found myself grinding to the top.  Still alone on the road,  not even the photographers had made it to Ryals at this point I stuck my head down and kept going.

I did ease up a bit when i realised 3hrs was not going to happen but them just figured it will be some good training anyway and I should make the most of it.

I hit the final timing station at Stamfordham where the marshal was a little surprised to see me as the first black (104mile) number.  I did let him know that I had turned off though.

I pushed for the final run back to the stadium and by this time my legs were hurting and I was feeling more and more disappointed as to being so far outside the 3 hrs.

I finished in a time of 3hrs 13 mins (GARMIN DATA) which turns out was the second fastest time on the day for the 63mile route so I guess I should be happy with that but I have to admit to fall short by 13mins of the 3hrs and just over 2 mins from the fastest time I am a little bit gutted.

Over all the event was agin very well organised and I have to say Virgin Money must have a slightly different recruitment policy that Norther Rock for the marshalls at the start and finish as this year they were much improved, visually at least.

Big Kudow to all those who completed the 104mile ride.  Top effort and maybe next year for me…..maybe!

I would usually post a picture taken by the event photographers (@Marathon-Photos) on my write ups but I am afraid that £18 for the digital file is just way too expensive in my opinion.  I understand they have costs to cover but this is just insane.  I am sure they would sell many more at £10 and therefore volume would be much higher.

This event also uses the Sport Ident timing system which is a tag around your neck or on your wrist which is OK but I much prefer the timing on the bikes where you run over the timing matts.

Diary of a Sportive Rider – Disappointment is Good

Don’t ever set your expectations “low to avoid disappointment” always aim high. 

Disappointment can be good. Learn from it, remember the feeling and strive to never feel it again.

It is true if you do set your sights low you may never be disappointed but you will in turn rarely achieve greatness.

Challenge yourself, sometimes you will fail but other times you will amaze yourself at what you are able to achieve.

Diary of a Sportive Rider – Obstacles

Obstacles!

• it’s too wet
• it’s too cold
• it’s too windy
• that climb is too steep
• that ride is too long
• others are just too fast
• my bike isn’t light enough
• im not fit enough
• etc
• etc
• etc

These are all obstacles that we often feel are preventing us from obtaining our goals / dreams, however big or small they are.   These could be simply riding to work, joining a cycling club, trying to win a local TT / hill climb / road race, re-gaining your KOM on Strava or winning a tour jersey. These are almost always mental obstacles that we choose to put in place and use as an excuse not to reach our true potential.

The only thing that is stopping us from reaching our goal and overcoming these obstacles is confidence, commitment and desire.  There are a number of goals and dreams I wish I had pursued when I was younger and had the opportunities but I put similar obstacles in my way and will always think “what if”.

Don’t have regrets. If you want it bad enough it WILL be yours.

(Just some thoughts I had while riding home tonight into a headwind with the rain streaming down my legs into my shoes)

Diary of a Sportive Rider – Road Spotting

If any one actually reads this then some of you will understand what I am talking about and agree and some will just think I am a little bit “touched” and should find something better to do.

I have been doing a fair bit of driving this year, whether it be for work to Yorkshire or to and from the Lakes for rides/ sportives, and one of the things I have found myself doing is taking notice of the terrain and the local roads as i pass by in my metal box.  I have found myself looking round and often thinking “that would be a great road to ride” or “I bet there’s a great climb up that hill”.  Quite often you will never actually ride them due to where they are located as you pass by on a one-off or the fact you might never remember exactly where they were.

*I must remember to take a photo of the road climbing up the side of the hills to the south of Middlesbrough the next time I pass on a clear day on my way to Wakefield with work as it looks awesome*

I am sure many cyclists will do this and which type of road they look for I am sure will depend on the type of riding they do.  If you are a general all round rider (like myself – jack of all trades, master of none!!) you might find yourself spotting a great rolling road heading off into the distance or a single lane road piercing through a forest on the side of a distant hill.  Other riders such as your TT specialists might find a newly resurfaced stretch of straight road more appealing with the thought of flat-out, smooth riding at full gas without the worry of loose gravel or potholes preventing a new PB.

Sometimes I do worry about myself and if I am the only rider out there that does this then maybe I should seek some professional help but if not and there are more like-minded people out there, continue to enjoy dreaming of riding those perfect roads.

Diary of a Sportive Rider – Wiggle Dragon Ride No Go

This weekend is the Wiggle Dragon Ride which I entered late last year and was one of the main sportive’s I wanted to complete this year.

The ride starts in South Wales which is a good 6 hr drive from my house so I have booked up a hotel for saturday night and for Sunday night as I didn’t fancy driving back after completing 126 miles of Welsh mountain torture.

Unfortunately however I have had to pull out of the event as I simply can’t afford to have 3 full days away at this moment.  I am, to say, GUTTED.  Not only as I will be missing some sensational climbs but I was also planning on meeting up with a number of other people at the ride and to complete the route with.  I definitely feel I have let a few people down and this annoys me most of all so to Anth and Hutty I apologise but I hope you have a great day.

So I sadly have to miss the ride this year but good luck to everyone completing the ride especially Paul Hutton ( @hutty ), Anthony Evans ( @Antz_e ),  Louise Clowes ( @Queenofthecols ) and Fabrizio Viani ( @fabrizioviani )

Until Next Year Dragon………

Diary of a Sportive Rider – Lanzarote Loop

I recently returned from a Family holiday in Playa Blnca, Lanzarote.  While I was over there my wife and kids were kid enough to let me hire a bike for a couple of days to see what the island had to offer in the way of road biking.

Lanzarote is fairly well known for its Ironman events, which had taken place the week prior to us arriving, and is used by a number of cycling teams for training camps so I rightly assumed there would be some good roads about.

I had considered taking my own bike but in the end as I hadn’t travelled with a bike before, and I knew my time would be limited, I decided just to travel with mu helmet, shoes, pedals, clothing and some nutrition and hire a bike while out there.

I visited a few local bike shops and settled for the one with the best english speaking staff who could advise me best on the routes to take.  The selection of bikes available, especially in my size, was limited and in the end I simply went for one that fit.

“the Aluminium GHOST”

Speaking to the guy in the hire shop he highlighted the best routes to travel and showed me various routes ranging from 30km to 155km.  he marked these on the map and also identified the best climbs. I had heard of the FEMES climb before travelling and I wanted to make sure I took that in. Luckily this climb was located less than 5 miles from Playa Blanca.

Garmin Data
Strava Data

I set out on an overcast but very windy morning. I had been warned that travelling from this side of the island my outward leg would be mainly into a headwind and they were not wrong. I left Playa Blanca along a very nice flat stretch of road that had a totally separate cycle lane. This then changed into a nice wide lane along the side of the road. Once I hit this the steady 3.6mile climb began. It was nice and easy at first with a relatively low gradient until I hit a roundabout at 3.1miles up the climb. from here on in the gradient kicked up dramatically and the final section was an average of 12.5% with a maximum of 19% (according to Strava). This certainly was quite a tough climb and my heart rate was well up by the time I hit the summit. I really liked this climb although apart from the gradual first section it was no harder than ay other climb I have experience here in the UK.

“the view from the top of the FEMES climb (Playa Blanca In the distance)”

From here it was a nice steady downhill cruise passing the local eccentric’s house who for some reason had a helicopter in his fromt garden

At the end of this road was the proper descent into Uga. This was horrible, very steep, very fast and dangerously windy. At the bottom I took a deep breath, thanked the Lord I was still in one piece and headed over to the next climb of the day, Timanfaya. This was another steady climb without the severity of Femes. It was a great sight though disappearing off into the distance disceting two mountains on either side.

“TIMANFAYA Climb”
“TIMANFAYA Climb”

The summit of this climb was about 16miles into the ride and the next 19 miles were nice a flat and I simply cruised around the island getting lost on a few occasions and trying to find shelter from the wind whenever possible. Following a nice long decent from Masdache back to Uga I headed round to do the final climb of the day LAS BRENAS. This was another beautiful climb and with the sun breaking through it was a little tougher than it could have been but the tail wind certainly helped. The climb averaged only 6% but did have a couple of 21% sections on it. Hitting the summit of this climb I had a decision of taking the descent back into Playa Blanca or climbing the steep section of the FEMES again.  Obviously I opted to take the climb.

As i reached the summit for the second time that day I glanced back over to see a local climbing up behind me. He reached the top just after me, said “Hola” and turned and almost literally threw himself back down the descent like a pro! I turned and followed and by the time I had rounded the first hairpin he might have been at home having a glass of sangria!!! Obviously a local he was fearless and the speed he descended was scary. I tip-toed down the steep section and let loose down the steady part hitting nearly 50mph. I would have gone fasted but the cross winds weren’t making me feel very confident.

I arrived back in Playa Blanca and met up with the family at the beach for a well deserved ham and cheese omelette.

I have to say that riding in Lanzarote was great, mainly just for being on the bike, as for a place to ride and see some great views I wasn’t overly impressed,  there is a lot of scarce landscapes that stretch from town to town and the wind made riding there tough.  I think if I was going to travel to ride I would pick a different place but I did throughly enjoy the couple of rides I managed to get in.  At the end of the day any ride is a good ride and should be savoured and enjoyed

Diary of a Sportive Rider – FWC 2012 Hardnott Pass Photo

I have to say I am pretty pleased with this shot from this years Fred Whitton Challenge on the 30% hairpin on Hardknott Pass.

Even better that the guy in the background is walking!

Diary of a Sportive Rider – The Fred Whitton Challenge 2012

Yesterday was the big day.  The day of the biggest sportive of the year, the Fred Whitton Challenge organised by @Saddleback_ltd.

I rode this course last year with RoadBikeDave and I completed it in 8hrs 15min but unfortunately Dave was unable to finish due to a mechanical.  At the finish Dave immediately organised re-entry for this year as he was determined to complete it and following his passing last year I was determined to complete it again and do it justice and make him proud.  He has been with me in all my preparation and throughout the day yesterday which was an emotional day and I believe both @hutty and I (riding in Dave’s Name) completed the ride that would have made him proud and probably deep down a little jealous.

Preparation was good with the night before making up my six water bottles, and sorting out my bars and gels ready for the morning.  The lovely @jennyvelo and @northernAngell have volunteered to set up in two places (Dockray and Winlatter) with water bottles and bars for us to switch in and out and change clothing if required. So I made up bags to be used at each stop with 2 water bottles and 4 bars at each stop.  This was a god send and provided a great boost at each brief stop.

The day of the ride started well waking at 5:45 and having a bowl of porridge followed by a bowl of Wheatabix.  I then got dressed loaded the car with mine and Hutty’s bikes at set off for the start at 6:45.  Barring a slight hold up getting into the sight everything went smoothly and we were at the start line for 7:45.

The feared, forecasted rain and high winds weren’t evident when we set off to the first climb of the day which was promising, in fact the sun even made an appearance.  We had discussed that we were going to take it steady over the first section till we hit the top of Kirkstone so we didn’t expel too much effort early on and ruin the rest of the ride.  We tried to monitor heart rates to prevent them going skywards early doors which was difficult for Hutty as some muppet pulled a Roberto Ferrari riding straight across his wheel on the first climb almost wiping him clean out.  After a few expletives however heart rates were settled and we cruised around to Kirkstone Pass.

Kirkstone was the first big climb of the day and we negotiated this well, steady away to the top as the winds began to gradually increase in speed.  Legs were feeling pretty good at this point.

We had planned to try to complete the ride between 6hrs 35mins and 7hrs but it became apparent with the strength of the wind this was going to be a tough ask and probably unlikely.  We did however make decent time on the first half of the ride with the wind aiding us on some of the big climbs that followed.

We managed to get into some decent groups to try to save some energy which was a welcome relief when we hit the A66 and turned into a vicious wind.  Groups were forming all along the road and we ended up in a group of maybe 30 rides by the time we turned off the 66.

We hit the middle section of climbs starting with my favourite Honister.  Not sure why I like it, probably because it was that climb that I felt the strongest.  Legs felt great on that climb.  The descents as usual were a little nervous throughout the day due to blustery conditions the varying abilities of the riders and my general Schleck-style descending ability.

We negotiated Newlands and reach the top of Winlatter which was the second feed station for us.  we pick up the last of our supplies and headed off into the “Pain” section of the ride.  From the top of Winlatter until Gosforth was a headwind and a tough one at that (25mph+ I understand).  we formed another group and settled in for the next few hours of pain and suffering over the top of Cold Fell.  This was the lowest and toughest part of the ride.  I was suffering a bit during this section just hanging onto the group in parts and really not feeling great.  We tucked in however and made it through to Gosforth were we turned out of the headwind and headed to the final section of the ride.

(*from www.Fredwhittonchallenge.org.uk)

It was clear that we had lost too much time due to the conditions to get close to the 6:35 and even the 7hrs seemed a little tough to get.  Hutty did mention at one point for me just to go and try and make it,  so I went off on a bit of a run up the next smaller climb only to be reigned back in by him on the descent.  At this point we joined up again with @mr_el_bee  and again Hutty suggested I should go for it so I again headed off alone about 3-4 miles from the base of HardKnott.

There was the usual eerie silence from people on the approach to Hardknott and the a general sitting up and leg resting before taking on the monster.  I hit the red phone box not feeling super strong but knew I jut needed to get the bike into the lowest gear get into a rhythm and settle in for the next 15mins of suffering. As last year the side of the climb was lined with either supporters of people pushing bikes. I dug in stamping on the peddles around the switchbacks I made it to the second set of switch backs and the encouragement from the people there was great.  I knew the toughest bit was still to come but I managed to dig in and climb to the summit.  No time to bask in this though as I had a 7hr target to try and reach so I started the descent which didn’t go to plan.  At the base of Hardknott I removed my glasses and shoved them in my helmet and subsequently forgot to take them out for the descent and as I started I could feel them starting to fall out.  The steepness of the descent didn’t allow my to just push them in as I was holding on with both hands so I had to pick a wide section to stop and sort myself out.

I completed the descent and headed along the valley to Wrynose.  I felt Ok on the climb, again not particularly stong but made it up and then followed a WheelBase rider down the descent which was the fastest I have descended ever.  Then there was just the last killer hill section up to the run in to the finish and at this point it was clear if I wanted that 7hr mark I had to just stick my head down and go for it and leave nothing on the road.  The only issue with that was I was now heading directly into the wind which was at full force now.  This final 7 miles was the hardest I have ever ridden.  I flew into the finish and headed straight for the timing steward to dip my timing chip.  I knew it was touch and go.  My Garmin said 6hrs 57 but I had forgotten to start it right at the start.

Garmin Data

Hutty came in only a few minutes behind and once we had caught our breath we headed into the tent to collect our times.  I managed to get 6hrs 57mins which looking back at the day I am over the moon about (75th out of circa1375).  I was however a little gutted for Hutty who missed out by about 39secs. (fastest time was 5hrs 59mins!!!!!!  – Full Results )

This weekend I also managed to meet a number of great people from twitter who also completed this epic ride. These included @millsphysio ,who rode an awesome ride with @simondbarnes, @waterrat77, @waynobfc and @garyspencley (who has a vice-like  handshake i can only imagine would be outdone by the Hulk himself)

I may have not done this ride justice in my words above but people who have ridden it will know how epic it is and what an achievement it is to complete no matter what time they get.  People who haven’t done it should respect every person who steps up to the challenge as this is a monster of a ride.

Now for some thanks.

Firstly My wife and kids for being so understanding about the time I have spent training for this and taking part. Their support has been unwavering, even if Reni doesn’t really understand the whole “cycling” thing.

I would like to thank everyone for the messages of support and congratulations from all my friends and family and the guys on Twitter.

Big thanks and appreciation goes out to the stewards and volunteers for Saddleback, they were great and the organisation was again very professional, even though I had fewer security checks flying to London last week than I did trying to register on Saturday!

Big thanks to mechanical wizards @doctorwoolley and @workshopslave for getting my bike in great shape.

Benefit @ Harton ( benjohnston77@hotmail.co.uk / 07923813432 / South Shields )too for another great massage which helped get my legs ready to take on the 12K ft of climbing.

But most of all to Jen and Hutty for their great hospitality, support and advice for not only the day but for the past few months leading up to the ride.  Many thanks guys.

Diary of a Sportive Rider – One Week till the Fred Whitton !!

So this is it 1 week to go until I take on the Fred Whitton Challenge and at this point I have done all I can with my training.  Nothing I do from now on will lead to any improvements before Sunday.

Over the past few weeks my mind has been a little bit all over the place going from high levels of confidence to thinking I am going to let, not only myself down but my riding partner @Hutty and @RoadBikeDave too.

Recent training has been reasonable.  I managed to get a 100 mile ride in last weekend which was tough in both effort and weather (hail and rain for a good hour or so).  There wasn’t very much climbing (circa 4500ft) but I did manage a reasonable pace at 18.3mph average.  I was however, at the end,  cooked!  I don’t think I had much left in the legs.

All last week I have commuted to work with only one day off and these rides didn’t feel great,  in fact I intended to do an extended hilly ride home on Thursday but cut that short as i just wasn’t feeling it in my head or my legs.

I then set out this morning for my final pre-Whitton effort and completed 45 miles and i felt pretty good.  I didn’t feel super stong on the climbs but reviewing my Strava data I was faster on most of the climbs than I have been over the past few months so I guess stats don’t lie.  Overall therefore I am feeling pretty good about next week as long as I can maintain the effort for the full 112 miles.

Next week will be an easy week on the bike,  I have an easy hour planned tomorrow (monday), and then I am travelling with work so cannot ride until Thursday when I will commute at a nice easy pace.  I have massage booked in for Thursday evening as I felt this made a big difference during the Lakeland Loop.  Friday will be another steady, easy spin to work and back and then it will be fuelling time ready for Sunday.

I will also be using the Giro d’italia which started this weekend as a bit of inspiration, so to all my fellow Fred Whitton riders have a nice steady week, enjoy the Giro and the best of luck to you all on Sunday.

Diary of Sportive Rider – A Quick Groupset Poll

This is purely out of interest and may spark some debate and I am sure there have been many polls like this but please humour me!

Thanks