The Road to Morocco.

Blog Moving to http://www.peakcyclehire.com/blog/

2008-04-09T19:48:00.002Z

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This blog is moving to http://www.peakcyclehire.com/blog/

Tour of Flanders Sportif

2008-04-07T17:48:00.003Z

Back from a great weekend in Belgium.

140 km of riding on part of the course of one of cyclings' spring classics, the Tour of Flanders.

Cobbles and pointy little hills and freezing rain made for a tough ride. Andy,Mark and myself were all shivering at the end.

5'20" ish for the 140K, a hillier ride than last weekends Cheshire Cat at 150K, and only 20 minutes slower.

I'm happy with that.

A clip of the pros at Kortrijk taken the following day.

8 years on.

2008-02-23T00:23:00.003Z

Back in 2000 I participated in the Grand Raid Cristalp. One of the worlds mountain bike classic races. 131 km and 5000 metres of climbing. I got round just within the cut off time, in 11 hours and 50 minutes.

This year I've entered again, and am hoping to improve on that time by a couple of hours.

Also this year plenty of new events.

Hit the North, a 12 hour enduro just down the road from here. A grass roots event with all proceeds going to charity , and a big party after.

Another highlight is the Dave Lloyd Mega Challenge 140 miles on the road in North Wales with 5000 metres of climbing, apparently one of the toughest sportive rides. Well we'll see.

But of course the Lakeland Lugger 150 comes first.

A mere 150 miles in the Lakes and 9000 metres of up.

I hope the weather is nice.

A Hilly 100

2008-02-11T10:42:00.000Z

James and I had a great ride out yesterday.

The rest of the story is on my on-one blog clicky here.

Snake Pass is Still Shut

2008-02-07T01:31:00.000Z

We couldn't resist yet again.

Forsaking, the mud peat and heather for a second week running, we lucky few did an anti-clockwise loop this time on the road bikes.

Up Highgate Rd., Rushup Edge, Mam Nick then down, and along the valley to Bamford, the easier side of the Snake Pass, Glossop and the kicker Chunal at the end.

An extra 100 metres of climbing this week, so just short of 1400 climbing. A smidge under 24kph average.

Beers in the Royal after with the boys from the Hayfield Hub.

Nice.

Chunal, Snake Pass, Winnats, Chinley Head

2008-01-30T22:57:00.000Z

James aka Crazy-Legs texted me today to suggest we might go out on the road bikes this evening for a short ride. I texted him back to suggest we might head over the Snake Pass, taking advantage of the fact that it is currently closed to traffic. Not the short ride he had in mind, but he couldn't resist.

It was a great ride in spite of the cold,wind and drizzle.

55Km, and just short of 1300 metres of climbing, a good workout.

My new bike is ace.

Runner or Cyclist ?

2008-01-28T20:05:00.000Z

Nearing the end of the month, and I have run as many times as I have been out on the bike.

The initial plan was to get in a little cross training, running up some hills of which there are plenty round here. After the first couple of inevitably painful runs, I've enjoyed the immediacy of chucking on some running shoes and heading straight out without the faff of organising a bike and accompanying accessories.

Into the hills visiting footpaths that are new has been great. Of course when you get back, there's no cleaning and maintenance required, just throw the Walshes in the corner until next time.

Yesterday a clockwise loop round the Kinder Horseshoe ~ 19Km and a couple of hours, fantastic.

Though my legs were proper sore at the end.

However, Dear reader cycling is not forsaken.

How could it be Mr Amtrak brought this round today.

A Planet X Carbon Superlight Ultegra equipped speed machine.

I guess I might be out on the road bike tomorrow......

Strathpuffer 2008 the aftermath

2008-01-24T00:09:00.000Z

I was smiling, it was early in the race, or I was chatting to a pretty girl , of which there were many.

The rest of the race did not go to plan,some details elsewhere

Next year of course.

Getting ready for the Strathpuffer 24 hour Mountain Bike Race

2008-01-17T14:30:00.000Z

This time tomorrow I'll hopefully be most of the 400+ miles up the road towards Strathpeffer, where on Saturday morning at 10 am will be the start of the Strathpuffer 24 hour mountain bike race.

I'll be doing the solo event race number 49, live streamed results can be found at http://www.sportident.co.uk/ .

I've started packing, and already have covered the dining room table.

Ice tyres, mud tyres, 3 full sets of waterproofs, 5 pairs of waterproof gloves, 8 pairs of padded shorts, hats, waterproof socks, gels, tools, tubes etc etc.

For lights I'll be using a Dinotte 600L on the bars, and a 200L on the helmet. 7 Lithium Ion batteries should see me through the 18 hours of darkness. Somewhat different to the 18 hours of sunlight in the summer 24 hour events.

Anyway back to the packing, lots more to do.

Thanks to Stu for loaning his Dirt Worker, and Andy Champion for his Gazebo.

Excercise resumed

2008-01-02T14:29:00.000Z

The shoulder is loads better now. I manged a couple of hours out on the bike on New Years eve. Then a run up Lantern Pike on New Years Day.

Great to be out and about again.

Hope you all have a good New Year.

Seasons Greetings

2007-12-21T01:32:00.000Z

It's been a while......

Time of year S.A.D. and all that maybe.

Though apart from the darkness, some weeks back I came off my bike and dislocated my shoulder details here.

Look forward to being out there again soon.

Happy Xmas

Team On-One.co.uk do Duathlon.

2007-11-05T22:23:00.000Z

Brant Dave Paul and myself spent last Sunday morning competing in the Haworth Mudman Duathlon.

As far as I'm aware none of us had ever done one of these events before. 5K run 20K off road bike ride then 3k run. The route was great as was the weather.

Dave finished just behind me on the run, then cycled like a demon to finish in 3rd place overall and 1st in his age category.

I finished 11th in my age category which I was reasonably pleased with. I must start running regularly again.

Results here.

Heading towards the finish.

The Brian Rourke Cat and Fiddle ride

2007-10-07T23:02:00.000Z

I've not been riding recently due to some chesty coughy type lurgy, that just got worse when I put the hammer down.

However today things seem a little better. Started with my mates (sorry for not waiting)

Just over 3 hours for the 55 miles from Stoke on the Surly fixie.

..........Of all the hiils the last little ones hurt the most.

Lantern Pike Fell Race 2007

2007-09-16T20:15:00.001Z

Skye competed in her first fell race on Saturday at Hayfield Sheepdog trials.

Competing in the Under 8s at the age of 5 she didn't win. 10 minutes of running up and down a hill with straw bales by the side of the fences, so the kids could get over. Skye said she really enjoyed it.

Last year when I did the (adult) race I vowed I'd never do a fell race again.

Anyway at 2pm I was there on the start line, not having run since April, and still retaining the fuzziness from the previous night's red wine.

The pain was incredible. Though amazingly at the end I was 2 minutes faster than last year.

No doubt I'll be back again next year.....

New Camera

2007-09-02T19:09:00.000Z

I've just got my paws on a new camera. A Canon G7.

It took ages to come to a decision on which camera to buy. I wanted something small, yet with some manual controls.

I know the G9 has just come out, but this was substantially cheaper.

Early pics suggest I got a bargain.

Wales in pictures.

2007-08-27T10:20:00.000Z

Just back from a weekend in Wales.

Incredibly it didn't rain.

The 24hr race that didn't go according to plan.

2007-08-13T16:11:00.000Z

Sleepless in the Saddle, well that was the plan.

I felt rubbish from the start, no excuses really, just not firing on all cylinders. Except the power of explosive multiple bowel movements.

I managed to last for about 10 hours and 10 laps, before my body said no more.

A proper rest for a while should hopefully do the trick, before heading up to the dales for some 3 Peaks training.

Delamere

2007-08-07T00:15:00.000Z

Had a great ride out tonight in Delamere with the usual crowd. A steady ride with some gloop undertyre, but no rain. Great to see Andy for the first time in a long time there. Less training more riding with your mates please eh?

I hammered my knees yesterday, so I came with the "easy" bike, the Commencal.

I took the Commencal out for the first time since the Mega Avalanche. I hadn't changed it's setup, ie heavy tyres, bash, big disks.

Ooh I was so slow.

The muddy Selkirk Merida

2007-08-06T10:20:00.000Z

The overnight rain didn't bode well. Sure enough the morning arrived, and there were puddles everywhere in the field.

Off at 10am, along the road for the first few miles, before the route headed upwards off road. I'd set off middlish in the field so plenty of bottlenecks, but at the end of the day the event was not a race, more a mountain bike audax.

Once the field spread out a bit the Scandal made light work of the conditions underfoot. Surefooted even on the proper slippery bits.
There were 4 main climbs, which though not particularly steep, left few opportunities for rest on the way up. Thankfully the descents were not to steep either, so I could spin down with out too much braking.

A good event, with the most amusing bit being me and Terrahawk on his SS trying to, and catching up with some guys on the black descent at Innerleithen whilst managing to drop a guy on his Heckler. He'd been ribbing us about the disadvantage of not having gears and suspension.

6:45, 88 KM, 2900 metres of climbing, a tough ride on the fixie.

http://lakelandlugger150.blogspot.com/

2007-08-02T17:48:00.000Z

The Lakeland Lugger 150 has it's own blog now.

To be found at http://lakelandlugger150.blogspot.com/

Mega Avalanche Race 2007. Ouch.

2007-07-31T21:03:00.000Z

Wow, Whoooo, Whoopee, Whoa and Ouch.

5 words that sum up hurtling down hills near Alpe D'Huez from a non "downhill" guy.

We spent an ace week in Allemont camping at the "Grande Calme". Met loads of nice peeps, French, Dutch, German, and even some Brits.

The riding was mad. I'm used to sore legs and lungs, not sore hands from braking.

I met and rode with some guys who were well out of my league. Good to learn loads of new technique, that is for the brief while I could stay with them boys. I crashed a few times, maybe 8/10 for effort, thankfully pads and the full face helmet saved most of the blood letting. Sadly Neil we met on evening one had broke his collar bone by afternoon two. There were plenty of other casualties too over the week. Glad to have paid for helicopter insurance, even if on this occasion I did not need it.

The qualifing race was good, I took it easy not aiming for a high place, just aiming to get to the end.

Race day, and a start of 8:30 onwards meant a leisurely start compared to the fast boys. The glacier was slushy and rutted at the top. Nothing for it, than to pick a line and to lob oneself down the hill. Avoiding the other (over) enthusiastic riders being the key.

Proper rocky stuff follows then, singletrack, grassy stuff, wet stuff, etc etc zzzzzz.

Hurtling down a grassy slope, tarmac in view, a small "hazard" sign shows. I've ridden this before, but can't remember what might be the hazard, then, crash. I'd scrubbed a bit of speed, though not enough to stop for the 2 foot deep ditch, and yet not enough speed left to jump it. Straight over the bars, landing on my shoulder (armour) and soon after full face helmet.
The crowd goes Oooh.

Up, check, unharmed, and I'm off again.

Raced as hard as I could to the bottom.

8th out of 30 odd in the Mega Infinty for the over 40s

Alpe D'Huez Fixed.

2007-07-23T15:48:00.000Z

I like lots of cyclists have always fancied my chances against this legendary climb.

Unfortunately the only bikes I have on this trip are the Scandal and my beefed up Commencal for the Mega at the end of the week.

The lowest gear I could find in my box was equivalent to a roadie 39:23.

Would it be low enough, or would I be reduced to walking ?

Ann and the kids left me at the bottom of the hill by the roundabout. Within minutes the gradient kicked upwards. No warming up on this ride 14.5 km to the top, with an average gradient of 8ish%, and 21 hairpin bends, and this is the first of them.

I see my first target as I approach the second bend,a roadie who is having a steady ride up the hill. I by contrast am on the edge of my game unable to sit down, just stomping on the pedals, can't go slower, can't go faster.

I pass him, and shortly after, am myself passed by a roadie in somewhat more of a hurry. I try to tag on, and almost immediately go into oxygen debt.

I realise that trying to race people up this hill is going to result in disaster, so I settle into a rhythm, and vow to save any 'racing' for the last couple of bends.

Ann and the kids were going to cheer and take pics, and heading towards bend 10, I could hear the kids ringing the cow bells they have for use at races and the like.

Go daddy go, or something like it they shouted as I headed by. Ace to have the encouragement.

There were a couple of sections that lulled me into thinking that the worst was over, but of course there was always a little extra raise in gradient to show me that it was not so.

With 4 bends to go I looked at my watch, and though realising I was going to be outside Pantani's record, I might just get in under twice his time.

Head down, I dug deep.

1hour 14 minutes 58 seconds.

Tour Mont Blanc Day 3.

2007-07-22T19:10:00.000Z

Eating breakfast on the way up to the Col de Bonhomme. Hard graft pushing for the most part.

From the summit, really technical riding for the first section, thereafter easier, though loads of walkers (today being Saturday).

Good to bump into an old friend on the way down, Al Powell, who was doing the 2 day "Tour de Beaufortain" running race.

Once at the bottom more road. The climb up to Bionassay, and on to the Col de Voza being particualrly steep and tiring.

Anti climax on the final descent, as the VTT diversion was loose gravel and nowhere near as fun as the other descent.

A short day today, only 7 hours in the saddle.

Total of 175Km over the three days, moving time 22'52", giving a staggering average speed of 7.7kph.

Summary, a great route, which I walked anti-clockwise some 20 years ago. There's plenty of road, though don't underestimate the distance or the climbs, it's a tough ride, though with fantadtic scenery.

I'll be back.

Tour Mont Blanc Day 2.

2007-07-21T19:29:00.001Z

A more leisurely start to day 2. Away for 8 after a good nights rest.
Up towards Ferret and a sign for TMB shortly followed by a sign for la Peula.
It was steep from the start, but there were lots of walkers to chat with to numb the pain. Progress was painfully slow, including a sketchy 50 degree traverse across a shale slope. The people who I'd chatted with were now a long way up the hill in front. Any trace of a path had gone. Carrying the bike was now the only option. Up I headed for another 10 mins before stopping. This was like Simon Fell with shrubs. Retreat, the only option.
It seems in retrospect that though signed as TMB this was a variant. Not to worry, only 3 hours wasted.
Some time later I did get to la Peula. A coke and a tart apricot tart, my reward.
From there twas mostly rideable up to the Grand Col Ferret. Followed by another good descent, though mind the drainage ditches. A new country, and new driving habits, welcome to Italy.
Fast road down to Entreves, and then the climb commences into Val Veni, and on towards the Col de la Seigne.
Sore arse still, making it's self painfully apparent by now. Stunning views firstly of the Brenva glacier, and then towards the Col.
Late afternoon storms, are popular round these parts, and as I approached the Elisabetta Refuge, one started to rip.
I sprinted for shelter and avoided the worst of it. Behold though what is this a luxurious bivvy spot, that was left swept clean by another. After 10 1/2 hours on the go, I was tempted.
10 mins later the storm, what storm?

Sunshine, long shadows, and loads of Marmots. Pushing hard now towards the Col, and puffing a bit with the altitude.
Col de la Seigne 2516 metres attained at 19:27. Destination the restaurant at les Chapieux 13ish km away with 1800 of descent.
Having narrowly missed a Marmot at 53 kph on the descent, I was seated for dinner at 20:05.

Tour Mont Blanc Day1.

2007-07-19T17:11:00.001Z

Departed Chamonix at 4:55am. Followed the road mainly to le Tour, and had no problem seeing with my single Dinotte light.
From le Tour to the Col de Balme, is proper up. Weighed down by my so called lightweight camping gear I pushed more than I rode.

The Col de Balme

The descent to le Peuty was ace, singletrack heaven.

More road, over the Forclaz then 70kph descent towards Martigny.
Great? Maybe, but the next climb up to Champex really hurt. Or I should say my arse hurt. It seems a combination of wearing a 5kg rucksack and these shorts result in pain. Shame as nowt else hurts.
After a banana and ice cream pancake, onwards to la Fouly. A mix of more great singletrack and road. After 65k and 3000m of up, i've had enough for one day. Grand Col Ferret 1st thing tomorrow, 750m up.
At least I won't have to sit on my sore bum for a while longer.

TwentyFour12. Mud continued.

2007-07-15T17:56:00.001Z

As seems to becoming the norm for these races it was again muddy. However for a change this race was gloopy from the off. Really depressing with lots of walking at first. It did improve over the next few hours, it nearly became fun? Glad to finish the 12 not long after midnight with my fastest lap, and just before some proper rain. 10 laps and 15th place. Well done to Dave who finished just behind me in his first 12.

The Lakeland Lugger 150

2007-07-11T13:31:00.000Z

Four or five years ago I scribbled A few lines and circles on an old 1 inch to 1 mile map, roughly outlining this ride.

20 hills.

150 miles

30000 ft of ascent

The route aimed to visit all the Lakeland summits over
600 metres (2000ish ft) that are accessible or within a few metres of a legal right of way by bicycle.

Helvellyn, Skiddaw, High Street, ah yes the classics, but close inspection of the map shows plenty more hills that few ever visit riding, or should I say " with a bike".

Inspired by the some of the turn up and ride no fee, no prizes endurance events over in the US, I've finally got my arse I gear and set a date for the ride. There's a few coming along.

Depart 8am prompt on the 15th March 2008
Phonebox near Fisherground campsite Eskdale. GR NY 154 000

Brant has given me some space on his forum here for more ride details here

Facing up to the truth.

2007-07-08T14:43:00.002Z

For the last few years, I've done lots of my bike miles with only the one fixed gear, and without suspension.

A few times, though I have felt my ride compromised by the lack of suspension and freewheel. I reckon there is a 10 - 40 percent loss of speed on descents, and therefore less distance in a day is covered.

Of course when your racing against yourself, or out riding with mates, none of that really matters.

I'm looking to do some bigger rides over the next couple of years. The 500+ mile Colorado trail race next year, and the 2490 mile GDR the year after. The realisation dawns that on these rides I can't do with the fixed gear handicap. That's not to say that these rides aren't possible on a fixed gear, of course someone will come along and do them, make it look effortless, but that someone won't be me. 3 riders I know of have attempted the GDR on fixies. Dave Nice has even started twice!

I've got a big travel bike with gears that I'll be riding at the MegaAvalanche at the end of the month, but that's not suitable for long miles in the saddle.

Plans are underway for a custom frame for these multiday events which will have a Rohloff 14 gear hub.

Next weekend the proto Scandal from on-one.co.uk will be back racing at the Bontrager TwentyFour12 12 hours for me, and not the 24, as we're off to the Alps the day after. Also, I don't want to tire myself too much as I've got a 2 day trip round the Tour de Mont Blanc planned for the week after.

The Great Divide Race.

2007-06-27T20:21:00.000Z

I've been following the Great Divide Race for the last few years via the web. We're about two weeks into this years race as I write.

The race starts on the Canadian border, and it follows the Great Divide, all the way to the Mexican border. A record field this year of 24. Each competitor must be self sufficient throughout the course, and there are no prizes at the end.

2490 miles of mainly unsurfaced roads and 200,000 feet of up and down.

Official site here.

Sorry to hear that Dave Nice the only fixed gear rider had to pull out after 790 miles with an injury to his foot.

Kent Peterson has completed the race on his single speed, but no fixed gear rider has done it yet.

Maybe next year eh?

Mountain Mayhem 2007 - Solo - Fixed - Scandal 29er

2007-06-25T11:41:00.000Z

After arriving on Thursday I can't say there was a great deal of race preparation that day, other than some carb loading in the form of a mediocre Chinese takeaway and some beers in the evening.

Friday, a few more of our friends arrived, some bike fettling and some bargain shopping at the bike stalls. Ann and Skye arrived late in the evening. No beer tonight.

8am I awake on Saturday. 6 hours to go to the start. The Scandal was mechanically ready for action. All I needed to do was to mount the dinotte lights, one to the bar, the other to the helmet. At 1pm the race briefing, then 45 minutes to get some suitable clothing on.

We're off. A Le Mans style 1/2 mile run to start, or walk for me and several others. No point sprinting when there is over 24 hours of cycling ahead. Once on our bikes the first lap was a steady affair, with bottlenecks a plenty. By the next lap we were all spread out a bit, so everything was rideable. Though I did find a couple of the climbs quite hard. I knew that I'd be pushing at least some of this course from now on. Gearing started out at 34:19, though after the 4th lap I pitted and swapped the 19 for a 20. More comfortable up the hills, and a little slower down.
The course was in the main on tracks across grass fields,through bracken, with a couple of sections through some trees. In the dry the course was technically undemanding.

The previous week the weather forecast had been saying that the rains were going to come, and sure enough they did. The first rainfall was not particularly heavy, but quickly had a detrimental effect on the course, making certain sections very difficult to control the bikes direction. We had a few dry hours, in which the course dried out a bit. More rain, and heavier too, came in the night. New lines appeared, and 2 foot wide singletrack turned into 20 foot wide routes to avoid the worst of the slop. I lost count of the number of crashes I had in the mud.

The bike was a pleasure to ride throughout, though my tyre choice for the mud was not so good as the 2.3 Choirmasters clogged up with mud. After sunrise, I swapped these for some 30c (1.2") Michelin Mud tyres. They looked weird on the bike, but they cleared easily and provided better grip.

16 laps

140.8 miles

18th male soloist / 102.

Pics courtesy of Jonathan Murray

Thanks to Ann, Jon for the photos, Stu and Dave for cleaning my bike in the early hours, plus everyone who cheered me on. And finally ta to Brant for the bike.

Mountain Mayhem - We've arrived.

2007-06-21T19:12:00.001Z

Tom and I are now camped at Eastnor. We've met up with Dave and Jon, and have secured a large area for the rest of the Delamere riders who'll be here tomorrow. Conditions under wheel are so far looking good.

New Phone

2007-06-18T14:59:00.001Z

Tom spewed up last night all over my trousers. Obviously the trousers were quickly shoved into the washing machine. Unfortunatley my phone was in my trousers pocket.

Off to Argos today to buy a knew one.

This new one can post pics and text to my blog. Clever eh?

Mountain Mayhem 2007 Soloist

2007-06-13T23:08:00.000Z

Yesterday, long after the closing date for entries, I finally got confirmation that I have an entry for my first 24 hour mountain bike race for this year - Mountain Mayhem.

I was out of the country when the entries open, and this event always fills up quickly. Thankfully I got an early place on the reserve list and I'm in now, thanks too Ag and Chris.

As much as I'm looking forward to the riding, I'm also looking forward to meeting up with lots of pals I've not seen for a while. In fact, I reckon that is the best thing about these events, a place too meet and catch up, drink bombay sapphire and revel in the rain and mud.

Lighting for the night courtesy of 2 x 5watt Li-Ion Dinotte Lights , which worked well last year. Uber lightweight light units, and batteries that last 6 hours, slightly larger than a packet of Bryant and May.

Twinklydave was good enough to remind that should it rain we'd be needing lots of brake pads.

It'll be emotional.

Ten Under the Ben Race On One Scandal

2007-06-10T20:47:00.000Z

10 Under the Ben

Left Hayfield at 8:30 am on Friday for the long drive up to Fort William. I'd arranged to meet a fellow competitor, Don 'mid afternoon' for a ride around Saturday's "Ten under the Ben" race route. Traffic was slow, and I eventually arrived some 7 hours later. Don and his pals were ready to go, so within five minutes of arriving I had my bike out of the van, a few gels in my pocket, and we were riding down the first hill.

The weather was hot, probably 23 degrees C, yet within minutes stream fed muddy puddles cooled my toes atleast. Firetrack followed, first flat, vaguely downhill, then the climbing began. The lightweight Scandal accelerated quickly up the first hill, riding out of the saddle from the start and leaving the geared chappies behind. It wasn't a race today, just the nature of the machine, one fixed gear that gives lets say a power band of 6-25 mph, and I couldn't resist opening the throttle just a little bit.

We regrouped at the top then ambled down the first hill. Pleasant singletrack leading onto a fireroad descent, some more up and down, then the steep hill, all but the last 5 metres rideable today. I now knew I had the wrong gear that is too small a rear sprocket. Whilst I was fairly effortlessly popping up the hills today, I knew that after 50 miles these hills would really hurt tomorrow. A swift fire road descent, a short climb, then the fun begins.

The first descent. All rocks, roots, tight loose bends, smooth berms, and oh yes the Scandal was in it's element. Weight just far enough back whilst on or hovering over the saddle, that a flick of the wrist lifted the front wheel over the larger rocky obstacles, while the 29er wheels rolled over the smaller. The short wheelbase made easy work of the tight switchbacks.

Soon after the second descent, and more of the same swoopy then tight bends, plus a couple of real technical bits that this bike with rigid carbon forks had no right getting through. Apart from river crossings and a section that was like riding along a wall made of boulders the rest was uneventful.

A bit of bike fettling on my return, but I could not find the 19t (to replace the 18T) sprocket, but swapped the rear Halo Choirmaster 29er for the Kenda Small Block 8, too allow a bit more drift, and save a touch of weight.

Race Day.

I started towards the back of the field. It's good to pass people rather than be passed early in the race, it builds confidence. My race plan was to stop only to get water and food, no sitting down, and a target of 8 laps (80-90) miles.

Another good thing about riding from the back is you don't get involved in silly crashes. My camping neighbour and, fellow competitor Graham was knocked of by some racer wannabe on his first lap, sadly the end of his race.

The weather was crazy 25 Celsius and you could see Ben Nevis, I drank loads of water.

As each lap passed I was learning more about the bike. You could climb mid gradients seated with hands towards the centre of the bar in comfort, and obviously using another part of ones tiring leg muscles, maybe I learned this as I was overgeared.

An upside descending was becoming faster and faster, and more and more fun. Locking the rear and just drifting round the middle third of the corner, before stomping on the pedals and accelerating towards the next bend, no frame flex here. No one beat me down the technical descents.

The 5th lap, and tragedy struck. After exiting a bombhole, maybe a little too fast I landed on the back of the saddle, only for the front to head skywards. Mangled seatrails, and now looking like a BMX saddle, it either made me slide off the back of the saddle, or riding on the pedals.

Back at transition I swapped over to my full susser.

The Scandal prototype will be back to race another day.

Scandal at the end.

I finshed 10th Vet with 8 laps, which I'm rather pleased with.

Thanks to Cameron and Graham for keeping my water bottle filled at the transitions.

Full results here

Sorry the pics aren't better but I was knackered

New Bike

2007-06-07T07:18:00.000Z

I've been looking forwards to getting my hands on this beauty since October.

It's a sample from on-one.co.uk.

The geometry is altered compared to their standard Scandal 29er frame.

Basically moving the rider back in the cockpit. Result, it descends far better than the original geometry, and of course with it being a fixie, you don't have to worry about the front end getting light going up hills, as you're out of the saddle.

Had a quick blast last night up and down Coldwell Clough and it really is a joy to ride.

More later.....

www.63xc.com going going go......

2007-06-05T00:25:00.000Z

Just checking one of my favourite biking sites 63xc.com, and Will has decided to call it a day on future updates.

I for one will miss it. Though Will's hubjub shop goes on. Oh goodie.

Mary Townley Fixed Pt. 2

2007-06-03T19:34:00.000Z

What a tough day out. Up down up down up down, and with only one fixed gear.

I managed to go the wrong way, ie. followed the wrong signs just befor "Summit", ended up nearly at Hollingworth lake before I realised my error. Can't say I needed the extra miles at this stage.

My new gloves caused me some pain, the worst of which can be seen below.

Anyhow I rode much more than I thought with a gear of 39:18.

6:28 back.

Reckon well under 6 hours if I hadn't gone the wrong way.

Knackered, but I'll still be out on the bike tomorrow.

If I'm back next year it'll be with gears.

Mary Townley Fixed Pt 1.

2007-06-02T19:28:00.001Z

Tomorrow at 9am I shall be starting the Mary Townley Challenge 47 miles and 6300 feet of climbing, and apparently lots of gates. It'll probably be the last outing for my current mountain bike fixie. As I'll be collecting my new race steed from Brant at on-one.co.uk on Wednesday. This is the new frame before anodising, it'll be black when it arrives.

Simon and Jase had a ride round it last weekend and declared it a hard day out.

We'll see eh?

Lakeside Sunday :'(

2007-04-29T23:05:00.000Z

Courtesy of lowlife......

Fucking Scum.

Skye's Expedition

2007-04-29T21:54:00.000Z

We're just coming to the end of a great weekend. Most of which has been spent in the Lake District.

Skye had been asking for ages if she could climb up a "Big Mountain" so of course her expedition was duly organised. Saturday morning, breakfast yummed and we're away. Ann kindly drops us at the car park, and soon enough we're onwards and upwards.

I'd picked a hill, Coniston old Man, that has many attractions, old mines, lakes, industrial archeology and of course the weather was nice.
Skye found flowers, rocks, lakes, railway lines, shit beetles, but found walking up that hill hard work.

We drank lots, ate a bit, and soon enough we were there.

Down, down, down.

It was super windy on the top, not a place to hang around, and we zoomed of the top of the Old Man. At the pass, a steep descent to the lake. Whoops a grazed knee, a couple of tears, knees a little wobbly.

Cake to the rescue.

Not far now. All the crisps you can eat + lemonade too.

Some time later, the Black Bull, crisps lemonade crisps lemonade crisps crisps lemonade.

Back at the lake me and Tom went to throw stones.

Getting back into the riding and running.

2007-04-24T21:13:00.000Z

I did go out riding on Sunday over in the Clywds with Dave Debs, Stu and others, and in spite of my complete lack of fitness, quite enjoyed the 3+ hours we were out. The only thing that was weird, was riding in the rain, after the long hot spell. Debs' fine cakes were excellent as usual. Notably, we encountered quite a lot of pretty girls out on their mountain bikes too along the way.
Originally I'd thought that after the ride, I'd nip back via Llandegla, do a loop there, and then head back. But do be honest I was knackered, so I didn't.

I was suppose do be out riding in Delamere on Monday night, but went for one of those 10 minute snoozes 40 mins before setting off, and woke up an hour and a half after. Whoops.

Today Ann and I went for a 45 minute run, up and down to South Head (towards the Roych), notable additions, are a couple of massive rocks that have been dumped, presumably to stop the 4 wheel drive boys. Hopefully these should make good jumps on the bike, looks like someone has started building them up already. I'll take the Bullit up for a look.

Looking forward to going out riding again with some mates from Wetherby way in the next couple of weeks that I haven't ridden regularly with for a long while. Nice riding, company, and good beer after too.

Running again tomorrow, and biking as well. I haven't lost an ounce in the last week. Though I'm just glad to be back out there doing stuff really.

Running, cycling, spare tyres and inspiration.

2007-04-21T15:54:00.000Z

As a consequence of my lack of exertion recently, I have for the first time in my life got a spare tyre to carry around my middle, just above my waist.

Of course I have plenty of excuses as to why I haven't been out running and riding my bike.......

All I really needed was some inspiration to get my self back in shape again.

Some inspiration was received earlier in the week, in the form of an email showing my naked new frame that I'll be racing on later in the year.

It is off to the anodizers soon for some blackness to be added. I'm looking forward to riding it soon.

More inspiration has been from reading of Steve's recent running successes over at Furious Cycling . He also recently published an account of a pleasant evenings entertainment round Llandegla we had last year here at 63xc.com .

The final bit of inspiration, was when my Mum commented "You're getting a bit of a tummy, Richard" . Nothing like Mum's view on things to put them in true perspective.

Today suitably inspired I made a start at regaining some fitness.

Ann and I have been out for a run. Well more like a jog if I'm honest. A loop from Mary and Elliotts up to Ollersett, and Peep O' day. Took just over 40 minutes. This is the first run I've done since the Lantern Pike fell race last September, in which my performance was crap. After that race I'd resigned myself that running was to be consigned to the past.

Tomorrow going out with some of the STW massive, over at Cilcain.

On the house in France front, I think we have just about finalised the plans with our architect.

The front elevation shown below.

Skye rides solo.

2007-03-28T22:48:00.000Z

After several highlights and frightening young Skye a bit heading down one of the downhill couses at Innerleithen, and riding half way round Afan with a punctured tag-along, plus loads of other bike miles, she has ridden her bike on her own for the first time this week.

Her bike is way too small for her now, though as it happens if I lash those stabilizers back on young Tom will have a steed to ride.

Whilst I'm boasting of my daughters abilities she has managed two ESF (french ski school) badges for her skiing this year.

How we got here

2007-03-17T11:51:00.000Z

Well we never did make it to Morocco, though we did visit lots of other nice places in the last few months. I spent nowhere near as much time on my bike(s) as I thought I would, but sometimes a rest is no bad thing.

The plan from the start was to find somewhere nice on our travels, that we could call home. France had always been the main contender, but if it was not for meeting Richard and Helen in Spain, we would not have discovered the area where we are buying our land now.

Not far from Poitier our plot of land situated in a rural setting has a wonderful microclimate which boasts more than 2000 hours of sunshine a year, which is slightly more than that found along the M62 corridor, where until very recently we've lived.

Our house is going to be built from straw bales, and though not completely eco friendly, we will endeavour where possible to use locally bought materials, and create an energy efficient house.

The land came with a "certificat d’urbanisme" which is basically a document, that says it should be possible to build a house on the land. Next step is to gain a "un permis de construire" which is a detailed planning permit. After which we can start building.

Via the sellers of the land we have been introduced to a trainee architect who will prepare the plans required for the permis. Also in the pipeline is an assesment of the site for the installation of the "fosse septique" aka septic tank, as there is no mains sewage.

Once we take permission of the land, we will locate a static caravan on the site, whilst we build the house.

Presuming that the planning application goes through without hitches, completion on the land will take 2 to 3 months though of course we are prepared for a longer wait...

It's nearly over.

2007-03-14T17:24:00.000Z

Apoolgies for not keeping things anywhere near up to date. We've been back to the UK for a couple of weeks, then back to France for another week of Snowboarding and ski action.

Though most importantly we have found a rather nice piece of land to build a house on in France. We signed the initial paperwork and paid the deposit on the land this afternoon.

So back to the UK now to sell our camper van, and sort a few other things, before returning here for a spot of housebuilding.

To be continued.....

14 hours and Tom

2007-02-03T22:00:00.001Z

... to get to Val d'Isere from Hayfield.
2 hours on a plane and 5 fucking hours on a bus etc etc.
Tom was really happy with getting up at 4:30am and being confined in a plane/bus until 5:15PM.
Blah Blah.

We're back. and cycling.

2007-02-01T20:29:00.000Z

Back in the UK.

Eastern Europe was mostly shut, cold and grey, so we've headed back here.

Had a mosy along the South coast, Cornwall, S.Wales etc. on the way north. Skye particularly enjoyed riding round Afan. 2.5 hrs on her tag-along, pretty good for a 4 year old.

Our excuse for returning to the UK, if we needed one was to celebrate Tom's 2nd birthday party (which was ace).

Of course since we've arrived back in the UK, it's dumped with snow back in the Alps. So we'll be heading back to the Alps this weekend for some Snowsport action. along with Ann's parents.

When we get back I've got a Coast to Coast there and back planned on the Surly. Fixed of course, though with a flip flop hobble gear to use, lest it goes pear shaped. Maybe I'll do a non stop effort, though I'm taking some some accomodation should it be needed. I can't say I'm that fit at the moment, though I've something special endurance wise planned for next year on the bike, so a bit of body abuse is in order I think.

Speaking of bikes, I've bought a carbon Scott scale frame, that I'll build up soonish. I fancy a change from the Bulitt.

Happy New Year

2007-01-04T14:16:00.000Z

Happy New Year

Hope everyone had a good Xmas, and the New Year has got off to a good start for you. We're all well.

After leaving Chamonix, we had to replace the leisure battery for our campervan, as it no longer would charge, meaning no lights when we weren't hooked up to the mains. Thankfully we found a supermarket that yielded exactly what we were after.

On departure, plan "A" was to head for a campsite in the Dolomites, though instead we opted for a campsite near Venice. Really pleased we did, as we had a lovely time there. The campsite backs onto a deep channel waterway, with distant views of Venice (Ishould the winter fog ever clear). Quite bizarre being able to see massive tankers and container ships being pulled and guided through the channel by the tug boats, and only a few metres from our camper.

5 minutes from the campsite was a ferry,that took us straight into Venice which the kids loved. A lovely city to spend a few days mooching around.

More trouble withe the camper, our water system had sprung a mysterious leak. It took ages to discover the source of, due to the lack of inspection space. Anyway it turned out that a small section of nozzle from the water pump to a pipe had broken off inside the pipe. The only feasible solution seemed to be to glue the nozzle back into the pipe. Araldite, seems to have done the trick, at least for now anyway.

I got told off for taking the picture of the cyclist in the Guggenheim, not to worry though, at least I got the shot......

Skye and one of the big ships near the campsite.

The rest of the pics were taken around Venice.

The plan now, is to head over towards Slovenia, and then Hungary for a couple of weeks, hopefully returning to the Alps for some snowboarding later in January.......

I rode my bike

2006-12-17T15:24:00.000Z

Yesterday, for the first time in ages, I went out on my bike.

I've bought some new GPS software from IGN, so a chance to give it a test on the ride from Sallanches up to Chamonix. As to be expected it was bloody cold on the way back down the hill.

Probably staying round here until Xmas. No more snow here yet, just rain last night.

Chamonix

2006-12-13T16:04:00.000Z

First time we've encoutered an internet connexion in ages.

Currently in freezing cold Chamonix, which has caused far more excitement with the kids , than the sun in Spain.

We left the south of Spain, and within the day were back into France. had a pootle round there before nipping into Italy and a brief visit to the Italian Riviera, that sums up he last couple of weeks.

more later......

Proud.

2006-11-28T19:28:00.000Z

We're still at the campsite on the beach, and this damn illness that has affected the girls, is still lingering on in Skye's guts, though only just. The latest victim is poor old Tom. He's got things coming out of both ends on an infrequent basis, though still the little fellow is suffering a bit.

I must say though that though they have all been feeling quite awful, they have been stoic in their suffering.

Which for some reason makes me feel very proud.

I am fortunate so far in so much as I haven't been touched by the poo virus. Other than whilst wiping bottoms (Ann's excluded of course).

I am not good at being ill, though so far I have found, drinking a bottle of Rioja a day, during Ann's absence from imbibing, may have warded of all but an occasional heavy head in the morning.

Chilly and unwell in the Sierras.

2006-11-26T16:47:00.000Z

We're near Granada today, Guejar Sierra to be precise and it's bloody cold (realtively speaking of course).

Ann's parents met up with us the day before yesterday. Good to see them too. We're currently in convoy.

Yet as I write Ann and Skye are Ill and have been since yesterday, feeling sick, fluey etc.....

Hopefully they'll feel better tomorrow.

(Two days later)

They're just about better now after spending most of two days being rather ill.

Tom, Elliott, Mary and I went to the Alhambra yesterday in Granada, and as was expected on a Saturday, it was busy, busy, busy. Neverthless it was a great place.

A few photos below....

Raining hard this morning so we abandoned the Sierras for the coast again. Hopefully we'll re visit Granada again when everyone is well and the weather is better.

Camping at Castillo de Banos this evening, beach not 5 yds from the campsite.

Pretty things.

2006-11-22T11:43:00.000Z

We left the campsite near Fortuna and headed for Aguilas via an extended shopping trip in Murcia, DVD's needed you see. On parting with Rich, Helen and kiddies, we'd arranged that should we find a nice site we'd get in touch and rendezvous. Anyway, we arrived at the campsite early evening, and left early next morning. Nothing wrong with the site, just not a keeper, they even gave us a bottle of wine as we left (nice gesture, crap wine though).

Along the coast we went looking for another place to stay. Some areas of big development down here,though some really pretty parts too. We parked up for lunch at a pretty spot backing onto the beach, and were approached by an English chap who gave us a card for his nearby campsite. He gave us verbal directions on how to get there, though of course these were immediately forgotten, at least in part anyway. Oh, but did I mention a super cheap price per night.

While enroute there we discovered another site which looked great, and I mean great compared to some of the other places we'd stayed. Though we'd have to wait nearly 3 hours for the place to re-open to get in as their reception was closed, and the other fella seemed nice, so we resumed our search for the other place, which we eventually found.

We pulled in through the half open rusty double gates, and were about to turn round and head of again, not a camper/caravan or tent to be seen, just a large expanse of gravel and a couple of hedges, when he came to personally greet us.

Bothe he and his lady were very personable, and of course we stayed there. Facilities were basic, though for about half the price of most sites I suppose good value ? 2 days were spent there. We had email from Rich and Helen that they were at site/place called Le Manga which was sh1te.

On the second day we had a family bike ride to the nearby Pueblo Mojacar. A Gorgeous old village, with white painted houses built into/onto the steep hillside, and as it turned out too steep in places for Tom's trailer which attempted on a couple of occasions to jackknife Ann's bike.

Our kids needed a playground, and we needed a bar. So we relocated to the nice campsite we'd seen previously. Small site with spacious pitches, playground, views of the sea, and only 20 mins walk from a pretty hill village with restaurants and shops. Nice. No, really nice.

Shortly after our arrival a camper pulls by ours, Rich sticks his head out the window and says hello. Skye is elated."her friends are here".

A funny coincidence.

Back up to Mojacar today with all the kids and Helen, to have another look round, and to find a post offIce, and our second BBQ in two nights.

Happy Birthday to Mum and Elliott.

Hungover

2006-11-16T17:23:00.000Z

Since my last post we've moved campsite, but only by about 3 miles. We've met Richard and Helen, who also have a young family at the last campsite. It's great, our kids have been playing with each other, and we've had other adults to talk too. They're doing a similar trip to ours, so it has been good comparing notes on motorhome life, they've even got an Elnagh Marlin like ours.

Last night however we had supper together with a couple of bottles of wine, followed by a few beers at the campsite bar, followed by another couple of bottles of wine. Why is it we never learn ?

Today has been a day of very little activity as a consequence, though Ann must get special mention, as she walked into the town and back to obtain provisions.

Time for supper now, and then back to bed.

No booze though.

Happy Birthday

2006-11-13T10:48:00.000Z

Altogether now "Happy birthday to you...."

As you might have guessed it is my Birthday today, and where better to spend it than in the sunshine. We´re staying at a gaudy little spa town called Baños de Fortuna not far from Murcia, think Harrogate or Buxton on acid ?

Since my last entry some time ago we first went to Sitges, just south of Barcelona which was a good deal more pleasant than the Costa Brava that we had previously visited. We spent a couple of days there, did a bit of cycling, and a bit of sightseeing.

Then on to a rather nice campsite for a week at Villagordo del Cabriel (near Utiel). The campsite should have been idyllic, a reconstructed hamlet made up the facility buildings, set alone in some small hills and near a large lake. The detraction was that less than 500 metres away was being constructed the new high speed railway from , so week time there was loads of construction traffic passing by. Certainly not complaining though, as it´s situation was good with plenty of places to visit nearby. Load of beautiful castles, and limestone cliffs. Google for Alarcón, Alcala del jucar etc.

Worthy of mention also is the fact that most Spanish villages that we´ve visited have absolutely no warning signs that the wide enough streets suddenly turn into very narrow streets. These are either very difficult to drive a campervan down, think low overhanging balconies, sticky out bits etc. or just impassable, necessitating reversing all the way back out you came. I´ve already managed to add a couple of minor war scars to our van. Oh well.

Yesterday we briefly visited Cuenca, a hilltop town which we´d intended to return to today, though the nearby campsite was closed for the winter, so plan B was to drive south, to our current destination.

The kids are well. Though Ann by mistake put some "sour apple juice" in the kids bottles half way through last night. Skye complained vociferously this morning. Turns out the juice was the carton of house white that was left out on the side after cooking supper.

Spain

2006-11-02T13:53:00.000Z

Haven´t been able to find an internet connection for nearly a week.

Been travelling round the pyrennees, even spent a couple of days in the duty free haven that is Andorra.

Now in Spain, the Costa Brava to be precise.

Tourmalet ....... eventually

2006-10-29T15:25:00.000Z

Yesterday I set off to ride up the Col deTourmalet, though didn't get far at all before I realised that the rear wheel on Ann's bike had a big dint in the rim, which made it have it's very own speed bump.

So instead I went for a ride or should I say push bike expedition, up the hill that we are camped below. I didn't make it far, maybe an hour uphill before i decided that pushing up such a steep hill was going to have little in the way of rewards.

So after an ice cold beer we went to decathlon, bought a new rear wheel for the bike, and joined the kids, who seem more than happy to play on the playground all day long.

Today after breakfast, I set off once again for the Tourmalet. I have ridden up once before though from the other side, so I had an idea what to expect.

The col at 2115 metres is a regular feature in the Tour de France, a profile of the col here.

4 hours up from Agos Vidalos, and 1 hour 15 minutes back to base. A round trip of about 84Km or 50 miles.

Ann has been knitting, Skye has been taking pics with her new camera, Tom has been playing at the playground.

Rest Day

2006-10-28T08:44:00.001Z

Today was supposed to be a day of rest.

Having spent two days driving from Dunkerque down to near Lourdes, we were all knackered either from the driving, or the stresses of being couped up for two days. The driving was beyond boring, and I suppose the kids didn't think much of it either.

The original plan was to stay at a campsite near Futuroscope (sp) for a couple of days, though after racing to get there before 10pm, we found it at 9:15, all shut up. So back to the nearby autoroute, a few miles further done, and a night at the services instead.

The campsite we have found is pleasant, as are the peeps who run it. When we arrived they kindly offered their services for a lift to the nearest villages should we need provisions . Of course knowing nothing of where the nearest bakery was this morning, we set off (albeit belatedly), and walked the best part of 4 miles, before we found a boulangerie, and breakfast, and of course the walk back again.

Once returned it was lunchtime. The hour of day, I knew not, though suffice to say any calories I'd taken on at breakfast were long gone. Whilst Ann sorted lunch, I got the bikes out ready for an afternoon jaunt, and the kids played in the adjacent playground.

We'd noticed a cycleway earlier, which was to be the afternoon's entertainment.

Tom nearly put an end to our plans for the afternoon just then, by jumping off the top of the slide without using the normal route from the apparatus. Only about 4 foot to the ground, but he did have a bit of a limp for a while, and a graze on his nose. Skye told him off, and advised him to be more careful next time.

Our ride started off innocently enough. A pleasant afternoon, the temperature nudging 25 degrees C, and the route a disused railway line. 10 kilometres passed before we reached the disused grand station at Pierrefitte-Nestelas. No far enough yet to turn back, so we elected to head on towards Cauterets.

Cauterets, a quaint French ski resort is not far from Pierrefitte, maybe 10 km, though as we were soon to find out it was all uphill.

I on my Bullit, had Skye on her tag-along. Ann on her Poprad, had Tom in his Burley trailer.

Our route was, great in as much as it ran parallel to the road on the ascent. However it was covered for the most part in a fine gravel, that made progress difficult for Ann and her narrower tyres.. There was one nice steep section that, previously a metalled road, now sported some nice course gravel. Progress was akin to it being surfaced in ball bearings. Bearings of course would have rolled down the hill.

Cunning these French cycle path builders.

We'd hoped to bask in the last rays of sunshine whilst drinking an aperitif in Cauterets at the summit of our route before descending.

Instead a quick visit to the shop aka "SHOPI", some cake, water, and some bin liners to shove up the front of our shirts to keep the chill off on the high speed descent.

What had taken us maybe 1 1/2 hours to ascend, took about 10 minutes on the road to descend.

10 minutes of HIGH SPEED fun though. Skye as always shouting faster Daddy. Daddy being very glad he'd bought the bin liners.

Back home, and I washed the bikes which though no mud today were looking neglected. Ann's looking particularly shoddy since the 3 peaks have passed since the bike had any attention.

Worthy of mention is Skye having walked 8 miles first thing today, and then cycling 40Km this afternoon.

She'll be 5 soon

Tomorrow the Tourmalet.

All at Sea

2006-10-25T09:52:00.000Z

Free wireless connection today, courtesy of Norfolk Line Ferries.

Industrial action yesterday with Sea France delayed our departure as all the places on our chosen ferry had been taken. Anyway we are on our way now.

Skye and Tom have developed the art of introducing themselves to other small children, and then heading off to play with them. So Ann and I are getting some occasional peace and quiet.

Long drive to look forward to, once we land in France.

Dusk 'til Dawn on a New Bike

2006-10-23T16:13:00.000Z

Two days now since the end of Dusk til Dawn organised by http://www.thetfordmtbracing.com/

12 hours of mountain bike racing, starting at 7pm, and finshing at 7am. The course, pleasantly undulating, and of all the UK endurance races, arguably the best suited for a fixed gear bike. Certainly no hills worthy of mention, just plenty of lovely singletrack.

I'd picked up my new 29er from Brant on Thursday, courtesy of Brant at http://www.on-one.co.uk , and I'm sure you'll agree it looks rather nice.

The bike rode really well, though I must warn that the best part of 100 miles on a bike is not the place to ascertain if a bike fits just right.

I shall be getting a slightly shorter stem forthwith, to compensate for my slightly unorthodox riding style.

For the record I managed 11 laps and 45th for solo men. Should have been able to do another couple of laps. Maybe riding round the course earlier in the day with Skye on her tag-along exhausted me :')

Congratulations to Brant and family on the birth of their baby boy.

Must go, more later......

Back to Hayfield.

2006-10-17T16:40:00.000Z

We had an ace time in Scotland, and were really lucky with the weather on the whole. After Durness, we headed south, overnighting at Aviemore, before returning to Innerleithen for the black route, followed by the red route at Glentress. Both well worth doing.

We spent a couple of days at Hadrians wall, a day in the Lakes, and now we are back in Hayfield at my inlaws.

We've settled into living in such a confined space rather well really, something many had thought might be a problem, though we hadn't considered.

Paperwork and bills that have to be sorted out before we head over to Europe, have forced our pit stop.

Tomorrow going over to Brant's to pick up my fixed gear 29er which will be raced at dusk till dawn at the weekend. This one is an inbred, though in the pipeline is a scandium fixed / ss frame. Also picking up another set of Dinotte lights.

Pics of the new bike to follow.

Going out for a ride with some friends from Leeds/ Wetherby way tomorrow, that I haven't been out riding with, or seen for that matter for a few years. Windmill at Linton, for a couple of beers after. Looking forward to it.

Durness

2006-10-11T17:14:00.000Z

We travelled up to Durness. What a beautiful place. Stayed a couple of days, and did some biking. 2 rides, one with the kids in the trailer, and another with Skye on her tag-along.

Stopping for rations.

Great little track up to the bealach

So much to say.

2006-10-09T08:22:00.000Z

I had written a bit of stuff on my laptop, that I was going to transfer to my blog plus some photos, but this computer, won't read from it's usb port.

So in brief, had a potter round the Borders. Rode at three of the seven stanes. Glentress was excellent, Newcastleton, Mabie and Dalbeattie, were so so.

We are in Broadford this morning, having spent most of yesterday driving round in the pouring rain on Skye.

Heading north today towards Torridon, and maybe further north still.

Scotland

2006-10-04T11:33:00.000Z

We arrived in Scotland late last night.

It took ages to pack everything into the motorhome yesterday, so that there at least appears to be logic in where things are.

Once packed we went to the local weighbridge, to find that we 're actually 100 KG over our legal laden weight. So back to mums to dump some stuff, to get back down to legal weight.

Met up with Todmorden's premier bike builder just before we left Yorkshire to arrange a bike for dusk till dawn.

Anway this morning we're near Eskdalemuir at the Samye Ling monastery . This afternoon going to ride the bike at Newcastleton.

Yippeeeeeee.

And breathe.

2006-09-29T12:01:00.000Z

We've had a busy, busy week.

Monday started at 5:55am, and we finally unpacked the last of our junk at my Mum's storage facility, at 7:20pm that evening. There were still a few boxes that needed collecting on Tuesday.

Tuesday thru Thursday, were spent chasing outstanding bills and other paperwork.

We've moved across to Ann's parents for the weekend, as this is where we are selling our car from tomorrow.

As I write, Ann is collecting the Motorhome from the Cotswolds.

Tomorrow maybe a ride in the Peak District.

Sunday we're heading back to Leeds to collect our belongings and pack them into the motorhome.

Monday we'll be heading north.

We've moved

2006-09-27T09:22:00.000Z

A quick note.

I survived the 3 peaks. It was a tough race.

We no longer live in Liverpool, or own a house.

Deposit has been paid on a Motorhome, that we'll pick up this weekend.

More soon.....

Sunday, and Monday coming, in no particular order

2006-09-20T23:27:00.000Z

Long awaited events are just round the corner.

Sunday - 3 peaks cyclo cross race.

Monday - Completion on our house looks set to go ahead.

I've been rushing about today, doing my best to organise final payments for utilities, changes of address, and phoning the solicitor for the umpteenth time.

Should have gone for a ride this evening, instead opting for a couple of Nastro Azzurros, and a glass of wine.

Feeling relaxed now, and got a ride on a bike planned for tomorrow.

Ultimatum time.

2006-09-18T12:26:00.000Z

On Friday we instructed our Solicitor to issue an ultimatum.

Completion on or before the 25th of September, or we remarket the property, and/ or increase the price.

Our buyer allegedly has everything in place to complete now, though doesn't seem to be in much of a hurry to do so.

Meanwhile, we bumped into an estate agent on Friday, who has given us a significantly higher valuation to the one on the house he gave us in March of this year.

So if the sale falls through, we'll probably be stuck here until early next year, though we'll get more for the house.

Watch this space............

Fixed Gear .... or not.

2006-09-13T16:34:00.000Z

It seems really weird, but I haven't ridden either of my fixed gear bikes for ages.

Preparation for the 3 peaks cyclo-cross race has been fairly high on my list of things to do, so I've been riding the bike I'm going to race on.

Originally I was going to compete on my Surly Cross Check (see pic)

Though knowing the course in parts, I couldn't help but feel that my race time would be severely lengthened by having to push, when I should be riding.

So instead I'll be riding Ann's Lemond Poprad which currently sports 18 gears, though by race day, it may even have 27.

I'd hate to get to the end thinking I could have done better if I'd used a different bike.

Surely not....

2006-08-24T22:57:00.000Z

It looks like we are now working towards a completion date of September the 8th. Of course, given the delays so far I am not exactly ecstatic, more like "yeah, whatever". Anyway, it appears we'll be moving soon.

We've started to look again at motorhomes, though the dealers we visited yesterday did not have very much available that would suit us. Looks like we'll be having a trip over the water to Germany to buy from there, with our non existent language skills, though thankfully a friend Anne has offered to translate should we need it.

Thereafter, the plan is after the 3 peaks, we'll head up to Scotland for a few weeks. Heading back south for marindusktildawn, then getting a ferry and driving south until we hit the sunshine.

We'll see ?

24 Hour bike riding and pushing......

2006-08-16T10:21:00.000Z

Back from Sleepless in the Saddle or to be more accurate 24 hrs either in the saddle or pushing ones bike through the mud.

The race had started well, with a nice dry course. Come night time, the rain began. Large parts of the course turned into quagmire, which at first was quite amusing, though later was rather tiring.

Pic below shows the mud in action on Andy's bike

A combination of the mud and a pebble bent my chainring which nearly forcing me to abandon. Thankfully a large rock and some brute force managed to rectify the situation.

Here's me at the finish. 24 hours and 48 minutes, 16th place and 17 laps.

Fixed gear of 38:18, though I could have done with smaller still.

Results here

Pic taken during one of the pit stops, and not in the WW1 trenches.

To the Beach aka "Another Place".

2006-08-08T17:42:00.000Z

Today me and the kids have been to the beach.

"Another Place" is the title of Antony Gormley's installation at Crosby beach.

We had a lovely time.

24 Hour solo bike riding

2006-08-02T11:01:00.000Z

Enough of the house, back to bikes.

That nice man Pat Adams, has kindly reserved me a last minute entry for Sleepless in the Saddle.

For those not in the know, this means that from 2pm on the 12th of August through to 2pm ish on the 13th, I will be eating, not sleeping, and mainly riding my bike.

Sensible people do this sort of event in relay teams of 4 or 5. I and several others will be doing it solo.

The kids are going to Mary and Elliotts for the weekend, whilst Ann takes care of my catering, and shouting words of encouragement.

Remember the house ?

2006-08-02T10:55:00.000Z

Seems like years ago now, but we do actually have someone who made an offer on our house.

Problem is, he has been somewhat slow getting his act together to organise surveys etc.

Anyway, after having his homebuyer's survey, he has decided that he also needs a timber survey. That is scheduled for this coming Monday.

24/12 Pics

2006-07-26T15:10:00.000Z

A couple of people have kindly sent me pictures of myself at the race last weekend.

At the start.

In control.

Looking concerned

After the thunderstorm

I Love, I Hate.

2006-07-24T08:47:00.000Z

Back, and at least partially rested from twentyfour12.com.

What a fantastic course. Plenty of technical riding, and little in the way of riding round fields. In Keith Bontrager's words "a course for mountain bikers".

It started off as a hot dusty day, though in the afternoon there was a large thunderstorm which turned some of the course into rivers of mud. Later in the day/evening it mostly dried out again

My bike,I love, it performed flawlessly.

I hate getting mud in my shorts.

For the record I did the 12 hour solo and came 17th with 10 laps. Running a fixed gear of 38:20.

Thanks of course to my helpers, Ann and the kids.

Love Hate (2)

2006-07-20T12:12:00.000Z

Not much to say, except a slightly better picture, and a change of bars and stem.

It rides well, looking forward to 24/12 on Saturday.

Love Hate

2006-07-19T08:56:00.000Z

My Dialled Bikes Love Hate frame arrived yesterday. I've swapped most of the other bits over from other bikes to get it built up without more expense.

Rubbish picture, as my camera seems to have given up on focussing properly.

Rides nicely though a shorter stem and some low risers would be better.

Off to Delamere later to give it a decent test ride.

No more Mr Angry

2006-07-13T15:08:00.000Z

As the process of selling our house has gone on longer and longer, so my normally calm(ish) teperament had become somewhat edgy. I needed a distraction.

The Monday night guys I ride with were talking about their team entry for the twentyfour12 mountain bike race, so I decided to try and concentrate my energy in to getting an entry for that.

I'd bravely thought of entering the solo 24 hour event, until I realised that there was a solo 12 hour, which will probably suffice when it comes to a challenge, and the inevitable pain and suffering. So the entry is in the post.

Embarassingly I have to own up to not actually owning a bike that one could race, so I've ordered a "Love Hate" frame from Dialled Bikes got some cheap RC31 forks from the Singletrackworld classifieds and the other bits I'll swap over from my Surly.

All of which should be here tomorrow, or early next week.

......and breathe

Another bike

2006-07-08T22:08:00.000Z

Still nowhere near completing on our house, so we've bought another bike.

A replacement for Ann's Giant, which though still functional, was a little tired after our 6 years of ownership. The new bike again a cyclo-cross bike is a Lemond Poprad. Ann hasn't ridden it yet, though of course I've taken it for a swift urban test ride. Well all I can say is wow. Stiff and light, much faster accelerating than my Cross Check or the Giant.

I look forward to racing it. It's debut will hopefully be at the Three Peaks Cyclo-Cross race which I've sent an entry off for. Been to see the race a number of times and forgotten to enter it more times than I care to remember. Anyway 38 miles and 5000 feet of ascent and descent over Ingleborough, Whernside and Pen-y-Ghent, at the end of September hopefully await.

Check
Dave Haygarth's blog on the Three Peaks Cyclo-Cross race

Tom's shirt

2006-06-12T09:51:00.000Z

Tom on Sunday, wearing his "Let's Go" T-Shirt

I'll miss some things

2006-06-10T22:33:00.000Z

There really is some fantastic riding in the UK.

Since we've planned on leaving we've revisited some places we've been before, and have been to new places that have been recommended.

Below heading up towards Sticks pass in the Lakes last week.

Today riding in the Yorkshire Dales.

Nice.

Being patient.

2006-05-26T10:04:00.000Z

Not much to report really. Awaiting our solicitors to shuffle some papers still.
Looking like we should be away by the end of June ????

New Bike

2006-05-02T17:46:00.000Z

Well here it is

2004 Santa Cruz Bullit, with everything else swapped over from the Marin.

As predicted.

2006-04-25T18:00:00.000Z

More bike news. The Marin is no more, well to be more accurate, it's been stripped down and is lying in state on our dining room table awaiting a new home via fleabay.

I just couldn't get used to it. As reviewers elsewhere say, it might have 6 inches travel but it is no freeride bike, and yet, it is too cumbersome to make a really good XC bike.

So in it's place I'm buying the freeride classic, a Santa Cruz Bullit. 7 inches of rear travel and a sturdy frame too. I've got a pair of Pace RC40 Fighters for up front, and I'll just swop over the other bike bits that were on the Marin for now.

Here's the frame as advertised, picking it up on Thursday.

How many Bikes ?

2006-04-20T21:53:00.000Z

Those of you from STW must be wanting to know, what bikes we're taking ?

Well, I'm not 100% yet, but should be taking the Surly XCheck in fixed gear mode for speedy road miles, and crazy ascents of some of the Alpine cols.

Off road duties currently are catered for by my Attack Trail, though this will most likely change in the next couple of weeks.

Ann will be taking her geared crosser.

Skye her tag along

Tom will be riding in his Burley trailer like below.

That should be enough ?

1 Chicken, 2 Chickens, 3 Chickens......

2006-04-13T08:25:00.000Z

Well I'm counting my chickens already. We've accepted an offer on the house so in 2 or 3 months we'll be out of here. Yipppeeeeeee

Decorating all but done.

2006-03-27T11:43:00.000Z

We spent the last weekend painting, and amazingly seem to have finished . Though having said that there are a few small touch up jobs still to do.

We've already had someone come and look at the house, and he seemed interested, though he has not got back to us as yet. We'll give him to the end of the week, and if he isn't our buyer, then we'll get the carpet done upstairs.

Mobile Blogging

2006-03-01T15:44:00.000Z

A Mobile blog.

Here we go, I've got my PDA and I can blog via email. How cool is that?

No piccys though blogging via email.

Oh and the GPS is pretty good as well so far at least.

Got the whole lot for a smidge over £200.

Bargain.

Getting to Hilton (Nr Derby), or getting to anywhere new .....

2006-02-25T18:13:00.000Z

Getting to the Motorhome dealers today made me think of our Sat.Nav. plans for our trip.

Now whilst our navigation with a map whilst driving is fairly good, it has also been known to cause more than the occasional argument. This I believe to be a genetic trait. Anyway today was no different, though unusually amicable.

I've been trying to work out for the last couple of weeks what is for us, the best affordable GPS based navigation system. The main choice was, a standalone GPS or a PDA based system.
As you do, I spent ages reading the alleged pros and cons of numerous systems before deciding that either approach was equally valid. Pricewise they are similar so I've opted for the PDA system.

Ebay last night was kind enough to provide a Bluetooth GPS and Navteq software for the whole of Europe for under £80. So once I find a Dell Axim X30 or X50 at the right price, there should be no more arguments.

Oh, and with the PDA's wifi and bluetooth we'll be able to use it as internet browser and allow it to send stuff via the phone to this blog. Costly but cool.

mmmm.........Motorhomes

2006-02-25T17:57:00.000Z

Headed down to near Derby today to have a look at yet more MH's.

We were hoping that they (Don Amott) would have one of the Autoroller garage models for us to have a look at. They didn't, but all was not lost as they did have a Ci Riviera 181 Garage and an Elnagh Marlin 65 Garage. Both of which have loads of storage plus a raised double bed above, though not as pokey as an overcab double.

Below - the Riviera's rear bed.

We reckon that the layout of these garage models are just what we are looking for.

Yipee.

Motorhome - Old or New ?

2006-02-21T23:25:00.000Z

This weekend gone, we visited a number of Motorhome dealers with a view to deciding exactly which layout we would like for our forthcoming acommodation.

Previous visits to dealers had suggested that a rear kitchen type layout and a 4/5 berth would do the trick. This time though we gave a little more thought to the need for storage of our bikes and the kid's toys and concluded that something a bit larger, with a garage would be better.

The term garage is somewhat misleading really, think 1 by 1 metre times the width of the camper, basically room for the bikes out of sight of prying eyes.

Look at the pic below at the rear.
..and here is a front view while we're on the subject

The model is called the Autoroller Garage made by www.rollerteam.it part of the Trigano group.

Quite clever really, as above the garage is a double bed.

Our original budget was for 10 - 15K, which we thought should locate a reasonable secondhand vehicle, though it seems that the campers with garages are not that common, especially in the UK. On the continent they are not so uncommon and even though they are more than the £15K, they are available in Germany, so much cheaper than over here.

Now I know the quality of the fittings will not be as good as the more expensive motorhomes, yet I'd much prefer a new or very nearly new import. to the 11 year old Hymer with 110K miles on the clock that the dealer had £16,500 on last Saturday.

If there is time at the weekend we'll try to look at one at a dealer over here

Last Wall Papering Ever.

2006-02-11T23:11:00.000Z

Skye and Tom have been shipped out to the Grandparents so that we could address the last of the major decorating.

I can't begin to tell you how much I HATE papering walls. Our bedroom has been showing part of it's plaster for as long as we have been in this house. I have papered most of the rest of the house, and this room was, until now more than I could face. Uneven walls, corners that aren't square, windows that aren't straight, lumps, the list goes on.

Anyway the offending wall has been done now, I've started to paint and it should be finshed tomorrow. Ann has been valiant in doing a number of small fiddly jobs today including stripping the paint from a door which I started some time ago.

So only one room to completely paint and a few other small jobs to do now.

We've even sold a couple of things on BIN on ebay whilst we have been industrious.

....What about me ?

2006-02-08T22:30:00.000Z

Sorry, here's your picture too.

Coal is yummy...

2006-02-08T22:19:00.000Z

Don't leave your children unattended, even if they have had a bath earlier in the day.

A Map

2006-02-07T21:16:00.000Z

Here's a map showing very roughly where we may be going.

Clearout begins

2006-02-07T20:33:00.000Z

One of many bookcases that need emptying.

One of those days today, when you set out to do a number of things, and get very few of them done. The plan was to do some more ruthless tidying. Ended up sorting out my malfunctioning phone with the service provider for most of the morning.

Unrealistic expectations, or easily distracted.....

Ebay kindly emailed me the other day to inform of a cheap listing day on Thursday, so I've taken a few pictures, and started writing out the descriptions. I've already discovered a couple of books which list elsewhere for over $100.

Even more important I suppose is that I've junked some books that even a charity shop wouldn't want. I hate throwing books away, but it just seems the best thing to do. We have boxes that have not been emptied since we moved here over 3 years ago, something that won't be repeated again.

My auctions can be found here as from Thursday.

Hopefully we will not have too much stuff to put into storage when we leave here.

Technological breakthroughs

2006-02-06T21:13:00.000Z

Just finished fixing the jackplugs on my laptop's charger lead which had come un-soldered. Soldering is something I do so rarely, for me it is a bit of a hit/miss affair. This time I seem to have done a better job than usual.

I've been looking at roaming Sim cards at www.0044.co.uk/multi-destination-sim-card.htm
They seem to have a solution for staying in touch whilst abroad without spending a fortune with a UK SIM on calls, or buying a new SIM for each country. Only drawback is that data for my GSM card is not offered. V0d@f0ne charge over 10 quid a MB so I shan't be using that abroad. Haven't look into wifi hot spots yet, though no doubt that, or internet cafes will suffice for our internet use.

Whilst we are on about technology, I've decided that my Marin Attack Trail is coming along on our trip, taking preference over my Surly CrossCheck. Even though it is not my usual first choice bike, it is certainly the bike for big thrills when the terrain will allow it. Ann's taking her bike a Giant cyclo cross bike, Skye her trailer bike (her forthcoming birthday present) and Tom his Burley trailer.

We like bikes.

Transferred blog

2006-02-06T19:00:00.000Z

Spent half the afternoon faffing about with Opera's blogging program. Seems to be rather hit and miss, as to allowing one to edit stuff previously posted.
No doubt there is a solution, but I can't be bothered spending anymore time looking for one.
Moved my previous posts to here.

Luxury

2006-02-06T18:57:00.000Z

Just fitted a new toilet seat. The old one's lid had bust in half. As you know the toilet seat lid is an essential allowing somewhere to sit when conversing with whoever is in the bath. Been to price up the paint with which you can cover up ceramic tiles. Probably going to cost 20 quid to do, though I reckon it'll be money well spent.