Cycling Life After LEL

New Blog

2011-12-13T22:03:00.000-08:00

Just to let followers know that I have started a new blog. A post LEL, post PBP, generic blog which will track what I'm up to with anything related to ....

Bikes and Bees

Paris Brest Paris - PBP 2011 - Ride Report

2011-09-04T07:18:00.000-07:00

Last night I dreamt I had to sleep for 1230 hours. I was doing well, managing to go back to sleep if I momentarily woke up. The rules were clear. If caught using alarms, time penalties will follow! Then my alarm clock went off!!

Me at the start - photo by John Spooner

But it is true that the PBP 2011 rider's dossier was full of do's and don'ts, time penalties and disqualification warnings. I wonder how many were enforced.

I was talking with a rider who went for a fast time and had a support crew. He was relaying the story of how his daughter in the support vehicle was distraught after a navigation challenge, where they had to use the PBP course for a little while. "Support vehicles are forbidden on the riders' route. If not observed, a penalty of 2 hours will be given to the rider."

Two of the Faccombes riding through 'Avenue Support'.
A view like this became the signal of a control nearby.

Riders are to obey the traffic law also, of course. I did find myself veering towards the other side of the road a couple of times. The Wednesday night was the hardest for me. Since the previous control, I hadn't been feeling well. The food hadn't been as agreeable as before. And Manotea had kindly warned us not to use the tap to fill the water bottles, since the the water was 'decidedly dodgy'. Still, the thought of dodgy water in my bidon and the smell of country pig manure all night was adding to my nausea. I was getting delirious with ill feelings and the dozies. I wanted to be one of the many people taking a nap along the road. Ray and I did take a rest against a garage door at some stage. Top tip, said Ray, always rest in a built up area, not out in the open. And my left shin started to play up also. Top tip, said Ray, if your injury can heal within three months, carry on cycling.

Getting to Dreux was like coming out of a dark tunnel. Dreux was great! A light, airy, spacey gymnasium. The smell of freshly baked pastry, the coffee was good. Only 65km to go, with plenty of time and the sun coming out. We were coming back into civilisation. I remember a similar feeling when reaching Middleton Tyas on LEL.

The first 1000km went very well. I was feeling strong. Didn't find the climbing too hard. I was loving it, with time to enjoy the road side support and time to take pictures.

The road side support was absolutely wonderful. There was one particular stall that will stay in my mind. They had put up a tent as big as the space available could take. It was a big tent, but sparsely used inside. A 14 year old was running the show and taking everything very seriously. Every need of a rider was attended to with highest priority, urgency, and even panic. You would see him, hands in the air, striding across the floor, covering the 'golden triangle' of front bench, coffee urn at the back and food trestle on the side. It was as if he was drawing the Haus vom Nikolaus with his strides, over and over again:

Haus vom Nikolaus (from wiki)

This was particularly well demonstrated when an unusual request came in, which was for a 5 mm spanner. Fortunately the french word for spanner didn't need to be found, because 'un cinque' is nothing else but a 5 mm spanner. Here we go, hands in the air, striding across to the fourth corner where two men were drinking coffee and smoking cigarettes. 'Un cinque!!!'. The two men were quite happy sitting there, observing, clearly not understanding the urgency needed in helping these PBP'ers. The 14 year old magnified his efforts, by redrawing the Haus vom Nikolaus, now waving his arms like a windmill, the whites of his eyes showing and shouting at the top of his voice 'Jules! Un cinque!!!'. Hope the chain was mended in the end. Shame I couldn't stay any longer.

Everywhere, all the time, the road side support was present. In the middle of the night, in remote areas, in the middle of a roundabout, in hot sunshine, in thunderstorms. I said 'Merci' as often as I could. Coming out of a control in the middle of the night, I was again amazed at their commitment of supporting the PBPers. I was a bit a head of myself this time and said 'Merci' before the usual 'Bon Courage' was heard. Hope the lamppost appreciated it!

I was curious as to the motivation of the locals to come and support us, giving water, coffee, cake for free or for a token donation. I got a variety of answers. The most beautiful one being: 'Mais c'est le Paris Brest!'.

Here are some other answers:

to be part of this big event
because there is nothing else to do
so that the children can use their English
because grandma started the tradition
because we've done this since 1983
to generate business for the cafe across the road

I overheard some interesting conversations! Like this: Did you see that light? What light? The white light. On which bike? No, you fool, white light from lighting. When was that, Sunday? Oh, eh, about 85 miles and two hours sleep ago. Oh, that must be the day before then, Monday. Yes, that's right. No, I didn't see it. Anyway, it's going to rain they say. What do you mean, it's going to rain. Look at yourself, you are soaking wet. He he, yeah, I forgot. Did you see the red lights? Oh yes, the ones that went up and down? No, the ones that disappeared.

Maybe it is just me. Maybe I was in earshot of four conversations, and I just stitched them together like this.

Conversations are good. You seek them out in the end. You eye up your prey ... will they talk? I found conversations harder to come buy than on LEL. Surprising really since there are so many more riders on PBP. I put it down to not seeing the same people as often as on LEL where you get to know the riders around you. You just say a hello, see if they bite. Then 'ca va?', 'ok?', 'alles goed?'. I usually like a quick chat, get to the point. But not on PBP, I didn't mind if they got to the point via Biarritz or Brazil. But I was always surprised when riders did not even return a hello.

Arabella and Marc called me down: 'Come and talk to us!'. Can't remember what we talked about, but we linked up again later on, and stuck together for longer. It was cozy. Arabella's voice was soothing and she would start a gentle song when all went quiet. They pulled me through a bad patch. In fact, the Willesden team pulled me through all my bad patches. It is amazing, how seeing familiar faces can lift your spirits so much. Arabella and Marc had already helped me fix my dynamo fitting (the only mechanical I had). It is a simple task enough, but having somebody hand you pre-cut tape, made me feel like a top notch surgeon in action.

I was in Ray's good company for much of the time. We had a candle lit dinner for two, without the candles. We had a three course meal without the desert. We had a quiz without questions and certainly no answers. And the top tips kept coming, such as never put anything down. Always put it in something or on you. This advice came after meeting Charlie for the second time. He'd slept in the forest and left his camera behind. However! He went back to the spot after finishing PBP and found his camera still there.

Ray, le roi du PBP

When I was rained on for the second time, I got worried. I was worried about getting cold at night. I had to have something dry. So I started my mobile drying launderette. I had overshoes on the handlebars, gloves on my saddlebag, and a shirt tied around my waist. So when it rained for the third time, I had dry gear to get wet again. Perfect! I didn't get cold, the nights were very mild. I even progressed to a stationary drying launderette when I had my tramp moment. I put my dry clothes on for sleeping comfort and put my wet clothes on over the top, thinking that the heat of my body would dry out the outer layers. This worked. I was so impressed with this system I decided to do the same with my shorts when back on the road. I overheated so badly, so quickly, that I had to stop and strip everything off again, including knee warmers. I must have put them down somewhere, which we now know is a bad move. Shame. I had brought them along in the hope to meet Peter from Austria again. He had lent me the knee warmers during LEL and I wanted to return them. Ray was sorry also, because he found me easy to spot in a peleton: nobody else wears knee warmers like that. Thank you Ray!

My eyes glaze over when people ask what my average speed was. That is so not the point. Compare that with people who take three days off work, spend time and money to be at the finish and shout: 'Els! You did it!'. That is what four friends did for me. It was absolutely amazing. I did think I was dreaming or back in Hanwell for a moment. They had created their own mini-PBP cycling tour and they had gone to extraordinary efforts to keep this a secret. I had been so proud of my computer savvy, and now apparently security concious, mum, when she had asked how to delete caches and cookies off her iPad. But it was only so as to prevent me coming across anything related to the PBP surprise. It was particularly nice that Frank was around at that time, because he knows two of the friends, from his local cycling club.

Me and Frank - Frank having finished the day before!

Surprise: Rob, me, Fast Eddie and Bar Dave, Mandy taking picture

The tweets from friends, family and martinbrice were wonderful. They can be a real pick-me-up. I could always rely on the support from friends and family, but the unexpected support from the Fridays got me into my Tuesday Blues for sure. Martinbrice's tweets started to work as a 'tweet digest'. He summarised what was going on in one of the CycleChat threads, which moved me to tears on reading it when back home. Here is the link: Friday Night Ride to Paris-Brest-Paris. It also gave me a fright when somebody wrote I had missed a control!

I had 12 hours sleep on the Thursday night, post PBP. Woke up with a swollen face and double vision. I found that if I held my head at a 3 dimensional 3 degrees, my eyes aligned enough to gain focus. Louise and I exchanged emails and we were both taking ages getting our eyes into position. Louise looked like she was inspecting the inside of her fringe from left to right and back again.

Thank you to Louise for the muscle rub. My left leg had also swollen up considerably, despite the tape already provided by Liam. The drive back to Belgium was OK when on the motorway, but in the road work traffic jams around Lille I stalled the car multiple times. This is something I did not think about at all: what if I am not in a state to drive the car back home? So my top tip would be to have at least one other person to share car driving duties with, or take public transport.

Other things I would do differently:

stamp, say hello and go
never worry about running out of water - road side support everywhere
eat outside of controls - better and more varied
just be aware of the most remote areas and stock up for those
sacrifice some speed for own lightweight sleeping mat and bag - had much better and longer sleep as tramp than I did in controls, or book a couple of hotels on the way

I'm still coming down from the experience, one week later. My family did their utmost to make my 'coming back into reality' as easy as possible. I fear it might have had the opposite effect, I was spoilt! We had a Paris Brest with champagne. We talked PBP, then I slept. Mum prepared steak and chips, with mayonnaise. We talked PBP, then I slept. We went out for a celebratory dinner. We talked PBP, then I slept. We had koffie koeken for breakfast. Then it was time to leave for England.

Le Paris Brest, from Mr Durand's in Maison-Lafitte.

There were times when I looked at PBP from the sky. I could see a trail of red lights making its way to Brest, then curl around and trace back to Paris. I started to think of PBP as a social organism that appears in full flight every four years. The reflector V shape on the PBP vests were conspicuous when worn by a group of riders, gliding by in the dark, as if a swarm of moths. The 'Reflector Backed Constant Red', is what I started calling PBP. The volunteers had part in this too, they are like the house bees in a honeybee colony. They welcome you in, they have all the information, they have the directions to food, to water, to sleep, to showers, to Brest, to Paris. The sense is altruistic, the purpose is for everybody to make it to Brest and back to Paris. And why? Parce que c'est le Paris Brest!

Other memory triggers:

Setting off with the Faccombes (Chillmoister, keeks and LEE), my soul mates for much of the PBP journey
Water towers signify a climb and a descend
Feeling like a racing pigeon with chip band on my ankle (maybe not racing!)
It is all about getting to the next control, and when you get to the next control it is all about getting back on the bike
Seeing somebody cycle into a ditch across the other side of the road
Chatting with 6500, the 'flower' women.
Chatting with the American on fixed
Getting into the habit of shouting 'Brest', when leaving controls, to make sure you're sent the right way. The marshals ask also: Paris? Brest?. It was quite a moment, when at Brest, for the first time, with no other option, and without real need, I said 'Paris'!
Big thank you to Jan Geerts for organising accommodation and meals, and for the company
Etienne asked me if I would do PBP again. I hesitated. 'That is a good sign', he said.
How quickly things can turn, you feel good and strong for 3 days, but not being able to eat and a wear and tear injury can make things tough within a couple of hours.
Ray ordering me to stop! To mark another milestone of 1200km.
Why is PBP an additional 30 km? A few miles could be cut out getting into Brest, no?
Big big thank you to the Willesden crew!!
Missing George Swain and Erwin
I had been looking forward to the Haus vom Nikolaus on the way back, but trade was absorbed by a more westerly tent. The 14 year old was sitting, legs crossed, arms folded, pondering how he can ever win the return leg business. I'll do PBP 2015 just for this tent, if only I could remember its location!

Photos are on the slideshow .... forever? Because we now have the answer to what cycling life is like after LEL. It means doing PBP! Just in case ... PBP Photos

Other write ups and photo links:
Rapha: note the last photo! PBP 2011 Four Journeys
Dylan: Dylan PBP
Feline's ride report: Feline PBP
Smileboxes - these capture the mood brilliantly - thanks to my sister Kris
  Preparing for PBP
  Home welcome
  Celebratory dinner
YACF photo thread: PBP 2011 photos
YACF ride report thread: PBP 2011 ride reports

Paris Brest Paris - PBP - 21 August 2011

2011-08-18T03:38:00.000-07:00

PBP is a cycling event held every 4 years. Requires 4 qualifying rides to enter. Runs over 4 days.

Source of image: cyclo-long-cours.fr

I'm looking forward to seeing all the randonneurs who I have got to know on the physical and virtual road to Paris.

Follow me on twitter @swarm_catcher.

Follow my bike by clicking the image below, enter frame number 5741

Below is my schedule, after a start on Sunday 21st August at 18:00 local time.

MORTAGNE-AU-PERCHE	22/08/11 02:24
VILLAINES- LA-JUHEL	22/08/11 07:16
FOUGERES	22/08/11 12:52
TINTENIAC	22/08/11 16:52
LOUDEAC	22/08/11 22:14
SAINT-NICOLAS-DU-PELEM	23/08/11 01:12
CARHAIX-PLOUGUER	23/08/11 06:15
BREST	23/08/11 12:05
CARHAIX-PLOUGUER	23/08/11 17:45
SAINT-NICOLAS-DU-PELEM	23/08/11 20:52
LOUDEAC	23/08/11 23:56
QUEDILLAC	24/08/11 03:47
TINTENIAC	24/08/11 07:58
FOUGERES	24/08/11 11:31
VILLAINES-LA-JUHEL	24/08/11 17:23
MORTAGNE-AU-PERCHE	24/08/11 23:19
DREUX	25/08/11 04:05
SAINT-QUENTIN-EN-YVELINES	25/08/11 11:05

Which will give me at least one hour spare, with more depending on actual start time on the day.

The West Bay and Back 200 - August 2011

2011-08-08T23:13:00.000-07:00

I like this photo because of the reflection of Bill in Jamie's glasses. Bill, Jamie and I rode together the whole way around. Congratulations to Jamie on his first Audax.

On the way back home, in the car, we burst into song: 'Oh such a perfect day'. Jamie would sing the chorus: 'Oh my arms and shoulders'. It was a fantastic day out. Lovely scenery, great weather, great company.

I received compliments on my 'little gear', 'as big as a dinner plate'. The guy laughed, but I laughed even more, because he should see the dinner plate on my other bike! I was grateful of this guy's good sense of humour, though. Because I had lost mine in the Hambro Arms. I didn't appreciate the ageist and sexist remarks of the women at the bar. If I had been on my own, I would have been straight out of there.

At West Bay, I was pleased that LEE had insisted we'd go to the seafront after lunch. The view is spectacular.

At the first control, I knew something was up with the tandem Things. Emma said: "Have a good ride." That is not something you say when you are riding yourself. They took the precaution not to aggravate an ankle injury ahead of PBP, so turned back. Anti-inflammatories and ice, Emma!

Thanks to Andy and team for organising the event. It was Andy's first as organiser and it was very well done.

Photos are on the slideshow till the next ride (!!! that will be PBP !!) or here: Clicky

The West Bay and Back 200 - August 2011

2011-08-06T03:11:00.000-07:00

"Don't get the paper", said Sarah, "I'll pick one up on my way". However, whilst doing the groceries, and with the new financial turmoil on my mind, I spotted the FT - Financial Times.

Got home to a Donko's coffee, and I opened the Life & Arts section. "From bicycles to boardroom", let's have a quick read of that. If you are curious like I was, the article is online: From bicycles to boardroom.

Turned the page and saw the headline "Flanders". Geraint Thomas is leading a cycling holiday in Kortrijk - Belgium. That is very close to where I'm from. But why spend £869 for 200km, when you can do 1200km for less than £100. What do you mean it's not the same?

Oh yes, not long now. Tomorrow, I'll be riding my last long ride before PBP. Below is the route (double click to enlarge).

My best friend from work has entered also. Last Christmas, he asked me if he could join me for 'one of those long rides'. Sure, I said, I'm free the first weekend of August 2011. I was surprised at his laughter, but if you are preparing for PBP, and you are a beekeeper, your weekends are pretty booked up.

He'll be fine, he's a marathon runner and cycle commuter with determination. Told him about all the 'side-effects' of a 200 and he's still keen. He's probably one of those people Zoe Williams described in her excellent London Cyclist article: with a "make it harder personality". A brilliant line I thought it was: "... a cognitive ability to take a huge physical pain in the butt, and turn it into a sense of achievement so intense that you seek out ways to make it even worse". It happens to be an article about night riding. Funny that.

Anyway, the Financial Times, good paper I find. Don't think I'll get to the financial bits though.

FNRttC - Newhaven - Dieppe - Update

2011-07-28T12:00:00.000-07:00

Previously I wrote:

"In Newhaven, we have the most fantastic breakfast cafe. That cafe is like a negative control in an experiment. It has no style (a cabin), no decor (white walls), no scenery (underneath a flyover). The question in the experiment is 'how do you rate your breakfast'. The idea being that you are not influenced by external factors. Unfortunately this experiment will always fail when the 'subjects' are the Fridays. When having breakfast with the Fridays after a night ride, it doesn't matter where you are or what the breakfast is like. It is always a memorable experience."

The experiment came to a conclusion. The Pitstop Cafe closed down.

We went to the Captain's Table Cafe instead. It is located by the sea, has decor (see picture below) and the service was excellent, even though we arrived en masse unannounced.

What's so funny?

I feel like I've been on a three week holiday. There was a bit of a buzz about the FNRttC. It was a recipe for adventure. Going on a Thursday night, as opposed to Friday. A smaller group, which means going faster. Not knowing whether we'd be allowed into Gatwick Airport. It wasn't looking good as we were stopped by police. The group was like a lava lamp, with everyone slowing, silently, but the inner core moving on ahead . The inner core did the talking and off we went for a Costa coffee. I didn't want to be disappointed by the customer service possibly having improved on last year, so went to M&S, who now offer coffee also. It was busy at Gatwick. There wasn't the usual middle of the night ghostliness about it. Building work is going on, I guess in preparation for the Olympics.

Then there was the Left Legg Bandage Plot. That was a bit like a lava lamp phenomenon also. Gradually, you would recognise something similar about a gathering of cyclists at the Lindfield regroup. It was a birthday treat for Mr Legg, whose trademark is a bandage around the left knee.

The 'Plotters'?

After breakfast, it was time for the next adventure, which was getting onto the ferry. Some bikes posed as bikes, some as motor bikes and some as plain luggage. We all got on. I had a good snooze.

We disembarked and the group dispersed. I went off to Evreux, which was the start of my last long ride before PBP. The Saturday ride was planned to cover the miles and not get distracted. That plan worked in that I took very few pictures. I had 'adventures' though, when I found myself off road, or backtracking miles because my lovely laney route was cut off by highway fencing with no way through. I came across a Gatwick like checkpoint also but didn't get stopped. Les gendarmes had reason to question me though, as I was not wearing a reflective vest. Instead, they didn't move an inch and smiled nodding as I sailed past them.

I asked for directions a couple of times. Towards the end of the evening, I couldn't help myself anymore and asked 'Le Tour, qui a gagné?'. I chose the right person to ask, because the guy was smoking a cigar and kept shouting at his German Shepherd dog to keep away from me. Whilst doing both of those, he uttered something like 'Hhkariy Afhawe'. I was ready to say 'merci', when he explained: 'L' Australien!'.

Here is the profile of the ride:

In Amiens, on the Somme, you go below sea level. After reaching the Béthune region the profile is flat and I was flying! Top gear all the way! I went through Armentières, Comines, Wervik, Geluwe, Dadizele and home. I liked that route very much. It has a special feel around Comines-Wervik. Next year, when I don't have the need for miles (famous last words!), I might work out a fast route to the border, then meander around there early evening. Could work as a trip from Dunkerque also.

I was pleased to have arrived home at a civilised time. My parents were up waiting for me. We chatted, and we chatted and laughed some more the next day. I was spoilt with the best dish of chicon au gratin and a perfect meringuetaart as desert. We watched the final stage of le tour and enjoyed Cav and HTC's amazing success.

I travelled back to the UK on the Eurostar, wheel in hand. The female security officer asked: 'Où est le reste?'. How funny, when, if I had brought the complete bike, it would have been trouble. I laughed of course: 'Je l'ai perdu!'

What a weekend! Three weeks worth of cycling, adventure, countries, culture, food and entertainment.

Photos are on the slideshow till the next ride, or here: Clicky

Other thoughts:

two falls
two thunderstorms
two punctures
after fields, fields, fields, coming into Rouen must have been quite dramatic way back
going through many villages with old castles and churches, reminded me of 'La Chasse aux Trésors', with Philippe de Dieuleveult
none of the cafes I went into showing le tour, horse racing instead
redundant question: 'so would we do it again next year?'

FNRttC - Newhaven - Dieppe - 2011

2011-07-20T23:18:00.000-07:00

The time has come! If it wasn't for PBP this would the THE highlight of the year.

Tonight, from midnight, I'll be with the Fridays riding to Newhaven. I am pleased that the halfway stop will be at Gatwick Airport again. It has something special in the middle of the night, with no plane to catch.

In Newhaven, we have the most fantastic breakfast cafe. That cafe is like a negative control in an experiment. It has no style (a cabin), no decor (white walls), no scenery (underneath a flyover). The question in the experiment is 'how do you rate your breakfast'. The idea being that you are not influenced by external factors. Unfortunately this experiment will always fail when the 'subjects' are the Fridays. When having breakfast with the Fridays after a night ride, it doesn't matter where you are or what the breakfast is like. It is always a memorable experience.

Over 30 people signed up. Some will take the ferry to Dieppe and ride on the next day to Paris. Perfect timing for the finish of le Tour de France.

I need to fit in a long ride for PBP, so will take the opportunity to do a 300. My route between Friday and Saturday looks like this (double click to enlarge):

I shouldn't expect the weather to be too good. There will be showers, but it is warm. And I am on a mission, I'm cycling home to my parents.

I'll be tweeting (@swarm_catcher)

FNRttC July 2011 - Brighton

2011-07-18T13:04:00.000-07:00

On top of the Beacon, Simon had encouraged people to keep going down to Brighton, rather than wait for everybody and get cold. This had created a sense of urgency in me. From trying not to raise my heart rate on this Genteel ride, I turned into a racer chasing down the break away. The Pyrenees Stage 11 it was. I could hear Chris Boardman's voice: "It is all down to how much risk you are prepared to take". Visibility improved by looking over my glasses. In the far distance was a blurred shimmer of red light. That was my target.

We arrived at the Madeira soaking wet. A proper FNRttC that was. Loved it.

Conquering the Beacon
Photo by Martin Brice

It starts at Hyde Park Corner with magic. We bunch up at the traffic lights, ready to hit the road en masse. We wait for the next green light. Simon surges on and puts his hand up to stop the oncoming traffic. And it's like magic! On a roundabout notorious for 'having to go with the flow'. Going against the grain is an absolute no no. Any hesitation and you'll hear the cab drivers cursing you. But Simon gets in the middle of the road, puts his hand up, and all traffic slows and stops as if mesmerised. I would imagine it is mesmerising. From the other end, you'd see this guy cycling towards you. Behind him a group of cyclists with dazzling lights, like you've never seen before. It's midnight, what is going on?

I couldn't get into the the ride until I had sorted out my back light. I was on my way to the station when I realised I had left my pump at home. When you change bike and gear, you are out of routine and things like this happen. I turned back home to pick it up. My partner rolled her eyes. I set off again, and noticed how my back light was quite weak. 'Oh no, I don't have spare batteries! I turned back home to pick some up. My partner rolled her eyes and sighed. It was a good thing I had spare batteries, because once at Hyde Park Corner, the light wasn't good enough anymore, in my opinion. I changed the batteries feeling smug. Only, the batteries were flat! Oh no! How irresponsible of me! One should always check the state of one's spare batteries, I could hear a 'with hindsight type of devil' whisper in my ear. Fortunately there are plenty of opportunities to buy batteries and I could relax again.

Wonderful reception at the Scouts Group

'It's the wrong turn' sounds like a line from Wallace and Grommit. The comedy moment for me was Adrian (I think it was) pointing out the single white light amongst a sea of red. 'He's realised', Adrian said, 'You wait, gradually, the red will turn into more and more white until no red is left'. More magic! Simon is getting a bit of stick on the forum for this. But if I led a group towards the coast, it would always be the 'scenic' way.

The worlds of FNRttC and audax are really mixing now. With the three guys I happened to be seated with at the Madeira, we talked Bryan Chapman, PBP and Hummers. Pete stated his ambition of doing a 300 for the first time this year. It might sound like an odd question coming from me, but I asked what drives him to do a 300. 'To do an SR (Super Randonneur) series next year', he said. 'Ah, that is completely understandable then!'.

A most enjoyable moment was saying thank you and goodbye to Simon and the gang: 'See you next week'!

Photos are on the slideshow till the next ride or here: Clicky

5741 - Frame number for PBP

2011-07-08T22:15:00.000-07:00

You will be able to 'track your favorite rider' here: PBP Riders Tracker

Frame number in, transport to and from Paris booked, accommodation before and after booked, bike serviced.

What is left to do?

study 'le dossier'
plan my worst case scenario schedule - DONE
buy new shoes - DONE
replace chain - DONE
list of what to pack
visualise - STARTED

What cycling is left to do?

FNRttC to Brighton - DONE
FNRttC to Newhaven - Dieppe - Rumbeke 300
West Bay and Back 200
Keep commuting to work
Keep attending spinning classes twice a week
Two more time trials
Laps of Richmond Park

How do I feel?

Positive
Looking forward to it
Need to study schedule, visualise, pack the right things and then I will be ready

Six weeks to go.

A Yorkshire Dales Perm 200 - NPS2F

2011-06-30T22:40:00.000-07:00

It is viaduct heaven in the Yorkshire Dales! You'd think the image below is 'the viaduct', but the Dent Head viaduct is one of 22. Dent Head is a minor, with 10 arches, as opposed to 'The Ribblehead Viaduct' which has 24 arches. I can believe that the Settle-Carlisle railway line would be one of the most scenic in England.

Dent Head Viaduct

I didn't have a chance to research my cycling route beforehand. Otherwise I would have come across two significant facts:

Dent, where I was staying, has the highest railway station in England.
Dent has almost four times the rainfall of London.

At least I knew from the audax entry form that 3100m climbing would be involved. And the fact I'm doing this as an audax means rain, naturally.

Perfect PBP training then, especially after only having had three hours sleep the night before.

And I managed to put myself under pressure again, having said to my holiday companions I would be back in Dent by 8PM. All was fine, I was pushing it for the last hour, and even more so for the last 12 km, because I was going to make it very close to 8. I gave it everything, as if I was in a spinning class. After the 'last mile', I saw a signpost to Dent: 9.5 miles. My heart and body sank. It took me a further hour and a half to cover the last 9.5 miles. I was soaking wet, again, of course. My feet hurt. I was exhausted.

Nearly there!

That was an endless stretch of hilly road and very remote. I arrived in Dent and wondered around a little, mixing with the beer and music festival-goers. Finally, I struggled up the drive to the holiday barn, from which, fine views can be enjoyed!

My chums and I with the view in the background

I love a full day's out cycling though. The scenery was great and varied. There were many cyclist on the road, and off-road. Also many walkers, cavers, climbers and 'sportsmen'. The Yorkshire Dales are fantastic for outdoor activities.

I stopped off in a pub near Kettlewell, for a coffee. I had seen the sign: "No muddy boots allowed". The landlord didn't look me up and down, just down. 'Coffee please' I said, and sat down. My overshoes might have been wet, but they were not muddy. My feet hadn't touch the ground for the last 50 miles, there is no way they were muddy, and cycling shoes are not boots.

Wensleydale cheese! I had a craving for it after cycling past the 'Wensleydale Cheese visitor centre'. Shame on me for not stopping, but cycling around with cheese in my saddlebag didn't appeal.

Going through Burnley made me think of Fred Dibnah. All those out of use chimneys still standing. There are some beautiful buildings/structures around. Here is a great fact about Burnley from the wiki site: "More Benedictine is drunk in one local working men's club, the Burnley Miners Club, than anywhere else in the world, after a local regiment stationed in Normandy during World War I brought back a taste for the drink."

After Burnley was the lovely ride back via Clitheroe and Slaidburn, which I remembered from my LEJOG trip. This is in Lancashire now and the Forest of Bowland - beautiful. I stopped off at the Slaidburn Youth Hostel to fill my water bottle.

Profile of the ride - like alligator's teeth

The following day, I drove over to Settle, to the start of the CycleChat forum ride. I made my excuses which were received with complete understanding.

CycleChat meeting point

Photos are on the slideshow till the next ride or here: Clicky

FNRttC June 2011 - Whitstable

2011-06-20T14:19:00.000-07:00

When I saw a signpost to our end destination: "Whitstable 4", I was disappointed. I didn't want it to end. We had a tail wind all the way, and it seemed to get stronger and stronger. Those last 4 miles were over in a jiffy.

I loved sitting, having breakfast, on the balcony of the cafe. The waitress recognised me from the week before: "Back for more", she said. Sure am!

It was sunny, people were happy, chatting ... Because I had limited time, I was absorbing the atmosphere in a time-lapse manner.

The weather forecast had been expressed in inches of rain all week To be fair to our middle of the night caterers, Simon had set the deadline for pulling out to Thursday. This reduced the field from 130 to 65. Right up until midnight Friday, the weather was appalling. My motto doesn't work in Simon's system, but normally I say "Always get to the start". Always get to the start, and then decide whether to ride or not . From midnight onwards, we had perfect cycling conditions. It was warm, no rain, a little drizzle perhaps, and a tailwind all the way.

So, we benefited the advantages of a reduced field. It was like the old days. Although, a group of 65 now appears really small. Bunching up is much quicker, you see people more than once, shorter queues for facilities, shorter queues for food, Simon with time to chat ....

A pedestrian asked what we were doing and Simon replied "We've come to see you!". The serious answer of "We're going to Whitstable" prompted a reply of "Ah Whitstable", with an intonation of "I have no idea who Whitstable is".

"We've come to see you"

Just after the Rochester Andy Snacks stop, I noticed this intriguing structure. If I didn't learn anything new about London, I learnt about Sir John Hawkins, the triangular trade, and these almshouses, still used to house Navy pensioners.

Sir John Hawkins Hospital, Kings, Chatham
John Hawkins on wiki

I have also discovered why an audax in Kent is called the Invicta:

Kent motto Invicta, on house in Milton Regis
Kent Invicta on wiki

The reason I had limited time at Whitstable is that I got to do the ride on the promise I would be back home to help out at the Hanwell Carnival Allotment Stall. Since I am the beekeeper with honey to offer, it was only right that I would be attending my own makeshift stall.

I look tired

Photos are on the slideshow till the next ride or here: Clicky

Other thoughts:

12 puncture in the group
sleeping on the train back to London, to miss every single drinks trolley
skylarks
tipping helmet at the Sportsman (table booked for 10th July)
need to start planning for Newhaven - Dieppe (have ferry and Eurostar, need overnight stay and route)
perfect ride - thank you Simon, and everybody involved

London to Brighton 300 DIY by GPS - Update

2011-06-15T21:52:00.000-07:00

I made a couple of mistakes on this ride, but with hindsight, I might have done myself a favour.

The ride was London to Brighton along the east and south coast: 310km shortest distance, 350km ridden, 3100m climbing.

One of the mistakes was making this DIY hugely over distance. I though I'd be OK. I was going to use my racing bike, no mudguards, no saddle bag, only one bottle etc. The route is flat-ish. Validation was going to be by GPS, so no wasting time at control points. Everything was in my favour, I even had some Science in Sports goodies provided by Ealing Bike Hub.

Unfortunately, these advantages were completely offset by me turning into a tourist rather than behaving like an audaxer. I was loving the ride, by the coast, miles and miles of it. I told myself to relax and enjoy myself. I was on rehabilitation after the BCM. There were plenty of sites of interest, but why did I have to take not just one photo of something, but several, at different angles, with different light settings, looking around, oh .... look over there, snap, snap. Those minutes add up.

Best angle?
Margate Turner Gallery

The other mistake, was to overshoot a couple of landmarks in Ramsgate. I turned back to the first, and it was a complete waste of miles and time. The Belgian Cafe, I would not recommend as a Belgian cafe. You can buy 'a pint of Leffe' for sure (not that Belgians would order 'pints' of Leffe). But the decor, which was a collage of retro-posters, did not have one cycling related image. A waitress dropped a tray. I guess it happens. However, the expletives used following the drop stood out in being non-Flemish / non-French . The cakes, the typically Belgian carrot cake and lemon meringue pie (I think not!), were not presented in individual portions. I was disappointed and not in a good mood any more (can you tell?).

The headwind started to play its part and I began to realise I no longer had a time buffer. Inspired by my personal best on last Wednesday's 10 mile time trial and being on my racer, I was going to start pushing it a bit more. I did long steady state stretches and I did interval type stretches. And so, this ride might very well have become a very good PBP training ride. All this effort against the headwind took its toll though, because when I reached Battle I was ready to pack it in (second time this year!). Only because of encouraging tweets did I decide to carry on - thank you to my regular followers, dkhan400 and SirWobbly. If I lost my good mood in Ramsgate, I was now angry! Angry for allowing the word 'packing' to enter my head, and angry for having lost even more time whilst visiting Battle train station! I asked for directions to the train station, and the lady said 'it's a long way, it's about a mile away'. But that wasn't enough to bring my sense of humour back. My 30-odd miles 'pending' were a reality.

We now have the perfect PBP training ingredients: tired from the early start, tired from pushing too hard, tired from the headwind, demoralised from having done the required 300kms, but having to do the over distance kms, running out of water, getting cold, getting lost, getting very sleepy. Now go, go and do your time trial bit, you are going to have to, if you want to finish in time!

Fortunately, I had the Science in Sports goodies, they were very handy. Both the rehydrating powder sachets and the energy bars suited me. Before I read their tagline, I thought to 'make them part of my ritual'. It is the detail that makes the difference. The energy bar wrappers tell you clearly where to 'tear down'. And when you do tear down, the packet tears open, and all the way. Ah! Don't laugh! I have used sachets of drink powder before, got them in New Zealand. Thought they would be perfect. When I came to use them on an audax, I could not get one of them to open. I got to know Ealing Bike Hub on one of their bike maintenance courses. It is a perfect setup for learning about bikes whatever level you are at.

I had decided that a 600 was not necessary this weekend (had been eyeing up the Invicta 600, but only with one eye). The cycling forums' consensus seems to be that long distance rides are no longer required at this stage of PBP preparation, but shorter rides working on speed are more beneficial. So in conclusion, I think I did myself a favour by organising an overdistance ride, and getting myself into time limit trouble. It meant I had to ride hard. If I can do 350 in 21 hours, call it 300 in 20 hours, then I can do 1200 in 80 hours (all else being equal). That is 10 full hours left for sleep! I'm beginning to look forward to PBP again. For a while I was looking forward to it being over.

The day after this ride was PBP registration day. You're pre-registration is completed by adding records of your qualifying rides. What a milestone!

I want to go back to Margate, Broadstairs and Deal. And another visit to Rye is already in the calendar (scallop festival). It is a shame I couldn't stop there, but again with hindsight, having more leisure time will be a good thing.

Photos of the ride are on the slideshow till the next ride or here: Clicky

Other thoughts:

Learning about Cinque Ports
Thank you to friends in Brighton for providing sleep over
Last picture taken in Dover, tells a story
Seeing the FNRttC Whitstable route in daylight
Learning about GPS, tracks, routes, waypoints, tracklogs ...

Tribute to FNRttC Whitstable

London to Brighton 300 DIY by GPS

2011-06-09T15:44:00.000-07:00

Preview of the route for Saturday (double click to view larger image).

The Bryan Chapman Memorial 600 - 2011 - Update

2011-05-17T22:47:00.000-07:00

I was only 85km in, when I was ready to call a friend. I couldn't call my other half, because she would have said: "I have no sympathy!" (the 'no' said in a Jeremy Paxman way). Neither could I call my mum, who knows I'm doing this to go to Paris in August. She would have said: "Come home, we can go to Paris any day of the year!".

I had to talk to somebody who would understand and know what I needed to hear. So I called my alter ego. Here is the conversation:

swarm_catcher: Hi?
Els: Hi, it's me, I'm on the BCM

swarm_catcher: And you're calling me because it is tough going?
Els: Yes [sob]

swarm_catcher: But it's going?
Els: Yes [sniff]

swarm_catcher: Well tough it out!
Els: But I'm only 85km in and struggling. Howard is probably in Kings YH already.

swarm_catcher: Who is Howard?
Els: He is Lance Armstrong

swarm_catcher: And does that help you?
Els: No [wail]

swarm_catcher: Think of Eddy Merckx instead.
Els: [sniff]

swarm_catcher: Call me back when you get to 200
Els: OK

swarm_catcher: Just don't call while you are driving
Els: But I'm ...

swarm_catcher: tduuuuuuuuuu

Then, hurrahhh!!!! A serious mechanical problem happened. My pedals stopped turning dead in their tracks. Quick, feet out before I fall over! This is it, I would have to give up, and what an excuse! Perfect. Before I examined the damage, and in seconds, I had plans A, B and C on what to do next. I would walk 500 miles and pluck up courage to knock on somebody's door.

The cleaning cloth for my glasses, which I must have dropped whilst getting something out of a back pocket, got entangled in the rear dérailleur. With a single reverse turn of the pedals, out came the cloth. Sigh of no relief.

Soon after, Mr Sunshine Gary arrived. He had a story to tell that got me stunned for the next 50km. His bike had just 'snapped in half', stopped at a garage, got it welded, carried on. Certainly an advert for steel bikes and a guy called Gary. He cheered me up no end, not just the story, but his lively, bubbly, sunny character lifted my spirits.

Mr Sunshine Gary (coincidence Liam called him Sunshine Gary also?)

It was also great to chat with Barry, who caught up with me next. I waited for Larry and Harry .... maybe I was the red lantern. At least at every control, I would still see a few people.

I had a song on repeat in my head. Lyrics from Coldplay. 'Nobody said it was easy'. 'Oh, take me back to start'.

As I saw Chillmoister at the halfway Menai control I blurted out: 'I'm packing'! With hindsight, if I really was going to give up, maybe I wouldn't shout it out so loud. I would quietly say: "My ride is over, see you at the finish". Wise words of 'get inside and eat' did the trick. As you eat and weigh up the options, you realise that the logistics of getting back to Chepstow, and the implications of not completing BCM are almost harder to deal with than carrying on, especially given the state you are in.

If my brain wasn't mush at Menai, it certainly was back at Kings YH. When asked what breakfast I would like, I looked for the easy option. One word, no utensils: toast. I was pleased the volunteer didn't ask which spread I wanted. I wouldn't have been able to make a decision. Not even honey came to mind.

My bag drop bag had been carefully organised (learning from Greenbank!). I had a black bag for things I would need at night, and a white bag for things I would need for the second day. Even that got scrambled. I must have been looking for something I couldn't find. Comfort probably.

If you are getting tired of reading about this self-inflicted misery, forgive me. I need to document this so that I never do this ride again. In fact, why don't I cancel my Audax membership right now? Join Liam in the knitting club.

The best thing about this ride were the people. I hardly have any pictures to share. Fortunately, others did get some fantastic shots to show off Wales. Links are at the end.

I don't remember any scenery myself. The last day, the last 200km, was dominated by calculations. How far to go, how much time left? Keep it going, you've got to make it now. No point conserving energy anymore. Go for it! Don't forget it is 619km, don't forget the last 19, call it 20. Recalculate. Go go go.

There is a lot of shifting up and down gears to do on the last leg. Relentless up and own. This was causing a new type of hallucination. Shift up, 'edit', up again, 'amend', shift down, 'cancel'. Shift up, 'open chapter', up again, 'turn page', shift down, 'close'. Shift up, 'person walks in', up again, 'another walks in', shift down, 'all walk out'. It was bizarre, I kept asking questions: 'what am I editing', 'why am I reading', 'what am I reading', 'who are these people'. Like in a dream, the answers never came.

People on fixed gear are unreal! Simonp and Manotea (there may have been others), I admire you.

I asked for a receipt at the last Weobley control shop. Force of audax habit and being on autopilot. 'Do you need a stamp', said the lovely person a the till. 'Yes! Yes! I do. Let me get my card!!'

I was thankful for John Spooner's company in the last stretch. We knew it was touch and go all the way. Thirty minutes spare sounds plenty, but a difficult puncture could still set you back by that much. It was great to see more people come in before 10PM. Jason could hardly stand, stumbling against the wall. Well done everybody. There are a few people who finished around the same time as John and I, and I wish I had been more with it to take note: Maidenhead Phil, Panoramix, JJ, Redlight? Hope to be able to say hi another time.

After returning to the B&B on Sunday evening, I found this in my room:

"Congratulations on your epic journey."

I ate all of it, although falling asleep many times as I was doing so. My stay at Afon Gwy was wonderful. I was very well looked after.

Many thanks to Mike the organiser, all the helpers and all the riders. Reading through the yacf thread, you can sense the mutual respect people are giving each other. It doesn't matter whether you abandoned, finished out of time, or finished in a good time ... you were there.

Thanks for all the tweets of support.

I did find Howard's tweet very endearing for somebody who finished 12 hours earlier than me: "That was tough."

Photos are on the slideshow till the next ride, or here: Clicky.

Links to other albums are below:
Mr Bunbury
TheSloth
Zigzag

A few more thoughts:

Meeting Gary and Barry for the first time
Really wanted to get to know more people, but didn't have capacity
I was not ready for a tough first 100, they normally come at the end
Iddu, please believe me, not doing the BCM again
Except I had a desire to maybe, use a bed in Kings YH, and still haven't
Asking Iddu what the weather was going to do on Sunday: "It's going to be BCM weather."
My bike sounding like a chifchaf after the rain
Lost 1kg over the weekend
I have qualified for PBP, it is no formality! At least not if you do it the BCM way.
Without the weight loss over the last 5 months and 'speed' training, maybe I would not have made it.
StevieB on yacf: "* I could tell by Ele’s light pattern coming from behind she was not just wobbling a little but all over the road… so I woke her up and she promptly took the opportunity to get some sleep – sitting on a wall, and a few km further on - leaning on a gate! Not sure what surprised me more – her ability to sleep in any position or her ability to wake up after a couple of minutes!!"

The Severn Across 400 - April 2011 - Update

2011-05-03T13:01:00.000-07:00

I had been looking forward to the halfway stop at Chepstow. For the last 40km, I had been dreaming about pancakes. Initially, just pancakes. A bit later, pancakes with banana. 10km later, pancakes with banana, drizzled with runny honey. Another 10km later, sun inspired, I was adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream ... When I went into Aslan's cafe, I decided not to even look at the menu, and order what I had been craving. This was going to be heaven, and keep me going for the next 100km and more!

Oh what a let down. The idea of pancakes had already emerged on the Easter Arrow, when, at the Wetherspoon's in Sleaford, they had 'run out'. How can you run out of pancakes? At Aslan's, they didn't have the 'pancake machine'.

Once you master Delia's three minute boiled egg, pancakes must be the easiest to make, no? What you need is eggs, flour, milk, butter, a pan and 5 minutes. You'll never run out again, with or without machine.

Still, Aslan's do wonderful breakfasts.

Pip and Mark on the 'Ultimate'

It was great to see Greenbank and Des on the road again. Also to re-acquaint with SwissHat and JohnW.

There were many yacf names, many familiar faces and many Willesden riders taking part. The event certainly is a good advert for the Willesden Cycling Club and Chris Beynon. I learnt that the Willesden SR is only organised in PBP years.

These 400s are not easy. I thought I'd be OK. After all, I had just done a 400, without too much trouble, the week before. I had reminded myself what it was about: the Dean 300 with a FNRttC added. I knew it would be a bit hillier and there would be a headwind on the way back. But oh my! Those last 60km were tough on the mind. I was pleased to have company on and off for the last 40km or so. The thought of a 600 in Wales, in a couple of week's time, is being pushed into the back of my mind. In reality, I am scared. PBP is something in the distant future, I don't need to think about that yet! Gulp!!

Wonderful though. I've said it before, the Cotswolds, Gloucester, the Forest of Dean, Marlborough, Wilthsire ... is lovely, lovely cycling country. The sun was out. It was a summery day with cow parsley in flower all along the road verges, hawthorn, rape seed fields you could smell from a distance away ....

Rape seed fields. What a waste! Imagine if you were to put beehives all around and amongst the fields. How much honey could you collect nationally? I know rape seed honey is not the tastiest, but it is a sugar resource! How many tonnes of nectar are untapped? There may be a few hives around, but I didn't see any from the road.

The thoughts you have when cycling long distances in the dark, on your own, are thoughts you would never have otherwise. For example, I was thinking how wonderful it would be for Kate and Wills to experience an audax. Audaxers wouldn't encourage them to use the Boris Tandem for sure. But we could set up a Royal Audax called 'The A to B 400' - Anglesey to Buckingham Palace. Or 'The B to B 1200' - Buckingham Palace to Balmoral. I bet Kate never thought of this drawback of being in the Royal Family.

Other thoughts:

The Brevet Cymru 400 being ridden on the same day, attended by the Faccombe 4
Climbing Yat Rock and Somerset Monument hill and enjoying it (I know!!)
Cross wind on Severn Bridge. Thought my cold had come back, only my left nostril was being blown and held shut all the way across (ha!)
Thinking about the people new to 400s, I knew what they were going through, or were going to go through. Well done!
Making pancakes as soon as I got home!

Highlight of the weekend? Only after looking back at photos, discovering this detail at the Blenheim Tea Rooms:

Other photos are on the slideshow till the next ride, or here: Clicky

The Severn Across 400 - April 2011

2011-04-28T13:41:00.000-07:00

A second 400 in two weeks. The Easter Arrow 400 'doesn't count'. Would you believe that? I mean, would you believe that I'm beginning to think like that. When I first did audax rides, the points and award system meant nothing to me. It was the excellent routes and company I was looking for. But now, with having to qualify for PBP, it matters whether rides 'count' or not, and the Easter Arrow didn't. Still, 4 points will be awarded and I have a small desire to reach 50 points this season,. It occurred to me during LEL year, that, if I had registered all rides I would have got close to 50 points. So in PBP year, I thought I should make that happen. It might be a once in a lifetime achievement. 50 points mean 5000km in audaxes above 200km. It is not massive compared with what 'mileeaters' do, but you wouldn't achieve 50 points without some planning and understanding from the people around you.

Looking forward to cycling through the wonderful countryside again. I love the ride, it is a bigger loop of the Dean 300. And with an excellent stop at the Turkish Aslan cafe in Chepstow, I'll treat it as two 200s.

Severn Across 400 route - going anticlockwise

A massive tailwind (24km/h) is forecast for Saturday. Shame we'll have to turn around at Chepstow. My strategy is to take it easy and enjoy it. Still, if I could get to Membury Services by midnight, that would be even better. Then I can have a couple of hours rest, before finishing the last 100km or so. Finishing within 24 hours, again, would be great, but I'm not going for it. You can follow me on twitter (swarm_catcher #audaxuk).

York Easter Arrow 2011

2011-04-26T15:04:00.000-07:00

It is unusual to find the words 'team' and 'winner' in the world of audaxing. The competitive aspect of this event is weak. The team captain needs to submit the estimated distance to be covered beforehand, so assuming all goes to plan, the winner can be predetermined. The team aspect can't be faked though!

The rules, and history of the event, are here: Easter Arrow rules (do read about the 'the three elements that make up the spirit of the Flèche'!). Teams of 3 to 5 riders start within a 24 hour riding distance from York. The team covering the longest distance 'wins'. An 'arrow' is cycled towards the 'bull's eye' that is York. I was visualising the event more as a crystal formation phenomenon. The teams being satellite crystals formed by the team members' journey towards the captain's designated start location. All over the country the satellite crystals send out a branch towards York, when the overall crystal takes shape. As teams arrive in York, the satellite crystals and branches disappear, until the last team arrives, and then ... the crystal is gone.

York, "a symbolic place to meet with like-minded cyclists".

Our captain Arabella was a natural. She brought the team together, did the admin work, produced an excellent route, guided us onto the correct path if there was any doubt, a gentle 'are we ready to go again?', 'let's have a warm-up stop', 'do you need a hand with that puncture', but never 'we must keep going', or 'we shouldn't stop here', or 'we need to speed up'. No, we certainly didn't need to speed up! With wonderful sunny weather and a tailwind, we were making good progress. In fact we got a little ahead of ourselves and had to watch out for the '2 hour rule', or is it the '22 hour rule'? That time coincided with a cold spell, and we were all getting the dozies. This wasn't planned, but we did it in style, and went into a hotel.

Captain Arabella and Thing2 discussing tandems

As we set off again for the last leg, it was mostly Thing2 who lead from the front, which Arabella and I appreciated. Many thanks to Arabella and Thing2, for organising, leading, the company, creating the spirit of the Flèche.

The time in daylight was pure pleasure: lovely lanes such as below, villages such as Cavendish, buildings such as March Town Hall, cathedrals such as Lincoln, bridges such Humber, birdsong such as skylark, stops such as Tesco 24 hour ... eh, oh no.

The route was wonderful! I love cycling on those lanes.

The Easter Arrow is worth doing just for the arrival. It was great meeting up for breakfast. Nobody is in a rush to get home. And CrinklyLion's cake-fest was amazing! I suggested I would only take half a slice so that everyone can have a bit. 'No', she said, 'I have four more cakes, and cupcakes, in my pannier!'. Having such a generous cake sharing person around, certainly helped the ambience!

Cake and cupcakes at the Punchbowl York

Other thoughts:

Making my way to Arabella's house from the station in Ipswich, battling against a wave of Norwich supporters, high on a 5-1 win, trying to catch the last train.
Arabella pointing out a Sleaford landmark although I was in denial about having gone through Sleaford on the north leg of LEL Sleaford on the way south had been more memorable because of the hail!
Taking nearly all of the photos 'on the move'.
I pushed 'DNS' thoughts out of my mind all the way to 8AM Friday morning. Any inclines caused my heart rate to rocket, but fortunately, the route was flatter than 'De Polders'. On Sunday, my cold continued where it left off at 8AM Friday morning.
Loads of yellow rape seed fields
Met up with friends after the Arrow, and cycled past the Minster on Sunday. The sound of the bells was great.

Photos are on the slideshow till the next ride or here: Clicky

PBP - Preregistration

2011-04-16T15:16:00.001-07:00

ACCUSE DE RECEPTION

PREINSCRIPTION N° GB-1128

The Dean 300

2011-03-28T13:40:00.001-07:00

I was admiring the legs of a Rapha rider in front of me. 'Like iceskater's legs', I thought. I must have had ice on my mind. Maybe from last week's FNRttC, where there was a bit of sheet ice to be negotiated. Or maybe from my new Icebreaker cycling jersey which has replaced my Rapha top as favourite. I now know why long distance cyclists have a tendency to wear 'the same old clothes'. You are going to be cycling for a long time, you want to be at your most comfortable, so the instinct is to wear your tried and tested kit. For this 300, I made the break. Don't fret, Raphaelites! I also have a new Rapha top which has knocked the old Mountain Equipment layer off the prestigious top long-sleeved spot.

Then again, was that a 'Rapha rider'? You never really know do you? You never know who they are or where they are. What about their .cc web extension? Have you ever heard of the Cocos Islands ...

Anyway, I was pleased I had all those lovely layers, as it was on the chilly side at times. Chilly enough to want to have a hanky at the ready, but a glove will do! LycraMan also said that it wouldn't rain. Good, so I took my waterproof off. How wonderful! I felt light and free.

I remembered the Upper Swell area from last year, lovely. We took the left turn to Farmcote and all of a sudden we were in thick fog. I say we, but I was on my own at that stage. Then out of nowhere three riders floated by me. The Rapha riders! I had nobody to ask for a reality check. Is this a ghost? But no, like Banksy, you know it when you see the real thing. It would have been a perfect Rapha-esque shot, black and white in the fog, soundless.

I'm pleased I have my 'I have to be focussed, go for time' ride out of the way. It is not nice. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed the ride. I had a fast first half, far too big a lunch, and a slower second half, resulting in 30 minutes quicker than last year. I thought I was taking the PBP preparations a bit too casually, so told myself to get out of my comfort zone. From now I am going back to my 6 hours for 100km rule, with time for stopping and photos. I saw Honor at the start, she said she was going to 'do an Els' and had brought her camera phone. In an instant, I regretted my 'focussed and photo free' plan.

I couldn't help but take a few:

Newent

Coming out of the fog

Broad Hinton - Broad Town?

Ray and I did the section in the dark together again. Our stars get aligned once its dark! We did meet at the start and during the day. But only once it's dark do our speed and rhythm sync up. I was pleased for the company, because I did have thoughts of: 'If I'm going to ride in the dark, why don't I stick with FNRttC!' The last leg back to Oxford did seem to go on for ages.

It was nice to re-unite with Lee and Chillmoister a few times, usually, as they were leaving and I was arriving at a control point. I took a long break at Chepstow, where I went into the recommended Aslan's cafe. The waitress said that all the cyclists had chosen the Ultimate breakfast, what was I to do?

It was a good day, and the day after I could walk and wasn't holding my head at an angle. You soon forget the pain, and I'm already looking forward to the next qualifier, the Severn Across 400. But first! The Easter Arrow.

My thanks to Dave Bew as always for taking care of organising the event.

The Dean 300

2011-03-23T14:32:00.001-07:00

Second of the PBP qualifiers is the Dean 300, coming up next Saturday. The route, below, goes from Oxford anticlockwise to Chepstow and back, and further described by the organiser:

"On the way out, you go from Oxford to Stow-on-the-Wold and then Newent, mostly on quiet lanes. As you're crossing the Cotswolds, you get hills and views in equal measure. After Newent you traverse the Forest of Dean on the way to Chepstow, the mid-point of the ride. The Forest of Dean makes a wonderful contrast to the Cotswolds but it's still hilly. From Chepstow, you cross the old Severn bridge and head eastward towards Malmesbury where the terrain is kinder with the only significant climb at Hawkesbury Upton. Heading onwards to Membury, you climb over the Marlborough downs on quiet roads, and then to Oxford for a flat finish."

I'm going to be focussed, no time to waste. Its a qualifier after all. I want to gauge how 'efficient' I am compared with last year. I want to get out of my comfort zone. To finish at midnight would mean status quo with the calendar event from last year (good weather conditions), to finish half an hour earlier would mean status quo with the PERM event from two years ago (perfect weather conditions), finishing anything earlier relative to weather conditions, and I will be very happy.

So I am going to put in my apologies beforehand. If I'm not chatty during the ride, and don't stop at controls very long, nor post any pictures afterwards, I apologise. I'm going to be focussed, zoned out, as they say, or is it zoned in?

I'm looking forward to it, pretty much prepared bar putting track on GPS and I might change out of winter tyres. You can follow me on twitter as usual (they'll be short!), the start is at 6AM from Oxford.

FNRttC March 2011 - Southend - Update

2011-03-20T12:33:00.001-07:00

At the end of a cycling blog post, I normally thank the organiser of the event. I'm not going to do that this time. No, this time, I can't help but make it the very first paragraph. Because, what Simon has done is absolutely extraordinary. He could have thrown in the towel, you see. He could have said: "Fine, end of an era. This FNRttC malarkey was fun while it lasted, but it's grown into something that needs a framework that sounds like a club with insurance, membership and whatnots." He didn't do that. He investigated how he can minimise bureaucracy while still maintaining the magic of FNRttC. All winter he plotted how to make it work. And with the first of the season's ride to Southend, pulled off something I'm so happy to have been part of. If FNRttC was art, I would call it a 'movement'. FNRttC and the Fridays are special. Simon himself, wouldn't like to dwell on this, so suffices to say: Simon, thank you!

The Southend FNRttC used to be my least favourite. With audaxing and other commitments, it wasn't a 'must keep date free' event anymore. Except, my friend, the lovely Mandy, the Cycling Gardener, was keen to experience a FNRttC. Doubtful of her stamina, we worked out a plan to get her 'up to speed' and do the short and flat, Southend ride. Only, in January, she came off her bike on the ice and broke her leg. While her leg was healing pretty quickly, I knew not to bring up the subject and crossed FNRttC Southend off my year plan. So, what do I do at the 11th hour? I tell Simon that I can not bear not to do this ride and ask to be put on the list.

Talking of broken bones. Andy, I thought, was just practising how to bind a gun to his 'bent', aspiring to emulate the picture I once took in a cycling museum.

Clearly, I must spend more time on Cyclechat, so that I am in the know when a buddy has had a non-favourable road-traffic exchange. Of course, this is Andy, he does LEL on a 'mended' back, why would he not do a FNRttC on one leg?

So, to spice up the 'ordinary' Southend ride, I go into town the Waterloo, as opposed to the Paddington, way. I bump into ChrisB. He is an acquaintance from when I was doing 100km Audaxes.

We make our way to Hyde Park Corner together. I took note of St Stephen's Restaurant/Tavern. I'd quite like to stop there for a drink next time (Beer In The Evening).

I was at the back of the large and lively gathering at Hyde Park Corner, so didn't hear Simon's health and safety talk very well. It must have been entertaining as always, because there was quite a bit of laughter. Soon we were off and soon we stopped again ... at the Minories. Everytime, I learn something new about London: The Minories on Wiki

It was here that the chill started to take. There were waves of cold, very cold and painfully cold. At the 24 hour Tesco stop, people bought extra layers, which I thought was brilliantly resourceful. Later on, I saw a rider with socks as gloves.

We rode on to the magnificent Stock Stop at the village hall. Rolls, yummy cake, tea, cheerful people ... just the ticket. Thanks to Geoff, Ann, Freddie, Grace Maisie and Alfie Tully. Hope their fundraising goes well.

And then came the 'Whitstable-esque' bit. As we left the Stock Stop, dawn was ready for the early bird. How wonderful it was. I set out to do the 'ordinary' Southend, and went to work today, Monday, unable to explain to my colleagues why last Friday was extra-ordinary.

Anyway, we had a great time at the Rose Restaurant, Titus, Stu and I. Making fun of Marc who had sped along to get breakfast in before anyone else. These newcomers, he? But what about the guy who got changed into jeans? You can do the ride in jeans, but you can't get changed into jeans at the end. And as for the guys who got picked up by vehicle. Please have the decency to do this around the corner, out of view. Its just not cool. Not cool for us, and not cool for you. The exception would be if you offered a shuttle service to the train station in a 1960's Citroen van.

The crowd got lively again, with poppers going off to celebrate Claud's birthday. We loved the generous piece of cake.

Before I went off to do my little bit of sightseeing, Aperitif gave me a parcel. 'Nothing much', he said, 'just a little something'. The wrapping was already doing it for me: home made wrapping paper with Kipling's Bee-Boy's song printed over a honeybee covered frame.

Inside was: 'The Countryman' Vol XXXIV No 1 1946. A quick scan of the index revealed the reason for the most attentive gift: "How to Get More Honey". Written by C.G. Butler Ph.D. That must be Butler as in 'the Butler's cage', a very useful little object to keep queens in. How absolutely wonderful, thanks Aperitif! Its a little treasure to me.

With high spirits I went off as planned, to Two Tree Island.

View of Two Tree Island from Leigh on Sea

Some notes on Two Tree Island:

Dark-bellied Brent geese on the shore, from Siberia for the winter
Enjoyed watching the bike park riders doing their tricks
Can see Hadley Castle from the island. Hadley Farm will be venue for mountain biking during 2012 Olympics.
Skylarks

To close off the 'day', I tried cockles from one of the famous cockle sheds, sitting outside in the sun ... bliss.

So again, thank you Simon, tecs, tea crew and all the riders who made this another memorable FNRttC. Well done to all riders for whom it might have been their longest distance ever, their coldest ride ever, or their first night ride, or all three.

Photos are on the slideshow till the next ride or here: Clicky

Photo by Yacf's Zipperhead

FNRttC March 2011 - Southend

2011-03-17T13:57:00.000-07:00

It's Thursday evening, I'm home alone, the parkin is in the oven and I'm beginning to visualise the first FNRttC of the season. I'll be going to Hyde Park Corner via Brentford and Waterloo tomorrow night, just for a change. I'll head out of Waterloo towards Big Ben and then Buckingham Palace.

Long evenings in the winter, waiting for the first FNRttC to happen, produces this kind of work: Lost in Translation - very funny!

And TimO produced this map (I believe). We're going to follow the blue route. Double click to enlarge.

Over 100 entrants! The forecast is looking quite reasonable, but I'm going to wrap up warm. I wonder how many 'Is this for Red Nose day' questions we'll get en route.

This morning, Friday, a wonderful email came through from Simon:

Fog everywhere. Fog up the river, where it flows among green aits and meadows; fog down the river, where it rolls defiled among the tiers of shipping and the waterside pollutions of a great (and dirty) city. Fog on the Essex marshes, fog on the Kentish heights. Fog creeping into the cabooses of collier-brigs; fog lying out on the yards and hovering in the rigging of great ships; fog drooping on the gunwales of barges and small boats. Fog in the eyes and throats of ancient Greenwich pensioners, wheezing by the firesides of their wards; fog in the stem and bowl of the afternoon pipe of the wrathful skipper, down in his close cabin; fog cruelly pinching the toes and fingers of his shivering little 'prentice boy on deck.

Chance people on the bridges peeping over the parapets into a nether sky of fog, with fog all round them, as if they were up in a balloon and hanging in the misty clouds.

(from Bleak House, by Charles Dickens)

Bikes and Bees in one Weekend

2011-03-09T13:16:00.000-08:00

See this list below? In 1912, Odiel Defraeye started a run of Belgians winning 'Le Tour'.

From wikipedia, List of Tour de France winners

At the age of 21, he was the first Belgian winner of the Tour de France.

Odiel set up a velodrome in Rumbeke, which is being renovated. My dad and I went to have a look, since its just down the road.

The 'wielerpiste' is small and the sides so steep!

Some cool pictures taken before the renovations started, and while in use are here: Clicky

Next year will be 100 years since Odiele's win, and Roeselare (of which Rumbeke is a subsidiary) is bidding to have Le Tour visiting. Fingers crossed!

What about the bees? Have a look at this stash. Not gold, but as good as for me!

This is wax foundation for the bees, I stocked up for the year.

The Kennet Valley Run Feb 2011

2011-02-27T10:22:00.001-08:00

A few minutes into the ride and urban_biker proved to be right: "The sun will come out" he said at the start. After that, it didn't matter any more that we had a few showers.

At the halfway point, we sat in the Old Stable tea rooms, the sun shining through ... I was keen to get out on the bike again and enjoy the countryside, and the tailwind!

Old Stable Tea Rooms

Wiltshire scenery is great and I always like the area around Welford, with the round towered church St Gregory's (Round Towered Churches). Some of these roads we ride in reverse direction on the Willy Warmer. It is a lovely, lovely area.

Like last year, there were many punctures, and a repeat of a frame breaking. The roads are still quite flinty (that's right), scoggy (Manotea's word, as we now know, doesn't exist), floody (no such word?), holy (not the right word either?) .... I will take off the winter tyres for the next ride though, the Dean, at the end of March.

I made good time, just over 12 hours for an over distance 200. I very much enjoyed the ride, which I had been looking forward to enormously. The Dean seems such long way off. Maybe I should register for the FNRttC to Southend after all... The original plan was to ride it with friends Mandy and Rob, but when Mandy came off her bike a broke a bone near her knee, I mentally crossed the ride off my list.

I promised myself to take pictures and not worry about time limits. Normally I quite like the look of old, derelict, abandoned buildings. There were a few, where my initial instinct was to stop, but a split second later I had images of crumbled buildings in Christchurch NZ in front of me and so rolled on.

Thank you to the organisers for the event and for the great reception at head quarters. Was able to speak dove Dutch with Marijke.

A few more thoughts:

Meeting Mel at the start! He said he is changing his approach.
Thanks to LycraMan for guiding me to Bratton after my GPS problems
Thanks to Tom/Deniece for lending routesheet at Bratton
No thanks to myself for ending up without GPS and routesheet
Faccombe 5 gathering is always good
Howard's tweet
Thinking Bratton is not so far from Weston super Mare
Thinking home to Weston super Mare is do-able, get there for lunch ... hmmm
The Old Thatched Cottage looks like a restaurant option in Weston
Did I not need to fill a few gaps between June and July?

The pictures are on the slideshow till the next ride or here: Clicky

Bikes and Bees in One Holiday!

2011-02-17T11:26:00.000-08:00

On the way from Christchurch to Nelson - not my bike!

Where is this? Takaka

Hinewai Reserve

Remnants of honeycomb (double click to enlarge)

Retro rata honey jar

Reading materials.

Also read a Louise Sutherland book (cycling) - About her: Clicky

Also read Piers Moor Ede (bees) - Honey and Dust

Where is this?

2011-02-05T12:42:00.001-08:00

The Willy Warmer 200 - Jan 2011

2011-01-23T01:26:00.000-08:00

Hooraahh!! No rain! But that is because we got sleet instead.

It may not have been that bad, but for somebody who wears glasses, rain or sleet is twice as bad as for those who don't wear glasses. First you have the rain in itself, then you have the droplets settling on your lenses. So you already have double the dose there. It may have stopped raining hours ago, but the spectacles wearer doesn't realise this until you are so fed up, you go to shelter in a bus stop. As you sit down and clean your glasses, you look up ... hear nothing, see dead flat puddles without ripples .... Oh! Typical, its just stopped raining! Every time, every time, you go and take a break from the rain it just stops! In reality, you've experienced not only double the dose, but double the dose in time also!

The trouble with sleet also, is the temperature of course. Its going to be around freezing right? So my tweeting got a bit weird. It became a little cryptic, SOS like. I didn't bother with capitals anymore. With shivering hands, you do a staccato on the keypad. Hitting the capitalisation button just twice is not easy. After trying to get it right and hitting that key probably and involuntary about 7 times, I thought nobody would care about capitals anyway. Anything that needed extra key strokes got left out, that is why the mileage was dropped also. So next time you see a: "halfway hungerford", please ready: "Freezing cold, hungry, can't see, don't ask, probably in Hungerford, probably around halfway ... I think".

A huge thanks to Anton. We cycled the whole way around together. We took turns to shout hole! pothole! hole left! hole right! hole middle! manhole! There were potholes left, right and centre. Centre?

We had some excellent views of kites. There were some low flying ones, but the one hunched on an antenna, calling to another, was unusual.

I did stop to take a picture of pheasants and partridges on the back of a truck. Anton, as a vegetarian, was appalled. There were many shoots going on, it is a little unnerving to hear those gun shots around you.

We said a quick hello to Iddu at the Hungerford Tutti Pole (nobody calls it that), and had a quick snack outside the bakery. That must be where I did the in-voluntary staccato in C minor.

It is really nice to now know so many people, compared with 3 years ago. And the world of audax is blurring with FNRttC, with Tim, Andrij and Pavel present.

This map gives an idea of the route: Chalfont St Peter, Henley, Pangbourne, Lambourne, Hungerford, Kingsclere, Risely, Winnersh, Chalfont St Peter

Double click to enlarge

A few pictures are on the slideshow till the next ride or here:Clicky

The Poor Student Jan 2011

2011-01-09T04:05:00.001-08:00

Being able to turn down your car windscreen wiper speed from constant to intermittent can never be as enjoyable as when you're driving to the start of an audax. Earlier I had been woken up, before the alarm went off, by the sound of torrential rain. By the time I got to Oxford it had stopped raining altogether. Against all forecasts, we didn't get another drop of rain.

I detected many patterns on this ride.

It seems no audax is complete these days without the sight of MattC, at the start and at the finish.

MattC with DaveB at the start

Then, about an hour into the ride, as has happened on several rides, from behind me, comes my BCM 2009 angel Mel. We had a good chat, talked about PBP, of course. Then, he goes off into the distance, not to be seen again, till one hour into the next ride.

And just like on the Severn Across last year, about two thirds into the ride, I link up with Ray. Another of my heros. I love his audax and PBP stories, and his sense of humour.

Talking about thirds, this ride certainly was a games of three halves! During the first leg (Oxford to Malmesbury) there was a head wind. If, as forecasted, the wind was 23km/h and I'm doing 18km/h, I should be going backwards, right? It certainly felt like it! The second leg (Malmesbury to Chipping Camden) was hilly, not too bad, I didn't have to walk, but I was already sapped from energy from the first leg. Then the last leg was cold. At Chipping Camden, Ray gave me heat pads to put into my gloves. Brilliant, it certainly helped and I'll be getting some of those for myself.

I learned from Eddy Merckx' book not to look at average speed. But on this ride, I couldn't help looking at the stats my GPS was giving. Average speed was going down, down, down. And I don't know how long my distance stayed at 185km before it clicked to 186. It seemed like hours!

I've never drunk so much fluid on a winter ride, and weighing myself in the evening I had lost 1kg.

Still, I loved the whole day. Meeting up with known riders (like Manotea, LEE, Martin, speedy Howard, RichF, ...), meeting new ones like Tim and Emily, and Nick Windle. Heard a tawny owl, and a bird I couldn't immediately identify, then settled for the sound being from a yapping dog. The outdoor pigs were a wonderful sight. They were springing about like spring lambs. The herd of muntjac deer I had to wait for was another great sight.

There are a few more pictures on the slideshow till the next ride or here: Clicky

And have a look at these magnificent photos by underseer: Clicky

Its a great ride, and if anyone wonders what it would be like in the summer, here is a picture from a July version

Plan for 2011

2010-12-23T22:37:00.000-08:00

The plan for 2011 is to do PBP in August. In order to qualify for that you need to do a Super Randonneur series (200, 300, 400, 600). And of course I'll fit in as many FNRttCs as I can.

A few things stand out:

introducing friends to FNRttC to Southend,
maybe a FNRttC from Manchester extended into a ride to York
or maybe the Valley of the Rocks 200 in Devon
BCM is always a highlight
a new 600 in the Invicta or Wessex
FNRttC to Whitstable, but I might not be able to do it
FNRttC to Newhaven and home, will it be as good as last year?
PBP

08 Jan: The Poor Student 200 - DONE

22 Jan: The Willy Warmer 200 - DONE

26 Feb: The Kennet Valley Run 200 - DONE

18 Mar: FNRttC Southend with Mandy and Rob - DONE without Mandy and Rob

26 Mar: The Dean 300 - DONE

15 Apr: FNRttC Manchester OR The Valley of the Rocks 200 - NOT DONE (Work reasons)

22 Apr: FNRttC Bognor - NOT DONE, Easter Arrow instead

22 Apr: Easter Arrow to York - DONE

30 Apr: The Severn Across 400 - DONE

14 May: The Bryan Chapman 600 - DONE

11 Jun: The Invicta 600 OR The Wessex 600 - NOT DONE, London to Brighton 300 DIY instead

17 Jun: FNRttC Whitstable - DONE
25 June: Yorkshire Dales 200 PERM - DONE

15 Jul: FNRttC Brighton - DONE

21 Jul: FNRttC Newhaven - 300 to Rumbeke - DONE

06 Aug: The West Bay and Back 200 with Jamie - DONE

13 Aug: a 100 or DIY 200 - NOT DONE (can't remember why)

21 Aug: Le Paris Brest Paris 1200 - Frame number 5741 - DONE!!!

FNRttC November 2010

2010-11-28T10:44:00.000-08:00

I was supping Madeira wine in Madeira when I looked up and saw this:

A full moon

A full moon now sparks one thought: FNRttC.

I could have done it you know, I could have done it. I could have dropped off my luggage at friends in Brighton beforehand, done the last FNRttC of the season and celebrated Simon getting a London Cycling Campaign award. Then I could have gone round to the friends, swapped bike for luggage and made my way to Gatwick to catch a 1PM flight to Madeira. Plenty of time!!

But of course that would run the risk of a FNRttC ban 2011-2013. Imagine, a holiday, postponed multiple times because of an 'imminent' knee op and several consultations, a vacation you both desperately need, and especially together, you come in from work on a Friday evening and you tell your partner: "I'm off for a night ride and I'll meet you at the airport tomorrow. Don't worry, I can sleep on the plane." No, that would not be right.

Anyway, this gave me an opportunity to be an armchair FNRttC'er.

So, we were sitting on a terrace on the Saturday evening, when I noticed the outdoor wifi hotspots everywhere. The sight of the moon had already made me wonder how it would have gone this time: rain? not too cold? many punctures? any severe mechanicals? how did the newbies get on? would Simon's health and safety routine have been the best ever? did StuAff come off his bike? any pictures up? .... I was quietly going to do a little browsing.

It didn't take long for Sarah to cotton on: "Are you reading about FNRttC or something?". Darn, I shouldn't have pointed out the moon! "Oh, just checking, 5 mins ...." Sarah would carry on chatting on and off. And I would make sure I gave her all my attention. Wasn't good enough though, she still ended up saying: "Am I disturbing you?".

Then I nearly fell off my chair when I realised how I had missed a trick!! The Madeira Cafe!! What a lovely tenuous link! Me raising a glass in Madeira while the FNRttC'ers would have raised a glass in the Madeira Cafe, and that under the same full moon. Now I can feel part of it.

I love tenuous links. I was reading Rob Penn's book: "It's all about the bike". Rob's dream bike needed only one compromise. He could not get a 32-spoke rear cassette hub from Royce and had to settle for a 28-spoke hub. The reason? The maker, Cliff Polton, was on a beekeeping course and therefore no hubs would be made for several weeks. Marvellous!! Sounds like an intensive commercial beekeeping course abroad to me.

And here comes the next tenuous link: from bees back to Madeira

Funchal coat of arms includes four skeps

At Mercades dos Lavradoros

At front of concert hall

At back of concert hall

The Upper Thames 200 - Update

2010-11-07T00:34:00.000-07:00

I had wondered if this ride was going to be about 'blood, sweat and tears' or 'banter, scenery and tea'. It was the latter and especially 'scenery'. Scenery normally comes with climbing, but if there is such a thing as a scenery/climbing ratio, then the Upper Thames 200 would have a very favourable score. Have a look at the photos, the link is at the end or here: Clicky.

I'm very envious of 'iddu' who captured an image of a Victorian Water Tank (1895) at Bix. He is right, I rode straight by.

I did however, make a point of stopping off at the Maharajah's Well (1865) in Stoke Row.

This had caught my eye, because the well and its cover was funded by the Maharajah of Benares, 'possibly in response to poverty and drought'. This is such an extraordinary reverse direction of development aid (if I can call it that), that you have to think something personal, political or symbolic is going on. Nevertheless, I'm sure the beneficiaries didn't complain. Stoke Row and Bix are only 6km apart. Water sources must indeed have been scarce.

Benares, or Varanasi, is a special place. It is a special place in its own right, but it is a special place for me personally also. Although the good things in religion interest me, I am not religious. However, I can get a little spiritual. The Ganges and Kumb Mela, I find absolutely fascinating. Can you imagine, in the last Maha Kumbh Mela, held in 2001, around 60 million people attended. To be able to bathe in your goddess, the Ganges, at that time must be ..... I can't find the word. As for me, I had been wishing for something for a long time, a wish I thought was never going to come true. I don't believe in wishes either, but when all is beyond your control what else can you do but wish. So the magical Ganges at Varanasi was going to be the place where I made my wish one last time (which says enough about the outcome!!).

Varanasi 2006

From the Ganges back to the Upper Thames ... There were quite a few familiar faces. I was pleased to link up with LiamFitz, and it was nice of pipsuds to introduce himself. I'm sorry I had to ask pipsuds about three times to repeat his name. The pip was ok, but the suds just wasn't going in. If only he had mentioned his YACF picture is Tintin!! In Belgium, Tintin is called Kuifje, which translates as Quiff. Tintin rides a fixed track bike, that is important to know!

Thank you to the organiser and helpers. With over 90 entrants, the event has some logistics to take care of.

Photos are on the slideshow till the next ride or here:Clicky.

Photo taken by RichForrest

6 Nov - The Upper Thames 200

2010-11-04T14:04:00.000-07:00

Let's get the new year going with a 200km ride and one I have never done before: The Upper Thames 200.

Will it be blood, sweat and tears? Or will it be banter, scenery and tea?

The route, going anti-clockwise.

From Bikely.com

Happy New Audax Year!

2010-10-31T06:11:00.001-07:00

Today is the last day of the 2010 Audax season. Tomorrow is the start of PBP year! Happy New Year to all Audaxers and followers!!

Its been a fantastic year with a few new achievements for me.

First Randonneur Round the Year: ie a 200km ride every month.

First Audax abroad: Brussels Paris Brussels 600.

First DIY abroad: Dieppe to Beitem 200.

Here is the year's summary which makes it all look too easy!

(BPB in June not listed)

The PBP early registration rides lead to another super randonneur award.

Tomorrow it will be PBP year!

Phillips Bike

2010-10-30T08:14:00.001-07:00

Third time in a year! A photo of Sarah on a bike. You'd think she cycles more than I do.

Thank you to CyclesOfYesteryear for restoring the bike to fully functional order. Paul is an amazing bike guru. Its just a way of life for him. He doesn't talk brands or trends, he talks bikes and fixing bikes so that people can use them for whatever purpose at whatever budget. As I was leaving with a vintage bike, someone else came in with a top Pinarello. The shop was busy, but Paul still helped me get the bike in the car and tie the back door down. It was an absolute pleasure, nothing is a problem. Even, he even replaced the freewheel on a wheel I had taken in at the same time, no charge.

This is now my local bike shop ... its only 10 miles away as the biker rides.

After

Before

Can't spot the difference? Good!

FNRttC October 2010 - Whitstable - Update

2010-10-24T08:21:00.001-07:00

I used to call it 'the wonderful bit between Faversham and Whitstable'. When Simon Legg referred to it in one of his communications by its proper name 'Graveney Marshes' I got a little curious. Why is it there, how large is the area, why is it so compelling ... So I did some googling and rather than answer my questions, I got completely distracted by a war story.

A German bomber had crash landed on the marshes. September 1940 it was. The men of the 1st Battalion London Irish Rifles captured them and took them back for a pint in the pub they were staying at. Oh so British! This battle's 70th anniversary was recently commemorated. Do read the story. The link is at the end or here: Clicky

The pub was The Sportsman. So I had to look that one up of course and found it still in existence, now a Michelin starred establishment. We would have cycled past the building on every Whitstable ride, but I had never taken notice. The pull of breakfast at the Waterfront Cafe is usually too strong at that stage!

This view is the entry page to The Sportsman

Everything about 'The Sportsman' appealed to me, the history, the location, the food .... I had to go and visit. I rang them up a week before the FNRttC and found that unfortunately for me, they are so popular that they are booked up 6-8 weeks in advance. My heart sank, but I pleaded with them: "Its just me, me on my own, I'll sit anywhere, in a corner, at the bar, anywhere ... "

So this is how I came to have oysters again in Whitstable (ok, Seasalter), followed by pork belly and a chocolate mousse sorbet. The wine was good and the Pedro Ximenez Garvey a real treat!

When they found out that I had cycled from London I was treated as 'the special guest' of the day and got truly spoilt. It was wonderful! I had brought a light change of clothes to get me out of lycra, but they said there was no need, anything goes. I met the chef and admired the kitchen garden at the back. I'm certainly going back there, even if its only to sample the Shepherd Neame Late Red.

The journey back to London was dream like. Had a good snooze on the train. I got out of Victoria Station and with fresh energy decided to cycle home. It was like I was doing a 'Lucas Brunelle', speeding along, people could see my 'I'm coming and you're in my way' stare through the eyes in the back of their heads and parted as I got closer. I got home so quickly, my other half hadn't put the coffee on yet!

What about the FNRttC ride itself? Its not always about the ride is it. If I had done that ride on my own, I wouldn't have enjoyed it much. It rained, not too bad, but I did wonder how I ever survived LEL. And I was very tired, taking cat naps every time there was a regroup, and I wondered again how I ever survived LEL. I found it particularly tough this time. I admired the group and especially the newcomers for sticking with it in such good humour. The banter at Andy's and the Waterfront Cafe was fantastic. I got to know a few people a bit better and made some plans for next year which I'm very excited about.

A few more thoughts:

Cycling by The Monument
Stuart telling me about the Battle of Bannockburn
CharlieB's individually wrapped carrot and marmalade cake was gorgeous
Having a 'hot' bacon baguette at Andy's
A gift from Aperitif which has added to my bottle top collection:

Enjoying the post ride Cycle Chat banter, I had no idea so much had happened on that ride!
Thanks a million to Simon and his helpers, and the riders, and the cafes

So that is it for this season. I can't make the last Brighton run and the audax season is finished also. What a great year it has been and what a grand finale I experienced last weekend! It moves me what cycling can do for you. But then I do believe that I am 'the Queen of the Tuesday Blues'!

The photos are on the slideshow till the next ride or here: Clicky

Rich P's photos are here: Clicky

Last battle of Britain at Graveney: Clicky

FNRttC October 2010 - Whitstable

2010-10-18T10:07:00.000-07:00

Only 4 more sleeps!

On the 26th September, Simon wrote: "I doubt that we'll be oversubscribed, so there's no rush [to register]". 24 hours later there were 60 people on the list. At the last count, there were 113!

Don't people realise that there are hills to climb, that it could be cold, long queues at the Rochester cafe, crosswind by the coast, more queues at the Whitstable cafe then a long journey back to London. And you have to remember also that this is a 'Friday Night Ride', we cycle in the dark, so no scenery to be enjoyed.

What is the fun in all that? Why do people sign up for these things?

Bicycle Film Festival

2010-10-17T22:23:00.001-07:00

Really, really enjoyed the Bicycle Film Festival at the Barbican last Saturday.

If you have never heard of Lucas Brunelle, watch this trailer (this is only the trailer!!):

The Anfractuous 200 - Update

2010-10-09T23:41:00.001-07:00

Thank you to Manotea, the ride's organiser, for enriching my vocabulary today.

First there is 'anfractuous': full of twists and turns, tortuous. Just a shame that the definition didn't trigger any memories of this being a hard ride.

Then there was 'scoggy' or 'skoggy': in his safety chat, Manotea mentioned a 'scoggy' section, where we should all take care. When asked what it meant, he answered we'd know when we came to it. I believe the word to be a Manotea-ism, to be included into the Oxford dictionary some time not soon.

One of the info controls about the number of dormer windows, also got me thinking I've been misusing the word all this time. But no, I was OK there. Sorry, I can't reveal anymore on this, its the audax etiquette not to 'reveal' info controls ... an etiquette controlled by MattC.

May I add my own Els-ism here? I don't think there is such a word as 'concibel'. I see it as the unit of concentration. If you bundled all the concentration required to complete an audax, you'd get to quite an amount: for packing, for getting to the start, for following the route sheet, for reconciling with the GPS, for cycling in groups, for avoiding potholes, for red lights, for car drivers, for talking... You'd think all this is done on auto-pilot, some of it is, but one moment of distraction, and there you have it. Lost! Where did I get lost? How is it possible! With a perfect routesheet, backed up with a perfect GPS, how is it possible to get lost? Its when you cycle at concibel level 0.

And thank you also to Manotea, for recommending the baked beans at the Waterfront Cafe. I was enjoying that so much, I was thinking of the elimination round of Masterchef. I was hearing Michel Roux' voice: A plate, very well presented. Three pieces of toast uniformly cut into triangles and having the right thickness. Spread evenly with butter which is melting over the perfectly toasted bread. The beans, very tasty with a hint of pepper. This is a dish I would be happy to serve in my restaurant. And then comes Greg Wallace: Salt! Salt, my friend! It doesn't have enough salt ... but I'd happily eat the lot. Only on audaxes can baked beans taste so good!

Breakfast stop

It was very nice to sit outside by the river, for breakfast. It was a very warm day. I was in shorts and short sleeves for most of the day. Just a shame the sun didn't break through. There was a 'scoggy' mist hanging over the countryside all day.

This didn't stop the red kites from appearing though. They were wonderful, and so many of them. The RSPB site will tell you that they have a "mew-like “weoo-weoo-weoo” call which is rapidly repeated". To me they sound like a sheepdog trial with multiple competitions going on at the same time. It was particularly nice to hear them again on the return back into the Chilterns.

Another moment I liked was climbing what happened to be the steepest hill of the day. Male and female pheasants scattered left, right and ahead amongst the lovely woodland. It will now be in my memory as Pheasants Hill, although, Pheasants Hill proper was another mile and a bit away. Tried to look up the climb on Google Maps, but I don't think even the googmobile got up it. Try and Google Colstrope Lane.

The Stanley Spencer Gallery on the corner by the Cookham info control reminded me that I must visit one day.

So here is my reminder for next year: This is a hilly ride. The autumn sunshine can make it absolutely wonderful (2009), scoggy mist, a little less so (2010). However, the woodlands, the Chilterns, the Lambourne, Wantage, Pangbourne area are fantastic to cycle through. Just remember, it is not 'not entirely flat' as stated on the audax site, it is one hill after the other. If I'm exaggerating, its so that by 2011 I at least remember that it is indeed 'anfractuous'.

A few photos are on the slideshow till the next ride or here: Clicky

Barring Mechanicals - Andy Allsopp

2010-10-04T22:09:00.000-07:00

There are a few SPOILERS in here! This means, if you are going to read the book, you might not want to read this post.

Don't know why it has taken me so long to pick up Andy's book. I guess LELers are not used to it. You scan the forums and the net for ride reports, because there are always a few goodn's there somewhere. You scan youtube for Damon Peacocks videos, because audaxers know that is what he does. But a book! A book about LEL? No!

So here I am a year later, trying to put LEL 2009 to bed, because the talk is now about PBP 2011. Oh, but what indulgence. I am so pleased I unwittingly had one last LEL treasure to read and thus able re-live LEL.

And I don't know either, why I find so much in this book so funny!

For example, the maps. In particular, the map for LEL Day 2 - Monday. How can a map be funny? Its just a line drawing of a section of England between Thorne and Alston. It is funny because it is so simple! No contours, no shading, no indication of anything happening at all, just a line between Thorne and Alston. And then ... near Alston, a tiny little triangle: Yad Moss! Ha!

Another moment where I was laughing out loud and crying at the same time was in the 'Sanctuary' chapter. Andy describes the Tuesday situation: "The field is wrecked. 20 people have stopped. 33 are missing." Everyone is in survival mode by the time they get to the control. And I could completely identify with Deniece's reaction to the offer of a warm bed: "How far is your house?" Why is that so funny?

"At The Start Line" photo shows Andy with the LongHairedScouser. Hilarious! Just two riders! What is going on? Where is everybody? Then you find out that Andy had left his cycling shoes at home, so had a delayed start whilst his wife went back home to fetch them. Then less than 10 miles in, he has a serious mechanical issue that he would nurse all the way around LEL. You'd think it could only get easier for him after that, but of course it doesn't. Here come Yad Moss and the storm.

What an incredible journey Andy had. He had registered a month earlier than me, in November 2008. By January 2009 I had cycled a 200km audax with 2000m climbing. Andy was happy to finish a 30 mile ride at that time. By May I had completed an audax SR (upto 600km rides), whilst Andy seemed chuffed with his 'five rides over 100 miles', none of which were audaxes.

So how come, with all the adversity Andy had, he still finished 2.5 hours quicker than me?!*!!

Now that is not funny!

A few more thoughts:

we were both on a FNRttC in March 2009 in preparation for LEL - Andy's first I think
while I was very impressed with the LEL cakes (there were 9 left when I was in Traquair), Andy mentioned 'a LEL cake'
Andy's detailed descriptions are very impressive 'down past the mining museum my wife has a bookmark from'
most favourite line: "we stand in the rain because we can't remember to go inside!"
the journey and the writing style gets you hooked from start to finish
the way Andy describes the moment where you hand in your brevet card at the end is also one of my favourites

Very well done, Andy!

http://barringmechanicals.blogspot.com/

FNRttC March 2009

Andy with recumbent

9 Oct - The Anfractuous 200

2010-10-03T01:51:00.001-07:00

I did The Anfractuous 200 last year. It had been my first audax calendar event since LEL. I remember it being a lovely autumn ride with excellent scenery. However, my post from last year tells me it was not an easy ride. No 200 is ever easy, really, you should always treat it with respect! Still, I'm hoping for a relaxed day, with time for breaks, chats and photos ...

Profile is below:nfras 2009

Share your bike routes @ Bikely.com

"Honey-tasting parties will be the new alleycat"

2010-09-21T21:39:00.000-07:00

Would you Adam and Eve it, Bike Snob NYC integrated beekeeping in his cycling blog (Bike Snob NYC - half way down the post):

"I do think that beekeeping is going to be the next fixed-gear. In fact, it's following exactly the same trajectory as the fixed-gear trend--it's slightly obscure, it has an element of danger, and now it has that all-important catalyst, a trend piece in the New York Times"

On a serious note, the profile of beekeeper 'David', mentions that his favourite honey is from the Linden tree, or lime tree. At the last FNRttC to Whitstable, I was telling Aperitif how lime tree honey is my absolute favourite. It is sublime. The honey I extract in August is a very good blend, but once I kept a frame out because I could see a defined area in the comb that looked very different from the rest. I decided to extract it separately, and it turned out to be lime honey. It was beautiful. It is also an unusual honey for an urban beekeeper to obtain, because the conditions have to be just right for the bees to go to the lime trees - and that time doesn't last long. Neither do the bees favour the lime tree, if there are other sources around. But once they are on it, you'd think there is a swarm going on. So, I watch out for this. There are lime trees in the area and when they are flowering, I watch to see if the bees are on it. Then I'll look in the hive for signs of lime honey. Alas, it has only happened once in the last 8 years. I must say also, of course, that no bought lime honey has every tasted as good at the 1/2lb I once extracted. If I could get hold of the same, I would pay as much as £50 for a jar.

The William the Conkerer 200 - Update

2010-09-20T12:46:00.000-07:00

The way I got into work today was a better indicator on how this ride went than my finishing time:

All the people I come across on my commute to work, were all a little further on their way than usual
Had to stop myself from pinging my bell too much as it was getting me into a trance
When I got to work, I went straight for breakfast rather than shower first

There were a few familiar faces participating, which is always nice. Anton is a regular now. And Mel eased off to have a chat also: "Don't know if I'll last 8 hours on these handlebars", he said. Can you imagine the banter that followed: "Is that because you're taking it easy today Mel?" Truth is that he wasn't used to the type of handlebars on his newly acquired bike. The 8 hours reference was neither here nor there for him (but it was to us!).

I had given myself 14 hours (pretty much the time limit), but there was a push to finish before dark, so 12 hours wasn't bad in the end for a hilly 200. I only stopped to eat and take a couple of iPhone pictures.

M25 cutting through country side

The other picture was taken at Rotherfield - couldn't help myself.

Rotherfield

The day wasn't too eventful, apart from ... not causing a car accident ... but if I hadn't been there, the prang probably wouldn't have happened. I was descending down a hill at a bit of a speed, I braked, slowed down, as I saw an oncoming car wanting to turn right. The car stopped ... bang, somebody drove into him. Ouch. I wonder if anybody saw the aftermath? In Crowborough, I think it was.

Then there was the unknown object thrower. We went through quite a few lanes. I like cycling on these lanes, but there isn't much space for cars to pass. A big people carrier came along and a pesky little child threw something at me through the open window. It was close range, but still quite a good shot I thought, hitting me in my most padded area. I was contemplating what to say, should I meet the car at the T junction. It was going to be 'Good shot', 'You rascal', or both. When taking a break at the next info control quite a few miles further, I noticed half a piece of a digestive biscuit sitting on top of my saddle bag. Very good shot!!

The fuel stop at Yalding was very welcome. We, that is Stephen and I, who by then had formed a groupette of two, both enjoyed the break. Its amazing what energy you can draw, not just from eating, but from the presence of somebody who understands what you are doing. The organiser, William Weir, was there to stamp our cards and provide food and drink.

The route covers some wonderful scenery and picturesque villages. Goudhurst in particular caught my eye, very near Sissinghurst. It is a small village and has an unusual feel to it because of the way the church is elevated above the surrounding, beautiful buildings.

I really enjoyed this ride (3000 m climbing has its rewards) and since Redhill is quite easy to get to for me, I might look out for more of William's rides.

19 Sep - The William the Conkerer 200

2010-09-11T00:39:00.000-07:00

Next Sunday I'll be doing an audax I haven't done before and will not do again: William the Conkerer. Why is it called William the Conkerer? And why will I not be doing it again?

Here is what the organiser wrote: "This is a delightful 208km route from Redhill to Battle via Mayfield and then up to the North Downs via Yalding. It is a hilly route with some great views over wide expanses of Surrey, Sussex, Kent and London. It is eligible for inclusion in a Brevet de Grimpeur de Sud claim. The event will run in 2010 only (a different ride will be run 2011)."

There is a nice profile image on William Weir's excellent website: Frere Yacker.

I'm seeing this ride as an autumn equivalent of the Poor Student, except its hillier and its not in Oxford. In fact, the only thing they have in common is that they are 'shoestring' events.

Frere Yacker nicely summarises what a 'shoestring', 'x-rated' or 'basic' event entails:

An outdoor meeting place at the start (i.e. no village hall or other facilities)
Controls that will (generally) not have a person manning them
No-one to meet and greet you at the finish
No fixed finishing control – you simply get proof you returned to Redhill
Posting the brevet card at the finish using a SAE provided on the day
The usual audax comments about the need to be self sufficient, no marshals, support vehicles, broom wagons, rescue service, route markers etc etc.

If you are not put off by any of the above, you'll have a great time! I'm looking forward to it, it will be a challenge and I'll need to prepare rather than just turn up!

Bikes and Bees in One Day!

2010-09-04T12:58:00.000-07:00

Bike without chain

And look at that light

Was thinking of Andy Allsopp here.

These pictures were taken at the bike museum in my birth town of Roeselare. My dad and I visited after attending a bee congress. Bikes and bees in one day!

After going round the museum and watching the videos you get a good feel of the excitement around local cycling heros, from Odiel Defraeye (first Belgian to win the Tour de France), Merckx, de Vlaminck, Maertens, Boonen... Barry Hoban gets a mention.

For the Flemisch Bee Congress, three speakers had been invited to talk about why they choose to work with a certain subspecies of bees: the Buckfast bee, the black bee or carnica.

A difficult question being answered by the Prof.

My dad was given an award for his 50 years in beekeeping.

As we left the congress building I spotted this - the notice in the window translates as: "Forbidden to park bikes". I guess they'll get around removing the bike stands sometime.

"Verboden fietsen te plaatsen"

Phillips Bike

2010-09-01T13:37:00.000-07:00

The stars must be aligned. I learned about Phillips bikes via Clare Baldings Britain by Bike programs. A few weeks later I come into the possession of one.

I'm quite chuffed with this. Not that I need another bike, especially not one which I'll only use a couple of times a year. I do have visions of offering Hanwell Honey from the bike, at the next Hanwell Carnival. But first, there is the restoration ....

Any advice? Sure I don't have to go to India to pick up a few replacement mudguards?

FNRttC August 2010 - Whitstable - Update

2010-08-29T04:16:00.001-07:00

Every time. Every time, it lives up to expectations. What is it about this ride? On Saturday morning, I was asking myself why I don't do this every Friday night. Lots of reasons of course, but one thing is for sure. My other half, who normally has heard enough about rides, this time, was all ears and ... asked if she could meet me in Whitstable next time around. Yes, yes!

However ... next year, the full moon will not be during the August Bank Holiday (I think the Bank Holiday weekend made the harbour atmosphere that little bit more special).

The ride starts with a good dose of night time London, all lit up in different ways: Hyde Park Corner, Buckingham Palace, Westminster with Big Ben, the London Eye, OXO Tower and Tower Bridge. Sights people come from all over the world to see. Then onto the south side of the river, where we go through Bermondsey and onto Greenwich, Dartford and beyond.

I like the spot which marks the boundary between London and 'nearly in Whitstable'. It has a good feel of old London with new generation taking place - the area is called 'More London', as etched into the Water Benches fountains.

These 'Water Benches' are just next to another water feature, which is called the Rill. Its a cut through the paving with water running down. I find it absolutely extraordinary, I like it, but its such a trip hazard!

The Rill

Photo by Tim Hall (see link below)

Next thing you know, you are at Andy's Cafe. At least we all call it Andy's Cafe. While I was queueing I was trying to make sense of its real name:

Maybe the owner used to be Andy Snacks, and the cafe was called 'The Andy Snacks Cafe' (still doesn't sound right, does it). Then the new owner wisely thought to keep the original name, but never proofread the new shop fascia design. There again, it could be rhyming slang that has gone right over my head ...

We went at quite a pace I thought. Granted we stopped a lot for regrouping, but when we were going we were flying. Dawn, sunrise, early morning at the Milton Regis stop (people were out buying papers by then), the thought of breakfast by the sea ...

The location for breakfast can't be better, on that balcony overlooking the sea. The cricket came on on the screen, the bar opened, ... then some people with time schedules started to leave to catch the train back to London, some people without time schedules were settling in, some people with time schedules kept planning to get the next train.

And I went off to the harbour to have oysters and champagne. You can't go to Whitstable three years in a row and not have oysters. It had to be done.

La vie est belle

After half a bottle of champagne, everybody was my best friend of course. The oyster seller explained why I can't take oysters to London, which I thought was marvellous. I couldn't thank him enough for being so honest. £4 for six oysters - fantastic!

I took my time, people watching, visiting the fish market, strolling back to the station eventually ... but would you believe it, it appears from a post on the cycling forum that 'the settlers' would have taken a train after me!

Photos are on the slideshow till the next post or here: Clicky

And there are some fantastic shots taken by Tim here: Clicky

FNRttC August 2010 - Whitstable

2010-08-27T11:58:00.000-07:00

Yeh!! Its that time again. Off to do the night ride to the coast. 80 riders are expected and so is the moon - should be fun. I intend to stay on a bit and find oysters and champagne for brunch.

Edit: Found my spot: Harbour Garden Cafe

How can I be so excited about a nightride I've done before? Have a guess ...

Look at this Whitstable forecast - I can't wait!!

Accuweather.com

14 Aug - The Radnor Roundabout 100

2010-08-22T01:53:00.000-07:00

What a beauty!

Beautiful scenery all the way. If you want to get the feeling of being right in the middle of Wales, do this ride. From start to finish the landscape was stunning. I loved it.

It was a nice to ride just 100km also. I took me back to my early audax days, when 100km rides were still a challenge. In fact, I was also on the same bike I used to use, and all that goes with it: no saddlebag but a small backpack, long stops at controls, no lights to carry, just one bottle of water, 9AM start, hardly ever being without company, etc.

At Rhayader tea stop.

The reason for a shorter ride was twofold. First, I had completed a 200 in the area only last Thursday (The Severn to Wye 200 PERM) and it would give me a chance to meet up afterwards with the holiday group of people I was with. The idea was to have late lunch at the Stagg Inn at Kington, a Michelin starred establishment.

The holiday group of people I was with felt guilty afterwards, for having enjoyed such a fantastic meal, without me being there. Don't know why they felt guilty, because it was completely my fault that I had underestimated how long a 100 can take!

When I got to the start in Gladestry, the riders for the 200 were getting ready. Here is the organiser sending them on their way:

When I returned back at headquarters I said that the ride was over too quickly - I wanted more. Ross suggested I'd ride the Tregaron Dragon on the Sunday. No thank you! I heard about that ride - it is said to be harder than La Marmotte!

These rides are part of a cycling weekend organised by Ross Jeal. It should be called the Gladestry Cycling Festival really, with so many ride options, catering, camping, .... All very well organised. Thank you Ross! Ross' site: Gladestry Cycling Weekend

The photos are here:Clicky

12 Aug - The Severn to Wye 200 PERM

2010-08-20T22:46:00.001-07:00

This was a beautiful ride through the Welsh border counties of Shropshire & Herefordshire.

To get a feel of the atmosphere watch Clare Balding's Britain by Bike episode 'The Welsh Borders'. But be quick - it will not be available after August 2010 - and unfortunately available in the UK only: The Welsh Borders. It covers the Aston-on-Clun Bride's Tree ceremony (at 3 minutes). And I loved the section on the cycling club the Hitchin Nomads (at just before 17 minutes). Pause at 17:53: that image would make a good Christmas Card. And of course I would agree with Renee Stacey's statement: "Once you've made a cycling friend, you've made them for life".

I was on my own though, the whole day, since I was riding this on a Thursday as an audax permanent. The closest I got to making a friend was when I was stopped on the Ironbridge bridge itself. A guy said he was admiring my bike and that he'd like to start riding rides like this. So we talked a little about racing versus long distance bikes.

There was a comedy moment in the unusual Mistletoe tea rooms. Unusual, because the tea rooms were like somebody's sitting room, with tables and chairs but also sofas, bookshelves, trinkets of all sorts, and tea was served in bone china tea sets. Proper loose leaf tea and everything. Had lovely hot scones with Earl Grey tea and bought a card of a woodcarving showing a cyclist in Wiltshire, with a white horse in the hillside.

Anyway ... a very elderly couple were being taken out to tea by a slightly younger couple. The very elderly lady was struggling, I had noticed. And the slightly younger lady had noticed it also. She asked "Are you allright dear?". This was repeated a couple of times, because the very elderly lady was very deaf. Lets ask the very elderly husband: "Is she allright? Her breathing is a bit laboured!" To which the very elderly husband replied without looking up: "Its her trousers". Next thing I knew, they were asking the proprietors for scissors. Eh?

Getting into and out of Ironbridge was quite fun with some fantastic descents! Ironbridge was busy, I regret not stopping - apart from the chat with the guy.

The photos are on the slideshow till the next ride or here: Clicky

The Severn to Wye 200 PERM

2010-08-06T13:39:00.000-07:00

I'll be taking the opportunity to do a couple of rides while on holiday in Herefordshire.

On Thursday I'll be doing the Severn to Wye 200, and

on the Saturday I'll be doing the Radnor Roundabout 100.

Sunday: Route

Sarah does it again!

2010-08-06T12:37:00.000-07:00

Camp Bestival brings the cyclist out of Sarah.

2008

I remarked that she doesn't do the distances I do.

2010

I'm not looking too comfortable myself!

FNRttC - Newhaven - Dieppe - Update

2010-07-18T14:27:00.000-07:00

This Friday night ride to the coast was always going to be something special. It ran on a Thursday, and not only was it going to the Coast, but to the Continent. With the opportunity for me to extend the ride to Belgium, the proposition couldn't be better.

So 9 people set off from Hyde Park Corner, and two more joined us on the way. We got thoroughly soaked all the way to Gatwick Airport. The 'Fastest way to London' sign, which I kept reading as 'The fastest way back to London', seemed like a good option. Still, the Costa Coffee experience, I wouldn't have missed for the world.

I had started the queue, and when Simon's order was taken before mine, I should have known that things weren't alltogether go smoothly. Instead, I thought, yes, yes, quite right that Simon, our leader, should get served first, how rude of me! In a loud clear voice Simon ordered a cappucino with a raspberry and milk chocolate muffin. That muffin bit was a bit hard for the guy at the till. To help him out we pointed at the muffins which were right in front of us. Mr Quick, who had already put the muffin in a bag, was retrospectively instructed to get a muffin, which caused another bout of confused looks and repetitive instructions by the till man.

But this was only a warm up! 'Four' the till man said/shouted. 'Four?' repeated Simon. 'Four what?' I kind of mumbeld 'must be four pounds', which is a bit odd really. How often do you order two items that come to exactly four pounds? And then, with a look of revelation, the till man shouted: 3.59! Blimey, the price is going down! Go with it Simon! 3.59. It's as if he suddenly remembered that the code for a part he needs to order is not 4, but 3.59. He was not really looking at Simon, but looking through Simon, right through Simon to the other side of the big hall, where on the wall there was an Exit sign.

Anyway, it came to my order, which was a flat white and a point and point muffin. Mr Exit took the receipt he'd just entered and studied it carefully. Then I felt bad, I thought, you see, he's just had a bad start of his shift, realised he's ordered the wrong part for his lawnmower, but now he is pulling himself together, reading, double checking the receipt, making sure there are two items, the right items, all correctly charged, etc ... Then he looked at the Exit sign which I was now obscuring, handed the receipt to me, and asked "Which coffee did you order?". "Flat white". Its printed on the receipt! 3.59, he shouted! Oh really! From then on everybody's order seemed to be 3.59. I was beginning to think this was a candid camera scene. Or we were in a world where there is no expressive laughter. And the joke was on us. They were testing us to see how long it would take for somebody to give up or else get behind the till themselves. 3.59 was just their code for laughing their socks off.

In the mean time, Simon was waiting for his coffee and had said 'yes please' to chocolate on top. As I turned to join the coffee queue, the coffee man asked Simon 'Would you like a sprinkle ...' 'Yes! I said yes before!' Mr Sprinkle put the back of his right hand limply to his forehead, it had been a busy night. 3.59, I could hear from my right!

But it was when Simon, with a click of the heels, on receipt of his coffee, said to Mr Sprinkler: 'Outstanding', that I spontaneously combusted into laughter and Simon did the same.

On the Simon scale of badness from 1 to 10, this whole scenario stood out at 20! Still, we did get served and had entertainment to boot!

All of the FNRttC gang

The ride from Gatwick to Newhaven was wonderful. Titus must have been chuffed that he hadn't bailed out. It wasn't raining anymore and soon it was getting light. The roads were great to cycle on. I trust somebody took a picture of the sun rise, was that at Wivelsfield? We had a puncture stop and during that time, Des kindly let me have a go on his fixed bike. Thanks Des.

The Pitstop Cafe was ideal for our traditional breakfast. And it was great to have so much time. Normally, I watch the clock because you need to get that train back to London. More entertainment, but of a different kind, was provided by the staff. The breakfast was superb, I was pleasantly surprised. We had time to chat, the sun was out, we could sit outside, put my flip flops on. Great!

And then we said our goodbyes, I didn't like that bit, I wanted all of us to go to Dieppe, it was a great group. Not even Aperitif could be persuaded, although I think he was the closest to a 'life is short' moment. Off we went to the ferry terminal: Simon, Tim and Kathy on tandem, Stuart and I.

Hey! More entertainment! If you are going to have a clipless moment, then there is not better spot than here:

Then we were joined by more cyclists, some better prepared than others it seemed. A couple of guys had the full Ortlieb front and back panniers, tent on top. Then there was a guy wearing a casual jacket and trainers. He was cycling to Paris for charity. He was rather concerned about his bike on the ferry. 'Don't worry mate', said Simon, 'they won't nick your bike'. Simon's intonation was disguised enough, but I was in stitches again.

Stuart was a star on many occasions. First directing us straight to the most comfortable seating area on the ferry where those who didn't sleep the whole way could watch a film so bad that it became entertaining again. Then directing us, together with Simon, to the Formule 1. Because we wouldn't have got there with my directions!! Where did I get that address from??

We got to the hotel in time to catch the end of the Tour de France. The belgian Van Den Broeck seems to be doing well. Can't believe Renshaw got disqualified.

After drinks and dinner in Dieppe, we had cheese and wine back on the 'hotel terrace'. 'Bon appetit' someone said genuinely. Then said goodbyes again, because the next day, it was going to be an early start for me to set off to Belgium.

The tailwind made the whole ride effortless, I was cruising in the biggest gear for much of the time. My only worry was where to get water from next, but I only needed to ask wherever I had a food stop. I was slightly annoyed at myself for getting out of the habit of carrying oil. But the mobile shop came to my rescue. The man shook his head from side to side when I asked if he had oil. He didn't have any oil for sale, but he did have oil. Off he hopped from his trailer and got a can of spray, applied it to my chain and 'Allez!' he said.

Mobile shop

The scenery was rolling country side. There weren't any hills to speak of until I reached Belgium where I climbed the Kemmelberg. Smalldean Lane is much harder!!

Rapha has an article on it: Rapha Kemmelberg . I wouldn't call Kemmel nothern Belgium though, its pretty close to the French border. But here is a bit of trivia that might explain why the writer calls it northern Belgium. West-Flanders - which is where the Kemmel is, is the only county bordering both France and the Netherlands. Hence its also flemish, and flanders is often regarded as northern Belgium.

From there I was close to home and didn't take many more photos. I arrived close to 6PM, which was my original ETA, the tailwind helped me get there.

I had an absolutely fantastic weekend, made by the night ride, the DIY 200 ride, the company and my family. Thanks to all.

Photos are on the slideshow till the next ride or here: Clicky

Friday Night Ride to the Continent - Fettling Day

2010-07-15T00:13:00.001-07:00

The problem with taking a day off to maximise unnecessary fettling time is that you browse the net and come across blogs like this:

1200km

That Russian ride looks very attractive...

Friday Night Ride to the Continent - 15 July

2010-07-14T12:45:00.000-07:00

The plan:

Meet the FNRttC gang at midnight Thursday at Hyde Park Corner. A well rehearsed event, just need to remember to go on Thursday and not leave it till Friday.
Cycle to Newhaven, arrive for breakfast. Need to remember to make way to ferry and not train back to London (I know about sleep deprivation!!)
Ferry to Dieppe, find hotel. Should be OK from now on, homing instinct will set in.
Dinner and overnight stay in Dieppe.
Saturday, leave early to cycle to Belgium, pick up supplies from market first. No need to rush, have 15 hours.

Fettling day tomorrow, Thursday. Expect a few progress tweets.

With a weather forecast like this, can't wait!

periods of rain. Winds from the SSW at 25 km/h.

Old Photo

2010-07-09T23:36:00.000-07:00

This is an old picture I came across recently (I'm sorry I can't recall who might have taken it).

Although it was taken during FNRttC to Brighton - March 2008, I'm posting it because it struck me how this picture encapsulates how LEL felt on that Tuesday night!

Bicycle Tax Discs

2010-07-03T21:35:00.000-07:00

Came across this bike when I was last home, and it brought back childhood memories to see an old tax disc still attached. Its dated 1987, could well have been the last year this was in existence. Every year a new shape and colour was introduced and they became collectable.

A collection from Antwerp:

FNRttC June 2010 - Bognor - Update

2010-06-27T22:03:00.000-07:00

I know that I am going to disappoint a few people, but I am not going to write up much about the Friday Night Ride to the Coast to Bognor.

Thing is that I just don't want anyone else to know about this anymore. I don't want anybody else to catch on to this magical event. Simon does a good job of limiting the numbers, so its never going to become a 'London to Brighton' kind of event. And I've been doing OK with registering on time. But whilst a couple of years ago, you could just register a week before the event, in a 'so that Simon knows' kind of way, now you need set an alert so that as soon as registration is open, you get that email out. OK, I might be exaggerating. But I'm not exaggerating when I say I would be on sulk mode till the next FNRttC opportunity, if I ever missed out. So in a completely selfish way, I don't want anybody else to know about FNRttC, it reduces my chances of a place (I hope you know by know that you need to take it with a pinch of salt when I write these things!).

You see the kind of magic I'm talking about?

Thanks again Simon and all the riders, for making this such a brilliant night.

And thank you to Charlotte for navigating Paul and I from Clapham to west London. Can't believe how many heads turned towards the recumbent and/or rider!

Have a look at the photos on the slideshow till the next ride or here: Clicky

FNRttC June 2010 - Bognor

2010-06-24T23:25:00.000-07:00

Tonight is the FNRttC to Bognor. My first FNRttC of the year, and first time to Bognor.

It promises to be a fantastic night with 70 riders expected. No point tweeting I guess?

Brussels Paris Brussels 600 - Update

2010-06-22T23:18:00.001-07:00

"Da's ne keer een schoon ritje..." is what 'nochain' wrote on a belgian cycling forum. It's a sentence you can't translate. Just like you can't translate into flemish "Lets have a nice cup a tea". Three out of five might be having coffee, but you are still all having 'a nice cup a tea'. The ride might be 600km long, but it still is a 'nice little ride'.

I said this BPB could be a good preparation for PBP, and I think that is true. For the first time I sampled 'Le Paris Brest'. They were available in every boulangerie I entered.

The first control in Bavay was brilliant. The venue was the most cycling dedicated I've ever come across, it can't get any better than this. Look at the sign outside:

This was an old school converted into a randonneur stop. It had old bikes hanging off the ceiling, had a workshop, a bar, showers, sleeping facilities, teaching corner, maps, routes ...

I bought a coffee, and noticed a bottle of beer next to the line of soft drinks on sale. The name 'La Bavaisienne' hinted at this being a local beer. Indeed, I was told the brewery is just behind the school, you can see it in the winter when there are no leaves on the trees. I indicated I wanted a bottle, but had to stop the volunteer quickly from opening it. Luc, the organiser, kindly offered to take the bottle with him in the car.

The other stops were cafes, where you could eat what you had bought at the bakers', supplemented with one of those lovely coffees which are served at the speed of light. 'Un cafe s'il vout plait' ... while you scratch away finding your euros, le patron, in a rhythmic way, saucer, spoon, sugar, turn to coffee machine, pick up cup, turn again and down ... voila ... still scratching for the right money, oh bother, here is a note.

The cafe in Ribemont doubles up as a betting shop. Not unusual apparently. Betting on horses is very popular in France. The wall screen was on with the racing showing - PMU is the brand.

But no football anywhere! I asked various people about the world cup and shoulders shrugging is what I got every time. Nobody seems interested. The only sign of a world cup being on was not on this ride, but when I stopped for petrol just after coming out of the eurotunnel. A french guy was impersonating a Brit making fun out of France vs Mexico. All the staff were in stitches, it was very funny.

There was a brocantes (bric-a-brac) event at Maroilles which drew in the crowds. No wonder we hadn't seen a soul for the last 5 hours' cycling, they were all in Maroilles! There was quite an ambiance. We had a good break there eating lovely baguettes with ham. I resisted 'les frites'.

When the instruction is to 'get stamps' for your brevet card, that is really true. The cafes have stamps, I don't mean postal stamps, but those automatic stamps which make a noise of authority. You don't get a datetime with that, but you just write that in yourself. Its the un-fake-able stamp that is all important.

There is only one John Spooner, but I do believe I have met the John Spooner of Belgium. Ten PBPs under his belt! That is 40 years (at least) of long distance cycling. I had dinner with him and Luc the organiser, at the half way stop. That is right, dinner, dinner in a restaurant. I had time for dinner and four hours sleep. Erwin and Toon skipped dining out and maximised their sleep instead. I do like the break being at 300, instead of 400 for the BCM. This is why LEL is 'relatively easier' than the BCM also, you never have to cycle through the night - unless you want to. PBP will be a different story again, where you start with a night ride.

We agreed to set off again at 4 in the morning. The day ahead was going to be one of relentless headwind. We knew, because how else did we cover 300km in 15hours on the Saturday. That is very quick in my book. Luc thought it was a good average.

I was very well looked after, I was spoilt. I did my own navigation, but didn't have to rely on it really. I was always in company, despite me encouraging companions to go ahead if they wanted to. I am used to cycling on my own, I don't like to hold anybody back, I like to stop and take a few snaps. But the company was very much appreciated, not just for navigation, but for hiding from the wind. After all that support Toon gave, he DNF'd after a third spoke broke. Now I feel very bad because I might have contributed to the problem by not managing to avoid a stick lying across our path. The stick snapped and then probably got into the wheel of the person behind me, which would have been Toon.

The route has 4800m of climbing. Not to be underestimated! With the climbing and the headwind, the second day was very tiring. Erwin navigated through Mons, and although I know perfectly well the location of Mons, I asked him, if Mons was on a hill. Of course it is! But you know, that relentless headwind was messing with my brain. And the climbing had taking the strength out of my legs by then. So I was beginning to imagine that an administrator had come up with this brilliant idea to move Mons to another location. The old Mons location would now be referred to as Monstoe ('toe' as in mangetout, 'toe' meaning closed). The reasons would have been purely bureaucratic, but the benefits right now, would be no climbing in Mons. There is a flaw in this somewhere and the idea was never conceived. The climbing in Mons wasn't as challenging as cycling in Brighton anyway. So Mons stays.

Before I finish with an anecdote, I would like to say thank you so much to Luc, Erwin, Toon, Claude and all the riders who made this a very enjoyable event for me. I absolutely loved it from start to finish. Although I drove over, you could probably take a bike on the Eurostar to Brussels and do the ride. Of course for me, the event was even more special because I could share the experience with my parents, who normally only get tweets and blog posts.

The anecdote is from a pub quiz. The question was as follows: 'Silly' is a town in the Netherlands, true or false. My team mates looked at me for the answer, when I said: 'Don't look at me, I'm from Belgium'. When it came to marking the sheets, the quiz master milked it and slowly said, no ... Silly is not in the Netherlands ... it is ... Els ... in Belgium. Whoosh, where can I hide?

If only I had ridden BPB earlier in my life!

The rest of the photos are on the slide show till the next ride or here: Clicky

And a couple of points of interest:

Pierrefonds is the birthplace of Gustave Adolphe Clément enterpreneur in the bicycle industry - you will know the Clement Gladiator posters.

Sint Pieters Leeuw is the birthplace of Thomas van Cantimpre who wrote Bonum universale de apibus, a bee book Clicky

19 June - BPB 600 - Thursday Update

2010-06-16T23:25:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow I'm off to Belgium for the 600 on Saturday.

I have received GPS tracks which I'm very pleased about. I was struggling interpreting the route sheet. I couldn't think what LA and RA would stand for. Sure it was going to be 'links' (left) and 'rechts' (right). But what does the 'A' stand for? Erwin answered this for me, but you'd think I would know right?

It seems quite a redundant little appendix.

I'm half packed, still lots to do tonight and I can do the last bit of fettling once I'm in Belgium. I'll be pleased to be at the start on Saturday. There will be a field of 25 cyclists.

19 June - Brussels Paris Brussels 600

2010-06-02T23:30:00.000-07:00

No better way to prepare for PBP than to do BPB...

This will be my first audax 'abroad'. At the same time I'm looking forward to an audax on 'home turf'.

Its time to start preparing for this, I've been in short-term hibernation since the BCM.

I like the 'parcours': Brussels via Bavay-Pierrefonds to Villeparisis and back. Only adds up to 518 kms, so there will be some more instructions on the routesheet to take us the long way to Paris and back and clock up the full 600km.

On the Friday I'll be driving to my parents place (circled in red). Then up early on Saturday to get to Brussels. No, I'm not cycling to the start!

The Belgian audaxes are on http://www.randonneurs.be/ Click BRM 2010 for the listing.

15 May - The Bryan Chapman Memorial 600 - Update

2010-05-22T03:01:00.000-07:00

This was a holiday, not a randonnee....

On the first day, I thought I was on a cycling tour. The countryside and weather reminded me of my excellent Land's End to John O'Groats trip in September 2005. I really would like to do another tour like that.

I was in a relaxed mood. I had encouraged myself to take it easy on the first day. Every 'Araf' sign was a reminder to slow down, gear down, take it easy. This time last year, at Weobley (80km to go), I had approached John Spooner, saying 'I don't think I'm going to make it'. To which he replied, with that lowering of arms and palms up signal: 'Just enjoy it'. Probably the best reply he could have given, and something that has stayed with me. I was absolutely going to enjoy this BCM.

All along, while taking it easy, I was ahead on last year's times. Of course, the weather played a big part in that. But other contributors were having lost weight and having done an 8 week interval training program. World class triathlete Jenny Rose put me onto this. Its amazing how eight, 1 hour sessions can make such a difference. I finished within the 40hour time limit and felt good all way around. Hoorraahh!!

It wasn't all plain sailing though and I should correct my opening line to: "A holiday by day and a randonee by night".

Here is a quote from Flatus: "had a nice night ride in parts to reach Kings at 11.45pm". Excuse me, but arriving back at Kings before midnight is not a night ride, right?!

Here is Flatus again: "Heard the rain pissing down and felt very sorry for the poor buggers still out in it." Well, thank you, that would have been me.

As I was cycling through Beddgelert in the night, in the rain, I was recalling the fireworks we saw last year. I was really tired by then, and only had worded thoughts in my head: fireworks at Beddgelert, fireworks, Beddgelert,... I wondered how you pronounce Beddgelert in Welsh. Beddgelert, Bedd gelert, Bedd ge lert, Bedd ... BED!

A quote by Nonsteeler: "I felt really sorry for all those who didn't get a bed". There are beds in the youth hostel? Its OK though, really. Don't feel guilty. I ride my ride and I know what resources will be available to me. I don't compare, I don't think they got a bed and I didn't, or I need a bed more than they do. The first couple of paragraphs of Fidgetbuzz's YACF entry did make me laugh.

I had my powernaps as planned on the second day (no more than 5 mins at the time even though I set 10 minute alarms). The sound of a nice bike whizzing past you while having a bit of shuteye on a bench, I find absolutely wonderful. At one of the later controls, blacksheep advised me to get cracking, no one can afford any time off the bike now! Right you are sir. I was feeling tip top, still, so no problem cracking on. What a difference from last year! I feel I have finally mastered long distance cycling.

There is a lot of climbing on the BCM. I had made a note of blacksheep's remark of 'Leaving Newtown for Weobley you will find the longest single climb of the ride'. Indeed I found this the most draining climb of all.

All the climbing comes with lovely views and descents. I had quite a few old CDs (ref LEL) - love it. At one stage, we were going so fast, I thought my tyres were going to catch fire. Richforrest is now famous for having reached top speed of 92kph!

The views on this ride are fantastic. I had a wonderful moment, looking across Barmouth Sands with Snowdonia in view. Another rider had stopped to take pictures. We were both looking for unnecessary confirmation that the view was extraordinary. You can only answer by repeating 'isn't this simply stunning?'!

When I got home, I was disappointed that my other half didn't show any interest in what I'd been up to. 'Nice to have you back', is all she said. 'What, is that all, are you not going to ask any questions?' Then came her wakening reply: 'Why on earth would I ask questions about the self-inflicted torture you put on yourself!'. 'But it was like a holiday', I said. And that set her off: 'did you get rain' - yes, 'did you get very tired' - yes, 'did you get little sleep' - yes, 'did you kip on a bench' - yes, 'did you get punctures' - NO! 'No, that's because I pumped up your tyres at 97psi, no more no less'.

I was able to relive the first day, because on the Monday, I drove back to Menai and Beaumaris to re-acquaint with a family friend. 'Simply stunning' came back into my mind. The family friend is somebody with an interesting story: Karel Lek. Then on the Tuesday I drove back the 'fast' way to London. What a long journey, I needed all my long distance tricks to get through that one. I stopped at every other service station for food and a kip. I was exhausted. And I had a craving for music. Weird. I really wanted Beethoven's 7th symphony. I was going to sing with it, I was going to air conduct, I was going to cry and let my Tuesday Blues loose. It didn't happen. The radio got close by playing the 6th, however Schubert's string quintet did a good job instead.

Many thanks to organisers 'the blacksheep family' and the riders. The smallest comments, banter, signals, gestures, ... can make an incredible difference to the experience. It was fantastic.

Have a look at the photos on the slideshow, or here until the next ride.

Some better materials:

Simon's photos

Damon's fantastic video

So, I finally feel I have mastered long distance cycling. This probably signals the end of my cycling blogging also. There are just a few more events I want to capture:

Brussels - Paris - Brussels 600km, next month June
FNRttC - Newhaven - Dieppe, extended to Rumbeke, in July
And of course the grand finale PBP 2011

A few more thoughts

Seeing the Faccombe 3/4 more en route than ever before, still in a hare and tortoise way though
Meeting simonp
Not linking up with Mal Volio and Deano
Me telling the Faccombe 3/4 that I found this BCM more of an achievement than LEL.
Me getting angry at a borrowed camera. I would press the on button through my gloves. Nothing happens. Press it again, it opens and closes again. Good Hamlet sigar advert moments (Hamlet).

15 May - The Bryan Chapman Memorial 600

2010-04-30T22:43:00.000-07:00

The time has come to prepare for the highlight of the year! Why would this be the highlight of the year, when last year I experienced the lowest lowlight in my cycling life whilst doing the BCM?

Last year I did the BCM to prepare for LEL - and it worked. I got through 'LEL Tuesday' by drawing on BCM experiences. Everything was new then, I had never done a 600 before. It was very much go find out what it is like. If I can do BCM, the possibility of completing LEL is there.

This year, I'm doing BCM to increase my chances of obtaining a PBP 2011 place. What is on my mind this time, is how to prevent losing time at night. It happened again in my last 400. All is well till midnight, and then I seem to go in slo-mo, start to make navigation mistakes, stop more often, etc.

So here is my strategy:

Do the slo-mo in the first 300
Still aim to get to Menai by midnight
But expend as little energy as possible
At Menai, sleep for an hour, regardless of arrival time
Try to slightly increase tempo at night (keeps you awake), keep snacking and drinking
When back at the Youth Hostel at 400km, sleep for another hour, regardless of arrival time (any sleep above an hour is a bonus - but leave hostel at 8AM)
On the Sunday, have a couple of powernaps of 20 mins or so
Above all! Reserve energy for the last 80kms and especially the run into Chepstow.

It doesn't matter what time I arrive, as long as I feel good all the way around.

With that strategy, I'll ignore it all, because the best made plans ...

The 15day weather forecast is looking good. Only rain.

24 Apr - The Severn Across 400 - Monday Update

2010-04-25T23:12:00.001-07:00

During the first few miles, I noted how common it is to see a few riders stopping to make some adjustments. I've done it. You set off, all is well. After the first bump, something begins to rattle. Stop and have a look, because you don't want to put up with that rattle full stop, let alone for the next 399km.

But as I was approaching one of these riders I realised it wasn't a rider, but a car bonnet sticking out of a drive. What! Hallucinations, already? That is not possible, that was just a mistake, right? Only a few miles later, I saw a white horse, which wasn't a white horse. Then I did see a white horse, which was white horse. I saw loads of white horses on this ride. I saw more white horse, or horses that are predominantly white than any other horses. Then I saw a white pet rabbit by the road. I did! I'm hoping other riders might have seen it, to prove it was real. Just can't remember where that was, somewhere residential. I quite enjoyed that 'Alice in Wonderland moment' which wasn't an 'Alice in Wonderland moment'.

So I hope you can now understand my slightly obscure tweet "Promises to be quite a hallu-fest tonight". If I was already seeing things in the morning, what was the night section going to be like?

In fact, it was quite the opposite. Had no hallucinations whatsoever during the night. And as I had been dreading the night section, the best hour or so of the whole ride was during the night. Not only that, but that best hour was when it was raining!! Can you believe that?! After the Bryan Chapman and LEL 2009, the only thing we wish for, is a ride without rain. Then it rains, and I begin to enjoy myself. Do you think I've lost the plot?

I was tired. I was tired the whole way round. I finally gave in, and had a sleep on the bench by Somerset Monument: Clicky. And that was just wonderful! I had togged up (think it was about 8PM), so wasn't cooling down. The atmosphere was still that of a late sunny afternoon with lovely wildlife noises going on. Bliss! Occasionally, I could hear riders coming up from the steep hill.

Shortly after that I hooked up with Ray from Willesden Cycling Club and we rode together till the end. At Membury Services, all I wanted to do was sleep. I didn't care about anything else anymore. I asked Ray how long we would stop for. When he said "not too long", I begged him for a 10 minute kip. I hadn't caught on to Ray's sense of humour yet then, but he said "Lets push the boat out and have 20 minutes". We ended up staying for about an hour and formed a groupette with AJB and Rob. I felt refreshed, it started to rain, and my spirits lifted for the first time. Ray noticed it too, that we were all bit perkier for it, as if the rain cleaned the air. Rob had a puncture at some stage. The effect of my head torch on AJB's ankle bands was entertaining me while we waited.

Ray was excellent company. Putting me to shame with his knowledge of Belgian rides and events. We exchanged tragic stories of Monsere and Galvez (as one does!). It was interesting to hear about his involvement in British Cycling.

Other thoughts:

It didn't warm up until about 10:30 on Saturday morning. Hands and feet got quite cold.
But it didn't get as cold on the Sunday morning, thankfully.
The balloon rising over Great Missenden.
Excellent organisation by Chris Beynon.
Rob and I thinking we knew each other and lunched together. He worked out that he knows me from my blog/images. I haven't worked out yet where I know him from other than that he reminds me of Bill Turnbull. Sorry Rob!
Strangely enough, having no problems climbing Yat Rock which is 20%. How steep is Smalldean Lane?
Recognising familiar territory around Goodrich from LEJOG 2005.
Lovely Cotswolds countryside, especially around Lower Swell.
Headwind Tewkesbury to Chepstow.
Climbing up Berryhill and a guy asking 'Is this Berryhill?' This was just after two kids shouted at me: "We found a double dandelion!" Or have I really lost the plot?
Couldn't be bothered to get the 'No mobile phones on the forecourt' effect in Chepstow Tesco.
Having a kip in the hall afterwards.
Many tweets of encouragement: thank you to all. It makes a difference.
I might come back to this post and fill a few gaps. I will have plenty of time to think today as I'm off to the sleep clinic!

And finally, this morning, I was bemused to see my camera can take pictures of hallucinations.

Ceci n'est pas un cheval!

On the climb to Somerset Monument.

24 Apr - The Severn Across 400

2010-04-18T13:20:00.000-07:00

Can't wait for next weekend ... to be over.

No, not really. I am looking forward to next weekend. This 400 will be the second longest ride of the year behind the Bryan Chapman 600 in May. I think it is known that I don't like 400s (its the night section I want to be over). I really don't like cycling through the night after having already done 300km. Why do you do it, I hear you ask ...

I've just read some of the Faccombe Four's comments after they finished the Denmead 400 last Sunday "That felt like 200km out to Weston and then 400km back to Denmead." It brought back all my memories of doing that ride and the night section in particular, last year (Clicky) : long, cold, there seems to be no end. Why do you do it ... again, I hear you ask ...

Well, I do keep 400s to a minimum. The only reason I'm doing this one is to prepare for the Bryan Chapman Memorial 600 in May. The BCM is such an epic ride, I'm not ready yet to experience it from the armchair.

Before the weekend I'm going to swap the winter tyres for 'summer' ones. I also need to get the sleeping mat and bag packed, because I'm intending on having a kip at the finish hall before driving home on Sunday.

Otherwise I'm pretty much ready. Although, I could still stare at the map and routesheet for another hour or so.

Going anti-clockwise - from Bikely (Clicky)

FNRttS April 2010 - Oxford - Saturday Update

2010-04-17T09:14:00.000-07:00

On fast train from Paddington to Oxford.

Have Andrij for company (guy in photo is not Andrij).

The journey reminded me of Chemical Brothers - Star Guitar - Clicky

Oxford Station - time to go!

Rogerzilla's lighting system.

What's that coming over the hill ...

Iddu.

Andrij.

No planes but haze over London.

Breakfast in Acton.

kcass hiding tiredness very well (he cycled to Oxford to the start).

Building opposite caf. Sun is out! Lets go home!

So how was it? Brilliant! Fantastic!

It got my legs and lungs working keeping up with the guys and I climbed the hills better than last time. Although of course I still had to walk up Smalldean Lane!

A memorable moment was speeding down getting in to a village (not entirely sure where - Hazelmere?) when MattC asked 'Are you enjoying yourself yet?' The village had St George's flags hanging off all the buildings.

Thanks to road-runner for opening his house for us to have "mid night" tea, coffee, crumpets, flapjacks, clubs ..... it was a nice break. None of us fancied going out again too much, because it was going to be cold. It didn't take too long to warm up, but there certainly were pockets of freezing cold air.

I very much enjoyed the dawn moment getting into London by the M25. It was a very special night to be cycling and am pleased I captured it with the 'Haze over London' photo. The volcano ash is still causing flight disruption.

Thanks also to the guys for the navigation and support.

FNRttS April 2010 - Oxford

2010-04-13T23:21:00.000-07:00

Next up is FNRttS - Friday Night Ride to the Smoke.

The Smoke (the Old Smoke, the Big Smoke, the Great Smoke) is a nickname for London from back when coal fires would fog up the air. It got very bad one Friday in 1952 which lead to the Clearn Air act which is still often quoted. Here is a wiki link: Clicky

Rogerzilla of YACF is the organiser of this ride. He recently posted: "Forecast is still very dry and very cold." Bbrrrr. Will wrap up warm.

Its my first night ride of 2010 and it will be a good reminder of what's to come during the Severn Across next week.

27 Mar - The Dean 300 - Sunday Update

2010-03-28T01:47:00.000-07:00

What a great ride! Absolutely beautiful. But why why do we have to attach another 100km to a beautiful 200, only to cycle in the dark? You can't explain that to anybody. I don't understand it, but still expect non-cyclists not to question it. 'Its just something I do', I say.

I finished in under 18 hours again, as I did last time. With the difference, that this is earlier in the year, I took longer breaks and took photos. I also recall needing to get off the bike and walk a couple of times last year, which I didn't this time. That must have been upto Somerset Monument and then up Hackpen Hill.

So, I'm really pleased. This is my aim, to do a consistent 100 in 6 hours, with increased capacity to take breaks and photos. I adjust my non-cycling time according to how I'm doing in my 6 hour slot. Lycra Man looked puzzled at the Good News Cafe, when after 10 mins, I was announcing that I was ready to go again. But it was 12 noon you see, have to go! I felt guilty leaving him, because we just had a good section riding together. Must be careful not to get too OCD about this 6 hour melarky!

Lycra Man noticed my LEL bottle, so we had a quick chat about it. I quoted that if it hadn't been for the nasty weather I would say that LEL is not as hard as the Bryan Chapman. To which Iddu chuckled. Iddu was with me during my last deepest darkest hour of the BCM. He would have known exactly what I was referring to.

There was a comedy moment at Chepstow services. "No mobile phones on the forecourt". Didn't quite catch what was said the first time, but it was repeated soon enough, a little bit louder. When it was repeated again even louder, you couldn't help but look around to see who/what the announcer was getting upset about. And it was Mercury! He was on the phone and of course wouldn't have his ear pitched to the tannoy, but rather to the phone. So the lovely lady at the till, perched on her stool that was setup too high would angrily say it again "No mobile phones on the forecourt!" ... the sound was now distorted. Once Mercury caught on what was happening, rather than cut the conversation short and get off the phone, he just moved 5 paces out of sight of the lovely lady and probably CCTV. How cool was that!

The picture below is taken moments before the first announcement.

It was a fantastic ride, wonderful scenery, some great descents. Hi Fabian! Well done on winning E3 Prijs Vlaanderen – Harelbeke!

Below are a few of the photos, the rest are on the slideshow till the next ride or here: Clicky

Sudeley Castle - Katherine Parr lived here after Henry VIII died.

Beautiful, beautiful Forest of Dean. The cyclist is Mercury.

"Gloucester Hole"

Only noticed the Union Jack after uploading the picture.

And is that a giant pre-historic creature crawling up into the hole?

Malmesbury Abbey with another royal connection.

King Athelstan ''King of all Britain" is buried here.

And this is Malmesbury 'Tower House'.

The tower being built by somebody interested in astronomy.

Photos on the slideshow till the next ride or here: Clicky

27 Mar - The Dean 300 - Tuesday Update

2010-03-23T00:30:00.003-07:00

Look! The forecast is getting better for Saturday! It was rain and winds at 32 km/h before. Don't worry, no, I'm not getting carried away; forecasts change, I shouldn't look at it, don't tempt fate, prepare and pack for all weathers anyway. "Expect the worst" they say. About 5% of my brain's capacity expects the worst. The rest likes to stay in denial.

But shame on me! How dare I write about the weather! Shouldn't I write about how I am looking forward to cycling through the Cotswold's scenery, climbing Cleeve Hill (the highest point both in the Cotswolds and in the county of Gloucestershire, "commanding a clear view to the west, over Cheltenham and the Cheltenham Racecourse, over the Severn and into Wales, and to the north over Winchcombe"), reaching the Forest of Dean, then coming back via the lovely Marlborough region?

I was on the other side of the fence last week, following Chillmoister's progress on the Denmead 300 PERM, which he was riding together with Urban_Biker. Scotland were winning against Ireland in the afternoon and the guys were well into the ride. England were losing to France in the evening and the guys were still cycling. Its a long day, even from an armchair point of view!

27 Mar - The Dean 300

2010-02-28T23:00:00.000-08:00

Next ride is 'The Dean'. I rode the Dean as a permanent last year and loved it. I must be cautious though, I did it as a permanent in June and the weather was beautiful. It was one of the sunniest weekends of the year. I have read ride reports from previous Dean calendar events, and if the weather is down ... its a long way.

Route from Bikely - anticlockwise

So, I'll be setting off, early in the morning for a 6AM start in Oxford. I am looking forward to the ride, hoping to take in plenty of country scenery.

This time last year, I was doing my very first 300km bike ride and was full of apprehension. It feels very different now. There is still a wonder of 'what will it be like'. I should know the answer, but I also have the experience that each ride, even the same distance/route, can feel very different on the day.

Oh well, we'll see. It will be the conclusion of a tough month for me and dare I say it ... a treat no matter how it feels on the day.

27 Feb - The Kennet Valley Run 200 - Sunday Update

2010-02-28T01:39:00.001-08:00

Last week LEE wrote on the forum: "I'm on the PBP2011 treadmill as of 07:30 on Saturday (along with the rest of the Faccombe 5)". I wasn't sure if he was referring to the Faccombe 5 being on the Kennet Valley Run on Saturday; or the Faccombe 5 being on the PBP2011 treadmill. Anyway, he would have been right on both counts. I have been given the official go ahead by all affected parties, and came out with my 'I'm doing PBP' statement for the first time.

This is great! A whole 18 months of planning, anticipation, excitement, fear, ambition, milestones, doubts and reading PBP threads.

And we're off, the Kennet Valley Run ... done. Its an excellent route with great scenery. Shame about the rain in the first leg, but I don't expect any less any more! Pompey Phil and I were laughing, it was such a strong downpour. We stopped in a bus shelter for a while, as I wanted to put my cap back on to keep the rain off my glasses. Had something to eat also because I was fading a bit.

And when the sun came out, it was brilliant. The sound of sky larks was wonderful. With that and the snowdrops and crocuses, you get the feeling spring is here. Saw a couple of kites on the way back also. Maybe this is their new extended boundary?

There were many punctures and mechanicals again. RichForrest had the worst of it when his recumbent tried to transform into a foldable: Clicky. There were many blessing is disguise for him, it could have been so much worse in timing and location.

Hummers also had a rear tyre blow out which set him back, but nothing so bad that he wouldn't catch up with me again at the Tutti Pole. I think he restrained himself when ordering from the waitress, but there was still plenty of non-verbal innuendo going on!

Last year, I had a dozy patch after the half way mark. Doing the ride for a second time, I can understand why. Its certainly hilly on the way into Bratton. The nice tailwind helped us out of the hills on the way back this time.

I took the obligatory church picture which was St Marys at Great Bedwyn. And here is obligatory follow up history: "The present church of St Mary's was started in 1092 and took about 200 years to build. Beneath the church are the massive remains of a Saxon church begun in 905. The south transept houses the 14th Century tombs of Sir Adam de Stokke and his son, Sir John. In the chancel is a memorial to Edward Seymour, father of King Henry VIII's wife Jane, and later Lord Protector to the young Edward VI. The bells are one of the heaviest "rings" in Wiltshire - the tenor bell weighs over a tonne."

Wiltshire white horse, but which one?

Other photos are on the slideshow till the next ride or here: Clicky

27 Feb - The Kennet Valley Run 200

2010-02-08T13:10:00.000-08:00

I've entered this popular audax: the Kennet Valley Run, a repeat of last year's February ride. The route goes from Grazeley (south of Reading), running south of Newbury, out to Bratton and back, running north of Newbury.

I am not going to look at the weather forecast at all this week!

23 Jan - The Willy Warmer 200 - Saturday update

2010-01-24T04:42:00.000-08:00

Less than 2 months since the last big ride and you feel like a novice again. But after about 130km into the ride, it begins to comes back to you what it is about.

I found the first half quite hard. Maybe because I was cycling on my own? Maybe because the first half is quite hilly for a flat ride? Maybe because my bike and I had a couple of niggles playing on our minds? My right knee was a bit sore. And the mudguard of the rear wheel was rubbing. After spending a good part of Friday evening putting on 'winter tyres' and adjusting the mudguards to perfection, I was quite annoyed to hear the 'not enough' clearance noises. At the Pangbourne control, MattC came to the rescue and lent me his pliers so I could adjust them again. Hummers helpfully pointed out, that I probably knocked the mudguards whilst putting my bike in the car. True, and if I had taken up kcass' offer of cycling to the start ...

I took a good break at the Tutti Pole in Hungerford. The young waiter had hints of a cute young Prince Harry look-a-like. Batteries were re-charged and I was settling into the rhythm. Noises were gone, knee wasn't so bad after all. I had stints of riding with people which was great. At the last Winnersh control - which I remember vividly from last year because it was sooo cold - I took another break. Hummers and Phil suggested that a threesome would be the way to spend the last dark section. "I would be in safe hands!" And off we went. Bez joined us too. We hadn't discussed reasons for doing PBP for too long (!), before a mechanical stopped us in our tracks. "You better carry on with Bez" said Hummers - so much for being in safe hands!

Some time after that my GPS stopped. I was so disappointed, because it was the first ride where everything was working as I wanted, it was brilliant. If I had stopped and played around with switching off and on, it probably would have been OK. But being with Bez and his GPS, we finished off the ride together. I tried to take a short cut through 'the car park', only I got the wrong car park way before Chalfont village. Ooops, "after you Bez"!

There were quite a few punctures, blow outs, wheel problems, other mechanicals, GPS failures, muddled routesheets and off-route instances on this ride. Not surprising in the conditions, but it seems the hiccups weren't well distributed and a couple of people got more than a fair share (Bigsybabie and damerell)

Other photos are on the slideshow till the next ride or here: Clicky

23 Jan - The Willy Warmer 200 - Friday update

2010-01-22T12:27:00.000-08:00

The weather forecast isn't looking too bad for tomorrow:

I've decided that I don't mind winter weather any more. Because I've put winter tyres on the bike now. And as far as I am concerned, it can be winter for the next six months, because after all the effort putting them on, I'm not going to hurry to take them off! No, of course I don't really mean that ...

Really looking forward to the ride. A good turn out is expected. There will be a few known regulars like richforrest, hummers, pete, kevin and El Salvatore!

23 Jan - The Willy Warmer 200

2010-01-18T11:30:00.000-08:00

Lets try again to do a 200 in January. All the snow and ice has gone now - that is at least here in west London. It was a lovely and mild day today. Would have been perfect for cycling. I enjoyed my commute to work and am wishing for such a day on Saturday.

I cleaned my audax bike yesterday. Later in the week, I'll put new outer tyres on, and new brake pads. The routesheet has arrived and I have downloaded the route onto the GPS. And so I am getting geared up to launch into the new audax season.

Last year's Willy Warmer took me 11 hours. I am not going to try and beat that. Instead, this time, I'm going to take the opportunity to take photos. I'd still like to get around in 12 hours, then I could be home by 8:30PM. Of course, we also have to bear in mind the current road conditions which no doubt would slow us down. I reckon I am a bit fitter than this time last year, despite not doing the Poor Student. The Poor Student brevet card arrived today - so that is a ride I can do any time before end of February. I am eyeing up the weekend of 6/7th for that, but am going to play it by ear; see what develops on the YACF forum.

This is the route: Route. Starting in Chalfont St Peter, to Pangbourne, Hungerford, Kingsclere and back to Chalfont St Peter (anti-clockwise).

Here is the elevation profile, taken from bikely.com

You can also expect some tweets again: Twitter

9 Jan - The Poor Student 200

2010-01-06T23:07:00.000-08:00

Its looking good for this weekend. Its looking good for tobogganing down the downs. Its looking good for photographing snowy scenes. But its not looking good for cycling 200km in snowy lanes. One by one, riders were posting on YACF, their intent to be a DNS (did not start) for the Poor Student. The commute back home was enough for me yesterday, and that was in the light, main roads and flat.

The last post was by the organiser, saying that he's no longer riding either. I doubt anybody will now start the ride. If they do, will they finish in time? There might be a way, and that is to change the route within audax rules. But then that wouldn't be the Poor Student anymore.

Plan for 2010

2009-12-19T10:07:00.000-08:00

The plan for 2010 is to attempt a Randonneur Round the Year (200 for 12 consecutive months) and to do another Super Randonneur series (200, 300, 400, 600).

The RRtY was my original and only plan for 2010. The SR came only because, for some bizarre reason, I want to do the Bryan Chapman 600 again. For that you need to build up by cycling a 300 and a 400. I'm on the same trajectory as the Fabulous Faccombe Four, so it can't be helped :). Then the second half of the year is when the FNRttC comes into play. One of the rides I am most looking forward to, is the FNRttC to Dieppe. The plan is stop over in Le Treport and the next day, cycle to my parent's place in Rumbeke (Belgium).

09 Jan: The Poor Student 200 - NOT DONE due to ice/snow

23 Jan: The Willy Warmer 200 - DONE

27 Feb: The Kennet Valley Run 200 - with the Faccombe Four - DONE

27 Mar: The Dean 300 - DONE

16 Apr: FNRttS - DONE

24 Apr: The Severn Across 400 - DONE

15 May: The Bryan Chapman 600 - with the Faccombe Four - DONE

28 May: FNRttC Whitstable - NOT DONE

19 June: Brussels - Paris - Brussels 600 - DONE

25 Jun: FNRttC Bognor Regis - DONE

15 Jul: FNRttC Dieppe - onto Rumbeke!! 200 DIY - DONE

12 Aug: The Severn to Wye 200 PERM - DONE

14 Aug: The Radnor Roundabout 100 - DONE

27 Aug: FNRttC Whitstable - DONE

19 Sep: The William the Conkerer - DONE

02 Oct: The Upper Tea 200 - NOT DONE - The Anfractuous 200 instead

22 Oct: FNRttC Whitstable - DONE

06 Nov: The Upper Thames - not planned but DONE

19 Nov: FNRttC Brighton - NOT DONE due to holidays

9 Jan - The Poor Student 200

2009-12-13T02:50:00.000-08:00

Its The Poor Student time again! Saturday 9th January - first Audax of the year. Looking forward to it. I should be in better shape than last year and the route is now very familiar.

Last year's Poor Student was my very first 200 in the winter. I've done a lot of cycling since then, but it doesn't get any easier, as the South Bucks Winter Warmer 200 showed earlier this month. Long distance form and fitness seems to go very quickly.

DIY - What is it, how does it work?

2009-12-10T20:05:00.000-08:00

"Do it yourself audaxing".

I promised to explain what a 'DIY' is, since I've been referring to a DIY in a couple of earlier posts. If you have come across this post because you are serious about doing a DIY, don't take it all to the letter, there is more to DIY than is written here, there are exceptions, there are regional variances, there have been recent changes ...

What happens normally, is that you 'enter' to ride an event which is organised by an 'organiser' and is set to run on a particular day of the 'calendar'. You get a routesheet and a brevet card.

But there is nothing stopping you creating your own route, which you can ride any day of the year. They are called DIYs.

These do it yourself rides have a few rules. The rules are written up by the Audax organisation and are available on their website, but you don't really understand the implications of those rules till you go through the whole process of a DIY and have broken the rules. And then also, you begin to realise why somebody wrote as a top tip: "Make sure that there is a shop in the village where you can get a 'proper' receipt".

A 'proper' receipt, is a receipt which has the location and the accurate date and time (I have caught myself asking for an 'audax receipt'). This will act as 'proof of passage'. Sounds easy, only you designed an interesting route which goes through a picturesque village. You've been there before, you know there is a shop. This time the till has run out of paper and the cashier on their Saturday job, doesn't know how to refill or where the spare rolls are. There you go - show stopper. Now cycle back home, the whole purpose of audaxing is cycling, so why sulk?

You see, I already wrote that you can ride a DIY any day of the year. This isn't true, you need to tell the 'organiser' (who doesn't organise anything, but is extremely essential - crucial - in this process), exactly when you are going to do this ride. They don't need much notice though! Soon, a tweet a minute before you get your starter receipt will do. For now, an email the night before suffices.

Don't start thinking you can just send an email and ride a 200km the next day. You need to have 'entered' first. Entering a DIY involves filling in an form and sending it to the 'organiser'. You need to specify something here, I don't know what it is exactly. But what the 'organiser' needs to do is verify that the shortest possible distance of the ride is going to be at least 200km. So for that, I guess, he needs to know a start point, a few middle points and an end point. You can add as many points as you like, but remember the receipt rule! Points make receipts. Points are officially referred to as 'controls'.

This shortest possible distance effect is something you don't believe until you've ridden 240km to cover 200. The organiser will use mapping tools, like ViaMichelin.co.uk, with settings like 'by bike', to find the shortest possible distance of your proposal. But you might not want to cycle through double roundabouts and main roads, so you choose an alternative route for that section. The detour miles soon add up! There is an art in designing DIY routes.

But again, you might think its all about cycling, what's wrong with cycling an extra mile or two? Its fine, as long as you have enough time to do those miles. There is a minimum speed of 14.3kph you need to adhere to. So if you are over distance by 40km, you are going to have to start thinking about your ETA a little bit more (Estimated Time of Arrival).

A DIY is also called a DIY Permanent, not to be confused with normal Permanents. Now this is advanced Audax jargon ... and I'm staying well out of it until I have at least 10 years of audaxing under my belt with 5 LELs and 15 BCMs. Don't worry mum, only joking!

Hanwell to Hanwell DIY 200 - APPROVED

2009-12-10T11:27:00.000-08:00

My DIY card was returned today - certified that I did the event in 13 hours and 23 minutes. I am so pleased. Now I know the process, I'm likely to do a few more of these next year.

The South Bucks Winter Warmer 200 - DONE

2009-12-07T13:14:00.000-08:00

I had a pair of devils sitting on each shoulder during early parts of this ride! Each shoulder pair would argue amongst themselves, working out what would get to me the most: "She doesn't need to do this - its not going towards an SR or anything!". From the other side: "She could be sitting at home, warm, dog on lap, writing Christmas cards." Then the cross-departmental arguments would start: "Above all, what is the point cycling in lovely country side when its dark at 4PM and you can't see anything".

My motivation had been a bit lacking, and I had promised myself beforehand that I needn't cycle in the rain yet again. To set off with those thoughts is never good. Fortunately, it didn't last long. As soon as I told the devils that I was going to get to the first control at least, they had gone.

I'm pleased I did it - as always, I never regret doing a ride. The support the riders were giving each other was extraordinary. I loved the peleton forming in Twyford. It was reminiscent of FNRttC as we were going over the weir. Before that I had a good run with Terry and his mate (Brian?). I heard Terry's mate say at some point: "There is nothing I would rather be doing". I had to agree with him - despite the devils' acrobatics earlier on.

I haven't quite got the hang of the GPS yet, but it was a great help nevertheless. Terry and his mate were expert routesheet readers. And if there was a hint of hesitation, at least I could contribute something and shout out: "Yes, its right here!". When I was on my own, I gradually relied more and more on the GPS. But I must do a short Richmond Park ride to explore the best way to use the GPS.

Another bit I liked was the approach to Bisley - home of the National Shooting Centre. You could hear the shooting from a long way away. When we cycled around the ground, I was amazed by the enormous distance the targets are set at.

Haslemere had the High Street closed off for the Christmas Market. There was quite an atmosphere there. I tried not to look or smell the lovely smells of baking, toffee, mulled wine ...

Pete

Terry

Audax receipt? No problem.

South Bucks Winter Warmer 200

2009-12-01T23:11:00.000-08:00

Next Sunday I'll be riding the South Bucks Winter Warmer 200km Audax, starting in Great Kingshill (High Wycombe).

The weather isn't looking too bad at the moment, but I must admit that I have been talking myself out of doing the ride if its going to be icy or wet. I've had my fair share of rain on bike rides this year.

FNRttC November 2009 - Brighton - DONE.

2009-11-29T03:04:00.000-08:00

Why are rides completed in horrendous weather always more epic?

It wasn't too bad really. We started and finished in dry weather. Just the hours in between were a bit wet. It had also stopped raining as we left the halfway spot at the cabin, so that lifted the spirits. But I must quote something posted by mistral on CycleChat: "I had to drive a relative home last night, the rain was heavy the roads awash and visibility difficult, it was only then that I realised just how insane we had been on Friday". That is exactly how I felt when Sarah and I drove back to London on Saturday evening. When we came across a horrible accident on the M25, it wasn't funny anymore.

What an impressive group of riders, though. Simon gave a bail out option at some point (it was a night of many firsts!), explaining that Gatwick was only a couple of miles away for a train back to London ... nobody answered. How brilliant! And the group was quite diverse, from experienced long distance riders to people who've never cycled more than 40 miles (the forum quotes 7 miles - is that really true?).

Hats of to "The Cabin Cafe" establishment in Faygate. It has a reputation as a good truckers' stop and voted by The Times as "the purveyors of one of the best bacon butties in England". Its quite true. How often do you need a steak knife to cut a bacon buttie. That is not because its tough, but because its so big. At first I didn't understand why chef kept shouting and pointing to one of the tables: "Knifes are in the middle". And what a mess we made! The floor resembled that of the showers after a rugby game.

The other thing that was a first was Simon getting a puncture! What an impressive puncture with the sound of a fire cracker being set off, I could see a cartoon animation going on in front of my eyes. I failed to find an image to illustrate what I mean, but found this little gem: Clicky (then click on the i to view in large screen).

The route was new too. And I enjoyed it very much. The highlight was Tunnel Road in Reigate.

We were able to shelter from the rain for a bit, and it was a good spot for keeks to repair his puncture. There is a whole load of history behind these vaults, wouldn't mind visiting one day: Clicky.

And all of the Faccombe Five were there! And Hummers. That made for excellent closure to the cycling season. Shame for them, that it was one of the worst FNRttC, weather wise. Still, think of BCM 2009 and everything is relative.

I'm getting a bit of hassle from Sarah right now ("We have nothing of a Friday evening because you're messing with your bike, you're out cycling all night, sleep all Saturday (oh not true!) and blog all Sunday (oh, not true either!) ... it's stopped raining now, you should be out doing things"). Cycling maybe? Ouch! So better tell her I've finished, and then I'll sneak some more words in later on. Cheerio for now.

... I'm back.

On Saturday, I was very tired and felt like I had done a 300km audax. Maybe that's the bike. I used my racer again, first time since March. It is a lovely bike to ride, but I always feel like I've played a game of rugby with aching muscles and my shoulders and neck very stiff.

I did not envy urban_biker, LEE and Chillmoister cycling home against the wind. I only had to cycle to Seven Dials (seeing Hummers on the way) and was glad to be able to enter a warm house, had a shower, a coffee and a snooze. As I woke up, a lovely lunch was laid on. I was thinking of the guys cycling home, hoping they would see sense (which they did), and was also thinking how otherwise I would be sitting on the train with soaking wet feet.

Thanks to Simon, who is the generator of the FNRttC magic. Thanks to the TECs and all the riders for contributing to the magic.

Some other thoughts:

the Christmas lights on Sloane Square, very impressive, almost an art installation
me not getting a puncture on a FNRttC!!!
the mince pies, hip flask, cakes, hot chocolate etc being shared
looking forward to seeing photos taken by the others:

by Arthur: Clicky

by LEE: Clicky

by Mista Preston: Clicky

My pictures on the slide show till the next ride or here: Clicky

FNRttC 27 November 2009 - Brighton

2009-11-19T23:04:00.001-08:00

Tomorrow night, last FNRttC of the year and all of the Faccombe Five will be present. Must! take a picture on top of the beacon. There are promises of cake, mince pies, hip flask ... and I'll take some mead.

About 60 people have signed up, which is unheard of! Simon does his utmost to have the group as small as possible at this time of the year (cold weather needs a fast group). And somebody spoilt his plans by publishing a FNRttC advert in the Observer.

Hanwell to Hanwell DIY 200

2009-11-12T00:02:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was quite tough and I was pleased to finish. It was a grey-ish day, but without too much rain or wind.

Cycling from Hanwell (London) to Hanwell (Banbury) and back was something I had to do, but not to be repeated I would think, at least not on a weekday. Most of the ride had a rushed feel about it. I put it down to the traffic. There was the commuting traffic: everybody in a rush and driving wishing they were already further. And there was the school run traffic: mums in a rush and hunting for a car park. Why can't 11th November be a public holiday as in Belgium? And in between, it was also rushed, because I knew that the ride was 'over distance' (more about DIYs later), and I didn't have much time buffer.

A highlight was the use of the GPS for the first time. I wouldn't have made it without it, not in time anyway. Apart from the navigation, a GPS is like a loyal friend. After a long stretch, you look down, and there is its, still with you, showing you were you are.

This is the elevation profile, one way.

The advantage of this DIY is that I can get out of the door and start cycling. And of course, after finishing also, just get a receipt somewhere and then 2 minutes and I'm home. Normally, I would have an hours drive home.

Hanwell, Banbury, is a lovely old village with stone buildings. I didn't do it any justice. It would be worth going back to visit the 12th century church. There is "Hanwell Castle" also. I mentioned Hanwell to a few local friends and we might visit Hanwell together sometime next year. It was also recounted how deliveries to the old pub (name?) on St Margarets Rd used to end up in Oxfordshire.

Amazing to think that only 65km further you'd be in Birmingham!

Some more pictures on the slideshow till the next ride or here: Clicky

Hanwell to Hanwell

2009-10-23T23:07:00.000-07:00

Nothing like going round in circles!

The plan: to cycle from home, Hanwell - London, to Hanwell - Oxford and back.

There are two things to do before I set off one day during the week of 9th November. One is to apply for a DIY 200 (more about DIY later) and two is to patiently await delivery of a GPS. They are both hard. I'm going to set myself a target, which is to complete the DIY application before the GPS arrives. That shouldn't be hard!