Sunday March 7 and the morning of my first qualifier, Mad March Coast and Quantocks. Got to Exeter at about 7.30 in time for a cup of coffee and then on the road promptly at 8am. There seemed to be a good turnout of about 60 and it was a nice day, if a little on the cold side.
The first stretch to the info at Budleigh Salterton was a delight, accross Woodbury Common and a nice descent down to the sea. The last time I went to Budleigh Salterton I was 3 years old. Then it was a relatively lumpy ride to Tiverton and the Canal Tea Rooms where I stopped for a coffee. I didn't seem to be too far behind others and there were plenty still there when I left.
Pressing on, the route followed the River Exe up towards Dulverton. This was beautiful, generally flat with the river on the left. Then a steady climb to Wheddon Cross followed by a great downhill and a scenic route through lovely Dunster to Blue Anchor on the coast, and the control at the steam railway station. Fantastic bit of the ride this leg, I really enjoyed it.
The next stage was hilly and a climb up onto the Quantocks. Beautiful countryside but a long grind up to the top, then a steep down, then hilly all the way to the final control at 170km. Just made it here in the dusk so didn't need to stop specially to put my lights on.
The final stage was gently down with a atilwind, although the road surface was apalling and felt like I had a p******e but arrived back in 11 hours 58 minutes.
Longest ride I'd done since September, and not too bad. Generally quite pleased. Good to get the first one out of the way, and to know that it was possible despite not doing as many miles as I would have liked over the winter due to the weather, being away and illness.
Tuesday, 15 March 2011
Monday, 28 February 2011
Hail Mary
After 10 days skiing, followed by a flu-like affliction that meant (1) I didn't turn up to the Primrose Path 100 and (2) when I attempted to ride it a week later I could only manage 40km before packing, I managed to get a couple of commutes in. Both felt quite good and I was pleased.
Yesterday it was time for a longer ride. As we had people staying and things to do I couldn't leave particularly early but got away at 10.25. The idea was to try and explore new areas so I headed for Stourhead, a wonderful National Trust house to the north east.
Hardly saw a car all morning, just half a dozen vintage motorcycles on a run. Lovely lanes with fantastic views across completely unspoilt countryside.
Just before Stourhead had a black moment and had to get off and walk up the hill to King Alfreds Tower. However I am now learning that if you push on through things invariably get better. They certainly did at the cafe at Stourhead, where the chocolate cake was laid out and you could select your own slice. I was grateful that whoever had cut it wasn't very good at portion control and there was one which was double the size of the others. It would have been rude not to take it.
Shortly after this hail came down. There are two interesting facts about hail. 1. It has a strange ability to find its way inbetween helmet vents and 2. It make a pinging sound as it bounces off bicycle frames. It didn't last long though and the skies cleared and I was feeling good and strong after the cake.
The remainder of the ride continued as before with quiet lanes and fab views. I think this has the making of a calendar event, the distance is right and the corners are in the right places for controls. Only about 5 km on roads with a white line down the middle. It also has a 'sting in the tail' in the shape of Batcombe Hill, which even after 10k is hard work, but after 105 I managed to ride it, albeit with a slightly increased heart rate. It's always good to have to 'dig deep'.
117 km total, a cracking ride, plenty of places to stop for food and drink en route. One I'll certainly be doing again.
Yesterday it was time for a longer ride. As we had people staying and things to do I couldn't leave particularly early but got away at 10.25. The idea was to try and explore new areas so I headed for Stourhead, a wonderful National Trust house to the north east.
Hardly saw a car all morning, just half a dozen vintage motorcycles on a run. Lovely lanes with fantastic views across completely unspoilt countryside.
Just before Stourhead had a black moment and had to get off and walk up the hill to King Alfreds Tower. However I am now learning that if you push on through things invariably get better. They certainly did at the cafe at Stourhead, where the chocolate cake was laid out and you could select your own slice. I was grateful that whoever had cut it wasn't very good at portion control and there was one which was double the size of the others. It would have been rude not to take it.
Shortly after this hail came down. There are two interesting facts about hail. 1. It has a strange ability to find its way inbetween helmet vents and 2. It make a pinging sound as it bounces off bicycle frames. It didn't last long though and the skies cleared and I was feeling good and strong after the cake.
The remainder of the ride continued as before with quiet lanes and fab views. I think this has the making of a calendar event, the distance is right and the corners are in the right places for controls. Only about 5 km on roads with a white line down the middle. It also has a 'sting in the tail' in the shape of Batcombe Hill, which even after 10k is hard work, but after 105 I managed to ride it, albeit with a slightly increased heart rate. It's always good to have to 'dig deep'.
117 km total, a cracking ride, plenty of places to stop for food and drink en route. One I'll certainly be doing again.
Sunday, 16 January 2011
DIY 100 (-4) km
With the wind howling outside and the windowpanes rattling I got up at 5am and after the usual faffing and a bowl of porridge was on the road at 6.10am. It was pitch black but as I know these roads that was not too much of a problem. Lighting was the usual Cateye which seems to work well and so far has given me about 15 hours of light without problems.
From home I went up to Yeovil, starting with a fair hill to get warmed up. Ahead, the sky was lightening and it was about 7am whe I realised I could see the road without the lights. Not a single car in the first hour, thena few early morning dog walkers started appearing. Riding along the ridge of Ham Hill, the usual spectacular views to the north were obscured by mist.
Felt a lot stronger than last weekend. After High Ham, dropped down onto the Levels and made good time, with a couple of hills, before arriving at Cheddar and taking the long road up to Shipham. Not too steep a medium length, but a test nonetheless. After this it was plain sailing to Clevedon, for my lift up to Worcester.
A good ride. Felt as if I could have carried on for a fair bit longer. Average speed 5kph faster than last weekend.
From home I went up to Yeovil, starting with a fair hill to get warmed up. Ahead, the sky was lightening and it was about 7am whe I realised I could see the road without the lights. Not a single car in the first hour, thena few early morning dog walkers started appearing. Riding along the ridge of Ham Hill, the usual spectacular views to the north were obscured by mist.
Felt a lot stronger than last weekend. After High Ham, dropped down onto the Levels and made good time, with a couple of hills, before arriving at Cheddar and taking the long road up to Shipham. Not too steep a medium length, but a test nonetheless. After this it was plain sailing to Clevedon, for my lift up to Worcester.
A good ride. Felt as if I could have carried on for a fair bit longer. Average speed 5kph faster than last weekend.
Wednesday, 12 January 2011
First Foray of 2011
After battling home into a headwind on Friday night, and being trodden on by a horse on Saturday, I got to Winchester in perfect time for the Watership Down 100km Brevet Populaire on Sunday morning. It was fairly cold, but the rain stayed away and at times there were clear blue skies.
The good field of about 100 at the start revealed the usual suspects: the fast boys on their carbon frames vs. the randonneurs with their Carradice saddlebags.
It was a good route taking in some lovely countryside. High points (literally and scenery wise) was the Chute Causeway, with fantastic views to the south, and Walbury Hill, which had the descent on the north side and was icy. The views from the top were worth the climb. At the Kintbury control people were talking about skidding off, or being overtaken by their rear wheels on the descent! Luckily this was the only really icy section.
The climb up Watership Down was not as severe and had a great descent, then it was mainly flat home, but with a few little pulls just to keep me awake and remind me I hadn't been out enough due to the snow and ice in December.
All-in-all, a good season opener and a little reminder of what it's all about. Avreage speed was about the same as my commute which I was pleased about as I tend to push that a bit more than I did today. Riding in company certainly helps, as although I was not in a group there is always someone ahead to keep the legs turning in an attempt not to lose them completely.
The good field of about 100 at the start revealed the usual suspects: the fast boys on their carbon frames vs. the randonneurs with their Carradice saddlebags.
It was a good route taking in some lovely countryside. High points (literally and scenery wise) was the Chute Causeway, with fantastic views to the south, and Walbury Hill, which had the descent on the north side and was icy. The views from the top were worth the climb. At the Kintbury control people were talking about skidding off, or being overtaken by their rear wheels on the descent! Luckily this was the only really icy section.
The climb up Watership Down was not as severe and had a great descent, then it was mainly flat home, but with a few little pulls just to keep me awake and remind me I hadn't been out enough due to the snow and ice in December.
All-in-all, a good season opener and a little reminder of what it's all about. Avreage speed was about the same as my commute which I was pleased about as I tend to push that a bit more than I did today. Riding in company certainly helps, as although I was not in a group there is always someone ahead to keep the legs turning in an attempt not to lose them completely.
Friday, 7 January 2011
New Year's Resolution
What a crap end to the year with snow and ice everywhere, making it impossible to get out and about. That and the excesses of Christmas mean there are a few extra pounds to shed that should not have been there.
Spent Christmas in France with the in-laws and returned on the Roscoff - Portsmouth ferry, which meant driving through western Brittany. Stopped off at Carhaix to have a look and was pleased to note it seems to be at the top of a hill, then drove north west, again up hill, to a wonderful viewpoint. From the map it seems that this is the Roc'h Trevezel which will need to be climbed on PBP. On a clear winter's day it was lovely with a glorious panorama and the sea beyond. I think there's a nice 40km freewheel down to Brest (and then a climb back up again on the return!).
Started the New Year well with an 8 mile run, followed by three days' commute by bike into the office this week. It was very dark on Tuesday due to the partial solar eclipse and it is amazing how much slower progress is in the dark. It's a pretty quiet route in the morning, but at night it's a battle with people who just want to get home and I find their headlights dazzling so have narrowly avoided the hedge a few times.
This morning it was raining the proverbial cats and dogs and was pretty cold. Took another 10 minutes to get the wet weather gear on in the morning so was late leaving but was glad of it when half way in the heavens opened. Consoled myself with the thought that an hour of this discomfort was nothing compared to 89.9 hours of PBP.
Spent Christmas in France with the in-laws and returned on the Roscoff - Portsmouth ferry, which meant driving through western Brittany. Stopped off at Carhaix to have a look and was pleased to note it seems to be at the top of a hill, then drove north west, again up hill, to a wonderful viewpoint. From the map it seems that this is the Roc'h Trevezel which will need to be climbed on PBP. On a clear winter's day it was lovely with a glorious panorama and the sea beyond. I think there's a nice 40km freewheel down to Brest (and then a climb back up again on the return!).
Started the New Year well with an 8 mile run, followed by three days' commute by bike into the office this week. It was very dark on Tuesday due to the partial solar eclipse and it is amazing how much slower progress is in the dark. It's a pretty quiet route in the morning, but at night it's a battle with people who just want to get home and I find their headlights dazzling so have narrowly avoided the hedge a few times.
This morning it was raining the proverbial cats and dogs and was pretty cold. Took another 10 minutes to get the wet weather gear on in the morning so was late leaving but was glad of it when half way in the heavens opened. Consoled myself with the thought that an hour of this discomfort was nothing compared to 89.9 hours of PBP.
Wednesday, 1 December 2010
Time to plan
Still freezing outside, I don't think the mercury has risen above zero for over a week. The roads are icy and I haven't been out on the bike for about 10 days. I also feel like I've got a cold coming.
Have ordered some DIY cards so I can get in some decent rides and points over the Christmas period. The first trip will be a 200km to the in-laws so am busy planning the route. Viamichelin puts it in at 212 so that should be OK and it seems virtually a straight line.
I have also gone through the AUK calendar numerous times and logged all the PBP qualifiers close to me on a photocopy of my work diary year planner page so I can see it all at once. There are several 100kms in January and February, plus a CTC sportive in Dorchester at the end of February. Then the qualifying campaign kicks off in March with the Mad March Coasts and Quantocks 200, Denmead 200, Barrys Ball Buster 200 and Nutty Nuns 200 on 3 April (not a PBP qualifier but should have finished one by then. Otherwise not much chance of getting to the French ride).
Then in April there's the Denmead 300 on Saturday 9th followed by Dorset Coast 200 on Sunday 10th. Hope to do them both. Honiton 200 the next weekend then either West Stafford 300 or Coryton 400. Then Chepstow 400 if I want another trip to Wales, Honiton and Lymington 300 on consecutive days (will pick one) then a choice between Brian Chapman Memorial and Denmead 400. Have heard the former is quite hard. At the end of May it's the Kernow and South West 600 if the first attempt goes wrong.
So there we have it, all planned out. Just got to enter them now.
Have ordered some DIY cards so I can get in some decent rides and points over the Christmas period. The first trip will be a 200km to the in-laws so am busy planning the route. Viamichelin puts it in at 212 so that should be OK and it seems virtually a straight line.
I have also gone through the AUK calendar numerous times and logged all the PBP qualifiers close to me on a photocopy of my work diary year planner page so I can see it all at once. There are several 100kms in January and February, plus a CTC sportive in Dorchester at the end of February. Then the qualifying campaign kicks off in March with the Mad March Coasts and Quantocks 200, Denmead 200, Barrys Ball Buster 200 and Nutty Nuns 200 on 3 April (not a PBP qualifier but should have finished one by then. Otherwise not much chance of getting to the French ride).
Then in April there's the Denmead 300 on Saturday 9th followed by Dorset Coast 200 on Sunday 10th. Hope to do them both. Honiton 200 the next weekend then either West Stafford 300 or Coryton 400. Then Chepstow 400 if I want another trip to Wales, Honiton and Lymington 300 on consecutive days (will pick one) then a choice between Brian Chapman Memorial and Denmead 400. Have heard the former is quite hard. At the end of May it's the Kernow and South West 600 if the first attempt goes wrong.
So there we have it, all planned out. Just got to enter them now.
Monday, 22 November 2010
Cold windy and miserable
Yesterday was what you might call a 'character-building' ride. It was cold, windy and miserable. The wind shifted as I went round my loop so that is was always straight in my face. I really didn't want to go out on the bike when I woke up, not because of the weather, but because I was tired and ached. Eventually I got out but after a mere 30km knew it wasn't such a good idea. Pedalling downhill, because of the wind, didn't really help morale.
Bonked completely after 40km and had to walk up a hill, in cleats, on slippery leaves. Oh what fun. Cut the route short and crawled home after 56km. Pretty pathetic and I hope it was just a bad day at the office. At least it wasn't raining.
Bonked completely after 40km and had to walk up a hill, in cleats, on slippery leaves. Oh what fun. Cut the route short and crawled home after 56km. Pretty pathetic and I hope it was just a bad day at the office. At least it wasn't raining.
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