Day 303 - Last Afternoon Ride of 2013

I was pleased, on this the last day of 2013, that the weather cleared sufficiently this afternoon for a quick few circuits of Seaton. Not a long ride but just enough to get the heart pumping and blow the cobwebs away .. the wind was certainly blowing strongly along the estuary and seafront!

On the circuit, I spotted Soanes Cycle shop in Colyton was open and knowing that they stock the one item which was not in my Christmas stocking this year, I thought I'd give them some last minute business. The item I was after was the CO2 tyre pump which Clive first demonstrated on my puncture during the AVP 100 Miler back in September .. I've had my eye out for one ever since.

M:Part Micro CO2 tyre inflator

The version I bought was the M:Part Micro CO2 for £9:00 including 2 x 16 g cartridges, great value for a really useful piece of kit. The great thing about this particular unit, is that they include a handy protective sleeve where many I've checked out do not. These pumps get very very cold after use, cold enough to leave a layer of frost around the metal CO2 cylinder, so protection for the user's hands is essential.

2013 has been a great year for me returning to the saddle back in March after some 20 years. While I've not yet completed a full year's cycling below is a snapshot of 2013's achievements

Here you can see that it was during September that I hit my peak, this was at the time of my first 100 miler, 15 September. Next year I have two 100 mile sportif's planned, the Dartmoor Classic in June and the RideLondon-Surrey in August and I dare say, the AVP will have another to close the season in September. It's going to be an exiting year!

Day 302 - Morning Ride with Chris

After a very stormy night and morning, I finally managed to get a good ride out this afternoon. Having canvassed the usual suspects of cycling buddies, Chris and I delayed setting out by what turned out to be an all important thirty minutes, as the weather took just this short time to turn from a scene in the Perfect Storm to one of a clear sunny winter's afternoon.

Despite strong headwinds and flooded roads we remained dry and enjoyed a much needed spin after a week of partying. The Crosstrail performed well, but the 1000 miles covered since its last service are beginning to show, as the gears slipped a number of times on the steeper climbs.

Once we'd climbed out of Colyton we made good time crossing the common such that I achieved a personal best for 10 miles of 35m:44s which is a 2m:03s improvement on my previous record for the Crosstrail which I achieved back in July. It is great that I can still improvement from time to time .. I've obviously not peaked yet! Today also marked the point in which I've now burned an amazing 100,000 kCals, that's equivalent to 187 burgers!

Day 295 - Extreme Cycling

The day before Christmas Eve, is one I would normally be working, but the combination of my parents being in the area and my new found passion for cycling meant that I had the perfect excuse to take the day off and do both a long ride and some family socialising.

What I had not taken in to account was the unpredictable British weather and in the lead up to this Christmas the forecast was not looking good, indeed, we were being warned of some of the worst storms of the year. That morning we were experiencing excessively strong winds which later in the day would result in removing a couple of ridge tiles from the roof.

Had to take a selfie in memory of the short but manic ride

Despite the impossible conditions, I still had the daft idea of going out for a ride. I could hardly stay upright let alone move in a forward direction and the rain blowing in from the sea was like salty needles against the skin ... what fun! :)

Day 294 - Christmas Lights

My cycling this month has slowed to a crawl and this is before I take on too many calories through over indulgence and feasting that is sure to consume me over the festive season. 21 days into the month and I've been out just 4 times and have covered short of 50 miles, that's only 25% of my average monthly activity. The reason .. shorter days, dark mornings, persistent rain and a job which keeps me in the office when it's dry and light! On Tuesday this week, I was so pleased to finally see the sun that I missed lunch to get out on the Crosstrail for a blast up some hills. I climbed Seaton Down Hill to the tower, dropped down into Colyford, and back up Colyton Hill past Colyton Grammar School and onto Old Sidmouth Road to circle round to Beer before returning to Seaton. The 1100 ft of climbing made me feel a little better anyway.



During Wednesday and Thursday the rain returned. The plan on Thursday was to join the Axe Valley Pedallers for a Christmas Lights ride, a tour of Seaton and Beer to view the best they have to offer in Christmas light displays! I was determined to go, rain or no rain. As luck would have it, the sky miraculously cleared as the sun set and perhaps 10 hardy riders, I did not think to count, met up under a starry night for the final AVP Thursday ride. We were led out by Ketchup and accompanied by a number of our members I'd not seen since summer; I guess there are certain occasions not to be missed. It was a slow ride and I'd not dressed sufficiently well for a ride requiring so little exertion. It is amazing how much heat one generates when exercising and how little clothing is then needed. As we moved out of Seaton into the lanes en route to Beer, I had to hit the climbs hard to raise my core temperature and get some warm blood flowing into my now frozen fingers and toes.

AVP Christmas Lights Ride

The lights, meanwhile, were quite spectacular. It is amazing the amount of work people go to to dress their houses with vivid illuminations, coloured lights, cascading icicles, jolly snowmen and father Christmases. Perhaps the best lights were to be found in Park Road and Clapp's Lane in Beer. It was as if Vegas had come to Devon! After a much needed warm up stop at Quiff & Bar Bunny's, where mulled Cider and home made mice pies were eagerly consumed, we cycled on to close the ride at the Dolphin. I think the locals were a little put out by the arrival of 10-20 lycra clad cyclists, having by then been joined by the muddy off roaders, as it was not long before we had the place to ourselves. It made a change to visit another venue for our apres cycling refreshments, but I did miss the warm welcome of our Seaton and Colyford pubs and the overflowing bowls of complementary cheesy chips !



I am hoping to get another ride or two in before the year closes and although I've not yet completed a full year in the saddle yet, I will probably return in the next week to post a calendar year end report.

In the meantime, I wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and leave you with a fun and festive Christmas video from the Team GB Cycling team :)

Day 287 - Would rather be in Mexico or Majorca

Team GB were in Mexico last week and are now training in Majorca. I can see why when I look out of the window at the dismal weekend weather. I need a job that allows me to only be in the office on rainy days!

Team GB take gold and another World Record in Mexico

Day 284 - AVP Evening Drenching

Tonight, Tigger led Chris, CJnr, Rex, Richard, Kilian, Gillain and me on a night ride out to Wilmington and back. We were relishing the opportunity for a ride in the dry, last Thursday's rain having reduced the group to only two riders and further damp weather expected over the weekend.

As we crossed the A35 towards Shute, I commented on how it felt like we were doing the 100 miler in reverse, little did we know then, that just as on September's eventful ride, the second half of tonight's circuit would mirror the 100 miler's return drenching.

Wearing glasses in the rain has always an unpleasant experience, travelling down hill, at speed, in the dark over potholed asphalt is doubly unpleasant and possibly not the safest or most comfortable way to spend the evening. This was, however, how I spent the last 9 miles of our evening ride. With the strength of the wind and rain ever increasing as we rode, our pace built and the usual social stops became less frequent, resulting in me even achieving 2 PBs and a top 10 position on 3 Strava segments!

We were back in Seaton for around 8:30 pm .. an hour earlier than usual and no pub stop tonight as none of us felt like sitting around in damp kit. Hopefully next week will be dry as we have a Christmas lights ride spectacular planned .. looking forward to that! (No pictures this week .. was not carrying waterproof camera).

Day 280 - A Gentle Morning Ride

This has, in contrast to last, been a week of lethargy as far as the cycling is concerned. Dark mornings and too much work has left me less than keen to get out on the bike. Having topped the distance leaderboard these last few weeks I've dared not to look at it this week.

I did, however, venture out on a brisk two hour walk yesterday, only to frustratingly give myself a slight groin injury! This morning, I thus felt compelled to get out and cover a few gentle miles else I feared, the way I was feeling, I'd not get out until spring finally arrived. 

I headed off up Seaton Down Hill turning off down Roman Way before hitting the real climb, afraid of further damaging myself after yesterday's walk. The ride continued into Colyton and back through Axmouth taking in all the little side roads and cul-de-sacs that I'd always wondered about along the way. 

Heading out of Colyton on the back road towards Honiton, I stumbled across a business park and a cycle business I never knew existed, MountainBikeBitz.com. I also took time out to have a look at an old WWII gun emplacement in a field overlooking the Axe River outside of Colyford. On this occasion the cows which normally surround it were elsewhere.

The sunrise over the hills towards Dorset in the distance was beautiful. It was a lovely morning for a ride.

Heading back into Axmouth. I stopped again to take in the view and pose for a few snaps .. these shots look a at though they've come from the new year Sky catalogue! .. perhaps I'll sell then on ;) 

It was then a short ride back home and just under 12 miles covered. Not a long distance based on recent form but it still felt good to be out on the bike again. Need to do better next week.

Day 272 - 100 km Seaton to Topsham

Following last Sunday's ride, a plan was hatched to do a long social ride out to Exeter and back, some 55 miles or so, on the following Saturday. Weather watching during the week made this plan seem even better, as it was being forecast to be the only day in the upcoming week with wall to wall sun.

Andy, Ed, Jon and I met up at the Seaton TIC and at 10:00 am, a little later than planned, we headed out towards Exeter. The plan was to take in the sights of Newton Pop, Lympstone and Topsham, a quick stop for lunch and then return to Seaton via Ottery for around 4:00 isn, before sunset.

We took the main road out through Sidford and after descending Four Elms Hill turned south before entering Netwon Poppleford, to follow the River Otter towards Otterton and our first coffee stop at the mill. The plan was then to make our way over to Exeter across the common, however, keeping things fluid we decided instead on the coastal cycle path, around the north of Budleigh, into Exmouth and along the estuary to Topsham. It is a really impressive length of traffic free paths which was very much welcomed after our initial and very busy main road section.

It seemed like a summers day by the sea as we rode through Exmouth. The Lifeboat was getting a clean and tourists were promenading under the clear blue sky. It was quite idilic but we were by now behind plan and getting hungry. We needed to press on to our planned next stop, Topsham.

On route to Topsham, we cycled through Lympstone, and who should we bump into but Alistair Cope, one of the founding members of the AVP. Alastair was wheeling a new Penny Farthing down the street which I gather he may ride in next Saturday's Velo Vintage 4th Occasion and Ride which he was also out promoting.

Alistair Cope with his new Penny Farthing

From Lympstone we followed Exe Trail cycle path through Exton to Topsham via the longest continuous piece of decking I've ever seen! Once in Topsham, it was a tossup between eating inside at the cyclists favourite, Route 2 cafe, or outside at the Lighter Inn on the quay. With the sun shining and a real atmosphere of alfresco dining, despite to cost, the Lighter won the day.

Alfresco dining at the Lighter

By the time the pints were downed and plates cleared it was gone 2:00 pm and we were going to have hit the pedals hard to be back in Seaton before the sun set and with Jon riding with no lights the pressure was on! 

Our return journey took us north, to the M5 with some courageous and rapid cycling across roundabouts and through busy junctions. Clear of the major routes we headed west through Clyst Honiton, Aylesbere, West Hill and Ottery St Mary where we even had to navigate a path around a group of morris dancers, not sure what was going on there.

Ed over the M5

The circuit had so far had its fair share of hills but nothing like what was to follow our exit out of Ottery. Chineway Hill is something else; a 3 mile, 20% climb which at the summit left me reaching for the jelly babies and draining my water bottle before I felt ready to continue!

Chineway Hill climb

We now had 10 miles remaining, the majority of which was down hill but the light was fading fast, as too was Ed's touring bike. Having suffered a catastrophic series of mechanical failures on Thursday night while riding his road bike, Ed had today switched to the tourer. His luck, however, was not with him this week, as he proceeded to lose a pedal as we crossed the common. Jon assisted in re-attaching it and luckily it remained in place long enough to see us all safely back to Seaton. The sun, however, was by then as good as set but we did, to Jon's frustration, stop to capture a picture of it before it totally slipped behind the horizon .. quite a stunning view.

Sun setting at the end of our ride

In all we completed just short of 60 miles / 100 km .. a terrific workout and great fun, even if we did not quite make it to Exeter.

Jonathan rode AVP Morning Ride

Saturday, November 30, 2013 in Seaton, England, United Kingdom
• Distance
   59.7 mi
 
• Time
   4:37:40
 
• Elevation
   3,753ft

Day 270 - A Night of 4 Punctures

It was great to be back on the road with the AVP for our regular Thursday Evening ride after a 2 week break. 10 of us rode out at 6:45 pm into what are now very dark evenings.

We headed out to Axminster and up the Combe Road climb. Through Rousden, Combyne, Musbury and Wyke we made excellent time with very few stops. It was looking like we'd be back early at the Kings Arms for once. Then, while making a quick dash along the A35 before turning onto Trinity Hill, disaster struck as both Ed and Jolly suffered punctures, Ed one in each tyre! After a frenzied 20 minute activity of replacing inner tubes under combined lighting of streetlamp and high lumin spots, we were back rolling again. Ed taking it very easy as his tyres were quite badly split.

Then, just as we thought we may actually still make the usual time for the meet with mountain pedallers at the Kings Arms, Andy called out that he now also had a flat! Luckily it was a slow puncture which in then end just needed a blast of air to make it back.

Although late, we decided we would stop for a quick apres ride beer and chips, as we needed discuss our plan for a long Saturday ride which we'd though up last Sunday after the successful social ride out to Bridport. More on what we decided later.

Day 266 - The Three Musketeers

Having just returned from a wonderful week away without the bike, I was very keen this weekend to get out on a ride. Saturday afternoon, I managed a 10 mile solo re-run of the Ships in the Night ride that I did with Andy back in October. I had promised the Peco hill a revisit and was so pleased to complete it in one go after my dismal performance last time. Overall, it was a good circuit and I felt well prepared for Sunday's AVP 40 miler.

Sunday, 08:00 am, I rode out to meet up with Clive, Hovis, Kevin, Tim, Ed and Andy; far more than we normally have on this ride. Clive commented that it was turning into a proper club run - it has previously been Clive's regular ride out with whom ever happens to be around and can keep up. Today, I regret, the good feeling that I had the previous day was crushed as we headed out of Seaton up Boshill. There was no way my legs were going to propel me forward with the same velocity as the other guys and it was not long before they had disappeared over the brow of the hill and I was left thinking it was time to go home. For some reason, I just did not have the bhp in this ageing engine of mine and need to keep working on these hills ahead of next year's sportifs!

The Three Musketeers

Once over the brow, I teamed up with Andy and Ed and, like the good pals that they are, they stuck with me as we rode on towards Lyme Regis. Somehow, and thinking back I can't work out how, but we Three Musketeers lost sight of the four ahead, such that when we came to the down hill, high speed junction with Pound Road, it was not clear which way they had gone. We continued on and regrouped at the sea front but the Famous Four were no where to be seen. Climbing back up the hill to seek them out was not an option as, based on past performance, we knew they would be long gone!

  

So, the question was, what to do and more importantly where to go next. We decided, having come this far, we'd continue out of Lyme Regis, on a gentle tour: through Charmouth and on to Whitchurch Canonicorum and a circular route following the NCR2 to Bridport for coffee and festive mince pies.

After 30 minute warming up, headed on our return journey back along the NCR2 through Whitchurch Canonicorum, Wootton Fitzpaine, across the A35 to Rousden and then at speed back down Boshill (a much more pleasurable approach) and into Seaton.

After a painful start and in spite of the lack forecasted sun, the freezing wins, a couple of tumbles (I was having a bad day),  this actually turned out to be one of the most enjoyable and social rides I've had in ages. It reminded me of the Taunton Stop Line ride I did with Mike back in August when we just set out to explore and have a good ride. I can see the Three Musketeers may have hit on a new weekend ride format, so watch this space!

Day 260 - Team GB

You will probably be aware that I'm a bit of a Team GB cycling fan and a one with a little more money than sense.. or so I'm told! This means - you'll also have seen - that I enjoy wearing the team colours, see Tour of Britain and No Legs. Since purchasing my long sleeved jersey back in September, I've been on the lookout for a short sleeved version but most suppliers are either reporting this to be discontinued or are charging exorbitant marked up prices.

So when I spotted on eBay, not only the genuine article but one marked up with "This is not a reproduction item. This jersey was made for british cycling and issued to a British cycling team member", I had to place a bid. Yes, I won it, just confirming my 'more money than sense' comment.

I've since found out that this was issued to Luke Rowe to ride in the fated world road race in Florence this year. I now think this will fit better in a frame hung on my wall rather on me!

Day 258 - A Different View

I am away from Devon this week, taking some much needed R&R in Norfolk. Unfortunately, until my new Yeti arrives in April next year, there is no space on my travels for my bike. Unexpectedly, however, I was able to borrow a heavy old mountain bike for an hour's circuit of one of Norwich's leafy suburbs.

Before heading out, there was first a need to repair a persistent puncture to the rear and replace the tyre which was lacking any central tread pattern. Norwich has a large number of cycle shops but it was John Borwell Cycles that won the business and what an impressive small and exclusive establishment John has. Hung on the back wall was a Pinarello race frame in the colours of the Sky Cycling Team for the princely sum of £4,500! Out the back, to the left side of the counter, was a workshop and on the other, an Aladdin's cave of quality accessories and clothing. If I were a local, I feel I would have been a regular. Tube and tyre purchased the fitting took just a few minutes .. practice is making perfect!

So, out and along the leafy lanes I cycled. This gave me a different view of the country by bike and, despite the lack of hills, a good workout too as I could neither change up to the larger ring nor build up much speed because of the chunky off road tyres. The weather was cold and damp but the autumn colours and the big Norfolk sky made for a delightful ride. This is definitely a popular part of the country for cyclists as I passed quite a few out for a late morning constitutional. I'm looking forward to exploring more of our beautiful country next year, once I've a means of taking my bike(s) on the road.

Day 252 - AVP Remembrance Ride

This morning was beautifully sunny and dry, perfect weather for our Sunday ride out to Rousdon to attend the Remembrance service, something which has become a regular and poignant annual event in the AVP's cycling calendar. 

Before meeting up with the main group at 10:00, Andy and I decided on a quick 10 mile warmup circuit of Beer and Seaton. After climbing Quarry Lane and turning towards Stafford Cross, we stopped briefly on Bovey Lane to look in on Bovey House, a property so off he beaten track that I never knew it existed.  The site of this house has an amazing history dating back to Saxon, Roman and medieval times, the present house having been built during the Elizabethan period, in1592.

Jonathan .. new AVP jersey glowing in the early morning sun

Andy .. ready for the off

We then headed up to the main road and dropped down swiftly into Colyford before returning to Seaton in good time to meet up with the rest of group. Meanwhile, Ed and Cockle had impressively cycled over from Honiton,  so we were not the only ones putting in a few early miles!

In all, 13 AVP cyclists headed out to Rousdon via Axmouth and the regular climb up Green Lane on a plethora of machinery: full carbon and aluminium racers, Bobble on his 'shopper', Ed with obligatory saddle bag of goodies, Kilian on his mountain bike and Barbunny on a new electric assisted cycle .. a sight for sore eyes!

Pausing before the Green Lane ascent 

Arriving at the Rousdon memorial, we were warmly greeted by the very friendly locals who were really appreciative of us joining them for their very intimate service. Many remembered those who had attended the year before and it was quite humbling the way that we were so openly invited to join them for coffee and biscuits after the service.

Remembrance service at Rousdon

After gathering for a team picture, we each headed off on our different routes home. The Honiton team and others, completed a near 50 mile ride by returning through Hawk Church, Membury & Stockland, while Andy and I completed our 20+ mile ride by taking Boshill in an exhilarating flat out decent.

The AVP Remembrance Team - I'm behind the camera!

I have a feeling we'll be back again next year.

Day 249 - A Night of Hills

Another evening ride with the AVP tonight saw 14 hardy souls head out of Seaton in the direction of Lyme Regis .. oh yes, this was going to be a night of hills!

Taking Chapter Street out of Axmouth we took the relatively gentle climb up to Dowlands, avoiding on this occasion Stepps Hill, a notoriously steep climb which Andy and I had taken when previously out this way and one which I was in no rush to repeat this early in the ride. Maybe we'll return and use it in our training for next year's Dartmoor Classic but that's a little way off yet.

Taking a breather - glad we'd not taken the Stepps

From Dowlands we proceeded to Rousdon and into Lyme along a side route I'd never taken before. This was Roman Road, a steep decent and apparently a favourite rat run for many before the town planners put a stop to this with strategically placed giant concrete blocks, similar to dragon teeth installed generations before to halt invading tanks. While these provided the decent with challenging chicanes, it was a hidden curb which halted my forward momentum, forcing me to make an unceremonious and hasty exit from the saddle! Luckily, while Handbag was on hand with his first aid kit, this was this week not required. All that was hurt was my pride and a minor battle scar for the bike.

Chris stikes a pose!

We climbed out of Lyme Regis up the 3052 and unconventionally crossed the A35 roundabout for a pleasant roll down through Charmouth and on to Wooton Fitzpaine. It was from here that we started to climb again, ending with a thigh busting 12% assent along the Fitzpaine to Crewkerne Road Strava Section .. which don't tell Andy, but along which I somehow beat him by 20 seconds!

Handbag was on hand with his first aid kit

After a quick dogleg crossing of the A35 we were on the home run along Trinity Hill Road back to Rousdon, Axmouth and into Seaton for 9:30 pm. A late finish and no apres beer and chips for me, I think the hills got the better of us today but would love to do this again come summer, as I am sure in daylight the views would be spectacular!

Stats: 24.7 mi, 2hr 19m, Avg 10.6 mph, Max 30.3 mph, 1417 kcal

Day 243 - The Yeti Solution

Back in May, I pondered the question of how best to transport my bike  either when away on holiday or to a new area or a cycling event. With my car due for replacement next year, I've been doing a tour of the showrooms to see what the various manufacturers have to offer.

The main options appear to be roof or boot mounted. Vauxhall do an ingenious system whereby the numberplate extends to reveal a factory fitted bike rack. The issue I have with these methods of transportation is that both expose my valuable cycles to the elements and to the risk of theft and damage. The perfect solution to me would be to carry the cycles within the vehicle itself. Skoda, cycling's premier supporter, offer such a solution.

I am not one who needs a large car for every day use, indeed to me, 'small is beautiful' when it comes to cars, thus the large estate variants do not appeal; however, fitting a cycle within a small hatchback is never going to work, so a compromise will obviously be required. This may come from Skoda's small SUV, the Yeti ... what a great name too!

Skoda Yeti at Haytor, Dartmoor

Today, I took the Yeti, in white of course, on a test drive across Dartmoor, out to Haytor where, coincidentally, stage 6 of the Tour of Britain concluded in September. The variant provided, was the 2.0 litre diesel 4x4 170 Bhp. It manoeuvred surprisingly spritely for an SUV around the Devon lanes and for a 4x4 was very smooth and quiet along the quick A30. Over the 120 mile round trip it achieved a reasonable 43 mpg and while its looks may not turn may heads, as a practical and highly versatile vehicle with the perfect solution for my cycle transportation needs, it is certainly in the running. So watch this space .. a decision is required before the month is out.

Day 242 - Team Diabetes UK 2014

Oh my, I received the following email today .. it reads .. "It is with great pleasure that I am able to offer you a place on Team Diabetes UK for the 2014 Prudential RideLondon-Surrey 100!"

About 10 years ago my mother contracted type 1 diabetes following a very stressful period in her life. Knowing of no family history of diabetes and my mother being of very slight build, there seemed to be no rhyme or reason for her body to have chosen this time to stop producing sufficient insulin. With such mystery surrounding the cause of this illness and the work still obviously required to understand and find a less invasive and technical treatment, I applied to join the Team Diabetes UK on the RideLondon to both raise funds and awareness and help bring about the needed step change in research and discovery.

Me next year!

I am not a regular fund raiser, indeed far from it! This is the first sponsorship I will have sought since being a child, oh so many years ago, but I thought I would like the opportunity to cycle these 100 miles for a cause and do what I can for my mum and others in a similar position. May be this relatively small sum that I will be asked to raise will provide the few extra pounds that secure the breakthrough all sufferers are looking for. I will be asking you all to dig deep soon, so watch this space and then please, as the tag line goes. 'give generously' :)

This means that my miserable 9 miles cycling effort, so far this week, is going have to be seriously improved on going forward, rain or no rain .. and as I am reminded by the front page of this week's Cycling News which arrived through the door this morning, my "2014 starts now!"  Oh how true, and how did they know?!

Day 237 - 2014 Sportive Registrations

I am not enjoying my first autumn on two wheels and can see why my online cycle stores are emailing me their lines and offers on Turbo Trainers & Cycle Rollers! I am not, however, going to succumb, this year anyway. With just less than 20 miles covered, this week has probably been my worst, in distance terms, for some time. It has however, given me time to consider my 2014 objective to cycle a few Sportives.

I have already signed up for the RideLondon-Surrey 100 event for 10th August and am awaiting the lottery which will decide whether I am lucky to earn a place in the starting lineup. This week registration also opened for the Dartmoor Classic run over 107 miles on 22nd June and sold out in one day .. a record for the event. Amazingly, I managed to get my registration in early and will be riding with 4 fellow AVP cyclists (Andy, Clive, Richard and Hovis) who also secured an entry.

Having ridden my first 100 miler in September this year, I know I'm going to have to get my 2014 training in very early to be ready for June, and I'm somehow going to have to overcome the shortening days and shocking seasonal weather to keep my fitness up over winter.

Just a taster .. the map below shows the route .. eek!

Day 234 - Ships in the Night

Thoughts of 'ships in the night' crossed my mind as Andy and I passed the Pedallers out on the Thursday evening ride tonight; they climbing up past Beer quarry as we descended. There seemed to be as many as last week, less 2 of course! Their lights illuminating the wooded lane giving us, at first, the impression of a convoy of cars ascending the hill towards us.

Why, you may ask, were we heading in the other direction? Well, a quicker ride, ahead of the forecasted rain, and a desire to get a good ride out on the Roubaix was my excuse. Having missed Clive's Sunday ride last week and the same prospect being on the cards for this weekend, due to the wet season we've sadly entered, has meant that the Roubaix has just not had a look in recently. 

Anyway, we headed over to Colyton and up Old Sidmouth Road towards Beer. Having made such easy work of this long climb, we felt Peco hill in Beer should be included in our route. Big mistake! Taking off at speed in too high a gear and nearing the brow, high out of the saddle, I hit the power wall and forward motion as good as stopped. Being secured to my pedals the only option to avoid falling was a hasty unclip and dismount. Having made this assent in one before, it was a great disappointment to be so unceremoniously dumped so close to my goal. After a short rest and rehydrate, I resumed and completed the climb. I feel a revisit will be on the cards again soon!

Back in Seaton, having a little more gas in the tank, well Andy anyway, we completed a loop out to Colyford and back before then calling it a night. In all, a 15-20 mile ride (I neglected to power up the Garmin until well into the ride) in 90 minutes was good enough but no apres beer and chips tonight. Will be back out with the Pedallers on the Crosstrail next week, weather permitting .. and looking forward to hearing how the ride went this evening, did they all manage to avoid the monsoon?

Stats: 12.9 mi, 1hr 01m, Avg 12.5 mph, Max 28.8 mph, 768 kcal

Day 227 - Tractors and Punctures

Thursdays come around quick these days, I don't know whether it is just the shortening of the days or the frantic working hours I'm putting in. That aside, I was not totally prepared for my evening ride with the AVP tonight. Having shut the lid of my laptop at six, I had thirty minutes in which to kit up, grab some food and ride to our meeting point.

The weather had been surprisingly mild all day, so I decided on shorts and t-shirt (of the lycra variety of course) with a wind proof jacket to cut down on the down hill wind chills. I was obviously feeling controversial as I picked up my summer Sid Valley CC shirt to wear. After six months with the AVP, I'm still awaiting my club jersey - but I'm not bitter. So, after quickly consuming a banana and dressed from head to toe in Ferrari red, I arrived in surprisingly good time only to find, after chatting with Recumbent for a few minutes, that I had neglected to bring any water! Back on the bike, I beat a hasty retreat home, returning a few minutes later, Zero hydration tablet still fizzing in the bottle, as though nothing had happened. Oh well, with Andy heading up this week's distance leaderboard, I thought I needed all the mileage I could get anyway!

Andy & Chris junior

I did not count our numbers tonight, probably because I found myself leading the peloton out of Seaton from the off and so it was not until our first stop that I had opportunity to properly view our line up. I would say that we had around 15 riders, although luckily for all, it was not my job to keep track of such things. My lights, purchased last month at the NEC Cycle Show, continue to outshine my expectations. On full beam they are easily as bright as those on my car and when cycling across unlit paths and lanes in deepest darkest Devon they are outstanding. I think tonight, however, I over used this full beam setting, as by the time we had reached Axminster, the blue full charge neon had changed to red, warning me that I was now on reserve power. I must remember to recharge the battery pack before my next ride.

I would say we had around 15 riders in our line up

Just outside the village of Wadbrook, so Google maps informs me as I had no idea of our location on the ride, we stopped to regroup outside a large farm. While we could see very little outside of the beams of our lights, the farm yard aroma and the mooing of the beasts in their overnight accommodation gave away the purpose of the surrounding buildings. Then,  as if from the scene of an old Scoobydoo cartoon, the archetypal country farmer appeared from out of the shadows.  After an exchange of friendly greetings he opened the door of a brightly lit barn. Once our eyes had adjusted to the assault of light the poured from within, we were presented with the most spectacular collection of vintage tractors and farm machinery seats all brightly painted and hung from floor to ceiling like pictures in a stately home. What an incongruous sight.

Spectacular collection of vintage tractors and farm machinery seats 

Heading on towards Axminster we crossed the river bridge at Weycroft and took the Cycle path across rolling fields and cattle grids.  From Axminster, we crossed the now very familiar Kilmington cycle path to Whitford and Colyford. This path was, however, to be my undoing as riding over the hedge cutting strewn path, my front tyre was pierced by the largest hawthorn ever seen (by me anyway). At first I thought I'd picked up a sticky patch of leaves as they slapped the ground and grated on the bike's mud guards with every wheel rotation but as it finally broke free the hiss of escaping air and a soggy tyre meant only one thing. Once off the unlit cycle path, and under the watchful eye and support of Chris and Andy and the combined spot lights of my fellow riders, I stopped to replace the offending tube. As I commented on last week, a puncture is a very social affair.

 Replacing my inner tube under the watchful eye and support of
Chris & Andy and the combined spot lights my fellow riders

Puncture repaired, Chris then also spotted that he too was suffering from a deflating tyre. Rather than replacing the inner tube, time pressing on and near to home, he selected to force more air into the tube, his puncture being a slower one than that caused by my giant thorn! On our arrival into Colyton, Chris junior similarly reported a slow puncture, bringing the Kilmington tyre kill to 3, shocking! Sustrains .. once again, take note.

Another great AVP evening ride

In spite of the puncture(s), this was another great AVP evening ride with me registering 3 new PRs on Strava. Unfortunately, Andy lost at least 6-8 miles when he stopped Strava to help me with my tyre meaning that I am now just 3 miles behind him on the leaderboard. Dare I sneak these in during the rainy weekend? Only time will tell!

Stats: 26.63 mi, 2hr 05m, Avg 12.8 mph, Max 33.1 mph, 1,438 kcal

Day 223 - New Shoes and a Morning Hill Climb

Sunday 13th October, was the day of the Sid Valley CC. Peak Hill Climb, Sidmouth. I met up with Clive, Hovis and Andy at 8 am in Seaton, the plan being to cycle over to Sidmouth together and then Andy and I would head off on a circular route out to Honiton and back. I certainly had no intention of doing a time trial hill climb with my legs! That was not to say we would not be making any en route climbs, indeed, totally against my comprehension, Clive took us on some of the toughest climbs I've ridden on our way in and out of Branscombe over to Sidmouth - 'just warming up', he said!

Earlier in the week, I'd decided to invest in a pair of Specialized BG Pro Road Shoes and a set of Shimano R540 Light Action SPD SL Road Pedals, both in white to contrast with the colour-way of my Roubaix! This is my first journey into the world of clipless pedals and something not for the feint hearted. Although I rode out on a lunch time test Friday, this Sunday's ride was my first opportunity to really give them a good run out and what a great purchase they are turning out to be! Pedalling has never been so enjoyable. No slipping off when making a quick gear change and surprisingly comfortable. Only one incident of note, when crossing the A3052 at Bowd, I thought my left foot had made good contact but alas no and I ended up striking the crossbar, ouch!

From Sidmouth, Andy and I left Clive to do his competitive climb and headed on a more sedate ride out to Ottery St Mary and Honiton. This was a very pleasant cycle, but having completed this circuit before, I knew what lay ahead; to get out of Honiton, you have to climb. We took the quieter route up Northcote Hill, where at the summit Andy was there waiting to take the now obligatory paparazzi shot of me wobbling my way to the top. I don't mind .. just wish he'd got a close up of my new shoes!

Ascending Nothcote Hill

Once over this hill we frustratingly lose most of the hight gained meaning that although we have an enjoyable down hill roll, we then have another equally steep climb back up Stockland Hill. This however, marks the end of the serious climbing, leaving us with a very welcomed 10 mile gentle ride and a good natter back to Seaton.

 Ascending Stockland Hill 

This was another weather lucky week. I managed to get out on two really good rides and for the second week in a row, I found myself leading the club distance leaderboard .. mainly because of my Friday lunchtime excursion, else Andy would have pipped me!

Stats: 40.61 mi, 3hr 14m, Avg 12.5 mph, Max 33.0 mph, 2,340 kcal

Day 220 - APV Night Rider

A night ride with 16 good friends of the AVP is a particularly special occasion. I have surprised myself, having very much dismissed such an activity when it was suggested towards the end of summer, in really enjoying the experience!

We headed out as the sun set, through Colyton towards Offwell. This 3 mile climb out of Colyton is a steep one and it was not long before the group split with Ed racing ahead on his new racer. Having left his pannier clad, flag waving tourer at home, Ed was feeling the benefit of lightened aluminium frame and carbon forks, just as I did a few months back after first riding out on my Roubaix; a euphoric feeling!

10 miles in, just before we hit the junction with the A35, we punctured. I say 'we' as it is a very communal affair when any one of us suffers this unavoidable cycling event. The manufacturer who develops a truly puncture proof tyre will be a hero indeed, but just as with our oil companies who may know the secret of renewable energy, inner tube producers would never equally pursue such a profit destroying innovation!

While the experienced puncture fixers set to work on the tyre, with the efficiency of a Ferrari pit crew, the rest of us huddled like Emperor Penguins in an attempt to protect ourselves from the now plummeting temperatures, quite a change from the warm evening we enjoyed last week. 

What else is there to do, standing in the dark watching a tyre being changed under the power of a several thousand lumens, other than to record the event for posterity on our camera phones!

Inner tube replaced and back on the road, we headed south along the fast straight road that leads through the common, past Farway and towards Seaton. Andy lead out a three rider 'chain gang' with Ed and Chris. I attempted to get on the back wheel but after getting knocked back by the jet wash of a passing lorry, I could not generate sufficient speed out of the natural shelter from the wind that a close riding team provides. As much as I pounded on my Crosstrail's open peddles the three slowly pulled away until the pulsating red glow from their rear lights disappeared into the blackness ahead. In the distance behind me I could see the pin prick white lights of main peloton and I had visions of the many scenes shot over the summer of the grand tour cycling events, where the breakaway rider gets gradually pulled back into the main body of cyclists unable to maintain sufficient speed to stay out ahead alone. After a couple of miles the inevitable happened, the group happily reformed around me, it is surprisingly lonely to cycling alone in the dark.

On joining the main road from Sidmouth to Seaton we caught up with the breakaway three. Reforming as we started, our group of 17 riders continued on the final 3 mile into Seaton and while a couple peeled off on their homeward journeys the majority of us climbed Tower Hill to then experience the thrill of the steep 40 mph drop down into Colyford and the draw of the apres cycling beer and chips at the White Hart .. what a way to end a fabulous night's ride! Looking forward to next week already, oh yes and the 40 miler on Sunday, weather permitting.

Stats: 23.02 mi, 1hr 45m, Avg 13.1 mph, Max 37.5 mph, 1,306 kcal