Day 210 - Back to the Routine

It's been a bit of an anticlimax since the 100 miler. Autumn has descended with a bump, shortening the days and bringing with it unpredictable non-cycling weather. I did manage a 20 mile evening ride, between the showers, to Axminster and back with Andy mid week, but it was lucky that we maintained a level of speed which was not only to earn me a new 20 km PB but also get us back before darkness descended. Had it been a Thursday AVP night ride, I'd never have made it back on my low powered commuting lights. As I said back in August, it's time to buy some lights!

The past few weeks have been a real downer, as far as getting out on the bike, after such a great summer building to the high of the 100 mile ride. I have, however, during this spell of bad weather, had both a birthday and a visit to the Cycle Show to raise my spirits. My birthday brought me a quality set of winter cycling gloves and a cap to wear under my helmet. No more frozen fingers or ice cream sandwich headaches for me! 

At the Cycle Show at the NEC Birmingham, it was great to see all the new 2014 models, particularly Specialized's new colour ways for my Crosstrail and Roubaix. Had there been more stalls and less exhibition, I could have broken the bank!

Beema AS-2000

As it was, I found it hard to buy the road shoes I'm desperate to get hold of for my Roubaix but I did lay my hands on a Beema AS-2000 front light set from Bike Lights UK. It cost more than I was planning to spend but I think I've got a really good looking light with amazing performance and being able to talk through my requirements with a human being, rather than buy something wrong on-line made a pleasant change!

While at the exhibition, I came across the Tour of Britain podium as used on the final stage in London. This was set out with a life size cardboard cutout of Wiggo in his winners gold jersey and the Tour's hostess .. in the flesh .. to have your photo taken with. I didn't.

Back home and now with no excuse not to get out on the bike, having winterized my Crosstrail, fitting mudguards and installing my new 2000 lumen light set, and headed out for an evening circuit to Colyford via my three hills. I have to say that the lights are awesome; with three power settings they illuminates the roadsigns even on the lowest from quite some distance away. An inconsiderate motorist who passed unnecessarily close and at speed got a pulsating maximum lumen blast which lit up the evening sky, I think he got the message! I repeated the circuit again this morning .. I'm gradually easing myself back into the routine and hope to join up with the AVP on Thursday for a night ride although the weather forecast needs to greatly improve if this is to be a reality as I've already proven lycra to be far from waterproof!

Day 200 - Tour of Britain

Today the Tour of Britain arrived in Sidmouth for the start of stage 6, 137km through the Devonshire countryside, from the south coast to the hills of Dartmoor; to finish on the granite peak of Haytor. Being just 10 miles up the road, it was a day I made sure I'd booked off work as soon as I learned of the schedule. The plan was to ride over with AVP club mate, Andy to catch the start and then race across to Exeter while the riders looped their way north. Andy, however, had damaged knee ligaments during our 100 miler last weekend, so was not back on his bike, the decision for me, therefore, was whether to ride or drive. I was itching to get back on my bike, so I kitted my self out in GB colours (for the occasion) and rode but decided to just do Sidmouth today, I find long distances are better done with company.

Supporting Team GB ...
who would have known they would be the winning colours!

Following the climb up Seaton Down Hill, I headed out on the A3052, the main road to Sidmouth which at 8am was as busy as I've ever known it. This road at rush hour on a Friday morning was not a pleasant place to be, as commuters and white vans challenged each other to see how close they could pass me without making contact! In spite of the traffic distractions, or may be because of them, I made better time than I expected, reaching Sidmouth town centre in only 40 minutes. One route change I made to that I rode a couple of weeks ago, was to take the signposted cycle route down to Salcombe Regis past the observatory and into Sidmouth via the ford. I'd been told that this hill was heavy on brakes but this was not all, it was full of potholes and, being heavily wooded, strewn with puncture friendly cuttings difficult to avoid. I will not be taking this route again and am surprised at Sustrans even designating this as suitable for cyclists.

Sidmouth streets, cleared of traffic and pedestrians for the Tour of Britain

Once I'd secured my Roubaix in the already busy cycle park, I walked to sea front where the race was to start and where the professional cyclists were starting to gather. I've never seen Sidmouth roads so clear of people and cars. Over the next few hours, the crowds and local cycle clubs descended and I became less conscious of being the only one clad in colourful lycra! The atmosphere was amazing, friendly and buzzing with excitement.

The race begins

At 11am, right on plan, the 6th stage of the Tour of Britain started. I clambered for a view of the passing cyclists and caught the Yates' brothers dressed, as I, in Team GB colours, head out on this 85 mile road race to Hayor, high up on Dartmoor. Little did I know then that Simon would end up taking the stage win, and I would be wearing the winning team's colours!

Stats: 20 mi, 8hr 29m, Avg 14.1 mph, Max 35.2 mph, 1,165 kcal

0 - 100 in 6 Months - Part 3

A shower proof hiviz jacket gives little protection from a heavy downpour and so it was not long before I, like many of my fellow riders on the AVP 100 miler, were feeling very damp with 50 miles of our ride still to complete.

Before leaving Dulverton, a group photo captured us taking shelter under trees but there was no escaping the fact that we had to get back on the road else at our current rate of travel, we'd be riding home in the dark!

Back on the bikes we started on our way south along the A396 Exe Valley road at a good pace in spite of the rain. The level of chat reduced and there was a feeling of urgency in the peloton as we pressed on attempting to keep warm and get as much distance between us and the now heavy showers falling on the Exmoor hills behind. This strategy seemed to work as after around ten or so miles, we found ourselves breaking free of the darkest clouds and the rain eased to a drizzle. The peloton split on a series of steady down hill sections and Andy became the second of our group to puncture. Without Clive and his CO2 gizmo, who was out front with myself, Bobble, Gillian, Compass and a couple of other riders, Buster came to the rescue with brute strength and a traditional pump. 

We turned off the Exe Valley road early at Bolham to avoid the busy A396 / A361 roundabout and passed the entrance to Knightshayes, the large Victorian country house of which I have had many a pleasant Sunday visit to, during sunnier times and when not clad in lycra! With 30 miles to go, the rain then returned with vengeance. I only have vague memory of passing through Tiverton, Willand, Uffclme and Culmstock (again). And by the time we got to Hemyock, we were all so soaked through that no one was even up for our final 25 mile food stop, we pressed on. The Broad Street 4 mile climb out of Hemyock provided much needed warmth for our bodies and saw me finish off my last energy bar. The only fuel now left in my pockets were a few emergency and probably equally soggy Jelly Babies! The final climb was between Upottery and the A30, Bobble and Andy shot up this like rockets but I was happy to remain partially sheltered in the body of the peloton; feeling like one of those Emperor Penguins huddled together, sheltering from the storms. 

Prior to the ride, Clive had posted on the club's Facebook page "Here is the profile of the last 13miles of the AVP 100 miler, once you get 87th mile you are almost home and dry!" We had now entered this phase but were far from dry!

Here is the profile of the last 13miles of the AVP 100 miler

The rain by now was being driven into us by ever increasing winds. I found that extended riding in rain brings about a strange sensation. Water filled shoes become warm and pleasant when freewheeling but cold and squelchy when pedalling. The taste of salt from the rain and stinging eyes confused me for a while, until I realised that the air holes in the helmet which are normally such a blessing were filling with water to be then cascaded down my face. I've seen this week how the Tour of Britain riders have waterproof covers over their shoes and helmets while riding through such weather, now I know why!

We finally rolled into Seaton together at 6 pm, twelve hours after we had left. Surprisingly we were all in good spirits, I think mainly with the euphoria of completing the event together under such challenging conditions. It was a nice touch for all to be handed a laminated "AVP Certificate of Achievement" and a final group photo was taken.

Final group photo

This was by no means a quick ride, and I believe that without all the rain, the head winds and slow meandering we could have taken as much as an hour off the ride time, however, for a first 100 miler it was the perfect combination of good riding, socialising and adventure and I can't wait to do the next one ... but perhaps, I can wait until it warms up again next year! 

While writing up this final blog entry, I caught a snippet of the sport news this morning when it was announced that the former US heavyweight boxing champion Ken Norton, who beat Muhammad Ali, has died at the age of 70. I admit I did not know much of Ken Norton but the presenter went on to say that in later life he became well respected as a positive thinker and known for the saying "What the mind can conceive the body can perform". I conceived the idea that I could do a 100 mile ride a few months into my 'tour' but it was only in the last few weeks that I believed it could be possible.

Stats: 103.1 mi, 8hr 29m, Avg 11.7 mph, Max 31.7 mph, 5,121 kcal

0 - 100 in 6 Months - Part 2

At 06:15, fifteen riders headed out from Seaton TIC up Castle Hill and towards Beer. It is amazing how the sun can rise so quickly and how in just a few minutes darkness is replaced by a beautiful orange glow. The sun rise, as we climbed up out of Beer along Stovar Long Lane, was spectacular.

Our first challenging hill came after 18 miles; a 5 mile, 890 ft climb from Feniton, up through Penscombe Wood to Hembury Fort at the summit. After a much needed breather, we headed on and down through Blackborough to our first 25 mile cafe stop at Culmstock. The time was 09:00.

Handbag's cycle in AVP colours

The owners of the little Strand Cafe were kind enough to open early this Sunday morning and applied us with tea, coffee and cake in portions that many riders were able to keep themselves fuelled on for most of the morning. Having packed sufficient energy bars and a banana I was in need of no further fuel, although the strong black coffee was most welcomed.

Refuelled after our first cafe stop

Service was swift and we were back on the road before our legs totally cooled down and just as locals started arriving; perfect timing as we had previously taken up every table and square space available.

Continuing north, we crossed the M5 and rode following the course of the Grand Western Canal. This was a very picturesque and quiet route with next to no traffic. Although we did abruptly come upon a lady astride a horse, stopped side on in the road on a blind shaded corner which required me to slide, throwing my back wheel out, in order to bring myself to a halt before colliding with both the horse, Andy and Clive centimetres ahead of me! Much to the lady's distress, Clive called out to the remaining 12 yet to make the bend and was aghast to hear that there were still this number to descend on her! My new tyres now had a flat spot. I also think I had picked up a few stone shards as a further 5 miles down the road I became the first of our number to puncture.

Clive shows off his new gizmo while I attempt to store away the punctured inner tube 

Luckily,  I was carrying my spare inner tubes and was surrounded by seasoned cyclists who knew the drill as well as any F1 pit crew. Clive also got to use his new CO2 inflating gizmo to bring my tyre pressure up to 100 psi in a matter of seconds; much better than any hand pump would ever achieve in either time or firmness. Another purchase to consider!

A leisurely amble through Bampton

After the impromptu pitstop we had a leisurely amble through Bampton and remained on the quiet and free running National Cycle Route #3, heading further north via Morebath and Brushforth towards the Exmoor National Park, our intended halfway lunch stop.

While rain had been threatening as the morning had progressed, we were feeling luck was on our side as it always seemed to be falling out on the horizon and not on us. We reached our 50 mile marker at around midday, as we entered the National Park and the outskirts of Dulverton. This was where we had an extended stop for lunch. Some had loaded cake and sandwiches onto the support car, others went to a local cafe for what looked to me to be a full sunday dinner and I munched on another energy bar and shared cake.

It was during our lunch stop that the inevitable happened, the heavens opened!

More to follow in part 3 ....

0 - 100 in 6 Months - Part 1

When I started my 'tour' six months ago, I had little real idea where this would take me. My only objective then was to do a few miles a week to build my fitness and to burn off a few pounds. Before this, my last cycle ride was over 20 years ago and in more recent years, during my gym period, I purposely steered clear of the excercise bike in favour of the running machine. It was with considerable trepidation, therefore, that I decided to make a return to two wheels.

All this seemed a distant memory when early on Sunday morning, I left the house in total darkness to join my fellow Axe Valley Pedallers on a challenging 100 mile ride to Exmoor and back. The change in weather at the start of the week had signalled the slide from summer to autumn and it was going to be touch and go as to whether the promised weekend storms would even cancel the ride. Saturday was, in contrast, a glorious day of sun, blue sky and cloud, a perfect day for cycling, but all eyes were on Sunday and the Atlantic driven wind and rain due in the early afternoon. The deal was that we would go if it looked as though we could complete most of the ride in clear weather or light rain. A check made on the Club's Facebook page that Saturday night indicated no change, we were on!

My preparation over the last few months through to this week had been measured. I had been committed to my weekly 20+ mile ride with the AVP and averaging 60 miles a week in total. I'd joined the Sid Valley Cycling Club to get in longer 40 mile rides a month before and maintained this distance for the 3 weeks before the 100 miler. In the week preceding I completed two 10 mile rides, between the showers, just to keep the legs spinning. My last ride was on the Thursday morning to give time for any aches to have left my legs, which was something I experienced the previous week on my 40 mile ride out to Honiton and a lesson I did not want to repeat. I was feeling I had got myself to the required minimum level of fitness and was ready.

Having amassed a range of Lycra over the season, the decision of what to wear was the next challenge. The weather seemed to have put pay to my original plan of wearing the summer Sid Valley club top as it afforded no option to layer, I knew I should have gone for the larger size! The alternative was my winter jersey and risk overheating. The impending storm led me to select winter jersey with a thin short sleeved base layer, a good compromise. On top of this I would also wear a wafer thin hiviz shower proof jacket that I could roll into a pocket when the sun was up and out of the rain. For my legs it would be shorts, the temperature has to be in single figures before I cover up in full length Lycra. The bike received similar attention. I attached a larger saddle bag containing two spare innertubes, tyre levers, energy bars and isotonic drink tablets. Tyres were inflated to 110 psi, pump tested, chain oiled and water bottles filled. We were ready.

It was just a few minutes ride to the Tourist Information Centre, our meeting point, so after a leisurely rise at 05:00 and a cereal & banana breakfast, I rolled up alongside a few early arrivals before the town clock could strike 06:00. The group were easily spotted by their pulsating red lights, circling around the glow of a street lamp, like illuminated moths. Our first task was to sign in with mobile numbers and next of kin details, what did the next few hours have in store for us? Good to be prepared, Clive, our ride organiser, even had a first aid kit strapped to his handle bars! By 06:15 all fifteen riders had signed on, five ladies, nine men and one German schoolboy on a mountain bike! At this early hour, the weather was looking promising, clear of the forecasted rain and winds, as we saddled up and headed out on our adventure, knowing only that our route would take us north as far as Exmoor.

More to follow in Part 2 ...

Day 187 - Morning Ride with Andy

With just 8 days before the AVP 100 miler, I had a number of options this weekend to get in a few extra miles training before the big day. The AVP were planning a gentle 30 miler out from Ottery St Mary to Exmouth, the Sid Valley CC would have their Sunday am fast paced 40+ mile ride and my new good friend and Specialized sparing partner from AVP extended me the offer of joining him on a Saturday morning training circuit. In the end the decision was easy.

Andy and I met on Seaton Down Hill for the steep climb out of town. This is the hill I set my fitness by as I've only recently been able to make it to the top without stopping. Today, I could still feel Thursday's ride in my legs, so I did somewhat fear for how the rest of the morning would go.

First stop Sidmouth, Andy in AVP and me (unseen) in my SVCC colours

I was really pleased that we planned to head out via Sidmouth, as on the 20th September, I'm cycling over there to see the start of stage 6 of the Tour of Britain. I'm not sure, however, that I'll use the same route out, as we then made our way, 7 miles inland, to Ottery St Mary before then taking the old single carriage A30 into Honiton where, after 25 miles in the saddle, we stopped for a much needed coffee and cake!

Having taken on fuel, we had a double climb up Stockland Hill out of Honiton, over which I adopted the snaking mountain pass manoeuvre to level out the assent and maintain some level of forward momentum. I'm not sure whether it was this unconventional climbing motion or the technical hitch I'll comment on later, but something totally confused Strava, because for some reason it awarded me the King of the Mountain (KOM) for the Stockland Hill Climb, which unbelievably no one has climbed before! Oh well a KOM is a KOM and I think this is one which will never be taken from me, as I can't see that it is a route that actually exists!  Once at the top of the 'mountain', the remaining 15 miles were more or less down hill back through Shute and Colyton to Seaton.

JRB wins KOM for the Stockland Hill Climb

The technical hitch I commented earlier on, was on leaving Honiton, when my Garmin decided during our coffee stop that it should include itself, such that it powered down for a rest. This unexpected feature in its design was not, however, spotted until a further 3 or so miles had been covered. Luckily, Strava accounted for the missed miles in its final report, but this being unknown to us at the time and having only registered 39 miles on entering Seaton, we madly decided to do an additional circuit of Axmouth to bring the total above 40 miles! Unbelievably, although in reality I'd already completed some 41 miles, I then went on to achieve my best ever times on both the Seaton to Axmouth and Axmouth Gate to Boshill sprints! What a finish to a great morning's ride.

Stats: 44.4 mi, 2hr 56m, Avg 14.1 mph, Max 44.7 mph, 2,323 kcal

Day 185 - Hill Training

This week, so far, I have been focussing on training for next weekend's 100 miler with the AVP. After a fun weekend ride exploring the the Taunton Stop Line, it was back down to some serious hill training with a three interesting evening circuit climbs.

Monday was the Peco Hill Climb dash. Anyone who has walked up to Pecorama in Beer will know the hill I speak of here, it ends with a 12%+ corker of a climb. I last attempted this back on Day 35 in April and had to dismount to make it to the top. Today, I made it in one go and still in the saddle.

Wednesday evening, I managed to squeeze in the Seaton Down Hill circuit between finishing work and before dinner. This is a 10% one mile steady climb, cruelly increasing in severity the closer you get to the Tower at the summit. The enjoyable part of this climb, however, is the 2 mile 40mph drop down into Colyford, naturally, slowing to 30mph to keep within the speed limit at the junction with Harepath Road!

Thursday was my regular 20 mile AVP Evening Ride, which tonight took us out on the hilly Lyme Regis circuit a route I last did on Day 89, on my second outing with the AVP back at the end of May. This time I was so much more prepared for what was to come and fitter too. On the 4 mile climb out of Lyme, the garden wall, I normally stop for a breather at was passed by and the grass verge I've used in the past to take a much needed lie down on, was left undisturbed. It was still a hard ride, averaging over 12 mph over the distance and reaching speeds of 37 mph on some of the drops. And I almost forgot, Andy and I kicked off the circuit with a ride up Stepps Lane, a 2 mile climb out of Axmouth reaching 15% and one which certainly got the heart racing and the lungs screaming for air!

Once in Lyme, we did take a sneaky cycle along the front, past the beach huts and late opening cafes. By the time we turned for home, the sun was setting fast and visibility became a problem with my underpowered lights. Covering our potholed and gravel strewn roads at speed on my skinny tyre Roubaix is a different prospect to being on my almost indestructible Crosstrail, so I can see this probably being my last APV evening ride for the year, unless I switch back to the hybrid.

Back at the pub, for a carb hit of chips and beer, the talk was of next week's 100 miler. The plan is to head out from Seaton next Sunday at 06:30 towards Exmoor, with food stops every 25 miles. We will also be accompanied by a support vehicle, with room for a few bikes in the event of incidents, and which will also carry a supply of water and food just in case. Cafes along the route have also been lined up to expect us. What I now need, is to get in a few more miles training this weekend be be on top of my game and for the weather to be kind for the Grand Tour!

When comparing the stats with my ride in May, I shaved 20 minutes off the total ride time, increased my average speed by 4.5 mph and reached a top speed of 5 mph more; no wonder my legs are crying out for a rest!

Stats: 20.78 mi, 1hr 41m, Avg 12.3 mph, Max 37.7 mph, 1,194 kcal