Happy days .. was a bit of a trial getting this installed👨🔧
Although this has been a sense of achievement, I won’t be giving up the day job anytime soon! 👨💻
Thanks Ben @colyford_cycles for the encouragement!
Sunday, 24 November 2019
12,000 Mile Service for the Roubaix
Happy days .. was a bit of a trial getting this installed👨🔧
Although this has been a sense of achievement, I won’t be giving up the day job anytime soon! 👨💻
Thanks Ben @colyford_cycles for the encouragement!
Tuesday, 24 September 2019
Back on Mull
Five years after my first visit to Mull we're back to experience the quiet roads and spectacular scenery.
Here are a few shots of the Venge which I decided to take on this trip, probably not the best choice for the wet and windy isle but worth battling the elements for the views!
Here are a few shots of the Venge which I decided to take on this trip, probably not the best choice for the wet and windy isle but worth battling the elements for the views!
And here's the route taken, following in that discovered 5 years ago and I just hope it's not another 5 years before I return!
Thursday, 19 September 2019
The Gordon Arms Mountain TT
Set in the Scottish Borders and based at the Gordon Arms Hotel, runs an early season Mountain Time Trial.
As British Cycling events page describes: "The course starts and finishes at the Gordon Arms and you start with a long climb to the Berry Bush then a fast technical descent to the Ettrick Valley. You then have a fast undulating route down the Ettrick Valley to the start of the Swire. This famous borders climb has to be ridden and can often have snow by the side of the road at this time of year, It is followed by a fast descent to Yarrow kirk and finally the homeward run along the Yarrow Valley to the finish".
It was a total coincidence that I was able to combine my new found love of the TT with a chance few nights stopover near Ettrick, en-route to Mull and naturally I just had to do the ride! Missing the official event by 6 months, there was no snow and the warming September sun was kindly doing its thing. I wasn't staying at the Gordon Arms so I had to enter the course at the base of the Cat 3 Swire Climb (should really be the Cote de Swire). It was here that I realised that the 'Mountain' reference in the TT's title was not the understatement that for some reason I had thought! This is a 3km climb at an average 8% gradient with beautiful switchbacks and views to match. Once at the top as per the route description the drop in to Yarrow Kirk is steep and with the previous evening's rain now running off across the shingle covered tarmac, some caution was required. How the riders cope with this back in March with the risk of snow and ice, I can't imagine.
After a stop at the Gordon Arms for a photo, no time for refreshments, I imagine the hustle and bustle here of the official start. On this September morning, there was a noticeable absence of anyone, let alone any other cyclists. From this official start, the 6km Cat4 4% climb to the Berry Bush is no trouble for this Devon cyclist, albeit I have some work to do with a time of 7mi 32s v the KOM 3mi 40s, although I've never claimed to be a speedy hill climber and my position of 2783 / 7078 does place me in the top half of the table, so I'm happy with that.
It managed 2 rides over this route and would definitely do it again at the drop of a hat, although probably not in March!
As British Cycling events page describes: "The course starts and finishes at the Gordon Arms and you start with a long climb to the Berry Bush then a fast technical descent to the Ettrick Valley. You then have a fast undulating route down the Ettrick Valley to the start of the Swire. This famous borders climb has to be ridden and can often have snow by the side of the road at this time of year, It is followed by a fast descent to Yarrow kirk and finally the homeward run along the Yarrow Valley to the finish".
It was a total coincidence that I was able to combine my new found love of the TT with a chance few nights stopover near Ettrick, en-route to Mull and naturally I just had to do the ride! Missing the official event by 6 months, there was no snow and the warming September sun was kindly doing its thing. I wasn't staying at the Gordon Arms so I had to enter the course at the base of the Cat 3 Swire Climb (should really be the Cote de Swire). It was here that I realised that the 'Mountain' reference in the TT's title was not the understatement that for some reason I had thought! This is a 3km climb at an average 8% gradient with beautiful switchbacks and views to match. Once at the top as per the route description the drop in to Yarrow Kirk is steep and with the previous evening's rain now running off across the shingle covered tarmac, some caution was required. How the riders cope with this back in March with the risk of snow and ice, I can't imagine.
After a stop at the Gordon Arms for a photo, no time for refreshments, I imagine the hustle and bustle here of the official start. On this September morning, there was a noticeable absence of anyone, let alone any other cyclists. From this official start, the 6km Cat4 4% climb to the Berry Bush is no trouble for this Devon cyclist, albeit I have some work to do with a time of 7mi 32s v the KOM 3mi 40s, although I've never claimed to be a speedy hill climber and my position of 2783 / 7078 does place me in the top half of the table, so I'm happy with that.
It managed 2 rides over this route and would definitely do it again at the drop of a hat, although probably not in March!
Monday, 2 September 2019
Bike Fit #3, Bike n.5
Like busses as they say ... you wait 5 years and then 2 bike fits come along in as many weeks! But why so soon, when the Venge fit was such a success just a few weeks ago?
Yes, bike n.5 has been acquired. Having made it known to my cycling buddies that I may be in the market for something more suitable to ride next year's Time Trials, I was pointed to a couple of cycle buy and sell FaceBook pages. Deja Vu the Venge purchase, as what should appear on my screen during a random browse ... a Specialized TT bike. It was not the new Shiv with the eye watering 5 digit price tag but a model I had not previously come across. It was a bike frame called the Transition, and advertised for not only a "come and buy me" price hard to ignore, but more amazingly it was for sale in North Devon and in my size!
The die was truly cast. Another day trip west was planned and the outcome mirrored that experienced with the Venge almost 4 years ago, I handed over the crisp notes in payment and loaded the bright red, Specialized Transition Pro into the bike transporter!
Being a total TT bike novice, in the extreme, I didn't dare test drive it; to have fallen off would have been very bad form! So, the first thing I had to do .. well after renewing the bar tape, fitting some pedals and changing the saddle .. was to get a proper bike fit and thus back to Tony at Tribe Cycle Solutions I went.
When I had my first ever bike fit, the technician confirmed that on a flexibility scale of 1-10, I was probably close to zero, therefore, getting into a most unnatural superman position, while pedalling at the same time, felt as alien to me as the visitor from Krypton must have been to the people of Smallville!
At least, however, I now know how this craft should be flown and my plan now is to hit the turbo as many week day evenings as possible through the winter in a vain attempt to mould myself into the personified TT superman, I need to be to ride this thing faster than the Venge in next year's events. Oh my!
Yes, bike n.5 has been acquired. Having made it known to my cycling buddies that I may be in the market for something more suitable to ride next year's Time Trials, I was pointed to a couple of cycle buy and sell FaceBook pages. Deja Vu the Venge purchase, as what should appear on my screen during a random browse ... a Specialized TT bike. It was not the new Shiv with the eye watering 5 digit price tag but a model I had not previously come across. It was a bike frame called the Transition, and advertised for not only a "come and buy me" price hard to ignore, but more amazingly it was for sale in North Devon and in my size!
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| 25th August 2019 bike n.5 |
Being a total TT bike novice, in the extreme, I didn't dare test drive it; to have fallen off would have been very bad form! So, the first thing I had to do .. well after renewing the bar tape, fitting some pedals and changing the saddle .. was to get a proper bike fit and thus back to Tony at Tribe Cycle Solutions I went.
When I had my first ever bike fit, the technician confirmed that on a flexibility scale of 1-10, I was probably close to zero, therefore, getting into a most unnatural superman position, while pedalling at the same time, felt as alien to me as the visitor from Krypton must have been to the people of Smallville!
At least, however, I now know how this craft should be flown and my plan now is to hit the turbo as many week day evenings as possible through the winter in a vain attempt to mould myself into the personified TT superman, I need to be to ride this thing faster than the Venge in next year's events. Oh my!
Sunday, 18 August 2019
Bike Fit #2
It's hard to believe that it was 5 years ago that I had my first and only bike fit. This was the day that I picked up my new shiny Specialized Tarmac, bike n.3, from the Bike Shed in Exeter. My cycling and riding position has improved considerably since then and on reflection, I probably need another fitting as my body has taken on a more pro cycling form .. in my head anyway!
But this was not the reason for me heading over to Tribe Cycle Solutions in Bovey Tracy last Friday with Clive, my fellow Pedaller and recent time trial coach. The shots of me participating in the recent local TTs, sitting in a way more like I'm out on a gentle Saturday club run than in the aero tuck required of a time trial, has made me think of purchasing a dedicated TT machine or at least look to convert my Venge into one. The visit to Tribe was therefore to assess the suitability of the Venge and fit my self into a more aero position for the 2020 season.
After a day's pure bike pampering in a sweaty room behind a quite idilic cycling cafe on the edge of Dartmoor, I now have the Venge in a much more, power, aero and comfort maximised setup. Since I purchased the Venge, it has always been a challenging bike to ride; so stiff, so compact and skittish. Now I feel I have the measure of it and may be will save the ££££ in upgrading or purchasing a new and give 2020's TTs a blast with this new setup.
You'll have to keep tuned to see if this happens, or whether the n+1 card is played, as I can't believe it's close to 4 years since bike n.4 joined the family!
But this was not the reason for me heading over to Tribe Cycle Solutions in Bovey Tracy last Friday with Clive, my fellow Pedaller and recent time trial coach. The shots of me participating in the recent local TTs, sitting in a way more like I'm out on a gentle Saturday club run than in the aero tuck required of a time trial, has made me think of purchasing a dedicated TT machine or at least look to convert my Venge into one. The visit to Tribe was therefore to assess the suitability of the Venge and fit my self into a more aero position for the 2020 season.
After a day's pure bike pampering in a sweaty room behind a quite idilic cycling cafe on the edge of Dartmoor, I now have the Venge in a much more, power, aero and comfort maximised setup. Since I purchased the Venge, it has always been a challenging bike to ride; so stiff, so compact and skittish. Now I feel I have the measure of it and may be will save the ££££ in upgrading or purchasing a new and give 2020's TTs a blast with this new setup.
You'll have to keep tuned to see if this happens, or whether the n+1 card is played, as I can't believe it's close to 4 years since bike n.4 joined the family!
Friday, 26 July 2019
Seaton Wetlands Cycle Path
Back in 2015 there was a new cycle path laid through the Seaton Wetlands to join Colyford to Seaton. This cycle path was all part of a major investment proposed in 2009 and finally approved in 2011 to make the Wetlands more accessible, with hides and raised walkways for visitors to enjoy this tranquil environment and to extend the Stop Line Way cycle route. The former has been a total success the latter, well, we've yet to see.
The cycle path is accessed from Seaton via the cemetery's shingle carpark and exits abruptly onto the Colyford road with no signage at either end. Just as only Hogwarts Students know how to access their platform at Kings Cross, only those in the know would ever be aware of the Season Wetlands Cycle Path, let alone how to access it!
It transpires that not everything is as straight forward as one thinks it should be. I understand there's been a bit of an issue with landowners and a misaligned council agendas .. much of the human race is naturally flawed to be narcissistic and sociopathic. It just has to be accepted these days that it takes years to conclude something which should take seconds to agree and put in place, though I'm not sure anyone actually benefits in the long term.
I had the opportunity to meet with our local town mayor a few weeks ago and put to him the issue of the lack of signage for the 'new' Wetlands cycle path. This led me on the trail to Devon County and East Devon District Councils. Oh don't we love our bureaucracy. Anyway, the upshot of all this is that some signage will be put up but they won't be official Cycle Path ones as the path is not actually finished ... !
The positive news, is that Martin Shaw, Independent East Devon Alliance County Councillor for Seaton & Colyton, informs me that the County Council is at last formally proceeding with the CPO (Compulsory Purchase Order) for the Wetlands route, as seen marked in this map of the land to be acquired.
Also, Cllr Ian Hall (Axminster) has also apparently recently expressed an interest in the development of the rest of the Seaton-Axminster route; this Stop Line Way
The cycle path is accessed from Seaton via the cemetery's shingle carpark and exits abruptly onto the Colyford road with no signage at either end. Just as only Hogwarts Students know how to access their platform at Kings Cross, only those in the know would ever be aware of the Season Wetlands Cycle Path, let alone how to access it!
It transpires that not everything is as straight forward as one thinks it should be. I understand there's been a bit of an issue with landowners and a misaligned council agendas .. much of the human race is naturally flawed to be narcissistic and sociopathic. It just has to be accepted these days that it takes years to conclude something which should take seconds to agree and put in place, though I'm not sure anyone actually benefits in the long term.
I had the opportunity to meet with our local town mayor a few weeks ago and put to him the issue of the lack of signage for the 'new' Wetlands cycle path. This led me on the trail to Devon County and East Devon District Councils. Oh don't we love our bureaucracy. Anyway, the upshot of all this is that some signage will be put up but they won't be official Cycle Path ones as the path is not actually finished ... !
The positive news, is that Martin Shaw, Independent East Devon Alliance County Councillor for Seaton & Colyton, informs me that the County Council is at last formally proceeding with the CPO (Compulsory Purchase Order) for the Wetlands route, as seen marked in this map of the land to be acquired.
Also, Cllr Ian Hall (Axminster) has also apparently recently expressed an interest in the development of the rest of the Seaton-Axminster route; this Stop Line Way
I am informed by a fellow Pedaller, however, that this is similar to a position we were in back in 2016 so, I'll keep you posted.
Wednesday, 24 July 2019
The Tour de France & Memories
One thing that has always been special about the modern day coverage of the Tour de France is the amazing photography and scenic shots from the helicopters which follow the peloton as it weaves its way across France. Having spent many a happy summer’s holiday across the Channel, it is alway a thrill to catch a view of a familiar sight which brings back fond past memories. One year I am determined to combine the two!
Anyway yesterday the peloton was in Nîmes and memories of a steamy visit to the amphitheater flooded back. We were there last June, when gladiators were replaced by a music act rehearsing for an evening show.
The peloton was later seen crossing the Pont du Gard, the Roman aqueduct and the destination of another of last June’s holiday excursions. Amazing to think of the peloton crossing that narrow ancient structure just as we had, I wonder if they were in as much awe as us or was it just another road to traverse?
One attraction I did not see them passing or visiting, as we had on that day, was the Haribo museum! I’m sure they would have had they known they were so close, those little sugary morsels being such a good friend of the cyclist .. or is that just this one!?
The peloton was later seen crossing the Pont du Gard, the Roman aqueduct and the destination of another of last June’s holiday excursions. Amazing to think of the peloton crossing that narrow ancient structure just as we had, I wonder if they were in as much awe as us or was it just another road to traverse?
One attraction I did not see them passing or visiting, as we had on that day, was the Haribo museum! I’m sure they would have had they known they were so close, those little sugary morsels being such a good friend of the cyclist .. or is that just this one!?
Tuesday, 23 July 2019
End of my First TT Season
This evening I completed my 4th local time trial event and the final one of the season. Although only achieving my 3rd quickest time over the course, I’m still pleased to have maintained my targeted sub 30 minutes.
I’ve been amazingly consistent on the first split with most time, gained or lost on the second; so something to work on for next year. My season’s times for the 10 mile course were - 29:57, 29:15, 29:30, 29:54.
It’s been a blast and naturally I’m now going to be looking out for those bike upgrades and personal improvements to make those all important marginal gains which could help me achieve a sub 28 minute time next year!
Thanks to Clive & Richard, my AVP racing buddies, for their encouragement and support in getting me into this new area of competitive cycling.
I’ve been amazingly consistent on the first split with most time, gained or lost on the second; so something to work on for next year. My season’s times for the 10 mile course were - 29:57, 29:15, 29:30, 29:54.
It’s been a blast and naturally I’m now going to be looking out for those bike upgrades and personal improvements to make those all important marginal gains which could help me achieve a sub 28 minute time next year!
Thanks to Clive & Richard, my AVP racing buddies, for their encouragement and support in getting me into this new area of competitive cycling.
Saturday, 29 June 2019
New AVP Race Jersey
With the advancing interest in competative cycling, the AVP has a new jersey for its fledgling race team! This is a potential game changer for a club which has a predominately social and ageing cycling membership. The importance of the second kit, lost on some but starting to be understood by most, is to differentiate the heritage from the competitive; after all, the memory of me being asked to remove the word 'sport' from our Charter a few years back is still all too fresh in my memory! I've even designed a new club flyer to illustrate the intent.
You'll notice the new jersey sports, not only a new colour scheme but also a couple of sponsor names: our local and now more of a club house than cycle and coffee shop, The Filling Station & Colyford Cycles and RBS Scaffolding.
You'll see this more and more over the summer as we have 2 riders competing in the Seaton Cyclefest and race and TT season gets into full swing.
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| The new Club flyer |
You'll notice the new jersey sports, not only a new colour scheme but also a couple of sponsor names: our local and now more of a club house than cycle and coffee shop, The Filling Station & Colyford Cycles and RBS Scaffolding.
You'll see this more and more over the summer as we have 2 riders competing in the Seaton Cyclefest and race and TT season gets into full swing.
Tuesday, 18 June 2019
Time to Time Trial
We have a transformation taking place within our cycling club at the moment. With the establishment of a race committee, the interest in competitive events has soared. In the past 2 months we've had 37 member entries to crits and time trials, an almost a 10 fold increase on last year.
So when I had the call from one of my racing members to see I wanted to join him and take part in my first local TT, how could I refuse!
The entry list was not large, but this meant at least I was guaranteed a top 10 position! And my time was just under 30 minutes, a credible time for an old first time as myself!
So when I had the call from one of my racing members to see I wanted to join him and take part in my first local TT, how could I refuse!
The entry list was not large, but this meant at least I was guaranteed a top 10 position! And my time was just under 30 minutes, a credible time for an old first time as myself!
Will be back next week for another go .. I may bee hooked!
Sunday, 2 June 2019
Tour of Cambridgeshire 100
Never Say Never Again is that Bond movie Sean Connery should never have made. Every time I get the urge to enter another sportive, I am reminded that these are the same words I say after every such event and yet just as with Connery, I never know when to quit! So, when one of my Coffee Club mates suggested we ride the Tour of Cambridgeshire 100 mile sportive, the answer was obviously, yes.
A couple of weeks before the event, I had the perfect excuse to call it all off when my ride partner, a fanatical Liverpool fan, though the Champions' League Final was a more important occasion than riding 100 miles with his Coffee Club mate! But just as with Connery, for some reason I decided, I had to do it; after all, when would a Devon cyclist have such an opportunity to ride so far over such flat land.
The Saturday before the ride was the day to register and an opportunity to test the route I would be cycling to start; thus avoiding the closed roads, the A1 and the extortionate parking charges the East of England Show Ground proposed charging for the privilege of parking on their grass!
The day of the ride begins well. I enter the start gate from the wrong direction, but this at least ensures I am at the front of the peloton, even if I get a few strange looks. This actually turns out to be an important advantage when food and water unfortunately soon starts to run dry at the feed stations for later riders.
As for the ride, well it was a different from anything I've done to date .. no hills! But strong winds over the Fens made for an interesting experience. I think I prefer the hills, at least you can see them!
A couple of weeks before the event, I had the perfect excuse to call it all off when my ride partner, a fanatical Liverpool fan, though the Champions' League Final was a more important occasion than riding 100 miles with his Coffee Club mate! But just as with Connery, for some reason I decided, I had to do it; after all, when would a Devon cyclist have such an opportunity to ride so far over such flat land.
The Saturday before the ride was the day to register and an opportunity to test the route I would be cycling to start; thus avoiding the closed roads, the A1 and the extortionate parking charges the East of England Show Ground proposed charging for the privilege of parking on their grass!
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| The 'cycle path' was not really fit for the Venue |
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| Registration at the East of England Show Ground |
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| Registration complete .. this is my number The same which ever way you look at it! |
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| My steed, this will be its longest ride |
The day of the ride begins well. I enter the start gate from the wrong direction, but this at least ensures I am at the front of the peloton, even if I get a few strange looks. This actually turns out to be an important advantage when food and water unfortunately soon starts to run dry at the feed stations for later riders.
As for the ride, well it was a different from anything I've done to date .. no hills! But strong winds over the Fens made for an interesting experience. I think I prefer the hills, at least you can see them!
So that's it, no need to do another one .. or is it another case of never say never again?!
Saturday, 11 May 2019
Coffee Club Ride does il Pirata
Half of the Coffee Club were in il Pirata pink today to celebrate the start of the Giro d’Italia.
The route took in Beer, Branscombe, Sidmouth, Honiton, Shute, Kilmington then home. 42 miles & 3,900 ft in glorious sunny weather through beautiful countryside .. just can’t beat cycling on days like today.
I’m sure all know that Marco Pantani, whom the pink Giro d’Italia jerseys celebrate, was known as il Pirata, the pirate .. hence the coincidence of what is behind us!
The route took in Beer, Branscombe, Sidmouth, Honiton, Shute, Kilmington then home. 42 miles & 3,900 ft in glorious sunny weather through beautiful countryside .. just can’t beat cycling on days like today.
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