AVP do the 2018 Gridiron

The Gridiron is a type of cycling sportive more akin to an Audax which has been run by the Wessex CTC for the past 26 years. Ordinarily 1000 riders saddle up in the late autumn sun for a 100 km ride around the New Forrest. This, my first entry on the Gridiron was secured following considerable peer pressure with the promise of great scenery and weather.

I've condensed 6 hours of on bike footage into a 4 minute video. This provides evidence of the promised amazing weather and scenery. Surprisingly, the main protagonist behind me securing entry decided not to venture out and join me on my first ever appearance at this, his most favourite of events!

Yes it rained non-stop for the 6 hours, not a stitch on me remained dry!


 

AVP Thursday Night Dampening

The British weather is a source of constant interest to us on this isle and over the last few weeks has been equally so to our Pedallers. We've had beautiful near summer days, thick fog, torrential rain and  now close to zero temperatures. Knowing what to wear when out for a long ride is a challenge at the best of times and tonight was no different!

Thursday night's foray into the Devon hills started out in daylight. I'm loving the way the days are drawing out now and with the clocks going forward an hour over the weekend, I am looking forward to seeing even more of the countryside in daylight on our next ride.

Eight riders cycled out of Seaton up Stovar Long Lane and over to Farway Common. The smooth tarmac of this route a welcome change to the pothole dodging rides of previous weeks. I had wished I'd been on my Roubaix but even knowing the route ahead of time would not have made much difference, as the Roubaix's freewheel is no longer free running - a sore point which I won't go into!

 

It was a quick ride by our standards, benefiting from gentle climbs and smooth roads. That was, however, until we reached Offwell, when one of our number punctured on the long descent into Colyton. We only spotted this when only six riders arrived at the bridge over the River Coly, our agreed point to regroup.

With the puncture repaired we rode into heavy rain for the final 2 miles back to Seaton and arrived at the pub for après cycling beer and chips slightly dampened. The rain was even heavier after refuelling such that I was glad my ride home was a short one!

Day 319 - NYR #20 Ride in the Rain

Which ever way you looked at it, which ever station you chose to tune in to, the weather was not looking promising for a dry Thursday night ride. However, having taken Cycling Weekly’s “40 Top Tips to make this year my best ever” as my New Year’s resolution, I felt there was no better time to cross #20, "Ride in the Rain", off the list!

Arriving at the Kings Arms to find the meeting area devoid of Pedallers, led me to believe this would be a solo effort and my keenness for a ride in the rain was not one that was shared by others. Then, thankfully, Rex arrived to double our number, as too did a loan mountain biker. I had visions of a mixed AVP ride until a few other off-roaders appeared and we were again just two.

In the absence of our seasoned route planners, Rex and I decided to head off in the direction of Sidmouth and we’d see how things went. As we made our way out of Seaton along Beer Road, Rex sighted a single beam of light closing in on our tail; it was Airfix! and now we were three. We took the Stovar Long Lane route to the A3052 and then turned in towards Honiton and Farway with a plan of riding out to the golf club then doing a loop back to Colyton.

So far, the promised rain had held off and our way was illuminated not just by our lights but also by a bright moon which accompanied us throughout the rest of the ride. Once we’d turned off the main roads onto Northleigh Hill, the effect of recent persistent rain was very evident. Curb side puddles joined in the middle creating lakes across the road and I was only too glad to be wearing overshoes. Feeling that we were making good progress and had time on our hands, we turned off the road to Colyford and headed towards Widworthy, down the most pitted road I’ve seen in some time, possibly the worst in Devon! I even dropped and ran over my water bottle at one stage, the jarring from the potholes was so severe. At the bottom of the hill is the ford which crosses Offwell Brook. Normally a light trickle, if that, the Brook tonight was a raging torrent, luckily Rex spotted a narrow walkway - which like mountain goats we crossed - else we would have had the uncomfortable climb back out the way we came.

The ride back to Colyton from there was a gentle down hill roll. The rain did start to fall as we descended but we only had a few more miles to do. As home was the north side of Seaton for the majority, we decided on the White Heart for apres ride beer and chips, and a pat on the back for completing an unexpectedly good 20 mile ride.

Day 307 - Afternoon Two Stepp

Against all the odds, the weather being as it has these last few days, this week has been my best for 5 weeks and reminiscent of my peak riding performance back in September.

My best cycling in many weeks

I've been focussing on my hill climbing this week. This is my weakest area. I normally hit a hill and have to drop to a crawl and without my buddies looking out for me, would be dropped every time. 

Today, I took advantage of a short a break in the foul weather to get out on the Crosstrail, its full mudguards and chunky tyres better suited to the debris strewn flooded roads than my thoroughbred Roubaix. The plan was to do the Stepps Lane climb and return but after the first assent I still felt there was more in the tank and so circled back for another climb. While the second was slower than the first, both were quicker than my previous last two climbs on the Roubaix .. I think I benefitted greatly today form a total lack of any head wind, what a difference it makes.

After the second climb, I stopped to take in the view and snap a winter picture; one with me proudly wearing the Sky proCycling race cape, looking rather snug in my upright position but its amazing how well it keeps out the wind and rain while riding.

The closest I'll get to the Sky Cycling team

Next week, work returns to its frenetic pre Christmas pace and I'm going to have to be very innovative with my time management to keep up this level of training. Oh, if only I'd stuck at this cycling when I last made a return to the saddle some 30 years ago, but then again that was a very different time, today is a unique period in British cycling and I'm going to make the most of it!

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 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).

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

Day 149 - Garmin Edge

On Monday, I waxed lyrical about my need for a technology solution to capture my cycling stats and how I was investigating what the leading provider of GPS systems, Garmin, had to offer. Whenever seeking any item of technology, it is critical to first specify your requirements up front, as I find it is so easy to get carried away and buy something with bells and whistles that I'll probably never use! I found a great wiggle comparison blog which I have placed a link to below, together with an excellent table that author Daniel has pulled together.

http://blog.wiggle.com/2013/05/03/which-garmin-edge-should-i-get/

My requirements were very simple. I wanted the simplest, smallest and lightest unit possible, clear uncluttered screen showing duration, miles covered and current time, which would be visible in all daylight conditions and had a long battery life. Using Daniel's table and a few review sites, the decision was easy, I went for the Garmin Edge 500 in black and grey to match my Specialized. I finally took delivery from my favorite on-line supplier, Chain Reaction Cycles, this afternoon. It was very easy to set up and while having no time this evening for a proper ride out, I did apply the fixings to the handle bars and performed a simple test. What is just perfect, is the ease by which I can upload to Endomondo and Strava. So far, I am very impressed, and am really looking forward to giving it a live test tomorrow.

Garmin Edge 500

While I did not get out this evening, I did get an opportunity to take an early morning ride. I was out earlier than normal, just a few minutes past 6:00 am and I could not believe how quiet it was. Not a soul was about. It was, however, like riding in the path of a hairdryer. Warm, wet and windy! Endomondo reported a humidity level of 99% and I don't doubt that. My glasses were streaming, water cascaded from my helmet and I became soggy from the outside in .. not the usual direction believe me. We still managed a respectable 10.5 miles including the long climb up Gully Shute & Hillhead into Colyton, a route I've not taken for some months and which I recall was, back then, a painful experience. 

Back on the home stretch, I secured a PB on the Seafront Sprint jumping to pole position ahead of my fellowAVP team mates reaching an average speed of 26 mph. My first Strava challenge completed!

The route art today is Yogi Bear on a skateboard :)

Stats: 10.49 mi, 52m 27s, Avg 12.0 mph, max 26.4 mph, 581 kcal

Day 113 - Cycling and Holidays

Oh my, it has been two full weeks without a ride and it was great to be back on the bike this afternoon completing a short circuit between the showers.

I've just returned from France, a week or so before the start of the greatest cycling race in the world, the Tour de France. While out there, I did not have to go far before evidence of the upcoming race was seen. First, while in Fontenay-le-Compte, I spied on a bridge over the river La Vendée the sign stating 'Course Cycliste' ..

and then in Ducey, a poster which I would have loved to have been able to have taken with me!

France is definitely a country where it is great to cycle. The roads are more often than not smooth and pothole free and the number of cars per square mile a fraction of what we have to contend with on our crowded isle. While out one morning, we waited for a peloton of a mile long if not more of school children to pass before continuing on our way .. amazing!

I read recently that my local cycling club, the Axe Valley Pedellers, had returned from a trip to Brittany and also saw on the ferry, to and from France, a group of cyclists with just their bikes and what they could carry and thought .. what fun! May be next year?

As for my ride today ...

Stats: 3.45 mi, 18m, Avg 11.5 mph, Max 30.3, 200 kcal

Day 73 - When the Rain Comes

You know the song?  .. "rain, I don't mind", well I don't know about that but what I could do with, when caught out in the rain, is windscreen wipers on my glasses as a twinkling soft focus is not the best vision selection for when out dodging cars.

The route today was an erratic one to say the least. My main aim was to stay out of the cold driving wind as I'm not putting my winter layers back on. It is May after all! I am, however, feeling better to be back in the saddle again, so weather permitting .. because I really do mind the rain .. I'll be out again tomorrow.

Stats: 5.40 mi, 33m 06s, Avg 9.8 mph, Max 20.6 mph, 367 kcal

Day 42 - Exeter

My bike having completed 140 miles and my car being another year older, both were due a service today, so off to Exeter we travelled. I had planned out my route from car garage to Bike Shed and all looked very straight forward. Famous last words! It is funny how the roads never look as they do on the map and the 2.5 mile direct route became at least a 4 mile zigzaged detour around Exeter. I was not best pleased.

The route back, as in the map below - I won't share the earlier one! - was much more direct, as Marsh Barton even appeared on the cycle route sign posts. The cycle paths were a mixed bunch here. This one is labelled the National Cycle Route 34, covering the Exe Valley .. another one off my list .. and includes marked off sections of the main road, which cars think they have a right to stop in and block, forcing you into the main carriage ways, - my bell has never had such a hammering - shared and marked off sections of wide pathways which pedestrians just ignore and let their kids and dogs on mile long leashes roam aimlessly across and unsurfaced potholed tracks which jar every sinew in your body. I know, another dig at our poor excuse for cycle paths. Some of the route along the river is, however, quite idilic as I hope a couple of snaps I took along the way will show.

Despite all the challenges cycling in this country presents us with, I'm still having a brilliant time. You see so much more from a bike than you ever get to see from a car and I can't wait to get out again next week.

Stats: 5.71 mi, 42m 59s, Avg 8.2 mph, Max 21.4 mph, 433 kcal

Day 39 - Spring on Hold

Having just thawed out from yesterday's Seaton short circuit, with a bit of Wetlands thrown in for good measure, I was hoping to get a longer ride this morning, however, nature had other plans for me. A change in wind direction has brought back the rain and a reoccurring pain in the tum has sealed my fate for today.

I'll check back at lunch time to see how the land lies but it looks as though we've more wet and windy stuff coming in and I may need to sit the next few days out. I know my legs will be at least happy with that decision!

Posted with Blogsy

Week 3 - Rain Shortens Play

Things were going so well, then the start of spring brought about a return to winter, with driving rain, gale force winds and drifting snow, and no cycling for 5 days. My Endomondo stats are, however, an interesting read - then again, I've always been interested in stats. When I picked up my bike 3 weeks ago, the guy said, "come back after a 100 miles for your free first service". I thought, that would be months away, but I see I've already done over 50 miles in 3 weeks. It is surprising how the miles clock up!

Total workouts:18

Total duration:5h:37m:51s

Total distance:52.53 mi

• Trips around the world:0.002
• Trips to the Moon:0

Average speed:9.33 mph

Average pace:6m:26s

Calories burned:3821 kcal

• Burgers burned:7

Looking at the distance travelled these last 3 weeks, this enforced down time is clear to see.  I am looking forward, next week, to getting back in the saddle.

Meanwhile, I see in the local paper, an advert for a bike club event: "The Axemen Bike Club has organised events for Easter Saturday, (March 30). The fist is an Easter egg ride out to four homes for young adults. The route will be about 70 miles and will take, roughly, three hours". 70 miles, I thought that would bring my service date dramatically forward but at an average speed of 23.3 mph, they couldn't be serious! Indeed, further investigation confirmed that the Axemen Bike Club, is actually a motorbike club! Phew! I was more than a little concerned that I'd never be able to keep up with these cyclists ;) It has, however, made me think of may be looking up the 'real' local cycling club, the Axe Valley Pedallers ... watch this space.

Day 9 - Day of the Grizzly

It's the Grizzly Run today in Seaton and so I took a different route to avoid most of the barriers and organisers. I had to do the hill by the castle though, as my challenge today was to take this in one go - so steep! Luckily the organisers were happy to let me through.

Overall, I was slower than previous days, taking in more steep hills - glad I've worked the gearing now! - and with all the activity in town, it was a more convoluted and random route. Great fun though as I just wanted to tour around, definitely feeling fitter. I've also resolved the kcal issue, when upgrading to the Endomondo Pro, it took across my weight in Kg as Lbs .. apx 1/3 of actual .. I wish!  Not sure how I fix the history, but it justifies my earlier disbelief.

Next week's target, is to break the 5 mile barrier.

Stats: 4.24 mi, 27m 06s, 306 kcal.

Week 1 - The Challenge Begins

My first week on two wheels has been an enjoyable challenge. To map my progress to fitness, I'm trying out various Smartphone Apps. I have shortlisted these down to two which my fellow Facebook friends are using: Endomondo and MapMyRide. I'm still not convinced which is best, both have their positive points, more on that probably over the next few weeks.

So, my progress so far, in my view, has been relatively impressive considering my starting point. Here is the week, in brief:

Sunday 3rd March - Day 2

Two outings today. My Pre Breakfast Run, using MapMyRide, was my first trial of moving from warm bed to bike and an outside temperature of zero degrees. I managed a 2 mile ride with a reported total ascent of 98.43 ft and maximum elevation of 111.55 ft. Not sure the relevance of these stats, but I certainly had to dismount to make the final hill home!

Stats: 2.23 mi, 14m 41s, 69 kcal.

The second outing was a 'gentle' afternoon ride down to the sea, using Endomondo this time to track my style. Following a similar route but finishing by 'walking' up a far too steep hill to attempt, at this time, I reportedly burned 174 kcals, imagine how many that would have been had I been actually cycling up the hill!

Stats: 2.03 mi, 14m 34s, 174 kcal.

Monday 4th March - Day 3

I was surprisingly keen to get out this morning, on this, Day 3 and my first week day pre-breakfast run. The weather was again cold, feeling sub zero travelling at 20 mph down hill, with the wind whistling around my ears, I headed off into the town, towards the sea beyond. In a figure of eight rather than my previous circular route, I'm trying out the best circuit to avoid traffic and junctions which will interrupt my flow. Having got caught at the lights, tomorrow's circuit will have to change again.

Stats: 1.97 mi, 14m 18s, 161 kcal.

Tuesday 5th March - Day 4

Fog and with all lights blazing .. a different and longer route today. I'm getting into more of a groove now and the route is starting to take shape. My legs are are starting to really feel the exercise they've not had for years and my seat is suffering at every bump!

Fortunately, later in the day, I took delivery of my first cycling lycra. A pair of padded shorts! ;)
Stats: 2.23 mi, 16m 50s, 190 kcal.

Wednesday 6th March - Day 5

Oh a tough one today. Stopped at the sea wall for a breather so Endomondo split the circuit into two reports. Not a good ride after a poor night's sleep, but nice to get out anyway and the new shorts are a great improvement!

Stats: 1.13 mi, 6m 33s, 74 kcal.

The way back from the sea wall was the uphill homeward stretch and a real challenge for the tired legs. Luckily, however, much warmer than yesterday and only very light rain.

Stats: 1.18 mi, 8m 23s, 94 kcal.

Thursday 7th March - Day 6

A washout! Horizontal rain and strong onshore gusts keep me wrapped up inside. Probably a good thing really as my muscles are starting to rebel!

Friday 8th March - Day 7

Back on the bike. Wet under rubber this morning, glad I was encouraged to purchase the unfashionably long mud guards! Almost doubled the distance today, adding 2 circuits of the beach, after being rained off yesterday but halved the calories burned! Losing faith in Endomondo's algorithm engine ... or has it picked up my increase in fitness? Not sure what's going on there but I don't believe it!

Stats: 4.01 mi, 22m 58s, 81 kcal.

So that's a full week now of bike ownership in which I've seen the distance I've been capable of cycling double and my stamina certainly increasing. I don't think I'll see the same increases in distance next week, but hopefully the hills will be easier, the stops for breathers less frequent and the weather remains good, so that I can at least get out on my bike.