Sabbatical Day 1/65 : Too Windy for Speed

Monday 6th July marks the first day of my 3 month sabbatical. I have no epic cycling adventure planned, but in addition to the central family theme, I do hope to come close to a sub 4 min Seaton Down Hill climb and a 56 min 30km TT, oh yes, and enjoy a bit more cycling in the sun.

Today opened with me heading off to Exeter to pick up the Specialized Tarmac from the Bike Shed. While I've always been impressed with the friendliness of their staff and fantastic range of bikes and great deals, I've previously been a little critical of their mechanical prowess. All three of my bikes have now been retuned for multiple warranty repairs and whether their fault or the manufacturer, it's hard not to see them as one in the same. So, I was a little apprehensive on my return to them today. I had asked for a call to see if they would swap the FSA for a compact Shimano chain set, but I had to chase them late last week, only to be told that the work had already been done, they'd stripped the bottom bracket and re-greased it. Not only, however, had they fixed the creaking crank, they had also trued the old set of buckled wheels that I had dressed the Tarmac in so as not to risk damaging my new carbon rims. My faith restored!

I was home in time for a spot of lunch and to catch the start of today's TdF, stage 3 Anvers - Huy. With the forecasted midday rain having not arrived, I thought I'd take advantage of the dry conditions to ride the Tarmac out on a circuit of the Axe Estuary and perhaps make an attempt at that sub 56 min TT.  I swapped wheels, alloy for carbon, and fitted the eye level Garmin bracket. Heading towards the beach, my starting point, I found myself having to pedal uphill into a strong onshore headwind. There would be no records broken today.

Decadence in the sun with an ice cream

I continued on and around the circuit considering where to go. I had it in mind to call in on Soanes Cycles in Colyton to check on kit levels. As I pulled up at the pulsating warning lights at the  Colyford tram crossing, to await the carriage of happy holidaymakers pass, I decided I had time to do a loop over to Beer before dropping down into Colyton. Climbing Castle Hill out of Seaton, I thought again at how pleasant it might have been to now be running on a compact chainset! Once I'd climbed out and above Beer, I was feeling like doing a few more miles before making the return to Colyton and so headed out in the opposite direction, towards Sidmouth. After no more than a few minutes the light seemed to change. Did the sky ahead of me look unseasonably dark, or was that just my glasses? As I closed in on the Honiton turning, cool drops started to splash my legs, arms and face. Rain! I quickly took the Honiton turn, there was heavy rain over Sidmouth and it was coming my way, time to change direction.

I got quite a soaking crossing Farway Common to the golf club, but the weather did appear brighter ahead, so I kept my legs spinning. While now very damp, I was not the slightest bit cold, oh the pleasures of summer rain. I had thought about stopping at the Colour Wheel coffee shop but being neither cold nor yet in need of coffee and cake, as I find one can rarely be taken without the other, I cycled on. As I continued north, crossing the A35, Stockland was my next destination. The mention of Stockland to most in the area conjures up the word "hill". Stockland Hill is the site of the TV Transmitting Station serving East Devon and West Dorset, so not just a little bump in the road! The unsuspectingly named, Old Chard Road is probably the steepest ascent and one I steered clear of for my Red Nose Day ride earlier in the year. Strangely and contrary to my whining about the Tarmac's gearing, I found it surprisingly easy today, albeit a minute over my PB set last year with Jason while training for the Ride London.

From Stockland it is a lumpy but beautiful pedal back to Seaton. Crossing the A35 at Kilmington, rain on my skin had given way to perspiration and it was not coffee nor a visit to Soanes that I craved, but ice cream! This decadence was satisfied on my arrival in Colyton.

I so enjoyed the no rush, free feeling of being in my own timeless bubble on this ride. It is only day 1 of my sabbatical, but if it can continue like this, and I can get in a few more leisurely rides, I'll be a very happy bunny!

AVP Evening Bluebell Ride

I and 7 other Pedallers pedalled out on Thursday night in glorious sunshine, hard to believe an hour earlier that it was still raining. A day of rain had, however, left its mark on the lanes as I, one of the few without mud guards, was to discover to my, and those in my wake, detriment!

We headed out to Offwell via - according to the map - Chapel Nap a 2 mile 500 ft climb with great views over toward Shute. We crossed the A35 and circled round Cotleigh along Old Chard Road, a quiet excellent riding surface with superb scenery. It was payback time at the end of this road, however, when we had to climb steeply, maxing out at16%, up to Stockland Hill. From here, it was a glorious high speed chain gang bast to the A35 and back to Seaton via Musbury.

We had one stop for Airfix to fix a snakebite puncture but otherwise this was another great ride out with 25 miles covered in just under 2 hours .. and 3 new PBs .. 1hr (16.3 mi), 10miles (30m:15s) and 20km (41m:35s).. feeling good!

Day 347 - Getting Colder

Well, I guess in my last post, I spoke too soon ... since then I've had over 10 days of idleness and could easily have stayed home in the warm, finished off some work and vegged in front of the TV. Thursdays have started to miraculously be the one day of the week when the weather seems break - last week being the exception - thus leaving little excuse not to venture out on the AVP evening ride. So there is was, the tough decision of, to go or not to go ...

It could have been a solo ride

I was the first to arrive at the Kings Arms. 10 minutes later, I was thankful to be joined by Airfix and then Handbag, as it was starting to look as though it would be a solo circuit of Seaton and home! The three of us headed out towards the Stockland mast, via Shut, under a bright moon and plummeting temperatures. By the time we'd made to the Old Chard Road junction on Stockland hill, my feet were feeling somewhat chilly. We u-turned here with two options, returning along the same road back to Colyford, it being an 'away night' or branching off through Wilmington for a bit more climbing. Airfix and I for some reason voted for the latter .. and on we climbed .. 2,300 ft in total, according to my Garmin!

We made it back to the White Hart, in good time. Its welcoming roaring open fire a blessing to my frozen toes and as usual, good beer and the best après-cycling food around. Another great APV Thursday evening ride and 20+ miles competed. Looking forward to the next!

 

Day 336 - Joining the Kask club

In spite of the seemingly non cycling weather we've had recently, the 232 miles covered so far in 2014 have been far better than expected for this 'veteran' pedaller.

Today, I continued in this trend completing another 40 miler with my AVP pals, Andy, Ed, Rex and Richard. The plan was to do a repeat of the proven route Andy, Ed and I cycled two weeks ago. We met at 08:30 at the Seaton TIC and headed out up Castle Hill towards Beer and on to Sidmouth sea front for the obligatory photo shoot. With the seasonal high tide and strong winds, the storm gates were closed, and rightly so, as the waves were spectacularly crashing over the sea wall.

Richard, Andy, Jonathan & Ed

Take 5 on Sidmouth sea front

On this ride I was proud to be wearing a new light weight Kask helmet with, of course, the colours Union flag emblazoned across the top. It was a close run decision between this and an the Specialized S-works model, but the red, white and blue motif won my heart. A pose for a shot with Rex, also a Kask owner, was required .. 'Jonathan joins the Kask klub' !

Jonathan joins the Kask klub

From Sidmouth we climbed via Tipton St John through Ottery St Mary and on to our tea and cake stop in Honiton. From Honiton we took Northcote Hill to the junction with the Stockland straight where, I had visualised the closing 10 miles, a gentle down hill return to Seaton. Rex, however, suggested an alternative route, through Stockland, Kilmington and Musbury. No there were no more hills, he said, just a few lumpy bits. I see a need to define a hill v a lump .. as my legs were not prepared for the climbing which followed, particularly not after my all time best ride up Northcote, on which I had secured PRs for 5 of the 6 Strava segments for this climb!

Ride profile

Although exhausting, it is often good to be challenged. Richard and Rex noticeably drove up the pace, and while I wished I had the engine to keep up with the pace set, I have to constantly remind myself of what I was doing only a year ago, when I would never in my wildest dreams have considered it even possible to cycle 40 miles in a morning! I've just got to keep at it, drive through the pain and hopefully this training will see me right for the Dartmoor Classic sportif I have in June, a 100 mile ride which after today's experience, is seeming ever more daunting! 

In all, I achieved 15 Strava segment PRs and for the second time in as many weeks, broke my previous record for miles ridden in 1 hour (15.94 miles). It is amazing what one can do when pushed!

Day 326 - For Once A Dry & Puncture Free Ride

For once a dry and puncture free ride awaited our 11 cyclists who braved this evening's AVP road ride. The circuit was a brisk 20 miles out to the mast on Stockland Hill and back, via Shute, Wilmington, Dalwood, Kilmington and Musbury.

Regrouping at the A35

Waiting to cross the A35

1200 ft of climb, average speed of 12.5 mph and 30 mph descents, most noticeably down Ham Road from Worham's Lane at the top of Stockland Hill - for those interested in stats - meant for a highly enjoyable workout. The beer and chips back at the Kings Arms were also good!

The Ride profile .. that did seem a long climb too!

As for the route art .. back by popular demand, I am thinking a bunny on a pogo stick!

Day 322 - Morning Ride with Wilco and Woody

With the weather surprisingly clear, bright and frosty, my Sunday morning started with an 08:30 meet at the TIC for what was going to be the longest ride so far of the new year.

This was the first time my AVP buddies, Andy (Wilco) and Ed (Woody), and I had been out on a weekend ride since the end of November and it was good to be back on the road together. We decided on a route Wilco and I have done twice before, the first was a week before the AVP 100 in September (Day 187) and the last was my first ride using SPDs back in October (Day 223). This route takes us along the coast to Sidmouth, inland through Ottery Saint Mary to Honiton for coffee and cake, and returns via Stockland, Shute and Colyton. 40 miles of mixed terrain and 3,000 ft of climbing.

Our first stop was Sidmouth where the obligatory photos had to be taken.

From the seafront, we headed up hill out of Sidmouth and to our scheduled cafe stop at the Boston Tea Party in Honiton. 

Woody and Wilco on Sidmouth seafront 

My Specialized Roubaix 

Woody and Wilco @ our coffee and cake stop in Honiton

Honiton sits deep in the Otter valley and thus it is no surprise that any route out involves a climb. Northcote and Stockland Hills are two painful 11% ascents but are relatively quiet and so when needed the zigzagging climb approach can be used. While still not a good climber, I was pleased, on this occasion, not to have to rely on this method to get to the top - I like to think this is a measure of my gradual improvement in climbing fitness over these past few months.

The ride profile

This was a tough ride; at first I thought it was just because I was still recovering from the Christmas break, but on checking my Strava stats, I found that I'd 40 new Strava segment records and a new one hour distance PB (15.44 miles) which considering the hills, I felt was very impressive. No wonder I ached so in places I never knew I had!

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 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 143 - Stockland Hill

Back in the saddle again for some serious mileage with the APV. 17 cyclists mounted up for a ride to Stockland Hill. As if finding hills along our journey was not enough, we were heading out to climb one. Stockland Hill is the site of the TV Transmitting Station serving East Devon and West Dorset, so not just a little bump in the road!

I'm a little light in cycling news and thoughts to share this week, office work has, for the second week in succession, dominated my waking hours. One muse which I've touched on over these past few months is the suitability of my Specialised Crosstrail Sport hybrid for my AVP circuits. Last night, there were the first mutterings from the group that, compared to their refined road bikes, my hybrid was the most versatile for ground we were covering. Low geared for the hills, rugged frame and suspension for the bumps and thicker tyres for stability over rough and loose shingle. I saw on the TDF that there was one hill that the organisers had to even sweep clean prior to the riders entering. I rest my case. That said, if I'm still this keen next year, I've not quite given up on the idea of acquiring a road bike for my stable, something to keep my my steed company, as a donkey is to a horse!

Back to the Stockland Hill circuit. It was, as expected a tough one but surprisingly, may be because of all the downhill sprints, a quick one with 2 new PBs. Not surprisingly, the peloton split very early into several breakaway groups and there were times when I found my self either out on my own or with another one or two riders. This was a very different ride from those which have gone before.

Stats: 24.01 mi, 1h:48m:24s , Avg 12.2 mph, Max 31.4, 1312 kcal

PBs:
One hour: 14.14 mi
20 km 51m:55s