The wheels have come off ..

Actually it's not that bad, but the last two months have been rather hectic, especially at work. I have had two '1000+ mile' weeks away this month, along with a few overnighter's and several day trips. Not sure how I have fitted in the riding - but I have. We have had some mingin' weather which culminated in the latest round of snow storms and the country ground to a halt in places. Both major dumps happened whilst I was away and, on both occasions, they made travel slow and difficult but, thanks to the Disco, not impossible.

Molly and I haven't managed to get out much at the weekends, but have slipped in the odd local circuit to test out the 'new' singlespeed (info to follow) while Molly paced me on the '5. Rest stop at the ford in Fairwarp.

Work served up a week in the NE and, at the last minute, a diversion to Tiverton on the way to Scarborough ! This gave me the chance to catch up with Rick and Gabby and let Rick take me out for a hike-a-slide around Dalby Forest in a snow storm.

The North West trip gave me the opportunity to ride in the Lakes, providing my timings worked out. I opted for a 04:30 start on Monday in order to fit the drive (and the day's work) in by 14:30 and this left an hour's daylight to start the circuit of Claife Heights in the sun. Ice, slush, wet roots and a touch of verglas were the order of the day and I had an interesting ride. I got to the shore of Windermere via the bridleway from Wray Castle (in one piece) and stopped for a trail snack. The prospect of slip-sliding along the rock strewn, icy shore-line path didn't appeal and I knew I didn't have time to do the circuit twice - which was the original plan - so I decided to just turn round and re-trace my tracks. First time I have ridden this way and the ups are technically harder and the downs not so enjoyable, but it got a few more miles in and was rewarded with a fabulous late sunset over the moorings at Far Sawrey on the way back to the Bowness ferry.

Tuesday would probably be my last chance to ride during the week, so I had a second set of kit ready, lights charged and spares packed ready for a flying start after work. It was dark when I arrived at the North Face Trail in Grizedale and there was lots of snow and ice hanging around in the open areas - especially the forest trails that link the interesting bits. When you are struggling to pedal in the slush and then wobbling on the ice with an outrigger (foot) at the ready, it makes you realise how boring the 'link' stages are !

The highlight of the battle ? Dave .. check this out

Woodwork doesn't freak me out but there is quite a lot of wood in Grizedale (It's no more than a few feet high though). Several sections are also cambered and favour a positive approach with some speed and a sprinkle of confidence and natural ability. Woodwork that is partly covered in snow and partly covered with the day's moisture slowly freezing, ridden in the dark, needs a little luck too. I rode my luck pretty well but admit to bottling two sections, fell (slid) off one but tottered across the rest. Phew !

Riding on my own most of the time and often at night, I allow myself to be sensible and pull out of some things that I would go for - if I had any mates to ride with.

I was also wrong about the riding. I managed an unexpected four laps of Sefton Park in Liverpool later that week. Nothing to write home about but I got a good sweat going, made my legs ache and spent a few minutes 'sessioning' the steps - up and down. Not sure whether I am actually quite sad or not.

Winter Mileage begins ...

Mike and I headed off at dusk this week on the Friday night ride and still no sign of Stuart or Tim ? It was dry and warmish and we had a good circuit of Eridge woods complete with comedy diversion - I must remember to take the Garmin when we do this and so I can see (afterwards) where the hell we went. Anyway, keeping the distant traffic noise and the moon over to my left side, we eventually bumped into Eridge rocks after 45 minutes of interesting (but rideable) trails and we were back en-route. A quick snack, then off to Hornhurst, down 'Bugs Bunny', through Limekiln Wood to Crowborough and then past Eridge Station, Harrison Rocks and R21 to Mike's house in Hartfield. Three good hours out for about 20 miles.

Saturday dawned, dank and blustery. Molly had a haircut booked and I had a morning to kill. Better still, the woman-barber is in Brighton, so I got dropped off en route with instructions to be back at Middle Farm (http://www.middlefarm.com/ and 01323 811411) at 12:45 for lunch.

It was spitting, but the waterproof lasted ten minutes and was in the pack. It was almost a nice day, but with ominous looking clouds and very windy. Selmerston and Alfriston came and went and the bridleway down to Jeavington was drier than I expected. I started to bump into a few of the Seven Sisters Marathon runners as I climbed up towards Eastbourne. They were sharing some of my route - but in the opposite direction. On top of the Downs I started to feel the full force of the wind and the section from the coast at Eastbourne along to the Birling Gap was fierce - even having to pedal down the hills to get any speed up at all. It was about this time that the sun came out though .. what a change in complexion.

Above the Birling Gap on the cliff top bridleway, 13 miles in. Some of the Seven Sisters ahead but I was only planning on ravaging the next three today. Picture taken just two seconds before the wind blew the bike over ...

After the pleasure of the girls and gurning up the savage climbs into the teeth of the gale, I turned north, through Friston and into the trees for some respite from the wind. I went a bit 'off-piste' and found a new (to me) and shorter route up to the top above Jeavington in order to pick up the start of 'Stumpy'. This was almost as good as it gets at this time of year, even though the latest leaf-fall had disguised the path (and hidden the wet roots).

I was eventually spat out on the road and turned left to visit Exceat Farmhouse (01323 870218) tea room at the Seven Sisters Country Park and share the excellent latte and carrot cake with some of the local birds.

Suitably refreshed I faced the last climb back up to the SDW from the outskirts of Seaford and off towards Firle Beacon. The legs were a screaming by this stage and I was glad to get to the top and enjoy the views in the autumn sunshine. I had glanced at the map before I left but not bothered to carry it and got caught out by a bridleway that turned out to be 'private' (must remember to check that one) and so had to carry on to Firle before making my way back along the A27 for the last mile or so to lunch.

Four hours, including coffee stop, 30 miles. Very sore legs on Monday still. Excellent.

Monday and it's a night off the gym but I thought I would spin round the litle road loop to stretch the legs off. No pressure, no agenda, no worries - and I break 30 minutes for the for the first time. In addition, I have just made 15st (210lbs) too - six weeks later than target, but the weight still comes off slowly but surely. I will not make the target of 199 lb by Christmas at this rate, but I am reluctant to speed the process up if it still keeps happening. Might not be there until Easter, but I will get there !

Transition to Autumn

The last few weeks since Clives has been really busy at work and play and I've done loads, but little of interest !

Mike and I have been out most Friday nights and rode in the worst rain this year three weeks ago. Two weeks ago was much better and we had a pretty dry spin through the woods, although one of our little shortcuts has been almost washed away by the previous week's deluge and was almost unrideable.

Miles to the gym are still being clocked up but last night, for the first time, I realised I should not be in shorts and should not be trying to break any records. It's hovering around zero here and, although the days are beautiful, it gets chilly quickly. The forecast this week is excellent, right up to Saturday morning - when I have planned a 30 miler across the Downs. This is the start of the steady mileage I need to re-appear in the spring with some base fitness to build on ... there are a few plans being considered for next year.

As part of the winter programme, I need to give the Giant some TLC. The cables were stretched, front and rear mechs bashed, cassette on it's last legs - what to do ? I need a simple and robust winter bike so I have taken the tools out. The Giant is now stripped and the old transmission is in the bin. After a quick surf I found the details for Charlie The Bikemonger (http://www.charliethebikemonger.co.uk/ and 01929 475 833) - purveyour of everything 'singlespeed'. I now have a single 34t fitted up front, a 16t out back (and a spare 17t up my sleeeve just in case) and all the bits in a pile waiting for a re-build.

The frame ? Well, I'm thinking and have some ideas. Not sure where I got them from though ! Watch this space to see what appears in a week or two.

The 575 needs a general pivots / fork / shock service this winter, so am riding this full time until the Giant is assembled and will then deliver it to Howard at Bromley Bike (http://www.bromleybike.co.uk/ and 0208 460 4852) for some expert attention while I either get really fit on my singlespeed or have to push it up everything. It will be interesting to see how we get on ...

Rhayader

There are some places I just feel at home. Home is one of them, Colorado is another, the Isle of Skye and Rhayader follow closely after.

Each year, a mixed bag of us head off for the weekend. We stay at the Horseshoe Guest House (01597 810982 and www.rhayader-horseshoe.co.uk) to attend what is know as a 'Dirty Weekend', provided by Clive Powell MTB (01597 811343 and www.clivepowell-mtb.co.uk). One of Clive's Mountain Guides thrashes us round the Powys countryside for two days, then Clive's wife Francine spoils us with home cooked, local produce washed down with the odd wine and / or ale. We then sit and tell tall tales of imaginary exploits into the evening. Tales that are exaggerated more every year and are only interrupted periodically by one of Clive's one-liners. Clive Powell has done everything we have, and more - but longer, faster and better.

This year (L-R) Adrian, John, Paul, Jason, Sarah, Mike and Nigel attended and enjoyed another two days of rain-free riding in the wilds of Powys. Saturday was a trip out to the East and, after a few warmup road-miles, we went cross country and into the woods.

It wasn't wet, but it has been wet recently and some of the trails are a bit mucky, especially where the forestry workers have been harvesting. There was a little too much 'track' and not enough 'single' in the equation if truth be known, but it was riding with mates and that's always good.

The advantage of having a local guide is that they are pretty up-to-date with the state of the trails and can alter the routes to suit the conditions. Clive planned, and James delivered, a balanced portion of climbs and descents over the course of a very enjoyable morning, but we were all ready to pig-out by the time we met Clive and his picnic hamper in a forest clearing.

I'll keep the exact location under wraps because we shared this part of the forest with one of our rarest and most elusive raptors, the Goshawk. We didn't see the 'little' fella but the huge nest looked very impressive. This thing is like a Sparrowhawk on steroids. Big, fast and ferocious. They live in dense coniferous forests, glide with folded wings between branches at high speed to hunt and they live off small prey and the remains of broken and discarded mountain bikers. Perhaps we'll spot you next time ..

The afternoon served up some 'secret' singletrack, nice descents and two short sections of twisty, muddy downhill - one of which I rode well, one I rode like a numpty. Eventually, we were out of the forest and back on the roads for the return leg and we illegally drafted Sarah all the way back into Rhayader, the bike wash and a large portion of soup du jour, lamb shank, seasonal vegetables and banofee pie. Francine manged to create this little feast in-between catering for a wedding of 250 guests over the road and sorting the following days menu for us. Francine, what can we say that we have not said already ...

Day two always dawns with achy legs and a hastily re-structured route to allow for the fact that everyone is wasted. There must be a misprint though - this route says 'ride up the mountain road twice' !? Well, I spend all week making decisions, so tend to go with the flow at the weekends. Off we went, up the hill, slower than a slow thing.

The reward is a great descent of the 'Golf Links' which is a BOAT (byway open to all traffic) I think. Anyway, we have been disturbed by 4WD's in the past, as well as being sprayed with shingle from the rear wheels of passing motor bikes too, but today was pretty much perfect. Pretty dry, no traffic, no obstacles, just one accommodating MTB'er making his way up the hill who jumped out of Jon's way sharpish - as you would if you saw Mr Incredible approaching on a bike at speed.

The top section is OK, but as soon as you get going, there is an unnecessary transition to the second half and this involves an unwelcome climb to the obolisk before it all kicks off again.

Sarah and Mike, upwards and invariably against the wind, to the start of the fun.

One day I will get some action pictures, but it's too enjoyable to stop. Jon, Adrian and I led down the hill and arrived in a giggling mass at the bottom. Awesome dudes !

Back up the Mountain Road ? Nah, let's climb back up the Golf Links, at least it is a technical challenge in parts and no-where near as boring as the tarmac or as exposed to the wind that funnels down the valley.

It didn't seam long before we were at the top and making the next choice. Half of the guys wanted to 'shred the links' again, so they turned round and fired the front wheels homeward. Jon, Mike, James (L-R) and myself had a date with Rhydoldog, so we set off cross-country and over the road to despatch the short, sharp climb up from the river.

After a quick breather and photo-stop we were off again. This route in particular is why I love riding a bike in Powys. No people, no roads, rough and often indistinct tracks, rocks, bogs, two submerged sections of track (one with water over the BB) and lotsa tricky bits. And then a fast descent with a little of everything. Smooth paths, rough paths, small drops, rocks, kickers, grassy rakes. One day I'll get some action pictures, but ... you know the rest.

Down 'Breakneck' bridleway (one mile, down, straight - I hate it with a vengeance. A pointless way to lose hard-won altitude) and then through some hidden paths to the final singletrack section through the Oak Wood. Stunted Welsh oaks on an unremarkable hillside close to an unremarkable little village in Powys and perfect in every way. I'm not telling you exactly where it is.

This bike can do anything but perhaps not with me as the pilot.

Shower, lunch, exaggerate (again) and suddenly it is over. Do we really have to wait another year before we return. I think not.

Thank you to all my friends who don't mind riding with me, until next time.

Cwm Carn - Yeti UK Tribemeet 2010

Hard on the heels of Colorado came the UK's version of the Yeti Tribemeet. It rains a lot here and we were resigned to the possibility of getting wet at some stage, but the big Yeti in the sky was in benevolent mood and we enjoyed a fine couple of days with like-minded souls, riding our bikes around the valleys of South Wales.

A few of us travelled down on Saturday and a small, select band of Tribe members bimbled round the Twyrch Trail during the afternoon. This is a nice bite-sized trail about 10 miles long and is generally in pretty good condition even when it's wet. It has a bit for everyone, not too taxing, but a nice warm up.
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Saurday evening was the usual format of sitting around talking geek-speak about bikes in general and Yeti's in particular; and marvelling about how much Andrew knows about the brand.

Sunday was the main ride and our illustrious leader Andrew almost managed to get us out of the car park on time. Well, 'Yeti' time anyway. We followed our guide, Mike, into the unknown for a 'off-piste' route with a couple of his mates who live locally. It's always a worry when you embark on bespoke rides with unknown locals, especially when they never breath hard, sweat or fall off - irrespective of what they ride up, through or over. Perhaps they had the opportunity to recover while I was catching them up at the rest stops?

Riding in the Valleys of South Wales is different. You are either going up or down, unless you happen to be following the local canal (briefly) on your way to the up. The ups are steep and so are the downs. In the woods, the downs are both steep and muddy, oh and rooty and a bit too hard for me. I walked some bits, rode some bits badly, but rode some bits quite well. I ripped the arm of a favourite shirt on a barbed wire fence on Saturday and went over the bars once on Sunday .. apart from that it was relatively uneventful. Another learning curve and a slight improvement in skills and fitness, I hope.

Sunday's outfit looked good though ... thanks again Fred!

It was a chilled ride, despite the comedy mud-slide down the hill, and everyone rode at their own pace as usual. We would spread out a bit and then re-group, you know the sort of thing. I felt strong all day, not partilcuarly fast - but strong. Got to the first rest stop in the middle of the pack, but found myself closer to the front as the day wore on. The guys who ride all the time had plenty in reserve, but as an older weekend-warrior I was pleased that the body didn't let me down.

It always takes a while to get a large(r) group round and, after a late start, I had to bail out before the last bit in order to get back to Sussex at a reasonable time. (work, early flight from Gatwick, usual stuff ...) Perhaps we should consider a big ride on Saturday, get pi$$ed and have a BBQ, then an optional short ride on Sunday in future ?

Big thanks to Andrew for pulling it together and Mike for showing us round his back yard. Without these guys stepping forward, events such as this would never happen. Thanks and looking forward to the next one.

Next weekend we are off to Clive Powell's in Rhayader for some more of the same. Can't wait ..

Colorado - Yeti Tribemeet 2010

The Colorado experience got off to a flying start. Further confusion about the bike bags on arrival at LHR T5 led to some convivial banter with the check-in girl who, having asked me if I had considered modelling (mmmm, not my face I'll wager!), slipped a note on our record that prompted an upgrade at the gate. We got on the plane and turned left for the first time. Happy days.

A very relaxed Fred & Molly were collected from Denver International by Dave & Teresa who had signed up for some serious baby-sitting for the next ten days. Dave & Teresa had planned the whole itinerary, organised every meal, sorted all the travel arrangements and the stop-overs, scheduled shopping trips, bike rides and entertainment. It was like being away with mom and dad, although I hope we contributed something to the endless list of little jobs that surround life on the road. We cannot thank you guys enough, simple as that.

On the first full day, we picked up two new ASR5's from Fred Nolting at Wheatridge Cyclery (www.ridewrc.com) and were quite keen to try them out. Plans for a 'spin round the block' turned into a two-hour, thirty-mile tour of the extensive cycleway network around Broomfield. We puffed and panted a little more than normal. We live at sea-level and Denver is about 5400 feet up. That's over a mile high and a thousand feet higher than the highest mountain in the UK. None of this is a problem until you start to put some effort in and this happened during the traverse of Big Dry Creek and the circumnavigation of Standley Lake - an easy local 30 miler. Will we get used to this in a week ?

Monday we visited HQ, where the charismatic 'Big' Joe Hendrickson gave us a guided tour of the Yeti factory, complete with a sneak preview of something very special, the 25th Anniversary 575 in classic colours. Love at first sight and the first of several we saw during the week being piloted by the Pro's and the fortunate few. My best efforts in the raffle drew a blank and a fellow Tribe member walked away with the prize. Well done and enjoy, fellow Yeti rider :-)

Tuesday saw us re-packing bags and loading up to drive south over / through the Rockies to Silverthorne (for some retail therapy) and then on to Salida for a planned appointment with the Monarch Crest Trail, one of the top trails in the world. Teresa and Molly kindly dropped us off at the top of the pass (11000ft) and this saved a tarmac slog that neither of us wanted. The climbing wasn't over though ...

It appears to go up and up. Doubletrack first, then classic singletrack of every type imaginable. Rocks, trees, roots, tricky, easy, dry, wet, open, swoopy .. brilliant riding with views to die for. It's not technical and very little is that steep (either up or down), but it is chuffing high and this does increase the risk of anal haemorrhaging if you are not prepared.

The reward is a roller-coaster ridge-line traverse on top of the world, at 12000-15000 ft, with only fresh air and huge skies for company. I struggled for breath at times and was not acclimatised, but that was unlikey in such a short time. I did recover quickly at the rest stops though, my legs felt strong and I did manage all the climbs - but was at the back of the peleton. Huge thanks to my (moral) support team and temporary riding buddies (L-R) Brian, Ryan, Melanie, Dave and Doug of team COMOtion. I felt like a real rider for a short while.

A final endless descent spewed us out onto I285 and we free-wheeled to the gas (petrol)station in Poncha Springs for some second-rate coffee and to wait for pick-up. Grubby, smelly and rather tired, but grinning from ear to ear after the day's exploits. A quick shower and lunch later, we were on the road again to try and get over Wolf Creek Pass before nightfall and on to Durango - the spiritual home of the Yeti.

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Yeti is a great Company who provide high-end bikes for discerning riders. Design, workmanship, quality and backup are all excellent and no-where else would you find a market leader who subsidizes a get-togther for devotees of the brand every year and then ships all the employees, sponsored riders and Pro's in to mix with the normal folk for a weekend of beer, banter and riding. You could criticise some of the Tribemeet's fine-tuning, but the slightly random nature of the event and the 'fluid' timings are part of the relaxed vibe that Yeti work hard to engender. Where else would you see (World 4X Champion) Jared Graves, Aaron Gwin and Joey Schusler arsing about on bikes, mid-season, after a few beers and risking potential injury - watched, sanctioned and encouraged by the very guys that support and sponsor them ?

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Yeti are a bunch of riders that happen to make bikes, not the other way round - that's why the brand is special.

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So, we rock up in Durango, sign in and pick up the tee shirt and commemorative pint glass. Dave adds glass #9 to his collection and becomes the only Tribe member to have attended them all (as far as we know). So, what about the riding ?

The 'route du jour' for Saturday was a healthy portion of the Colorado trail and those kind folk at Yeti shipped us up the 'road' in school buses to the trailhead for the start of a memorable 30 miles. In a procession of buses and bike transporters we edged our way higher and higher along the mountain pass - like the getaway scene from The Italian Job (v1.00) but without the accident.

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And what a ride. More pristine singletrack than you can shake a stick at. Fast ribbons of dry trail under dappled shade, short but spiteful climbs, rocky descents, stream crossings, switch-backs, rock steps and more than a few comedy moments.

It was all so good that it is difficult to mention any particular highlight, but perhaps it was when Dave and I had a breather at the same viewpoint as Shusler and Gwin; and Joey asked if he could take OUR photograph! Maybe he thought it was a Saga (old-folks) outing as we are both past our sell-by date, were in matching jerseys and have Yetiman tattoos ...

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The ride up Horse Gulch Canyon from downtown Durango, in 98 degrees of blazing heat, was totally unnecessary after the brief stop at Pedro's Burrito Bar, but even with a belly full of lunch, it didn't seem 'manly' to accept a lift. The more miles the better, however slow. Thank-you Ben for keeping me company !

Beer and laughter followed and you already know I didn't win the special 575 in the raffle, but the weekend was a great experience and it re-enforced my theory that the mountain bike community in general - and Yeti riders in particular - are a most sociable bunch who simply accept you because you ride a bike. A sport with few boundaries and a brand with none. We met some of our good friends again and, hopefully made a few more. Thanks to all at Yeti for such a warm welcome for the visiting Brits and cheers Sarah for pulling it together.

We would love to return and ride some more, I feel very much at home in Colorado. We would love to host some of our friends over here in England too. Call to arrange ...

The Tribemeet was held on the same weekend as the Leadville 100 and so it was fitting we should call in on the way back to Denver. Lance had pulled out, Dave Weins (who we passed on the MCT earlier in the week) 'slumped' to fourth and Levi won in record time, but by the time we got there, most of the competitors had gone and only a few tired, but elated, souls were left lounging in the coffee shops. We had planned a short ride round the town on one of the recognised trails but bad weather and a spot of lethargy over-ruled any intent on the day.

So, we ended up at the start, with one day to sort out and pack up. A quick return-trip to Wheatridge Cyclery to buy those things we should have bought last week and to collect a sizeable contribution to my casual and riding wardrobe, courtesy of the very generous Fred Nolting. Great to meet you at last, Fred.

Finally, we had just enough time for one more ride and, at last, I managed to put a few miles in without too much puffing and panting.

We ripped round the Wipiti trail, with optional loops, on the Heil Valley Ranch, just north of Boulder, and what a great finale to a memorable visit. Even bumped into Camran & Stacee from the Tribe ... we are everywhere :-) In their spare time, they work at the Sportsgarage in Boulder - cool (Yeti) bikes for cool people. Check them out.

Statistics - ten days, four great rides, about 110 miles with lots of climbing, four beers, two whisky's, several bottles of red wine, a few new friends and a massive bag of new tee shirts. NO mechanicals, NO punctures and NO crashes, and I returned from the USA lighter than when I arrived for the first time in my life. Result !

Most of the thanks have been done, but the biggest thanks must go to Molly. Much of what I did on this trip, you couldn't manage. Some of the things I enjoyed, you didn't share. I will be there for you on those occasions when it is the other way round, always. There, I said it.

Official version of events may be found here www.yeticycles.com/#/features/tribe_gathering/12/

Colorado - the final countdown

Not long to go now and just the last few rides to squeeze in ...

Sunday morning saw me line up in the supermarket car park with the guys from The Crowborough Mountain Bike Collective (http://www.daysofspeed.com/) and Mike Pettit guided us on a spin through Harrison Rocks, Eridge Woods, Broadwater Forest, High Rocks and into the pantiles in Tunbridge Wells for breakfast. One latte later, we were off through Hungershall Park, back through High Rocks and Eridge Rocks (below).

Then off towards Rotherfield on tarmac, before a tour of Hornshurst, Limekiln and back to Crowborough. About 27 miles with a reasonable amount of work involved, but the conditions were quite dry, I didn't get my legs ripped off and they said it was a much better pace than previous weeks. I think they were trying to make me feel better.

Tonight was the last chance of a road blast and, as suspected, the legs were heavy and any thoughts of a fast lap soon vanished. A concerted effort was rewarded with 31 minutes, which equals my best time anyway !

A couple of days away working next, but will take a bike, just in case! I wasn't sure whether I would get the chance to ride. Heavy rain was forecast, so I opted to take the Giant because I have done the last bike clean before Colorado and didn't want the girls getting rusty while I am away.

Things fell into place and I hatched a plan to ride on Snowdon after work on Tuesday. I pulled into Llanberis at 19:00 after a '450 mile / one appointment' day and surveyed the options. Maybe I should have thought this through a bit more .. I brought a hardtail so I could hike-a-bike if necessary but brought the rigid shoes - not good on slick, damp rock.

The Llanberis path starts with an unnecessarily steep tarmac road, straight from the car park, so I opted for the five mile road grind up the Llanberis Pass to the Pen y Gwyrd YHA instead.

Then it was off road on the (newly re-furbished) Miner's track up past Llyn Llydaw, the old Melin Falu crushing mill and onto the steeper, looser, rockier bit. Running out of light and always conscious of being on my own and not doing anything too stupid, I opted for a hill climb session and decided to have one go at how far I could get up the steeper path to Llyn Glaslyn. I made about 150 yards and only fell due to lack of concentration - so the gradual improvement continues. The return trip was faster than anticipated and was able to rip and hop my way down to the road in a few minutes with a little help from some vintage Doobie Brothers. Back in Llanberis about twenty minutes later, I had an urge to cycle up that tarmac at the bottom of the Llanberis path too, so I turned left at the Victoria Hotel and prepared for an extra mile of pain. I selected le granny, Faithless on the iRiver and set off. I made it, but with some discomfort I will admit, but at no stage was going to be defeated, despite having my nose on the front tyre and the front tyre off the ground a few times. That will be the last exercise before Colorado then ... I wonder if my 20 mile round trip with 2000 feet of climbing has helped in my build up to the assault on Colorado's Monarch Crest Trail next week ? We'll see.

Later :-)

Work, eat, ride, gym .. repeat.

Last week was a good 'speed' week, well it's all relative of course. I am not very fast.

The ride with Adrian & Andrew was quite a bit faster than my normal and I held up well because I have a few miles in the bank over recent months. The ride with Dick and Molly was reasonably steady too, except the bit where they turned right to go to Badgers for a pre-lunch coffee and I turned left for the climb back to Bo Peep car park along The Batch (below) to fetch the car. I had a bit of a sweat on when i got there and was panting like a bloodhound.

Monday was chores evening and Tuesday we went to the spin class - the first in a few weeks. I had a few left-over aches in the legs, but not sure why. I am not very scientific with my approach, I just ride my bike.

Wednesday I decided to cycle to the gym and then do the Body Pump class, followed by a Spin class. Molly would bring the car for the ride home - I'm not too worried about missing the return leg because it's mostly down hill. I had half an eye on last week's time of 34 minutes before I started, but after a few turns of the cranks I detected the slight soreness. Perhaps not today then .... I was surprised when I got there in 33 minutes. Not sure how, but pretty sure my timings are accurate enough for the purpose. Ah well, another unexpected bonus ! Pump felt hard and I was knackered after Spin.

We had three 'rest' days scheduled in - food preparation ready for friends coming to dinner, visit relatives, shopping (yuk), essential chores, private BBQ for the two of us and a game of (long overdue) golf - and then we are back on it for another week of rides, gym and work.

Cycle to the gym took the same 33 minutes, but I suffered from an overly relaxed start and despite some gurning in the latter stages, I couldn't make the time up. This is always the problem with training alone, you end up 'fit in your own world' but in no one else's. You have no partner who can push when you are at your lowest, and vice versa. Luckily I am a Gemini, so there are two of us and we both think we are fit. Body Pump class afterwards was good and I pushed quite hard with lots of extra weight - almost back to the level I was when doing this regularly, one little plus at least.

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We are still thrashing round the little road circuit from the house but it's not quite as easy now Molly is back to work. However, our speed and fitness is improving, and I often get the chance to do a second lap as my hair doesn't need so much attention after each ride.

Weight loss has stalled and I need to kick start it somehow. Stuck at 215lbs (plus or minus a bit) but I'm working on it. Perhaps it is time to wire up my jaw.

A couple of days go by and more failure .. I want a sub 30 minute local-loop before Colorado and felt good last night. Despite slowing for two horses and one pony and trap, I was doing well but got to the cut-off point for a single lap and knew I would miss the target by a whisker, so decided to go for the two-lap record. Round again and back to the cut-off point, looking good, but slowed down by cars being diverted from an accident which caused me to miss the lights. Waited 45 seconds for a light change, then pulled a face and burst some blood vessels all the way home; and rolled into the drive on 60min37sec. Bugger, bugger, bugger. Average speed 19mph - not bad for an old bloke on a mountain bike though. To put it into perspective it's the same average speed as the Tour's peleton on the final mountain stage last week and they rode for 5 hours 3 minutes, uphill and in the big ring !

Preparation for Colorado

Since Sharm, the closest we have been to water is in the shower.

We have been busy though. As usual, straight after a holiday it's always 'catch up time' and I spent mine on the road for a week. Knowing it was coming, I made plans to take Molly with me. The week away was eventful though. I spent the first day in Middlesbrough, where the security guard at the Sports Centre apprehended three local 'scrotes' who were trying to steal the bikes off the back of the car. Luckily the rack locks to the tow ball and the bikes lock to the rack. Apparently it was the feet sticking out from under the car that alerted him ...

Due to the somewhat excessive travel (1500 miles in a week, plus appointments) I only managed one ride - the North Face Trail in Grizedale.

This is another of our pretty good short trails. Just 10 miles in total, no BIG climbs, plenty of boardwalk and generally not very busy. The only disadvantage is that it located in a difficult place to 'go past and drop in'. I was going past for the first time in years and couldn't resist. Managed a PB at 64 minutes too !

The weekend saw us in Holland, Lincolnshire, one of England's flattest areas, with my brothers. We enjoyed a family ride at Rutland Water followed by a picnic. I wouldn't chose to ride there too often at the weekend because it is really busy. But, as a family venue, it is perfect. It's accessible, with good parking, bike shop (http://www.rutlandcycling.com/), cafes and it's brilliant for the kids who have improved no end since we last rode with them. How much better would we all be if our parents had dragged us out from such a young age?

Molly and Elly (above) having a breather on the dam wall at the eastern end of Rutland Water.

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Lucy - cruising (right). With mandatory tongue sticking out at Uncle Freddie !

The weekdays have been full of work, gym and local loops and we appear to be getting better. I have my 9.3 mile local loop down to 31 minutes on the ARC and determined to break 30 before Colorado. I also managed to cycle to the Body Pump class last week and managed 9.6 miles, mostly uphill, in 34 minutes. Will try that again this week ....

Off to the West Country next for a retirement dinner. Not a normal one - a mate retiring from the Royal Marines and starting another career. Apart from excessive socializing, Molly and I rode the Princetown loop across Dartmoor again, but clockwise - the slightly easier way round.

I managed a quick mid-week visit to see some mates over near Guildford and ride a nice circuit from Brook, Hindhead, Gibbet Hill and around the Devil's Punchbowl. The fitness level stacked up favourably with Adrian and Andrew, so I was relieved / pleased about that as they are quite a bit younger :-)

You are reminded that you are getting old as your daughter's 30th birthday approaches. Oh no .. another party and another present ! One of my brothers made the pilgrimage south to celebrate Toni's happy day and we took the chance to introduce him to a few hills. Dick hasn't been riding that long or that much, but has really got into it during the Sundays at Rutland with our neices. I told him not to bother with a bike, I thought I would lend him the 575.

We had a slightly shorter than normal route and avoided the bigger, steeper pulls and he did really well. Barely two miles in, we had the hardest climb (above) up to The Comp from Blackstone Bottom. Not too long or steep, but Molly struggled up this last winter when it was frozen. We could have avoided it, but I couldn't have Dick thinking it was too easy down here ! We rode the loop and finished off with a blast down through Friston forest on an unofficial trail known as Stumpy (I think). Not too technical but loads of fun. Molly, complete with new integrated shin / knee guards, rode it like she was born to shred and admitted afterwards that it was really enjoyable - yee ha, bring on the Rockies.

I think Dick wants a Yeti :-)

The reward was a lunch in Badgers Tea House in Alfriston (http://www.badgersteahouse.com/ and 01323 871336). Expensive but worth every penny. (You can get 2 or 3 bikes into the garden so you can keep an eye on them but bigger groups will need lock and chain)

We fly to Denver in three weeks ... let's just keep riding.

Egypt

What can you say about Egypt ?

It's my first trip to somewhere where the daily temperature is 39 ! Even the sea was 29 and only a degree colder a hundred feet further down. Molly had been before, but nothing could prepare me for 'living in a hairdryer' for a week.

We stayed at Sharm, located where the Gulf of Suez and the Gulf of Aqaba meet. The resort was actually OK, although not the five star advertised. It was mainly German and Russian tourists, so there was very little orderly queueing for anything, all the sun loungers were draped in towels by first-light and physical prowess and speed was an definite advantage at meal times.

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(This part of) Egypt is not quite finished - in a 'Spanish' sort-of-way. The construction is functional, almost opulent and very white and the gardens are lovely but where it all stops, the piles of left-over crap start. Most unlike Palm Springs / Palm Desert, where superior attention to detail prevails and all is green; but, where the sprinklers stop, a proper desert takes over. Barren, beautiful and TIDY. Ok, I'm done preaching.

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The local passion is football, the local pass-time is sitting around smoking and the economy generally works on the basis that you have to tip in order to get good service. It's different.

We arrived late and were a bit shell-shocked the next day as we joined the scrum for breakfast. Glad to get out in the fresh air we set to exploring and soon stumbled into the Millennium Divers shop. A general enquiry about the Advanced Open Water Course turned into a frantic grab for the kit and, within half an hour, Molly and I were on a check dive off the house reef. Five minutes after the dive, I was signed up for the course and Molly had two days booked on the same boat - what happened to putting our feet up ? Perhaps we can do that later.

This was the wonderful view over the next two days, anchored in the Strait of Tiran, and an even more wonderful panorama was about to unfold beneath the surface. My previous underwater experience was limited to 8.4m down in Leybourne Lakes in Kent in the Autumn, temperature 11 degrees and visibility 5m ! My check dive the previous day was down to 20m and here I was starting the AOWD course and would be down to 30m, with visibility of 30m and water at 29 degrees - with a load of Germans and Russians who don't queue !

I wasn't prepared for how much wildlife there was down there. It was literally like swimming in an aquarium. In-between the drift dives along the reefs (Thomas, Woodhouse, Jackson and Laguna) I did the deep water dive, the boat dive - including an excellent re-entry drill in a strong current and force five, and the navigation excercise(s). I revised, sat the assessment tests and slotted in a couple of sport dives with Molly. Showky the instructor was a good lad and I leaned a lot. I can't help thinking I leaned as much from Molly, who was a great help throughout, held my hand, told me off, looked after me - as usual.

It was a great thrill to be part of this and the highlight was to be able to take part in another recreational activity with Molly. After the two days in the boat, I then did the final 'Night' dive and got my badge ! I have the same qualification as Molly now, I am just 100 dives and ten year's experience behind her - no doubt she will continue to look after me :-)

I saw too many species to document but special mention to the Hawksbill Turtle we bumped into. Just after the bumbling German knocked my fin off, Showky spotted this metre long beauty, face down in the coral having his lunch. He grabbed me and our combined three-fin-effort got us the 10m against the current to a point where we could hang on long enough to watch this fella for half a minute or so. Showky estimated he was about forty years old.

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We shoe-horned four days of doing very little in after all that, but snorkelled on several of them. On the first trip, we turned to see a five foot Moray swimming quite close to us and watched him as he slithered away - goose bumps formed on every bit of my exposed flesh, Molly's fingernails digging into my forearm, both of us gurning.

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The final noteble 'spot', while snorkelling, was this beauty.

About two metres of prime Leopard Shark cruising by on the edge of the 'blue' about 20 metres below us. Oddly neither of us had the same apprehensive reaction to the shark - we just lay there on the surface, holding hands, in awe of this wonderful creature as it lazily swam by minding his own business.

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Would we go back ? Damn right we would.

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Now, where are my bikes ? I have missed you all so much ....

How to fit it all in ?

Been trying to ride this week ..

Getting my work schedule for June sorted has been hard work. The main visit up to the North East hinged on an important presentation and the timing was critical. I needed to know that date early enough to allow me to organise all the other trips around it and to get everything sorted quickly enough to allow us (Molly in particular) to get away for a week in the sun and put our feet up.

We didn't know we could go on holiday until the very last minute and didn't know exactly where either. We did, as a precaution, visit the doctors and get an up-to-date 'fit to dive' letter, we dug out the fins, masks, computers and printed off the 'warm-weather-holiday-kit' spreadsheet and started to make some piles of gear in the spare room.

It all fell into place late Thursday and we visited the local Travel Agents after work and found a last-minute deal to Egypt - Five Star (!), all inclusive and to a hotel with a Dive School. We booked it and rushed home to pack. Lots to do before 16:20 Saturday .......

Only Mick and I made the Friday night ride, but we had a good dry blast round one of the local loops. Hartfield to Groombridge along R21, Eridge Woods, Hornshurst Wood, Limekiln Wood and up to Crowborough. The trails are in fabulous condition at the moment and our little downhill section in Hornhurst is really fast through the top half, but plagued with braking bumps through the bottom section where the interesting little rocks and roots reside. This is the first time I had ridden this route on the ARC and I absolutely love it - It's a perfect blend of light and responsive and takes just enough sting out of the trail to allow me to move a bit faster. I like the ARC so much I may give it a name.

We swung by the Leisure Centre for a quick break with Molly, who has been kicking some arse in the Body Combat class, and enjoyed the favoured latte / cake combo. We delayed long enough with that latte to make sure the legs screamed all the way up the (short) hill from the Sports Centre, but managed to get back to Hartfield in record time. Got home late and finished packing !

Up at dawn to play the monthly medal (Golf) and didn't do too badly - although I didn't bring home any silver - and arrived at Gatwick (via the shower) just before 13:30. What will the next few days bring I wonder, never been to Egypt ...

Back to life

Back to reality. It always takes a day or two to get back into it but we are getting there.

Work is hectic and nothing is easy these days with the economic gloom and the general lack of consumer confidence but, being a salesman, I remain positive of mind in all matters.

We bimbled round our little 'road' loop on Tuesday night (complete with photo-call during the woodland detour), went to a Body Pump / Spin class combo Wednesday, did Body Balance (Yoga-style flexibility and core strength training for saga athletes) on Thursday and then dived into a busy and social Bank Holiday weekend. Must get the balance right, ride lots and tick a few jobs off - the answer is to cram it all in.


Dinner with friends on Friday night was planned and there was just enough time for me to hammer (more of a 'gentle tap' really) the little road curcuit on the ARC before my shower. We then enjoyed some well-earned relaxation, good food, great company and the chance to look at a million underwater pictures from their latest diving holiday in the Maldives.

Saturday - we had planned a long ride in the morning, lunch at a local farm shop / cafe and then Molly was to drive to visit her Dad and I would cycle there. Don't you love plan B .. it honked down, so we had a lie in and re-joined the plan at the cafe and I rode in the rain with a murderous head-wind that appeared to be there no matter which way I was facing. Really poor visibility on the South Downs, less than 100 yds in places, but a surprising number of hardy souls out stretching their legs. I helped two foreign ladies with some directions because they had missed Alfriston completely ! Feeling pleased with myself, I put the ear phones back in and carried on .. but at the cut off point for the Alfriston path, I noticed the old bridleway marker post (that I referred to during my directions) was missing. So I stopped again, waited for them to catch up and made sure they went in the right direction - they should have made Badgers tea room an hour later with luck.

The twenty odd miles was hard work but the rain stopped at the skin and I got some miles in the bank before Saturday's BBQ. Er, also in the rain.

Sunday was Golf early on and I played OK (to handicap) and then straight to an afternoon BBQ with excessive red wine, which turned into an evening BBQ with more red wine. Kind friends collected us mid-afternoon and another set of kind friends poured us out at the house afterwards. Arrived home 20:50, in bed 20:55, asleep two minutes later ...

We decided to crack a few chores on Monday and dived headlong into gardening, tidying up and hedge trimming. The neighbour came out and, mistaking me for a contractor, asked me to cut hers .. Molly then told her I had been living there, with her, for over a year ! I hadn't seen her during that time either.

With a couple of hours spare before we left for the Rose of Bengal in Crowborough (+ 44 1892 653183) I changed to summer rubber (Conti Race Kings) on the ARC and went round the little road loop twice. 18 miles in 66 minutes. Ok I guess, could try harder.

This was the first full week back to exercise with the repaired knee. It's not back to normal and perhaps never will be. Most of the back of the left medial has been removed, so I guess I just have to manage it and be realistic. Back at work and not too sore, so I guess all is going in the right direction.

Spain

The Volcano was in benign mood and we got to Spain and back; and roughly on time too.

What's to say .. not much because Golf only interests those who play golf and it's a last-resort sport for those running out of mates who can ride bikes. I never thought I would play Golf, never thought I would enjoy Golf, but there we are !


A week in the sun with no (real) exercise, plus I ate / drank more than normal - to return home and find out I hadn't put any weight on. Result. Let's assume it was a rest week in my Durango build-up.

The Golf ? Well, it was pretty good. I came second (out of sixteen) overall, third in both the par 3 and the par 5 competition(s) - very pleased with the result as it was my highest placing so far, and I am playing off a (four shot) lower handicap than last year.

Back on the bike for a quick hour-long road loop from the house tonight and to re-start the ongoing fitness gain / weight loss project.

It's nearly mid-way through the year and I am on track with my size-reduction targets. Let's see if I hit the Durango milestone ?

All going to plan so far, keep it up tubby.