Increased wine consumption on holiday, good living, very late flight home, no riding, minor mechanicals and general fatigue contribute to the worst 'performance' of the year at Perham Down. Of course, I could add the fact that I am not very good into the mix, but that's a bit irrelevant, because I knew that when I started.
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What a great course though, a little bit of everything and a great shame I just didn't turn up in the right state. Bizarre that with my worst performance I get the most points - needless to say, a few of the familiar faces were missing.
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One race left in the series and that is the local one at Pippingford Park at the start of September, so let's make amends and get back on track with my 1% improvement.
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No action pictures (again) - but I did find my right shoulder on the edge of someone else's action shot, taken while he was overtaking me !
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Thoughts already turn towards the winter when I need to get the base training in ready for next time. I need to come out of the winter stronger. Then I need to learn how best to be in the right place, mentally and physically, for each race.
Tuesday 19 July 2011
Thursday 14 July 2011
Isle of Skye
It was with great excitement that we threw a few bits into a bag and left for Gatwick to get the flight to Inverness. We picked up the (smallest) car (in the world .. nearly) and headed off towards Skye. As Eilean Donan castle comes into view, you get the first glimpse of the Cuillin (mountains) of Skye if you look straight down the loch - big spiky Black Cuillin on the left and non-quite-so-big, rounded, Red Cuillin on the right.
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Ten minutes later we are are crossing the bridge on to the Island and, time-wise, we are about half way to Glendale where we will spend the next week being spoiled rotten by Jennifer and John, Molly's sister and her husband. We even had to endure this view from their house each morning as the days invariably started sunny and clear.
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The weather is changeable in Skye to say the least; the climate is balmy compared with other places at a similar latitude due to the warming effect the Gulf Stream. The trouble is that the warm air travels several thousand miles across the Atlantic picking up moisture, hits the Cuillin, rises up 3000' in less than a mile, cools and then it pi$$e$ down ! Not every day, but quite often. The summer up there also delivers about eighteen hours of workable daylight and so when the weather is good, it's a double bonus. The weather was supposed to be good for a few days, so we head straight for the hills while we have the chance.
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There are loads of routes to do and most could be described as 'strenuous' on the walking scale. I have climbed quite extensively up there in past years and done a bit of wandering around, so decided to introduce Molly to the Inaccessible Pinnacle.
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The 'In Pin' sits atop the Black Cuillin Ridge and is the highest point of Sgurr Dearg (3235' or 986m). It is the only Munro (Scottish Summit over 3000' or 914m) that involves a rock climb. It's a jaw dropping sight. I climbed it a few times and it's straight-forward as rock climbs go but the 'exposure' is amazing and it's narrow - about 12" wide at the narrowest point. The view from the abseil anchor is not for the faint-hearted on the way down either. An early Victorian description was 'a knife-edged ridge, with an overhanging and infinite drop on one side, and a drop on the other side even steeper and longer'. We didn't climb it that day, but had a good amble round and posed for a few summit shots on Sgurr na Banachdich and the ridge.
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Looking north towards Banachdich, Sgurr a Mhadaidh and Bruach na Frithe ...
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Needless to say after such a full itinerary on the Cuillins, we opted for a few less active days. We both like wildlife and nature in general and are always on the look out for unusual stuff. You go to other areas of the country and certain things are common, but they are a real novelty to those of us that live elsewhere. I got quite excited about the Curlew we saw on the first day ! Wheatear's are quite common too but we never see them down south. It's not unusual to see some passing species either ..
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A good spot from Molly was this minke whale, cruising past Neist Point lighthouse. Excuse the picture, but it was half a mile out to sea and this is maximum zoom on the camera plus an enlargement in Paint Shop Pro.
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We went off seal watching in the drizzle on the third day - the locals must be used to seeing boat loads of visitors because they were happy to pose as we cruised by.
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Not quite so relaxed about our presence were the Sea Eagles. One was off hunting, the chicks were huddled down in the nest sheltering from the wind and rain and the other parent cruised by at Mach 2. The last time I tried to photograph these birds, I missed and got a single picture of two feet and a few tail feathers, so at least I improve - next time i might get a picture of the front !
.
Ten minutes later we are are crossing the bridge on to the Island and, time-wise, we are about half way to Glendale where we will spend the next week being spoiled rotten by Jennifer and John, Molly's sister and her husband. We even had to endure this view from their house each morning as the days invariably started sunny and clear.
.
The weather is changeable in Skye to say the least; the climate is balmy compared with other places at a similar latitude due to the warming effect the Gulf Stream. The trouble is that the warm air travels several thousand miles across the Atlantic picking up moisture, hits the Cuillin, rises up 3000' in less than a mile, cools and then it pi$$e$ down ! Not every day, but quite often. The summer up there also delivers about eighteen hours of workable daylight and so when the weather is good, it's a double bonus. The weather was supposed to be good for a few days, so we head straight for the hills while we have the chance.
.
There are loads of routes to do and most could be described as 'strenuous' on the walking scale. I have climbed quite extensively up there in past years and done a bit of wandering around, so decided to introduce Molly to the Inaccessible Pinnacle.
.
The 'In Pin' sits atop the Black Cuillin Ridge and is the highest point of Sgurr Dearg (3235' or 986m). It is the only Munro (Scottish Summit over 3000' or 914m) that involves a rock climb. It's a jaw dropping sight. I climbed it a few times and it's straight-forward as rock climbs go but the 'exposure' is amazing and it's narrow - about 12" wide at the narrowest point. The view from the abseil anchor is not for the faint-hearted on the way down either. An early Victorian description was 'a knife-edged ridge, with an overhanging and infinite drop on one side, and a drop on the other side even steeper and longer'. We didn't climb it that day, but had a good amble round and posed for a few summit shots on Sgurr na Banachdich and the ridge.
.
Looking north towards Banachdich, Sgurr a Mhadaidh and Bruach na Frithe ...
.
Needless to say after such a full itinerary on the Cuillins, we opted for a few less active days. We both like wildlife and nature in general and are always on the look out for unusual stuff. You go to other areas of the country and certain things are common, but they are a real novelty to those of us that live elsewhere. I got quite excited about the Curlew we saw on the first day ! Wheatear's are quite common too but we never see them down south. It's not unusual to see some passing species either ..
.
A good spot from Molly was this minke whale, cruising past Neist Point lighthouse. Excuse the picture, but it was half a mile out to sea and this is maximum zoom on the camera plus an enlargement in Paint Shop Pro.
.
We went off seal watching in the drizzle on the third day - the locals must be used to seeing boat loads of visitors because they were happy to pose as we cruised by.
.
Not quite so relaxed about our presence were the Sea Eagles. One was off hunting, the chicks were huddled down in the nest sheltering from the wind and rain and the other parent cruised by at Mach 2. The last time I tried to photograph these birds, I missed and got a single picture of two feet and a few tail feathers, so at least I improve - next time i might get a picture of the front !
.
.
All too soon we are on our way back and as the sun sets on another enjoyable holiday we must consider ourselves quite fortunate. We had a great week away and enjoyed the peace, quiet and each other's company more than I can describe. Great hospitality, lovely food and ample red wine from the Commonwealth - what more do you need ?
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Huge thanks to John and Jennifer for looking after us.
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Sunset over North Uist and Harris from Neist Point.
All too soon we are on our way back and as the sun sets on another enjoyable holiday we must consider ourselves quite fortunate. We had a great week away and enjoyed the peace, quiet and each other's company more than I can describe. Great hospitality, lovely food and ample red wine from the Commonwealth - what more do you need ?
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Huge thanks to John and Jennifer for looking after us.
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Sunset over North Uist and Harris from Neist Point.
Friday 1 July 2011
Where has June gone ?
It has been a manic month.
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We started off with a lovely night away at Bartley Lodge in the New Forest. This was a freebie from New Forest Hotels after the less-than-acceptable weekend we had at their Beaulieu hotel in January. Very nice it was too and ever so close to Crow Hill for round three of the Southern XC championships.
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I decided to take the ASR-5 after getting kicked about on the ARC in the last race and hoped this would be a little more forgiving. I think it was, but a bit heavier going in the dry loam sections. I had empty legs at the end (and for a few days after) but managed another 1% improvement in my 'compare with winner's time' calculation. Won't make a podium, EVER, but I will catch some of the other non-podium competitors in another seven races at this rate !
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Up north early the next day and I had arranged to meet 'Dynamic' Dave Buchan after work to ride his home patch near Rothbury. Dave and I attended the same TCL course at Cyclewise and will keep in touch.
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Molly suggested I take the SS as I would have the bike on the back of the car all week and it is much less attractive than a Yeti. Good plan .. until I arrived in Rothbury and followed (the fitter) Dave up the road climb for several miles (with his 26 extra gears) before we got to the interesting stuff. A couple of hours in Thrunton wood on secret local trails followed and what a fab place to ride. Another hidden gem tucked away from the riding masses who flock to the nearby Lake District or Kielder Water and don't know this place exists. It was tough on the climbs with one gear and tricky on the descents with no QR on the seat post. I walked some bits, fell off twice going up short steep sections, rode some bits well, rode some bits very carefully and gurned a lot.
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Many thanks to Dave for the tour. It was great to catch up and I was thoroughly broken, but not beaten, at the end !
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I always carry the bike when I am away and I have been away most of June. Weekends have been but a brief respite in a hectic schedule and haven't been really long enough to do any relaxing because of the chores and socializing to catch up on.
.
I had two days in Scotland and, due to a bizarre work schedule, I drove up there and managed to fit in two more gentle rides in the Forth Valley. One night in Glasgow with friends, one appointment and I am driving to Llanberis in preparation for a presentation in Bangor the following day. I checked in, lubed the chain and went straight up Snowdon :-)
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We have a voluntary bike ban on Snowdon from April and September between 09:00 and 17:00 to 'protect' the walkers. There are hundreds that go up there, on foot and by train. It was busy that evening too and I passed 20-30 walkers and 2 other bikers. The Llanberis path is 'easier' that the others but when riding alone I feel the need to be sensible. Llanberis is by the lake in the picture above. Yes, I did ride all of it to this point except a short rock section after the first railway bridge and YES, I did have gears - lots of them.
.
The stretch either side of the second railway bridge is a hike-a-bike section (going up) and then the gradient eases sufficiently to ride one-handed and snap the first tantalising view of the summit ..
.
.
Just around the corner and The Llanberis path meets the Miners / Pyg track by the standing stone and the views unfold. Looking North East towards Crib Goch and nice to see a Yeti in the mountains where they belong.
.
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What a great way to spend an evening .. about an hour and a quarter up and fifteen minutes down ! A bag of chips on a wall, two glasses of red wine and I sleep like a baby but probably snore like a pig.
.
We squeeze in one more weekend and then I am away for the last week of June too. More miles by car and bike including a good ramble round the moors above Horwich in Lancashire and then a double loop of 'The Dog' on the way to Cheltenham - all on the SS. A year ago I would not have been able to get round the Dog 'clean' once without gears, but this time I got round twice with no falls and no dabs. Felt strong, why don't I feel like this on race days ?
.
Monthly statistics 3768 miles driven, 170 miles ridden.
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Molly and I are on holiday to Skye at the weekend for a week. Can't wait :-)
.
We started off with a lovely night away at Bartley Lodge in the New Forest. This was a freebie from New Forest Hotels after the less-than-acceptable weekend we had at their Beaulieu hotel in January. Very nice it was too and ever so close to Crow Hill for round three of the Southern XC championships.
.
I decided to take the ASR-5 after getting kicked about on the ARC in the last race and hoped this would be a little more forgiving. I think it was, but a bit heavier going in the dry loam sections. I had empty legs at the end (and for a few days after) but managed another 1% improvement in my 'compare with winner's time' calculation. Won't make a podium, EVER, but I will catch some of the other non-podium competitors in another seven races at this rate !
.
Up north early the next day and I had arranged to meet 'Dynamic' Dave Buchan after work to ride his home patch near Rothbury. Dave and I attended the same TCL course at Cyclewise and will keep in touch.
.
Molly suggested I take the SS as I would have the bike on the back of the car all week and it is much less attractive than a Yeti. Good plan .. until I arrived in Rothbury and followed (the fitter) Dave up the road climb for several miles (with his 26 extra gears) before we got to the interesting stuff. A couple of hours in Thrunton wood on secret local trails followed and what a fab place to ride. Another hidden gem tucked away from the riding masses who flock to the nearby Lake District or Kielder Water and don't know this place exists. It was tough on the climbs with one gear and tricky on the descents with no QR on the seat post. I walked some bits, fell off twice going up short steep sections, rode some bits well, rode some bits very carefully and gurned a lot.
.
Many thanks to Dave for the tour. It was great to catch up and I was thoroughly broken, but not beaten, at the end !
.
I always carry the bike when I am away and I have been away most of June. Weekends have been but a brief respite in a hectic schedule and haven't been really long enough to do any relaxing because of the chores and socializing to catch up on.
.
I had two days in Scotland and, due to a bizarre work schedule, I drove up there and managed to fit in two more gentle rides in the Forth Valley. One night in Glasgow with friends, one appointment and I am driving to Llanberis in preparation for a presentation in Bangor the following day. I checked in, lubed the chain and went straight up Snowdon :-)
.
We have a voluntary bike ban on Snowdon from April and September between 09:00 and 17:00 to 'protect' the walkers. There are hundreds that go up there, on foot and by train. It was busy that evening too and I passed 20-30 walkers and 2 other bikers. The Llanberis path is 'easier' that the others but when riding alone I feel the need to be sensible. Llanberis is by the lake in the picture above. Yes, I did ride all of it to this point except a short rock section after the first railway bridge and YES, I did have gears - lots of them.
.
The stretch either side of the second railway bridge is a hike-a-bike section (going up) and then the gradient eases sufficiently to ride one-handed and snap the first tantalising view of the summit ..
.
Just around the corner and The Llanberis path meets the Miners / Pyg track by the standing stone and the views unfold. Looking North East towards Crib Goch and nice to see a Yeti in the mountains where they belong.
.
What a great way to spend an evening .. about an hour and a quarter up and fifteen minutes down ! A bag of chips on a wall, two glasses of red wine and I sleep like a baby but probably snore like a pig.
.
We squeeze in one more weekend and then I am away for the last week of June too. More miles by car and bike including a good ramble round the moors above Horwich in Lancashire and then a double loop of 'The Dog' on the way to Cheltenham - all on the SS. A year ago I would not have been able to get round the Dog 'clean' once without gears, but this time I got round twice with no falls and no dabs. Felt strong, why don't I feel like this on race days ?
.
Monthly statistics 3768 miles driven, 170 miles ridden.
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Molly and I are on holiday to Skye at the weekend for a week. Can't wait :-)
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