Kids !

I thought we were too old to have dependants, but obviously I was wrong.

The idea of getting a new cat was bandered about in the late summer and we went to see one, put down the deposit and arranged to pick the little fella up at the start of September when things had calmed down, holidays were over, Molly had finished work etc etc ...

After a while, we thought he might be lonely, so we enquired about his sister. It appeared that she was still available, so we negotiated some discount for buying in bulk and put in a bid. Two cats now on order and shopping for accessories started to gain momentum.

The new 'children' have now arrived - Bengals.

The heated discussions started with names. I thought Wiggins and Pendleton would be most appropriate under the circumstances. This fell on deaf ears. They were called Jasper and Skye for a while, then Jasper and Suki but on the way home with them, Molly decided that the names didn't 'fit' !

They spent a day or so as nameless ones, but then became Java and Jazz. Why didn't I think of that ?

Just like Mel and Kim, who were always phographed on the same side so their collective moniker always matched the picture, so it will be with the kids.

 

 

Java (Mr) and Jazz (Miss) relax a lot, in between periods of intense interval training. They climb better than Leo Houlding, jump better than Jonathan Edwards and relax better then  your average sumo wrestler.

 

They can't ride a bike, so their life isn't perfect, but pretty close !

MBL Assessment

I don't generally get worried about stuff, mainly because I am one of those irritating folk who prepare meticulously and, if it goes wrong I know I've tried. 
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I have been quietly training all year for this day. Not just fitness - but riding skills, mechanics, first aid, guiding / local knowledge, teaching skills and map reading. I've bought new tools, I can fix more things and I am a better rider too. Ok, there's a way to go, but we're getting there. It's a fine line between 'ready' and 'worried' though and when two things don't go to plan, one can feel the wheels about to come off ...
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Little did I know this would be the last ride before the big day. Chris Lamb, Chris Taylor and I enjoying a great day on the South Downs. Beachy Head with 1.2 million Japanese tourists ..
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Problem 1 - 'work' was getting in the way and quality miles were hard to find. I can't do much about that - it's not a problem I have caused, it's just something I have to factor in. The other guys who work in the industry and ride daily are fitter than me anyway, the gap is just temporarily a bit bigger; move on.
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Problem 2 - was caused by my 'meticulous preparation' during a long skills session in the local playpark whilst being quietly ridiculed by the local 'scrotes' (er, fat, lazy local scrotes by the way). I pop down there of an evening to bunny-hop over my water bottle, wheelie up the path, practise step-ups and drop offs and, on a good day (when no-one is watching), clear the steps down to Tesco. It's a good location for skills, but I woke up the following day and couldn't move my right arm. Repetitive strain injury I guess and would never have happened when I was 27 !
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So, ten days prior to Assessment day I drove up North for work with a bag of frozen peas under the seatbelt on my shoulder. I couldn't lift my arm without using the other one, couldn't wash my hair (scalp, anyway) with it and couldn't even wipe my ar$e. I stayed in Rugeley, with the intention of thrashing The Monkey and The Dog into submission long into the evening, but couldn't even lift the bike off the rack. Another ride missed.
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Plan B was called for. So, I did nothing except, I'm afraid to say, worry a little. Three days later I got some movement and 36 hours after that it was all working sort-of, but hurt a bit lot.
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Whilst feeling sorry for myself, I did lots more reading about the Lakes - Coniston, Grizedale, slate mining, Beatrix Potter, Wordsworth, Joss Naylor and Napes Needle  - how could my fellow riders not be impressed with my general persona and local knowledge. 
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A last minute venue change meant that I made an early start from the excellent B+B in Hawkshead in order to arrive in Pooley Bridge ready to go for it. Trouble is, I didn't know much about Pooley Bridge apart from the fact it is in the Lake District. Never mind, If pressed, I could talk about the world Gurning championship. (Google 'Gurn' if you are foreign / a southerner)
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This was the last MBL assessment being run by Cyclewise and featured myself and excellent riding buddies Dave Buchan (above right and also being graded for mountain competence) and Rich Martin (in charge of the grading exercise). 
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What a fabulous day. From Roehead, we followed Ullswater (above, with Helvellyn in the distance) for a while and then ventured into Boredale. 
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The ever-steepening bridleway up to Boredale Hause resulted in the inevitable hike-a-bike eventually, but we were rewarded with a ripping descent down to Hartsop. I have been up this way before and I don't remember it being this eroded, especially near the top.
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Turn and gurn time up the valley alongside Hayeswater Gill was a mix of push and pedal. Luckily, this was followed by the snack stop at Hayeswater and the opportunity to demonstrate some text-book trackstands, in the shadow of High Street, on the dam wall - inches from certain death!
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The final carry after the stop, was a bit longer and a lot more brutal than the warm-up in Boredale, but we made the track junction with the old Roman Road on the Northern flank of High Street in reasonable order and, with some relief, started pedalling north / down / er UP again / through more-than-a-few bogs and towards the finish.
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High Street, looking north, on paper and for real. Nice shot Rich !
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At 16:18 on Friday 31st August, Dave and I officially became Mountain Bike Leaders. He posed and I slumped on top of Loadpot Hill for a summit photo after a big, old-skool day in the saddle and two year's effort. In truth, I found this physically harder than I would normally, but after the last few weeks I knew what was coming before I got out of the car. At least I made it ... a real achievement and a 'Priceless' moment.
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Dave rode strong all day. If he is ever your MBL, don't worry if you're tired, because he could probably put you in his Camelbak and give you a lift back. Top job mate and always a pleasure to ride with you.
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Thanks to all of you who have helped me along the way :
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Chris Lamb - Had I not met you under that tree in Horse Gulch Canyon, none of this would have happened. I wish you had been there.
Adrian Mepham - For sharing some of this journey and many others. I wish you had been there too.
Chris Ford - For not returning my call. I cannot thank you enough, really I can't.
Sue Martin - For making it all possible.
Dave Buchan -You've been such a help mate and I hope I helped you a bit (at least).
Rich Martin - Mr Positive. Inspiration, Mentor, guide, buddy, Yoda, contributing photographer and all round good-egg.
Yeti Cycles - for an awesome ride, quality apparel and optional tattoo.
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.. and finally Molly, who encourages me, kicks me up the backside when she thinks I need it and supports me in everything I do. I hope I am as good to you.
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The journey continues and I look forward to the next ride, it may well be the best one yet. 

Where has summer gone ?

Not that the weather has been that bad, but it's already August and the last couple of months have been a blur.
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Back on the bike after the Tribemeet and getting some good miles under the belt was a bit short-lived as we then jetted off to Greece to perform photographic duties at Justin and Hannah's wedding in Katigirorgis in the the beautiful Peloponnese.
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Hannah arrived by boat, the ceremony was on the cliff top, evening meal was on the beach - a great day had by all and I hope they liked the photos !
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Back home and hard at it for a hectic two weeks with our annual Seminars around the country to see our customers. I managed  a good ride round Dalby Red and then across the moors to Whitby one night, but the quality, regular miles eluded me.
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We got some chores sorted while the good weather lasted and then managed to squeeze in a couple of very muddy local rides. The sort where you spend more time cleaning than riding .. not good. 
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We managed to fit in a day rock climbing at Harrisons Rocks with James and Natasha. On such a good day, we were there with about 150 other people but managed a to find a couple of free pitches eventually and the kids really enjoyed their intro.
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Natasha (the limpet) loving that rock a bit too much. I'm sure she is using her teeth as well !
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In the wake of Bradley Wiggins and Team Sky winning le Tour, the Olympics were upon us and Team GB does us all proud. There are a few slip-ups with the team road cycling and the triple jump, but some fabulous results courtesy of Ennis and Farrah and an incredible mens 800 and women's 4x100. We were glued to the TV every night.
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Our friends Chris and Meg are over from Colorado to catch the Olympic Mountain Biking and a few days of 'track and field' and their last few days are spent at ours enjoying some much needed relaxation.
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We have a great day out at Bodium Castle and a very chilled BBQ in the evening and then manage to fit in a day on the South Downs to show Chris the local sights.
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Chris (Taylor) leads Chris (Lamb) up Windover Hill on our tour of Bo Peep, Alfriston, Jevington, Eastbourne, Beachy Head, Birling Gap, Friston Forest and Seaford .. phew. The 31 degrees made it hard at the time, but I'm out of breath again just typing it in. A big thank-you to Chris Lamb for supplying spare bikes of the right size for our guests.
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Great to see you guys again, thanks for taking the time to drop by and we are looking forward to the next time already. You know you are always welcome. Sarge .. you saving up ??
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Next .. a relaxing late-summer Bank Holiday weekend. Well, that's the plan.

The Tribe 2012

Take a selection of all ages, sexes, shapes and sizes; add disparate characters, different training regimes (or lack of..) and then season with a great location, riding from the doorstep and the one thing that binds us together, a YETI - welcome to the Tribe.
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This year's meet was held at the Long Mynd in Shropshire. Our illustrious leader Andrew Palmer, with valuable assistance from local rider Sandy Plenty of Leisure Lakes Bikes, had put together a weekend of fine riding along some classic local routes, a few stiff climbs, some great descents and more fun than you can have on your own.
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The base for the weekend was the Bridges YHA at Ratlinghope and the local Bridges pub figured heavily throughout the agenda, mainly thanks to the great selection of locally brewed Three Tuns ale (and the great food of course).
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Arrival day often starts with excessive socializing brought on by a combination of excitement and nerves about not being able to keep up with the fit(ter) riders. Inevitably, the less fit riders socialize more and then they have an even worse time keeping up the following morning. Last orders were eventually called and the thirsty-Tribe-night-shift wandered back to their tents to sleep it off.
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Things happen in Yeti time. It's like a combination of 'manana' and 'hakuma matata' and most folk accept this as the natural by-product of having so many people riding together. About ninety of us set off a bit late, but 'hakuma matata' as they say in Shropshire. The first incline had the night shift pushing for a while - but partly due to mud and congestion. Once you stop it aint easy to find enough space to get going, apparently.
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Apologies about the junk bike in the foreground above !
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We had a great day out, with highlights being the descent of Minton Batch and the last climb back up which was a good stiff one. Most of the alcohol had been burned off by then, so the legs were spinning strong and steady. No this isn't Minton Batch, I was enjoying that one too much to stop and take photos ..

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Day two was a different vibe with some classic woodland singletrack thrown into the open-bridleway mix. All in all a fabulous weekend amongst like-minded, tolerant and well-behaved Yeti freaks.
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Long live the Tribe and I am looking forward to next year already. Huge thanks to Andrew, Sandy and the rest of the guys who helped to pull this together, without who .....

Summer Holidays

There is some dispute about who's idea a 'family' holiday was. But, after some careful planning, seven grown-ups, one child, one baby, four Yeti's and a Whippet by-passed French quarantine and, via the compulsory overnight stop at Chalet Verger, assembled in Les Salles sur Verdon for some sun, relaxation, wine, walking, good food and (perhaps) some MOUNTAIN BIKING.
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The 'kids' hadn't been back to this area for quite a while. In fact, some recent pictures converted from slides (!) to digital, reminded us all of exactly how long ago it was ..
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Molly, Dick and I took one car, Toni (daughter #1) and Felix drove the other and John, Jemma (#2), Kailah and Logan appeared at Nice airport a few days later courtesy of those nice EasyJet people. Game on, and not a bad view from the patio either :-)
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Job du jour on day one would normally be relaxation, but with a 'spare' day before John, Jemma and the kids arrived we decided to walk the Sentier de l'Imbut through the Gorges du Verdon. This would allow some of us to babysit the kids while John and Jemma did the same route later in the week. Parts of this walk are mid-way between a scramble and via-ferreta and the fact that the French have no equivalent to our Health + Safety executive means that you know you will have some fun.
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Molly, Dick, Toni and Felix about 75' (25m) up the first scramble. About another 100' to go.
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Jemma leads John, Felix and Dick 50' (17m) above the river a few days later. It's not the falling that is the issue, it would be the getting out. Sections of the Verdon river are classed as Cat VI rapids and Cat V sections are numerous. They were holding on though!
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Felix and Toni relax, post walk, post lunch and post beer ...
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We didn't want the kids to miss out, so we took a mini-trek through the tunnels on the Sentier Martel, having parked the cars close-by at the Gates of Samson.
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Dick, John and Kailah prepare for the return journey. There are a couple of tunnels along this section of the GR4 and this one is the best-part of a kilometre long.


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'Grandad' gives Logan a lift. Lazy little bugger - nine months old and refuses to walk. I blame the parents ...


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We relaxed a bit and then decided to give the bikes a day out. John, Felix and myself did the circuit between Castellane and Le Point Sublime in superb conditions and in pretty good order too.
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John leading Felix up the last climb before lunch with the Cadieres de Brandis in the background.
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This is one of my favouritist routes and, after cleaning the whole climb from Chasteuil after lunch on the ARC for the first time, I was a very happy chap.
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A few days later Molly, Dick and myself had a great day out at Castellane market and then rode a slightly shorter version of this ride in equally fabulous weather.
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I took the Whippet this time and had a few good challenges getting up the climbs. We even managed to fit in a little rest-stop on the way back. The post-ride beer in Castellane's market square has never tasted so good.
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We celebrated my 55th birthday in Aiguines and had a lovely evening out but, more often than not, we used the local restaurant when we weren't BBQ'ing. We cannot speak highly enough of the service, quality and VFM we enjoyed at L'Escapade in Les Salles. Try it if you are in the area.
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More days on the beach of le Lac du Saint Croix recharges the batteries and gives us the chance to relax and mess about with the kids. Jemma and John in relaxed mood ..

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John, Felix and myself then head out to tackle a local VTT (velo tous terrain) route. I've done this route  before and it's a brutal 'straight up' from the car - then flat and easy - then rocky, twisty and a bit tricky down and back. Since I was there last time they have 'mended' some erosion on the track and achieved this by dumping loads of 30mm gravel on it. It is similar to riding in porridge. Despite having 55 gears between us we were still pushing after a few kilometres. Ride a bit, push a bit, repeat - we've all done it. It was almost worth it for the descent though and I would love to ride this again, fast(er) on the ASR5 instead of coming down carefully on the SS Whippet. It's on the list.
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It's amazing how fast the time goes when you are enjoying yourself and we were soon dropping John, Jemma and the kids off at Nice airport - just a day and a half left.
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We managed to explore the local area on the bikes and, finally, mustered the courage to visit the local bike park.
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Oi - those obstacles are higher than they look !
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I fell off, Felix fell off, Molly watched (and laughed) and Dick fell off (twice). But after some comedy moments, the inner child was released and we were the kings of the playground for just a minute. Luckily no ten year olds came along and embarrassed us and we escaped intact.
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An uneventful drive back completed the holiday and we couldn't have asked for more. No major issues, no accidents (to speak of) and everyone enjoyed it. Good times with good people are very precious and it's an added bonus when those in your family happen to be good people too :-)
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There is just enought time to unpack, then re-pack for a week away up North (working) and then straight to UK Tribemeet #9. I am 55 now and there is no time to waste !

MBL

After attending the excellent Trail Cycle Leaders course last year, it was a natural progression to want to take things a bit further and attend the Mountain Bike Leader course. After the quality of TCL and the high standards of tuition, booking with Cyclewise again was a no-brainer.

There is always a plan and I had tried to get Adrian, Dave and myself (from the TCL course) and my good mate Chris on the same course. We all booked, we all paid but, at the last minute, work got in the way and only Dave and I made it. We joined Rob and Anne at Hawkshead YHA for an excellent two days of bike-related topics including leadership, coaching, map reading, mechanics, route planning, emergency procedures and (most importantly) riding your bike with new friends.

Rich Martin (Cyclewise), Anne, Rob and Dave wait for me patiently at the top of the warm-up climb, day one.

The first day comprises a good-value session on wheels. Hubs explained and dissected, pawls poked, freehubs twirled, teeth admired and spokes tweaked. Craig Scott ran the mechanical portion of the day, ably assisted with some nuggets from Dave (Workshop Manager at MSteel Cycles). As usual I learnt lots and took away a few bits of homework, plus a list of new tools that I didn't know existed.

We had a spin across Claife Heights after lunch and were treated to a skills display by Craig, Rich and (Bouncing) Rob (the Bunny-Hop king). Practice is the key - I know this, but I feel less comfortable in Safeways car-park or the local skate park than Rob does and I am more likely to be arrested for loitering at my age. I have my secret practice spots at home and have visited them already, brushing up on some skills I should have learnt thirty years ago - If I was actually riding a bike back then.

Back to the classroom for some lesson planning and route cards for the following day. Rob put his feet up with a glass of wine and Dave and I went out to the car park down the road to try and work out why we bunny hop using 'willpower' rather than weight shifting. Work in progress ... 

Day two and we are off into Grizedale for a mix of follow-the-dots trail centre riding on sections of the excellent North Face trail and some brilliant off-piste trails 'hidden' away; and generally only a few yards away from the groomed routes followed by the majority. These little gems are embedded in my memory for the next time I up there with an evening to spare and my lights charged.

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You sure Rob ? That looks like a supermarket car park ...

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We conducted a one-to-one coaching session on cornering at speed / berms and came away with a few more ideas to to help us all deliver things more effectively. Not surprising  that practice is also the key here and the ability to have plan B ready at all times. I guess it is easier with a raw talent that manages to simply 'do' exactly as you ask, but with normal riders, who already ride in a certain way, there are things to unpick before you can build - as Anne found out when she asked me to stop riding like a plank. Credit to Anne that she spotted the fact I am comfortable with the direct approach and that I resemble a bit of 'four by two' on a bike !

It's over all too soon and the sun sets on another great trip to the Lakes, we leave with a list of skills to practice, tools to buy, things to fettle, books to read, things to teach and much pedalling to do before we can contemplate assessment. The aim is to be ready for later in the summer.

There are lots of changes afoot in our great sport with the continued discussions about a single governing body to represent both the Scottish Mountain Bike Leaders Association and British Cycling with a single set of qualifications and a single focused, well-organised team to help develop and administer all disciplines within our sport. My dealings with BC have been fantastic thus far and they are a very professional bunch. I am very pleased that Craig and Rich are at the centre of this and can think of nobody better to represent Mountain Biking as we take the sport forward. 

Not been a bad Winter

I've been relatively good over the winter and managed to fit in one long ride nearly every week. These were supposed to be 'base-training' rides and would give me more chance to be stronger and fitter this coming 'season'. Running out of time always happens at the most inconvenient time though, so just when I should have been drifting into the 'speed' phase of my master plan, it all went a bit astray. So, a couple of months on I am in good shape - strong, comfortable on the bike for long periods, climbing pretty well and still slow. Three out of four aint bad though, I'll take it.

We had planned to go to Wales at Easter, quite a group of us, and perhaps ride the Chain Reaction Marathon at Builth. The best laid plans and all that .. not everyone's winter was as full of riding as mine and plans for a family ride on the Mini marathon course were shelved for another time.

Brother Paul, daughter Elly and wife Sara cruising down Bonk towards the dam. Lucy was at the front with Uncle Dick.

We had a good couple of chilled days, took the kids out riding off-road and up a few more hills than they are used to, ate out, wandered the Elan valley and saw a brace or Peregrine, watched the RSPB kite-feeding and had pretty good weather considering the snow of the previous week. All is never lost when you spend quality time with nice folk.

The other guys decided to make tracks after breakfast on Sunday, so Molly suggested I do the marathon anyway. I didn't fancy having her hanging around for hours so decided to do the mini marathon - 30km.

This isn't a race as such, some people are racing, but many just ride. Previous years have taught me that hanging at the back of field does cause issues once you get on some of the singletrack so, having started by the 'Fat Nobs queue here' sign, I passed a few people on the first road section whilst we were (all) cycling behind the pace car. Consequently, I ended up in a comfortable place once we ended up on the sections of the course where the effort to overtake isn't worth the reward.  With hindsight I should have lined up along the 'Done one of these before' sign because I would have been comfortable going a bit quicker. There was one chap just ahead of me as we came off the moor and back onto the road for the last few km back to the finish. I didn't worry about chasing him, It didn't matter - I was very happy with the ride.

The results came out and to my surprise I was sixth and only four minutes behind the winner. Ok, it's all a bit arbitary, because your position when the pace car pulls off and you leave the road does dictate how many people you can get past and how fast you can go. So there were probably quite a few others who could have been sixth. But they weren't, I was :-)

The Southern XC racing scene is on the back burner but I hope to have another bash next year. 2012 will see me doing less, but better.  

MBL course is next and I prepare to identify more shortcomings in my fitness level and riding skills. As usual, I look forward to learning lots and upping my game, helped by the very talented guys at Cyclewise, later this month.

FNRttC

The Fridays are a committed bunch of nocturnal cyclists who meet at midnight under the Wellington memorial on Hyde Park Corner and ride to the seaside to consume a healthy portion of fried food; then (some of them) ride home. Barking mad ...

However, the event is something that everyone should do at least once. Ok, it's all on roads and our bikes are not ideally suited, but the pace is manageable - at least up to the point when the roadies put their foot down on their 8kg bikes with massive road gears.

Verity and I got our registration in early and we had been looking forward to the ride to Brighton for a good few weeks. The day of the event came and we cycled down to the station to catch the 21:37 to London. Temperatures were forecast to be about 9 degrees overnight, so I had decided to wear shorts and a short sleeved top. No rain, so I left the outer layer at home. Arriving at London Bridge we were met with an icy blast of very fresh air that made me think I had made a poor decision. We stocked up on coffee and croissants and killed some time before a last-minute cycle across town to the start. Timed to perfection, we arrived at 23:58 to be greeted by Simon (organiser) and David (good mate) who both accused us of being late !

The start is always impressive. The lights change at the top of Constitution Hill and the traffic stops, Simon and his traffic guides jump out, block the road and about 100 nutters in reflective clothing pull out and head towards Brighton.  

The skeletons close in for the kill .. re-grouping stop in Mitcham, 01:08 am.

We take the quieter roads via Sloane Square to Chelsea Bridge and then south across Clapham Common, Balham, Tooting, Mitcham and 'out of town' via Coulsden and the gentle pull up the North Downs to meet the A217 for the blast down into Reigate and the first attempt to try and set off a speed camera. (bugger, it was switched off). All is going well and pedalling feels easy as we enjoy the peace and quiet of Lonesome Lane and into Horley for the tea stop at the Scout Hut.

With a clean, dry top and some long fingered gloves on, a belly full of sandwiches, cake and tea, we prize ourselves out of the warm and back onto the road. With a great deal of surprise we get into the swing again very quickly and are soon warmed up and chatting away as we make our way across to the short and unnecessary climb into Turners Hill. After this, the easy bit kicks in, with a pretty-much downhill section through Ardingly to Lindfield, across the A272 and down Slugwash Lane to Wivelsfield. Dawn is breaking already and the shadow of the Downs emerges from the gloom. Those who haven't climbed Ditchling Beacon before are probably feeling a bit apprehensive about now, but there's no need because it is just a hill and it's not that steep or that long. The only issue is that you've already done 80km and not slept for 24 hours !

The final snack before the Beacon. 06:25 am and still looking good. Oops, already eaten mine ...

Verity, Dave and I set off in the middle of the pack up Ditchling Beacon and quickly settled into a good pace. We pass a few people walking, we pass a few people pedalling, we pass one elderly gentleman who was wheezing like he was about to expire and one chap remonstrating with his imaginary alter-ego as he talked himself up the slope. A few short minutes later, and with what appeared to be mimimum effort, we arrive at the top and gaze down at the English channel, Brighton and the finish. Shortly afterwards, wheezing gentleman arrives. Respect - he was over 70 year's young and rode the whole way. 

Verity arrives at the top in good shape (at centre) while Dave, resplendent in his custom 'Fridays' ride jersey, looks on with approval (second from right).

The last bit always seams windy as you pedal across the Downs, over the A27 and into Hollingbury. One last small climb (always against the wind) is the last bit of effort before a freewheel down into Brighton and one last chance to set off a speed camera. The extra weight carried by Dave and I allowed us to leave Verity in the dust on the descent and, Hoorah, off went the camera. I didn't look round but Dave did, so perhaps there may be a photo-fit picture on the news later and a ticket in the post. 

Molly, Anne and Chris greeted us at the cafe and we shared a well-earned breakfast before the drive home to grab a few hours sleep.

I cannot tell you how much I enjoy riding my bike and much of that enjoyment comes from the people with whom I share the experience. I enjoyed Verity and Dave's company very much and every event successfully completed is an achievement in one way or another. A huge thank-you to the support group and welcoming party, without whom things like this can never take place.

Final stats - just over 100km, up three little hills, riding for most of the night, no punctures, no accidents, four Mars bars, two bananas, four litres of juice, two sandwiches, two pieces of fruit cake, two granola bars, two croissants, one tea, four coffees, two bagels, four eggs, four sausages, four bits of bacon (fat taken off two of them!), two bits fo fried bread  (two uneaten!!) and some beans - no problem.

From 11 to 12

December was very busy, just as it is for most of us. I always feel there is lots to do, but I never feel I achieve very much.
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We had a good few days off over the festive season and (brother) Dick came down for a couple of days for a bike ride, party and some general chilling out. We picked the dry day between Christmas and New Year to ride a section of the South Downs Way and across some of the Seven Sisters, but it happened to be the Windy day.
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A glance at the Garmin during the long grassy descent to the Birling Gap told me we were going at 5kph against the wind. That's 3mph in 'English'. We were pedalling too ! We were also blown over by a rogue gust on one occasion and it was very hard work. 
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New Year was quiet and we went to bed early, as usual. Before we knew it we were back to work, but for only a few days because this year's skiing trip arrived very early in the form of a double birthday celebration for (other brother) Paul and his wife Sara in the Trois Vallees. 
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Meribel looking south towards Val Thorens and Les Menuires.

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The conditions were excellent and the area enjoyed over a metre of snow on the day we arrived. There followed a dull Sunday with some of that lovely flat light that makes skiing a bit harder and then five days of wall-to-wall sunshine. We stayed with Robin and Lorna on the way down (who spoil us rotten) and were looked after on holiday by Jemma and Richard, who work for Ski Blanc, in Les Allues.

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Back to normal all too soon and we are getting back into some sort of routine and with a few extra Christmas pounds to shift. The longer rides continue and the excellent Garmin Edge 200 is keeping an accurate track of performance. I've done my standard 50km route three times (and the longer 56km route twice) this month in different conditions and in different states of mind and all the stats have been quite similar. I'm a bit stuck at an average speed of 22kph (13.7mph), but I suppose that's not too bad on the single-speed.

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First spin class last night and it was a shock to the system after the long and steady rides of the last two months. Time to mix it up now though. I have a long one planned for Sunday, with 30km on the road, then up onto the Downs and along to Eastbourne. It should be about 50km again, but a bit harder. The weekly road loop will be extended by another 10km or so from next week, spin class every Thursday and, if it's dry, I will fit in a two hour ride to the gym and then spin. That will work ... 

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Looking forward - I haven't decided whether to race this year or not, I can't fit everything in. Adrian, Chris, Dave and myself have booked our Mountain Bike Leaders course with the excellent Cyclewise, we have a family trip to Rhayader at Easter and hope to ride in the Chain Reaction Mountain Marathon at Builth Wells. I have also just committed to the splendid FNRTTC event to Brighton in March - this lot are as mad as a box of frogs. They meet at midnight on a Friday night at the Wellington memorial (round the corner from Buckingham Palace), ride to the seaside somewhere, eat a large fried breakfast and then the hardcore ride home. Molly will join me for breakfast and I will get a lift home as my legs will be shredded trying to keep up with all those road bikes on my little off-roader. 

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So, we ride off from 2011 to 2012 and there is much to look forward to already. I have my CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) check booked through British Cycling and then we are good to go helping out with cycling for kids groups.  I have a new logbook labelled '2012' that will contain the  comprehensive documentation of my mediocre progress and we have just had confirmation that our good friends Chris and Meg will visit from the States in the summer. It will be a good year and I can't wait.