A Rough Diamond 300 (June 2013)

Last weekend saw me complete ‘A Rough Diamond’ 300k permanent event. I had ridden this event before, but as a calendar event and not a permanent. This time around, I cycled with my buddy Chris.

The event started at Tewkesbury, not far from the organisers (Mark Rigby) abode. It was the perfect day for cycling - warm, sunny and during the summer months. We hit the first control after cycling only 13k. This first control was Beckford Post Office – well it was according to the route sheet, the brevet card I had been issued with had a different control listed?! In fact the card and route-sheet didn’t exactly match. I decided to follow the route-sheet (in terms of controls). As for navigation, if truth be told – Chris and I both had differing GPX files and we would follow parts of each.

We left Beckford and passed through Pershore, Wadborough and then Worcester. We neither followed GPX or route-sheet through Worcester, instead relied on my local knowledge. This resulted in us missing out a portion of cycle lane that goes over ‘that bridge that SJ and I used to run across when SJ was training for her marathon’ but led us though a sprinkling fountain which was pretty and different. From Worcester we cycled along some beautiful roads, as the photo below illustrates.

Chris was wearing his awesome new ‘Bic’ jersey that a good friend had gotten him for his birthday. Spoilt I reckon! We passed through Martley and stopped at Burford Garden Centre just outside Tenbury Wells for control purposes.

We had both stopped at this control before. As nice as it is, it was pricey. Luckily, I had taken precautions and we ate some lovely sandwiches which I had prepared earlier. We washed these sandwiches down with a lovely cup of tea.

We left Burford and headed for Wales! Again lovely roads were cycled and the weather was just great. The greatest part of this section (in my opinion) was when we passed through Hay. First off, we just had to stop at the ‘Magic Faraway Tree’ which was a Great Oak dating as far back as the Doomsday Book (have blogged about this before). We stepped inside the tree for the obligatory psychedelic experience.

A little  further ahead we passed over the Hay TrOLL bridge. Both trolls were out and drinking wine too. Chris paid the TrOLL fee (20p) and we were allowed passage across said bridge. We saw Graham (the male troll) about a year ago and spoke about the magic tree and were quite mythed that he still hadn’t visited the Magic Faraway Tree despite it being only 4k or so away. Trolls eh?!

We left the trolls behind and continued on our adventure. We were heading south with troll rock in our mouth. When we finally reached the White Hart Control in Talybont-on-Usk we were about half-way.

We had a nice food stop here where we consumed crisps, fish fingers and chips. Our food came with a baguette but for some reason mine was served with only half a bread. I enquired where the ‘other half’ was and was given the ‘missing half’ along with the chef’s apologies. Bizarre. At this stop we met another cyclist who was doing a different 300k (calendar) event.

The stage from Talybont-on-Usk to Slimbridge was long – about 100k! We decided to break this distance up and stop just after we crossed the Old Severn Bridge. I loved the bridge and often feel a sense of ‘overwhelm’ every time I cross it. Wow, such a feat of engineering!

Amazingly, Chris suggested we stop at Burger King. So, stop at Burger King we did! Not sure what had happened to Chris on this adventure – not only did he suggest junk food, he ate loads! Chris also did not suffer any ‘lulls’ and felt he had fire in his legs after cycling 300k – his furthest distance to date.  What a weird and wonderful adventure we were cycling.

From our Burger King stop we continued on and passed through some strange named places including Hill and Ham. It was getting a little cooler now, though still warm and the daylight lasted much into the night. It was, however, dark by the time we reached the Slimbridge control.

Slimbridge was just a short stop where we ate crisps and chocolate. Chris spotted another bizarre thing. This ‘thing’ was a motorbike hearse. Weird or what?!

As soon as we left Slimbridge we were cycling along a towpath in the dark. This was ‘interesting’ to say the least. We had a few different sections along towpath but thankfully after so long the towpath was concrete and led into docks. I didn’t spot Gloucester HMP marked on the route sheet but we found the cathedral and passed through the arch. Next weird sight was a couple of young drunkards crashed out on the flower beds of a particular roundabout. After a bit of faffing we hit the A38 that took us all the way back to the arrivee in Tewkesbury. Woo hoo – job done. Only it wasn’t! My Garmin was reading 299k, so I headed to a ATM machine just to make sure I really did cycle 300k!

Cycled a total of 598k this week. Just 2k short of my target! Have now cycled a total of 5,301k this year.

Florence's last trip

Last week, I took Florence (my single-speed road bike) out for her last trip. Some remarked 'that sounds terminal' and I guess they may be right. I have plans of either stripping Florence of her bits and using them to make up a new single-speed machine or I may just sell her. Below is a representation of Florence's last trip:

Florence has been a great machine and I have had many pleasant experiences with her. She is a 2012 Track Revolution bike in good condition. She is only facing retirement because I have a redundant carbon frame that I want to build up (and my wife thinks I have too many bikes). Would anyone like to make an offer on Florence?

Lechlade-on-Thames 200k Audax (June 2013)

This week saw me complete the 'Lechlade-on-Thames 200k' permanent audax for the second time. I rode much of this route during my 'Black Cat Lunar Lark Cycle' too. This ride was different on many counts though.

The biggest difference with this ride was the fact that the organiser (Steve Gloster) 'allowed' me to start and finish in Studley. This made it easier for me, as I didn't have to drive or cycle far out to a start point and using these additional start/finish controls only added a few k's. I picked up the 'proper' route at about the 15k mark in Sambourne. Navigating to the first control was easy - I was using Jamie M's GPX files from when he cycled this route. Cheers Jamie! In fact, I was loaded with a GPX file, an up-dated route sheet and my local knowledge. On the whole I followed Jamie's route but chose to ride different roads here and there. My completed route is presented below:

Jamie's route took me to the first control by a slightly different means. At this control I stocked up on peanut M&M's and carried swiftly on. On my previous attempt I found it difficult to locate the cycle path leading to the Greenway, it appeared Jamie did too! However, thanks to Jamie I did find the correct path and rode Stratford Greenway for the first time.

The Greenway was a long stretch of track that cut through the countryside and avoided any motorised traffic. It was pretty and reminded me of Chester Greenway which I had recently cycled. This was obviously an old railway line - some rail carriages were being used and conveted into a cafe and a bike hire shop.

 The downside of the Greenway was the fact that it was slow. The surface was gravelly and dusty (not smooth tarmac like in Chester) and many a time I had to dismount my bike to get through a kissing gate. Last time I cycled the event, I cycled roads through Stratford Town Centre and then straight to Chipping Campden. I think the road way probably wins, as the roads are not too busy, are smooth, roll fast and making reaching Chopping Campden a zoomier more pleasant experience. I was pleased I had cycled the Greenway at last and would probably find it suited fatter tyres like on my mountain bike. Once leaving the greenway, the Chipping Campden control soon came.

Chipping Campden was such a pretty place as the photo above demonstrates. I ate my breakfast here (rather than spending monies on an expensive breakfast at Bantams Tea Rooms). I think I ate a chocolate breakfast...

This was a lovely day to cycle. Near perfect summer weather and no bugs! Nice roads took me through some stunning scenery to my lunch stop control - Lechlade. I stopped on a local park bench and ate a lunch I had prepared earlier at home (chicken sandwiches) plus a recently purchased banana for POP purposes.

Lechlade to Tewkesbury - the next control, was such a lengthy section. Pleased I had eaten well. Again the roads pass through some truly amazing places. Bibury was one such place and I had to stop just to take a photo.

The control in Tewkesbury was a Shell Petrol Station. It felt like deja vu here, as I was served by the same attendant as last time and they asked me the same questions too. I purchased a bottle of water, had a drink and made haste.

Next stop was Bromsgrove. Cycling this section made it feel like an audax I had not ridden before because I cycled the correct route! Oh the wonders of GPX! The control was the same - Bromsgrove's Asda. 

The last section was only about 15k. A nice lanesy route back to Studley that incorporated a part of the 'TROAD' route. A bit of a push to Astwood Bank and then a zoomy descent back into the village. I stopped at the Jubilee pub for my final POP! Woo hoo job done!

Cycled a total of 219k. In great British weather! This adventure lasted for about 10 hours and 25 minutes.

Redditch Tour Series

Those reading my blog will realise that it has not been in order this week. Sorry about that. With so much cycling each day (pretty much), I am adding snippets in an ad hoc manner.

Anyways, this blog is about the start of the week. My first ride of the week was with Ron. We took our mountain bikes for a revisit of 'Thistle-fall Hill'. Grr, the hill beat me and I had to get off and push. The remainder of our route was mostly a random off-road jaunt. We cycled the last part of our adventure by following part of the 'Deer Route'. Once back in Studley, we knocked on Kim's (my sister) window for fun and then raced up St Judes Avenue. Nice.

Tuesday, I ditched my bike and became a spectator instead. I watched the Tour Series in Reddich with a few folk I often have fellowship with. It was pretty good to be fair. Watching kinda made me wish I was participating.

Stroud 5 Valleys 50k Audax (June 2013)

Thursday saw me complete the Stroud 5 Valleys permanent audax again. Have cycled this hilly (1 AAA) 50k event many times now. Is such a great ride. This ride was particularly special because the sun was out!

I made slight variations to the suggested route during the initial stages - just for fun. That didn't prevent me from having to climb any of the steep hills though. The organiser, as previously recorded, stated it's 'a short ride with plenty of vertical-seeking interest. If it is flat you may be off route!' This ride qualified for a silver grimpeur award.

Last time I cycled through Bisley, I was unable to use the Post Office as my POP because it was closed. This time around, Bisley Post Office was open and they obliged in stamping my brevet card. Better yet, Minchinhampton Post Office was also open and in the same manner stamped my card (for the first time) too.

Cycled a total of 53k. This event took me just over 4 and a half hours. My total distance this year now stands at 5,029k.

Cycling silly verse - it could be worse!

Instead of cycling lots this week, I spent time on the internet (at work) and stumbled upon lots of lovely verse. Some of my favourite findings are presented below. If you were the author - good stuff!

North, east, west, south, Never cycle with an open mouth.

North, south, east, west, Never cycle with an open vest.

Keep to the left and ring your bell; If you see a bull, then ride like hell.

Don't lock your bike where it will flood, Or you'll find your saddle full of mud.

A spoke will carry a bicycle wheel, But it ain't no match for an old cow heel.

If you could get a pie to talk, It'd say `I'm a lot more pie than pork'.

Hear the empty pint pot sound, Means it's somebody else's round.

One Mars bar Won't get you far You'll get more cheer From a pint of beer.

When the sun is shining

 And I know it will not rain.

 I take my brand new bicycle.

 And pedal down the lane.

 I like to skim round corners.

 I like to ring my bell. I strain,

 And climb the steepest hills.

 The Freewheel down again.

 That is how I like to travel.

 It is better than the train.

 Or bus or car or motor-boat

 Or even aeroplane.

Dear x, I have a dreadful moan,

I want to cycle on my own;

You've dogged me for two thousand k

Please take the hint and GO AWAY!

 You tell me when I should not pee

Surely that is up to me?

Pretty cool eh?!

Pants really

This week my cycling was largely pants. I only cycled on one occasion. The weather was pants initially, work got in the way of fun and ok, with my excuses I am done. The short distance I did cycle was on my mountain bike where I cycled 'naughty fields' to the 'Bread crumb trail' and then returned home via Coughton and Sambourne. Some random barbed wire tore my shoe open too :(

Next week should be more exciting. I plan to ride 50k, 200k and 300k events in the same week. Oh, and on Thursday night, Walter is going to interview me via Skype for the purposes of that LEL 2013 documentary. I wonder if that'll be my 15 minutes of fame?!

Cycled a total of 31k this week which brings my yearly total up to 4,734k. 

Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch 400

The weekend saw me complete the Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch 400 audax. I had so wanted to enter this event because doesn't it just sound great?! As the name suggested, this was a 400k audax event that passed through Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch. The ride crossed the Cheshire plains, the North Wales coastal strip, Menai Bridge and reached Holyhead in Anglesey before heading back to Poynton. The route should have looked like this:

The event started at a very reasonable time - 9 a.m, from a car park in Poynton. I met Jamie M and Andy T at the start plus about 60 or so other crazy cyclists. It was a warm day, just perfect for cycling. I tried to stay with Jamie and Andy from the start but with such a mad exodus of cyclists (plus a wrong turn here and there) that proved difficult. At various points during the first stage I would be (re)united with the guys but then lose them again - still it was good to meet them on their first 400. At times I would think they were behind me but then catch them further on. After 60k I had left England and crossed into Wales by cycling a fantastic stretch of tarmac known as the 'Greenway cycle path'.

The only menace with the Greenway was the amount of greenfly it attracted. Must have been a name thing?! Once I had crossed the River Dee, I met the 'man in the grey van' - the organiser. This was the first control and Mike (the organiser) awarded us with banana's for cycling this far. I cycled just a few metres more and awarded myself with beans on toast at a local cafe in Shotton.

The roads were initially a little busy leaving Shotton but it wasn't long until quiet roads were encountered again. I remember climbing a big hill during this stage - the climb of Halkyn mountain! A fast descent followed and I missed a left turn but it didn't matter - 'all roads lead to Rome', right?! Right enough, my wrong turn joined the correct route a little further out. The greenfly had disappeared during this stage but flying ants had taken their place. As I cycled across a bridge, I caught sight of the guys again so rode with them for a while. Not sure exactly when or where we got separated again. The route was lovely during this stage and it wasn't too long until I was cycling along a coastal cycle path - I had to stop just to take a picture.

I love cycling by the seaside. It's great to get a whiff of sea air and views that are often spectacular. Plus the fact that the sun, sea and surf seem to create a happy population. God's creation is really wonderful. My route passed through Colwyn Bay and led to Rhos on Sea where the next control was. I stopped at the suggested control (Forte's Restaurant) but soon left because this was a 'sit down and wait to be waited on' affair. It was sunny and hot and I didn't wish to wait in any cafe for a length of time. Instead, I nipped over the road and bought an ice cream - yummers, I felt like I was on holiday! Just before I left the control I saw the guys Jamie and Andy roll in but that was the last I saw of them on this audax. As I headed away from control, a random guy asked where I was heading - when I told him 'Holyhead', he gasped 'but that's miles away'. When I told him I planned to turn back from holyhead and return to Poynton, he just said 'that's mad', and I think he really thought I was. Perhaps I am?!

The route continued to follow much coastal paths which I was real happy about. The second big climb was during this stage too - the Sychant Pass. The route appeared to essentially follow much of the A55 but without actually touching it. Cycle lanes ran alongside the A55 or specialist cycle bridges were used to cross the road and avoid the Pen-y-clip tunnels. Amazing!

Nearing the control I saw signs for the Menai Bridge but it wasn't until the return leg that I would actually cross it. I crossed the self-same Menai Bridge during the 'BCM 600' audax a few years back, but it was dark and very wet then. I was almost sad that I wouldn't be crossing it right now on a gorgeous sunny day. My sadness didn't last long, I stopped at the Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch train station and that put a smile on my face. For such a long time I had wanted a picture of this place name taken with my bike present.

This was the last picture I took, but was happy with that. Just before reaching the control in Holyhead, I stopped at a garage and drank lots of water as I was feeling really parched. On route to the control I was thinking of food and deciding what to award myself with - I planned on a big beefy pie. Almost cried when I reached the control - it was no cafe or restaurant, it was 'the man in a grey van', located at Penrhos Coastal Park. Mike signed my brevet card here and fed me with a banana, chocolate bar, cold rice pudding and fruit salad. Not quite my beefy pie, but I was so hungry that I joyfully ate these foods that I normally would not. I wonder if Chris Hodge would have ate the rice pudding if he were here with me?! Woo hoo, I was now half way.

Was feeling pretty good at this half way stage and as I left control was pleased that the prior headwind was now a tailwind. Big Welsh mountains lay ahead of me and it was almost daunting heading towards them. Creation, so beautiful. Was pleased that I crossed the Menai Bridge and it was still daylight, still sunny and still warm. Cycled through Bangor and across many a cycle path again. One path was covered with sand. I missed one turn and cycled a short stretch of the A55 - menace road, but at least it was flat and allowed me to speed along at quite a pace. It started to get dark during this stage and I could start to feel the temperature dropping. Many folk had layered up during the last control - I felt that was a bit premature with the bright sun still shining. I told myself I would not layer up until I got to the control at Abergale. This was a good tactic because as I was starting to get cold, I would cycle harder and faster to reach the control. The control was a McDonalds. Once I stopped, brr, I really did start to feel the chills. A few folk were stopped here, many feeling very tired now and not really wanting to push on. I ate loads here - a large meal, extra nuggets and an apple pie. After a much needed rest, I layered up and set sail one more time.

The stage from Abergale to Hapsford was a night stage. My lights worked well and I could not remember the last time I cycled at night. My initial chills soon disappeared as I cycled along. Luckily this was an easy to navigate stage and before too long I was at the Chester M56 Services, the penultimate control. I could have had another McDonalds here, but I didn't - I had a cup of tea and a packet of crisps. Many folk were here again, not wanting to continue due to feeling worn out. One chap had the same bike as I. They bikes looked good parked next to each other. I left a few defeated looking chaps here and headed for home, well, towards the arrivee anyway!

Man, it was cold during this last stage! Note to self - warmer gloves and socks next time! This stage was nice because I saw the night turn back into day. Around 5 o'clock in the morning it wasn't far off daylight. The chap who had the same bike as I caught me up and overtook, so I followed him for a while. He went off route but I was happy to follow and not navigate. Once we reached Ashley we passed through 2 tunnels using a cycle path and then continued on to Wilmslow. With not too far to go (just short of 400k at this point) I had to stop - my Garmin had decided to turn itself off. Not sure why my Garmin did that, it still had charge. I charged it a little more anyhow and then set off once more. I felt a little dismayed that a group of 3 had whizzed past me. With a final push, I raced to the finish, whizzing past those 3 cyclists and reaching the arrivee just before 6 a.m! Great stuff, I had completed another 400k event (my third) in about 21 hours (20 hours 59 minutes)! Just a 600k ride off a SR series! My actual route is presented below:

Cycled a total of 545k this week, not bad for a LEL 'rest week'. My yearly total now stands at 4,703k. 

The Cotswold Corker 100k audax (May 2013)

Funny old start to my training this week. I only went out once mid-week but completed 2 separate cycling adventures. Quite bizarre using 2 different machines in the same day.

My first adventure was on my road bike. I cycled my new ‘BG SR 2’ route from last week. This time around, I cycled much faster. I changed the route ever so slightly by avoiding the busy (dual carriageway) A435 on the return leg and instead cycled through Alcester. I like this route and am sure to cycle it again. My 'new improved' route is presented below:

My next same-day adventure was ‘The Cotswold Corker’ 100k audax. This was an awesome event that I had ridden a fair few times before. As is usually my style, I used my mountain bike. The route I took is presented below:

I started the Cotswold Corker from Winchcombe and 3 big hills were battled to reach Bishops Cleeve and then Northleach. These hills were Bushcombe Lane Hill, Cleeve Hill and Sudeley Hill. The biggest of which reached a reported 27% (road sign states 25%).

The rest of the route continued in a hilly style but not quite as severe as the start. Was looking forward to reaching Bisley and planned to use the Post Office for POP as they usually oblige by stamping my brevet card. This time around, the Post Office was closed. Worse still, the 2 pubs nearby were also closed. No stamp and no dinner! I stopped at a Murco garage just a wee bit further along to refuel.

At around the 77k mark, somewhere between Bisley and Andoversford, I stopped. I stopped to take a photo of a Stone Circle. I had no idea which stone circle this was but after passing it on so many occasions decided I must stop and take a photo of it! Once home I tried to research this circle and find out more about it but with no success. Does anyone know anything about this circle?

Once in Andoversford it was a lovely descent before the final climb back to Winchcombe. After the final climb, it was the final descent back to the arrivee! This was an awesome 100k ride, with over 1,500 metres of climbing. I finished the event in just over 5 and a half hours (5:39). Oh, and I got my much needed AAA point for May (1.75 AAA to be precise!) Hurrah!

Next week - a 400!

Great cycling start to the week, but a more relaxed finish. Struggled to get as many miles in as I would have liked. Still, cycle I did and on the whole was happy with my LEL training.

Took ‘Scotty’ out, my mountain bike, for a mostly urban mountain bike jolly. I often like to ride what I call my ‘urban route’ and essentially followed this same route but with a few variations. These variations were an off-turn trying to locate Aid’s new house (which I didn’t find on this occasion) and getting lost in a field by Ron’s (as a youngster, this was known as the ‘quarry’). This ride wasn't brilliant, just okay, I struggled to get into a nice rhythm. Pleased I stretched my legs all the same. My route is presented below:

My last cycle of the week was another route I had stolen from a Strava user. I had named this route ‘BG SR2’. This was a fast route, which started off similar to my ‘TTT 20’ route. From Wilmcote this route headed towards Bidford on nice roads but had to cross one busy road (where I had to wait an age for the traffic to slow so I could get across). On the return leg I passed the ‘Fish Inn’, where SJ and I had a not-so-nice meal just a few weeks back. From the pub this route headed home via that ‘undulating road’ and finished with a zoomy speed down Jill Lane. Nice. My route is presented below:

Cycled a total of 278k this week. Was hoping to ride 400k to keep in line with my LEL training plan. Not so bothered really though, as next week I plan to ride 400k in a single event! My yearly distance now stands at 4,158k!

Stranger 14:05:13

Contrary to my blog post yesterday, Geoff actually did publish the photo he took of me! I sent him a link to my blog and he replied to me by email stating 'Hello Tim, if you could only have been a short while later!  How do I convince you that your picture was already on line and awaiting a few lines of text and the close of today? Every so often it happens that I get a good day followed by a pretty dire day. Today has been a pretty dire day on many levels, but I had already decided your pic was going to be included and the order was simply in which I had taken them'.

Geoff informed me that he had even sat down and mapped out my likely cycle route and even got it pretty accurate. Amazing! This was the actual route I cycled:

I'm real pleased I met Geoff. He informed me that the horse I photographed yesterday was not the Marlborough White Horse at all, it was the Hackpen White Horse. Apparently the Marlborough White Horse can be found by locating the college fields near town, as it is at the back of there. In addition, Geoff informed that If I had stayed on the A4 and gone up the Avenue, I would have seen Silbury Hill over the next rise. Cheers Geoff! 

I would like to conclude this blog with another quote from Geoff - 'Although it's true I prefer ladies in general, you will see from my site there are a fair number of men, both pretty and knarled!' Check out Geoff's awesome site here: www.365strangers.co.uk