TransAtlantic Way Cycle Race Day 2

Woke up on day 2 feeling relatively fine. I had no back ache at all, not even a little bit. Amazing to think that just a week prior I was in so much pain and struggled to walk and sit. Only real menace was that my eyes felt like they had sand in them and I had a little sun burn. Jamie appeared to have no  major issues either. Once out of bed it was nice to shower although there was no soap. This shower proved to be my last for a good few days.

Following our showers, we sat down for our amazing breakfast. This amazing breakfast did not include a fry up like we were led to believe. This was a do-it-yourself breakfast that consisted of cereals, toast and yoghurt. Ah, and 'the eggs' were in a basket on the side but we did not indulge. This was a hostel and we had to cook, wash and dry everything we used.

Oh the horror we had when we went to collect our bikes. The room where they were stored was not a room at all. They were outside on a roof or something and covered in rubble and builders gear and surrounded by a few builders who were building away. Just like Mr Fat Man the night before, these builders appeared put out when we went to retrieve our bikes. We were glad to leave the hostel and continue with our cycling endeavour.

Today was the day that we actually started to cycle the Wild Atlantic Way. It really felt that our adventure was in full swing now. The little Wild Atlantic Way signs were now going to be a common occurrence of all our rides until the finish.

TAW Day 2 (194k)

Not long after leaving Derry, we had also left Northern Ireland and all the sign-posts, car number plates, currency, etc had changed again. The cycling was awesome with some great climbs and perfect hot weather once more. We felt very blessed to be able to participate in this event and reflected that although we were now 'skinted', what a privilege it was that we were actually here. Some folk surely were not cycling because of lack of funds. (Some folk were cycling because they had 'sponsors' and were gifted with bikes, luggage, clothing, bike-fits, etc).

The great hills we cycled often had awesome view points at the top. How great it was to stop and have a view and think 'wow, we just cycled that'. God's creation in Ireland was really mind-blowing.

Great views a daily occurrence.

The weather being so hot again was causing tarmac to melt in places. In other places, fresh tarmac was being put down. On one occasion (in fact two) we had to dismount bikes to avoid our tyres popping due to the hot tarmac.

Hot tarmac, hot days, hot cycle action

The hot weather was great. It was excuse enough to stop for ice creams. Oh, ant the coke we drank too!

Nice views all around

It wasn't long before we encountered a beach. A lovely empty beach. Being on a jolly, we had to stop and pay a visit. Such a lovely stop - the perfect place for an impromptu picnic.

How silly I looked with my peak pointing upwards

Jamie found a crab!

Leaving the beach and continuing forward, we found the end of a rainbow. Indeed, at the end of this rainbow was a collection of those super nice (the best) cereal bars we were given at the start. I think a leprechaun had left them there for us. We promptly tucked these bars into our jersey pockets and left with beaming smiles.

Folly at Malin Head, Ireland's most Northerly point

Our journey took us to Malin Head which is Ireland's most Northerly point. This was also where scenes from Star Wars was recorded - could see why, it was 'far out'. It really blew my mind that Ireland's most Northerly point was in Southern Ireland and not Northern. Northern Ireland don't seem to get a good deal in my book - they have little land space in comparison and don't even have the most Northern point. Crazy!

Could Yoda live here?

Wow, we were in Ireland baby!

Awesome views from Malin Head

Jamie and I were living the dream. Cycling an epic event with such stunning scenery and perfect weather to boot. And, with long stretches of straight down-hill, what could possibly go wrong?!

As well as cycling lots, we would eat lots too! Cycling and eating are both great activities and both hobbies of mine. Frequent stops to a supermarket for food (and tea for me and 2 x cups of coffee for Jamie) were a frequent feature.

Funny the things you notice whilst cycling in Ireland. One such funny thing was the fact that they don't 'give' but rather 'yield'. Ha!

The first broken spoke of many

Had posed the question earlier, 'what could possibly go wrong?'. Well, that was answered when I had started to climb the biggest, most severe hill of this challenge. This was the first 'Mike Hall KOM challenge' hill (we think). Was so enjoying this tough climb when all of a sudden 'pop', grr, oh no, a spoke had broke (and front mech wasn't shifting perfectly either). This was a slight menace to say the least, especially as my (rear) wheel had so few spokes anywhere. Taped the spoke to another and carried on. Jamie made contact with his good lady (Kay) back in England and she was on the case of searching for a bike shop to repair broken spoke.

So much for the 'luck of the Irish'. 

With only mild anxiety following the broken spoke, we cycled until it was dark. Tonight was going to be our first wild camp. Before we had to look for a suitable spot, an abandoned house just appeared. Without further thought, we entered this building and settled down for the night. Little did we know that this house was oh so similar to the Blair Witch project...

Doo's sleeping quarter

Jamie tucked up

Our first wild camp was in this great building. It looked a little different in daylight. The darkness told a story of it's own...

TransAtlantic Way Cycle Race Day 1 (and pre-race blurb)

Jamie ('Mac' 'Tim's Friend) and Doo ('Tim') after completing TAW 2018

Wow, Jamie McLeod and myself completed the TransAtlantic Way (TAW) cycle race on 18th June 2018 in 11 days, 10 hours and 44 mins. This was a superb adventure and the first for the 'Adventure Squad'. Below is a summary of collected thoughts, photo's, facts,  and memories in an attempt to capture our adventure and share our experience. Due to there being so much content, each day will be posted as a separate blog entry. Oh, and the reason we were cycling this adventure was simple - we wanted to celebrate Jamie's 50th birthday and, well, no one else would cycle it with me.

The adventure really began as soon as I had left my abode in the village and collected Jamie from his domicile in Town. We both hugged and kissed our family members goodbye prior to setting off an a 3-4 hour drive to Holyhead Ferry. As is our custom, we stopped for a Maccy D's on route.

Expensive this adventure of ours, maybe too expensive for a pauper like me. As soon as we got to the ferry point we had to pay a whopping £90 for parking expenses. Before we got on the ferry we were stung again and had to shell out another £40 to transport our bikes on said vessel (£10 each, each way). Not sure what this 'bike money' was for as there was no where suitable or decent bike storage or security provided on the ferry. We were joined by a few other crazy folk who had also entered the race. Once on the ferry, we slept.

Arrived at Trinity College

About 3-4 hours later we had arrived on Irish soil, disembarked the ferry and cycled 1/2 mile to Trinity College. Here we met a whole number of bike packers and had a big fry up together and participated in some general cycle fraternising. This was a weird day really as we largely just wanted to start the race and sleep a while beforehand if we could. The race did not start until the following day and we couldn't just crash out as our shared room was not ready. Our room must have been cleaned over and over again because each time we asked if it was ready (and we asked on a few occasions) we were told 'it's being cleaned, come back at 2'. Hmmm, what to do? We figured we'd take our bikes to the storage area at the college where a miserable woman stated it would cost 6 euro's to leave our bikes un-attended against a wall in this open area because 'that's how it is here'. Hmm. We decided I would look after bikes and Jamie would visit the 'Book of Kell's' (which is an illuminated manuscript Gospel book in Latin, containing the four Gospels of the New Testament together with various prefatory texts and tables) exhibition at the college. When Jamie returned, I was asleep on the grass.

Irish Whiskey and Guinness, what else?!

On wakening, we found a suitable place to store our bikes - in a TAW van. We then went deeper into Dublin and Jamie tasted an Irish Guinness and me an Irish Whiskey. The weather was perfect, very hot and sunny and we hoped our adventure would continue in this vain. A superb fish and chips (with rock salt) dinner followed our drinks and we were starting to buzz with the pre-race excitement.

Race goodies - T-shirt, bum butter, tracker, cap, brevet and 'wonder' bar

Late afternoon and our room was finally ready. We faffed a little ensuring our bikes were set up ready for race day. My harness was causing issues but it was soon sorted. I had picked up a mascot in town too, 'Travelling Ted', an Irish bear who would accompany Jamie and I on our travels. He had pride of place on my front mud-guard.

Travelling Ted

Our spot trackers were collected too (which enabled friends and family to watch our dots on a dot tracker system throughout the race). The race briefing was attended and few rules were discussed. Essentially we were told that this was a self-supported and managed race. If short cuts were taken then there would be time limits imposed. Generally, have a good time was the flavour of the talk. Around this time we were also given race memento's - a TAW 2018 t-shirt, some bum butter, a cereal bar and a Epidura cap.

In the late evening we went and ate some super nice noodles and rice. Returned to our rooms relatively early. After popping my pain killers and some valium, lights were out at 8:15 p.m. When we awoke it was race day!

**********

The 12k trek to the start

Before our race began, we had another super big breakfast, just like the previous day only more of it. We then had to cycle to the start, a short distance away. Once at the start we had to wait for our wave to be waved off. Jamie and I were in the last wave because we were a pair (of idiots) and had to sit a whole hour before we could depart.

Ready for the off, off

Ready for the off

Moments before Jamie and I were waved off we were interviewed by the race guys, however, we cannot find the video that was posted. We essentially wished each other well, shook hands and were buzzing that we were about to start an epic adventure in glorious sunshine. My dynamo light was causing me a little grief as it just wouldn't work (and did not work throughout whole adventure) - am hoping the cable is the only real issue. Prior to the off, we had our brevet cards signed by Adrian (the event organiser) too. Adrian signed 2 cards for me, I was using this day 1 as my RRtY audax for June.

TAW day 1 (232k)

How awesome it felt to finally start. Our plan for today was to simply cycle to Londonderry. We hoped we would reach the first checkpoint (peace bridge) and get our brevet cards signed and sleep at a hostel that was pre-booked. Simples.

Jamie, rolling on the TAW at last

The start was almost perfect. Hot weather and a very welcome tail wind. Despite the gradient being gently up-hill it felt as though we were descending. Our first stop was at Navan, the 50k mark, where we had a Maccy D's and felt like audax cyclists.

My daily notes, rice pudding and spork

Our next stop was at Monaghan where we had covered 120k by this point. The weather was so hot that tarmac was melting in numerous places on the road. How cool was that?! This was a nice stop, especially for Jamie as he was given free chips by a fellow TAW cyclist. I purchased rice pudding (plus chicken sandwich) and was pleased (once again) that I had packed a spork. At often times (though not always) I would scribble down notes about our adventure and charge garmin at our feed stops.

Road closed, really?

Was very strange cycling into Northern Ireland. Just like 'that', the road signs changed (and distances were in miles and not km's), the car no. plates changed and currency was now sterling again.  I had created the route to Londonderry (as the compulsory TAW route did not start until we reached the Wild Atlantic Way), however, we stumbled upon a closed road. Some random road worker informed us the road was closed (we had seen sign after sign stating same) but eventually said 'hmm, you'll get through'. Get through we did, though this was a close call and we had to climb high banks and embark on some off-road action. What an adventure we were having already!

Our next stop was at the 175k mark in Omagh. I purchased some pastries here and (unknown at the time) was given change in sterling (Irish sterling looks different to English sterling). I also posted off my audax brevet card here too. Had to take a picture of the clouds covering the hills as they almost looked like a shadow. My dynamo was still not working, but no major menace, I had my friend with me who came prepared with back up lights. A nice Hope light shone the way to the control point.

Peace Bridge

It felt wonderful to reach checkpoint 1, Peace Bridge, in Derry. We were congratulated and had our brevet cards stamped. Next plan was to locate our hostel.

After a bit of mis-navigation, we found 51 Strand Street, our hostel for the night. I rang the bell and a very fat man answered the door and did not present as impressed one bit. He complained we were late and ordered us up the stairs to park our bikes in an outside room. This room was not a room at all, though we did not know this until the following day when we retrieved our bikes. This 'room' was an outside space on a roof or something. Mr Fat Man then showed us our room, a big room with a triple bunk and a double bed. I think he said it was too late for us to shower and was keen for us to go to bed. He was not pleased we wanted to sleep in separate beds and grudgingly went and got clean sheets for Jamie's bunk. 'So, you two don't want to sleep together no. Hmm. I'll have to get extra sheets' he said, in his saddened, 'you have really put me out' tone. His last remark was, 'the breakfast here is very good. We have eggs'. Looking at the size of him, we could not wait until breakfast and slept well with dreams of bacon, sausage and of course eggs!

Tick, tick, tick, boom!

Friday was not a good day. Friday, my back was still painful. I went for a swim and swam 1,000m (40 lengths) just like the previous day, however, I did not feel great for so doing. My back continued to hurt and I thought my chances of cycling the TAW were slim.

Woke up Saturday feeling much better with less pain in my back. Once I was up, the pain had returned but not to the same extent as previous days. Felt much more optimistic and believed that I may get to the start line after all. Such excitement caused me to ponder my kit list(s) again and have now decided to drop the pants and silk ls layer to save just a bit of extra weight. Had no idea what it might feel like to be on my bike but figured I'd wait a while yet. Hoping!

Sunday morning was awful. I woke up in a lot of pain. Seriously doubted that I would be cycling the TAW and felt like I had already let down myself and Jamie. All the money I had wasted spent, all the hours training, all the effort to take time off work, arghh, my head-space was all mashed up. Reflected on how this past week was pants. I had waned to buzz and be filled with excitement the week before this event. I had wanted to look at everyone's bikes and FaceBook posts. Instead, I was full of doom, gloom and anxiety. In the afternoon, I asked SJ to take me to work just so I could collect my (commute) bike and cycle home. A 'test' is what I thought was required. I would not listen to the advice from others and cycle a short distance near home, no, I wanted to see if I could ride my bike and pedal with a certain amount of pain. So, I cycled from work all the way home. Sure, I was in a little pain and my back felt tight but I could cycle. 25k later and I had reached home. Better yet, I had reached the decision that I would cycle TAW even if it killed me (let's hope it doesn't). I figured pain relief would be the way to go and Lin said she'd get me some tiger balm as she felt that'll do wonders. Took a quick trip to my parents (who will be away until my return) to say farewell (and inform I planned to cycle), borrowed some cash and printed copies of route profiles. I had started to buzz a little.

Monday morning saw me re-visit the GP. Thankfully, she felt my back issues were muscular in nature. GP advised I 'listen to my back', I swear I heard my back say 'to Ireland you must go'. Kind GP gave me some exercises to perform to manage back pain and some codeine to take at night. Sweet. I was advised to continue with Naproxen during the day. I felt swimming helped a little last week, so I swam a little today too. Just to make sure riding my bike really was a good idea, I cycled about 20k today for test purposes. Ouch, back still hurt.

Tuesday came. Mixed emotions. Race to get packed. So pleased I was able to go. Am I really a crazy goon? Miss my wife and kids and family. Back soon. Boom!

Check my progress/regress here: TAW Race 2018

Tapering to the TAW. (Torn and twisted)

Had such a great feeling at the start of this week. I think this was because it was a 'no-work' Monday (Bank Holiday) and I knew that only about 150k training miles were between now and the start of my TAW cycle race. I cycled an easy 25k to start the week and got extra excited when I received the latest TAW email which included a link to the 'tracker thing'. This 'tracker thing' means that anyone can follow (watch) Jamie and I (and all the other cyclists) race across Ireland as tiny dots on a big map of Ireland. The link is here: http://trackleaders.com/transatlantic18f.php, so please follow us! Would be awesome to know some folk are following us and wishing us well.

Tuesday was a rest day. I had Governance meetings away from my usual work base so no commute was possible. I didn't feel the need to push myself and run. In fact, I was feeling happily lazy.

Mid-week and menace struck. I cycled to work with no initial issues and managed to miss a major downpour. I showered and then when I was getting changed my back gave way. Wasn't sure what had happened but I was experiencing some acute pain. This pain continued so I contacted my GP and secured an appointment. My wife and daughter came and picked me up from work (my bike and gear still remains there) and took me to the GP practice. Following my examination, I wasn't given the news I wanted to hear. The Dr felt I had a prolapsed disc and suggested I take pain killers, consider an MRI, stay away from work (sick not written for 1 week) and complete a referral for physiology. Grr! I explained I was planning on racing the TAW next week and I got the expected 'pep talk' about how health is more important than any event and preventing more serious injury etc. The Dr has agreed to see me again next Monday. I do hope and pray all will be well. Contacted Adrian (TAW organiser) and Jamie to keep them updated. Both suggest I wait until Monday, see how I feel and await 'Drs orders'. That initial great feeling I had at start of week is not feeling so great right now.

Woke up Thursday to a considerable amount of pain. Had slept well though - the valium I took the night before had worked well. Struggled to get into my car (feel most pain sat in car seat) and took myself to local swimming pool. Felt nice to swim (probably first swim this year) and I swam 40 lengths (1,000m) which felt mostly fine. Kinda hurt when I had gotten out the pool again. Later in the day walked a short distance around local park which felt quite uncomfortable. I told my ma that I couldn't possibly ride my bike right now (let alone up a hill), she replied 'well, you don't have to  yet'. My mother is right of course. My mother, wife and Jamie are all well wishing and appear optimistic that I will start the race. I so hope they are right.

The last big ride before the big, big ride

What a great start to the week, my last but one training week before the 2018 TransAtlantic Way (TAW) cycle race, wahay! This week started with a 200k audax cycle. The route was one of my own DIY numbers and namely the 'Wot No Cross' which I have cycled several times before.

Wot No Cross (213k)

The weather for this cycle was awesome, near perfect. Bright, sunny and yet a cooling breeze. I left my house at early doors and headed for the first control in Broadway. The first part of this adventure meant I cycled very close to where I work - how great it felt once I had passed the turn off for work and onward on my adventure. Always feels funny cycling part of my regular commute but using a different bike - it felt especially weird today because I was cycling a fully loaded bike and attempting to simulate TAW conditions. (How great it would be if the weather was similar, hmmm). Reached Broadway with no issues and only stopped to collect a receipt for POP purposes.

Next stretch was where the hills started. Avoided the real big menace of Saintbury and Fish Hill, passing them by to tackle an easier Cleeve Hill. No fast descent the other side as traffic was busy and parked up. Took a cycle route through parks to reach the centre of Cheltenham where I stopped for another receipt.

My leg to Cirencester was part off-road. I deliberately cycled a stretch of off-road but missed a turn which caused me to cycle more off-road than I had planned. Stretches of this track were ridiculous and big trenches, tree roots and gravel had to be tackled. A short section was bike-a-hike. Lovely to reach Cricklade where I stopped for a quick bacon bap and mug of tea.

Mmmm, breakfast

Next section wasn't too far out and took me to Cricklade. I passed this house which looked like a castle and stopped to take a picture. Have passed this abode a number of times and often wished that it was my domicile. Purchased some rice pudding in Cricklade and was so pleased I had packed a spork. I really need to invest in a survival/army can opener though because there would have been little to no way I could have opened a can. My pudding was in a smaller plastic pot. Guess I might be living off rice pudding during TAW.

Who lives in a house like this?!

My bike felt right which was great. Am sure there was a few items I hadn't packed that'll be needed for TAW but it was pretty much how it will be. Still deciding on shoes vs sandals and should I take shoe covers (they are so bulky). Such thoughts and thinky things were in my head all the way to the next control in Witney. Further rice pudding at this stop. Yup, it's a winner.

Spork and rice pudding, yummers!

Last section home was quite lengthy (about 70k) but followed a lot of lanesy quiet roads that were quite beautiful. Return route took me close to work again - how great it had been to not work today. No rain all day either. Was home about 11 hours after I had left and completed my May 200k for RRtY purposes. Aces!

Two days in the week were my regular to work and back cycle commutes. The latter was awful as the rain had returned with a vengeance. Probably more realistic Irish weather.

Ran on 1 occasion in the week. Nothing special. Just a nice Studley Triangle 5k run.

Spent the weekend thinking some more about TAW and getting bags packed in preparation. The pictures below reveal exactly what I'm taking in my bags. Am sure there will be some slight modifications. Any suggestions etc, please let me know.

Ok, in my 5l Alpkit dry bag, which is attached to my handlebars using a Wildcat harness, I have the following: Calf guards (to help with sore muscles, keeping my legs warm and to prevent midges from biting), down jacket (to keep warm), running tights (to sleep in and cover me up when in a hostel), silk ls base layer (to keep me warm if required), merino ls base layer (warm dry layer for sleeping), cycling shorts (always need a spare), pair of pants (to add decency should I be staying in a hostel) and 2 pairs of socks (1 pair must be kept dry for sleeping). I deliberately chose such a small dry bag (5l) to prevent me taking any more stuff.

In my 13l Aplkit tapered dry bag, which is attached to my seat post with a Wildcat harness, I have the following: Down sleeping bag (toyed with synthetic but this turned out best lightweight/cheap option), sleeping bag liner, Alpkit 'Cloud Base' sleeping mat, Alpkit Bivvy bag, plastic bag (to keep dry stuff dry if bivvy gets wet) and a (currently missing) inflatable pillow (nice one Jamie).

In my final bag, which is a custom made Alpkit frame bag (not sure what volume), I have the following: Hip flask, paperwork (basic route, hostel info, insurance documents etc), pen, usb plug, 2 x battery chargers, cables (usb, phone, garmin), spare light battery, oil, rag, cleats, bolts, gas, gas head, levers, zip ties, patches, boot, multi-tool, disc pads, pump, 'dirty' gloves, 2 x tubes, sun tan lotion, sudacrem, paracetamol, ibuprofen, immodium, lip balm, bum creme, sanitiser, vitamin c tablets, (missing electrolyte), knife, spork, can opener, tooth brush, tooth paste, floss, te-pe, lock, baby wipes and passport. Am sure there may be the odd item missing. Hmm, what have I not included?

I will be dressed and wearing the following (if not wearing will be in a jersey pocket): shoes or sandals, toe or shoe (or both) covers, socks, leg warmers, bib shorts, H20-proof shorts, merino base layer, arm warmers, jersey, gilet, rain jacket, cap, buff, helmet, glasses, gloves, glove liners and a helmet.

My bike will be carrying 2 bottles, a garmin, front light (powered by dynamo hub) and a rear fibre flare light.

Argh! Not long now! Argh!

Completed the week by cycling two short journeys over the weekend. Really, really not long to go now. Maybe only 150k between here and the start of the TAW!

T minus 2 weeks (ish) to TAW!

Lunar's expressions capture how I feel with regards to the looming TAW!

Started my training this week on a high. First adventure was a trip to Roger's for some nice tandem action. Took a hilly route to get to Roger's and then swapped my road bike for his tandem. Together we cycled a 65k route on a wonderfully sunny day and stopped at a lovely cafe near Lowsonford for breakfast. I can never remember the name of this cafe but it's great and it's where we stopped on our first ever tandem adventure together. After our full English, it was a cycle back to Roger's domicile where I swapped bikes once more. Took an easier route home and was pleased with such a great start to the week.

Tuesday, Thursday and Friday were all regular to work and back cycle commutes. Pretty fine weather on each ride. Wouldn't to be wonderful if Ireland is this sunny when I'm away.

Ran on 2 occasions this week - Wednesday and Sunday. First run was a trek around the Studley triangle. Second run was a cross country affair over the fields of Studley. Felt good to stretch my legs.

Spent some time fretting about the TAW. Just wanted to make sure my kit list was all sorted. I think I am mostly sorted and hope to do a fully loaded 200k tomorrow for test purposes. Above is a picture of my fully loaded machine. Next blog and I'll share what's inside the bags.

TAW - it nears!

Lost my mojo and my focus a little this last week. This resulted in a relatively poor training effort for the week. I still cycled and ran a little, so I guess all was not bad. Oh my goodness, the TAW (TransAtlantic Way cycle race) is less than a month away!

Monday was a Bank Holiday and was spent resting after the Brevet Cymru. I was really glad of the rest too. Recovery is quite an art if you ask me!

Tuesday and Wednesday were both cycle to work and back commutes. And it's about here my training went a bit pants. In fact, I didn't train again until the weekend.

My old and trusted Pearl Izumi gilet

On a brighter note, my rather wonderful Pearl Izumi gilet was fixed! Yay, it cost £7 to get a new runner on the gilet, rather than big bucks to purchase a new gilet. Oh, the art of repair. Less great was the menace of getting my wheel fixed. I contacted Cycle Studio in Redditch and they said it would 'take a month' for them to fix a broken spoke. That, in my mind, is very poor service and borders on ridiculous. I don't think they had any interest in completing a small job. I contacted Vale Cycles in Evesham, they said 'bring it in mate, we'll fix it overnight'. Vale Cycles good, Cycle Studio bad!

Looked at a lot of social media stuff relating to the TAW which was inspiring, frightening and mind boggling. Pushed myself to record a video for media purposes of the pending TAW bike race. Below is my un-edited, interview with self (answering questions I was asked to answer).

Once the weekend came, I got my mojo back. With this renewed focus, I set off on an early morning run. I ran a rendition of the Studley Triangle. I ran off my work associated anger.

Sunday came and my anger returned. My recently repaired gilet had not been repaired at all and the zip was still wonky. Grr. Modern clothing ain't the quality it used to be. I have a shirt that's over 40 years old and still remains fine..

Now and Then

Decided to run off the anger once more and felt better for so doing. This was another Studley Triangle run in the awesome sun. Completed my training for the week with a cycling jolly with Ron and his new bike. Perfect way to end a week.

Brevet Cyrmu 2018 (Extended Bonus Edition)

Only 2 training events this (last) week. A cycle commute to work and back (and passed the Mrs on my return) and a 400k audax. Oh the joys!

Work had prevented more training. Ain't this always the way?! Well, maybe I could have pushed myself a little harder...

Anyways, the 'big' event I cycled was the rather awesome Brevet Cymru. A collection of my thoughts and memoirs are presented below:

• This was the 3rd time I had cycled this event and on each occasion this event was organised by Mark Rigby.
• I first completed this event in 2011. This was my first ever 400k event. This was used as a qualifying event for PBP.
• I got lost in 2011.
• I rode the event again in 2012. That was my second 400k event. I wanted to cycle this route 'properly' and not get lost.
• I got lost this time around and added about 50k to the total distance.

Brevet Cyrmu 2011

• I rode solo in 2011 and 2012, this time around I cycled with Jamie and Toll.

Brevet Cyrmu 2012

• I did not finish in time this time around, though still completed the route.
• I rode wearing sandals.
• First control was in Hay-on-Wye. I had previously bounced this control on previous editions. Was nice to stop for breakfast. I had honey and toast. No.5 is alive!

• The 2nd control was Llandovery. Prior to reaching control, I experienced much menace. Bolt came loose and abandoned bike resulting in a wonky bottle cage. Jamie saved the day and had a spare bolt. Then  my cheap Chinese handlebar extender snapped in half (don't buy cheap goods). Grr. Cycled parts of this section with a guy cycling his first 400.
• Nice potato at the West End cafe.
• We took a wrong turn in Llandovery and cycled an additional 40-50k. Am sure Jamie blamed me.

• I think we saw Llandovery too many times!
• It was ironic, that at the point we got lost, was pretty much the same place where I had gotten lost before (and added 30k).
• It was quite a race to reach Tregaron in time.
• Timewise we made it to Tregaron.
• We did not have enough time to eat a proper sit down and savour meal.
• I purchased fruit and pastie and quite enjoyed that.
• It was about here that I realised I had got quite burnt from the sun. It was mega hot.
• We saw no Tregaron mountain toads (at least not yet).
• We saw signs 'beware the Tregaron mountain toad'.
• Toll started to feel sick.
• It was very hilly.
• We reached Newquay, just in time.
• Toll was feeling sicker.
• The control kindly stayed open for us 3. I think it was only me who ate - I had crumble and ice cream. (Jamie, on reflection, had a Kit-Kat).
• It was pitch dark. On previous editions, I could see the sea.
• We discussed plans of finding a B and B for Toll or getting a return train. nothing materialised.
• We left the control with an uncertain feeling.
• Big hills!
• Whoa, Toll was sick! He puked!
• We cycled slow for long stretches now and it felt bad that I had no awesome remedy for the sick boy.
• We tried to find a suitable place to sleep. The churches were all closed. The bus stops didn't look to appealing.
• We stopped at a bus stop. I think Toll (and maybe Jamie) got a little sleep. I couldn't sleep. I was too awake and too cold. I think the High5 powder I had was full of caffeine too and kept me awake and alert.
• After so long, we pressed on a little. It was slow going. No suitable sleep spots were found.
• Another bus stop was found after so long. We tried to sleep again. I think Toll and Jamie got 40 winks. I got the chills and decided to leave the boys.
• Solo cycling in the dark. I hallucinated at times, though it was more like illusions really. 
• Very misty every now and then.
• Cycled into a hedge at one point (I was being silly and closed my eyes and counted to 39). No damage, came to my senses again.
• Absolutely awesome starry sky. 'He even made the stars'!
• Morning light appeared. 
• Oh no, oh yes, signs to Llandovery.
• Found control, out of time, was closed.
• Continued and found open garage. Was not looking for a POP, but was so pleased to be able to eat. More pasty and milk shake for me!
• Found a church with a big porch. Curled up for a spell and tried to sleep - no joy was still too awake and got cold when lying down.
• Got a strange sense of deja vu!
• Seemed a long stretch to Blwch. Passed so many cyclists cycling in the opposing direction. Weather must have made folk to want to come out.
• Did not even consider looking at the Blwch control.

• Passed some strange place names during last 60k.

Brevet Cyrmu 2018

• Damn blast. Debris got caught in my wheel and bust a spoke and mashed up my mud-guard. Scratched frame too. Grr!
• Hilly last section. I kept looking out for Tintern Abbey. Silly me, this route did not require cycling past the abbey on the return (think I was thinking of the Bryan Chapman).
• Text Mark Rigby and informed that I and the boys would be a DNF.
• Ah, but finish I did (and so did the boys)!
• Another adventure. Much memory created! I'll remember the highs (and some lows perhaps).
• Tried to sleep at the finish, no joy - maybe too buzzed up. I slept about 33 hours after my previous sleep and did not dream about cycling!
• Tis what it is!