Over the weekend I did The Dragon Ride, a 117 mile race from Bridgend across the Brecon Beacons and back. 3100 riders took part. It is one of the UKs premier Sportive events. Here is the race report:
I drove down to wales on the M4 on a sunny Saturday afternoon. I was staying with family friends in Pencoed (just outside Bridgend) on Saturday night. Nice and convenient for the start being only a mile away. Upon arrival I was greeted with a nice welcoming hot lasagne dinner and a comfy bed.
My day started at 5:30 am when I was woken by the baby in the next room babbling before he decided he had had enough and started to cry for his first bottle of the day. No need for an alarm when there are youing children about. It was bright and sunny outside, no point in staying in bed any longer. I got up, showered, breakfasted (I had Weetabix and Croissant whilst the baby was enjoying his bottle of milk with his Dad) and left for the start line before 7:00 am.
I met up with my friend S from RBS/Guildford Peloton / Team MK in the car park and we proceeded to the start arriving just before 8:00 am.
We were about the fourth group to start at 8:12 am. The start was much more efficient than last year where we had to hang around the start for ages . It was obviously early on that S was chomping at the bit. He had said at the start that as he was on his new Scott bike (he has a new bike so now his wife wants new golf clubs) he wanted to beat last years time even though the course was 20 Km longer than last year (the generous organisers had slipped a new hill at the start and another at the finish). After about 10 miles I let S go and proceeded on my own.
At 42 miles in the middle of the Brecon Beacons National Park I was with a group that was moving quite nicely (but probably faster that would have been good for me overall) when there was a loud "BANG" and my bike shook. The guy next to me said that it was probably a stone but the guy behind me corrected him and said I had lost a spoke and my back wheel was buckled. I got off and my wheel was badly buckled as I had lost a drive side spoke. The wheel was rubbing on the brakes and frame.
As there was no telephone signal and I would have had to wait hours for the sweep wagon I loosened off my brakes and decided to cautiously proceed to get to civilisation. This proceeding cautiously turned into 18 miles of cautious riding until I reached the food station at 60 miles. As I arrived S was just leaving. There I telephoned the mechanical support (provided my Mavic, real French mechanics in a yellow Mavic Tour car with French plates. They didn't swap out my back wheel, the mechanic tweaked a few spokes to slightly correct the buckle so that it was not rubbing too much and told me that should get me home.
As I left I got into a bunch from De Vere cycles who were wearing a bright canary yellow strip and were storming along . I raced with them for the next 25 miles swallowing up groups and spitting them out. At one stage I was racing downhill at 45 mph with only a front brake and a tremendous wobble on the back of the bike.
Eventually I could keep it up no longer and got spat out. A few miles further on I was greeted with a "Welcome Back" as I was swallowed into a group of guys who had similarly been dropped. This group broke up as we hit the hills again.
All the way people kept coming up to me and telling me "do you know your back wheel is buckled", "that looks dangerous", "wow", and "that looks nasty". I don't think anyone behind me could but notice it was so bad but hearing these comments some 100 times over 87 miles got a bit repetitive.
I throttled back as I knew the Bwlch (big mountain 4.5 miles at 8%) was coming up. Last year I had to walk some of it but this year I was determined to get at least further before dismounting. It hurt but even in my lowest gear and with the afternoon heat coming off the road (yes, it was hot and sunny all day with temperatures in the 30s, unlike the usual rain Wales usually guarantees) I managed to get to the top. I knew there was less than 20 miles and only one hill to go. As I came over the top there was a guy lying in the middle of the road who had had a nasty fall and was waiting for an ambulance. While I was waiting to get through I heard some of the guys say he had had a mechanical failure causing the fall. He was obviously badly hurt. I saw the ambulance coming up the mountain as I was going down.
From there to the end I formed a tag team with another guy and we took turns pushing the pace on finishing the last few miles with a sprint .
I finished in 7 hours 38 minutes against 7 hours 10 minutes last year over the shorter course. I would have been pleased with this time even without the mechanical shenanigans so I was very pleased. I met up with S at the burger bar (he had done 7 hours 17) and managed half a burger before my tummy protested as we analysed the race. I then went back to my friends for a shower (very welcome). I had a cup of tea whilst the children were having their sausages and potatoes (I was offered some but after eating stodge all day I wasn't hungry).
I was on the M4 on my way home at 5:30 pm and home at 9:00 pm.
Now to get to the bike shop to see if I can get my wheel repaired before the Etap.
Monday 15 June 2009
Wednesday 3 June 2009
June 3rd 2009: Glorious Summer Weather
This morning I had an orthodontist appointment at 8:00 AM in Teddington / Hampton Hill. To avoid the traffic I cycled there on my old 1980s steel Peugeot 501 (after repairing the puncture again, it turned out I had made a poor job of repairing the puncture the first time and air was leaking from under the patch, Note: I still haven't replaced the old 1980s tyre).
At 7:40 AM as I was locking my bike up outside the dental surgery when my phone rang (see, I do use the lock, I don't just use it for ballast in my saddlebag going uphill). The phone call was from the surgery advising me that the orthodontist had been taken into hospital so my appointment needed rearranging. I went into reception and re booked my appointment.
As it was such a beautiful heavenly morning and I had taken a half days holiday to go to my sons Piano recital this afternoon and I had my bike I decided to take the long way home. Off I went to Hampton Court, Esher, Leatherhead, Box Hill, Tadworth, Epsom Race Course (a hive of activity getting ready for the Derby this weekend), Banstead, Cheam and home. A total of 37 miles (don't forget on a heavy bike and carrying my trusty saddlebag with tools and lock) at a leisurely pace.
Box Hill was deserted, just the odd cyclist coming down, and not a Brompton in sight. The tea shop was only just opening as I went past so I didn't stop.
I popped in to Corridori (bike shop) which was also deserted and had a chat with the owner as it was so quiet. I wanted to know if I had accidentally left my helmet in the shop Saturday, I hadn't. It is still missing.
All together I had a good morning and was at my desk at home by 9:45 AM. Why can't all mornings be like this? Was anyone else enjoying the sunshine or were you all tied to your desks?
Talking of Bromptons, after seeing that guy climbing the Ventoux on a Brompton I have been in touch with the Brompton Owners Club in respect of the 2010 Reccie. We are in advanced talks for a combined Brompton Owners Club / Guildford Peloton Reccie trip 2010, however, they are insisting that the Guildford Peloton will have to form a Brompton Section affiliated to them and that all riders will be required to ride Bromptons (so no more carbon or titanium unless Brompton change their construction materials in the coming months), wear suits and tie (Moss Bros not Rapha and no lycra) and instead of saddle bags you will require a rack and briefcase. I don't think that these conditions are unreasonable but I thought I had better canvass club opinion before tying the Guildford Peloton into riding the Alp D'huez on a Brompton next year.
There is one advantage of this plan, you won't need the bike boxes, just fold up your Brompton and carry it as hand luggage.
At 7:40 AM as I was locking my bike up outside the dental surgery when my phone rang (see, I do use the lock, I don't just use it for ballast in my saddlebag going uphill). The phone call was from the surgery advising me that the orthodontist had been taken into hospital so my appointment needed rearranging. I went into reception and re booked my appointment.
As it was such a beautiful heavenly morning and I had taken a half days holiday to go to my sons Piano recital this afternoon and I had my bike I decided to take the long way home. Off I went to Hampton Court, Esher, Leatherhead, Box Hill, Tadworth, Epsom Race Course (a hive of activity getting ready for the Derby this weekend), Banstead, Cheam and home. A total of 37 miles (don't forget on a heavy bike and carrying my trusty saddlebag with tools and lock) at a leisurely pace.
Box Hill was deserted, just the odd cyclist coming down, and not a Brompton in sight. The tea shop was only just opening as I went past so I didn't stop.
I popped in to Corridori (bike shop) which was also deserted and had a chat with the owner as it was so quiet. I wanted to know if I had accidentally left my helmet in the shop Saturday, I hadn't. It is still missing.
All together I had a good morning and was at my desk at home by 9:45 AM. Why can't all mornings be like this? Was anyone else enjoying the sunshine or were you all tied to your desks?
Talking of Bromptons, after seeing that guy climbing the Ventoux on a Brompton I have been in touch with the Brompton Owners Club in respect of the 2010 Reccie. We are in advanced talks for a combined Brompton Owners Club / Guildford Peloton Reccie trip 2010, however, they are insisting that the Guildford Peloton will have to form a Brompton Section affiliated to them and that all riders will be required to ride Bromptons (so no more carbon or titanium unless Brompton change their construction materials in the coming months), wear suits and tie (Moss Bros not Rapha and no lycra) and instead of saddle bags you will require a rack and briefcase. I don't think that these conditions are unreasonable but I thought I had better canvass club opinion before tying the Guildford Peloton into riding the Alp D'huez on a Brompton next year.
There is one advantage of this plan, you won't need the bike boxes, just fold up your Brompton and carry it as hand luggage.
May 30th 2009: How can you loose a cycle helmet?
I have lost my cycle helmet, I can't find it anywhere? I had it Saturday lunchtime when I returned to the house but now I can't find it. I wonder if I put it on the roof of the car Saturday then drove off?
Friday I cycled to work on my old Peugeot 501 as the weather was good. As I haven't cycled for some time all my access rights to the car park had been revoked and I had to arrange for these to be renewed. Also, I got a slow puncture on the way home. Close inspection of the tyre revealed it is on its last legs being the original supplied with the bike in the 1980s.
Things are a bit tense in the house as my son has a week of exams coming up and there is quite a lot of revision to be done over the coming week. My wife and I seem to be the ones doing the revision (well, mostly my wife, it has added 5 years to her) whilst my son tried to talk, moan, whinge, or delay his way out of it.
I went out riding early on Saturday morning with M. We rode out to Windsor Great Park and back, 50 miles round trip, including coffee stop in the sun in the park, just under 4 hours and back dead on curfew. My wife was in the car with the engine running as I pulled up. I threw the bike in the house, jumped in the car and drove off to drop my son at a birthday party (something I was mandated to do as a condition of going out).
Later on we picked him up and drove on to Bognor.
The ride to Windsor was flat and the park itself is magnificent. Note to self to go back and explore properly with my son and his bike. It was nice not having to worry about hills, cols or mountains. I sat behind M sheltering from the headwind on the way back whilst his legs pumped the pedals like steam pistons.
Sunday we spent the day on the beach at Bognor. My son was in the water for hours and we built a sand castle on the beach. We watched later in the afternoon as the tide washed it away.
I went into Corridori, the bike shop, Saturday afternoon to buy a white jersey after dropping my son at the party in Kingswood. They were very busy. They have some nice Bianchi clothing in stock, but not having a Bianchi I had to opt for the white jersey from Specialized.
Monday, my wife agreed to do the school run so after fixing the puncture I again took my life in my hands and cycled in to the City to work. I obviously hadn't done a good job on the repair as when I went to cycle home the tyre was flat (note, I hadn't replaced the old tyre). I could not be bothered to repair it there and then and so I simply pumped it up and hoped it would last until I got home, and fortunately it did.
Friday I cycled to work on my old Peugeot 501 as the weather was good. As I haven't cycled for some time all my access rights to the car park had been revoked and I had to arrange for these to be renewed. Also, I got a slow puncture on the way home. Close inspection of the tyre revealed it is on its last legs being the original supplied with the bike in the 1980s.
Things are a bit tense in the house as my son has a week of exams coming up and there is quite a lot of revision to be done over the coming week. My wife and I seem to be the ones doing the revision (well, mostly my wife, it has added 5 years to her) whilst my son tried to talk, moan, whinge, or delay his way out of it.
I went out riding early on Saturday morning with M. We rode out to Windsor Great Park and back, 50 miles round trip, including coffee stop in the sun in the park, just under 4 hours and back dead on curfew. My wife was in the car with the engine running as I pulled up. I threw the bike in the house, jumped in the car and drove off to drop my son at a birthday party (something I was mandated to do as a condition of going out).
Later on we picked him up and drove on to Bognor.
The ride to Windsor was flat and the park itself is magnificent. Note to self to go back and explore properly with my son and his bike. It was nice not having to worry about hills, cols or mountains. I sat behind M sheltering from the headwind on the way back whilst his legs pumped the pedals like steam pistons.
Sunday we spent the day on the beach at Bognor. My son was in the water for hours and we built a sand castle on the beach. We watched later in the afternoon as the tide washed it away.
I went into Corridori, the bike shop, Saturday afternoon to buy a white jersey after dropping my son at the party in Kingswood. They were very busy. They have some nice Bianchi clothing in stock, but not having a Bianchi I had to opt for the white jersey from Specialized.
Monday, my wife agreed to do the school run so after fixing the puncture I again took my life in my hands and cycled in to the City to work. I obviously hadn't done a good job on the repair as when I went to cycle home the tyre was flat (note, I hadn't replaced the old tyre). I could not be bothered to repair it there and then and so I simply pumped it up and hoped it would last until I got home, and fortunately it did.
Guildford Peloton Etap Reccie Trip to Ventoux
The reccie was Thursday May 21st through until the following Bank Holiday Monday May 25th. There were 12 riders and 1 driver. Having organised all the logistics: booking the hotel, organising the vans and driver (OK M did that bit), coming up with an itinerary, even designing and ordering the T Shirts; I was afraid that I would get the blame when bikes didn't arrive, the hotel was a dump, the weather prevented decent riding, the tee shirts turn up with a spelling mistake and the flights home were delayed. All in all I worried for no reason. The logistics all worked out and the hotel (Hotel Colombie recommended by Veloventoux.com)not only was good but the food was exceptional. The weather was hot and sunny and the bugs were biting. I am still scratching a week later.
Thursday mornng I had arranged for everyone to meet at Gatwick before security at 5:30 AM. I was picking M up at 4:10 AM when I got the first text message that the first person had arrived, checked in, and was going through security. M & I were some of the last to arrive and we were checking in well before 5:30 AM. People certainly were keen.
The flight was uneventful, with a nice egg and bacon sandwich courtesy of BA. Some of the group had paid the premium and enjoyed a cooked breakfast in Business class. At Marseille the bikes all arrived undamaged (although the handlers had certainly tested the strength of a few of the boxes judging by the marks on them).
Europcar made us wait an hour in a queue to get the vans we had pre-hired. Their service certainly could be improved, and we noted later in the trip that one of the vans had a bald tyre!
There was only one problem. Whilst the bikes and lugguage all fitted in the two vans (just) there were 13 of us and only 12 seats between the two vans - oops. We had to squeeze 4 people on a row of seats designed for 3 people, quite uncomfortable for the 140 Km ride from Marseille to Nyon.
We were origionally told by the hotel that whilst they could accomodate us two people would have to share a double bed. When booking in as I was organising the logistics everyone else was checking in. I was the last to arrive at reception to be advised I was in the triple room. Three of us went up to the room looking suspiciously at each other wondering which two of us were going to share. We entered the room to see two double beds, but then further exploration of the room found an annex room with a sofa bed made up - phew, relief
On the Thursday we arrived we got to the hotel mid afternoon (after stopping for a pizza lunch) so everyone went out for a 25 mile ride from Nyon (40 Km into the Etap) towards the start and back. There was a lot of good humour, bravado and positioning which set everyone up for the night.
Day two, the Friday we rode as a group from Nyon towards the finish. The day was glorious and with everyone in good spirits the ride went well. It really is a scenic route this year. We got to the base of the Ventoux late afternoon after riding 68 miles. It was very hot and very busy (someone was even riding up on a Brompton).
I must admit that I was one of the two who didn't make the top. The heat and the fast motorcycles and sports cars racing to the top got to me and 6 km from the top I got off and walked, in fact staggered. As I came around a corner I saw the support van and really struggled to get to it. As I was collapsed on the ground by the van another of our riders came around the corner, saw me and gave up also. Had I not been there I am sure he would have continued to the top.
Day three we split into two groups with the fast group going up the Ventoux whilst the slow group (which I participated in) cycled the short route from Nyons to Bedoin stopping there for lunch before returning.
Day four, Sunday, the fast group did a three hour drive to Alp D'huez whilst the slow group went up Ventoux from Malaucene. I was with the fast group. At the base of Alp D'huez it was suggested that we warm up with a trip up the Col Croix de Fer (cross of iron). This turned out to be a 25 mile climb gaining 1500 metres, however, every so often you would go down 100 metres and then climb again so the total climb over 25 miles was 1500 metres. At the end of that we decided that we had probably done enough and left the Alp D'huez for another day.
Whilst on the way up to the Col De Croix de Fer I had noticed a creperie. On the way back down I was climbing out of one of the annoying valleys and remembered that the creperie was just beyond the next summit. I really fancied a crepe and a coffee at this point but knew I didn't really have time to stop as the fast guys were in front of me and everyone else was close behind in the van (some people had had enough at the top and decided to ride the van back). There was a sign saying "Creperie 500 metres" as I reached the top confirming my memory. As I reached the creperie the fast guys were sitting outside enjoying a crepe, joy! I stopped and ordered a chocolate crepe with ice cream and a coffee. I was able to enjoy them in the knowledge that the last 10 miles was downhill or flat so no more climbs. It was delicious!!!!
Monday the fast group went up Ventoux again. As my bike was in the van right at the back I couldn't get it out without taking everyone elses bike out first. We had got back from Alp D'huez at 11 Pm and I didn't want to do it then and the fast group left at 7:00 AM Monday morning which was before I could get up (I had to do the admin over the bills with the hotel anyway). Those who didn't go with the fast group rode locally or explored the town.
At 1:00 PM we all jumped in the van and drove to Marseille Airport tired but satisfied after an enjoyable trip.
Be warned, the Etape will be hot, hard and with lots of biting insects. Don't over egg the first 90 miles, save yourself for the ascent of Ventoux.
Thursday mornng I had arranged for everyone to meet at Gatwick before security at 5:30 AM. I was picking M up at 4:10 AM when I got the first text message that the first person had arrived, checked in, and was going through security. M & I were some of the last to arrive and we were checking in well before 5:30 AM. People certainly were keen.
The flight was uneventful, with a nice egg and bacon sandwich courtesy of BA. Some of the group had paid the premium and enjoyed a cooked breakfast in Business class. At Marseille the bikes all arrived undamaged (although the handlers had certainly tested the strength of a few of the boxes judging by the marks on them).
Europcar made us wait an hour in a queue to get the vans we had pre-hired. Their service certainly could be improved, and we noted later in the trip that one of the vans had a bald tyre!
There was only one problem. Whilst the bikes and lugguage all fitted in the two vans (just) there were 13 of us and only 12 seats between the two vans - oops. We had to squeeze 4 people on a row of seats designed for 3 people, quite uncomfortable for the 140 Km ride from Marseille to Nyon.
We were origionally told by the hotel that whilst they could accomodate us two people would have to share a double bed. When booking in as I was organising the logistics everyone else was checking in. I was the last to arrive at reception to be advised I was in the triple room. Three of us went up to the room looking suspiciously at each other wondering which two of us were going to share. We entered the room to see two double beds, but then further exploration of the room found an annex room with a sofa bed made up - phew, relief
On the Thursday we arrived we got to the hotel mid afternoon (after stopping for a pizza lunch) so everyone went out for a 25 mile ride from Nyon (40 Km into the Etap) towards the start and back. There was a lot of good humour, bravado and positioning which set everyone up for the night.
Day two, the Friday we rode as a group from Nyon towards the finish. The day was glorious and with everyone in good spirits the ride went well. It really is a scenic route this year. We got to the base of the Ventoux late afternoon after riding 68 miles. It was very hot and very busy (someone was even riding up on a Brompton).
I must admit that I was one of the two who didn't make the top. The heat and the fast motorcycles and sports cars racing to the top got to me and 6 km from the top I got off and walked, in fact staggered. As I came around a corner I saw the support van and really struggled to get to it. As I was collapsed on the ground by the van another of our riders came around the corner, saw me and gave up also. Had I not been there I am sure he would have continued to the top.
Day three we split into two groups with the fast group going up the Ventoux whilst the slow group (which I participated in) cycled the short route from Nyons to Bedoin stopping there for lunch before returning.
Day four, Sunday, the fast group did a three hour drive to Alp D'huez whilst the slow group went up Ventoux from Malaucene. I was with the fast group. At the base of Alp D'huez it was suggested that we warm up with a trip up the Col Croix de Fer (cross of iron). This turned out to be a 25 mile climb gaining 1500 metres, however, every so often you would go down 100 metres and then climb again so the total climb over 25 miles was 1500 metres. At the end of that we decided that we had probably done enough and left the Alp D'huez for another day.
Whilst on the way up to the Col De Croix de Fer I had noticed a creperie. On the way back down I was climbing out of one of the annoying valleys and remembered that the creperie was just beyond the next summit. I really fancied a crepe and a coffee at this point but knew I didn't really have time to stop as the fast guys were in front of me and everyone else was close behind in the van (some people had had enough at the top and decided to ride the van back). There was a sign saying "Creperie 500 metres" as I reached the top confirming my memory. As I reached the creperie the fast guys were sitting outside enjoying a crepe, joy! I stopped and ordered a chocolate crepe with ice cream and a coffee. I was able to enjoy them in the knowledge that the last 10 miles was downhill or flat so no more climbs. It was delicious!!!!
Monday the fast group went up Ventoux again. As my bike was in the van right at the back I couldn't get it out without taking everyone elses bike out first. We had got back from Alp D'huez at 11 Pm and I didn't want to do it then and the fast group left at 7:00 AM Monday morning which was before I could get up (I had to do the admin over the bills with the hotel anyway). Those who didn't go with the fast group rode locally or explored the town.
At 1:00 PM we all jumped in the van and drove to Marseille Airport tired but satisfied after an enjoyable trip.
Be warned, the Etape will be hot, hard and with lots of biting insects. Don't over egg the first 90 miles, save yourself for the ascent of Ventoux.
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