Well worth a look. This guy has serious talent - one man and one camera!
http://mtbracer.free.fr/video/index.htm
Monday, August 28, 2006
Thursday, August 24, 2006
Too much life, too little vicariousness
First pics of my IF (many thanks to Tim @ Sidewayscycles.com for the frame and my lovely wife for the photos). It is spectacular, as you'd expect .
Just back from the SSWC in Stockholm. Pics and thoughts to come. The news is: Scotland 07.
Still needing to jot down some thoughts on equipment used this year. Highlights include the Wingnut Assault, and Pearl Izumi Gel Gloves.
As far as big races, that is me done for the year. Hoping for some extended overnight rides and some slow, technical, pine scented days.
Also look out for a tyre review on www.63xc.com.
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
Yin & Yang
My second solo 24 hr attempt was sort of aborted. We all arrived at Catton Park in beautiful dusty, sunny, warm conditions. Race commenced after a catch up (good to see Jessica over here, and Chipps hauled away from his desk) and a few beers. My plan was to go fast and hard from the start, get very tired then hold on. The idea behind this was:
I know I can do the 24 hrs riding
I am not going to get faster towards the end
It would give me a good idea of my pace and energy levels
It went pretty well for the first 8 laps (60 or so miles) as I was well within 200 miles for the 24 hr period. 200miles + is my ultimate aim in a 24 hr solo.
Then the heavens opened.
One of the issues in having however many thousands of competitors roll up to these events is the volume of parking and camping needed . This may be around 16 acres in some cases. Traditional race venues cannot support this, so the organisers look elsewhere. That usually means unridden trails which are generally not weather proof. This seems to be a fact that is necessary given the varied ingredients in the 24 hr race potion.
So, the decision was: massively reduce aims, and keep going all night (I define a 'proper' 24 hr effort as not going to bed, and not stopping for over 30mins unless forced to) or sleep for a few hours, write off the 200 mile total as a benchmark and try to keep smiling.
I chose the latter and was rewarded with more time to speak to people I haven't seen in a while and 3.30min sleep. I managed 15 laps in total, around 100 miles. I'll post some comedy pictures of mud coated everything (at times I was dragging my bike literally, as the wheels wouldn't go around) through mud-grass hell. I had to renege on my 'never wash my bike with water rule too, after 15 months due to the extreme stickiness after drying of the stuff.
Still, picked up my new tIF on the way back (thanks muchly Tim). Needless to say, it is a piece of work...
The parts are nearly there....It's going to be too bad-ass for words.
I know I can do the 24 hrs riding
I am not going to get faster towards the end
It would give me a good idea of my pace and energy levels
It went pretty well for the first 8 laps (60 or so miles) as I was well within 200 miles for the 24 hr period. 200miles + is my ultimate aim in a 24 hr solo.
Then the heavens opened.
One of the issues in having however many thousands of competitors roll up to these events is the volume of parking and camping needed . This may be around 16 acres in some cases. Traditional race venues cannot support this, so the organisers look elsewhere. That usually means unridden trails which are generally not weather proof. This seems to be a fact that is necessary given the varied ingredients in the 24 hr race potion.
So, the decision was: massively reduce aims, and keep going all night (I define a 'proper' 24 hr effort as not going to bed, and not stopping for over 30mins unless forced to) or sleep for a few hours, write off the 200 mile total as a benchmark and try to keep smiling.
I chose the latter and was rewarded with more time to speak to people I haven't seen in a while and 3.30min sleep. I managed 15 laps in total, around 100 miles. I'll post some comedy pictures of mud coated everything (at times I was dragging my bike literally, as the wheels wouldn't go around) through mud-grass hell. I had to renege on my 'never wash my bike with water rule too, after 15 months due to the extreme stickiness after drying of the stuff.
Still, picked up my new tIF on the way back (thanks muchly Tim). Needless to say, it is a piece of work...
The parts are nearly there....It's going to be too bad-ass for words.
Monday, August 07, 2006
Wilderness 101
Last week I returned from New York and Pennsylvania. I had been looking forward to the Wilderness 101 for nearly a year (since the Singlespeed Worlds 2005 were held in State College). Over the last few years I have often thought of doing a 100mile race in the states, ever since reading the stories of the Cream Puff and Mike Ferentino's excellent write up of the Leadville 100.
The riding in and near State College is the best I have ever done. The trails are tough, technical rewarding and dappled with sunlight under a dense canopy of trees. The climbs though stout are not back breaking and the town has everything I could ever hope to be provided with. Excellent coffee via WC Clarkes Cheese Shope (http://www.wcclarke.com/), supreme bike service/advice and parts from Mt Nittany Wheelworks (http://www.mtnittanywheelworks.com/ ) quite possibly the worlds best beer at Otto's Brew Pub (http://www.ottospubandbrewery.com/). I should also mention quite possibly the worlds best beer and pizza combo at Faccia Luna...
Anyways, the plan was fairly straightforward. Trina and her bro David were to head to New York, after wishing me luck as I aimed for Interstate 80 from Newark airport. The car? well, this time a wee compact car - a Chevy Cobalt did the duty.
Luckily I remembered the drive for the most part as my MapQuest was ok, but minimal.
Having arrived in State College at 7 ish, I put the wheels on the bike, and headed out to Otto's for a few beers and some food. I knew the shop crew meet there one evening a week, but wasn't completely sure which. Needless to say I got the wrong day, but as I wobbled off down the road again, who should drive by but Frank (a good friend from Mt Nittany Wheelworks) and his excellent wee lad Eoinn. So we lobbed the bike on the car and headed out for icecream...I saw my first firefly and had a good natter and slouchy evening with Frank and Eoinn.
Jet lag always bites a little and next day I hit the streets at 6am, after a 5am wake up, and headed out to meet Bill at the Cheese Shoppe. He was roasting and we had a short chat, I drank gallons of the best coffee and met Peter Buck, and Joe Gore. After catching up I spent a little more time between roasts setting the world to rights with Bill then headed off to Mt Nittany Wheelworks. Shopping time! Well, I knew Trina would be doing th same so it was time to melt plastic.
After a cheery 'hello!' to everyone at the shop (so good to see Jim and Harry again) it was time to slot a little ride in, so we headed out of the shop and made for the local trails. Frank railed the twisties and roots, with Peter on his heals. I tried my best to keep up and not get lost...these trails really do rock!
We all made for Otto's later and a few beers were indeed consumed. The last of which was a beautiful if evilly powerful porter which sent the last 3 in the bar (Frank, Jim and myself) down for 10. After a collision, blood loss, double-visioned cycling and a sheepish arrival at Beth's (Franks eminently better half) we finally closed down for the night. 3.30am, perfect for race prep! It is not unusual for Jim and myself to close the bar it seems...
I was supposed to get up and go ride/course mark at 7.30am with Peter and Joe next morn' but I just slept through my alarms and felt like I had been kicked around the head. So I passed and instead focused on eating and drinking and then heading to Coburn for registering. Jim and Frank also felt a bit shabby and an uneventful day led to a pizza and 1 or 2 beer combo at Faccia Luna. A good chat with Matt Ferrari and I knew he had that look in his eye for this race...
Early bed as next morning would mean getting up in the dark.
So, 4.30am beep beep beep, and into the car. I had looked out some stuff the evening before and felt pretty prepped and calm. Only issues of note were a newly mounted front tyre (Maxxis Ignitor: mana from heaven) and a practically unused Wingnut Assault pack (this sits over the lumbar region of spine and I hadn't had chance to really ride with it and see how it felt).
The siren went at 7am as a field of 300 rode out from Coburn. Several miles of tarmac and gravel road then a stern climb to stretch things out. At some point I am going to get a map and a gradient thingy here, as the course which is one of the very few 100 milers to be one big loop deserves a lot more words than I can type this evening.
As far as my race, I felt good initially. Fit and strong and confident in my ability to finish. I'll admit this was the first point this was the case. The aid stations (as with the rest of the organisation) were incredible, truly top notch. The sense of community and number of volunteers was awe inspiring.
After I passed Dan Jansen (at that point 100 mile series singlespeed leader) I wondered at my ability to finish at the pace I was riding. I felt ok and decided to just keep rolling with an open mind. I passed a few other faces I didn't expect to and someone yelled I was top ten singlespeed. I certainly hadn't anticipated 'racing' this per se but I'll admit to being keen to keep the pace up.
Eventually, after some mind blowing singletrack and high heat and humidity I finished, scoring 7th place singlespeed. I was pretty pleased to see the finish after feeling like I could ride forever at some points through the race. Notable performances, Matt Ferrari putting serious metal to pedal and maybe, just maybe getting singlespeed overall for the series. Jimbo for riding a comfort bike for charity the whole way. I cannot begin to describe how strong that really is. Frank for riding with a busted up head and hip after the Otto incident and still battering around the course. Joe for knocking 1.5 hrs off his previous best time. Ken Roth for riding for the first time in 4 weeks (due to slipped disc pain) finishing 60+miles and Peter Buck for the most outstanding come back recorded (after a period of serious hurt mid-race from the heat and humidity probably) without testosterone patches I have witnessed.
All in all a supreme time. More technical points soon, once I am able to work out how I drank 10 litres of fluid in 9.18 hrs.
The riding in and near State College is the best I have ever done. The trails are tough, technical rewarding and dappled with sunlight under a dense canopy of trees. The climbs though stout are not back breaking and the town has everything I could ever hope to be provided with. Excellent coffee via WC Clarkes Cheese Shope (http://www.wcclarke.com/), supreme bike service/advice and parts from Mt Nittany Wheelworks (http://www.mtnittanywheelworks.com/ ) quite possibly the worlds best beer at Otto's Brew Pub (http://www.ottospubandbrewery.com/). I should also mention quite possibly the worlds best beer and pizza combo at Faccia Luna...
Anyways, the plan was fairly straightforward. Trina and her bro David were to head to New York, after wishing me luck as I aimed for Interstate 80 from Newark airport. The car? well, this time a wee compact car - a Chevy Cobalt did the duty.
Luckily I remembered the drive for the most part as my MapQuest was ok, but minimal.
Having arrived in State College at 7 ish, I put the wheels on the bike, and headed out to Otto's for a few beers and some food. I knew the shop crew meet there one evening a week, but wasn't completely sure which. Needless to say I got the wrong day, but as I wobbled off down the road again, who should drive by but Frank (a good friend from Mt Nittany Wheelworks) and his excellent wee lad Eoinn. So we lobbed the bike on the car and headed out for icecream...I saw my first firefly and had a good natter and slouchy evening with Frank and Eoinn.
Jet lag always bites a little and next day I hit the streets at 6am, after a 5am wake up, and headed out to meet Bill at the Cheese Shoppe. He was roasting and we had a short chat, I drank gallons of the best coffee and met Peter Buck, and Joe Gore. After catching up I spent a little more time between roasts setting the world to rights with Bill then headed off to Mt Nittany Wheelworks. Shopping time! Well, I knew Trina would be doing th same so it was time to melt plastic.
After a cheery 'hello!' to everyone at the shop (so good to see Jim and Harry again) it was time to slot a little ride in, so we headed out of the shop and made for the local trails. Frank railed the twisties and roots, with Peter on his heals. I tried my best to keep up and not get lost...these trails really do rock!
We all made for Otto's later and a few beers were indeed consumed. The last of which was a beautiful if evilly powerful porter which sent the last 3 in the bar (Frank, Jim and myself) down for 10. After a collision, blood loss, double-visioned cycling and a sheepish arrival at Beth's (Franks eminently better half) we finally closed down for the night. 3.30am, perfect for race prep! It is not unusual for Jim and myself to close the bar it seems...
I was supposed to get up and go ride/course mark at 7.30am with Peter and Joe next morn' but I just slept through my alarms and felt like I had been kicked around the head. So I passed and instead focused on eating and drinking and then heading to Coburn for registering. Jim and Frank also felt a bit shabby and an uneventful day led to a pizza and 1 or 2 beer combo at Faccia Luna. A good chat with Matt Ferrari and I knew he had that look in his eye for this race...
Early bed as next morning would mean getting up in the dark.
So, 4.30am beep beep beep, and into the car. I had looked out some stuff the evening before and felt pretty prepped and calm. Only issues of note were a newly mounted front tyre (Maxxis Ignitor: mana from heaven) and a practically unused Wingnut Assault pack (this sits over the lumbar region of spine and I hadn't had chance to really ride with it and see how it felt).
The siren went at 7am as a field of 300 rode out from Coburn. Several miles of tarmac and gravel road then a stern climb to stretch things out. At some point I am going to get a map and a gradient thingy here, as the course which is one of the very few 100 milers to be one big loop deserves a lot more words than I can type this evening.
As far as my race, I felt good initially. Fit and strong and confident in my ability to finish. I'll admit this was the first point this was the case. The aid stations (as with the rest of the organisation) were incredible, truly top notch. The sense of community and number of volunteers was awe inspiring.
After I passed Dan Jansen (at that point 100 mile series singlespeed leader) I wondered at my ability to finish at the pace I was riding. I felt ok and decided to just keep rolling with an open mind. I passed a few other faces I didn't expect to and someone yelled I was top ten singlespeed. I certainly hadn't anticipated 'racing' this per se but I'll admit to being keen to keep the pace up.
Eventually, after some mind blowing singletrack and high heat and humidity I finished, scoring 7th place singlespeed. I was pretty pleased to see the finish after feeling like I could ride forever at some points through the race. Notable performances, Matt Ferrari putting serious metal to pedal and maybe, just maybe getting singlespeed overall for the series. Jimbo for riding a comfort bike for charity the whole way. I cannot begin to describe how strong that really is. Frank for riding with a busted up head and hip after the Otto incident and still battering around the course. Joe for knocking 1.5 hrs off his previous best time. Ken Roth for riding for the first time in 4 weeks (due to slipped disc pain) finishing 60+miles and Peter Buck for the most outstanding come back recorded (after a period of serious hurt mid-race from the heat and humidity probably) without testosterone patches I have witnessed.
All in all a supreme time. More technical points soon, once I am able to work out how I drank 10 litres of fluid in 9.18 hrs.
Wednesday, August 02, 2006
Taster
Back from the Wilderness 101. A 101 mile mtb race over rough and beautiful terrain.
Full report once I have caught up on sleep. Meanwhile,
http://www.cyclingnews.com/mtb/?id=2006/jul06/Wilderness101_06
http://the-ancient-one.smugmug.com/gallery/1722513/1
Full report once I have caught up on sleep. Meanwhile,
http://www.cyclingnews.com/mtb/?id=2006/jul06/Wilderness101_06
http://the-ancient-one.smugmug.com/gallery/1722513/1
Monday, July 24, 2006
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
Rat Race
The Marquis of Darkness and muskateers Jack and Andy recently completed the Edinburgh urban Rat Race in an amazing 18th place. This over the 2 day and multiple venue climbing/running/biking/map work/rafting and via ferrata course. Top work youse guys...
pic stolen from http://www.ratraceadventure.com/home.shtml
Galapagos
I received some new coffee to try the other day from my main man at Imperial Teas of Lincoln. I had decided to order some lighter, more complex beans as I occasionally like to sip a more acidic, brighter brew in the afternoons. So, the recommendation was Galapagos Cristobel. The following is from the website, http://www.imperialteas.co.uk/
"466. Galapagos Cristobal Island £6.70per 125g. This rare and unusual coffee of superb quality is, naturally, grown without the use of chemicals. The plantation was founded in 1875 and planted with the old bourbon bean. San Cristobal, which has an abundance of fresh water, also has a unique microclimate and the required altitude to produce a rich flavoured, full bodied coffee balanced by a sweet acidity. In the early nineties the Gonzalez family revived the island’s Hacienda El Cafetal, which had been abandoned for many years. With further expansion of this plantation forbidden because of the archipelago’s great natural importance production of this coffee will never amount to more than 2000 bags a year. With three different sea currents - the Humboldt, El Nino and the Crownel having a profound effect on the climate, crop sizes are usually only around 500. "
I can tell you that despite a penchant for high roast, this bean is splendid. Fruity, acidic, a long, long drawn and satisfying aftertaste which I find unusual for the lighter roast beans. Seriously refreshing and an excelleaccompanimentent to a good read on the sofa.
Recommendo.
"466. Galapagos Cristobal Island £6.70per 125g. This rare and unusual coffee of superb quality is, naturally, grown without the use of chemicals. The plantation was founded in 1875 and planted with the old bourbon bean. San Cristobal, which has an abundance of fresh water, also has a unique microclimate and the required altitude to produce a rich flavoured, full bodied coffee balanced by a sweet acidity. In the early nineties the Gonzalez family revived the island’s Hacienda El Cafetal, which had been abandoned for many years. With further expansion of this plantation forbidden because of the archipelago’s great natural importance production of this coffee will never amount to more than 2000 bags a year. With three different sea currents - the Humboldt, El Nino and the Crownel having a profound effect on the climate, crop sizes are usually only around 500. "
I can tell you that despite a penchant for high roast, this bean is splendid. Fruity, acidic, a long, long drawn and satisfying aftertaste which I find unusual for the lighter roast beans. Seriously refreshing and an excelleaccompanimentent to a good read on the sofa.
Recommendo.
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
Haiti comet.
Sometimes there are moments you think you will always remember. One of those happened to me on Monday. Trina and myself had built up Trina's new Voodoo Wanga bike...pretty sweet indeed (thanks Tim, Ag and Sideways Cycles). We went for a test run and on the promise of a gin and tonic on top of the local hill, we slaved upwards in the heat.
Descending down, I looked back for a second and saw Trina with a look of pure happiness...I live for those moments...
Thursday, July 13, 2006
In on the kill taker.
This post brought to you by insomnia, Fugazi and coffee.
2 ideas have kept me from sleeping the last couple of nights. So today was a day of action.
First: I have a pile of 26" wheel stuff lying around. It's either sell, bin, give or store. So: I decided to speak to Tim at Sideways Cycles and a shiney red 14" Voodoo Wanga one is on its way to us as we speak...built up with some light parts and wheels it should make a sweet bike for Trina to try...theme is Darth Maul. It will be interesting to see what the ride is like. Its a small package but Joe Murray always did design the sweetest bikes.
Second: all I'm going to say at this time is I am going to be circulating some plans soon for a project I am going to call 'Pirate Bike'.
Give me a month and I'll give you more...
2 ideas have kept me from sleeping the last couple of nights. So today was a day of action.
First: I have a pile of 26" wheel stuff lying around. It's either sell, bin, give or store. So: I decided to speak to Tim at Sideways Cycles and a shiney red 14" Voodoo Wanga one is on its way to us as we speak...built up with some light parts and wheels it should make a sweet bike for Trina to try...theme is Darth Maul. It will be interesting to see what the ride is like. Its a small package but Joe Murray always did design the sweetest bikes.
Second: all I'm going to say at this time is I am going to be circulating some plans soon for a project I am going to call 'Pirate Bike'.
Give me a month and I'll give you more...
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
Jelly Belly
Some interesting stuff from the last few days. First, a column posted by my friend Biff about coffee. http://www.slowtwitch.com/mainheadings/features/riccitello/coffee.html
Jelly Belly are doing a Sport Bean. This could be the answer to your prayers. http://www.jellybelly-uk.com/cgi-bin/jb_sportbeans/products.pl?category=9
My Black Sheep forks are on the way. http://www.blacksheepbikes.com/
So far, I have saddle, bars, and pedals. Still out on the rest of the stuff...but I9 ( http://www.blacksheepbikes.com/) may feature if I feel like haemorrhaging money.
The Tour continues. I have to say though my interest wanes compared to the spring classics...maybe it is all the doping. http://doperssuck.typepad.com/doperssuck/
I ordered a new cycling top...there is a catchy theme here...http://shop.newbelgium.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=m14-00341-00&Category_Code=BJ
Sweet.
Lastly, it's not long to go...http://www.talklikeapirate.com/piratehome.html
Jelly Belly are doing a Sport Bean. This could be the answer to your prayers. http://www.jellybelly-uk.com/cgi-bin/jb_sportbeans/products.pl?category=9
My Black Sheep forks are on the way. http://www.blacksheepbikes.com/
So far, I have saddle, bars, and pedals. Still out on the rest of the stuff...but I9 ( http://www.blacksheepbikes.com/) may feature if I feel like haemorrhaging money.
The Tour continues. I have to say though my interest wanes compared to the spring classics...maybe it is all the doping. http://doperssuck.typepad.com/doperssuck/
I ordered a new cycling top...there is a catchy theme here...http://shop.newbelgium.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=m14-00341-00&Category_Code=BJ
Sweet.
Lastly, it's not long to go...http://www.talklikeapirate.com/piratehome.html
Thursday, July 06, 2006
Fear of failure
Ever since I entered the Wilderness 101 there has been a feeling of trepidation: of entering territory unknown. I had never ridden (and still have not) 100 miles entirely off road in one sitting. Truth be told I have never ridden 60 miles over terrain as challenging as that found in Pennsylvania.
So, I started 'putting effort in'. I knew over the course of last year that I was aiming to do some of the longer self supported races that are run currently; the Vapor trail 125, various 100 mile races and even the Kokopelli trail race or Grand Loop to name a few.
In order to do this, I felt I needed a 5 year plan. First phase: race and survive a season of Merida 100km races without injury, at a good clip, and try to slip in a solo 24 hour with no support, no sleep and no stopping for more than 1/2 an hour. 2005 ticked these off.
Next was to try and *race* a solo 24 hour. Definition: prepare and do as well as I can, under maximum effort. This is scheduled for Sleepless in the Saddle this year, in July. Concomitantly I aimed to continue doing Merida's but also knock off some century rides. Initially, on the road, then mixed, then off-road (laps if necessary). Again, so far this year, despite minimal riding it would seem, I am at the stage of relatively comfortably riding 100 miles on road (not fast tho'!) and a mixed route roughly 40:60% ish? Was fairly straightforward.
Next is the 100 mile off road effort, which will be the Wilderness 101, if I can't do a lapped off-road route in Scotland soon. This allows some form of 'qualification', along with another event, for the Vaportrail (which has been cancelled for this year btw, but may be ridden as a 'bootleg' event).
As a side line to this physical effort, there has been increased interest in equipment. Lightening, minimalising and collecting kit which will allow me to ride safely over very long distances at extremely low payback in terms of weight carried and lack of functionality.
Research is continuing and once I have a good water filter, I feel I will be ready to tackle multi-day wilderness riding as a learning experience before doing so in an event such as Kokopelli or Grand Loop.
What have I garnered recently? Well, the Merida this last weekend suggested that in 33 degrees I need more water than can be held in 2 large water bottles. i.e a hydration pack. This is a little disappointing as I have worked pretty hard to *not* use a hydration pack, and thus avoided some back pain issues. I suspect I have to use the minimal amount of kit, 2 water bottles and a partially full pack-bladder for success.
Pacing is also important. Over the last 12 months I have been trying to haul the effort in when I start to 'red line'. This has worked well. I now have much better staying power.
I have also worked hard to get a pre-race regime sorted. Anyone who knows me well will be aware I sometimes have a wee dram prior to a ride, especially with friends around. I do not apologise for this!, as it is probably the main reason I enjoy this pastime so much. However, I do tend to drink minimally, sleep muchly, eat well and prepare kit prior to racing much more thoroughly now. Diet both prior and during exercise has been an interesting area of study.
I also know my body a bit better. I ride less in general (especially tis year, what with one thing and another) but I make the most of it when I do.
So why the fear?
Because I am still *totally* unsure that I am able to finish the Wilderness 101. If I can't this year maybe no worries for the 5 year plan. BUT if I can't, and can't envisage *ever* completing it, the dream may well finish here.
You know what, tho'?
This is most likely the ultimate reason for attempting it...
Dream big.
Then try to live that dream...
oh, 33rd at Builth Wells.
S'pose I'm happy enough with that. Would have liked 10 places higher...
So, I started 'putting effort in'. I knew over the course of last year that I was aiming to do some of the longer self supported races that are run currently; the Vapor trail 125, various 100 mile races and even the Kokopelli trail race or Grand Loop to name a few.
In order to do this, I felt I needed a 5 year plan. First phase: race and survive a season of Merida 100km races without injury, at a good clip, and try to slip in a solo 24 hour with no support, no sleep and no stopping for more than 1/2 an hour. 2005 ticked these off.
Next was to try and *race* a solo 24 hour. Definition: prepare and do as well as I can, under maximum effort. This is scheduled for Sleepless in the Saddle this year, in July. Concomitantly I aimed to continue doing Merida's but also knock off some century rides. Initially, on the road, then mixed, then off-road (laps if necessary). Again, so far this year, despite minimal riding it would seem, I am at the stage of relatively comfortably riding 100 miles on road (not fast tho'!) and a mixed route roughly 40:60% ish? Was fairly straightforward.
Next is the 100 mile off road effort, which will be the Wilderness 101, if I can't do a lapped off-road route in Scotland soon. This allows some form of 'qualification', along with another event, for the Vaportrail (which has been cancelled for this year btw, but may be ridden as a 'bootleg' event).
As a side line to this physical effort, there has been increased interest in equipment. Lightening, minimalising and collecting kit which will allow me to ride safely over very long distances at extremely low payback in terms of weight carried and lack of functionality.
Research is continuing and once I have a good water filter, I feel I will be ready to tackle multi-day wilderness riding as a learning experience before doing so in an event such as Kokopelli or Grand Loop.
What have I garnered recently? Well, the Merida this last weekend suggested that in 33 degrees I need more water than can be held in 2 large water bottles. i.e a hydration pack. This is a little disappointing as I have worked pretty hard to *not* use a hydration pack, and thus avoided some back pain issues. I suspect I have to use the minimal amount of kit, 2 water bottles and a partially full pack-bladder for success.
Pacing is also important. Over the last 12 months I have been trying to haul the effort in when I start to 'red line'. This has worked well. I now have much better staying power.
I have also worked hard to get a pre-race regime sorted. Anyone who knows me well will be aware I sometimes have a wee dram prior to a ride, especially with friends around. I do not apologise for this!, as it is probably the main reason I enjoy this pastime so much. However, I do tend to drink minimally, sleep muchly, eat well and prepare kit prior to racing much more thoroughly now. Diet both prior and during exercise has been an interesting area of study.
I also know my body a bit better. I ride less in general (especially tis year, what with one thing and another) but I make the most of it when I do.
So why the fear?
Because I am still *totally* unsure that I am able to finish the Wilderness 101. If I can't this year maybe no worries for the 5 year plan. BUT if I can't, and can't envisage *ever* completing it, the dream may well finish here.
You know what, tho'?
This is most likely the ultimate reason for attempting it...
Dream big.
Then try to live that dream...
oh, 33rd at Builth Wells.
S'pose I'm happy enough with that. Would have liked 10 places higher...
Monday, July 03, 2006
Merida and me, it's over...
Just back from Merida number 3. Builth Wells this time and so very sunny and warm. Preps were good and lots of sleep before hand. Felt easy and strong as I moved up to the lead 20 or so group. The usual exemplary course marking was pretty poor this time around, one wrong turn led to a very short detour. Climbing well and smooth though, so no worries.
Seems to be the promise of 'new trails' has entailed a madman or a blind sheep with a strimmer roughly clearing bits of fern, leaving 2-6" grass to ride over. Either that or it is unconsolidated trail over pine loam. Still, I'm figuring this is to get some of the usual end-of-course grass climbing cut out.
Nope.
Another wrong turn due to dubious markings, after many more instances of markings being vague or needing to slow down to see them. This time me and another geezer headed down a 1:10 road for 1+ km. Then an unsigned junction. Oddly enough I didn't at first think this was all that unusual, but the other guy figured we were off course, and so it was. Climbed back to course, lost a lot of places and kept it charging trying to do some catch up. What followed was a melee of grass climbing or rolling (!) on what at times was undoubtedly sheep track (on steep hill which did not allow for pedaling without hitting the inner pedal, and fern covered tracks which had in essence just been flattened by a quad bike. I estimate ~80% of the trail was this sort of energy sapping crap.
I feel like I have been taken advantage of. Each year under the promise of 'new trails' some useless new non-consolidated trail appears which is anything but weather proof (as proven at the last Rhayader race) and mind bendingly frustrating to ride.
This may sound like sour grapes, but I have been a stalwart at the Merida's for 4 years, and have advocated their benefits. It's time to be honest and tell it how it is: that was rubbish. A poke in the eye.
I probably didn't do too bad, and as resistance training for Wilderness 101 it was probably useful. But the only race that I will do if any next year is Selkirk, because it is on bike trails. Or at least trails. This means it is rideable. The challenge comes from the rocks and roots and technical aspect along with the gradient and distance. Not whether you can keep pushing a gear along grass tracks.
I *am* angry and more than that disappointed. Has something happened to land access in Wales we need to know about? Over the last few years it has been proven that there *are* good trails there...
MTB Marathon need to get their act together.
Seems to be the promise of 'new trails' has entailed a madman or a blind sheep with a strimmer roughly clearing bits of fern, leaving 2-6" grass to ride over. Either that or it is unconsolidated trail over pine loam. Still, I'm figuring this is to get some of the usual end-of-course grass climbing cut out.
Nope.
Another wrong turn due to dubious markings, after many more instances of markings being vague or needing to slow down to see them. This time me and another geezer headed down a 1:10 road for 1+ km. Then an unsigned junction. Oddly enough I didn't at first think this was all that unusual, but the other guy figured we were off course, and so it was. Climbed back to course, lost a lot of places and kept it charging trying to do some catch up. What followed was a melee of grass climbing or rolling (!) on what at times was undoubtedly sheep track (on steep hill which did not allow for pedaling without hitting the inner pedal, and fern covered tracks which had in essence just been flattened by a quad bike. I estimate ~80% of the trail was this sort of energy sapping crap.
I feel like I have been taken advantage of. Each year under the promise of 'new trails' some useless new non-consolidated trail appears which is anything but weather proof (as proven at the last Rhayader race) and mind bendingly frustrating to ride.
This may sound like sour grapes, but I have been a stalwart at the Merida's for 4 years, and have advocated their benefits. It's time to be honest and tell it how it is: that was rubbish. A poke in the eye.
I probably didn't do too bad, and as resistance training for Wilderness 101 it was probably useful. But the only race that I will do if any next year is Selkirk, because it is on bike trails. Or at least trails. This means it is rideable. The challenge comes from the rocks and roots and technical aspect along with the gradient and distance. Not whether you can keep pushing a gear along grass tracks.
I *am* angry and more than that disappointed. Has something happened to land access in Wales we need to know about? Over the last few years it has been proven that there *are* good trails there...
MTB Marathon need to get their act together.
Wednesday, June 28, 2006
Tilley
After the sunburn has settled and started peeling I have decided to invest in a Tilley hat. Pretty good, and it makes me feel a bit Tim Cahill/Redmond O'Hanlon ish...
Received the Magma saddle. Yes it looks like a very fast car, and yes it is superbly crafted Italian luxury.
http://www.tilley.com/
Received the Magma saddle. Yes it looks like a very fast car, and yes it is superbly crafted Italian luxury.
http://www.tilley.com/
Insouciance
Just back from Mountain Mayhem '06. Left Scotland at 10.30pm and 10 degrees c. Arrived Ledbury 16 degrees c and 4 am. Pretty good going. Cracked a Sam Adams for myself and my co-pilot/wife, and set to work dealing with tents and what not.
Somehow, we missed my to-be-team mate, Chipps, who had retired at 3.47am. Beer and white russian had apparently flowed...
Awoke and preps made. Signed on as a slightly under-manned 4 man team with Chipps a.k.a Johnny Dangerous and me a.k.a Enrico Gonzales. Chipps ran, and rode (swiftly and smoothy), Trina snapped photos (see flickr, SSMM2006 tag) and the heckling was brash.
We managed sixteen laps in total, but far more impressive was the amount of sleep we got. I actually feel pretty re charged after this one. Fastest lap for me 36min. Pretty happy with this and my recovery after each laps' climb was good, plenty of zing in the legs - which is encouraging. Chipps went super well, ever cheerful and super quick to boot. He even managed to light up his test Assos outfit for the night laps.
Jenn won solo - wooop!
Chris rocked the Kenwood Jersey to 20 laps solo.
Shaggy, Steve, Dave, Seb, Phil, and so many other good friends kicked arse on the super dusty, dry and bumpy course.
I had but one problem mechanically. As previously noted, I have been trying to minimise kit. This has meant the move to CO2 for races. Unfortunately, due to the presence of a photographer (www.joolzdymond.com see her snaps, the one of jo and jenn is sooo good) I tried to jump the Kelly out of a bomb hole with a slightly off camber, right turn exit. Landed sideways and blew *both* tyres off the rims. Seems my penchant for running somewhat relaxed tyre pressure and 19mm rims isn't good for those free ride moments... The CO2 was used in earnest as I poppped the bead another twice that lap and ended up with a mile long run to the arena... All good tho' as 48psi (eeep, ping!) sorted out the rest of my laps. That felt scary hard so I can only guess what I ususally run.
What else? Met Abby and Ariel from Maverick. Good folk and Ariel rides smoother than butter...
Also, jerky rules. That's it.
Thank you to Chipps for the last minute entry, Trina for photos and support and pizza and beer and putting up with stinky-me.
No thanks to really stingy nettles and sunburn.
Wednesday, June 21, 2006
Recovery
Looks like the mtbr 29"er board has descended to a level beyond playground antics. Pity, it used to be a good read. Recovering from the mixed hunner well. Tired but legs in one piece. Oddly, the arms are still feeling it... Ordered a new saddle today in the search for even more comfort...Selle San Marco gets the nod with the new-ish Magma - not the pure magnesium one, a little padding and a preference for ti rails.
Rest of the parts for the tIF are coming together...there is a last minute bid being made by Avid juicy Ultimates tho' but will prolly stick with cables...
Moots may be involved too. Its great to be scheming and planning.
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