Dartmoor Classic - Medio - 2013

 

 

 

After years of riding the long route, I decided to have ago at the shorter route. It is on the same roads at the longer ride, that one just has a 40 mile loop added in around half way.

I had started back last year when I entered determined to get a gold time, but as the day drew near, a lack of base mileage seemed lacking. I had ridden the distance, and done well in the audaxes, but it hadn't been consistent. Looking back I am still not sure why.

Still there was a later start to look forward to and a new start/finish venue. I drove down on the motorway, occasionally past by the odd car with a bike inside, hung on or on the roof of it. There was a queue of about 300 yards just before my destination of the race course at Newton Abbott. Mid Devon CC were at the normal level of great organisation and I was quickly parked in the middle of the race course, on my bike and collecting my number and bits and pieces.

A touch of rain in the air, and I was queueing for the start. I overheard that 1000 riders were already away in the first hour. It was 8am, and the first start time for the shorter course was on us. We filled our pen and received the safety briefing: It was to be showery, very windy, be careful of cattle grids (ride them like this) and don't pee where anyone can see you (basically), & we were off.

The roads of Newton Abbott were quiet, but we were marshaled through the town at every junction. I always say 'thank you', why do so many other riders just ride past these volunteers who will be out there for hours looking after there safety? No? Me neither.

The route basically goes flattish, up onto Dartmoor from Bovey Tracey, then down to somewhere near Ashburton, then back up to Princeton. Yes I have a map, but I really don't have much idea on the day where I am.

I knew it was windy, and as we turned west into the wind towards and up to Princeton the reality of this bit. It was a blocking headwind, on a dead straight, uphill road with a groups of cyclists in a line moving into it. I was riding alone. I had done all the way. I was quicker than most, but couldn't quite hang on to those who past me. Only one way, grind it out, it won't last forever.

We finally turned left at the top of the hill, and turned downhill to Princetown village hall. Quickly in rack the bike, bottle of drink a brownie and find Alex Pewsey who I only know via Twitter @Cycle_LEJOG  A brief handshake and off. It has taken me 2h43mins or so to get here, and I have seen from previous years I need to get to the feed in 2h30m. I think gold may have gone, but there is a mighty tailwind now, so I am off to chase my tail.

The weather remains cloudy with showers, but the tailwind is great, but I am slower up the hills as I want on my way to Moretonhempstead. I am passed by the world champion, but it turns out that he isn't really Gilbert, but is a fraud. I feel quite strongly about this. Yes, trade team kit is up for grabs, like supporting your football team, but don't wear a jersey that you should only wear by right, having won it in competition. Anyway fraud or not, I can't hold onto the rear wheel of even the fraud world champion as the ground begins to rise.

Mortonhempstead, and a diversion round and back into the town centre from the North, and another descent. I am flying on the descents all day. They are wet, and I am passing rider after rider holding their brakes. I break hard before the corners, take them steady and accelerate away again. All to quick it is the last climb, and again I am out climbed. My back is beginning to lock. I have a little muscle somewhere in the base of my spine, inside my pelvis which I injured lifting too much shopping back at the beginning of May. It has slowly been getting better, the physio couldn't get to it, but said it would sort itself. Today, now, it had decided that it wasn't ready to be better. It hurt, my it hurt. The hill climbing and riding into the wind had woken it, and no amount of stretching was going to persuade it to let go.

I descended through the woods on the last descent, and stopped at the turn onto the valley road. and stretched again. I rode on. It was fine at around 18mph on a road I should have done a gradient assisted 22. My back was fine and then would spasm, I would ease off. Riders came past, I sat on. My back didn't tighten, but there was no power left for inclines, I worked with the group but lost them on the last 'hill' a relative mound, I lost my group.

Finally a short ride through the back streets on Newton Abbot, and into the racecourse to be clapped home by people I do not know. All around the route there were groups of people stood cheering on all comers, some had cow bells, all were cheery: except for one young girl who was fed and had had enough waiting for Daddy to be cheered. The home made banner would have urged him to excel I am sure. I asked many on the hills for a push, but no one took up my request.

I racked my bike and collected my time. It confirmed I had missed gold by 13mins or so. Despite my back pain I had come back in a gold time, it was the first leg where I lost it. But hunger is the drive now, pausing only to collect my goodie back: a t shirt, water bottle, inner tube etc, I look for food. The SIS tent offer a recovery drink. I take mine in the unopened sachet, and head for the cafe and the bacon roll promised. I want solid savoury food not another drinck. I find it, a hot pork roll. A bread roll, with stuffing, apple sauce and hot roast pork. I sit and eat it in a form of perpetual motion.

Recovering my bike, I head for the car and head for home. Dissapointed that I missed gold, but ccertain I had sufficient reasons to 'justify' my failure with the other weekend warriors and sure that I would improve next year.

I give this Sportive 5 out of 5. That is not to say that it is perfect, but it is hard to critise, and I am sure they the organiser continues to look to improve. Oh and the money raised goes to youth cycling in Devon, not into a business to help the bottom line.

The link to my GPX file is http://connect.garmin.com/activity/332027231

Anglesey - North

 

Part of my penance for the year of bike riding is that I have to take my mother-in-law on holiday a couple of times a year. She likes Anglesey and I don't dislike it. I prefer it to Cornwall, in as much as the holiday cottages are cheaper and the beaches are almost all dog friendly.

I do of course take a bike of me to avoid ..... yes, to avoid. The longest ride was this at the north end of the Island. The Isle of Wight likes to promote itself as a quite and pretty place to be, but then they haven't been to Anglesey, especialy the north of the island. It is hilly to the north corner, the lanes are quiet and the drivers were all really friendly and respectful, at least when off the main road where some pass a little too close, but maybe they were tourists.

I did have one problem with a Council (Avent) driver who by his jacket may well have also worked for Biffa. He pulled out of me, probably misjudging my speed and causing me to change my speed and direction to aviod running into his pick up.

So when I caught up with him a few miles later, and asked what happened back there he first couldn't remember, then said that he had had to go. To be honest he had really answered the question at that point, he didn't mean to do it, he misjudged it. He then followed it up with, "This is Wales, your not in England now", surprised I countered with "You don't know what part of England I'm from", not sure that how country of origin justified poor driving.

"Your on holiday, you've got all the time in the world. I'm working see, can't wait for tourists all day" Ah, I thought, another part of the Highway Code that I'm not familiar with. Pointing at the van "See that there, it's a task disc" Right I'm on safe ground now, you've strolled into a mine field. You are however quite big, and we are still on reasonable terms, and I was still trying to get my head behind the casual racism he lead with. "You've answered my question. I get pissed when drivers just pull out, from the first thing you said told me that you were in such a position that you had to go, and you didn't just see me and decide to ignor me". "No" he said. Pride in tact for both parties I wished him a good day and left, point made.

It still took me a day or so to get over the casual racism, the, 'you're not from round here are you', that he lead with to justify his poor driving. Do I live that sheltered a life? Maybe.

Dorset Downs Audax - 19th May

This Audax starts from Dorchester at a later time than normal allowing me to get up at a normal time and still get there on time. So an unhurried journey down and still able to park in the small car park at the start.

At 9.43 quite a small group of us left and started a slow ride up the ascent of the rise of the High Street. All very pedestrian, but I sat in. We soon turned right and left the houses behind and up a short sharper climb. The group fanned out across the road. Amused that no one seemed to want to lead up the hill I rode to the front and carried a steady pace to the top of the hill. Looking round I expected to see a line behind me, but no 40yds back there was a group. I freewheeled down the descent and climbed the next hill slower, but the stayed doggedly 40yds behind. I turned a corner and stopped to take a jacket off. I was caught. I caught the small group up, and followed a lady up the next climb, eventually we formed a group of four or five on the front and rode on steadily through light showers

The route is lovely. The sort of route I would plan for myself. Quite pretty lanes, with little traffic. It rolls, but I didn't find it overly demanding.

By the time we stopped for the control, there was just the two of us at the front. Riding together and chatting. It turned out he had done the 1400km Paris - Brest - Paris, but at least I could put up my two end to ends, one the long way and the 100m a day for 7 days. The food was, well the ladies had clearly decided to supply us lunch. A monster roll, a piece of fruit and a piece of cake, all for a donation to a local charity.

The hall was filling with riders as we left, and we rode on steadily and up over Bulbarrow. This hill has three or four ways up and we went up the steepest. My companion, on his compact, climbed quicker, with me adopting my 12 pedal revolutions standing and 12 seated on hard steep climbs. It works for me. By the time I get to the end of one set that group of muscles is tiring and then rest whilst I use another.

Over the top, we regrouped and I left him to follow on the mighty quick descent, and we were then onto the run into Dorchester. I felt the back wheel go bouncy and then starting to squirm. I was going to have to stop and change the inner tube. I told my companion to go on, and turned to the job in hand. Working quickly I was determined not to loose my place on the road. Somewhat amazed I managed it and rode onto the hall to More rolls and cake.

This is a lovely ride, and I would give 4.5 out of 5 . It deserves more riders for its route and organisation. I would only ask for a a bit more cake and less roll at the control.

My GPX file is available at http://connect.garmin.com/activity/315091735

Merry Monk Audax - 28th April

I picked Sarah up from Bridgwater and drove to High Ham. It was busy and there clearly were a lot of people there, over 200 for the 100km ride.

 

We were released in two groups and the first few miles is a steady descent. Moving up slowly I watched part of the large Bridgwater contingent move away up the road. Still plenty of time. We rode through Langport and out onto the moors. The pace held high, and the group strung out with more space between them.

 

Up over Windwhistle sorted the groups further and a quick descent on narrow and potholed roads toFforde Abbey. I voucher for a drink, which worked for an orange squash, and back onto the road. Three Bridgwater riders were ahead, as we tracked around the south of Yeovil. Sarah and I were on our own, riding well,  but not fast, well not until I told Sarah a group was catching us. Big ring and time trial head on, and I'm left hanging on. We were caught by a the group working together, and on that basis it was ok to sit on.

 

Cafe in Sherborne, and the three others who were there a few minutes before us, decided not to wait and were off. Sarah and I rode tempo, but didn't really expect to see them, three quite strong riders, who we could stay with, but couldn't close on, well not for Sarah alone with me! They weren't going to have it easy though.

 

Across and past Somerton and the back road to High Ham and up the last short sharp hill. We arrived 4 mins behind the first three, who claimed to  have had a puncture, but they had 10mins on us at the last cafe, so didn't get away from us. I think they were surprised to see us there so close behind them.

 

Then onto the food. The food at the end of this audax is legend and rightly so. I had lemon meringue pie whilst waiting for beans on toast (I know and don't care). Another personal favourite is freshly made custard with your crumble.

 

I give this audax 4.5 out of 5. Some roads are a touch busy,  but the food is great.

The link to my GPX file is http://connect.garmin.com/activity/304559862 

Exmoor Spring Audax - 7th April

A group of Bridgwater riders meet in the car park to the village hall and tried to blend in. I had forgotton my helmet and was not pleased with myself.

We left a few minutes and started the ascent of the Porlock Toll Road. This is a lovely steady climb winding its way up through mature woodland before delivering you to the heather of the moor above. A short stop to regroup the Bridgwater contingent and off, heading south along a unmetalled surface for a few hundred rather too exciting yards, then back onto a narrow strip of tarmac.

We worked together in the cross wind until the first check point. It was in a pub, I asked for cake and no coffee. £4.50! Not for a cake! Apparently you couldn't have one without the other. I handed the cake back. Shortly another rider who only wanted coffee. We had a deal. The young lady bemused handed over a coffee and a cake to two different people and got her £4.50.

Onwards and up another long and draggy climb, one of those where you can see the road ahead, and it is up. Then we soon turned into the headwind. Nigel got dropped, Darren pushing on at the front couldn't hear me to ease off, he was on a mission to catch the other part of our group. When the gap was closed, Steve went back for Nigel whilst we rode more gently on the descent towards Dulverton and the check point.

We stopped, ate and off again up the valley. It was the home run and gaps began to form as we headed up the valley for Wheddon Cross. I held my own, towards the back, although the reality was the gaps were not that big at the top of what was an easier climb than I remember. I lovely desecent into to Dunster with Darren and I taking the lead, aware of my lack of helment. I love to descend and don't like to break unless at all necessary.

Dulverton and onto the main road. This is the worst part of this ride, but we now had the wind behind us and I could see that I was riding at about the same time at last year. I pushed on, giving what I had and getting little for it. Flying down into  and through Porlock I finished 20 seconds faster than last year, better, howereve marginal.

This audax has good quite roads and a good variation of hills and desecents. The food was overpriced at the first checkpoint, I didn't bother at the second. Pubs are not ideal stopping points as they aren't really geared up to the cycling trade of coffee/tea and a cake/snack. This was made up for by the cream scone and jam back at the start though.

We finshed in the first 10.

I give this audax 3.5 out of 5 let down by the first check point prices.

My GPX file can be found at http://connect.garmin.com/activity/294562902

Mad March Excursion Audax - 3rd March

We gathered at one of those modern out of town pubs with a psydo character early in the morning. It was cool, but dry and there were hundreds of us. The appointed time came and lined up down the side of the raod, all pointing down hill beside the dual carriageway.

The appointed time came and we headed off towards the roundabout. I had positioned myself at the back but quickly moved forward, surprised at the intial lack of speed as we progressed up a rise out of the city. I couldn't decide if they were worried about being at the front, cold, or worried about the distance. Whatever, they didn't appear interested and a small group formed at the front quickly after crossing the new cycle bridge over the M5.

We passed the airport and climbed up over woodbury, faster riders caught and passed us and I moved up an on with them.

The first stop was lovely. Food undercover in a barn. Great choices to. I went for toast and a piece of cake. The feed station filling I pushed on, dodging the frozen puddles on the road we had been warned of, and climbed up onto the Blackdowns. There is a disused airfield here, in my experince airfield are always windy, and this one proved the rule. Fortunatly we had formed a small group of five and I happily sat behind a far stronger (an older) rider who pushed into the wind as we climbed gently across the flat expsoed airfield.

We stopped to regroup at the next turn, one chap had had his tool bag drop from his bike, and then we descended through to Uffcume and Coldharbour Mill. First group in, but no I don't want chicken curry. Two of the group decisde to eat their sandwiches but I lose them amongst riders coming in. I eat and drink, and off again. I have no idea where I am and set off to see if I can catch the others, but to no avail. It is a nice gradual descent toward Exeter, where one of the group catch me, but there is no way I can hold onto his pace. There is a kick back up towards Exeter and as I fail to produce much power I am passed by two riders I think are in front of me. I should have had the same in my sandwiches clearly, but I manage to stay with them, principally as they have no idea of the route, so keep waiting for me.

We drop back to the pub, and sign in. I ask how many have finished in front of us, expecting 10 or so, to find that we are in the first four back.

So in summary:

The pub HQ is not ideal for me, and there is only pub bought drinks and food at the end, in contrast to the great first stop.

The route has some good quite roads and has a couple of challenging hills.

Overall I would give this audax 4 out of 5

My gpx file is available at http://connect.garmin.com/activity/279788795

The Year So Far

So here we are an update of the first 6 months of the year. Looking back it is a bit odd, as altought I don't feel it is much different to normal, and the weather has not been that bad, I seem to be somewhat behind in terms of hours/miles on where I am nornally.

I also seem to be slower than normal, but I put that down to no real Saturday ride to get some speed practice in.

So the year in events