I really enjoyed the LEL Experience, right from registration on the Saturday to the campsite and the controls and very help full volunteers all the way to Edinburgh and back.
The Vortex worked for me, I don't think I would have made it on an upwrong, I dozed off a couple of times on one long climb and again on the last night.
I had 3 flat tyres on the ride and the chain jumped off twice, not bad for the distance covered.
Best bit of kit I took with me, a pair of sandals for off bike time at the controls. All controls asked riders to remove cycling shoes to protect the floors from cleat damage. I left my with the trike and wore the comfy sandals inside.
Post ride aches. Numb toes for 10 days on and off but back to normal now.
Monday, August 26, 2013
Sunday, August 11, 2013
London Edinburgh London 2013.
Saturday 27th July.
Last minute shopping done trailer hitched and loaded it's time to head for Loughton. I told Red to behave himself for Dawn who would keeping an eye on him for the week.
The route to Loughton looked ok as most of it was my usual route to North Weald airfield but I did change it slightly to avoid 2 busy roundabouts, The sun was beating down so I took it slowly with the trailer so I had something left for the big ride tomorrow, The traffic was pretty good for a Saturday afternoon until I hit Epping, it took a while to get through the High street but I still had enough time for registration, I'm off my NW route now and following the LEL route sheet through Theydon Bois and at last Davenant school.
I was directed to the bike park and then registration which took all of a few seconds, collected the jersey and gilet that I had ordered.
After a quick look at the assembled mix of bikes I headed for the campsite which I had spotted on the way in, the field was almost full but I managed to find a spot between a group of French riders and German riders , not long after the tent was up the heavens opened so that's where I stayed for the night.
Sunday 28 July 05:00.
I'm usually awake at this time anyway so no worries about missing my 6:15 departure, once everything was sorted and the tent was secured for the week(fingers crossed) I returned to the school, the second group were just moving through to the start area as I entered the school grounds.
It wasn't long before group C were called into the start area and then sent on our way, as we left we were told not to arrive back before Tuesday evening (ha no chance of that). Some people sped of while the rest of us just found our own pace and tried to keep to it. I had no intention of being a Hare but didn't want to be the tortoise either, I knew most of the first leg (upto Fowlmere) so didn't need to look at the route sheet too often just concentrating on making sure I drank regularly and kept the tank topped up, it wasn't long before I started seeing signs for St Ives and the first control.
Dep Loughton 06:15. Arr St Ives 10:41
62 miles. 4:22:41
After a quick bite to eat it was of to Kirton, this turned out to be the hottest leg northbound, felt for the horses and cattle along the river bank with no shelter from the blazing sunshine. It was quite flat and boring but fast and I clocked into Kirton just before 3pm
Dep St Ives 11:24 Arr Kirton 14:58
50.4 miles. 3:23:54
Met Stevevw in the queue for food at Kirton. After food and drink it was time to hit the road again,Market Rasen is the next control, another reasonably fast (for me) leg as we passed the racecourse it looked like the pony club were in residence with temporary paddocks around the horse boxes, no time to stop and chat. This time I met Long Martin in the line for food. I think he had set off over an hour after me, while eating and chatting with Martin he wondered if we would see Andy Allsopp on the return visit but just then Andy appeared. After a quick chat Andy went to take on his duties as a volunteer.
Dep Kirton 16:08 Arr Market Rasen 19:16
42.8 miles 3:00:03
Still feeling good so back on the Vortex and off to Pocklington, time to get the head torch out so I can read the route sheet, as we approached Barton on Humber I could see lightning in the distance, it looked a long way off and thankfully moving across our route, it did start drizzling before I reached Pocklington so I decided to have an hours sleep here.
Dep Market Rasen 20:38 Arr Pocklington 01:10
52.8miles. 4:22:11
Dep Pocklington 03:20 Arr Thirsk 07:17
41.2miles. 3:48:45
Dep Thirsk. 08:35 Arr Barnard Castle 13:03
42.3miles 3:43:33
Dep Barnard Castle14:08 Arr Brampton 19:55
Dep Brampton 20:43 Arr Moffat 0059
Dep Moffat. 03:08 Arr Edinburgh 08:21
The scenery on the second day was a big improvement on day 1. The hills seemed to go on forever going up but lasted only a few minutes descending, I was a bit worried that I may have a sheep or cow fall down one of the steep slopes onto the road or me,
I did doze off a couple of times luckily while climbing but there was a nasty drop to the left into a stream about 20ft below so the next lay by I stopped for 40 winks. The speed has dropped a lot with all these long climbs but the views make it all worth the effort, unfortunately darkness falls again and I can't see much.
I think it's Tuesday morning now and the roads are starting to get busy, we're approaching the outskirts of Edinburgh and it's rush hour!!!. Made it through the traffic to the school and breakfast. Back on the road heading south this time the traffic is lighter now which is good as we have a tricky right turn on a steep hill to negotiate, this is quite a short leg and a slow leg due to a shopping excursion to a very well stocked bike shop in Traquair where I spent longer than i should, anyway onto the village hall for food and drink.
Dep Edinburgh 09:52 Arr Traquair 14:02
Dep Traquair. 15:43 Arr Eskdalemuir 17:02
Another short hop and a better time. Now I have long cycling leggings on the sunburnt legs are not so painfull. I lost my sun cream early on in the ride and none of the shops I stopped at had any.
Another food and drink stop at Eskdalemuir and then onto Brampton.
Dep Eskdalemuir 18:17 Arr Brampton 21:43
36.3miles. 3:19:38
Wednesday ?? 31st July
Dep Brampton 03:01 Arr Barnard Castle 08:22
Dep Barnard Castle 09:34 Arr Thirsk13:29
Dep Thirsk 15:02. Arr Pocklington 19:20
Dep Pocklington 22:11 Arr Market Rasen 04:23
A slow day today with more long climbs and stopping to see the sunrise over the hills, the sheep were scattered all over the hillside and some were on the road but they kept out of the way.
Following the route sheet in daylight was not a problem but after losing my head torch I was using one of the lights of the bent to try and read it in the dark, I missed a turn somewhere on the way back to the Humber bridge but soon found myself back on track and the important thing was I was still heading south.
After parking the Vortex in the Market Rasen bike park I went in to get my card stamped by a lonely Andy Allsopp,after a quick chat I went to get a drink sand some shut eye. An hour later I was ready to head south. It should have been a good day for making up some time on the flatter section but the intense heat and headwind turned it into the hardest day of the whole ride, past those poor horses again with no shelter from an even hotter sun than the other day. I've seen and heard of readings of 36 and 38deg c, the village shops did well that day selling ice lollies and drinks. As if the suns heat wasn't enough, going through Spalding several buses going the other way blasted me with the heat from their engines.
After St Ives the route took us to Gt Easton along some very nice lanes but up some nasty climbs that I was not expecting so close to the end. Eventually arrived at Gt Easton for a final refuelling stop and 20 mins kip.
This was going to be tricky, trying to read the route sheet with a handheld torch on twisty narrow lanes and not miss any turns, I made it halfway before I did miss a turn but I spotted signs for places I knew and worked my way back on track picking up 3 German riders who had missed the same turn. Safely back on track the last few miles rolled by and we arrived back at Loughton just after 2am.
Inside to get my final stamp on the brevet card and I was greeted by Martin Brice.
After a bite and a drink I crashed out on the grass outside for a couple of hours.
Dep Market Rasen 05:32 Arr Kirton 09:41
Dep Kirton 10:28 Arr St Ives 15:22
Dep St Ives 16:57. Arr Gt Easton21:57
Dep Gt Easton 23:06 Arr Loughton 02:22
I think that gives me a time of 116 hrs 7 mins.
Can't believe I cycled all the way to Edinburgh and back. Was it all a crazy dream? I have a medal and water bottle so maybe I did do it.
Last minute shopping done trailer hitched and loaded it's time to head for Loughton. I told Red to behave himself for Dawn who would keeping an eye on him for the week.
The route to Loughton looked ok as most of it was my usual route to North Weald airfield but I did change it slightly to avoid 2 busy roundabouts, The sun was beating down so I took it slowly with the trailer so I had something left for the big ride tomorrow, The traffic was pretty good for a Saturday afternoon until I hit Epping, it took a while to get through the High street but I still had enough time for registration, I'm off my NW route now and following the LEL route sheet through Theydon Bois and at last Davenant school.
I was directed to the bike park and then registration which took all of a few seconds, collected the jersey and gilet that I had ordered.
After a quick look at the assembled mix of bikes I headed for the campsite which I had spotted on the way in, the field was almost full but I managed to find a spot between a group of French riders and German riders , not long after the tent was up the heavens opened so that's where I stayed for the night.
Sunday 28 July 05:00.
I'm usually awake at this time anyway so no worries about missing my 6:15 departure, once everything was sorted and the tent was secured for the week(fingers crossed) I returned to the school, the second group were just moving through to the start area as I entered the school grounds.
It wasn't long before group C were called into the start area and then sent on our way, as we left we were told not to arrive back before Tuesday evening (ha no chance of that). Some people sped of while the rest of us just found our own pace and tried to keep to it. I had no intention of being a Hare but didn't want to be the tortoise either, I knew most of the first leg (upto Fowlmere) so didn't need to look at the route sheet too often just concentrating on making sure I drank regularly and kept the tank topped up, it wasn't long before I started seeing signs for St Ives and the first control.
Dep Loughton 06:15. Arr St Ives 10:41
62 miles. 4:22:41
After a quick bite to eat it was of to Kirton, this turned out to be the hottest leg northbound, felt for the horses and cattle along the river bank with no shelter from the blazing sunshine. It was quite flat and boring but fast and I clocked into Kirton just before 3pm
Dep St Ives 11:24 Arr Kirton 14:58
50.4 miles. 3:23:54
Met Stevevw in the queue for food at Kirton. After food and drink it was time to hit the road again,Market Rasen is the next control, another reasonably fast (for me) leg as we passed the racecourse it looked like the pony club were in residence with temporary paddocks around the horse boxes, no time to stop and chat. This time I met Long Martin in the line for food. I think he had set off over an hour after me, while eating and chatting with Martin he wondered if we would see Andy Allsopp on the return visit but just then Andy appeared. After a quick chat Andy went to take on his duties as a volunteer.
Dep Kirton 16:08 Arr Market Rasen 19:16
42.8 miles 3:00:03
Still feeling good so back on the Vortex and off to Pocklington, time to get the head torch out so I can read the route sheet, as we approached Barton on Humber I could see lightning in the distance, it looked a long way off and thankfully moving across our route, it did start drizzling before I reached Pocklington so I decided to have an hours sleep here.
Dep Market Rasen 20:38 Arr Pocklington 01:10
52.8miles. 4:22:11
Dep Pocklington 03:20 Arr Thirsk 07:17
41.2miles. 3:48:45
Dep Thirsk. 08:35 Arr Barnard Castle 13:03
42.3miles 3:43:33
Dep Barnard Castle14:08 Arr Brampton 19:55
Dep Brampton 20:43 Arr Moffat 0059
Dep Moffat. 03:08 Arr Edinburgh 08:21
The scenery on the second day was a big improvement on day 1. The hills seemed to go on forever going up but lasted only a few minutes descending, I was a bit worried that I may have a sheep or cow fall down one of the steep slopes onto the road or me,
I did doze off a couple of times luckily while climbing but there was a nasty drop to the left into a stream about 20ft below so the next lay by I stopped for 40 winks. The speed has dropped a lot with all these long climbs but the views make it all worth the effort, unfortunately darkness falls again and I can't see much.
I think it's Tuesday morning now and the roads are starting to get busy, we're approaching the outskirts of Edinburgh and it's rush hour!!!. Made it through the traffic to the school and breakfast. Back on the road heading south this time the traffic is lighter now which is good as we have a tricky right turn on a steep hill to negotiate, this is quite a short leg and a slow leg due to a shopping excursion to a very well stocked bike shop in Traquair where I spent longer than i should, anyway onto the village hall for food and drink.
Dep Edinburgh 09:52 Arr Traquair 14:02
Dep Traquair. 15:43 Arr Eskdalemuir 17:02
Another short hop and a better time. Now I have long cycling leggings on the sunburnt legs are not so painfull. I lost my sun cream early on in the ride and none of the shops I stopped at had any.
Another food and drink stop at Eskdalemuir and then onto Brampton.
Dep Eskdalemuir 18:17 Arr Brampton 21:43
36.3miles. 3:19:38
Wednesday ?? 31st July
Dep Brampton 03:01 Arr Barnard Castle 08:22
Dep Barnard Castle 09:34 Arr Thirsk13:29
Dep Thirsk 15:02. Arr Pocklington 19:20
Dep Pocklington 22:11 Arr Market Rasen 04:23
A slow day today with more long climbs and stopping to see the sunrise over the hills, the sheep were scattered all over the hillside and some were on the road but they kept out of the way.
Following the route sheet in daylight was not a problem but after losing my head torch I was using one of the lights of the bent to try and read it in the dark, I missed a turn somewhere on the way back to the Humber bridge but soon found myself back on track and the important thing was I was still heading south.
After parking the Vortex in the Market Rasen bike park I went in to get my card stamped by a lonely Andy Allsopp,after a quick chat I went to get a drink sand some shut eye. An hour later I was ready to head south. It should have been a good day for making up some time on the flatter section but the intense heat and headwind turned it into the hardest day of the whole ride, past those poor horses again with no shelter from an even hotter sun than the other day. I've seen and heard of readings of 36 and 38deg c, the village shops did well that day selling ice lollies and drinks. As if the suns heat wasn't enough, going through Spalding several buses going the other way blasted me with the heat from their engines.
After St Ives the route took us to Gt Easton along some very nice lanes but up some nasty climbs that I was not expecting so close to the end. Eventually arrived at Gt Easton for a final refuelling stop and 20 mins kip.
This was going to be tricky, trying to read the route sheet with a handheld torch on twisty narrow lanes and not miss any turns, I made it halfway before I did miss a turn but I spotted signs for places I knew and worked my way back on track picking up 3 German riders who had missed the same turn. Safely back on track the last few miles rolled by and we arrived back at Loughton just after 2am.
Inside to get my final stamp on the brevet card and I was greeted by Martin Brice.
After a bite and a drink I crashed out on the grass outside for a couple of hours.
Dep Market Rasen 05:32 Arr Kirton 09:41
Dep Kirton 10:28 Arr St Ives 15:22
Dep St Ives 16:57. Arr Gt Easton21:57
Dep Gt Easton 23:06 Arr Loughton 02:22
I think that gives me a time of 116 hrs 7 mins.
Can't believe I cycled all the way to Edinburgh and back. Was it all a crazy dream? I have a medal and water bottle so maybe I did do it.
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
London Revolution
Fri 17may 23:40
The Vortex all loaded up so time for a bit of sleep, two alarms set for a very early start. The first alarm went off followed 15 mins later by the second(2am), i lay there for a few minutes(yeah right) then got out of bed, looking at the clock i realised the few minutes turned into an hour and a half(oh bugger). It was now half an hour after my intended departure time and meant i was going to struggle to get to registration for the 6:30 opening time.
Sat 18may 04:00
Dressed now and a quick drink no time for breakfast i checked Red was ok in his field then locked up and set off for London.
Following my usuall route skirting Welwyn Garden City and Hatfield i soon found an almost deserted a1000 and it wasn't long before i passed the Brookmans park transmitter and on to Potters Bar, this is where i left my usual route to London and turned left to Cockfosters passing over the M25 then down Stagg hill(shame the surface wasn't a bit smoother) , after passing the tube station and parade of shops i used to visit a few years ago i was in unfamilier territory. Now i'm trying to follow the route i had put into the gps while still trying to keep the speed up a bit, the traffic was building now but i was still making good time and then i saw Stratford international station so i wasn't too far from my destination. I met three others all heading for the same place and it wasn't long before we arrived at Peruvian Wharf. 07:00ish
After registration and attaching numbers to bike,bag and helmet bag was handed over to the purple van now it's time for breakfast.
08:20ish
And we're off, following the arrows east through the now busy streets of London then we gradually started to head north and out into the countryside. Epping was the first place i recognized. Onlly a few more miles and a left turn into the first pit stop, after a 20min break i heade out for the next leg, this part of the ride was on roads i know quite well heading west from Epping Green through quiet villages and skirting the towns towards the second stop near Kings Langley. After a bit of rest it was back on the road and through more lovely countryside until finally arriving at Windsor racecourse for the overnight stop.
Sun 19may 04:30
Not unusual for me to be awake so early but it was the first flight into Heathrow that woke me this time. I tried to get back to sleep as breakfast started at six but no joy. Looking out of the tent i saw a lovely misty sunrise which looked promising for a great day of riding. A quick wash and shave then breakfast and we were soon ready for the start of day 2, back to London, the roads were quiet as we left a still sleeping Windsor and we slipped into the countryside again,this was all new territory for me and it was all very nice. The racers were all flying past and dissapearing into the distance but i wanted to see the scenery and just get round the course,today was going to see a lot more climbing than yesterday and a bit warmer too.
We eventually arrived at the bottom of Box Hill and started the long climb up the Olympic climb, it wasn't as steep as i imagined but i couldn't get a good run at it with all the traffic coming down and the slower riders going up. Arriving at the top i stopped a little bit further on from the cafe to enjoy the view across the countryside. Back on the road again we started heading back towards London and the busier roads, up Crystal Palace Hill and on to Herne Hill velodrome, we had a quick ride around the circuit then on towards the city and Tower Bridge and onto the cycle route back to Docklands. I nearly had a disaster on the last roundabout of the weekend when the chain jumped off and wrapped around the crank, luckily i had enough momentum from the downhill approach to carry me round and onto the last stretch. I was able to untangle the chain before i came to a stop and a minute later i crossed the finish line. There was a nice crowd cheering everyone across the line at the end and a goodie bag handed out as we came to a stop.
Really enjoyed the weekend with a well organised event and a great bunch of riders, may well be back next year,
17:00
40ish miles home and bed. Somehow navigated my way back to familier roads in town then headed north, arrived home 21:00 tired and happy.
Thursday, May 16, 2013
2 more sleeps.
Early hours of Saturday morning I shall be heading south to Peruvian Wharf in Docklands. I can't believe it is almost time for my first long ride of the year. Training has been minimal with all the crap that has happened this year, i;ve only managed a couple of group rides and no Friday night rides to the coast so far.
This weekend looks like a fun ride with a night camping at Windsor racecourse, the weather doesn't look too good at the moment but there is still time for it to improve.
This weekend looks like a fun ride with a night camping at Windsor racecourse, the weather doesn't look too good at the moment but there is still time for it to improve.
Monday, January 14, 2013
Adam and Rebecca's house warming ride.
Started the day with a quick early morning shopping trip to Stevenage, after dropping the trailer off at the stables i headed out towards Luton. The weather was cold but dry and cloudy, only a brief flurry of snow, i had to stop in Kimpton to replace a tube(first flat of the year) On the road again it took another 20 mins to get to Luton. Everyone was there waiting and as i stopped Adams phone rang with my voicemail that i had sent 20mins earlier!!!!!!.
We set off along the recently finished cycle path to Harpenden, it follows the old railway line to Welwyn garden city, It was quite busy with walkers but it was a better choice than the lower Luton rd. We turned left at the first road crossing in Harpenden and up the hill to Kimpton which must win the prize for the worst road surface in the country through the High street. We continued towards Codicote, turning right just before the village and made our way to Wheathamstead passing a fast flowing ford, after being deafened by a bird scarer behind the hedge where we had stopped the road carried on past the Wicked lady pub and onto Nomansland common. It's allways busy here with walkers, kite flyers cyclists and horses.
Back through the southern end of Harpenden and past the rugby club through Redbourn and onto Gaddesden row.We took a left turn to Briden camp and stopped at The Crown and Sceptre pub for lunch. I was beaten by the yorkshire pud that came with the huge portion of sausage and mash washed down with a nice pint of cider.
After lunch we set off to Adam & Rebecca's for cake and tea. Adam then led Stu, Dave and myself back to Parkway station where we said our farewells, i headed back along the cycle path while Stu and Dave caught the train back to London. I arrived back at the farm just in time for the re arranged christmas party.
63 miles on the clock i was ready for some party food.
We set off along the recently finished cycle path to Harpenden, it follows the old railway line to Welwyn garden city, It was quite busy with walkers but it was a better choice than the lower Luton rd. We turned left at the first road crossing in Harpenden and up the hill to Kimpton which must win the prize for the worst road surface in the country through the High street. We continued towards Codicote, turning right just before the village and made our way to Wheathamstead passing a fast flowing ford, after being deafened by a bird scarer behind the hedge where we had stopped the road carried on past the Wicked lady pub and onto Nomansland common. It's allways busy here with walkers, kite flyers cyclists and horses.
Back through the southern end of Harpenden and past the rugby club through Redbourn and onto Gaddesden row.We took a left turn to Briden camp and stopped at The Crown and Sceptre pub for lunch. I was beaten by the yorkshire pud that came with the huge portion of sausage and mash washed down with a nice pint of cider.
After lunch we set off to Adam & Rebecca's for cake and tea. Adam then led Stu, Dave and myself back to Parkway station where we said our farewells, i headed back along the cycle path while Stu and Dave caught the train back to London. I arrived back at the farm just in time for the re arranged christmas party.
63 miles on the clock i was ready for some party food.
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
Forum ride
Met up with a group (16 of us) from the Cycle chat forum for a gentle ride around the local area. Tony(The Doctor) organised the ride Which headed from Stevenage station out towards Gosmore, it was a misty cloudy morning with a little drizzle thrown in. The traffic was patient on the narrow twisting lanes, the mist turned into fog in places and there were no views which was a shame but we all enjoyed the ride despite the weather.Looking forward to the next one now.
One week in.
293 miles for the first week, i'm happy with that. Very wet everywhere and not too cold so nice to get out on the trike.The miles so far have all been fairly local but i hope to start riding a bit further afield soon.
I need to start some serious training as i've entered LEL2013 (londonedinburghlondon)looking forward to the ride but nervous at the same time. 870 miles in 116hrs 40mins is a lot of riding with not much sleep!!!!!!!!. Before that i have entered a ride around London, 2 days and 180 miles, should be fun.
I need to start some serious training as i've entered LEL2013 (londonedinburghlondon)looking forward to the ride but nervous at the same time. 870 miles in 116hrs 40mins is a lot of riding with not much sleep!!!!!!!!. Before that i have entered a ride around London, 2 days and 180 miles, should be fun.
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