Silence for a fortnight - but an action packed one to report on.
February is over, cycling-wise, and the year's total stands at just shy of 1243miles, which at 1/6th of the year gone would make an extrapolated total for the year of 7500. (10,000 seems distant?) However the spring/summer are coming and mileage WILL increase so am pretty happy with that at present - particularly as at this point last year I was only on 845 miles and still managed 9000!
Last week (18th Feb) paid a trip to Manchester, for the track cycling world cup - in a word - excellent! Putting side accomodation and food, at £11 for almost 8 hours constant cycling action it was a bargain! Chris Hoy, Brad Wiggins, Geraint Thomas, Vicky Pendleton and many more and the Brits done alright too. The reciprocal event will be at the Olympic velodrome in London next year - I want to go!
Most memorable moment of the whole weekend, and i saw it on tv, not live was the final corner crash of the Men's Keirin. Hoy wins, as the carnage unfolds behind - Awang hits the deck and gets a 20-25cm splinter right through his leg for the trouble - yet still finishes 3rd to take the jersey for overall world cup winner in that event. the kiwi looks like he might hold it but after weaving both ways crashes, bu still has the presence of mind to pick up his bike and cross the line for valuable points! - Proper men do cycling!!!
In other news, Cav gets his first win in Oman, and Team Sky gets their Classics season off to a great start with 2nd for Flecha in Omloop Het Nieuswsblad and 1st for Sutton in Kuurne-Brusels-Kuurne. Bertie has been deemed to be innocent, but Ricco has been binned. Time may be the judge for all as yet...?
Monday, 28 February 2011
Monday, 14 February 2011
Wind initially, then calm before the storm!
A windy start to the week, but with reward as i clocked up my best 20, 10, 3 and 1 mile rides of the year so far with 1hr 4.21, 27.33, 7.37 and 2.03 respectively!
Couple of days of mild weather, and then some very soggy weather. Still managed 216 miles this week, so approaching the 1st 1000 for the year and up on this point last year so all good.
Mark Renshaw wins in Qatar, Bertie saga alegedly to be resolved this week too, and as for Ricardo Ricco, definately a leopard who would appear not to be able to change his spots - Vacancesoleil have sent him on a long holiday!
Couple of days of mild weather, and then some very soggy weather. Still managed 216 miles this week, so approaching the 1st 1000 for the year and up on this point last year so all good.
Mark Renshaw wins in Qatar, Bertie saga alegedly to be resolved this week too, and as for Ricardo Ricco, definately a leopard who would appear not to be able to change his spots - Vacancesoleil have sent him on a long holiday!
Monday, 7 February 2011
Gone with the Wind!
Another 200 this week - well 205 actually, making 671 for the year to date.
Wiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiindy or what! 25/30mph winds, gusting to 50mph+ - still gotta ride though! pushed records for year so far for fastest 1, 3 & 10 miles - the latter breaking 30 mins for the first time for a while.
Bike due to be cleaned today, as well as aiming to get a couple of hours in later on.
Had a cracking birthday yesterday - lots of well wishers and time spent wth family and friends - some money / vouchers to spend too now!
Tour of Qatar kicked off - reminiscent of the classics, with cobbles and high winds, Lars Boom, won the prologue (so maybe Spartacus is human after all?) . Cav hit the deck again, after a collapsed wheel, brought about a swift date with the tarmac.
ToQ continues all week, with Oman up next - feels like F1 all of a sudden?
Wiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiindy or what! 25/30mph winds, gusting to 50mph+ - still gotta ride though! pushed records for year so far for fastest 1, 3 & 10 miles - the latter breaking 30 mins for the first time for a while.
Bike due to be cleaned today, as well as aiming to get a couple of hours in later on.
Had a cracking birthday yesterday - lots of well wishers and time spent wth family and friends - some money / vouchers to spend too now!
Tour of Qatar kicked off - reminiscent of the classics, with cobbles and high winds, Lars Boom, won the prologue (so maybe Spartacus is human after all?) . Cav hit the deck again, after a collapsed wheel, brought about a swift date with the tarmac.
ToQ continues all week, with Oman up next - feels like F1 all of a sudden?
Monday, 31 January 2011
January - a glance back.
I have just completed my first 200miles in a week this year, also today did a 50 in 2hrs 53, so pretty chuffed with that at this stage of the year. 522 for the month, which bearing in mind i missed around 10 days is not bad - eclipses last years total at this point so still happy!
New bike is going well, cleaned it again today - touch of OCD? Maybe / almost certain / definately (Delete as applicable!)
Pretty much recovered from all injuries from 3 weeks ago - slight back twinge every now and again. - Police have contacted to say no trace of driver - shame but i must concentrate on counting blessings not cursing blithering idiots - I have lived to fight another day - Thank God, so onwards I fight!
Recorded "Death on a Mountain" last night - story of Tom Simpson's demise on Mont Ventoux in '67 - will report back once watched.
Pro Cycle racing season has started but still slow. Thought i saw David Millar playing Tennis sunday Morning, but realised it was Andy Murray! - not that he was actually playing?!
New bike is going well, cleaned it again today - touch of OCD? Maybe / almost certain / definately (Delete as applicable!)
Pretty much recovered from all injuries from 3 weeks ago - slight back twinge every now and again. - Police have contacted to say no trace of driver - shame but i must concentrate on counting blessings not cursing blithering idiots - I have lived to fight another day - Thank God, so onwards I fight!
Recorded "Death on a Mountain" last night - story of Tom Simpson's demise on Mont Ventoux in '67 - will report back once watched.
Pro Cycle racing season has started but still slow. Thought i saw David Millar playing Tennis sunday Morning, but realised it was Andy Murray! - not that he was actually playing?!
Monday, 24 January 2011
First week back
When i say week, i actually mean 3 days of cycling - an excuse in advance of divulging the mileage total! 120ish miles this week, not including the sneaky whip around the block (20 miles of today) which i will add to next weeks score.
But after being off the bike for 10 days, it felt good - still have a bit of niggly ache in the back / ribs area, but otherwise all is good. Getting used to the Scotty, cleaned it and finally fitted mudguards today - and not too soon based on the weather forecast to come.
Hoping to achieve a more reasonable mileage this week, and all in all should finish the month approaching 500, which is in line with last year's total - not bad for an enforced layoff?
TDU has been and gone. Congrats to Cameron Meyer on the overall, Cav was conspicuous by his absence, but then so were many others. Lance completed his last race pending any further comebacks, Matt White got sacked by Garmin and Robbie proved there is still life in those legs and Ben Swift proves that Brit sprinters do not begin and end with Cav either. Roll on Qatar...
But after being off the bike for 10 days, it felt good - still have a bit of niggly ache in the back / ribs area, but otherwise all is good. Getting used to the Scotty, cleaned it and finally fitted mudguards today - and not too soon based on the weather forecast to come.
Hoping to achieve a more reasonable mileage this week, and all in all should finish the month approaching 500, which is in line with last year's total - not bad for an enforced layoff?
TDU has been and gone. Congrats to Cameron Meyer on the overall, Cav was conspicuous by his absence, but then so were many others. Lance completed his last race pending any further comebacks, Matt White got sacked by Garmin and Robbie proved there is still life in those legs and Ben Swift proves that Brit sprinters do not begin and end with Cav either. Roll on Qatar...
Thursday, 20 January 2011
Loving my Scotty a Lotty!
Says it all - I like my new bike!
3 days of cycling - 120miles, only downside is lack of mudguards - to be rectified over weekend!
Singlespeed conversion is next project, once i have saved my pennies....
3 days of cycling - 120miles, only downside is lack of mudguards - to be rectified over weekend!
Singlespeed conversion is next project, once i have saved my pennies....
Monday, 10 January 2011
Insurance matters!
Continuing on from post below, I rang my Insurance Co this morning to work out how much of my losses would be covered, they took brief details and then informed me that they would be passing the claim onto anoher company to deal with. I had a call within 30 minutes to inform me that I would be receiving a new bike - A Scott Speedster S30 Triple 2011 as pictured below.
Most impressed by quick and efficient work by all concerned - so thanks to all invoved for that. I have accepted the offer - new bike should arrive within 7-14 days.
My leg is much better, still a bit sore but am walking a lot better today, back is very painful still, so may need to get that checked out again if it does not improve.
Just need to track down the mutant in the lorry now...?
Friday, 7 January 2011
Open Letter to that Large White Lorry Driver
NB - That's a Large White Lorry, not a Large as in weighty driver of said Lorry (but both could be true i guess?!)
Dear Sir or indeed Madam,
I hope the impact that you managed to cause with myself at approximately 7.20 this morning whilst I was proceeding northwards on the A140 on my cycle dwells upon your mind and that ultimately you do the decent thing and inform the Police.
It may be of interest to you, that despite your best attempts I am still alive and walking albeit painfully,and would appear to have suffered a nice set of cuts and bruises - one particularly nasty one on my right thigh (for your reference the point of impact with the front of your vehicle).
At this point I would just like to express my gratitude to a number of people, firstly the car driver and his passenger who initially stopped and inquired about my well being and offered assistance (something which perhaps innocently in my mind would be usual practice in such circumstances) and also to Graham, a fine gentleman who i have only had the pleasure of meeting this morning but who scraped me up of the side of the road and transported me and my bike home, and then in conversation realised that we share a passion for bikes and all things cycling.
It may be of further interest to you that your actions or perhaps the lack of, have been reported by myself to the Police, which upon doing so i was pleased that the officer at the end of the phone know as much about the incident as i did as it has already been reported by an eye-witness, placing the blame firmly at your door - a fact that i was already sure of but was pleasing to have that confirmed too.
If it helps your recollection, I was the one wearing that yellow hi-viz jacket, with TWO rear lights on my bike, who fortunately bounced off your vehicle just prior to the turn to Hainford (Waterloo Road). Not that you have enquired, (on the basis that you did not stop) but i think my bike is ok, but I will perhaps reserve judgement on that one - perhaps I could get back to you?
I sincerely hope that you drive more observantly and safely in the future as i feel that in this instance i have been very fortunate, the next cyclist may not be?
Yours faithfully,
Darren
Dear Sir or indeed Madam,
I hope the impact that you managed to cause with myself at approximately 7.20 this morning whilst I was proceeding northwards on the A140 on my cycle dwells upon your mind and that ultimately you do the decent thing and inform the Police.
It may be of interest to you, that despite your best attempts I am still alive and walking albeit painfully,and would appear to have suffered a nice set of cuts and bruises - one particularly nasty one on my right thigh (for your reference the point of impact with the front of your vehicle).
At this point I would just like to express my gratitude to a number of people, firstly the car driver and his passenger who initially stopped and inquired about my well being and offered assistance (something which perhaps innocently in my mind would be usual practice in such circumstances) and also to Graham, a fine gentleman who i have only had the pleasure of meeting this morning but who scraped me up of the side of the road and transported me and my bike home, and then in conversation realised that we share a passion for bikes and all things cycling.
It may be of further interest to you that your actions or perhaps the lack of, have been reported by myself to the Police, which upon doing so i was pleased that the officer at the end of the phone know as much about the incident as i did as it has already been reported by an eye-witness, placing the blame firmly at your door - a fact that i was already sure of but was pleasing to have that confirmed too.
If it helps your recollection, I was the one wearing that yellow hi-viz jacket, with TWO rear lights on my bike, who fortunately bounced off your vehicle just prior to the turn to Hainford (Waterloo Road). Not that you have enquired, (on the basis that you did not stop) but i think my bike is ok, but I will perhaps reserve judgement on that one - perhaps I could get back to you?
I sincerely hope that you drive more observantly and safely in the future as i feel that in this instance i have been very fortunate, the next cyclist may not be?
Yours faithfully,
Darren
Friday, 31 December 2010
Out with the Old, in with the New
OK so I could not resist the temptation of wheel on tarmac and succumbed to two further 2010 rides, clocking up a additionl 70 miles in the process. That makes a final 9073 miles for 2010.
Snow has retreated, to be placed by damp misty and foggy conditions, but compared to recent weeks it is positively balmy weather. Have tried out my new hi-viz waterproof and the difference in riding the dirty bike with a fixed bottom bracket is immense.
Christmas present update:
Tickets to UCI World Track Champs - 18th Feb http://trackworldcup.co.uk/
Hi-viz waterproof jacket
2 x Twin-six T-shirts
Cyclopedia by William Fotheringham
Bike Snob book
100 Greatest Cycling Climbs Book
Trion-Z Necklace
So a look back and a glance forward:
Highlights of 2010, include L2P24 as well as a storming ride in the Norwich 100, also seeing the Tour of Britain, having the opportunity to buy a carbon framed bike, time spent in France on hols and just generally enjoying my bikes.
Personal Bests:
One hour 20.82 mi
10 miles 26m:08s
20 km 35m:05s
50 km 1h:32m:37s
50 miles 2h:37m:13s
100 km 3h:22m:06s
Targets then for 2011:
Lose some of the christmas/new year weight gain - hovering around 12 stone at present - eeek!
To do a 10 mile in 25 minutes (or under)
Tour de Norfolk (Simon and I circumnavigating our fine county 170 - 200 miles in a day)
Norwich 100
Tour of the Peak
Tick off a few classic hills
10,000 miles completed
Continue to enjoy riding
Snow has retreated, to be placed by damp misty and foggy conditions, but compared to recent weeks it is positively balmy weather. Have tried out my new hi-viz waterproof and the difference in riding the dirty bike with a fixed bottom bracket is immense.
Christmas present update:
Tickets to UCI World Track Champs - 18th Feb http://trackworldcup.co.uk/
Hi-viz waterproof jacket
2 x Twin-six T-shirts
Cyclopedia by William Fotheringham
Bike Snob book
100 Greatest Cycling Climbs Book
Trion-Z Necklace
So a look back and a glance forward:
Highlights of 2010, include L2P24 as well as a storming ride in the Norwich 100, also seeing the Tour of Britain, having the opportunity to buy a carbon framed bike, time spent in France on hols and just generally enjoying my bikes.
Personal Bests:
One hour 20.82 mi
10 miles 26m:08s
20 km 35m:05s
50 km 1h:32m:37s
50 miles 2h:37m:13s
100 km 3h:22m:06s
Targets then for 2011:
Lose some of the christmas/new year weight gain - hovering around 12 stone at present - eeek!
To do a 10 mile in 25 minutes (or under)
Tour de Norfolk (Simon and I circumnavigating our fine county 170 - 200 miles in a day)
Norwich 100
Tour of the Peak
Tick off a few classic hills
10,000 miles completed
Continue to enjoy riding
Friday, 24 December 2010
Finished - well almost?
This could possibly be the final post of 2010, currently enjoying (?) a well earned rest from 2 wheels, after finally completing my revised (twice) target of 9000 miles for the calendar year. Actual total was 9003.37, after completing just under 133 miles in 3 days last week. - Perversely I have been pushing towards my weekly averages of the summer despite all the snow and ice!
As well as hitting my annual target i had also set myself a target of reaching 2000 miles across the Autumn, helped along by my participation in the online Endomondo challenge for Cyclicts of Britain - Autumn Ambit http://www.endomondo.com/challenges/394861?f=0. What a result - winning my first cycling event!!!!
Weather is improving, and although still cold, most snow has gone - winter bike has had bottom bracket replaced, so there is still chance of a jaunt or two in between Christmas and New Year, but if not, am pretty happy with the year's total - gonna have to be 10k next year! - Looking at last year's monthly mileages, as ever it will be key to bank miles early - Jan/Feb last year totalled about 850 miles, whereas Nov and Dec were 1200+. I have also decided that REST will be important too - REST being a pneumonic for Ride Every Single Time!
Closing Personal Bests:
One hour 20.82 mi
10 miles 26m:08s
20 km 35m:05s
50 km 1h:32m:37s
50 miles 2h:37m:13s
100 km 3h:22m:06s
Room for improvement and 2011 targets will be published soon...
Planet X are offering an unbeatable offer at the mo - a merino wool long sleeved top,(pictured above) with FREE overshoes and gloves all for £35 - had to avail myself didn't I?
SPOTY was a complete stitch up as Cav trailed in down the pecking order behind AP McCoy - a worthy winner but surely Cav's personality was the best on show with or without his season's achievements? Cycling Season and in particular the TDU starts on 16th Jan with Lance riding his last (?) pro race. The Shack's team roster also boosted by the addition of Robbie McEwen and Robbie Hunter, with the demise of Pegasus Sports, following the UCI's decision to not grant them a licence.
As well as hitting my annual target i had also set myself a target of reaching 2000 miles across the Autumn, helped along by my participation in the online Endomondo challenge for Cyclicts of Britain - Autumn Ambit http://www.endomondo.com/challenges/394861?f=0. What a result - winning my first cycling event!!!!
Weather is improving, and although still cold, most snow has gone - winter bike has had bottom bracket replaced, so there is still chance of a jaunt or two in between Christmas and New Year, but if not, am pretty happy with the year's total - gonna have to be 10k next year! - Looking at last year's monthly mileages, as ever it will be key to bank miles early - Jan/Feb last year totalled about 850 miles, whereas Nov and Dec were 1200+. I have also decided that REST will be important too - REST being a pneumonic for Ride Every Single Time!
Closing Personal Bests:
One hour 20.82 mi
10 miles 26m:08s
20 km 35m:05s
50 km 1h:32m:37s
50 miles 2h:37m:13s
100 km 3h:22m:06s
Room for improvement and 2011 targets will be published soon...
SPOTY was a complete stitch up as Cav trailed in down the pecking order behind AP McCoy - a worthy winner but surely Cav's personality was the best on show with or without his season's achievements? Cycling Season and in particular the TDU starts on 16th Jan with Lance riding his last (?) pro race. The Shack's team roster also boosted by the addition of Robbie McEwen and Robbie Hunter, with the demise of Pegasus Sports, following the UCI's decision to not grant them a licence.
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