Wednesday 29 September 2010
Thursday 5 August 2010
my etape video
http://mysports.tv/default2.asp?e=LT10181K&n=SHAUN%20TOWELL&r=2785&nt_s1=00:00:00&ct_s1=14:10:20&nt_s2=&ct_s2=15:59:40&nt_s3=&ct_s3=18:46:59&nt_s4=&ct_s4=&nt_s5=&ct_s5=&nt_s6=&ct_s6=&nt_s7=&ct_s7=&nt_s8=&ct_s8=&nt_s9=&ct_s9=&nt_f=&ct_f=18:47:59&l=FR&player=1&random=587&k=finish&index=0&index=8&index=7&index=10&index=9&index=10&index=9&index=10&index=9&index=8&index=7&index=4&index=3&index=2&index=11&index=10&index=9&index=5&cct=0000000000000000000000000000000000000000&player=1&player=1&player=1&player=1&player=1&player=1&player=1&player=1&player=1&player=1&player=1&player=1&player=1&player=1&player=1&player=1&player=1
Saturday 24 July 2010
The final showdown.
Well I finally get to France and meet up with my bike in a hotel basement in Lourdes, I meticulously continue to assemble the bike and take it for a short spin around the town just to see if everything went together OK. so far so good!
Back at the hotel I meet my room mate and then off to our group dinner, although I am travelling alone, all the travel company guests soon gel together well, as nervous pre-etapists, after dinner a briefing is given for the next days activities.
Signing-on day, and for us the 35k ride to Pau from Lourdes was actually 30 miles with a incident where 4 riders, have accidents, crossing a railway line, and one is taken off to hospital for an x-ray on his shoulder.
At pau we register, park our bikes in parc ferme and then we wonder off for a relaxing look around the commercial sites, looking at trade stands selling all types of goodies and we even find time for a spot of lunch whilst wondering around.
The coach journey back to the hotel was delayed by a couple of hours due to a mix up in booking arrangements, so time we get back to the hotel, it had been a long day and I foolishly did not hydrate as I know I should have done.
An early night is the order of the day now, as all the kit is ready to roll.
3:15am the alarm goes off, and that was a crap nights sleep! as Saturday night at the local bar was loud and late, below our bedroom window!
4:45am after a quick breakfast it is a 1 hour coach ride back to Pau, and to parc ferme to collect our bikes. A toilet break for number 2`s is so desperate and a knackered dis-used porta-loo comes to my rescue, much to the annoyance of the security guard.
The bike was collected, soaking wet with dew and covered in grass clippings which were then picked up off the mown grass area getting back to the road.
I then get helmet and shoes and gloves on, fit water bottles into bike and see my rucksack safely into the back off the baggage van and nervously set off to the start line with a whole stream of other cyclists.
The starting pen is soon upon me and I get checked in and line up, just about at the back of the pen, and then proceed to set my garmin up with the course route, and wait for the start.
The starting countdown soon comes and goes, and the nerves are really kicking in now,and major doubts about what lies ahead, are coming in waves and unsettling me, finally after 7 minutes I clip-in and slowly roll out and Cross the start line.
The race is under way and I am already struggling to keep up with the frantic pace, as riders whizz past me on a fast and twisting descent out of Pau, Bumping and jostling are the order of the day, as everybody wants to get away quickly from the broom wagon and get into there own rhythm, and I am having doubts and telling myself that I don`t really want to be here at all.
I am content to ride my own event and I push as quick as I can but keep firmly to the right hand side of the road and try not to impede anybody else.
The first cat4 climb comes and at only a couple of kilometres long, does not prove to be too severe, although I notice how quick some of the really good climbers are.
Soon we are at Escot and the start of the col de Marie Blanc, I remember this from the cyclefilm dvd and their comment that "you should arrive here basically, having done nothing" but the reality of it was that I was knackered, this was like I had just about to finish our the Sunday morning club run and was ready for it`s final climb, but this was in fact just the start of the days etape adventure.
The climb soon started getting steeper and steeper and I tried to focus on all my training, and let other riders go by, and I stayed relaxed and got into a nice climbing rhythm for me, steeper and steeper it got, people were now struggling and a hotel friend i recognised went by, but I kept steadily turning those pedals, then STOP! everybody ground to a Holt, got off and started walking, you could not ride and on and on we walked, eventually coming across an ambulance treating a rider, but still we where so tightly packed on the road, riding was just not possible. 2KM we walked, until finally getting back into the saddle to crest the top of the col.
The first descent was an eye opener and I descended slowly, stuck firmly to the right hand side off the road, and was surprised by how quick it was capable of going, but was pleased with the quality of the road surface, and I tried to enjoy the easier parts of the descent, eventually we came across the first feed station, and I quickly replenished my empty water bottles and set off again, as the 40 minutes that I had worked hard for, to get in front of the broom wagon, had been evaporating fast, as we had walked slowly up the marie blanc.
I pushed hard at the bottom of the descent to find a good group, and once with a group of 20 riders, I stuck with them like glue and was determined to shield from the headwind and make up some lost time on the broom wagon.
I had taped a route guide, with cut off times, to my top tube and as we cleared villages, I was mentally working out my broom wagon distance bit by bit.
Finally we got to the first elimination point at Ferrieres, 40 minutes ahead of the broom wagon, and after filling my water bottles up and eating some food, I had a quick chat with a few people from our hotel that I bumped into ,and then set off for the second climb of the day.
The col du solour seemed to kick up steeper than I expected, as I thought this was the easier of the climbs, but it didn`t feel like it, as I ground my way up, in temperatures that were now rising, and we seemed to be exposed to the sun with no shade to hide in.
Just past the 6km to go board, I can remember seeing a rider approach me from the left, and suddenly go all wobbly and turn into me at 90degrees and force me off the road, I fell sideways not onto the road, but started backward roiling down the mountain, still clipped in! I eventually came to a crashing Holt in a load of dead branches beneath a tree, upside down and with my bike still between my legs.
Immediately shouts of " are you OK, hang on we are coming " were heard and soon hands appeared and my bike was removed and I was dragged up to the road again, where I was face to face with the Frenchman that has crashed into me?
He was very apologetic and helped me check myself and bike over before I soon remounted and set off with the fear of the broom wagon driving me on.
The climb seemed to take for ever, as we all slowly pedalled our way upwards, A few times I stopped along with others at conveniently shaded spots, only for 30 seconds or so, but It helped me control the climb and then finally the top was visible with all the spectators present and I pushed a final burst to crest the top of the col.
A quick top up of water again, and off I went, reaching for my glasses on my helmet, I soon realised that they were halfway down the solour on the side of the road, and the next 55km would be done with no eye protection, starting immediately with the first descent. A steep top part of the descent was taken steadily before it seemed to flatten out and I could again relax and enjoy being in this event.
This is the first time during the ride, that I am smiling and thinking that this is the best event in the world to be in and that I am actually in it.
The second elimination zone soon comes up, and again I dismount, replenish water, eat as much as I can stomach and dash off for a portaloo that I glimpse and I soon feel better, with the stomach cramps gone.
I check the time and I am a good 45 minutes up on the broom wagon and feeling pleased that I have actually got through the two elimination zones OK, and that I am still in the ride.
The ride up the gorge du luz, although stunningly beautiful, was incredibly hot and the riders were all silent, and it just reminded me of a funeral procession and that we were all the invited guests?
The road although appearing flat was hard work and after getting off, to see if my brakes had stuck on? I then realised that it was 3-4-5 % climbing and it all seemed like some cruel optical illusion.
The riders were seeking a few moments of shaded recovery, when opportunities presented themselves, and this seemed a long way until we entered under the banner, telling us that we were on the final climb of the day, and about to face the terrible mountain.
The Tourmalet soon kicked up and it was furiously hot, the power had gone from my legs and I knew that I was now struggling, on and on I climbed, taking every drop of water that was kindly offered by the enthusiastic french spectators, whether in the top of my helmet or down the back of my jersey, hosed into my face or tipped down my legs, filling my shoes, it was all welcome, and I fell in love immediately with all french people.
The village of Barege came along with a severely steep incline and I was forced off the bike and started to walk up the side of the road in a stream of similarly drained riders. I remounted at a flatter bit of the road after Barege and continued on with great difficulties to super Barage and a water stop, knowing that at this pace, that I was not going to make the cut off time, but also that I just pyhsically could not push any harder?
On and on I struggled, another rider that I had met on Saturday was with me now, but he was a stronger climber and I just could not go with him, I was boiling in the heat, my heart rate was sky high and I just could not produce enough power to keep the pedals tuning.
A 5.5% gradient kilometre sign was welcomed, but it did not seem any easier and I continued to battle on past others, walking, or sat distraught at the side of the road. or even sparked out asleep, Just waiting for the sweep up coach, to wake them up and take them to the summit.
At 7 kilometres to go, it finally hit me that I could not make the 11:30 hour cut off time, and from there it was mainly a case of, off the bike and walking, pyhsically I was destroyed, mentally I was blown but I was determined to say that I got to the top, so I pushed on, walking as fast as I could
At 2.5km to go the cut-off time expired and the head went down and it seemed a long way off to the finish line still, coaches and trucks now started to stream by me, air conditioned, comfy seats, not exerting yourself, it all seemed so pleasing.
At 1km to go, the chin lifted the finish line, was nearly there, but the road just got steeper and steeper and I knew that I could not pedal up those inclines.
At 100m to go, that was it, I was going to cross that line pedalling, so on i got with a helping push from a spectator and I was away. crossing the line and knowing that I had completed the 2010 edition of le etape du tour.
A scary ride down to La mongie was completed and then a nice sight awaited me as I could see that they were still giving out finishers medals, and soon I was thanking the french lady as one was placed around my neck.
10 metres later I noticed to the left cyclist waiting besides the coaches, for their bikes to be unloaded off the sweep up vehicles. and I was then pleased to have been left alone to finish the climb and get to the top of the tourmalet under my own steam.
A Short feed from the food bag given then plastic bag up the inside of my jersey and a 20km ride downhill to find the coach park and to get a seat back to the hotel, my etape was completed.
Finish time 12hours 13mins but no official finish time as the timing mats had been removed at 11:47, still I have the finishers medal, 8 photos and some wonderful memories.
Back at the hotel I meet my room mate and then off to our group dinner, although I am travelling alone, all the travel company guests soon gel together well, as nervous pre-etapists, after dinner a briefing is given for the next days activities.
Signing-on day, and for us the 35k ride to Pau from Lourdes was actually 30 miles with a incident where 4 riders, have accidents, crossing a railway line, and one is taken off to hospital for an x-ray on his shoulder.
At pau we register, park our bikes in parc ferme and then we wonder off for a relaxing look around the commercial sites, looking at trade stands selling all types of goodies and we even find time for a spot of lunch whilst wondering around.
The coach journey back to the hotel was delayed by a couple of hours due to a mix up in booking arrangements, so time we get back to the hotel, it had been a long day and I foolishly did not hydrate as I know I should have done.
An early night is the order of the day now, as all the kit is ready to roll.
3:15am the alarm goes off, and that was a crap nights sleep! as Saturday night at the local bar was loud and late, below our bedroom window!
4:45am after a quick breakfast it is a 1 hour coach ride back to Pau, and to parc ferme to collect our bikes. A toilet break for number 2`s is so desperate and a knackered dis-used porta-loo comes to my rescue, much to the annoyance of the security guard.
The bike was collected, soaking wet with dew and covered in grass clippings which were then picked up off the mown grass area getting back to the road.
I then get helmet and shoes and gloves on, fit water bottles into bike and see my rucksack safely into the back off the baggage van and nervously set off to the start line with a whole stream of other cyclists.
The starting pen is soon upon me and I get checked in and line up, just about at the back of the pen, and then proceed to set my garmin up with the course route, and wait for the start.
The starting countdown soon comes and goes, and the nerves are really kicking in now,and major doubts about what lies ahead, are coming in waves and unsettling me, finally after 7 minutes I clip-in and slowly roll out and Cross the start line.
The race is under way and I am already struggling to keep up with the frantic pace, as riders whizz past me on a fast and twisting descent out of Pau, Bumping and jostling are the order of the day, as everybody wants to get away quickly from the broom wagon and get into there own rhythm, and I am having doubts and telling myself that I don`t really want to be here at all.
I am content to ride my own event and I push as quick as I can but keep firmly to the right hand side of the road and try not to impede anybody else.
The first cat4 climb comes and at only a couple of kilometres long, does not prove to be too severe, although I notice how quick some of the really good climbers are.
Soon we are at Escot and the start of the col de Marie Blanc, I remember this from the cyclefilm dvd and their comment that "you should arrive here basically, having done nothing" but the reality of it was that I was knackered, this was like I had just about to finish our the Sunday morning club run and was ready for it`s final climb, but this was in fact just the start of the days etape adventure.
The climb soon started getting steeper and steeper and I tried to focus on all my training, and let other riders go by, and I stayed relaxed and got into a nice climbing rhythm for me, steeper and steeper it got, people were now struggling and a hotel friend i recognised went by, but I kept steadily turning those pedals, then STOP! everybody ground to a Holt, got off and started walking, you could not ride and on and on we walked, eventually coming across an ambulance treating a rider, but still we where so tightly packed on the road, riding was just not possible. 2KM we walked, until finally getting back into the saddle to crest the top of the col.
The first descent was an eye opener and I descended slowly, stuck firmly to the right hand side off the road, and was surprised by how quick it was capable of going, but was pleased with the quality of the road surface, and I tried to enjoy the easier parts of the descent, eventually we came across the first feed station, and I quickly replenished my empty water bottles and set off again, as the 40 minutes that I had worked hard for, to get in front of the broom wagon, had been evaporating fast, as we had walked slowly up the marie blanc.
I pushed hard at the bottom of the descent to find a good group, and once with a group of 20 riders, I stuck with them like glue and was determined to shield from the headwind and make up some lost time on the broom wagon.
I had taped a route guide, with cut off times, to my top tube and as we cleared villages, I was mentally working out my broom wagon distance bit by bit.
Finally we got to the first elimination point at Ferrieres, 40 minutes ahead of the broom wagon, and after filling my water bottles up and eating some food, I had a quick chat with a few people from our hotel that I bumped into ,and then set off for the second climb of the day.
The col du solour seemed to kick up steeper than I expected, as I thought this was the easier of the climbs, but it didn`t feel like it, as I ground my way up, in temperatures that were now rising, and we seemed to be exposed to the sun with no shade to hide in.
Just past the 6km to go board, I can remember seeing a rider approach me from the left, and suddenly go all wobbly and turn into me at 90degrees and force me off the road, I fell sideways not onto the road, but started backward roiling down the mountain, still clipped in! I eventually came to a crashing Holt in a load of dead branches beneath a tree, upside down and with my bike still between my legs.
Immediately shouts of " are you OK, hang on we are coming " were heard and soon hands appeared and my bike was removed and I was dragged up to the road again, where I was face to face with the Frenchman that has crashed into me?
He was very apologetic and helped me check myself and bike over before I soon remounted and set off with the fear of the broom wagon driving me on.
The climb seemed to take for ever, as we all slowly pedalled our way upwards, A few times I stopped along with others at conveniently shaded spots, only for 30 seconds or so, but It helped me control the climb and then finally the top was visible with all the spectators present and I pushed a final burst to crest the top of the col.
A quick top up of water again, and off I went, reaching for my glasses on my helmet, I soon realised that they were halfway down the solour on the side of the road, and the next 55km would be done with no eye protection, starting immediately with the first descent. A steep top part of the descent was taken steadily before it seemed to flatten out and I could again relax and enjoy being in this event.
This is the first time during the ride, that I am smiling and thinking that this is the best event in the world to be in and that I am actually in it.
The second elimination zone soon comes up, and again I dismount, replenish water, eat as much as I can stomach and dash off for a portaloo that I glimpse and I soon feel better, with the stomach cramps gone.
I check the time and I am a good 45 minutes up on the broom wagon and feeling pleased that I have actually got through the two elimination zones OK, and that I am still in the ride.
The ride up the gorge du luz, although stunningly beautiful, was incredibly hot and the riders were all silent, and it just reminded me of a funeral procession and that we were all the invited guests?
The road although appearing flat was hard work and after getting off, to see if my brakes had stuck on? I then realised that it was 3-4-5 % climbing and it all seemed like some cruel optical illusion.
The riders were seeking a few moments of shaded recovery, when opportunities presented themselves, and this seemed a long way until we entered under the banner, telling us that we were on the final climb of the day, and about to face the terrible mountain.
The Tourmalet soon kicked up and it was furiously hot, the power had gone from my legs and I knew that I was now struggling, on and on I climbed, taking every drop of water that was kindly offered by the enthusiastic french spectators, whether in the top of my helmet or down the back of my jersey, hosed into my face or tipped down my legs, filling my shoes, it was all welcome, and I fell in love immediately with all french people.
The village of Barege came along with a severely steep incline and I was forced off the bike and started to walk up the side of the road in a stream of similarly drained riders. I remounted at a flatter bit of the road after Barege and continued on with great difficulties to super Barage and a water stop, knowing that at this pace, that I was not going to make the cut off time, but also that I just pyhsically could not push any harder?
On and on I struggled, another rider that I had met on Saturday was with me now, but he was a stronger climber and I just could not go with him, I was boiling in the heat, my heart rate was sky high and I just could not produce enough power to keep the pedals tuning.
A 5.5% gradient kilometre sign was welcomed, but it did not seem any easier and I continued to battle on past others, walking, or sat distraught at the side of the road. or even sparked out asleep, Just waiting for the sweep up coach, to wake them up and take them to the summit.
At 7 kilometres to go, it finally hit me that I could not make the 11:30 hour cut off time, and from there it was mainly a case of, off the bike and walking, pyhsically I was destroyed, mentally I was blown but I was determined to say that I got to the top, so I pushed on, walking as fast as I could
At 2.5km to go the cut-off time expired and the head went down and it seemed a long way off to the finish line still, coaches and trucks now started to stream by me, air conditioned, comfy seats, not exerting yourself, it all seemed so pleasing.
At 1km to go, the chin lifted the finish line, was nearly there, but the road just got steeper and steeper and I knew that I could not pedal up those inclines.
At 100m to go, that was it, I was going to cross that line pedalling, so on i got with a helping push from a spectator and I was away. crossing the line and knowing that I had completed the 2010 edition of le etape du tour.
A scary ride down to La mongie was completed and then a nice sight awaited me as I could see that they were still giving out finishers medals, and soon I was thanking the french lady as one was placed around my neck.
10 metres later I noticed to the left cyclist waiting besides the coaches, for their bikes to be unloaded off the sweep up vehicles. and I was then pleased to have been left alone to finish the climb and get to the top of the tourmalet under my own steam.
A Short feed from the food bag given then plastic bag up the inside of my jersey and a 20km ride downhill to find the coach park and to get a seat back to the hotel, my etape was completed.
Finish time 12hours 13mins but no official finish time as the timing mats had been removed at 11:47, still I have the finishers medal, 8 photos and some wonderful memories.
Monday 12 July 2010
last post!
Now the clock is ticking away the days, hours and minutes before I set off for France. The bike was taken to the tour company at the weekend, complete with all my equipment, and I have now just about done all the last minute admin(what a lot to do!) and have just plotted the Etape route into my garmin.
I will be leaving for Manchester airport on Friday morning and will be staying in Lourdes for the duration of the event, the nerves are kicking in now, after a years hard effort and expense, I only hope that I get to the finish safely, and I enjoy the scenery and event and will post with details of how it went, upon my return.
I will be leaving for Manchester airport on Friday morning and will be staying in Lourdes for the duration of the event, the nerves are kicking in now, after a years hard effort and expense, I only hope that I get to the finish safely, and I enjoy the scenery and event and will post with details of how it went, upon my return.
Sunday 4 July 2010
starting to taper.
After what seemed like ages to get over the Dave Lloyd mega challenge, I am starting to feel fresher and the last 3 rides this week felt good.
A turbo session doing the normal climbing DVD, seemed to be a lot easier now, compared to how it felt when I tried it out for the first time at Christmas.
Saturday was a nice 20 mile recovery ride which was just plain enjoyable, not pushing and just enjoying the blue skies.
And today was a local club ride done at a pace that seemed tailor made for me, slow start, just chatting and seeing the miles go by, sheltered behind other club members might I add, and then the middle section was done with me on the front, followed by the last third, which was a massive 3 mile long sprint, where although I was the slowest, and finding myself at the back! my endurance soon started to pay off and I was able to pick the other guys off one by one, until I was leading and I then decided to back off up near the main road junction.
So two weeks to go now, next Sunday my bike goes away to the travel company with me following the next Friday.
It`s getting close now!
A turbo session doing the normal climbing DVD, seemed to be a lot easier now, compared to how it felt when I tried it out for the first time at Christmas.
Saturday was a nice 20 mile recovery ride which was just plain enjoyable, not pushing and just enjoying the blue skies.
And today was a local club ride done at a pace that seemed tailor made for me, slow start, just chatting and seeing the miles go by, sheltered behind other club members might I add, and then the middle section was done with me on the front, followed by the last third, which was a massive 3 mile long sprint, where although I was the slowest, and finding myself at the back! my endurance soon started to pay off and I was able to pick the other guys off one by one, until I was leading and I then decided to back off up near the main road junction.
So two weeks to go now, next Sunday my bike goes away to the travel company with me following the next Friday.
It`s getting close now!
Wednesday 23 June 2010
THE DAVE LLOYD MEGA CHALLENGE (Midi version)
Sunday morning I awoke in north Wales to glorious weather and the daunting task of cycling the Dave Lloyd mega challenge as my last training event before the Etape.
Vary wary of how I would do on the big steep climbs, I set of conservatively to make sure that I could last the distance, achieve the goal of finishing and without injury and to enjoy the day.
The super lithe and speedy riders soon flew past and I settled into a sustainable pace for me. Climb after climb came and after 20 miles completed, I looked at the Garmin and was shocked to see it show over two hours had gone already and I started to doubt if I could maintain a 100 miles of this constant climbing.
Finally we reached the top and what should have been a time to recover, turned into a frightening buttock clenching 6 mile descent which when at the bottom, I was glad to get climbing again as my back, neck, arms and fingers were killing me after clinging on to the bike so tightly.
Luckily we then got a nice easier rolling section to the first feed stop at 45 miles, and after refuelling I felt OK again, then it started again climbing, climbing, climbing, but other than a savage section at 17% plus for what seemed like a mile, it was more even and enjoyable.
Another section of long downhill, which was enjoyable led us to the next feed station at 80 miles before we set off again to the stingers! A series of hard but short climbs which sapped the last energy from tired legs, before a nice 5 mile downhill to the start point at the local school.
But this challenge does not finish there, as the hardest climb is still to come, up Bwlch Pen Barras, a savage long steep climb of hideous proportions which make doing the Winnats pass seem very very easy by comparison.
A chequered flag greeted me at the top, where I was informed that I had to then cycle the 3 miles down the way I had just climbed to get back to the school!
Overall a course of 102 miles with 11000ft of climbing with a finish time of 9:09 and a ride time of 8:30hrs.
A hard hard challenge which hopefully will help me come the 18th July.
Vary wary of how I would do on the big steep climbs, I set of conservatively to make sure that I could last the distance, achieve the goal of finishing and without injury and to enjoy the day.
The super lithe and speedy riders soon flew past and I settled into a sustainable pace for me. Climb after climb came and after 20 miles completed, I looked at the Garmin and was shocked to see it show over two hours had gone already and I started to doubt if I could maintain a 100 miles of this constant climbing.
Finally we reached the top and what should have been a time to recover, turned into a frightening buttock clenching 6 mile descent which when at the bottom, I was glad to get climbing again as my back, neck, arms and fingers were killing me after clinging on to the bike so tightly.
Luckily we then got a nice easier rolling section to the first feed stop at 45 miles, and after refuelling I felt OK again, then it started again climbing, climbing, climbing, but other than a savage section at 17% plus for what seemed like a mile, it was more even and enjoyable.
Another section of long downhill, which was enjoyable led us to the next feed station at 80 miles before we set off again to the stingers! A series of hard but short climbs which sapped the last energy from tired legs, before a nice 5 mile downhill to the start point at the local school.
But this challenge does not finish there, as the hardest climb is still to come, up Bwlch Pen Barras, a savage long steep climb of hideous proportions which make doing the Winnats pass seem very very easy by comparison.
A chequered flag greeted me at the top, where I was informed that I had to then cycle the 3 miles down the way I had just climbed to get back to the school!
Overall a course of 102 miles with 11000ft of climbing with a finish time of 9:09 and a ride time of 8:30hrs.
A hard hard challenge which hopefully will help me come the 18th July.
Monday 7 June 2010
Norwich 100 sportive done, punctures! punctures! punctures!
Well another century ride completed and this was one that I tried as a dummy run for certain aspects of the Etape, well with regard to logistics anyway?
I travelled that day before, stayed in a hotel, took my bike in a bag and assembled it in the hotel, tried large and fast group riding,etc, etc.
First problem, I FORGOT MY WATER BOTTLES, oh no! what a crazy thing to do, I left them filled with my drinks in the fridge at home,and was unable to by any at night or on the morning of the event either, so resorted to buying 3 by 500ml still spring water bottles and trying to tip my spare drinks powders into the so small tops! and then I padded my bottle cages out with tissues from my hotel room, not pretty or that functional, by at least it did the job! And as luck would have it I found on the ride, a discarded bike drinks bottle, albeit, with a dodgy top valve, but I stopped, wiped it off and used it with my own drinks in for the duration of the race.
The Start went well and I soon ended up in a large group and did the first 40 miles in a smidgen over 2hours, so was really flying for me, and feeling comfortable in a massive group of about 60 riders, then I shipped my chain off the large ring and stopped to rectify, I had to work quite hard to make the junction (that came from the TV?) and then after getting back I punctured and had to stop to repair the rear tyres tube, which was caused by a shard of flint( as were hundreds and hundreds of other as well. Memo to self: carry more than one spare tube! and go away from co2 cartridges and get a small portable pump.
The compulsory 20 minute break came at 50 miles and low and behold as I left the refreshment stop, I linked up with the original group who had slimmed down a bit, but still worked really well together. we then had a cracking ride through to the end, with another puncture in the group, and a good downpour to test our waterproof bodies, but was constantly passing other riders and feeling like proper riders and not just out for a Sunday ride.
All in all a cracking day, although nothing to compare with the etape at only 3100ft of climbing the time of 5:36 was a smashing time and 45Min's faster than my last century only a few weeks ago, showing how much a group really can help.
The Dave Lloyd midi mega challenge should hopefully be the next sportive I do, and I know this will be a different kettle of fish with the goal of just surviving?
I travelled that day before, stayed in a hotel, took my bike in a bag and assembled it in the hotel, tried large and fast group riding,etc, etc.
First problem, I FORGOT MY WATER BOTTLES, oh no! what a crazy thing to do, I left them filled with my drinks in the fridge at home,and was unable to by any at night or on the morning of the event either, so resorted to buying 3 by 500ml still spring water bottles and trying to tip my spare drinks powders into the so small tops! and then I padded my bottle cages out with tissues from my hotel room, not pretty or that functional, by at least it did the job! And as luck would have it I found on the ride, a discarded bike drinks bottle, albeit, with a dodgy top valve, but I stopped, wiped it off and used it with my own drinks in for the duration of the race.
The Start went well and I soon ended up in a large group and did the first 40 miles in a smidgen over 2hours, so was really flying for me, and feeling comfortable in a massive group of about 60 riders, then I shipped my chain off the large ring and stopped to rectify, I had to work quite hard to make the junction (that came from the TV?) and then after getting back I punctured and had to stop to repair the rear tyres tube, which was caused by a shard of flint( as were hundreds and hundreds of other as well. Memo to self: carry more than one spare tube! and go away from co2 cartridges and get a small portable pump.
The compulsory 20 minute break came at 50 miles and low and behold as I left the refreshment stop, I linked up with the original group who had slimmed down a bit, but still worked really well together. we then had a cracking ride through to the end, with another puncture in the group, and a good downpour to test our waterproof bodies, but was constantly passing other riders and feeling like proper riders and not just out for a Sunday ride.
All in all a cracking day, although nothing to compare with the etape at only 3100ft of climbing the time of 5:36 was a smashing time and 45Min's faster than my last century only a few weeks ago, showing how much a group really can help.
The Dave Lloyd midi mega challenge should hopefully be the next sportive I do, and I know this will be a different kettle of fish with the goal of just surviving?
Saturday 5 June 2010
May stats.
I noticed this on Karen`s site( a fellow blogger who is also training for this year`s Etape) and it was interesting to see, just how close our training had been during the month of May, and it therefore gave me a bit of an uplift, as Karen had completed last year`s` Ventoux Etape, and she said that she felt in good shape for tackling this year`s Etape up to now.
14 activities
499 miles covered
33:32:27 time in the saddle
21,323ft of climbing
14.9 average speed
138 average heart rate
73 average pedal cadence
30,218 calories used
I would like to comment that, although slightly quicker than Karen, she did a fair bit more climbing than me, and my heart rate was higher than hers, and of the 30,218 calories used, I think that I must have eaten 45,000 calories worth of food!
Norwich 100 for me tomorrow, I will let you know how it goes.
14 activities
499 miles covered
33:32:27 time in the saddle
21,323ft of climbing
14.9 average speed
138 average heart rate
73 average pedal cadence
30,218 calories used
I would like to comment that, although slightly quicker than Karen, she did a fair bit more climbing than me, and my heart rate was higher than hers, and of the 30,218 calories used, I think that I must have eaten 45,000 calories worth of food!
Norwich 100 for me tomorrow, I will let you know how it goes.
Tuesday 1 June 2010
E.tape du tour number recieved
At last my race number has been published, It is 2785 and I am thinking that is quite good? In my mind just into the top third, means that I am not at the front with the racing snakes, but I am in front of 6000 other cyclists, all trying their best to get up the mountains like me.
That is unless the numbers are set off in reverse!
Hmmm, I think I will try and investigate this some more?
That is unless the numbers are set off in reverse!
Hmmm, I think I will try and investigate this some more?
Sunday 30 May 2010
another 5000ft climbing day completed.
Today was a change from the hilly sportive in Yorkshire as previously planned, a lot of circumstances made it not the right option for me this weekend, so I opted for a hilly ride out from home.
A super strong headwind for 26miles accompanied the hard climb up to the the top of the days route, along with a super slow average speed! which although hard, was at least better at the start of the day rather than at the end.
The next 45 miles was very rolling with climbs up to 21% but these tended to be short in length, but there was some nice longer climbs at 8-10% where I could sit in and think I was in France for a short while?
This part of the route was in Rutland and followed the route of the recent cicle sportive and had some cracking views over Abbeys, reservoirs and a 82 span viaduct, which made the riding very rewarding.
The last 14 miles was a decent/flat run all the way back home, with the benefit of a cracking tailwind pushing me, and the pace never really dropped below 20mph with the minimum of effort from my now tired body.
So after last weeks 100 miler this was good to get a good climbing route done without wrecking my body before next weekends 100 mile sportive in hilly Norfolk?
A super strong headwind for 26miles accompanied the hard climb up to the the top of the days route, along with a super slow average speed! which although hard, was at least better at the start of the day rather than at the end.
The next 45 miles was very rolling with climbs up to 21% but these tended to be short in length, but there was some nice longer climbs at 8-10% where I could sit in and think I was in France for a short while?
This part of the route was in Rutland and followed the route of the recent cicle sportive and had some cracking views over Abbeys, reservoirs and a 82 span viaduct, which made the riding very rewarding.
The last 14 miles was a decent/flat run all the way back home, with the benefit of a cracking tailwind pushing me, and the pace never really dropped below 20mph with the minimum of effort from my now tired body.
So after last weeks 100 miler this was good to get a good climbing route done without wrecking my body before next weekends 100 mile sportive in hilly Norfolk?
Sunday 23 May 2010
the first 100 miler in the bag.
Well I now have done my first ever one hundred mile bike ride, rode out early on Saturday morning, to do our local cycling clubs autumn sportive route, and added in another 25 miles to get up to the ton.
I rode with a friend for 65 miles until he had to head off for other commitments and then I carried on to the finish at home, the morning was misty which cleared after an hour, then it was glorious sunshine all the way.
The route was not flat and had just over 4000ft of climbing up to 18% on the biggest climb, and the cafe we planned to stop at 45 miles was closed when we got there,so had to ride another 15 miles, until I could find a shop and fill up my water bottles again, not so good.
I did tire over the last 20 miles in places that I did not expect, to like my core, so I ended up putting lots of weight onto my wrists.
So at the end a finishing time of 6 hours and 19 minutes was very pleasing although I have been starving all day today.
So onwards and upwards to the next long ride.
I rode with a friend for 65 miles until he had to head off for other commitments and then I carried on to the finish at home, the morning was misty which cleared after an hour, then it was glorious sunshine all the way.
The route was not flat and had just over 4000ft of climbing up to 18% on the biggest climb, and the cafe we planned to stop at 45 miles was closed when we got there,so had to ride another 15 miles, until I could find a shop and fill up my water bottles again, not so good.
I did tire over the last 20 miles in places that I did not expect, to like my core, so I ended up putting lots of weight onto my wrists.
So at the end a finishing time of 6 hours and 19 minutes was very pleasing although I have been starving all day today.
So onwards and upwards to the next long ride.
Monday 17 May 2010
A spanner in the works?
Well the planned week off after the marathon, was then taken out of my hands by a very nasty cold, which because I was determined to train in the second week? turned into something nasty on my chest, which as I write is still being treated with medication!
But I have tried to do the best I can, and still got in a good 84 mile ride to watch the pro`s race at the Lincoln grand prix, which was awesome seeing how hard those guys worked and the shear effort and determination , was inspiring.
My weekly climbing training session on the turbo was still done, as was my running club speedwork day, and a few recovery rides thrown in where i could.
Derbyshire was postponed until this weekend, and I had a cracking ride there Saturday, doing 6500ft of climbing, over 56 miles, including the winnats pass 28% max gradient(not nice at all), and finishing off on the classic, cat and fiddle climb, which was a fantastic experience, and which I felt more comfortable on, albeit slowly, but riding it well within my abilities and this was right at the end of the ride, so pleased with that.
Sunday was a nice ride out with the local club riders and we covered 43 miles which was a nice way to unwind the legs from the hilly ride on Saturday.
So what have I learnt from Saturday session? a quadruple chain set would suit me just fine, a new rear end with more padding would be advisable, get rid of my fear of heights and speed and have all my cycling routes re-tarmaced with a smoother surface,
no it really did show up just what a massive challenge the etape really is, can I do it? I don`t know yet, but I will continue to train as hard as I can, and hopefully with some bigger sportives, coming up in the near future, then I can learn more and improve my chances of getting up to the top of the tourmalet in July.
But I have tried to do the best I can, and still got in a good 84 mile ride to watch the pro`s race at the Lincoln grand prix, which was awesome seeing how hard those guys worked and the shear effort and determination , was inspiring.
My weekly climbing training session on the turbo was still done, as was my running club speedwork day, and a few recovery rides thrown in where i could.
Derbyshire was postponed until this weekend, and I had a cracking ride there Saturday, doing 6500ft of climbing, over 56 miles, including the winnats pass 28% max gradient(not nice at all), and finishing off on the classic, cat and fiddle climb, which was a fantastic experience, and which I felt more comfortable on, albeit slowly, but riding it well within my abilities and this was right at the end of the ride, so pleased with that.
Sunday was a nice ride out with the local club riders and we covered 43 miles which was a nice way to unwind the legs from the hilly ride on Saturday.
So what have I learnt from Saturday session? a quadruple chain set would suit me just fine, a new rear end with more padding would be advisable, get rid of my fear of heights and speed and have all my cycling routes re-tarmaced with a smoother surface,
no it really did show up just what a massive challenge the etape really is, can I do it? I don`t know yet, but I will continue to train as hard as I can, and hopefully with some bigger sportives, coming up in the near future, then I can learn more and improve my chances of getting up to the top of the tourmalet in July.
Tuesday 27 April 2010
London marathon done and in the bag!
Oh well, that is the two marathons done and out of the way, it`s cycling all the way now.
This weekend just gone, was the virgin London marathon, my second marathon in two weeks, and on a humid day with absolutely packed roads, I managed to run well again finishing in 3:46:22, just outside the 3:45 I wanted but on the day, and with the crowds as big as they were, I am well pleased with the time.
It felt as though I must have overtaken about 10,000 slower runners who had started to fast or who had got into the wrong pen at the start, or more likely, overestimated there finishing times?
But never mind, London is always a special race and we had a fantastic weekend with 7runners from our club taking part and I even got to chat to Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson at kings cross train station!
So now it is full steam ahead for the Etape and only 1 or two runs a week just to vary my training and give the muscle groups a change. hopefully the time that I have missed off the bike during the last few months, has not been wasted, because i feel that I have built up a solid base endurance level, which now should carry over to the bike, and I won`t feel stale after months and months of single discipline training?
Today is a recovery day off work, and I will soon go outside to fit my new 13-29 rear cassette, which I felt was needed to give me the best chance along with the triple chain set, recently fitted, to get up the cols come etape day.
A club ride out this weekend hopefully. then it is off to derby shire next weekend to start the proper hill climbing training, doing routes which pick out all the famous climbs, I do feel nervous about tackling them as we have nothing hilly where I live and have been basically doing my hill climbing on the turbo! but I need to up my game now and start doing it for real.
This weekend just gone, was the virgin London marathon, my second marathon in two weeks, and on a humid day with absolutely packed roads, I managed to run well again finishing in 3:46:22, just outside the 3:45 I wanted but on the day, and with the crowds as big as they were, I am well pleased with the time.
It felt as though I must have overtaken about 10,000 slower runners who had started to fast or who had got into the wrong pen at the start, or more likely, overestimated there finishing times?
But never mind, London is always a special race and we had a fantastic weekend with 7runners from our club taking part and I even got to chat to Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson at kings cross train station!
So now it is full steam ahead for the Etape and only 1 or two runs a week just to vary my training and give the muscle groups a change. hopefully the time that I have missed off the bike during the last few months, has not been wasted, because i feel that I have built up a solid base endurance level, which now should carry over to the bike, and I won`t feel stale after months and months of single discipline training?
Today is a recovery day off work, and I will soon go outside to fit my new 13-29 rear cassette, which I felt was needed to give me the best chance along with the triple chain set, recently fitted, to get up the cols come etape day.
A club ride out this weekend hopefully. then it is off to derby shire next weekend to start the proper hill climbing training, doing routes which pick out all the famous climbs, I do feel nervous about tackling them as we have nothing hilly where I live and have been basically doing my hill climbing on the turbo! but I need to up my game now and start doing it for real.
Sunday 18 April 2010
Paris marathon done, and in the bag.
Last weekend I was in Paris and running down the champs-Elysee in the Paris marathon,
although not a lot of running mileage in the bank due to injuries, I managed to run fairly well and got to the finish line in 3:44:33 which was pretty close to the goal time of sub-3:45 that I had set myself.
A full week off running, and trying to recover before this weekends attempt at the London marathon, resulted in a recovery week of only cycling. yippee!
A 20mile ride out with a friend ended up a bit quicker than ideal, so still feeling tired meant another rest day was essential.
A good hill climbing session done on the turbo went well on Friday, and this was followed by a ride out with the local cycling club, again a bit quick, but a solid 54miles was a nice ride out and I felt quite strong within the group.
Another recovery week concentrating on rest and running and hopefully a good run at London, then that`s it, running out of the way and then I can concentrate only on the Etape and the challenge that it will pose.
although not a lot of running mileage in the bank due to injuries, I managed to run fairly well and got to the finish line in 3:44:33 which was pretty close to the goal time of sub-3:45 that I had set myself.
A full week off running, and trying to recover before this weekends attempt at the London marathon, resulted in a recovery week of only cycling. yippee!
A 20mile ride out with a friend ended up a bit quicker than ideal, so still feeling tired meant another rest day was essential.
A good hill climbing session done on the turbo went well on Friday, and this was followed by a ride out with the local cycling club, again a bit quick, but a solid 54miles was a nice ride out and I felt quite strong within the group.
Another recovery week concentrating on rest and running and hopefully a good run at London, then that`s it, running out of the way and then I can concentrate only on the Etape and the challenge that it will pose.
Monday 5 April 2010
Things are starting to come together more now.
At last with the injury subsiding, I have been able to up my training, and things are starting to come together more now.
The running has gone well, doing two 20mile road races, on consecutive weekends and yesterday, I completed a 83 mile sportive which was done on a windy and undulating course with nearly 4000ft of climbing!
It all went OK, and although only done at a steady 15mph pace, it felt comfortable throughout and today I feel fairly good and nothing feels damaged or too tight.
It was also the first time that I have rode out on my new triple chain set which was purchased in preparation for the Etape, It was a big improvement over my old standard 39/53 set up and I found it more comfortable spinning up 13% climbs at 90rpm but still think a big rear cassette will be needed for the Etape, maybe a 13/29? Because a short UK climb of a hundred metres or so, will be a lot different from the Tourmalet after 90 miles in the legs and then a 25 kilometre climb to contend with! That is without factoring in the possibility of the summer heat?
This weekend I have got the Paris marathon to run and I need to be sensible and run that as a long slow training run, that is providing, I can recover well enough this week, and look after myself and steer clear of sickly people!
The running has gone well, doing two 20mile road races, on consecutive weekends and yesterday, I completed a 83 mile sportive which was done on a windy and undulating course with nearly 4000ft of climbing!
It all went OK, and although only done at a steady 15mph pace, it felt comfortable throughout and today I feel fairly good and nothing feels damaged or too tight.
It was also the first time that I have rode out on my new triple chain set which was purchased in preparation for the Etape, It was a big improvement over my old standard 39/53 set up and I found it more comfortable spinning up 13% climbs at 90rpm but still think a big rear cassette will be needed for the Etape, maybe a 13/29? Because a short UK climb of a hundred metres or so, will be a lot different from the Tourmalet after 90 miles in the legs and then a 25 kilometre climb to contend with! That is without factoring in the possibility of the summer heat?
This weekend I have got the Paris marathon to run and I need to be sensible and run that as a long slow training run, that is providing, I can recover well enough this week, and look after myself and steer clear of sickly people!
Tuesday 16 March 2010
LONG TIME NO SPEAK?
It has been too long since I last posted, so many apologies for that,
Early February was a carbon copy of January with a leg injury striking again in exactly the same place.
This was due to racing cross country in a club hosted running event, and although I knew that I should have stopped? I foolishly ploughed on causing more damage.
Most of February was spent trying to get better and yet still keep up the hard work.
I managed fairly well and was able to do a 65mile sportive which had a few hills? one which was 16% and made the leg tighten up, but I survived and kept the mileage up.
March was a good improvement with the running now up to 16 miles and although not enough long rides done yet a 60 mile sportive felt surprisingly comfortable and felt OK at the finish and I recovered well over the next day or so.
I have been able to stay committed to the turbo though,and particularly a hard hill climbing session devised by Lance Armstrong's coach ! So hopefully that will pay off come July.
A few cyclosportives have been looked at and the next one that i have entered,moves the distance up to 82 miles in distance.
I then have a 2-day peak district weekend planned with 3 very hilly sportives planned in the 100 mile distance bracket in the Peak district, north york moors and snowdon so hopefully that will prepare me for what is required.
So after a good start, a big 2 month hiccup, things are now coming together again and looking more positive.
It has been too long since I last posted, so many apologies for that,
Early February was a carbon copy of January with a leg injury striking again in exactly the same place.
This was due to racing cross country in a club hosted running event, and although I knew that I should have stopped? I foolishly ploughed on causing more damage.
Most of February was spent trying to get better and yet still keep up the hard work.
I managed fairly well and was able to do a 65mile sportive which had a few hills? one which was 16% and made the leg tighten up, but I survived and kept the mileage up.
March was a good improvement with the running now up to 16 miles and although not enough long rides done yet a 60 mile sportive felt surprisingly comfortable and felt OK at the finish and I recovered well over the next day or so.
I have been able to stay committed to the turbo though,and particularly a hard hill climbing session devised by Lance Armstrong's coach ! So hopefully that will pay off come July.
A few cyclosportives have been looked at and the next one that i have entered,moves the distance up to 82 miles in distance.
I then have a 2-day peak district weekend planned with 3 very hilly sportives planned in the 100 mile distance bracket in the Peak district, north york moors and snowdon so hopefully that will prepare me for what is required.
So after a good start, a big 2 month hiccup, things are now coming together again and looking more positive.
Saturday 23 January 2010
Back to normality? Well not quite!
Well after the cold /flu that I mentioned in the last post, We then had Christmas and icy un-rideable roads in most parts of the UK! We then flew to Canada! for two weeks, to see our son get married, and to do some good snowboarding, on Canada`s famous powdery snow.
With outside air temperatures as low as -35degrees Celsius, it meant there could be no outdoor cycling or running for me during the stay, so I had to make best use of the hotels limited gym facilities? but I did manage to train nearly every day, and get at least an hour on some form of exercise.
Back home and straight into a 5 mile cross country club race and after two miles, Achilles tendon/calf problems can be felt, I carry on? dropping two minutes in the last mile, and then spend all this week struggling to put any weight on the leg, let alone run!
However this has made me focus on turbo session,s or road cycling, as this training is not weight bearing and as long as I don`t go mad on climbs or speed work, then it is helping the leg heal, and getting me back on the bike has been so enjoyable.
Overall, this period, although frustrating, has given me a mental rest, and a new, fresh desire to push on, I think my general fitness has maintained it`s level fairly well, considering,and will only need sharpening up, and a few good long sessions to get me back in the swing of things, loosing a few gained pounds in the process.
The leg injury is the concern though?as I want to get going. but cannot, which as you can imagine is very frustrating. but that is not the end of the world, and as long as I can get out on my bike and enjoy myself ,then that is fine and I am sure that the rest will come with time.
With outside air temperatures as low as -35degrees Celsius, it meant there could be no outdoor cycling or running for me during the stay, so I had to make best use of the hotels limited gym facilities? but I did manage to train nearly every day, and get at least an hour on some form of exercise.
Back home and straight into a 5 mile cross country club race and after two miles, Achilles tendon/calf problems can be felt, I carry on? dropping two minutes in the last mile, and then spend all this week struggling to put any weight on the leg, let alone run!
However this has made me focus on turbo session,s or road cycling, as this training is not weight bearing and as long as I don`t go mad on climbs or speed work, then it is helping the leg heal, and getting me back on the bike has been so enjoyable.
Overall, this period, although frustrating, has given me a mental rest, and a new, fresh desire to push on, I think my general fitness has maintained it`s level fairly well, considering,and will only need sharpening up, and a few good long sessions to get me back in the swing of things, loosing a few gained pounds in the process.
The leg injury is the concern though?as I want to get going. but cannot, which as you can imagine is very frustrating. but that is not the end of the world, and as long as I can get out on my bike and enjoy myself ,then that is fine and I am sure that the rest will come with time.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
