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Etape Caledonia 2010

This past weekend the team set off for Scotland to take part in the Etape Caledonia, a 131 km closed road cyclosportive in Perthshire, Scotland. In addition to the ride, we were raising money for Macmillan Cancer Support. Training for the event was varied across the team. Maile and Steve managed a few weekend rides when work and weather permitted. Chuck and Mark had previously completed the Cheshire Cat cyclosportive in March (108 km) along with some long training rides and winter turbo training sessions.

With this in mind we decided to split into two teams for the day. Chuck and Mark would try and complete the course in a fast time while Maile and Steve would try to complete the course before the roads were to be re-opened.

The day before the race we decided to cycle into Pitlochry (start/finish) to register for the following day. This short, yet steep, 16 km ride would also be used as a shake down to test our bikes and equipment. This was to prove very useful. Just as we set off, Maile fell off to avoid crashing into Chuck. This was only a few metres from our accommodation! No injuries or broken components, thankfully. We managed to make it into Pitlochry and register quite easily as the event is incredibly well managed. On the way back Mark and Chuck were looking to stretch their legs and make a quick return, with Maile and Steve taking it easy. After Chuck and Mark returned there was still no sign of Steve and Maile, even after several minutes. Chuck then returned out on the road to find out what had happened. It turns out Steve (the puncture magnet) had yet another blow out and between himself and Maile had gone through about 4 snapped tyre levers before fixing the tyre. Once all the team were back, adjustments had to be made to Maile’s rear derailleur. So, in all, a good idea get all the gremlins out before the race.

The night before the race was spent doing the ubiquitous carbo-loading and fretting about what to wear. We were expecting a cold start (single digits), chance of rain and for the sun to come out later. So how does one pack for a cold/warm day with rain/sun? Layers are the future! Put it all on and strip it all off later, well not all of it. With our pockets full of energy bars and our stomachs full or oats, we set off on our 8 km warm up ride into Pitlochry. Some of us were feeling the nerves more than others, no names mentioned. It seems the more you train the more you feel the nerves as expectation mounts.

Once at the start line it was a sea of bikes and lycra. There were road bikes, mountain bikes, hybrids, recumbents and tandems. There was even a recumbent tandem! The organisers estimated about 4000 riders. Mark and I calculated that there was probably in the region of £5 million worth of bikes on the line. Not being too eager, we shuffled toward the start line as the last few waves set off.

Mark and Chuck set off very well on the out leg, managing an average speed near 30 kph and reached the foot of Schiehallion (the only large climb) in a few hours. They managed to get a few chain gangs going to take advantage of drafting and only stopped once for water. Was the pace too fast? Maile and Steve set off fairly quick as well but maybe a bit too quick for Maile as she had to push the gears to keep up with Steve.

The climb to the top of Schiehallion is about 350 metres in about 3-4 km. Mark and Chuck both found the climb challenging but not hard and completed it in 30 minutes. Once at the top, they kept looking for the rest of climb but that was it! Maile and Steve both made their separate ways to the top as climbing can be a bit more personal. At the top was a feed and water station complete with bag pipes playing. The descent 5km straight down with a few sharp turns. All of the team thoroughly enjoyed the fast ride down, getting up to speeds in excess of 60 kph.

The remainder of the course was through woodland and along the River Tay, mostly flat. A gentle tailwind was also in favour as they were all heading for Pitlochry. Chuck and Mark pushed hard to get a good time but pushing can cause problems as Chuck cramped up and was forced to stop, stretch and re-hydrate before setting off again. By this point Steve and Maile had separated, they were both pretty tired but determined to finish in time. When you get like this it can be better to set you own pace and grind it out until you finish.

There is a fairly steep set of hills near the finish. A real sting in the tail! As Mark approached the first one, a rider decided to stop in front of him forcing him to fall, fortunately onto some grass. Again, thankfully nothing broken and they carried on into Pitlochry. Chuck and Mark crossed the finish to a full pipe and drum band after 5 hours and 4 minutes on the course. They were both pleased with their time and average speed of 27.5 kph. A very knackered Steve rolled in next with a respectable time of 6:16. Maile reached her goal of beating clock and pulled in with a time of 6:27. Well done to everyone! With medals collected and stovies eaten, we headed back for the short ride home.

A big “Thank You” to the following people:

• Rebecca for keeping us fed and watered and putting up with constant bike talk.
• Logierait Pine Lodges for accommodation that was perfectly placed for the event.
• The people of Pitlochry and Perthshire. We really appreciated all the support along the route, you were fantastic!
• The organisers of the Etape Caledonia, well done to you.
• Brewers, vintners and distillers of the world thank you for killing the pain

My Commuting Bike

My Commuting Bike

Commuting helmet

My commuting helmet

Sunday 7th June the Norwich 50/100

Chuck & I were signed up for the Norwich 100. Maile for the 50 (riding with a friend from our village, Anita). Tragedy struck at Anita's BBQ the night before. Chuck tearing his leg muscle (badly) in game of back garden volleyball! No one, saw that one comming. Much tea and sympathy all round as it looks nasty enough to keep him off the bike for a while. Sunday morning Maile & I left early to keep the Pork & Lycra banner flying, Chuck stayed in bed, and spent the day building Lego creations with Ted. Given the appaling weather he might have made the smart choice.

Cold, rainy and windy doesn't really seem an adequate description. Nevertheless, Maile stormed round the 50 with no issues on her first organised ride. I completed the 100 in about 6hrs 30min. More pain being caused by being frozen & wet than tired, especially on the coastal section.

The event had a good spread of cycle types, especially on the 50: Tandems, recumbants, folders, MTBs, ladies with baskets and even a man with something that looked suspiciously like a Chopper! There seemed to be lots of punctures about. We, however, were blessed by the god of inner tubes. I'd like to say thank you to the mystery band of 6 or so efficient looking club riders who were charging into the wind & rain on the horrid Cromer section. Hid behind them for most of the coastal run. Would have sportingly done my time at the front, but I couldn't possibly have held the pace.

Best overheard comment "I blame Labour for the weather".

In conclusion. It was fun, especially retrospectively. It would be a really nice ride with decent weather, you could even stop for an ice cream and go for a paddle! Hope to try again next year with the full Pork & Lycra team.

Mark

Mark Turns 40

Many well wishes to Mark on recently getting over the hill. Yes, he's in the 40 and over club now. No better way to celebrate than to go for a long blast on the bikes. Myself (far right in pic) and Mark's friend Ashley (far left in pic) made a surprise visit to Mark's home in Hilgay, Norfolk.

After a good night of food, fun and drink we woke the following morning with intent to cycle to the coast (about 80 km). Before we set off, I had a play on Mark's commuting bike, a folding Dahon. Mark calls it the "clown bike". After riding it, I can see why! All it needs are some clipless pedals and tri bars. Strangely enough, people do race them!

We set off from a very windy Hilgay, Norfolk heading to the coastal town of Wells next the Sea. The wind was very strong but mercifully it was coming straight at our backs giving us a nice gentle nudge. There is nothing like a strong tail wind to give you the allusion of being an awesome cyclist. It's only when you turn around and head back into it that you realise that you actually suck.

We made a very good pace on the mostly flat landscape passing Oxburgh Hall and RAF Marham. We also stopped for a break at Castle Acre for tea and cakes. The riding was mostly easy with the exception of an off road section which resulted in us getting a bit muddy. Since we were moving so well, we also managed to stop for a pint and some grub before completing the final leg to Wells. Once in Wells, we had a quick play on the beach before heading back to Hilgay.

Chuck

Solo Ride

With everyone away or at work I had a nice solo ride to Wales on Sunday. The sun was on high and the temperature was on medium with little or no wind. These are the best cycling conditions we have had in quite some time. I had spent a great deal of energy the day before digging in the allotment, so my legs were already tender. I had initially planned on doing a metric century but the condition of my legs suggested otherwise. Also, it took me two huge mugs of coffee just to get motivated for a mid day set off.

 

I took my time on the warm-up to Malpas and stopped for a gander. The roads were unusually quiet considering it was such a lovely day. My next leg took me on a slight downhill grade to Bangor on Dee (see pic). The thru road in Bangor was closed so I had a virtually traffic free ride all the way. I took quite a long break in Bangor, sitting by the bridge and soaking up the rays. There were a few other cyclists doing the same as me.

 

After my extended break I headed further into Wales. I made it as far as Johnstown when I realised if I went any further I would not be home until well after 5 p.m. I made the decision to turn around and head back. About 15 km from home I felt my second wind and could have gone another 20 km but time was not on my side. I rolled into Nantwich with 84 km on the clock. Today I feel very sore, most likely a combination of digging and cycling. I'll have to take it easy the next few days, even though I still have to cycle to work each day.

 

Chuck