Race Report - London CX League - Round 8

So, my very first cross race was on Sunday, and i'd chosen the London CX League to break myself in gently... Round 8 (yeah, bit late aren't I) was held in Gravesend, Kent at Cyclopark. A venue i'm familiar with, but only on the crit circuit not the grassy tracks and berms they also have there.

I'd spent the past few weeks getting used to my new cross bike, a Felt F95X, (Sora finishing kit, mini V-brakes and aluminium frame) with a  mixture of commuting and a few rides around Sherwood Pines. I was now really looking forward to testing it out in it's first race, and just seeing how both I and the bike would do.

My rational behind choosing Cyclopark, apart from being free this weekend it was quite easy to get too, and my thinking was that quite a bit of the race will be on the man made mountain bike trails they have built there, so hardpack gravel and surfaces that drain well, and wont be that muddy... Ow how wrong I was!

I rocked up with Lucinda supporting, and with plenty of time to sign on and do the usual faffing and bike sorting out. As it happened I didn't really know what I was doing having never been to a cross race before, but how hard can it be. Not very hard it turns out, everybody is very helpful and I had enough time to watch the Vets finish their race, all of whom looked very muddy...  Whilst standing around there was a lot of tyre deflating, people checking pressures and what seemed to be last minute nerves. My pump doesn't show pressures that well, but i had opted to run around 30psi on Vittoria Cross XLs, which from a report I have read seemed around right. As the vets race finished I managed to grab a few words of wisdom from some of the finishers, all said it was rather muddy out there, their bikes, brakes and drive-trains seemed to agree!

The Seniors were now allowed onto the course for a practice lap before the 1:45pm start time. The start was on the small tarmac drag up past the sign on building and cafe, you were then chucked into a series of tight twists and turns on the grass, traction was limited at best and I was all over the place, how was I meant to race on this? This was just the practice lap. Never the less I ploughed on (literally) and slowly made my way around the course, each section offering a different challenge, and the option of whether to walk or not. I made my way around to the start and pits area, it was now time to race.

Around 70 riders lined up, a few names and faces that I recognised from summer and spring crit racing, a few clubs i've never seen a few people on mountain bikes. The BC commissioner then started to call people through based on current league position and therefore points, needless to say i wasn't in this list, and as such around 40 rides remained in the group that hadn't been called forward. We then all edged forward and the countdown began. Now before the race i had asked a few mates and Twitter for some tips. The main point was concentrate on the start, so with that in mind as the whistle went I powered off the start line, as did everybody else surrounded by a rumble of tyres. We all hit the grass and I was maybe 40 from the front, which means I wasn't last, but also not a great position. The first lap consisted of trying to stay upright and not run into people, especially hard in the first section where many of the turns were 180 degrees, and very tights. Through this section was a grassy downhill into an off camber longer and shallow corner, a place that surly catch riders out,foot out the pedal to help with balance and I was through. the next section was fun, and you could build up some speed, all be it the section was slightly uphill but on compacted man made trails with tight berms so pace and heart rate were both high! You then shoot down the back of the course, along a long flat-ish grassy section, then into some bumps on more man made trails before you hit a sharp left turn effectively straight up a bank. Impossible to ride so I jumped off and ran up, quickly managed to get back n and carried on, down some steep and tight sections, but overall seeming to handle these well, clearly my mountain biking skills were paying off (as I had hoped!) Next section was back onto very soft and very wet (think clay) mud, going p and then down a few small banks with tight turns at the top, again, managed these ok before being taken across the tarmac and onto a long grass section to the other end of the course. At which point you were sent upwards onto a bank, covered in small tress and bushes with a small line through the middle, progress here was painfully slow, and many opted to run, I decided to ride, which may or may not have been a mistake, i'm till unsure on this. This section then lead onto a section which I seemed to a hate, a slight uphill drag on the grass, I seemed to hardly move, but thankfully this was short and then onto a faster gravel section, by now the bike and me were both very muddy, but not the kid of mud that comes off, the kind of mud that just sticks to you, sticks to your bike, and worst of all sticks to your frames, brakes and drivetrain! This was made worse by the next section being really quite tough and up and down some steep banks with tight twists. Nevertheless I was riding them all, and feeling confident, people were dropping off the back or pulling out all over the place, this however was mainly down to mechanicals! snapped mechs seemed to be the order of the day!

Now onto the second of 5 laps, each lap is only 2 miles long, but that's plenty I think... Now getting the hang of the course a little better and not being surrounded by other riders and started to make my way through the field, and by the time I had reached the second half of this lap Lucinda told me I was likely top 20, surprising! A good battle emerged between myself and two other riders on this lap, with me eventually getting the better off them both on a steep climb coming into the pit section, they both ran up, and I rode, this meant I had enough momentum to carry on at a decent speed. Out onto the third lap and the bike was getting heavier and more clogged up, through the first couple of sections with no issues, seeing a few people kicking their bikes due to snapped mechs and then carrying them to the finish or pits. I then had a brief moment where I ran out of skill & Control hitting a section of course tape, no issues I thought, until it found itself jammed into my rear wheel and brake! Gutted, off I get and try and free the mess, managed but loose a few places in the process, but still back on and moving, dislodging some of the mud in the process! Now riding on my own, I can see riders in front, and do seem to be catching them, whether they are lapped riders though i'm not sure and i can imagine the officials have a hard time of keeping track of positions. Onto the penultimate lap now, and bike is so clogged up when i get off the wheel doesn't move, maybe I should have stopped and cleared this? I didn't though. Next ting I know I hit the deck, making a tight turn on one of the banks I loose momentum and fall, nothing bad thankfully and actually quite good fun, back on and power up to finish the 4th lap. Cross the line and onto the final one, I was hurting now, legs, arms, bike, heart, but it was so much fun. Think the endorphins helped and I set a quick time, and in the process catching a few more riders, but to say the least i was happy to cross the line! Absolutely no idea where I came but it was amazing fun, and a really insight into my first cross race!

Turns out I came 25th out of 68 starters. So not too bad I don't think. I learnt a lot, however almost too much to post in this blog post, so think that will be separate post!

Strava link: http://www.strava.com/activities/219973111

Thanks to the organisers, Cyclopark, people cheering, Lucinda, Dave Haywood for the Photos and all the competitors. I'll certainly be back!

Thanks for reading!

Race Report: ELV Mott Street HC

As the Hill Climb nationals approach i'm sure all the favourites are planning to take part in a TT the day before? No? Either way I really fancied giving the East London Velo Hill Climb event a shot. Held in deepest Essex on Mott Street, just on the edge of Epping Forest.

Mott Street, as featured in 100 Greatest Climbs book is indeed a good little climb, and one I've only ridden once before. Total length of 1.5 miles with an average at 4%, however the hill climb is held on the final section of the climb, totalling 0.6 miles at 7% average, with a few sections at 13% and the last ramp around 12%, it's certainly a climb with an ever changing gradient, and therefore one where getting into a rhythm is quite hard.

Registration from 9:15am with first rider off at 10am, so Lucinda and I made the 14 mile ride over from Finchley, conditions were not ideal, and the roads were quite damp. Legs seemed to feel fine though so all seemed well. We decided to ride up Mott Street before sign on, mainly because I really couldn't remember what the climb was like... being quite a minor road, with not much traffic the tarmac wasn't in great condition, and was fairly wet and muddy. Conditions which meant that a few psi out the tyres would probably be a good idea to aid with grip.

As the traditional que of riders lined up I managed to get an early spot and was 6th rider off (entry on day only) Number on and off to Mott Street to find a good heckling place for Lucinda to shout at me and do a rep or two to warm up. As it happens I only had time to ride up once more, however managed to assess the right lines and likely gears i'll need to be in at what points of the climb. After the first ramp of 13% there was a small section of flat (ish) this should give me a chance to build up some momentum for the final drag to the top, or at least this was the aim. Time wise I had no idea what I would do, I met Aaron at the top who did a 2:10 last year, and won a similar event on the same course held my Lee Valley CC, So I suspect a similar time around 2:15 would be doable, maybe...

Down at the bottom atmosphere was fairly relaxed and the first 5 riders sprinted off, to the sounds of cheering and cow bells ringing. I was off next and feeling good. 5,4,3,2,1... I sprint in the smaller front ring (39T) and far down the back cogs (closer ratios) managing to build up a good amount of speed, when I hit the first steep section, down a few gears, but the pace was still high, and I hadn't slipped on the wet yet, over the crest and it flattens off, I briefly sit down, aero position and build the cadence up before quickly getting out the saddle again for the final two steep sections, the first of which did catch me off guard, when I took the inside, slightly steeper and wetter line, an error on my part here, and my cadence dropped. Nevertheless a few gear clicks down again and I was back out the saddle and pulling on the bars, around the final corner I could see (and hear) Lucinda and the rest of the spectators shouting, the finish line was in sight. A last dig and I cross the line. Time on the Garmin showed 2:11, official time was 2:08.

As we watched the other riders come in, some looking a little too quick for my liking I studied the rider times I far far I appeared to be second behind Adam French! With Simon Warren off 100 Climbs fame the last rider on the course. he crossed the line in 2:12 and to my surprise that placed me 2nd. Looking back at my run, I think I could have tried harder, but then don't you always say that? Next time, if conditions are better I reckon a sub 2:05 is there for the taking, which was the winning time off the day, and the 4th victory for Adam in as many years, great riding! Overall around 45 riders signed up, so a fairly decent sized field.

Special thanks to East London Velo for hosting the event, the Marshalls, Lucinda for the shouting, Mott Street Church and the bakers for putting on some rather excellent cake of coffee facilities.

Strava: http://www.strava.com/activities/209132731

Race Report: Brickendon (F7/10) TT

This Saturday was the inaugural London Phoenix & Islington CC Time Trail. Using the "sporting" Brickendon F7/10 course in Hertfordshire. A course I have done before and ridden on the roads countless number of times, so thankfully I know the course well.  

As Lucinda and I rode to the start it was clear that conditions were not ideal, there was a headwind coming from the West and the roads were damp, not to mention the fact that the Met Office was convinced it would rain from the start time of 2pm. Nevertheless around 45 people turning up to sign on in Brickendon Village Hall, eat cake and drink coffee. I was keen to try and get off early before the weather changed too much, so lined up and was given number 9. Number pinned on and bottle half full it was time to warm up, a few miles up and down the road to get the legs moving again and I then found myself on the start line in a que of riders. 

My form of late seems to be good, even though I am not riding much because of work, and only getting out at the weekend for a few hours on one day. I guess you could probably say I'm well rested, if nothing else. My aim for this event was a time around the 22min mark, I knew I wouldn't be looking at a PB (21:48) given conditions, so anything around this level would be good, and of course depending who was riding would probably place me in the top 5 times of the day. 

The F7/10 course is essentially a 3 miles downhill, followed by a nasty 2 mile flat section due East along Hertford Road, then up Robins Rest, a 1 mile climb, only averaging 4% but this can be where you either gain or loose alot of time. From then it's mainly flat back into Bayford & Brickendon for the final hill sprint finish of 0.3 miles at 5% a real leg burner at the end. Total distance is just shy of 10 miles though at 9.1. Certainly what the CTT would class as a sporting course (hilly)

I was off, and quickly upto speed, holding around 30mph, which as I said above is a gradual downhill certainly sounds more impressive than it is. Still my goal on this section was to be as aero as possible and conserve as much energy as possible, legs obviously now burning, but I felt really good and I reach the junction with Hertford Road having averaged 30.4mph for the 2.8 miles. The next mile was hard, teh headwind and general road conditions were slow, I could see the average speed going down, however I maintained by aero position and ploughed on, at which point I could see a rider ahead, no worries I thought, however there were also two cars behind the rider, and given the nature of the road were finding it hard to overtake in a safe nature. I reached reached the cars which were going maybe 20mph, nightmare! Fortunately I was only slowed down briefly as a gap opened up and I went around. Settled back into my rhythm for a few hundred yards and it was then a left turn onto Robins Nest. The lower "slopes" are certainly the steepest, still only 6% however in an effort to increase my power I was out the saddle and managed to maintain a decent speed, once over the steepest section I was back in the saddle and maintaining the aero position, the worst was over now, and by this point i'd done 6.4 miles in 15:32, not bad, but not a PB time. The last section is mainly flat, and once onto Tylers Causeway I pushed and managed to hold a consistent 27-29mph, final 1 mile and I was into Bayford, I had 0.8 miles to cover in just shy of 2 minutes, a PB could actually be on the cards here I thought! I hit the final Brickendon Hill onto the drops, pulling and willing the bike to float up the hill. I couldn't see my Garmin let along read the numbers, head down, sprinting and hurting, I crossed the line and stopped the Garmin. 21:45! Awesome a PB! 

Warm down and back to the man with a clipboard for my official time. 21:41! I was chuffed, 7 seconds take off my PB and quickest time so far. All riders completed the course and to my surprise I was quickest of the day.

Looking into my data and ride in a bit more detail, I was interested to see where I saved time, and this to my surprise was on the first and last sections of the course. Upto Hertford Road I saved 15 seconds off my previous best time, and this being a gradual down hill was mainly achieved by being as aero as possible. My times on both Robins Rest and Hertford Road were not PBs, but 2nd and 3rd best times, however yet again on the final section into Bayford and Brickendon I managed to knock off another 12 seconds. 

This was on a standard road bike, no aero additions (apart from a skinsuit) normal wheels etc... I reckon with the same set up I can probably go sub 21:20 on a perfect day, and that is indeed my next goal. 

So my first win of the year and a PB, overall happy with my effort and the results. Well done to Neal, James, Nancy and Rachel who also wont their respective categories. 

Special thanks to London Phoenix and Islington CC for hosting the event, all the marshals, the various bakers (the cake was amazing as per usual) and tea/coffee makers and finally Islington Council for the prizes! 

Strava Data: http://www.strava.com/activities/208790282  

Race Report: Catford & Bec Hill Climbs

The day had arrived, the day of the classic Catford and Bec Hill climbs, both located in Surrey, One in the morning, and one in the afternoon. Catford on the infamous 0.4 mile York Hill, averaging 12% with some tasty sections at 25%, with Bec then on White Lane, slightly shorter at 0.3 miles but averaging 13%, and yet again a few sections/ramps/walls at 25%... The Bec this year made even more special by the fact David Millar had chosen this event for his last every professional race, what an honour. What a legend.

Catford
First rider was off at 9am for Catford, so myself and Simon from LP got the train down there, didn't fancy another 40 mile ride from North London. We arrived with plenty of time, however not enough time to have a few practice runs. To add to the fun the ground was surprisingly wet, which meant conditions would be interesting. After a standard amount of faffing, deciding what to wear and cheering on fellow competitors it was time to head down to the start line. We had to slowly make our way down Yorks Hill and well, the top section was steep, very narrow and covered in twigs and stones, so perfect eh? I was off quite early (49) and had no real idea what time i'd do, as I was riding down the climb to line up for the off it certainly felt longer than I was expecting, and also not a constant gradient.
Now in line, and riders were setting off, next thing I know i'm up, and one of the marshalls is holding me up, whilst i'm clipped in, and counting down. 30 seconds to go. It's only 2 minutes (ish) I thought, wont be that bad. I was off, starting in the 39T ring and 4th cog from the top (12-28) allowed me a decent level of acceleration, however that also meant wheel spin! No time to sit down and straight out the saddle trying to pick the best line on what was quite a narrow road, I moved into the middle, where the tarmac seemed dryer, but that was a mistake, instant wheel spin as I hit some loose stones. Back to the left just in time for the first 25% section, my cadence was all wrong here and I almost ground to as stop, I really should have shifted down. Over this section and the gradient eases off (around 11%) I stamp on the pedals and gain some speed, on the steepest section now, the crowd going crazy, shouting and screaming in my ears! Legs and chest were burning now, all I could feel was pain, and all I could see was that chequered board and the finish line. I crossed the line, collapsed on my handlebars and gasped for air. I was done, and that hurt. After sitting/standing there for a minute I collected myself and got off, a quick check of the times so far and i'd done aright. 2:15, 3rd fastest, although that wont stay for long, the fast lads were still to come. I stayed around and cheered on friends, club mates and other fellow suffers and gathered for the final unveiling of times. 1:55 was in winning time to James Lowden, well done that man!

Bec
After a quick recovery cup of coffee it was a short 10 mile ride to the Bec Hill climb on York Road. The ride was an obviously slow affair which resulted in riding up York Road to sign on. Well this was steep... however it was a good opportunity to scout out the road, areas to avoid and lines to take. Unlike the Catford, York Road was quite steep straight from the off, with a gradual ramp upto the peak of 25% and then easing off for the finish line. Again not a hill I had ridden before, so no real idea of my expected time. Registration and number pinning on done I had a quick bite to eat (scotch pancakes FTW) and it was off for a quick ride to warm up. Again, off quite early thankfully, it was down to the bottom, to yet again stand in a line and ask yourself why do you do this? 30 Seconds to go and i'm feeling good, cold, but good. Power straight from the off, standing and pushing the bike from side to side, really trying to build up some momentum on the bottom half of the course. This seemed to drag, there was very few spectators on the bottom slopes and the finish, all 0.3 miles away, still seemed a long time away. I was however feeling strong, the crowd grew louder and louder, and on the flatter section I took the opportunity to sit down (error?) and build my cadence up before hitting the 25% section. I was on it now, legs burning again, face pulling some obviously interesting expressions and the pain rising. I clicked down though the gears, pushed as hard as I could as the course flattened off to line. I crossed the line, for some reason screaming, mainly in pain, maybe a bit in relief that it was over? Yet more collapsing over the bars and gasping for breath I sat my bike down and went to drink some coke. Finish time of 2:10 and fastest of the day so far, again though, all the fast lads were still to come, including that Millar chap. I was pleased though, I think. Winning time for the Bec was Ex national hill climb champ in a ridiculous time of 1:49. (Millar did a 2:03 btw - 21st)

So overall I came 25th in Catford and 34th in Bec. I did want top 20, but I was a little naive in underestimating the competition, which included ex national hill climb champ and a number of previous years winners, as well as some very very quick climbers. Given the prestigious nature of both events though I should not have been surprised.

So things I learnt. As well as power it's ALL about weight, there were some brilliant purpose built HC bikes, fixed, single speed, single ring, chopped handle bars, carbon wheels. All the works. The top riders as well were all rather small, lower 60kgs i'd have guessed, which certainly would have helped.  Whilst both myself and my bike aren't heavy if I want to target hill climbs I need to work on this a little bit. A 2 minute climb is also not my ideal length, 4 minutes is perhaps better suited to my style and power, and i'll certainly be looking for events around this type of length to target. I don't think I would have done anything different, less pressure in the tyres for both climbs might have helped, but apart from that I just need to get better.

Overall i'm loving (weirdo) hill climbs, the traditional nature of a person with a clipboard and the me against gravity nature really does appeal to me.

Strava links:
Catford - http://www.strava.com/activities/206303781
Bec - http://www.strava.com/activities/206432642

Thanks again for reading, onto the next hill now. Where is that hacksaw...

Race Report: Kingston Wheelers Hill Climb

So today was my first Hill Climb for a while (obviously, season has only just started), and i'd chosen the Kingston Wheelers HC on Leith Hill. A popular climb in the Surrey Hills and one i'd only ridden a few times before hand.

The weather was great so I decided to ride down with Andy P from the club. Now according to Google this was just 37 miles so a nice warm up... Anyway, turned out to be 47 miles, so i'll be honest, not the best thing to do before a Hill Climb race, and my legs were certainly in agreement. 

Leith Hill:

 - 0.9 miles

 - 8% average

 - 18% Max

 - 371ft gained

 - 3:27 - Course Record

I had been sent the rider start sheet before (90 riders!), and looking down the list I saw some big names and fast riders. Namely Tejvan Pettinger, who is current national hill climb champion! Number collected and pinned on the jersey, time for a quick piece of cake (amazing btw) and a coffee and then off to start, and for a recce up Leith Hill. I was pleased I had done this as it was certainly longer than I had remembered, and with a gradient which wasn't constant it was going to be interesting to see how pacing myself would work.

1 minute to go. I wasn't feeling fresh, and apart from going absolute flat out I didn't really have a plan. 5,4,3,2,1.... I was off. Basically full gas, standing up, pulling up as much with my arms as I was pushing on the pedals with my legs. About 30 seconds in and the pain was well and truly there, the course was fairly poor condition at the bottom, and not that steep, it then ramped up towards a few houses and then flattens off, it was here I thought I had lost it, I sat down. I don't do seated climbing, unless it's bloody long or i'm knackered. The course then ramped up again to 11% around another corner and then a almost constant gradient with a small section peaking at 18% on the final corner. This was where all the spectators were (obviously) and I was gurning good and proper now, the pain was high, but I felt good. Not looking up, but putting in a final dig to the line and really just destroying myself. I crossed the line and was almost sick. Good, means I tried hard enough. 

I had no real idea how i'd done (Lucinda was borrowing my Garmin) and I didn't have a watch. Obviously phone was on for Strava, but I started that before I was off, and stopped a minute or two after crossing the line. Back down to the spectator's corner to cheer on the remaining competitors.

Back at HQ and all time times were being jotted down, and the top 5 rider's names being written down. Winning time was indeed Tejvan with a fantastic 3:27 (course record) and looking down the rider list I got to me. 3:51.6! Wow I was pleased with that, totally unexpected and better than I thought I would do given the times being quoted by other riders. This put me in 6th, so overall very happy with that. Conditions were pretty much perfect I think, warm, a slight tailwind and not a jot of rain or damp on the ground. 

Quick bite to eat and I set off to ride home... Another 47 miles... 

Think for my next HC in a few weeks I'll take it a bit more seriously. Mainly not riding there and back and maybe a few weight saving bits to be done to the bike. 

Strava Link:

http://www.strava.com/activities/199959863 

Thanks for reading

Race Report: Etape du Tour - Pau > Hautacam

The 4am alarm went off, and the cooking of porridge commenced, it was either Mountain Mayhem, or the Etape. This time it was the Etape, and this year the Etape was running from Pau to a mountain top finish on the Hautacam in the Pyrenees, taking in the famous climbs of the Tourmalet & (obviously) the Hautacam. A total distance of 92 miles (148k) and around 15,000ft of climbing!

This year however the weather wasn't looking great, and the few days before the event were spent looking at various weather forecasts and trying to work out just how many layers will be needed, how many gloves, and just how poor will the visibility descending off the Tourmalet be...

My bib number was 1128 (out of 13,000 entries), so had a 7:08am start time. Arrived into Pau at 5:45am, grabbed a coffee and went to my start pen, and waited with all the other 1000 bibs riders. It wasn't raining, but you could see the weather over the mountains, the cloud was low, and it was certainly going to be grim, very grim! 7:00am and the first riders went out, our group then moved down and at 7:08am we were off, a rolling start over the timing grid, and down out of Pau.

After looking at the profile, the first half of the ride was mainly flat, however did include 5 hills, 2 of which were the Cat 3 climbs of Chemmin D'Ossau and Cote de Benejaq. The pace was fairly hot from the off and groups were quickly forming, of varying sizes. I managed to get into a good group of 5 riders, and for the first 10 miles we were alone, and all seemed to be working well, taking turns on the front, that was until we caught another group of about 15. The group was now 20+ with two people taking turns on the front, me and one other daft french man. We then proceed to tow this group for the next few miles until I found I was the only one doing the work... I sat up, looked around, looked around again and nobody was going to come through, sod this I thought! So off I went and let the group work on their own. After 2 miles I was predictably (and thankfully) caught by a quick group of 4. We had now passed the first feed stop, the weather was looking ominous, and up ahead I could see Miles Butler (from from club), he set off in the same wave as me, however a few minutes earlier so nice to see I had gained a bit of time. Up to this point, apart from a few climbs the route had been mainly flat, and fairly fast at around 21mph average for first 45 miles.

I was feeling strong, had 2 gels upto now and seemed to have my clothing right (for now) For the next few
miles upto the Tourmalet I rode with Miles which helped, and was nice to see a friendly face and was good to chat about the climb and the route so far. Miles thankfully gave me some tips, and what bits were hard, and what to expect... The rain, or rather low cloud was now setting in, and we were onto the Tourmalet. A 10.7 mile climb at 7% average, Miles and I rode together for the first few miles, however I was starting to feel it a bit, and decided that maybe not trying to follow Miles' wheel was the best idea... I settled into a rhythm and for the next  section felt good, I was now at the 4k to go sign, and also the feed station! I was hungry, and needed some food, so dived in and grabbed Pizza and a glass of coke! That was the right move, for the next 4k to the summit I felt great and passed everybody, I was quite clearly just hungry. The rain was now hard and consistent, I was soaking, I did have my gloves on but not my jacket. The summit was horrible. Windy, heavy rain, no visibility and cold, around 5 degrees! I stopped, pulled my jacket out my jersey pockets and tried to put it on. Couldn't feel anything now, hands were wet, in fact my jacket was also wet. A few spectators helped me put my jacket on, zipped it up and told me to be careful! Their warnings were right too, god this was truly scary, and the first corner off the summit was a very tight hairpin. I negotiated this fine, however the three riders behind me didn't and all went down. I gave myself a talking to, it was not worth the risk flying down the descent at top speed, so I took it steady, very steady! By now I couldn't feel my fingers, my legs were cold and my body was shaking so much I couldn't really control the bike. I was however still moving, and still on the bike, which was a positive... I was also on my own, with the odd person going past me (crazy speeds) as I got further and further down I could see a glimmer of blue sky, and what's that? The sun? It was still cold, but there could be light (sun) and the end of the tunnel.

Now on the lower slopes on the Tourmalet and there was a small group of 3 riders in front of me, I got on the back, however the road spray wasn't nice, and to be honest I needed to get the legs moving again. So I went past and span the legs, just needed them to move again, it was still raining and I just wanted to get onto the Hautacam, the final climb of the day, where I would hopefully get warm again, maybe...

Just 10 miles left! I was near to the bottom of the Hautacam, which was 8.6 miles at 8%, I felt good and stopped at the food stop, some more Pizza and a load of coke, bottle fill up and I was off again. I felt fresh and started the pass lots of riders, the crowds at the bottom were amazing, lining the road in true Tour style. To make it even better the weather was getting better, the sun was out and the jacket and soaking gloves were off... I could see riders ahead who passed me on the Tourmalet, I then passed them, and I kept on passing riders, I still felt good, I shouldn't feel this good should I? As Miles had correctly said earlier, the Hautacam is quite undulating, so a section may average 8% for the next 1km, however within that section parts could be 12-13% which after 80 odd miles hurts. 5 miles in (up) and I the cloud came in, it was getting cold and that meant the rain was coming again... Not to worry, almost there I told myself, just 5 miles (I kept on converting that into running time, I reckon that's how long it takes to ride up here) 3K to go! That's less than 2 miles... Well these next few Kms hurt, it was cold again now, and raining, I was in my lowest gear, spinning, (well not really) standing up, sitting down again, anything to try and ease the pain in my legs... I was still passing everybody, which was a huge confidence boost. 1K to go, what? This averaged 9%... I was hurting now, but I clicked down a few gears, stood up and pushed. The metal barriers were lining the road now, I could see the finish, 200m, 100m and there, DONE! Whilst I was happy to finish, I was mainly wet, very wet, very cold and wanted to get off this mountain! Quick dive into the food tent, and a chat with Miles who just beat me by half a minutes and it was then back down the mountain to collect my medal and EAT.

So that's that Etape done for the 4th year now. This was the second hardest ever (2012 anybody?), but I was very pleased with my time and stats, which were:

 - 5:46:00
 - 238th
 - 16.1mph Av
 - 92.4 miles
http://www.strava.com/activities/168520104

On reflection as I knew what 2012 was like (wet & cold) this year I made sure I had enough layers, so base layer, jersey, arm warmers, gilet and jacket was just enough, how people were descending in just a jersey and no gloves I don't know. I suspect this could well have been the reason only 8500ish finished!

That's it for another year though, thanks for reading.

Race Report: Mountain Mayhem

For the last month i've been looking at the weather forecast around the area of Stoud in Gloucestershire with much anticipation. Mountain Mayhem could be fun in the dry, but if it rains forget it, 24 hours of broken bikes and misery (remember 2012?) awaits you...

Thankfully the only thing I had to worry about was seeing through the dust, the sun was out, it was hot and dry. In other words perfect conditions for a solo attempt at Mountain Mayhem.

After leaving a busy London on Friday afternoon, I arrived at Kemble (by train) in just 1 hour 15 minutes, was then picked up by Jack (who had a team of 4) and then drove to Gatcombe Park. Camp had thankfully already been set up, and after unloading my kit and bike we settled down to eat Chilli and chat about the race! Early night was on the cards I think.

We woke up to beautiful blue sky and sun pouring into the tent, so it was time to get up and start the endless faffing, tyre changes, bike fettling, worrying and eating that comes before a 24 hour race. By chance we had pitched up next to my usual team of 4 (Bolsover Cycling Club, of which I have two friends in the club) Pete, having done every single Mountain Mayhem, and many as a solo rider had some good tips for me, the main one being get yourself set up in the solo tent and drink and eat loads!

Doing MM solo, and usupported will be hard, but i don't think I fully appreciated just how hard it would be... especially as the solo tent only had me and two others riders setting up for the race (and it stayed like this) Everything was now in place and ready for the 12 noon start, which consisted of a 1k run to separate the field.

On the start line and the  claxon went off. Obviously doing solo I wasn't going to sprint off at 6 minutes miles, especially as running in carbon soled cycling shoes isn't that easy, or indeed comfortable. We all then arrived back to the start and collected our bikes and I was off. Each lap was 7 miles long on a mixture of double track, grassy fields and tight singletrack, however in these 7 miles there was 1,000ft of climbing! Yes 1,000ft... My tactic for the race was to break the 24 hours into 4 lap chunks, so 28 miles. With the aim to then quickly get into the solo tent at the end of lap 4, grab some gels, refill bottles, eat something and then head out again for another 4 laps.

Out on the first lap and apart from being dusty it was clear that the course was very different from last year, and actually very fast. The first few miles were mainly double track descents, and small climbs with a timed Red Bull section towards the end of the 3rd mile. However after the Red Bull section the course changed and you were either going up on grassy climbs, or going up on double track, so fair to say the second half or last 3 miles were quite tough. Although it was dry and dusty some of the climbs had loose rocks and stones, which as the race progressed will be easy to lose traction on. However the section along the lake was brilliant, fast and narrow singletrack, which then ended with a tough singletrack climb, when you then hit the final two climbs before the Kenda decent. They were tough, with a loose double track climb, followed by a steep, loose and potentially muddy singletrack climb, if you got up here you were very nearly home... The course then wiggled it's way up through a grassy field, along teh edge of a hill before making it's way through the campsite and around 0.6 miles from the finish. My furst lap was 48 minutes, with a 5 minute run at the start, I felt good and pushed onto my second lap with no drams and clocked a 40:54 lap. At this point i was starting to think, first of all, maybe I was going to quick, and secondly can I really keep doing these climbs for 24 hours! To make matters worse I snapped a spoke and lost a chainring bolt on the first lap, not quite sure how this happened, but I just decided to push on and not worry about it... 4 laps done now and I was out of fluid, bananas and gels (as predicted) so I pulled into the solo tent to stock back up. Off out again for another 4 laps. I was now slowing down purposefully, and clock a 42 on my 5th lap, with my 6th, 7th and 8th all roughly being a further 2 minutes slower, which I was fine with. 8 laps done and it was now about 6pm, so back in again for more food and stock back up on fluid. I had instructed Jack to drop my lights off around 7pm, along with 5L of water, so unfortunately on my next 4 lap session I had to pull in around 8pm and out the lights on the bike, it was starting to get dark in the woods, and under race rules lights had to be on the bike from 8:40. 10 laps done, lights on, and out for a final 2 before a 9pm (roughly) and 12 laps big bowl of pasta. Lap 12 hurt, I had lost my energy, ran out of water and on the climbs I had nothing. I wasn't stopping though, and I wasn;t getting off my bike, just stand up and keep pedaling. You can do it, I kept saying to myself, trying desperatly to look forward to cold pasta and weetabix, not very inspiring at all...

I needed that food! Ate load and instantly felt better, legs had energy and was looking forward to now cracking on with the night session! Another 4 laps in the bag now, with my first lap being a 46, and remaining 3 a 51, 53, and then a 2 hour... 2 hours you say! Well what happened was during my 4th lap I hit the wall, I was just under 12 hours in now, being on my 16th lap and up to this point feeling strong. I slowly wound my way up the final climbs and heading to find my tent, I just needed to sit down for 30 minutes! I sat in the tent, cold and wrapped in a sleeping bag, unable to sleep, but unable to get on my bike. It was a dark moment, and one all 24hr solo races will understand... After giving myself a talking to, getting some knee warmers on I unzipped the tent and headed into the darkness for another 4 laps, these will hurt, but I told myself that the next time I went into the solo tent, roughly 4 hours time it will be daylight, and you'll have survived the night! My 17th lap was ok at around 52, but it then hurt and my 18th was nearly an hour, 19th was not fun, and again I hit the wall, and had to venture back to the tent for another sit down. It was now getting light, and after another talking to I headed out, no lights, no knee warmers and Oakleys on. It was nearly the end (well kind of) My target was 24 laps, and I was all set for 25 laps, potentially 26 (what a horrible thought) As is often the case I was running through various scenarios in my head, and based on my current lap times after my 20th and 21st lap I was looking to come in just before 12, so that means 26 laps! HOWEVER laps 24 and 25 were hell. I was now going so slow that these were just over the hour mark, and I knew as I completed my 24th lap and headed out for my 25th i'd have to post a 58 minute lap... I tried, but to be honest I just didn't have the mental capacity to do this. I was exhausted, having only "slept" (you never really sleep) I knew this was going to be slow, but I also knew that I wasn't getting off my bike, I will keep going and will ride all these climbs like I have done for the past 24 bloody laps! I was VERY happy to finally get onto the grassy final climbs, having managed to negotiate all the climbs and descents upto this point with no liquid or zero energy... Riding through the campsite and the clock struck 12, it was over! I crossed the line about 2 minutes after 12 having completed 25 laps! I just stood there, tired, unable to sit on my saddle, and soaked it all up. Kind of sad it was done.

Throughout the race I didn't really know how I was doing, and not seeing anybody I knew for 12 hours was hard. A few people told me I was 7th, which was encouraging, but I knew those 30 minute breaks will have lost me a few places unfortunately. Results however confirmed and I came 10th having done 25 laps in 24 hours and 2 minutes, which is....

175 miles
25,000ft of climbing

Overall very pleased, I learnt quite a lot for my next solo 24 race, mainly I need a support crew, I think I could have potentially pushed myself a little more, but hindsight is often a wonderful thing. Thanks to Pat for organising the event, great course and venue and thanks for the weather! If it had rained i'd probably still in out there, lost in a bog or trying to pick up bits of broken bike.

Thanks for reading if you got this far!

Strava Links:
http://app.strava.com/activities/156924566
http://app.strava.com/activities/156924578
http://app.strava.com/activities/156924601
http://app.strava.com/activities/156924721