Sea to Sea 2010

What happened next?

2010-06-06T11:12:00.004+01:00

Ah my friends, it seems so long since we last had discourse, and after the excitement of the C2C itself, you may (especially those with Marshmallow appendages) be missing your fix.

Let me remedy this for you, as on a bright Sunny afternoon we gathered as is our want outside Christ church, for once almost all were unhindered by the traffic. Captain C turned up on a rather springy shiny deep custard coloured steed, and we were joined by DK Brady on a steed brashly branding itself "Dirty" the fact it was rather a distinct Red in colour added to his image yet more. DKB was in fine fashion deputising for GB who whilst on annual leave had decided that life was too short not to work for a living and as such had made his excuses.

Having exchanged pleasantries under a broiling sun we spread ourselves with gay abandon across the road and as usual headed uphill to the crossroads, ambling pleasantly onwards we meandered to a quick fun descent as a pack. DKB testing his theories on numbness as he rode.

Climbing onwards we headed towards our favourite staples of Victoria, and Flight Hill where as we gracefully headed towards Lances favourite 5 bar gate, Shortlegs decided enough was enough and a dramatic barking braking maneovre to announce a Puncture was required.

Those magic thumbs once more applied themselves and we shot through the forestry ( testing the control of a myriad of dog walkers with breeds from bull terrier to small unknown yappy things) as we flew through Hades and up t'other side.

All was well, a pleasant ride was well in force and the fun of the run to Brownhill was upon us. Now Then Vicar announced he had never come this way before, always having undertaken it the other way, and that he had never beaten it yet, to which Mr Motivator kept morale high by announcing he didn't really much like it either way.

Captain C now relished the sport and shot off with his new plaything, with Tim2 in hot pursuit, following at a seasonable pace, in little time at all I was to come upon the crew, merrilly replacing another innertube, this time on Captains whitewall tyres. To add to the moment, he then noted a rather irksome tear in the wall of said tyre, all sorts of aids later, we continued and by the time we reached the road, same tyre was in yet more distress.

The random passing of time mean't that in order for the barbecue at Now Thens to be met, a route home via main road was the only option and the group split into those sorts of breakways that the peleton never normally reels in.

Tim 2 calibrated the puncturefest at 24.85km distance, 552.34 ascention, max elevation of 406.61, max speed of 29.52kmph, average moving speed of 12.91kmph.

The following barbecue included for those of more discerning tastes, movies of puncture repair action, hitting cricket bats with rather fine mallets, oilings , the secret of the pseudonym "Racing Snake" and good food, beer and company.

You never know we may even do it again another day!

Till then

Racing

Inspirational afterthoughts

2010-05-05T20:39:00.000+01:00

What an amazing journey so well planned and organised by Racing Snake (respect). Thank you to everyone who put in such a mammoth effort on the bikes especially the riders and fixers, and those in support keeping us all moving forward safely.

And: as importantly a massive thank you to all our sponsors in helping us to support our specified charities, and to the benefit of others.

I drew inspiration from Cpl Tom Neathway (2 Para) one of seventeen service men to loose three limbs whilst serving in Afghanistan. When the going got tough it was good knowing that our money would benefit him and heroes like him that knowledge made me all the more determined to push on. He was my inspiration. You can find out more about his story if you follow this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dXudnxACHUc

Now then Vicar

Big hills, fast descents and the Sea

2010-05-02T16:44:00.004+01:00

And so the final day dawned bright and early to the sound of much trumpet and fanfare. After yet another hearty breakfast the bikes were saddled up for one final time and with a slight wind chill we embarked from Allenheads.
Steam poured from our nostrils as we climbed steadily for the first hill of the day at around 1/2 a mile, belying the optimistic forecast of it all being downhill on day 3!
A long and winding descent awaited us and not for the last time in the day I was dropped like a stone in a very deep well as the pace was cranked up by the leaders of the peleton. After what seemed a hundred miles I saw that Captain C had waited to drag me forcibly back to the pack and as we climbed another of those steep things I nearly burst through the field.
As we gathered at the top for a round of haribo Now then Vicar confidently predicted that this was the last major hill of the day, how very wrong can you be!
Descending rapidly and with a high cadence we hit Stanhope and turned majestically upwards on a gentle climb. Captain C and Lance to prove a point kindly waited for the mortals to get a good 8 minute lead by completing their social networking before joining us and for a short period the ladies to whom we had been good samaritans raced in the thick of it.
The hill which garnered new and more succinct descriptions as time went on ( none of which appeared complimentary to my innocent ears) just kept on rising and rising in continual bursts of 90 degrees until eventually as we reached the cattle grid at halfway seemingly upside down
we halted for a brief pause before joining the headwind to the Waskerley Way.
As we began our trek across the moors having left DK Brady behind the speed increased markedly and we shot onwards and onwards like speeding bullets down towards Consett. We blew through Consett like a tornado and shortly afterwards rendevouzed for lunch before saying tearful goodbyes to DK.
The paths and tracks were now well marked and good quality and the peleton once more blitzed away. Regathering we passed through a very dizzying maze section in which The Creator somehow levitated just on the rim of a rather large hillock as he sought to find a way out (or that is what I assume he was attempting).
As the peleton gradually pulled away and just before we crossed the railway I suddenly began involuntary sideways motions as the air in my rear tire decided escape was the only option from this speeding torture. The Peleton had by chance awaited my delayed arrival and again those magic thumbs came to the rescue once more.
We were now within sight of our end and it was designated that the Snake should lead (basically to keep the wind off everyone else. So with daring and an interminably slow cadence in comparison to earlier I somehow managed to drag the peleton through the final miles!
As we passed the Stadium of Light and posed upon the promenade we were greeted by a multitude of flag waving dignataries before we raced down the beach to dip our wheels in the sea. Now then vicar holding on to the drama to the last, deciding on the way there to do his falling log impression one more time for all those gathered.

So my friends we have done it we are officially C2C veterans, we have sore bits where perhaps we never thought we would, the laughter has been abundant, the weather most clement and the company good.

Special thanks must go to our support crews who have been excellent, our families for putting up with all the preparation etc , our hosts along the way and last but not least to you who have for whatever reason read our ramblings and sponsored us.

Updates with more photos and sponsorship totals etc will follow later, till then, I think we all deserve a beer!

Cheers

Racing

Hills, Height and Mizzle and Stalking support

2010-05-02T07:28:00.003+01:00

Firstly it is perhaps appropriate to report on our status, we are alive, there are minor niggles, O2 is absent without leave and therefore with the wonders of technology we blog by orange today, a little late and with fading memory of the clouds, the hills, the hills, and the stalker known as our support.

We awoke to the sun cracking the flags, a slight windchill and by the time full english had been devoured a smattering of cloud cover. An hours tinkering time was allowed under the rules and as such Captain C and the Creator rebuilt Captain Cs rear end and sorted his stiff links. Along with a number of other minor repairs to others. Lance helped manfully by polishing his to within an inch of it's life.

We departed under cloud filled sun and after a random circumnavigation of Penrith just to warm our bones we eventually climbed Fell Lane to stunning views towards the lakes from Beacon Edge.

For the first three quarters of an hour the peleton kept a tight formation as I took my customary position carrying the lantern rouge. Rolling roads helped us maintain a fast pace and we covered the first 9 miles rapidly. Small pockets of fellow C2Cers passed, joined and were passed particularly when Lance took offence at those young whippersnappers as we headed on to begin the first minor climb of the day to Hartside Cafe and lunch. Braving the steady climb we climbed the foothills and chose to pause momentarily for Shortlegs to breeze up to us, to keep us entertained Lily of the Valley did a stupendous impression of a falling log and bruised himself in certain uncomfortable areas.

We climbed at a steady pace as the mizzle began to fall, passing our portly friend from Whitehaven who as he strolled bike in hand was expounding wildly on the fact that if he had to walk all the way he wasn't bothered but he wasn't getting in the van.

Pies, Cornish pasties, and pots of builders later we emerged at 1903 ft to plough downwards in swift fashion through the rain.

Continuing towards to Garrigill on what appeared to be easy roads we sauntered merrily on. The three amigos from the elite breakaway had by this time made their decisive break for the day and Lance, GB and Lily were gone never to be seen again.

As we gathered in the foot of Garrigill we met the hill of the day which whilst gentle upon our elevation maps proved a tad more testing even when using the olympic uphill slalom techniques and granny ring.

Support was good and as we crawled upwards through the clouds for what seemed an age the sound of fading rockers kept us going.

A fast descent followed until once more hills arrived and the dead slow and stop speed returned. Shortlegs in a rare moment of lucidity had by this time breezed past and maintained his breakaway pace to the finish. He was of course helped by the random off roading of the Creator and strategically posed mountain top riding by Captain C.

Reaching the next to last climb of the day the team car radioed in that everything was downhill from here, to be honest I'd passed that stage many miles before. In truth there was a slight in accuracy as a further climb awaited us. As we cursed the team director my chain fell off in sympathy and disgust. Eventually we reached the final summit and flying down the hill came upon three women with hysterical faces and tears in there eyes pedalling madly, apparently Ian DK Brady had put the wind up them for the previous 15 miles by his strategic motivational parking, reassured they carried on, laughing to the point of hysteria.

As we shot into Allenheads as 3.55 showed on the clock the road train very nearly caught the Shortlegs breakaway but were beaten at the last.

A superb drying room which also converts sweaty odours into heat and a great lodge followed by a superb two on two game of football with Jacob helped us stretch those aches away.

Black sheep and the first sighting of horses to which Mr Motivator whispered along with good grub the rudest landlord in the world and the "children" giggling in the dorm to the sound of musical snores and other strange noises, have got us to breakfast on the last day.

Onwards to the Sea.

Racing

Name Change

2010-05-01T08:24:00.000+01:00

Forgot the name change for now then vicar in all the excitement. It appears that he has a penchant for ladies talcum powder and as such henceforth shall be known as the Lily of the Valley. I have to say his response to this is slightly churlish and not really becoming of a man of the cloth!

Racing

Flats hills old coach road and now then vicar tries a new title.

2010-05-01T08:05:00.007+01:00

So my friends you find me contemplating a pint of magners a fine italian and even some food. Tired after a day in the saddle we can reflect on a day which jokingly can be described as full of incident. 3 punctures two to the same shortlegged bike two falls one in a ford and one in the very last yard. A mangled chain that only runs on the 2nd ring samaritan calls and splits in the peleton all over the place!

To begin we gathered after split rotation full english and an age of final tinkering. We dived to the sea and joined the multitudes at the start took our ticket and in good order pushed in and asked lesley to record our leer and dip of the wheel. At 9.13 with much fanfare and trumpet call including from the rather portly chap riding for cancer research to get the beer in we rode. Shooting out of whitehaven at a speed way beyond our training rides we gathered a lycra group of ladies who were lost after 100yards and to prove how fit i wasnt i sprinted 3 yards to garner a photo forthe blog. Having continued at a rare old lick on good roads,I slowly worked my way back through the field after an age of meandering behind fat bottomed g

irls. To amuse us Shortlegs threw his water out of the pram. We flew through the forestry and began to meet the hills before a fantanstic descent. Shortlegs decided a haribo break was in order so arranged a puncture which was quickly sorted by laughing gas and thumbs of thunder. We now began to climb in earnest and ground our way upwards towards Whinlatter all except GB and Lance who swapped hair remedies whilst whistling at the front.

Lunch was served as we struck the cafe, watched the siskins swallows and osprey, and restocked from our erstwhile support. On we drove as we flew through the forest to the road and some towards keswick others for some reason cockermouth. Mistakes were remedied but not noted and shortlegs decided he now had loose bits where he shouldnt. We piled through keswick and began the treck to the stone circle and a date with the hell that is the old coach road. Having of course recalled the troops from the ease of the board walk route as they left the lantern rouge once again. Up we climbed walked pushed screamed swore as this world war 2 bombsite unfolded crossing the moors. In desperation bikes dissolved captain c's eating his chain and mr motivator and shortlegs needing those magic thumbs again. As the chill struck the elite riders had already made contact with support and met jacob the cat. The rest of us plodded gamely on and enjoyed the tricky fording of the stream where gb had fallen two hours earlier. With the days target honing into view we climbed for one final time before speeding through greystoke without stopping for tea with the apes.

As we rode we came to the aid of a bunch of ladies one of whom had left her bike in a very involuntary manner. The 3 elite athletes were at the b and b by then so paramedic help could not be given. Eventually we arrived at our destination only for captain c to lay on the ground having fallen from his steed with a whole yard to go. 58 ish miles of hard riding finished with a smile and a fab greeting from the landlady. tomorrow we meet the hills.

Racing

Evening Queries

2010-04-30T20:00:00.002+01:00

There are a number of queries that have been raised as a result of this evenings festivities mainly 1. Are mankinis compulsory for c2c riding? 2. What is a poshet and how many taps are needed to keep a vicar happy wearing one? 3. What hour to depart - organised us what a great idea. 4. Has Pam the landlady really got a pair of twins for the night? And many other questions
Racing

(Dated Thur 29th april, posting delayed due to o2's dodgy service "oop north")

The Gathering!

2010-04-29T19:54:00.005+01:00

We gathered for a change at Moose as the clock struck 12ish and after much strategic dismantling of bikes and checking in of baggage most of which was overweight and the kind of levels needed for a month, we packed Shortlegs in the kiddy seat surrounded by luggage and, leaving Now then vicar GB and support in said support vehicle, departed northwards for our starting point

As is our want we started with a round of eyespy and progressed towards the motorway at breakneck speed with bikes on roof and rear. Enjoying the jocularity of the wheels on the bus we headed north with discussions on lucidity marshmallows and a rather disturbing admission from The Creator on reducing chafeing. Upwards we shot viewing bikes from below as we travelled and showing we are a broad church had serious conversations about youth and drugs sheep and a field full of the biggest badgers you have ever seen. We passed through penrith with Captain C threatening to eject and meet up tomorrow. As he was driving we declined. Passing onwards through stunning countryside lakes and mountains we hammered our way into Whitehaven where we unloaded, support arrived and bikes where re adjoined. Now happily sat in the pub in the sunshine.

Tomorrow as the magnificent 8 we ride.

Racing

Prelude to the gathering - D Day +1

2010-04-28T05:52:00.006+01:00

Today, I have been mostly running round like a proverbial chicken ensuring all those last minute items, - hairspray, fake tan, party clothes etc are collated. (Hope there isn't a baggage limit!!)

As we head madly towards the gathering and before I lose the plot let me introduce you to your final "riding" hero, there are others in particular our support crews of Jenni, Daisy , Jacob and David and of course all our loved ones who will be gathered ears clamped to Radio 5 awaiting news of the results, but to conclude the runners and riders can I introduce me.........................

Richard - AKA Racing Snake, past end to ender, and blog updater

Favourite colour- When I am old I will wear purple
Sponsor- Hissing sid and snakebite
Hair- By Salt and Peppa (Mainly salt)
Beer- Sheperd Neame (any)
Marital status- Very and skint
Riding for- The challenge and 3 great causes
Song- Sunshine on a rainy day!

So I think you've now met us all, you should have received a few clues as to what we are about, and seen that we have trained very very seriously for this, you may also have noted we have one other aim, to have a laugh and enjoy it....

Anyway must dash, lots still to do before tomorrows depart.... shave my legs, do my nails, ........................

Racing

The "Kids" are excited D Day +2

2010-04-27T20:27:00.002+01:00

Aha , there be just the two days to depart and based upon the emails flying from Bloke to Bloke it appears the anticipation and excitement are rising, God help their respective families!

For those of you counting along you will note that we have but three Blokes left to introduce to you so before any chance of disappointing strikes let me introduce you to 2 more...........

Firstly on your left in Yellow

Graham - GB, The Van Man, and rythm section

Favourite colour - Red, White and Blue

Bike - Very fancy bouncy thing

Beer - Yes lots, (seemed to like Copper bottom at the time of interview)

Passion - Riding into parked cars - uphill!!

Riding for- LUPUS UK

Hair- By.........? (Fill in the gaps as I can't tell only ever seen him riding with a bandana though I did hear a rumour it was Phil Collins).

Favourite Song - American Pie

And on your right in the distance

Mark- Mr Motivator, part time Horse whisperer and recently declared fitness junkie.

Favourite colour - Another one who has a penchant for black but with a hint of blue (particularly Legs)

Sponsor- Dads Army and the Skatepark kids

Helmet- Bog standard German Army issue from WW2 - in black

Sponsor- Shorts manufacturers

Dream - to ride BMX in the Olympics 2012 (for Peru!)

Riding For- Christchurch New Mill

Hair - AWOL

Favourite song - Having a good time

So we head to the penultimate day, and can we say a big thankyou to all those who have sponsored us so far, without your kindness and encouraging words we would not have got this far, and be quite as well prepared as we hope we are.

Tomorrow, your final hero amongst other things........

Racing

Inspiration

2010-04-27T05:55:00.000+01:00

Here is a real hero and someone to give us all inspiration!!!!

http://uk.news.yahoo.com/5/20100426/tuk-iraq-war-hero-smashes-his-marathon-r-45dbed5.html

Racing

Sunshine and double bubble heroes - D Day + 3

2010-04-26T20:37:00.004+01:00

Good evening, another fine day with sunshine has seen me conclude my training with a blitz of ride to and from Barnsley Trailway station on my road bike as I headed to work and back, felt good but realised now in the danger zone re falling etc so made an executive decision that it's time to rest up and chill till we Ride........

Another of our heroes has kindly decided to share his training regime with us so read on to hear a sermon from Now then Vicar and to help yet again let me introduce you .......

Sean - Also known as "Now then Vicar" our spiritual guide and leader......

Favourite colour- Luminous yellow
Bike - Number 4 white!

Number of training Bikes- Lots and Lots and Lots,

Sponsor- Trampoline and ejector seat purveyors

Age - Should be beyond this mid-life crisis

Hair - By Friar Tuck

Habitat - Pulpits and Rugby grounds

Riding for- Holme valley team

Favourite song- Swing Low...... (allegedly this may have other connotations but I didn't understand! Maybe Mrs Now Then can enlighten us).

And so to the Sermon.....

Pulling out the stops.

It’s been a busy push through Christmas and Easter not much time for anything really in way of training so I’ve been relying on mental resilience; believing what my 7 year old daughter says when I offer help; “I can do it” and the power of prayer “God help me.” I decided that in this past week whatever happened I needed to get some miles in, after my gentle spin with Racing the week before when I alone confronted a rather brash farmer on my way home, who eventually began to see it my way.

So Monday night Holmbridge and back stopping only to chair the PAGM 14 mins there, 13 back ...not much of a ride.

Tuesday ... took Racing a cheque over to Skelmanthorpe, all off road there give or take a mile and I found a great route with loads of good jumps and etc. I came back in darkness on the road turning big gears to work the legs out....not many miles but good fun.

Wednesday...bugger all, just prayer for help, and a chat with a soldier from 2 Para who told me ‘how easy’ our ride was going to be.

Thursday...10K at the gym in the conventional way shanks-pony plus some grunting and blowing at metal work now my sciatica seems to be in abeyance. That all hurt a lot!

Friday...lots of non-alcoholic larger and a gig in the Peacock Lounge, with blokes on a bike support squadron Mr D Kaye, most enjoyable.

Sat...dropped Lydia off at 9.30 for dancing, lifted my 4th bike of the back off the car and started to roll the miles finding an excellent off route trail all the way from Springwood Mills to Clayton West, then spinning off road to Emley Moor, past the mast, back down from Shelley into the Skelmanthorpe for a downhill technical run, falling off twice in the same place but managing to stay on, on the third attempt, perseverance and commitment in bucket-full’s. Then back up through Shat across the school field and down-hill off road again into the Mills to collect Lydia exactly 1.5 hours later. Not many miles but great fun.

Sunday...more prayer and sponsorship. Looks like people are doing well for the Team (my personal effort) hoping to raise about £800.00. Mark’s appeal at Christ Church added a further £390.00 onto our sponsorship form. And: as an added bonus Leeds beat Worcester RUFC and we stay in the Premiership. The helpful comments I offered referee Pearson obviously worked and increased my lung capacity by another 3rd despite having no voice today.

Good week .....I’m doing the dark-side later, Captain C having set the unenviable weekend standard.

Now then Vicar

So if that doen't inspire you to sponsor your heroes, the only way to sort it is to introduce another, so here he is the double bubble, the man from the north, your hero...............

Tim- AKA "the Creator" TIM2 , Kit Man, technical language co-ordinator and haribo eater...

Favourite Colour- Gold (particularly Spandex leggings!)

Wheels- The bigger the better

Pairs of protective glasses lost - Many

Sponsor- Guinness and Doctor Who

Age- A mere Pup

Hair - Yes ( A debateable answer here!!!)

Riding For - Help for Heroes

Favourite conditions - Mud, Snow Ice and all sorts of .....Oils (apparently not the Yorkshire version meaning Hole but things to help his muscles!)

Favourite song - Rawhide

So as time flys and we head unanswerably toward the pre-penultimate day, I'll leave you with one thought....

Your heroes are here to do one thing-

Make others lives better through raising funds for 3 great charities - nuff said you know what to do!!!

Racing

Training Done - D Day + 4

2010-04-25T20:05:00.009+01:00

A blinding day that was meant to begin with full on final training for the Racing snake and Captain C, but destroyed by a small child with a gippy tummy, punctuated by a late call up for the Rugby Union, and ended with a fantastic gift of a blog from Captain C read on shortly......

First though to help you picture the man as you read his blog let me introduce you to another of our heroes........

James -or Captain C (alamity) or perhaps Anakin ??? .

Favourite Colour - The Spectrum

Family - Lots

Bike - The one with all the new bits on it.

Sponsor - Red Bull and Lego Star Wars( read on!)

Riding for - Christ Church New Mill and Lupus UK

Hair - By Graham Gooch and Shane Warne

Song - I would ride 500 miles

And now without further ado a further tale of daring do from Captain C........

Training Done

The final weekend before our big trip, I was eager to get some decent miles in. As I placed my bike in the hallway ready for an early get away, the vision on the old yellow pages ad jumped into my head, “eeee I was right about that saddle.”

Off to bed full of the excitement for the next day, a planned trip with our graceful leader.Arriving downstairs fully kitted up and raring to go, 1 nice bowl of the new Sugar Puff waffles to get me started as to ensure Richard wasn’t cross with me for not fueling up correctly. Then “ping” you have new voice mail.... “Sorry Cpt C, little lads sick and I have to be a good Dad.”

Fully kitted up I sat in the kitchen contemplating my next move, undress and retreat back to bed, (well I had got the Old boy covering work), change and go to work..nar that would be a waste, (and I knew my Dad wouldn't go home anyway,) or go alone.

Conscious of the need for mileage, but also aware of the mental resilience required for solo flights, the need for miles won and I departed a little after 8. The standard B on a B start up to the windmills and over the other side whipping down into Thurlstone. The little back road loop the Trans Pennine way and off towards Dunford Bridge.

Moving swiftly along and enjoying the early morning sunshine I soon arrived at the car park. Unsure of the best way to get the next part of the Trans Pennine trail I decide to take a quick comfort break, refuel with a hamster bar and check the iphone GPS for my next move. It was only then did I realize that the iphone requires both GPS and GSM signal to locate your whereabouts, and with no mobile signal in the bottom of Dunford bridge I could only guess in the direction to go.

Heading out of Dunford B into the next county, I was soon reassured by some signs directing me to the trail, the road climb towards the main road into a head wind did start to bite a little but happy with the knowledge that what goes up must come down I ploughed on. Arriving at the main road I quickly crossed to find the trail and a lovely section of off road, down hill, swooping in the bottom to find a quaint little bridge, I was slightly bemused by a little climb back to the main road.

Crossing the main road again I hit the track hoping for a long and fun decent, I wasn’t disappointed. Speeding along I came across a guy alone with 5 MTB’s, forever the good Samaritan, I stopped to see if everything was OK and ask how he managed to ride all 5 bike at once! Seems he and a group of friends were tackling the Trans Pennine Trail in full, and the steep off road climb had caught a few riders out, but in true team spirit the fitter ones of the bunch had walked back to help, carry, push along their friends to ensure the team moved along.

(Note to our fitter riders...Please remember this!!! Help, Carry, Push!)

Rejoining my descent I soon found myself at the “DARK SIDE OF THE MOSS” as I rounded the corner to begin my ascent a blur of bodies whisked around the corner...roadies..then more ..and more! Geeez these guys where shifting..Smiling and nodding to well over 200 riders flying down the “DARK SIDE OF THE MOSS” becomes quite a chore and disheartened, slowly I plodded on, watching the 10th’s click by, feeling every little lump in the road and I began to question my decision to attempt “DARK SIDE OF THE MOSS” alone!

Pedal turn after pedal turn and eventually I reached the top, slightly warmer than I was at the bottom and extremely relieved. Stopping in the car park to catch my breath, I quizzed some slightly official looking riders (they had Hi Viz vests on) who explained to me about the 75 mile road race which had started at Lockwood Park and would finish there 75 miles later. As I watched the back markers make it to the top, I was happy that on a Road Bike I would obviously be able to climb just as quick!

Happy with my performance but unhappy with the odometer reading of just 18 miles I began to think of other routes home, speeding down the Moss I spotted the track to Yateholme Res, littered with road closed signs I was sure there would be a way through to BrownHills for a rebel like me!

Enjoying the off road section again I blazed past sign after sign informing me of NO WAY THROUGH....ROAD CLOSED...NO ACCESS.. And just as I arrived at the bridge to Freedom there they where, the largest metal gates you’ve every seen, the largest number of site safety signs you’d ever come across and the largest NO PUBLIC ACCESS sign. Chuckling to myself I about turned and began a nice section of off road climbing back to the main road, half way up I thought that I perhaps should have taken a picture of the gates for the blog, Doh!

Back on the road on heading off to the village of Holme still eager to get more miles in I took a quick left to drop down to Digley, confident I could take on the Digley climb as well as the off road climb we had done several times before. The road section done, I took to the track for the zigzag climb up to the main road, having to dig in little on the way and getting a little cross in the large stoned section near the top, I made it.

A quick bite on another hamster bar and it was time to see if RED BULL really does give you wings. Deep in my pack was a Red bull Power shot, having dragged it around several rides and forgetting to try it, reading the blurb on the bottle I expected to be home in less than 5 mins!

Opting to take the track back down to Digley to reward my climbing efforts I soon found myself in Holmbridge. Maybe it does give you wings, it certainly does something,because for some strange reason I decided to take the route home which beat me first time out!

Along Dob Top and up the climb past the chicken farm this time without getting off, continuing along the road up to Cartworth, down though Washpit at break neck speed and up under Bank Old road to Cinderhills. Not exactly thrilled with Richard’s route last time we where here, I stuck to the road and made it up to Scholes Moor. Adamant to have one last climb I pushed on straight ahead to take on Dean bridge and climb up to Hepworth. JOB done it was downhill all the way home!4 hrs 20 mins riding time 36.5 miles and 2615 ft of climbing!

I can’t wait for next week!!!!!

Captain C

What a Hero can you believe the hardship this man is enduring , please if you can get that pen out and sponsor him so he doesn't have to drink anymore Red Bull shots as they appear to make him feel he is invincible..... and be turning him towards THE DARK SIDE........

Till the morrow as the countdown continues

Racing

Weather fixing D-Day + 5

2010-04-24T19:08:00.005+01:00

Another day gone and amazingly another Sunny one, so to help out, just guaranteed the bad weather for next weekend as I purchased Sun Cream, and just in case ...Fake tan!

As promised I have continued my detailed interviews of the Stars of the ride and so with much fanfare may I introduce you to...............

Neil- Shortlegs, one of Doddys diddimen and a true training hero

Favourite Colour - Blue (definitely Blue)
Sponsor - J.R.R.Tolkien
Bike - Currently a Scott 55 but may be anything by the time of ride -investigating a Penny Farthing for the luxury value
Habitat - Middle earth and jam butty mines
Riding for - The sheer hell of it with charity thrown in.
Hair - By Jonny Depp
Strengths - Sheer determination and guts, scubadiving and overtaking
Weaknesses - Ahem .....of course there are none, when pressed to comment on navigation the answer was "2" I think, and of course riding vintage cycles
Favourite Song - " All around the World"

Tomorrow as time presses on meet another of our heroes and maybe even a mystery guest.. till then .............

Racing

Friday before - D day + 6

2010-04-23T19:27:00.002+01:00

The Countdown continues as we spiral inextricably towards the start, today I have been mostly eating cream cakes in one last desperate push towards weight loss in preparation for the ride and of course celebration of birthing days at work.

Our sponsorship totals are steadily climbing, but we need more to get these guys over the hills and from C2C so please spread the word.

I thought to conclude I would introduce you to one of the stars who will be riding so that you don't have to! Asking the questions and making up the answers as all good politicians do I found out the following:

Tim 1 - The man they call Lance and wearer of the worlds most stylish smoking jacket

Favourite Colour - Definitely Black
Maritable status - Very
Sponsor - Hamlet
Calf size - Bordering on the ridiculous
Bike for the ride - The one with very small square wheels.
Hair - by Kojak
Raising money for - Help for Heroes
Other talents - Photographer and smoke signaller
Favourite song- That one off the Hamlet ad (he had to say that his sponsor said so!!!)

I'm sure you will agree this man deserves your support.......

Tomorrow the countdown continues and we will introduce you to another of our Star riders.. tune in to find out who!

Racing

The Countdown begins

2010-04-22T20:26:00.003+01:00

Ladies and Gentlepeeps, may I welcome you to the Countdown..... A day by day tale of sorrows, joys, last minute training, begging, and downright to the bottom of the pit of your stomach tension building excitement.

Well maybe that is slightly overegging the pudding, however I have to report that to your left you can now see in all it's glorious detail our route day by day and even mile by mile should you wish.

You can view the hills we will climb...... the hills we will climb............the hills we will climb and of course our descents and even sometimes the flat bits inbetween.

I can report transport arrangements are in hand and departure times set, I also have a personal bet on who says "Are we nearly there yet????" first.

To celebrate I am training hard............

Cheers

Racing

A random selection of facts!

2010-04-19T20:25:00.005+01:00

Good evening and welcome to a random selection of facts for today,

Firstly it is confirmed that Now then Vicar has yet another velocipede, a Kona Spitfire or some such, a very dazzling white, with SPDs that are keeping him entertained as he tries to dismount!

Tim 2 has a new Pseudonym which must have been designed by Russell T Davies, welcome to

" The Creator"

Blokes on a bike facebook group has 62 members (Can we make it to 100 before we set off???) and some rather arty pictures of a rather splendid bunch of riders !

And finally the one the only Captain Calamity is 106 today, altogether now, Happy Birthday to UUUUUUUUUU,....................

Racing

Water water everywhere and even some to drink!

2010-04-15T19:43:00.003+01:00

Good news my friends, hydration should not be a problem in the vast desert of Northern Britain.

Thanks to our friends at Shepley Spring we have all our water needs catered for!

Our grateful thanks can only be expressed in an appropriate manner, and I feel a competition for the most unusual photo whilst C2Cing with a bottle of the wet stuff would be a fitting tribute!

http://www.shepleyspring.co.uk/ for more on these fine people.

Racing

Climb them hills boys!

2010-04-10T20:36:00.007+01:00

Ah my friends, you find me this e'en with a light refreshing summer beer to hand, that bizarrely tastes of alcoholic earl grey tea (don't ask!), pink proboscis and arms, a war wound on my left leg, and an aching body from the spoils of war that was the latest training ride, but a smile on my face though I can't quite remember why!

To begin let us start with Shortlegs and the latest of his troubles, (Captain C really has his work cut out competing against the trials and tribulations that are making up the Shortlegs story). For pure emotional effect it appears that Shortlegs decided we needed to test the proposal from Tim2 as kit man, of a spare bike by getting his bike nicked from Sainsburys on Friday!

So as a true kit man does, once more pedals were rearranged, and saddle heights shortened, there was talk of 19inches but I fail to remember the relevance and the two of them blazed a trail for the usual slightly delayed 10am start. Traffic was light this am and I shot to church in a little less than 25 mins from home and Captain C made it for 1 minute past.

Our group gathered in the sunshine, made up of the two Tims, Mr Motivator, Captain C , Shortlegs and myself, perspired gently in a most attractive manner as we climbed towards 5 lane ends (some of us were overdressed (Tim2) but rectified this without scaring the horses) and we regrouped at the top in the usual manner.

We passed Shortlegs chain removal spot at a good pace and without incident, excepting the fact that kit man had decided to decorate a wall with cycling shades and as such added to his personal ride by returning for said item.

The Sun climbed as we flew through Victoria having ridden for at least half a mile in full formation with standards fluttering in the wind (or lack of it) and the sound of the pipes in our ears (or was it just my squeaky brakes). The lack of horses by this time was making Mr Motivator jittery and he dived through Flight hill as if the hounds of hell were after him, before we tested that theory as we once more blasted our way through Hades.

As the sun drove the perspiration down our jowls, we shot towards Yateholme, were Mr Motivator decided to play a little game for the kiddies on the ride and laid a somewhat unusual Easter egg hunt of lock, tyre lever, cables etc (either that or he was trying his best to ensure Shortlegs stuck to the route this time) my how we laughed at this wonderful distraction.

We climbed as is our want past Digley and up towards Greenfield Road, Shortlegs steadily climbing as the rest of us raced on. Gathering at the top and having partaken of hobnobs and haribos, we posed for self timed group photos and laughed as the amateur David baileys jumped over bikes to ensure they were in the picture.

Further hilarity followed as we dived through the mud on the bridleway to Meltham and as we exited at the bottom onto the road Captain C missed a bright red fiestas bonnet by a good inch and a half at great speed.

The travellers rest was reached as the clock struck one, and we took up residence in the beer garden and as usual enjoyed "a great plate of food", (though to be fair it was more than last time
and boy did I pay for it later). Age ranges, the attractiveness of certain calves (whose a lucky boy Captain C) and the onset of baldness ,along with an initial table re sited from the side of Mount Everest all gave us pause for thought as we quenched our thirsts and filled our gullets.
Departing an hour later we continued, the pace for a number of us had now dropped but we gathered at the top of the next climb in defence of Mr Motivator as a fine looking horse passed by to which we gave close attention (but thankfully not the well known killer sloth of a horse from last time).

We shot through Crosland Moor and climbed through Honley Wood, and gathered at the filling station to stock up on sports drinks, mars bars and Shortlegs to spend an age refilling his water bottle.

To help him recover I paced him up the hill to Castle hill only for him to slipstream me with 100 yards to go and encourage the others to think our roles had been reversed.

To gain revenge for this the troops gathered around Shortlegs and forcibly made him turn right and stay with the route as we headed towards Farnley Line. My pace was fast leaving me and I was paying for the early speed so I gently climbed to meet the others at the top.

We now hit virgin territory as we turned left at the traffic lights on penistone road and climbed
another killer hill towards Highburton, the climb sorted the men from the boys and having been scattered to the wind as usual we watched Lance blowing those smoke rings to keep us on track (as a point to note it appears he has a light summer version of the smoking jacket for just such occasions and hopefully the flowers he picked up at the service station have made it home to Lesley, though they may be a little perspired upon given he tucked them under his arm for the final fifteen miles!)

Yet more climbs awaited as we drove onwards through Flocton and back to Emley and to ensure we covered all the local landmarks we climbed once more past Emley Moor mast. As we flew towards the 3 acres and Shelley, we admired the Archers bursting balloons from 50 yds (And no its not the earl grey Mr Motivator can vouch for me here!) and as the troops gathered and a misty tear passed my eyes as i contemplated my bailout I tried to join them, with only one thought on my mind, being that we hadn't had a fall all day!

Bruised and with the ringing laughter bouncing through my ears I left them to make my way home via Ponker lane covering a fine 45 miles, in 5hrs 24 mins and 53 seconds of cycling.

The troops continued and Tim 2 had final mileage of 46.59miles, 5hrs.50min ride time, 5633.23ft ascended, 5633.95ft descended, 1334.15ft max elevation, 283.11ft min elevation, 18.18mph max speed , average speed 7.98mph, min speed 2.87mph, calf size- nowhere even near Tim 1's!!!!!!

A cracking ride if devised by an idiot who likes hills or can't read a map, with good company, fantastic weather and lots of perspiration. Same again tomorrow????

Racing

Motivation with added Brain freeze

2010-04-07T20:34:00.002+01:00

Sunday 4th April

After not being able to make the Good Friday ‘Early Bird’ training I was determined to have a solo outing at a similar time on Saturday instead (Now Then Vicar and Tim 2 had other plans). Well true to form 06:30 Saturday came and went and yet another best laid plan went out the window. Easter Day however was a different matter and at 06:45 I set off in the direction of Holme Moss. There was method in my madness, even though I knew I had to be in Church in 3 hours time, I was determined to conquer the Moss with style!

Stupidly, I had been reading earlier in the week various blogs on t’interweb about riding the C2C and two things kept cropping up, one was how difficult day 2 is going to be and the other was Winlatter Pass. At 6km long with a rise of 800ft it just seemed a little daunting. So earlier in the week I got the GPS out and worked out that from Holme Bridge to Holme Moss summit is 5.5km and the climb is about 700ft (nearly the same I thought). So back to the ride, I left home feeling to be honest, not great, everything seemed to ache from the start and by the time I had passed Holmfirth centre I felt crap and wanted to turn back.

I didn’t, but I must say that that the first part of the ride is the worst I’ve had to date and that includes some of the mud clumping moorland climbs that Tim2 has dragged me out on. I’m not sure what it was, but I decided to have a week off training and by the time I reached Lane End with every muscle screaming for me to stop and my saddle feeling like a razor blade I was ready to do just that.

But enough whinging, the next part was the main climb up Holme Moss, which actually wasn’t that bad (apart from the head wind and sleet), it was just a case of hunkering down, getting into the zone and counting down the corners and eventually reaching the top. Now was the really difficult part…. continue or turn around for a great sprint back downhill all the way to a warm home and some breakfast. For some strange reason ‘continue’ won even though I was thoroughly uncomfortable, freezing cold and my new ‘Fair Weather’ cycling resolution was rapidly disappearing into the distance.

I’m not sure where the inspiration came from; I’m not usually so strong-willed. It was either the thought of Neil Coventry doing the previous weekend’s 35 mile training ride with nothing but a vintage boneshaker, my broken down spare parts only bike, and lashings of stubborn determination, or Racing Snake’s JOGLE story of Wind, Rain, Snow and similarly a trek over Holme Moss where he finally realised he was ready to face anything, John O’Groats to Lands End could throw at him. I think it was the latter.

So off I went, looking forward to the trip down t’other side! That lasted all of 20 seconds…. I’ve never experienced brain freeze while not eating an ice cream before and certainly never for a full 5 minutes! Bloody hell it was cold! I got to the bottom with blurred vision and the despairing feeling that there was no way back without climbing Holme Moss the wrong way! So onwards…. but to where? I realised this wasn’t a route I had taken before apart from in a car and all I knew that was my theoretical plan was to hook up with the Longdendale Trail onto the Trans Pennine Trail back onto the main road a short hop to Victoria and all downhill to home (Simples!).

Well picking up the Longdendale Trail was easy enough and apart from it being a bit wet and muddy it was straight and thankfully flat…. until it ended! Mmmm, the Longdendale Trail doesn’t actually link up with the Trans-Pennine Trail, well not in a nice continuous flat sort of way. At the end of one you have to cross the A628 and then climb to the top of the moor (all off road) and after 3.5 miles of rocks, mud, puddles and extremely strong wind you can pick the Trans Pennine Trail back up at Dunford Bridge.

At this point time is ticking on and getting home in time for Church seems highly unlikely. I eventually get to the Winscar Reservoir turn off and decide to ring the wife and warn her I’m not going to make it. After a quick Mars break, off I go again and hit the Trans-Pennine Trail. I was expecting this to be another arduous, muddy, slow section but to my surprise and despite the mud and puddles it seemed only a couple of minutes before I reach the A616 and I’m going through Crow Edge. Victoria is next and then I decide to take the easy route straight down the hill to New Mill. I did consider the longer Tinker’s Monument route for all of 3 seconds, but thought ‘next time’.

Anyway, I finally got home about 30 minutes sooner than my warning call to the wife had predicted and on reflection the 38.6km in just over 3hrs wasn’t bad after all. I also learnt a few things on the way. 1) I prefer riding with a group, I always seem to push myself a little harder. 2) Don’t give up early on, I think it takes a while to get your body going. 3) Don’t have a complete week off again! & 4) Plan your route thoroughly when you’ve got limited time.

Mr Motivator

Will we be the chip paper of tomorrow???

2010-04-06T20:49:00.003+01:00

In fine print of todays Huddersfield Examiner

http://www.examiner.co.uk/news/local-west-yorkshire-news/2010/04/06/huddersfield-blokes-on-a-bike-raise-thousnads-on-charity-bike-ride-86081-26179740/

Come on guys take inspiration and give our wonderful charities a helping hand by sponsoring us Now!

Go on you know you want to!!!

Racing

If only all training were as good as this!

2010-04-04T07:52:00.003+01:00

Ah, my friends, you find me after two full days of cross training, watching small boys devour breakfast in order to get their just rewards of Easter day.

Having been up with the larks on Good Friday morn, for an early rendevous with Captain C and a supreme ride in the early morning taking in our usual viewpoints of windmills, reservoirs, cloud, rain, mud and of course Captain C's infamous chain destroying climb avec dog, but this time in reverse , though we still failed to complete the climb on two wheels, (one day ............).

We discovered bridleways we were not aware of, and Captain C found the challenge of the "downhill" from near Emley to the Grove at Skelmanthorpe a true joy on an empty stomach.

The songs of the dawn chorus accompanied our pedalstroke as we proved the old adage of the tortoise and the hare (well we saw two) and were for a short while on the climb to Emley, destroyed by the pace of the runner who passed us with blinding ease.

A really good ride of approx 20 miles and one that will definitely be added to the Racing Snake training ride manual for the rest of the month.

http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-kingdom/-shepley/451127011876867762

Having returned home for half eight the seaside beckoned and Caroline decided that I needed to add a little more training ,so we ventured to Robin Hoods Bay and undertook step training of the highest order added to the minor climb from the sea to the car park with partial carrying of three stone child and my workout was complete for the day.

To follow this up Easter Saturday included, a walk to Scissett in the rain, a swim with two children who continue to give a great impression of a fish, and a walk home, oh and that misses out the full on excercise of watching Skelmanthorpe United thrashing some poor opposition for half an hour as we passed the rec.

All in all I think I deserved the Pie and peas washed down with a refreshing beverage after all that excercise!

If only all training were as good as this!

Racing

Spiritual Guidance of the truest kind

2010-03-29T19:39:00.010+01:00

Unable for various reasons to join the maddening throng on Saturday, (Well not until the end when I went to look for short legs, as he’d left an SOS on my answering phone.) I entered the gym at about 1550 to be told they close at 1700 which meant a beasting on the runner, and a further 30mins on the cycle machine, not much time left for sit-ups and grunting at metal work.

In fact the young woman behind the scene at the gym seem quite disturbed by my hollow look after quite literally blowing out of my arse for an hour. Anyway I covered 5K running and 13K on the bike I believe a total of 17k in less than an hour which dealt with my catholic guilt for not being on the ride, and my protestant work ethic that I’d used the time well. No breakage for me other than more wear on already shot knees. That was Saturday, not fun, not funny, not even interesting but committed.

Sunday brought about another challenge on my new (to me) bike, 3rd one I’ve been trg on now, a Kona Nunu, ‘they’ say variety is the spice of life!

Hello boys unfortunately not the 1990s advertising campaign led by Eva Herzigova but a whole new world of PAIN that was introduced to me by Peter (the Ferrari) Branson.

Peter set off towards Hade Edge from Totties and out towards the forestry above the Home Styles with chilling speed, all off road. Again I was using that breathing tube usually reserved only for sprouts, cabbage and eggie bread. Peter’s broad grin and obvious excitement meant he hardly noticed my pain; keeping exactly just within my eye sight other than the few times he rode back to hold a conversation with me; which in fairness was a bit one way in that I had no spare breath for talking so I resorted to signing.

We belted round the forestry, ‘gentle spinning’ was how Peter described it. At one point near the end (what felt like my life), Peter offered a half hour loop which might take a bit longer! I fortunately found a voice and an excuse. There’s that protestant work ethic again, “No, maybe another time” I replied.

So onwards and upwards we went continuing to go up tracks I usually ride down to begin a truly speedy and enjoyable decent from Hade Edge into Wooldale. 13.3 miles all together in what felt like as many mins. A good work out, and most enjoyable. Thank you Peter. My new bike felt good, albeit it needs some attention to the front derailer and wider handle-bars.

Now then Vicar

5 Men went to ride!

2010-03-27T19:53:00.009Z

So my friends we have yet another tale of daring do to tell, in which Captain C gets a rival, Neil turns into Houdini, terrible, terrible injuries are inflicted and a mass game of "part swapping" unfolds!

So where to begin, well let's try the terrible traffic which once more led Captain C to arrive slightly after the anointed departing hour.

We were a merry bunch as we gathered under sun filled skies , accosted David "Bailey" Brooke to record our leers and prepared for departure.

Neil having decided that his bike was too good for such a trivial ride (some excuse about servicing required) had arrived on a vintage 1940s steed which would soon cost him and us dear!

The five of us (Tim2, Shortlegs, Mr Motivator, Captain C and I) set off as is our want on our more testing of rides by sprinting uphill to the Crossroads, well all except Shortlegs, who couldn't find a gear to save his life on his vintage steed. Solving the conundrum in the only way Mr Motivator can, a spare bike was summoned (Thanks Mel et al) and after a short period to enable swap of Saddle we continued on our way to 5 Lane ends (1.3miles in 50 minutes we were really motoring!)

Having noted a slight issue that pedals for said spare bike were SPDs, we clambered our way over the top and with ingenius use of an Allen key (along with a slight grumble about lack of greasing! from our technicians) pedals were swapped from my bike to Marks/ Neils, enabling me to have the ones that used to be Tims and us to venture further. We had now made it 1.54 miles in an hour - Doesn't time fly when you are having fun!

All issues sorted we flew towards our turnoff pre windmills and having covered another 125 yds at a record pace of 10mph Shortlegs now decided he didn't need a chain! Captain C deciding this was just too funny and attention was being taken away from himself then gave a demonstration of how to do a triple somersault with pike while still clipped in, in the middle of the road - Now that was Funny!

We now positively flew towards the windmills, I turned right whilst the others ventured a little further to warm their legs on a minor climb and we battled a minor headwind to Victoria, crossing we continued and steadily climbed to our usual vantage point over Flight hill.

Here we came across the first of many fine fillys for the day, at which whilst passing with care (and basically not watching what he was doing as he gave her a wide berth), Mr Motivator decided dismount was appropriate and that causing terrible,terrible injury to Tims knee would mean that he could share the pain!

We soldiered on down through the forestry, round Hades and missing the giant mole which caused such injury to Captain C the last time we passed that way, shot down the hill towards Yateholme without further incident.

We took great pride as our speed progressed and we hit Holmbridge to begin the long climb to Digley just as the clock struck 12.

Slowly but steadily we pulled ourselves upwards and as we climbed from the Reservoir up a fearful climb I heard the call of the Pewitt and the rarely heard, slightly out of breath "F**cking hell this is steep" from behind.

Hill climbed we set off ever upwards along the track and having utilised the massage effects of the slightly uneven surface made our way via various puddles/bogs to the main Greenfield Road.

Having paused for breath and refuelling we headed downhill towards Harden Moss Farm to join the Bridleway to Meltham. Mr Motivator declining to turn his front wheel in the general direction he wished to travel, dismounted in the ceremonial way again, (Captain C was now turning a slight shade of green as his rival continued to muscle in on his turf! ). Having survived we shot down the steepest of tracks to arrive in Meltham at record pace for the day, before climbing (again) to come to rest for luncheon at just after 2pm at The Travellers Rest.

It was now that Mr Motivator unleashed his master plan, and caused general chaos by throwing money on the floor, applying glaswegian kisses to innocent tables and generally causing much hilarity for the venerable locals. The food/drink was great at a reasonable price and the fine company and laughter enabled us to recover in double quick time - Tim even left some of the glaze on his dish after his Chillie.

Captain C not to be outdone made such a performance of utilising the facilities we honestly thought he was going to have an accident, turns out three pairs of shorts (including bib shorts) were the issue - though where the rumour about the thong came from I know not!

Having received the good wishes of all the people in the Pub and nearly everyone impressing on Mr motivator that he should take care we headed out, and headed round Blackmoor Foot Res at some speed (reaching a top speed of 33.5mph for the day).

We blazed a trail through South Crossland before heading down to the main road (politely let out by a Bus driver) we dived across and headed upwards once more to Honley Woods.

Here Shortlegs who was soldiering manfully on, on a bike made of elastic bands and washers that was a little hesitant in sticking to one particular gear, decided that to Spook another of our fine fillys would be fun.

We shot over the brow and heading through Magdale arrived at Alpine Corner filling station were Mr Motivator had some sort of issue over change as he purchased fuel.

Continuing on Hangingstone lane time was now pressing on and mentally I targeted 4pm at Castle Hill, to do this we had to go up yet again, and on a long killer climb all of a sudden words became unnecessary as we crawled desperately towards the summit.

We reached the foot of Castle hill at 4.04pm and given certain members had engagements this evening pushed on hard, flying down the hill opposite Farnley Line and then hanging a right to climb up to it.

That is all bar one, Houdini shortlegs had somehow become detached on the descent and had not seen the right turn choosing instead to venture left (I know this as after a short delay of some ten minutes and realising we had not taken precautions in the way of mobile numbers, I went in search of said member. Having flagged down a couple of motorists I quickly confirmed that he had not departed his cycle, and as I passed a yellow streak that became clear as a Roadie I was given the knowledge that he had in fact overtaken us and shot for the main penistone road).

By the wonders of technology I sent the troops in chase but alas it was in vain, so we regathered at the junction of the main road and decided our only option was to abandon original route and cut to the chase.

So the intrepid four hurtled up the main road (well three of them did, my brain had left me by then so leg rotation was clearly in its own time) but we climbed steadily before diving to Thunderbridge and the next to last climb of the day to Stocksmoor (What a beauty that is!) even Tim and Captain C's extra Chillie power didn't help here, before mounting one last push through Fulstone back to Church.

Tim summed up our ride by describing holes in certain areas of his anatomy, Captain C reckoned that he had just managed to maintain his crown and Mr Motivator had a serene grin on his face, but I know not why?

We managed a supreme 34.2miles, at a stupendous average speed of 7mph in 4hrs 50mins 13seconds of physical riding

Houdini re-appeared as I loaded my bike on the car having ridden the main road to the Sovereign and back down to church. I wonder really whether he found a ring at castle hill and he somehow had managed to re-appear from middle earth.

I guess we have learnt, three things from today, make sure you use the right kit, make sure everyone has full contact details for each other, and last but not least utilise the rules I use for my boys and if you are lost stay still and we will find you.

All in all a cracking if slightly incomplete ride with good company and good food.

Racing

How the hell is he doing it!

2010-03-25T19:30:00.000Z

Just received notification from Lance that Saturday sees him with a pressing engagement watching Peter Gabriel, along with news that he has greatly increased his sponsorship totals and is putting the rest of us to shame.

Definitely a case of I don't know whether he is using a "Sledgehammer", just "Shaking the Tree" or has decided to merely " Don't give Up!" as a technique to extract donations but he sure as well can say "I have the touch!"

Come on guys time to catch up "Big Time!"

Racing

Amendments

2010-03-22T20:01:00.004Z

And so I have once more "trained" my way to the darkest reachs of Derby, and back, primarily with a little help from the wonders of our National rail system-

Going because my leaden legs would have made me miss the train had it not been 15 minutes late and on my return because the 22 minute delay in departure from Derby ensured I had to ride through the delights of a Mini monsoon in Barnsley.

I arrived home a tad damp to the immediate hopefully temporary departure of my dearest ,which may have been due to the fact that she had made me a handsome microwave tea of Pasta, Chillie, Leek, Chillie, Mushroom, Chillie and Ham!

Anyway to the amendments-

1) Training Ride 3 - Captain C has kindly informed me that there is no through road round the golf course at Woodsome and that the "members" may not take kindly to a bunch of bike riders spoiling their Greens even if we are the world famous Blokes on a bike.- so I guess an amendment via a short hop on the main road will have to suffice.

2) Take a look at the Christchurch New Mill justgiving page as it now has a swanky picture details of what goes on there and links to the church website etc, so if you want to know more why not spoil us and donate at the same time.

Racing

Training continues apace

2010-03-21T17:47:00.005Z

To prove this training lark has really bitten us, and the bug of miles in our legs and mud and rain on our faces, heres more proof that Captain Calamity really does live up to his name, and that Now then Vicar is quite clearly aiming for the Stunt rider of the C2C award.

A missive from Captain C

Morning All
Excited by the brief glimpse of spring early in the week and a freshly serviced bike along with a large delivery from wiggle, I was all set for a afternoon of intense training, however the drive to work some what dampened my sprits.
Returning from work at lunch time with the wind still gusting and the rain still falling, I saddled up, complete with new waterproof jacket and a rucksack packed with all the things I deemed necessary for my ride and the days on the C2C.
Leaving the gate I headed towards Jackson bridge and took the challenge of Butt lane towards Hepworth, moving on up to Boshaw and then tackling the the off road route to Flight Hill, dodging the masses gathered to watch Hade Edge FC.
Chuffed with my rate of climb up the rough track I emerged happy but slightly damp, in true Carling attitude “it’s beginning to look a little brighter out there”. Swift work was made of the decent around the Winscar res finding myself at the Stanhope Arms and the start of the muddy trail towards Penistone.
Having read Richards blog early in the week I took this opportunity to refuel before tackling the track, spurred on by the sight of an 8 year old girl just arriving at the picnic area, happy but muddy and also taking part in a charity ride, I jumped back on and off.
Whisking along at good pace nodding my head at other riders taking part in the charity ride I could hardly keep the grin from my face, big puddles, lots of mud at last some enjoyment from this training, although I must add I feel in the direction of Penistone it’s slightly downhill. Such was my speed I missed the exit lane to Millhouse, but feeling fresh I decide to make a slight route change and bat on to the Station.
Dropping back into Penistone I noticed the lack of front brake and the bike having just been serviced made me a little cross! Up and around the Town centre and back towards Thurlstone, rejoining my intended route, well Saturday wouldn’t be Saturday without saying hello to my favourite dog. Once again the decent on the single track proved tricky but taking careful selection of my gears I concentrated on the climb in front, (yet to be achieved by any member of the team), with a couple of cogs too much I only managed to get a little further than last week, but again with optimism I knew one day I’ll get it right!
With a spring in my step I pushed to the top of the narrow track, deciding to refuel at last weeks service point, as the clouds darkened and the wind whipped up, the rain beginning to fall a little heavier I jumped back on, forced the pedal down to hear the familiar sound heard just 7 days prior, yep you guessed it...broken chain!
The expletives began, the bike shop who said it would be fine being repaired had been crossed of my Christmas card list and then a sense of calm came across me as I undid my new rucksack and unpacked all the necessary equipment to get me back on my way, whistling while I worked happy in the knowledge that all these hiccup's would only make me stronger and better prepared for the real thing.
Back on the bike I set off again, however the cold wet wind had really started to tell and I struggled to get heat back in my body and legs as I climbed back towards 5 lanes End. Looking at the clock and disappointed with my mileage I headed for home a cold and wet rider, I convinced myself to take a little off road section I know, and pushed on around Ebson House and down Fulstone to home, as the odometer clicked over the 20 mile mark. Arriving home cold, very wet and muddy, I can only pray for better weather in May.
Yours
Captain C

A Sermon from Now then Vicar

Yes I arrived back from Derby at 1545 and tried to ring James who was most likely by this time looking for a part of his bike in Thurstone (how annoying). Anyway with no answer from James I pulled out of the homestead and headed off through New Mill village on one long climb to Victoria; swinging a right at the top O’ the hill into the murk.

I then headed on what was remembered as downhill, but was actually more uphill towards the forestry at the top of Home Styles Res. making a good time, pace inspired by the driving rain and desperation to get off the road and onto some tracks.

By now I’d hit the forestry, had to dismount to jump the stile and threw the bike down the track up past the building and down Hades really enjoying the technical side of the riding. This inspired me to find a slightly alternative route through the wood which meant I has to dismount once over a fallen tree. Then down a steep narrow incline, dismounted at the bottom and pushed out for 50 yards before remounting and riding round the res and out onto Choppards, turning right up the hill to Hade Edge.
The last time I was on that hill I was chasing Tim to the top. It all felt good so I made a left at the band-room and across to the windmill taking a farm track down to Scholes and then continuing across the road to another track leading down towards Cinderhills. This was a very boggy technical section which saw me dismount in the usual involuntary way, over the handle bars on two occasions.
By this time I was wet through anyway and was having a ball. All tiredness gone from the adrenalin rush (while James was looking for his brakes). Dropped off the back of Cliff and quick sprint down the hill home all in 1 hour 40 ish. Don’t know how far but it was great fun and the shower after it felt great.

I really am enjoying the cycling. Now the sponsorship, that's another challenge.

Now then Vicar

Great inspiration fellas!!!

And so what have we learnt-

1) It's clear to see that we will need at least three chains in the support vehicles, purely for Captain C (Kit Man please take note!)

2) It seems that if you read the sermon carefully Now then Vicar appears to be cross-training rather than pure bike riding, what with throwing bikes, walking, log hopping and sometime riding- (think he's just showing off really!)

Please help keep these guys training hard by Sponsoring them and spreading the word, any amount you can give will help our charities greatly!

Racing

Training ride 3

2010-03-20T16:03:00.002Z

Training ride 3 on Saturday 27th March starting from New Mill church at 10am.

Route as per the attached.

http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-kingdom/huddersfield/734126909993756915

Looking forward to a balmy 8 degrees!

Racing

Failing to learn from experience!

2010-03-16T21:28:00.004Z

Ah what a fool am I, I have returned today from two consecutive days of commuting from home to Barnsley, and boy do I have aches, pains etc just where I don't need them!

Had a thought that I am missing something, and then from the recesses of my mind (as I recalled my Jogle) it struck me, Sudocrem, Padded undershorts and regular fuelling. All currently missing. I'm sure Kit man mentioned something to do with these.... must read blog closer
Route of my commute gives around 19 miles at one end and a couple at the other, if anyone feels like joining me, though 5.20am for the first half, and 6.20pm return, and the train to Derby may not fit with your working day!
See Link for details-
http://www.mapmyride.com/route/gb/skelmanthorpe/183126877483188459

Racing

PS: IF YOU HAVEN'T PLEASE SPONSOR US

Working on the chain gang- or not as the case may be!

2010-03-13T20:35:00.010Z

So as the clock struck 5.20am, I dived out of bed, donned my cycling invisibility cloak, lit my many coloured lighting array and bestrode my steed all by a quarter to six on a Saturday morning (certain people would only assume that I had lost my marble, if I ever had it!).

The Sun was beginning to cast its hue of pink among a cloudless sky filled by aviation trails as I steadily climbed through Lower Cumberworth towards the Star and five lane ends, before diving for Crossroads and the Church, to meet my fellow, intrepid early risers for the start of early bird training proper.

Now Then Vicar, Mr Motivator, and the leader of the gang (henceforth to be known as Captain Calamity!!!) were gathered as I made my appearance and we began as is our want with an uphill section. We climbed at a good and steady pace, heartened by the sight of the Sun, the lack of Snow and Fog and the certain knowledge we would be home in short order. Butterley lane briefly challenged us before we raised our heartbeats "briefly" to climb onwards to our natural disposition of passing windmills.

Now then Vicar had by this time regaled us with tales of pure quality salesmanship from his preferred cycle shop (or to be more accurate inflexibility of the highest order), and had cleared the little difficulties from a glass too many on the previous evening.

Having skated round various corners, ice patches etc, we passed a pack of rottweilers which looked like they might like to test our edibility and on good , quick roads decided that if the C2C could be guaranteed to be like this it wouldn't be half bad!

Having stopped to admire the windmills close to, discussed, the servicing of same and something about it could only be done from the top, we sped downhill reaching a comfortable 33 mph per my cycle computer.

Following Captain Calamity's route we passed his friendly dog, and descended along the singletrack (at which I proved comprehensively I still lack anything like proficiency) and three of us made it to the otherside albeit with two legged means rather than wheels.

Captain Calamity however, decided to prove his sudonym by deciding that gears didn't need to be changed to go uphill and seperated his chain from his bike in a most professional manner.

Time was pressing on at this point and knowing I had an appointment with the wrath of my beloved should I not get home for 8, I did what all good teammates do and abandoned the three of them to the fun of mending chains, having of course taken the obligatory photo for the Blog, though Mr Motivator did have to be encouraged to hold Captain calamitys other end for photographic purposes.

I by this time was behind schedule and therefore flogged my way through Ingbirchworth, to Upper Denby before I shot downhill through Denby Dale.

I reached the top of Gilthwaites lane as the Carriage turned back to a pumpkin and climbed for one last time over the track back to Lidgett Lane and home.

My time of 2hrs 6 mins and 17.89 miles seemed liked a good wake up call, my fuelling was crap and letting my boys steal one of my Muesli bars proved to be a foolish idea as the day progressed.

The rest of the gang may still be out there singing along about working on the Chain Gang...........Captain Calamity are you out there?..........come in please................

Racing

Early bird training session 1 - 06-03-10

2010-03-10T19:48:00.003Z

Just a quick update to let you know the first early bird training session progressed as planned yesterday morning.Only 2 in attendance, myself and Sean, who greeted me at my gate posts in a snazzy yellow number at 6:30am.

(sorry didn't have a picture of the yellow one other than the eyes! racing)

We started with the compulsory training ride start up to Snowgate Head, across the main road and on up to 5 lanes end.With the air cold clean and crisp we rode on past the windmills, which this Saturday I could see in all their glory.On to the end of the road, but instead of doing a right like last week, we beared left swooping down into Thurlstone.

Sean managed to shock a half a sleep motorist on his way to work as he took the apex of a corner at break neck speed with his knee down Rossi style.Left in Thurlstone and nice little climb out of the village but the road marking suggesting a dead end, as did the very large dog behind a farmers gate, however...iphone to hand we confirmed our current and correct location and proceeded onto a nice little, narrow track,

A short but steep and trickydownhill section, found us in the bottom with a short but steep and narrow technical climb out, do to the large area of soft ground at the bottom we were both unable to ride out.Like true off rode cavaliers we chucked them onto our shoulder and ran up the narrow path(if you believe that...well then) At the top we found a nice section of track which lead us to pop out just under the Ingbirchworth Res.

We then made our way back towards the windmills, crossing underneath them this time and heading towards Victoria, short of the junction we switched back on Hog Close lane pedalling back towards Tinkers Monument.

To finish the ride we took the nice downhill section of Intake lane and the rough track, bringing us though Pit bottom and home to Sude Hill.

A great way to start the day, a nice route and good company. 13 miles in 1 hr 40 min is our bench mark time! Which will be easily bettered next time out.

All welcome next Saturday, you can be back in bed or at work for 8:30 no problem at all.

James

Kit List for Blokes on a bike

2010-03-05T21:36:00.002Z

Hi Guys, following is a kit list for the coast to coast. This is not a definitive kit list, it is just what I am going to be taking and can recommend, obviously if you would be more comfy doing things another way, I shall not take offence! J
I have not mentioned specifics e.g, map, compass, GPS, etc, just the basic rider kit list.

I think the easiest way to start is top of the body down to the feet, then the luggage.

A Helmet. For me personally, this is a must. Something airy and comfy with the protection required. If you have spill on the bike, broken wrists, arms etc are a 6 week healing problem, but a broken head tends to be terminal. They are not a legal requirement for any type of cycling, but for the price of them these days, there really is no excuse.
Riding/sunglasses. For comfort really, a bit of relief from the (hopefully very bright!) sun. Also good for stopping your eyes watering when riding downhill/quickly/into wind.
A lightweight “Buff”. A kind of tube scarf thing. Pop it in your bag, you’ll probably never use it. It weighs nothing, and if the wind starts to blow, your ears will be really glad you’ve got it!
Base layer top. Sports T-shirt/technical fabric kind of thing. A moisture wicking material that moves sweat away from the body, keep the body warm if needed, and helps to regulate body temperature a little. You can spend as much as you like, but personally I’ve found cheap base layers work as well as expensive ones. All very much of a muchness. Long or short sleeve, full zip or half zip, what ever is your personal preference.
A comfy top. T-shirt for riding in, again, technical material is better, but hopefully it will be warm enough just for 1 layer on top!
Waterproof jacket. Something light, and that packs down very small into your bag. I have a cheap as chips rain jacket, just the job to get me through a shower. (Again I hope the weather remembers its supposed to be near summertime!)
Riding Gloves. Again fingerless or full fingered, whichever you are happiest with. Lightweight and airy, they don’t offer much in the way of protection if you were to fall off, but they are not designed for that. These are to stop the blisters that come with longer periods of riding. I think it is worth noting that it is worth getting a proper pair of riding specific gloves, that you have tried on and are happy with the fit. The padding is in all the right places, and if you are not comfy or in pain with blisters, 50 miles a day will seem like torture. They don’t cost a fortune (don’t think I’ve spent more than £20 on any, including winter waterproof pairs), defiantly recommended.
Padded undershorts. If you bring anything on this list, make it this one! A padded under short will make everything more bearable. Blisters and sores “down there” are not fun. Personally I will be taking 2 pairs as if like me you sweat quite a bit when exercising, salt crystals can form, and if there is any blistering, it is really unpleasant. Wear a pair, wash a pair. Your body will thank you from the heart of its bottom!
Shorts/Trousers. This is up to you. Whatever is comfy for you. I recommend lightweight and quick drying. Apart from that, be comfy!
Socks-again a preference thing. Comfy, sports socks, heavy outdoor socks your choice. A pair for each day I’m taking.
Shoes. Same as socks. Be comfy, but remember you will have them on all day for 3 days.

Gear.
1.Luggage- personally I would suggest staying away from panniers, they make a bike heavier and clumsy whilst manoeuvring. That said, if you are used to panniers, go that way, but I find a good fitting back pack is better . Try it on to make sure it fits you well and is comfortable, remember you will be wearing it all day and not all packs fit everybody well (chest straps are always a bonus). Check body contact points, areas of nipping etc. I would suggest that a pack be as small as possible (which helps reduce weight) whilst being capable of carrying all your chosen kit easily (stuffed packs are horrid to ride with). Basic comfy day pack through to hydration packs (with on board bladder- Camelbak, Dakine etc) your choice, just be comfy. Possibly get a rain cover for your pack too? It is English weather after all!

2.Inner tubes. I can recommend taking at least one in your pack. We’ll be riding together, so if anybody is unlucky enough to get a 2 flats, we should be OK. These can be bought cheaply from anywhere, online, bike shops, supermarkets etc. Unless you are going for the puncture proofed tubes (Slime, Dr.Sludge etc) tubes are really pretty much all the same. I can recommend Slime tubes, I changed mine to Slime 1 year ago, not one puncture since. Make sure you buy the same type as what is already on your bike, the 2 main types are Shraeder valve (car type) and Presta valve. I only mention it because a Schraeder valve won’t fit a Presta valve wheel rim.

3. Tyre levers. Cheap as chips, you need them to change tyres, and when you are riding your bike in the future, you will need them at some point.

4. A chain link to match your chain is a must too. A broken chain is game over if it can’t be fixed. A spare link and pin, a power link kit etc, just pop something in your pack that can fix your chain should it break. (Remember to match your chain-e.g 8-speed gears and chain needs an 8 speed link, 9 speed-a 9 speed link etc.) Couple of quid online/in shops, they weigh nothing, and hopefully we won’t need to use it.

5.A gear cable. Again, one to match your bike. I only ever carry 1, and so far I’ve never needed it, but I’m happy knowing if a cable snaps, I’m not stuck. Online (Wiggle, Chainreactioncycles etc) or shops, only a couple of quid.

6. Tools. You can get cycle specific ones(Crank Brothers, Alien etc), but anything with a few tools that match your bikes fitments/hardware. Even a small bag of Allen keys could get you out of a jam. I’m taking my tool box for any bigger problems(hopefully in the van!!) but again, after the C2C ,in the future, chances are at some point, you will need them.

7. Chamois cream. This again is preference and a personal choice. These creams are formulated to ease areas of soreness around the saddle contact points. Some folks use Sudocreme etc, I use a chamois cream, for me its better. Around a fiver from bike shops/Internet if you want some.

8. Energy! Some food stuffs to keep you going. Flapjacks, fruit loafs, jelly sweets, isotonic drinks etc all work a treat. Again these can all be bought, I make my own flapjacks, and for a good isotonic drink, 50% pure unsweetened juice, 50% water and a good pinch of salt. Cheap and just as effective! J Take water if you do not opt for any energy drinks. I don’t know how much fluid each rider will need, but to try and gauge it, I will be carrying 3 litres on the first day, and increase/decrease as necessary for the following 2 days.

9. Evening clothes. Totally up to you! For somebody with my poor taste in fashion, I definitely should not be telling you how to dress! Don’t forget your overnight kit too!

Bikes.
Take a spare set of brake blocks/pads-just in case.
Your bike should be ready for this ride. If it is new, get the dealer you bought it from to service it before we go. Usually dealers give you a “free 6 week service” when you buy it. Remember that new bike gear cables will need to stretch and settle, as will brake cables (unless you are running hydraulics) etc. It is no fun trying to cycle up a hill with skipping gears. If I can help at all with any bike, please just let me know, if the bike is new it would be best getting done at the dealer, just to protect your warranty.

I think that’s everything folks, if I have forgotten anything, please add on, and I will see to it that I am adequately beaten!

Cheers Guys,

Tim. (2)

The Lesser Spotted Branson

2010-03-05T21:29:00.002Z

Sad news that Peter won't be able to join us due to his newborn son needing major surgery, our thoughts are with Peter and his family at this difficult time.

Racing

Logo

2010-03-04T21:22:00.002Z

It has been decreed by the various Seers that we needed a logo, so with much trumpet and percussion here it is.......... our thanks to Messrs Moorhouse and Brockway for their design input

Racing

It'll be a balmy 8 degrees after 10am

2010-02-28T12:55:00.008Z

So a second training escapade has been concluded, a total of 6 set off (Mark, GB, James, Tim1, Neil, and yours truly), and a mere 2 completed in full (Tim1 and some other bloke).

Having set off from New Mill church after an interminable wait for James to manage the 20yds from his abode, and GB to do a spot of weight training with a filing cabinet, we dashed the first yard and a half in a bunched sprint before climbing steadily (all excepting GB and Tim who with inexorable lack of haste steadily disappeared into the distance telling tales of daring do and passing a rather large cigarette holder between them, Tim not believing his pipe would light too well in the inclement weather).

The air was full of snow, though Mark taking the role of optimist declared the main reason for showing his knees with a distinct lack of leggings was because the weather forecast promised a balmy 8 degrees after 10am!

Having warmed our legs we reached the Crossroads, scuttled across the main road and climbed into the fog snow and low cloud. We sauntered whilst hiding in the horizontal snowfall, on the underside of the windmills, not that we saw them as the fog swallowed them whole.

To Millhouse we fell and via a circuitous route headed for the Upper Don Trail. As we sauntered towards it we saw, a fine entrance over a low gate and through a paddy field the trail itself. As an unknown jest we joined the trail here and as Mark and I turned to watch the troops clambering over the gate, we espied a fine wide entrance a whole 10 yards up the trail in the direction of travel. Oh how we laughed at this jolly jape!

To show our impertinance, Lance and Bradley left us for dust and the rest of us sauntered through snow, ice and mud to Dunford Bridge. In order to recoup our deficit it was suggested that maybe we could utilise the bus that was idling at the stop, but after a short discussion with the driver we were left with no option but to climb again, to pass over Winscar res and up to the splendid view of nothing that was the pea soup at Flight hill. (Tim had obviously decided enough was enough and that we all required motivational and speed training, and as such launched snowballs at us with the his free hand at an alarming rate of accuracy! Have to say it didn't work).

We again set off for lumberjack country and after Mark had made a slightly injudiscious comment about Jennys potential T shirt and Blokes on a Bike, set off downhill through the fjords. Tim showed how you mount your steed when clearing 5 bar gates in Batley and to be fair everyone thought he was a bit of a smartarse!

Mark handed out the tablets (mine was pink!) and we found fresh impetus for a brief second or so.

Onwards through Hades we fled and the first true war wound was to aflict James as he exited velocipede in an untoward manner, putting not only a hole in his flesh, but also his brand new shorts!

The snow was now turning to Sleet, and the chill factor was hitting us hard, with Mark's bare flesh doing a good impersonation of GB's union flag headwear despite the Mud.

We passed plantation and headed down the track to the foot of Brownhill and Yateholme which was a good bit of fun but encountered a small dismount from Mark. Passing walkers accused those of us at the rear of being old men according to our colleagues, but heh we got there.

We couldn't head to Yateholme due to work on the Reservoirs, so we chose downhill, passing a couple of intrepid walkers picnicing in the snow and I caught sight of a cormorant on Holme Styes res.

As we hit the road again Mark abandoned with Blue feet and ice pack knees, (to be fair he had ridden to the church for the start) and GB shot for the low ground in order to make an appointment in Liverpool!(or so he said)

The rest of the intrepid band of frozen, wet cyclists headed past Dobb school to Cartworth, and Wards Banks, were we took a shortened route to the top of Washpit. As we hit the flatlands before Underbank, Neil had a minor panic attack as he saw the hills again, but he kindly paced me up the hill to Cinderhills as he walked alongside as I rode.

We crossed the playing fields and took the "crow flies" path, which was somewhat damp. In fact scuba gear was called for as we rescued Neil from the rising water, added to the obstacles on the path, damp frozen feet was definitely the order of the day. Over Cliff we shot and gathered at the end in a uniform orchestral chorus of cold squeaky disc brakes and headed at Speed past Seans abode shortly after which the four became three.

The church once more rose into sight and James finally met his match as Sude hill and home made it into sight. Tim by this time had his bike in the car had extinguished his 83rd cigarette of the day and was ready for home.

The clock still stood as before at five to ten and we never did see the balmy heights of 8 degrees.

All in all not a very long ride at just over 22miles, and with conditions of participants and weather a time of 3hours, 19 minutes average speed around 6.6 miles per hr was slow but excusable.

However as Mark the motivator states as his mantra "every mile training in the Mud, Snow & Cold is worth two in the dry and warm!" So really we did about 45 miles and to me that shows we are absolutely on course!

Racing

Training ride 2

2010-02-24T21:27:00.001Z

Major training ride 2

Saturday 10am start and finish New Mill church

Racing

Train Train and Train some more.

2010-02-16T20:43:00.003Z

Just to prove that I have truly begun to take this training lark seriously, given we now have just over two months to go (Shaun and Neil 2 I'm hoping you have acquired a steed by now!) I have ossed myself this morning and up with the larks I pedalled out through the snow, to Barnsley train station, boarded my usual two trains avec cycle, disembarked and rode to work at a very sunny Pride Park.

Cheated a little on the return by joining the madding crowds of the Denby Dale train but heh I sprinted home in a respectable 11 minutes.

For once felt awake when I got to work, now did that feel good. If you haven't tried it give it a go! remember 10 miles a day is about an hours ride on the road (even with those hill things inbetween!)

Justgiving site for New Mill Church is in progress, accommodation is booked and after tomorrow nights refreshments at the Pub we may have an answer to a few other bits (Like how the hell we get to Whitehaven!).

Guess for now its just back to the train, train training then!

Racing

Update on Participants

2010-01-24T15:24:00.003Z

To update the list of participants, we now are a band of 11 plus support and we have in no particular order:

Mark

Tim 1

Sean with an E (That's spelling not his recreational habits!)

Neil the First (participator in Training ride no1)

Peter

Tim 2

Shaun without an E
James

Graham

Richard

and last but not least, Neil the Second

Racing

Training Ride no1

2010-01-23T17:09:00.020Z

And so, the first training ride is complete, the four amigos, (That's Tim 1, Sean with an E, Neil and I) mounted our trusty steeds at around 10am and headed for the hills.

Leaving on the Upper Don trail we headed for Dunford Bridge through Mud, Ice and Snow and within minutes Sean had discovered that toe clips and Ice truly don't mix (Though to be fair Tim had fallen on same said ice seconds earlier after a brief stop to put on his smoking jacket and fill his pipe).

Having worked hard through the rivers, ice and mud we arrived at Dunford Bridge were it was deemed an impromptu discussion of yellow and purple??? snow was in order.

Clearly suffering from lack of oxygen we decided height would resolve the situation and headed upwards to the classic view of half of Yorkshire from the top of Hade Edge.

Hearing the call of the Lumberjack we headed for the forest after briefly disconcerting a dog walker by lining up four abreast at the top of the track in what could have best been described as a wild west posse type of pose.

Quickly we descended through the ice through Hades to briefly meet the lesser spotted Branson who was apparently neglecting his kitchen fitting duties to fit in a quick bit of downhill. Surprisingly our offer to join us on the approaching ascent brought a negative response.

Tim had of course continued at a leisurely lead ,pipe in hand and feeling neglected I forced my way to the front to lead the way down the track to Damhouse. Unfortunately I nearly caused a 4 bike pile up, by random stopping, pointing out alternatives which led to Sean deciding a sit down on the banking looked an appropriate stopping technique (Sorry guys).

We climbed again until reaching a suitable posing point above Washpit took refreshment and discussed the strange lumps upon my helmet (Lights, or flashing nipples I know not which).

We headed to Choppards and whilst climbing with oxygen starved lungs a very kind gentleman in motorised transport pointed out there were alternative routes!

At about this time the two specialised riders began to struggle, I because my brain decided gears on a new bike were a complication it couldn't cope with and Neils because his bike decided mud made a better conducer of a kangarooing gear set than a smooth one. Tim sailed serenely on blowing smoke rings, with Sean manfully battling on in close attendance. (Have to say he managed to stick with Tim for most of the ride, well done fella and on the basis he can walk tomorrow his sermon on the wonders of padded shorts is a scream believe me)

Having returned to Hade Edge we climbed flight hill and shot like speeding........ cyclists onwards to Victoria (she wasn't in) so we crossed and climbed for just about the last time upwards to the Windmills.

We flew past the Windmills and shot down to Millhouse Green before returning to the Upper Don trail, to literally watch Sean dismount involuntarily (though not as spectacularly) at the same place in reverse as his first dismount of the day.

Our time, just about 4 hours felt perfectly reasonable, we had the Sun on our backs and in our faces, we sweated like the proverbial despite the cold ( my car gives testimony to that, anyone got an air freshener) and we had a good time.

School report would probably say - A good start, but more work to be done!

Racing

We're on!

2010-01-21T21:22:00.002Z

Training ride Saturday 10am start and finish penistone railway station.

P.S first of my miniature training rides last sunday resulted with arse on ground on the ice and bike alongside, absolutely hilarious.

Cheers

Racing

Training deferred

2010-01-03T10:50:00.002Z

Ah, the wonders of the white stuff sitting postcard pretty all bedecked upon, lawn, road and anywhere else.

Considered carefully the pros and cons of a freezing morning with bright blue skies and a high sun and the liberties of a bracing ride, against the inevitable snow stuck in the forks, ice underwheel and high probability of sitting on my derrier in a ditch.

The sensible head won and therefore an entertaining morning of removing Christmas decorations awaits.

Training number 1 definitely deferred.

Racing

The Basics

2009-12-27T20:39:00.003Z

Let me introduce you to the plan and the current participants,

The Plan - To cycle from C2C over 3 days from Whitehaven to Sunderland.

The Participants- Richard, Sean, Mark, Tim 1 ,Tim 2 and Graham

Nom de Plumes are awaited, though I guess I can only maintain my Jogle version of "Racing Snake" given my current svelt waistline!

A number of us have decided to do this for Charity, please if you can choose one or all of us and give generously, justgiving links will be added to this blog shortly.