24 Hours of Exposure

A hard hard race, I rode as hard as I could died in the morning and Ali made me keep going. Finished 3rd which I am chuffed with. Learnt lots not least that if I enter a hilly event I need to ride more hills in the run-up to it. But even with the bad bits the good bits were better, helped by a brutal but fun course, and I will probably be back.

I survived kielder 2011

73miles, 5miles to the cut-off, 30minutes. No slacking. Push up the first hill then power power. No granny ring, stand up, use those singlespeed legs. Downhill big ring and pedal. 78miles, rushed across, last one to make the cut-off.

Coming into this race* I wasn't feeling great. I was probably over raced and under-rested, I was stressed because of changes at work, good changes, and I had been away from home. All this meant I had been really anxious recently. Ali was also riding and determined to finish. she had trained well and was looking good for the finish. I got out of work early so we were able to get on the road nice and early. Thanks to the Chadwicks we had a pod on the campsite so there was no pitching a tent just throw everything in.

The morning of the race came and it was raining steadly, up to the start and I started quite close to the back. I was with Ali all the way through the neutral section but she told me to go once we turned off forest drive, I did push on a bit but everyone seemed to be coming past me and my average speed was well down. I thought it was just my legs. As with last year I rode through the first water stop and feed stop and got my bag at 50miles, I was hungry and there a lot later than expected. By this point the mud and rain were turning it into an epic and I was thinking about bailing. Still everyone was saying how hard it was so I carried on, turning left towards Newcastleton when I knew I could just drop down the singletrack to Kielder Castle.

Over Bloody Bush road and the conditions seemed to get worse, I minced across the boardwalk and then ploughed on through a headwind. As I dropped down my barely functioning brakes stopped functioning. I was so scared descending, I nearly walked but instead kept diving into braken. Coming to the food stop and I could see our car, that meant Ali hadn't made it. Turns out she had issues with the gears (she thinks she bent her rear mech) and had to bail at 30miles. In some ways I was glad as it was really horrible riding conditions. It also meant she changed my front brake pads while I stuffed my face! Leaving Newcastleton I had half an hour on the cut-off.

I enjoyed the Newcastleton trails and I was soon on the long fireroad back to the border, crossing the border the sign said five miles to the checkpoint, I had half an hour. That is when I had to sprint, not something I ever want to do again. When she told me I had made it and to quickly cross I was in shock and confused. A guy handed me my bag and I was on my way. As my aim was finishing I was just riding then, but seemed to be passing a few people. I was still riding up the hills and luckily my front brake still worked so unlike many I could ride downhill. I finished in just under 13hours, my longest kielder yet.

I was 4th female and 146th overall. Only 177 finshed out of the 650ish that startered (about 200 never even made it to registration). Although I was dissappointed with my time and since I finished feeling strong probably could have been faster, I was pleased just to finish. It was an epic day!

*for me this year was survival I certainly wasn't racing!

Women's Crit Race

This was the last race in the series and although both me and Ali were tired we both wanted to make it. I met her there as I had been working in Manchester. This meant in the morning I was trying to get my mudguards off the bike and not be late for work!

There were 13 of us in total and some of the girls looked fast and serious. I ended up lining up on the back row with Ali and Jenn but that was fine as I expected to be dropped pretty quickly since I only lasted till the first tight corner on the last race. This was almost the case again, coming out of the corner and I was on the back and a group (well actually most of the race) started to pull away. I chased and chased and got back on after a lap. But this was to be repeated a few more times. I just didn't seem able to hold a wheel, I tried to move forwards in the group but always ended up on the back. As they started to count down the laps I was back with the group, this time it had gone down to about 9 of us, with two laps to go I decided to try and pull Ali up. There had been a bit of a splinter with two girls off the front, closely followed by another couple, then we were spreading out. I pushed on and Ali, although suprised to see me, caught my wheel. We caught the girl in front and I started to die, Ali came round me closely followed by Jenn. We were all trying to sprint for the line and I finished a couple of bike lengths behind them with Jenn just getting Ali on the line to take 5th and get into the prizes.

It was great fun and if they are repeated next year I will definetly be there.

This time I was faster, average 22.5mph, average heart rate 181bpm. Garmin data is here.

Deg Yn Llandegla

When this event was first announced I planned to enter but then it was only two weeks after SITS and Ali was away with the car. I still wanted to go though and when Andrew from work offered me a lift it seemed like I had to go. So on Friday I met him and Becks in Bolton and we headed down. Getting there in time for the pasta party (we got loads) before curling up in my tent. As always I slept really badly and then was woken up early by the guy who had parked next to my tent driving off at 7am. I got up ate my breakfast and got everything ready. I knew I had to be prepared as I had no Alison to look after me.

It wasn't long before race briefing and it was slightly hard to hear due to there being no PA, some regulation or something. But I gathered that we had a long section for transistion where we had to walk our bikes. Wayne had kindly given me space on the JMC table so I had all my bottles out. I joined the boys near the front but was happy that the start was on the bike.



It wasn't long till we were off and there was pushing and shoving where I got a bar end in my leg, its now a huge bruise! But they sent us up a fire road climb which spread the riders out. I spotted an Isle on Man rider go past me and I was sure she was in the same category. But it was too early to worry and she was flying. First lap of the course and I loved it! Wayne was amazing and was stood there to hand me my bottle and gel, so no time lost. Out on the second lap and entering my favourite bit of the course, the black downhill section, and I caught the Isle on Man girl. She caught me again on the uphill and I tried to keep up but she was amazing. I had realised she was definitely solo now so I tried to keep her in sight but it wasn't happening and then I punctured. Thinking I was only half a mile from the end of the lap I opted to run. Turns out the first lap was slightly shorter and I ran a mile. Wayne then was a star, fixing the puncture and getting me on my way. Unfortunately two solo girls passed me when stationary. Heading back out I worked hard and got those two on the first half of the lap but I was sure the speedy climber was well gone!



A couple of laps later on the black descent I caught her again. This time I let her go on the climb, I was impressed to find out she was meant to be riding pairs but was her partner was injured. But she was obviously struggling and I was having fun. But I knew if I tried to hold her on the climb I would die. Coming back to transition and she was there downing a gel, I grabbed a bottle off Becks (thanks to her and Liz taking over Pit duties) I headed out first but it wasn't long before I was caught on the climb. This climb wasn't as steep though and I managed to push on a bit but she was always there. After the climb we turned into a muddy section through the trees, I couldn't see her when I came out and it turns out I rode the steep muddy chute and she walked. Only one thing for it push on. I kept expecting her to catch me on the climbs and so didn't stop at transition pushing the whole time.

Next time through I knew it was last lap, I was still loving the course so grabbed a bottle and headed out, hoping that my speed on the downs was enough. I was still loving it and was told by a couple of people I should have stopped smiling by then, but how could I on such a fun course?

After finishing I was obviously tired as I went to change and forgot to take my clothes! They had a BBQ which got me much needed protein and I took some advice to drink beer to rehydrate. Waiting for the podiums meant it was a late night but lots of lovely people to chat to.




So I finished 1st female and 10th overall soloist, my first top 10!
Garmin Stats for geeks like me.

Thanks to:

• Rich for the photos
• Andrew and Becks for the lift
• Becks, Wayne and Liz for the help during the race
• Cookson Cycles for everything as always!
• No Fuss for an amazing event I really hope they put it on again next year!

My first roadie race

A tweet started it all, there was a women's circuit race at the Tameside race directly after the main race and Ali fancied it. A bit of research and I found it was a Go-Race designed to get people trying racing so after a bit of a twitter conversation I decided to give it a go. My bike isn't ideal (it has full mudguards) but I was assured it was fine and all different speeds of people would be there.

Arriving we signed up and in the end there were eight of us, everyone seemed friendly and Ali and I weren't the only first timers. We had one lap of the circuit before we were lined but, I was a little nervous as one corner really worried me still too late now. The start was lowkey just a quiet go and my worries about finding my pedal (the last Lee Quarry race I was last due to not getting clipped in at the started) didn't matter as we all pootled away, not for long though and three of them went on the first corner (all had ridden the circuit more than the rest of us) and then three came past me, including Ali, I was in no mans land on my own. Here I was to stay for the whole race, at one point I was gaining on one girl but then she crashed, getting back on but it eventually led to her leaving the race with a mechanical. I lapped one girl and the winner lapped me. But I managed to hold my position and finished 6th. Ali was beaten in a sprint for 4th.

It was suprisingly good fun and I felt I could have gone faster but my legs didn't respond. Will hopefully do. The next one in August but may have to borrow a bike as apparently shouldn't really have mudguards.

Average speed was 20.5mph (off my garmin so probably higher as it won't cope well with the tight corners) which I was very impressed with. Average heart rate 179bpm.

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12solo

The weekend of 24solo came around way too fast and I had to accept that I was in no state to race a 24hour and so took the sensible option of riding the 12hour. The plan being just to ride it, enjoy it and not put my body through too much. Unfortunately my brain decided to get completely stressy and I was a complete nightmare for Ali to cope with. Due to use being completely disorganised we headed up on saturday morning which actually worked out okay as I got a reasonable nights sleep in my own bed and we picked up a load of food on the way. Getting to Newcastleton we(Ali) got the tent up and I put my bottles and food in the JMC/ragley tent and registered. It wasn't long before riders briefing and then I had to get my kit on and ride downto Newcastleton for the start. Jane was riding the 12hour as well so we set off together, she was soon off chasing the girls ahead of us but I knew I had to be sensible and let them go, it was hard to do but I knew I couldn't 'race' and was looking forward to just riding for as long as I could. Up the first hill and the first bits of singletrack there were a few bottlenecks but we were always moving.

First lap done and I came in to the arena, new bottle and a belgain waffle were handed over and I was off again, it felt like I was near the back of the field but that was fine. Round the arena and I found that there was a nice rooty section around the cabins, not so great while trying to eat. It was at this point I realised the big hill up to where the arena was based last year would be in every lap. It was okay at this point I was getting up it in middle ring (Chris's voice nagging me in my head) but I knew soon it would be a granny ring climb.

Round again and more food and lots of cheering followed me round the arena, I think it was this lap it started raining. I ended up riding the singletrack from halfway with two guys, for the first time I had a wheel to follow and it definitely meant I rode it faster. Into the arena and I grabbed my gillet, more food and a gel for halfway round the lap.

Out again and I was slowing but definitely having fun, I had decided my aim was eight laps. You had to finish before midnight so there was no chance I would get more in. Eight would give me about 90miles of riding as well. It stopped raining and I was doing my usual of chatting my way round the course. Coming in on this lap Ali tells me I am in third, about five minutes down and maybe I am trying too hard. But I was feeling fine.

Out again, more food, more cheering people were great in the arena. A warning that a short slippy section was slippier meant I rode into the tape getting a little tangled. But I felt I was riding the singletrack sections well and on the climbs just settled into a pace and let people ride off on me.

At some point my light was put on my bike and 500m later felt off, some kind soul came to my rescue and put it on and tightened the clamp for me. Exposure Lights also helped me out when I realised the connector on my piggyback battery was bent by lending me a spare Joystick for the race so I didn't have to worry about my lights. With my 6pack on my bars and a joystick on my head it felt like I was riding as fast as I had been in the daylight.

Out of the last lap and Ali thought I had about half an hour on 4th so I just had to enjoy the lap and ensure it took me less than two hours. It started raining again this lap and a very soggy Ali was waiting for me at the finish.

I actually felt I could have easily continued and riding at an easier pace meant I had found eating and drining my way round easy. Although when I was lay in the tent listening to the rain getting heavier and heavier I wasn't too unhappy to have only ridden the 12hour.

 

The next day we packed up the tent in the gaps in the rain and headed to the prize giving. First was the raffle where Ali won a huge food hamper! Then I was up, 3rd in the 12hour. I was really pleased to make the podium.

Then it was time to drive home, we still have lots of kit and bikes to sort out, the fun of racing.

Thanks to:

• Ali who was fantastic in the pit, put up with stressy me on friday night, did all the driving and most of the packing up on sunday.
• Chris for making me work hard on our night rides, even if at the time I don't appreciate it.
• Cookson Cycles for ensuring I had the best bike in the world.
• Exposure lights for help with the lights
• Everyone who was cheering for me, it makes me keep going
• Joolze for the Percy Pigs
• The JMC/Ragley lot for all the encouragement

Racing in 2010

Well what a fantastic summer of racing, odd as it wasn't meant to happen at all. Due to not having any money and not getting enough freelance work the plan was only to do the Kielder100 and then solo24 thanks to Ollie gifting me his entry. Then just before solo24 I got a full-time job for the summer. It meant that at 24solo it was always in the back of my mind that I had to work on the monday, although my main problem was the heat at that race. Still I felt like I had a reasonable race and apart from one two hour stop I rode the race.

After that I got thinking about doing another 24hour solo, I wanted to see if I could push myself harder. So I booked some time off work and entered SITS. In between I rode the Gisburn 12 hour as training, I felt good at the race and despite being the only female pushed myself to finished 11th soloist. After this I was looking forward to SITS. SITS was hard and without my sister and Ali I wouldn't have finished. The lack of long rides was telling but even when I thought no one could be riding slower I kept going. I finished on 20 laps, so 160miles and the top step of the podium. I was very glad of the time off work afterwards.

Then it was time for Kielder which was orginally going to be the last race of the year, but I had now entered both Relentless and Dusk til Dawn. My aim was to ride faster than 2009 and that I managed. I also realised how much faster I needed to be to get near the podium. Ali was meant to ride this race as well but injury put paid to that so we'll both be there in 2011, I am going to try it geared this time.

Onto Dusk til Dawn in a mixed pair with Rob Lee, slightly worried that I was just not fast enough. But the conditions meant that noone was fast. 2nd in the end well beaten by a team from finland, I do want to go back and try the event in the dry, I imagine it would be super fast.

Relentless was the last race and Chris and I wanted to win. It wasn't going to be easy though, mixed pairs is a hard category and our plan was to ride equal time. It was close the whole time with us spending most of the race in 2nd. But in the end we won by ten minutes. Probably the hardest I have rode my bike. So rewarding to feel that shattered though.

I also managed a brownbacks race and a cross race, there may be one or two more but I'm not feeling it for cross this year.

So what of next year. Well keilder100 and 24solo are definitely on the calendar. I'm hoping to be at Mayhem with a mixed team - I am yet to have a fantastic race there - and I also want to do most of the brownbacks races this year. I also fancy SITS again, D2D and the Gisburn race but depends on real life.

In other words I am job hunting, from sunday I have no job. Unsure what I actually want to do and how to persuade someone to give me a job. But need to look, as no job, means no money, means no racing.

Relentless24

It seems ages ago that Chris suggested we pair up for this event. He has raved about no fuss events in the past and I thought it sounded like fun. I had already realised after D2D last week that mixed pairs is one hard category. Our plan was to ride for an equal amount of time as well which would make it harder, often the bloke does more riding. But I was determined that we should give it a good go to get on the podium, winning it being the ideal outcome. Mike was kind enough to drive us up and more importantly drive us home. So we set out early on Friday, a stop for burgers at the Drovers and we got there with plenty of time to get a good spot. We were right next to the track so we could swap over here. This was fantastic in the middle of the night as you could stay wrapped up in a sleeping bag till the last possible minute.

As always I didn't get the best nights sleep on the friday and I was very nervous on saturday morning. Chris was the complete opposite and completely laid back, I think him and Mike found me funny! Before we knew it the race started. Chris sprinted the 100m run and got into a good position on the bike. He then went on to do the first lap and a half, coming through up in the top ten. No pressure on me then! I headed out and straight up the 4X course. Who thought that would be a nice climb! I enjoyed the course although it was pretty technical, lots of squealing and screaming from me. The first lap I did at least ride everything. Chris out again and another fast lap. We kept going till night time. We were in 2nd at this point by about ten minutes so we had to keep pushing. Through the night we ended up chatting to the girl in 2nd, turns out they had the bloke out doing doubles. We could only hope this would tire him out and that we would stay consistent. The night was hard, coming in and eating as much as I could, drinking loads and trying to stay warm before heading back out and trying to ride fast. At the end of the night Chris put in a double, my lights were both ready to die as I had done over 6 hours of night riding. This pulled us back up into first by a minute. The race was on. There bloke kept catching me, then Chris would move us back into 1st.

Going out for my last lap, knowing Chris would have a lap and half to do, I knew that I had to stop the gap getting too big. I knew which bike he was on now so when he came past me just after the last technical descent I put my head down and tried to hang on. 10seconds was all I lost so Chris was able to storm round. I was basically collasped in a heap. Chris of course thought he was right behind so kept pushing as hard as he could. He basically collasped across the line. But we had a ten minute lead in the end.

It was one of the closest races I have been in and certainly one of the hardest. It was good to be pushed so hard and there is no doubt that mixed pairs is a hard category to race in.

Thanks to Mike for being a fantastic support in the pits and sorting my bike when I snapped my saddle! Oh and of course to Chris for being a fantastic team mate and being super fast!

Dusk til Dawn

The last time I got so muddy was at Hit the North in 2008, this time though I wasn't riding solo but as part of a mixed pair. Rob Lee had asked if I fancied it and never one to say no I was there. The race is in Thetford forest down in Norfolk so I drove down on friday night and stayed with Ali's mum. She did that great mum thing of spoiling me so when I headed over to Thetford I was ready for the race and had a parcel of food to keep me going. Getting there and wandering round I wasn't seeing anyone I knew. The camping was also away from the Arena so I wasn't sure where to set up. Rob found me wandering round and fortunately recognised me...he looks a little different without his riding glasses and helmet on. We found Josh who was riding Solo and set up there.

It seemed no time at all and it was time for the start. I was glad Rob did the first lap as it looked crazy. He was up on the 2nd row and they were led round a short loop by the quad which came back through the arena to fireworks before heading out on the lap. There must have been over 300riders all trying to go as fast as possible and not crash. He came round after 50minutes looking strong and headed straight out for a second lap. Waiting to head out for my first lap I was hearing tales of mud and how hard it was. But there was no time to worry about it and as soon as I was on my bike it was head down and push. The first lap I rode as hard as I could on the fireroads and basically held on for dear life on the downhills. I came in and sent Rob out again, he came through looking strong and headed out for another lap. This time waiting for him I began to get concerned, the course had slowed but I was expecting him in by how. When he came across the line running, rear mech bust. Out I went and the course was even muddier. There was little difference between the fireroads and the singletrack, I had a demoralising moment when a girl came past me running! But I had to ride my own race and for me staying on my bike makes the most sense. Rob went out again, a little slower again and then I was out, I knew this was to be my last lap and we were comfortably in 3rd, 2nd were maybe catchable and 1st miles ahead. On a fireroad I went past the girl I thought was in 3rd, so I knew I couldn't let up. Back in and no sign of Rob, back to the tent and there he was all ready to go. Out he went and I got changed into clean dry clothes.

We finished 2nd with 9laps. A lot of people had stopped and I heard tales of 3hour laps so I was happy to have stayed under 2hours the whole time. I want to race there again in the dry as I think I could have been faster. I was struggling so much to ride in the mud I couldn't push as hard as I know I can. It was great fun though. The hardest thing of the weekend was the drive home. With no Ali to drive me I had to stop numerous times, twice to get some sleep as I was worried I was about to fall asleep behind the wheel. A four hour journey took 7hours in the end! Still it was worth the journey, next year I'll take the monday off and stay in Cambridge.

Gisburn Dirty Dozen

This race was on my list to do this year but I never got round to entering. As it got closer it seemed a good idea not to enter. I started a new job, completed 24solo and then the Welsh Ride Thing. I was tired and my body was not happy. A complete rest was needed. I kept having two days off commuting but it wasn't enough. So last week I bought a weekly train ticket, borrowed a brompton from work and had a rest week. Well nearly, there were two track sessions organised through work had to be ridden, but two hours of track riding, a couple of miles (mainly downhill) on a brompton and one 10mile mtb ride to reece a route was a rest. Thursday I felt great, the aches and pains gone so Ali agreed that if I felt that good in the morning I could enter. The organisers were great letting me enter the day before so I was all set.

Friday evening was spent packing - Ali kindly went shopping for me - and making up energy drinks. I was going to this race on my own as Ali was off to a BBQ. A lot of faffing and I realised Rigger still had a puncture from 24solo (he needed a wash as well). That fixed it was off to bed, the race started at 7:30am so I had an early start.

Saturday dawned and Ali was up before me, making me porridge and putting the bikes on the car. I set off before 5:30am and it already looked like an amazing day. Getting there I unpacked my kit and trekster, leaving it all at the Cookson Cycles Gazebo just as Chris(from Cooksons) arrived to cook his bacon. Off to the Car Park I rode back up via registration. All too soon it was race time, I put my food and drinks in the Gazebo set up for soloists, racked my bike and headed down.

The race started with a run, not my forte. But I managed to keep Chris in sight and there were still plenty of bikes when I got up there so I wasn't last! Out on the course and I decided I had made the wrong decision on bikes and singlespeed (especially as I hadn't changed the gear since 24solo) was not the way to go. Everyone was pedalling off down the fireroads and I was spun out. But once I hit the singletrack I was loving it. In fact it probably helped my legs by stopping me using too much energy too early. Back through the pits, one bottle off, one on and out again. I really liked the course. Well except for the raised wooden bit, but that was a mental block. The techy descent we had been warned about was lovely.

After four laps I was told I was the only female soloist so had won. It would have been easy to stop so I set myself a target of 100miles. I worked out this would either be 13 or 14 laps (maths not being my strong point). Chris passed me at the start of my 5th lap, he was in 3rd and flying up the hills. At 7 laps I was going well so thought I would probably manage 14. So I kept pushing, by this point I was having to walk some of the last hill as well as one little rocky bit in the middle of the course. But even with the tiredness and aches and pains I felt good and was having fun. Every picture I have found of me so far I am smiling, I am sure there will be some of me grimacing somewhere as I remember a photographer on the climb.

Lap 13 was finished after 11hours, time for one more shouted the timer so I was back out. A few fast boys passed me but then I seemed to be on my own and getting slower and slower. That was in fact my slowest lap at an hour.

All that was left was to get everything back to the car, bikes on the roof - not fun as my back was hurting - and go to the presentation at the pub. I missed the free food (must pack up quicker next time) but I did win some prizes.

According to my garmin I completed 108miles which I was pleased with. 11th overall in the solo's which I am very pleased with.

Definetly one to do next year, thanks to all the organisers, marhalls and other competitors.

Prizes from MAXGEAR

MAXGEAR have kindly provided the prize list for the women's racing up at lee quarry. This meant I had a couple of vouchers to spend there. So I've been on and choosen a few bits. I really like their tiny pumps and a saddlepack in pink was a must buy for me! I also got a new pair of compression tights which should be good for recovery. Wander over and have a look, remember you discount code (MAXIT10) if you are a first-time customer.

Brownbacks Series 1 Race 3

Once again I was carless again so I had to ride over to the race. Rigger was all happy with his new bottom bracket, cranks and chainring. But I seemed to be making hard work of the ride over, I think the running the day before had killed my legs! Still there were nice views over the hills and the promised rain hadn't appeared yet! I arrived with plenty of time to register and dump my bag in someones van. I had no idea what the racing was to be like today but I knew Molly wasn't riding as she had a broken wrist. We'd had a good race last time so it was a shame. Soon it was time to start and the first hill killed me, I was walking within minutes my legs said no! But I knew I had to at least finish the race, the idea of giving up was very tempting! The course was very different to last time and led to me doing a lot of pushing, I wasn't much better on the downhill sections I knew and was not riding well. Still I told myself if I finished I would be in a good position for the series win. The course never let up, I found it hard to find anywhere I could let go of the bars and drink! Somehow I ended up completing 5 laps, I felt like I was right at the back but who knows!

Prize giving came and I was the 1st female in my category, I got another nice trophy - realised I hadn't put a picture oup of it last time. This time the rock was even bigger so I was glad I had brought a bigger rucksac! After eating all the food in my bag it was time to head home. It's a lot easier that way - less climbing - which I was glad of.

Now its time to sleep I think, it'll be takeaway for dinner!