So another year of my blog and another year of riding Lots has happened again. The main thing I guess is starting working again. It has varied over the year how much work I have had but October I was definetly working full-time hours. This was always going to affect my riding, but since I have been riding to and from where I have been working I've still been getting the miles in. I also went Bivvying the first time and have had some crazy adventures since then, with my last bivvying adventure being in the snow just before Christmas.
Racing wise I raced exclusively on my singlespeed, completing transwales not just singlespeed but fully rigid as well. I had two good races at Mayhem and SITS as part of teams, even winning at Mayhem against some srong teams. The highlight race was Kielder 100, the hardest race I have done and the one race I wasn't sure I would physically be able to finish during it. It's the first race I entered for 2010 and one I am going to target and definetly try to go faster and improve how I feel during the race.
I also got a cyclo-cross bike this year and had planned on riding most of the NW races, this didn't happen. I think I underestimated how long it would take to recover from kielder and going from that to 1 hour long races was hard. I had some time out for racing and then was working a lot of sundays. But I have enjoyed the races I have done! I still need to get better at the format, I am rubbish at the getting on and off my bike and really should try and do a little bit of training! I also completed the big one, the three peaks. I sturggled to just get up the first hill with my bike and my lack of ability meant that I was never working that hard during the race. It's a race that will never suit me, but one I need to definetly try again!
Overall it has been a great year, the memories the adventures are fantastic. Now I hope I can build on it and hope to have some great adventures in 2010.
Thursday, 31 December 2009
December Round-up
So December brought the first snow of the year which involved a couple of snow rides, a bivvy trip and a nice snowy walk to the pub. I also discovered park runs and started trying to do some more organised training. Unfortunately it has also brought a lack of motivation towards the end of the month and has meant a really light month time and mileage wise.
The figures:
13.22 mile running
154.69 miles moutain biking (138.35 singlespeed)
8.96 miles cyclo-cross
340.58 mile road
10916m of ascent
Progress on targets:
This month would have been the one to stop me meeting my targets but it hasn't since the rest of the year was strong. Some good adventures this month stop me being disappointed. A ride in the peaks on the geared mountain bike also reminded me how much fun that could be.
So onto January and what that will bring.
The figures:
13.22 mile running
154.69 miles moutain biking (138.35 singlespeed)
8.96 miles cyclo-cross
340.58 mile road
10916m of ascent
Progress on targets:
- Run at least once a week Failed in March :o(
- Run 300miles in the year 57% complete
- Cycle an imperial century a month Failed in March :o(
- Cycle 8000miles in the year Completed!
This month would have been the one to stop me meeting my targets but it hasn't since the rest of the year was strong. Some good adventures this month stop me being disappointed. A ride in the peaks on the geared mountain bike also reminded me how much fun that could be.
So onto January and what that will bring.
Sunday, 27 December 2009
Slushy cross racing
After the kind offer of a lift to the cross race in Macclesfield I was up nice and early listening to the rain! After some pushing of the car after it got stuck on an iced over road when we picked someone else up we were on our way. When we arrived it was cold and very very wet. Lots of people were sounding very negative about the course so I entered before I could change my mind!!! The pre-ride was fine, I was nice and warm in all my layers and although the slush-puppy course was hard going it was mainly rideable. The only real worry was the two hurdles, they felt very tall with my little legs!!!
Soon it was the start and my last extra layer was shoved in a rear pocket and I was away. It felt like everyone was moving faster than me but I kept going! Lap two and I passed another female but had no idea who else was in the race, I had noticed her get away at the start. Everytime I looked over my shoulder I could see Anita just behind me, she is a lot stronger than me off the bike and I made an error trying to stay on my bike on one climb and she got within a metre of me. At this point I knew I had to work hard on the parts of the course I was strongest on. One of my favourite bits by this point was a muddy mess and I had given up changing gears seeing as I was just using my easiest gear the whole time!
Then someone said I was on my last lap, too scared to look back and wondering how everyone lapping me seemed to be going so fast I kept pushing. I was aware I was slower now and was glad to see the finish. I crossed the line with noone around me. At this point I realised that my feet had been replaced with blocks of ice and walking was pretty painful. A hobble to the car and a complete change of clothes led to me feeling a bit better.
After getting home I got a text to tel me I was the first female, pretty pleased with that as it was a hard race. Next stop Todmorden next weekend.
Soon it was the start and my last extra layer was shoved in a rear pocket and I was away. It felt like everyone was moving faster than me but I kept going! Lap two and I passed another female but had no idea who else was in the race, I had noticed her get away at the start. Everytime I looked over my shoulder I could see Anita just behind me, she is a lot stronger than me off the bike and I made an error trying to stay on my bike on one climb and she got within a metre of me. At this point I knew I had to work hard on the parts of the course I was strongest on. One of my favourite bits by this point was a muddy mess and I had given up changing gears seeing as I was just using my easiest gear the whole time!
Then someone said I was on my last lap, too scared to look back and wondering how everyone lapping me seemed to be going so fast I kept pushing. I was aware I was slower now and was glad to see the finish. I crossed the line with noone around me. At this point I realised that my feet had been replaced with blocks of ice and walking was pretty painful. A hobble to the car and a complete change of clothes led to me feeling a bit better.
After getting home I got a text to tel me I was the first female, pretty pleased with that as it was a hard race. Next stop Todmorden next weekend.
Saturday, 26 December 2009
A cocktail purse
Post written on the 21st November 2009
Another Christmas Present finished. This one is a cocktail purse, the idea you put a little bit of cash, lipstick and phone in and off you go for the night. Not something I will use but hopefully perfect for Ali's sister who is a little more girly than me!
Another Christmas Present finished. This one is a cocktail purse, the idea you put a little bit of cash, lipstick and phone in and off you go for the night. Not something I will use but hopefully perfect for Ali's sister who is a little more girly than me!
Friday, 25 December 2009
A bunny for Christmas
Post written on the 16th November 2009 but published later so as not to ruin the suprise.
I've been crocheting for a couple of years now and it all started with Hats. The problem being that all my family now have hats and scarfs so something new had to be found for this year. I nearly always buy my sister a cuddly rabbit for Christmas so this year I decided to make one. Some searching on the internet and I found a pattern. A couple of weeks later and he was finished. It is my first time making a stuffed toy and won't be the last as I now have lots of toy stuffing to use! Maybe I bought a little too much!
I've been crocheting for a couple of years now and it all started with Hats. The problem being that all my family now have hats and scarfs so something new had to be found for this year. I nearly always buy my sister a cuddly rabbit for Christmas so this year I decided to make one. Some searching on the internet and I found a pattern. A couple of weeks later and he was finished. It is my first time making a stuffed toy and won't be the last as I now have lots of toy stuffing to use! Maybe I bought a little too much!Wednesday, 23 December 2009
An Alpine Adventure
I have been feeling like escaping for a bit of an adventure recently and fancied having a go at a winter bivvy. Kate said she fancied a bivvy as well and suggested meeting up somewhere with her running there and me riding. It sounded ideal, I was a little lot scared of sleeping out in the winter. A date was set and the next thing we know it stops. On Sunday I was thinking it was a silly idea and I should cancel and maybe try something close enough to home to be rescued if need be, Kate was having similar doubts. But once we got on the phone to discuss the plans we were both excited, scared but ready for the adventure.
So on Tuesday morning I left the house in a blizzard, sleeping bag on the bars and a rucksack full of as many layers as I could fit in. The weather got worse and worse and I managed to go the wrong way in Moses Gate Country Park, not a good start but I soon found my way to Radcliffe and back on course. At Prestwich the weather really closed in and I sheltered in a bus stop eating a sandwich debating what to do. Since not riding was cold I decided to get onto Asda at the velodrome for my first cake stop. A quick look at the map here and it was clear I wouldn’t get to the pub we were meeting at for 4pm riding so I decided to head to Piccadilly and get the train out to Edale. With Snake Pass closed riding out that way I might be pushing through snow for hours to get along the road. I timed it well as there was a train leaving in 15minutes, I had forgot they only run every two hours at this point. Once on the train I hear from Kate that she is at Edale and about to set off running.
Arriving at Edale and there seemed to be less snow so I headed off over to Jaggers Clough, it was mainly rideable and I got fresh tracks on the first descent. Then the pushing began! Soon I was disappearing into waist deep snow drifts! I got to the Roman Road and debated changing my plans and dropping down the Beast but I was having fun and decided to stick to my plan of the bridleway to Aston. It started off well, if a little comical as I tried to drag Rigger through the snow. But at some point I began to wonder if I was on the right track, after a while the map came out. I was sure I had worked out where I was – not the bridleway – but I still had that panicked feeling when I realised it was 3:40pm and time to get dark. I then pointed out to myself that it was a clear day and I could see the Cement works in Hope, I was hardly lost. A little bit further and I took a sensible option, straight down the hill towards the road. I found the bridleway I should have been on and it was straightforward after that, as long as I avoided the ice on the road.
I arrived at the pub three hours after leaving Edale just in time to order huge chip butties! I hung my clothes up on all the chairs near the fire which got a few odd looks from the staff! Kate had ended up coming in the car so had put loads of spare stuff in. She started listing all the clothes she had brought, now I was worried she seemed to have loads more than me and I am used to Kate having loads less! A couple of drinks later and a lot of faffing we set out up the bridleway, expecting a nice clear track to follow. Within 5 minutes we went wrong, but where we really went wrong is we didn’t retrace our steps! After climbing over a dry stone wall with barbed wire (and somehow lifting an ice-encrusted bike over) we ended up using the compass to ensure we were heading in the right direction and literally dragging Rigger by his forks/front wheel as we battled knee deep snow, heather and one occasion a bird! As we crossed the tundra with the wind howling I was beginning to worry, no way could we just bivvy there we were too exposed! But where were we. Eventually we came to the track and headed up to the Wheelstones, now I could push the bike again. This bit went very fast! I think it took us nearly three hours to reach our bivvy spot. The comforting thought that the car was only 40minutes away disappeared!
Once up there I had a few issues with the straps holding my sleeping bag on – I need a better method – but managed to loosen it enough to get the bivvy bag and sleeping bag out. Kate laid out our bed for the night – a survival bag chopped in half and opened up and we added a space blanket and our mats. Then it was into all the layers! In total I had on two base layers, bike jersey, bike jacket that I had on all day; then a shower proof, two more base layers and my down jacket. Bottom half was bib shorts, light thermals, bib tights from the day plus a set of woolly thermals (yes pink Chris) over the top. Feet I pulled on an extra pair of socks and head had 3 buffs, a thermal buff, woolly hat and hood from down jacket on. Water bottle in sleeping bag and in I got. Or in I tried, I didn’t seem to fit. I am sure Kate will have been wondering what the fuss was about, it took me at least five minutes to get in and I wasn’t lined up with the hood. Never mind it was cold, sleep time.
It didn’t feel like I was getting to sleep, but I wasn’t cold, I could feel the cold air on my back, but I wasn’t cold as such. I know I must have slept at some point, as I was apparently snoring! But I woke up loads, with cold feet. The mistake was not taking my wet socks off, next time that will not happen. I also had cramps in my calves, unusual for me but I wonder if it is dehydration as I never drink enough! At about 5am I had to give up and go to the toilet, only I had bibs on under 6 of my 8 layers, no way could I do it in the sleeping bag, so out I came and as quick as I could I took layers off, bibs off, layers on. Then feet into boots – they were frozen solid so they didn’t really fit! (Kate used dry bags as boots when she went to the toilet, ace idea!) Round the corner into the wind, back to bed as quickly as possible! Once again getting in was hard, but I wasn’t bothered where the hood was, I found it worked quite well the wrong way completely enclosing me.
Then I slept a lot better, only waking about 8ish to a lovely sunrise that took forever, although I did curl back up into my cocoon so I couldn’t see it. Around 9am, we both got as far as sitting up and Kate produced Bacon and Nann breads, not the usual combination but appreciated. The bacon was just what I wanted but I don’t think Garlic and Coriander nann breads quite worked! Just as we had finished a couple of runners come past. Jokingly asked if we had been there all night, they muttered something about us being mad when we answered a positive!
Then it was time to pack up and head on down, easier this time on the correct path! Although at the end we still came out on the road early, nice for me as I freewheeled to the pub, a little less pleasant for Kate playing with the cars. Time for a hot chocolate, before we split and I raced the train to Hope. It was a little late as it turned out anyway.
After that it was a simple matter of getting home, more snow on the trails but rideable here as it had been compacted. Now all that is left to do is sort out all my kit! I think I did just over 30miles on Tuesday and 22miles today. Even with a fair amount of road they were hard miles, swimming with a bike was a first for me and very slow!
What I have learnt!
1) Take wet socks off and put new ones on
2) You can wear 4 base layers
3) Don’t wear bibs
4) There is no such thing as too many clothes, but sleeping bags seem very small when dressed as michelinwoman!
So on Tuesday morning I left the house in a blizzard, sleeping bag on the bars and a rucksack full of as many layers as I could fit in. The weather got worse and worse and I managed to go the wrong way in Moses Gate Country Park, not a good start but I soon found my way to Radcliffe and back on course. At Prestwich the weather really closed in and I sheltered in a bus stop eating a sandwich debating what to do. Since not riding was cold I decided to get onto Asda at the velodrome for my first cake stop. A quick look at the map here and it was clear I wouldn’t get to the pub we were meeting at for 4pm riding so I decided to head to Piccadilly and get the train out to Edale. With Snake Pass closed riding out that way I might be pushing through snow for hours to get along the road. I timed it well as there was a train leaving in 15minutes, I had forgot they only run every two hours at this point. Once on the train I hear from Kate that she is at Edale and about to set off running.
Arriving at Edale and there seemed to be less snow so I headed off over to Jaggers Clough, it was mainly rideable and I got fresh tracks on the first descent. Then the pushing began! Soon I was disappearing into waist deep snow drifts! I got to the Roman Road and debated changing my plans and dropping down the Beast but I was having fun and decided to stick to my plan of the bridleway to Aston. It started off well, if a little comical as I tried to drag Rigger through the snow. But at some point I began to wonder if I was on the right track, after a while the map came out. I was sure I had worked out where I was – not the bridleway – but I still had that panicked feeling when I realised it was 3:40pm and time to get dark. I then pointed out to myself that it was a clear day and I could see the Cement works in Hope, I was hardly lost. A little bit further and I took a sensible option, straight down the hill towards the road. I found the bridleway I should have been on and it was straightforward after that, as long as I avoided the ice on the road.
I arrived at the pub three hours after leaving Edale just in time to order huge chip butties! I hung my clothes up on all the chairs near the fire which got a few odd looks from the staff! Kate had ended up coming in the car so had put loads of spare stuff in. She started listing all the clothes she had brought, now I was worried she seemed to have loads more than me and I am used to Kate having loads less! A couple of drinks later and a lot of faffing we set out up the bridleway, expecting a nice clear track to follow. Within 5 minutes we went wrong, but where we really went wrong is we didn’t retrace our steps! After climbing over a dry stone wall with barbed wire (and somehow lifting an ice-encrusted bike over) we ended up using the compass to ensure we were heading in the right direction and literally dragging Rigger by his forks/front wheel as we battled knee deep snow, heather and one occasion a bird! As we crossed the tundra with the wind howling I was beginning to worry, no way could we just bivvy there we were too exposed! But where were we. Eventually we came to the track and headed up to the Wheelstones, now I could push the bike again. This bit went very fast! I think it took us nearly three hours to reach our bivvy spot. The comforting thought that the car was only 40minutes away disappeared!
Once up there I had a few issues with the straps holding my sleeping bag on – I need a better method – but managed to loosen it enough to get the bivvy bag and sleeping bag out. Kate laid out our bed for the night – a survival bag chopped in half and opened up and we added a space blanket and our mats. Then it was into all the layers! In total I had on two base layers, bike jersey, bike jacket that I had on all day; then a shower proof, two more base layers and my down jacket. Bottom half was bib shorts, light thermals, bib tights from the day plus a set of woolly thermals (yes pink Chris) over the top. Feet I pulled on an extra pair of socks and head had 3 buffs, a thermal buff, woolly hat and hood from down jacket on. Water bottle in sleeping bag and in I got. Or in I tried, I didn’t seem to fit. I am sure Kate will have been wondering what the fuss was about, it took me at least five minutes to get in and I wasn’t lined up with the hood. Never mind it was cold, sleep time.
It didn’t feel like I was getting to sleep, but I wasn’t cold, I could feel the cold air on my back, but I wasn’t cold as such. I know I must have slept at some point, as I was apparently snoring! But I woke up loads, with cold feet. The mistake was not taking my wet socks off, next time that will not happen. I also had cramps in my calves, unusual for me but I wonder if it is dehydration as I never drink enough! At about 5am I had to give up and go to the toilet, only I had bibs on under 6 of my 8 layers, no way could I do it in the sleeping bag, so out I came and as quick as I could I took layers off, bibs off, layers on. Then feet into boots – they were frozen solid so they didn’t really fit! (Kate used dry bags as boots when she went to the toilet, ace idea!) Round the corner into the wind, back to bed as quickly as possible! Once again getting in was hard, but I wasn’t bothered where the hood was, I found it worked quite well the wrong way completely enclosing me.
1) Take wet socks off and put new ones on
2) You can wear 4 base layers
3) Don’t wear bibs
4) There is no such thing as too many clothes, but sleeping bags seem very small when dressed as michelinwoman!
Sunday, 20 December 2009
A winter wonderland
After a bit of discussion about what to do with the day we decided on a walk up to the pub at Affetside, by this point it was 3pm, so I packed some essentials - head torches! We headed over to the Golf course past the reservoir which was frozen with a layer of snow on top, still not strong enough to walk on though!
Then along a track we had once tried running on, here we had fresh tracks.
Soon it was time to head uphill as darkness fell but not before Ali drew a picture:
Once at the pub it took quite a while to decide which of the amazing dishes we wanted! Stuffed it was time to walk home, layers and head torches on we set off. Stopping for Ali to make a snow angel.
Then I was proved right, no need for torches, it was so bright coming down the hill, at the bottom ali wanted to go back up. But it was through Jumbles and home. Once home the snow gave way to slush but I think its snowing again!
Saturday, 19 December 2009
Out in the snow
I wonder if the snow has improved my mood, all that lovely light being reflected at me? A bunch of my friends were riding today round rivi before a party in the evening, I had planned to go to the party but not the ride. But this morning I woke up and thought I would do both. So after fixing riggers puncture I headed over to Rivi. I got as far as Barrow Bridge and it started to rain, I was in a winter wonderland!
Now home and waiting for my feet to defrost before braving the bath. Then I'll be heading out again to the party. I was going to ride over on the cross bike but I think I might appreciate the huge tyres on rigger!
Friday, 18 December 2009
Braving Manchester
Today the plan was to meet Greg in Manchester for cake, well I am sure he said cake! I was on limited time as I had to get home for a Dr's appointment but it seemed a good idea. Then this week I've been all over the place and I really wasn't sure I was going to cope with Manchester. But waking up to snow changed something, after taking photos of Ali in the snow - while still in PJ's - I did some washing and got the cross bike out. I started off very carefully but halfway there the snow had gone. Still didn't really bother trying so my average speed was poor. But I have written this week off as a rest week anyway, think it is more sensible than fighting it.
Got into Manchester and locked the bike up, jeans on so I looked almost normal. Then Greg turned up on the bus. Turns out neither of us can make decisions! So we ended up in Weatherspoons for burgers and then to the Christmas market. I have never been and although lunchtime friday isn't the busiest time I was pleasantly suprised to enjoy it, no major anxiety with all the people. No paranoria.
Wasn't long before I realised it was time to head home, got the train from Piccadilly, being the Edinburgh train it was packed. Cycling home I passed a street cleaner gritting the pavements on my road, it was so cute! Suppose that is an advantage to living on a main road.
Once home I quickly changed - bike tights and jeans would be way to hot at the Dr's surgery, it is always so hot. Then back out the door. Amazingly I only waited 5 minutes, he always is running late as he chats nearly as much as me! I thought will have had him running late again. I was expecting to be told off but he just smiled, we chatted about kielder a bit and the snow and randomly how another Dr had suggested I should do more exercise, it amused him the assumptions people make. A promise that I won't wait 6 months before seeing him and I was off home.
Next it was time to get Ali ready for her night out. She had her hair done at the hairdressers and her sister had sent her a dress. She looked lovely, and I managed not to laugh at her trying to walk in her heels. She was shivering in the car, me in my down jacket was lovely and snug! I'm now on taxi duty so at some time in the early hours I will expect a call. I don't think she will be going out afterwards this year though, it is cold cold cold and she is only wearing a dress!
Got into Manchester and locked the bike up, jeans on so I looked almost normal. Then Greg turned up on the bus. Turns out neither of us can make decisions! So we ended up in Weatherspoons for burgers and then to the Christmas market. I have never been and although lunchtime friday isn't the busiest time I was pleasantly suprised to enjoy it, no major anxiety with all the people. No paranoria.
Wasn't long before I realised it was time to head home, got the train from Piccadilly, being the Edinburgh train it was packed. Cycling home I passed a street cleaner gritting the pavements on my road, it was so cute! Suppose that is an advantage to living on a main road.
Once home I quickly changed - bike tights and jeans would be way to hot at the Dr's surgery, it is always so hot. Then back out the door. Amazingly I only waited 5 minutes, he always is running late as he chats nearly as much as me! I thought will have had him running late again. I was expecting to be told off but he just smiled, we chatted about kielder a bit and the snow and randomly how another Dr had suggested I should do more exercise, it amused him the assumptions people make. A promise that I won't wait 6 months before seeing him and I was off home.
Next it was time to get Ali ready for her night out. She had her hair done at the hairdressers and her sister had sent her a dress. She looked lovely, and I managed not to laugh at her trying to walk in her heels. She was shivering in the car, me in my down jacket was lovely and snug! I'm now on taxi duty so at some time in the early hours I will expect a call. I don't think she will be going out afterwards this year though, it is cold cold cold and she is only wearing a dress!
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