Manchester 100 ( Bike Events ) 2nd September 2012

Despite one of the wettest summers on record, my cycle fitness has improved over the last few months. So when I saw I had no work commitments on the day of this event  I decided to sign up.The decision was should I do the 100km or 100 miles ? At the moment I think I'm good for the 100 miles, but thought I'd air on the side of caution having never ridden in this event before. So I plumped for the lesser of the two.

The alarm went off at 05:45, a misty, dull morning with light drizzle. It wasn't cold, just a bit uninspiring. The forecast was for it to brighten up later .I threw everything into the car in anticipation of a wet day, given the accuracy of the recent weather predictions. No need for the efforts of Mrs. S. this time, as this was a circular route returning back to the start at Wythenshawe Park, I could drive myself there and back. I'd paid for a car park spot when signing up.So bike on the car  I set off at 06:30 and made good time, on the M56 as I approached the turn for Wythenshawe I was greeted by a car park of  vehicles with thousands of pounds worth of carbon fibre strapped to them.. I had to stop on the motorway itself, not a great feeling watching  trucks in my rear view mirror hurtling toward me. It was obvious that this was the queue for the event and that no one was going to give up their place. Given that the entrance was about a mile from where I was on the motorway and the queue wasn't moving I decided to drive on in the hope that the sat.nav., which I'd now activated, would find an alternative route. It did, telling me to do a U- turn back down the motorway, where I joined the back of the queue. I sat in it for about 15 minutes and discovered another way  around. I pulled out of the queue for the second time hoping this would work. Thankfully and surprisingly I found myself in front of the park entrance within 5 minutes. However I could see signs saying "drop off only" at the entrance, so not wanting to create a chaotic scene I drove past it and into a nearby street. There I parked the car and rode the bike back to the park and start

I had loosely arranged to meet a colleague, but given the state of the roads on the way in and the fact I was already late and suspected it would be the same for him, I set off in the next group out . It was still a bit dull with spots of rain but little or no wind, it was ideal really. A busy ride out towards Tatton Park and Knutsford  which was a bit stop - start  but no problems. I had the opportunity to speak to  a few people and got the measure of those participating . This seemed slightly more serious than the Manchester to Blackpool events I'd ridden in before with less "novelty riders" . None the worse for it, just different . Still a great atmosphere among those I rode alongside.

Before I knew it 20 miles had sailed past along with some very pretty villages. In the back of my mind I had thought about not stopping until the end and feeding and watering whilst in the saddle, but there were numerous feeding stations along the way and some rather tempting to.So it was at just under halfway around I stopped at The Old Star pub in Winsford  for a quick social media update, Soreen and a drink. Great to see a beer garden and marquee full of cyclists.

Before my legs seized I got back on the bike and set off again. Surprising what 10 minutes break can give you, I felt good. Not many what I'd call "killer hills"  up till now so I was rather enjoying the route.I managed to get behind two guys and stayed with them at a good pace for about 10 miles. Around 40 miles in I was privy to a conversation between two guys behind me talking about a climb near to Lower Peover, but it came and went without incident. With that though I started to feel a few twinges of cramp in the usual places. I quickly downed an energy gel and the remaining liquid in my water bottles and pushed on. Next was Wilmslow, by now it was approaching lunch time. The sun was breaking through as were the beautiful people. A sure sign of nearing the finish . Legs were starting feel a bit heavy by now with the cramp subsiding I could still maintain 15-17 mph. I didn't feel too bad though. The last proper climb peaked at Styal, now downhill.

Back into the urban jungle I rode behind a couple on a tandem for the last few miles debating in my mind the pro's and con's of such a thing. Yeah I'd  like to try it one day, preferably when no one was watching.
The marker board counted down till I saw 1 mile to go. A final push as I turned into the park, I'd left the couple on the tandem and found myself alone on the run in to the finish. I must remember to stop the Garmin as I cross the line I told myself. But the rapturous applause and compere on the loudspeaker again distracted me as I imagined I was something I'm quite obviously not, Bradley.

I forgot to stop the Garmin. A couple of minutes later I realised and collecting a bottle of water , Soreen and a certificate I watched the following riders cross the line accompanied by a steel band which started playing.
An almost carnival atmosphere had just begun, was it my arrival , no it was lunchtime.

Great event despite the traffic chaos in the morning and all being well I'm up for the 100 miles next year.
See you there.

Manchester to Blackpool Bike Events 8th July 2012

Another early start , up at 5.30, bike on the car, Mrs S. took me to MUFC ground at Old Trafford Manchester for this years Bike Events cycle. Having enjoyed this so much last year, I registered early to make sure I was going to be there again. However with the recent biblical weather it was looking like a swim rather than a cycle.The forecast was good and on the morning itself it looked like the cycle gods were in a good mood.

This year I was joined by family, friends and colleagues, although we would all string out along the way. I'd plumped for an earlier start time to avoid the congestion of last years start, which seemed to work. Setting off at 07:30 we rode at a steady pace for 5 miles before my nephew and I rode on ahead of our friends. The weather was perfect, not too cold or hot and little wind. Lots of different kinds of cyclists again. This is why I love this event, from your semi-pro with a bike worth more than my car, to your "look what I found in the garage" riders. Guys and girls in one piece lycra with teardrop time trial helmets,  to people in jeans, trainers and baseball caps. There's a real mix.here and I think it's great.

At the halfway point around Chorley / Charnock Richard we stopped for and snack and drink. This made all the difference as we left feeling refreshed. The competitive nature of my nephew took over here, as we left he stopped with a problem with his saddle bag. I waited for him to sort it and then the bugger left me with a "Manx Missile" sprint out of the blocks. I'm far too long in the tooth to play those games so I didn't even bother trying to catch him. He had his goal to beat 4 hours, so I rode at my usual steady but progressive pace and watched him disappear.

I took in the sights as we neared Preston , which is always a bit tricky given the number of riders competing for tarmac space with frustrated motorists out for their Sunday drive. Getting through Preston unscathed, I rode on toward Lytham. The sun was out and it was getting quite warm, but as last year proved, this is where the wind is and it's always in your face. I tried to slip stream other riders to protect myself , but they were either too fast or too slow. No one was riding at my pace here, so I stuck my head down and rode on.

Counting down the mile boards to the finish was the only time I lifted my head and at 1 mile out I looked up to see the Pleasure Beach at Blackpool . I wondered about doing a "Le Tour" finish again but decided it was a bad idea, without doubt I'd have ended up in a pile underneath the bike in front of hundreds, so my finish was one of a relieved escapee having made it home.

I'd finished about 15 minutes behind my nephew, given that he's less than half my age, I was pleased with that. We had to hang around for Mrs. S to arrive and find us, so watched the finishers arrive. Would you believe it someone did crash at the finish. My decision was vindicated, I think they were okay, more embarrassed than hurt I'd suggest.

Our friends and colleagues arrived a couple of hours after us, a great achievement for all concerned.

Once again it had been a great day and if you ride a bike this is a great event to participate in.

WAY OF THE ROSES DAY 3

DUNNINGTON TO BRIDLINGTON.

I awoke in the middle of the night with the rain lashing against the window next to my bed.
Not a great nights sleep. I'd dined at the nearby  Windmill Inn earlier and had a rather nice braised steak with, you guessed it, a Black Sheep, The B&B like the weather , was a bit of a wash out. I'd struggled to get anywhere near to York due to it being race weekend at the time of booking in February, so this was the best I could do given the budget. I won't dwell on it, in fact I may be being a bit harsh, perhaps the foul mood I was in when I arrived due to that days weather and events, tainted my view. On Trip Advisor, it features strongly, so who am I to judge.

I left the B&B again at 9:30 almost straight onto an off road section, which in normal June weather would be dry and firm. This was like a ploughed field, with narrow tyres and heavy panniers  I was off to  a slow start.
After a mile or so I was, thankfully, back on tarmac and following the route signs. It was raining, but not heavy, so I could happily ride and stay cool.
Today's route took me through some beautiful villages and scenery, I met several weekend club riders, who I managed to stay with for a wee while,until the hills, when they left me. The roads here where single track and even though I was out in the sticks the traffic was constant which meant I had a bit of a frustrating stop start section. It's amazing the attitude towards cyclists from different drivers here ,some drove past me like I wasn't even there. Others did everything they could to prevent me from stopping on a much needed downhill bit.

Before I knew it the aches and pains of the previous days events were easing and the sun came out. The wind had turned from the last two days in my favour and I might say it was going well. All of a sudden I was 25 miles from Bridlington. In my mind that was a quick Sunday morning run out on my road bike,  so I felt good..

Village after village still strewn with bunting and union flags rolled by, passing through the town of  Driffield I was slowed by at least 4 rail crossing points and I was sorely tempted by a beautiful looking pub in the village of Harpham. I knew I wasn't too far and the thought of stopping so near my target was the deciding factor for me to push on.
One last climb from Burton Agnes uphill and along a road towards the coast. It was here I got my first sight of the sea and as the road dropped and I gained speed , I thought I'm going to make it .
As I got to the suburbs of Bridlington I was chased by a dog from the traveler's site adjacent to the road. No trip would be complete without being chased by a dog. I had the measure of it , only because it was downhill.

The route took me through old Bridlington, which looked quaint and quite nice. However I was soon into the new run down seaside bit before, there it was the sea.  I could smell it, a sign said I was 1 mile from the finish, as I turned onto the coast road the wind  almost stopped me dead.Quickly down to the Granny gears and the final push. I looked for the sign, but couldn't see it, initially I rode past it before flagging down a passing lifeguard patrol, who pointed it out.. Made it . Officially 170 miles  of beautiful scenery and challenging hills.

As the  iPhone was still playing up I text Mrs S. to see if she'd arrived, she had but was further up in a car park. As she made her way to me a couple passing spotted the sign and asked if I'd just completed it ?
Proud as Punch, I said yes and began to bore them with tales of hellish weather, winds and rain. As they listened the man said "so are you riding back the same way then". Quite frankly I couldn't walk to the chip shop opposite. With that Mrs S. appeared and after a kiss and photo, me, not the couple,she kindly walked to the chip shop for me. We both sat in the car looking out to sea, enjoying haddock & chips,  not "Swans", but good.

The bike on the roof rack, I watched several cycle parties have a photo call near the sign, some finishing, some setting off. No doubt some eventful incidents will take place on their journey to.

All in all it's been enjoyable, granted the weather was gruesome at times and I've aches and bruises everywhere. I'm grateful for all those that supported me on the ride and those that donated. I do this 'cause I can but the main reason is to raise money for those that can't and in the memory of our friend and colleague Martin Russell who did.

WAY OF THE ROSES DAY 2

PATELEY BRIDGE TO DUNNINGTON

In the words of Sir Freddie as he'd probably be known by now, " Thunderbolt & lightening, very very frightening me". This was a day I'll not forget in a while, it shall be remembered as "Two Thunderstorms, One crash & One stupid pedestrian".

I awoke in the B&B and my hosts prepared me an award winning full English. Magnificent local Yorkshire produce lovingly prepared. I set off at 9.30 into the mists and had to put my lights on.
It was 10am in June,however I had 15 miles of climb then it was downhill from there.

Despite the warnings of poor weather the previous day I was gladened to see it had blown through overnight and looked promising. As I climbed higher the sun broke through and all was well. The route took me through Ripon and the grounds of Fountains Abbey through some pretty villages, then under the A1 and onward to York.I was making great time and looking forward to a stop in York and perhaps a Sam Smiths by the river if the weather held

As I neared Linton on Ouse and the RAF base there, the clouds darkened and wind picked up.
I was exposed out in the sticks and tried to quicken up. It was too late, the heavens opened and an almighty thunderstorm unleashed above me. I dived into a nearby hedge to take shelter as lightening struck the ground half a mile away. I got soaked and had to wait 10 minutes for it to pass. I checked the map to see I was about 15 miles from York, apart from the weather,the plan was looking good and hopefully I'd be there mid afternoon. I sent a position update just outside York, little did I know this would be  the last of the day.

As I approached the village of my surname I turned  a corner to see a tunnel underneath the main east coast rail line. As I got to it, the recent rain had flooded the tunnel, as it was on a slope. I slowed and rode on the crown of the road, as this would be the shallowest point. BANG, I hit a brick or stone which was submerged under the water, the next thing I knew was I was sent flying over the handlebars face first into the water. Taking my front pannier with me, it's contents including my iPhone and wallet thrown into the murky water. At the time a couple walking nearby saw me and helped. I had to forage for my phone , wallet and glasses  like some crazed fisherman. Unbelievably both me and the bike were fine. As I was sorting myself out, another cyclist came under but I managed to stop him before he went A over T.

I gathered my composure and rode on, again watching the storm clouds gather.Caught in another thunderstorm again and another soaking as I rode along the Ouse. I may as well have swam this bit.. After winding my way around into rush hour York, deciding my drink by the river would have to wait until another time. I rode through the city centre chaos using the cycle lanes, some daft cow ran across in front of me because it was raining and the traffic was held. I slammed on and nearly went over the the handlebars for a second time that day, she apologised, when she took the fag out of her mouth.....Muppet . I was diverted due to a cycle path closure just outside York, taking me a few minutes to check the map in the rain I eventually reached Dunnington at 4.30pm . A bizarre B&B.

The iPhone had suffered a dunking and is now playing up. It's on  radiator in the room drying out.
So if you waiting for an update that's why. Fingers crossed it will have dried out in a few hours.

WAY OF THE ROSES DAY 1

MORECAMBE TO PATELEY BRIDGE

An early start,I was up at 5am and Mrs S. took me to Morecambe for 7am. A bit of preparation and a few photos and I was off. Got 100 yrds before I remembered I'd left my sunglasses on the bench.False start before I was off again.

 It was a nice flat run off road through Morecambe and Lancaster thanks to  Dr.Beeching and his railway re-form. A diversion just beyond Lancaster confused me for a bit until I found the right path. It was out in the open and hills then.

 A RUTHLESS easterly wind hit me as a became more exposed and higher.One downside of doing this solo and unsupported is that the bike is heavy with kit and this takes it's toll in the hills. Despite the headwind I made good progress and rode through it.The up and down nature of these hills means constant gear changes and it wasn't long before the chain was off and jammed. It took me 30 minutes to sort it. Fixed, I sailed into Settle and decided on a butty stop. Local sausage and a brew.

This was  to be my last rest as the hills were severe from now. A veritcal climb out of Settle had me out of the saddle then off the bike, it was gruesome. The winds grew stronger as I climbed higher into the hills,to say progress was slow would be an understatement,  lots of false summits and too few downhill bits sapped me.

I reached one of my favourite Yorkshire pubs "The Angel Inn at Hetton", sadly to see them close after lunch, just as well really. But it was nice to reach it by bike for a change.

Another gruesome climb for 9 miles followed this before the last 2 into Pateley Bridge, which if you know, is a great downhill bit.Dropping just under 1000ft  in 2 miles it took me almost 50 mins to do the 5 miles before and 3 mins to do the last 2 miles into the B&B.

A hearty meal at a nearby pub and a Black Sheep followed by a Copper Dragon Golden Pippin was the reward.

Weather for tomorrow looks grim so fingers crossed.

One month to go

Preparations slow but sure, there may be some winging it involved in the run up, but I'm hopeful things are going to plan. The bike seems fine and has had little use as I've been using the road bike mainly. Just altered the "Just Giving" site and I'll be soliciting donations soon via Twitter & Facebook.

Decision Made

I've decided to complete another Coast to Coast, this time it will be The Way of The Roses. Another 170 mile route solo and unsupported starting in Morecambe across Lancashire and North Yorkshire to Bridlington.
I've set myself 3 days as I did on last years Hadrian's Cycle. I plan to set off on Thursday 14th June 2012 reaching Bridlington on Saturday 16th all being well. Again this will be in support of The Motor Neurone Assoc. Charity in memory of Martin Russell - Donation requests soon.