Ying and Yang

The start of the long distance TT's has begun for me, and I have had a couple of close results already, in fact winning and losing by almost the same margin, a scant 7 or 8 seconds over 50 miles.

The first of these was the Charlotteville CC 50 on the H50/8 between Farnham and Alton, not a bad course in all honesty, but a challenging one with a poor road surface in places, and a few lumpy bits, each circuit is around 20 miles so you have to do 2.5 laps. It is the same course as used by the RTTC National 50 in 2011. The first 50 is a bit of a shock to the system, as it means a prolonged period in the aero position, though luckily on this course you can get out of the saddle a couple of times, so I find it a good event to ease into the longer races.

I was down as the scratch rider, though one rider stuck out as the one to beat, (or ultimately get beaten by), this was James Gilfillan. I hadn't heard of James before, but he did have some pedigree, and he had won a couple of events recently.

The race went pretty well, especially for a first 50, but I was disappointed with the time initially, but as per the norm recently the wind wasn't too kind, and probably in the worst direction it could be for this course. I felt the after effects of the first 50 though, with very sore legs afterwards, not normally a problem for me in 50's and getting off the bike wasn't a pleasant affair. I saw that James had done a 1:48:07, and the organiser asked if I had beaten it. I was pretty sure I had done a longer 1:48 but wasn't entirely sure, eventually my time was put up and I have done a 1:48:15, so 7 secs down on James. I wasn't surprised to be honest, but I had given all I had on the day, you always think about where you could have gone faster etc, but it was a good first 50 performance and took away some good positives.

The next event up was the San Fairy Ann CC 50, this has always been a bit of a special event for me, though it hasn't always been an event with a good ending for me. The first 2 years I did it I had mechanical issues, but put in a good performance last year and I enjoy the course which is the Q50/11 down on the marshes, near Camber and Lydd. The main competition this year would again be Kevin Tye, who has won it for the last couple of years. This year I really wanted to win it, (well I did last year as well, but just wasn't fast enough).

The weather was awful, with rain and heavy winds (well there is a wind farm down on the marshes for a reason I suppose), but it was going to be the same for all. The wind again was in the worst direction, as it meant a solid headwind between Camber and Lydd on what is the most exposed part of the course, it wasn't going to be a good day for times that was for sure.

This was a 2 lap circuit with a section of 4-4.5 miles leading from the start point and back to the finish point, it meant the finish was into a block headwind as well, deep joy after 46 miles or so. I started off well, and with the tailwind help I got where you turned into the wind at over 28.5 mph average, turning 90 degrees into the wind was like being hit by a sledgehammer, the speed immediately dropped, and it was now a case of just pushing really hard for the 7 miles on energy sapping headwind and a poor road surface. Seems to be my choice of roads recently that have expansion joints covered with tarmac that has subsequently sunk down, and means a very bumpy ride and is difficult to get into a good rhythm. It gives a good indication when you pass riders that just look like they are standing still, of just how strong the wind is (over 20 mph it seems for that morning).

Getting to the next turn was a bit of a mixed blessing, as although not into a headwind now, you were being buffeted around with the x winds. At least the speed picked up again, and the road surface meant you got back into a good rhythm. It was now just a case of doing the circuit again, with the knowledge that the wind was picking up as well. It proved a little more difficult to keep the speed up the 2nd time through, with stronger winds and tired legs. At the end of the second lap you just had the final 4 miles to the finish, this just seemed to go on for ever, it was just a case of trying to up the power for the final few minutes and hoping the finish would appear from around the corner.

I was hoping for a sub 1:50 ride, but the weather conditions put paid to that, so I was pleasantly surprised I had done a 1:50:44, easily a sub 1:50 ride given better weather. It was now just a case of seeing what sort of time Kevin was going to do. As I rode back to the HQ I knew we would pass at some stage, I thought that 7 mins after I finished might be enough. As we passed each other at exactly 7 mins, I knew it was going to be very close, and so it proved to be once back at the HQ.

Amazingly I had beaten Kevin by 8 secs, so was very happy, and I did chuckle about the time difference, I thought it was only fair I won by a similar margin I came 2nd a week previously. A great event from the San Fairy Ann CC as always, though they must try harder with decent weather in the future LOL.

I felt better in this race than the week previously, with my legs seeming to be fine afterwards (though not later after doing some training after the race LOL). I also tried a Camelbak Racebak which worked really well, going to need this in some longer races where I may not have helpers.

Here is me in action on the San Fairy Ann CC 50 (picture courtesy of Lise Taylor-Vebel)

Tally for 2012 so far

15 Races, 8 x 1st, 3 x 2nd and 2 x 3rd, 2 x 4th, 4 x course records

Little Mountain TT

Always one of my favourite events, not sure why if I am really honest, I am nowhere near the best at climbing hills, and this event includes a couple of nasty ones, which are timed as well just to make them that little bit more unpleasant. It is organised by my coach Ruth, so no doubt that plays a part.

Having done it for the last 2 years, and having mixed results, I was hoping improvements in me would result in a better result than I managed last year, which was 6th. Looking at the start sheet, I wasn't expecting to win, Matt Clinton was last years winner, and he again was taking part. He has been a National Hill Climb Champion, so I knew I would drop a bucket load of time on the hills to him, and he isn't a shabby tester either, so I doubted I would make up any time on the rolling sections.

The weather forecast for the Sunday up in Worcester was horrendous to say the least, and I suppose in normal circumstances I would have been a DNS (Did Not Start), but as I was due up north for work anyhow, I decided to travel up and see what it was like. There was constant rain and strong winds all the way from Kent, and as I got further north the colder it got, with my car temperature gauge showing 4 degrees by the time I got to Worcester.

The journey up to the HQ took in a small section of the course. The small part I drove along was flooded in places, and the wind seemed very strong looking at the trees. I got to the HQ with heavy rain falling, and I half expected it to be cancelled. After deliberations the race was declared on, with the advise that it was up to the riders to decide if they thought it was safe. Now I must admit I have trained in worse, but it was the worst weather I have raced in, the combination of the heavy rain, strong winds and the sheer bitterness of the northerly wind made this a very challenging day. Add in some flooded sections of road and it was a proper hard sporting TT.

Given the conditions it meant a quick change of tyres, there was no way I was going to be riding a soaking wet TT, with some fast descents on Veloflex Records. So on went the training tyres, they might be heavy and slow rolling, but at least I might get around without hitting the deck, or anything else for that matter.

Not much of a warm up, just a quick spin up and down the road getting colder, I soon lined up. I was feeling fairly confident and happy despite the conditions. The first part is all up hill for a short while, before a fastish descent down to Martley, with you being aided with a tailwind, at Martley turning eastwards, and then getting a crosswind. This is where I first started having some difficulties, with me being buffeted around the road by the cross winds, I think even 50mm wheels were a bad choice, especially with the gusts that caught you out when passing small sections of exposed hedging.

Onto the A443, and this is a fast rolling section normally, but mainly into a headwind, and with flooded sections of the roads, meant it was a real drag to keep up any speed, as you got nearer the HQ at Great Witley the road turned a bit and you got more of a crosswind, and more buffeting. Around the 17 mile mark you actually pass the HQ, now the will power required to not pull in and retire was immense. My only reason for not doing so, was that if I didn't complete the race, I would only have go to out training later, so thought I might as well carry on. I wasn't too cold at this time, though I was thoroughly soaked, and probably a fair few pounds heavier.

The second longer part of the course is the real hilly section of the course, which included 2 timed climbs, but there were other climbs as well. The first of these is just as you turn left to go towards Stanford, and too be honest I found it quite a bit of a challenge, I guess although I wasn't feeling terribly cold, my body really was cold, and it was struggling to get the power out. After this climb you get a great descent, but this year it was not so great, with the buffeting winds and really wet roads, it meant descending on the base bar (I have gone down here on the tri bars in previous years), and on the brakes occasionally. In my mind there was not point in taking stupid risks, I think I had decided by now that a good time was unlikely and at the worst it was going to be a hard training ride.

Standford Bank is the first timed climb, the road starts going upwards before the start of the timed section, and it just seems to sap any strength out of you before you even get to the main part of the hill. It was s low grind up the hill which has sections of 17%, and although I didn't struggle too much here in the 39/23, I wasn't looking forward to the second major climb which in mind is tougher and steeper. Once at the top of Stanford Bank, I was flying again with the tailwind, though it seemed alot colder up here and I started to feel the cold alot more. After a while you again turn eastwards and go across Bromyard Downs, now this really was cold, as hail started stinging my face, and the cold wind really tried to blow you around, at least it was fairly short lived, before you got to the A44 and a large section of downhill.

The next challenge after going downhill for a while, was the nice climb of Ankerdine Hill, it is the sort of hill you would normally hope for a run up at it at speed, unfortunately it starts after a 90 degree bend, so no chance of taking any speed into it. I was straight into the 39/23, but it soon became apparent that this was not a good gear for me, but it was the lowest I had. Up ahead I could see another rider, and I slowly made progress towards him, but at the same time another rider I had passed earlier came back past me, making the hill look easy. As the steepness started to bite I started getting slower and slower, in all honesty I could have probably walked up quicker, but stubbornness wouldn't allow me to get off the bike. I reached the rider in front, but as soon as I tried to overtake him I just seem to stall, but eventually got past, and hit the top of the hill.

Now there was only about 6 miles to the finish, unfortunately all into a very strong headwind, now this wouldn't be so much of an issue, but when cold and wet, it just seemed like a new ice age had started. 3 miles of it is mainly downhill, though it didn't seem like it at the time. Once into Martley and with only 3 miles to go, it would normally be a full on effort and try and get everything out, but it is mainly uphill, and although the hills are nothing to really speak of, they hurt just as much as the two timed climbs. The Beacon RCC kindly put Miles to Go signs out, I have never seen these go by so slowly, and I have never spent so much time in the 39 ring just trying to keep my legs spinning and the bike moving forward. The nicest part of any course is obviously the finish, the LMTT finish is even nicer as it is downhill, and you can get a real flying finish, well you could have done if it wasn't for the headwind LOL.

Back to the HQ, luckily only about 200 yards from the finish, and the difficult job of trying to get yourself sorted out, and getting out of the cold wet skinsuit. Now I knew I was cold, but even with 2 thermal tops on I was freezing, I changed into warm dry clothes, and put on another thermal top, as well as my winter jacket. It still took me about an hour to stop shivering, it is always a odd experience standing looking at the result board and talking to fellow riders whilst your legs and hands move in their own disjointed way.

As for the result, well I was disappointed with my time of 1:52:46, nearly 8 mins down on my previous best, but I was surprised that Dean Robson had pulled out a stunning ride to complete the course in 1:45:52 and win the event. Matt Clinton who I thought would be the winner hands down, had managed only slightly quicker than me with a 1:52:43 for 3rd place. In second place and a great ride on a road bike was Danny Axford with a 1:51:08. Happy with 4th place considering the conditions, which made getting round safely more important that setting the world alight.

As for the timed climbs, well Danny won these in a stunning combined time of 7:53, that was nearly 2 mins quicker than myself, I struggled to do 9:50 (I told you I was rubbish at hills), in fact quite a few of the finishers were quicker than me up the hills. I am just thankful I am pretty quick on the rolling sections to make the time up. I will have to do better next year though if I want a better performance.

So what are my thoughts after the event, it really is a cracking event, a proper sporting course, that mixes the ability to climb well, with the ability to use power and aerodynamics on the more rolling sections. I would recommend everyone to try it at least once, and try and enjoy it. I just hope the weather is never as bad as it was this year though.

A Mixed Bag

April turned out to be a challnging month in both racing and training. It all started off well with another good ride at the KCA 25, coming 1st and beating Seth Kay and Kevin Tye narrowly. This race was a little frustrating in a way, as my powertap battery died about 2 miles in, so it meant no race data. It turned out to be even more frustrating, as I wanted to see what progress had been made since the last TT at that sort of distance. Unfortunately I came down with a cold a couple of days later, and the next few rides subsquently provided not very good news. Was I going backwards before the KCA 25 or was I still putting out good power, I will just never know.

Another thing I did at the same time as coming down with a cold, was to change to an O Symetric ring. Now it isn't ideal to make a change whilst ill, but I thought it would be OK. The sore throat and the cough meant a little time off the bike during the week, but I wasn't feeling too bad by the weekend. I probably did a foolish thing, but I thought I would be OK, and I wanted to try the new ring out in a race. It was also one of the few times I will get a chance to set a fast 25 mile time, so off I went to the E2/25 for the Lea Valley 25 near Newmarket.

The race was not the best in terms of personal performance, power was around 20 watts down on what I know I could manage, and the legs just felt empty. I am guessing a combination of the cold, lack of cycling during the week, and the change in pedalling technique due to the O Symetric ring meant a substandard performance. It wasn't all bad news as I managed to just get a PB by 8 secs, just I wondered what time I could have managed if I had been able to produce the right sort of power, 4th place considering was a good result.

A busy week at work and the lingering cold, meant a slightly disjointed week. No matter how well my coach and I plan these away from home trips, it still means by the time I get home I am tired with at least 2 very long days, in the car and on site. I didn't help matters by causing a leg infection as well whilst away which meant a visit to the doctors and antibiotics.

A more sensible person wouldn't have entertained the idea of racing twice in a weekend, given the lingering cold, leg infection and general tiredness, but not me. I was down to race the Catford CC 10 on the Tonbridge bypass, and luckily I was off scratch so had a relatively late start of 08:00. Unfortunately I was also out on site working until 01:00, so by the time I got up to get the car packed etc, I think I got about 3-4 hours sleep. Now given all that I should have just stayed in bed, but I never like being a DNS if I feel I can race hard, so off I went to race.

I was hoping that I might be able to get a sub 20 min 10 in Kent, and given how I felt 2 weeks ago I though it was possible, but conditions on the day, and how I was feeling meant again down on power and a disappointing time. There were only 2 sub 20 min rides, with one being from Erick Rowsell (pro with Endura Racing), so I shouldn't be too upset, but just worried about the lack of power. Another 4th place wasn't too bad and a low 20 min ride is good, just not as good as I was hoping.

I sort of knew the Sydenham Wheelers 25 the following morning was likely to be another challenging race, I had decided to ride out to the event, 20 miles away, and just try and get some good mileage in as well. This meant lack of sleep again, as it meant a 04:30 alarm call to get ready. I felt better in the race than I did the previous weekend, though power still down, and hence time down. Lost out to Will Mangar and Kevin Tye this time, with my time being 30 secs slower than the KCA 25. Again not too unhappy, it was still encouraging to be close to the top when not 100%

I was getting over my cold all the time though, and with work easing, I had managed to get some good training in, leg infection seems to have gone as well,  so hopefully things will improve a little bit before my next event, the Beacon RCC Little Mountain TT (report in next blog)

Tally for 2012 so far

12 Races, 7 x 1st, 1 x 2nd and 2 x 3rd,  2 x 4th, 4 x course records