Brass Monkey #1

Sunday morning at Frith Hill was cold. Brass Monkey by name brass monkey by nature. The usual pre start questing of clothing and then it's shoulder to shoulder at the start line. 

After a late start it's a dash for the first singletrack. I placed well entering the first descent and was able to gain a few spots early on. The first lap was quick, despite recent conditions the track was dry and rolling well. A welcome surprise given I couldn't be bothered to change from my summer tyres. I settled into a rhythm and was riding with two others for the remainder of the lap. 

In the words of Staind 'It's been awhile'

It's been a while since I last posted anything here and I sincerely apologise to both my followers! A lot has changed, my attitude to racing has evolved and racing experience has increased tenfold. 

After years of avoiding joining a team I found myself joining a new team - Racing Club Ravenna. A Chichester based club with some solid members who compete in a variety of disciplines. A lot of my progression is thanks to this team.

Ludgershall Crit round 9

After my last race and seeing the repercussions of Danny Tonkin's accident I think the pre-race nerves that build up as you enter Ludgershall village are more about what could happen rather than the riding itself. Today would prove that theory...

Arriving in the parking ground it was evident that this was going to be another big field and the Cat4s would be split into two groups. Hoping to go for a group ride after I tried to get in into the first race but sods law meant I was in the second group which at least meant I had time for a warm up. With a decent warm up turbo trainer (apologies, that was me on the trainer that sounds like a jet engine) it was nearing 9:30 and the time for my race to start. At the start line it was evident that the first race hadn't started their final three laps and I was rapidly cooling down in the bleak conditions. I should have gone and kept warm but talking with the other racers made seemed more convenient. After what felt like an eternity and with early onset of frostbite (there was only two of us in shorts but even the other person wasn't stupid enough to wear mitts) the final bell rang and the first race was over. 

Ludgershall Crit rd7

Just before the series ends I was persuaded to have a go at the Ludgershall race series. I've not got the best track record when it comes to crits although the end game racing in a  road race is far too appealing and this is a necessary evil. 

The course is a purpose built military test track and is essentially an oval with a small chicane leading into the final corner. I was pre-warned of the course conditions with its leaf litter and ruts. When you're imagining the worst its a pleasant surprise to find out it's no worse than some of your local roads.

After signing on it was a bit of a rush (late getting up as usual) to get the bikes ready and have a quick warm up around the track. From the start line there is a small incline which means a small descent on the other side but riding around it appears as if it is unrelenting flat. A couple of laps and its time to grid.

Lumies Insight rear light

With the increase of accidents involving cyclists being given the opportunity to test out a new and innovative light for Lumicycle was an opportunity not to be missed. The Lumicycle Insight uses a  series of cree leds to give out 50 lumens during normal riding but when the brakes are applied an internal accelerometer activates all leds giving a brake light of 200 lumens! What better warning could you give to road and trail users behind you. 

A Cycling - The Monster

When a new event is described as being the toughest UK sportive and that some entrants aren't likely to finish, the first thought is that you have to be a part of this. A few weeks later and the ride pack comes through a cold sweat starts. What have I just done?!

Matt Page set out with one aim to create a sportive unlike any other. Days later as I hobble around the office I can say that he certainly succeeded.

Dyfi Enduro 2014

The Dyfi Enduro is my favourite event of the year. Take it as you want, a chilled ride with like minded people or hammer it and race against some of the top UK riders.

As usual the Dyfi starts with me and the brother-in-law Gareth Payne queuing at the front of the starting grid. Standing shoulder to shoulder with the top racers like Huw Thomas, Neal Crampton, Matt Page and Dan Evans. After a safety briefing the group move forward to the archway and to keep up with tradition I some how move from the front of the group to about a 100 places back.

The motorbike leads us out through the town at an average speed of what would only be deemed sensible if using 700cc wheels. At the bottom of the first fire road climb the motorbike pulls off and the race is on to get to first singletrack section to avoid the bottlenecking.  

In less than two miles I suffered my first puncture. Annoyingly all of which only became apparent on fire road climbs. My front wheel squirted some sealant but a quick stop and it sealed allowing me to crack on. It wouldn't be long until my rear would follow suit. Unfortunately I would be so lucky with it dealing and within no time I had latex covered ankles. Not wanting to mess about I put a tube in, unfortunately this wouldn't last to long either.

I  pushed on the best I could trying to climb and descend as safely and quickly as possible. At the feed station I decided to put in a while new tube. Luckily this would hold up for the rest of the race but unfortunately the same was done.

I didn't finish in the top 100 where I wanted to be but at least with the amount of punctures I got to enjoy the latter part of the ride and just ride for the sake of riding.

Next year... there's always a next year

Portsmouth Duathlon round 2

7:45am on a Sunday morning and the sun is already shining as I pull up for round 2 of the Portsmouth Duathlon. After signing up and getting the bike racked it's time to wait for the obligatory pre-race piss before heading over to the start line. 

Lining up at the start line it was good to see so many other guys who, like me, were struggling to pull off a tri suit. A short countdown and we're off following the lead out around the back of the Castle. I kept up with a group of 6 runners, although by the time we hit the D-Day museum, realised that the pace was probably a bit too much for me. Looking at my watch showing a sub 6 min mile it was time to leave these guys go and settle into my own pace. Heading down the beach towards the marina the runners ahead were doing a u-turn heading back towards the start line for a loop around Clarence Pier.  The lack of running over the past 6 weeks was becoming apparent and my legs were feeling heavy. On the return to the transition I was hoping that the bike leg would loosen my legs got the final run.

With a reasonably quick transition I was off on the second leg of my journey. In the last mile of the run a few people had overtaken me and a reasonably good start on the bike meant I had regained those places. After heading down to the turn point in the marina it was time to head back up to Southsea Common. Riding down toward the Pyramids I was caught out by a turning point. A junction point near the transition area caught me out. I shouted at a marshall for direction but received none, instead I followed another cyclist that I had not long overtaken previously back to the transition. The unfortunate result of waiting in the toilet queue instead of attending the pre-race briefing would mean that I didn't know that there was a second loop of Southsea Common. This stupidity would cost me later with a 5 minute penalty - SHIT!

Back at transition I racked my bike and had a major issue with changing shoes. Who knew elastic laces could be so complicated! I set off for my final 5km lap around Clarence Pier. My legs were now screaming. The heavy feeling of my legs was evident by the scraping sound of my soles on the tarmac. Eventually there is the welcome sound of the crowd around the finish line and my legs can rest up for the rest of the day. 

A great intro into road based duathlon and I look forward to a hopefully more successful round 3.

Iceman Duathlon

Given the weather during the week I was pretty grateful to be waking up to a dry but cold morning. I arrived in Frimley with plenty of time to spare not knowing what I was getting myself into. I signed on and quickly scouted out the transition area trying to glean a last minute hint on what I should leave there and I return to the car to get ready.

Rowans Hospice; The Ruby Ride 2013

For the second year running Kenn Scaddan Associates Limited took part in raising money for The Rowans Hospice by cycling the 65 mile epic route. Starting at 1000 Lakeside the route takes you on a trip around the perimeter of Portsmouth before heading out into the quiet countryside.

Southern XC round 5: Avon Tyrrel

I had been looking forward to this round for a while. Southern XC had been giving away glimpses of course on Facebook and I was itching for the days to pass quickly so I could have a go on the jumps section - who said xc racing wasn't fun?!

Southern XC round 3 Wasing Estate

Arriving later than scheduled I walked over to the sign in tent to collect my number. The number of pre-entries in the sport category was a lot higher than round 2 and with a handful of on-the-day entries we were looking at a good number of riders on the start line.

Winchester Crit - 16th June

By a stroke of luck I found out that a couple of crits were being held at Winchester Park and Ride over the weekend. More importantly they were Cat4 only which meant I could have a bit of practice riding in a group in a slightly more forgiving atmosphere.

I rocked up to a pretty empty looking car park and went to sign on to find out that only four other people had signed up. I was hoping for a full field so I could compare this ride against my last hideous attempt. After a bit of a warm up 9 of us were lining up on the start line. The whistle sounded and we were off at some ridiculous pace that I was hoping would only last for a couple of laps before easing back. Trying to learn from last time I stuck to the back of the group trying to take advantage of their slipstream whilst also watching their lines to further my experience. 

Within a couple of laps the group was spread out and three individual groups were forming. Three guys went off the front with a strong pace while I was trying to stick to the back wheel of the guy in 8th. It didn't take too long until I was spat out of the back but I was adamant not to lose site of the guy in 8th place. I pushed the best I could and after a while I was becoming more confident on the bike. A sharp hairpin on the final straight was a difficult corner to get to grips with but before the end of the race I was trusting the tyres more and more meaning I was hitting it quicker which was a good thing as my legs were killing on all the other sections! 

Eventually the checkered flag was in sight and I finished in 9th which meant last place again but at least this time I didn't feel well and truly embarrassed.   With a bit of luck I may have accrued a point which will mean another 9 races with 9 people or less and I can finally do a proper road race which will suit me better. 

I'm not a roadie... but

Given the rubbish weather we've had this year I've spent a lot more time on the road bike saving the Epic from the wintry side effects of the South Downs Way. It was meant to be a means of keeping up the base miles ready for a summer of racing. Little did I know at the time that I would get hooked on it - the speed and ease was awesome.

Southern XC: Crow Hill, rd 2

After Round 1 of the Southern XC series there was no real doubt in my mind that Round 2 was a must. The course choice and organisation was excellent. Throw in a friendly atmosphere and you couldn't ask for better place to be on a Sunday. I made a slight school boy error a few months back by entering the Hargroves 4 hour enduro which I hadn't realised was the night before the SXC event so I was expecting the Sunday would be a mission to get out of bed let alone race a bike.

Stevens Enduro, Queen Elizabeth Country Park

I missed last years event as I was away so this was one for this years calendar especially as it's on my doorstep. The event was put on by Hargroves Cycles and was part of the QE Cyclefest which allowed you to mock the beardy-wierdies who were demo-ing 650B and 29ers for the first time.

Dyfi Enduro 2013

The Dyfi Enduro is probably the most exciting non-competitive race of the year. I've not come across another event that can match it for the arduous climbs, exhilarating descents and breathtaking views. Throw in some razor sharp rocks and anything can happen! Entry went live at the start of February and sold out in a record 20 minutes showing just how popular this event is.

Southern XC Rd 1 - Matterley Basin

I haven't raced the mtb in a while so decided to have a go at the Southern XC events. Matterley Basin is a new course for 2013 designed by UK Biking and is better known as the British Motocross Grand Prix venue. The week before the event was pretty appalling weather-wise and  it should have been a complete wash out but on arrival it was clear to see that the course had held up well judging by the look of the other racers. With the sun out there was also a great risk of racing in shorts and s/s jersey! 

Dipping my toes in - Portsmouth Easter Circuits

Given the weather over the past few months I've been riding the road bike a lot, who knew that when I bought the retro Giant Peloton I'd enjoy it so much. It's been my primary source of training,although not ideal,  for the upcoming mtb races. A friend bought a road bike a few months back and did really well at the Mountbatten Circuits. A closed circuit event - what's not to like?

Merida Brass Monkeys rd 2

It's been a few months since my last race which ended in disappointment due to illness so I wanted to leave 2012 on a racing high. I knew a few people who were racing the Brass Monkey round in Deepcut, Surrey and went for it. I was familiar with the course having races there for the Are You Tough Enough races so knew the course would be fast and fun.