tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4666466375032942512024-03-13T19:19:09.770+00:00don't fall offMy blog displays some of the things I get up to and hopefully some entertaining stories are provided.
I have also added some links to helpful, interesting and generally entertaining websites and blogs.Scott Swallinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00880835868727854673noreply@blogger.comBlogger222125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-466646637503294251.post-18833960743621476552022-04-26T19:31:00.002+01:002022-04-26T19:31:48.807+01:00Dirty Reiver 200 2022<p>What is ideal prep for a big cycle event or race? Well it is not finding on the eve of travel for the event that you have destroyed your freehub and don't actually have a spare. So on the phone to Dave at <a href="https://www.surreyhillscycleworks.co.uk/" target="_blank">Surrey Hills Cycleworks</a> whilst madly messaging mates. After some digging around, Dave couldn't find one. But Taz had already offered, washed and packed a spare wheel and I threw in a spare bike I could at least cut the desired drive train over to.</p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVPza_-wmr-CYN1Zq04MRvg8hLa_tO5taqZUJ-xmyDZSAFhCtlWf7kpDI_GjIBKxxy08YFeuZhBZljCE-tdjvMPvVgJMTPwvg-Mi9DNIuqB1vZ0n6s5tckCEyNP_7o7tC3wwo4W4iTWdDGTbtgE2wO0NwjvYJeTtojBRzqRkk1nPLE80nrlII98n0e/s2016/IMG_2095.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVPza_-wmr-CYN1Zq04MRvg8hLa_tO5taqZUJ-xmyDZSAFhCtlWf7kpDI_GjIBKxxy08YFeuZhBZljCE-tdjvMPvVgJMTPwvg-Mi9DNIuqB1vZ0n6s5tckCEyNP_7o7tC3wwo4W4iTWdDGTbtgE2wO0NwjvYJeTtojBRzqRkk1nPLE80nrlII98n0e/w400-h300/IMG_2095.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sonder Broken Road ready to go, or so I thought.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMplZDK3YQ7kxv5myd96iTx9cTg50zOGEgXJDObRDQ-9AQ36ptKzCzDwcO5l8Ynz2ekP2VDSHxRnhDhjP2zKliwVSeO1ARV48JcWdsfYhooCnaE4Y8tqHvdpYsKlbcSLE1fQQD62eDfnRC4EciX1q5_2qw8XRy_l1fT9kwX2Qw1sNN1jtMNkqNV7BN/s1280/IMG_2146.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="890" data-original-width="1280" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMplZDK3YQ7kxv5myd96iTx9cTg50zOGEgXJDObRDQ-9AQ36ptKzCzDwcO5l8Ynz2ekP2VDSHxRnhDhjP2zKliwVSeO1ARV48JcWdsfYhooCnaE4Y8tqHvdpYsKlbcSLE1fQQD62eDfnRC4EciX1q5_2qw8XRy_l1fT9kwX2Qw1sNN1jtMNkqNV7BN/s320/IMG_2146.jpg" width="320" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A very unhealthy freehub. <br /></div><br /></div><p></p><p>So the following morning I packed and headed for <a href="https://www.forestryengland.uk/kielder-castle" target="_blank">Kielder Castle</a> to register and then join Taz and Dan at the lodge for some moderate wheel building and beers. It would take a very frustrating 8hrs to arrive, swift registration and I was lodge bound.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Y8qD9qhi1LXeGpcEyeoZINrkG0Jr3JOLGJwxy6GqGqaZWxN-DLYqtZnPmu8tUjqnjocSjWUXtP5bDVEGHbd7tdbkRs92qg_LM666S7G-Mxh80XptNRruuxD6cO77Bf5Excj3IV4wzF0Gee_Z6SaNHn4t6wRkM3kM7wgs1srulic9yJHgWGulATDq/s2016/IMG_2147.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Y8qD9qhi1LXeGpcEyeoZINrkG0Jr3JOLGJwxy6GqGqaZWxN-DLYqtZnPmu8tUjqnjocSjWUXtP5bDVEGHbd7tdbkRs92qg_LM666S7G-Mxh80XptNRruuxD6cO77Bf5Excj3IV4wzF0Gee_Z6SaNHn4t6wRkM3kM7wgs1srulic9yJHgWGulATDq/s320/IMG_2147.jpg" width="320" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Quite light packing really. <br /></div><p></p><p>At the lodge it was great to see Taz again and meet Dan, have a great meal cooked by Taz, sort the wheel (which Taz had kindly loaned me) and have a few beers and a good chat. Soon it would be wise to go to bed, so quickly I sorted my stuff whilst drinking a whole lot of water and went to bed.</p><p>Go time! In the morning we were up, ate, sorted ourselves fairly quickly and headed to Kielder Castle again for the start of the event. The 3 of us mounted on singlespeeds ready for the 200 in my case and the 130 for Taz and Dan. Excellent challenges for all.</p><p>Soon we off! Riding amongst the pack and the fast guys and ladies charged off the front. We started the first climb getting the general comments from others in the pack "You're mad!", "Single speed, very brave!" the list goes on. But the encouragement you get from others is endless and would last for me at least until I walked into get the free curry at the end.</p><p>Eventually we settled into our rhythms and I rode away from Taz and Dan, and wouldn't see them until I returned to the lodge. Whilst the sun shone, the headwind we experienced for the first 70kms hid it's true soul gouging nature, that would come later. The first 70km prove pretty standard, good riding, tough hills, amazing views and company as you meet and chat to many different people, a pleasant but rapid feed stop more riding and chatting. Some you see again and again, others only the once.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX-KzqGXQmiuZcUJZ9fPhDjWPZkZY_JMHxHGaU5w4BB5B8ir6cJCM8AuixXbYtGzai_nzCZ3X36UP2z4MWk_HNAA59xO64bK1wSso96TLyASY6I7jfKwgYT8ss80WiSTBa8hzOVDQeNpCOs6NpFqDJ8QQ6kkiQ0Mu8NMV1w2smAnEKh0bkx30ohiaI/s2016/IMG_2151.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX-KzqGXQmiuZcUJZ9fPhDjWPZkZY_JMHxHGaU5w4BB5B8ir6cJCM8AuixXbYtGzai_nzCZ3X36UP2z4MWk_HNAA59xO64bK1wSso96TLyASY6I7jfKwgYT8ss80WiSTBa8hzOVDQeNpCOs6NpFqDJ8QQ6kkiQ0Mu8NMV1w2smAnEKh0bkx30ohiaI/w300-h400/IMG_2151.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>I pushed on still enjoying the route and company that came and went. For a while I rode with a lady from Bristol who was suffering a little with a back injury and just after the special stage would make a very hard, but very wise choice and abandon. I hope she is OK and the injury is already healing? The special stage itself is where my challenges started. At 2 points I had to walk just a short distance, 40-50 metres to pass the steepest. Not so, for the fast chap on his fixie blowing pass me. Damn fine effort by that man.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBfYKmhb1a0E5b-c4a08j-HF31kzZX_E-gc9tjEXBpvlLoVArHIAHGmgl9GlGs-QMMogF1bJdBJzLDO5SBLc-yJtTRU36XasbYYrmv1H5S0zBJxvfAcdJAiPXZsOtg3t9jdkMDVuPnOTb6CLMzQJD1bYXTUIxoDwq2C4V6EQdF0fTBPnmhHJuZ13lp/s6016/DR%202022%200705.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4016" data-original-width="6016" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBfYKmhb1a0E5b-c4a08j-HF31kzZX_E-gc9tjEXBpvlLoVArHIAHGmgl9GlGs-QMMogF1bJdBJzLDO5SBLc-yJtTRU36XasbYYrmv1H5S0zBJxvfAcdJAiPXZsOtg3t9jdkMDVuPnOTb6CLMzQJD1bYXTUIxoDwq2C4V6EQdF0fTBPnmhHJuZ13lp/w400-h268/DR%202022%200705.JPG" width="400" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Me trying to look cool. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><p>From this point the descents get longer and faster as we encounter less traffic, these are where the Broken Road comes into it's own, stable, fast and agile. I start to play cat and mouse with those on gravel bikes as I put some time into them on descents and they catch me on the climbs. But this is always fun and in good humour with others. Breaks up the suffering and often starts a conversation.<br /></p><p>Soon I would arrive at the <a href="https://alpkit.com/" target="_blank">Alpkit</a> and <a href="https://alpkit.com/pages/sonder" target="_blank">Sonder</a> feed station, basically the half way point. Chatting to Rich S and some of the others whilst I refuel on coke, bananas and flapjack. They have a great sheltered spot, a sofa and a generally chilled vibe, making some, maybe linger longer than they planned. I understand why.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEBKMo-9BIULAeOdFYSXrIlneuxVDMeLWdpFp2KFAhax7dDMsD5uMFwke4AYKtkh5ev_MChFOKDYr1lHJW3miYvtS1sSqQbpN53RSwKkWS1CqaHQxa1f7ndBvA64cRwgbO5qP8DslVGSHpkhFlD747iZw2INKelhgnW0QkifuGHGgUeufCPxSjJKdr/s2016/IMG_2153.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEBKMo-9BIULAeOdFYSXrIlneuxVDMeLWdpFp2KFAhax7dDMsD5uMFwke4AYKtkh5ev_MChFOKDYr1lHJW3miYvtS1sSqQbpN53RSwKkWS1CqaHQxa1f7ndBvA64cRwgbO5qP8DslVGSHpkhFlD747iZw2INKelhgnW0QkifuGHGgUeufCPxSjJKdr/w400-h300/IMG_2153.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Alpkit/Sonder feed station <br /></div> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Just as I was leaving I noticed some other riders, who we had exchanged encouragement with each other earlier. More yo-yoing would ensue. A relatively pleasant ride for a few k's and the 130 and 200 route separate and long but nice climbs awaits. Over this I was feeling a little light headed, but pressed on. The fight with the headwind beginning to grow.</div><p></p><p>Some more yo-yoing with riders and I suddenly realised the route we where on and how it would be affected by the headwind. I muttered a few words, it was going to be worse than I had imagined. After a slightly exposed climb a descent leads you to hell. Hell being an undulating gravel road with nowhere to hide from a soul gouging headwind. With a geared bike you stand a chance of holding your own in a group, catching a wheel as a group passes or just fidning a gear that makes good progress.<br /></p><p>On the single, you suffer, suffer a little more, then suffer again. I cn recall the point my soul left my body. A few passing riders were close enough for a few short tows, but ultimately the elastic broke. Soon a group I had seen a few times passed again, being driven by a machine, she cheerily yelled 'C'mon single speeder!!" well that is what I heard in the wind. I doubt this was an offer of a wheel as they flew past. I think the rest of the group where struggling to hold her wheel anyway. Top bombing going on there. I would see them again at the last feed station. A chap I had ridden with on and off did catch the wheel and vanished with them into the dust.</p><p>I would never expect anyone to slow for me, especially when I make silly life choices, like riding a single speed. :) But I was impressed with some of the smaller groups speeds considering the conditions.<br /></p><p>Not longer after, I did find myself in a group and things got easier for a few kilometers and broke the back of the war of attrition with the headwind. Eventually, I cut the elastic on that group knowing it may blow my legs out.<br /></p><p>Last feed station approach was signaled by the Red Bull truck, music and encrouragement. At the village I have to say I felt embarrassed and sorry for the villagers as the RB team there was pretty loud, especially for the type of event, I guess it worked for some people. The volunteers dutifully made sure everyone was aware of what was on offer to refuel and we took what was resonable. Riders now felt they had made it, 50k to go and only a few hills left, only a couple really nasty ones. Smiles had started to reappear on faces.<br /></p><p>I left moments after the group that passed me yelling encrouragement as we battled the head wind did, but I would never see them again. The short sharp climb out of Stonehaugh is brutal, the next longer meandering climb is much nicer, but reminded me of the job left to do and the nastiness that awaits the other side of the dam at Kielder Water.<br /></p><p>Knowing what was coming is alway a double edge sword, but I do prefer the knowing. But things started to even tougher all of a sudden. I was starting to struggle to breath a little on the climbs, having to stop on a couple. Fortunately the terrain flattened a little and for sometime I was OKish and ended up riding a lady from Rotor. Thanks for your company, was great to chat and help me reset a little. (I hope the family and you enjoyed you extra few days in Kielder Forest).</p><p>On a long fast descent we parted ways, then my breathing concerns returned again on each steep climb (turns out I was getting a chest cold). But there was 35 to go, 30 to go, 25 to go............."Damn it!" Or should I say "Dam it!" We crossed the dam and headed for a short brutal ramp. Seeing the riders with gears just in front slow significantly, I span the legs up and made an effort to get as far up as I could. Nearly made it this year, had a short walk and remounted, for the moment.</p><p>The last hill of any concern lay 400 metres ahead, I rounded the corner and got out the saddle, it came at me like a wall, I stalled, got going again, this happened twice, then I dabbed and stepped off. As I did "OH, don't do that, I just caught you again!" came from behind. My Rotor friend appeared with a smile. Me: "nothing left. Allez Allez!" she rode strongly up the hill and away. I trudged to the top, jumped on and went for it. I pushed on for the finish, the next hill seemed easier than last year, around Kielder Water did to. May be the dirstraction I a fellow Southerner and chatting about the riding their help. A new good natured game of cat and mouse with the fast moving lady along the shoreline help too.</p><p>The soft grassy field just below the castle was a different matter, that was just mean DR team, just mean! But when you hit the ramp to the castle, everything comes alive again, up, hard right and finished! </p><p>This year felt harder and timing suggested it was. It was just as enjoyable as the years before and the atmosphere was great as always. The one thing that still gets me is the encouragement riders give each other is un-ending. Even those having a nightmare, give a smile and say "Good luck!" "Enjoy!" "Are you mad single speeder or just brave?" Mainly mad, yep, the mad bit! </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2YcSf_wzewgSJBh5e8un9w2xw63WpuyDM9e9XUAN4rgK1ZOum4GR7v-ainGOPLxhFXe-4NPDt_z6b0Uu_AtiAdUcJxftsokX5efj0tfsfIAzbGElHwqGOnyYNaqaeByHpXP-q_hymUmzXRdFIjZ8iuHSCKd3AtRmzwECB-wRxwORM7cbxLSZFA0Q8/s1985/IMG_2154.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1208" data-original-width="1985" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2YcSf_wzewgSJBh5e8un9w2xw63WpuyDM9e9XUAN4rgK1ZOum4GR7v-ainGOPLxhFXe-4NPDt_z6b0Uu_AtiAdUcJxftsokX5efj0tfsfIAzbGElHwqGOnyYNaqaeByHpXP-q_hymUmzXRdFIjZ8iuHSCKd3AtRmzwECB-wRxwORM7cbxLSZFA0Q8/w400-h244/IMG_2154.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">You honestly can't go wrong with a Sonder Broken Road, but maybe apply gears liberally. <br /></div> <p></p><p>Thanks to all those that do yell encrouragement or slow to ask why? The answer is I don't know, it is fun. Thanks to the dust covered lady as I entered the curry tent for the big congratulations, it was really appreciated. I hope it showed? I was a little wasted by then. I hope you and your friends had an excellent day out?<br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj54bqzYH2Ul4lFQ_aVZakOhejs7tZ5udXET-00XE5L-7lVpy_J0UNvWrjOdnjLcMMvTheyck7OBTqFx-2jayiua-gkskXdUUR8fKagyEekpA1fwPa_dZ7w4kHiCX9IFm-KHJfq8WNbt803DGOk5B5iZN5iwsPo57-tpaXBRkizGKQ-fUM4nS2FwPn_/s1544/IMG_2155.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1544" data-original-width="1160" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj54bqzYH2Ul4lFQ_aVZakOhejs7tZ5udXET-00XE5L-7lVpy_J0UNvWrjOdnjLcMMvTheyck7OBTqFx-2jayiua-gkskXdUUR8fKagyEekpA1fwPa_dZ7w4kHiCX9IFm-KHJfq8WNbt803DGOk5B5iZN5iwsPo57-tpaXBRkizGKQ-fUM4nS2FwPn_/s320/IMG_2155.jpg" width="240" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A little less wasted after some curry. <br /></div> <p></p><p>To the head wind, you were traumatic and there are a few hundred riders that want their souls back!</p><p>To the organisers, FC workers, sponsors and amazing volunteers, thank you again from not just myself, but I am sure every other rider. Keep doing what you do, it is an ace event!</p><p>I may not be back, as it is time to look for other adventures (there are a few in planning), but everyone must do the Dirty Reiver at least twice. I have done a few times, I might sneak back with gears and some proper training one day. Who knows? But do give it a go if you are gravel suffering inclined<br /></p><p>Big shout out to:</p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://alpkit.com/pages/sonder" target="_blank">Sonder Bikes</a> - Neil</li><li><a href="https://alpkit.com/" target="_blank">Alpkit</a> - Alice and Hayley</li><li><a href="https://www.wolftoothcomponents.com/" target="_blank">Wolf Tooth Components</a> - Brendan</li><li><a href="https://www.surreyhillscycleworks.co.uk/" target="_blank">Surrey Hills Cycleworks</a> - Dave F</li></ul><p>and of course Nik and the kids for suffering my foolishness. :)</p><p>Keep riding and have fun! </p><p>Next up some trail riding and maybe a 200km loop around the South Downs. ;)<br /></p>Scott Swallinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00880835868727854673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-466646637503294251.post-1515141618039516602020-11-16T16:54:00.001+00:002020-11-16T23:26:27.482+00:00Big Day Out - Downs Link Loop<p>On 18th October I headed off for 180Kms+ loop of the Northdowns Way (NDW), King Alfreds Way (KAW), Southdowns Way (SDW) and Downs Link (DL). I had concieved this idea only a few weeks before, quickly planned it and set a date.<br /></p><p> <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h4VrHlOm0y8/X7KJYIWN9TI/AAAAAAAABDc/2KVG8vaQy6MP_X_m8dTiVoDDCW5sIbjGgCNcBGAsYHQ/s1136/IMG_8783.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1136" data-original-width="640" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h4VrHlOm0y8/X7KJYIWN9TI/AAAAAAAABDc/2KVG8vaQy6MP_X_m8dTiVoDDCW5sIbjGgCNcBGAsYHQ/w225-h400/IMG_8783.PNG" width="225" /></a></div><p></p><p>My bike of choice was my brilliant <a href="https://alpkit.com/pages/sonder" target="_blank">Sonder Bikes</a> Broken Road, which is a single speed and with <a href="https://alpkit.com/" target="_blank">Alpkit</a> bikpacking luggage mounted and filled with al that I could need for a Big Day Out. <a href="https://www.wolftoothcomponents.com/" target="_blank">Wolf Tooth Components </a>drive train and <a href="https://www.klite.com.au/" target="_blank">KLite</a> lighting the early morning and night.<br /></p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TCYzZo4YK5A/X7KNE4z183I/AAAAAAAABD0/6KB9q8wcPAAqVCSnmio284lqA-DEgLdJwCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/DownsLoop1ScottS.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TCYzZo4YK5A/X7KNE4z183I/AAAAAAAABD0/6KB9q8wcPAAqVCSnmio284lqA-DEgLdJwCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/DownsLoop1ScottS.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div> <p></p><p>A relatively early but civiliased start I casually rode to the start/finish of the loop. Set the Garmin to nav and off I went. The very first thing you do is climb and that is a bit of a theme until the last 60km+ on the DL.</p><p>Starting along the NDW out of Guildford, I rode over familiar terrain and predominantly sandy trails. It was great that the sand was still a little wet, making it a bit easier to ride, but not super fast. I crusied along these, passing quaint houses, farms, horse studs and large manor house, across estate fields and wiggled along some single track in places. All in the gloom of the early morning and on/off drizzle for a little over 1.5hrs until I reached the junction with the KAW.</p><p>Joining the KAW on a fast section of road as the drizzle started clear. I point down the hill, tucked and went, over the weak bridge, wondering if I had eaten too much the day before. I sped to the next section of trail, a path through pine forest and fenced moor land. The habitat changes between these two main types for some time. Now and then I ride through farm land, sometimes through farm yards (still an odd feeling for an Australian), past more stables and studs.<br /></p><p>The KAW section I rode from the NDW to SDW, has a variety of different terrain from sandy moors over Frensham with views of both ponds, slick sandy bridleways, road, muddy fireroads through pine forest and some rocky climbs and descents. The most noteable are, the sandy wall I hit entering Hankley Common, one I thought I would be off walking, but some how managed to clear it, the rocky ascent out of Thursley was slick and loose and had be pushing for a little way. Then after many more K's of fun, undulating, varied trails and roads, the last two climbs up onto the South Downs came at me hard, sapped the legs a little, making the SDW sign post a welcome sight and a good place for more food and a comfort break (when the bike and foot traffic allowed).</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aJa5Sn3kpd4/X7KWT-bM8TI/AAAAAAAABEA/t7UPuH9LAxIJtTokWW3BFSZuwxU2q6OuQCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/DownsLoop2ScottS.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aJa5Sn3kpd4/X7KWT-bM8TI/AAAAAAAABEA/t7UPuH9LAxIJtTokWW3BFSZuwxU2q6OuQCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/DownsLoop2ScottS.jpeg" /> <br /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aJa5Sn3kpd4/X7KWT-bM8TI/AAAAAAAABEA/t7UPuH9LAxIJtTokWW3BFSZuwxU2q6OuQCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/DownsLoop2ScottS.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cZZCjnrckJg/X7KWqg3hA1I/AAAAAAAABEI/5d_G0MJI5bMBYCVBG2lp0n3iXuc2zZiCgCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/DownsLoop4ScottS.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cZZCjnrckJg/X7KWqg3hA1I/AAAAAAAABEI/5d_G0MJI5bMBYCVBG2lp0n3iXuc2zZiCgCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/DownsLoop4ScottS.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Until this point I had seen very few people, due my early start and grey weather. Apart from an 84 year old man out for a run, I passed on the second to last hill before the SDW and a couple of others on the KAW and some dogs walkers. But now things were getting busy as the weather improved. So it was time to be extra polite and smile lots. Along the KAW, I had passed pubs, little villages, cafes and coffee stops, plenty to find along the way, even if you drift a little of course to do so. Up onto the SDW and I know things are fewer and far between and missing the taps can be a right pain in the butt. The times I have ridden the SDW, I haven't missed one. However there is always first time.</div><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qdblxfsz2pA/X7KXYW25GBI/AAAAAAAABEY/lpyxiFaHIHsdsUkWgdfjT3miKv4Os2UBQCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/DownsLoop5ScottS.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qdblxfsz2pA/X7KXYW25GBI/AAAAAAAABEY/lpyxiFaHIHsdsUkWgdfjT3miKv4Os2UBQCNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/DownsLoop5ScottS.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div> <p></p><p>Out on to the SDW and the sun even started poking through the clouds, the weather improved and the spirits crept even higher (I am always happy on a bike). One of the things I found riding the "official" cycle route along the SDW was the little difference between it and some of the previous version of the route I have taken, certainly didn't change the level of damage done to your legs and the views even when grey, remain beautiful.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XXQIEsGWsvs/X7KXQnFYuhI/AAAAAAAABEU/-8Q-K-A-AYALGhyFbl_pujOJuoFerE9tACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/DownsLoop3ScottS.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XXQIEsGWsvs/X7KXQnFYuhI/AAAAAAAABEU/-8Q-K-A-AYALGhyFbl_pujOJuoFerE9tACNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/DownsLoop3ScottS.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>Lack of riding, lack of sleep and the relentlessness of the SDW would have me off walking a few climbs as I crossed the big whale backs of the way. I know the SDW and knowing what is to come and what has passed is actually an advantage in my mind. I can plan, I can literally plan on which hill where I am likely to fail on the singlespeed, accept it in advance and make up for it on the ones I know are on my limit. I know when the taps are roughly coming and can hydrate accordingly with no fear of running out of water. The taps are even better marked now, so the couple that are on fun descents are easier to spot.<br /></p><p>Of course I also know that Richline Farm Shop is coming soon, another tap stop there as well. Over hill down valley, up over another hill, the SDW keeps coming at you, but it is a great place to ride. Soon I crest the last hill before the farm and drop down, preparing for a longer than normal stop. "I really need to ride more" I mutter as roll to a stop, say "Hi" to another fellow cycling adventurer (Tony). Richline Farn Shop is basic, the coffee is instant, but the cakes home made, the ice cream is quite decent too.</p><p>I sit with a coffee, a large flapjack, can of Tango and some more natural snacks from my Possum frame bag. Tony and I chat about sleeping in ditches, the pros and cons of knowing your route ahead and Tony's best way back to Camberley. It is not terribly direct, but we share ideas. Soon my need to ride on drives me to pick up my helmet, of course place my rubbish and recycling in the right bins and thank the shop owners. From hear on cold legs a farm track leads up to a rock hardpack trail, for the first part of this I hurt, cold legs, singlespeed and straight up hill for approximately 1km, from a stop. The gate 200ms from the farm doesn't help. But once warmed up my rhythm returns and it starts to feel good again.</p><p>Climb, descend, climb, descend, it is the charm of the SDW, or is it the curse? As the picture below demostrates, either way, I seem to like it up there.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TI3nG2JEdmY/X7KghHuf5tI/AAAAAAAABEo/M6LALGio-dUxinF5VA4qiNO-YE1O7iOdQCNcBGAsYHQ/s1280/DownsLoop6ScottS.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TI3nG2JEdmY/X7KghHuf5tI/AAAAAAAABEo/M6LALGio-dUxinF5VA4qiNO-YE1O7iOdQCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/DownsLoop6ScottS.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p>There are a few more hills, to conquer and descents to enjoy, some of the toughest are to come. I know this, but I also know I am now getting close to my next junction. Strangely as I tick off hill after hill, ensuring I also enjoy views like the one below, I feel a little down, that I won't be riding to Eastbourne.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3WrGjGX38OQ/X7Kh9TgSQPI/AAAAAAAABE0/Sgoo650WojINfkH44J3AsRk2z4gnp56ZgCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/DownsLoop7ScottS.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3WrGjGX38OQ/X7Kh9TgSQPI/AAAAAAAABE0/Sgoo650WojINfkH44J3AsRk2z4gnp56ZgCNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/DownsLoop7ScottS.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div> <p></p><p>Crossing the road at Washington signals there are only a few more hills left to worry me until much later, for on the other side of these last couple is Botolphs and Steyning. Where I meet the Downs Link. But frst I must descend Pig Hill. You get the picture.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pW8GkXjAYQg/X7KiUq27MwI/AAAAAAAABE8/QWPKeYlpHdYX_Xuol9Ld-eGy6YDhb4BsQCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/DownsLoop8ScottS.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pW8GkXjAYQg/X7KiUq27MwI/AAAAAAAABE8/QWPKeYlpHdYX_Xuol9Ld-eGy6YDhb4BsQCNcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/DownsLoop8ScottS.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Down to the trail junction, it is time to update Nik on where I am and that I am approximate 1 hr 30 minutes behind schedule (it was a finger in the air schedule), but strangely bang on ride time. The much longer than planned lunch break had taken it's toll on my schedule. After a 10 minute snack break, I was off again. The DL was going to be tough, not because of hills or anything like that, but because of the lack of them. Spinning a single speed is tough, spinning one with 120km's already in the legs and knowing it is pretty much flat until the outside of Guildford is brutal.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SO_tr8a3ek0/X7Kl7lpe5mI/AAAAAAAABFI/eA44aQ0zq3Iqxsr9q8rHmKHxYyzaizFwACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/DownsLoop9ScottS.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SO_tr8a3ek0/X7Kl7lpe5mI/AAAAAAAABFI/eA44aQ0zq3Iqxsr9q8rHmKHxYyzaizFwACNcBGAsYHQ/s320/DownsLoop9ScottS.jpeg" /></a> <br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">So with my head down, a little too much, I made a slight nav error at one point, I chose a speed (18kph) and did my best to stick to it. This is a boring piece of trail, hardpack most the way, no single track, no descents, and no climbs bar one short sharp and nasty (when it is wet) chalky-flinty climb about 2 3rds of the way to Guildford.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Along the DL, there are plenty of towns, villages and larger metro centres. Plenty of places to stop and stay, refuel and relax. This added to my view that this entire route could be broken up easily, even for those that don't wish to sleep in a ditch or hedge (like me).</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Ridng the DL geared, like I have done before, is actually fun, it is fast, wide and has no cars. On the single with 38km's to go, I started to think about the last real climb of the ride to come. St Marthas hill, I know it well, I know the route I was going to be taking well, I know the long soft climb and the sandy Black Heath, just before it well, I know them well in the dark. Fortunately, as it had got dark a while ago and my legs were going to pieces spinning like a loon.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I watched the DL disappear out of the light from my headtorch and Klite bikepacking light under my front wheel, being spat out behind me as the km's went under 20. Soon I would be at Bramley, but more silly spinning first. I saw familiar houses and then the large white gate looming a head in the Klite. "Yes!" My language had more colour if I am honest.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">As planned, I ducked down the service station just near the crossing point. Consumed a chocolate bar, a bottle of coke and poured another bottle of coke into a bidon and fresh water into the other. I got back on the bike after a brief call with Nik, and a little pep talk and headed back to the DL, up over the climbs before Black Heath, across the sand, headed past the Chilworth Powder Mills and started up St Marthas, eventually at the left hand turn where the climb steepens, my legs were shot. It was hike-a-bike time, up on to my shoulders it went and a steady one foot after the other followed until I was stood near St Marthas Church at the top of the hill.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">From here it is a short dash through The Chantries, turn south and head back to Shalford, cross the Wey and head back into Guildford, pass under St Catherines Chapel ruins, up a very steep alley and back to the start finish, where I started near the Law School.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Happy, relieved and entirely ruined, I stopped my Garmin and turned for home. Around the Guildford area, it would have been easy to bail and head home, without finishing the entire route, but this would have bugged the hell out of me, and I really needed to burn off that chocolate bar. :)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I think I could get use to planning more local (UK) type routes like this and in this manner. Planning things to every little granular detail, sometimes for me anyway, makes such adventures seem almost artificial. From conception to turning the first pedal was roughly 2 weeks, I didn't really look closely at where there was support, I scoped some bail out options and knew that I could get food and water every 50-60kms which off road is a sensible limit. But I wasn't worried about elevation of terrain as such, just go ride the bike for a very long day.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Bike choice for me was simple, if there is fun to be had on a route I will have that fun, no matter what the ultimate plan is and as much as I love my gravel bike and MonsertX, the Broken Road was the right bike.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Would I change a thing? No, not for my first ride of it. Next time I plan to go with a mate and he will prefer gears, so maybe gravel bike next time?</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">As mentioned the terrain is varied and I think I got the timing about right. The sand along the NDW and KAW wasn't too soft, the mud not too deep, up on the SDW the mud was starting to dry and was a bit sticky, but not it's icy self. Too dry and the sand would suck, too wet and the mud on the SDW sticks to everything, but your tyres don't stick to it.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Thanks to:</div><div style="text-align: left;">Nik for being forever awesome and understanding and I think we should take the kids down the Downs Link over few nights and back.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://alpkit.com/pages/sonder" target="_blank">Sonder Bikes</a> and <a href="https://alpkit.com/" target="_blank">Alpkit </a>for and excellent bike, comfy outer wear and brilliant bespoke bikepacking bags.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.wolftoothcomponents.com/" target="_blank">Wolf Tooth Components</a> for you unstoppable and insanely repliable chain rings, ss cogs and the brilliant <a href="https://www.wolftoothcomponents.com/collections/encase-system" target="_blank">EnCase</a> tool system.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.klite.com.au/" target="_blank">KLite</a>, for the best dynamos on the market, brilliant clear light and relaible as Wolf Tooth.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.surreyhillscycleworks.co.uk/" target="_blank">Surrey Hills Cycleworks</a> for all the little bits and the big round things either end. <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Get out and ride folks! <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p></div>Scott Swallinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00880835868727854673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-466646637503294251.post-23419683024107713872019-02-06T00:45:00.001+00:002019-02-06T00:46:40.274+00:00Ice climbing, head spanners, chamois, Cogne and Chamonix<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Every year a friend Dave Pegler organises Ice Fest, non-guiding,
non-coaching, just accommodation, excellent food, wine and some local
knowledge.<br />
<br />
This year it was in Cogne and would be my
first time ice climbing in 5 years and with the absence of any real
climbing in the past 4 years, it was always going to be interesting.<br />
<br />
But
with some training under the belt and feeling surprisingly fit, other
than a servere lack of sleep. Daniel and I bundled our gear including
skis into my van and headed off for a 12 hr drive to Cogne. The drive
went surprisingly well bar some confused French when buying some food.
We arrived in Cogne in pretty good time.<br />
<br />
I had smuggled
some Alpkit Frazils, my Filoment, Balance jacket, Qark and a number of
their base layers and fleeces out of the country as well, to give them a
proper beating in the mountains. I will do a separate review blog on
them.<br />
<br />
Dave, Tommy and Andre all arrived safe and sound a little while after us, and Ice Fest 2019 Cogne was a go.<br />
<br />
Dan
and I had some ideas of what we wanted to climb but had no real goals
(maybe I should have set mine even lower). With a few routes picked as
options for the week, we settled into a pizza meal and beers at Bar
Licone.<br />
<br />
I won't go through each day and climb in detail,
but pick out the low and high-lights. Plus I am not convinced I am
writing as well as I use to at present, out of practice.<br />
<br />
Day
1, would prove to be the first low-light. Dan and I headed to
Candelabro del Coyote WI4 as it looked good and we had both climbed many
routes beyond this grade. After short and eventful very icy walk in and
once of those little scrambles that warms the body. We arrived at the
base and Dan opted for first pitch, which he dispatched slowly but
confidently allowing for his return to ice climbing after a similar
break. I started to second and it was going wrong from the start.
Huffing and puffing like to 2 pack a day smoker I eventually made the
belay, in no state to continue on. I took a moment and then decided I
really couldn't push on. So we abbed off, Dan calm and understanding, me
disappointed, but chalking it up to exhaustion.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qENlqbZnVJM/XFofTePQnMI/AAAAAAAAA9E/D5TRFW-bTj0BJ7Ye3c5eFiWfaPy71uXdwCLcBGAs/s1600/P1010408%2B%25281%2529.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qENlqbZnVJM/XFofTePQnMI/AAAAAAAAA9E/D5TRFW-bTj0BJ7Ye3c5eFiWfaPy71uXdwCLcBGAs/s320/P1010408%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PlY9t-lugsA/XFofQS7SO_I/AAAAAAAAA9A/OGb0b0QPzjQOZYAPi4zWEj_F5rF8-kixACLcBGAs/s1600/P1010407%2B%25281%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PlY9t-lugsA/XFofQS7SO_I/AAAAAAAAA9A/OGb0b0QPzjQOZYAPi4zWEj_F5rF8-kixACLcBGAs/s320/P1010407%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Dan on the 1st pitch of Candelabro del Coyote<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Further up the first pitch of CdC.<br />
<br />
There was some discussion of what to do over another great dinner prepared by Dave.<br />
<br />
Day
2 would see us take a walk into Valnontey and after very close
encounter with our first Chamois (about 3 meters from Dan, we would now
see Chamois almost every day) and a walk up to the Super Repentence area
(closed for vulture nesting), we returned to what we would later learn
was Patri and enjoyed a fun easy few picthes in the beautiful valley,
the only one with any real snow cover.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KlaOQn2VA3c/XFogHePL7mI/AAAAAAAAA9U/SeeZcf5pVU4WbD4JCNSh6AKFXdfz4BoLQCLcBGAs/s1600/P1010411%2B%25281%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1105" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KlaOQn2VA3c/XFogHePL7mI/AAAAAAAAA9U/SeeZcf5pVU4WbD4JCNSh6AKFXdfz4BoLQCLcBGAs/s320/P1010411%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="221" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Dan appears from the fun, but short lived rock chute on Patri</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--YNcdsbSPj4/XFohh8Xr82I/AAAAAAAAA9o/2aNOFmurGDU0AqNzYk0AiwMMPmnQYlizACEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_5539.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--YNcdsbSPj4/XFohh8Xr82I/AAAAAAAAA9o/2aNOFmurGDU0AqNzYk0AiwMMPmnQYlizACEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_5539.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A4zgoT_NBw8/XFohkA9nZmI/AAAAAAAAA9s/DshTEKl1TSctDSWTVSdd7bjZ0gZlmzvMgCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_5554.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A4zgoT_NBw8/XFohkA9nZmI/AAAAAAAAA9s/DshTEKl1TSctDSWTVSdd7bjZ0gZlmzvMgCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_5554.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
On the exploration walk before getting on Patri</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Day
3 we opted for Thule a surprisingly steep 3+, after a battery issue
with the van, we made the short approach and I lead the first pitch.
Whilst I got through this without any issues, there was a moment of
doubt that caused some overt screw placing and slow progress. Over the
top and on to the annoyingly easy angled ice and up to a belay. The sun
had hit the ice on the last pitch, but the ice had clearly been melting
for a while. The thin ice curtain hung running like a shower. As Dan
arrived at the belay, we had the discussion and he decided the curtain
was to thin and wet for his liking and we retreated. Again there was a
very large chamois buck, whilst Dan threatened it with the pot, I am
sure it would have had him.</div>
<br />
I had felt overall better in the head on this day and was a bit more fired up.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Use6FMYKIDo/XFohbUPyJ6I/AAAAAAAAA9w/60CsR6YCHqQBkzRC-SHQ4-rB8A9XYQUlQCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_5558%2B%25281%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Use6FMYKIDo/XFohbUPyJ6I/AAAAAAAAA9w/60CsR6YCHqQBkzRC-SHQ4-rB8A9XYQUlQCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_5558%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The van being grumpy</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p0AE_rMj3FA/XFoiCoLff5I/AAAAAAAAA98/jqbN3RX0oocoIKOzWqv3azFztMKthK15wCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_5561.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p0AE_rMj3FA/XFoiCoLff5I/AAAAAAAAA98/jqbN3RX0oocoIKOzWqv3azFztMKthK15wCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_5561.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Dan under Thule (how can it melt when it is minus 8?)</div>
<br />
Day
4 and a complete and utter head spanner. Dan and I headed back to
Candelabro del Coyote. I felt fitter and hadn't experienced any real
head issues, none that I had not overcome before mid route. I chose to
take the first pitch. Long story short, my confidence was severely
misplaced and I would soon disappoint myself and in my mind let down
Dan. I basically lost the confidence in myself to repeat moves I had
just completed on the shelfed ice fall and placed far too many screws, I
hung around for ages, without any physically detrimental impact to my
arms or legs, but my head would not let me move up. I have never
experienced such a loss of confidence and found myself along way from
climbing much harder ice in Kandersteg, Vallouise and La Grave and much
harder Scottish winter. Basically I was confused at the monumental loss
of confidence and I was stopped on the ice. I had to backed off, and
appologised to Dan about 50 times as we walked out and made other plans.
(Dan was very understanding, one of the reasons he makes an excellent
climbing partner and is a great friend).<br />
<br />
Whilst
Dan, Dave, Tommy and Andre were all supportive, I was pissed off with
myself and needed my own head space to be even good company let alone
climb, which I was given.<br />
<br />
Day 5 started me with
reminding myself I have done naff all climbing in 5 years and that I
know how to get back to the best I was, but it won't happen this trip.
That a few routes have now been chosen for fun. A fun outing on Cascade
Lillaz (a few photo's below) was calm and exactly that, fun, but we
avoided the running water of the first pitch and got caught in the
queues. But everyone was pleasant and it was more like a day at the
crag.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4AcaSF7lx8Y/XFojJKzUO0I/AAAAAAAAA-I/4h0hzMq4X_IZQaJtR3jGWWlbEjz0-6NPQCLcBGAs/s1600/P1010418.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4AcaSF7lx8Y/XFojJKzUO0I/AAAAAAAAA-I/4h0hzMq4X_IZQaJtR3jGWWlbEjz0-6NPQCLcBGAs/s320/P1010418.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Yt_VMGGkSpE/XFojLQwgtmI/AAAAAAAAA-M/SIEQbau7y3kzxltQ8zEfS3VVcLGFC5mOQCLcBGAs/s1600/P1010427%2B%25281%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Yt_VMGGkSpE/XFojLQwgtmI/AAAAAAAAA-M/SIEQbau7y3kzxltQ8zEfS3VVcLGFC5mOQCLcBGAs/s640/P1010427%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A) A busy Cascade Lillaz, B) Dan cruising the final pitch.</div>
<br />
On
Day 6 we walked back into Valnontey (it really is a beautiful valley)
to the classic Acheronte. After an interesting and totally new approach
and a little waiting at the first pitch for some other teams. I started
up, head in a good place, happy and climbing with confidence. Once
through the difficulties I mved the full rope length with a few well
placed screws and Dan started up behind me. We moved as one until the
route narrowed, we caught the other teams and I ran out of gear. Not
long after Dan arrived at the belay he could move up to the next belay
(he had all the gear after all). After a while his voice crackled over
the radio to get comfy as we had a little wait. I watched chamois (about
20 or so), bounce from rock to rock, dart back into the trees and
generally make our movement on such ground look slow and cumbersome.
After being hit a few times by ice, he called me up and I soon joined
him and member of another team "chained" to the belay. The route
narrowed greatly above and one of the teams above was about to abb. It
was far to tight to climb whilst they abb, not to mention the above
belay was shit.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k7wfxVS7-I4/XFokEzT7nLI/AAAAAAAAA-c/B-kY4AyHQMUOq4fGsEBpvN1Bkt0HSr_8ACLcBGAs/s1600/P1010431%2B%25281%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k7wfxVS7-I4/XFokEzT7nLI/AAAAAAAAA-c/B-kY4AyHQMUOq4fGsEBpvN1Bkt0HSr_8ACLcBGAs/s320/P1010431%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Waiting for the first pitch on Acheronte to clear a little.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s4TJRmoF6ag/XFokNhW6KwI/AAAAAAAAA-g/T_jW7L7yvykr9NUMfUHTzVUCiXvLrs7FACLcBGAs/s1600/P1010434%2B%25281%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s4TJRmoF6ag/XFokNhW6KwI/AAAAAAAAA-g/T_jW7L7yvykr9NUMfUHTzVUCiXvLrs7FACLcBGAs/s320/P1010434%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Overjoyed with being hit by ice bouncing bombs, with only a small flake to hide behind.</div>
<br />
Soon
I could lead the narrow and thinly veiled (in parts) ice and rock, it
was more like Scotland which strangely gave me a boost. Wiggling my
shoulders through the narrowest bits, placing axes and crampons rather
than kicking and soon the belay and the 2 seconds of the other team
ahead were in view. Shortly after, they headed off and I got on belay.
Dan climbed up, just as the abb rope appeared from above and a little
bit of good humoured chaos ensued. Everyone secure and no-one left above
Dan, headed off for the last pitch, which had a fun Scottish finish to
it. I soon followed, enjoyed a short stint of dry tooling and we were
at the top. A quick photo opt and then we abbed. It was certainly a
classic and a good recommendation from Andre Clarke.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EoCO_eZejus/XFok5smNlTI/AAAAAAAAA-s/mG9MAsmcUoI9_lA47L6zCszBba1gYG5NgCLcBGAs/s1600/P1010433%2B%25281%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EoCO_eZejus/XFok5smNlTI/AAAAAAAAA-s/mG9MAsmcUoI9_lA47L6zCszBba1gYG5NgCLcBGAs/s640/P1010433%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Dan leading the 2nd proper pitch on Acheronte.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Omk7u3jrNPw/XFok9ecMcJI/AAAAAAAAA-w/9oVVnLEouhogJnBRUfSu53fRypum5_cXwCLcBGAs/s1600/P1010437%2B%25281%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Omk7u3jrNPw/XFok9ecMcJI/AAAAAAAAA-w/9oVVnLEouhogJnBRUfSu53fRypum5_cXwCLcBGAs/s320/P1010437%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Photo opt at the top.</div>
<br />
We
had been held up a bit by the other teams so time had got away. As we
sped out of the valley in fading light and on icy terrain, I hadn't
noticed my threadbare socks rubbing, with about 1km left to walk out, I
suddenly did. I slowed behind Dan and after a lot of very short but
rapid steps we were back to the van and soon back in Cogne for dinner
and wine, beer and Ruko gin.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b6tuAObig_Q/XFohXwUslbI/AAAAAAAAA94/7WCHESw3wuEK5o0nac8Wl3xIIoAYt_VrgCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_5602.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b6tuAObig_Q/XFohXwUslbI/AAAAAAAAA94/7WCHESw3wuEK5o0nac8Wl3xIIoAYt_VrgCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_5602.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A4zgoT_NBw8/XFohkA9nZmI/AAAAAAAAA94/arukkI-dS2YSPwjJKlhQ9BP-U5DayZarQCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_5554.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A4zgoT_NBw8/XFohkA9nZmI/AAAAAAAAA94/arukkI-dS2YSPwjJKlhQ9BP-U5DayZarQCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_5554.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A and B, heading back into Valley Valnontey, it was tad cold.</div>
<br />
As
for my heals, I had taken several layers of skin off, I committed to
Chandelle Levure 4+ with Dan. So repair would be conducted in the
morning once the skin had dried a bit. No pics of that grimness sorry.<br />
<br />
Day
7 and the last day in Cogne, we head back into Valeille Rive Gauche and
onto Chandelle Levure. I had to pace myself as my heals were killing
me directly out of the van. My goal was to climb enough to get Dan to
the last pitch. Once at the base of the climb I headed up the first
easy pitch, using most of the rope and reaching a sunny belay and called
Dan up. The ground above looked supper easy and took very little time
to cover. Although every step hurt. I started off up the next easy
pitch, with the assumption that the bigger cave was the where the belay
was, as this would make the last pitch a bit longer and more
interesting. I should have read the guide book. with only 3 screws left
I had to set up and ice screw belay in a safe location and Dan headed
up. But now my heals were screaming "Kill me now!" I muttered "STFU".
Dan arrived grab some gear and headed up, theres was enough rope, but
again number of ice screws on harness lead to actually finding the
bolted belay in the cave above. I soon followed and could no longer bear
the pain. Shortly before the belay I hatched a plan with Dan, the last
pitch being so short, if it was safe to do so, he would lead and then I
could lower him off. If not, I would have to suck it up. "Could I
campus the last pitch?" I thought.<br />
<br />
Dan headed off and
made short work of the first half, then it steepened a little more. A
little shake out and a final screw and he was on top. I was joined by a
great Italian chap by this time (from Tuscany), he had driven up that
morning with his mate. His English was better than mine and I asked him
if he was OK with our plan and explained why. He was great!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P5KgO0mBitI/XFoledm9cTI/AAAAAAAAA-8/27bOfoQ9Juo09NBWpE1I8yJZi3rJD7YIQCLcBGAs/s1600/P1010440%2B%25282%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P5KgO0mBitI/XFoledm9cTI/AAAAAAAAA-8/27bOfoQ9Juo09NBWpE1I8yJZi3rJD7YIQCLcBGAs/s400/P1010440%2B%25282%2529.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Dan starting up the last pitch of Chandelle Levure</div>
<br />
Soon
Dan was back down and we abbed off and started the slow walk back to
the van. I was happy to be able to get to that point for Dan. All I
had left to do now was worry about if my fitted ski boots would kill my
heals more?<br />
<br />
Every route Dan I did (or tried) was
excellent, the atmosphere, the beauty of the valleys and the styles of
route are endless and fantastic. I will certainly head back and I will
go back at the peak of my point end game and get on routes based on what
I like the look of, that has always put me in good stead in the past.<br />
<br />
That
ended the week in Cogne on Ice Fest and as per usual we had to try and
drink most of the alcohol that night, it is tradition really and we did
OK.<br />
<br />
The next day we were off to Chamonix for 2 days of
planned ski randonee and to visit my sister Kathleen and her other half
Andy. Unfortunately a we couldn't meet until that evening so Dan and I
headed for Les Houches and a ski randonee which I knew was going to kick
my butt. Being able to ride uphill for ages is not the same as being
able to ski uphill for ages. Not one bit! When your Norwegian mate makes
it look as easy as walking, rubs salt into the wound a little, although
not into the wound on my heals as those fitted boots hugged my feet
comfortably to the top.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fwRZQ6fRjPQ/XFomFdIEXoI/AAAAAAAAA_I/r4YrHbMTnOQXnfm0YO7Mda4oRpwL9x1DQCLcBGAs/s1600/P1010448%2B%25281%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fwRZQ6fRjPQ/XFomFdIEXoI/AAAAAAAAA_I/r4YrHbMTnOQXnfm0YO7Mda4oRpwL9x1DQCLcBGAs/s320/P1010448%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Dan making it look too easy</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sv8p5IqOt-I/XFomPC_JLnI/AAAAAAAAA_Q/53_DaDCGydI0gS9RvsMBFJRn_eMHz7cowCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5610.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sv8p5IqOt-I/XFomPC_JLnI/AAAAAAAAA_Q/53_DaDCGydI0gS9RvsMBFJRn_eMHz7cowCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_5610.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Worth the effort to ski up and "Earn those turns".</div>
<br />
The
route goes from the bottom of the Prarion Lift to the top and weaves a
lovely route to the top, with some nice climbing through the trees and
plenty of steep little turns to practice your kick turns. Mine improved
a great deal by the summit. But heck it actually gave me more of a
kicking than I expected.<br />
<br />
After a short while at the
top, we kicked into downhill mode, but I could only last about 200
metres before I had to stop and shake my legs out. Whilst I stood
shaking one leg whilst the other trembled, Dan laughed and laughed and
made a comment I won't repeat, but it was pretty funny. Surprisingly,
as we descended further my legs recovered bit by bit. So not a bad sign
after all. The idea of earning your turns always appeals, but this has
tended to be a short boot pack from the highest lift for me in the
past. But I really wish to do more ski mountaineering and get to those
more remote places.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BcZe0gf7tVs/XFomYDe8LPI/AAAAAAAAA_k/_jZYuHELl-8Hf81inawNay-JMLw7wdWVACEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_5614.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BcZe0gf7tVs/XFomYDe8LPI/AAAAAAAAA_k/_jZYuHELl-8Hf81inawNay-JMLw7wdWVACEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_5614.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
200m's down from here, I as nearly crying. "My legs, my legs".</div>
<br />
So
all in all a mixed week in the mountains. But I was in the mountains, I
had fun (mostly) and I am motivated again to climb (after I sort some
major DIY out). Of course I was in the mountains with great friends,
got to meet a few new ones, to see my sister Kath and Andy, spending
sometime with them in St Gervais.<br />
<br />
Thanks to Dave for organising Ice Fest, do check them out on Facebook.<br />
Thanks to Kath, Andy, (please say thanks to Estelle and Justin, again for us.)<br />
Thanks to Dan for, well just being Dan. If you meet him, you will understand.<br />
Thanks
to the long suffering Nik for suggesting going, whilst she stayed at
home with our 3.8 year old and 9 week old. Thankfully Skype ensured they
didn't disown me.<br />
<br />
Of course thanks to Alpkit who have made some many climbing trips dry and comfortable in the past and this was no exception.<br />
<br />
For
those interested I will be reviewing the gear I took on this trip and
other Alpkit bits I have been battering for a while now. Also, Dynafit
are getting a jersey with a multi-pupose helmet review, as it was
basically near impossible to find a non-bias review on such helmets.<br />
<br />
Happy
climbing everyone and if you ever have an unshakeable head spanner.
Remember to take sometime and space, reflect on what you have achieved
in the past positively. Don't let it own you, but remember how you
achieved those goals. Remember that and to have fun. If you need to
scream to get the frustration out, go right ahead and do it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QIlblEZ-o_Y/XFomIvPx3mI/AAAAAAAAA_c/0RFQ4rLdY9kPxKtm_c49LbfsdPF3zlKkACEwYBhgL/s1600/P1010449%2B%25281%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1121" data-original-width="1600" height="448" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QIlblEZ-o_Y/XFomIvPx3mI/AAAAAAAAA_c/0RFQ4rLdY9kPxKtm_c49LbfsdPF3zlKkACEwYBhgL/s640/P1010449%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br /></div>
Scott Swallinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00880835868727854673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-466646637503294251.post-35751883106717097792018-06-05T18:12:00.001+01:002018-06-05T18:12:42.493+01:00Dorset Gravel Dash 100 - Beers, bikes and pirates. Aaarrrhhhh!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Charlie The Bike Monger, the purveyor of fine bicycles in Swanage, has been running the Dorset Gravel Dash 50:50 and 100 for a couple for a few years now.<br />
<br />
The 50:50 is an over night bike packing, eating an drinking fest, which sees many participants enjoy the riding, food and the antics of the combination of alcohol, fire and bikes in an empty farmers field. Many of the 50:50 arrive back at The Red Lion in worse condition than the 100 riders.<br />
<br />
The 100, bikes off the entire route in one day and there are brutal climbs to get the blood flowing in the early stages. The 2 years I have done it now have been single speed over the 100. This year it was on the <a href="https://www.alpkit.com/sonder/sonder-broken-road" target="_blank">Sonder Broken Road</a> and a slightly changed and more challenging course, with far too much sticky mud.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Tad-1fedeWM/WxbDzdkvKCI/AAAAAAAAA8I/oCsEk99ZLHo9XTbjolGESXBEI8ofWfGPACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4840.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Tad-1fedeWM/WxbDzdkvKCI/AAAAAAAAA8I/oCsEk99ZLHo9XTbjolGESXBEI8ofWfGPACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_4840.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Before DGD100</div>
<br />
After a few ciders, a great lasange at The Red Lion in he company of may pirates and their antics (Swanage Pirate Festival) and a group of divers, it was time for a walk watch the sun set, park the van up on the shore and watch the lighting show roll in and fall asleep.<br />
<br />
Waking early to find my rear tyre flat was not ideal, then for the tubeless valve to snap, less ideal, first tube in was faulty, even less ideal. 2nd spare tube did the trick. I would need to buy 2 spares of Charlie shortly after the start. Food and coffee whilst I hid from the biblical rain, which stopped a few minutes before the start.<br />
<br />
Once signed in and having made a plan with Charlie and Sam to get my tubes, I drifted to the back of the 100 riders. After some fine poetry from Charlie, we were off, well, me to the shop first.<br />
<br />
Paid for and stuffed in my saddle bag, I headed off confident in my new spares if anything would go wrong (it didn't). Having wasted 10-15 minutes I was very surprised to be catching people up this climb. I combination of single speed grinding and walking (running slowly) I crested the first obstacle. Reward with fine views and big blue skies.<br />
<br />
Onward, over familiar ground, spinning, grinding, running and walking, I paced myself making good time, enjoying the views and chatting to others as I went. Yo-yoing with others over the differing terrain, where the mix of gravel, mountain, CX and fat bikes, rubbed shoulders.<br />
<br />
The weather was stunning and made me forget mostly about my legs, sore from kilometer 20, Charlies helpers, where in the perfect spots both times and filled us with water and treats. The best of which was a Lance ball, I had two. My short stop in the pub at Humble before the hill forts proved helpful also, OJ and more water was chosen over a beer and pub lunch.<br />
<br />
From 30+ k's to go I found myself alone, having broken the elastic on my Yo-yo. My Garmin gave me a warning beep of Low Battery and my legs started to spin a bit faster. 20 to go I lifted the cadence again. It is not a race, but a personal challenge and I was doing just that.<br />
<br />
The last punch in the guts comes at about 6k to go, <a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/purbeck-countryside/trails/old-harry-rocks-walk" target="_blank">Old Henry</a> the climb back up onto Purbeck Way is tough after the day in the saddle, and the rough section before the crest was just too much for my legs. Off and brisk walk to the crest of the hill and straight back to work. Across the top and then through a herd of the most chilled cows in the world.<br />
<br />
Now it was down for the last time, a tricky descent, made easier by some walkers opening the top gate for me and some 50:50 riders holding the bottom one open too. A slick descent and onto the road to run back into The Red Lion and the finish.<br />
<br />
I managed to be 1st Single Speed back by some way and 8th overall according to the unofficial results board (It's not a race!). I felt like I had worked hard and finding a friendly face proceeded with some celebrations in food and drink form.<br />
<br />
Again the after event antics were funny and certainly entertaining. Charlie with the combination of pirates, Drunk Cyclist and Surly International Drinking team, certainly made it lively.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i_5H2V83-0k/WxbD2r4yqXI/AAAAAAAAA8M/_XnqGOPOjP4V5IuIMNzWWy6wGFPuVBm7ACEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_4852.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i_5H2V83-0k/WxbD2r4yqXI/AAAAAAAAA8M/_XnqGOPOjP4V5IuIMNzWWy6wGFPuVBm7ACEwYBhgL/s400/IMG_4852.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
After DGD100 and the very sticky mud</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
It is quietly one of the best events I do and I'll do again. It has a subtle international feel as riders are learning more about the event from near and far. The scenery is amazing and The Red Lion is a super chilled start and finish venue and Charlie is a showman.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
A massive big up to Charlie and his helpers and to Sam, who holds the fort down until every rider is safely home. I hope to see the event grow (not too big) but enough to make it a regular event on the calendar.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
As for the Broken Road, I have to give that it's own blog. But I wanted one the first time I rode one a couple of years back. I was right, it is an awesome bike. I am excited about it as much as I was about my SIR9 Niner, probably more so, that is really saying something. More on that soon.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Thanks to Sonder/Alpkit, SurreyHillsCycleWorks and Wolf Tooth Components for getting me set up and the bike tweaked to perfection. </div>
</div>
Scott Swallinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00880835868727854673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-466646637503294251.post-53302912843418122482018-05-14T12:50:00.004+01:002018-05-14T12:53:42.531+01:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hi all,<br />
So I have had an Alpkit Arro and Balance jacket for
sometime now and have tested both extensively. I give a short review of
both below.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6yCVbbSlGs0/WvluhkgREkI/AAAAAAAAA7k/RQufpofg7fEw4eMbTIlYQG4P0rf4FYC5wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4802.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6yCVbbSlGs0/WvluhkgREkI/AAAAAAAAA7k/RQufpofg7fEw4eMbTIlYQG4P0rf4FYC5wCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_4802.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Balance<br />
This
is a lightweight, small (not ultra small) packing waterproof. It
breathes really well and is cut nicely so as to not be too baggy for
cycling and still have room for a few thin layers and plenty of movement
to swing an ice axe.<br />
<br />
The hood is ample for most
helmets and snugs down well, helmet or not. A slight smaller peal than
my Crux Shock, but that is no issue, and the Shock is built for full
gnarl, winter ice with sharp teeth (check out the Alpkit <a href="https://www.alpkit.com/products/definition-mens" target="_blank">Definition</a>). The Balance is built to do a lot of things really well. So far I have found it does this.<br />
<br />
On
the bike is always a real test for jacket. The Balance has passed with
flying colours, decent overlap with waterproof trousers, doesn't ride
up and in wettest test days, 5hrs in the rain and grot, stayed dry. The
top of my waterproof shorts were bone dry to prove this. It has easily
out performed my much loved Endura Flyte<br />
<br />
The dual
pit zip vent/map pocket vent really well and are good pockets, although I
do think too many wet mild walks, and the lack of separate map pocket
and pit zip vent might bother me. But on the bike and climbing, it is
not noticeable as I keep nothing in those pockets. Maybe a small
phone/camera sized chest pocket could be added for little weight gain?<br />
<br />
The
only other tiny quibble would be I think the storm flap could be a
little wider. I found sometimes that on a really active decent or just
throwing it on quickly the storm flap easily folded back on itself and
the wind cut through the zip a little. But this was only on occasion
and easily manageable.<br />
<br />
I love this jacket and it is as
minimal as I would go, but still give great performance from the
elements. My Endura Flyte now sits as quality spare for when the UK
really turns on the muddy riding weather.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Zw8AumdsQa4/Wvl2J5G327I/AAAAAAAAA70/Zhakte3sBm0piIZKV5U8PFAMqZ3rhRr_wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4789.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Zw8AumdsQa4/Wvl2J5G327I/AAAAAAAAA70/Zhakte3sBm0piIZKV5U8PFAMqZ3rhRr_wCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_4789.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Balance proving it's breathe ability in a sunny but cold Kielder. </div>
<br />
Arro<br />
Not
much to say here other than, just buy one. It is the best lightweight
wind stopper I own. I have a couple of the Endura wind stoppers and
they are great, but they don't pack like this does or are as light,
unless you buy the FS260 Pro Cape. But that is not a multi-purpose
jacket, I have, biked (a lot) ran, climbed, carried the rug rat in her
backpack and even cut wood in this jacket.<br />
<br />
It is loose
fitting, which allows some layering, but it is again not too baggy. The
cut ensures your lower back isn't exposed when hunch over the bars
chewing on your stem. It has a small (I find) super useful zip pocket on
the right side hem, which my keys nestle in - out of the way (even with
a small pack on). Whilst it is not a brushed back soft shell, it
certain is comfy against bare arms.<br />
<br />
As for wear, this
should be falling apart by now, as it gets used or packed for every 2nd
ride. As you can see above, it still looks new.<br />
<br />
The technical bit.<br />
I won't go into details as Alpkit have them here in these links:<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.alpkit.com/products/balance-mens" target="_blank">Balance</a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.alpkit.com/products/arro-mens" target="_blank">Arro</a> <br />
<br />
I
say buy the Arro and really consider the Balance as a multi-purpose
does it all really well light weight jacket, I haven't had the chance to
test the Balance skiing yet, but I am sure it will be as great ski
touring as it is biking. Super glad I got mine.</div>
Scott Swallinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00880835868727854673noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-466646637503294251.post-5037972431921427492017-08-07T15:15:00.002+01:002017-08-07T15:20:20.251+01:00Sonder Camino Ti by Alpkit<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Sometime ago,as part of the Sonder Bikes marketing photo shoot and video, I as fortunate enough to ride the Sonder Camino Ti. It is rare I jump on a bike and want to buy one with in a few minutes. But with the exception of the SRAM components I really wanted to own one.<br />
<br />
Being more incline to build a bespoke Camino Ti, the time came for me to order my rolling chassis (frame, fork, and wheels) and strip down the old KR810 for components. Below is the bespoke build of my Camino.<br />
<br />
All good things start with a nice frame with smooth welds as shown below. Campagnolo (Campag) BB, Thompson seat post and Campag front mech hanger installed.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NOSdMc5wRBA/WYhpXzwBpbI/AAAAAAAAA5k/GdTYAh8UeAshU_RMEDaxPzVRPyEcZRskgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3410.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NOSdMc5wRBA/WYhpXzwBpbI/AAAAAAAAA5k/GdTYAh8UeAshU_RMEDaxPzVRPyEcZRskgCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_3410.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GTHHnKzN-G8/WYhpYTm_txI/AAAAAAAAA5o/I94CXfXtDckvDVEE4T1I0UlBAYNGXr7tQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3411.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GTHHnKzN-G8/WYhpYTm_txI/AAAAAAAAA5o/I94CXfXtDckvDVEE4T1I0UlBAYNGXr7tQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_3411.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Next a Hope headset, Wolf Tooth Components steerer spacers, Easton EA90 stem and SLX bars.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X-28sB6mF5Q/WYhqXkIciUI/AAAAAAAAA50/lBQ8m_25HHMZUuhuauE_J5dy6yNfSJI9ACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3417.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xR5Ttk-VbmM/WYhpXbJvZYI/AAAAAAAAA5g/pwdouNIGmjYYjuHNjecYkKj4DVm1HrsrgCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_3416.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xR5Ttk-VbmM/WYhpXbJvZYI/AAAAAAAAA5g/pwdouNIGmjYYjuHNjecYkKj4DVm1HrsrgCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_3416.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mN8bAzcVJRc/WYhqX6YUaKI/AAAAAAAAA54/hgNx8YSvMZA0u72vsp7Y70lpvswyrfZMgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3425.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mN8bAzcVJRc/WYhqX6YUaKI/AAAAAAAAA54/hgNx8YSvMZA0u72vsp7Y70lpvswyrfZMgCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_3425.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Campag Chorus crankset and 53/44 chain rings, Chorus front and rear mech.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CWU_68GRU9Q/WYhs3ybcWNI/AAAAAAAAA6I/4uIftcohca8rVOCkiqwwsA9k66VwAeAuACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3424.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CWU_68GRU9Q/WYhs3ybcWNI/AAAAAAAAA6I/4uIftcohca8rVOCkiqwwsA9k66VwAeAuACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_3424.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZovHzs_neT4/WYhs4RAfeGI/AAAAAAAAA6M/GvY8fAJGl_sJTvXCG3z4ChfDigevY9OWACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3428.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZovHzs_neT4/WYhs4RAfeGI/AAAAAAAAA6M/GvY8fAJGl_sJTvXCG3z4ChfDigevY9OWACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_3428.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Stopping power provided by TRP HY/RD, with Alligator discs (not pictured). Originally had planned to use TRP Spyre. However, on fitting I found that even when shimmed, the clearance provided by the disc mount on the Love Mud hub was at least 1.5mm less (when I measured) than that of Hope hubs and the actuator on the inner side of the break would collide with the spokes. My MonsterX now adorns the Spyres (possibly the best mechanical disc break on the market).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t3zRFzxTZ74/WYhs4s0BcAI/AAAAAAAAA6U/BXatYLmnTwkNz3lASxgxRCxo8L1VX6Y9ACEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_3429.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t3zRFzxTZ74/WYhs4s0BcAI/AAAAAAAAA6U/BXatYLmnTwkNz3lASxgxRCxo8L1VX6Y9ACEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_3429.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZkETwqVeZzY/WYhs3LpKFjI/AAAAAAAAA6U/VTTF_rhftY8Hhx8IDGCJm4M_DA3fqJmEACEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_3427.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZkETwqVeZzY/WYhs3LpKFjI/AAAAAAAAA6U/VTTF_rhftY8Hhx8IDGCJm4M_DA3fqJmEACEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_3427.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Next Specialized 143 Toupe saddle, Chorus shifters and Hudz hoods, Love Mud Orbit wheels, Ultegra 11/28 11spd cassette (this works seamlessly with the Campag and was required as the Love Mud hubs don't have a Campag free hub option at present) shod with WTB Riddler 47c tyres (these tyres are brilliant for gravel, cross, beach racing and mixed commuting, so good I got a set for the MonsterX) and Hope skewers.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sdziB3hkADE/WYhvr3iOsLI/AAAAAAAAA6k/0lMRrJ9RWGUL3lINWluAf1Yqw2ykdkgmgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3430.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sdziB3hkADE/WYhvr3iOsLI/AAAAAAAAA6k/0lMRrJ9RWGUL3lINWluAf1Yqw2ykdkgmgCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_3430.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yggIFOjMgPo/WYhvrwnFVdI/AAAAAAAAA6g/X-vbkyMcHjE8yT8lGyvp-q_e0HlyD0ZNQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3426.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yggIFOjMgPo/WYhvrwnFVdI/AAAAAAAAA6g/X-vbkyMcHjE8yT8lGyvp-q_e0HlyD0ZNQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_3426.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p5jWdCyKE08/WYhvrJ5m74I/AAAAAAAAA6c/pqUeDYsO4yQb8r54He-iEJt8cimqJg05QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3423.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p5jWdCyKE08/WYhvrJ5m74I/AAAAAAAAA6c/pqUeDYsO4yQb8r54He-iEJt8cimqJg05QCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_3423.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Looking alright (steerer is now cut down to correct size, I needed to ride it both off road and on to find a flexible set of spacers with steerer cut to a sensible length).</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Finally, some cables, Specliazed bar tape and bottle cages, Campag 11spd chain, Shimano XT pedals (Look KEO for the road) and the aforementioned Alligator 160mm discs.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BfqyUVITOR0/WYhxgzSCWMI/AAAAAAAAA64/yYEGQmK4KJYubklErLYBNUkIzxhqufs8gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3455.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BfqyUVITOR0/WYhxgzSCWMI/AAAAAAAAA64/yYEGQmK4KJYubklErLYBNUkIzxhqufs8gCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_3455.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
Ride Report:</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I have been riding the Camino Ti in road or gravel guise for the past 5 months and I can safely say it hasn't disappointed one bit. It is agile and fast across the terrain it is designed for. Very comfortable and ensured my body didn't suffer much at all during the <a href="http://sasmojo-dontfalloff.blogspot.co.uk/2017/06/gravel-race-double-up.html" target="_blank">Dirty Reiver 200</a> this year. It accelerates well off and on road, and with the 28c Specialized Rubaix tyres it is brilliant on the rough and often grot covered roads of Surrey and Hampshire. It is a little heavier than the Enigma and Seven bikes, but that would be it's only drawback I can see against these brands having ridden and researched them over the years. But is a fun, fast and comfortable frame set and the Love Mud wheel set is reliable despite the tiny issue with break fitting I encountered.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Sonder has a range of SRAM and Shimano options for complete bikes, and have built a couple bespoke versions as well, of course there is always the the build your own from their great frame and fork set.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
It is a bike I feel confident on and off road, happy cruising or sitting on the rivet. The Camino Ti is a great bike and has a little brother now in the Camino AL. Both are worth researching and contacting Sonder (Alpkit) about.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Pack testing for the DR200.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D19JPWBDwMo/WYh1wEC8tHI/AAAAAAAAA7I/MzmlRjEsJp4-Rx6JnL9QFwiTWNi_PUEDQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3527.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D19JPWBDwMo/WYh1wEC8tHI/AAAAAAAAA7I/MzmlRjEsJp4-Rx6JnL9QFwiTWNi_PUEDQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_3527.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C9Xyfn-y_fM/WYh1uV4oTCI/AAAAAAAAA7E/YHb4hcOuAlkfBpyAL6K_dlqriedtWdNfACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3559.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C9Xyfn-y_fM/WYh1uV4oTCI/AAAAAAAAA7E/YHb4hcOuAlkfBpyAL6K_dlqriedtWdNfACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_3559.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Scott Swallinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00880835868727854673noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-466646637503294251.post-51737078895648616522017-06-05T23:10:00.000+01:002017-06-05T23:10:19.724+01:00Gravel Race Double Up<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Double the Gravel</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-23OYbkukPHw/WTXDMwxr2hI/AAAAAAAAA3I/l-rzEdrqnJowIYLYLC73y4ZtalqZ6Je4wCLcB/s1600/Gravel.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-23OYbkukPHw/WTXDMwxr2hI/AAAAAAAAA3I/l-rzEdrqnJowIYLYLC73y4ZtalqZ6Je4wCLcB/s320/Gravel.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
Dirt Reiver 200:<br />
On the 21st of April Nick T and I headed for Kielder Forest, well the castle to be more precise, the sign on for the <a href="https://www.dirtyreiver.co.uk/" target="_blank">Dirty Reiver 200</a>
a 200km gravel race in starting in the Kielder Forest and doing large
figure of eight type route around Kielder and the surrounding areas
around the Scottish Borders.<br />
<br />
After a long casual drive
we made it to the castle, had time to sign on and chat to some old
friends then beat a quick retreat to our campsite and the hotel in
Bellingham for dinner.<br />
<br />
Back at the campsite after dinner we prepared our bikes, loaded them with spares and food, and made sure they still worked.<br />
<br />
In
the morning after a fitful sleep we ate, loaded the van and headed of
the Kielder Castle for the start. Loads of people had already lined up
and we found ourselves towards the back. Soon enough we rolled off
towards the start gates. Once through gates, Nick and I started to
weave through the throngs as the first climb steadily lead us into 200km
of excellent gravel route.<br />
<br />
Soon Nick had to ease off
as he was feeling unwell and he would eventually choose to complete the
130 instead of the 200 and was waiting when I returned happy and
determine to return next year.<br />
<br />
As I continued the field
would thin out and I would get to ride and chat with some great people
and some friends. An unscheduled toilet stop followed by a puncture
which sealed quickly, but required some more air to be pumped into my
rear tyre broke my rhythm, but I was ticking over again soon.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kNW9_91MECA/WTXJAF5zxKI/AAAAAAAAA3Y/W8_xa6FlanUo-1JOxGVSt3L9UmTh1u0IgCLcB/s1600/IMG_3572%2BEdit%2B%25281%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kNW9_91MECA/WTXJAF5zxKI/AAAAAAAAA3Y/W8_xa6FlanUo-1JOxGVSt3L9UmTh1u0IgCLcB/s640/IMG_3572%2BEdit%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The
nature of the route was pretty much up, down and a little bit of flat.
After each feed station the difficulty of the route seemed to
increase. After the last food stop, there were two more major climbs
and then the route undulated around Lake Kielder and back to Kielder
Castle for the finish.<br />
<br />
However, it the top of the last
major climb, my front wheel tyre flatted, after quickly repairing it the
wheel was back in the fork. At this point it went tiny bit wrong, my
quick release would not tighten back up. After 20-30 minutes of faff and
noticing the thread had worn, I managed to force the QR up tight and
then would play a game of don't get a front puncture. On fast gravel
descents, this was difficult and at one point almost ended with me if a
ditch after a very large and bum tightening 2 wheel drift (the sort on a
MTB you would love).<br />
<br />
I continued to watch the ground
closely for sharp or square edge objects all the way to the castle and
the finish. A beer, some soup and a big thanks to Paul Errignton, his
happy helpers and the FC staff on my return and I was done. Smile on my
face and I will return.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SzGzcf0WZaY/WTXN54PvvuI/AAAAAAAAA3o/MfAlfZkq0QUjUWDKYv5C6VZ2XIYdBbOSQCLcB/s1600/IMG_3584.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SzGzcf0WZaY/WTXN54PvvuI/AAAAAAAAA3o/MfAlfZkq0QUjUWDKYv5C6VZ2XIYdBbOSQCLcB/s320/IMG_3584.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
Not unhappy with that time all things considered and should be easily bettered next year.<br /><br />
<a href="https://www.alpkit.com/sonder" target="_blank">Sonder</a>
Bikes (Alpkit) has designed and produced one hell off a good bike in
the Camino Ti, it was the perfect bike for the event and I will do a
build blog abut my Camino build very soon.<br />
<br />
Grave Dash 100 - it's not a race:<br />
The
following Sunday was the Gravel Dash 100 (mile) founded and ran by
infamous Charlie the bike monger and his band of merry elves. A great
bunch of velofiles and Dorset dwellers.<br />
<br />
After a couple
of drinks with Crispin the night before and a rocky night in the van on
the foreshore in Swanage, thanks to the howling winds. It was wake up,
get food and coffee and ready for the off.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sCcagUVN5Jo/WTXSIBvlH-I/AAAAAAAAA30/YAin77rWPBoQh0cMyJ7T1J_yJCbbwsbgQCLcB/s1600/IMG_3607.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sCcagUVN5Jo/WTXSIBvlH-I/AAAAAAAAA30/YAin77rWPBoQh0cMyJ7T1J_yJCbbwsbgQCLcB/s320/IMG_3607.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I
had no look at the route a great deal, but enough to know that riding
it single speed I had to at least change my rear sprocket which I had to
something a little lighter. This was a good plan, whilst there was
less climbing, the climbs were quite a bit steeper. Especially the
first hill hit once we left the road out of Swanage, I tried to clear
it, but thought better of it about half way up, only 2 others would have
me off walking, both at the hill fort sites.<br />
<br />
For the
first part the route undulated and took in some magnificent views, many
from the tops of the numerous coastal cliffs in the Dorset region.
Eventually we turned inland and the route flattened out a little. By
this time I had passed or been passed by Carla (the first woman home on
the day) and would ride with her and a chap called James for a number of
kilometers.<br />
<br />
As it seems to be tradition my rear slider
decided it would loosen off and force me to stop. This did this
multiple times and I eventually went gorilla on it and wanged the bolts
up super tight, way beyond torque. This fixed this problem and I found
my rhythm again and tapped out the ks, through forest road and single
track, cow path and over hill ridge. Belting along lose gravel paths
with others and over the field of 1000 really bloody annoying bumps. Not
long before this I had joined Carla and James again briefly, but sped
away on a descent.<br />
<br />
Relief came in the form of several
ks on road and a surprise addition of a water, cake and beer stop at
80ks (half way). Some water, a laugh with the guys there and being
rejoined by Carla and I was off again. Legs, no w feeling it, but some
urgency as I was now in to the last half of the course and soon a large
flat section (leads to the hill forts).<br />
<br />
Once at the
hill forts after riding with a small group I broke the elastic to them
and snuck away. A little bit of hike a bike at the first fort and then
more of the same at the second then things would flatten out again.
Again the views had been amazing.<br />
<br />
No I sped along the
flats, through forest and over some heath land, some more forest and
then back onto a coastal path, that followed the cliff tops towards
Swanage, rounding a bluff you could see Swanage, roughly 15ks away, but
with one more bluff and the finally climb to conquer.<br />
<br />
As
I approached this, I was cheered on by several walkers as I passed and
very slowly made my way to the top of the final ridge line, a kilometer
or 2 along here and it was all down hill. Off down the loose path
Charlie had warned us about, low of the drops, saddle up my butt, I only
paused for a second to choose which of the 4 deep chutes to take as an
old couple sat on a bench a couple of feet away enjoying a cuppa.<br />
<br />
Down through this, into Swanage and back to the Red Lion for cider and food and to hear tales of heroics and drink more cider.<br />
<br />
I
came home as the first single speed rider and feeling surprisingly OK.
Even a tubleless tyre repair at 30k to go minutes after a passing
shower had soaked me, had not slowed me or dampened (pun intended) my
spirits.<br />
<br />
The Surly Karate Monkey that Phil Moore had
encourage me to get and sourced and gave advice on the best build had
finally had a proper hit out and it had been totally awesome. Thanks
Phil.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BG9XtJJR6_k/WTXVLaf81dI/AAAAAAAAA34/nHHxICyt170oclT57dpxAmmtfA4MjFdawCLcB/s1600/IMG_3608.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BG9XtJJR6_k/WTXVLaf81dI/AAAAAAAAA34/nHHxICyt170oclT57dpxAmmtfA4MjFdawCLcB/s320/IMG_3608.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The KM post GD100 fun. </div>
<br />
Chalie and Crew, thanks, what an excellent low key, fun event, long may it last.<br />
Thanks to The Red Lion for having us and a fantastic cider selection. <br />
<br />
Alpkit, Wolf Tooth and Surrey Hills Cyclworks, thanks again for your support and great products.<br />
<br />
Gravel racing is ace!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>#bemoremike</b></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Scott Swallinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00880835868727854673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-466646637503294251.post-56848135731922934612016-08-04T19:34:00.004+01:002016-08-04T19:34:43.199+01:00Pure Bike Degreaser (Weldtite)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hi all,<br />
A short review of <a href="http://www.weldtite.co.uk/pure" target="_blank">Pure</a> Bike Degreaser from <a href="http://www.weldtite.co.uk/" target="_blank">Weldtite</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gSxfu0NKWJc/V6OKSmxTgtI/AAAAAAAAA18/PPP1mdLCZ4woPOxR-w_VLoE-otidfv-agCLcB/s1600/PureDG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gSxfu0NKWJc/V6OKSmxTgtI/AAAAAAAAA18/PPP1mdLCZ4woPOxR-w_VLoE-otidfv-agCLcB/s400/PureDG.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
It is not secret I am a fan of many of the <a href="http://www.weldtite.co.uk/" target="_blank">Weldtite</a> products, those who know me a bit better also know that I try to do my bit to not trash the environment too much either when enjoying my riding, around the home or in general day-to-day life.<br />
<br />
So finding a degreaser that is made from natural, renewable and biodegradable substances and actually works well is a good find in my book and I have been using it for a couple of years now.<br />
<br />
The <a href="http://www.weldtite.co.uk/pure" target="_blank">Pure</a> Bike Degreaser is not only better for the environment it does do a very good job of cleaning the drive train and anything else that get grotty when riding, cleaning and rebuilding bikes. I have used it to clean bikes after long wet over night rides, where just about everything ends up stuck to the drive train, after races in mud sticky enough it clogs you rear cassette completely (we have all been there).<br />
<br />
A simple wetting down of the drive train (or other affected area) a couple of sprays, let it sit and penetrate for a while, agitate the area with brush and let it sit a little longer then scrub of and wash rinse off. For really thick muck I find going over it twice seems to get a good clean result. Obviously using a half decent chain/drive train brush which <a href="http://www.weldtite.co.uk/" target="_blank">Weldtite</a> produce.<br />
<br />
I can highly recommend this degreaser, also works well on clothes and hands.</div>
Scott Swallinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00880835868727854673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-466646637503294251.post-63211479810344527502016-07-04T18:22:00.001+01:002016-07-04T18:22:31.116+01:00Gorrick Brass Monkey and Summer Monkey 2016<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hi everyone,<br />
It has been an age, life has been busy, work, house stuff and of course the pitter patter of little feet have arrived in our house, with the birth of a first child Molly, over a year ago now. She is awesome!<br />
<br />
So a quick update.<br />
<br />
Brass Monkey Fatbike category was won, without a win, but consistency across all the races including the first round in the Summer Monkey 2015. Pretty happy considering there was plenty of illness and trip back home in amongst it all.<br />
<br />
Next was Battle on the Beach, massively under prepared and I got the hosing I expected to, finishing 12th I think. Always, a great event.<br />
<br />
Then it was back to the a Gorrick race, the Gorrick 100. It was going OK, not great but OK. Until it went a little less than OK for a girl racing. She fell and I assessed her arm to be broken and waited track side with her until help arrived (or in this case a close friend) which I then went to check where the ambulance was (about 100 metres away and heading to her). I pulled the pin there as many riders had passed me now and there was little time to grab one final lap. I hope she is recovering well.<br />
<br />
Next Summer Monkey 2016, in a depleted field due to other races on the same weekend, saw only one challenger Duncan Hard and if I am honest, whilst I had done more training, certainly not enough to take on Duncan. Add that to my bars rotating on the 1st lap, as I listened to the Torq settings and I was behind the eight ball. Having said that, I did my best to ride as hard as I could and tried to make it around to grab one final lap, due to the new timing format. I missed giving myself enough time to do another, by about 4 minutes. The course was one of their best yet, with good climbers, fast sections and some very good technical bits. Finishing 2nd in the end in a field of 3 as even other entered on the day to race fat chose skinny instead. Although, I was about 5th overall in the 3hr Cat. Silver linings and all that. :)<br />
<br />
A few things are now planned, which I will update soon on.<br />
<br />
I also, had a very fun if wet trip to Bike Park Wales the other weekend and can recommend it, even in the wet. This was the first time it has rained on me in Wales when I have had a bike there.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MJdqxzw1_e4/V3qaVzSad1I/AAAAAAAAA1s/A-AbmZLLbJkGCCl5QA3xWBDTC0xgw2wowCLcB/s1600/66529603-Summer%252BMonkey%252B2016-416.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MJdqxzw1_e4/V3qaVzSad1I/AAAAAAAAA1s/A-AbmZLLbJkGCCl5QA3xWBDTC0xgw2wowCLcB/s640/66529603-Summer%252BMonkey%252B2016-416.jpg" width="640" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Giving it the Black Beard snarl at the Summer Monkey 2016</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(photo: Kevin Sheldrake)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Also, testing the Alpkit <a href="https://www.alpkit.com/products/love-mud-scope-carbon-riser" target="_blank">Love Mud Scope</a> carbon bars thoroughly, on a rough technical course.</div>
<br /></div>
Scott Swallinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00880835868727854673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-466646637503294251.post-29544873906534179122015-09-24T17:01:00.003+01:002015-09-24T17:01:43.090+01:00Rob Lne Memorial Route (Ride)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hi all, (Sorry I know there is always someone asking for a small
donation) So don't feel compelled to donate, but a Share or re-tweet would be nice.<br />
<br />
On the 26-28th September I plan to ride a a loop of 300 miles
incorporating the North Downs Way, some of the Saxon Way and South Downs
Way and back from Winchester to Guildford. A suitable challenge that I
plan to approach as a bike packing adventure and hopefully will add an
option to those looking for a challenge that is quintessential So<span class="text_exposed_show">uthern England riding.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="text_exposed_show">
Route:<br />
I plan to ride this in memory of Rob Line, a friend, cycling nut and
genuine great guy who unfortunately lost a long battle with cancer
recently. Rob loved cycling and loved cycling in the Surrey Hills or
where ever his wheels lead him really, it is that spirit I will carry
with me on the ride. I also invite any of Robs mates to join me for
sections of the ride, I will have a <a href="http://share.findmespot.com/shared/faces/viewspots.jsp?glId=0r5WAuze3CJERJ2g7jd9zyHkWR8sKEqGU" target="_blank">SPOT</a> (will go live around 0700 26/09/2015) so you work out where I will
be, and I will love my phone number with each of the Cycleworks shops.
That way you can drop me a text and we can meet on route.<br />
<br />
Rob Line:<br />
Rob’s passion, life, was riding his bike. During his long illness, he
tried to ride as much as he could in between all the treatments. Sadly
his illness eventually stopped him, but he still watched every cycling
event there was on the tv, kept up to date with all aspects of the
cycling world and working at Cycleworks when he was able to. He loved
the Surrey Hills and the North Downs and had so many great rides up
there with all his mates.<br />
<br />
I will leave from Guildford early on
the Saturday 26th Sept and plan to return to the Guildford Cycleworks at
Burpham, on Monday the 28th, for tea and cake, and invite Robs friends
to join me either riding in for the last few kilometres or at the shop.
Where Anita will welcomes us home.<br />
<br />
Rob was cared for by:<br />
Dr Shaffer’s (Brain Tumour Fund) and Woking Hospice<br />
So I am also raising funds towards these great causes:<br />
The link is here: <a href="http://robert.line.muchloved.com/frame.aspx?df=false" target="_blank">In Memory of Rob</a><br />
<br />
Pedal on Rob. <br />
<br />
Thanks in advance and thanks to those providing support.<br />
<br />
Scott<br />
</div>
</div>
Scott Swallinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00880835868727854673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-466646637503294251.post-11272095125831701172015-04-07T21:26:00.001+01:002015-04-09T16:03:14.906+01:00Battle on the Beach 2015<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
A Cycling's <a href="http://www.battleonthebeach.co.uk/" target="_blank">Battle on the Beach</a>
is fast becoming the must do race of the year, and that was only after
one year. ;) So there was no doubt that I would race it again this year
and with an expanded entry, I was joined by 599 other riders/racers.<br />
<br />
Held
at Pembrey Country Park the site lends itself to a great family
atmosphere, easy access and other activities to do over the weekend,
even it is just have a walk along the ample beach. There are kids
events, roller racing on the Saturday eve, and a fun event mixed in with
the race itself.<br />
<br />
Out of the 600 riders, many choose
just to enjoy a fun event and ride a course that is a little different
than the normal mountain bike or CX course. It is even a little
different to what the professional beach racers from the Netherlands and
Belgium are used to, it is really quite unique and Matt Page and the
team at A Cycling know how to run a slick event that is befitting of a
great location and super fun course.<br />
<br />
So the course is
fact, technical in bits, has some short nasty climbs (some sandy), soft
sand and 4km (6km on the start lap this year) drag up the beach where in
the right group you can fly. There is a mix of fat bikes, CX, MTB,
MonsterX even a couple of tandems this year, with Open, Age, Fatbike and
Single Speed categories.<br />
<br />
As usual this year Matt and
the A Cycling crew had ordered the weather. I had arrived and was in
relatively fine fettle as wise the Fatboy. (see below)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UI35vfdOMFE/VRrlAzuApII/AAAAAAAAA04/QBH5t0RQCBc/s1600/11087970_407331489438870_3558483722893966377_o.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UI35vfdOMFE/VRrlAzuApII/AAAAAAAAA04/QBH5t0RQCBc/s1600/11087970_407331489438870_3558483722893966377_o.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(Photo: Anna Cipullo (BikeSoup))</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
After
a week of study and a training course I was fired up to race and keen
to give it a proper crack. Getting to the start line early with Sam
Pantling, had myself and many friends and familiar faces right on the
start tape. Being in the first bunch down the beach is pretty key to a
good result I learnt last year.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--ezmAgBCEVs/VR0YUUu82GI/AAAAAAAAA1I/WcA7f5XzlkI/s1600/BOTB15%2B%2829%2Bof%2B488%29.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--ezmAgBCEVs/VR0YUUu82GI/AAAAAAAAA1I/WcA7f5XzlkI/s1600/BOTB15%2B(29%2Bof%2B488).jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Crowded start line</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(Photo: Anthony Pease Photography)</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
After
the required start line encouragement and waffle (you have to have some
waffle), we were under starters orders and away in a flash. The for me
went something like this, out the blocks well, avoid a 29er struggling
in the sand, rider over a fallen bike, get into the front bunch after a
bit of slalom and pin it.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The
front group formed with some very very fast boys (KOGA Race Team) and
other and 4 fatbikes, Roki Read, Paul Wynn, Sam Pantling and myself.
The pace was insane30+ kph down the beach, ebbing and flowing a bit, but
I was lamenting the lack of a 34t upfront. It settled for a bit then
exploded (Old Man Crispin Doyle) attacked the bunch, this was too much
for me and the elastic final broke. I couldn't spin that fast my knees
were already steaming.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
A
few other groups edged pass before I found my legs again, wheeled on to
the back of a small group and wheeled suck like a leech until the soft
beach exit. I took a tighter line an floated across the soft sand on
the fat tyres, passing 20+ riders, I must have dropped from about 40th
to somewhere in the 220s. A short stretch of road and a sharp corner and
I stole a few more back and we charged onto a bumpy dirty road that
narrowed and I went to work, weaving and pushing my way past other
riders, at one point riding along an embankment using the extra traction
to overtake a group nearly falling over itself.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
So
it was into the single track and the reason why I tried to stay with
the front group, the queues, you have to suck it up and smile in a
couple of spots as there is no way past. Soon I was on the charge again,
using the advantage of the fatty on the soft sandy sections and the
extra grip, not slowing much if at all for corners. The first charge
through the Rollers was great, I could choose any line, so I did. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
We
wiggled through the single track and double track at speed and before
long charged through start finish and headed to the beach again, with a
minor detour thanks to a meddling fool. But the A Cycling crew fixed
this quickly and it didn't affect anyone much.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
Back
on the beach over the soft sand I gaped the group I was with passed a
couple of other riders and then joined forces with another guy on a 29er
and rolled 30 sec turns perfectly along the beach. The two of us hold
32ish kph along the beach and passing other riders at speed on their
blind side. As we approached the exit he slowed due to the wet and soft
sand. We thanked each other as I speed off shouldered the fatty and
climbed the sandy ramp off the beach and charged on. Towards the single
track again.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MRsGsmYDmy4/VR0YidYN1vI/AAAAAAAAA1Q/zCxHb9KiWzc/s1600/BOTB15%2B%28254%2Bof%2B488%29.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MRsGsmYDmy4/VR0YidYN1vI/AAAAAAAAA1Q/zCxHb9KiWzc/s1600/BOTB15%2B(254%2Bof%2B488).jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My cohort and I on the beach, 2nd lap.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(Photo: Anthony Pease Photography) </div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
After
the first bit of single track, something didn't feel right on the
bike. I stopped and found my left crank arm loose, I tightened and got
going again.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Back
in to the single track picking lines to squeeze past or waiting
patiently for the next fire road section a stole a few more places.
Through the Rollers again, I spotted Anna C, we cheered each other on,
the fatty made short work of the sandy climbs here and I managed to
pass a couple more people, splitting 4 riders at one point as they
struggled in the soft sand.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T8xdIvGh7CQ/VR0YoqaOr0I/AAAAAAAAA1Y/GzK5Lnot3v4/s1600/BOTB15%2B%28685%2Bof%2B1052%29.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T8xdIvGh7CQ/VR0YoqaOr0I/AAAAAAAAA1Y/GzK5Lnot3v4/s1600/BOTB15%2B(685%2Bof%2B1052).jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Realising my crank was loose again.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(Photo: Anthony Pease Photography) </div>
<br />
Once
again I soon passed through the Start/Finish, pushing hard, but it felt
like my crank was loose again. Stopping again, this time I wanged the
bolt up as tight as I could, losing a few places as I did.<br />
<br />
Off
again and on to the beach for the last time, once again I joined forces
with another rider and buried myself taking the lion share of the work
and belted along the beach passing others. Leaving the beach I was
determined to catch those I had already passed once.<br />
<br />
In
and out of single track I worked hard and soon climbed the last hard
climb of the course and spotted Anna again who was on her last lap
charged to the end. Catching her again, we rode together for a bit
until we hit the Rollers again and the fatty gave me the advantage in
the soft sand. I now charged towards the finish, in the Welsh
sunshine, through the last few bits of single track and on to the road
section to the finish, the big tyres rumbled to the line and 6th placed
Fatbike.<br />
<br />
6th and not far behind 5th and even 4th (maybe
a loose crank arm behind them) with the sun shining at such a great
event, I can say I was pretty happy.<br />
<br />
Once again a great
event, with a great course and atmosphere, with loads of like minded
riders having fun, racing or not. I will certainly be back and Matt and
his team at A Cycling have a winner on their hands with Battle on the
Beach.<br />
<br />
Still smile when I think of this event. :)</div>
</div>
Scott Swallinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00880835868727854673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-466646637503294251.post-41954181252572347212015-03-05T17:09:00.001+00:002015-03-05T17:53:57.970+00:00Rovaniemi 150 - Race Time<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Long before I finished my last 24hr race (for the present) I had decided that I needed to do something new and I had penciled in the <a href="http://www.rovaniemi150.com/" target="_blank">Rovaniemi 150</a>. After waiting on a few other things to be resolved and Boom, I entered!<br />
<br />
A few months of smashing around on the fatty in Surrey and a weekend of pushing my bike through the Cairngorms, and catching a chest and head cold two weeks before the race (as I write this I am still full of cold) and we were on a plane bound for Rovaniemi.<br />
<br />
Rovaniemi is marginally below the Arctic Circle itself, so it is cold, utilitarian, due to its location and being leveled by the retreating Germans at the end of WWII. But it and the Finns are welcoming and warm and there is a great array of restaurants, little bars and of course tours to go on. There is also Santas Village, which we visited on the Friday before the race with many of the other racers and organisers Alex and Maria.<br />
<br />
After arriving I had a few days t sort the bike, meet some of the other racers (a great bunch of people). Below are a couple of photos from the pre-race rides.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AtIYAwG-7z0/VPX5301iBJI/AAAAAAAAAz4/tx2vHA8wy8U/s1600/P1010260%2BEdit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AtIYAwG-7z0/VPX5301iBJI/AAAAAAAAAz4/tx2vHA8wy8U/s1600/P1010260%2BEdit.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HUN3Ql7AYVs/VPX5xCUv8II/AAAAAAAAAzo/Da-kB01LiJQ/s1600/P1010262%2BEdit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HUN3Ql7AYVs/VPX5xCUv8II/AAAAAAAAAzo/Da-kB01LiJQ/s1600/P1010262%2BEdit.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sILDPsfONjg/VPX5uEzTIdI/AAAAAAAAAzg/9GipsveGkgE/s1600/P1010264%2BEdit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sILDPsfONjg/VPX5uEzTIdI/AAAAAAAAAzg/9GipsveGkgE/s1600/P1010264%2BEdit.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8hrR7jla6Tc/VPX6UxajE4I/AAAAAAAAA0A/sTwmbPwkAaM/s1600/P1010271%2BEdit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8hrR7jla6Tc/VPX6UxajE4I/AAAAAAAAA0A/sTwmbPwkAaM/s1600/P1010271%2BEdit.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
On the Friday after visiting Santa we had mandatory equipment check-in and then race briefing. Which covered the rules, safety and rescue for the North 66, Rovaniemi 150 and Roavve 300 ( only two guys had entered this). Now the only thing left to do was final bike check and pack and head out for some carbs with Nik, Paul E, Grace, Dan P, Paul H and Ian B.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The next morning was game time, a big breakfast, final bike check and it was off to the start line on the frozen Kemijoki and Ounasjoki rivers. After signing in, there was time to wish friends many of the them new good luck. A few photos and then we lined up.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R89YbtXpE6E/VPh9jlMcNBI/AAAAAAAAA0Q/aG03q-6xZu0/s1600/IMGP7621-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R89YbtXpE6E/VPh9jlMcNBI/AAAAAAAAA0Q/aG03q-6xZu0/s1600/IMGP7621-1.jpg" height="320" width="251" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Alpkiteers ready to roll, Paul and I.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(Photo: Nicola Jordan)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
As we lined up with only a minute or so to go I noticed that my front tyre had lost pressure from checking it back in the hotel to the start line. I made a decision to start, get clear of the other racers and then sort it out. Shortly we were off and as soon as we passed under the main bridge I stopped and calmly inflated the tyre to a better pressure.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-im1SCMj6HBg/VPh977awYLI/AAAAAAAAA0Y/4OBC8fOMjIc/s1600/IMGP7637-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-im1SCMj6HBg/VPh977awYLI/AAAAAAAAA0Y/4OBC8fOMjIc/s1600/IMGP7637-1.jpg" height="263" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The start and racers going for the shot hole at the end of the 14km of frozen river. :)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(Photo: Nicola Jordan)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I had a plan before I started to finish in under 13hrs and I knew this meant I needed to be mid bunch at least, so I now made a decision to make up some time on the river as it was frozen and fast. So I set about doing so and by the time I reached the 1st Check Point I had made up some time on the bunch, but not the 4 leaders that had got together and clearly worked well until the end of the race together (Congrats and hats off to you guys).</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I pushed on, at my own pace, a little higher than planned. I knew I would pay a little for this later as my race prep had not been the best and I was still full of cold. But until then, I pushed on. I was also on a learning curve as sections of the trails needed a calm and well paced approach and not a trail riding approach or you found yourself wrestling with your bike to wade out of ball deep snow. (This I did a few times, until I learnt the skills).</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
At CP 2 I had caught a few more places and Ian B, I had passed Paul E earlier on the soft snow section. Ian and I joined another guy with a suspiciously light looking amount of mandatory gear and sped across the 11kms of Sinettajarvi lake. After this the course undulated all the way to CP 3 and I slipped away from the others and as I neared CP 3, passed another two racers (but they would join me at the Check Point as we learnt I was 6th the other two 7th and 8th. I was quite surprised by this, but was feeling my cold a little as the climbs made me breathe heavier than normal. A few km's of technical trail to a road allowed me to slip away again without much effort.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Once on the road however, I started to suffer and for a while I could either eat and breathe whilst I stopped or ride and breathe, so the next 10kms was going to be very slow and the two guys just behind me soon caught me, they road with me for a bit, but I had to ease up a little more and they moved away. I wouldn't see them again.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I pushed on through the next few CPs without seeing another racer until I arrived at CP 6, Kuusilapi, a little wooden hut and the furthest point north and the point at a which a 35km stretch to the next CP 7. I needed a rest here to clear my lungs and nose and take water, in all I was probably stopped for 10 minutes as I did what I needed to and chatted to the marshal (a member of the local walking club). The rider behind me, came through as I made ready to head off. So I followed his tyre marks until a couple of sharp climbs where he faltered and I managed to ride away. This though would last about 15 minutes as we trudged up on to a plateau in soft snow and across its expanse, the rider behind also pushing seemly floated on the snow as he walked pass at speed. I said "Hi" but he looked broken and focused and moved away quickly.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Soon there was a little down hill, we both remounted, and as I wandered into the soft snow and flew over the bars, right in front of Vice one of the marshals on his snowmobile. The Dutch guy went out of sight. I quick feed and chat with Vice and I was on my way again. As I got onto the double track and soon the road, I started to feel really good and ate and drunk lots as I pushed on. The light was finally starting to go. But I had only about 60km to go from here. At the next major road crossing Maria yelled "Go Scott, Go!" as she had done at CP 1. A little further along the next road section, she and another marshal drove past and gave me a wave and a grin and I would see them again quite soon as they made sure riders made the turn off the road to head to CP 7.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
By now I had turned my lights on and even put my beanie back on. The double track meandered on and on. It undulated and at times was steep and cut up by the riders ahead foot prints. I had found my mojo and rode all these sections and even found loads of speed on the descents and soon I saw a flashing light in front of me. Slowly and calmly I closed in until at CP 7 we were together and 50km, lay in front of us. I sorted some food and warm drink as he headed off, but by the time we reached a long section of road that started with a sharp climb, I was on his wheel.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I wheel sucked, to short of the crest and found the speed to attack and gap him. With the aid of the dark, I could see I was pulling away steadily as his light grew dim and then disappeared. I pushed on and came to the some great single track that led me on to the final lake, Norvajarvi. As I turned down the lake, I was hit by the worse block headwind I have every experienced and I have met some nasty ones in my time. I buried my head the best I could, found a gear that stopped the searing thigh pain and got down to business at a massive 6.9kph. After much pain, I turned right and had some relief, I soon left the lake, found some road, only long enough to refuel before turning off it again, for the last section of trail. Then more fast moving road and finally back onto the river, after 2kms, I was at the last CP and through it, but I had 11kms of headwind to deal with on the river return to the finish.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I pushed on and tried to raise the pace, but I was drained by now. I had to stop a couple of times to feed and drink as I couldn't breathe, ride and refuel once again (stupid head cold). I pushed on and soon was in Rovaniemi again and soon wheeled my bike into the lobby of the Pohjanhovi hotel and to finish line in 8th and in 12hrs-16mins-58sec. I was so happy with this result considering I could have had better prep. However, I was soon promoted to 7th as one rider was DQed.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MVn9DIl8qGo/VPiMKbQwp1I/AAAAAAAAA0o/3XeIyZ0d1Zc/s1600/IMGP7658-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MVn9DIl8qGo/VPiMKbQwp1I/AAAAAAAAA0o/3XeIyZ0d1Zc/s1600/IMGP7658-1.jpg" height="255" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
But what a race, it was amazing out there racing in this environment. Alex and all his helpers had laid out a great course, through amazing wilderness and I will certainly be back again and couldn't recommend this race enough. Even if you take it as just a fun and exciting adventure. Don't question, just do it! Ask me nicely and I might even loan you some kit. :)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Firstly, a big thanks to Alex, Maria, the walking club marshals and all the helpers and the locals of Rovaniemi making us all so welcome. The staff at the Cumulus for not just putting up with us all, but being amazing in doing so with a not wuckers can do attitude.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Next, a massive thanks to:</div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Alpkit - for the wicked bike packing kit and winter woolies. Filo, Filoment, buff and beanie.</li>
<li>Wolf Tooth Components - for the brilliant drive train upgrade.</li>
<li>Cycleworks - for the service, the pedal, sourcing my boots and just being legends.</li>
<li>Weldtite - for the TF2 All weather that works great in the snow.</li>
</ul>
Additional thanks to:<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Endura - for providing some great support at short notice and the stealth pants and windtex pro (Cycleworks) jersey were great.</li>
<li>FortyBelow - for shipping my over boots so quick.</li>
<li>Shaggy - for information about the race from a racers view. </li>
</ul>
And as usual thanks to Nik for supporting a hair brained idea.<br />
<br />
I am still stoked and smile when I think of this race. <br />
<br /></div>
Scott Swallinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00880835868727854673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-466646637503294251.post-42148708138515446432015-02-04T11:40:00.000+00:002015-02-04T11:40:03.017+00:00Rovaniemi 150 - Arctic Circle Race<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
A bit later this month, I head off to Finnish Lapland to Rovaniemi for the <a href="http://www.rovaniemi150.com/" target="_blank">Rovaniemi 150 </a>winter race, I am competing on bike of course on my trusty Specialized Fatboy Expert. The race is close to the Arctic Circle has the potential to be brutally cold (despite current temps), the dangers and challenges of frostbite and ice overflow (frigid water overflowing onto the stable ice below it on the rivers and lakes we will cross) not very pleasant.<br />
<br />
However, that is the doom and gloom, the race course passes through some remarkable Lapland country and if the sky plays ball, as the race enters the night, the northern lights may come out to put on a show. Racing under them will be pretty special.<br />
<br />
I use the term race loosely, for me this will be first and foremost a challenge against myself and the elements. There is little navigation concerns as it is a marked course and does have check points to pass through, so one painful component of winter travel/racing is reduce.<br />
<br />
The race is organized by Alex from <a href="http://www.polarguide-logistics.com/" target="_blank">Polarguide and Logistics</a> who is already out working hard and battling the element to mark and bash the course. Unlike a recent trip to Scotland, the course should be mainly bashed for the event, but heavy unrelenting snow could alter this in a few hours. Fingers crossed we don't experience that like the did in the first year of the event.<br />
<br />
A few thanks in advance go to:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.cycleworks.co.uk/" target="_blank">Cycleworks.co.uk</a> for supplying and helping fettle the Fatboy Expert and ongoing support.<br />
<a href="http://www.alpkit.com/" target="_blank">Alpkit</a> for providing lots of great kit to keep me warm and bike luggage to to carry the essentials.<br />
<a href="http://www.wolftoothcycling.com/" target="_blank">Wolf Tooth Components</a> for great chain rings and sprockets that are reliable, no faff and should help me make light work of the snow and ice.<br />
<a href="http://weldtite.co.uk/" target="_blank">Weldtite</a> for keeping everything clean and running smoothly <br />
<a href="http://www.endurasport.com/" target="_blank">Endura</a> for some great products to help keep me warm, dry and comfy.<br />
<br />
and of course to Nik for supporting the current bout of stupidity. :)<br />
<br />
Cheers and wish me luck.<br />
<br />
S<br />
<br /></div>
Scott Swallinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00880835868727854673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-466646637503294251.post-48025529821923638182015-02-01T12:34:00.002+00:002015-02-04T09:24:37.026+00:00Gorrick Merida Brass Monkeys Rnd 2 and 3<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
After a so so year. I decided over winter to do what I felt like doing. First came the Morvelo Battle Royale, a great laugh and awesome event. I avoided the first Gorrick Merida Brass Monkey as I just was that keen. A good job, it was wet and horrible I am told. But I entered Rnd 2 and 3 each week before as I felt like it and by then had formulated another plan and entered the <a href="http://www.rovaniemi150.com/" target="_blank">Rovaniemi 150</a> more on that later.<br />
<br />
Rnd 2 I decided to ride over and met Amanda (training partner and all round decent Kiwi) :) at the event village after a great ride over with the Fatboy Expert bikepack kitted out carrying my supplies for the race. It was cold and clear and the track was running fast. After suggesting I would have a slow start, bang we were off and I went out pretty hard. But the track was so enjoyable I pressed on, the fatty was just too much fun on this course.<br />
<br />
I pushed on as the legs started go heavy, I dug a little deeper, but soon a couple in my cat lapped me, but that was to be expected, all things considered. With cramp biting a little in the second and a lot in the last lap, I slowed to ensure I didn't give away too many spots and soon hit the finish line in 10th, a pretty good result.<br />
<br />
Next would be Rnd 3, a few weeks later and after Christmas. But I had ridden a bit more in between and had decided not to ride over as the weather had been a bit wetter in between, but on race day, it had cleared up. However, tiredness on entering had caused me to enter the wrong race (first noticed by Sam P, when he popped over to say "Hi"). "You idiot Swalling" a slight panic and a few minutes later that I didn't really have that was sorted and I was in the 4hr Vet Cat again.<br />
<br />
I rode around the field about twice and lined up far to far back for a quick start. We started and at the left hairpin the fat tyres allowed me to take an tight and fast line, passing 20+ riders. OK, that is a start. However, the Fatboy does take a little bit of winding up and the next two straights I didn't pass some of the riders I really wanted to by the time we hit the single track, "Balls!"<br />
<br />
Calmly I waited and pounced when I could, stealing a place here, nabbing a trail position there. The Fatboy allowing me to be every more creative with my off camber inside lines. Although at one point my speed was far too high for such a move, but fortunately I only took myself. Remounted and was in front of that group by the next single track.<br />
<br />
I was loving this race, I had no idea since about the 3 lap where the hell I was, but everything was going well. However, at race pace the fatty does get heavy and takes its toll on the legs, which started to get heavy in the last lap. I lost one position here and spotting some late chargers, at the last 10 meters and squeezing a final hard turn on the cranks, I finished equal 6th. Damn that was close to being relegated to 7th, but I will take equal 6th. if I knew they were that close I would have dug deeper earlier.<br />
<br />
I have to say, I thoroughly enjoyed both these races and they have a hidden agenda, as does the long fatbike rides, short sharp CX and XC rides in the cold. They are all training for the Rovi150 mentioned above.<br />
<br />
There is more training to come, which includes a Scottish adventure, my next blog. But for now.<br />
<br />
Thanks:<br />
Cycleworks<br />
Wolf Tooth Components<br />
Alpkit<br />
and, Weldite<br />
<br />
for the continued support.<br />
<br />
2015 will be a little different, but not much. :)</div>
Scott Swallinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00880835868727854673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-466646637503294251.post-46745695794526731492015-01-12T10:02:00.000+00:002015-01-12T10:02:00.267+00:00K-Lite Bikepacker 1000<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hi guys as you know I do a lot of night riding and race some silly long races. <a href="http://www.klite.com.au/" target="_blank">K-Lite</a> has been awesome to support me over the last year and I can safely say I am super happy with both that and the light s I have got from them. I introduced you to the Bikepacker Pro sometime ago, out of that testing and riding came the Bikepacker 1000.<br />
<br />
A scaled down 100 gram, no stand-light piece of dynamo light awesomeness pictured below.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IFPKxhJGFac/VLOOZiMRAGI/AAAAAAAAAy4/3EeT87uL1Bw/s1600/IMG_1774.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IFPKxhJGFac/VLOOZiMRAGI/AAAAAAAAAy4/3EeT87uL1Bw/s1600/IMG_1774.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
The light is the same size and power (1000lumen) as the light from the Bikepacker Pro, but comes without the charging switch, on/off and 600/1000 switch options. It is designed to be light (which it is) functional and not clutter your bike up for when all you want to do is ride fast into and through the night.<br />
<br />
Having no stand light means you do need to run a helmet mounted light, but when trail riding and racing most people do anyway.<br />
<br />
I have run the light for a few months now and raced with it at the WEMBO 24Hrs Solo World Champs. The light was amazing, me not so much, coming down with hyperthermia, such as life. I continue to run this light for my training rides or rides that start/finish in the dark as it is simple, light and works treat.<br />
<br />
Once again the quality of the light is what is staggering, 1000 lumen allows me to ride as fast as any battery light running around 1800, as the light is much clearer and not bright white.<br />
<br />
Below is a short video of the light working very well going up hill in a forest at dusk. K-Lite suggest the light reaches full power around 15kph, but it certainly works well below that. You will see fluctuations in the light, that is due to the increase and decrease in the angle of the climb.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzVkMG0WFSEw_noDefqcz-wSYRy-1VRi983qnnvuUqXKPl6JncRjdMwi7ZWFzH7y-T3HYFl-Gehv3Tl3zCttg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
I can highly recommend this light for getting out on the trails at night and for longer rides where charging other devices is not required. A no fuss brilliant light.<br />
<br /></div>
Scott Swallinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00880835868727854673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-466646637503294251.post-54447122683971062562014-12-11T11:59:00.000+00:002014-12-11T11:59:12.094+00:00Morvelo Battle Royale<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
It has been a little while since a post, well expect a little flurry in the next few weeks. Call it catch-up, lets start now.<br />
<br />
Saturday 6th Dec saw the <a href="http://www.morvelo.com/" target="_blank">Morvelo</a> gang put on (what we hope is the first of many) Battle Royales. What is Battle Royale? Take a indoor oval circuit like a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cycle_speedway" target="_blank">Cycle Speedway</a> add in roller derby, 4x and eliminator rules, well when I say rules, one or two rules. A suitable dollop of speed, skill, tactics and aggression. Mix it with food, beers, coffee, cowbells and spectators and you have one of the craziest, most fun events I have every been apart of. Oh, you could ride any type of bike you like. I would leave the Pinarello or Venge at home if I was you.<br />
<br />
The scene was the old Circus Street Markets in Brighton, Sam P and I arrived to meet Aidan "Hippy" and the venue was great. A dull market building with bright graffiti and wide mixed of riders, bikes and spectators creating a great atmosphere already.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5QcHPsp0o6Y/VIlag9WoKDI/AAAAAAAAAyM/1BUQpTzKZ34/s1600/IMG_1915.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5QcHPsp0o6Y/VIlag9WoKDI/AAAAAAAAAyM/1BUQpTzKZ34/s1600/IMG_1915.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sam and Aidan ready.</div>
<br />
A couple of fun laps and the racing would soon start, names drawn out a hat for 44 teams and several rounds to get through to reach the Quarters. The first few races saw a few spills, plenty of speed and that was the main tactic to start the first round.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ozJFquQX_zU/VIla_ciH-QI/AAAAAAAAAyU/L6nPXkzNZc4/s1600/IMG_1916.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ozJFquQX_zU/VIla_ciH-QI/AAAAAAAAAyU/L6nPXkzNZc4/s1600/IMG_1916.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Speed and low light, means some poor pics, Sorry!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
We had agreed that anything better than going out in the first round would be great. After all we were a downhiller/dirtjumper, enduro/xc racer and a 24hr/xc racer. All out speed not the really the key attribute for two of us. Oh, I was on a BMX, something I haven't raced or ridden in anger for about 25 years.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9wMHPhjPCJA/VIlb-BmJrZI/AAAAAAAAAyg/r9fg-NkROlY/s1600/IMG_1925.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9wMHPhjPCJA/VIlb-BmJrZI/AAAAAAAAAyg/r9fg-NkROlY/s1600/IMG_1925.JPG" height="400" width="300" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I was taking a Belgium approach to things...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bHCPcwoGkzs/VIlcTz1tRnI/AAAAAAAAAyo/WJMfMwWUzss/s1600/IMG_1921.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bHCPcwoGkzs/VIlcTz1tRnI/AAAAAAAAAyo/WJMfMwWUzss/s1600/IMG_1921.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
others went with something less subtle.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We progressed round after round, with sound tactics, speed and maybe a little aggression. There was more than enough sneaking into other rounds and crashes were many, but few retirements. Soon we would be into the Quarters.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We would face the Gravity Grannies, great outfits and aggressive from the start. The first corner saw the Grannies attack straight away, with just about everyone getting a knocker. Let's just say that got us fired up, entering the 3rd corner I got a heavy knock, exiting I returned the gesture tenfold, sending the Granny into the barrier. That was that, the Granny was OK, but his bike was not. The remaining two in his team, fought hard to try to cause similar to us, but we stayed up right and toyed with them until the finish.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The Quarters is where it really kick-off, big hits, tactics, and all out speed. It was brilliant to watch and the crowd loved it, this could be the future of crowd entertainment and as a racer. It was great, maybe a chance for us all to get the frustrations out from the stress of long seasons. Amongst all this, everyone was good hearted and congratulated each other after each race.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Into the Semis and we had to face three races to go through, after the first one we would lose one team and race two ahead for the next then back to three for the last one (the finals would follow the same format).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We were up against the 90 NDA Nerds, and it was good fast and pretty clean racing, and they pipped us over two races. I missed leveling the heat in the second race by a couple of inches.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Onto the 3/4 final against the Misfits, the other team that had proven to be tactical, fast and aggressive. The first race started and end with a massive pile up at the start, I zipped away with one of the Misfits, but Aidan was a bit too banged up to get back in the race. The next heat was two ahead again and was a great battle all the way to the line and an inch or two in it again.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We were done, but had managed 4th out of 44 and way beyond where we expected to be at the end of the day. Not bad for a rag tag bunch that had come together only on Friday. As we celebrated the final race of the day kicked off with Pivot Boompods giving the 90 NDA Nerds a lesson in all out speed, playing to their strengths, to take the overall win.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
What a brilliant day, great event. Well organised, great location and there should be more of it. Word of warning, if they do more and you enter. Bring a tough bike, get your sprinting legs sorted and sharpen those elbows.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We rode for <a href="http://rideformichael.org/" target="_blank">RideforMichael </a>to raise awareness, share his story and keep the positive vibes flowing.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Scott Swallinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00880835868727854673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-466646637503294251.post-60641706281290094432014-07-30T21:07:00.001+01:002014-07-30T21:07:53.856+01:00Specialized FatBot Expert - Review<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Fatbike - mountain bike designed with tyres between 3-4.6 inches, for riding on snow, sand, mud and also quite excellent on loose rock. They look a bit mental and get far too much attention.<br />
<br />
But there are two way more important facts: they are damn fun, maybe the most fun you can have with your pants on and are extremely versatile (maybe the next big thing in all mountain biking, with some of the geometries appearing at present and weights going down).<br />
<br />
So after lots of research and very little riding of fat bikes I asked <a href="http://cycleworks.co.uk/">cycleworks.co.uk</a> if they could help out and Chris the owner was very happy to help me out with the purchase of the Specialized Fatboy Expert and after a little wait due to some wheel production issues (issues all resolved) it arrived.<br />
<br />
The factory spec is not too bad at all, but I had plans, so off came all the SRAM replaced with Shimano and it went 1x10 with a Wolf Tooth Components non-drop 32t chain ring, I added carbon bars, a gravity dropper I had laying around, Shimano M530 pedals and my preferred Ezi Grips with Hope Lock Dr caps.<br />
<br />
What remained, is the brilliant frame and fork combination, extremely light and robust Specialized wheels, Specialized 4.6" Ground Control tyres, E13 crank and BB, seat stem and the Shimano OEM brakes. The bike pictured below is my build (minus the seat post change).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t_3uahCsKgE/U7pSPQXE4xI/AAAAAAAAAww/8cCDMDHvW0g/s1600/IMG_1415.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t_3uahCsKgE/U7pSPQXE4xI/AAAAAAAAAww/8cCDMDHvW0g/s1600/IMG_1415.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
She does grab the eye, so be prepared for a lot of attention.</div>
<br />
So the first thing you notice about the Fatboy Expert is the size of those tyres and wheels. They are wide and look a bit on the heavy side, surprisingly they are not too bad at all, although I haven't weighed this build the whole build must be under 28lb. Not too bad when you consider all that rubber.<br />
<br />
Specialized had the wheels and hubs commissioned, so they carry the Specialized name. They have quite an impressive cutout in the rims (90mm wide) that are laced to the Specilaized branded hub with sealed bearings and Hi Lo flange, so far after over 3 months use in all sorts of conditions, seem very solid and reliable. Attached to the rim is the 4.6" Ground Control, Spesh made an very good call here, these tyres at this size on these wheels are an amazing combination and the wheels use stock (but obviously wider for the rear) QRs, maybe a future version could have bolt through front and rear, but if I am honest for what I plan to use mine for I could see quite a number of issues with that change, not least it being a massive pain in the butt in freezing conditions.<br />
<br />
Positive, responsive and more grip than you will ever need, that is what the massive 4.6" Ground Controls give you. I am still trying to find the limit and in doing so going faster and faster, which is testing the brakes and my nerve. They have a 120TPI count which maps closely to Spesh's 2Bliss tyre construction and should tubeless well (stay tuned for more on that). The tyres provide loads of float on soft sand, amazing grip on hard pack and transition between the two seamlessly, even at speed. They chew through rocky terrain up or down, like it is a towpath all at a moderate 12psi inflation.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LgCRAxwM-EY/U7pX0N9RFRI/AAAAAAAAAxA/Q8mViY6eDk0/s1600/IMG_1433.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LgCRAxwM-EY/U7pX0N9RFRI/AAAAAAAAAxA/Q8mViY6eDk0/s1600/IMG_1433.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Bags fall of grip and float<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Fhaas21soBI/U9lAlKYzx_I/AAAAAAAAAx0/7NuSA9uzYy0/s1600/IMG_1438.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Fhaas21soBI/U9lAlKYzx_I/AAAAAAAAAx0/7NuSA9uzYy0/s1600/IMG_1438.JPG" height="640" width="480" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
When they say fat, with a 190mm rear hub they mean FAT. I was interested that this might make the frame bit flexible, but if it does once it is all locked together with the wheel in place you don't notice it, the power goes straight to the ground. </div>
</div>
<br />
The brakes are a Shimano OEM BR-505 front and rear, with a 180mm rotor at the front and a 160mm at the rear stopping the Fatboy and my 82 kilo from speed extremely well. I was a bit dubious at first as I am a Hope fan boy, but these brakes provide loads of modulation and control, and really stop you fast when you need them to. The decision to put a 180mm on the front is a good one as you do seem to motor downhill on this bike.<br />
<br />
The drive train it comes with has SRAM OEM 2 and 10 speed grip shift, which I replaced with XT (1x10) and the X0 rear mech with XT also. The X7 front mech was just removed. All this is just personal preference as I find Shimano more reliable. The Praxis Works chain rings I replaced with a 104 32t Wolf Tooth Components non-drop as they just work so well and the red one looks pretty. Attached to the eThirteen cranks you get a very positive and robust drive train. Which has stood up to quite a battering in my local hills and The Lakes District.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YsVCx152Id8/U9k5SkpOUKI/AAAAAAAAAxQ/XPWMqYvVevo/s1600/IMG_1436.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YsVCx152Id8/U9k5SkpOUKI/AAAAAAAAAxQ/XPWMqYvVevo/s1600/IMG_1436.JPG" height="400" width="300" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The eThirteen PF30 100mm, means that the overall BB width is kept at a modest 130 when measured cup outer to cut outer and therefore there is not a massive difference between it and my other bikes, but the first few rides will feel odd and I suggest you keep the saddle a bit lower than normal. I have read a few differing reviews about the PF30s but I have to say that mine have not started squeaking or imploding and feel very smooth after quite a bit of use.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
I wont bore you with details of bars, stems saddle etc.. I will just give you a quick list:<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>EA70 Monkey Bar;</li>
<li>Specialized 3D forged stem (OEM);</li>
<li>Specialized BG Henge (OEM) and my preferred saddle anyway;</li>
<li>Gravity Dropper seat post;</li>
<li>Shimano M530 pedals. </li>
</ul>
So finally, the frame and fork. The frame is Specialized M4 aluminum, new apparently. Well either way, they have got the geometry pretty much bang on and the weight is pretty impressive in the light direction. This is fronted with a pretty striking set of Specialized FACT carbon full monocoque forks, giving a huge 5.0" tire clearance. Maybe a sign of tyre sizes to come?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FL2a-QGn0q4/U9k_XQRvgjI/AAAAAAAAAxg/F6XV_6oTaMw/s1600/IMG_1440.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FL2a-QGn0q4/U9k_XQRvgjI/AAAAAAAAAxg/F6XV_6oTaMw/s1600/IMG_1440.JPG" height="400" width="300" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The wide elliptic down tube provides loads of stiffness and reduces weight, as the M4 aluminum is clearly light. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XlqCAdC-_r4/U9k_b8PL1_I/AAAAAAAAAxo/_h2Uy0jCm5E/s1600/IMG_1437.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XlqCAdC-_r4/U9k_b8PL1_I/AAAAAAAAAxo/_h2Uy0jCm5E/s1600/IMG_1437.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The FACT Carbon forks are very sexy and certainly responsive. With such a wide tyre, you really don't need much give in the fork, so the FACT is a great choice.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
So what does it ride like, firstly I will say, when I know my next ride is on this bike I start smiling before I even pick it off the rack. If there is one thing no-one can argue about is Specialized know how to R&D and then produce a bike. This is no exception, in fact, they have probably pipped the specialist fat bike builders here, dare I say it, and I tend to ride niche or near enough to.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
It is damn fun, you first notice that it is actually quite light to ride, it is nimble, more than you expect. The frame and fork are impressively stiff as are the wheels, with those big tyres giving exceptional grip, control and comfort. So much grip and control, that I have set new PB's on segments the first time I ride them, that I have ridden on All Mountain bikes a few times.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The bike responds well when pushed hard and is easy to ride when you are just cruising. I find it as nimble in the air as it is on the ground and finds it transitions well from one sort of terrain and trail to another.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Those big old tyres and heavy tubes, seem to only really affect you when getting going or on a very long relatively steep climbs. On flat twisty trails the Fatboy Expert buzzes along and will surprise more than a few other riders, but if the surface is hard pack, it is going to hum like a tractor on the tarmac/bitumen. So be prepared and watch yourself with those tyres when commuting to your trail, they really don't like high speeds on the road.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
If I was pushed to give the Fatboy Expert some true ratings they would be as follows, out of 5:</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Looks: 5</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
OEM Spec: 3.5</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Ride: 4.5 (ignoring the climbing, I would give it 5)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Value for money: 4</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Smile Factor: 5+</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I really am impressed and this bike has been the one I have spent most time on since I got it.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Too much fun. :)</div>
</div>
Scott Swallinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00880835868727854673noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-466646637503294251.post-62916048057946437952014-05-06T19:46:00.001+01:002014-05-06T19:46:05.210+01:00Spoon to a gun fight<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
So if guns are for show and knives for a pro, what the hell is a spoon any good for in a fight? Alan Rickman, would claim it hurts more. Who though?<br />
<br />
Sunday saw the 2014 running of the Gorrick 100, an annual race that is more challenge than a race, yeah right. But it is great fun, the course always pretty good fun and all the category contestants appear to have fun.<br />
<br />
Having felt off all week and not that interested in riding. A Thursday night climbing session being the only exercise that seemed to lighten my ambivalence to training in the week, I was really struggling with the idea of racing. So I hatched a silly plan that I knew would put a smile on my face and be some good exposure for <a href="http://cycleworks.co.uk/">Cycleworks.co.uk</a> (you have to do your bit). I decided to race the Fatboy in the Gorrick, a bad idea if there every wise one with the lack of mud, snow and/or sand.<br />
<br />
So arriving at the race village, I got registered, chatted to a few folk as ya do, grabbed a spare tube off Big Al (who had come up a bit earlier than he need, top man and congrats on the 5 lap win!) and then I got myself sorted and readied the fatbike.<br />
<br />
This was never going to be easy and frankly I still felt at odds with riding let alone racing, but I was on the start line and we were off. A funny thing happens inside your head when you start a race, you take off like a loon and forget about most things, squeezing past riders on the first tight turn, I thought I would have a crack at seeing how well I can do. But I was under no illusions, I was on a damn fatbike (the spoon from the Lock Stock-ish quote above) whilst everyone else was on 29er XC machines (the guns, no knives).<br />
<br />
Surprisingly though as I pressed on, I made up places, scared people as the 4.6" tyres rumbled up behind them, took off camber lines in the inside of turns to overtake because I could due loads of fat tyre traction and generally had fun. Lap five would prove to be the one that caused me issues and I decided to reign in a bit. At this point a fell into a bit of company and shared some work with the eventual female winner Amanda Brooks, a fellow antipodean, but she soon rode me off her wheel and went on to the win. Congrats!<br />
<br />
I rolled across the line in a surprising 19th on the tractor that is the Fatboy. I was broken, the spoon hurt me more than someone else Alan. But as feeling returned, so did the fact that fatbikes are damn cool, but more importantly they are stupid fun. Cycleworks thanks for getting the Fatboy in for me it really is too much fun. :)<br />
<br />
Gorrick team, as always a great course and well organised event. To Chris Noble and Big Al, congrats on great rides and thanks for the heckling, always appreciated. ;)<br />
<br />
Thanks to the usual suspect, Weldtite, WTC, Cycleworks and Alpkit.<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Scott Swallinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00880835868727854673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-466646637503294251.post-88134764058349290712014-05-02T17:43:00.000+01:002014-05-02T17:46:06.817+01:00K-Lite Bikepacker Pro<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Right, if you are not into geekie bike focussed stuff or don't wish to be enlightened look away now. Otherwise read on.<br />
<br />
So my riding friends are probably fed up with me blabbering on about <a href="http://www.klite.com.au/" target="_blank">K-Lite </a>technology, but I guess I have been excited about. A while back I decided I was fed up with batteries, charging them, rides being dictated by them and having to conserve light when on a long ride or carry an extra battery.<br />
<br />
So I started looking at the dynamo light options, weighing up the technology and costs, weight and output and even getting my head around the fact that I will have cables running all over my bikes again. Something I had enjoyed not enduring for sometime now.<br />
<br />
So with all my research in hand, I settled on K-Lite. The tech stood up to my limited knowledge, the price seemed right, the units themselves tough and durable and the best bit, they are a small company which means they are more agile and innovative. What's not to like there? From what I have learned as well that Kerry, provides pretty damn fine customer service to a global customer base, from Australia, his adopted home from New Zealand. So I am supporting the Aussie-New Zealander alliance as well.<br />
<br />
So decision made and I wen ahead and ordered my Bikepacker Pro 1000/600lm light set. I even got to choose K-Lite orange as the colour. Soon enough the lights arrived as shown below and I was immediately impressed with the size, weight and power. Not to mention the quality of light.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Pqc26GYBv1A/U2O3E3pNkUI/AAAAAAAAAvo/AQPgbx0V5S0/s1600/IMG_1468+Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Pqc26GYBv1A/U2O3E3pNkUI/AAAAAAAAAvo/AQPgbx0V5S0/s1600/IMG_1468+Edit.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
What's in the pack?<br />
The Bikepacker Pro arrives with:<br />
- Light, obviously,<br />
- control box which provides the switch between 1000/600lm, On/Off and of course the standlite,<br />
- an inline switch to be able to charge USB battery sets and compatible products when you are not using the light,<br />
- associated cables (when your order you choose between SP/Shimano and Schimdt SON);<br />
- a bar or riser stem mount (choose when you order or email K-Lite and I am sure they will help you out more),<br />
- you even get a few zips tires to get you started.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WWLFBMMthz4/U2O8rLChSAI/AAAAAAAAAwE/Ec9kREESZl4/s1600/IMG_1469+Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WWLFBMMthz4/U2O8rLChSAI/AAAAAAAAAwE/Ec9kREESZl4/s1600/IMG_1469+Edit.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The control unit with On/Off and 1000/600lm switch and built in standlite.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Switches are extremely water proof as has been tested extensively.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
One of the other points I like about K-Lite was there reuse policy. K-Lite use a 3D printer to print up the control units, mounts, switch mounts (available for other options) and mount spacers. They do their level best to use recycled plastics to do this. So combining this with the fact that they are dynamo lights, they are pretty damn environmentally friendly</div>
<br />
As you can see below the light is quite small, yet omits a great deal of light and it is quality light a well. I have to admit when the light arrived I was a little concerned about the coverage and quality of light. I can safely say after the first ride I was riding as quickly in the dark on technical trails with the 1000lm from the K-Lite as I did with any of my more powerful bright white battery powered lights. Even in heavy fog, I found switching the light to 600lm mode and turning of my helmet light, the light was still excellent. The light is not a bright white light as many of the leading battery powered ones are and it doesn't need to be as bright as the light seems more natural. By this I mean that it lets me pick up the detail on the ground better, it doesn't flatten the detail. Which is pretty handy when riding on technical terrain.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M48_LJRxAWg/U2O8mLxInTI/AAAAAAAAAv8/9Zsgx7ikZfA/s1600/IMG_1470+Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M48_LJRxAWg/U2O8mLxInTI/AAAAAAAAAv8/9Zsgx7ikZfA/s1600/IMG_1470+Edit.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Light pictured on the stem riser mount, which allows you to mount the light centrally.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The light housing is machined from a piece of aluminum and the heat sync directly contacts the housing so it does get a tiny bit warm, but it means you get the optimum performance from the light as the circuits can run at full capacity as the heat sync cools rapidly. So you get the option (if you choose to switch down) of true 1000/600lm when you are traveling at 15.7kph or higher (if memory serves on the specs). The light naturally deeps on a curve as you speed decreases on climbs or when coming to a stop. But I have found there is more than enough light when climbing slowly and the standlite when stop suitably bright for the riders use and certainly provides visibility to others if you are on the road for example.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Cables, like I said, I don't really like cables, but I made the sacrifice as I knew dynamo was the way forward for me. The cables K-Lite provide are suitable to get the maximum out of your hubs for running your lights and charging stuff. They are connected with XT60 connectors and constructed to be pretty damn waterproof. I haven't note if K-Lite provide an IP standard themselves, but they plugs and cables have been well and truly tested by me and I have had no issues.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
As mentioned there is even an inline switch to allow for charging compatible USB products and battery sets such as the tiny and brilliant Sinewave and KEMO. Then you can charge your phone, iPod etc... from the battery unit.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gJK7pyD90G4/U2PIIMMrcYI/AAAAAAAAAwQ/8f2WCTzBnGM/s1600/IMG_1406+Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gJK7pyD90G4/U2PIIMMrcYI/AAAAAAAAAwQ/8f2WCTzBnGM/s1600/IMG_1406+Edit.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
So the Bikepaker Pro is very versatile in what it does and how you configure it, so as a 24hr racer, a newbie bikepacker and perennial night time trainer, for me it is perfect. The only problem you have is how to mount it, where is it most out the way for you, yet the switches are accessible. Well the picture above displays my preferred mounting configuration and allows for a clean set of bars for adding Alpkits stems cell pouches, fuel pod or Kanga, battery packs, GPS or even strapping gels and sports bars to the bars when you are going for that unsupported recorded 24hr ride.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Cons: What could I fault about the Bikepacker Pro light, well only one thing and that would be the same for any dynamo light. It is not super stupid bright.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Pros: Reread above, come on folks. ;) It is small, light, tough, versatile and the light quality is perfect. How tough? Well the light is so perfect that I found myself going way too fast down a slightly dodgy descent a little while back, I made a mistake and hit the ground very hard. The light unit was still shining bright when I got back to my feet. It is very tough.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
If you are after a dynamo light, I can certainly recommend these over the other leading brands, the build quality and price, just make them a market leader in my eyes.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The future of endurance riding is bright! </div>
</div>
Scott Swallinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00880835868727854673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-466646637503294251.post-77694409193814495872014-04-21T13:36:00.000+01:002014-04-21T13:36:25.651+01:00Margam Madness 2014<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I have heard of Margam Madness through the organiser Gareth Hayes, it is a newish 4 and 8 hour event on one of the most brutal, technical and brilliant courses I have ridden in the UK (it is a lot like racing some of the Adelaide, Mt Buller and Mt Beauty XC courses), trail riding with an XC format basically. My type of thing, although there should be a caveat there, something like the below.<br />
<br />
"My type of thing, when I haven't spent two weeks recovering from hurling myself down a flint strewn chalk path at between 40-50kph." But not to be one to make excuses, I put in what training/recovery I could because I was genuinely excited about these course. It was a course for the complete rider, strong, technical, brave and fast up hill. Something like XC use to be and again is becoming, thankfully!<br />
<br />
So I packed the van and headed down, the day before, after sitting in some Easter traffic for a few hours I arrived, chatted to some familiar faces, did a lap to see what the course was like and sent Chris N the good news, it is brutal and technical.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k5bOA3UiCg4/U1UPu9f0cZI/AAAAAAAAAvQ/2C9qOzhcAfk/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k5bOA3UiCg4/U1UPu9f0cZI/AAAAAAAAAvQ/2C9qOzhcAfk/s1600/photo.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Bike prepped, big bugger hill we ascended each lap (from the left hand side)</div>
<br />
But with the above it was also brilliant, fun and had amazing views. The climbs where technical, loose and pain inducing. Then you would tip over the top and head down either a sweeping twisty easy downhill track/natural trail or the infamous Black XC section (my favourite section) the section that in the race I somehow found a way passed to crashed riders and bikes. "Clive, I went for the gap, this time it was there" :)<br />
<br />
So race day arrived, it was sunny and I had slept very little, but hey, that has happened before, no matter. I was in the Single Speed Cat, which would only have to riders, and I know Dave from the Gorricks. But as with everything, there is you Cat and then there is overall, I always push for good finishes in both.<br />
<br />
So as more friends and familiar races arrived I prepared myself, stretch the known troublesome and bruised parts of my body and rolled to the start line.<br />
<br />
Soon we were off and chaos would ensue at the first forest section, but from here things would sort themselves out and the racing was in general clean, fun and laid back, as was the feel with the whole event (this is a good thing), but that did not mean the racing wasn't fast.<br />
<br />
I lapped consistently and in the lead for a few laps, but wasn't finding my normal power and fluidity on the climbs, so I dialed things back a touch, we had a long way to go. The race progress for another 1hr or so and I was joined by the other single speeder Dave, for a little bit. But on the second flattest part of the course he opened a small gap, I closed this easily on the descent as he was running rigid forks (hats off to him) on the next small climb though, I could hold his wheel, in fact I had to jump off and run as I had no power to turn the pedals, but felt fine.<br />
<br />
Over the next lap he would open a lead of about 5 minutes, but my problem wasn't getting any better of worse. As a couple of the Open guys lapped me, George Budd being the first and yelled encouragement, then would focus on taking it easy and hoping to recover, but I didn't. At the top of the hill before the Black XC trail, I stopped, chatted to the marshal and yelled encouragement at all those that passed, including Al and Chris.<br />
<br />
Soon I duly finished my lap and knocked it on the head. Being only two of us, I was assured a podium, but maybe not hugely proud of it. But at least I did get out there and try. I moved to to a support role for Chris after I had finished and cheerleader for Al, Jules and George, or was that heckler? They can confirm which. I also encourage Dave to keep turning that single speed as he decided to do one more lap even after I confirmed with him I was out (I am nice that way). :)<br />
<br />
As the hours ticked by George more than confirmed 1st in Open, Chris' consistency and good riding gave him 2nd in Open, Al, cleaned up in the Vets and Jules had a solid ride (but not without its technical issues) for 4th in Vets. I did indeed get 2nd in the 2 man Single Speed field.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vcLRi5AKnBY/U1UQFYZ6j0I/AAAAAAAAAvY/NeEpE4TCgO4/s1600/20140419_190712-1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vcLRi5AKnBY/U1UQFYZ6j0I/AAAAAAAAAvY/NeEpE4TCgO4/s1600/20140419_190712-1.jpeg" height="400" width="296" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A cheeky 2nd place</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(Photo: Al Fairbairn)</div>
<br />
What an event though and as mentioned above, what an amazing course. Gareth and his team did and awesome job and I will be back next year, better prepared, rather than coming of an accident recovery, as I am guessing that is rubbish prep.<br />
<br />
Congrats to everyone that lasted as long as they could, as the course was tough, but we all know what to expect next year, so lets train harder, work on our skills and lets hope that more XC courses follow this design.<br />
<br />
Thanks Cycleworks, Weldtite, Wolf Tooth and Alpkit <br />
<br />
Margam Madness 2015, get yourself there.</div>
Scott Swallinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00880835868727854673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-466646637503294251.post-3128705153656589432014-04-21T13:01:00.002+01:002014-04-21T13:01:35.507+01:00Aborted Southdowns Way at night.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The evening of Saturday 5th April Nick K and I sat on a train heading to Eastbourne to meet Chris and Al. The plan to ride the Southdowns Way over night. The weather forecast had been looking increasingly challenging, but undeterred we had all headed down.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lTCNT4ESC5A/U1UIX0Ia13I/AAAAAAAAAvA/uUd8jNpqC80/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lTCNT4ESC5A/U1UIX0Ia13I/AAAAAAAAAvA/uUd8jNpqC80/s1600/photo.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Cockpit for the evening </div>
<br />
We met Chris and Al at Eastbourne station and headed off for our adventure. Nick and I had ridden the SDW single speed previously without nay issues. Chris and Al are both super strong and AL being on a Fatbike, just really evened things up a bit (not much).<br />
<br />
Off the tarmac we started the first climb, relatively easily and we all chattered away as the climb meandered up to the top of the first descent.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RvG-SLb_73M/U1UG-8Wz77I/AAAAAAAAAu0/EVVuLFeuxHs/s1600/P1010135.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RvG-SLb_73M/U1UG-8Wz77I/AAAAAAAAAu0/EVVuLFeuxHs/s1600/P1010135.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
On the way up the first climb</div>
<br />
Whilst it was not currently raining it had been and it was a bit foggy. We started descending and at about 8km's into the ride, about half way down the first descent, I went down. I had been slowing down to alter my line for a better one and the front wheel washed. I don't recall much about the actual crash apart from the moment if was in the air longer enough to realise I was about to hit head first and I managed to tuck my arms in (I had already rag dolled a few times by the this point I am told).<br />
<br />
Once everything stopped I slowly rolled over, patted myself down, sat up, by which time the guys had arrived to help and I was checked over. Heavily bruised cut up and very lucky thanks to my helmet, I somehow managed to continue on. According to the guys the crash was massive and they feared I was going to be badly hurt. Saved by the helmet and the same greasy surface that had bought me down, I was extremely lucky.<br />
<br />
Soon we continued on and not long after, the rain started, the wind got worse and the SDW and weather was about to throw a lot at us. We struggled up some wet climbs, walked some others, we fixed numerous punctures in the wet fog and wind as we went.<br />
<br />
The punctures kept occurring in the most exposed positions, and everyone was feeling a bit fed up. But we pressed on. However, soon there would be a bit of a sense of humor failure from us all as yet another puncture struck for Chris as the wind howled ruthlessly at us. Nick and I decided to start walking up the next hill to keep warm and managed to find some shelter. Al and Chris, arrived walking, after some time. Chris' stick on patches weren't adhering, so I gave him some Red Devils as I knew these stuck to anything rubber. But putting the tube back in, Chris pinched it again.<br />
<br />
Although we had some shelter it was still damn windy and colder than we expected and that had been forecast. So we continued slowly to the YHA (one of the tap stops) and hid in the day room, whilst Chris fixed all his punctures.<br />
<br />
We had traveled 65kms in about 5 1/2 hrs, much slowly than we expected or liked. Previously, Nick and I had ridden the whole 162kms in 9 1/2hrs. With all us feeling cold and myself starting to feel sore, it was time to knock it on the head. At the next bit of road, it was time to pick the best route home for us and head off. Nick and I headed directly for Guildford. Chris and Al, for Petersfield and then Winchester, the original goal. But we would all travel by road now. I also, made the call to Nik, to be picked up as everything was starting to hurt.<br />
<br />
As Nick and I slowly got closer to Guildford, I started to struggle to turn the pedals, due to the pain in my right hip and left ankle and slowly fell behind. However, in time Nik appeared in the van and a warm and comfy lift home was welcomed.<br />
<br />
At home on closer inspection, my injuries where actually pretty bad and as I write this two weeks late, my ankle and hip still plague me a bit and I am guessing caused me some issues at the Margam Madness (see race report).<br />
<br />
I was bruised, cuts and battered, pretty much tip to toe on my right side. My left knew and ankle had been sprained and bruised and my neck was starting to get sore from the impact. Surprisingly the bike was entirely fine, and I had only trashed a jersey and an arm warmer. Although, my helmet was trashed, two deep slices from the flint on the track, and several breaks in the other places, it was clear that the helmet had done maybe more than keep my out of hospital, maybe a lot more?<br />
<br />
So the SDW, will I go back. Off course, the SDW is a special ride, even if you are never far from a farmhouse or village and at night when there is no fog, you can see the lights on the coast and inland. It is a special place to ride. It is this that help me pick myself up of the ground and keep going and if the weather wasn't so poor I might have made it to the end again. But rest assured I will be back.<br />
<br />
Thanks to Nick, Al and Chris for picking me up and checking me over and I am sure, for keeping an eye on me for the rest of the ride that we completed. Thanks gents!<br />
<br />
Nik, sorry for the early morning call. But you know it only happens when it has gone Pete Tong in a massive way.<br />
<br />
(Sorry there are no more pictures, it was just too damn foggy)</div>
Scott Swallinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00880835868727854673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-466646637503294251.post-46723954287407380682014-04-14T18:58:00.003+01:002014-04-14T18:58:47.120+01:00WTC long term review<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Some time back I promise the guys at Wolf Tooth Components a long term review, if you're not into bikes or bike gear freak, look away now.<br />
<br />
Back in June 2013 I took delivery of my first WTC chain rings, 32t 104 BCD (one picture below), only a month before a 24hr race. I mounted these as soon as I had them in my hands as I was completely over chain guides, the noise, the faff and the lack of reliability, unless you went for a free-ride style device. Plus they always look rubbish on an XC bike.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H6zM7TmthPE/Uv6AbRNZzWI/AAAAAAAAAsI/EiqyFGANSBI/s1600/WTC1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H6zM7TmthPE/Uv6AbRNZzWI/AAAAAAAAAsI/EiqyFGANSBI/s1600/WTC1.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Running a single non-drop ring like the WTC one however looks great! As above. Is a whole lot quieter than the alternative and the WTC ones work a treat.<br />
<br />
So as mentioned I installed the first two WTC chain rings in June 2013, since then between them they have done close to 3500kms off road in some very grim conditions for far too many of those kilometres. The area I live in, in the UK is a mixed of sand, clay, soil and chalk. The sand is obviously nasty to any drive train and those who know chalk, know it turns into a gritty paste when wet and gets every where. So it does its fair share of damage as well, so to see that after around 2000kms (there has been a bias towards one bike with a WTC fitted) with a fair majority done in the conditions mentioned above, that I will soon need a new chain ring. Speaks volumes about the hardiest of these rings. As with everything lightweight, you will lose some usage life, but the WTC rings have lasted longer than the Rhental rings I use to run.<br />
<br />
So do they every drop the chain? No, I have tried, trust me I have. At present I am running 32t in the following configuration. 1x10 on my 29er hard tail pictured above and my fat bike. I immediately changed to WTC ring before I even rode the fat bike, due to the reliability and no fuss. I also have a single speed configured with a 32t/18t and I am running the chain a little slacker than how I use to run my Renthal rings. However, this means a little less wear and the chain still stays in place even on some of the roughest terrain.<br />
<br />
The chain rings are more than light weight and durable enough, to be used for both training and racing, in all conditions. Although they can be a bit noisy when wet sand gets in the mix, they do tend to run very quite in all other conditions, which certainly can't be said about chain devices and some other chain rings.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uWikfH-l-rY/U0wfeZI9ZCI/AAAAAAAAAuk/8vGGYB9p-Y0/s1600/IMG_1067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uWikfH-l-rY/U0wfeZI9ZCI/AAAAAAAAAuk/8vGGYB9p-Y0/s1600/IMG_1067.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Simple design that works.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Although the snow flake chain ring is pretty fancy.</div>
<br />
Wolf Tooth keep the design on all the different chain rings they make simple and very functional. The change rings come in a range of direct mount options SRAM, S-WORKS and a range of BCDs (that will even suit you CX bike) and colours. They have had so much success that the small Minnesotan firm, has been expanding it range to include GC 42t and 40t (coming soon) cogs for Shimano and SRAM, has a bash guard, chain ring bolts and a truing tool (which also happens to be a bottle opener).<br />
<br />
Without trying to sound like a broken record or a salesmen, I have to say I have been very impressed with what a small firm has been able to produce and the way they keep expanding their product line with the same care and precision I have seen in the several rings I have in use at present.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Scott Swallinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00880835868727854673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-466646637503294251.post-17427273995073275202014-04-10T08:48:00.001+01:002014-04-10T08:48:54.239+01:00A quick trip to The Peak<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The other weekend I headed up to Claire and Ant, for a spot of grit action. It had been a very long time since I had been on the grit and long time since I had climbed any rock in anger. So I had not expectations.<br />
<br />
On the Saturday at High Neb in pretty good conditions I soloed a few routes whilst Claire and Ant, climbed together. After a little Mike joined us and in pairs we started climbing a bit harder. Whilst I managed Jeepers Creepers and another HVS to the right of The Logic book. Ant made short work of Quietus and then after some yoyoing he also got King Kong clean.<br />
<br />
Not a bad day at all considering. Routine service at The Travelers Rest for a feed and few beers in the evening catching up with friends and then it was time to zip up the sleeping bag.<br />
<br />
Sunday we head to Curbar to the Apollo and Moon buttress sectors, with a few things in mind, but the weather was a bit warmer so route plans changed. Once again Claire and Ant jumped on a few routes, Claire starting with a certainly harder than Severe, but climbed it is good style. I went off and soloed a few little routes including a great route called Twin Crack done in the HVS style.<br />
<br />
However, soon I was feeling a little wobbly, so I eased off ate and drunk and then, spotted/belayed Ant on Black Nix Wall, a nails slabby E1. This is about the point things went a bit crap, on one attempt Any popped of low before the gear and I did my best to pull him away from a small boulder. However he clipped this with his left ankle and gave it a good knock. Although he did have a couple more attempts before sacking it off.<br />
<br />
Next I bit off more than I could chew on a E2 called Soyuz, running out of steam due to bugger all climbing lately I soon popped off and took a decent lob. Another attempt saw the same scenario and that was me done with routes for the day.<br />
<br />
During my failed attempts Brian had turned up and I offered the rope to him and he made short work of the route and Ant on a sore ankle followed easily too.<br />
<br />
For the rest of the day I joined Brian bouldering and even managed a couple of thin strong problems.<br />
<br />
Despite being a bit rubbish on Sunday, it was a pretty good weekend and has given me some motivation to get back on the rock. Now life just needs to give me a few openings to do so.<br />
<br />
A few pics from the weekend are below.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9YtcmmX5DVI/U0ZKaoFvHbI/AAAAAAAAAtY/oNZF77GkYpk/s1600/IMGP7666+Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9YtcmmX5DVI/U0ZKaoFvHbI/AAAAAAAAAtY/oNZF77GkYpk/s1600/IMGP7666+Edit.jpg" height="400" width="265" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-geiq2P0Fkm4/U0ZKfarxShI/AAAAAAAAAtk/gsJBrLx3KM4/s1600/IMGP7681+Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-geiq2P0Fkm4/U0ZKfarxShI/AAAAAAAAAtk/gsJBrLx3KM4/s1600/IMGP7681+Edit.jpg" height="400" width="265" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Ant take a rest on Quietus before the assault</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OMUPGZPYgEY/U0ZKZL4-jfI/AAAAAAAAAtI/ln7QFDMjkXg/s1600/IMGP7675+Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OMUPGZPYgEY/U0ZKZL4-jfI/AAAAAAAAAtI/ln7QFDMjkXg/s1600/IMGP7675+Edit.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Up he goes </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wxYV1O9zhSY/U0ZKZ5l3CEI/AAAAAAAAAtM/yynY9iiKyfQ/s1600/IMGP7679+Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wxYV1O9zhSY/U0ZKZ5l3CEI/AAAAAAAAAtM/yynY9iiKyfQ/s1600/IMGP7679+Edit.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
In the thick of it</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qobr1RYWysA/U0ZL53NfsTI/AAAAAAAAAt0/lR3_JQPwU4Q/s1600/IMGP7699+Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qobr1RYWysA/U0ZL53NfsTI/AAAAAAAAAt0/lR3_JQPwU4Q/s1600/IMGP7699+Edit.jpg" height="400" width="265" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Claire on the more than tricky Severe </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KN2WAyjcP1o/U0ZL4LZemPI/AAAAAAAAAts/6wAXlNZALIg/s1600/IMGP7714+Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KN2WAyjcP1o/U0ZL4LZemPI/AAAAAAAAAts/6wAXlNZALIg/s1600/IMGP7714+Edit.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
First attempt on Soyuz, oops!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(Photo: Claire D) </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-88sy8hzRLQ0/U0ZMBEiEIfI/AAAAAAAAAuE/McdcQc25NMI/s1600/IMGP7729+Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-88sy8hzRLQ0/U0ZMBEiEIfI/AAAAAAAAAuE/McdcQc25NMI/s1600/IMGP7729+Edit.jpg" height="400" width="265" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Second attempt started stylish, ended the same way.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(Photo: Claire D) </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AEdGw7jPHy8/U0ZL_BNJCFI/AAAAAAAAAt8/rDuB7lDfGxU/s1600/IMGP7741+Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AEdGw7jPHy8/U0ZL_BNJCFI/AAAAAAAAAt8/rDuB7lDfGxU/s1600/IMGP7741+Edit.jpg" height="400" width="265" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Brian showing me how it's done on Soyuz</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(Photo: Claire D)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br /></div>
Scott Swallinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00880835868727854673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-466646637503294251.post-29729869333749608512014-03-24T09:37:00.001+00:002014-03-24T09:53:04.296+00:00Battle on the Beach - the race<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Saturday 15th March, Nik and I packed the van, picked up Phil M and his fat bike. Swung past Shaggy and Mel's house to pick up a loan fatbike for me and headed to Pembrey Country Park in Camarthenshire.<br />
<br />
After a few hours of driving and a slight detour to the golf club, we arrived at the country park and the event village, the sun was still shinning bright. After say "Hi" to a few familiar faces we pitched camp, registered (at which point Dan and Verity arrived), got our crap together and headed out for a recce loop of the course.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HjAY27S_goQ/Uy_tEY0QpLI/AAAAAAAAAsY/bg0l-5ahf-E/s1600/Number+plate.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HjAY27S_goQ/Uy_tEY0QpLI/AAAAAAAAAsY/bg0l-5ahf-E/s1600/Number+plate.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Personalised plate, always a nice touch.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qPQE6q7JJa8/Uy_tG5N8p5I/AAAAAAAAAsg/__DrkbhmFDw/s1600/Fatbikes.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qPQE6q7JJa8/Uy_tG5N8p5I/AAAAAAAAAsg/__DrkbhmFDw/s1600/Fatbikes.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Fatbikes ready to go. Phil's tyres looking mint.</div>
<br />
Heading out with Nik, Dan and Phil, I was the only one without a light (not normal for me, but this was meant to be a day race right). As we pottered around the course chatting and looking at the great scenery we knew the course was going to provide a great race. Soon the light started to go and some ninja riding saw me return with the others to the campsite. Some food, some beer (pro diet), a good chat and a visit to the unusually quiet onsite bar and it was bed time.<br />
<br />
Race day arrived and the sun remained, which was great as the course did have some massive puddles (see below). Also, it was going to be nice to race in the sun for the first time in a number of races. There was a lot of milling around as I had very little to do compared to a 24hr race, so I enjoyed the sun, chatted to the others and poked and prodded the fatbike.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzdJZH4i1jXRK8kqVp5MhXPwRR6eH4OcpWsOmeUQzL-JvRFYpU-rHFTY09L4FUwPaUn1d6Ott_haLMRws3Lmw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Puddle of Doom </div>
<br />
Soon enough we would be lining up, but here began my indecision. My first proper ride on a fatbike was the night before. I had no idea how fast, hard and long I could push the fatbike around a course? So I mad a choice to not get at the front of the grid which I normally would do. In hindsight, I could push the fatbike pretty damn quick and starting where I did meant that as the race started, I was working my way through the field from damn near the back.<br />
<br />
Hitting the beach I flew across the soft sand as I knew I would passed the high water line on the harder sand and group formed that was working well together into the headwind on the 3.5km stretch of beach. We could see 2 large groups in front and the bottle neck of the ramp off the beach we would soon be behind. Valuable time lost here on the leaders and the fight back started.<br />
<br />
In the single track and sand climbs the fatbike excelled and accelerated, every segment I passed still more riders, getting stuck behind slow CX riders on the twist trails and others slowly carrying their bikes up tight single track climbs. But with every opportunity I would slip past another one or two riders. Nabbing another fatbike here and there.<br />
<br />
This would be the routine for the last two laps, including the long drag on the beach. Although this would see me get in a group, get on the front for my bit wave the next rider through, no one would come through so I would drop the group so as to remove their advantage (no wheel sucking today gents).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7bs4B1bpnpI/Uy_7V49aMHI/AAAAAAAAAsw/mjIivXmd7lg/s1600/1238304_10152245765110399_1010906620_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7bs4B1bpnpI/Uy_7V49aMHI/AAAAAAAAAsw/mjIivXmd7lg/s1600/1238304_10152245765110399_1010906620_n.jpg" height="177" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Dropping a group on the beach</div>
<br />
The laps played out the same and I pressed on, a couple of interesting overtaking lines, getting the fatbike sideways a few times and soon the finish line was in sight. Crossing the line, I could help but do so with a smile, this smile had been there on most of the track other than the beach. So many others were beaming big smiles as well.<br />
<br />
I congratulated the Fatbike Cat winner, George, soon found Dan and congratulated him on second in the Fatbike Cat, I finished 8th fatbike (pretty happy with that). Phil soon arrived back with a smile on his face and Nik, quite happy that she had got some great shots (she did!).<br />
<br />
What can I say, one of the most enjoyable races I have every done, the weather was great and Matt and the crew from ACycling did a great job with the organisation, the course and making it a fun event. Even the idea and detail in the trophies make this a stand out event on the race calendar and I will certainly be back. Good work to Howies and so many others getting behind a new event with such gusto.<br />
<br />
Massive thanks to Shaggy at Automatic Cycles (give him a follow of twitter) for the loan fatbike and for Phil arranging it.<br />
<br />
Thanks to Nik for getting some great pics.<br />
And as always to:<br />
Cycleworks - fueling me and keeping the wheels turning on my bikes.<br />
Weldtite - for keeping things lube and corrosion free.<br />
and, Alpkit for keeping me warm. <br />
<br />
Watch out for a little vid of the race action from the rider perspective. :) </div>
Scott Swallinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00880835868727854673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-466646637503294251.post-75730533294053766872014-03-14T10:36:00.001+00:002014-03-14T10:39:52.181+00:00Battle on The BeachYay, its the Friday before the first every (to my best knowledge) bike beach race in the Uk. Is everyone excited, it would appear so.<div><br></div><div>This was the race I hoped to race my new fatbike in, but alas, it is struggling to leave home. But lets leave that for now, it will be here soon enough.</div><div><br></div><div>So with the fatbike category being the one I am keen to race, enter Phil M (can ride any thing with two wheels anywhere with uber style) and Shaggy (aka John Ross, bike builder and all round nice guy) and I have a lone fatbike from Shaggy, Thanks a bunch!</div><div><br></div><div>So it is game on! The Open cat will be a pretty damn cool affair with pros from Belgium and The Netherlands making the trip. But looking at the Fatbike cat, the pointy end of this will a tough fight.</div><div><br></div><div>It looks like Matt Page and A Cycling have found a great venue and made a great course, so lets hope for sun, good racing and beer and skittles.</div><div><br></div><div>Oh, it may well be the UK Fatbike Champs as well. ;)</div><div><br></div><div>Will post report sometime next week!</div>Scott Swallinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00880835868727854673noreply@blogger.com0