tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78500619100519956202024-03-05T15:23:56.964+00:00Travels with my Mule Featuring the adventures of The Mules Cycling Club. Cycling articles, stories and all things cycling relatedTravels with my Mulehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04168113549081846815noreply@blogger.comBlogger288125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7850061910051995620.post-7178573612014928702019-09-29T21:41:00.000+01:002019-09-29T21:51:38.738+01:00Col du Galibier (Meeting the family) Mules 2019 Tour Part 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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When you hear cyclists talking of great Cols, it is like they are talking about family members.<br />
They often become dewy eyed, filled with love and affection, but not all of them.<br />
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Some riders become still and quiet with an awkward smile.<br />
They may even change the subject or get angry.<br />
<br />
Looking from the lower valley bottoms of the Alps the mountains rear up, each with their own characteristics.<br />
The craggy rocks, scree slopes and patches of woodland presenting an almost human facade.<br />
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Like all families there are individuals that are more popular than others.<br />
Ones that everyone likes like Alpe d'huez which are warm, engaging and hospitable.<br />
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Then there are others - the ones you avoid and only whisper their names<br />
Periodically you may agree to see them out of a sense of duty.<br />
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It rarely goes as planned and sometimes you regret it immediately.<br />
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As you travel to see them your palms sweat, you feel sick and your lungs struggle to contain any oxygen.<br />
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The desire to turn your back and move away is not uncommon and should never be seen as a character flaw.<br />
Proper dialogue is challenging as sentences are cut short by cruel barbs, interruptions, and the sheer presence of such obstacles.<br />
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The Col de Galibier holds such a presence.<br />
<br />
Like a spiteful mother in law who will never accept you and reminds you that your just not good enough.<br />
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As with all family politics, alliances can help you to get close and in the case of Galibier, the Col du Telegraphe is an obvious go between.<br />
Like a sympathetic relation who takes pity on you, always has the kettle on, and a cake fresh from the oven.<br />
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Leaving Saint Jean de Maurienne we travelled south east down the D1006 towards Saint Michel de Maurienne. This runs parallel to the A43. Although this is a busy uninspiring valley road, the 14km of gentle climbing (202 meters) provides a perfect warm up for what lays ahead.<br />
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As you come into St Michael de Maurienne you know that the family engagement is about to start and you find yourself trying to work out how things might play out.<br />
There was no obvious cut within the towering rock face to the south west but that was the direction the multiple signs were pointing.<br />
<br />
Turning right onto the D902 I took a big gulp of undiluted oxygen and made my initial introduction to the Col du Telegraphe.<br />
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With an average gradient of 7.4% over 878 meters the meeting was not at all hostile.<br />
The gradient gradually increased enabling you to ease into a comfortable rhythm.<br />
The multiple soft bends soon acquired elevation where the wide industrial valley soon seemed far behind and below us.<br />
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In the shadows of thick forrest the morning air remained cool, despite the raising thermometer and the climb was enjoyable.<br />
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Well .......... as enjoyable as it could be for a human Labrador, seasoned cake eater and somebody who constantly fought gravity.<br />
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As we approached the summit at 12 km the forrest thinned out providing a hint of what lay ahead.<br />
An increasing temperature, and a more barren and inhospitable terrain.<br />
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Monsieur Telegraph was very accommodating. He allowed us to have a brief respite descending into Valloire for lunch before providing a personal introduction to Mademoiselle Galibier.<br />
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I use the term Mademoiselle out of badness.<br />
Although the Galibier may have some natural beauty, she is so savage and unpredictable that she could never be fully tamed. I'm not sure there is another col that would be her mate.<br />
<br />
Our ascent started just after lunch with the temperature reaching 32 degrees with no wind.<br />
In such conditions a siesta in a dark air conditioned room would not seem inappropriate - not 18 km of climbing another 1216 meters to the summit at 2646 meters.<br />
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Above the tree-line there was nowhere to hide.<br />
Although the average gradient was only 7% over the whole climb, this was distorted by a couple of flatter sections after leaving Valloire.<br />
Most of the km markers thereafter were 8 or 9% but with the heat they felt double that.<br />
In baking heat the long straits created the occasional mirage in the road, where for me any watery palm tree oasis was replaced by exotic ice cream parlours.<br />
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The overall terrain reminded me very much of Col de Tourmalet in its attrition and characteristics. This experience was very different though.<br />
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When I rode that, it was cool and my only impediment was gravitational.<br />
On this day there were multiple impediments.<br />
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I counted down each km where the time between each increased with my fatigue.<br />
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With 6km to go everything got messy.<br />
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Up until then Mademoiselle Galibier had just been ignoring me by turning her back and just being plain ignorant.<br />
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Acknowledging my apparent belligerent perseverance she now turned around and faced me.<br />
She was not happy.<br />
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She rebuked me shouting out 'Vous êtes cycliste? non c'est impossible'<br />
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Her words were accompanied by a defiant slap of twisting broken tarmac.<br />
The gradient increased along with the temperature.<br />
Her rage was such that she sucked up the greater share of available oxygen leaving me gasping for each breath I could take.<br />
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Vous êtes cycliste? non c'est impossible,Vous êtes cycliste? non c'est impossible,<br />
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The words resonated with me, but rather than defeat me, they just spurred me on.<br />
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On the last km she gave it her very best hitting me with a 10% sting.<br />
Thankfully I had my friends around me to deflect the blow.<br />
<br />
As I crested the col I was reminded that in life we have to put up with our families,<br />
no matter what they throw at us.<br />
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But thankfully we always get to choose our friends.<br />
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<br />Travels with my Mulehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04168113549081846815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7850061910051995620.post-28536133960734673082019-07-30T15:39:00.000+01:002019-07-30T19:52:40.840+01:00Chapeau Events L2P 24hr Challenge<br />
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<br />
As a boy my grandmother and I often walked together on the headland around Falmouth. Romantically she would gaze over the sea onto the distant horizon and talk of our ancestors coming over the water.<br />
She spoke of it as a recent thing, like something that had occurred the previous Tuesday afternoon.<br />
In reality, and much to my disappointment she meant centuries before, during the Norman conquest.<br />
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Fancifully she described how one of them was a great Frenchman and an adviser to William himself.<br />
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After researching my family tree I was never able to make the connection, but never able to rule it out either.<br />
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I certainly like the idea that my origins may have been from France and reckoned that the 'adviser' could have been like a Game of Thrones Character the 'Hand of the King'.<br />
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As the second born son, the ancient family name of Deverell evaded me and still irkes me to this day, My parents could at the very least have put an extra <span style="color: red;">P</span> in my first name.<br />
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There is something about the French that I love. They are a foil, a natural antidote to the starchiness of traditional British values.<br />
The shrug of the shoulders, the passion, the rebellious spirit all wrapped together in a blanket of arrogance.<br />
Its not the arrogance that we might associate with some Etonian backbencher, but Gaelic arrogance<br />
<br />
The french seem to be happy in their own skin, are self effacing, yet confident.<br />
They are often dismissive too, but not because they don't care, but because they don't take things too seriously.<br />
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Having undergone a revolution there is a subconscious sense of Liberty, Equality and Fraternity amongst its people which not unlike America gives its citizens the self belief that anything is possible.<br />
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<br />
In 2015 I embarked on a 3 day charity ride from London to Paris with <a href="http://chapeauevents.co.uk/" style="color: red;" target="_blank">Chapeau Events</a>, It was the first time that I had actually cycled in France and I immediately felt at home.<br />
<br />
The french love cycling and cyclists. They share their road in the same way that they might share their food. With warmth, and generosity.<br />
When you hear a car horn directed at you - its somehow different.<br />
Whether it's depressed in a certain way? I'm not quite sure, but the meaning is clear.<br />
<br />
It can say a few things like.<br />
'Hi there I'm just coming up behind you' or 'Allez allez allez' or 'Welcome'.<br />
It's often accompanied by waving, smiles and always encouragement.<br />
<br />
On some of the WAG infested lanes in Cheshire the car horn is a weapon.<br />
To startle, frighten and intimidate and with only one offensive meaning.<br />
<br />
In 2019 I was given the opportunity to ride to France again in a 24hr Challenge from Trafalgar Square In London to the Eiffel Tower in Paris again with <a href="http://chapeauevents.co.uk/" style="color: red;" target="_blank">Chapeau Events</a>. When I signed up for it I knew that it was perhaps out of my reach.<br />
<br />
Although I had done a variety of cycling challenges in the Alps, Pyrenees and the Rockies, this was going to combine Physical fitness and stamina with mental strength.<br />
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As Jacques Coeur a famous French statesman quoted 'A valiant coeur rien d'impossible'<br />
For a valiant heart nothing is impossible.<br />
<br />
By the time July had come around I had long discovered that there were two 5 o'clocks each day and I had been regularly been riding through both of them. I was fitter, leaner and stronger than ever but still not convinced I was ready.<br />
<br />
On Friday the 12th of July I set off with 7 others to complete the challenge.<br />
I took the train down to London to meet up with my bike in Battersea Park<br />
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The first leg was from Trafalgar Square to Eastbourne 64 Miles<br />
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Starting at 4pm the journey out of London was exhausting. Not because of any great physical endeavour but through the total concentration required.<br />
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With the mass vehicular exodus to the suburbs and beyond, the drivers seemed oblivious to our entanglement. Although daubed rush hour, There was no rushing. That was the saving grace.<br />
I was passed several times by inquisitive dogs, elderly pensioners and child on a skateboard.<br />
On the plus side it meant that collision avoidance was achievable. <br />
<br />
After one hour we had travelled about 5 miles, after two 13. There was still more concrete than vegetation and the accompanying traffic lights.<br />
It wasn't until after 7pm that we were able to attain the sort of speed that was required from the start and we only had 2 hours to get to Eastbourne.<br />
<br />
At this time when upping the tempo was required, the South Downs had other ideas, ambushing us was variable gradients and forcing us into the lower chain ring.<br />
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We enentually entered Eastbourne as the sun was flirting with the Horizon but with time in hand to at least have a meal at 'The Mill'<br />
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<br />
We boarded the Ferry at about 10:30pm to sail at 11pm. The plan was to try and secure cabins to have a rest before the 6 am start in Dieppe. Unfortunately there were none left, however I did manage to at least get a shower.<br />
I am not a great sleeper in new or strange environments.<br />
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This included sat on an aeroplane type seat surrounded by bright lights as I was on this voyage.<br />
After many hours of restless fidgeting and cramp spasms, I elected to lay on the floor. Clearly it worked as my 'fit bit' recorded a grand total of 36 mins sleep.<br />
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The ferry arrived in Dieppe at about 5:15 - just as dawn was beginning to break.<br />
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<br />
With no sleep, I curiously appeared to have hangover symptoms.<br />
I felt tired, nauseous, and shaky.<br />
Confusingly my usual 'hangover anxiety' also surfaced, where I try to recall and playback the events of the previous night.<br />
In this case my only misdemeanour was seemingly straddling my bike which I now re-engaged<br />
Only another 120 miles.<br />
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With the cloak of darkness still present I turned on my lights, reminded myself to move to the other side of the road and started to think French.<br />
Although my schoolboy <i>Franglais</i> would limit my ability to share my socialist views with <i>les Movement des gilets Jaunes,</i> I did feel a sense of solidarity sporting a fluorescent yellow gilet.<br />
<br />
<br />
The road inland from Dieppe followed the course of La Bethune river, a steady climb of 500 feet to Beaubec-la-Rosiere. After 2 hours we had done 35 miles and were well ahead of schedule.<br />
<br />
Refuelling with Bacon Butties and coffee we then followed the former Dieppe to Paris railway <a href="http://www.avenuevertelondonparis.co.uk/" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">'Avenue Verte' </span></a>to Forges-les-Eaux and then the D915 to Gournay-en-Bray.<br />
<br />
Through this section I struggled.<br />
My eyes protested relentlessly trying to close in pursuit of sleep.<br />
This was made worse if I was following a wheel - I found the motion hypnotic.<br />
Like a scene from the Jungle book the circular motion of the wheels were now the eyes of Kaa.<br />
My head nodded slowly with each rotation.<br />
<br />
Thankfully our progress was still good, so at Gournay-en-Bray we made the first of a number of unofficial stops.<br />
As well as having Coffee to wake me up, I also elected to have a small beer.<br />
Although it was only 0930 there was some psychology behind this apparently reckless act.<br />
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I thought that it might kid my mind that it was not time to go to sleep - but time to party and dance on my pedals.<br />
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<br />
The idea was suspect, the action tentative, but the effect was instant, and I can now say - inspired.<br />
<br />
The terrain was not taxing and now lubricated I felt good.<br />
The morning soon turned into afternoon and with a favourable warm tail wind, beautiful sunshine and great company we were able to savour the french countryside. <br />
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We continued along the D915 to Gisors and then the D923 to Fleury.<br />
Taking the D3/28 we found ourselves at Monneville for another unofficial stop.<br />
<br />
We now had about 45 miles to do in 4 hrs.<br />
We all congratulated ourselves in the knowledge that baring any unforeseen events we all had the legs to complete the task. Shoulders were shrugged and Franglais was spoken.<br />
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I again decided to give my coffee some company, a 500ml glass of beer to be exact and others followed suit.<br />
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<br />
Dave from Chapeau Events was less relaxed.<br />
He encouraged us to get going again, saying that getting through Paris could be a nightmare.<br />
<br />
He was right!<br />
<br />
3hrs later we were on the hard shoulder of an urban Paris freeway stricken by a puncture.<br />
<br />
Cycling into Paris on the Saturday before Bastille day was similar to getting out of London on the Friday. French poodles and Grandmothers walking with baguettes appeared to be making better progress.<br />
<br />
We found ourselves in a position that we now had 1hour left to do 12 miles.<br />
The traffic that was moving about 6mph.<br />
<br />
With the puncture repaired we set off as fast as we could possibly travel.<br />
There then followed probably one of the best urban cycling movies ever to - <b><i>not be recorded.</i></b><br />
<br />
Travelling faster than the traffic and pumped up by pure adrenalin the goal remained in sight.<br />
45 mins - 9 miles, 30 mins - 5 miles.<br />
I was frightened to look behind, concerned that their might be all types of carnage.<br />
20 mins - 2.8 miles<br />
It was touch and go.<br />
<br />
Then we arrived at The Arc de triumph.<br />
With 12 roads leading off it, and room for up to 8 lanes unmarked lanes its an insurers nightmare.<br />
The surface consists of roughly hewn cobbles to ward off any cyclists - to say its terrifying is an understatement.<br />
Circumnavigating this monument should warrant some recognition, a certificate of achievement or even a medal.<br />
<br />
Having already encountered this traffic maze before, I knew that you are meant to have priority when entering it so I just took a deep breath and pedalled.<br />
Clearly not everybody had the same script as me.<br />
My fellow cyclists screamed as I jousted with a bus and shouted optimistically 'don't worry just RIDE.'<br />
It reminded me of the fairground dodgems. Cars and other vehicles were massed together, facing different directions and all were trying to avoid any significant impact.<br />
Some were moving, some were stationary. Some had been stationary for some moments as the drivers exchanged blows or obscenities.<br />
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Having positioned myself in lane 4.5, I was ready to exit on the Champs de Elysees before being told to take the exit before.<br />
It was not what I really wanted to hear.<br />
Thankfully nobody seemed to mind if you were travelling clockwise or anticlockwise some the problem was soon solved.<br />
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A few moments later and with 6 minutes to spare we were there.<br />
Happy, tearful and all together. (In one piece)<br />
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Well done to all of my fellow riders Simon, Catherine, Merryn, Mike, Mark, Ross and Nick.<br />
Thank you Chapeau Events for hosting such a memorable and challenging ride and for the total support throughout.<br />
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<br />Travels with my Mulehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04168113549081846815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7850061910051995620.post-57087136600019662932018-09-27T18:22:00.001+01:002019-03-20T19:26:50.291+00:00Les Deux Alpes and the Aurais balcony - Mules Alps Tour Day 3 <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">After completing Alp d'huez and the amazing Col de la Croix der Fer the question arose what next?</span><br />
<span style="font-kerning: none;">During our evening meal on Day 2, I was asked 'what was the plan for the next day?'</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">I had always promised that the third day would be an easy day.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">I explained that we would just go up to Les deux Alpes - before returning after lunch.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">I was telling the truth and had a set route to prove it to any doubters.</span><br />
<span style="font-kerning: none;">That was Friday night.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">The following morning I was up early from our lodgings at (Hotel de Milan) and tried out my '<i>franglais' </i>on our hotelier Christal. I had just overheard talking to some dutch cyclists about which routes they should take.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">I asked her if she liked cycling ?</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">As I was finishing the last words of the sentence, I realised that it was a bit like asking a Kiwi if they like rugby.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">She replied with a hint of distain in her voice.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Christal was a small, fairly squat woman whose appearance belied any obvious cycling physiology.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><i>'Of course' </i>she said, but qualified herself by adding that the local terrain did not suit her. I smiled in acknowledgment of something I could relate to.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">She said that her husband would always be way ahead of her on the climbs and would take photographs of her struggling with the gradients.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">If that were not bad enough he would cruelly post on them on Social media with captions saying</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><i>'Ou est Christal?'</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">I was totally sympathetic, not being alien to such a position myself.</span></div>
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</i>She explained that she liked to ride on the flatlands, where she was known as <i>Les Disel</i> and that everyone then followed her.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">She said that her legs were strong from skiing and patted her thighs in reinforcement.</span><br />
<span style="font-kerning: none;">My soul sister I thought.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">I told her that we were going to Les deux Alpes</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><i>Et puis ou? (And then where) </i>she replied not realising that I had described todays trip in its fullest detail.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><i>'Et puis nous revenons ici</i> , dam whats the word for...........we come back here for beer' I replied anticipating a smile.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Realising my '<i>Franglais'</i> was only slightly better than 'Del-boy' Trotters she asked in fluent English if I wanted to make the trip more interesting.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">I wanted to reply by saying 'When in Rome Rodney', but being so close to the Italian border I thought it might confuse her.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><i>'Of course'</i> I replied.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">She explained that rather than go on the D1091 to <i>Lac du Chambon</i> that we could turn right on the D220 towards Bons and join the D213 mid way up the climb.</span><br />
<span style="font-kerning: none;">She said that it went through the forrest and was beautiful.</span><br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">She then pointed over towards Alp d'huez and asked if I could see a road traversing the cliff across the valley from La Garde.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">I did notice a faint line on the cliff edge - miles away.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">She smiled <i>'That is the Balcony road from Auris, if you come back that way, its much better and flat all the way'</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">I delayed informing my fellow Mules about <i>les diversion </i>until we had set off.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">I find its difficult for people to argue with you when you are riding single file, with head phones on.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">My explanation was well thought out and rehearsed.</span><br />
<span style="font-kerning: none;">Minimalism would be the key.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">I explained that it would only increase our distance by 10 km with quieter roads, fewer tunnels and better views.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">When we set off it was overcast with cloud forecast for the whole day, there was also a distinct chill in the air. I felt quite smug in my insulated wind proof Rapha brevet, as the others complained of the cold.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">By the time we had exited the <i>Tunnel des Commeres </i>along the D1091 I was already lowering the zip on my jersey as the sun surprised us with its appearance.</span><br />
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Times; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">On turning right towards Bons<i>, </i>my Garmin indicated the word <i>'Track' </i>rather than road which caused me some immediate concern.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Times; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">Although Alpine climbs are long they are rarely ultra steep if you stick to the main roads.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Times; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">This was not a main road - it was a track.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Times; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">It snaked up through the Forrest like an angry Cobra, aggressive, uncompromising and intimidating - I was no mongoose and not ready for a fight.</span><br />
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Times; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">The gradient passed 16% at various places and by the time I was half way up my wardrobe selection had now become an issue.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Times; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">Such was the heat I was generating, condensation now covered my jersey entirely with a sparkling silvery glow. </span><br />
<span style="font-kerning: none;">If there were any hikers around I could easily have been mistaken for a silverback - Marauding through the thick leafy canopy.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Times; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">As a child I often got told off in the back of the car for inscribing letters or shapes within the condensation of the windows and now considered what I could have written on the back of my Jersey.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Times; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">The self deprecating phrases that came to mind were too subtle or too long. I eventually decided on 'Not Cool'.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-kerning: none;">At Bon we turned right taking the D213 up to Les deux Alpes.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Times; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">This stretch was very similar to Alpe d'huez in gradient and style, although the road surface had many cracks in it. This was especially hazardous later when descending as they came upon you very quickly.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">The weather forecast confounded me as the sun had now fully gate-crashed our ride and grew in intensity. There were none of natures own cumulus parasols to protect us.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Once past the tree-line the condensation on my jersey had started evaporating. By the time I reached the top I was being baked inside-out like some <i>Anglo Saxon</i> Pillsbury Doughboy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Knowing at least one of my fellow cyclists hated hights, I provided scant detail about the return journey, only that there would be another climb and that there would be a long elevated flat section.</span><br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">I am not prone to understatement and this was a first for me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">We followed the D213 dropping down to <i>Lac du Chambon</i> before heading back along the D1091 towards Le Freenay d'Oisons. </span><br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">There we turned right on the D211a towards Auris.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Again my Garmin said <i>'Track' </i>a word I now understood.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">I was back in the metaphorical snake pit with a multitude of Cobras conspiring to halt my progress. They were aided by the orange globe in the sky which was frying my temperament. </span><br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">I rarely swear, as I see such words as a dictional shortcut that hinders more creative expression.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Not this afternoon.........No way.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">There were at least 12 x FFS's and several references to Miltons ‘<i>Paradise Lost’</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">I was disappointed that I was the only apparent protestor. I am sure my friends must have felt the same way, or maybe their consternation was nullified by the mirth at watching me. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Once at the top everything changed.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Bourg d'Oisons was in sight and all climbing had finished for the day.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">However like some Indiana Jones opening, we were now clearly about to follow the famous Auris balcony to La Garde, before our final descent. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">It is a narrow stretch of road that is carved into the side of the cliff face covering about 6km.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Along its length there is at least a 1000 ft of mostly vertical drop, which is separated from the road by a wall. Not a sturdy barrier separating you from instant death, but a pointless one as low as the axle on your bike. </span>In some sections there was no wall at all.</div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">On a few parts the wall had been destroyed. I tried not to think how that might have happened.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">My thoughts returned to my morning conversation with Christal '.......<i>come back that way its flat and very pretty'</i> I smiled. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">French humour at its best</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Maybe she could do the Brexit negotiations in place of Michel Barnier and help guide Teresa May through away from her own perilous position.</span></div>
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Travels with my Mulehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04168113549081846815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7850061910051995620.post-56675682480259267882018-09-24T18:04:00.001+01:002018-09-28T09:26:25.325+01:00Col de la Croix de Fer/ Col de Glandon - Mules Alps Tour day 2<br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">After the euphoria of completing Alp d’huez we were back in Bourg d’Oisans after lunch and took some time to explore this rustic Alpine village.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">You could not help to notice that the village was full of mainly English or Dutch speaking MAMILS who wondered around in a semi trance like state, with glazed eyes and a fixed smile.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Like some scene from the Midwich Cuckoos they operated collectively. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">They would visit the large assortment of cycle or cycle related shops where they would smile at the shop keepers and show them plastic cards or give them pieces of paper with the symbol‘€’ prominent</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">The shop keepers in return would give them assorted gifts from their shelves or hangers.</span><br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Personally I did not feel that I had been afflicted but when I got back to my Hotel room I had seemingly acquired some additional luggage to eventually take home.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Amongst the visitors we met two brothers (Greg and Richard Williams)</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">They had travelled all the way from New Zealand to ride the alps. Their delirium was clearly at a more advanced stage as their cycling Jerseys were inscribed with the words ‘The lost Boys’</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Using Bourg d’Oisans as a cycling base offers a variety of different and challenging climbs right on your doorstep.</span><br />
<span style="font-kerning: none;">Within my personal bucket list I sought to complete as many famous Tour de France climbs that I could.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">As a reward to myself I allowed myself the prospect of several beers and local wine tasting afterwards and the indulgence of purchasing a commemorative road plaque.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">These are sold in most cycling shops and feature all of the principal Tour de France Climbs.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">High on my bucket list was the Col de la Croix de Fer which allows you a bonus of completing the Col de Glandon at the same time. Their respective peaks are in close proximity.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">The literal translation of Col de la Croix de Fer is ‘Pass of the Iron Cross’</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">When I think of the Iron Cross I think of watching war films as a child and of the German SS Officers wearing cross shaped medals under their chin. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Such awards has been around since the 1190, worn by the Teutonic Knights (Crusaders) an order of Brothers within the German house of St Mary in Jerusalem.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Although I saw myself as a cycling crusader spreading the word of such inspiring two wheeled adventures, I was content enough with my yellow and white road plaques.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">On day two we set off north west along the valley bottom (D1091) towards Rochetaillee.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">This provides you with just over 4 miles of flat riding to wake your legs up before turning right on the D526 where you immediately pick up the signs for Col de la Croix de Fer.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">The road continues to offer little gradient into Allemond where you are confronted with a large dam containing <i>Lac du Verney</i>. Two switch backs take you to the top of the dam providing you with your first glimpse of what lies ahead. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Looking north towards the end of the lake, the valley narrows as the mountains push up almost vertically into the clouds past the curiously named village of Oz.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Although there were no signs of any witches or flying monkeys there was certainly a feel that you were cycling away from civilisation. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">After passing through Oz my progress was hindered by a rapidly multiplying gradient.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">I felt as if my bicycle was now fixed to a front basket containing an oversized dog looking for a free ride. </span><br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Reminiscent of the early stages of Ventoux the route provided long straight sections through dense woodland. The road stretched out in infront providing a constant reminder of its longevity.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">At the small village of Le Rivier-d’Allemond the gradient eventually reduces and there is an opportunity to fill your bidon. You should do so as this is the last opportunity until the top.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Believing you are a significant way up the mountain ridge you question you practice your arithmetic.</span><br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">If the average gradient is only 4.9 % and you have not yet dipped to that level, then how can you appear to making good progress to the top.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">The answer is ..........you are not.</span><br />
<span style="font-kerning: none;">Well the truth is.......You were,</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">After solid climbing for the best part of 40 mins, you are now descending down a series of switch-backs to the bottom of the valley. </span><br />
<span style="font-kerning: none;">Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh I shouted, and used a few other words too.</span><br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">I felt a bit like a stock broker in a bear market, watching my recent investment fly pass me as I descended through the multicoloured trees.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">After reaching as low as you can get both in altitude and spirit I was faced with a 16% wall of tarmac in front of me. </span><br />
<span style="font-kerning: none;">Two other dispirited cyclist ahead of me had obviously made heavy investments too. They had both divorced themselves from their respective bikes and were cursing their reckless speculation.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Having such an audience prompted greater endeavour on my part and as I passed them I smiled saying in the plumiest of voices that this section was ‘A bit of a rib tickler’</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Eventually the gradient reduced to between 7/10% which raised the value of my own emotional stock.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">From this point you realise that you are in the wilderness with little sign of life. The valley opens up as you get to the magnificent <i>Lac de Grand Maison </i>where you climb above the tree line.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">This day was warm and sunny with scattered clouds which now seemed to be in touching distance as they skidded across your eye-line.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">I welcomed this open landscape and rugged beauty despite the fact that our destination was now visible upon a very, very distant and elevated horizon.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">In all the books and articles I had read it warned me about this last section. Although the gradient reduces further to mainly 6/8% this section is often cursed with strong headwinds.</span><br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">It was not so this day.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">The conditions were perfect.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">At about 2 miles from the summit there is a cafe at the left hand junction to Col de Glandon.</span><br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">We discussed about which Col we would finish first until I overheard that Glandon was actually only about 200 meters away.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">'Instant gratification'- I thought as I jumped back on my bike - not really letting the debate continue.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">We then rode the final section up to the Col de la Croix de Fer where there was another cafe which provided our lunch. </span><br />
<span style="font-kerning: none;">At 6,781 feet the view was breathtaking along with the ‘Gipfelkreuz’ Iron Cross.</span><br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">I later found out that these religious placements were actually a Bavarian influence </span>placed on the most notable peaks and passes. They would often be accompanied by a ‘Gipfelbuch’ - a leather bound register within a container to record the passage of persons travelling through.<br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Our arrival was recorded on Strava, Facebook and Istragram - Oh how the world has changed.</span></div>
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<br />Travels with my Mulehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04168113549081846815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7850061910051995620.post-79728436207015506192018-09-22T17:31:00.001+01:002018-09-28T09:24:42.312+01:00Alpe d'Huez - Mules Alps Tour Day 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">After a hard days cycling I am predisposed to spending time watching TV for an hour or two. I especially enjoy the spring and summer months when I can usually find cycling on some channel.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">If somebody told me 20 years ago that I would enjoy watching folk in Lycra riding around the countryside, I would be questioning their perception of me. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">At that time of my life, such an exposure to this type of viewing would be akin to me watching Love Island or Cheshire housewives in the present time.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">I am not decrying the appeal of manufactured wannabes showing off in search of celebrity status - the viewing figures would clearly rebut any logical argument I might present. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">I think as humans we have developed a vouyeristic pleasure</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Rejoicing at the achievements of others and also wincing at their pain in failure or defeat.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">I generally gauge the quality of my viewing by its ability to draw my attention or in some cases keep me awake.</span><br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">When watching cycling it always grabs my attention especially the multi stage Grand Tours.</span><br />
<span style="font-kerning: none;">These provide a glut of vouyeristic delights with success, pain and failure served up in dramatic daily portions.</span><br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Amongst those</span><span style="font-size: 19.7px;"> there is one</span><span style="font-size: 19.7px;"> stage that towers above the rest the famous - Alpe d’Huez.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">With a length of 13.2 km and an ascent of 1071 meters at an average of 8.1% it is certainly not the biggest, longest or most challenging.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">It is however one that attracts the most attention with spectators, film crews and journalists.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Often called the The Holywood Climb, it is one that always attracts my attention.</span><br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Seeing riders pedal through parting crowds of drunken dutchmen with thick orange smoke and collective hysteria is more impactive than any scene created in southern California.</span><br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">The pain and suffering need no sub titles or introductions and the glory is palpable.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">As a cyclist such exposure leaves a lasting effect, pushing you away from spectator to dreaming of entering this alpine arena.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">This process is is similar to riding down hill without breaks. The momentum builds until you speedily arrive at your destination, not really knowing how you got there.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">In my case I was joined in Bourg d’Oisans mid September by some other club members who also had brake issues.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">I remember the morning that I first embraced Alpe d’huez.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">It was in the same way that I remembered my first kiss, the day my children were born, and when I got married.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">I remember the weather, what time it was and what I was wearing.</span><br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Like the afore mentioned events I had been offered lots of free and mostly welcome advice, but nothing can really prepare you for such memorable times.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">After leaving the village you head towards what looks like a cliff face as you try and fathom how there could possible be a route upwards. Before you get too close, you can faintly make out the ski resort by forcing your head far back into a contorted position.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Each of the 21 switchbacks are provided with a sign numbered in descending order and also feature names of stage winners. With more winners than bends some contain more than one name. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">By the time the time that I had caught up Fausto Coppi at the first hair pin I needed no signs to remind me that I had started a legendary ascent.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">The road was adoringly adorned with riders names, good wishes, humour and satire.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">The artistry forced me to smile but sadly was not enough to distract my legs from protesting about the double digit gradient.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">I had already encountered ‘Deadmans click’</span><br />
<span style="font-kerning: none;">The abject dissapointment when you tap for a lower gear and nothing happens.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">You pray that it might be a quick fix mechanical issue, but soon realise that its because you have no gears left.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Despite my snail like pace by turn 20 I had caught up with Iban Mayo and had Lance Armstrong in my sights.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Despite his indiscretions I was not annoyed to see his name on Hairpin 19. He had been involved in many dramas on this slope which only enhanced its legendary status.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">One such incident occurred at stage 10 of the 2001 Tour de France (an Alpe d’huez summit finish). Earlier in the stage Armstrong appeared to be struggling inducing his great rival Jan Ullrich power away at the front with his Telekom Team. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">As they got on Alp d’huez Armstrong moved up to join Ullrich before attaching him. After creating a gap of about 20 meters he turned and starred back at Ullrich in a look that has been interpreted as a challenge.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Armstrong always denied this saying that he was trying to locate a team mate.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">I remember watching it on live TV at the time which was repeatedly played.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">I thought ‘<i>the look’</i> was a fantastic piece of gladiatorial drama from the uncompromising Texan.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">As I got closer to Frank Schleck my fellow Mules who were by now further up the road looked back at me too.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">I smiled. It was the look that Armstrong was trying to portray, an authentically sympathetic one. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">As I drew level with Pierre Rolland on hairpin 16 the gradient only had one digit to concern me and I was able to move up a gear.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">My head was drawn away from the the road in front of me and my grip on my bars loosened as I was able to adopt a more comfortable upright position.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">What struck me most of all was the elevation gain in such a short period of time. The switch backs had propelled me up the cliff face and Bourg d’Oisans now looked like a model village over a thousand feet below me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">The switchbacks continued with a symmetrical regularity where I observed and passed Sastre, Winnen, Hinault and Bugno.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">After the switchback 7, I passed the famous Notre Damme des Neiges church at Dutch Corner. I could clearly hear my own heartbeat and the sound of an Alpine spring. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">The Air was pure and the road clear.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">I needed no reminder that all things change at this location on Tour day.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Resident Dutch priest Jaap Reuton rang the church bells when Joop Zoetemelk won in the1960s.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">In more recent times the vestry is turned into a bar and you can find ashtrays in the Nave.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">A resident DJ attempts to raise the dead by pumping out cheesy pop songs and dance music next to the graveyard.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">On this day the only sign of the flatlands was the orange paint and the names of Dutch riders filling the blank tarmac canvas.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Alpe d’huez often joked as the highest climb in Holland because 8 of the first 14 winners were from this land.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Knowing that the majority of Holland sits below sea level, made it particularly ironic.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">With the ski resort and summit now in view and the numbers on the switchback corners moving downwards, my spirit rose with the elevation. I finally knew that this particular script would have a happy ending.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">After reaching the summit we substituted are usual coffee with Beer. I don't usually drink beer mid ride but this was no ordinary ride as Geraint Howell Thomas so eloquently put it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><i>Its Alpe d’huez man</i></span></div>
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Travels with my Mulehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04168113549081846815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7850061910051995620.post-80421301970035797622018-04-30T17:36:00.002+01:002018-05-02T13:46:45.619+01:00The Copper triangle<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Long before cycling, in fact long before the wheel itself was invented, man entertained himself through song. The subject matter was varied. Initially recounting tales of heroic acts, or local stories. In more modern times that developed into songs of emotion, of love and loss.<br />
Not only of each other but of places too.<br />
Frank Sinatra brought New York to our gramophones, George Ezra streamed Budapest to our Apple devices whilst various artists sung about Amsterdam no doubt influenced by its green leaf culture.<br />
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In 1970 Singer songwriter John Denver got into deep water with the US Federal Communications Commission after singing about The Rockies.<br />
Remitted by a legal ruling to censor music deemed to promote drug abuse, they were concerned that his song <i>Rocky Mountain High</i> could have only have been making reference to stimulation of Narcotic consumption.<br />
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With their offices based on 445 12th Street in Washington DC close to sea level, they may have felt inclined to hold an alternative view if they had paid a visit.<br />
Colorado is <i>High</i> all the time.<br />
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With its high plains set flat as a 'frame' for it's surrounding mountains, Colorados lowest point is a staggering 3,315 feet above sea level at the Arikaree River in Yuma County.<br />
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To put this in perspective its lowest point, is higher than the highest point of 18 other US States.<br />
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Even if they had visited they would have been wrong despite such an apparently obvious reference.<br />
What John Denver was singing about was not the elevation but how it made him feel.<br />
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A sense of euphoria and Majesty.<br />
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As a child I spent 3 years living in America and although many years ago now I do remember holidays in the Rockies with great fondness.<br />
Returning as a cyclist in 2014 I was blown away by the magnitude and natural beauty of this largely uninhabited terrain.<br />
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In 2016 I returned to take part in the Courage Classic Tour.<br />
Founded in 1990 its a charity event to raise money for 'Children's Hospital Colorado'.<br />
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The two day tour takes place usually on the third weekend of July each year and is based in the Copper Mountain Ski resort about 1.5 hours from Denver on the I-70W.<br />
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It offers a variety of routes and family rides for those wanting to ride, and a beautiful base for hiking, fishing or just absorbing the atmosphere with some local wine.<br />
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For the more adventurous the 77 mile Copper Loop or Copper triangle on Day 1 is a must for any visitor.<br />
Considered one of Colorados classic alpine rides it crests three of Colorados Mountain passes. Freemont Pass at 11,318', Tennessee Pass at 10,424' and Vail Pass at 10, 662'.<br />
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I was privileged to be invited to ride for the ARC Thrift Classic Team arranged by John Sladek, Eric Larson and James Simpson who with many others work tirelessly each year for not only their team but for the event as a whole.<br />
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We set off just after sun up.<br />
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Anticipating a scorching hot day I was dressed accordingly, not realising that the thermometer would not start rising until an hour or more after the start.<br />
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It was like being in Yorkshire on a summers day 'without thy coat'<br />
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My fingerless gloves were just that - 'fingerless' I could see the numb protruding digits, but there was very little feeling. <br />
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The route headed south on Highway 91 with an ever increasing gradient up over Freemont Pass.<br />
The climb was long and unrelenting but it at least generated some inner warmth.<br />
I stopped at the top where there was a feed station. I needed no food or drink but just the opportunity to warm my hands before the descent and to allow the sun to get above the mountain tops.<br />
The descent into Leadville came with a cocktail of terror and exhilaration in equal measure.<br />
With the road being wide with good visibility and shallow bends there was no excuse, not to let gravity take its course.<br />
When the Garmin reached 45 mph I got a bit nervous from not being able to trust my numb fingers and reluctantly started to feather the brakes.<br />
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Being surrounded by Medics I am sure I would have been ably assisted if I had embraced the Tarmac, but I was there to help raise money, not to ruin their weekend.<br />
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From Leadville we climbed steadily north west up towards the Tennessee pass.<br />
The landscape changed with open wide plains, where the now more elevated sun had no problem exploiting with much needed warmth.<br />
I found this section quite strange with such a gentle incline it felt more like a false flat and had the feel of a more rational lowland coastal plain. It belied the fact that we were still over 8,000 feet, surrounded by Peaks close to 14,000'.<br />
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Following on from Tennessee Pass we approached Battle Mountain crossing the magnificent Red Cliff Bridge which shadows the Eagle river below.<br />
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It seemed that at each lay-by or Junction many locals had come out to cheer us on shouting out with the same gusto and enthusiasm for each rider.<br />
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From there its downhill again, descending into Minturn the lowest point of the ride at 7,861'.<br />
You would not think so surrounded by giant peaks all around you.<br />
From here the only way was up.<br />
I got to this point at about mid day and the valley floor acted like a heat conductor. It was hot.<br />
With my breathing already effected by my introduction to altitude riding the heat was trying to get in on the act.<br />
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From Minturn you pick up a bike path that takes you through Vail, up and over Vail pass and back to Copper Mountain.<br />
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With the combination of the altitude, gradient and heat it looked like a procession of slow moving ants inching towards their destination.<br />
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After 6,000 feet of climbing you are ready for a drink.<br />
The beer was great and the company even better.<br />
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Day 2 offered various options with a shorter route around the Dillon Dam to Keystone and a longer route adding an extension up to the top of the Ute Pass.<br />
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Not forgetting the previous mornings 'frostbite' I took an extra pair of gloves following the fast cycle track down the valley towards Silverthorne and then writing the Dam<br />
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The route then headed North on Highway 9 following the Lower blue River for ten miles.<br />
From there we turned east on Colorado Route 15 up Ute pass Road.<br />
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From there its all up hill for 5.3 miles. The first 1.2 miles averages about 4%, the next 3.4 miles about 5.6% until it flattens off at the top.<br />
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Its then an an about turn facing the imposing Gore Range to the West and a heart thumping descent.<br />
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On the way down I was listening to Music on my headphones and had to smile to myself as Mr Denver sung of the virtues of this magnificent playground. Leaning into each corner Imaintained both my speed and the ecstatic grin on my face.</div>
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<i>'When he first came to the mountains his life was far away</i><br />
<i>On the road and hanging by a song'</i><br />
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<i>'He climbed cathedral Mountains, he saw silver clouds below</i><br />
<i>He saw everything as far as you can see'</i><br />
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There was no Censorship up here<br />
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<br />Travels with my Mulehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04168113549081846815noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7850061910051995620.post-33821219256543364642018-03-08T17:30:00.001+00:002018-03-08T20:44:45.645+00:00Cycling Bucket List - Mount Evans - Colorado USA<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">After cycling for a number of years I soon formulated a 'cycling bucket list'.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">It appears as a natural progression for any cyclist who is prone to the seduction of two wheeled adventures.<br />It was more specific than my standard bucket list although when I compared the two side by side the top ten appeared very similar.<br />There were the obvious entrants such as Alp D'uez, Venteux, Col de Tourmoulet, and Sa Collabra but many others also grabbed my attention.<br />In homage to Richard Dreyfus I declared that 'a bigger bucket was required'<br />The list was dominated by mountain climbs with the notable exception of such classic routes as Paris - Roubaix, London to Paris, Lands end to John O' Groats and The Coast to Coast (UK) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As and when they were crossed off, other routes or destinations took their place rearranging the table. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I congratulated myself heartily on my endeavours each time the bucket was engaged, although I soon became troubled.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The movement within the bucket was far too frequent and there was obvious prejudice.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My list was full of accessible rides. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Although challenging in their own right, each were in the UK or Europe which could easily be accessed either by a full tank of diesel or a cheap budget airline.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It was less of a bucket list but more of a 'what shall I do at the weekend list'</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After some 'self scolding', I decided that an urgent review was required. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">From now on the list would not be limited to anything apart from its quantity, and should be declared and fixed from the outset.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After changing the goal posts, I soon found myself searching for 'The Highest paved mountain in the World'</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmZ2yy6iF49XJpouaZww_GdZai6oEbe06H0ry7Vd9pe32gdjcji9o6azMtWXOmJZDKu7d59jFMY7t_xQXcFwflyDDW8zH1-XM51um9lkIPJD83aApxN2xRSleofVYdxsHhPXMWD67YDSQ/s1600/2560px-Albert_Bierstadt_-_A_Storm_in_the_Rocky_Mountains%252C_Mt._Rosalie_-_Google_Art_Project.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="926" data-original-width="1600" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmZ2yy6iF49XJpouaZww_GdZai6oEbe06H0ry7Vd9pe32gdjcji9o6azMtWXOmJZDKu7d59jFMY7t_xQXcFwflyDDW8zH1-XM51um9lkIPJD83aApxN2xRSleofVYdxsHhPXMWD67YDSQ/s400/2560px-Albert_Bierstadt_-_A_Storm_in_the_Rocky_Mountains%252C_Mt._Rosalie_-_Google_Art_Project.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A storm in the Rocky Mountains, Mt Rosalie by Albert Bierstat</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The logistics ruled out the top 4 in remote parts of India and Ethiopia, although they were considered.<br />At No 5 and the highest paved road in America was Mount Evans at a staggering 14,0130 feet.<br />That was a wapping 3,000 feet higher than the highest one in Europe (Pico del Veleta in Spain at 11,135) </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-align: justify;"> Compared to other bucket list entrants it was like taking the Galibier and sticking Alp d’Huez on top. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So Mt Evans was top.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It was originally called Mt Rosalie made famous by the landscape painter Albert Bierstat who capture the majesty of the mountain before the road was built. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Starting </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-align: justify;">at </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">the historic mining town of Idaho Springs which stands at </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-align: justify;">7,526ft (2,294m) </span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-align: justify;">you start the daunting 27.9 mile
ascent, journeying through three life zones, passing forests, lakes and ancient
trees. Although the gradient is never too steep, averaging
4.6% and topping out at 10%.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">What sets Mount Evans apart from any other climb is the elevation.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Irrespective of your power weight ratio or level of fitness, it's the altitude that conspires against you.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">At the top you are adversely affected by HAPE High Altitude Pulmonary Edema where you undoubtedly affected by a variety of different symptoms. The most obvious is being short of breath and short of power in your legs. Its like setting off with bungee attached to your seat post and the other end fixed to the starting point.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Each stroke you take gets incrementally harder.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I first attempted this climb on October 6th 2014 with a friend of mine Simon. Having already been in the Rockies for over a week and completed the 'Tour de Moon' Sportive in Grand Junction we both felt acclimatised and ready. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The road to the summit was closed to vehicular traffic which presented both pros and cons. Although we had the road to ourselves we also had no support if things got difficult. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Effectively we had to be 'sensible' a</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">nd 'responsible' - not my greatest attributes. </span><br />
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Unfortunately as we left the protection of the tree-line the wind was registering over 50 mph with the possibility of it being over 70mph at the summit.</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">On the narrow exposed slopes cycling was dangerous and w</span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ith the temperature now below freezing the exaggerated wind chill factor ripped through every layer of you're clothing.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">To continue was out of the question.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">At 11453 feet (3491 meters) we decided to head back. It was the highest I had ever been on my bike and although I was disappointed it was the right decision. I didn't say goodbye to the Mountain I just said 'Ill see you later' as if I were just going to the corner shop for some milk.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">On the 21st of July 2016 I returned with a full 'Mule Train' of Dave Rees and his sons George and Harry. Although we had only had four days to acclimatise that was the only factor that was against us.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The planning and preparation left nothing to chance.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Even in the middle of summer the temperature range is often remarkable where it could be 100 degrees at the bottom yet below freezing at the top.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This time we had SAG support from the our great friend, guide and Evans 'aficionado' Rachel Simpson. As well as being all of the above, she has native blood that courses her veins, which is not lost on mother nature herself. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If you want the elements to be kind to you, usually she can arrange it, although much to her husbands disappointment she can't always influence the Colorado Rockies or Denver Broncos.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As well as her special powers Rachel brought additional drinks and vitals and just as important she was able to carry additional layers of clothing to combat the temperature changes. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We started soon after sunrise where the weather gods were kind. There was little wind and already the temperature was in the mid 80's. I have never been a climber and am used to finding a comfortable pace dictated by the gravitational pull on my 'organic saddle bags'.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">On this climb it was totally different, the pace was directly related to my ability to absorb oxygen.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This in turn seemed to vary depending upon my position on the bike and my concentration on how I was actually breathing.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After some initial experimentation I found an optimum position.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If I rode with a wide stance on the top of my hoods, with my shoulders back and chest out, whilst taking in long slow extended breaths everything was easier.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This position was unusual. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If you had given me a beret, a string of Garlic for around my neck and a scruffy dog to follow me then the picture would have been complete.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As we got passed the tree-line I put on an extra pair of gloves, booties and placed some arm warmers around my wrists rolled down in preparation. The air temperature was now into single digits which was in contrast to my core temperature still close to triple digits. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I was joined on Mount Evans by many goats. Seemingly they had all flocked from neighbouring mountains fighting for roadside tickets to see my performance. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Tipped off by their cousins the 'Black Sheep' from Masham in North Yorkshire. Tickets had been selling at ridiculous prices on E-Baa</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As I rode past them they moved their heads in symmetry.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Either in appreciation of my efforts or maybe they were just was mocking me. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I decided on 'goat humour'. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As I was rationalising the argument in my head I was reminded of the side effects of Oxygen deprivation. Im sure none of them induced such thoughts.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> I had got an app for my phone which not only gave the altitude but also provided me with descriptions of the side effects at the various points of altitude. As I was nearing the summit i decided to have a look to see how I should be feeling.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Not put off by the crosses across the Emojis eyes I rejoiced in the fact that I was still conscious and alive. There were no notes about moving forwards like a constipated tortoise. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In order to get to the summit you have to skirt around other lesser peaks and various small lakes or tarns. When it does come into view it is way above you! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Despite the lack of Oxygen I was still able to do some basic mathematics and work out that the gradient would have to change.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The road builders clearly got frustrated or ran out of materials. Whatever it was they clearly finished the last bit on a friday afternoon !!!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Almost within reach of the summit the road suddenly rears up like an angry rattlesnake.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The surface worn by the ravages of the elements. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Deep potholes and cracks become added challenges to the final push.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The moment you get off the bike at the top, you know you have achieved something special.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For most of the year this mountain is not accessible.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For the rest of the Year Evans herself decides whether or not she will let you.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When you are be allowed she is sure to show you something special.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">At over 14,000 feet you can faintly see the curvature of the earth, Hundreds of miles around you and the full Majesty of Colorado and the Rocky Mountains. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Despite the pain and exhaustion there were big smiles and a few happy tears.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We could never have dreamed about this without the support and guidance of Rachel Simpson whose influence did not go unrecognised.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">She gave me a knowing look, I reckon her and Evans have had words together.</span>Travels with my Mulehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04168113549081846815noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7850061910051995620.post-8552741375289315882018-03-01T13:16:00.001+00:002018-04-27T14:51:35.769+01:00New Blog site<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Apparently the little man is very popular. So much so he now has his own site at <a href="http://minimules.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;">Minimules </span></a><br />
<span style="color: magenta;">(Minimules.blogspot.com)<a href="http://minimules.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><br /></a></span>This will feature his very own perspective on life.<br />
Please follow to share his adventures.Travels with my Mulehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04168113549081846815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7850061910051995620.post-39256849083320092322018-02-27T17:21:00.001+00:002018-02-27T17:21:43.532+00:00Chapeau Events - Part 2 Bordeaux to Bilbao<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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In 2017 Chapeau Events decided to lay on a new route from Bordeaux to Bilbao. </div>
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When I first saw it I must admit I was a little surprised and wondered why?</div>
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It had never been on my cycling radar although I liked the idea of exploring new gems.<br />
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Not put off, I 'Googled' the route expecting some information about an historic byway used by the crusaders or some fictional character like Don Quixote.</div>
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I got nothing. Nothing apart from an assortment of various routes, methods of travel and differing fares.</div>
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I now know that by train it takes 21 hrs and 13 minutes and you can get a bus for as little as £8.<br />
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I knew that David Wright (Chapeau Events) was a smart man. </div>
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But recognising his allegiance to the Blue side of Manchester, it was clear that his judgement could be questioned.<br />
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With my credit card still fixed in my wallet, I was forced to question him on his new venture.</div>
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After he had stopped laughing he hooked me in and ignited my appetite with a variety of cycling opportunities.</div>
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It was inspirational.</div>
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Although in essence it was Bordeaux to Bilbao it was so much more. </div>
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Fast riding on the flat plains towards the Atlantic, Cap Ferret, miles of Forrest track, The Dunes of Sabloney near Archachon, The seaside and costal vistas along The Bay of Biscay, Biarritz, stunning San Sebastian, The mighty Jaizkibel, The Green mountains, Durango, and of course Bilbao itself.</div>
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By the time I finished my phone call I had signed up and paid for my second Chapeau Event. </div>
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Chapeau Events collected all of the riders bikes from various locations in the UK and transported them down to Bordeaux - whilst their owners flew in ready to undertake this adventure.<br />
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Rather than fly out to Bordeaux I decided to drive their with a friend of mine taking the Ferry from Portsmouth to St Malo. This gave me the option to explore the Pyrenees after we finished at Bilbao.<br />
I had arranged with Chapeau Events to use my Club Van as an extra support vehicle.<br />
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The drive down to Bordeaux was simple and stress free. The roadsigns were easy to follow and the traffic relatively quiet.</div>
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I had never been to Bordeaux before and soon asked myself why.</div>
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It is a beautiful and stylish city providing a gastronomic paradise and wine fit for any cellar.</div>
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One of the great attractions of cycling for me is 'carbo loading' and 'calorie replacement'.</div>
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It can't be all stick..stick...stick. </div>
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Sometimes you need a carrot or two to encourage you .........................................</div>
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<br />Day 1 Bordeaux to Parentis</h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBFdBByt91zXQR0yw306rO6no0_5RiGS34WdtoRGFXuaRc6wN6GmxzRZyaA4LYE6sGHg4YHBQjmrsQMOkqot87C0RDnj-0nKwBbq3XNJD8TWq9Fbq-Lg6Mm26lmKLH8jJ611D_nPf8VUA/s1600/fullsizeoutput_1f20.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1202" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBFdBByt91zXQR0yw306rO6no0_5RiGS34WdtoRGFXuaRc6wN6GmxzRZyaA4LYE6sGHg4YHBQjmrsQMOkqot87C0RDnj-0nKwBbq3XNJD8TWq9Fbq-Lg6Mm26lmKLH8jJ611D_nPf8VUA/s320/fullsizeoutput_1f20.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">The route for the first day of 76 miles was kind - heading west towards the Atlantic Coast it follows flat plains punctuated by various vineyards. It was tempting to swap my Bidon with a nice Bordeaux, but my thumping headache reminded me of my previous nights wine tasting. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmfjegS-CBkrhx-RRbYAeOTUHrJrRzv41pdgEvkJ6KsuXCP1WcHiE4Wjn8p6CjZIxWDVM5XC3IhtUaj74AHJGcFEN9y458FN9802XxAzXHH4IGTAzeeZ2zIrDB3-JJV16L0zXYbb21X3o/s1600/IMG_1715.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmfjegS-CBkrhx-RRbYAeOTUHrJrRzv41pdgEvkJ6KsuXCP1WcHiE4Wjn8p6CjZIxWDVM5XC3IhtUaj74AHJGcFEN9y458FN9802XxAzXHH4IGTAzeeZ2zIrDB3-JJV16L0zXYbb21X3o/s320/IMG_1715.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiti7NMtGtkJWjiXN1WRfi1xxHkrKzkZMn5Zh2aHeYwR-mcYmio-zA3JCyGwNF4IAdgO-jYg7V96h5WklfE_9DMURLbxiOUT9nRn8oqrlJhs0xJi3ELj5hhUnNyaNkTSDdaEaawtN43mi4/s1600/19665266_10154349529481618_2805836723660111380_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiti7NMtGtkJWjiXN1WRfi1xxHkrKzkZMn5Zh2aHeYwR-mcYmio-zA3JCyGwNF4IAdgO-jYg7V96h5WklfE_9DMURLbxiOUT9nRn8oqrlJhs0xJi3ELj5hhUnNyaNkTSDdaEaawtN43mi4/s320/19665266_10154349529481618_2805836723660111380_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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As in all group rides you soon find your own pace group and I was joined by some 'interesting' characters. They all appeared to have a similar philosophy of 'work' and 'play' so we rode hard and punctuated our progress with a variety of cultural breaks.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNtrRaA4EG9bz8xso4chcbjyMFvhW-iGNNQzPM1YwZpaUWOFUkpRJJDQaM6LXeSEPHT_HRTsMx1pNHlvbH776exbWv8RhhJVScvn74cIhaID9Cl2pLvHEDZRAmeCQkP5vgXWUqe0r9WHY/s1600/IMG_1606.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNtrRaA4EG9bz8xso4chcbjyMFvhW-iGNNQzPM1YwZpaUWOFUkpRJJDQaM6LXeSEPHT_HRTsMx1pNHlvbH776exbWv8RhhJVScvn74cIhaID9Cl2pLvHEDZRAmeCQkP5vgXWUqe0r9WHY/s320/IMG_1606.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdEejJxoLZdybcXO-Ib6hxkGX9rUqMqkawOiGNI4YC8VJz6eRcpm-fTAHP-gsGBahxyTY_MOMqtVi7HD78t351iuF5Lnsnw0NCdVKStvTdUTcvOd4XUitBRqSIhIhBCj30B4Myi7undjU/s1600/19657174_1606084232758389_9219521781061622423_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdEejJxoLZdybcXO-Ib6hxkGX9rUqMqkawOiGNI4YC8VJz6eRcpm-fTAHP-gsGBahxyTY_MOMqtVi7HD78t351iuF5Lnsnw0NCdVKStvTdUTcvOd4XUitBRqSIhIhBCj30B4Myi7undjU/s320/19657174_1606084232758389_9219521781061622423_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Our last stop, less than ten miles from our destinations was sought amidst the heat of the afternoon, where no singular libation was ever going to be enough. We remained there until the course markers caught up with us and hurried us on. Seemingly we had made our own mark.</div>
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Day 2 Parentis to Biarritz</h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFzpMWaDjznnFPgyvUH5LZTb5pb4ILcsV75girCsxnfs5FeDq3reSoaYCGkIhhqm7vda-dMxxP8ks8dR5DHaILRXVNUNngStwOlWP5shTCQTbROpifTaN7DUt_2gioJeLW0upFX-0GO2c/s1600/fullsizeoutput_1f4a.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1205" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFzpMWaDjznnFPgyvUH5LZTb5pb4ILcsV75girCsxnfs5FeDq3reSoaYCGkIhhqm7vda-dMxxP8ks8dR5DHaILRXVNUNngStwOlWP5shTCQTbROpifTaN7DUt_2gioJeLW0upFX-0GO2c/s320/fullsizeoutput_1f4a.jpeg" width="241" /></a><br />
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The second day brought much more variety in cycling terms where the route followed the coast south through forests and coastal cycle paths. In this 'carless Utopia' we passed miles of sun kissed sand dunes and unspoilt beaches. Like the swell coming in from the Atlantic the terrain had a rhythmic rolling quality which gently eased us into Biarritz. As we entered this vibrant French resort the gradients changed along with our heart rate. The foothills of the Pyrenees and the green Mountains could be seen in the distance reminding us that the hardest day would come with the next sunrise.<br />
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<br />Day 3 Biarritz to Durango</h3>
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Day 3 started with immediate climbing. With 94 miles and over 8,000 feet of climbing this was the 'Queens stage'. Continuing along the coast we drew breath descending into the beautiful Saint Jean de Luz before continuing to the Spanish border at Hondarribia.<br />
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From there you climb the Jaizkibel, famous for its inclusion in the San Sebastian Classic Cycle race.<br />
As far as climbs go its 'no monster', but still a 'beast' of a climb rising up from sea level to 455 meters. With a varying gradient of between 5 -12% and 8 km there is no respite.<br />
I opted to stop at a view point half way up, telling all I needed to take some pictures.<br />
Writing a blog does have ready made excuses for stopping sometimes.<br />
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From this stunning vantage point we followed the mountain ridge before descending down into San Sebastian itself. Prior to this trip I had ashamedly never heard of San Sebastian and was immediately struck by its natural beauty, exuberance, cleanliness and climate.<br />
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If at that moment I had suffered an irreparable mechanical breakdown I would have not been that displeased. I made a mental note that I would have to return.<br />
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Although stunningly beautiful, the terrain continued to suck at the enthusiasm of the legs with a succession of brutal climbs.<br />
These included one particular surprise on a back road up to Talai Mendi campsite.<br />
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On its approach I was curious as this rough narrow track weaved up the escarpment.<br />
On rounding a corner I spotted the first glimpses of names daubed in paint on the surface.<br />
That could only spell trouble I thought.<br />
Closing my eyes momentarily I imagined the track lined with fanatical basque cycling fans screaming for their heroes as they watched them force their strained bike frames up this concrete wall.<br />
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We then followed the coast to Deba before turning inland to Durango. Away from the cooling effect of the Atlantic the last section was hot and sticky with no let up in challenges. Meandering close to the main road we followed a succession of assorted local roads to keep us away from traffic.<br />
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We had all been warned about 'The sting in the tail' close to the finish which was reflected by a spike on the route card. As we got closer the greater elevation of the surroundings threatened are dwindling sense of humour. Suddenly without warning our triangular route markers took us onto a forestry track made from ill fitting concrete slabs. The final climb hit us like some giant 'Pave' where every 20 meters was punctuated with expansion gaps in the road. At close to 10% gradient the climb bit in where the gaps created an addition burden to force the bike through, and acted as barriers to any rhythm. One of our group who I won't shame, took exception to the surface, dismounted and stamped 'her' feet whilst using rude words. I couldn't blame her.<br />
Thankfully the climb was completed before the sun set which allowed a leisurely descent into the historic town of Durango.<br />
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<h3>
Day 4 Durango to Bilbao</h3>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Zkmg6pFF5ovS3VCWNQI2PnH7s2FR_75LJ1f2-PPwowocWj8QtYoNA_y60VVJzK8B1hJcjuBoqzFuyKcYONOFXGiIIuO3saSxkgiUvcZXqCmae-cn3fNC-a6lKdoCBlmRjVX3Do1thdE/s1600/fullsizeoutput_1f68.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1203" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Zkmg6pFF5ovS3VCWNQI2PnH7s2FR_75LJ1f2-PPwowocWj8QtYoNA_y60VVJzK8B1hJcjuBoqzFuyKcYONOFXGiIIuO3saSxkgiUvcZXqCmae-cn3fNC-a6lKdoCBlmRjVX3Do1thdE/s320/fullsizeoutput_1f68.jpeg" width="240" /></a><br />
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Although only 54 Miles the last day was no less daunting. Even before your breakfast had started to digest, we were climbing. Up the glorious Muniketa as the rising sun burned off the morning clouds behind us.<br />
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The road headed North towards Guernica and Bermeo climbing up the ridge towards Bakio and overlooking the Atlantic again.<br />
At this point the visibility faded as we found ourselves cycling in low cloud. It was the first moment on the trip I looked to put a layer on rather than wanting to remove one.<br />
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We then headed south West to Bilbao and all rode in together<br />
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The trip was everything I expected it to be and more and it is my aim to return to the Basque region to further explore this secret gem of a cycling destination.<br />
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Chapeau Events are running the same Tour from the 11th -16th of September 2018 <br />
https://www.chapeauevents.co.uk/<br />
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<h3>
<a href="http://www.bikebasque.co.uk/the-tours/" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;">Bike Basque</span></a></h3>
If you can't wait until September or the dates don't suit you, I personally can recommend that you still venture out to this part of Spain.<br />
It does not have the same lure as Mallorca or Gran Canaria but having spent time at both of these I can say it's certainly not inferior.<br />
Accommodation is cheaper and more varied, the roads are very quiet and you won't be swamped or intimidated by other cyclists.<br />
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As well as being an amazing cycling playground, it is rich, in culture, history and amazing cuisine.<br />
There are a number of different destinations that you can use as a base and can readily hire bikes.<br />
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If you want to have a similar experience to myself I would urge you to consider Bike Basque.<br />
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It is run by Xavier Lopez who knows the British well having lived in London.<br />
He has an intimate knowledge of the area both as a tour guide and as an ex-competitor on the continental circuit.<br />
His company provide a number of bespoke tours in and around the region and he would be happy to hear from you<br />
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<span style="color: magenta;">x.lopez@bikebasque.co.uk</span><br />
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<br />Travels with my Mulehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04168113549081846815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7850061910051995620.post-5547291703074518622018-01-12T14:02:00.000+00:002018-01-12T14:02:40.312+00:00F***ing cyclist should not be on the road <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Ky68EYIsbWUTlTsBUm6U6BCI9mpMbQWEWOZFCvh4pYC5JMBmCl0Pc1XRXrXAi-lxOQetSXLGwmAm4HOm0IPVGpSMS8gzS_d8rfC5Lh0T71D5UYB-Uxv_lozdn_SNdnUfuIQ6Lk1We9E/s1600/article-1034562-01E6FE2800000578-218_468x460.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="461" data-original-width="468" height="392" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Ky68EYIsbWUTlTsBUm6U6BCI9mpMbQWEWOZFCvh4pYC5JMBmCl0Pc1XRXrXAi-lxOQetSXLGwmAm4HOm0IPVGpSMS8gzS_d8rfC5Lh0T71D5UYB-Uxv_lozdn_SNdnUfuIQ6Lk1We9E/s400/article-1034562-01E6FE2800000578-218_468x460.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
This morning I was reading a posting on social Media about Cheshire Police successfully prosecuting drivers for dangerous driving in relation to cycles.<br />
Whilst I applauded such action I was extremely troubled by some of the reactive comments from motorists to it.<br />
<br />
Some were apoplectic, expressing such bile and vitriol that hinted at temporary pshycosis and clearly warranted some serious intervention.<br />
It was certainly clear that they never went to Sunday school.<br />
I usually avoid such debates as most of the commentators are so polarised that you are only inviting personal abuse.<br />
The lack of reaction on my part, despite being angered took patience and consideration, qualities that are at the crux of these type of debates<br />
<br />
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<br />
Driving your car is not dissimilar to being in your lounge at home watching Television.<br />
You are comfortably sat in your own private world.<br />
You are cocooned and detached.<br />
You can control your temperature and internal environment at the touch of a button.<br />
You can make and receive calls anywhere in the world.<br />
You can eat and drink and if you're really daring update your social media status or apply your lipstick.<br />
You are in control<br />
I repeat - you are in control<br />
The steering wheel is like your TV remote.<br />
<br />
Suddenly a driver cuts you up, the lights turn red or god forbid you are slowed down by a group of cyclists.<br />
<br />
Metaphorically somebody has just snatched the TV remote from you.<br />
They have taken away your control, invaded your life...........how dare they!!!!!!<br />
<br />
You slam the wheel with your hands, sound the horn, rev your engine shout and swear.<br />
<br />
All the things that you might do in the privacy of your own home if something moves or angers you.<br />
Why shouldn't you?<br />
<br />
Would you act like in your local, supermarket or workplace?<br />
<br />
Continuing your journey there might be a small child playing by the kerbside.<br />
It's the equivalent of the baby monitor going off.<br />
<br />
Even the most cynical and irresponsible drivers would react, especially those with children themselves.<br />
The paternal DNA within all of us naturally triggers an alarm inside us.<br />
Without a thought we might change our speed or course until we have passed.<br />
<br />
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<br />
Once that child grows up, buys a bike and rides on the road the danger may be similar - but attitude is different.<br />
<br />
Using a different scenario - Your daughter and her friends have gone out for a cycle ride and you are meeting her at a country pub for lunch. As you wind down the country roads you come across a group of cyclist ahead of you.<br />
Suspecting or believing that it might be your daughter or one of her friends you instinctively slow down become patient and use consideration.<br />
As you pass you realise its not your daughter but the group smile at your consideration and you exchange the wave of a hand.<br />
<br />
Although we are still in our cocoon we have opened our window to the outside world.<br />
<br />
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<br />
We rarely know who that cyclists is ahead of us and may never know unless we knock them over, kill or injure them.<br />
When we find out that they are our colleagues mother or daughters friend.<br />
They are no longer a faceless object by the side of the road who are trying to snatch your TV remote.<br />
<br />
They are just wanting to ride home to get cosy in front of the TV<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
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<br />Travels with my Mulehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04168113549081846815noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7850061910051995620.post-19674709364308905232017-12-29T19:10:00.000+00:002017-12-30T19:41:43.115+00:00Chapeau Events - Cycle Tours Part 1 London to Paris<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG_8gYNvN6jrcu6ku9OfoS2s-IHxM9PRRSKsQjjMRDqqH9nb0DlIjnX5XJkWKTchaENJXZxM4M4KxpCjhTTrduw6GENMaibExrLuzA7zQzMqHETRuqQ0vg2cApX7P-H1QNJzMTjYrVIE8/s1600/fullsizeoutput_12e5.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1586" data-original-width="1600" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG_8gYNvN6jrcu6ku9OfoS2s-IHxM9PRRSKsQjjMRDqqH9nb0DlIjnX5XJkWKTchaENJXZxM4M4KxpCjhTTrduw6GENMaibExrLuzA7zQzMqHETRuqQ0vg2cApX7P-H1QNJzMTjYrVIE8/s400/fullsizeoutput_12e5.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">As snow and ice hinder any festive riding and the turbo trainer becomes
as appetising as the Christmas leftovers, I am presently drawn to non physical
cycling activities.</span><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Planning rides, velo-reading and buying cycling related products feature
quite prominently at this point.</span><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">As I do so I am struck by the variety of all things cycling.</span><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">It was not that long ago that if I did a search on the word 'Cycling'
then I wold be directed to the nearest landfill site - Now the word is far
too broad.</span><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Fashion, gifts, t</span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">echnology, social media and even the arts have all
become integrated into the cycling world, contained within
the panniers and saddlebags of this evolving, revolving pastime.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">It is not surprising to see this opportunity being embraced by Holiday
and Tour operators looking to profit from our ambitions in finding new vistas,
gradients and of course cake.</span><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Holiday destinations throughout the world are seeking to achieve a
cycling friendly appeal to attract a new type of greener tourist whose
footprint is light and wallet often heavy. </span><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">
Majorca, Gran Canaria and Tenerife have previously monopolised those of us who
seek more exotic destinations to change our punctures but there are now new
kids on the block.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: "calibri";">Vietnam, Cambodia, Bali, and Nova Scotia are not obvious choices but are becoming increasingly popular with regular trips organised by a variety of companies.</span><br />
<br />
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">One of the things that has always put me off touring is the restriction that you get when your having to carry extra things around with you.</span></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="background-color: black; font-family: "calibri";"><span style="color: white;">Any climbing is challenging enough, but once over ladened even the most simple gradients turn into double chevroned beasts, where even a simple railway bridge can have you wincing.</span></span><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: "calibri";">Pushing a bike up a 20% gradient with four panniers attached is not exactly cycling, but more akin to a task that might be set out in the 'Ninja Warrior TV Show' </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">.........And forget about the exhilaration of descending a mountain, rhythmically gliding from side to side like John Travolta in lycra. Think of Inertia then fear.</span><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: "calibri";">its similar to the experience you might find on a tired seaside rollercoaster where your not quite sure that you will be able to safely negotiate the next corner. </span><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: "calibri";">If you do make it down with rubber still left in your brake blocks and still upright, you will end up using all of your water bottles to reduce the heat from your molten rims</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">
I am a minimalist when it comes to cycling accompaniments; I carry enough
weight around my midriff thank you very much. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">
These restrictions usually push me towards cycling familiar routes with nearby
taxi opportunities or single day events with adequate back up support.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: "calibri";"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: "calibri";">I had though often about organised cycle tours where all your luggage is moved for you and your fully supported but I was always put off by a number of things?</span><br />
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<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: "calibri";">Expense</span></span></li>
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<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: "calibri";">Would the
routes be safe</span></span></li>
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<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: "calibri";">What if I was
too slow/fast for the group</span></span></li>
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<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: "calibri";">What if I
wanted to do my own thing within the Tour framework </span></span></li>
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<span style="background-color: black; font-family: "calibri";"><o:p><span style="color: white;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">Back in 2015 I became involved in helping
out a charity called 'Kidneys for life' whilst I was working in the North West
and subsequently got roped into completing a 'London to Paris' bike ride with
them.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "trebuchet ms"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">Knowing that the trip was being arranged
by a tour company I was already breaking down the costs in my head as I
transferred the money over.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "helvetica"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "trebuchet ms"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">I was curious to know how it would compare
to arranging it myself and what any profit margins might be. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "helvetica"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "trebuchet ms"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">The trip was arranged by Chapeau Events
who are fronted by brothers David and Ian Wright. Both were cycling enthusiasts
who had become 'accidental' tour operators.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "helvetica"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "trebuchet ms"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS";"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ7s7xaSQdtyehiXiyAu4o7xcxOK7HCCn8JLdfW_MZM4YThd-8IMSHKnLfxqdvmyjLpfQvq4ec7nuep7ViyuOkyU9Vue6N2cV7CFwYoSXYTYHpl-awQXQtioIvZ7rM1r9MpHf70N87be8/s1600/chapeaux.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="924" data-original-width="850" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ7s7xaSQdtyehiXiyAu4o7xcxOK7HCCn8JLdfW_MZM4YThd-8IMSHKnLfxqdvmyjLpfQvq4ec7nuep7ViyuOkyU9Vue6N2cV7CFwYoSXYTYHpl-awQXQtioIvZ7rM1r9MpHf70N87be8/s400/chapeaux.jpg" width="367" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "trebuchet ms"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">David had cycle cafe <span style="background-color: white; color: magenta;">'<a href="http://www.chapeau-cafe-farmshop.co.uk/" target="_blank">Chapeau Cafe' and Farm shop</a></span>, in Marton, Cheshire and was immersed within the
local cycling scene.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "helvetica"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "trebuchet ms"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">With his wife having had a kidney
transplant he took part in a number of charity cycling events with the 'Kidneys
for life' Charity and other organisations.These were arranged and hosted by established
cycle tour operators. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "helvetica"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "trebuchet ms"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">After sourcing and arranging the majority
of the riders himself, David decided to try and host some events himself. This
allowed any nominated charities to receive an increased amount of revenue.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "helvetica"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "trebuchet ms"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">Unlike the larger companies he wanted to abide
by some enduring principles<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt 36.0pt; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -36.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "helvetica"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica;">•<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "trebuchet ms"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">To cycle every inch of any proposed route</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "helvetica"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt 36.0pt; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -36.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "helvetica"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica;">•<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "trebuchet ms"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">To be safe</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "helvetica"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt 36.0pt; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -36.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "helvetica"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica;">•<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "trebuchet ms"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">To secure good accommodation</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "helvetica"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt 36.0pt; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -36.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "helvetica"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica;">•<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "trebuchet ms"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">To ensure good food</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "helvetica"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt 36.0pt; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -36.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "helvetica"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica;">•<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "trebuchet ms"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">To make each event memorable and inclusive
for each individual rider</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "helvetica"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt 36.0pt; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -36.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "helvetica"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "helvetica"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"> </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "trebuchet ms"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">Having previously arranged tours for my
own club was aware of the logistical nightmare of having to cater for multiple
needs, desires and abilities in an unknown environment, within defined time
frames - To do all that whilst maintaining a smile and enjoying the trip
yourself is almost impossible.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "helvetica"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "trebuchet ms"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">Chapeau Events allow you to use your own
bike which they transport for you and return and provide comprehensive service
and support throughout the tour. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "helvetica"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "trebuchet ms"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">They even have spare bikes in case of
serious mechanical issues.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "helvetica"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "trebuchet ms"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">They also use their own Catering
Facilities whilst riding offering hot and cold lunch choices and
morning/afternoon refreshments. This provides the flexibility to ensure that
the times and locations can be determined sympathetically to the riders needs
at the time and in locations that deserve visual investment.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "helvetica"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "trebuchet ms"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">With the groups rarely bigger than 60
riders you can select your own pace and company with the routes marked clearly
at each junction or periodically on long sections to provide reassurance.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "helvetica"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "trebuchet ms"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">So in July 2015 I set off from Blackheath
in London to travel to Paris</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "helvetica"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><strong style="border: 0px; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Day 1 – London to Calais </strong></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Approximate cycling distance 165km (103 miles) </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjirPn3nITezja9MZF6SMwJDYPjfmieBfLZ-XCpV2rXUPBGx12YMtBpl1Q4G0KjdCRmTZtgKUgCGdnjUP247u1Vylv9TQo_gfouIfYlmo9kGulwPqs5litktSkxu3Q5fCSpG30N1S-oZU/s1600/IMG_2623.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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjirPn3nITezja9MZF6SMwJDYPjfmieBfLZ-XCpV2rXUPBGx12YMtBpl1Q4G0KjdCRmTZtgKUgCGdnjUP247u1Vylv9TQo_gfouIfYlmo9kGulwPqs5litktSkxu3Q5fCSpG30N1S-oZU/s640/IMG_2623.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The challenge starts as soon as you leave the hotel merging with the morning rush hour traffic. Thankfully they are heading in, as you head out of London following the Thames towards Dartford and the Medway villages. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The terrain was mixed, being initially flat around the estuary and coast and then ramping up as soon as you head inland amongst the apple orchards and hop gardens.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This does not let up until you reach Dover which you first spy from an elevated location.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">On a clear day you can also see France.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Congregating at the ferry terminal and on the short Journey across the channel gives you the first opportunity to get to know some of your other riders after the kudos of gaining some miles in your legs - You soon realise - </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">You are all in it together.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghJvEigGh1f6oQRS1xf3Ote6-gCTvM14ywj9I_DC81iLCkeAd1OMAgqjJ-_Dh1sB7o-8SR84BrqUZ-oXNKW6suVAhPm2z1UXIqtxRPzj322cMNfz05f1l1b7JlHbsX97W-NMIn2hVb_kU/s1600/IMG_2635.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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghJvEigGh1f6oQRS1xf3Ote6-gCTvM14ywj9I_DC81iLCkeAd1OMAgqjJ-_Dh1sB7o-8SR84BrqUZ-oXNKW6suVAhPm2z1UXIqtxRPzj322cMNfz05f1l1b7JlHbsX97W-NMIn2hVb_kU/s640/IMG_2635.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Once disembarked, there is a short ride to the hotel in the dark. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It's was a long day and probably the toughest!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><strong style="border: 0px; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Day 2 – Calais to Arras</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Approximate cycling distance 135km (84 miles)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Hearing the Gallic vernacular over the breakfast table brings a smile to your face as you contemplate the day ahead. It was clear through listening to the Anglo Saxon conversations that different riders had their own agendas. Some wanted to ride hard all day finishing earlier, others sought to take their time and absorb the experience, culture and various landmarks.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I elected for both - to ride hard but to stop at various places in between.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I had to protest with my fellow riders who disagreed with me that it was only 'bon chance' that each stop provided refreshment sourced from grapes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After a delicious 'alfresco' lunch the mornings begnin terrain became more undulating and remote passing through quaint villages. These were punctuated by their customary squares where berret wearing pensioners played boules and smoked turkish tobacco.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The day ended with a </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">gentle decent into the medieval town of Arras.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><strong style="border: 0px; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Day 3 – Arras to Compiegne</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Approximate cycling distance 126km (78 miles)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The third day we headed further south through the region of the Somme a sobering and tranquil place with regular monuments and memorials. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This includes a water stop off at the Thiepval Memorial for the unfound</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The terrain was undulating throughout the day not dissimilar to the Yorkshire Wolds.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We stayed in</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Compiegne that night, famous for being the start point of “Paris-Roubaix”</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvi5ctfg8TUFXo7WtUnD4LTQbJkQkrmVdRcxTbvNhzqSVf8Ml7Zahc8cGoCDbt6-H1ujDwgO8ACTlgzInSf4TzsspnmjVCupzYHqt6fm6lpmZuZE7i58__bqlEHrVw2gnj65Hhww6fs5k/s1600/IMG_2656.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvi5ctfg8TUFXo7WtUnD4LTQbJkQkrmVdRcxTbvNhzqSVf8Ml7Zahc8cGoCDbt6-H1ujDwgO8ACTlgzInSf4TzsspnmjVCupzYHqt6fm6lpmZuZE7i58__bqlEHrVw2gnj65Hhww6fs5k/s200/IMG_2656.JPG" width="150" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><strong style="border: 0px; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Day 4 – Compiegne to Paris</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Approximate cycling distance 105km (65 miles)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Although this was the shortest days riding it was also probably the most diverse and beautiful. After leaving the hotel we rode through miles of Forrest with more significant elevation and a roller coaster terrain which added to the thrill.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We were instructed to wait at a holding point close to the centre of Paris and encouraged to absorb the atmosphere of the Parisian suburbs. I needed no invitation.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Being a regular commuter and used to urban cycling I knew the hazards and was initially concerned about how the crew were going to navigate a large group of cyclists into the Centre of Paris and line us up by the Eiffel Tower. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My fears were soon abated with a reassuring safety briefing at the holding point.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">With crew vehicles to the front and rear and accompanying members on cycles we were shepherded to our final destination like errant sheep in 'one man and his dog'</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This was my first experience in using a cycle Touring Company where I like them became engaged by chance or fate - I was genuinely impressed and pleased that I had embraced it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Framed by it's enduring principles Chapeau Events allows you to ride as an individual within a group and provides the flexibility to make it worthwhile.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The big question that might arise is whether its value for money?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In breaking each component cost down I could have done the same trip significantly cheaper.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">However If you factor in the cost of your own time in preparation and planning, problem solving and ensuring reliable support then there is no question that this is the way to go.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There is also a bonus, a bit like a cash payback but far more valuable.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">People who partake such adventures are often like minded and the sort of people you would choose as friends if you were to meet them socially. Since the trip in 2015 I have remained in contact with most of them and despite them being scattered across the country regular ride with a lot of them.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Last summer I joined up with Chapeau events once more to cycle their newest route from Bordeaux to Bilbao the journey of which I will feature on my next blog.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Details of future Chapeau events can be found using this link <span style="background-color: white; color: magenta;"><a href="http://www.chapeauevents.co.uk/" target="_blank">Chapeau Events</a> .</span></span><br />
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Travels with my Mulehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04168113549081846815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7850061910051995620.post-62164532110302749682017-10-18T15:30:00.001+01:002017-10-18T18:31:27.733+01:00Isle of Skye - NW Scotland Tour Day 3<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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During my informative years I lived on the Isle of Wight next door to a celtic family called the 'McKays'. Geographically Donald and Adaire were as far removed from any tartan or blooming heather that you could possibly get, but you would never think so. </div>
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Every Christmas Donald would loose his trousers, hastily replaced by a kilt. He would insist that anybody crossing his homely threshold would join him in the consumption of Mould wine or Whiskey. Every New Years Eve he would throw a lavish party and insist that there were no shirkers when it came to joining arms and singing 'Auld lang syne'. </div>
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One particular year 'Mull of Kintyre' was topping the record charts which prompted multiple plays. As the whiskey bottles emptied there was an increased harmony between Makay and Macartney until the pipers entered the song <i>.............'as the mist rolled in from the sea'</i>. </div>
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By the time people came to leave Donald would sometimes have a tear in his eye, through happiness or sadness I never really knew, but I know he missed his homeland.</div>
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From that moment on, I felt that I had come under some strange celtic spell. I immersed myself in celtic music, literature and history. I even scoured my family tree to try and find some celtic connection - alas there were no McShrimptons. </div>
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Back then I never owned a cycle and my numerous excursions across the border were always motorised.</div>
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When I eventually decided to undertake a cycling tour my first two days were always going to be about challenges but the third set aside. </div>
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It was reserved, to satisfy some deep yearning inside me.</div>
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After having already explored the Cities, Borders and the Highlands, the Islands were always there in the background. Like a delicious desert shouting out from the menu at an upmarket restaurant. </div>
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Where you tell the waiter that you 'need some time' before its delivered.</div>
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To separate it from the rest of the meal, yet still make it part of the experience if you know what I mean.</div>
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When it comes to choosing which Island the choice was obvious - The Isle of Skye</div>
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Skye is the fourth largest island of the British Isles and the largest Island in the Inner Hebrides archipelago. Famed for its rugged landscape, picturesque fishing villages and medieval castles.</div>
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I needed no ice-cream to enhance this particular treat.</div>
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Starting from Portree we headed north along the A855 coast road with almost a cloudless sky.</div>
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To the East 'The sound of Rassay' lay between us and the island itself, with Rona and the Applecross peninsula beyond.</div>
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The conditions were so calm that the mountains became inverted within the mirrored reflection.</div>
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Arm warmers and gilets were soon discarded as the temperature rocketed up to 20 degrees, nature seemingly forgetting that it was still May. </div>
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Knowing that this data would be disputed in years, I decided that I must capture the evidence on film and laid on the cool grass of the cliff-top. Whilst I was there I spied a four leaf clover, a unicorn and saw Nessie playing with a discarded empty coke bottle. It was magical.</div>
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With rain on 223 days a year and an average temperature of 14 degrees we constantly had to question our true location which took on a dreamlike quality.</div>
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Our good fortune continued as the road was wide and fast, surprisingly devoid of vehicles, or potholes, but we were not complaining. Its undulating terrain provided fast descents and shallow climbs assisted by the inertia gained. Inland to the west are the mountains with the old Man of Storr and further north the Famous 'Quiraing' </div>
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You approach The <span style="text-align: justify;">'Quiraing' from the curiously named Brogaig with an </span>unnecessary ramp that reminds you of your mortality. Leaving the semblance of civilisation behind you, you are greeted by an isolated graveyard.</div>
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By this time my eyesight had become compromised by sweat from the 'Heat of this spring day'</div>
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Instead of tombstones it appeared to me as if the graves were marked by half buried cycle wheels and bidons stood beside them containing wilting 'White Roses'. </div>
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Was it a sign? I asked myself, as this unique geological amphitheatre reared up in front of me. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVgqld5CO4OLdCa4Qv7zwL9KIxKhZr0K8JHoKeOeQF5W8-Wc0-JvY7qPDArn8ZxsYaD16_juUHh85JEjgDsgZOy0Q2pKP8KGzlAInSPTTXBG0YWf9wYBLD1ehPDD7Ter-iL3F0UjD6m3Y/s1600/IMG_1090.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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVgqld5CO4OLdCa4Qv7zwL9KIxKhZr0K8JHoKeOeQF5W8-Wc0-JvY7qPDArn8ZxsYaD16_juUHh85JEjgDsgZOy0Q2pKP8KGzlAInSPTTXBG0YWf9wYBLD1ehPDD7Ter-iL3F0UjD6m3Y/s400/IMG_1090.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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The Quiraing climb lasts about 4km and rises to 15% in gradient. It's not the toughest climb, nor the longest, but as far as grandeur is concerned there are few that compete with this.<br />
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It was already clear from the previous signs that day, that the climb would be fine, and so it was.<br />
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Despite the vertical challenge there would be no suffering this day. I soon reached the top singing to myself.................<i>oh the summer time is coming, and the trees are sweetly blooming, and the wild mountain thyme grows around the blooming heather, will you go lassie go</i><br />
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By the time we set off back to Portree the wind had picked up............A tail wind of course - to push us home...........spooky.<br />
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The drive back from Portree to our hotel at Broadford was almost a solemn affair in the knowledge that we had just had just finished three incredible days of cycling.<br />
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We would be leaving the following day.<br />
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In 1947 Broadway hosted a new musical called 'Brigadoon'. Its was about a magical place that rises out of the Scottish Mist every 100 years and becomes accessible to outsiders for just one day.<br />
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We set off early the next day again to warm sunshine and a cloudless sky.<br />
As we crossed over the Skye Bridge to the mainland I could see the mist fill in behind me through my wing mirror. With in minutes the Island had disappeared.<br />
'Wheres my coat' Matt I asked 'it's getting chilly'<br />
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<br />Travels with my Mulehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04168113549081846815noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7850061910051995620.post-29157184438556186832017-10-12T15:26:00.000+01:002017-10-12T21:32:02.399+01:00Bealach-na-Ba - Tour of NW Scotland Day 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I have a good friend that I cycle with called Manuel. He is a GP and originally from Barcelona. </div>
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Like his Faulty Towers namesake, Manuel sometimes struggles with certain English words. </div>
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He actually speaks and understands English far better than most people I know, but is linguistically ambitious, always looking to enhance his vocabulary. </div>
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One day we were out cycling when I became detached from the main group. We were climbing some lung busting accent that I had never encountered before. Manuel, sensing I was in trouble dropped back to join me and asked if I was ok. </div>
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I told him not to worry that I was 'pacing' myself because I did not know what lay ahead of us.</div>
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'Peeeeeeecing' he said 'I like that idea'.</div>
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A few weeks later we were out again climbing out of one of the valleys in the East Yorkshire wolds. I had adopted my usual 'Lantern Rouge' position now joined by my new able domestique from Barcelona. As we rode, we were caught up by two female cyclists with whom we passed the time of day with.</div>
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Manuel urged them to pass, exclaiming that he and I, were currently engaged in the art of 'Peeeeeeecing'. Scornfully they accepted Manuel invitation and rode on - not daring to look back. Before they got out of sight I shouted 'Don't worry....he's from Barcelona'.</div>
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Whenever I encounter a new vertical challenge 'Peeeeecing' is always my default position, which was something that I had in mind when I looked at the second day of our Scottish Tour.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_a6zkTXzmbh0atLOW0PpLwMiW5NnB9v65FYqX4oVtQdrEMkBFNHAetypOOyayWkWknBxjD22puxeK3hyZCt-2F9VuY2cNydA-uR5Plfxy0WrsPjHSoDeLA3oVwiC18ZT-FDkdvkt9Ifc/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-10-10+at+18.33.45.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="642" data-original-width="595" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_a6zkTXzmbh0atLOW0PpLwMiW5NnB9v65FYqX4oVtQdrEMkBFNHAetypOOyayWkWknBxjD22puxeK3hyZCt-2F9VuY2cNydA-uR5Plfxy0WrsPjHSoDeLA3oVwiC18ZT-FDkdvkt9Ifc/s400/Screen+Shot+2017-10-10+at+18.33.45.png" width="370" /></a></div>
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Starting from sea level at Tornapress, we headed along the northern shore of Loch Kishorn. The single track road ascended steadily, like a strand of Spaghetti randomly dropped from the plate of some Celtic deity - Epona perhaps who liked to protect her equine creatures.....especially Mules.</div>
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Not unlike the previous day, the weather was perfect with warm spring sunshine and little wind. </div>
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The visibility was clear.......Horribly so!</div>
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There was nothing hidden or masked in anyway, no subtlety at all - you could see everything.</div>
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To the south west over the shimmering waters of Loch Carron and into the inners seas. There was Scalpay, Raasay and the mountains on the Isle of Skye.</div>
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To the north west there was Bealach-na-Ba.</div>
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I have to point out that I am always a bit suspicious about the use of hypons.</div>
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People sometimes use them in their surnames to create an image of someone greater, more important or of a different class. </div>
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Bealach-Na-Ba had two hypons, but needs no introduction. It's identity has been confirmed by many a distressed cyclists over the years.<br />
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Everything around us was dwarfed by this huge cliff face.<br />
I decided that this was definitely a climb for 'Peeeeecing'!!!!!!<br />
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Simon Warren who put together Britains 100 greatest climbs described it as:- 'The Holy Grail, the toughest and wildest climb in Britain'</div>
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He goes on to say 'Anything you have read or been told about this amazing road is likely to be true. For once you can believe the hype'.<br />
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Being in this isolated, barren landscape it is intimidating enough before you even turn your pedals.<br />
The nearest emergency Hospital is hours away and if the weather turns, the same could be said about the nearest shelter.<br />
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Unlike any other British climb that I have encountered the scale of this beast is in a different league.<br />
It is the third highest road in Scotland, and its 9.27 km takes you way out of your comfort zone for what seems an eternity.<br />
Although shorter than your average Alpine climbs, what is given up in length, is made up for in gradient. Climbing 626 meters (2,054ft) in one go, it has an average of 9.9% which tops out at 24.7%.<br />
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The narrow, twisty road is uncompromising. There is little room for cars to overtake and you have to negotiate the use the infrequent passing places to ensure progress. If you don't judge it right and have to unclip - you have got problems.<br />
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The road is far too narrow to traverse and mostly too steep to re-engage your pedals.<br />
I thought that SPD cleats might be a good option for greater flexibility. I'll try and remember for next time.<br />
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At one point I had three cars behind me. I felt anxious at their proximity, intimidated by their impatience and nauseous at their burning clutches.<br />
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Unable to slip in and out the short piece of tarmac before they had passed, I was forced to unclip. The only way I got going again was to descend to the previous passing place, and execute a U turn.<br />
With a rock face on one side and a 30 foot drop the other, it was a bit perilous.<br />
A much better option than going back to the bottom, I recklessly thought.</div>
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The further up the climb, it became more demanding. </div>
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The road narrowed, its surface became more weathered, and it ramped up. </div>
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An unholy trinity of challenges, conspiring to maximise my suffering. </div>
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Whoever I cycle with must be reassured to know they will always be able to get a rest at the top of every climb. I am always last up and have perfected the art of 'Peeeeecing' so much, that I no longer think - 'I won't make it' </div>
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Usually I am more concerned about things like 'will all the cake have been eaten at the cafe' or 'will the pub be closed' - Things that I consider to be equally important on all cycling adventures. </div>
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On this particular day I was rest assured that there was no pub or cafe at the summit so I was more concerned that my companions might have fallen asleep or got bored waiting.</div>
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With no crowds of supporters handing out sheets of of L'Equipe to shove down my Jersey, I elected for a Gilet on the cool descent down into Applecross. There we found an oasis within a walled garden and some fine fare on offer.<br />
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Believing I had completed most of the hard work, I allowed myself a much larger than normal lunch, washed down with some local Skye Gold. The sun was now reaching its Zenith and providing some extra warmth within this enclosure. </div>
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All was right with the world I thought as I tugged on my bottle of straw coloured ale.</div>
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On leaving the lunch stop we spied an old rickshaw discarded in the grass. </div>
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I would have been happy to do the same if I had been allowed. </div>
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Instead we pressed on staying close to the sea around the peninsular. </div>
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It usually takes me about half an hour to get going again after a cafe/lunch stop but after 50 minutes I was somewhat perplexed. It suddenly dawned on me that my listless legs were not 'Cafe legs' but ones engaged in real industrial action. </div>
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Our nominated navigator Tony reassured me that there was only 3 more climbs left at Camas-an-Eillean, Applecross Forrest and Loch Shielding.</div>
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I did not particularly enjoy the previous climb with the 'double hyphened' name, so I doubted that the next one would fill me with joy. </div>
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By now I was struggling to keep up with my fellow adventurers who had not yet acquainted themselves with the joys of 'Peeeeeecing'. </div>
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Although the surrounding countryside and coast were spectacular in every sense, my head was dropping and my focus was becoming increasingly one dimensional - upon the road ahead.</div>
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Thankfully with my wits about me, I was still able to keep track of our progress.</div>
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After about another 10 weary miles, I worked out that I must have been summiting the final climb at Loch Shielding.</div>
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I only spotted one of our group yawning as I stopped at the top to congratulate myself, at closing the ride out. I smiled and reached out my hand to the others.</div>
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Tony looked at me quizzically asking what I meant.</div>
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When he explained that we had not even done the first of the remaining climbs I was close to tears.....really I was. </div>
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I was also way past any extreme form of turrets, with a tirade of expletives erupting from me</div>
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<i>'What the xxxx have we been cycling on then for the past ten miles! They are hardly xxxxxxx speed bumps. If they are not xxxxxxx significant climbs what the xxxx are they going to be like when we xxxxxxx get to them.'</i></div>
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Tony tried to reassure me that the first climb was at the bottom of this next descent and that they pretty much followed one after another. </div>
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<i>'For xxxx sake' </i> the turrets continued </div>
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Suddenly I was no longer in the Scottish wilderness but with my head on a block during the French revolution. The executioner was telling me that I should not worry as they had just changed the blade on the guillotine.</div>
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'At least the pain will all come together' I thought.</div>
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The next hour was probably the hardest time I have ever had on a bike. I was in an acute state of melancholia. I kept on telling the guys to ride on and leave me, that I would either see them at the finish or that they could visit me in the morgue.<br />
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I asked them to each choose one of my bikes for themselves and to consider arranging a commemorative Sportive for over weight cyclists after my passing.<br />
They laughed, not realising that I was being serious.<br />
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When the final summit did come there was a long shallow descent and a wind assisted flat for about 8 miles back to Tornapress. By the time we hit the flat, I was re-engaging with the surroundings again and smiling. It wasn't so bad after all. Is it ever?<br />
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That night we spoke of the days ride and of the following day on the Isle of Skye. We smiled heartily and made various toasts as the Scotch ignited our own spirits.</div>
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I raised my glass in special toast 'Let the Peeeeecers of the world unite'</div>
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<br />Travels with my Mulehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04168113549081846815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7850061910051995620.post-33209725117118957432017-10-10T21:46:00.001+01:002017-10-12T11:54:18.301+01:00The Assynt - Tour of NW Scotland Day 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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When I thought of Scotland I usually reached for my hat and scarf reminded of past Saturday afternoons on the West stand in Murrayfield or sat in a cosy nook, feeling the burn in my throat as I greedily consume its most lucrative export. </div>
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What I didn't think about was cycling there.</div>
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I know that from Lands End to John O'Groats you have to go through this Celtic northland, but I viewed it as 'the grim bit at the end', where you might see the odd 'White walker'</div>
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About 5 years ago I was watching a Rapha Continental film called ASSYNT of which the title appeared to be scribed in some alien font. </div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/MSUbVx1eu5s/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MSUbVx1eu5s?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
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I was immediately mesmerised by the savage beauty of this location and shivered on watching the riders, riding through the rain and sleet. </div>
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Clearly it was in Scotland but where I thought as I typed the letters A-S-S-Y-N-T. </div>
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On viewing the map I soon realised that it's far north west position was a long way away. Almost as close to Iceland than it is to London.I soon worked out that in the time it would take me to drive there I could fly to Denver, read a Novel or watch a full box set of Games of Thrones.</div>
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Dejected I resigned myself that this was another location for my bucket list, a list that was already close to capacity.</div>
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For the next five years I continued to watch the video. </div>
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Increasingly I felt like a vouyeur, too afraid to come out from behind the curtain.</div>
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This year, either by chance or fate, I was reading an article in The Daily Telegraph by Mark Beaumont. It was entitled 'The five places on earth every cyclist needs to visit'. </div>
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'He should know' I thought as I read the short, but obviously considered list.</div>
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To my surprise this area of Scotland was featured and encouragingly it was much closer than Argentina or Iran.</div>
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Impulsively I decided that I would go. I had to.</div>
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I reckoned I would need 5 days, two travel days and three cycling days - and so the research began. </div>
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It took little time at all to decide on three routes - They soon chose themselves with the Assynt, The Applecross Peninsula and The Isle of Skye.</div>
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Deciding when to go was the biggest dilemma.</div>
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With snow and winter storms still possible up until June, its unwise to go too early.</div>
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However with the midge season starting in late May, if you go too late you will provide an all you can eat buffet for <i>'Culicoides impunctatus'.</i></div>
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Being from Yorkshire Im used to weather and not blood letting.</div>
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I elected for the first week in May.</div>
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When it comes to trips away I could never be described as a light packer especially if I'm going to be cycling. I take a suitcase when I go away for the weekend, and regularly pay for extra baggage on holidays away. </div>
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Packing for Cycling in Scotland was a new experience altogether.</div>
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I viewed the video again for clues.</div>
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Despite the gorse being still in full bloom, they all wore hats and coats and glamoured by a fire The weather outlook was Variable with a capital 'V': Rain, Sleet, Snow, Sun, Wind, Warm and Cold. The only theme that appeared missing was descending domestic pets.</div>
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I was just grateful that I had a van and made a note for myself to leave enough room for the bike.</div>
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As I passed north of Perth into the Scottish Highlands the spring sun came out reflecting off the snow capped peaks. With little in the way of wind there was some warmth in the air. </div>
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I was a little concerned...... Had I driven into a black hole and emerged in southern Spain?</div>
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The sight of the Dalwhinnie Distilery soon eased my anxiety.</div>
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It took just over 3 hours to get to the Scottish border, but nearly 10 to arrive at Lochinver. Although I was technically in another country, it really felt very different, like a far flung territory. </div>
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Three of my fellow club members had been brave enough to take a chance, and come with me We took diner, excitedly talking about the days ahead fuelled by Whiskey and Haggis. </div>
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The sun remained out .............until well after we had retired.</div>
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Although there was no tour guide, the elements greeted us with a cheery smile.<br />
The sort cyclists like.<br />
You know......Sunshine, little wind, not too hot or cold.......just perfect, and so it was.<br />
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As you leave Lochinver you turn right and start climbing..........and climbing. Out of the valley towards Clachtoll. Once at the top you can see the Suilven to the South East with its distinctive domed appearance. As views go its up there with the best.<br />
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The terrain then becomes like a roller coaster for toddlers. Enough rise and fall to make them scream, but not enough to cause terror. Through Lochs, woodland, pretty coves and past idyllic unpopulated beaches your senses are overloaded. Before you get too complacent the kids section is replaced by the hard core one. The rollercoaster that you have to get cajoled to go on.<br />
Steep up...................<br />
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Steep down and unrelenting.</div>
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The Chevrons warn you of whats ahead, but you have already worked it out. </div>
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Like the blade of a guillotine, its whats above you that often concerns you on a bike. </div>
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There was a disturbing familiarity that must have come from the numerous video viewings.</div>
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The recollection of the pained expressions, soon became familiar to me too.</div>
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Eventually we reached the A894 and started a long steady climb towards Loch na Gainmhich. After double digit purgatory, this imposing, endless climb was welcoming for me, even though the wind had now conspired to blow against us.<br />
It was not lost on me that most of the tough climb was finished and that we would soon have a tail wind to finish.<br />
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The descent to Skiag Bridge was framed by the mountains and lit up by the shimmering Loch Assynt.</div>
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I had to pinch myself in the knowledge that like 'Brigadoon' this type of weather was something that might happen just once a year. Today was seemingly the day.</div>
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Onwards to Inchnadamph, a name that caresses the mouth, and invokes thoughts of begotten kings and mystic waters. Eagles soared and deer roamed - we shared the loch together.</div>
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<span style="text-align: justify;">Joining the A835 towards Ullapool we climbed through Elphin up to Knockan Crag before descending down to Drumrunie. If you want to descend fast this is the place - I bottled out at 45 mph as the now crosswind was caused me a few wobbles. </span><br />
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The route then turns right towards Stac Pollaidh. With the shallowest of descents and a tailwind the nest ten miles were pure indulgence. When a gradient did occasionally appear from behind a bend or bush it was easy matched by the momentum banked.<br />
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Eventually we reached the Atlantic and had to follow the coast northwards back to Lochinver. This terrain was similar to the first part, the only difference being that we could smell the local beer, fine food and whiskey. </div>
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Mark Beaumont was right - this location was exceptional. </div>
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The ride had everything, Climbing - Oh Yeah. </div>
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Descending - of course. </div>
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But what defined it was exactly what I first saw in the video - Savage beauty.</div>
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If this was the taste of what was ahead of us I had some good reasons to toast that night.</div>
<br />Travels with my Mulehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04168113549081846815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7850061910051995620.post-25431766390896273622017-10-01T14:54:00.000+01:002017-10-12T11:53:23.125+01:00Col du Tourmalet<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Col du Tourmalet Part 1</div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">As we approached the town of Luz-Saint-Sauveur the mountains are angry. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">They snarled at us. </span><br />
<span style="font-kerning: none;">Conspiring with nature - </span>Misty clouds appeared, surrounding us, and taking on a variety of ghoulish forms.<br />
<span style="font-kerning: none;">Their disapproval thundered down the valley as they raged and shouted. - showering us with their spittle.</span><br />
<span style="font-kerning: none;">Their imposing stature illuminated by bolts of lightening, sithing through the Pyrenean air.</span><br />
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'How dare these Yorkshire men try and tame us!' - they whispered to each other.<br />
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Le col de Tourmoulet has no friends - we as not welcome here.</div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">The promise of warm sun kissed mountain meadows, of cow bells clanking in time with bovine mastication seem momentarily frozen within the pages of the cycling magazines. </span><br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">With further heavy rain forecast and 6 degrees being recorded at the summit there is genuine apprehension, even fear for want of a better word.</span><br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Fear is right </span><br />
<span style="font-kerning: none;">Fear works.</span><br />
<span style="font-kerning: none;">Fear clarifies </span><br />
<span style="font-kerning: none;">It cuts through and captures................. the essence ...............of the evolutionary spirit.</span><br />
<span style="font-kerning: none;">Fear in all its forms.</span><br />
<span style="font-kerning: none;">It aids preparation, provides resolve and ensures determination - especially for us Yorkshire Folk.</span><br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">We rallied and reminded ourselves that we were not Celts but descendants of Viking invaders where the fight was as good as the victory.</span><br />
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<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">"White rose..... white rose, </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">White rose .......white rose...................</span>Is that how it goes ?</div>
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<span style="font-size: small; text-align: center;">Col du Tourmalet Part 2 </span><br />
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I could have been mistaken that our 'petit dejeuner' was being served in a library, although the absence of books reminded me otherwise. There was a morbid tranquility about the place with the only sound coming from the kissing of crockery. Although the rain had stopped the road was wet and the clouds low. Lower than the 2115 meters that would be the summit and shrouding our departure point. Defiantly we set off with each kilometre point signposted. These 'helpful' markers showed the altitude, distance to summit, and the average gradient - the third bit of information I struggled to digest, as it mostly hovered between 8 and 10%.<br />
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The first few kilometres were relatively easy, mentally assisted by my restricted view.<br />
As I entered the village of Bareges the cloud and the gradient lifted in unison.<br />
I was immediately forced into my bottom gear as the mountain threw off its cloak revealing its rugged majesty.<br />
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I was now caught in the moment. Riding the mighty Tourmalet used over 80 times in the Tour de France, the highest pass in the Pyrenees.</div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">The names of Pinot, Bardot, Froome et al - were daubed in assorted colours across the tarmac reminding me that it was not just a road but a battlefield - A battlefield for two wheeled warriors - blood, sweat and tears in the Pyrenean amphitheater </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Some bathed in glory and others riddled in pain haunted by demons of past failures. </span><br />
<span style="font-kerning: none;">At 13 km away the very top of the summit was out of sight, only providing me with a hint of my endeavours ahead .</span><br />
<span style="font-kerning: none;">The route marked out by almost stationary vehicles tracing a seemingly impossible course through double digit switchbacks and then out of sight.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">As I slowly moved up the Mountain, the longer ramps were replaced by shorter ones. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Punctuated with tights bends, the outside line gave you some momentary relief from the constant tension.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">You could breath deeply and look back in constrained admiration at your progress.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">With 6 km to go I was in my own private world of pain with no exit doors in sight. </span><br />
<span style="font-kerning: none;">Failure appeared through my emotional letterbox like an unexpected tax bill when I was already overdrawn. </span><br />
<span style="font-kerning: none;">The desire to stop was agonisingly extreme.</span><br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">As I was twisting my right foot to unclip I was passed by two Spanish cyclists who shouted out at me.</span><br />
<span style="font-kerning: none;">'Animal' 'Animal' they laughed.</span><br />
<span style="font-kerning: none;">I was in no mood to trade insults, but this was unnecessary.</span><br />
<span style="font-kerning: none;">Before a had found a suitable Anglo Saxon response and found enough oxygen to delver it I paused.</span><br />
<span style="font-kerning: none;">I the remembered that in </span><span style="font-kerning: none;">Spain to call a fellow rider an 'Animal' </span> is a compliment.<br />
It infers that you ride on guts and instinct.<br />
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I puffed out my chest and enthusiastically shouted 'Hola'<br />
I suspected that they must have been eminent physicists.<br />
I reckoned that they would have looked at my 'waif' like physique and then, with great deliberation applied Newtons second law of motion.<br />
Good for them I thought doing advanced mathematics on the Tourmalet is no mean feat.<br />
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For the first time in my life I liked being thought of as 'an animal'<br />
I fancied that I would be a Bull.<br />
I re-cleated and with new found gusto spiritually rejoined the arena.<br />
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Stomping on the pedals kilometres slowly reduced and although the gradient increased, I knew at the 2 kilometre mark, that I would make it.</div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">With Spanish intervention there was to be no 'Death in the afternoon' Mr Hemingway - today the bull would return.</span><br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Tired, emotionally drained - but all conquering</span><br />
<span style="font-kerning: none;">Toro....toro!!!!!!!</span></div>
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Travels with my Mulehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04168113549081846815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7850061910051995620.post-30957633913255027182017-09-29T08:53:00.001+01:002017-10-12T11:52:49.193+01:00Ventoux<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Part 1</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">As the bridge of Avignon disappeared through the rear view window words from my childhood came to my lips....... </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">sur le Pont d'Avignon</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">On y danse, On y danse</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Sur le Pont d'Avignon</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">On y danse tous en rond</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">I have never been keen on dancing but do love 'strictly'. I also like the way great cyclists dance on their pedals, effortlessly guiding up slopes like a Lycra clad Nuryev. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">I am not climber and can only 'dad dance' the pedals in my overstretched Lycra. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">With Avignon behind us my attention was drawn to the sky in front </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">At first I thought it was a gull angled in such a way to catch the sun but soon realised that it was seemingly attached to a larger stationary form</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">It was the mast at the top of Ventoux </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">So far up it looked ridiculously out of proportion to its surroundings. like a sand dune next to an over exuberant sandcastle.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">I giggled to myself - an awkward nervous impulsive emotion with little relevance</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">We all dance there, we all dance </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">The words came back in English </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 11px;"> When we arrived at our gitte we found ourselves situated on a vineyard under the shadow of the seagull Monster.</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 11px;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">I was informed that Roman Bardet had once stayed there - he can dance </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">But he only drank water</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Cheers Roman </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">I'll look for your name on the road tomorrow </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Part 2</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">In the circus world it's traditional for the lion tamer to visit the cage just prior to the performance.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Apparently to say a few words to their maned beast, and look him directly in the eye.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Although lacking the knowledge i can imagine that they would say something like 'I want no blood spilled today please'</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">The evening before tackling my own beast, I visited the FBR (French bike Rental) shop opposite the starting point. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">To my delight the shop owner said I could take my bike that evening at no extra cost........</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Great I thought</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">But 'Monsieur byciclette' had not finished speaking.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">'Unfortunately the bike you wanted with disc brakes is broken so we have upgraded you to one with Di2, it's only got standard brakes but is slightly lighter.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">I was not happy</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Having Di2 on Ventoux is similar to having a Rolex watch that is broken.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">It might look good but will only be of any use twice a day.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">In my case climbing up in your lowest gear and then descending in your biggest one.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">As for being 'slightly lighter' if I carried one less inner tube it would have had the same effect. In the grand scheme of things it makes no difference when your of a similar weight to a 'deux chevaux'</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Although I thanked him, he had read my mind and smiled wryly.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">I set off at 8:30 giving enough chance for the September sun to illuminate the Rhone valley and to take away the morning chill. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Although the season was drawing to its close I was staggered by the assortment of masochists that accompanied me. Some were notably heavier than me, most much lighter, all ages, gender and nationalities each sharing the same goal and a slightly nervous disposition</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;"> The first few km are benign where you can ride with your head up and admire the views. The mountain top to the distant north needed no introduction, It appeared to glow under the rays of the morning sun announcing its presence as one of natures heavyweights.</span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Purple grapes tugged at their supporting foliage within the adjoining vineyards. Their ripeness indicating that they were close to commencing their own journey. Like me having their very life being squeezed out of them in order to achieve something seemingly greater.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">On arriving at St Esteve my comfort zone evaporated with the 12% hairpin of the ‘Virage du Bois’ which took me into ‘The Forest’. The sort of forest I associated with Little red riding hood’, moody and menacing where things were not quite how they seemed. As a child it would have been great to hide amongst those vast vertical timbers, but for me now I was totally naked, with nowhere to hide. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">The attritional ramps were not punctuated with cosy soft bends but stretched out so far in front, that they caused you to look away.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">About two thirds of the way up there was a break in the canopy and for the first time you could see the Summit. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Its proximity was contradictory. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Whilst is seemed significantly closer than from the valley bottom, the angle between my chin and my neck was at its absolute limit.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Clouds were now dancing across its form enforcing my view that this destination was somewhere way up in the sky.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">My heart rate was already past threshold and had now jumped into the red through a combination of endeavour and fear. My legs ragged with revolution -not the motional one, but the angry kind. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">I stopped. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">There was a parking area next to this point which guaranteed that I would be able to clip back into my cleats and I used my age-old excuse that I needed to capture the view in a picture. I have lots of pictures.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">After greedily sucking on the contents of my Bidon I continued plunging back into the forest with its linear purgatory.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">The remaining kilometres to Chalet Raynard were counted down as symbolically as a captive awaiting his release. On my arrival I treated myself to another photo session and an unusual Cappuccino. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">This consisted of an espresso with and aerosol derived topping. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Clearly the trauma of the climb had put me in a state of submission as I did not even flinch as the spray can was crudely rotated around the top of my cup. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">The last section of the climb from Chalet Raynard to the top of Ventoux is spectacular. Its famed lunar type landscape lasts a total of 6km averaging at about 7.5%. The road reads like a reference library of cycling royalty marking many Tour de France stages that I have viewed in the past. I had seen this part dozens of times I felt elated by its unknown familiarity. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"> This feeling was temporary. The route to the top stretched out in front of me like a meandering river with a procession of different coloured heads bobbing up and down in agonised symmetry.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Although I was now approaching 6,000 feet the air felt thiner and my legs laboured with the pedals. I passed other cyclists pedalling squares and some had stopped pedalling completely. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">One poor soul lay motionless surrounded by paramedics and a bottle of oxygen. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">He was close to the Tom Simpson memorial and I was reminded that the challenge of this mountain has been the last for more than a few.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">As I rounded the last bend the clouds retreated in applause at my arrival.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">I was elated and relieved in good measure and ready for another photo break.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">The time of close to three hours climbing was meant to represent another monument climb completed another tick off my bucket list. That would be doing it an injustice.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">The giant of Provence is just that, a giant.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Something to be measured against, a yardstick for physical and mental adversity</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">As I descended I smiled at the thought of the new addition to my vocabulary </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Its not like ‘Ventoux’</span></div>
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Travels with my Mulehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04168113549081846815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7850061910051995620.post-83246091281298110182016-01-24T10:33:00.003+00:002017-09-29T09:21:53.064+01:00Learning from the Girls<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span lang="EN-US" style="background-color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 15pt;"><span style="color: white;">One of the
problems with any club is keeping all the members happy. </span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="background-color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 15pt;"><span style="color: white;">It’s a near impossible task, a bit like choosing a menu.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="background-color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 15pt;"><span style="color: white;">You think
that you may have all bases covered by offering both meat
and vegetarian dishes but forget about the poor old pescetarian. </span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="background-color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 15pt;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></span>
<span lang="EN-US" style="background-color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 15pt;"><span style="color: white;">There will
always be somebody who is not totally satisfied, so trying to please the majority is often the compromise.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="background-color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 15pt;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></span>
<span lang="EN-US" style="background-color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 15pt;"><span style="color: white;">This is
certainly very true for cycling Clubs.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="background-color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 15pt;"><span style="color: white;">When we
first set up our own club ‘The Mules’ - it was simple.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="background-color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 15pt;"><span style="color: white;">We just
wanted to ride with our mates, explore the countryside and take part in a few
charity rides.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="background-color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 15pt;"><span style="color: white;">As cyclists
we collectively have similar motivations to ride, but like many things they change over time. </span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="background-color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 15pt;"><span style="color: white;">I love chocolate profiteroles but I would not want them every week.</span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="background-color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 15pt;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></span>
<span lang="EN-US" style="background-color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 15pt;"><span style="color: white;">With changing personal ambitions the initial collective spirit of a group can be undermined. As individuals we are
influenced by our own personal goals, aspirations and egos which are not always
compatible. If we let them take over our riding and go unchecked, it can, and does effect the dynamic of a cycling club.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="background-color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 15pt;"><span style="color: white;">Some of us
had previously suffered at other clubs with higher testosterone levels,
which lead to our respective departures.</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="background-color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 15pt;"><span style="color: white;">I am sure
you’ll know of clubs where individual ride times, effort and achievements become seemingly more important than assistance, support, nurturing and the overall collective
experience. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="background-color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 15pt;"><span style="color: white;">What’s
more rewarding - helping out a mate who is having a hard day in the saddle?</span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="background-color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 15pt;"><span style="color: white;">Or
riding just out of reach, detached from everyone?<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="background-color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 15pt;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="background-color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 15pt;"><span style="color: white;">Thankfully
we try to resist that attitude and cling on to an ‘inclusive’ principal, It’s
not always easy.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="background-color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 15pt;"><span style="color: white;">Ego and
machismo are predominantly male traits, part of our DNA.</span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="background-color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 15pt;"><span style="color: white;">When harnessed properly they can be useful, but often they are not.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="background-color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 15pt;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="background-color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 15pt;"><span style="color: white;">I suspect
that these characteristics are also an influencing factor in when
female cyclists look to join or remain within certain cycling clubs.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="background-color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 15pt;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="background-color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 15pt;"><span style="color: white;">It does not
surprise me that as cycling has grown in popularity across both genders that we
have seen an explosion of women only cycling clubs.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white; font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-size: 15pt;"> With the exception of football
it appears that such cycling clubs out number any other sport, in
respect of locations </span><span style="font-size: 20px;">accessibility</span><span style="font-size: 15pt;"> and overall numbers.</span></span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="background-color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 15pt;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="background-color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 15pt;"><span style="color: white;">They appear
to have the same motivational factors to ride as us men without the testosterone. Unshackled they appear to be able to ride with a smile rather than a grimace or snarl. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="background-color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 15pt;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></span>
<span lang="EN-US" style="background-color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 15pt;"><span style="color: white;">During a recent Mouvember Sportive I met up with some of the ladies from the Wetherby based "Yorkshires Lasses Cycling Club" and asked them about there experiences and how they formed</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="background-color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 15pt;"><span style="color: white;">They epitomise all that is good about group cycling, by keeping it simple.</span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="background-color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 15pt;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></span>
<span lang="EN-US" style="background-color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 15pt;"><span style="color: white;">They are ladies that like to cycle, socialise
and have some fun on two wheels.</span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="background-color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 15pt;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></span>
<span lang="EN-US" style="background-color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 15pt;"><span style="color: white;"> The club was set up due to the founders having
had mixed experiences in other clubs and felt that a ladies only club would be
more encouraging and less competitive.</span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="background-color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 15pt;"><span style="color: white;"> Set up by Kate Horsfall and Judith
Worrall, two good friends who wanted a club just for women, run by women to
encourage ladies to get out on their bikes have fun, get fit, meet new friends
and more importantly with a bit of cake indulgence thrown in!! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD4ggjmiQLnfkwOoxoBEWbn9us-CJ5ddnga8_ZCnLWPHy0Qe9ulY0PExt7eDWHQMoeIn6oImmDFkaHaCUDGOWmG8Fmiuh726u7m-MMl-8aaunV4Bra0lIy2uqqeHbZIVtt_ts_vH53IFo/s1600/we-can.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD4ggjmiQLnfkwOoxoBEWbn9us-CJ5ddnga8_ZCnLWPHy0Qe9ulY0PExt7eDWHQMoeIn6oImmDFkaHaCUDGOWmG8Fmiuh726u7m-MMl-8aaunV4Bra0lIy2uqqeHbZIVtt_ts_vH53IFo/s400/we-can.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="background-color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 15pt;"><span style="color: white;">The club
was set up in March 2015 and within a few months had 60 ladies joining, way above any expectations that
Kate and Judith had, and highlighting a demand for women only clubs and how many women are getting into
the sport. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="background-color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 15pt;"><span style="color: white;"> "The secret
to the clubs success is that we are just all normal ladies (some a little
bonkers!) with busy lives, family and work commitments. </span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="background-color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 15pt;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></span>
<span lang="EN-US" style="background-color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 15pt;"><span style="color: white;">We are not super fit
athletes, chasing stats and trying to keep up with each other.</span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="background-color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 15pt;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></span>
<span lang="EN-US" style="background-color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 15pt;"><span style="color: white;"> We are a group
of lasses who like to meet up and ride our bikes, stop for a cuppa and some
cake and have a giggle along the way. We have different abilities in the club
and try to mix our rides so we offer something for everyone, from sportives,
club rides and mountain biking. We also offer beginner rides for those who may
not have been out on their bikes for a few years, and want to start building up
those miles. We normally have a mix of rides, both mileage and elevation wise
every Sunday, and try to all meet at the same cafe stop when routes permit. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="background-color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 15pt;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></span>
<span lang="EN-US" style="background-color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 15pt;"><span style="color: white;">They even cater for those who want a bit more without compromising their spirit.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 15pt;">"We all have
our own personal goals just like any other club rider, and give ourselves a
hard time when we struggle on hills, but the main thing is we encourage each
other to improve and have fun on the way."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="background-color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 15pt;"><span style="color: white;">"We have a good social life within the club on and off our bikes,which highlights the success of the club. Members now actually
enjoy spending time with each other, not just racing each other on the tarmac
or out splashing through the mud. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="background-color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 15pt;"><span style="color: white;">Just
because the lasses have fun doesn’t mean that they don’t challenge themselves –
a few lasses wanted to challenge themselves and planned 100 mile rides in 2015,
others cycled 400km across Tanzania, a 100km night ride in London will be done
by some in May this year, and plenty of sportives have been entered too.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 15pt;">It seems
there is no stopping these Yorkshire Lasses as within their first year they are
also organising a sportive in aid of three women’s cancer charities, Breast
Cancer care, Jo’s Cervical Trust and Ovarian Cancer Action. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 15pt;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 15pt;">Three routes are
being offered a 30, 60 and 103 miles. So far over 50 ladies have signed up for
the sportive which will be a non competitive event, yet challenging enough on
some routes for those ladies that want to push themselves. The shorter routes
also cater for those wanting to do their first sportive. Anyone interested in
entering can do so here </span><a href="https://www.britishcycling.org.uk/events/details/140445/Yorkshire-Lass-Annual-Charity-Sportive"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 15pt;">https://www.britishcycling.org.uk/events/details/140445/Yorkshire-Lass-Annual-Charity-Sportive</span></a><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 15pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="background-color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 15pt;"><span style="color: white;">This month
the club welcomed its 100<sup>th</sup> member and is going from strength to
strength, with their sportive in August and 1<sup>st</sup> anniversary in March
- 2016 is certainly looking like an exciting year for the Yorkshire Lasses. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 15pt;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white;">These girls
certainly know how to have fun and enjoy their two wheels</span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 15pt;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><br /></span></span>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 15pt;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 15pt;">To find out more have a look at their website and blogs </span><a href="http://www.yorkshirelass.cc/"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 15pt;">www.yorkshirelass.cc</span></a>.</span><span style="color: #343434;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Travels with my Mulehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04168113549081846815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7850061910051995620.post-19523441614911981092016-01-15T18:34:00.000+00:002016-01-15T20:09:08.317+00:00Rapha Festive 500 - Its not cricket<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCY4Nt1E2T389nT9rit_kCN6G_VB20MF07J4bi5Vylx0mRrVQbIBVhha6fx3MBTGIbS2tVrEz3XDk0uiVad6HOAOS-B0zpPTEC-LqnepHkKT4p1PT6FUsP6devorLimbgALsGnW6Qna7c/s1600/maxresdefault.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCY4Nt1E2T389nT9rit_kCN6G_VB20MF07J4bi5Vylx0mRrVQbIBVhha6fx3MBTGIbS2tVrEz3XDk0uiVad6HOAOS-B0zpPTEC-LqnepHkKT4p1PT6FUsP6devorLimbgALsGnW6Qna7c/s640/maxresdefault.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">One
of the oldest recognised sports on record is the game of cricket,
which dates back to the 17th century.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">It
was a gentleman's game and if anybody got out, he used to walk without
hesitation or prompting from the umpire. Players, usually from Royal background
or belonging to the upper class of England, preserved their dignity and
believed in playing a fair game and never resorted to abusing, pushing, pulling
or showing disrespect to any player. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">They
also applauded a good show of the opponent and even congratulated them for
taking a wicket or scoring a shot. It was normal and expected that if the
umpire was unable to see something then the player would honestly reveal the
facts which would affect a decision. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">Any
departure from those principles of fairness was considered to be ‘Not cricket’
and often meant that something was unfair or plainly ‘just not right’<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">For
the last few Years Strava in conjunction with Rapha have devised a challenge
called the ‘Festive 500’ which involves cycling 500 km between Christmas Eve
and New Years Eve.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">Well
call me a cynic but I think it’s a bit of a coincidence that Strava’s HQ is in
San Francisco and just down the road is the San Francisco Rapha shop.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;"><br /></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDijPH8CMCUEZMd0TPkfVs1tG2r0KC6WXiJ3RDdmmgFnKUt-LENYDhyXaemhKxOkph-3DfOoQYsHkxs5j2U2K9vxyG7lCX6AhdoGQZ5OSNrv6inwExUEunh1glXYZ6Y58b-7KK4HvjHu8/s1600/IMG_6455-1024x682.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDijPH8CMCUEZMd0TPkfVs1tG2r0KC6WXiJ3RDdmmgFnKUt-LENYDhyXaemhKxOkph-3DfOoQYsHkxs5j2U2K9vxyG7lCX6AhdoGQZ5OSNrv6inwExUEunh1glXYZ6Y58b-7KK4HvjHu8/s640/IMG_6455-1024x682.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4HQzod1zYHO69rwGKXC7hHLW65c2WunnS98f8qw7PcTsZGrlYs63AfAwcW7Ge0kSN7r5Gc6-QOwJYurpAXjZ9KGU4vawIGEY1fcr7_NHzrXlWVogZS1cH6MWjsdEs27ZioHsgpmilz5o/s1600/CCSFC-Bridge-2-1024x694.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4HQzod1zYHO69rwGKXC7hHLW65c2WunnS98f8qw7PcTsZGrlYs63AfAwcW7Ge0kSN7r5Gc6-QOwJYurpAXjZ9KGU4vawIGEY1fcr7_NHzrXlWVogZS1cH6MWjsdEs27ZioHsgpmilz5o/s640/CCSFC-Bridge-2-1024x694.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">With
a December average temperature of 10 degrees c and very little risk of frost or
snow it seems that for those living in California the Festive 500 is quite
tame.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">If however you live ‘North of the wall’ as it were.</span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">In ‘wildling country’ (Yorkshire) .............................it’s a totally
different story.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">Ice,
snow, and any other precipitation horizontally blown by gales that require you
to consider stabilizers for your bike.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">Quite
frankly ‘its just not cricket’<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">Just
like the English and Australians cricketers battling out for a famous yet insignificant
and diminutive urn, I have battled for four years to try and win a cloth roundel. The prize given for completing the cycling Festive 500 challenge.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;"><br /></span>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivqM0IwzyBBEb864yYEpFTtB6Y96ujtTXdCg_yfoI_Abxt7h9WilArcAo2Rf9GtcS2qfwaHEr0ThdABz40t4B6M6KERVJcxSCMDV6IgoEgg-pCnq3V6zcMk7J_PnflyZinZ4vnu4d1fps/s1600/Festive500+Batch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivqM0IwzyBBEb864yYEpFTtB6Y96ujtTXdCg_yfoI_Abxt7h9WilArcAo2Rf9GtcS2qfwaHEr0ThdABz40t4B6M6KERVJcxSCMDV6IgoEgg-pCnq3V6zcMk7J_PnflyZinZ4vnu4d1fps/s320/Festive500+Batch.jpg" width="320" /></a></span><br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">Each
year I have been thwarted by work or family commitments, weather,
illness, injury, accident or a combination of two or more. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">Two
years ago I was so close only to come a cropper on black ice with the end in
sight breaking a couple of ribs.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">After
a mediocre year on the bike I was determined that 2015 was going to deliver me
my roundel.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA6GK15IkY2QpahEhQfggNX_xgqW9IwzRfT0PcU1bv88rNFlyOVl8LwEIPzV3Po9XrTNnzF3OaGVKde9BADwZ865zFN0PVltNVlymmfbZDTwUj567uVxZDX0dSm4w5dA7Mz7RQpruegg8/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-01-15+at+16.14.47.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA6GK15IkY2QpahEhQfggNX_xgqW9IwzRfT0PcU1bv88rNFlyOVl8LwEIPzV3Po9XrTNnzF3OaGVKde9BADwZ865zFN0PVltNVlymmfbZDTwUj567uVxZDX0dSm4w5dA7Mz7RQpruegg8/s640/Screen+Shot+2016-01-15+at+16.14.47.png" width="609" /></a></div>
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Day 1. This provided the sort of daily mileage that I required but with freezing temperatures and biblical down pours my spirits along with my winter boots were severely dampened<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtNWciWfwEidcVpOa_FpVKsgo-7j8QqEWVFmhpPJr8SlKw7nMnI01x0cNQJt7O6Cln24GRiuD7qmBnCOor5lqdqxej72teI00sxsQoZubGCA9BHEAjLAx4H7uNK2U6cPfa8Pu4EMvjNKo/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-01-15+at+16.15.23.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtNWciWfwEidcVpOa_FpVKsgo-7j8QqEWVFmhpPJr8SlKw7nMnI01x0cNQJt7O6Cln24GRiuD7qmBnCOor5lqdqxej72teI00sxsQoZubGCA9BHEAjLAx4H7uNK2U6cPfa8Pu4EMvjNKo/s640/Screen+Shot+2016-01-15+at+16.15.23.png" width="614" /></a></div>
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Day 2. Christmas Day - Another freezing day with strong winds and driving rain. Any mileage a gift on this special day.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmknTH9wzVHzMv9a43n2vnw1wHdjFiT1aLANVNRzIJDEJG2s-1uRhngwNf7BbF_Cg4UQ_sQhdomxEO2Tgvt0aETVLgJMmxatWo1J2jZtotN5R_QOrh3dPNvRcrnBmiz5WmYhckGu3p898/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-01-15+at+16.15.48.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmknTH9wzVHzMv9a43n2vnw1wHdjFiT1aLANVNRzIJDEJG2s-1uRhngwNf7BbF_Cg4UQ_sQhdomxEO2Tgvt0aETVLgJMmxatWo1J2jZtotN5R_QOrh3dPNvRcrnBmiz5WmYhckGu3p898/s640/Screen+Shot+2016-01-15+at+16.15.48.png" width="618" /></a></div>
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Day 3. Fine and sunny day although severe local flooding. All roads had standing water where a pedallo would not have been out of place. Submerged pothole wrote off rear wheel. Not happy reduced daily mileage and now behind schedule.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYWwEbLF7wsJfAivEHU1MbvNgkc9hlkj4FIQuCJJnlKU8-iauU6ghlvRw0b6IQSbg8frPypk7FRbS7v2XZ7mCFWSrHefgMIbNC1AKX8YS1f7rqAY-m9g5V-7xT2xQyCM3uKUm0TK1khqc/s1600/flooded-road.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYWwEbLF7wsJfAivEHU1MbvNgkc9hlkj4FIQuCJJnlKU8-iauU6ghlvRw0b6IQSbg8frPypk7FRbS7v2XZ7mCFWSrHefgMIbNC1AKX8YS1f7rqAY-m9g5V-7xT2xQyCM3uKUm0TK1khqc/s400/flooded-road.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHScV2XQy0AZqIXJpTyQcDnPb9M1vM0eVb0WoA_hCLZCmFG03ObDkbVFtJN6VWDujZRx4TjFoXPj81ZbTsnagvgyUfvqPeuzIkTXSYhh13IymBLoxlRnDlxG0LTq0MWXaGHt6aopSIsHY/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-01-15+at+16.16.11.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHScV2XQy0AZqIXJpTyQcDnPb9M1vM0eVb0WoA_hCLZCmFG03ObDkbVFtJN6VWDujZRx4TjFoXPj81ZbTsnagvgyUfvqPeuzIkTXSYhh13IymBLoxlRnDlxG0LTq0MWXaGHt6aopSIsHY/s640/Screen+Shot+2016-01-15+at+16.16.11.png" width="600" /></a></div>
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Day 4. Great Club ride in freezing conditions but Dry !!!!!!! clawing back the mileage.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWp94yTZVL4pr5zy2dBzFLu8W4JdZz7HKLf70vh0ZyD1Z1vVzNCkMHONUkWEfKTPJ-iKkTE2wPUPsvihmDMNOwFYvq8z3-V2KXwgO8A9zpPlS4FFWxOHv_LvelGDy32u5aUGgwSxvdcFk/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-01-15+at+16.16.32.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="570" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWp94yTZVL4pr5zy2dBzFLu8W4JdZz7HKLf70vh0ZyD1Z1vVzNCkMHONUkWEfKTPJ-iKkTE2wPUPsvihmDMNOwFYvq8z3-V2KXwgO8A9zpPlS4FFWxOHv_LvelGDy32u5aUGgwSxvdcFk/s640/Screen+Shot+2016-01-15+at+16.16.32.png" width="640" /></a></div>
Day 6. Festive 50 Sportive Miles mean smiles.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtsb1Wv0kX8JFNFy9dtRKPuVDlictqJqwr1uRTHNPUtVqNstsghIOoo718bzfznt4OfxjgdiP8cDzfyQhH4T9LQP_IENJb4PEOPv3RYHtm860KHgRtJmlYlwAkTUFemX0i0tyP6QRSAEg/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-01-15+at+16.17.11.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtsb1Wv0kX8JFNFy9dtRKPuVDlictqJqwr1uRTHNPUtVqNstsghIOoo718bzfznt4OfxjgdiP8cDzfyQhH4T9LQP_IENJb4PEOPv3RYHtm860KHgRtJmlYlwAkTUFemX0i0tyP6QRSAEg/s640/Screen+Shot+2016-01-15+at+16.17.11.png" width="582" /></a></div>
Day 6. Another great Club ride...........now back on track<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3UmIohbNES31g_FKlDLgdLcF4VLqxZmw_ZYsZkpGaxV9k86EdBA12EP2thHJLef7vQCgDMwDaL10BQB4io9-IG8aPFeXxjPuIS_nB_MtjsiiE2ta2pOGO4Gu02KKCEKoC4FQELVyoAxc/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-01-15+at+16.17.50.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3UmIohbNES31g_FKlDLgdLcF4VLqxZmw_ZYsZkpGaxV9k86EdBA12EP2thHJLef7vQCgDMwDaL10BQB4io9-IG8aPFeXxjPuIS_nB_MtjsiiE2ta2pOGO4Gu02KKCEKoC4FQELVyoAxc/s640/Screen+Shot+2016-01-15+at+16.17.50.png" width="610" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1xBYC-4pATt9UGZcVf-mNl3jjSOMMCN98DZjRE89BD5OUMt6l27jWvonlep47wFnLxPGov6lpz2mFb2L-1-qpxpEcpfKifecBkZIG9QqA1thHVbg_nKL-1DO2-5AeQISskrjW3FnB-M8/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-01-15+at+16.17.28.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1xBYC-4pATt9UGZcVf-mNl3jjSOMMCN98DZjRE89BD5OUMt6l27jWvonlep47wFnLxPGov6lpz2mFb2L-1-qpxpEcpfKifecBkZIG9QqA1thHVbg_nKL-1DO2-5AeQISskrjW3FnB-M8/s640/Screen+Shot+2016-01-15+at+16.17.28.png" width="610" /></a><br />
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Day 7. With 50+ mph winds I had to get creative with two carefully selected routes</div>
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Day 8. Of course its not cricket, its cycling and its meant to be tough.<br />
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Waiting patiently for my Roundel.<br />
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Travels with my Mulehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04168113549081846815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7850061910051995620.post-57883993368646160322016-01-09T16:12:00.002+00:002016-01-29T12:29:46.051+00:00Happy Mule Year<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2kkIssaLd1m6Rv4g7ePAUHJexdusU-rhCRxZpWHCyo2CH26mFK3C7p9PdS1Vc82OLwCAKmzcckf4jdhfn_TJT2fOvoKtYuuyNx6nQ0La9oak85ZQW4s3w-QI3x-vs1sLqrZIK9Id9bZA/s1600/CIMG2834.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2kkIssaLd1m6Rv4g7ePAUHJexdusU-rhCRxZpWHCyo2CH26mFK3C7p9PdS1Vc82OLwCAKmzcckf4jdhfn_TJT2fOvoKtYuuyNx6nQ0La9oak85ZQW4s3w-QI3x-vs1sLqrZIK9Id9bZA/s640/CIMG2834.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This time of year is very bleak, with post Christmas Blues and Easter what seems a light year away.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">So it's a great time to think ahead and plan.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Whilst others are hibernating the Mules have already started winter training because this year promises to be bigger and better than ever</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Here are some of the events we are taking part in </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Winter Training</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUUXTpBVHWxPk_PpN5Nw6qEqSgaZfdGOrluhOXNPynrhmar3DY36MqUTTXPW-p9wPq-hpoIGWq2-6yIw5FqOupfg8CuqSXXELTyFlfg4yhWAAVZxWWRo2uglLPxUiJrx-6dDI6Ag9gH74/s1600/blogger-image--315724752.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUUXTpBVHWxPk_PpN5Nw6qEqSgaZfdGOrluhOXNPynrhmar3DY36MqUTTXPW-p9wPq-hpoIGWq2-6yIw5FqOupfg8CuqSXXELTyFlfg4yhWAAVZxWWRo2uglLPxUiJrx-6dDI6Ag9gH74/s640/blogger-image--315724752.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3jXpGr7bbl7upn-QMkscar19o1CSzRsgo5LhKARuRXkqnfFscM2058Fd0_Eyv61YUjpOblizjTTusb8tzsXXeLyAzA1dkB6aUN76rKP5YArYsfXYAY2IHGw-AGZrA83IK55YBllc7JZU/s1600/CIMG0331.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3jXpGr7bbl7upn-QMkscar19o1CSzRsgo5LhKARuRXkqnfFscM2058Fd0_Eyv61YUjpOblizjTTusb8tzsXXeLyAzA1dkB6aUN76rKP5YArYsfXYAY2IHGw-AGZrA83IK55YBllc7JZU/s640/CIMG0331.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Joddrell Bank Sportive, Poynton, Stockport</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">26th March 2016</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggEhkqowPgejKBsCZgKzDGKoo64MkTJBLnzP7XFyX44Ou7t2oCqMQHxP5XK7vifIX_NDwiHGDh4BOke7lhW1ovWXeaATcGEbkpg639wrU0fQ-RwviVfUtjEL6kicPXnVh5KzMEYyyyUEY/s1600/1178946.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggEhkqowPgejKBsCZgKzDGKoo64MkTJBLnzP7XFyX44Ou7t2oCqMQHxP5XK7vifIX_NDwiHGDh4BOke7lhW1ovWXeaATcGEbkpg639wrU0fQ-RwviVfUtjEL6kicPXnVh5KzMEYyyyUEY/s640/1178946.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">North Lincs Sportive - Brigg, North Lincolnshire</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">17th April 2016</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Heart of the Wolds - Driffield</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> 24th April 2016</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Tour of Yorkshire Sportive - Scarborough</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">1st May 2016 </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Cheshire Cobbled Classic - Disley, Stockport</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">29th May 2016</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Tour of Cambridgeshire - Peterborough</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">5th June 2016</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Humber Bridge Sportive</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">12th June 2016</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYmX6e7Ep3sXFz0Uaij7MJG7GPgJJjz8fB9l4EAI_giEThJfgM6hI-b2Ch99ZKJeHD08cCZw5dtPjXOOGccwi6ZpLclZmx-BnZ-JyV-BEYOA6rUozFjs-tunSk6r_JGmx3IKR5Fa6vKng/s1600/CIMG0355.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="596" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYmX6e7Ep3sXFz0Uaij7MJG7GPgJJjz8fB9l4EAI_giEThJfgM6hI-b2Ch99ZKJeHD08cCZw5dtPjXOOGccwi6ZpLclZmx-BnZ-JyV-BEYOA6rUozFjs-tunSk6r_JGmx3IKR5Fa6vKng/s640/CIMG0355.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">June - August </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Summer Special Club Rides</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Wolds 123 - Pocklington, East Yorkshire </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">3rd July 2016</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">USA Rockies Tour</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Courage Classic Copper Mountain - Colorado, USA</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">22/23rd July 2016</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Mount Evans, Colorado USA</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">24th July 2016</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Ride London Sportive - London</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">31st July 2016</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Rise Above Sportive - Chester </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">28th August 2016</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Roubaix, Koppenburg, Amsterdam </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">France, Belgium, Holland</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">2- 4th Sept 2016</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Mules Mallorca Tour - Mallorca, Spain</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">17th-24th Sept</span></div>
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Travels with my Mulehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04168113549081846815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7850061910051995620.post-18500659482244610322016-01-01T19:25:00.001+00:002016-01-01T19:44:11.591+00:00Mules go Mad in Mallorca<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Way back in November 2014 The Mules sent an expeditionary force to the Island of Mallorca to determine whether its monument climbs could be accessed and conquered.</div>
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Other requirements were also sought with one proviso.</div>
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That only adjectives beginning with the letter G could be used.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">G</span>ood accommodation, <span style="font-size: large;">g</span>reat bikes, <span style="font-size: large;">g</span>ood food, <span style="font-size: large;">g</span>reat beer, and of course<span style="font-size: large;"> g</span>igantic climbs.</div>
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In the interests of all, hangovers and gastric poundage were obtained along with a bike supplier and stable for the Mules.</div>
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After much preparation the clubs first full blown tour took place this September. </div>
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Assembling at Leeds Bradford Airport we could easily have been mistaken for a syndicate who had just won the lottery. Smiles were fixed and kind of strange, with joviality in abundance.<br />
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For the trained eye there were subtle hints that we were in fact two wheeled athletes.<br />
The odd club cap, Rapha T shirts, and the domed outline of cycle helmets straining inside bags restricted by airline allowances.<br />
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Having a Dr with us is always good, having a Spanish one that speaks more languages than a united nations translator is a bonus.<br />
That is until the Italian Flight attendant asks if there is a Dr on board the plane.<br />
Super Mario (Manuel) was able to provide sufficient assurance to a poorly passenger and flight staff that we didn't have to go to Paris.<br />
We had no bikes waiting for us there !!!!<br />
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The Hotel anticipating our arrival sorted our rooms out in double quick time to ensure that we could relax with a few Cerveza by the pool.<br />
During the libations there were a number of tentative auditions in an attempt to mimic Daniel Craig emerging from the water. Nobody came close.<br />
The following morning the Mules emerged starry eyed with the anticipation of both pleasure and pain.<br />
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We were collected by a mini bus which towed our bikes in a trailer and were driven to Inca where we started our first ride. </div>
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It was simple, ride to Sa Collabra and then back to Palma before drinking beer and wearing are pre purchased Rapha Sa Collabra T Shirts.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Aet2Kgn8ho7-GhZoqq-yxaSfpofLAh2tMDXD3Oshgse8AjWMqZj92AfAp8pdV2Pk1fUezh5j2uVxqLQdGL0ZOEefqlEA-EO9mLHGOXMwG6IF7wQBVT8eaN6DevekSP_cDeF7EyV9EzE/s1600/IMG_2893.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Aet2Kgn8ho7-GhZoqq-yxaSfpofLAh2tMDXD3Oshgse8AjWMqZj92AfAp8pdV2Pk1fUezh5j2uVxqLQdGL0ZOEefqlEA-EO9mLHGOXMwG6IF7wQBVT8eaN6DevekSP_cDeF7EyV9EzE/s640/IMG_2893.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hey Shrimpers Sa Collabra is just round the next bend</td></tr>
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After climbing for what seemed half a light year we eventually crested and came across a Cafe with lots of cyclists milling around. 'Thank F**k for that I thought' I heard that Sa Collabra was tough but it was in fact a killer. </div>
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After taking my first sip of coffee I practically spat it all over the table on hearing that 'We had only just reached the Mountains'</div>
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Sa Collabra was miles away. Andy Worrall at least found it amusing</div>
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The adrenalin that comes with fear soon kicked in and as we passed through the tree line the task at hand suddenly came into perspective, quickly followed by my repeated turrets.<br />
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It was magnificent and terrifying in one snapshot.<br />
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Being too engrossed in the mattress densities and the alcohol content of the beer, I had spent little time researching the Terrain during the preparations. It was not until I was surrounded by the set of Lord of the Rings (Mount Doom) that I realised that with Sa Collabra you have to go down, then climb up.<br />
Its the toughest 'cul de sac' in the World.<br />
I like going downhill fast......... especially with the added risk of almost certain death if you miscalculate your descent. It gives you a heightened sense of focus, or madness.<br />
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Of course what goes down must also come up. about 12 mins down and an 70 mins back up.<br />
For some (Malcolm) it was pretty routine.<br />
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For me it was a hallelujah moment.<br />
Right up there, a bucket list top ten at least.<br />
The daily ride was only 62 miles but my suffer score was reaching 300.<br />
Epic they labelled it - They were right.<br />
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Prior to the ride I did not really like the Rapha 'Sa Collabra' T shirt.<br />
Visually it reminded me of a biology class at school and learning about the Spirogyra.<br />
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One of the characteristics of the Spirogyra is that it produces great amounts of oxygen and<br />
after I had stopped panting and brought my heart rate down to a sensible level I eventually saw the irony.<br />
Sa Collabra did look like a Spirogyra but instead of producing oxygen it demanded it like a disgruntled highwayman.<br />
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The evenings celebrations continued well past a sensible time but this was a trip about riding hard and playing hard. The humble Mule only knows it tough.<br />
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<span style="text-align: justify;">The next two days saw further adventures and frolics and of course numerous visits to various watering holes.</span></div>
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For the seasoned cyclist going to Mallorca, Gran Canaria or Teneriffe has become and integral part of Spring training. I see all the benefits but for me its better as an end of season blow out.</div>
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<br />Travels with my Mulehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04168113549081846815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7850061910051995620.post-28907420816821181472015-12-31T16:12:00.002+00:002015-12-31T17:04:47.726+00:00Ride London 2015 Revisited<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3z7Sqq4RBebq0xcVDjO9L-V1ALz6cIhLGmXzSLnNCmtI5UiMRYUV-9zBCKqAt9k9YnD1lXUGOa_ZEDNjE_0Kc9AhtGXBr-E60q9GCS045fvnfxg6bpMo7ngRskYWYEuBIJ4PhwnuBMjs/s1600/File+08-08-2015+11+41+45.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3z7Sqq4RBebq0xcVDjO9L-V1ALz6cIhLGmXzSLnNCmtI5UiMRYUV-9zBCKqAt9k9YnD1lXUGOa_ZEDNjE_0Kc9AhtGXBr-E60q9GCS045fvnfxg6bpMo7ngRskYWYEuBIJ4PhwnuBMjs/s640/File+08-08-2015+11+41+45.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">The Drama</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivuKUMo3jo1CaMrfglq3sU76v9_GBdSY_r89zVRthDH-tSIQZRHq2DzzJTcCx6CKFbHVFuw9FTNfZC6SjnW7fZrYv1MZn1HrJggjHUV1TZYrg1KmYFXhDOFhg5zk3PTo7sYDSd7sLGsuY/s1600/IMG_2568.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivuKUMo3jo1CaMrfglq3sU76v9_GBdSY_r89zVRthDH-tSIQZRHq2DzzJTcCx6CKFbHVFuw9FTNfZC6SjnW7fZrYv1MZn1HrJggjHUV1TZYrg1KmYFXhDOFhg5zk3PTo7sYDSd7sLGsuY/s640/IMG_2568.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Mules United</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">When I first rode 'Ride London in its inaugural year of 2013 I unashamedly finished with tears in my eyes - Tears of pure joy. In a different body those feelings may have been replocated by being part of a star studded Peloton, but in reality I am just a MAMIL, a (Middle aged man in Lycra), a dreamer with a predominantly two wheeled imagination.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Ride London brought and continues to bring my dreams alive to a level that is palpable.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">After a disappointing storm affected 2014, </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">2015 provided an even greater event. Riding down the Mall in a Mule 'Chain Gang' at close to 50 kph, after 100 miles of sun drenched euphoria was truly - living the dream. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Doing it with your twin brother along with other English, Welsh,Polish, Korean and Yorkshire Mules from our Cosmopolitan Club made it all the extra special.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The joy, camaraderie and endeavour can be seen in the following pictures.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiysJcCw1d-KoIsTD9CQzWqY3sMslGa08WjOUxHKBTsP_NFL4nrWzonROZU5l5GH7jBsvoGhpKjPqww2fWT-KpbrYn-P4vt-IZ374vj83pSrUz6_2Y5QeZbuGYgXX-JetscjKAKNzgIjwI/s1600/File+04-08-2015+06+44+14.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiysJcCw1d-KoIsTD9CQzWqY3sMslGa08WjOUxHKBTsP_NFL4nrWzonROZU5l5GH7jBsvoGhpKjPqww2fWT-KpbrYn-P4vt-IZ374vj83pSrUz6_2Y5QeZbuGYgXX-JetscjKAKNzgIjwI/s640/File+04-08-2015+06+44+14.jpeg" width="480" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Ro</span>chelle Gilmore - Founder of Wiggle Honda Womens Team</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQHn4cZRlNe15IT2YlgJcNGLXptJQaHsAi0g5s4mAgRJMD6LfCZluRivvmfmyIPzVJOCoF2IcmIB-WfesVyAI0_WX8EhWiVmVKTCPGBHcs-ByvjAbXb_uBbfxxY_y2daEJpEr-En1gZ4Y/s1600/2015-08-01+11.35.40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQHn4cZRlNe15IT2YlgJcNGLXptJQaHsAi0g5s4mAgRJMD6LfCZluRivvmfmyIPzVJOCoF2IcmIB-WfesVyAI0_WX8EhWiVmVKTCPGBHcs-ByvjAbXb_uBbfxxY_y2daEJpEr-En1gZ4Y/s640/2015-08-01+11.35.40.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Malcolm and Pam showing that two is not always a crowd</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6A9oluMUiTTuIaasCmMuuH3Ho_Qf8eInB0Xdh8tO1lFx-E7Wxe33Qqu8zJBkfCCn7k1FvLVOk04rt_NnibPSU5VLNJ4iziUlkxvOWnM3dMZIipKduabg6for7BV_HGmb6tK2MZMWcUaU/s1600/2015-08-01+13.50.53.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6A9oluMUiTTuIaasCmMuuH3Ho_Qf8eInB0Xdh8tO1lFx-E7Wxe33Qqu8zJBkfCCn7k1FvLVOk04rt_NnibPSU5VLNJ4iziUlkxvOWnM3dMZIipKduabg6for7BV_HGmb6tK2MZMWcUaU/s640/2015-08-01+13.50.53.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Malcolm recruiting new riders for next season</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3MlJKkO1bEyIdqTAHNaSPbyvZNUhncol29QDzviJIxD2cuUlh0gfMDVIB1uXJo5JxP7eOjJMo6TDtkZY4NLDK5WpIaIaMOTrRaS2NgpqbEcktlmgqw5650HtZWOR-6g6Yix0xslWmlVU/s1600/2015-08-01+13.51.12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3MlJKkO1bEyIdqTAHNaSPbyvZNUhncol29QDzviJIxD2cuUlh0gfMDVIB1uXJo5JxP7eOjJMo6TDtkZY4NLDK5WpIaIaMOTrRaS2NgpqbEcktlmgqw5650HtZWOR-6g6Yix0xslWmlVU/s640/2015-08-01+13.51.12.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Matt and Katherine</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_3tEaB9UW7aieD3cTbqK0pTFYIUyKJww7U5XuUcyR62Gl8OdtIk4Lk6wUJv5EIm3BlmhrCNJQUuFlHIlag4aEd7aDSMqjZuyVkCANAqQKs_2A5d_wiKtY7wm8J2j0e9lRKAQBfxaC8hQ/s1600/2015-08-01+19.20.21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_3tEaB9UW7aieD3cTbqK0pTFYIUyKJww7U5XuUcyR62Gl8OdtIk4Lk6wUJv5EIm3BlmhrCNJQUuFlHIlag4aEd7aDSMqjZuyVkCANAqQKs_2A5d_wiKtY7wm8J2j0e9lRKAQBfxaC8hQ/s640/2015-08-01+19.20.21.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Race Time</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0BtPqPwUkH81APOoc2lqXxhwxPZESKO_nTMXd94jkwad8CRqO9_TiqPo2TKnUvm4nXXWKKvWW_Q4SudT6cd1Y3rl8VbL_VGXUBzzM373s-dUEXnHOuPzwTI60dM8KuyBUF1tkbDD_ADM/s1600/2015-08-02+04.28.42.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0BtPqPwUkH81APOoc2lqXxhwxPZESKO_nTMXd94jkwad8CRqO9_TiqPo2TKnUvm4nXXWKKvWW_Q4SudT6cd1Y3rl8VbL_VGXUBzzM373s-dUEXnHOuPzwTI60dM8KuyBUF1tkbDD_ADM/s640/2015-08-02+04.28.42.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">4:30 AM Ready to rumble</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDFhCBvslJAJhg9PTute3zUzewLtdCGGMrr5DnwtRY4mcT_qO6dsBRf8Nlw4NiBeJwWLWtI-KwDJaWmUPtgcNnHea2H5ueNflgdYAVwRetibGoH-HdE_JEfbQDqr1jc6TXseYrwk9QS3s/s1600/2015-08-02+06.20.46.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDFhCBvslJAJhg9PTute3zUzewLtdCGGMrr5DnwtRY4mcT_qO6dsBRf8Nlw4NiBeJwWLWtI-KwDJaWmUPtgcNnHea2H5ueNflgdYAVwRetibGoH-HdE_JEfbQDqr1jc6TXseYrwk9QS3s/s640/2015-08-02+06.20.46.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">The start</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr-kQ7qBIc0wey2KkswsdrKP7HUfSnpTvO6f40xjO_aczomtlGLvOOnPOpCaz8HBGjygYx-jIfZFtS05xbvNqgkmVKwIHqcnuu1G5sL_gyAQLuEfWB0yI_yVemNeAEf7oGmVVmT8eHnhY/s1600/File+08-08-2015+11+42+07.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr-kQ7qBIc0wey2KkswsdrKP7HUfSnpTvO6f40xjO_aczomtlGLvOOnPOpCaz8HBGjygYx-jIfZFtS05xbvNqgkmVKwIHqcnuu1G5sL_gyAQLuEfWB0yI_yVemNeAEf7oGmVVmT8eHnhY/s640/File+08-08-2015+11+42+07.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Anglo Dutch breakaway</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDJWN-9Kv16Yl_Nn0oYFqfwqQcPuTMMXrRm8NQ1SVBjuab6l-_LWjrzmFhL7msGEW1Suyj2l5QsI8cIdTd7jf3c51x8b-at5210ewgjx_tYgjfFt6kCL0hOL2nYc5xWA0qGUgQWctdKoI/s1600/File+08-08-2015+11+36+53.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDJWN-9Kv16Yl_Nn0oYFqfwqQcPuTMMXrRm8NQ1SVBjuab6l-_LWjrzmFhL7msGEW1Suyj2l5QsI8cIdTd7jf3c51x8b-at5210ewgjx_tYgjfFt6kCL0hOL2nYc5xWA0qGUgQWctdKoI/s640/File+08-08-2015+11+36+53.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Box Hill or in Yorkshire a rural speed bump</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKA0r09xR9NBGniEbDXVj5-nnKQWVpHKIdtoPiiOxhurps1PRAHaOXfvSVonEb1oZPK16V7gd-pPAHqwn1KS6PsZmlqZhxL6iGqgm5LNqyHq0F16iHkEQYBz63B-2HFypsNVi2aZhI8GU/s1600/2015-08-02+14.19.45.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKA0r09xR9NBGniEbDXVj5-nnKQWVpHKIdtoPiiOxhurps1PRAHaOXfvSVonEb1oZPK16V7gd-pPAHqwn1KS6PsZmlqZhxL6iGqgm5LNqyHq0F16iHkEQYBz63B-2HFypsNVi2aZhI8GU/s640/2015-08-02+14.19.45.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">The Yorkshire Mules</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdYJT8f3tHlDDcZ1nONIKHDsmEVPIO9-Wa3jWJFnQ6VKhbqGzGx_60LK4l9uFAGvqUL8igmo2nmakcWw2aWuiQep90E-3bzo1h0w6MJy5m4YCSbrrIZJJd0tBG3v3F1ACoJmjbPmtQxoU/s1600/File+08-08-2015+10+22+57.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdYJT8f3tHlDDcZ1nONIKHDsmEVPIO9-Wa3jWJFnQ6VKhbqGzGx_60LK4l9uFAGvqUL8igmo2nmakcWw2aWuiQep90E-3bzo1h0w6MJy5m4YCSbrrIZJJd0tBG3v3F1ACoJmjbPmtQxoU/s640/File+08-08-2015+10+22+57.jpeg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">The Finish</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">A record number of Mules have applied for 2016 so watch out for the Mule trains.</span></div>
Travels with my Mulehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04168113549081846815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7850061910051995620.post-84049650241850158952015-07-30T19:19:00.000+01:002015-07-30T19:19:13.476+01:00Malcolms Madness<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpe5pH2WAijRdiLD9yUdhAieyX3QEWxEihyphenhyphenKRSfBzoShx2qLpbqTCX_lgjh2wt3aaTeJ_1mEuaMR7zTRDPIe-jaGVPrHXdw51sV3W4_FDlUQ1sLP4tBmvzXLjLkmFnxRBX0XJAQRncTDE/s1600/2015-07-18+09.54.53.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpe5pH2WAijRdiLD9yUdhAieyX3QEWxEihyphenhyphenKRSfBzoShx2qLpbqTCX_lgjh2wt3aaTeJ_1mEuaMR7zTRDPIe-jaGVPrHXdw51sV3W4_FDlUQ1sLP4tBmvzXLjLkmFnxRBX0XJAQRncTDE/s640/2015-07-18+09.54.53.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Each year since the Mules Club evolved we have embarked on a 'Summer Club run' designed to test our metal and have some mutual suffering. Usually this has involved finding a masochistic route with a selection of double digit gradients on the local North Yorkshire Moors.<br />
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During the actual rides it would become custom to laugh at our stupidity and pained gurning expressions, to tell exaggerated tales of elevated wheels, lack of gears, and descents breaking the land speed record.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi43u35X32HIksyFItlk0g-mpwlL35XeLrEwouMxmJgur_5L5do4Zz0hX7By0oMRznTww7dG8heBW6KAV6Ac-MVrlxw25S1MGu-8VVKq20pQXoiy-3ktQ8iKvWfZsPNNFIEwL8q-y53GTs/s1600/2015-07-18+10.52.01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi43u35X32HIksyFItlk0g-mpwlL35XeLrEwouMxmJgur_5L5do4Zz0hX7By0oMRznTww7dG8heBW6KAV6Ac-MVrlxw25S1MGu-8VVKq20pQXoiy-3ktQ8iKvWfZsPNNFIEwL8q-y53GTs/s640/2015-07-18+10.52.01.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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This year the task of selecting our route was devolved to 'Malcolm' who is known by some as Lucifer or 'Diablo' for the wry smile he presents when watching his fellow riders suffer.<br />
It is said that Lucifer fell from great heights, well this one descended on a Canyon Racing bike and wants nobody to return to the paradise that a summit might offer.<br />
He would carefully select gradients to keep his disciples legs burning from his 'Velo Hell'<br />
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Amongst dozens of unnamed climbs he chose Blakey Ridge as our monument climb, way up on the North Yorkshire Moors. A place so remote that I expected to see 'The Slaughtered Lamb' and some American back packers deviating from the road.<br />
Malcolm also put in his order for some gale force wind and squally rain to stack the odds in his favour.<br />
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Prior to our departure some of our club members started to drop out perhaps knowing 'The route', Malcolm, the weather or all three!!!<br />
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What alarmed me was the calibre of riders left.<br />
I am no climber - but I can climb.<br />
Knowing my limits I tackle these beasts as slowly as I can, often reassured that there will be some who will suffer more than me. For this trip I knew I was to be the 'Lantern Rouge'.<br />
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Those who elected to go or were drugged by Malcolm were all related to Mountain Goats, where I was a prairie dog.<br />
Maybe .......the thought passed my mind. I would be Lucifers first Victim?<br />
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The countryside was breathtaking, and the initial 'Rises' as Malcolm put it -were significant ascents to me. As the terrain became more exaggerated so did my breathing and sense of terror like a condemned man travelling to the Gallows.<br />
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Well Blakey arrived and it did not fail to disappoint, rearing up from the valley bottom like a striking Cobra, all menace, aggression, and terror.<br />
Malcolm was already hatching his next devilment by the time I arrived at the top, shaken and stirred and in need of some splints for my legs that felt like 'under set' Jelly.<br />
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When its all over and you are fortified by Cake and Ale things never seem so bad.<br />
Malcolm knows us well.<br />
He gives you just enough pain - but not too much, to ensure that he gets to choose the route next year.<br />
Isn't that what the devil would do?<br />
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All in all the day was spectacular and my stories have have exaggerated to new heights.<br />
Thank You........ Lucifer<br />
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<br />Travels with my Mulehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04168113549081846815noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7850061910051995620.post-20970916639773133152015-07-04T20:46:00.000+01:002015-07-06T09:31:30.861+01:00Toerclub Volendam - Here come the Dutch<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
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(Dutch Corner at Alpe d'huez (Tour de France) velo passion personified)<br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16pt; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16pt; text-align: left;">As
I have previously reported the passion for cycling in the UK has grown
exponentially over the last few years but for one neighbouring country in
particular that passion has always been there.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: white;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16.0pt;">People
often remark that Norwegians are born with skis on, well the Dutch have a
similar trait.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16.0pt;">They
are virtually born with a bicycle - or <i>fiets</i> -
attached to them. </span></div>
<span style="color: white;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: white;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Almost as soon as a Dutch child is able to walk, he or she
learns to ride a bicycle. They grow up on bikes. They ride them to school as
soon as they are able to and</span> </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16pt;">when they are nine years old, they are expected to pass an
informal test - an actual cycling demonstration - and earn a cycling diploma.</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16.0pt;">As teenagers, they go out on dates on bikes, with one person on
the front and one perched side-saddle on the back. Lovebirds, young and old,
ride side-by-side, precariously holding hands. People of all ages and
socio-economic status - including government and other dignitaries - regularly
commute to work on bikes (a flat bicycle tire is a common excuse for being late
for work). Police patrol the streets on bikes, and most holidays of choice
involve bicycles.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #262626; font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16.0pt;">And bicycle use continues throughout old age.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #262626; font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #262626; font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;"><a href="http://www.iamexpat.nl/expat-page/survival-kit/cycling/general-information"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Cycling in the Netherlands</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16.0pt;"> is a
way of life. It is second nature. The Dutch do not typically get up in the
morning and say "Today, I think I'll go biking." They just do it
routinely, as a matter of course. They run errands, shop, go to work, and
socialise on bicycles. They also carry anything and everything on a bike,
including furniture, numerous shopping bags, four or five children… and even
the family dog.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #262626; font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16.0pt;">Practicality and day-to-day bicycle usage go hand in hand in the
Netherlands; indeed they are the cornerstones of life in this traditionally
Calvinistic nation. There is very little that is not done on a bicycle in this
cycling utopia where an astounding 29.000 kilometers (18.020 miles) of
dedicated bicycle paths (<i>Fietspaden</i>) lace this tiny country of only
41.526 square kilometers (16.033 square miles).</span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #262626; font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16.0pt;">Global model for cycling </span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #262626; font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: white;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16.0pt;">With the largest proportion of bicycles transportation and the
highest density of bicycle facilities in the world - including a
cycling-dedicated infrastructure bar none - the Netherlands is considered to be
the global model for cycling. Bike paths run alongside almost every road here,
and there are even separate traffic lights for cyclists at virtually every
intersection, with the bicycle symbol appearing in red, yellow and green. The
infrastructure is totally geared toward cycling, making it a serious mode of
transportation and an integral part of Dutch society.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #262626; font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;"> </span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16.0pt;"><span style="color: white;">The Netherlands is the only nation in the world with more
bicycles than people. In a country with 16,5 million people, there are 1,1 bicycles
for each one - or roughly 18 million bikes. In Amsterdam alone, there are
approximately 550.000 bikes, versus 215.000 autos. 75% of all Amsterdam
residents (aged 12 or older) own a bicycle; half of them use it daily. That
astounding, nationwide fleet of bicycles - the highest bicycle density in the
world - has a major impact on such a tiny country.</span><span style="color: #262626;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: white;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16.0pt;">Cyclists’ paradise</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #262626; font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you happen to come
into contact with a car the driver of the car is deemed to be at fault unless
he or she can prove otherwise.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16.0pt;">If Heineken did cycling - they would surely use Holland <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16.0pt;">Maybe that why it’s a Dutch Brewery.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #262626; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit62sft4i0Viqd82TxVub8fcrRl4Np1qDXoYFbw37KHH8vWZAmnCPVVkqmd3OUJ600Bh-mazU-v1MT_lKJaZ9paGR8_D2PiOHtQYnshNsgbKe6gtrOMH7aOGaCG0qohwADtDxnIVr45VA/s1600/WP_20150617_013+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit62sft4i0Viqd82TxVub8fcrRl4Np1qDXoYFbw37KHH8vWZAmnCPVVkqmd3OUJ600Bh-mazU-v1MT_lKJaZ9paGR8_D2PiOHtQYnshNsgbKe6gtrOMH7aOGaCG0qohwADtDxnIVr45VA/s640/WP_20150617_013+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #262626; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16.0pt;">Earlier this year we were contacted by Rob van der Plas of the
Toerclub Volendam, which was founded in 1989 and has over 400 members.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16.0pt;">They wanted to do a mini tour riding from Volendam to Rotterdam
(Ferry to Hull) 100 miles or so around East Yorkshire before getting back on
the Ferry and riding home.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16.0pt;">They asked for some local guidance and support and the Mules
were honoured to help.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16pt;">On the morning of their arrival the heavens opened to ensure a
traditional English welcome.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16.0pt;">I had mistakenly thought that there were 17 riders an amount
that one might expect on a mini tour.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16.0pt;">I was wrong -There were in fact 70 !!!!!!!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16.0pt;">Comprising of men and women of all ages and sizes there were
some common themes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16.0pt;">They could all cycle with skill, politeness and etiquette that
sadly I rarely see in group riding within this country.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16.0pt;">They snaked through the countryside of East Yorkshire with tempo
and self-discipline providing a spectacle for the locals who instinctively put
their hands together in applause. The first part of the route was confined to
the Holderness plain (Flat lands), which would have been similar terrain to
what they would be used to.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16.0pt;"><span style="color: white;">We then turned inland to Burton Agnes, Kilham, Langtoft and then
over to Sledmere Hall for lunch.</span><span style="color: #262626;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaB4XDe61g37-ccIOaFdsceqDw8Bukgn-J4z2HbXxNrbnmJxNSLimTtKDhoQhUwws3o4jso1l3uyQQfzVuboiTwG0x3XAQ3OlaRM6KiAjzr1UziUP95K2E93MCo-H-bhA4HfwdL3B2dUQ/s1600/2015-06-13+14.18.01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaB4XDe61g37-ccIOaFdsceqDw8Bukgn-J4z2HbXxNrbnmJxNSLimTtKDhoQhUwws3o4jso1l3uyQQfzVuboiTwG0x3XAQ3OlaRM6KiAjzr1UziUP95K2E93MCo-H-bhA4HfwdL3B2dUQ/s640/2015-06-13+14.18.01.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVxJKTDiFuvKZnbTYfJbEL8tWGukfPxEIrwUQmpUALwl2AQnvg_v7D3LUiFKXNv2-f8MGMOAnryDN5ac7Rvah5VdCsqb9LJZAIk1qJpIgV_A8sPa9h1X_QKJvOu-96-1j46CVf8oD4DW8/s1600/2015-06-13+14.16.50.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVxJKTDiFuvKZnbTYfJbEL8tWGukfPxEIrwUQmpUALwl2AQnvg_v7D3LUiFKXNv2-f8MGMOAnryDN5ac7Rvah5VdCsqb9LJZAIk1qJpIgV_A8sPa9h1X_QKJvOu-96-1j46CVf8oD4DW8/s640/2015-06-13+14.16.50.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16.0pt;">We were joined for lunch by the ‘sun’ that obviously decided to
come out in appreciation that the rain failed to dampen anybody’s spirits.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCk9jAZbI_NkQACgksDN7Fuz90n5QuA6IuaxLfpxhmeRtjF5D9GTYXwFwvB8iVu14J8TbdigaQjdL5xnDpFxR2zdqcIp3oewLA1LATq9hRcuX1_GUgaTaAyZprpmTA2KG2VWa5YfmOmYI/s1600/2015-06-13+17.11.29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCk9jAZbI_NkQACgksDN7Fuz90n5QuA6IuaxLfpxhmeRtjF5D9GTYXwFwvB8iVu14J8TbdigaQjdL5xnDpFxR2zdqcIp3oewLA1LATq9hRcuX1_GUgaTaAyZprpmTA2KG2VWa5YfmOmYI/s640/2015-06-13+17.11.29.jpg" width="640" /></a><span lang="EN-US" style="color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16.0pt;">After lunch the course got a bit lumpy towards Fimber,
Fridaythorpe and Huggate before dropping down to Beverley via Middleton on the
Wolds and Lund.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16.0pt;"><span style="color: white;">The feeling of leading such a large bunch was exhilarating even
more so when some of the riders asked me to slow down. It was not something that I have often had say to me before, but something that i have often said as I slip off the back on a big climb. </span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16.0pt;">I eventually left the group close to Beverley with a great feeling having had one of my most enjoyable rides ever.I hope to stay in touch with the Dutch for a return visit.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Travels with my Mulehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04168113549081846815noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7850061910051995620.post-73587965720305636412015-06-20T20:15:00.000+01:002015-06-20T20:15:13.842+01:00All in a Spin<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">During the earlier part of the year when people were talking about the shortest rather than the longest day, I sought solace in the gym in order to maintain my cycling experience through undertaking almost daily spinning classes.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I unashamedly am happy to identify the Velocity gym at the Village Hotel in Warrington as my choice of venue. They provide a comprehensive spin programme with a variety of different classes and if you are shy or don't like dance music, you can tailor your own workouts through 'my ride-virtual spin'.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mark who hosts a double spin class on Tuesdays knows a bit about cycling and tries to replicate the road cycling experience in the class both with his workouts and through his imaginative commentary.After one class he told me that we had just ridden on the A5004 from Whaley Bridge to Buxton up 'Long Hill'. Judging by the amount of sweat that soaked the wooden floor beneath me, id say that we probably did.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Spinning gave me a lot this year with 'summer form arriving' in April, personal bests served to me on most rides, and the ability to climb and find others still behind me when i get to the top. Despite the better weather I still spin once a week on Tuesdays with the promise of further Peak district Hills.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Spinning also brought me something else.........Sarah May</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTc7YciHNL1iiu0IT3HDC1VlStMPNC12WL4paxWABRSnw04jv7SltZn7fIrsJdIA_RBIgYYp3BM-jPsjFEbKv6qsQ2T8lNBhWKjdXHZanl-6iTKCp1uidQoSydLItTk3br3W0F8bDFyXU/s1600/image003.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTc7YciHNL1iiu0IT3HDC1VlStMPNC12WL4paxWABRSnw04jv7SltZn7fIrsJdIA_RBIgYYp3BM-jPsjFEbKv6qsQ2T8lNBhWKjdXHZanl-6iTKCp1uidQoSydLItTk3br3W0F8bDFyXU/s400/image003.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Each winter night whilst I was trying to keep my personal data on the 'myzone screen' in the red, other far more impressive challenges were going on behind me.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sarah and her husband Jeff were spinning too.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I had passed the time of day with Jeff on a number of occasions after he had commented on my Mule Jersey and determined that the spin studio was my winter retreat.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I soon convinced him that I also rotated pedals in a way that moved you forwards.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He exclaimed that was what Sarah was doing</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Moving forwards.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was then that I learned that it was not that long ago that Sarah was on a dialysis machine with a grim prognosis after kidney failure.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The only help would be through a new Kidney.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was then that my education began, firstly I did not realise how many people have kidney failure through a variety of reasons and secondly how difficult it is to find a kidney that would match.The process is long and drawn out providing a roller coaster of emotion.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Amazingly in Sarah's case she got a kidney that came from her brother. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For most people after going through such trauma, being well again would be enough, but not for Sarah.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">She wanted to help others in the same predicament and became heavily involved in a charity called 'Kidneys for Life'</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Sarah does not take her health for granted and rejoices in being 'Well' </span><br /><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">She decided that this summer she would ride with a few friends on a sponsored cycle ride from London to Paris.</span><br /><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Such is her infectious personality and positivity she has now persuaded others to join her, surgeons,other transplant patients, friends and family.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Knowing that there was not a great deal of cycling experience I offered to help out with some coaching but Sarah and Jeff soon persuaded me that I ought to cycle the trip too.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What could I say</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Cycling from London to Paris has always on my bucket list and I look forward to completing it. I hope that over the </span>coming months I can in some small way help<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> Sarah and all the other riders to provide them with the confidence, stamina and ability to reach the Eiffel Tour with me.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Any money raised will go to helping people live lives that we take for granted.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is where my readers come in.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I have provided a link to my just giving page on the right hand column</span></span></div>
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Travels with my Mulehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04168113549081846815noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7850061910051995620.post-16314688264451645122015-06-07T17:29:00.000+01:002015-06-07T17:29:52.361+01:00Tour de Winterfell<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I love Music. During my impressionable years I would listen to music constantly, from Blue grass to Grand Opera there were no horizons on my route of discovery I wanted to embrace it all.<br />
I would rejoice in often finding an artist who would inspire me. Who would present a complete package of lyrics, musicality and harmony, to provide me with an irresistible audible treat.<br />
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I would deliberately seek those who were lesser known, so that I could covert them for myself, then in time delight in telling people of the Jewel that I had found.<br />
This contradictory action never served me well as universal popularity was never far away.<br />
I don't like sharing.<br />
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When the Tour de France came to Winterfell (Yorkshire) I could not have been more proud.<br />
To see all of my cycling heroes ride, sweat, bleed and suffer on the same stretches of road as I have ridden, it was awe inspiring.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeb4jZn-zm46Pnuep-5a6u1yS7pwxBrb0lvhQ9yIDhaCZd9CdDRmXD8QeiBO8C9RXWO4vc-tQWN25qLDbsAvHu-TYRBXj8zByodNxreVA2Wymct9soxIbipK-XpEOjkeGi-Nyyk4g7tns/s1600/DSCF0805.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeb4jZn-zm46Pnuep-5a6u1yS7pwxBrb0lvhQ9yIDhaCZd9CdDRmXD8QeiBO8C9RXWO4vc-tQWN25qLDbsAvHu-TYRBXj8zByodNxreVA2Wymct9soxIbipK-XpEOjkeGi-Nyyk4g7tns/s640/DSCF0805.JPG" width="640" /></a>Of course I knew that everyone south of the wall would be searching for their winter coats and shoe covers prior to leaving Kings Landing. For the total urbanites within the metropolis, enquiries were made to see if roads and rail links stretched this far or whether our hostelries still heated water over an open fire.<br />
During the two day visit to the White Rose County the population of Yorkshire probably doubled where the foreigners to the south of Westeros were treated to the delights of the northern lands and hospitality, with the odd wildling emerging from the roadside crowd from time to time.<br />
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Their famous "Box Hill" may feature in Britain's 100 Greatest Climbs but surely such a visit would put it into some sort of perspective, its nowt but a sleeping policeman compared to some of tut Yorkshire hills us Folk would say.<br />
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When the tour moved south to Cambridge and finished at Kings Landing it thankfully drew the likes of the"Lanisters" back home, leaving Winterfell for us Yorkshire folk to cycle in at our leisure.<br />
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I was not ready to tell people about Winterfell, but with the exposure of 'Le Tour' it was out in the open. Having now realised that we can offer hot and cold running water, breath taking scenery and a passion for cycling that you could only find in some parts of Italy it was soon announced that Winterfell would have its very own Tour.<br />
So it came to pass that in May 2015 the first Tour De Winterfell took place.<br />
Stage 1 from Bridlington to Scarborough taking in the North Yorkshire moors<br />
Stage 2 from Selby to York taking in the East Yorkshire Wolds including Newbald (My village) for which we now have the famous "Cote De Newbald Climb"<br />
Stage 3 from Wakefield to Leeds via the Yorkshire Pennines which also ran an amateur sportive held on the same course hours before the professional race.<br />
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Once again the crowds flocked in and the participants were treated to a right royal welcome by us Yorkshire folk, each village was adorned with bunting yellow and blue painted bikes and cheering crowds. I had the good fortune to gain a place within the sportive and was privileged to have a taste of 'a view from the road' on the professional circuit with thousands of cheering supporters. <br />
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The weather was horrendous with heavy driving rain and a chill in the air which made the arduous course all the more challenging. Climbing up Howarth Main Street on wet cobbles was the highlight of the day. Something that will resonate for years<br />
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Of course as soon as the pros started the clouds disappeared and the sun came out ensuring that their experience of Winterfell would not be dampened by the elements and provided further evidence that if god was a mortal, he would have been a Yorkshireman!<br />
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One month on, the bunting and bikes remain on the route although the graffiti on the roads is now fading, what we do have though, is an influx of new riders finding the treasures that I have encountered for the past 8 years cycling around the lands of Yorkshire.<br />
Sometimes it is good to share.<br />
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<br />Travels with my Mulehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04168113549081846815noreply@blogger.com0