Richmond Dales Sportive

When people talk about the beauty of the Yorkshire Countryside, its a bit like saying they like birds when they have only ever heard the sound of a nightingale.
Appreciating Yorkshire in its fullest glory is best achieved by imagining you are having a 'Right royal feast'

with contrasting dishes served separately to enhance their own individual charateristics.

There are the alluvial flat lands of the Holderness plain and Vale of York, rich in Agriculture and the bread basket of the county.
The Yorkshire Wolds which if painted blue would resemble a sea swell after a violent storm, rolling through the countryside with even unbroken waves of colour.

The eastern coastline is both sharp and blunt, with high cliffs to the north, and Marshlands around the Humber Estuary.

To the South and West the great Yorkshire cities spread out along the backbone of Albion.
Perched high on the leeward side of the Pennines, the dark Satanic Mills replaced by studio flats and cooperative workshops.
Towns and villages named in such a way that they could only ever be pronounced in a Yorkshire accent.

Then finally there are the Yorkshire Moors and Dales.
If you like your scenery through the TV remote control we are talking 'Heartbeat' and 'All creatures great and small' - I prefer mine via a more primitavite form of combustion - The bicycle.

The beauty of the moors has always been known to me having lived in Goathland, but the Dales are an area that I have only previously passed through - driving a 'car', such a waste.

On Saturday I took part in the 5 Dale Richmond Sportive with high expectations.
I was not disappointed.
Sometimes words are not enough.............so ill just take my hands off the keyboard

Duncan Collins and Yours Truly on top of tut Moor

Swaledale



Dry stone walls - made by man from what nature provided



Descent from Tan Hill



Duncan



'Stay on the road lad....dont wander onto the Moor'



Thank god there is no westerly gale!!!!!!!



Raw Beauty

Ba ram ewe

Highest pub in England

One of hundreds of 'field barns'

Cavendish a Yorkshire Man?

Mark Cavendish backs Yorkshire's Tour de France bid


Mark Cavendish and Ben Swift are backing Yorkshire's bid to bring the Tour de France to the county in 2016.

Cavendish, who won the green jersey last year for being the Tour's best sprinter, said: "My mum is from Yorkshire so I'm proud to be backing the Yorkshire 2016 bid."
Team Sky team-mate Ben Swift said he would love to see a stage of the race run in his home county. "It would be amazing to be part of the peloton through the Dales," he said.

The first two days of racing, the Grand Depart, are held in a new location outside France every two years.

The Yorkshire Grand Depart has a great ring to it !!!!!!!!!

The Yorkshire Tourism Agency called 'Welcome to Yorkshire' say that the route would take in Leeds, Scarborough, York, Hull, Sheffield and the Yorkshire Dales.

Yorkshire is competing against Barcelona, Venice, Berlin and Scotland for the right to host the 2016 stages. Stages were last held in the UK in 2007 when London and Kent played host.

Cavendish, who has won 20 Tour de France stages, believes the county's natural beauty will prove attractive to the race's organisers.

"The county would provide a stunning backdrop to the Tour as well as a real test for the competitors," he said. "I have fond memories of holidaying in Yorkshire, a lot of my family still live there and it would be fantastic if the world's greatest cycle race could come to Yorkshire."

Swift added: "It's special to say you've raced the Tour de France, I'm proud to be able to say I have. I would love to see the Tour come to my home county, and I hope Welcome to Yorkshire can make it happen in 2016."

More than 185 countries around the world show the Tour de France every year on 92 different television channels with the last hour of every stage broadcast live across western Europe.

Gary Verity, chief executive of Welcome to Yorkshire, wants the public to back the bid by signing a petition on their Back le Bid website.

"Some may see us as outsiders but we think Yorkshire has a lot to offer, not just our stunning scenery but the passion of our people and the expertise we have in hosting world class sporting events," he said.

Being a Yorkshire man I am totally behind and will do what I can to provide support please visit the
 Back le Bid website. and pledge your support

Inspiration

Today saw me break the 1000 mile mark for the year. Last year I did over 1000 miles in March alone so I am a bit behind both in Mileage and my annual weight loss.
Its a tough time...........The days are now getting longer and excuses shorter.
The usual commutes to work and occasional weekend rides are now replaced by obligatory commute extensions and longer rides at the weekend.

Although the cycle patterns have changed the weather has not - its still cold and icy, with lashings of rain.
Its far more suited to sitting in the lounge bar of your favorite pub than cycling in multiple layers. My legs have only been on show twice !!!!!!!!!

When my alarm goes off at 5am the birds may well be singing, but its still dark and I'm not quite ready for a duet.
The temptation is always to hit the snooze button multiple times, until its impossible to cycle for fear of being late.
When presented with those moments I used to think WWLD (What would Lance Do?)
That would always do the trick and Id be up and away.

Unfortunately my body has become immune to WWLD as some of the answers have become a bit ambiguous.
So I now look for new inspiration and WOW there is a lot of choice out there.

When I first got into cycling there was very little British interest in the Tour de France and I had to look to the track to find my first cycling Hero - Graham Obree 'The Flying Scotsman'.
Who flew around the track in such a position that I felt uncomfortable just watching.
A radical genius and tortured soul. Hero Status 9/10.
Then there was Chris Boardman, a reluctant Hero. His achievements were undeniable but he never really got me excited especially when he could only ever do a few days of the tour before retiring. Hero Status 6/10

After supporting American riders for years along comes Bradley, who I think maybe one of the best all round cyclists this country has ever seen. He has Pace, durability, Stamina and always seems totally relaxed and unfazed.

He would score 10/10 but being a Liverpool FC football fan I do have concerns about his mental health. Hero Score 9/10
Cav the boy Racer. World road Champion - Don't you just love him.

People say he is arrogant - not me. Every time a microphone is put in front of him he shows remarkable humility and always credits his team for any of his personal achievements. He is fast and very passionate. Hero Status 10/10

In the UK we have two brothers who can swim, cycle, and run pretty much faster than everyone in the world - The Brownlee brothers. They are from Yorkshire too - Where else. Hero Status 9/10
Vicky Pendalton has been the pin up girl of women's cycling for years now. You are now more likely to see her in a glamour magazine than on a cycle. Whilst the cameras have been focused on her, another star has emerged. - Joanna Rowsell
Joanna Rowsell is the new women's cycling sensation and pursuit champion and she has the attitude that makes hero makers purr.

Having lost all of her hair through Alopecia many young girls would avoided the public performance - Not Joanna -the 23 year old has used her condition to spur herself on and to draw the Camera away from the glamour to what really matters - The cycling. To see her ride is truly a thing of beauty. Hero Status 10/10

Last August Karen my friend, and wife of one of my closest friends had a tragic cycling accident in Texas whilst preparing for the annual Hotter than Hell ride. She had to be air lifted to Houston Memorial Hospital with a serious head injury. Her recovery has been slow and frustrating and she is still not well enough to return to work. This week she has an eye operation to try and help speed up her recovery. Myself and all of the Mules wish her well. If ever I needed an inspiration of courage and guts Karen provides it daily. Hero Status 10/10.

Paddy my twin brother has been the driving force behind the Travels with my Mule cycling team (The Mules) in the USA and whatever the weather he is out there, bullying, coaxing, encouraging, supporting. Whatever it takes to get folks cycling and smiling.

He would be the first to admit that his own personal fitness and weight have hindered his own aspirations and he has sometimes struggled to overcome this.

Not this year though.!!!!!!!

This year he is an inspiration. Fitter, lighter and stronger and starting to look like a cyclist rather than a cycle enthusiast. Hero Status 11/10

The snooze button is no Option

Baah Humbug

In the lead up to Christmas I seemed to Metamorphosis into a new being - a cross between Mr Scrooge and Victor Meldrew.
Impatience, frustration and temperance now hung from me like a well tailored suit.
Usually such characteristics are watered down by my cycling activity, but with a combination of severe 'Man Flu' and Storm force gales my cycling opportunities have been restricted.

As well as being battered by the elements , the country had a bad head. It was still hungover from a prolonged visit to 'The Public sector Arms'.
Mr Cameron may have provided some paracetamol, but everybody knows they don't work.
To make matters worse the saloon bar was still open and 'the hair of the dog' beckoned.

For my part frugality had already changed from a sub conscious notion, to a way of life.
Bike instead of Car, Jumper instead of Central heating, Water instead of Wine.......(Apart from special days) you get the idea.
In the same vein I had tentatively agreed to a Christmas present embargo.
This was not entirely by choice but by necessity - I was flat broke.
My children laughed when I told them to expect no more than a hug and a Clementine.
However their sense of humour diminished somewhat when I placed some spherical shaped presents under my tree substitute.

My weekly visit to the local outdoor market usually a pleasant experience was toilsome.
The stalls I usually visited to buy fresh fruit and vegetables were replaced by ones selling mobile phone covers. The fish stall was replaced by another selling other items that often find themselves on the seabed
RUBBISH !!!!!!
With my evening meal compromised I now contemplated the alternatives.
'I Pod Covers in an Ambre Solaire Sauce' .................... maybe not.

People close by to me smiled and engaged with one another.
'Have you got it all done yet?' seemed to be the most common phrase, where the act of Christmas shopping seemed to be treated with the same gravity as some 12th Century Church restoration.
Although I took no offence at this festive foreplay, I had questions.
Why should it be done in the middle of an over populated market walkway, directly in front of my path, and with the offending persons usually larger than your average Christmas Tree.

When I got home my twin brother Paddy called from Houston and he too was full of Christmas Cheer!!!

I tried to appear interested as he told me about the US Mules taking part in a jingle ride. Apparently they hold an organised ride around parts of Houston where they decorate their bikes. They then ride in an illuminated procession, singing carols, and spreading goodwill. Nice.

Usually I would have embraced such a venture and would have been excited for him, but I was as flat as a deflated tyre on the homeward stretch.
Sensing my ambivalent attitude he asked me how I was? This is not always the smartest question to ask. I grant you that most people say 'I'm fine' or 'Great thank you' even if their world is falling apart. But very occasionally somebody answers truthfully.

I started with the Clementine story and an hour later finished with ................'And the weather has been so rubbish my pedals have not turned once!!!!' I think my long suffering brother was finally pleased to put the phone down.

Later that day I received an E Mail from him. It read 'I loved the Clementine story so much that I want you to be able to buy some more' I have cabled you a surprise.

Although the weather was still rubbish, and my man flu went on and on and on........the Christmas present embargo was called off and the clementines were returned to the fruit bowl.

When I wrote to Santa earlier in the year I asked that the letter be directed to Rapha

with the hope of getting some new cycling apparel.

For those of you who have never heard of Rapha sending my wish list to them is the equivalent of sending a whiskey connoisseur to Scotland.

You can get Scotch anywhere but if you want quality there is only ever one place.

Happy New Year

Ambition is the last refuge of Failure

When Oscar Wilde wrote that 'ambition is the last refuge of failure' people applauded at yet another insightful phrase from this perceptive wordsmith.
Once the clapping had died down they then argued about what was meant by it.
This in turn ironically played the phrase out as ambitious scholars had to accept that their own interpretations were possibly flawed.
My own take on this is that 'Ambition' is a positive attribute, a driving force, a will to succeed.
Where could 'failure' possibly find a refuge in such a state of mind?

I believe that Wilde probably perceived that with ambition there comes 'challenges'. A desire to do something 'out of your comfort zone' or 'out of reach' .

With such new ventures there is always a greater possibility of failure because of the unknown. Life often requires practice, a succession of dress rehearsals. How many times do you get things right the first time?

Last Saturday Simon and I took part in the Pocklington Pedal Challenge 100 mile sportive. A traditional type sportive with challenges provided through frequent arduous climbs, zig-zagging between the Vale of York and the East Yorkshire Wolds. It included two trips into Thixendale an idyllic village only accessible to riders who have put in their winter training. Somewhere you would be as happy to leave as you would to arrive. To visit twice by different routes was as imaginative as it was sadistic. I can just imagine the organisers having a jolly good laugh as they thought up that one !!!!

On arriving at the start I was overcome with a great sense of unease as I walked to the signing on area. The gale force blustery winds were tugging at my clothes and caused me to tilt forwards in order to make progress. As we lined up for the start I surveyed the depleted entrants knowing that the remainder had sensibly silenced alarms and pulled the covers back over there helmetless heads. It was one moment in time that I was actually grateful for my additional poundage as some of the stickmen would surely be blown from hill tops. We were set off in two minute intervals and Simon and I took up the rear, with an almost immediate call of nature by Simon we were soon adrift. The first hill soon arrived the 400 feet, 16% gradient, and 35 mph headwind was a difficult equasion but =3.8mph of progress. It also required the skill of a high wire performer required to remain on two wheels. After 35 miles we started overtaking folk.........some who were forced to walk up some of the hills due to the wind/gradient conspiracy.

After 75 miles we were as close to the finish as we had been all day. Simon was suffering the psychological affects of having me glued to his wheel all day. Sensibly it was a position I was eager not to relinquish without a significant reduction in speed. He questioned the satisfaction and pleasure that the day had brought and suggested that we call it a day. I agreed.

So is this failure Mr Wilde?.........No way. Surely in these circumstances the lack of achievement is never 'failure' but merely a lack of success.
As I complete this blogpost I am following the weather for tomorrows sportive in Lincolnshire.

High winds and torrential rain.......................Although I intend to start there may be some further 'lack of success'.......... and ample supplies of water.

Guilt free shopping

After months of training it is now close to action time with my first Sportive next Sunday.

Its a 90 mile sojourn around West Yorkshire, starting at Harewood.

This is organised by Evans cycle retailers and is part of the Evans 'Ride it' series.

As well as looking forward to the ride, I am also interested in evaluating its organisation, as I have never ridden in an Evans 'ride it' series before.

I will be joined by two new Anglo Mules :- Bobby and Mark who keep me fit as I try and hang on to their back wheels.

The beautiful Harewood House

As it is the first proper event of my cycling calender I wanted to make sure that I looked as smart as possible to do the 'Anglo Mules' proud, so decided to invest in some new bibshorts. Ones which could be colour coordinated with my Mule Jersey.

When I looked at what was on offer and the price range, the ones I really wanted just happened to be the more expensive type.

Naturally I had to set that in balance with my newly adopted recession induced, frugal lifestyle.

The result was NO new bib shorts.

Whichever way I looked at it there was no justification for the cost.

So with a sad face it was out with the needle and cotton to darn last years worn garments.

As I punctured my thumb with the sowing needle for the 8th time my white top was starting to take on the appearance of 'The king of the mountains shirt' with circular red blood spots strategically staining the surface.

It was at that point that I had an epiphany.

If my car ever needed a new tyre I would replace it

If it needed gas I would fill it up.

The same would apply for water, oil, and other more specialised fluids.

If the brake pads/discs needed changing or even a costly new cam belt.....my hand would reluctantly go into my pocket without a moments hesitation.

When the garage was paid Id mutter at the cost and kick my heels.

You never actually get something you can love for your money.

My car is rarely used now although it is kept for essential journeys - like taking by bike to events!!!!!!

With soaring fuel prices I actually save over £100 per month by using my bike through commuting.

The propulsion mechanism is in fact myself........me!!!!!!!!!

I am the engine.

You don't see many cars travelling down the road with their pistons exposed or with the bonnet open.....its totally unheard of.

Engines should be suitably covered at all times!!!

I'm sure there is a law that says so.

So within moments my New Castelli bibshorts were ordered.

Please note, they are not fancy cycle wear

They are my engine casing.

An essential part of human combustion.

Wrong Legs

When I prepare for my longer weekend ride I am far more methodical about my approach. There is no longer the need to simultaneously drink coffee, empty my bladder and brush my teeth - My pedal deity actually affords me some preparation time.

Whats more the time is now in daylight.

This enables me to have a fair chance of actually seeing what I am doing and also wearing.

It ensures that I am not later mistaken for a two wheeled advert for Josephs and his technicolour dream coat.

I sometimes wonder what it would be like to choose items other than clothing to accompany my ride.....Like a slim Torso, a thick mane of hair to protrude out of the side of my helmet, but most of all to have some 'bike legs'. I usually find my own about June time but it would be nice to borrow somebody Else's in the meantime.

For the flat I would have those belonging to Fabian Cancellara, for the climbs Marco Pantani, and for the mixed Terrain Miguel Indurain

Saturday saw my 8th consecutive day of cycling and 78 miles deep into the Yorkshire Wolds to the tiny village of Thixendale. Most local cyclists shudder at the name as it is usually features in all of the local sportives providing challenging descents followed by gruesome climbs by four different routes out of the village.

On this particular morning my legs were definitely not my own.

I strongly suspect that they had been provided from Shaun of the dead or donated from Douglas Badder they quite stubbornly decided that they did not want to obey my request for high tempo spinning, electing instead for a more sedate rotation.Seemingly this obstinate stance was contagious with the elements catching on.

We set off heading North - Gentle Northerly Breeze.....OK

Then North East - Brisker North Easterly Breeze ............mmmmmmmmmm

Then East - Brisk and cold Easterly.......Not Funny

We then headed back towards Beverley due South.

The wind playfully turned to a near gale and moved over to the South West.

NOT AMUSED !!!!!!!!

Still there was sunshine and good company, with the exception of my legs.