Thoroughbred Mules untouched by Godolphin Scandal

On the eve of the first Classics of the season, racing was rocked last night by one of the biggest doping scandals of modern times when the British Horseracing Authority announced that 11 horses, all trained by Mahmood Al Zarooni under Sheikh Mohammed’s Godolphin banner in Newmarket, have tested positive for steroids.
The immediate consequence is that the 11 horses have been banned from running and one, Certify, the unbeaten filly who is vying for favouritism for the 1,000 Guineas, will miss the fillies’ Classic at Newmarket.
The long-term the implications for Al Zarooni are serious. While Godolphin might one day just recover from the taint this brings to Sheikh Mohammed’s organisation, Al Zarooni is facing a long or possibly lifetime ban from the sport after admitting administering prohibited substances to his horses. His employment prospects within Godolphin must be under threat.

This is a clear indication that even the wealthiest of stables can not always produce the goods!!!!!!

HP News caught up with Race Trainer Paddy Shrimpton who heads the more modest 'Mules Stable' in Houston, Texas.
'Some of these big racing teams bring too much pressure on themselves. There is an expectation from the owners, Sponsors and anyone else that buys into such regimes'

The Mules are a million Miles away from such stables as Newmarket, Sky, and Orica Green Pastures but they feel they have got it right.

Paddy Shrimpton again.
'Our stables are empty on events day with all taking part in various events around the globe.
Somebody has to come first and somebody last but participation is equally important.
Without an event there are no positions to be gained'.
The only stimulus our entries get are Gatorade and Mule Bars 

Paddy a colourful character speaks modestly as recent results show that this approach has its merits.
Within the Mules Stable there is actually some real class.

Meridith Bunkers a young promising Filly is new to the Mule stable but has already shown off the Mules colours in the winners enclosure - competing and winning the Houston Grand Criterium
Cat 3 is surely within reach now

Meridith on the Top Podium Step in full Mule Livery -
'We are so proud' Paddy Shrimpton

Paul Wakefield has been racing for sometime in the highly competitive men's Crit racing and has a handful of podium finishes.

Paddy has the last word:-

I don't want to comment on dolphins they belong in the sea not stables.

I just want to talk about my Mules.

All of our stable are special, we are like a big family.

If one wins we all win

The Wind in the Willows

In Kenneth Grahame well loved children's story the Wind in the willows he depicts a tale of four anthropomorphised animal characters in a pastoral version of England.
The novel is notable for its mixture of mysticism, adventure, morality, and camaraderie things that I both like and appreciate.
The story opens with Mule ............sorry I was meant to say Mole
For those unacquainted with such a creature a Mole is a bit like a Vole, which in turn sounds a bit like Vowel
As O and  U are both Vowels and the difference between a Mule and a Mole, in essence they are very similar, and permitted in my story.

Anyway Mule - the Mole is a mild-mannered, home-loving animal, and the first character to be introduced. After hibernating all winter and waking a bit early he passes the time away cleaning his house and completing any other chores that he can think of.
 Eventually he gets fed up with this and ventures out onto the riverbank where he meets other adventurers in Toad, Badger and Ratty.

I feel for Mr Muley the Mole.

This winter my bikes have done less miles than in any previous winter.
Our fair Isles have not been fair.
We have been battetred by severve Gales, Snow right through and out the other side of easter, and enough Ice and Cold to attract Eskimos for a weekend break.
When we have ventured out...its been Grim.
So grim that rather than have a latee afterr my ride at The Corner House I have been forced to consume The Full English, washed down with Guiness and a Brandy Chaser.
Is it any wonder that Im now in deep Therapy at slimming World.

Like Mr Mole I understood the frustrations of having to stay in, and wait for the time to be right.

From the comfort of my now overused sofa I took some comfort from watching the proffessionals 'Man up' and ride in some dreadful weather.

I am sure some of the sponsors would have been wincing

I felt especially sorry for the grim faced Vacansoleil riders.

Their distictive livery depicting the sun with their main sponsor a Holiday company.

I dont think Vacansoleil do winter breaks.

As all good things eventually come to an end, well thankfully so do the bad ones.
Although the road ahead may sometimes be bumpy there is always a destination at the end of it.
Just ask Fabian Cancellara he gets a free shirt to boot.

With clothes chosen from the winter catalogue a small handful of Mules undertook the North Lincolnshire Sportive our first of the year. With modest training under our expanded belts we opted for the 100km route.
If it had been a training ride I am sure there would have been no takers as the wind was up to and gusting over 40mph......It was grim.

Despite that, and in our usual masochistic way we all got something positive out of it.
Congratulations to Ben (One of our New Mules) for completing his first Sportive and Metric Century.
For part of the Route we were joined by Carl pictiured below also on his first sportive. Great riding!
For me it reminded me that the season is now upon us and that I need to start blogging again.

So wishing you all great riding and I am pleaed to confirm that normal service has resumed

Ride London - If you have the right postcode

Last year when it was announced that London was going to host a massive weekend of cycling I was overjoyed.
Already caught up in the tidal-wave of post olympic gold plated euphoria it seemed to me like an announcement for another Christmas Day.
When the events were finally formalised and included a 100 mile closed road sportive I was positively salivating.
That was until I realised that there was a ballot.

Its funny how such a word can mean so much and offer so little
One mans ballot is another's prejudicial toolkit.

By now you may have detected my tone of disappointment - you guessed right I did not get in

I am well versed at entering cycle events both here and overseas which include events with even greater participation. I appreciate that there always have to be limits which are governed by a multitude of factors.

Usually such applications are selected on a first come first served basis and you know directly if you have a place.
If your a real cycling enthusiast you will know or be aware of an upcoming event and if you apply on the date that it opens you can pretty much be guaranteed a place.

I entered ride London on the day it came on line along with most members of our club in the UK and five from America.
I did so in the realisation that I might not get in, but with the reassurance that statistically some of our members would.
The maths was easy 55,000 applied and 20,000 were to be accepted.
So at least 3 or 4 would get in

But hey of those 55,000 there must have been some discarded
Surely the organisers had checked the credentials of the applicants who may had stated they had completed 'The Cheshire Cat' in 5 hours? Or in listing their previous rides got the wrong dates as they copied events from old cycle magazines. Bitter.....of course

So with my new calculations it was not unrealistic to think that maybe 5 or 6 of our club members may have got places. I could live with that.

Being a domestique is a role I am quite accustomed to on the bike and I am sure I could do it manfully in the London suburbs.
Holding bikes and handing out bottles whilst suffering the hardships of supping over priced warm beer.

When I found out that I had not been selected I was actually quite emotional and felt a huge sense of disappointment.
I immediately starting calling my friends to have them lift my mood with their potential acceptance.
Unfortunately my mood was not lifted but changed from disappointment to anger when nobody got a place.
This was further inflamed when my twin brother in Houston informed me that all 5 of their entries had been accepted !!!!!!

Clearly my statistics are all to pot
If you are living in East Yorkshire you get 0% chance
If you live in Texas you get 100% chance

Maybe the Tour de France organisers should have organised the ballot, after all they saw no problem with us Yorkshire folk by bringing the Tour here next year.

Getting the Cold Shoulder

2013 could not have started sooner.
By the time January the first had arrived my wardrobe was more than ready for my seasonal diet.
My belts were on their last notches and I only had one suit left that fit me.

Redundant clothing retired in wardrobes or slept in drawers, safe in the knowledge that any requirement would certainly not be immanent.
The last days of December had witnessed me waiting for the last two digits of the year change to 13, whilst I tried to cram yet another festive treat into my cavernous tum.

I had decided that 2013 would be my year.
I know I say that every year.
And to be fair every year I do get a little better.
But every year I am also disappointed by thinking what I could have done, by not quite getting to where I wanted to be.

This year had to be different.
With the Mules Club officially starting on the 1st of January I wanted to use that as my motivation, and in turn try and motivate and inspire other riders.

The year started well.
With some mild weather in the first two weeks I had already cycled the same distance than I had in January 2012 and the weight loss was great.

Rather try yet another fad diet, I just applied physics.

Eat healthy food in smaller portions
Ensure that output is greater than consumption.

I had always ate healthfully - with every meal prepared or cooked using fresh produce.
I flatter myself by saying that the food was just too good.
What I had previously envisaged would last three days would be eaten within three hours.

Now I just use a small side plate.
The circumference of the plate is my new boundary.

Last week the weather put a stop to my outside riding with Ice and heavy snow.
Cycling in the Snow is great if the roads are clear and can be quite beautiful.
However Ice is not good.
Not only can you come off, but people can end up colliding with you.

In previous years I would have crumbled, taken a time out and delayed my campaign until the end of January or at least until things got better.
Warm fires and comfort food would have have prevailed and my will power may have cracked.

As I said earlier 2013 is different.
This year I found it as a minor annoyance and looked indoors.
My focus was obviously rewarded as I have rediscovered my passion for Spinning or Indoor cycling.
If you have not tried it - do.
It is a popular class in most Gyms and offers something different.
I know Taylor and Chris our US Mules are Spinning Instructors and do classes in Houston.
I have made do with Beverley Leisure Centre 

When I first started cycling I dd a lot of Spinning and loved it, but after a while felt I was missing out on road time and did it less and less until I stopped altogether.
On a bike you can draft and take it easy if you want.
With spinning there is no such luxury. Its intense.
A good thirty minute workout on a Spinning Cycle can burn as much as 500 calories. Even at challenging levels other cardio equipment couldn't burn that many calories in such a short time.

Spinning is primarily an anaerobic exercise, pulling energy from your reserves and building up your muscular endurance over an extended period of time. However, there are also aerobic benefits of Spinning. Planned Spinning programs include both endurance and cardiovascular training during the workout. At several points you may be required to break your steady pace and speed up to increase your heart rate.

Heart health is an obvious benefit, as is lung capacity. As you work harder during your Spinning workout you will learn to work on controlled breathing, as well. This may help you with anxiety and help lower your heart rate when you get into a situation where physical exertion begins to take your breath away.
Progress at Your Own Pace

Whether following a live instructor or video, the amount of resistance you apply, as you gain strength and endurance is up to you. Each spinning bike has a resistance control knob within easy reach of the handle bars. It works something like switching gears.

 Spinning keeps the pressure off of your knees and feet. You are able to work out hard on a Spinning bike without hurting your knees and feet. It is also a good workout for those who cannot use the treadmill or elliptical because of arthritis.

Spinning instructors never give up when it comes to talking about technique and posture. Correct posture is important to working the right muscle groups. In addition to the major leg muscles worked during a Spinning routine, the abdominal muscles get a workout, as well.

As you spin, unlike racing a bike on the road, you get an upper body rhythm going that helps you keep your leg rhythm. The movement from a slightly bent position and side to side works both the central abdominal muscles and those along the side of your abdomens.

You may not see immediate results of your abdominal work, but over time you will feel your entire body begin to tone up, including your abs.

Regardless of your fitness level riding Spinning bikes keeps everyone together. This goes beyond sitting in the same spinning class, but each individual works equally as hard at their own level. It is amazing how you can feed off of the energy of other riders when you begin to fatigue and start thinking you might want to quit.

Riding together also gives you the opportunity to encourage others. You can inspire those who have not yet reached your level of fitness, while those stronger than you inspire you. Working together, everyone who spins can reach their goals.

Spinning also builds mental strength. When you spin, there are good days and bad. The important thing is that you carry through with your regular Spinning routine. Push through difficult times. Push up hill climbs and push through endurance training.

Self discipline of the mind gained in spinning can be applied to all areas of life. I have found it most beneficial in areas of self-control and confidence. Spinning helps develop a positive, "can do" attitude.

I look forward to getting back on my bike, but intend to keep this indoor activity a key part of my training.

Jumping on the Mule Train

(Left to Right: Philip Shrimpton, Dave Hill, Kenny Rhame, Patrick Shrimpton)

In 2009 the concept of 'The Mules' emerged during the completion of the Annual MS 150 Houston to Austin Charity cycle event in America.

That year was significantly different.

For the first time ever, day one was cancelled, because of extreme weather conditions.

Despite that four of the regular  MS 150 Riders (above) which included my brother Paddy and I, were shaken but not deterred.

After spending months of trying to get people to sponsor us, we felt that we would be cheating our sponsors if we only completed the shorter second day.

 All of our backgrounds were connected with risk in its differing forms so we felt well placed to properly assess the conditions. 

Our conclusion was that we decided to ride.

It was not totally reckless, we knew that we would be fully supported and able to monitor the weather systems...... closely.

We did  receive some 'well meant' criticism from some quarters - suggesting that we were mad, and these comments were noted.

If it were not for them the Mules may never have evolved.

For out of respect for those views, it was decided that we should not to ride in our team colours, but as a quartet of like minded fellows.

These events were catalogued in an early blog (Renegade Riders) 

As we cycled towards Bellville we discussed many things as we dodged tornado's, including the values that made us get up that morning.

Amongst the subjects was the idea of making our own team, something that reflected our values and made us different.

We all had experiences of local cycling clubs where the emphasis was on personal improvement and competitive development.

Where riding in the 'Red zone' seemed to be semi compulsory and the desire to chat was negated by the need to maximise your oxygen intake, or to put it in Yorkshire Speak....You were blowing out your Arse!!!!!.

We wanted people to ride for fun and kinship to enhance personal development and present competition as being something you did against yourself.

With our objectives sorted the only thing that was missing was a suitable name.

At that time I was a fledgling blogger and the name of my site 'Travels with my Mule' seemed to resonate with us all.

Paddy suggested we call ourselves Travels with my Mule.

2009 seems a long time ago now.

From that quartet in 2009 our ranks have swelled.

Paddy organised Jerseys, Bibs, beers holders (Very Important) a SAG Wagon and was instrumental in bringing people together in the Houston area of Texas to ride as a team, train as a team and drink beer as a team.

More importantly to partake in Charity endurance rides.

They set up a great social scene with organised monthly social gatherings.

Paddy also set up a website http://www.travelwithmymules.com/ which provides links to all that we are 'about', including a direct link to this blogsite.

To a lesser extent I went back to Yorkshire and sold the concept to friends and work colleagues where we too were able to form our own more modest group which has grown in stature and in numbers.

We followed the US template with charity events throughout the whol;e of the UK and frequent social gatherings.

The name Travels with my Mule was soon recognised as a bit of a mouthful so we now just call ourselves 'The Mules' both in the USA and UK.

A name that has been uttered by many MC's now where people no longer say

'Who are they?'

As we have grown the Mules have taken part in more varied local and international rides which have supported local and national charities on both sides of the Atlantic, We have also organised endurance social rides for our members exploring terrains in far flung places.

A full list of these can be found on the website.

In order to keep up our momentum and to ensure that others dont miss out and our able to  join our Mule Train we are becoming affiliated to our respective cycling bodies in the United Kingdoam And the USA.

The US Mules have already become part of US Cycling Registering as 'The Mules International Cycling Team'.

They even have their own recognised Cat Riders performing in the Mule Livery.

Paddy naturally was nominated as president but he is ably assisted by Ivonne the team Secretary

(Steve and Ivonne)

Ivonne and her Husband Steve are new members to the team and have ensured that the wave of enthusiasm continues to build.

Such is the progression of the US Mules that they are now able to actively get involved with local charities who want to host ride events to raise money. One such charity being 'Cycle for little Heroes'

In the UK we have just had our first AGM and have appointed officers to form a committee.

Being from 'Up North' in England the we are seen as people who like 'Committie meetings' which has been the 'but' of many comedians over the years - including Monty Python.

I think we are portrayed as being unsophisticated, illiterate yet full of our self importance, with  committee meetings being held with the same reverence as Christmas.

Ours was very amusing and Full of Christmas Spirit......'Famous Grouse', 'Chevas Regal' and 'Highland Park' to be precise.

We have now formed 'The Mules Cycling Club' with myself as Secretary, Duncan Collins as Chairman and Karen Gooding as Treasurer.

The rest of the hard core riders are now committee members.

Tomorrow we will look to be registered with British Cycling and actively boost our own Membership.

Whether Anglo or US Mule our goals are the same.

To promote cycling to all members. To do so in such a way that is inclusive, supportive and encourages participants to enjoy the sport and achieve their own personal goals. As well as promoting a healthier greener lifestyle we are also dedicated to raising funds for various charities through the various events we undertake.

If you want to know more about joining either check out the website.

War on Britains Roads

In the light of recent high profile cycle/car exchanges with Bradley Wiggins and Mark Cavendish both coming into contact with motorised vehicles, the lovely BBC decided to highlight this issue in a documentary inappropriately titled 'War on Britains Roads'.

As a cyclist comuter and car driver I found it great entertainment, when really I should have seen it as thought provoking.

'BBC' - Thank you for entertaining me, whilist at the same time alienating me from my other road users.

British Cycling has described the BBC’s ‘War on Britain’s Roads’ programme, which aired on BBC1 on Wednesday evening, as a ‘missed opportunity’ to paint an accurate picture of what cycling is like on Britain’s roads; to publicise the work that is being done by government, cycling organisations and other concerned parties to improve conditions; and to take a look at European examples of how our roads could be.

The documentary told the story of an alleged ‘war’ between cyclists and motorists, through the lens of a number of cyclists using helmet-mounted cameras; interviews with cab drivers and lorry drivers and through a moving interview with Cynthia Barlow, Chair of Roadpeace, whose daughter Alex Jane McVitty was killed by a left turning cement lorry whilst cycling to work in London in June 2000.
British Cycling believes that the documentary failed to give a balanced picture of cycling on UK roads and distorted the relationship between cyclists and motorists, through its almost total concentration on accidents, near misses, violence and conflict between cyclists, pedestrians and motorists.
“the overall tone and story of the programme is an inaccurate portrayal of how people cycle and drive on the roads. The majority of people who cycle or drive do so in a safe and careful manner."

Ruth Jackson, British Cycling Campaigns Manager said: “There were some good aspects to the programme, Cynthia Barlow’s story in particular was very moving and she made some excellent points on how cycle safety can and has been improved.
But the overall tone and story of the programme is an inaccurate portrayal of how people cycle and drive on the roads. The majority of people who cycle or drive do so in a safe and careful manner.”

Prior to the programme airing Chris Boardman joined many voices from the cycling world in criticising the programme’s sensationalist angle, Tweeting “Here's an idea, I'd like to make a program on what cycling CAN be in this country, any takers...?” on 4 December.

Jackson continued: “This was a missed opportunity and we join Chris Boardman in asking for a programme on what cycling can offer the country,” alluding to the examples of major European cycling centres such as Copenhagen, Amsterdam and Utrecht, with infrastructure and legislation which provides the ideal opportunity for cycling to flourish.

The programme portrayed cycling as a dangerous, stressful activity, concentrating solely on collisions, near misses and aggressive behaviour caught on camera and posted on YouTube. Jackson, however, point out that “statistically, cycling is much safer today than it was 20 years ago, and it is as safe as walking. There are so many benefits to cycling including improved health, improved environment, less congestion and great value for money.”

The programme concluded by attempting make its protagonists see things from each other’s perspective. However in its summing up, it failed to address the work of government, cycling organisations and other interested parties in improving conditions for cyclists and other vulnerable road users.

Jackson concluded: “What would make the biggest difference for cycling, which the programme didn’t address, is strong leadership from government including putting cycling at the heart of policy.”

For me the highlight of the programme was Lewis the cycling Vigilante who was out there head camed upwatching the interaction
Whether it be a cyclist or motorist behaving like a prat he filmed you and told you about it.
Mostly in such an un offensive way that even the most ardent firebrand might listen.
His work can be seen on Youtube 'Tradffic Droid 360 News'
Maybe he should have produced the documentary

On the subject of Road Safety there is a new device on the block and I kinda like it
Its called Blaze which sounds a bit like some comic book hero.
If it can offer the same sort of protection.... I dont care what they cakk it.

The BLAZE Bike Light is a completely new innovation for urban cyclists. It’s a damn good bike light, but it also tackles one of the biggest causes of cycling fatalities - being caught in the blind spot and vehicles turning across an unseen bike. 

Statistics confirm that 79% of cyclists are hit when they’re travelling straight ahead and a vehicle maneuvers into them, largely due to their small footprint and position on the road. BLAZE tackles this.

BLAZE is a front light with super-bright LEDs, but it also projects the symbol of a bike down onto the road ahead of the cyclist. It’s adjustable, but ideally about 5m in front. It alerts road users ahead of the cyclist of their presence, helping to prevent them turning across their path (especially the big ones like buses and trucks!). Making the cyclist more visible and increasing their footprint on the road.

 Another common accident sees drivers pulling out of a side junction into the path of a cyclist, the bike can be right up close but overlooked due to its position; being tucked in closer to the curb.  BLAZE's flashing symbol ahead of the bike warns drivers (in time) that there's a cyclist approaching, and stops them pulling out.  The same applies to pedestrians, people often don't hear a cyclist coming and step out in front of the bike, warn them you're coming through!

Check Blaze Out