Well it has been a couple of weeks since the Pale Riders last words of wisdom so here is the latest instalment.
Haven’t done much on the bike of late – managed a couple of Tuesday League rides – well I tootled around in my usual pedestrian pace making up the numbers.
We have been on a weeks holiday, topping up the Budweiser belly and the lobster pink tan. A full week all-inclusive break on the Costa (that’s the Spanish Costa – not the coffee shop in Tescos) It was great – the hotel did a full breakfast until 11 o’clock, proper fish and chips at lunchtime and they had Eastenders on Sky telly in the bar. We did go out for a meal one night – any more than that would have meant we lost out on the all-inclusive deal we’d got. We went for a steak meal – some people went to a Spanish restaurant and had that paella stuff but we didn’t want to risk any of that foreign stuff.
I managed to watch some of the Tour on Eurosport (does 3 hours every afternoon count as some?) in the bar around the corner from the hotel so I was happy every afternoon whilst the Mrs sat by the hotel pool and read her book. I did have to keep nipping back to the hotel to get an all-inclusive beer during the advert breaks – only bought 2 beers each day in the bar with Eurosport on or they’d think I was a tight Scotsman – perish the thought – tight? Me? Okay I was tight by 11 O’clock most nights – but if they’ve got local beer on the all inclusive what do you expect?
We had a walk out a few days and I managed to find a small bike shop – prices were very good but only bought a souvenir Coca Cola water bottle – well I didn’t want to go mad did I – would be no room in suit case for duty free booze and fags.
Well back to full training this week eating up the miles on the roads of Moray and exploring the wonderful sunny countryside around us and if you think the above gives you any clue as to the real identity of the PR – dream on.
Wednesday, 16 July 2008
Thursday, 26 June 2008
What summer?
Well I'll admit it - it was me who put the kiss of death on the weather - with talk of here comes summer and my last blog about warm beers at BBQs. At least we stopped dry for the BBQ and many thanks to the organisers for a great night. When I say we stayed dry - I'm referring solely to the weather - one or two wets were consumed - and if my head on Saturday morning was anything to go by I had my share. It was great to see a club social so well supported and also to see everyone have a good night.
The summer league rolled around again and the sunny Tuesday morning and afternoon swiftly adjusted itself into a cold and wet evening. The twisty turny circuit definitely does not lend itself to wet weather - I finished down on last week, cold, wet and covered in road splatter mud. Need to have a chat with a Met man about the weather next week.
Didn't do much on the bike over last weekend - didn't even leave the house on Sunday - how much rain came down that day???
Anyway no more waffle today except to say see you all on Saturday morning for the coffee morning - Forres Town Hall for a 1000hrs start - no Saturday morning rides this week boys and girls - its all hands to the pumps - well the sink and the dish cloths actually. So get baking and get yourself to Forrres on Saturday morning.
The summer league rolled around again and the sunny Tuesday morning and afternoon swiftly adjusted itself into a cold and wet evening. The twisty turny circuit definitely does not lend itself to wet weather - I finished down on last week, cold, wet and covered in road splatter mud. Need to have a chat with a Met man about the weather next week.
Didn't do much on the bike over last weekend - didn't even leave the house on Sunday - how much rain came down that day???
Anyway no more waffle today except to say see you all on Saturday morning for the coffee morning - Forres Town Hall for a 1000hrs start - no Saturday morning rides this week boys and girls - its all hands to the pumps - well the sink and the dish cloths actually. So get baking and get yourself to Forrres on Saturday morning.
Thursday, 19 June 2008
Smokey Dokey
A grand week for me – better than the weather was over last weekend. The Summer League saw another less than summer like night with a very strong breeze making the back straight seem twice as long as usual and a few spots of rain every lap threatening to spoil the whole night. But despite that the youngsters turned out as usual and zoomed round the course with big smiles on their faces whilst we oldies rattled round with grimaces firmly in place. Well done the little people.
Last weekend saw me travelling the country in pursuit of another sportive and I had a decent enough ride on Sunday despite the lousy weather.
This weekend sees no races, no sportive but more importantly the Forres Cycling Club BBQ at Roseisle – warm beer, burnt meat, stinking of smoke – and all the time wondering about the salmonella risk from that chicken leg – why do we do it every summer? Also, why is it that blokes suddenly become cooks when put in front of a fire with a grid on it, how does that miraculous transformation take place? Or is it something directly related to the amount of warm beer added to the bloke before he gets to play with the firelighters?
Anyway off to Asda's for some of their 2p sausages and savers burgers - 100% grissle with added lard mmmmmmmmmm yummy
Last weekend saw me travelling the country in pursuit of another sportive and I had a decent enough ride on Sunday despite the lousy weather.
This weekend sees no races, no sportive but more importantly the Forres Cycling Club BBQ at Roseisle – warm beer, burnt meat, stinking of smoke – and all the time wondering about the salmonella risk from that chicken leg – why do we do it every summer? Also, why is it that blokes suddenly become cooks when put in front of a fire with a grid on it, how does that miraculous transformation take place? Or is it something directly related to the amount of warm beer added to the bloke before he gets to play with the firelighters?
Anyway off to Asda's for some of their 2p sausages and savers burgers - 100% grissle with added lard mmmmmmmmmm yummy
Thursday, 12 June 2008
Problems with wind
Last weekend saw a fantastic array of racing here at Forres CC – a 10 on the Saturday and a 25 on the Sunday morning followed by the APR on a gloriously sunny Sunday afternoon. And as I had predicted in my previous waffle my participation was limited to the 10 and standing in a flouro jacket on the Sunday afternoon – catching some rays was the limit of my activity there. Well done to all riders who battle against the headwind out on Saturday afternoon – that wasn’t mentioned in the plan at all.
Did a reasonable time despite that awful headwind all the way out - as in it was in the middle of the two targets I'd set myself - so could only be pleased with that but felt I could have done better - sounds like a school report that....
Was almost worth all the effort when you do that - even worth cleaning my bike for on Friday night - only joking.
Summer League – and the joy of a float night last week was swiftly forgotten on a stinker of a night – strong winds and a series of showers made sure most (if not all) didn’t improve one iota from last week. A massive thank you to the marshalls and helpers who helped out on such a terrible evening – and do so every week on our behalf – unsung heroes each and every one. Also a great big well done to all the kids who turned out this week despite that awful weather.
The summer league was followed last night by another running event – one more of the local forest runs – which had the beautiful (if cool) start on the beach at Roseisle – then a rattle through some forest trails before hitting some singletrack and dunes – eat your heart out MTB fans! Enjoyed the run out – despite a very tired pair of legs – but enjoyed a glass of vino watching The Apprentice when I got home even more.
As a result of that I’m having a night off tonight before another sportive at the weekend – hope this horrid wet and windy weather clears up before then. Might even clean my bike again.
Dont forget its Bike Week next week - so in the nicest way "get on ya bike"
Did a reasonable time despite that awful headwind all the way out - as in it was in the middle of the two targets I'd set myself - so could only be pleased with that but felt I could have done better - sounds like a school report that....
Was almost worth all the effort when you do that - even worth cleaning my bike for on Friday night - only joking.
Summer League – and the joy of a float night last week was swiftly forgotten on a stinker of a night – strong winds and a series of showers made sure most (if not all) didn’t improve one iota from last week. A massive thank you to the marshalls and helpers who helped out on such a terrible evening – and do so every week on our behalf – unsung heroes each and every one. Also a great big well done to all the kids who turned out this week despite that awful weather.
The summer league was followed last night by another running event – one more of the local forest runs – which had the beautiful (if cool) start on the beach at Roseisle – then a rattle through some forest trails before hitting some singletrack and dunes – eat your heart out MTB fans! Enjoyed the run out – despite a very tired pair of legs – but enjoyed a glass of vino watching The Apprentice when I got home even more.
As a result of that I’m having a night off tonight before another sportive at the weekend – hope this horrid wet and windy weather clears up before then. Might even clean my bike again.
Dont forget its Bike Week next week - so in the nicest way "get on ya bike"
Thursday, 5 June 2008
June is bursting out all over
Well another fine sunny week in Moray – apart from the showery bits in between! Managed to squeeze in a couple of rides over the weekend and once more rattled around the summer league event at a less than impressive rate of knots.
Saturday afternoon was a fantastic ride out – not long by most people’s standards but it was a sunny day, I felt good and the scenery looked fantastic. I rode up the climb from Pluscarden towards Rafford. The sun was shining and the lush green grass and trees in the valley contrasted beautifully with the blue sky and the mountains in the background – even the freshly cut trees smelled nice – that pine fresh smell you only get in loo cleaner adverts was suddenly filling my nostrils – but this was the real thing and not some chemical fragrance designed to make bleach more attractive. It was one of those afternoons when you just felt great to be alive and cycling through this lovely countryside. Bet the guys racing in the Elgin CC events later that day didn’t enjoy the scenery quite so much.
Sunday was a lot cooler and I did get out on bike but suffered a long “wish I’d put a long sleeved top on” kind of thought for most of it. Enjoyed the ride nonetheless and found a new lane – isn’t it great when you find a new lane – its like you’ve discovered something nobody knew about – whilst its just you’ve found another way to get lost.
Midweek saw another running event and the Pale Rider joined a whole crowd at the summer league – most of whom managed cracking times on what was effectively a float night – most riders got PBs – young and old alike. That’ll just make next week all the harder though – there’s always that crash down to earth after a success.
This weekend sees me taking part in the club TT weekend – only signed up for the 10 so far – think any further involvement will involve standing on a corner in a bright yellow jacket and pointing. Lets hope the entry numbers are up and so is the temperature but not the windspeed eh? Good luck to all who are riding – get a late entry in to those who aren’t – and thanks in advance to organisers, marshals, tea lady’s etc.
and finally ---------
This weeks cycling top tip:
Always apply your chamois crème before applying any warm up oils or embrocating products.
Saturday afternoon was a fantastic ride out – not long by most people’s standards but it was a sunny day, I felt good and the scenery looked fantastic. I rode up the climb from Pluscarden towards Rafford. The sun was shining and the lush green grass and trees in the valley contrasted beautifully with the blue sky and the mountains in the background – even the freshly cut trees smelled nice – that pine fresh smell you only get in loo cleaner adverts was suddenly filling my nostrils – but this was the real thing and not some chemical fragrance designed to make bleach more attractive. It was one of those afternoons when you just felt great to be alive and cycling through this lovely countryside. Bet the guys racing in the Elgin CC events later that day didn’t enjoy the scenery quite so much.
Sunday was a lot cooler and I did get out on bike but suffered a long “wish I’d put a long sleeved top on” kind of thought for most of it. Enjoyed the ride nonetheless and found a new lane – isn’t it great when you find a new lane – its like you’ve discovered something nobody knew about – whilst its just you’ve found another way to get lost.
Midweek saw another running event and the Pale Rider joined a whole crowd at the summer league – most of whom managed cracking times on what was effectively a float night – most riders got PBs – young and old alike. That’ll just make next week all the harder though – there’s always that crash down to earth after a success.
This weekend sees me taking part in the club TT weekend – only signed up for the 10 so far – think any further involvement will involve standing on a corner in a bright yellow jacket and pointing. Lets hope the entry numbers are up and so is the temperature but not the windspeed eh? Good luck to all who are riding – get a late entry in to those who aren’t – and thanks in advance to organisers, marshals, tea lady’s etc.
and finally ---------
This weeks cycling top tip:
Always apply your chamois crème before applying any warm up oils or embrocating products.
Thursday, 29 May 2008
Here comes summer
April and May have been a bit of a mixed bag in all respects. The weather has been wet and windy – even some snow persisting well into April – just to make preparations for the club race weekend a little lively. Then it was scorching hot – sunny up here in Scotland last week whilst the rest of UK got a good old-fashioned bank-holiday dousing. I’ve managed to get some good miles in on the road bike – mainly just an hour to one and a half after work and two hour stints at weekends.
This all helped me ride a fantastic sportive in May. I think I’m becoming one of the many converts to this type of event – you can “race” if you want or just pootle around at your own pace (mine’s a tad shy of leisurely). This one took in one of the biggest climbs in the UK – a 625m job – in about 10k brutally steep and long with it. The fact that I got up all the way without a foot down was my own personal triumph for the day. So thinking about another in two weeks time - the Cairngorm classic - but will whimp out and do the short version.
I’ve also dabbled once more into the world of competitive cycling – well I’ve raced one open event, entered another and have completed a few of the clubs summer league events. It’s a great way to train and gives you that focus you need to go training the days when the comfy sofa and trash TV beckon strongly. So easy to succumb to that temptation. The summer league is a great little format that allows the kids to get an introduction to cycling and to racing – anything that helps the youngsters into our sport – or indeed any sport has to be a good thing – and its great to see so many of them coming along – but we could still welcome a few more young and old alike. Come along and enjoy a spin around some quiet roads near Forres – you’ll love it.
I’ve not hung up my running shoes either and the launch of the Moray series of forest runs gave the running legs a try out last night for the first time in a good while. Bit of an effort the day after the summer league TT – and there’s 3 more weeks like that through the summer. Oh well guess it’ll just be a few sessions less training needed – I’m counting a Tuesday league and a Wednesday forest run as double training sessions – they may be short but very hard work they are – fantastic
This all helped me ride a fantastic sportive in May. I think I’m becoming one of the many converts to this type of event – you can “race” if you want or just pootle around at your own pace (mine’s a tad shy of leisurely). This one took in one of the biggest climbs in the UK – a 625m job – in about 10k brutally steep and long with it. The fact that I got up all the way without a foot down was my own personal triumph for the day. So thinking about another in two weeks time - the Cairngorm classic - but will whimp out and do the short version.
I’ve also dabbled once more into the world of competitive cycling – well I’ve raced one open event, entered another and have completed a few of the clubs summer league events. It’s a great way to train and gives you that focus you need to go training the days when the comfy sofa and trash TV beckon strongly. So easy to succumb to that temptation. The summer league is a great little format that allows the kids to get an introduction to cycling and to racing – anything that helps the youngsters into our sport – or indeed any sport has to be a good thing – and its great to see so many of them coming along – but we could still welcome a few more young and old alike. Come along and enjoy a spin around some quiet roads near Forres – you’ll love it.
I’ve not hung up my running shoes either and the launch of the Moray series of forest runs gave the running legs a try out last night for the first time in a good while. Bit of an effort the day after the summer league TT – and there’s 3 more weeks like that through the summer. Oh well guess it’ll just be a few sessions less training needed – I’m counting a Tuesday league and a Wednesday forest run as double training sessions – they may be short but very hard work they are – fantastic
Sunday, 27 April 2008
Extreme!
Howdy doody!
What a lovely day it's been today in Morayshire! Spring has well and truely sprung. Daffodils, swallows, sunshine, etc. Terrific! And all of a sudden the days seem twice as long. Somewhat surprisingly therefore this morning I'd decided to give the cycling legs a rest today. I've just started my running programme again in preparation for another marathon later in the year and, as usual, the initial runs have taken their toll on my muscles. You've got to be careful when going from non weight-bearing cycling to running, particularly if you're wanting to up the running mileage quickly. So, with a rest day planned, I set about checking my bikes over for wear and tear, etc. A few hours later and I'd identified that my bikes require a new headset, disc brake pads, gear & brake cables and various "cosmetic surgery" to improve appearances. Cycling's great, but it can take its toll on the wallet at times! After my efforts, the only bike fit for immediate duty was my road bike and, with the sun still shining brightly in the late afternoon, I convinced myself that my legs could stand a few miles on the road - so much for the rest day!
Launching myself at a steady pace into the countryisde with no particular route in mind, the miles began to tick by nicely. It's funny how seemingly tired legs can so quickly come round and before long I'd increased the pace a little. The roads seemed even quieter than usual (which is pretty damn quiet!) and at times it felt like I had the entire place to myself. Everywhere is certainly looking very green. I think the only "greener" place I've been, and a country which seems to have many similarities to the geography of Scotland, is Norway. I was lucky enough to spend three weeks travelling up and down Norway a couple of years ago. What a fantastic country! The scenary, geography and geoloy of the place is breathtaking. From huge, powerful waterfalls to similarly immense Fjords and rock walls, at times you don't know which way to look! It's certainly a place I intend to return to, whether on foot or bike. If you get the opportunity to go, I wouldn't pass it up. The only downside is that it tends to rain quite alot. But, I guess the waterfalls, etc wouldn't be too spectacular without it! When the rain stops though and the sun shines, rest assured, if you like the "great outdoors" you'll love Norway. Here's a somewhat "extreme" view of Norway courtesy of the guys at Oslo Base - don't forget to check out the scenary whilst your jaw is dropping! The one throwing himself off the enormous cliff is a chap by the name of Andre Bach. I happen to know that he's also partial to spot of mountain biking.......when he wants to take things a little more sedately...... . Don't try this at home folks!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zYGJQkr2t4o
Regards
TPR
What a lovely day it's been today in Morayshire! Spring has well and truely sprung. Daffodils, swallows, sunshine, etc. Terrific! And all of a sudden the days seem twice as long. Somewhat surprisingly therefore this morning I'd decided to give the cycling legs a rest today. I've just started my running programme again in preparation for another marathon later in the year and, as usual, the initial runs have taken their toll on my muscles. You've got to be careful when going from non weight-bearing cycling to running, particularly if you're wanting to up the running mileage quickly. So, with a rest day planned, I set about checking my bikes over for wear and tear, etc. A few hours later and I'd identified that my bikes require a new headset, disc brake pads, gear & brake cables and various "cosmetic surgery" to improve appearances. Cycling's great, but it can take its toll on the wallet at times! After my efforts, the only bike fit for immediate duty was my road bike and, with the sun still shining brightly in the late afternoon, I convinced myself that my legs could stand a few miles on the road - so much for the rest day!
Launching myself at a steady pace into the countryisde with no particular route in mind, the miles began to tick by nicely. It's funny how seemingly tired legs can so quickly come round and before long I'd increased the pace a little. The roads seemed even quieter than usual (which is pretty damn quiet!) and at times it felt like I had the entire place to myself. Everywhere is certainly looking very green. I think the only "greener" place I've been, and a country which seems to have many similarities to the geography of Scotland, is Norway. I was lucky enough to spend three weeks travelling up and down Norway a couple of years ago. What a fantastic country! The scenary, geography and geoloy of the place is breathtaking. From huge, powerful waterfalls to similarly immense Fjords and rock walls, at times you don't know which way to look! It's certainly a place I intend to return to, whether on foot or bike. If you get the opportunity to go, I wouldn't pass it up. The only downside is that it tends to rain quite alot. But, I guess the waterfalls, etc wouldn't be too spectacular without it! When the rain stops though and the sun shines, rest assured, if you like the "great outdoors" you'll love Norway. Here's a somewhat "extreme" view of Norway courtesy of the guys at Oslo Base - don't forget to check out the scenary whilst your jaw is dropping! The one throwing himself off the enormous cliff is a chap by the name of Andre Bach. I happen to know that he's also partial to spot of mountain biking.......when he wants to take things a little more sedately...... . Don't try this at home folks!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zYGJQkr2t4o
Regards
TPR
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
