Tuesday 22 November 2011
Wednesday 2 November 2011
2011 NATIONAL HILL CLIMB CHAMPIONSHIP
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| Goody Bag |
It was only an 75min drive to the HQ so i wouldn't need to stay over night beforehand. The other half said she wanted to come which is the first event she has attended this year after being a pain in the bum at last years national. I had said i would never take her again but i relented. At least the weather looked like it would hold out and not be to cold. We got to the hq at 9.30am which was in plenty of time before my start time of 11.46am. I wanted to get a parking space as i knew the car park would fill up quick. On signing on we were givin a nice goody bag which i thought was a nice touch.
I decided that rather than park in the carpark i would park in one of the laybys on the climb so it would give emma something to watch and also once i was done i would beable to see some of the big guns going up.
The big concern of using long hill was going to be traffi and lesuire cyclists using the climb as the race was going on. People had said that there wouldn't be much traffic but unfortunatly this turned out to be the opposite. I think that the good weather had brought everyone out into the high peak. Whilst i was warming up i saw Stuart Baker have to stop as a truck had stopped on the climb. On talking to him back at the hq he had to stop again further up the climb.
For my warm up i decided to not take my heart rate up to high i just thpught i would just do about 30mins. I had decided to use the clip on aero bars but not the areo helmet. Most big guns were on full areo set ups. There was a head wind on the climb but i am not sure if it was as strong as the open event in september.
I rode down to the start and my heart rate was all ready at 140bpm so i knew it was national day. I started of well and soon got into a rythem. I was surprised as to how many people were on the road side cheering the riders on as we got further up the climb. I felt i was going ok and i was going faster than i had in the open event but would it be enough to make the top 50. At about 250m to go i got stuck behind 2 cars who were trying to pass a group of lesuire cyclist's. This did cost me a couple of seconds which as it turned out would have moved me up a few places but not enough to cost me a top 50 place. As soon as i finished i turned round and made my way back down the climb stopping to thank a few people from huddersfield who i had heard shouting incuragement as i raced up the climb.
I didnt warm down as i just got changed and packed my stuff in the car so i could watch the remaining competers go past
Matt and Gunnar as they came past me
1. Gunnar Gronlund 12:49
2. Richard Handley 12:56.1
3. Matt Clinton 12:57.5
My finishing position was 66th in 15.21.3
So a big thank you to Sam Clark at Buxton CC for putting on the event. Now for 2 weeks off and then back into it so i can crack the top 50 next year.
Saturday 29 October 2011
Final Race
So tomorrow it's the national hill climb. It is a race that i have been looking forward to for a year. My HC season has had it's ups and downs. I have tried riding fixed but haven't got the gearing right yet but next year i will have more experience. Then i picked up a cold and had to miss a weekend of racing. So last week i did 2 hc and was about 10seconds of last years pace so i hope that my cold hasn't put me back to much. My aim for tomorrow is to make the top fifty but i think it will be tough but i am going into it with nothing to lose.
Monday 17 October 2011
My first DNS
After last weeks 3 hill climbs i am afraid i picked up a cold this week. I had hoped that i would of got rid of it by sunday but unfortunately it was not to be. When i get ill at this time of year it normally takes me 3 to 4 weeks to fully recover so it doesn't look good for the nationals but i am trying not to get to down about it yet. As October is the month that i have been waiting for it couldn't have come at a worse time. It happened last year just before the nationals as well. I think looking back there are a few thinks that i have learnt about may body.
1. No more than 2 hill climbs in a weekend.
2. Need to start my hc season later as my body can not cope with more than 5 weekends of racing before it breaks down.
3. Need to stay warm at all time's
4. Don't worry about not entering certain hc even if you feel you are letting people down.
so fingers crossed i can get rid of it this week.
1. No more than 2 hill climbs in a weekend.
2. Need to start my hc season later as my body can not cope with more than 5 weekends of racing before it breaks down.
3. Need to stay warm at all time's
4. Don't worry about not entering certain hc even if you feel you are letting people down.
so fingers crossed i can get rid of it this week.
Friday 14 October 2011
Gone into the red once to often
It would seem that at about this time of year i start to get ill. I thought it was just because of the drop in temperature but i think it is more to do with the fact that my body just can not cope with the high demands of the hc season. I have done 9 hill climbs so far this year over a 6 week period and i think that is about my limit before my body starts to break down.
I hope that after maybe missing this weekends racing i might just shift it before the final 2 weekends of the season so at least i can put in some sort of performance at the nationals. i really wanted to race this weekend but looking at it long term i think i might have to dns.
DAM YOU COLD
Next year i will have to have a close look at my race calendar and i might have to miss event's that i enjoy so as not to get ill. One thing that i will not be doing is doing more than two hill climbs in one weekend and will start my season later.
I hope that after maybe missing this weekends racing i might just shift it before the final 2 weekends of the season so at least i can put in some sort of performance at the nationals. i really wanted to race this weekend but looking at it long term i think i might have to dns.
DAM YOU COLD
Next year i will have to have a close look at my race calendar and i might have to miss event's that i enjoy so as not to get ill. One thing that i will not be doing is doing more than two hill climbs in one weekend and will start my season later.
Wednesday 12 October 2011
Monsal Head
I wanted to get one hill climb in this year that had a large crowd and was one of the biggest field's in the country so i opted for the Sheffrec CC run event which takes place on Monsal Head in Derbyshire. It is run on a closed road so the spectators have full run of the course. I got there early so as i could have a look at the climb. I rode up it on the fixie and the start was fairly flat but thought that it wouldn't hinder me to much and i would make the time back and more on the climb itself.
I was there nearly 3 hours before my start time so the boredom started to set in. We had to park in a farmers field so the rollers were going to be a problem for warming up, then it would be a walk across the field in the cycling shoes to get to the start which is never good whilst dodging the cow dung.
I wasn't feeling to good after the previous days 2 hill climbs but thought i would still do ok. I had hoped for a time in the low 1:40s. I could hear the crowd cheering every rider up as the commentator did his best to give some info about each rider. As i was off 109 i would no prity soon just how well i had done.
I felt ok on the start line but as soon as i had set off i knew the fixie wasn't the right way to go for me. I could only get up to about 30kph and the big boyes would have been pushing 40. Then as soon as i hit the climb my legs just died on me until the final 80 meters as the crowd encouragement pushed me on to pick the speed up and finish ok. On crossing the line i knew that my time was poor as it took me all of about 20seconds to get my breath back. I did a 1:54 which was very poor. The winner Gunnar Gronlund won in 1:26. I finished in 49th place.
Top 4
1. Gunnar Gronlund 1:26
2. Chris Metcalf 1:27
3. Lee Baldwin 1:27.9
4. Matt Clinton 1.29.9
This climb is ideal for fixed if you can push a big enough gear for the flat section and keep it going on the climb. For me i just don't have the power so if i do it again it will have to be geared.
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| trying to give it sum |
I was there nearly 3 hours before my start time so the boredom started to set in. We had to park in a farmers field so the rollers were going to be a problem for warming up, then it would be a walk across the field in the cycling shoes to get to the start which is never good whilst dodging the cow dung.
I wasn't feeling to good after the previous days 2 hill climbs but thought i would still do ok. I had hoped for a time in the low 1:40s. I could hear the crowd cheering every rider up as the commentator did his best to give some info about each rider. As i was off 109 i would no prity soon just how well i had done.
I felt ok on the start line but as soon as i had set off i knew the fixie wasn't the right way to go for me. I could only get up to about 30kph and the big boyes would have been pushing 40. Then as soon as i hit the climb my legs just died on me until the final 80 meters as the crowd encouragement pushed me on to pick the speed up and finish ok. On crossing the line i knew that my time was poor as it took me all of about 20seconds to get my breath back. I did a 1:54 which was very poor. The winner Gunnar Gronlund won in 1:26. I finished in 49th place.
Top 4
1. Gunnar Gronlund 1:26
2. Chris Metcalf 1:27
3. Lee Baldwin 1:27.9
4. Matt Clinton 1.29.9
This climb is ideal for fixed if you can push a big enough gear for the flat section and keep it going on the climb. For me i just don't have the power so if i do it again it will have to be geared.
A Good But Hard Weekend
So my second year running the Granville Sydney Memorial open hill climb. This is a classic climb and has been won by some of the greats of the sport. It's first winner was Graham Sydney a profilific hill climber of his day and brother of Granville so a fitting tribute who just happened to be our special guest on the day.
Trying to run an event is very stressful especially when you are also trying to compete. We had 41 entries for the open event which is a good number for a hill climb and 2 past winner were on the start sheet, Matt Clinton and James Dobbin. After the morning's event and not warming down after i wasn't expecting big things from my own performance but did have enough time for a warm up as i was going of near the end at number 39. Matt Clinton was off number 40 so i had hoped that this would spure me on a little. The weather had warmed up a touch from the morning and the rain had stopped so as i made my way to the start line i felt ok. I was riding fixed for the first time on this climb so i would see if i had got the gear right. The legs didn't feel to good and on the second 3rd of the climb i was struggling to keep the pedals turning. The encouragement on the climb was great and on the push for the line the crowd made all the differance. Until the last quater i had forgoten that Matt was chasing me until i herd the crowd shouting for him. I pushed as hard as i could as i didn't want to get caught.
On finishing i caught my breath as Matt crossed the line. I stopped my computer to save my data but didn't look at the clock as i knew it wasn't a good time as matt was closer to me than i had wanted. So i turned round and made my way back don the climb whilst thanking people for their surport. Matt caught me up and said that he thought i had gone under 5mins which is a good standard on this climb. Matt had done a 4:17 which is a very good time and would be the fastest of the day.
So my time was 4:59.8 which is my second fastest on this course but 11 seconds short of my best but as matt had gone about 11 seconds slower than his best which he did on the same day i surpose i shouldn't be to unhappy.
I hadn't got the gear right and on the few times i have used the fixed bike i now know where i have gone wrong but it will have to wait another 12 month's before i can put this right.
Trying to run an event is very stressful especially when you are also trying to compete. We had 41 entries for the open event which is a good number for a hill climb and 2 past winner were on the start sheet, Matt Clinton and James Dobbin. After the morning's event and not warming down after i wasn't expecting big things from my own performance but did have enough time for a warm up as i was going of near the end at number 39. Matt Clinton was off number 40 so i had hoped that this would spure me on a little. The weather had warmed up a touch from the morning and the rain had stopped so as i made my way to the start line i felt ok. I was riding fixed for the first time on this climb so i would see if i had got the gear right. The legs didn't feel to good and on the second 3rd of the climb i was struggling to keep the pedals turning. The encouragement on the climb was great and on the push for the line the crowd made all the differance. Until the last quater i had forgoten that Matt was chasing me until i herd the crowd shouting for him. I pushed as hard as i could as i didn't want to get caught.
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| Pushing for the line |
On finishing i caught my breath as Matt crossed the line. I stopped my computer to save my data but didn't look at the clock as i knew it wasn't a good time as matt was closer to me than i had wanted. So i turned round and made my way back don the climb whilst thanking people for their surport. Matt caught me up and said that he thought i had gone under 5mins which is a good standard on this climb. Matt had done a 4:17 which is a very good time and would be the fastest of the day.
So my time was 4:59.8 which is my second fastest on this course but 11 seconds short of my best but as matt had gone about 11 seconds slower than his best which he did on the same day i surpose i shouldn't be to unhappy.
I hadn't got the gear right and on the few times i have used the fixed bike i now know where i have gone wrong but it will have to wait another 12 month's before i can put this right.
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| Matt on his way to the win |
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| Andrew Askwith 1st Vet |
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| Shaun Crowther all the way from Jersey |
Tuesday 11 October 2011
HUDDERSFIELD STAR WHEELERS HC
Results
A big thanks to everyone who came out to support the event as either a competitor, Marshall or spectator. Tried to thank everyone but i missed a few people. Top day and the weather wasn't to bad.
Results
British Schools Cycling Association Event
Under 15s
1st David Pullan Abbey Grange 6:17.7
2nd Lewis Hirst Castle Hill Acad 7.22.9
3rd Joseph Parker Priesthorpe Sc 10:07.5
Over 15s
1st Jack Duffy Appleton Grange 5:33.1
2nd Connor Palliser Immanuel Colleg 6:54.3
Open Event
1st Matt Clinton Mike Vaughan Cycles 4:17.2
2nd Dan Evans Rhos on Sea CC 4:35.7
3rd Joshua Ferguson Coveryourcar.co.uk RT 4:49.3 1st Junior
4th Mark Tickle Leigh Premier 4:52.2
5th Josh Teasdale Team Jewson UK 4:53.8
6th Sam Ward Otley Cc 4:59.7
7th Andy Pearson HSW 4:59.8
8th Andrew Askwith Bridlington Cc 5:03.4 1st Vet
9th Pete Barusevicus VC Bradford 5:05.8
10th Jason Fossey HSW 5:06.6
11th Mark Flynn Oldham Century 5:12.2
12th Craig Gath York Cycleworks 5:14.3
13th Paul Smith HSW 5:17.7
14th Richard Anderson VS Cycles 5:24.7
15th Mick Silversides HSW 5:25.2
16th Ivan Boyes HSW 5:26.2
17th David Thompson Scarborough Paragon CC 5:27.4
18th Tom Broadbent HSW 5:32.7
19th Andy Moore Lincoln Whweelers 5:39.8
20th Paul Brierley Huddersfield RC 5:41.2
21th Carl Mustill Ferryhill Wheelers Mountain RT 5:43.7
22nd Richard Facey HSW 5:53.5
23rd Ian Shapiro Stockport Clarion 5:56.2
24th Craig Melia Clifton cc 5:56.7
25th Will Boyes HSW 5:58.3
26th Nathan Veall Clifton CC 6:00.2
27th Joshua Ruddiman HSW 6:06.1
28th Kath Farquhar Holme Valley Wheelers 6:29 1st Lady
29th Shaun Crowther Caesarean CC 6:32.7
30th James George HSW 6:36.4
31st Greystone Small Bridlington CC 6:37.7
32nd Thomas Askew Ashley Touring Club 6:39.3
33rd Andrew Farquhar Holme Valley Wheelers 6:47.5
34th Jon Newsome Rhos on Sea CC 7:23.5
35th Chris Coulter HSW 7:24
36th Lucy Farquhar Holme Valley Wheelers 7:24.3
37th Alan Jones Yorkshire Road Club 7:30.7
38th Jonathan Poole Ashley Touring Club 7:35.2
James Dobbin DNS Apols
Chris Edmondson DNS Apols
Victoria Annis DNS Apols
Big thanks goes to time keepers Dave Lindsay and Richard Haigh and clark Christine Tiffany. But big thanks goes to the HSW Legend Graham Sydney for presenting the prizes.
A good event was had by all and some HSW popped there Cherry's. Looking forward to seeing you all back next year.
Thanks Andy Pearson
A big thanks to everyone who came out to support the event as either a competitor, Marshall or spectator. Tried to thank everyone but i missed a few people. Top day and the weather wasn't to bad.
Results
British Schools Cycling Association Event
Under 15s
1st David Pullan Abbey Grange 6:17.7
2nd Lewis Hirst Castle Hill Acad 7.22.9
3rd Joseph Parker Priesthorpe Sc 10:07.5
Over 15s
1st Jack Duffy Appleton Grange 5:33.1
2nd Connor Palliser Immanuel Colleg 6:54.3
Open Event
1st Matt Clinton Mike Vaughan Cycles 4:17.2
2nd Dan Evans Rhos on Sea CC 4:35.7
3rd Joshua Ferguson Coveryourcar.co.uk RT 4:49.3 1st Junior
4th Mark Tickle Leigh Premier 4:52.2
5th Josh Teasdale Team Jewson UK 4:53.8
6th Sam Ward Otley Cc 4:59.7
7th Andy Pearson HSW 4:59.8
8th Andrew Askwith Bridlington Cc 5:03.4 1st Vet
9th Pete Barusevicus VC Bradford 5:05.8
10th Jason Fossey HSW 5:06.6
11th Mark Flynn Oldham Century 5:12.2
12th Craig Gath York Cycleworks 5:14.3
13th Paul Smith HSW 5:17.7
14th Richard Anderson VS Cycles 5:24.7
15th Mick Silversides HSW 5:25.2
16th Ivan Boyes HSW 5:26.2
17th David Thompson Scarborough Paragon CC 5:27.4
18th Tom Broadbent HSW 5:32.7
19th Andy Moore Lincoln Whweelers 5:39.8
20th Paul Brierley Huddersfield RC 5:41.2
21th Carl Mustill Ferryhill Wheelers Mountain RT 5:43.7
22nd Richard Facey HSW 5:53.5
23rd Ian Shapiro Stockport Clarion 5:56.2
24th Craig Melia Clifton cc 5:56.7
25th Will Boyes HSW 5:58.3
26th Nathan Veall Clifton CC 6:00.2
27th Joshua Ruddiman HSW 6:06.1
28th Kath Farquhar Holme Valley Wheelers 6:29 1st Lady
29th Shaun Crowther Caesarean CC 6:32.7
30th James George HSW 6:36.4
31st Greystone Small Bridlington CC 6:37.7
32nd Thomas Askew Ashley Touring Club 6:39.3
33rd Andrew Farquhar Holme Valley Wheelers 6:47.5
34th Jon Newsome Rhos on Sea CC 7:23.5
35th Chris Coulter HSW 7:24
36th Lucy Farquhar Holme Valley Wheelers 7:24.3
37th Alan Jones Yorkshire Road Club 7:30.7
38th Jonathan Poole Ashley Touring Club 7:35.2
James Dobbin DNS Apols
Chris Edmondson DNS Apols
Victoria Annis DNS Apols
Big thanks goes to time keepers Dave Lindsay and Richard Haigh and clark Christine Tiffany. But big thanks goes to the HSW Legend Graham Sydney for presenting the prizes.
A good event was had by all and some HSW popped there Cherry's. Looking forward to seeing you all back next year.
Thanks Andy Pearson
Monday 10 October 2011
Holme Valley Wheelers HC Holme Moss
Saturday saw me wake up to a cold and miserable day. A stark contrast to the 29 degrees of the previous week but i suppose this is proper hill climbing weather. This is the first time i have done this event as i normally try to save my energy for our own event in the afternoon but this year i am trying to support the local event's. The weather seemed to get even worse the closer we got to Holme and the mist was covering the top of the climb. This year they moved the start time back an hour to 11am to make it closer to the HSW event and also to try and stop the fog and mist problems they some times get from a 10am start time. It is the coldest i have been warming up this year and from what people were saying the wind was going to be a challenge on the climb. Holme Moss is not i climb i enjoy climbing as it always seems to suffer from bad winds. Even climbing it 20 times in the summer has not made me like it any better.
After warming up i decided to wear arm warmers and full finger gloves as i don't like the cold much. The first 200 meters were sheltered from the wind and you seemed to be flying but then just as you got out of sight of the start the wind hit. I would normally do i climb like this in the 39x21 but i just couldn't get the cadence high so dropped down into the 39x23. The wind didn't let up until about 150m from the car park at the top but then over the top it was a strong head wind which meant sprinting for the line wasn't going to help much. I felt i finished ok but was probably a little over dressed on the climb as i overheated a bit but didn't want to get to cold on the decent. I finished with a time of 8:21.4 for 7 place.
I didn't warm down as it started to rain and i also needed to get over and put the signs out for our own race in the afternoon. But a good turn out of 30 riders and a big thanks goes to Richard Haigh and all at Holme Valley Wheelers for making the event happen.
After warming up i decided to wear arm warmers and full finger gloves as i don't like the cold much. The first 200 meters were sheltered from the wind and you seemed to be flying but then just as you got out of sight of the start the wind hit. I would normally do i climb like this in the 39x21 but i just couldn't get the cadence high so dropped down into the 39x23. The wind didn't let up until about 150m from the car park at the top but then over the top it was a strong head wind which meant sprinting for the line wasn't going to help much. I felt i finished ok but was probably a little over dressed on the climb as i overheated a bit but didn't want to get to cold on the decent. I finished with a time of 8:21.4 for 7 place.
I didn't warm down as it started to rain and i also needed to get over and put the signs out for our own race in the afternoon. But a good turn out of 30 riders and a big thanks goes to Richard Haigh and all at Holme Valley Wheelers for making the event happen.
A WEEK OF STRESS
Well the last 2 weeks has been very stressful. I am not the most organised person at the best of times but whilst trying to get myself into some sort of shape for the hill climb season i also run Huddersfield Star Wheelers open hc which took place on saturday 8th october. A few entries went missing in the post which didn't help so i am very sorry for the people who maybe missed out on riding the event. I feel now that a weight has been lifted off my shoulders so i am looking forward to the next few weeks of racing.
Tuesday 4 October 2011
OTLEY 2 STAGE HC
Both myself and Paul "tall" Smith made the trip over to Otley to take part. There is just one thing to say about the day and that is that it was hot very hot. This is not the weather for trying to go up hills as fast as possible.
Stage 1 V8910 Guise Cliffe ( Pateley Bridge )
I got there in plenty of time as the numbers where being given out at the bottom of the climb. Park up about half a mile away and cycled to pick up my number. The ride to the so called base of the climb was hard enough in the heat. As i was doing my warm up Paul parked next to me. He is always late. I was off number 25 so got to the start just as number 18 was going of so had a little time to wait but with the heat you didn't cool down. I did this climb 2 years ago when it was cut short due to high winds so was unsure how i would go on the full climb. I rode it on the fixed and maybe that was a mistake as it felt like a struggle to turn the pedals. The climb is very step for just over 2 thirds of the climb before it goes into a false flat for the final third. My legs were shot after the step section and struggled to get the speed up.
Results
1.Tejvan Pettingter Sri Chinmey Cycling Team 3.24.8
2 Matt Clinton Mike Vaughan Cycles 3:29.9
3 Gunnar Gronlund RST Racing Team - Trigon 3.30.7
11th Andrew Pearson HSW 4:09.5
15th Paul Smith 4:17.8
Once i had seen the results i new it had been a mistake to ride the fixed but its a learning year where the fixed is concerned.
Stage 2 V897 Norwood Edge
I had planned to ride both climbs on the fixed but after the mornings ride and with about 5 riders either in front or just behind me i chickened out and rode the race bike. The legs felt heavy after the first stage and i think my age is starting to catch up to me and the recovery between stages is not as good. Norwood edge is a climb that is ideal for fixed but as i had not been up and practised i just couldn't take the risk. The first 20seconds of the climb felt very good but then i just seemed to hit a wall. I got to half way and felt like death the heat was a big factor today. I just felt like i was over heating. Looking down at my average speed at the half way point i was way down on what i had done 2 years ago and i actually felt like just cruising the second half of the climb but i had forgot that it is the second half of the climb that is the fastest so the average speed started to increase and my morale picked up. It felt like i finished strong but only everyone Else's time would see if i was right.
The winner was Tejvan who was only 4seconds of the course record which has stood since 1994. The boy is flying this year.
Results
1. Tejvan Pettinger 4:46.5
2. Gunnar Gronlund 4:59.1
3. Matt Clinton 5:02.7
6. Andrew Pearson 5:56.6
16. Paul Smith 6:21.7
so after seeing the results i think i made the right choice but could i have gone faster on the fixed who knows.
Overall
1. Tejvan Pettinger 8:11.5
2. Gunnar Gronlund 8:24.8
3. Matt Clinton 8:32.6
6. Andy Pearson 10.06.1
15. Paul Smith 10.34.5
So it was a tough day in the saddle but after my second ride i was fairly happy. It didn't make any difference to my overall position riding the fixed in the morning as the top five were head and shoulders better than me but luckily for me my second ride clawed back enough time to move up to 6th overall.
I big thanks must go out to Claire Jessop of Otley Cycling Club who put on a great event with a field of 51 which is a very big field for a yorkshire hill climb.
Stage 1 V8910 Guise Cliffe ( Pateley Bridge )
I got there in plenty of time as the numbers where being given out at the bottom of the climb. Park up about half a mile away and cycled to pick up my number. The ride to the so called base of the climb was hard enough in the heat. As i was doing my warm up Paul parked next to me. He is always late. I was off number 25 so got to the start just as number 18 was going of so had a little time to wait but with the heat you didn't cool down. I did this climb 2 years ago when it was cut short due to high winds so was unsure how i would go on the full climb. I rode it on the fixed and maybe that was a mistake as it felt like a struggle to turn the pedals. The climb is very step for just over 2 thirds of the climb before it goes into a false flat for the final third. My legs were shot after the step section and struggled to get the speed up.
Results
1.Tejvan Pettingter Sri Chinmey Cycling Team 3.24.8
2 Matt Clinton Mike Vaughan Cycles 3:29.9
3 Gunnar Gronlund RST Racing Team - Trigon 3.30.7
11th Andrew Pearson HSW 4:09.5
15th Paul Smith 4:17.8
Once i had seen the results i new it had been a mistake to ride the fixed but its a learning year where the fixed is concerned.
Stage 2 V897 Norwood Edge
I had planned to ride both climbs on the fixed but after the mornings ride and with about 5 riders either in front or just behind me i chickened out and rode the race bike. The legs felt heavy after the first stage and i think my age is starting to catch up to me and the recovery between stages is not as good. Norwood edge is a climb that is ideal for fixed but as i had not been up and practised i just couldn't take the risk. The first 20seconds of the climb felt very good but then i just seemed to hit a wall. I got to half way and felt like death the heat was a big factor today. I just felt like i was over heating. Looking down at my average speed at the half way point i was way down on what i had done 2 years ago and i actually felt like just cruising the second half of the climb but i had forgot that it is the second half of the climb that is the fastest so the average speed started to increase and my morale picked up. It felt like i finished strong but only everyone Else's time would see if i was right.
The winner was Tejvan who was only 4seconds of the course record which has stood since 1994. The boy is flying this year.
Results
1. Tejvan Pettinger 4:46.5
2. Gunnar Gronlund 4:59.1
3. Matt Clinton 5:02.7
6. Andrew Pearson 5:56.6
16. Paul Smith 6:21.7
so after seeing the results i think i made the right choice but could i have gone faster on the fixed who knows.
Overall
1. Tejvan Pettinger 8:11.5
2. Gunnar Gronlund 8:24.8
3. Matt Clinton 8:32.6
6. Andy Pearson 10.06.1
15. Paul Smith 10.34.5
So it was a tough day in the saddle but after my second ride i was fairly happy. It didn't make any difference to my overall position riding the fixed in the morning as the top five were head and shoulders better than me but luckily for me my second ride clawed back enough time to move up to 6th overall.
I big thanks must go out to Claire Jessop of Otley Cycling Club who put on a great event with a field of 51 which is a very big field for a yorkshire hill climb.
Monday 26 September 2011
Bridlington CC Open Hill Climb V491 Flixton Brow
Today i was hoping to get my first open hill climb win but it was not to be. It was going to be a long day as i was also doing the Scarborough Paragon club event in the afternoon. The Brid climb is mostley just a long steep climb which you can see just about all the way to the top. It had rained in the morning so the road was wet and there was a head wind.
I rode the fixed bike again but this climb was a lot more suited than last weeks. I felt good until the last 30meters of the steep section of the climb and the legs just seemed to lock up. As i crested the hill the wind hit you straight in the face so trying to get the speed up on the false flat was tough. I knew i had gone slower that last year but hoped that was down to the wind.
So second it was going to be today as a Brid rider powered up the climb after me and took the win.
Top 3
1. Miles Flather Brid CC 3:15.73
2. Me 3:32.18
3. David Thompson Scarborough Paragon 3:35.7
Then it was over to the Scarborough Club event in Hackness. This event is going to be an open event next year. The climb has 3 step haipins in it and a good gradient all the way to the top. It is tree lined until you reach the last 200m. There was a lot of leaves on the road and it was very wet but i knew this was going to be a climb that i would enjoy riding and it was ideal for the Fixie.
Top 3
1. Me 2:48.61
2 David Thompson 2:53.61
3.Chris Turner 3:05.06
This is going to make an excellant open event next year and is one i will definatly be doing again.
Thanks to Bridling Cycling Club and Scarborough Paragon for putting on 2 great events.
I rode the fixed bike again but this climb was a lot more suited than last weeks. I felt good until the last 30meters of the steep section of the climb and the legs just seemed to lock up. As i crested the hill the wind hit you straight in the face so trying to get the speed up on the false flat was tough. I knew i had gone slower that last year but hoped that was down to the wind.
So second it was going to be today as a Brid rider powered up the climb after me and took the win.
Top 3
1. Miles Flather Brid CC 3:15.73
2. Me 3:32.18
3. David Thompson Scarborough Paragon 3:35.7
Then it was over to the Scarborough Club event in Hackness. This event is going to be an open event next year. The climb has 3 step haipins in it and a good gradient all the way to the top. It is tree lined until you reach the last 200m. There was a lot of leaves on the road and it was very wet but i knew this was going to be a climb that i would enjoy riding and it was ideal for the Fixie.
Top 3
1. Me 2:48.61
2 David Thompson 2:53.61
3.Chris Turner 3:05.06
Thanks to Bridling Cycling Club and Scarborough Paragon for putting on 2 great events.
Sunday 18 September 2011
ABC CENTREVILLE HC J9/11
Another sunday another hill climb. Today i was doing a new climb. Rode out to check it out in the week and thought on my recce run that it was fairly hard. So i got there early today as i wanted to ride up it on my fixed bike to see if this was the way forward. I have to say that it felt prity easy so i thought that the gear was probably a bit to low but didn't have the one i needed but decided to stick with the fixed and ride that.
The start so i thought was flatish for about 200 meters so new that i would lose time here but riding fixed is a compromise. I finished my warm up in the car park at the top of the climb. Then rode down. This is where i realised i had made a big mistake. The start was actually a further 300/500m further down the road which was prity flat so new i would lose a bundle of time but thats life.
I felt good today even tho i knew that i should have used my geared bike. Once i was on the hill proper the fixed bike rode like a dream. The tubs felt good and the cadence was good and high. My finish time was 8:53.8 in 7th place. The winner was Dan Evans (Rhos on sea CC) with 7:57.5. The start cost me a good chunk of time but it would have only moved me up 1 place but was happy with the fixed.
The start so i thought was flatish for about 200 meters so new that i would lose time here but riding fixed is a compromise. I finished my warm up in the car park at the top of the climb. Then rode down. This is where i realised i had made a big mistake. The start was actually a further 300/500m further down the road which was prity flat so new i would lose a bundle of time but thats life.
I felt good today even tho i knew that i should have used my geared bike. Once i was on the hill proper the fixed bike rode like a dream. The tubs felt good and the cadence was good and high. My finish time was 8:53.8 in 7th place. The winner was Dan Evans (Rhos on sea CC) with 7:57.5. The start cost me a good chunk of time but it would have only moved me up 1 place but was happy with the fixed.
Sunday 11 September 2011
Buxton CC Hc Long Hill Sept 11th 2011
So today was Buxton cc open hill climb. A dry run for the national later on in the year. This is a climb i haven't been up before so on arrival i got kitted up for a slow ride up the climb to check it out. On reading a few reports on the climb i was expecting it to be flattish but the gradient is not to bad. It will defiantly but a strong testers course. The wind was a head wind for most of the climb which meant speeds would be down on last years time's. The climb is roughly about 4.5miles long with a gradient of about 3%average.
The hq was Whaley Bridge bowling club which has a very large car park which is needed as there is very little parking on the climb and only a few viewing spots so i think that crowds will be sparse at the national.
I felt that my warm up was ok but was still unsure how i was going to tackle the climb. I was on my road bike but i did where my tt helmet. I had planned to keep my cadence above 95rpm and try and keep an average speed of between 28/29kph.
I started ok and quickly got into a rhythm with a good cadence and the speed i was hoping for. Certain sections had a terrible head wind and the speed did drop. There is one slight down hill section but the headwind was so bad i was actually going slower than on some of the uphill section's. After this section you turned to the left and hit the only tail wind and it felt good to get the speed going again. Even tho i had been up the climb once i was a little unsure how far to the finish from here so just keep ed it going but this is were you really need to push on and i didn't quite do this. At the finish i averaged 27kph so was semi pleased but felt i didn't give it 100%.
My finishing time was 15.57.1 in 20th place.
Winner Tejvan Pettinger 13.49.3
Total starters 70
http://connect.garmin.com/activity113483595
Thanks to Buxton CC for putting an excellent event on.
The hq was Whaley Bridge bowling club which has a very large car park which is needed as there is very little parking on the climb and only a few viewing spots so i think that crowds will be sparse at the national.
I felt that my warm up was ok but was still unsure how i was going to tackle the climb. I was on my road bike but i did where my tt helmet. I had planned to keep my cadence above 95rpm and try and keep an average speed of between 28/29kph.
I started ok and quickly got into a rhythm with a good cadence and the speed i was hoping for. Certain sections had a terrible head wind and the speed did drop. There is one slight down hill section but the headwind was so bad i was actually going slower than on some of the uphill section's. After this section you turned to the left and hit the only tail wind and it felt good to get the speed going again. Even tho i had been up the climb once i was a little unsure how far to the finish from here so just keep ed it going but this is were you really need to push on and i didn't quite do this. At the finish i averaged 27kph so was semi pleased but felt i didn't give it 100%.
My finishing time was 15.57.1 in 20th place.
Winner Tejvan Pettinger 13.49.3
Total starters 70
http://connect.garmin.com/activity113483595
Thanks to Buxton CC for putting an excellent event on.
Monday 5 September 2011
Glossop Kinder Velo Hill Climb (Snake Pass)
My first open hill climb of the year. I did this race last year and really enjoyed it as this is one of my favorite climbs. Conditions this year were ideal as it was mild and very little wind. A stark contrast to last years head wind. The event had 50 starters, 20 up on last year.
Some big hitters had made the trip to glossop. Peter Tadros, James Coleman and Dan Evans as well as a few of the Blackburn Ctc and Buxton Cc lads. Myself and Paul Smith from Huddersfield Star Wheelers. My warm up went well but a problem with resetting my garmin didn't help me go of with a clear head. I am the sort of person who needs everything to go well or it just lets the negative thoughts enter my head.
I felt my pacing was good all the way up the climb and my cadence was around the 88 to 90rpm mark and my heart rate was a consistent 185bpm. I finished with a time of 14:47.1 and 11th place.
I was a little disappointed with my finishing position but it gives me a platform to work from and close down on the people in front for the national.
1st Peter Tadros 13.19
2nd Dan Evans 13:27:2
3rd James Coleman 13:34.2
Some big hitters had made the trip to glossop. Peter Tadros, James Coleman and Dan Evans as well as a few of the Blackburn Ctc and Buxton Cc lads. Myself and Paul Smith from Huddersfield Star Wheelers. My warm up went well but a problem with resetting my garmin didn't help me go of with a clear head. I am the sort of person who needs everything to go well or it just lets the negative thoughts enter my head.
I felt my pacing was good all the way up the climb and my cadence was around the 88 to 90rpm mark and my heart rate was a consistent 185bpm. I finished with a time of 14:47.1 and 11th place.
I was a little disappointed with my finishing position but it gives me a platform to work from and close down on the people in front for the national.
1st Peter Tadros 13.19
2nd Dan Evans 13:27:2
3rd James Coleman 13:34.2
Wednesday 31 August 2011
Holme Valley Wheelers Club Hill Climb 2011
So tonight i was breaking out my hill climb weapon for it's first outing. A local club hill climb is always a relaxed atmosphere but for some reason i was nervous all day. This was probably due to the fact that i won it last year and i was using fixed for the first time. My warm up was ok but i did go half way up the climb twice on the fixed and it made my legs feel crap.
These are some pic's of my fixed the Racescene had made up for me.
So i did go of as hard as i normally do as after reading Matt Clinton's hill climbing guide i thought maybe i have been going of to hard. My legs felt like crap after about a third of the way up and i thought that maybe i had a to big a gear on but pushed on through to finish with a time of 2:23.6 which as it turned out i beat last years time by .1 of a second. I was a little disappointed with my ride but lets hope i push on from hear unlike last year when i felt that i went backwards.
I finished second this year to a cracking ride by Jacob Scott. But its was close from me down to 5th. Two other Star Wheelers also took part and Tom Broadbent took over 10seconds off his pb and Richard Facey but in a good effort for an old man (only joking richard)
So i did go of as hard as i normally do as after reading Matt Clinton's hill climbing guide i thought maybe i have been going of to hard. My legs felt like crap after about a third of the way up and i thought that maybe i had a to big a gear on but pushed on through to finish with a time of 2:23.6 which as it turned out i beat last years time by .1 of a second. I was a little disappointed with my ride but lets hope i push on from hear unlike last year when i felt that i went backwards.
I finished second this year to a cracking ride by Jacob Scott. But its was close from me down to 5th. Two other Star Wheelers also took part and Tom Broadbent took over 10seconds off his pb and Richard Facey but in a good effort for an old man (only joking richard)
Wednesday 24 August 2011
Matt Clinton - Occasional Racing Cyclist: Hill Climbs and the lack thereof.
Matt Clinton - Occasional Racing Cyclist: Hill Climbs and the lack thereof.: That's pain, pure pain!
First things first, hill climbs hurt . Now that's been put forwards, you can understand why many people don'...
First things first, hill climbs hurt . Now that's been put forwards, you can understand why many people don'...
Tuesday 23 August 2011
FIRST WIN OF THE SEASON
Well i made the trip over to do Bridlington Cycling Club's 2 stage club hill climb. The weather said it was going to rain and it did.
Got there in plenty of time so that i could have a look at the climbs and get a good warm up in. The first climb out of Wold Newton was a straight drag up on to a plateau. The climbs length was about 1km but only about 200m was steep. I managed to get warmed up for about an hour until people started to turn up so i went to the start to sign on. I was going off number 10 out of a field of 11. It was about a 45min wait before i went off and had cooled down and then the rain came so i was a bit cold on the start line. As always with a climb i have never rode in anger i always struggle with gear choice. I started in the 39x17 which was ok for the first 3rd of the climb then i dropped it in to the 39x19 for the steeper section and as i hit the plateau and knocked it up 3 gears for the final sprint. Felt ok but should of put it in the big ring for the plateau section i think.
Everyone waited at the top as the times were worked out and the clothing was brought up in the car from the start. I managed to win it by about 6 or 8 seconds so was fairly satisfied. Then it was down the other side to climb up the other side. This climb was about 10% for 2/3rds of the climb until you hit a longer flat section.
It was probably about 20mins from finishing the 1st climb to starting the second and i had got very cold.
Started of in the 39x19 and then when i hit the steepest section i dropped it into the trusty 39x21. As i hit the top section i put it in the big ring and by the time i crossed the finish line i was in full sprint going 43.2kph. On reflexion i didn't try hard enough on the second climb and should of started my sprint about 100m before i did but i think i had got to cold between the two. So as we waited for the results in the fine drizzle i was a little bit disappointed that i had not got everything right. I managed to win the second climb as well by about 6sec so over all 2 wins on a wet night.
So a not a bad start to my 2011 hill climbing campaign. Big thanks to Bridlington Cycling Club for letting me ride and i am looking forward to doing their open event which is on 25th September at 11am.
Learning points
Need to still work on my warm up.
Keep Positive
Always look up the climb
Got there in plenty of time so that i could have a look at the climbs and get a good warm up in. The first climb out of Wold Newton was a straight drag up on to a plateau. The climbs length was about 1km but only about 200m was steep. I managed to get warmed up for about an hour until people started to turn up so i went to the start to sign on. I was going off number 10 out of a field of 11. It was about a 45min wait before i went off and had cooled down and then the rain came so i was a bit cold on the start line. As always with a climb i have never rode in anger i always struggle with gear choice. I started in the 39x17 which was ok for the first 3rd of the climb then i dropped it in to the 39x19 for the steeper section and as i hit the plateau and knocked it up 3 gears for the final sprint. Felt ok but should of put it in the big ring for the plateau section i think.
Everyone waited at the top as the times were worked out and the clothing was brought up in the car from the start. I managed to win it by about 6 or 8 seconds so was fairly satisfied. Then it was down the other side to climb up the other side. This climb was about 10% for 2/3rds of the climb until you hit a longer flat section.
It was probably about 20mins from finishing the 1st climb to starting the second and i had got very cold.
Started of in the 39x19 and then when i hit the steepest section i dropped it into the trusty 39x21. As i hit the top section i put it in the big ring and by the time i crossed the finish line i was in full sprint going 43.2kph. On reflexion i didn't try hard enough on the second climb and should of started my sprint about 100m before i did but i think i had got to cold between the two. So as we waited for the results in the fine drizzle i was a little bit disappointed that i had not got everything right. I managed to win the second climb as well by about 6sec so over all 2 wins on a wet night.
So a not a bad start to my 2011 hill climbing campaign. Big thanks to Bridlington Cycling Club for letting me ride and i am looking forward to doing their open event which is on 25th September at 11am.
Learning points
Need to still work on my warm up.
Keep Positive
Always look up the climb
1ST HILL CLIMB OF THE SEASON
Tonight see's me make the trip across to Bridlington to take part in Bridlington Cycling Club's 2 stage club hill climb. The course is up one side then up the other side. Each climb will last just over 2mins so is an ideal time to break you in for a hard 2 month's ahead. From what i have been told both climbs are not to steep and you maybe able to go up in the big ring so i will not be taking the fixed wheel bike to break it's cherry. That will have to wait until next week at the Holme Valley Wheelers club event.
Tonight is more about practicing my warm up and having a little bit of fun. I do some time's find it hard to warm up properly on club event's as they are a little bit more relaxed so start time and signing on is a little bit less structured but i hope to be able to do a 45min warm up before i sign on then just keep warm before i go off.
The weather doesn't look to good but that's what you get for riding in England.
Race report to follow tomorrow.
Tonight is more about practicing my warm up and having a little bit of fun. I do some time's find it hard to warm up properly on club event's as they are a little bit more relaxed so start time and signing on is a little bit less structured but i hope to be able to do a 45min warm up before i sign on then just keep warm before i go off.
The weather doesn't look to good but that's what you get for riding in England.
Race report to follow tomorrow.
Saturday 13 August 2011
RIDING HILL CLIMBS
This is a guide done by Matt Clinton (Mike Vaughan Cycles) in 2006. I have taken this off his blog so i hope he doesn't mind. I am not sure how relevant it will be to his current preparation but i think that for us average cyclist's it is an excellent starting point.On reading this i have taken a few pointers in things that i had been doing wrong so i hope you will be able to take things from it. For anyone that does not know who Matt is he is a former national hill climb champion and twice runner up. Some of the guide talks about the 2006 Busa national hill climb.
Preparation & Training;
Having been riding and/or racing this season you should have a good base- doing some longer climbs (such
as the Alps) will give an excellent power base, but any riding up until now should give you the foundation.
Hill Reps:
Reps I suggest starting around the end of September/early Oct, for an event which is the last weekend in October. Leeds is an excellent place to do some reps, with several hills which can be used to develop a
constant power (which is not possible on hair-pinned climbs due to accelerations needed to exit the hairpin.) Previously I’ve used the East Chevin Road out of Otley, which is 5.30-10min long depending on how well you’re going. Another climb which I suggest is Norwood Edge.
A couple of weeks of reps should stand you in good stead to compete at your best. Typically my reps include a warm-up riding to the hill, and then doing around 5 sets of reps, riding to tempo up the hill, rolling back down, spinning your legs and then riding back up. The aim of this is to get your body used to putting out a high level of power for a relatively short time. One of the reasons I chose East Chevin was because of it’s time being similar to that of a longer UK hill climb (such as Curbar Edge for the BUSA at 6min+). The best technique for reps is to stop as soon as you start going a certain percentage, say 25% less that your fastest time that day. E.g. when a 4min climb takes you 5min, stop and ride home.
Typically I’d do reps Monday & Tues, Weds do a ride on a hilly route (eg. Cow & Calf – Langbar- Cow & Calf) which is fairly short, but going quite hard on the hills. Thurs & Fri, possibly a short ride and/or day off. Normal rides again on Sat/Sun, but not massive miles. 50miles max is fine.
Backing off:
Two weeks of this should get you on form. A week before the hill climb, stop the hard rides, stop the reps. Chill out for the week; go on rides, but nothing that will stress the body too much. Short sprints are fine, but don’t over do it. This is especially important in the few days before the race.
Before the event;
Get your bike sorted in plenty of time, possibly the Wed or Thurs before the weekend You don’t need anything which is unnecessary; this means bottles, bottle cages, toolbags etc. These will slow you down. Make sure your bike is in good condition and for an extra boost- clean! Chain and cassette should be cleaned- you’ll lose a fair bit of energy if they’re covered in old grease. Tyres should be pumped up to recommended pressure- if they’re too hard or soft, it’ll slow you down.
Race day;
Review the course: When getting to the climb you should either drive, or ride the climb. If riding, go as slow as you like, keeping an eye on the steepness of the road (the bottom) and where the bends, and most importantly, the finish line is. If you’re off early, make sure you’re ready. Visit the toilet before you go (in plenty of time) and you’ll save a few seconds.
Clothing: Clothing to ride in should consist of just shorts and jersey; or if you’re keen, a skinsuit. No gilets, no jackets, no 3/4s, no armwarmers….jersey and shorts only! Gloves are optional, a HC is so short I don’t bother. Helmets again are optional- remember its extra weight!
Warm-up:
The warm-up should hopefully be done on a turbo-trainer or rollers, it’s difficult to get warm enough just riding. A personal stereo helps with this… but keep an eye on the time! I tend to get on the turbo about 45-60min before my ride, the shorter the hill, the longer the warm-up. You should be wearing your race kit,
with your number on, but in addition you should have long legs, a warm top and a hat on. When you start going you’ll soon warm up, but the idea is to stay warm, don’t be tempted to strip off!
Start by easing your HR up, but then after getting up to speed add in some short, fast intervals- these will raise your HR and also start the lactic acid buffering process. Don’t go mental though! About 20min before my ride I tend to strip my legs off and apply warm-up oil, then get back on the turbo. Try to stay on the turbo for as long as you can, to get to the line warm. Remove your warm layer about 1-2min before you ride.
Breathing:
While doing your warm-up, you should have concentrated on your breathing, the best technique being “belly-breathing”, forcing out your diaphragm and your stomach. You may have seen pictures of Armstrong, Ullrich etc. looking rather portly while time-trialling; this is due to them using this technique. Inflate your lungs while warming up; try to get full capacity out of them. When you get to the line take several deep breaths and focus on the job at hand. Continue this technique throughout your ride.
Food:
Food is important too. High carbohydrate meal the days before if you can, normal breakfast of cereal, no fry-ups, or you’ll see it later! Make sure you eat on the way to the event, but don’t stuff yourself. While warming up I generally have a few energy gels, bars and bananas. Save the nice stuff for after the ride! Have a gel about 15min before you’re off. Also remember to drink, no fizzy stuff though; either water or an energy drink if possible
THE RACE
Minute men: Some of you may be fortunate enough to have a minute man (starting one minute ahead of you) slower than you; others may have two slow minute men. Some riders may not be as fortunate being a minute man yourself to a faster rider. A few things to remember about minute men; firstly, if you’re catching, ride smoothly up to the ride and ride straight past- no drafting. Do not accelerate to gain on them, just maintain the speed you were originally gaining on them at, sudden accelerations will ruin rhythm and put out unnecessary power which will be needed on the top section. Secondly if you get caught, do not try to accelerate to stay with the rider, they’ve already put a minute into you, which basically means they’re going a fair bit faster. Again, maintain your current speed, try to keep the rider in your sights, but if you can’t do that, don’t worry, just concentrate on getting to the top.
BUSA Hill Climb: Curbar Edge: (Could be applied to any long climb): The climb starts off steep, but don’t
go mental, get yourself up to speed, but don’t red-line it too soon. Gearing is also quite important on Curbar, at the start you want to be in around 17-18 sprocket, too low and your acceleration will not be smooth and result in a wasteful power spike. For the rest of the climb it’s likely you’ll be resigned to your bottom one or two sprockets on a road bike- its hard work in a 23, but possible if you go fast enough. A 25 or 27 have some advantages, especially if you’re not planning on flying up the hill. If you’re doing it on a mtb, I’d recommend the granny ring as a big no-no.
Shorter climbs (sub-4min) usually require slightly different technique, again don't go mad off the line, the extra power needed in the acceleration will cause you to go into debt too early and redline far before the top. Ease yourself off the line, get into a regular rhythm and it'll pay dividends by the top. With a climb this short you should be aiming to ride near 100% the whole race, but be wary of changes in gradients on the climb.Some climbs allow you to carry speed through sections (Weardley Bank, Cheddar Gorge, Maxstoke), you'll find yourself gaining speed through these sections of slight descent or flat. Use these sections to your advantage and try to speed up as much as you can - carry the speed though and it'll save time when the road kicks up again.
Steeper, more regular gradient climbs are usually best of done on a fixed gear bike, allowing power to be applied thoughout the pedal stroke. Don't be tempted on a climb which varies too much, you'll come unstuck!
Stay seated for as long as you can, you’ll have learnt and developed power to do this doing reps. Standing is a waste of energy. Keep your upper body relaxed, but in control. I used to prefer hill climbing on the drops, but I now favour the tops. In some cases the drops will be more aerodynamic, but often you can get more power through your legs and back by riding on the shifters. You may not like/be able to use the drops when climbing; just use your hoods- that’s fine. Keep your pedalling smooth and consistent over the climb- do not mash the gears like you’re Mr T, nor dance on them like a fairy! A smooth pedalling style should have been learnt though the reps. Some climbs do require sections of out-the-saddle climbing, this will hurt a lot, but is a necessary evil in these cases.
As you approach mid-way attempt to speed up a bit, but again don’t go mad. The top section of many climbs leaves many people lagging as they’ve gone too hard at the bottom; don’t be caught out, but save something for this bit- it will make the difference. Once rounding the final bend, ride so hard you can’t see!
Either sick or faint anyway! Many people throw themselves on the floor, do not be tempted to do this, it’s not really that good for you. Instead, ride slowly up the road, spinning your legs and breathing deeply to replenish your lungs; turn round and ride down. If possible have someone at the top with a jacket for you to put on. Get to the bottom, get changed, have some food and a drink. It’s likely you’ll have a “smokers cough” after the effort you’ve put out, but don’t worry about it.
And there you have it- a hill climb ridden to the best of your ability (I hope)!
Preparation & Training;
Having been riding and/or racing this season you should have a good base- doing some longer climbs (such
as the Alps) will give an excellent power base, but any riding up until now should give you the foundation.
Hill Reps:
Reps I suggest starting around the end of September/early Oct, for an event which is the last weekend in October. Leeds is an excellent place to do some reps, with several hills which can be used to develop a
constant power (which is not possible on hair-pinned climbs due to accelerations needed to exit the hairpin.) Previously I’ve used the East Chevin Road out of Otley, which is 5.30-10min long depending on how well you’re going. Another climb which I suggest is Norwood Edge.
A couple of weeks of reps should stand you in good stead to compete at your best. Typically my reps include a warm-up riding to the hill, and then doing around 5 sets of reps, riding to tempo up the hill, rolling back down, spinning your legs and then riding back up. The aim of this is to get your body used to putting out a high level of power for a relatively short time. One of the reasons I chose East Chevin was because of it’s time being similar to that of a longer UK hill climb (such as Curbar Edge for the BUSA at 6min+). The best technique for reps is to stop as soon as you start going a certain percentage, say 25% less that your fastest time that day. E.g. when a 4min climb takes you 5min, stop and ride home.
Typically I’d do reps Monday & Tues, Weds do a ride on a hilly route (eg. Cow & Calf – Langbar- Cow & Calf) which is fairly short, but going quite hard on the hills. Thurs & Fri, possibly a short ride and/or day off. Normal rides again on Sat/Sun, but not massive miles. 50miles max is fine.
Backing off:
Two weeks of this should get you on form. A week before the hill climb, stop the hard rides, stop the reps. Chill out for the week; go on rides, but nothing that will stress the body too much. Short sprints are fine, but don’t over do it. This is especially important in the few days before the race.
Before the event;
Get your bike sorted in plenty of time, possibly the Wed or Thurs before the weekend You don’t need anything which is unnecessary; this means bottles, bottle cages, toolbags etc. These will slow you down. Make sure your bike is in good condition and for an extra boost- clean! Chain and cassette should be cleaned- you’ll lose a fair bit of energy if they’re covered in old grease. Tyres should be pumped up to recommended pressure- if they’re too hard or soft, it’ll slow you down.
Race day;
Review the course: When getting to the climb you should either drive, or ride the climb. If riding, go as slow as you like, keeping an eye on the steepness of the road (the bottom) and where the bends, and most importantly, the finish line is. If you’re off early, make sure you’re ready. Visit the toilet before you go (in plenty of time) and you’ll save a few seconds.
Clothing: Clothing to ride in should consist of just shorts and jersey; or if you’re keen, a skinsuit. No gilets, no jackets, no 3/4s, no armwarmers….jersey and shorts only! Gloves are optional, a HC is so short I don’t bother. Helmets again are optional- remember its extra weight!
Warm-up:
The warm-up should hopefully be done on a turbo-trainer or rollers, it’s difficult to get warm enough just riding. A personal stereo helps with this… but keep an eye on the time! I tend to get on the turbo about 45-60min before my ride, the shorter the hill, the longer the warm-up. You should be wearing your race kit,
with your number on, but in addition you should have long legs, a warm top and a hat on. When you start going you’ll soon warm up, but the idea is to stay warm, don’t be tempted to strip off!
Start by easing your HR up, but then after getting up to speed add in some short, fast intervals- these will raise your HR and also start the lactic acid buffering process. Don’t go mental though! About 20min before my ride I tend to strip my legs off and apply warm-up oil, then get back on the turbo. Try to stay on the turbo for as long as you can, to get to the line warm. Remove your warm layer about 1-2min before you ride.
Breathing:
While doing your warm-up, you should have concentrated on your breathing, the best technique being “belly-breathing”, forcing out your diaphragm and your stomach. You may have seen pictures of Armstrong, Ullrich etc. looking rather portly while time-trialling; this is due to them using this technique. Inflate your lungs while warming up; try to get full capacity out of them. When you get to the line take several deep breaths and focus on the job at hand. Continue this technique throughout your ride.
Food:
Food is important too. High carbohydrate meal the days before if you can, normal breakfast of cereal, no fry-ups, or you’ll see it later! Make sure you eat on the way to the event, but don’t stuff yourself. While warming up I generally have a few energy gels, bars and bananas. Save the nice stuff for after the ride! Have a gel about 15min before you’re off. Also remember to drink, no fizzy stuff though; either water or an energy drink if possible
THE RACE
Minute men: Some of you may be fortunate enough to have a minute man (starting one minute ahead of you) slower than you; others may have two slow minute men. Some riders may not be as fortunate being a minute man yourself to a faster rider. A few things to remember about minute men; firstly, if you’re catching, ride smoothly up to the ride and ride straight past- no drafting. Do not accelerate to gain on them, just maintain the speed you were originally gaining on them at, sudden accelerations will ruin rhythm and put out unnecessary power which will be needed on the top section. Secondly if you get caught, do not try to accelerate to stay with the rider, they’ve already put a minute into you, which basically means they’re going a fair bit faster. Again, maintain your current speed, try to keep the rider in your sights, but if you can’t do that, don’t worry, just concentrate on getting to the top.
BUSA Hill Climb: Curbar Edge: (Could be applied to any long climb): The climb starts off steep, but don’t
go mental, get yourself up to speed, but don’t red-line it too soon. Gearing is also quite important on Curbar, at the start you want to be in around 17-18 sprocket, too low and your acceleration will not be smooth and result in a wasteful power spike. For the rest of the climb it’s likely you’ll be resigned to your bottom one or two sprockets on a road bike- its hard work in a 23, but possible if you go fast enough. A 25 or 27 have some advantages, especially if you’re not planning on flying up the hill. If you’re doing it on a mtb, I’d recommend the granny ring as a big no-no.
Shorter climbs (sub-4min) usually require slightly different technique, again don't go mad off the line, the extra power needed in the acceleration will cause you to go into debt too early and redline far before the top. Ease yourself off the line, get into a regular rhythm and it'll pay dividends by the top. With a climb this short you should be aiming to ride near 100% the whole race, but be wary of changes in gradients on the climb.Some climbs allow you to carry speed through sections (Weardley Bank, Cheddar Gorge, Maxstoke), you'll find yourself gaining speed through these sections of slight descent or flat. Use these sections to your advantage and try to speed up as much as you can - carry the speed though and it'll save time when the road kicks up again.
Steeper, more regular gradient climbs are usually best of done on a fixed gear bike, allowing power to be applied thoughout the pedal stroke. Don't be tempted on a climb which varies too much, you'll come unstuck!
Stay seated for as long as you can, you’ll have learnt and developed power to do this doing reps. Standing is a waste of energy. Keep your upper body relaxed, but in control. I used to prefer hill climbing on the drops, but I now favour the tops. In some cases the drops will be more aerodynamic, but often you can get more power through your legs and back by riding on the shifters. You may not like/be able to use the drops when climbing; just use your hoods- that’s fine. Keep your pedalling smooth and consistent over the climb- do not mash the gears like you’re Mr T, nor dance on them like a fairy! A smooth pedalling style should have been learnt though the reps. Some climbs do require sections of out-the-saddle climbing, this will hurt a lot, but is a necessary evil in these cases.
As you approach mid-way attempt to speed up a bit, but again don’t go mad. The top section of many climbs leaves many people lagging as they’ve gone too hard at the bottom; don’t be caught out, but save something for this bit- it will make the difference. Once rounding the final bend, ride so hard you can’t see!
Either sick or faint anyway! Many people throw themselves on the floor, do not be tempted to do this, it’s not really that good for you. Instead, ride slowly up the road, spinning your legs and breathing deeply to replenish your lungs; turn round and ride down. If possible have someone at the top with a jacket for you to put on. Get to the bottom, get changed, have some food and a drink. It’s likely you’ll have a “smokers cough” after the effort you’ve put out, but don’t worry about it.
And there you have it- a hill climb ridden to the best of your ability (I hope)!
Wednesday 10 August 2011
National Hill Climb 2011
Long Hill – near Buxton
•Distance – 4.44 miles
•Average gradient – 3%
•Height gain – 195m - 425m (approx 230m)
•A long unrelenting climb can be quite exposed when windy
This is the data on this years National Hill Climb which is being run by Buxton Cycling Club. The course record was set by Tejvan Pettinger in 2010 in 12mins 26sec average speed 21.5mph (34.6KPH). This is not a climb i have done but i will go down and recce the course before the championship but i feel that this is a climb which will suit a time trailer rather than a pure hill climber. I am looking forward to it as i like climbs you can get into a good rhythm in. It is not as steep as some of the longer climbs i do like snake pass but is a similar length but i feel that 3% average might just be a little to flat for me to try and compete with the fast time trailer's.
Tuesday 9 August 2011
HILL CLIMBS 2011
Just sent off my first entry for the 2011 season. Starting to get the hill climbing bug again. This is what i have been waiting for all year. Get to try out the new bike in competion which is another bonus.
These are the open hill climbs i will be doing this year.
September 4th Glossop Kinder Velo Snake Pass
September 11th Buxton CC J9/13
September 18th ABC Centreville J9/11
September 25th Bridlington CC V491
October 1st Otley CC (2stage) V891/V897
October 8th Holme Valley Wheelers Holme Moss
Huddersfield Star Wheelers V9912
October 9th Sheffrec CC OHC/3
October 16th Huddersfield Road Club V999
October 30th RTTC National Championship
So let the climbing begin.
These are the open hill climbs i will be doing this year.
September 4th Glossop Kinder Velo Snake Pass
September 11th Buxton CC J9/13
September 18th ABC Centreville J9/11
September 25th Bridlington CC V491
October 1st Otley CC (2stage) V891/V897
October 8th Holme Valley Wheelers Holme Moss
Huddersfield Star Wheelers V9912
October 9th Sheffrec CC OHC/3
October 16th Huddersfield Road Club V999
October 30th RTTC National Championship
So let the climbing begin.
Friday 5 August 2011
WHATS IN YOUR JERSEY
For my steady ride before tomorrows hill reps this is what's in my jersey
This is what i take on most of my rides
1. Rain Jacket - its needed in yorkshire
2. Apple iphone
3. Pump
4. House and garage keys
5. Energy food in it's own bio degradable wrapper.
1. Rain Jacket - its needed in yorkshire
2. Apple iphone
3. Pump
4. House and garage keys
5. Energy food in it's own bio degradable wrapper.
Friday 22 July 2011
FAILED
Unfortunately due to work and having to get some other training in i have not been on the Moss since last friday and due to racing tomorrow i will not be getting in any more ascents so i am stuck on 20. I have enjoyed giving it a go but another rapha failure for me. Lets hope that going up the moss 20 times in 2 weeks helps my hill climbing exploits later in the year.
Friday 15 July 2011
A RIDE IN THE SUN
The sun was out today so i was looking forward to my ride. Again it was over to Holme to put a few more ascents in. You would think that after 17 times up the moss i would be getting to like it but for some reason it is just a climb that i can't fall in love with. The first time up is always hard but then you get your climbing legs on and the third is normally the easiest.
On the Moss today was a gentleman climbing it for the first time as he has just got into cycling over the last six month's and wanted to see if he could climb it. He did stop a few times but made it to the top and the great views today. It's always good to see people challenging themselves and the moss is a good challenge for any biker.
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Total Ascents Needed 47
Today's Ascents 3
Current Total 20
Total Meters Climbed 8989m
On the Moss today was a gentleman climbing it for the first time as he has just got into cycling over the last six month's and wanted to see if he could climb it. He did stop a few times but made it to the top and the great views today. It's always good to see people challenging themselves and the moss is a good challenge for any biker.
Today's Ascents 3
Current Total 20
Total Meters Climbed 8989m
Wednesday 13 July 2011
DAY 6
Well after 3 days of not tackling the Moss i headed back over to Holmfirth for a few ascents. As i set of the sun was out and i was hoping for a warm day. 20 mins into the ride and the clouds came over and the temperature dropped. I was a little cold for the rest of the ride and especially on the descents of Holme Moss.
I think everyday i have seen other cyclists on the Moss and today was no different. On my way down to start my third ascent i passed at least 6 people. A few from the ctc cycling club going up steady 2 other riders that i did not know and young Leon Taylor-Woodhouse of Holme Valley Wheelers. The Moss does attract a lot of local cyclist as it's the gateway in to the peak district national park.
Total Ascents Needed 47
Todays Total 4
Current Total 17
I think everyday i have seen other cyclists on the Moss and today was no different. On my way down to start my third ascent i passed at least 6 people. A few from the ctc cycling club going up steady 2 other riders that i did not know and young Leon Taylor-Woodhouse of Holme Valley Wheelers. The Moss does attract a lot of local cyclist as it's the gateway in to the peak district national park.
Total Ascents Needed 47
Todays Total 4
Current Total 17
Tuesday 12 July 2011
HILL CLIMB TRAINING
No ascents today as i needed to get some practice in on my fixed wheel hill climb bike so i drove out to a climb just outside of Clayton West. The climb goes up into High Hoyland. The surface is good and there is not to much traffic so makes it ideal for using it to train on.
I think Featherstone Road Club use this climb for there club hill climb which this year takes place on the 18th September.
I was doing all the climbs seated as to try to build up the strength need. I only did 4 reps as i want to get some big days in on Holme Moss this week. I do like the fixed bike but i do have to get a lot more practice in on it and also do a full race pace test to see what type of gearing i am going to use when the Hill climb season starts.
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The casti in training prep. Seat to be changed to a Selle Italia slr and the wheels will be my hand built mavics with Vittoria Tubs.
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I think Featherstone Road Club use this climb for there club hill climb which this year takes place on the 18th September.
I was doing all the climbs seated as to try to build up the strength need. I only did 4 reps as i want to get some big days in on Holme Moss this week. I do like the fixed bike but i do have to get a lot more practice in on it and also do a full race pace test to see what type of gearing i am going to use when the Hill climb season starts.
Saturday 9 July 2011
LAST ONE FOR A FEW DAYS
As i didn't have much time today i could only get 1 ascent in as had to be back home to do a train station run for the girlfriend. Even tho i only did 1 ascent i was still on the bike for 2hr 40mins. As i am at work for the next two days it will be tuesday before i can add to my tally. Next week will have to be a big week as i am behind schedule already.
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My recovery meal waiting for me when i got back.
Total Ascents Needed 47
Todays Total 1
Current Total 13
Total Ascents Needed 47
Todays Total 1
Current Total 13
Friday 8 July 2011
A WET DAY
Well the weather forecast for today was rain rain and more rain so i wasn't expecting to get any riding in today other than maybe an hour on the rollers. So when i woke up at just after 7 the rain had not arrived and the sky's looked a little dark but i thought i would risk it and get out early and try and get some more ascents in. I don't normally go out till about ten so as i miss the commuter traffic and also i do like to chill for a couple of hours before i go out on the bike.
So i set of at 8.30 am and hoped that i would make it over to Holmfirth before the rain came. The clouds were beginning to gather as i hit my pit stop point in holme for a natural break.
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For anyone old school who needs to make an emergency call but make sure you have a ten pence piece.
So the climbing started. I went up a little quicker today as it looked like it could rain at anytime. One ascent done and back down to the bottom and the drizzle had started so i thought i would get just 1 more ascent in. The legs were feeling the 1st half of the climb as i think this is the hardest part to try and get into a rhythm. As i crested the summit the drizzle had turned to rain.
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Looking grime at the top.
I decided to get to the bottom as soon as possible so i didn't bother to stop to put my rain jacket on and on the decent i got very cold and was glad the rain had come so i had an excuse to cut my ride short and make the hour + ride home. I do seem to feel the cold prity easy these days but when you are 5"11 and only 69kg it is not surprising.
I am hoping for some good weather next week as i can not ride sunday or monday and i think i will only manage to get 1 climb in tomorrow as i have to be back early doors.
Total Ascents Needed 47
Today's Total 2
Current Total 12
So i set of at 8.30 am and hoped that i would make it over to Holmfirth before the rain came. The clouds were beginning to gather as i hit my pit stop point in holme for a natural break.
So the climbing started. I went up a little quicker today as it looked like it could rain at anytime. One ascent done and back down to the bottom and the drizzle had started so i thought i would get just 1 more ascent in. The legs were feeling the 1st half of the climb as i think this is the hardest part to try and get into a rhythm. As i crested the summit the drizzle had turned to rain.
I decided to get to the bottom as soon as possible so i didn't bother to stop to put my rain jacket on and on the decent i got very cold and was glad the rain had come so i had an excuse to cut my ride short and make the hour + ride home. I do seem to feel the cold prity easy these days but when you are 5"11 and only 69kg it is not surprising.
I am hoping for some good weather next week as i can not ride sunday or monday and i think i will only manage to get 1 climb in tomorrow as i have to be back early doors.
Total Ascents Needed 47
Today's Total 2
Current Total 12
Thursday 7 July 2011
DAY 3
So my 3rd day of riding up Holme Moss after missing yesterday so i could do a local 10 mile tt. The legs felt ok this morning but the wind was up and there were many a dark cloud looming above.
Today my plan was to just do 3 ascents as the weather wasn't looking to good. It takes me about 1hr 20mins of riding before i hit the base of Holme Moss so none of my rides have been below 3hours. The head wind was the strongest it's been so far so half way up the first ascent i was thinking maybe i would only climb it twice but i always have a few negative thoughts on my first ascent.
The return down to the bottom was fast to say the least. I hit 83.8 kph before i had a twitchy bum moment and hit the brakes. I think that if i had been on my race bike and not my winter/training bike then i might of even hit 90 kph and that is free wheeling i didn't even pedal.
So on the second ascent the clouds started to get a little darker and i thought that i might cut the ride short but as i crested the top 3 old cuys on touring bikes started the descent fully loaded up with 2 panniers. I caught one who was going about 20 kmph around the corners. It had started to drizzle at this point so i will let him off. I didn't pass him i just followed him down slowly. I did do the 3rd ascent but the drizzle had turned to rain by this point so i was clad to hit the top and turn around for my ride home.
Total ascents needed 47
Todays Total 3
Current Total 10
Today my plan was to just do 3 ascents as the weather wasn't looking to good. It takes me about 1hr 20mins of riding before i hit the base of Holme Moss so none of my rides have been below 3hours. The head wind was the strongest it's been so far so half way up the first ascent i was thinking maybe i would only climb it twice but i always have a few negative thoughts on my first ascent.
The return down to the bottom was fast to say the least. I hit 83.8 kph before i had a twitchy bum moment and hit the brakes. I think that if i had been on my race bike and not my winter/training bike then i might of even hit 90 kph and that is free wheeling i didn't even pedal.
So on the second ascent the clouds started to get a little darker and i thought that i might cut the ride short but as i crested the top 3 old cuys on touring bikes started the descent fully loaded up with 2 panniers. I caught one who was going about 20 kmph around the corners. It had started to drizzle at this point so i will let him off. I didn't pass him i just followed him down slowly. I did do the 3rd ascent but the drizzle had turned to rain by this point so i was clad to hit the top and turn around for my ride home.
Total ascents needed 47
Todays Total 3
Current Total 10
Tuesday 5 July 2011
TOUGH TODAY
Well my second day of tackling the moss. The weather was nice and sunny and the wind was up and as i was riding over to Holmfirth i knew that it was going to be a head wind up the climb. The legs felt ok but i was a little tired as i worked night's last night.
As soon as i started my first ascent i knew that today was not going to be as easy as yesterday. The first 2 climbs felt hard and it reminded me why i don't normally like Holme Moss as it is a little to open to the elements. Coming down the Moss was a little bit twitchy with the wind and even without pedaling i hit 77.9Km'h before i hit the breaks so i took it steady on the way down after that.
After the second ascent the legs felt a little better on the 3rd but the 4th was a bit of a struggle.
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Giving my feet a break after the 4th ascent.
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A cycling geek taking a photo of Radio geeks in the carpark at the top.
So 4 ascents done today but i am time trialing tomorrow so it will be thursday before i am back on the mountain weather permitting as it is ment to be raining.
Total Ascents 47
Todays Ascents 4
Current Running Total 7
As soon as i started my first ascent i knew that today was not going to be as easy as yesterday. The first 2 climbs felt hard and it reminded me why i don't normally like Holme Moss as it is a little to open to the elements. Coming down the Moss was a little bit twitchy with the wind and even without pedaling i hit 77.9Km'h before i hit the breaks so i took it steady on the way down after that.
After the second ascent the legs felt a little better on the 3rd but the 4th was a bit of a struggle.
So 4 ascents done today but i am time trialing tomorrow so it will be thursday before i am back on the mountain weather permitting as it is ment to be raining.
Total Ascents 47
Todays Ascents 4
Current Running Total 7
Monday 4 July 2011
START OF MY RAPHA RISING
Well as i have been working over the weekend my rapha rising started today on a warm but cloudy day in West Yorkshire. As i do not own a garmin or anything like it i am only including the climbing metres that i do up Holme Moss.
I had a bit of a Dickie tummy this morn so i wasn't sure how i would feel on my ride today but after the first hour before i started to climb into Holme i felt better.
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As i took the above photo of the base of the climb a cyclist rode bye so i caught him up and rode up for the first time with company. He was riding Holme Moss for the first time after seeing it in a book he recently bought (100 greatest climbs in Britain) so it was a nice easy ride up chatting. He also said that he was going to do the Jackson Bridge climb at some time so gave him my thoughts on the climb. The wind was being kind to us as there was virtually none which is an advantage when climbing the moss.
So today i planned to do 3 ascents just to break me in gently. I took all 3 steady so i could start the week steady. Tomorrow i will do 4 ascents and then 4 each on thursday and friday.
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Oh what joy. lol
Total Ascents needed 47
Current Total 3
I had a bit of a Dickie tummy this morn so i wasn't sure how i would feel on my ride today but after the first hour before i started to climb into Holme i felt better.
As i took the above photo of the base of the climb a cyclist rode bye so i caught him up and rode up for the first time with company. He was riding Holme Moss for the first time after seeing it in a book he recently bought (100 greatest climbs in Britain) so it was a nice easy ride up chatting. He also said that he was going to do the Jackson Bridge climb at some time so gave him my thoughts on the climb. The wind was being kind to us as there was virtually none which is an advantage when climbing the moss.
So today i planned to do 3 ascents just to break me in gently. I took all 3 steady so i could start the week steady. Tomorrow i will do 4 ascents and then 4 each on thursday and friday.
Oh what joy. lol
Total Ascents needed 47
Current Total 3
Thursday 30 June 2011
Rapha Rising
Another challenge from Rapha. Climb 21,125 meters of climbing over 22days whilst the Tour De France is on.
For me i am going to do it by climbing a local climb near me Le Col De Moss (Holme Moss) 47times. I don't think it will be easy as it is a climb a dislike riding for some reason. So I've got to get up it 47 times whilst also trying to fit a few time trials in and my other training. It's going to be a tough 3 weeks but if it wasn't it wouldn't be a challenge.
BRING THE CLIMBING ON
For me i am going to do it by climbing a local climb near me Le Col De Moss (Holme Moss) 47times. I don't think it will be easy as it is a climb a dislike riding for some reason. So I've got to get up it 47 times whilst also trying to fit a few time trials in and my other training. It's going to be a tough 3 weeks but if it wasn't it wouldn't be a challenge.
BRING THE CLIMBING ON
Wednesday 29 June 2011
THE BUZZ
Why do certain things about biking give you a buzz. For me it is not the training or even going out on a great ride. It's when you try to push your body to it's limit. That is why i love the hill climb season. Climbing is everything for me and when you give it your all and you have achieved what you what then that gives me a massive high. But it only lasts for a short time. Maybe only a few minutes or until you start to think about your next race.
But that is the buzz for me. A short high is the reward for many hour's on the bike.
But that is the buzz for me. A short high is the reward for many hour's on the bike.
Monday 27 June 2011
MY TIME TRIALING EXPLOITS SO FAR
Well the last eight weeks have seen me doing a few different 10mile tt and two 25mile tt. I have felt my condition improving but unfortunately the weather has not been on my side. The winds have been very strong and have played havoc with my riding. If there is one thing i struggle with both physically and mentally is a strong head wind. I just don't seem to have the power to push through them.
So even when your feeling good your time's just do not reflect it. But this is why i like time trialing. You do not have to worry about positioning in a race or if someone else will block your way in the sprint. It is just you versus the clock and if your condition is good and the weather is ok then your time's should reflect your condition be it good or bad.
So even with the weather conditions i have managed to set a new 10 and 25mile PB's 21.56 and 1:00.52 respectively.
So know it's back to some hard weeks of training to get myself in peak condition for the hill climb season. I might get a few more club 10s in before then just to check on my condition.
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This photo was taken by Dave Morgan at the Holme Valley Wheelers 25mile tt on the 28th May.
So even when your feeling good your time's just do not reflect it. But this is why i like time trialing. You do not have to worry about positioning in a race or if someone else will block your way in the sprint. It is just you versus the clock and if your condition is good and the weather is ok then your time's should reflect your condition be it good or bad.
So even with the weather conditions i have managed to set a new 10 and 25mile PB's 21.56 and 1:00.52 respectively.
So know it's back to some hard weeks of training to get myself in peak condition for the hill climb season. I might get a few more club 10s in before then just to check on my condition.
Friday 3 June 2011
NEW BIKE
Picked up my new bike this week. The boys at www.racescene.co.uk have done a brilliant job. I took it out for a test ride and it nearly had me off about 5 times in ten mins. The bike has been built just for the hill climb season. It is a fixed wheel stripped down race machine. I will post the pic's of the completed bike on here shortly and i do have to say it looks gorg. The boys at casati have done and excellent job but i didn't expect anything else. A full spec and photo's to follow when i have more time.
Friday 27 May 2011
Saturday 14 May 2011
SOV 10 MILE TT
Well on wednesday night i did my second 10 mile tt on the sovereign course which is an out and back sporting course which Holme Valley Wheelers use for their weekly club tt. The weather was a little chilly and windy which is the norm on this course. I got there earlier than last week so i could try to warm up a little better.
I managed to get 20mins in before i had to get signed on, then it was into my skin suit and number on. Then a final 10 mins warming up before i was to start.
I set of fast and it didn't feel that there was any wind which normally means it will be tough on the return leg. At the turn my average speed was higher than normal so i knew there must have been a tail wind. The speeds were down after the turn and on the major climb my speed was about 4/5 kmph slower than the week before. I kept a high cadence all the way and crossed the line in a new pb. so even with the headwind on the return leg i managed to pb by 7seconds. Not much but a good indicator to an even better time if i can get a night when there is no wind.
Saturday is my first 25mile tt of the year so lets hope i can get 2 pb's in a week.
I managed to get 20mins in before i had to get signed on, then it was into my skin suit and number on. Then a final 10 mins warming up before i was to start.
I set of fast and it didn't feel that there was any wind which normally means it will be tough on the return leg. At the turn my average speed was higher than normal so i knew there must have been a tail wind. The speeds were down after the turn and on the major climb my speed was about 4/5 kmph slower than the week before. I kept a high cadence all the way and crossed the line in a new pb. so even with the headwind on the return leg i managed to pb by 7seconds. Not much but a good indicator to an even better time if i can get a night when there is no wind.
Saturday is my first 25mile tt of the year so lets hope i can get 2 pb's in a week.
Monday 9 May 2011
Wednesday 4 May 2011
HOW TO GO FASTER ?
Over the last few weeks i have been trying to put a few hard weeks training together so as i can increase my speed and power for my 10mile time trials this year.
I have tried riding with the Huddersfield star wheelers on a wednesday night on a short 3mile circuit but found that the difference level of fitness is to big between the riders and it just feels like you are riding as hard as you can on your own. I have also done the last 2weeks on the chain gang on a tuesday night. The ride is fairly flat and you do have to take your life in your own hands when it come's to traffic lights and roundabouts but the speed is fairly fast but i don't think it is fast enough. For a fast ten you will be going above 43km/h but even on the chain gang the average speed was only 36km/h and i need to be able to do some sessions above the speed i need for a fast ten to improve.
So its back to the drawing board to find some riding that will get me the speed i want.
I have tried riding with the Huddersfield star wheelers on a wednesday night on a short 3mile circuit but found that the difference level of fitness is to big between the riders and it just feels like you are riding as hard as you can on your own. I have also done the last 2weeks on the chain gang on a tuesday night. The ride is fairly flat and you do have to take your life in your own hands when it come's to traffic lights and roundabouts but the speed is fairly fast but i don't think it is fast enough. For a fast ten you will be going above 43km/h but even on the chain gang the average speed was only 36km/h and i need to be able to do some sessions above the speed i need for a fast ten to improve.
So its back to the drawing board to find some riding that will get me the speed i want.
Wednesday 13 April 2011
Saturday 9 April 2011
FIRST TT OF THE YEAR
Well today was my first real test of the year. I was doing a 10mile TT on the V718 near Hull. It is probably the fastest course in Yorkshire so most people set their pb's on this course. As i have suffered from a lot of colds this year my training is a little bit behind were i would want it to be but it would give me a good guide for the rest of the year.
After a 25minute warm up on the rollers i set of for the start which was about another 15 minutes away. The course is run on the A63 so it is very busy with traffic. As i was being held for the off there was an old lady on a push bike coming up behind me. 5 4 3 2 1 go, just as she was about to cut in front of me as i sprinted of. Lets just say she was a bit put out but not as much as i was with the starters for not warning me she was there.
So down the the slip road and straight into a head wind. I had planed not to go to hard for the first 5miles but the head wind seemed to be strong and i didn't hold much hope for a good time (for me). At the turn it didn't feel like there was much of a tail wind but i went as hard as i thought i could.
So i crossed the line with a time 22mins and 9sec which was 46seconds faster than my previous best. So i was fairly pleased. I will look forward to getting back on this course later in the season when my condition has improved.
All in all a well run event with a HQ with showers which was a bonus.
After a 25minute warm up on the rollers i set of for the start which was about another 15 minutes away. The course is run on the A63 so it is very busy with traffic. As i was being held for the off there was an old lady on a push bike coming up behind me. 5 4 3 2 1 go, just as she was about to cut in front of me as i sprinted of. Lets just say she was a bit put out but not as much as i was with the starters for not warning me she was there.
So down the the slip road and straight into a head wind. I had planed not to go to hard for the first 5miles but the head wind seemed to be strong and i didn't hold much hope for a good time (for me). At the turn it didn't feel like there was much of a tail wind but i went as hard as i thought i could.
So i crossed the line with a time 22mins and 9sec which was 46seconds faster than my previous best. So i was fairly pleased. I will look forward to getting back on this course later in the season when my condition has improved.
All in all a well run event with a HQ with showers which was a bonus.
Thursday 7 April 2011
FAST TRAINING RIDES FOR ALL ABILITY'S
I went out for my second night ride in a row last night so i could sample a new evening ride organised by a member of HSW. It was on a 2.8mile circuit and the plan was to take two laps to warm up then go for it with a section of about just over half a mile where we could do through and off.
About 20 people took to the road on the warm up laps. As always after the first warm up lap the pace went up and i think we lost a few people at this stage and then on the first proper fast lap the group just disintegrated about half way round.
My plan was to do a fast lap then recovery then do another fast lap and hope to get about 5 laps in. As the laps were taking about 7mins i new this wasn't going to be possible but i hoped to get 4 in. Unfortunately due to the pace on the first lap a few people looked to have given up and everyone else was riding in just pairs and not going flat out as the first few laps had taking it out of then and it looked like most people were just going as fast as the could for an hour.
I did manage 4 laps but the last 2 were mostly on my own and that is not what i was hoping for.
I think the circuit is a little to long for most people and the night needs a little bit more structure so as not to lose people after 1 lap and then they don't come the following week as they thing it is just to fast.
So as to get as many people involved of all ability's so we can all increase our fitness then maybe the following needs to happen.
Two laps at a proper warm up pace.
First faster lap but not full gas so everyone gets round
Then a recovery lap for everyone so that if anyone has been dropped they can get back on.
Then a fast lap now everyone has warmed up.
Then a recovery lap
And it follows this format until the end
I feel that if it is done this way then when there is a fast lap it is a high enough pace and if anyone gets dropped they know that everyone will back off at the end of the lap so they can get back on. This way more people will be together rather than everyone scattered around the course doing fast laps on there own which they could do anytime.
That's just my opion as i think some training nights should try to accommodate as many people as possible rather than just the fastest riders.
I am sure it will evolve into a very good training night i just hope that some of the slower riders haven't been put of by then.
But a big thank you to the HSW member (BULL) who has put the night on and gone to the trouble to publish the night and generate the interest to get it of the ground.
About 20 people took to the road on the warm up laps. As always after the first warm up lap the pace went up and i think we lost a few people at this stage and then on the first proper fast lap the group just disintegrated about half way round.
My plan was to do a fast lap then recovery then do another fast lap and hope to get about 5 laps in. As the laps were taking about 7mins i new this wasn't going to be possible but i hoped to get 4 in. Unfortunately due to the pace on the first lap a few people looked to have given up and everyone else was riding in just pairs and not going flat out as the first few laps had taking it out of then and it looked like most people were just going as fast as the could for an hour.
I did manage 4 laps but the last 2 were mostly on my own and that is not what i was hoping for.
I think the circuit is a little to long for most people and the night needs a little bit more structure so as not to lose people after 1 lap and then they don't come the following week as they thing it is just to fast.
So as to get as many people involved of all ability's so we can all increase our fitness then maybe the following needs to happen.
Two laps at a proper warm up pace.
First faster lap but not full gas so everyone gets round
Then a recovery lap for everyone so that if anyone has been dropped they can get back on.
Then a fast lap now everyone has warmed up.
Then a recovery lap
And it follows this format until the end
I feel that if it is done this way then when there is a fast lap it is a high enough pace and if anyone gets dropped they know that everyone will back off at the end of the lap so they can get back on. This way more people will be together rather than everyone scattered around the course doing fast laps on there own which they could do anytime.
That's just my opion as i think some training nights should try to accommodate as many people as possible rather than just the fastest riders.
I am sure it will evolve into a very good training night i just hope that some of the slower riders haven't been put of by then.
But a big thank you to the HSW member (BULL) who has put the night on and gone to the trouble to publish the night and generate the interest to get it of the ground.
Wednesday 6 April 2011
DAVGAV'S MINI LIEGE-BASTOGNE-LIEGE RIDES
Well last night was the first time i have been out for a ride on a night time for a couple of years. As my job allows all my rides are done in the day time but this week i wanted a bit more company so i thought i would start by taking in the ride organised by David Gavin of the Huddersfield Star Wheelers which leaves the Safety Centre at Lockwood traffic lights at 7pm every Tuesday.
The ride is labeled as a steady 90mins but due to the terrain around these parts the routes are always hilly so you get plenty of climbing in over the 90mins but the pace is steady. No body gets left behind and at the top of every climb they wait for the last man. If you do not want to hang around for a few Min's then do what i did and when you have reached the top ride back down to the last man and give him some company.
There are no ego's on this ride and no one is trying to rip each other's legs of so it is an excellent way to get used to riding with others and get some miles in.
For more information on these rides then go onto Huddersfield Star Wheelers website for more details. You will find it in the Leisure rides section.
The ride is labeled as a steady 90mins but due to the terrain around these parts the routes are always hilly so you get plenty of climbing in over the 90mins but the pace is steady. No body gets left behind and at the top of every climb they wait for the last man. If you do not want to hang around for a few Min's then do what i did and when you have reached the top ride back down to the last man and give him some company.
There are no ego's on this ride and no one is trying to rip each other's legs of so it is an excellent way to get used to riding with others and get some miles in.
For more information on these rides then go onto Huddersfield Star Wheelers website for more details. You will find it in the Leisure rides section.
Saturday 19 March 2011
A LONG TIME IN THE SADDLE
Well after my disaster on Thursday's ride the weather was again good on Friday so i thought what the hell. Round 2.
I was going to do the same route which would take in the climbs of Holme Moss then Snake Pass and then on to a series off climbs which are called the Strines. I have done this route a few times before but not since i have moved which would probably add another hour to the ride.
My food for the ride would consist of 2 bidons with water in a banana and 2 slices of flap jack. I had some money on me so i can stop and get a can of coke and a mars bar.
So i managed to get to the top of Holme Moss today with out any punctures so things were looking good for the rest of the ride. The was no wind going up the moss which always makes it a lot easier to climb. For some reason it is not a climb i like i just can not seem to get into a good rhythm on the climb.
So i quick decent down the other side. I hit just over 75kph and this was on the winter bike. On in to Glossop and then to the base of one of my favorite climbs. Snake Pass is over 6km but the surface is excellent and the way it snakes it self up the climb just makes it feel like you are on a grand tour climb. Glossop Kinder Velo run a hill climb on the Snake at this year it is on the 4th September. Last year it had about 30 entrants and was run on a dry but very windy day. The winner over the last few years was James Dobbin who also holds the record on the climb.
So with the two main climbs out of the way its was a lovely run down to the Ladybower Reservoirs. It was here that i picked up a can of coke and a mars bar up from a roadside cafe. As soon as these were down it was on my way again to start the strines.
As i started on the Strines Moor it was straight into a head wind which was a bit depressing. I seemed to remember that this was the harder way to tackle the climbs but after the first it seemed they would be easier. They might be longer this way but not as steep as coming from the opposite way. But i knew that the hardest climb was still to come and i wasn't looking forward to it. The back was starting to hurt a little after having to walk down hill for about an hour on Thursday whilst wearing my cycling shoes.
AS you can see from the photo above this is the second half of the next to last climb on the strines. Some people may say that this is the last climb but there is still a small one after this. The 1st half of the climb you can not see as it is below the farm. Well this was tough. The legs were starting to feel it by know and the first half of the climb was covered in mud dropped by a tractor but as you break out of the tree's into the sunlight you can see a little light at the end of the tunnel. The last 100meters is hard but you seen to speed up as you know the top is near.
So the last hard climb on the strines and its 25% is completed so know i was on my way home. Only a few small climbs left on my route home but the last climb up to my house is 12% and after a long ride it just saps the last of your energy.
So i had 5hrs 24mins in the saddle with 123km covered with a speed of 22.7kph so today's ride was just a leg spinner on the rollers.
I was going to do the same route which would take in the climbs of Holme Moss then Snake Pass and then on to a series off climbs which are called the Strines. I have done this route a few times before but not since i have moved which would probably add another hour to the ride.
My food for the ride would consist of 2 bidons with water in a banana and 2 slices of flap jack. I had some money on me so i can stop and get a can of coke and a mars bar.
So i managed to get to the top of Holme Moss today with out any punctures so things were looking good for the rest of the ride. The was no wind going up the moss which always makes it a lot easier to climb. For some reason it is not a climb i like i just can not seem to get into a good rhythm on the climb.
So i had 5hrs 24mins in the saddle with 123km covered with a speed of 22.7kph so today's ride was just a leg spinner on the rollers.
Thursday 17 March 2011
DAYS ON THE BIKE I HATE
It started of so good. The sun was out and i had started what was ment to be a 5hour ride over some of the best climbs i know. Just at the top of Holme Moss i noticed i slow puncture. Puncture fixed and off i went only to find i was riding on the rim at 60kmph. I must of missed a bit of the shared of metal that i pulled out of the tyre after the first puncture. 2 hours later i finnally made it home. So a roller session later to make up for the lack of miles.
Maybe the moral of the story is make sure you have more than 1 spare tube with you.
Monday 28 February 2011
Frustrated Again
Well after my last post i have picked up another cold. My third of the winter. I would like to say it is because i am over training but i haven't had more than 3 weeks on the bike in a row all winter before i have got another cold. This one is more frustrating than the last 2 as i thought i was just starting to get my cycling legs back after a very busy winter renovating my new house and all the things that go with that.
I even had to miss the Huddersfield Star Wheelers presentation night on Saturday as i was on night's at work. By all accounts it was a fun night with one of the boys bringing a Watt bike so they could have a competition to see who was the quickest over 250m. Even tho i didn't go i did have a busy time collecting all the trophy's and getting them engraved with all the 2010 winners. Below is a list of the winners and a photo of a selection of the trophy that we give out.
Mens Road Club Run Point's Champion Paul Smith
Ladies Road Club Run Points Champion Dawn Hartley
Mens Mountain Bike Club Run Champion Ian Colley
Ladies Mountain Bike Club Run Champion S Brook
Freewheel Champion Paul Smith
Junior FreeWheel Champion Elliot Smith
Road Race Champion Ivan Boyes
Track Champion Ivan Boyes
Hill Climb Champion Andrew Pearson
Most Active New Member Dawn Hartley
10 Mile TT Champion Mark Thaxter
25 Mile TT Champion Mark Thaxter
50 Mile TT Champion Mark Thaxter
Short Course BAR Mark Thaxter
Cyclocross Champion Graham Piccavey
Veterans Champion Graham Piccavey
Mountain Bike Race Champion Graham Piccavey
2Up TT Mark Thaxter/Tom Broadbent
Crasher Cup Nico Tanis
Under 12 Boys Alex Bailey
Under 12 Girls Ruby Boyes
Service To Club David Gavin
So of course my main aim for this year is again to win the Hill Climb trophy which would make it 3 time in a row but i know this year will be harder than ever.
I even had to miss the Huddersfield Star Wheelers presentation night on Saturday as i was on night's at work. By all accounts it was a fun night with one of the boys bringing a Watt bike so they could have a competition to see who was the quickest over 250m. Even tho i didn't go i did have a busy time collecting all the trophy's and getting them engraved with all the 2010 winners. Below is a list of the winners and a photo of a selection of the trophy that we give out.
Mens Road Club Run Point's Champion Paul Smith
Ladies Road Club Run Points Champion Dawn Hartley
Mens Mountain Bike Club Run Champion Ian Colley
Ladies Mountain Bike Club Run Champion S Brook
Freewheel Champion Paul Smith
Junior FreeWheel Champion Elliot Smith
Road Race Champion Ivan Boyes
Track Champion Ivan Boyes
Hill Climb Champion Andrew Pearson
Most Active New Member Dawn Hartley
10 Mile TT Champion Mark Thaxter
25 Mile TT Champion Mark Thaxter
50 Mile TT Champion Mark Thaxter
Short Course BAR Mark Thaxter
Cyclocross Champion Graham Piccavey
Veterans Champion Graham Piccavey
Mountain Bike Race Champion Graham Piccavey
2Up TT Mark Thaxter/Tom Broadbent
Crasher Cup Nico Tanis
Under 12 Boys Alex Bailey
Under 12 Girls Ruby Boyes
Service To Club David Gavin
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