Saturday, September 30, 2006
28 September 2006 Kirroughtree
Another 7 Stanes location ticked off the list.
A happy juxtaposition of work commitments allowed me to stay overnight in Dumfries & Galloway (stayed overnight at the Ellangowan Hotel, the "Green Man" in the original The Wicker Man movie) and have an early morning session round Kirroughtree.
Kirroughtree is very nice - more mixed woodlands than is typical in our forests and although there had been torrential rain for hours the night before, the actual trails weren't at all bad. Puddles in places of course, but generally the trails had drained very quickly.
I stayed to the blue routes, partly because I'm nursing a shoulder/rib injury from kendo on Monday, but also aware of the need to work the rest of the day and therefore not maim or disfigure myself. Did all the optional loops plus the taster loop to make up a reasonable distance. This combo takes you down at least one man made section of trail a second time which is a nice chance to try and remember what's coming next.
An evening spent reading "Mountain Bike Like A Champion" didn't do any harm - especially concepts like looking ahead at where you want to go and using only peripheral vision to watch the wheel and immediate obstacles. Also looking further ahead the faster you're moving. D'oh.
14.76km, 95m total elapsed, of which 83m moving.
A happy juxtaposition of work commitments allowed me to stay overnight in Dumfries & Galloway (stayed overnight at the Ellangowan Hotel, the "Green Man" in the original The Wicker Man movie) and have an early morning session round Kirroughtree.
Kirroughtree is very nice - more mixed woodlands than is typical in our forests and although there had been torrential rain for hours the night before, the actual trails weren't at all bad. Puddles in places of course, but generally the trails had drained very quickly.
I stayed to the blue routes, partly because I'm nursing a shoulder/rib injury from kendo on Monday, but also aware of the need to work the rest of the day and therefore not maim or disfigure myself. Did all the optional loops plus the taster loop to make up a reasonable distance. This combo takes you down at least one man made section of trail a second time which is a nice chance to try and remember what's coming next.
An evening spent reading "Mountain Bike Like A Champion" didn't do any harm - especially concepts like looking ahead at where you want to go and using only peripheral vision to watch the wheel and immediate obstacles. Also looking further ahead the faster you're moving. D'oh.
14.76km, 95m total elapsed, of which 83m moving.
Sunday, September 24, 2006
23 September 2006 Traquair Cross Country
Neil and I on the 7 Stanes XC course at Traquair, near Innerleithen
20km, 600m climbing, graded mainly red with some black.
5 hours total.
Upsides - 5 hour session is a good endurance build.
We're closer in fitness than the last time we did this route. That time I hardly saw Neal at all, this time he still climbs faster (higher gear) and longer than I do, but not so markedly ... and I do the downhills faster. Dunno how much that is recent practice, how much new bike.
Downsides - the number of riders who passed us, though most of these in the first half so we suspect they were only going up to do the downhill.
Both getting cramp towards end.
Spill count - Neal 3, me 1.
20km, 600m climbing, graded mainly red with some black.
5 hours total.
Upsides - 5 hour session is a good endurance build.
We're closer in fitness than the last time we did this route. That time I hardly saw Neal at all, this time he still climbs faster (higher gear) and longer than I do, but not so markedly ... and I do the downhills faster. Dunno how much that is recent practice, how much new bike.
Downsides - the number of riders who passed us, though most of these in the first half so we suspect they were only going up to do the downhill.
Both getting cramp towards end.
Spill count - Neal 3, me 1.
Sunday, September 17, 2006
16 September 2006 East Lomond
Gradually extending this course.
Added a few minutes flat warmup through GilvenBank Fields, then up to Coul and through the edge of the woods to Pitcairn.
Turned right at the top of the forest and picked up the path to the relay station.
Aha - technical uphill. Bad combination, much work needed in this area.
Before hitting this section, I was something like 45min elapsed time, 39min actual pedalling. By the time I reached the relay station this had become 75/45 or something stupid like that.
Mainly because of my rule that says if I should (theoretically, ultimately) be able to ride something, I won't push up it. I think it's the only wau I can get an accurate impression of progress on routes like this one.
So this was half an hour of finding it difficult to get going in a low gear on loose ground uphill, managing to ride a few feet then coming off again. But I got there, then cycled round the side of East Lomond (I'll leave the actual summit section for later) to Craigmead, then back on road to Leslie, then paths via Whinnyknowe and Foresters Lodge to home.
Overall times weren't helped by taking a wee tour of the limekiln remains rather than catch up with a walking family on a steep/narrow section ahead. Interesting also how what used to be (er, up to 10 years ago) very sharp rocky twintracks are now almost completely covered by a layer of hard packed green.
Lessons learned:
1) get in the right gear at the start of steep climbs - or learn how to/get a bike that can gearshift under load.
2) drink more. One problem with the hydration bladder is that it's hard to monitor how much you're drinking. Need to develop a feel for how much each drink is using.
Suffering: Cardiovascular, side of knees, tops of thighs - all in climbing.
17km, 135m elapsed, 90 actual.
Added a few minutes flat warmup through GilvenBank Fields, then up to Coul and through the edge of the woods to Pitcairn.
Turned right at the top of the forest and picked up the path to the relay station.
Aha - technical uphill. Bad combination, much work needed in this area.
Before hitting this section, I was something like 45min elapsed time, 39min actual pedalling. By the time I reached the relay station this had become 75/45 or something stupid like that.
Mainly because of my rule that says if I should (theoretically, ultimately) be able to ride something, I won't push up it. I think it's the only wau I can get an accurate impression of progress on routes like this one.
So this was half an hour of finding it difficult to get going in a low gear on loose ground uphill, managing to ride a few feet then coming off again. But I got there, then cycled round the side of East Lomond (I'll leave the actual summit section for later) to Craigmead, then back on road to Leslie, then paths via Whinnyknowe and Foresters Lodge to home.
Overall times weren't helped by taking a wee tour of the limekiln remains rather than catch up with a walking family on a steep/narrow section ahead. Interesting also how what used to be (er, up to 10 years ago) very sharp rocky twintracks are now almost completely covered by a layer of hard packed green.
Lessons learned:
1) get in the right gear at the start of steep climbs - or learn how to/get a bike that can gearshift under load.
2) drink more. One problem with the hydration bladder is that it's hard to monitor how much you're drinking. Need to develop a feel for how much each drink is using.
Suffering: Cardiovascular, side of knees, tops of thighs - all in climbing.
17km, 135m elapsed, 90 actual.
Thursday, September 14, 2006
New Toys Update
Now that I've had time to fit/use my birthday presents:
Track Pump. Excellent. Had a 40psi target in mind but based on previous use of mini pump with no guauge (at the limit of its/my abilities) turns out rear was 30psi and front only 25! Handful of up-downs and they're both up to spec.
Computer. Mmmh - not very happy with my pals at Specialized right now. Asked for and was given the "Turbo Elite" - wireless computer (wired cadence). First off, the manual is miniscule (50x90mm) with 6pt type and tiny illustrations. I don't know if the illustrations show anything useful - like which part of the sensors are actually supposed to line up with the magnets?
Then there's practicality - magnets and sensors are supposed to be within 1-2mm of each other. On a mountain bike, off-road, and with them all attached with cable ties? How the *%$! are you supposed to attach smooth plastic things to other smooth metal things with a hard plastic tie that has a ratchet mechanism - and keep it all in place within 1mm on a mountain bike?
Finally, there's the cadence setup. Unfortunately, my Specialized bike doesn't have enough room between the Specialized chainstay and the Specialized crank arm for the Specialized cadence sensor and Specialized cadence magnet to fit. So it has to go on an angle on the bend of the chainstay - with cable ties - so it's always liable to slip round the bend. Aren't we all.
Need to find somewhere at Specialized to rant to about this.
Hydration Pack. Great. Lack of bite valve might mean its a bit trickier to use in the saddle, but I think that is just practice. The tube routes nicely through the shoulder strap and clips to the side. With 2l bladder installed, there's still room inside for tube, multitool, waterproof, pump and a little more.
Rear Crud Catcher. It catches the crud, but the bracket design has created a Catch 22 for me. Because of the angle it sits at - and my short leggies meaning my seat post doesn't sit that high - the bracket has to clamp to the very top of the seat post under the saddle. That means my pre-existing saddle pack can't attach there too. I could drop the crud catcher a bit and make the actual guard sit at a more acute angle - but that would prevent me ever dropping the saddle. For now will just try to use the hydration pack instead of saddle pack.
Clothes. All good :)
Track Pump. Excellent. Had a 40psi target in mind but based on previous use of mini pump with no guauge (at the limit of its/my abilities) turns out rear was 30psi and front only 25! Handful of up-downs and they're both up to spec.
Computer. Mmmh - not very happy with my pals at Specialized right now. Asked for and was given the "Turbo Elite" - wireless computer (wired cadence). First off, the manual is miniscule (50x90mm) with 6pt type and tiny illustrations. I don't know if the illustrations show anything useful - like which part of the sensors are actually supposed to line up with the magnets?
Then there's practicality - magnets and sensors are supposed to be within 1-2mm of each other. On a mountain bike, off-road, and with them all attached with cable ties? How the *%$! are you supposed to attach smooth plastic things to other smooth metal things with a hard plastic tie that has a ratchet mechanism - and keep it all in place within 1mm on a mountain bike?
Finally, there's the cadence setup. Unfortunately, my Specialized bike doesn't have enough room between the Specialized chainstay and the Specialized crank arm for the Specialized cadence sensor and Specialized cadence magnet to fit. So it has to go on an angle on the bend of the chainstay - with cable ties - so it's always liable to slip round the bend. Aren't we all.
Need to find somewhere at Specialized to rant to about this.
Hydration Pack. Great. Lack of bite valve might mean its a bit trickier to use in the saddle, but I think that is just practice. The tube routes nicely through the shoulder strap and clips to the side. With 2l bladder installed, there's still room inside for tube, multitool, waterproof, pump and a little more.
Rear Crud Catcher. It catches the crud, but the bracket design has created a Catch 22 for me. Because of the angle it sits at - and my short leggies meaning my seat post doesn't sit that high - the bracket has to clamp to the very top of the seat post under the saddle. That means my pre-existing saddle pack can't attach there too. I could drop the crud catcher a bit and make the actual guard sit at a more acute angle - but that would prevent me ever dropping the saddle. For now will just try to use the hydration pack instead of saddle pack.
Clothes. All good :)
13 September 2006 Grass Climb Circuit
Another one of my "marker" routes. Also a test of spirit as it's a boring slog. Let's see if I'm still doing this one in a year (month ...)
It has the advantage of being a circuit round our part of town, so it can be done with minimal prep. Ideal for those early morning (yawn) mid week sessions.
There are two aspects to this circuit. First, 90% of it is on grass which even on the level seems to be tough going. Second, it includes a 1/2 mile or so climb. So it's slog round the grass, climb the hill, short downhill, little tarmac back to the start.
I'd measure and time it, but see the post about my new cycle computer ...
It has the advantage of being a circuit round our part of town, so it can be done with minimal prep. Ideal for those early morning (yawn) mid week sessions.
There are two aspects to this circuit. First, 90% of it is on grass which even on the level seems to be tough going. Second, it includes a 1/2 mile or so climb. So it's slog round the grass, climb the hill, short downhill, little tarmac back to the start.
I'd measure and time it, but see the post about my new cycle computer ...
Saturday, September 09, 2006
Game On
Just remembered I should say for the record that this is now an official attempt :)
Spoke to Neal yesterday and he said outloud he was committed to it - so we're doing the TransRockies in 2009. We have acknowledged that life's events may get in the way so we're not going to fall out if something stops us at some point over the 3 years - but we are approaching this with the firm commitment to do it, and to work through the intermediate objectives over the next couple of years.
We've booked our first joint outing for a couple of weeks - Pentlands or Inverkeithing XC if nice, Glentress if not.
Spoke to Neal yesterday and he said outloud he was committed to it - so we're doing the TransRockies in 2009. We have acknowledged that life's events may get in the way so we're not going to fall out if something stops us at some point over the 3 years - but we are approaching this with the firm commitment to do it, and to work through the intermediate objectives over the next couple of years.
We've booked our first joint outing for a couple of weeks - Pentlands or Inverkeithing XC if nice, Glentress if not.
9 September 2006 Fife Coastal Path
2 hours, 11km.
One of the MTB mags recently did the whole coastal path from dalgety Bay to Tayport over two days. Gave the impression the whole thing was eminently bikeable.
Drove to Leven to pick up the path as I thought that would give me a more picturesque section to try.
The main problem is that the signage disappears at points, so you often don't know if you're on the right route. It might seem kinda obvious that you just keep the sea to the same side all the time, but I ended up riding up the path to the clubhouse (from the course direction) of one of the golf clubs, round it, up their driveway and through their car park. Looking at the website later I see where I went wrong, but it wasn't signposted - and the magazine people did the same thing.
I guess the path is really designed for walking. Some sections along the dune tops are on narrow deep ruts that make pedalling impossible, and coming back through Lower Largo, you hit a one-way street no entry sign that forces you up a steep tarmac hill and onto the main road.
It is a beautiful route though so I may do some more research and find a section that works better than starting at Leven.
Update: After cleaning my bike, and upon reflection, I can't really recommend this to anyone. That amount of sand in the drivetrain just can't be a good idea. Maybe some other sections will be a little more inland/higher level.
One of the MTB mags recently did the whole coastal path from dalgety Bay to Tayport over two days. Gave the impression the whole thing was eminently bikeable.
Drove to Leven to pick up the path as I thought that would give me a more picturesque section to try.
The main problem is that the signage disappears at points, so you often don't know if you're on the right route. It might seem kinda obvious that you just keep the sea to the same side all the time, but I ended up riding up the path to the clubhouse (from the course direction) of one of the golf clubs, round it, up their driveway and through their car park. Looking at the website later I see where I went wrong, but it wasn't signposted - and the magazine people did the same thing.
I guess the path is really designed for walking. Some sections along the dune tops are on narrow deep ruts that make pedalling impossible, and coming back through Lower Largo, you hit a one-way street no entry sign that forces you up a steep tarmac hill and onto the main road.
It is a beautiful route though so I may do some more research and find a section that works better than starting at Leven.
Update: After cleaning my bike, and upon reflection, I can't really recommend this to anyone. That amount of sand in the drivetrain just can't be a good idea. Maybe some other sections will be a little more inland/higher level.
8 September 2006 East Lomond
This will be one of my progress "marker" routes as the months go by, as basically it's out the front door and climb the hill. Mix of tarmac path, singletrack and forest track with about 300m nett climb by the time (if ever) I get to the top.
First time out, 45 minutes took me 4.5km to the top of the forest below the radio masts but I'd gone left when I should have gone right so came to a dead end. Looked at the map when I got back and think I see a route up the next stage.
Total 70 minutes, 9km.
First time out, 45 minutes took me 4.5km to the top of the forest below the radio masts but I'd gone left when I should have gone right so came to a dead end. Looked at the map when I got back and think I see a route up the next stage.
Total 70 minutes, 9km.
Wednesday, September 06, 2006
5 September 2006 Static Bike Session
Frustrated by working into the evening, did an hour on the exercise bike at 9pm while watching the TransRockies documentary DVD to remind myself what it's all about. Trying to concentrate on pedalling circles. Then shower with lots of stretching.
Sunday, September 03, 2006
Light Bikes and Fat Blokes
It's easy to get obsessed about weight with mountain bikes, shaving 5g here and there. The difference between bikes described as "cumbersome tanks" or "racing whippets" seems to be about 5lbs, so I reckon it will be easier to lose (say) 14lbs from me than from the bike and components I use.
Need to get a better fix on my ideal weight, but I'm sure I can afford to lose that stone at least. Maybe recording progress in public will be a useful motivation to stay on plan.
I have started to lose a little since this TR idea became serious about three weeks ago. Starting point 13 stone 7lbs, last week 13 stone 5.5 lbs, today 13 stone 4.5lbs.
Need to get a better fix on my ideal weight, but I'm sure I can afford to lose that stone at least. Maybe recording progress in public will be a useful motivation to stay on plan.
I have started to lose a little since this TR idea became serious about three weeks ago. Starting point 13 stone 7lbs, last week 13 stone 5.5 lbs, today 13 stone 4.5lbs.
New Toys
Today was my 46th birthday - the impending (now arrived) landmark that triggered this whole idea.
My wish list was pretty much MTB centric and so the gear collection has a few new additions:
Track Pump. I want to experiment with getting those bigger tyres up to higher pressures. Looking down when I ride, seems to me my back tyre is quite squished even when pumped as much as I can get it with my mini pump, but now I'll be able to see what pressure they're running at and see if I can/should go higher.
Computer. Wanted wireless and wanted cadence, but both together is v expensive, so got wireless with wired cadence. I find it hard to believe that MTB'ers really achieve the kind of cadence I keep seeing quoted as ideal - I can hardly do them on easy gearing on a static bike - but now I'll be able to see.
Hydration Pack. Reeled at the price of CamelBaks, etc then saw this item in Tesco. 2l bladder + 4l storage, main internal + two external zipped + net storage. Push/pull (not bite) valve. How much? wait for it .... £9.50 !!!!
Rear Crud Catcher. stop those muddy lines up the spine.
Bike Clothes. A "proper" biking jersey from my sister, plus two technical fabric tops (Nike and Quicksilver) I found in TK Max for £15 each. Not clear what sport they're designed for but they're lightweight wicking fabric with a bike-style cut and ventilation panels.
Update: You might like to see the update on these items after fitting and first use.
My wish list was pretty much MTB centric and so the gear collection has a few new additions:
Track Pump. I want to experiment with getting those bigger tyres up to higher pressures. Looking down when I ride, seems to me my back tyre is quite squished even when pumped as much as I can get it with my mini pump, but now I'll be able to see what pressure they're running at and see if I can/should go higher.
Computer. Wanted wireless and wanted cadence, but both together is v expensive, so got wireless with wired cadence. I find it hard to believe that MTB'ers really achieve the kind of cadence I keep seeing quoted as ideal - I can hardly do them on easy gearing on a static bike - but now I'll be able to see.
Hydration Pack. Reeled at the price of CamelBaks, etc then saw this item in Tesco. 2l bladder + 4l storage, main internal + two external zipped + net storage. Push/pull (not bite) valve. How much? wait for it .... £9.50 !!!!
Rear Crud Catcher. stop those muddy lines up the spine.
Bike Clothes. A "proper" biking jersey from my sister, plus two technical fabric tops (Nike and Quicksilver) I found in TK Max for £15 each. Not clear what sport they're designed for but they're lightweight wicking fabric with a bike-style cut and ventilation panels.
Update: You might like to see the update on these items after fitting and first use.
The First Big Step Forward
Things took a big step forward yesterday when I mooted the idea to my son Neal. It was he who first told me about the TransRockies and he who first talked about (him) doing it. Although we've referred to it several times it had kinda taken on a running joke quality and I wasn't at all sure how he would respond when i made a more serious suggestion.
I didn't doubt he would "fancy" it, but the practicalities of training, time, finance, where he's going to be in his life in 2, 3 or 4 years time had to be considered.
But he took it seriously and I reckon we're on. Prob looking at a 3 year program to allow us to get from here to there, but that's ok. Seems like a long time away, but it will allow us to ramp up our fitness and skills within the context of our rest-of-life commitments and make the finances easier. This time next year we'd want to have completed the whole Merida Marathon series of 100k events, the year after add in the Trans-Wales, and then 2009 will be TransRockies year.
I didn't doubt he would "fancy" it, but the practicalities of training, time, finance, where he's going to be in his life in 2, 3 or 4 years time had to be considered.
But he took it seriously and I reckon we're on. Prob looking at a 3 year program to allow us to get from here to there, but that's ok. Seems like a long time away, but it will allow us to ramp up our fitness and skills within the context of our rest-of-life commitments and make the finances easier. This time next year we'd want to have completed the whole Merida Marathon series of 100k events, the year after add in the Trans-Wales, and then 2009 will be TransRockies year.
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