Big Blog catch up...too much to mention!

Forgive me peddlers for I have sinned. It's been 26 days since my last blog and my goodness there's been some riding since then! I've done a bit, SuperSam is going from strength to strength and some of my clubmates have completed epic challenges! In literally do no know where to start!Oh okay how about Sam!

To put it quite simply I am incredibly proud with Sam's cycling development. He's also very fortunate to be part of KCC cyclones, which, in addition to loaning him a good bike, is giving him a number of really cool opportunities. Recently he was part  of the team (although he didn't ride as he was the reserve,) for the Silverstone TT. He's had a couple of go ride evenings at Rockingham Motor Speedway and there was last weekend's grass track racing. At the grass track he was described as a great team player and possessing an incredible turn of speed when required!

He's clearly loving his cycling. Others are noticing too. Cyclones coach Mark Evans has seen the progress and we had a great chat about it at last night's MTB race. In those Monday night ride outs Sam and I were shown just how much good riding is near us locally. If you haven't found it yet, the offroad  trails in the woods near Desborough Leisure centre are superb.

The woods in question are in the top right of the picture above. They are full of jumps and berms and flowing trails! Who knew hey?

The other place we have been going to regularly has been Wakerley Woods, a forestry commission managed wood with a good little blue trail for Sam and his mate Joe to get their teeth into. It's about half an hour drive from home, has free parking and the trails are well maintained. The only word of warning is not to trust the dog walkers, they can't read and have been known to obliviously wander along the bike trails!




So that's you caught up on SuperSam. I've always thought he would develop into a good rider and recent evidence is that he's on his way! We're going to support him any way we can.

To my riding. Well I didn't even blog a club ride from a few weeks back. So let's start at the beginning and work through. The ride in question was even more notable because my very own Queen of Cakes provided the baked goods for the post ride re-fuel!





I only have a dim recollection of this ride. Needless to say it's a route I really enjoy, especially in the Welland Valley around Eyebrook Reservoir. I got some pics so let's share those!

There's Mark's latest Chinese knock off Bianchi...realistic price tag too!

Selfie/Group shot at that famous viaduct

I've had to miss a few weeks of Friday Night Summer Series and was hoping to get back into it on Friday 23rd of June. However, work got in the way! I found myself in a complete sulk still at work past 7.30pm on a Friday evening. Never mind eh! The rest of the weekend was not good for cycling as we had a festival style wedding to go to and then well I sort of recovered on the Sunday! All of which put a big dent in my Virgin Pulse Global Challenge ambitions. I'm currently 5th in my trust and our team sits in 2nd place. That won't do will it!!! I did however make it back to FNSS MTB racing last night...

Last night's course was too hardcore for the likes of me. The hills were enormous and I was completely outclassed by an amazing field of riders. I had mechanical issues which wrecked my ambition for the evening which was not to lose a lap to the majority of my age group. I'm not sure I'd have done it even if my gears had behaved themselves. You know you're in trouble when a kid on a fat bike overtakes you!!! However, that's not the point! Once again I absolutely loved this. A great venue, very good course and a lovely atmosphere among the riders.

Thanks to the wonder snapper that is Mick Brown for the picture above. It's not as impressive as the time he caught me in mid air and yes I should be riding not walking. Look, it was too steep for me to ride up. Other awesome specimens made it look easy...unfortunately kicking them off as they come past is frowned upon! I'm looking forward to next week at Delapre already, especially because I know there isn't anything that steep there!

To today's ride. I really did wonder what I should do this morning as my legs felt tight. I rocked up at C&D Cycles and was asked 'Fondo Rich?' Anyone with sense would have said...erm no thanks I'll see how I go on the 30 mile ride and maybe do extra if I feel up to it. It's me though isn't it and rather foolishly I just said: "Yeah of course!"

I may have been influenced by the riders I saw before me. I love these guys (don't tell them I said that,) and I wanted to ride with them. I have to say 30 miles in I still felt spritely, was keeping up well and didn't feel my decision had been foolish at all! In the picture above you can even see Mark Baird taking a turn on the front. Unfortunately Bairdy was taking me the wrong way up the A605. The rest of the bunch had turned left behind us!!!

A couple of things to note were that we had a slight tailwind and it was particularly flat for the first half of this ride. We don't come this far out very often and it's seriously beautiful in the East Northants villages. The cottages are different too. The rest of Northants is Old Red Sandstone, in the east it's Limestone. One village in particular, Abethorpe, was stunning. 

As predicted my legs didn't last! We started to hit the hillier bits and they just died! Thanks to the two Marks I had a nice tow down to Harringworth and the truly splendid spokes cafe. This is a pop up cyclist cafe in a lovely cottage courtyard. Very good service, reasonable prices and friendly staff.

The layout of the place is great. It's just a really good idea!

Bairdy, whilst surrounded by things to take pictures of, decided he needed to take another snap of his knock off bike. I have it on authority it's made from papier mache and will melt in a decent downpour. Oh well at least those campagnola components are probably hard wearing!!!

yellow bike

Prince of the mountains?

Ashley also raced FNSS last night. Unlike me he did well in the under 23 category and also unlike me he wasn't suffering as much as I was. He did mention being a bit down on performance but frankly no one else could tell! 

Being a big group we sort of took over a bit. However there was a lot of other cyclists there too. A great deal of variety on show with road bikes, hybrids and even a tandem. Sideshow Bob also turned up. Banter flowed on the benches.

There was as a great deal of cake on offer but I simply couldn't partake! It feels like cheating on my wife to buy someone else's cake so I opted for a solero. Very exotic it was too! The club riders said the cakes were very good but the Guinness and Chocolate cake was second to the Queen of Cakes. Well the one with my foot on his throat did...not really Lee, they do love your cakes best!

I was desperate for the break and the cafe was very nice but it didn't do me much good. The ride up to Seaton was just horrible and I cramped. Andy and Neil dropped back to help me out but I was now really struggling. When my legs are gone they're gone!  Even riding down Stoke Dry hill didn't perk me up and round Eyebrook reservoir, Bairdy took another turn giving me a tow. At which point I looked at the bike computer and realised I didn't need much more for the 100km Fondo. The others were going up Rocky Hill, riding back down and then doing Cottingham too. I knew they'd be waiting for me no end and frankly I wasn't up for those monster hills. So we said our goodbyes and I headed back the most direct way. I half expected them to catch me back up as I dawdled the last five miles.

So that's us caught up! I need to give big Kudos to Chris Barratt on his mad one day 286 mile ride, to Steve and Darren on their fish and chip run to Hunstanton and back, to Heather for her continued Audax rides and to Marcus on his 134 mile ride. Rob Campbell completed the 200+ mile Chase the Sun Sportive which inspired our own D2D in 2015. Even today Neil and Andy Brown headed off for a 100 miler after the cafe stop. There's other stuff too with TT racing and some riders like Jonesy and Stuart building back up to the big miles! It's all good in the club!! (If I've missed anyone just say and I'll edit you in)

In the week on the radio I heard the inspiring tail of Stephen Murray. Check him out here: Staying Strong BMX . He went from being the world's best to a horror accident where he was given a 1% chance of survival. Now paralysed from the neck down he refuses to let things get him down. He truly is staying strong!

That's it!

Happy Peddling

  

This week's cycling blog...it's got the lot!

Wow wow wow have I had some fun on my bike in the last seven days! I've been in an MTB race, been on a club ride, been out with SuperSam and done a few training rides too not to mention a cheeky roller session with Sam tonight. It's been all go!



This lovely little loop is one of my favourites for an hour spin in the morning. It's got some quick bits a few little climbs and a bit of downhill too. I'm not sure why but I keep having Strava fails on my phone. Luckily I've learnt the hard way and I always have at least one device as back up. This time my cateye bike computer came to the rescue!



On Thursday morning I was really short on time and needed something worth doing in just 45 minutes. There's a nasty short sharp ramp going out of town known as Bunker Hill and with a loop back round from Rushton it's repeated every four miles. That certainly gave my legs a workout!


On Friday I made it to my second Friday Night Summer Series Mountain Bike race. This time the venue was Hicks Lodge near Ashby de la Zouch in Leicestershire. The course itself mostly utilised a blue route called the Shell Brook Trail. More info on this Forestry Commission Site can be found HERE

Wahey look at me go! I put a lot of effort in for this shot taken by Mick Brown so I'm really pleased it worked out. If you check out the other photo's on the FNSS Facebook Page you'll see some far more impressive air being caught! But hey have you ever seen a blue whale fly?

As for the race, it was a shame I didn't get there earlier because I didn't get time for a warm up lap. A bit of course knowledge would have helped. I'm disappointed that I made such a cautious start because, after a sharp climb, there was plenty of time to get my breath back. However my goal for the night was just to improve on my last go. I achieved that so I'm happy. I still lost a lap to the main field though so that's my next aim...complete as many laps as the best riders in my age group. All that takes away from the main feeling from this event. I had a lot of fun! I'm really looking forward to next time but will miss out on this week due to Sam riding in the Silverstone 9up team time trial. That's a pity because it's on Harrington airfield just a few miles from my house!

On Saturday morning my legs felt fresh (more evidence I could've pushed harder at FNSS,) so I joined my mates at C&D Cycles CC for our club ride. There were two rides on offer this week. A Gran Fondo ride,which I didn't do and a banter ride on our familiar Oundle loop.

Due to surface dressing, surely the bane of all cyclists we left Kettering via the backstreets and headed to Geddington. As is typical when we head that way, the pace was respectable! 

In posh old Oundle we paused for breath and for team photos. I'm not sure what the residents think when us Lycra Louts gather on this spot, luckily they've never complained! As ever Mark likes to be the centre of attention and go himself to the front in the picture!

Shop manager, Andy, has been riding with the club a lot more recently and we're glad to have his expertise out on the ride. However those socks are a violation. Our diverse bunch included the 14 year old son of Mike. As well as learning lots of new words from Steve he also showed good strength. So I decided to go on a recruiting drive for KCC Cyclones. Hopefully he'll join us on Thursday at the Rockingham Go Ride.

Back at the shop we had some good cake courtesy of Steve's good lady and from Heather. I washed mine down with this incredibly refreshing iced coffee. Very tasty indeed! It was also made clear in the shop that a lack of cakes this year from my Queen of Cakes has not gone unnoticed. Andy has raised the Lack of Cake Complaint Level from 'miffed,' to 'disappointed.' I can tell you all now that Lee is planning to make both Guinness Cake and cupcakes for the shop this week.  

I rode home in Steve's good company feeling really good after a great ride in even better company. When I got home the day got better still. Sam has been telling his mate Joe about Wakerley woods and when offered, they jumped at the chance to check out the trails. 

It took some jenga skills to get three bikes on the rack but once secured we headed out. Sam and Joe had a great time and I enjoyed seeing them really enjoy themselves.

Wakerley is ideal for kids like them because it's just challenging enough to keep them interested without getting too extreme. They described the trails as 'sick.' It was wonderful to watch their confidence grow around berms and over the jumps.

We did three laps of the Scartree Trail with the boys getting more adventurous each time. The powerslide competition was something to behold. They can't wait to go again and to be fair I can't wait to take them. 

On Sunday morning I felt a bit heavy legged and it took me a long time, a ponderous dog walk and several cups of tea before I decided that enough was enough it was time for Rockingham Hill!

It was a lovely day so I decided it was time for some camera action to capture beautiful Northants. This one is heading into Rushton past that famous Hall with it's ties to the Gunpowder Plot.

This one is on the way through Pipewell (pronounced Pip-well.) 

The first bit of huff and puff took me up the hill to Bringhurst. Someone has marked out the KOM segment on the road. Clearly this is popular with local cyclists and just round the corner from Neville Holt.

The route took me around Eyebrook Reservoir which was just glorious. At the end of this road though is a nasty hill at Stoke Dry. I'm not sure how this village was named but it does just sound like bad advice! It's a hill that feels never ending and was just a granny gear grind for my descending favouring legs!

The other side of the hill is Lyddington. Another beautiful village stuffed full of history. The pub pictured above is well worth a visit.

I've taken loads of pics of this feature. I've blogged before about why it's there and more explanation can be found here - The Bishop's Eye 

Finally I got to the main point of this ride which is that hard climb up Rockingham Hill. This will feature this week as a QOM stage in the Women's Tour. I have to work on Wednesday so I will miss watching those impressive professionals make light work of arguably Northamptonshire's toughest climb. This hill gets into my head and makes me want to give up! If you're trying it my best advice is to keep looking forward. A glance to the side makes it look even worse than it is. I also kind of love it too. One of my favourite training rides!

Finally I've put a cheeky little video together inspired by another video posted on our club page. I often boast about being the fastest downhill rider in the club. I don't actually think I am, all I know is my additional bulk really helps with gravity assisted momentum!

Happy Pedaling

Another bank holiday biking bonanza!

Today's blog records another amazing bank holiday of cycling with nearly 180km covered over three days with two club road rides sandwiching a solo off road ride.

On Saturday I made it to my first C&D Cycles CC club rides in a few weeks. As per usual the mocking started early with people referring to me as the newbie. The gathering was so large that we had to split into three groups. Feeling rusty I was grateful to join the banter bunch as we headed out on a typically lumpy Andy Brown route.

There was a vast array of jerseys on display in addition to our blue club colours. Mark B wins tasteless jersey of the day, although to be fair the banana crossed with a melon inspired outfit, kind of suited him. 

The route took us out through the less than scenic Kettering backstreets but no matter we'd soon be in that glorious Northants countryside which is perfect for road riding. 

There, that's better isn't it? I don't know why but all the pictures I have are on the flat. We were headed to the Welland Valley and in particular Neville Holt, the hill used by Kettering Cycling Club for their annual hill climb race. It's well chosen because it's a nasty steep slope. I have to keep my weight forward on climbs like that because sitting back in the saddle ends up with me pulling unintentional wheelies!

Neville wasn't the only climb. Possibly harder still was the climb from Ashley to Stoke Albany, Harrington Hill which was the QOM segment in the ladies tour and the climb from Rothwell into Orton. All good and much needed hill training which I'm hoping will benefit my overall fitness.

In good company on this excellent route the ride just flew by. On the way into Kettering we had a bit of an incident with two young men in a car. I'm not sure what initially upset them but driving up close to riders, blowing their horn and hurling obscenities was uncalled for. I actually think they just thought they'd have some fun shouting at cyclists. Well the last laugh was on them because they got held up in the traffic and got surrounded by us less than lightweight lycra loonies. This sort of thing is thankfully uncommon now. Drivers and cyclists have become far more respectful of each other.

I thought I'd ridden okay but was still struggling with the hills compared to others. However my Strava data shows a load of PRs with Neville Holt being one of those. So it must have been better than I'd thought!

Back at the shop it was the usual good banter and coffee hosted by Andy and Chris in a very busy shop. One poor kid was shown an old wreck of a BMX by Chris and was pretending he was okay with it until Chris let on he was joking and got him a nice new Haro out. I did feel sorry for the kid but I also thought it was a funny prank!

On Sunday I went to head to Wakerley but my tyres weren't right and they were also being difficult to sort out. A quick check of my valve cores showed that sealant had gunked them up so they were neither sealing properly or allowing inflation! Luckily for me I have so many bikes, wheels and spare tubes lying around I managed to scavenge some un-gunked cores! I guess this might be one of the drawbacks of tubeless tyres.

Once I made it to Wakerley I did my standard 4 laps of the blue route. The place looked great with nice dry trails and a very green late Spring canopy. I had two aims. A PR for the whole lap and a PR for cardiac hill. I got both of those so I'm happy with that. All good training for the FNSS...I hope!

The last ride of the weekend was Nat's Bank Holiday Monday 50 miler with the absolute promise of a well rated and open cafe at Long Bucky. There were many likes indicating attendance on Facebook but an even bigger turnout at the shop for this bonus club ride. I was a little late, having set off in plenty of time and then having to turn back for money. You know, for this amazing cafe!

Soon into the ride we encountered, or I should say, Marcus encountered his first puncture. After some lengthy fiddling about we were on our way again on some of my favourite roads as we headed through Orton and brushed Harrington on our way to Kelmarsh. From there we looped round to historical Naesby along a road where you're likely to encounter the English Civil War Re-enactment group, the Sealed Knot. They weren't around today unfortunately!

On our way there Marcus encountered his second puncture. It inspired the joke: "How many C&Ders does it take to fix a puncture. The answer is five, with at least ten more offering unhelpful advice and taking the mickey. 

We made it safely to Long Buckby to discover a traditional C&D bank holiday problem...the cafe was shut! No matter though, some quick googling revealed that Wilton Locks Marina Cafe was only a couple of miles away. It might not have been the cappafrappacino half fat skinny mocha latte joint we were acustomed to but a proper cup of tea was very welcome. I didn't have cake because it feels like I'm cheating on the Queen of Cakes (and because I am still trying to lose weight zzzzzzzzzz.) It looked like good stuff though. 

It's quite an interesting place too with it's large Marina of narrow boats. As cafe's go it wasn't a bad place to stop at all!

I'd started to tighten up as we set off again. The hills got harder and I realised I really haven't done a long ride yet this year! Bizarre when you consider in 2015 we were in training for a 200 mile ride and I'd done things like 80 miles on an MTB and then 120 miles at the Spires and Squires sportive the very next day.

As I tired I was well looked after by clubmates who helped me get back to the group every time I dropped off the back. Again I was quite down on myself about this and again the Strava data made a fool of me with another stack of Personal Records!

On some of the rolling roads we managed to get quite a whizz on. The best of which was from East Haddon through to Church Brampton.

We headed back to the shop via Pitsford, Holcot, Hannington, Orlingbury and Pytchley. All lovely villages showing the Sandstone characteristics of our beautiful County.

Due to several stoppages we were back at the shop later than expected but still treated to good hospitality from C&D shop manager, Andy. There was time for a bit more banter before heading home. As I arrived home I realised I'd topped 100km for the day and achieved the May Strava Grand Fondo, which was nice. 

In addition to just enjoying a good ride I am also part of the Virgin Pulse Global Challenge. This is great for cyclist because we get a step bonus of 4500 steps for every 15km ridden. That means I will have a huge total tomorrow as our over competitive team at works sets out to show the youngsters how it's done!

Okay that's it, I've got quite a lot to do before the day's out including taking care of our splendid puppy. First though I think I've earned my steak and wedges for tea!

Happy Pedaling!!!

Friday Night Summer Series Round 3 - Prologis Park Kettering

On Friday night I took the plunge and had a go in a mountain bike race. A mountain bike race in Northants? Well yes! In fact not only do we have MTB races, the Friday Night Summer Series (FNSS,) is in it's 26th year and as such is the longest running race series of it's type in the universe! In addition to the main event there was also a GO Ride event hosted by KCC Cyclones which my very own SuperSam took part in.

I haven't got much time today so here's a quick few words to mark this great event before I get cracking on what should be a fantastic Saturday with a trip to the Saints and a nice evening with good friends. Jerk chicken is already marinating and the fridge is getting to work on the drinks!

Look, see I'm in a race, got a number and everything!

The course layout was superb. This did not come as a surprise to me as, KCC Cyclones head coach, Mark Evans was in charge. This was a bit like a reverse of the CX route we had in November with some added MTB features for good measure! This course was too technical for me in parts and there were some areas where I had to get off and push like in CX. However the quality of the field meant there were also some riders who rode up everything with ease!

I don't think it's a coincidence that my age group, Veteran 40-49 has grey numbers. I'm guessing they see us as the oldies and the grand vets with yellow numbers as the golden oldies! My aim for the night was not to come last, which, I achieved by one place! Do I care about the results? Well no! It was my first go and I know I'm still in my post month long holiday shape. Also it's never about winning for me, it's about having fun and I can tell you I had a LOT of fun! My overall plan is to use the FNSS to get fit(ter) for start of the CX season. I have to say after one go, I think I like FNSS slightly more than CX!!!

Before the race I had a quick practise spin and there was some good banter with the other riders trying things out. SuperSam also went round the main track with his mates and described it as 'Harder than Wakerley!' I was also thankful for my tubeless tyre set up as a big set of thorns got embedded. I pulled them out, there was a brief hiss and then the sealant did it's job! 

The kids didn't need to do the full circuit but they did have a bit of fun with a half lap. Andy Brown and I assisted with a two lap race where some real strength, character and skill was shown by our little Cyclones. Sam though had to drop out. He's been ill all week, still has a croaky voice and his energy levels just dropped like a stone!

To the race and things started at quite a pace and I was quickly left behind by the rest of my field. I had expected to keep up for a lap or two but I guess I have much to learn! Hilariously one of the riders managed to tangle some football netting in his back wheel and dragged it along for about 100 metres. He did disentangle without any damage so that was good. As usual in a group of cyclists, the acceptable form of assistance is laughter and banter. Comment of the night being: "he's gone fishing already!"

In some ways I love this picture. It captures the landscape and the wind turbines in the background are a lovely feature. However it also captures my excess lardiness...this blog at times is becoming Bridget Jones Diary...I'm trying to lose the weight, I really am trying...then I remember I like beer, crisps, pies and chocolate and anyway I'm a cyclist...I'll ride it off, won't I???

A couple of C&D mates also took part in the event. Ashley did really well in the under 23's and Paul Kelf went well in the Grand Veterans. Some of those golden oldies also passed me on my first lap and then lapped me too! It must be the additional practise that comes with age!

SuperSam set up his viewing position right here with Charlie Stockham. Dad, Jamie Stockham was the other side of this tricky feature. I enjoyed the encouragement I got from all of the KCC Cyclones family but just here it was particularly encouraging. Sam reliably informs me that lots of people didn't make it through this bit and that he was proud that I managed it every time. 

Here's a feature I didn't make it up but as mentioned quite a few riders did. At one point a very skillful rider weaved in between about four of us as we pushed up the slope!

This feature was particularly tricky with a steep slope and a sharp turn at the bottom. Thankfully I managed it safely five times. It was good to see Stuart at the bottom and his tips on lines were gratefully received! There were some people who backed out of the drop and walked down, I couldn't do that because too many people I knew were watching!!!

I need to give thanks to the following snappers for the pics: Mark Evans, Liz Panter, Malc Jones, Jamie Stockham and Dean Barnett.

So that's my first FNSS race and I have to say I will be back for more. It was a great way to start the weekend and I can't wait to do it all again.

For more info on FNSS check out their facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/FNSSMTB/ 

Happy Pedaling

Bank Holiday Biking Bonanza

If anything ever was going to cure my post Australia blues it was this weekend. It was one of those that felt like a week off even though it was only three days. It started with us getting our new puppy, then a couple of good rides, then a family trip to the cinema to see Guardians of the Galaxy 2 and finally Sam and I had a great ride on the Silverstone circuit.




Ride one was an Andy Brown route with one missing ingredient...no Andy Brown. Actually it was strangely quite a low turnout and we only had one group!

During the week I'd been on a course with people from all over the country in Corby. They'd stumbled across Rushton and were surprised that there was somewhere 'as nice as that,' around here! This saddens me because a bit of exploring would have shown them that Northants, in contrast to it's mediocre towns, is stuffed full of beautiful villages, rolling countryside and quiet country roads perfect for road cycling. 

Out of Kettering we sped through pretty little Weekly and on to Geddington, a place with more history than you can shake a stick at! Then yeah we got to Corby. Yes Corby is a bit uneasy on the eye BUT the tag of unhappiest place in the UK is unfair. The other thing is we were back into the countryside before you knew it, onto another lovely village at Gretton and then down a fast descent to Harringworth where the impressive viaduct the 'Welland Owd' spans the Welland valley. Then we were out of Northants for a bit and into Rutland.

Those downhills are still my favourite bit (as long as the skinny lads get out of the way.) However the price you pay is the uphills. Another thing people on the course said was that they didn't think there would be tough hills around here. We were half a mile from Rocky Hill! Toughest uphill bit of the day was the Little Seaton segment where it's no surprise to see me ranked 1155th! Thankfully the group was patient and waited for me at the top of each hill.

With all this beauty around you have to wonder why I was in selfie mode, especially with my calamitous wonky eyewear. In the background Andy F is holding a can of Special Brew (not recommended for pre, during or post ride.) Some of us even had the wit not to fall for 'hold this for me?" Standard banter. On we rode around Eyebrook where everyone has a uniform. We have our lycra, then there was ramblers, bird watchers/twitchers (never known the difference,) and fly fisherman. All this followed another quality descent! Then through Middleton and on past East Carlton Park some of those Lycra Loonies took a left up school lane for added masochism. I got in granny and ground...This was a great ride and the perfect start to a weekend of riding. Thanks to all at C&DCycles CC for some top company!

On Sunday I felt it was time to get some MTB practise is. I have this crazy idea to have a go in a Friday Night Summer Series race and as KCC host one of these on May 19th it is time to get busy! So it was off on a tried and tested route on my tried and tested 29r. A quick trip through Weekly Woods put me back in historical old Geddington. I wonder what Edward longshanks would have thought of me leaning my bike against his tribute to his wife for yet another selfie? I do believe my head would have found it's way to a spike!

Geddington Chase is the star of this ride and as it's currently dry, it's well worth the effort. We used the chase earlier in the year when it it was swampy in parts. Those rides may have been funny but it's more fun when you bounce rather than sink! Because I wanted to beast myself a bit I turned round at the bottom and rode straight back up. Reports of a huffing puffing wildebeest are likely just to have been me...

On Monday SuperSam and I joined some of his KCC Cyclones teammates at Silverstone Racing circuit for a two hour charity ride. Due to Australia Sam hasn't ridden his bike much so this was going to be tough on him. It started with wheel envy as I fitted the Mavic Fulcrums' to his club loan bike. Sam was more interested in four wheel matters as he oggled at the Porshe garage on the way in and then the Ferrari and Aston Martin in our registration area.

It was a bit chilly at Silverstone with a biting wind. So we headed upstairs to a well laid out food, drink and activity area. We also found some of the Cyclones mums talking to Alice Barnes and her mum!

At 6pm we were allowed out onto that famous track. I've done this before so I knew how enjoyable the supersmooth tarmac is to ride on. Sam and I set off and I let him draft me. He was awesome. I got him up to 21mph in places and he completed 21 miles (7 laps,) in an hour and three quarters.

There was a nasty headwind in places but that also became a nice tailwind in others. Sam allowed me to have one last lap on my own at then end for a "fast lap." Well I tried but fast really would be a stretch! It was fun and Sam definitely deserved the KFC on the way home!

I'm going to finish the blog with a puppy picture collage...just because I can!

Happy Pedaling