Mud, sweat and gears...another week of wet winter riding!

The theme for today is mud and or sweat because if you ride outside at this time of year it's filthy and indoors...the more sensible option leaves you dripping. For me the outside rides are a great deal of fun and the inside ones are just necessary. I'm not going to elaborate on my training sessions on the rollers using GCN videos so that's the last time they'll be mentioned today.

My first outdoors ride of the week was at Corby capers...a CX training session run by the excellent Phil Wilk. The series of dramas that have befallen us this year has meant this is only the second time we've made it to the capers. Yet another drama threatened to ruin it for us this week but Sam and I rose above and made it...all be it a few minutes late. These sessions lead us with a dilemma. We also like Dean Barnett's muddy marvels which start again on Wednesdays in April. With Cyclones on Monday I can't see how we can do both.  Maybe we will have to alternate! Tuesday was a great session because it feels like CX conditions have finally arrived  after the season has finished. It was tough and slippy and usual the kids were showing us how to do things!

Today Andy P and I got around to trying something we have discussed for a while. For months we have been organising off road rides on Sunday with our C&D clubmates and they don't have much of an attendance. We will continue to offer these but we're also looking for more MTB friends (oooh MTB fwends!) So this morning we met up with Phil 'the beast,' Broxton and the good people of Brixworth Velo. The meeting point was Brixworth Library and as usual I sped in with moments to spare. I'd been up since 5.30 so no excuses...just loads to do. At the library there was a road group and an MTB group. I feel sorry for the roadies because the rain was lashing down and freezing cold...a nasty day to be on a bike! Introductions done Andy, Phil, Sarah, Dawn, Chris and I set off down Spratton Road to the Brampton Valley Way. It was horrible. The wind chill from that usually joyous descent was excruciating. Once on the BVW we soon warmed up and started the theme for the day...puddle splashing! At Boughton crossing we met the final group member Jim.

For me this was like coming home as we passed close to my parents house and then I could see Dad's old smallholding in Kingsthorpe village. As we entered Kings Heath I mentally waved hello to my Nan before some baling twine wound itself into my cogs. luckily it came out without any damage. The group was similar to a C&D ride with plenty of banter, Andy and I were on our best behaviour, not wishing to unleash our full selves on week 1!

We took a route through Dallington and Far Cotton, through the Impresive new Northampton University campus and up to Delapre Golf course and then through to the woods near Delapre Abbey. I've ridden here a couple of times in the Friday Night Summer Series MTB races. I had my Garmin virb and tried to take a video...look if you want but it's a sludgy mess!!!

At Delapre a few of us had a go on the technical bits but it was too wet and messy to really go for it. The same is true for Harlestone Firs which we made our way to via Mereway, Sixfields and Upton. The firs were just filthy and we stuck to the main tracks through to Northamptonshire Golf Club. On the way through we saw my good friend Martin who confidently stated it was clearing up and he'd start a round of golf after a coffee in the clubhouse...annoyingly he wasn't wrong.

By the time we arrived at Cafe Monde we were soaked through and very cold. They kindly allowed the dishevelled messes into their cafe and we warmed up on good coffee and cake. Having held back with the banter we learned a few things in that cafe - what goes on the ride stays on the ride (this time.) We also had a 'professional,' photograph taken, the one above being the best of those shots. We left quite a muddy mess behind us, so thanks again to Cafe Monde for being so cyclist friendly.

Outside Andy introduced BXV to the mean and moody inglorious bastards shot. Putting the kit back on was horrible but at least it was only a short journey to Merry Tom Lane and up to Brixworth. we said our goodbyes at the library and then I had the not so fun task of getting into the car. I had a change of clothes and a towel thankfully it was still hard work getting the wet stuff off.

Once home I got the bike on the stand and gave it a good clean. It's still there now because I want it to dry out in the sun. The cleaning confirmed something I suspected...my bottom bracket is worn. I'm not surprised. That bike has been put through atrocious conditions, for the BB to last this long is a miracle! So it will be a trip to C&D to see Andy tomorrow!

Weirdly when I got changed I was muddy under my cycling kit. That's not happened before! As predicted in the cafe, the shower was painful and then my feet, the coldest of my extremities became incredibly itchy! Last week I wished I'd put SPD cleats on my winter boots...this week I wished the same!

So what's the plan then? well I need to get back to the Saturday shop rides with C&D and I think that's likely just like last year. I think I'll be joining BXV more often on Sundays for those off road rides. It's going to be rollers in the mornings until April but Spring is coming!!! Same stuff as usual...train, diet get in shape for some Sportives and some XC MTB races.

Thanks to my new friends for a great ride today.

Happy Pedalling

I really needed that #outsideisfree #offroadcycling #wintercycling #muddytrails

I haven't felt like doing a blog before today in 2019, it's been an absolute nutmungle of a year so far. Today, however, has inspired me as I've been out and about with good friends in the fresh air!




Before discussing today's great ride I need to acknowledge my last CX race of the season at Misterton Hall, Lutterworth. Having been earlier in the season in the Leicestershire league, this was a central league fisxture. On both occasions a fabulous course was created by Dean Barnett in a stunning setting.

Sam went first and rode like a boy who has been exposed to too much bad stuff so far this year. He did try hard but I could tell his mind was elsewhere.

I had a different mindset. I was angry with the world and I rode angry! Initially this robbed my energy but then halfway into the race something snapped and I went as hard as I could. I was gridded 110th which is fair for me in a very good quality field. My final position was 96th and that is a great result for me and a hint of more to come. Bridget Jones diary time again, if I can get my weight down and get myself as fit as is possible then better results will come my way. For now I'm happy with 14 places on my gridding, for the first time I felt like I was in a race and I did a lot of overtaking.Big kudos to the army of kids from KCC cyclones and the big field of coaches/dads in the V40 and V50 races.

This morning I set out for Geddington to meet my C&D Cycles CC friends for an offroad ride in the frosty conditions. Riding towards Bunker Hill I was so cold it hurt. I did however find my towbar cover which I'd lost earlier in the week by leaving it on top of the car!

At Geddington I met Ashley and then the others arrived a few minutes later. Our whole crew included Andy P, Mark C, Ken, Uncle Bob, Nat, Ashley and me. Andy presented me with my own bespoke mud removal device branded the GKN dikstick! It is marvelous and I will not sully such a quality item with bike filth.

The ride was very cold and very icy with Andy P taking a tumble on the track heading to Aldwinkle. This slowed the rest of us up a bit, especially me as up until that point I had been deliberately targeting icy puddles due to the very satisfying crunch. 

Later in the ride we encountered thawed conditions which led to that claggy mud problem. Once again bikes ground to a halt and sticks were employed. We also tried chucking our bikes in a stream!!!

No ride is complete without a puncture and Mark C was unlucky this time. One of the thorns he removed was big enough to use for mud removal!!!

Uncle Bob supplied the sloe gin at this point. As a proven isotonic performance enhancer this was very welcome!

Apart from being cold it really was a stunning day out. I'm so glad I went out. The banter was good and the riding prior to the return of the mud was very nice. Once I'd left the others at Grafton my legs died! Hour long CX sessions and rollers don't prepare you for this kind of grind and it was a real struggle getting home!

Once home the stick took pride of place on the mantelpiece...Mrs L isn't as impressed and I'll need to watch this doesn't accidentally fall in the log burner!

Okay that's it from me. If you get the chance check out the World CX championships highlights, there's been some great races.

Happy Pedaling

Not quite a #festive500 but what a superb week of Christmas winter cycling!

So I signed up for the #festive500 just like every year but my first ride of the Christmas break told me I wasn't going to make it. #Festive265 isn't quite the same but I'm still proud of my riding achievements. Today's ride took me just over 3000 miles of cycling for the year, not my biggest total and certainly no rival to some of my cycling mates BUT I'm okay with that distance. So here we go, let's have a look at the last week and a bit and then a review of the year!

On Saturday 22nd December I left home for a a Saturday shop ride with my club mates at C&D Cycles CC. I didn't feel right at all and soon into the ride I abandoned and came home. I still don't really know why, my best guess is an end of year shut down!

By Christmas eve I was feeling much better and with my most faithful steed 'Clive,' all decked out in festive spirit I set out once again for C & D Cycles.

Lots of others got in the spirit but unlike last year Sam decided to ignore his Dad's advice and was not overdressed under the santa suit.

We headed out on a tried and tested route to Oundle, one of the original 'shop rides,' from the early days of the club in 2013.

I was better but still not quite right and was at the back or lagging behind for much of the ride. Thankfully I was looked after well and before you knew it we headed back to K town.

It was fun being out in 'fancy dress,' and we got a lot of positive reactions from people we passed. Unfortunately we also fell foul to people in a Christmas Eve rush with quite a few close passes and the odd dicey moment. I have no idea why anyone's Christmas shopping is more important than my life!

Back at the shop, Chris and Andy put on some beers and snacks for the club. A lovely touch. They look after us well all year and I really feel like we owe them a beer not the other way round! Cheers Chis and Andy...Merry Christmas!

I like to get out for a ride on my own on Christmas Day. It's my pause between the early madness of presents to cooking the Christmas dinner.

On my travels I found this sign between Arthingworth and Harrington. I made some enquiries with friends at KCC and uncovered the following regarding the marvellous cyclist that was Max: Max A celebration of Max

On the 27th...whatever day that was...crimbo limbo having set in...Ian, Andy B and Jake went to check out new locations for KCC Cyclones. We had a good look around the parkland at Ise Lodge and have found some potential venues.

After Jake had given us a tour of some challenging paths. Andy then led us on a superb offroad ride via bridleways and the Brampton Valley Way.

Jake and Ian left us on Mill Road as Andy and I checked out ho spongey the bridleway to Lamport was. Verdict: Very spongey!

Once on the Brampton Valley way, via a descent from Lamport, I regaled Andy with my local knowledge that the next bridleway went to Hazelbech. "Yes I know," he replied and I turned round to see a sign saying Hazelbech 3.5 miles! It's a good job I can laugh at myself! 

Andy and I left the BVW at Arthingworth and then took a surprisingly firm bridleway to Harrington, where it seemed rude not to pop in the Tollemarche Arms (Tolly,) to buy Andy Brown, my good cycling mate a pint. I arrived home to a disgruntled  Queen of Cakes who thought I was only going out for a quick ride...

As we struggle to get clubmates to join us on our off road rides Andy P decided to start this ride at Pendred towers rather than the shop with a nice little 30 miler designed by Uncle Bob. I promised Mrs Lindsley I'd only be a few hours and with permission from Lord Pendred headed to Denford.

On arrival Uncle Bob promised me 'nothing like the sufferfest I'd subjected him to a few weeks ago,' and off we set on the flat terrain and firm surfaces out to Stanwick Lakes and beyond. This is a doddle I thought. We'll be back before 1pm, I'll get home have a shower and settle down for an afternoon of sport. 

Just after this ( a naughty ride that Uncle Bob let us in on after we'd cycled in a no cycling zone,) he took issue with a previous blog because I said he was lost when he in fact was indeed very lost!

Never mind more flat and very rideable surfaces took us through to the embankment in Wellingborough and up the hill from Irchester. A bit of road and we were still flying along. "make the most of it," Uncle Bob said.

Then the MUD happened. Lots and lots of MUD. When Sam fell over in a puddle it was already 1pm and we'd done 18 miles!!! 18 miles in 3 hours. I sent my wife a text...I was hoping she'd understand...Just after Santa Pod I thought I did a great video of Sam negotiating the mud and falling off in the puddle. However I pressed record after he fell  off and only got footage of Sam in a puddle with his Dad helpfully taking pictures. Shortly after this we crossed the A6 and Sam's bike broke! His chainring was bent and would not straighten despite Uncle Bob finding a long bolt to whack it with. Sam ended up calling his Mum, Mrs P and we rode on without him. Clearly he was secretely pleased to get out of this ridiculous mud fest. Have a look at his bike...any clues what could possibly have gone wrong?

On we brave souls ventured. Uncle Bob kept promising that we'd done the worst bit and then we found the next worst bit! Poor Andy fell off 93 times!

Back at Pendred towers, just six short hours later we'd completed a 36 mile ride. The long suffering Sue brought us mince pies and tea whilst Andy took just 40 minutes to kindly hose all the mud off my bike. 

I arrived home. Mrs L was not talking to me. I had to work my socks off to get back in the good books!!! As for Uncle Bob and his horrendous ride...I can't wait to do it all again! Top bloke, top route, stupid ride...wouldn't miss it!!!

Remarkably, given recent events, I was given permission to ride again the next day for our clubs last ride of the year!

There was a great turnout of some of my favourite riding friends and an excellent hilly route in the picturesque Welland Valley.

Surprisingly I felt spritely for the first time this Christmas. I'm not sure why. Perhaps it was the easy riding of my road bike on dry roads as opposed to slogging through the mud like the day before. This was also helped by Nat's gin liquer in her spare bidon.

We stopped off at the Tolly again for a New Years Eve pint or as Andy preferred a very local Warner Edwards gin. 

So that's it 2018 for cycling is done and I have 3001 miles on the clock. I'm looking forward to doing it all again in 2019 and more than anything enjoying cycling with some splendid friends.

Happy New Year everyone and Happy Pedalling

Great rides, great mates, it does not get better than this!

I'm blogging in a semi euphoric stupor this evening and because a good friend said...please blog, I miss it! I haven't ridden lots recently but less is definitely more and as you'll see more is a bit too much!!! Two rides to report with one constant, that's you Andy Pendred!





So we like, well Andy P and I like, to do the odd off road ride to mix it up at C&D Cycles CC. We drag others along, Andy's uncle Bob and this week Marcus. I put the route together and given it was my ride well you know...I turned up late again! My reason? I was wrapping a desktop Henry Hoover which is my secret Santa (they don't read this blog, the secret is not out!)

The route was nearly ruined at the start as we inexplicably lost Bob in Prologis Park. However we fond him going the wrong way and all was sorted. A lovely ride through to Rushton, up to Desborough and then through those Desborough trails I love so much was the start of it. We enjoyed a dogwalker free run on the Harrington old road, now a tarmac track returning to nature and massive downhill fun. Then it was up that queen of the mountains hill that is Church lane before heading past the Harrington air museum, along the runway used by the carpetbaggers in WWII and the site of nuclear missiles during the cold war and finally down to the Brampton Valley way.

It was filthy out and nowhere was worse than the puddle fest that was the Brampton Valley Way. At Spratton I invented the new sport of bike jousting. I was hoping the picture would make me look magnificent...never mind eh! We carried on down the BVW until Merry Tom Lane and then climbed up to Brixworth. We got lost in the housing estate before making our way across the bypass and round the ressie. Then it was up THAT hill from the causeway, a spin through Scaldwell, onto Mill Lane at Old and then our last bit of off road. Having promised no muddy fields...on the way to Loddington we crossed a muddy field! 

Massive thanks to my 3 companions. This was a brilliant ride, my legs were gone by the end but it was a good kind of tired as I rolled back into Rothwell.

I don't know everything that happened but a busy week meant I missed Dean's muddy marvels on Wednesday (not something I give up lightly, it's awesome training,) and I also didn't even do a rollers session! So I needed a ride badly. There was no Saturday ride for C&DCCC but talk of a Sunday scamper peaked my interest. It was freezing cold but as there was no ice on my car and none on my shed that satisfied my rules of riding in the cold. I was also keen to test out my new Northwave winter boots and my not so subtle gilet.

I met up with Andy P, Nat, Ashley, Mark C and Richard G at the shop and I'd like the record to show that I was neither late or the last to arrive! Before setting off the banter started in earnest...this was clearly going to be a good ride!

On the way into Cranford it was clear that in sheltered spots there was some ice still. I went sideways but inexplicably stayed upright and Richard and I joked about my CX skills. It wasn't skill it was luck, as I would later find out! Things got sketchy again into Addington and again on the way to Woodford Mill. I joked to Richard that the sketchiest bit was yet to come and then on the corner between the Mill and Ringstead I hit the deck hard. Amazingly neither my bike, my clothing or I were damaged (I'm a cyclist, that really is my order of priority!) On the way to see if I was okay, Ashley also came down in a heap!

We were a bit shaky at this point and made our way to Raunds for a rethink. We could've come home but stalwarts like Andy P don't give up easy and this gave us all confidence. We worked out which roads would be better and worked it out from there. Between Raunds and Kimbolton it became quite a nice day. Apologies to the residents of Kimbolton as we used the bridge to shield our bladder needs and well you know...we're not quiet are we? I must mention at this point the others realised that Dick is short for Richard and therefore there was two Dicks on this ride...the jokes on this theme came thick and fast!

The big thing to say is that Richard G is anything but a Dick. He was great company on this ride and we even at one point sorted out the whole of Brexit, despite seeing it from opposite points of view. When my legs were completely gone he handed me a gel. Top top bloke!

No trip to this side of the county would be complete without the picture above at Hamerton Zoo. After that my legs completely died. By Clopton Andy P had to shoot off on his own to make a lunch engagement. I was like an anchor to the group but had one thing in my sight. I couldn't keep up but I was on track for an unexpected 100km Fondo...when I say on track, the shortest route home would definitely get me to 100km so I didn't have any choice really. I asked the others to let me just get home at my own pace and I dawdled the last ten miles trying to spin light to avoid cramp. When I got home I pretty much did nothing for a couple of hours...then I check Strava and the ride names were hilarious and the pictures started and well it was great!!!

So far this evening I've caught up on the track cycling from London which was great. Now i'm watching SPOTY. I was made up for England Netball for team of the year and sporting moment of the year. The most deserving SPOTY award ever goes to Gerraint Thomas! G you legend!! Great end to yet another great weekend.

The final word goes to my very good cycling friend Andy P. Andy is on a big challenge raising money for Alzheimer's Research UK. If you can spare a couple of quid this is a very deserving cause and unlike the big hitting cancer charities, needs a lot more money. Sponsor him here https://cycling-down-dementia-2018-the-epic-challenge-1000-miles.everydayhero.com/uk/andrew-6?fbclid=IwAR0AQFpPuiEaohVB4-Yzxr3SXg0ar_kkElP7wgIeTv66FLK4nmi1gq-PM0s

happy pedalling