Three Towers, Three People and just a bit longer than three hours.  Ok we were five hours.  The sun shone and the breeze blew us gently round. After the first trot up Peel Tower from Ramsbottom we were nearly diverted into abseiling down it but didnt want to lose our focus.  Although Darwen Tower wasnt actually in our focus, i think we could only make out the Welsh hills and Blackpool Tower.  It was still way beyond our view.  The Witton Weavers were wayward and wandered all over the hills, even using ditches for paths and at one time even put into doubt our expert map-reading skills! But we couldnt miss the welcome sight of Darwen Tower, totally exhilarated, or was it totally knackered and only half way!  The route became familiar as we headed for Great Hill and back along Georges Lane.  Never has Rivington Pike been so magical to see.  We even made the last run up it and with great achievement in the evening sun - nearly bedtime! 

Carbon Loaded!!

Here it is - the long awaited carbon beauty - a Look 555 - full carbon (even down to the bottle cage - a 2nd one is on order) plus Ultegra 10 speed.

Out for the inaugural ride in the June evening sun tonight with clear views over Wales and out to Blackpool.

The ride feels stiff on the climbs and steady on the decent (touched 36 mph) and thankfully, the minimalistic saddle was gave hints of potential comfort. Not sure my legs were in the best form after a 15 mile fell run yesterday with Jude setting a good pace. The hot vimto at White Coppice was well earned! Signed up for the Round Roses sportive (20 July - 74 miles round Lancs/Yorks) .... in anticipation.

Mountain Marathon Practice, June 15-16
... but just what were we practicing. Some were practicing running in new shoes, some were adamant it was just a 'kit practice' (packing large plasters into small rucksacks), some were testing sugar snax consumption. The idea that this was about running a long way with a heavy bag to unknown destinations was soon an anathema.

On making the first ascent, and hearing that "this was virtually un-runnable" the walk began (as did the kit practice). Navigation in cloudless skies and sunshine meant the compass didnt even emerge and we enjoyed a long run along the tops and down to the marshy stream. After a few contours looking for non-existent markers we made camp and welcomed the back-up walking support. Total 5 hours, ascent 900m, distance 15km

The restaurant that night was the best experienced for a long time - the ambiance in front of the log fire was so cosy we felt as though we were the only ones in there, the food exquisite - tasty and varied menu, very quick service and beautiful oven to table presentation with modern minimalist colourful plastic and titanium.

The packs the next morning felt light, not just because Dave had taken out the rubbish, but we were envigorated for the next run home. After a steep ascent, run along the tops, steep descent via bracken disturbing deer herd and buzzard family, river crossing, first aid, steep ascent, run along the tops, tarn and humans, lovely running descent home we made it back in 4 hours 30 mins, ascent 800m, distance 15km.

Lessons learnt:

• pack less
• run more
• snack often
• know your first aid
• avoid contouring
• check out the long way round before steep descents
• use less plastic bags
• eat expedition foods
• pack clothes for easy access
• water is heavy but check supply points
• pint of ale at the end is essential!
  

Gran Fondo Cymru

Bala, Gwynedd

25th May 2008

Distance: 146Kms

Ascent: 2325m

Riding time: 7 hours

Average speed: 21 kph

Quote of the day 'it's virtually unrideable'