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'

Manchester 10K 18th May 08 : Me, Mike, Julie, Sue, Glynis, Jo and Liz all entered the 10K (plus 31K others ..) - on the day Glynis came down with something and Sue was twarthed by public transport .. the Cheshire set crowded out the trams so that there was not even an air pocket for poor Sue. She did turn up on Chester Road to shout encouragement and managed a few kilometres along side Julie.

There were LTB's all round (life time bests - the new PB). Me on 46.24 (evidenced by the grimace on the finish line!), Mike 44.43 and Julie 56.23 - all despite being was overtaken by a banana and Mike holding off Batman!

Liz and Jo came in at a very respectable 1:06:23 and 1:07:09 respectively.

The winner, Jo Pavey ran 31.58 running 3.12 per km giving 19kph or 12mph ...now there's something to try on the threadmill .... I averaged 13kph .... Martine

Mallorca 2008

G&D: Petra - 100kms

G&D: Lluc - 103kms

Day 1: Llubi - 67kms

Day 2: Lluc (Selva, Llubi, Santa Margalida and Can Picafort) - 97kms

Day 3: Puis Major (Santa Maria, Bunyola, Lluc and Pollensa) - 134kms

Day 4: Sineu (Llubi, Muro and Alcudia) - 84 kms

Day 5: .....

Day 6: Cap Formentor and Cala St Vinceni - 80kms

Day 7: Sa Calobra - 107 kms

Dave and Mike making their debut ride down into Soller....on their way to Puis Major......

and Dave honoured his commitment to see the bottom of Sa Colobra......the long and winding road....

Coniston 14 April

6 mates went to run went to run a big run, 6 mates and 4 friends, two bike 2 vans and a dog went to run a big run.....

Glynis finished 1018th.....and Julie 1012th in just over 2 hours 17 mins out of 1303 completing the run!

Jude came in 484th in 1hr 54mins with Dave managing by proxy to record a PB coming in at 437th

Mike and Martine also did PB's coming in 416th and 404th respectively in 1hr 52 mins

Meanwhile Sue went for multiple activities running one side of the lake and hitching a lift on the otherside and Liz, Jo, other Dave and Paula saw us right with good cheer and a beer. Once again the hot tub at Ruslands was a great place to end the day.

Four go SkiBeat in the Alps

From the left - Masked Marauder, La Bomba Kay, Blue Mike and the Stansfield Flyer.... spent a week in the French Alps with forays over to Italy for lunch. Within hours of hitting the slopes Jude had been swept off her feet - by a gnarly boarder. We dusted her down, and him up, with Jude then hiring head gear. Once the "egg" "sur la tete" went down she did a great job on reading the piste map!

Meanwhile La Bomba - so named due to her love of reaching the bottom of the slope (or was it the coffee shop?) way head of us, took to the ski shops in search of comfy boots - only to get several offers to be swept off her feet. Disappointingly none were worth vetting.

I made a swift exit from a chair lift (Mike uttered a calm "ohhhhh martine" as I slid past his left leg) to a 6 ft drop into soft snow - pick your landing is my advice. All knowledge of French was erased as the lifty pulled me up with a telling off. I now know I cannot do a one armed pull up. I later bought a ski mask to avoid being recognised on his lift again! A couple of days later i was asked by a french ski instructor look after 2 children on a lift - clearly not heard of my track record!

Ski guide and team coach Blue Mike (outfit not language) did a sterling job with handy hints & technique tips - plant zi pole, benz the nees! and was even seen having a few "rests" on the snow himself.... as if.....

The big brother chalet was hosted by West Cumbrian folk - we are all on diets due to an excess of cake. We learnt all about farming mushy peas, Nordic walking, life in the Marines, Doncaster, how much land their respective homes had from our fellow house mates. Jude's talent for impersonations came in as we replayed scenes from the big brother house! A fellow chaletier's the thank you speech included a line on "we are family"....mmm.

Highlight of the week was the Italian casbah - soaking up the sun drinking molten hot chocolate listening to North American Indian chants ...how good could a Thursday get. Closely followed by the fantastic french/italian scenery and incredibly quiet pistes. La Roisere is a small resort still under construction with the added advantage of high level skiing and easy access to neigbouring Italy with the chance to mix up your languages and speak "Frenitalian".

Jude got top prize for the smallest baggage ... but then you can when you borrow stuff off other folk!

Most importantly we all returned home without the need to request a special seat on the plane (generally the reserve of those in leg splits, wheelchairs etc.)

Here are some more pics. Sign up for next year .. you can always practice down the Chillfactore plus go shopping at the Trafford Centre!

Check behind for the snowboarders Jude!

The oh so graceful Mike!

La Bomba revs up!

She got down but can she get up!

World Cycling Championships 26th - 30th March
do we fancy a group booking?

Duathlons in 2008
Parbold Sunday March 16th - 5 km run, 30 km cycle, 5 km run - also the NW champs
Lancaster Sunday March 30th - 3 km run, 15 km cycle, 3 km run - an easier one but on a run day
Preston Wednesday May 21st - 1.5, 7.5, 1.5, 7.5, 1.5 - a 4 transition one!!
Rivington Sunday May 25th - 5, 22, 5 - all on road, but could be hilly
Preston Wednesday May 25th/ June 23rd/ July 20th - as before
Oulton Tarporley Sunday October 12th - 4, 24, 4
Kendal Sunday October 26th

The Nantwich Triathlons are:
June 1st
September 21st

So, any interest???

Seasonal Calories - just in case you need a reason not to be tempted! The Christmas cake is leaves us with a scary amount of working off to do - thank goodness i did not ice mine!!!

Xmas Goodies	Calories	Mins cycling
Greek yoghurt [2 teaspoons]	85	14
4 satsumas	100	16
Fresh fruit salad [large portion]	120	20
4 squares filled mint chocolate	140	23
Brandy butter [heaped tsp]	140	23
Whipped double cream [3tsp]	160	27
1 deep filled mince pie	210	35
1 small slice fruit cake [no icing]	240	40
Christmas pudding [small portion]	300	50
6 chocolate covered brazil nuts	330	55
1 small slice fruit cake & icing	420	70

Party snacks	Calories	Mins cycling
Salsa (spicy tomato) dip	10	2
9 small, green or black, olives	30	5
1 bite sized pizza square	30	5
Creamy dip (per scoop)	40	7
1 small sausage roll (bite size)	60	10
5 tortilla chips	80	13
3 cocktail sausages	120	20
1 small chicken vol au vent	130	22
3 handfuls crisps	150	25
1 small handful salted peanuts	170	28

Norfolk 25th August - 1st September

Camping in Cromer.

The question is will Mike and Martine tell us their holiday destination next year? Yes if it means being able to off load the spoils of their last Christmas!

Pb's all round - Liz and Jo managed an hour and half canoe trip at Sutton Broad in the middle of a 40 mile cycle journey fuelled by local beer and baguettes. Julie got to ride in her big ring, out of the saddle and did drafting - many thanks to her personal coach MT. We also have the evidence of just how much she likes her whiskey but we are too polite to publish that!

Jude did a triathlon which involved baking a loaf of bread, driving from Levenshulme to Cromer in time to join the team popping out for a mere 60+ mile bike ride round Norfolk. Those rice cakes must be good. Meanwhile Dave over took yet another horse and cart without this time raising the heart rate of his fellow cyclists. Glynis produced a tray of the finest salmon and cream cheese oer d'horves to accompany one of the many rounds of gin and tonics.

And in the spirit of team work Jude, Dave and Glynis successfully paddled a two seater canoe on the broads whilst singing old Girl Guide songs. And Mike and Martine did us all proud with their BBQ ed fish and sweetcorn dishes and thanks to Mike for some expert navigation on and off the national cycle routes.

Here is the team at the seaside (minus Dave the photographer and Liz using her camper van as an office) following a picnic lunch courtesy of the very fine deli at Cley-next-the-sea.

What's next?

7 go to Norfolk! the sun is shining

Clarion Club ride to Blackpool - we would have headed on to Ireland but the sea was a bit choppy!

Another very useful mapping utility - shows your elevation and you can search for other folks rides but be specific - there is a Manchester in the USA too ...

www.mapmyride.com

Polka Dot Challenge - 17 June 07 - Gang of 3 tappin it awght up t'Winnats
We were not so much tappin as grinding ... Jude, Martine and Mike all rode the Polka Dot Challenge - a ride over all the major climbs of Derbyshire ..... The 100 mile route includes 8 major climbs – Cat & Fiddle (7 miles), Long Hill (3 miles), Chinley Head (1 ½ miles), Chunal Head (1 mile), Snake Pass (3 miles), Winnats Pass (1 mile at 25%), Axe Edge (2 ½ miles), Gun Hill (1 ½ miles) plus every little bump in the tarmac felt after the 90 mile mark! The stats read .......

• 0 x punctures
• 0 x walkers @ Winnats!
• 1 x bee sting
• 3 x duvet covers ... sorry t-shirts - only xtra large by the time we got back
• 2 x sore behinds (Mike claim his was in fine fettle)
  
• 12 x bananas (between 3)
• 7.16 x hrs in saddle
• 25 x percent gradient @ Winnats Pass
• 100 x miles on the clock (but our computers all said more)
• 2300 x metres of ascent (Snowdon x 2)
• 3300 x Kcal burnt by Martine (or so my heart rate monitor said!)
  

and the location for more pain!! www.britishcycling.org.uk/web/site/BC/lei/temp_calendar.asp

Manchester 10K
Mike, Martine, Jude and Glynis (white wavers), with pink girls Julie, Jo - all did brilliantly in the M/c 10K(May 20th). Amazingly neither Jo nor Julie were escorted from the start for running in the "wrong wave" - despite massive anxiety by some! Pre race accommdoation was excellent - thanks of the city council!

There were PBs - Mike (running for only 9 mths came in at the head of the gang ... probably down to his smooth "go faster" legs since Mallorca), Martine did a minute under last yrs time (with a promise to herself she did not have to take another minute off next yr!), Jude was flying as usual; Glynis was 53 mins WITHOUT training and Julie, having been liberated from the pink wave managed a PB. Top prize goes to Jo who got round in style.

Liz and Dave supported the team and told us tales of lots of finishers throwing up on the finish line ...... none of us resorted to that!!! And Glynis provided fantastic soup in Chorlton to replenish our tired bodies ...

Hope you have all signed up for the email alert for 2008!

Mallorca!
We went, we saw, we "tapped it awht!


See the action here ..............
www.flickr.com/photos/heatonriders/

Just in case we girls were not sure how to go for a pee when out on the bike, my new shorts came with instructions!!

To be fair they do have a very natty rear exit zip system and i would recommend them highly if you like bib shorts but still want to go to the loo without stripping off! Just remember that when you have finished the ride and are cooling off, do not unzip all the way and wander in the local garage for a pint of milk ... unless you like to flash your arse in public! If you look closely at the second pic. she appears to be hitching a lift very droll!!

Edinburgh Cycles - £60.00 (xcept i got 20% as they had just opened - the shop not the shorts!)

Martine

Cycling Route Database
Check out this new routes database - covers the world but you can search easily for a location near you.

www.bikely.com