So the big question is? Weather?

Will it Snow?

Will it Rain?

It might be Dry

Then again it might not.

It is what it is I guess.

Will it be cold.

Probably

This means I will be taking all my different tyres and all my cycling clothes. Even all the Assos 851 winter kit that I put away a few weeks ago thinking I'd never be wearing that again until Autumn.
I remember racing at Easter a few years ago when it snowed in Surrey. I was doing a road stage race and it was snowing but not sticking on the road.
We raced in very bitter conditions and about 2/3 of the way through the race I had snow building up on my head tube where it was catching on my brake calliper. That race ended well for me as I got 3rd on the stage and 2nd overall.
Snow in Scotland might just top that. I've always said I'm not tough enough for the Strathpuffer 24hr race.
Lets hope I'm tough enough for this weekend.

I'm bloody glad I bought myself some Goretex shorts

Less than a month to go until 24hrs of Exposure

24hrs of Exposure website 
Last years course

I've got lot's to do. Two races in between now and then. Wentwood 50km just out side Newport and the Abergavenny Handicap Road Race. Plenty of training and a good taper planned. One big job I have to do is service the two bikes I will be using. Both need new drive trains. The Lapeirre is just getting a new chain, cassette and chain rings and the Scott is getting a XTR chainset, KMC chain and XT cassette.

The Goldie Lookin' Chain

Who needs more carbon bits?

Ready? I bloody hope so!

The Return of My Blog

Mountain Mayhem 2011

After getting a bit of chill at 24hrs of Exposure last year then having a 4.5hr sleep (Kinda against the idea of a 24hr race) and then the ultimate failure in having an 8hr sleep at Mountain Mayhem, reporting on my failings in 2011 were the last things on my mind. I will do a Quick review of my Season form last year later.
But I now start where I left off. 24hrs of Exposure Take 2. My second shot at it is in 6 weeks time. The training is going well. So back to Newcastleton for Easter.

24hrs of Exposure: Getting there & getting ready

I met Simon Ernest at Marble Arch on the Friday morning and we set about packing the car with the three bike frames and 6 sets of wheels. Unfortunately We couldn't get everything in so I had to leave one of the bikes behind. Not ideal for a 24hr race but not much option. So I chose the 29r hardtail. I had 8 good hours on it and I was sure this was the bike to take over the 26in full sus. 

We drove up steadily to Newcastleton via the M6. The drive wasn't too bad as we shared it and chatted the whole way stopping for the odd coffee. The moment we entered Scotland I lost O2 signal on my phone and never regained it. Pulling into the Rock UK center we could see the event organisation taking place. We were directed to our little log cabin we had booked and unpacked.

Big pile of kit outside our cabin

The cabins were great, basic but good enough for the job. Four beds a sink and a toilet and shower to share between the other dorms in the cabin. Myself and Simon built up our bikes and went for a test run around the course.

My bed for the weekend

The course started off with a short steep climb onto a grassy almost BMX looking trail that led to a little drop. From the drop we had a small rocky path to the bottom of what looked like a forest climb. This climb zig zagged up the side of the hill. It was never too steep and easily ride able  when dry but one thing that was clear was that the grip was going to be lost with the slightest amount of rain. Out of the last few switchbacks we than regained the rocky path at the top. This was very bumpy. It was here I noticed my rear tyre was leaking. I could hear the air coming out. Wiggling the tyre about  I can't image what it must have bee like on 26in wheels. Although I didn't have a rear suspension I could tell it would feel bumpy. My 29in wheels seemed to roll over it well. 

Bloody never did get the hang of Simon's pump

From this we went down into a little valley over a bridge then up a small gravel climb which led to a steep climb that seemed to be about 300m long. On my 29r this was to be climbed on the lowest of my gears using the middle ring (some people still have three up the front you know) . I was thinking this climb was going to be a tough one half way into the race. This climb was steep and it was going to hurt for sure. Over the top of this we came to a fireroad that was split down the middle. It looked like a out and back from 1st looking at it. The Fireroad was pretty flat but fairly long. When we got to the end we figured that it must go somewhere else or just do a U turn. We turned back (which was a mistake) down the firetrack. We went past the point where we joined it at the top of the climb and about twice as far again on the fireroad. This brought us to the top of some nice singletrack swithcbacks which took us back down to a gravel road.

200m down the gravel and back to some more single track which was up and down. I really liked this bit. This finished at the little valley where we crossed a bridge earlier. This then had a short climb to a very bumpy grass trail that led us back to the finish via a really (bloody awful) bumpy descent into the arena.

Upon finishing I spotted Kinesis Morvelo's Rob Lee and we discussed the merits of the lap. Now what myself and Simon had done didn't feel like an 11mile lap. Rob confirmed that we had missed over half out. Yeah we guessed that. Where? Turns out that the signs were not up where we did the U turn. We should have turned left and all would have been clear 200m up the trail. Oh well! It's not like I won't get practice I thought. 

The jerseys on display

Back to the log cabin to fix the punture take out the inner tube and make my tyre tubeless again. This time I put double the amount of Stan's sealant in the tyres.

The signing on sheet

We signed on went to the pasta party and waited for our room mates to arrive. Simon's team mate Chris Pedder and his partner Rachel Fenton. Chris was also riding the 12hr with Rachel supporting.

They arrived with some wine so we each had a big glass then went to bed. Big day tomorrow

Packing and getting it all together

I didn't realise how much stuff I would have to get sorted for one race. I suppose it's more like 6 enduros in one. The amount of food I will be taking is stupid but I will be needing to get a lot down my neck if I am going to survive the 24hrs.

• 10 waterbottles
• Enough High5 4:1 Drink to fill those bottles plenty of times
• A tub of Accelerade 4:1 so I can have a change of drink
• Two sachets of High5 /source Xtreme drink
• 24 High5 Energy + gels
• 20 other gels Mix of all sorts
• Two packets of Biscuits
• 6 Powerbars
• A fruit cake
• A big bag of pasta to cook when I get home from work
• A bag of Haribos (opened so they might not make it)

Kit wise I have a hell of a lot

• Scott Scale 29r Pro HT bike
• Lapeirre X Control FS bike
• 1 spare set of 29in heels 
• 1 spare set of 26in wheels
• 1 bike stand
• Spare tyres for the 26in wheels (Bonty XR1)
• Large bag of tools
• Exposure Diablo headlight
• Exposure MaXx D bike light
• Hope 4LED bike light (spare)
• Torch
• Lamp
• Track Pump
• Laptop
• 3 days worth of clothes
• 1 Skinsuit (always the optimist)
• 3 pairs of shorts
• 2 short sleeve jerseys
• 1 pair of Japanese school girl style compression socks (white)
• 6 pairs of socks
• This list is getting massive
• Lube
• Helmet
• 2 pairs of gloves
• A gortex Jacket
• 2 Gilets
• What have I missed?
• ASSOS CREME
• Garmin 705 GPS (It only lasts for about 14hrs) so + Charger
• 6 spare innertubes
• I'm sure I have missed something (please leave a comment if I have missed something I need)
• Oh a spare saddle (you never know)

24hrs with plenty of EXPOSURE

So we have had weeks of stunning weather. The trails are dry and dusty. There have been forest fires all over the UK. I've witnessed one myself at Cwmcarn (only a small one) and we now have 3 days to go until the 24hrs of Exposure race. The European & British Solo MTB Champs. The weather has not just turned a little bit bad but horrifically bad. The event is at the Rock UK center part of the 7Stanes. The course will be on an all weather track that should be OK but 200 of us riding around it for 24hrs should cut it up quite a bit. A week ago I was going to be wearing just my club cycling kit now I will be wearing a whole lot more. My fast wheels have some semi slicks on them. They will probably do for the 1st few hours but I will soon have to change to something a little more grippy no doubt.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/weather/forecast/325?area=Newcastleton
The forecast is really something else. Thunder storms, hail stones and heavy rain but warm. 20C in the day which if true will take the edge off it a bit. Now why on earth did I leave my rear Crud Catcher mudguard in Wales?
I can't believe I am contemplating even packing my camo baggy water proof shorts. Racing in baggy shorts just feels wrong thinking about it.

Now I need to get myself a few more spare brake pads. I fear 2 sets is not enough

Less than a week to go

Sunday night I did my final bit of training for Saturday's 24hr race. 4hrs on the Scott Scale 29 up Cwmcarn three laps of the Twrch Trail and home. The Twrch Trail is a bit longer than a lap of the 24hr course but with the same amount of climbing it it. Three laps all under 54 mins wasn't too hard or two slow. I can do it a lot faster but when I'm not doing more than two laps I have to pace myself a bit.

Scott Scale 29 Pro as standard apart from the Ergon Grips & XT pedals

Really happy so far with the new bike. It was bit of a risk switching to a hardtail but it's got big wheels so it doesn't feel too harsh. How it will fair after 24hrs midday on Sunday I don't know. I will have my Lapierre X Control as back up anyway.
I'm as ready as I can be now. Anything I do from now on is not going to help. Preparation for the 24hrs of Exposure for me is all about eating well and getting my two bikes ready. I'm not that impressed with the Avid brakes on the Scott so I will be taking the Formula R1s of my Lapierre and fitting them. The Selle Italia saddle just doesn't get on with my bottom so that will be swapped out for my trusty Fizik Tundra Carbon. I have some Lighter wheels that need to have tyres, brake disks, & a cassette fitted to. The list goes on.

Leaving Newport last night with too much stuff

Racing at Hillingdon this evening on the road bike to get those legs going a bit if I get out of the office on time. It's windy so it will be a good work out. I will be riding the easier 3/4 race for the last time. A 1st win this evening would please me no end.

Two Weeks and Two Hours

It's 10am on a Saturday morning. My wife is in work and I'm looking after my kids at home. The sun is out and I think a family bike ride is in order. In two weeks the whole way I look at MTB racing will change. 24hr racing has been a focus of mine for the past 9 months. In two weeks and two hours I start my 1st 24hr solo race.
I really cannot wait. It's going to be awesome. I'm a little worried how my body will hold up. Mentally I should be OK but current  issues with my Achilles tendons and the back trouble I had a week ago worry me a bit. I've run out of Vicks First Defence so I better pop to Boots and get some more. I wouldn't want t get a cold again in these next two weeks.
I pick up my Scott Scale 29r Pro tomorrow. Can't wait to get out on it and set it up. I have two weeks to work out if it will be my race bike or my spare. It being 2.5kg lighter than my Lapierre lets hope it I get it dialled quickly and use it as my main bike.

The clock is ticking.

I'd be lying if I didn't say I was slightly bricking myself. Preparation has not gone to plan but shit does happen. I'm looking forward to the road trip. I'm driving up with Simon Ernest and I'm sure we will have some good music to help us on our way. From his Tweets I think we like similar music and you might hear us coming. I think there will be a lot of RATM and Beastie Boys. Simon's doing the 12hr and I'm doing the 24hr. The drive home is going to be Hellish I'm sure.

I will report back when I have those big wheels when I have done some intervals on The Killer

Big Wheels

7 weeks to go for the big one

Just looked at the calendar and much to my horror I realise I only have 7 weeks to go to my first 24hr solo. Great Scott! Now there's another thing. My Scott Scale 29r Pro should arrive sometime soon. Six or so weeks should give me enough time to get it dialed. It's a big move for me. From fullsus to hardtail and 26" to 29".
The training has been going well for the past few weeks. Accommodation and plans on how to get there sorted.
The big test of what food & drink is best is yet to be done. Should have that sorted by the end of the month.
Bring it on!

I've decided to have a crack at Mountain Mayhem solo

One of my favourite photos taken by my team mate on the final lap in 2010

This year wasn't sure if I should do Mayhem solo or as part of the mixed team that did so well last year.
Knowing that Norwood Paragn CC will be sending three teams this year. So many people want to ride this year they shouldn't miss me too much. Well I was the backbone of the mixed team last year but we do have plenty of quick riders.
Knowing that I will have at least 14 team mates at the event I know I will have plenty of motivational support. I have my first 24hr solo race in 13 weeks. Training hasn't gone to plan so far. It was going very well. Excellent in fact I was very happy with how things were going. The the Swine Flu which I still haven't recovered from. Come tomorrow I will have missed two races which I was keen on using to build my form. Not trained for over 4 weeks now. Fingers crossed I will get out this coming week.
So Mayhem it is. I'm really looking forward to it. I am still really focused on the 24hrs of Exposure which is 6 weeks before Mayhem. I am though realistic with the chances of my performance here being one I could write home about. Being my 1st race I was really going to try hard at winning the Rookie jersey. I'm not daft I know my chances of this are slipping. This year I will have a hardtail 29r for Mayhem. I feel this will make me a little quicker on this not very technical course. I know a hardtail would have made me a lot quicker on the climbs (not that my Lapierre is crap on the climbs) I'm Aiming for top 10.
Between now and then I have one more week in work then a relaxing family holiday in Spain. When I get back I will have the 2nd round of the Welsh XC resies then the Black Park XC. A week after that I will be catching the train down to Winchester to do the South Downs Way. Plans plans plans. I've made them before, lets hope I can stick to them this time.

Looking forward to getting this at the end of March

I better make sure I get my entry in on the 28th of Feb. I can get another years supply of shower gel again.

http://www.osmountainmayhem.co.uk/

Strathpuffer 24hr

Strathpuffer 24hr

Strathpuffer 24hr
I found out about this race yesterday. A 24hr race in Scotland right in the middle of winter. 17-18hrs of darkness so it really would be a test. Sadly the entry is full & it's something I really would have like to do as a pair. I've not done a 12hr or a 24hr race yet solo so I'd like to get in one more big event before 24hrs of Exposure in May. So the search goes on for an event for me to warm up with. I haven't got my Exposure Diablo & MaXx D lights yet and even more important than that I haven't got a sleeping bag that is warm enough for the camping. So this is certainly one for next year.
So anyone fancy doing it with me?

It would have been the perfect event to test out my new DHB Balaclava

So what's the plan for 2011

For starters I have to finish off 2010 with a good solid base of training miles in my legs. I've never raced over 6hrs before so it's important to get the miles in. Just after Christmas I have a 4hr Enduro planned. Will be good to race the end of the year with a bit of Christmas spirit. 
A trip up to Newcastleton on the Scottish border might be on the cards in January to recce the area used for my main targets of the year which are the 24hrs of Exposure and the Mondane Kielder 100. That should be a good weekends training and some cold camping. 
24hrs of Exposure, this the British 24hrs solo champs. I was told this is the best one to do as your first solo 24hr as it has a Rookie category and you get very good support. The entry fee is pretty high but you get looked after in this race rather than being left to your own devices (I hope I haven't got that bit wrong). It's a solo only race so there will  It's all the way up north on the border between England and Scotland in a place called Newcastleton. Looks a great place to spend a few days. I've no idea right now what I'm going to have to do to get myself round this course for 24hrs either mentally or physically. I should hope to have sorted that out in the next six months. 

The long climb on the final lap at Mayhem

Next on the plan is the OS Mountain Mayhem. Not sure if I should ride it solo or as part of a team. I really enjoyed it last year. I will have to make up my mind early spring as when the entry opens you have to be quick to get in this one. The course at Eastnoor Castle suits me well as it's  not very technical and I've not got the sharpest skills on the track (something I need to work on). 
The Bontrager Twentyfour12 is up next where I have already entered the 12hr event. I figured that you should keep these 24hr efforts down to just one or two a season. I'm sure it takes a lot out of you. Wiggle's Matt Page who is the current British 24hr champ says it takes a good 4-6weeks to recover from your efforts in a 24hr race. That sounds Horrific to be honest. It takes me a week to recover from a 5 day stage race on the road. 
I have a long break then from the long races until Mondane Kielder 100 which is a 100mile race that is one in one lap. It's based back up in Newcastleton up on the Scottish Boarders again. Now I know I can do this one well. I certainly will have the endurance to do this by September. You'd think so after have possibly two 24hrs and a 12hr under my belt. Hopefully I will retain some speed by racing as many shorter XC races as possible. I'm lucky I'm based in Newport, South Wales and London. Welsh Series early in the season mixed with the Gorricks and Beastway Series midweek after work on a Wednesday.
Hopefully there is no clash of dates between the Breacon Beast and the Mondane Kielder 100 or I maybe tempted to give the Manx End 2 End a crack which looks fantastic.
Sounds like a good plan at the moment. I might have to do a few road races. I still haven't won a road race and I've dropped down to a 3rd cat on the road after a big fat zero points for last season. Well it helps if you race and I only entered two races finishing neither (puncture & mechanical).
At a grand old 36 years, I'm in the Masters Category in mountain biking 30-39. I like the age group racing. I'm not sure British Cycling are keeping the age category for next season. Rumours say no. Fingers crossed it stays. For the Enduro, 12 & 24hr events its 18-39 then 40+ so it's only for the shorter XC races will it effect me. 

So I've got a Mountain Bike (What next?)

Coming down off the Gap Road
Brecon Beast 2010

Last year I decided that I would try something else. I had become a little tired of road racing and wanted something that was a bit more fun. Don't get me wrong, I love road racing but as I live between London and South Wales I was finding it a bit crap. I have the Cwmcarn Twrch Trail (I'll get back to that) right on my doorstep on the weekends and I thought I'd get myself a MTB. I really didn't intend to race just have a bit of fun. 

Before my bike had arrived I had borrowed a bike off a colleague and took it up Cwmcarn. Next thing I know I've entered the OS Mountain Mayhem 24hr race as part of a Mixed Team of 5 & had started to plan my season. So I entered a mix of XC races & Enduros.

I was into the MTB so much I only did two road races all season. I do plan to do more road races in 2011 but more for training than anything. 

I did the North East London based Beastway series which started very well for me. 1st race I was second in Masters. I was leading until I did my trademark one crash of the race. Most of the series I was in the top 4 or 5 with the odd week of Hell due to a puncture or broken ribs. Right in the middle of the Beastway series was the OS Mountain Mayhem 24hr. I raced this as part of a team. It was bloody awesome. I can't believe how much fun it was and how hard it was. I was riding for my club Norwood Paragon CC. A team of 5. 4 boys and one bloody fast Lady called Kaye. We did bloody good considering Doc broke his thumb. I had my trademark crash and Adam slept in a bit late one lap. We came 10th which wasn't bad considering. I saw the state of the solo guys and thought they looked a right mess. No way would I be stupid enough to try that.

I then did a few of the local races in Surrey which were pretty cool. 

An early round of Beastway

The high & low point of my season were the Enduros all the races i had done so far were no more than two hours long. The Low point was the 75km Big Welsh Enduro in Margam Park. I thought I was fit until I turned up to this race. Boy I had a shock. I wasn't last but not far off. If it hadn't been for some friends cheering me on I would have packed. 
The high point was the Brecon Beast which was 110km and up and over the Brecon Beacons mtns. I really enjoyed it. I was actually competitive pretty much the whole way round until I snapped a chain. When I crossed the line I was told I was 8th. confusion with the results puts me outside the top 20 but I know where I came. I suffered the whole way round but loved every minute of it. It was in the final kms of this race I pretty much decided that I was going to try a 24hr Solo. 

So there were are, I said it 24hr solo. At the London Cycle Show the XC Racer Shop announced that the entries for the 24hrs of Exposure and the Mondane Kielder 100 so I entered them both. Jump in both feet first, might as well and so it starts......


Better get training!