Let Them Eat Cake Jubilee ride

Today I was proud to support my Friend Lou in riding the first Patisserie Cyclisme and Polocini Sportive, The "Let Them Eat Cake" Jubilee Ride.

The idea was to celebrate the Jubilee by riding a mile for each year of The Queen's reign, and also celebrate cake at the World Famous Eureka Cafe.

Myself and three Palefish Pals, Tim Jon and Dave ( it was also Dave and Jon's first Sportive) made our way to Nantwich for the Start at the Football Club. It seemed a bit wrong to be heading away from our half way destination ( Eureka is 10 miles from my house!)

Dave R, Jon, Dave C, Me, Tim

It never fails to surprise me how friendly cycling is. Dave R in the pic above parked next to us, and as you can see is another proud PC jersey owner. We got chatting and spent most of the ride out to Eureka as a group. Even more surprising was that Dave had to be back quickly as he was heading off to relatives in Ringwood, Hampshire, about 10 miles from where my Dad lives!! Small world. I even found out that Jon used to live in Salisbury! 

There looked to be a great turnout for Lou's first Sportive. The car park was full and the Q to sign in was long, but moved quickly. There to welcome us with a big smile were Lou and her Husband, who gave us our personalised numbers and a ticket for cake and Coffee at Eureka. The ticket was treated as if it was made of gold until it was well stashed with my cash in my pocket!!

After a Coffee we got the bikes and ourselves ready for the Grand Depart. It was quite a scene as we all waited for the off.

Once we were off it wasn't long until we were in the leafy winding Cheshire lanes. The only mishaps I had today were both in the first 5 miles! First of all, as I reached into my pocket to get my camera out to take the following pictures, I managed to loose one of my NEW cleat covers that I have only worn once, today in the car park before we left! At least they were not too expensive, and it wasn't my phone or money that jumped out of my pocket!!

Patisserie Cyclisme Sportive as far as the eye can see!

 Just after I had taken these Photo's, one handed on bumpy roads my second mishap occurred. It was a bit of a sill one that nearly had me off the bike and end my ride. To relive the pockets on my jersey, I have fitted my saddle bag back on the bike, and because there was Rain forecast for today I decided to use my Lezyne  Caddy Sac for my Phone and Camera. This meant I needed somewhere else to store my second spare tube, which I cunningly wedged between the saddle and the saddle bag! Big mistake. The tube fell from its non secure position into the rear cassette, almost locking the rear wheel!!! I was lucky, and paid the price by getting oily fingers early on in the ride!!!

Dave on his new Cervelo S5 and Jon on his new Onix

The route took us up to Delamere and then across to Chester via Mickle Trafford and round the back of Chester Zoo.
There was a wide range of bikes and riders today, but my winner of best team of the day went to the Forbes family, including the dog!!!

It was strange riding round the lanes we ride all the time, but with a different group of people. And even stranger turning into Eureka with a large group. 

We made good time on the first half of the ride with an Average of 18.5mph for the first 35 miles.

There to welcome us to Eureka there was a huge table filled with fantastic cake loveliness! 

The team, under the controlling eye of Anne, managed to serve a lot of thirsty and hungry riders, and a special mention must be made for the regulars of the cafe who took the extra long Q for coffee in good spirits.

While we were there I managed to have a Chat with Ken from Bioracer, who I have contacted about the possibility of a future project for Palefish, More to be revealed soon!!!

Mr and Mrs McCake (James and Lou) and Ken

 Q out of the door at Eureka

Never seen Bikes out on the Railings before!!

 After a chat with Sean and Ade (Wirral Mamils) and Phil from Cheshire Oaks Cycles, we headed off on our return journey. It was as we turned back towards Backford that we realised that we were in for a different ride back to Nantwich! We were hit by a 13mph headwind. Not the worst I have ridden in to but as sapping as climbing a hill constantly! I started to struggle with a bit of cramp in my thigh too. As I rode with Tim we were discussing why for two weeks in a row I had developed cramp after about 40 miles. The only thing we could think of is that over the winter we have been riding fast but short 25 mile rides, or hill sessions, but we haven't been out regularly for steady long rides. That has to change!! Time to plan some long Sunday rides for the lads!!

As we approached Beeston I began to become concerned that Alan, (Mr Polocini) had saved a sting in the tail for us in what up to now had been a fantastic, manageable route, by taking us up the hill and round the Castle. But luckily, as we arrived at the junction the yellow direction arrow was pointing right and not left, up the hill. Thanks Alan!!

Beeston Castle

 The run in to Nantwich from here was rolling lanes and now the cramp had passed it was at a more comfortable pace. There was a real jubilee feel as we passed through Villages that were covered in fluttering bunting and flags with parties set up in gardens and pub car parks.

When we got back to the Football Club in Nantwich we were treated to a great fill of Spanish Pork and rice, Coffee and Cake. There were some prizes up for grabs in a raffle and Jon won a bottle of English Whiskey

As I mentioned it was Jon and Dave's first Sportive, and It was also Jon's first big ride on his new Onix Azzuro. You can tell from the smile on his face it all went well!!!

 All that remains it to say a huge well done to Louise on what was a fantastic day, she should be proud that over 200 people came out to ride the Jubilee ride, and to Alan for a fantastic route, well signed on nice lanes.
The blog today was brought to you whilst sipping coffee from my new mug!!

Today's Ride

The Broken Spoke Sportive 2012

I think I will rename this sportive as the Broken Palefish!!
Today was one of the hardest rides I have done. 86 miles with 6096ft of climbing in temperatures up to 31c.
Those of you familiar with the blog will know how much I dislike hills! But yet again I sign up to these rides expecting it to be easier than the last one. It is true that once completed and after a good nights sleep, the pain seems to recede and the euphoria of completing a challenging ride takes over.
There was a good turn out of the lads today. As this was such a tough ride I think there needs to be a roll call!!
Badders, Ken, Tim, Simon, Paul B, Paul H, Pete and Paul I! (too many Paul's!)

I drove to the School in Chester, and picked up Ken on the way, he had ridden through the tunnel. We registered, picked up our complimentary gells and food, and got the bikes ready.

The car park soon filled up and at 9 o' clock we were assembled for a pre ride briefing.

There were 230 riders taking part today. Not bad considering the route and the predicted heat!

We set off and headed out to Rossett. The pace was quite good as we spun in the sun! The first 30 miles were at an average pace of 18mph.

 After a stop at St Martins it wasn't long until we reached the first of today's challenges, Pontfadog! This is a 2 mile climb at an average of 8.7%. I had to walk for about half a mile, in the middle as I literally ran out of puff! once the hill was crested we were treated to a rather spectacular view across the hills.

The descent was not much fun either! There were some scary drops with 90degree turns at the bottom. Whilst we waited at the end of the descent to regroup the heat coming off the rims of my wheels was quite something!!

When we were all back together we faced the next challenge. The Horseshoe Pass! this is a 3.9 mile 1000ft climb. It was so hot by this time, I needed to stop and rest under a tree 3/4 of the way up! I felt like I was going to pass out!! It is time to invest in some Summer riding gear. Up to now I have been able to get by with what I have, but today showed me once again how important the right gear is. 

 After a cool down I continued to the top, looking over at the road we had just climbed!

At the top is the Famous Ponderosa Cafe and lots and lots of motorbikes. 

And some mad cyclists who decided to ride up hills on a sunny day!!

On top of the Horseshoe Pass

  The next bit was my favourite of the day! The descent to Ruthin. If Strava is to be believed I hit 47mph! It was a great respite to the previous hour and a half climbing!!
When we reached Ruthin we were treated to beans on toast, which we all enjoyed.

All Fed and watered

What we were not expecting, even though we all checked the route before leaving, was the final sting in the tail of the ride, The old Bwlch! This is a 2.5 mile climb raising 900ft to the car park on Moel Famau!! The views were spectacular, and my cleat's got more worn out as I had to walk a little way again!!

Resting at the top of the Old Bwlch

The last 25 miles were not pleasant. Another steep climb and lots of sun meant a slow tired pace, even the downhill sections were slower! But working together we made it back to the School, Eventually!!

Badders could smell the pasta!

Tired Bikes

I'm sure that even though we all said "never again" I expect to see everyone again next year!

The next challenge is the Patisserie Cyclisme/ Polocini Jubilee Cake ride on the 5th of June.

Today's Ride Details

A rest is as good as a change!

Firstly, sorry for not writing anything for a couple of weeks. I have had things to do in the real world, like applying for my own job! (thankfully I am good enough to continue to do it), and spend some time with the family, as I realised that I have ridden my bike every Saturday, except three, for the last year! So as I was feeling a little off colour I missed the club ride and went to Anglesey with the family for a great weekend (including a little fall off the wagon with a couple of Peroni) which I really enjoyed. My niggling lack of energy has developed into a full blown head cold, so I didn't go out on Tuesday with the lads. Instead of my usual 100miles per week I have managed 78miles in two weeks.
Other news in my cycling world from the last couple of weeks. I was dealt a reality check last weekend. Tim, who I rode the Rapha ride with, had a massive off when he was riding in the Lakes. His front tube failed at 25mph and he hit the tarmac pretty hard. It was lucky he had a helmet and gloves on, as I'm not sure the outcome would have been as favourable if he hadn't. He suffered severe cuts and road rash to the right side of his face, and has also been suffering from the cycling equivalent of whip lash. Paul and I went to see him on Monday and it certainly brings everything into perspective. I am happy to say he is well on the mend, and hopefully he will be back on the bike next week.
Which bike Tim will ride is yet to be seen. My constant talk about Onix bikes has finally worn him down. On his way to Scotland yesterday, he stopped off at the new Onix Showrooms in Blackburn, and instantly fell for the Rob Hayles Pro. I don't normally like to say "I told you so" but I did tell him they were great bikes, and he now agrees!! What makes this all the more interesting is that Tim is the second person from our group to visit Onix this week! Jon went up earlier in the week for a fitting and is eagerly awaiting delivery of his Azzuro, which was recently reviewed on the Channel 5 Gadget show and received 5 stars.




I'm sure when the lads get their bikes I will regret recommending Onix as I see their rear wheels disappearing  off into the distance!!

Today's ride was down to me to organise as Zel is racing tomorrow. As I am still full of the green stuff, I decided to offer a Cafe and back ride to Eureka. I am not the only person who is under the weather, so the reaction to a cafe ride was good. The shop soon filled up with riders, including the Vita Race team, which was nice as I haven't seen the lads for a while. We all decided to ride out to Eureka together and then anyone who wasn't in the Lemsip club could carry on.
There were 16 of us who left the shop. The weather looked good and the wind was at our backs. It didn't take long for things to literately take a turn for the worse! We always try to keep off the main roads and in the country lanes, which is great until you get near a farm! As we headed towards Thornton Hough we encountered a trail of slurry across the road on the junction of a right hand turn, with the added obstacle of a large Massey Ferguson! We all picked our lines, and the oncoming traffic was kind enough to let us turn, unfortunately for one of the group it didn't go to plan. Dave's front wheel picked up a little too much Muck and that was enough to make the front of the bike slide and he was down, heavily on the road. Luckily he was ok to carry on and his bike wasn't damaged, but we did make him ride a little behind us as the smell was a little overpowering!!!
We got to the Cafe without further incident and the race team then headed off to do some faster miles.

Dave smelling a little better and recovering with a well earned Coffee 

The group refuelling at Eureka Cafe 

It was nice to see a flyer for the upcoming Jubilee ride that is being organised by Patisserie Cyclisme and Polocini it promises to be a great ride, 60 miles from Nantwich to Eureka and back, with the promise of some great cake and coffee along the way!! There are a few of us doing it so why not sign up and join in the fun?

There are also a group of us doing the Broken Spoke on the 27th May. The route is quite challenging, if like me, you don't like hills, but it should be a great day. There is still time to sign up....what are you waiting for?

The ride back from Eureka was into the wind, as usual, but we meandered our way through the lanes, making sure we hit all the climbs Zel takes us on, and I was surprised to see when I got home, that I had got a Personal Record on one of my Nemesis climbs! Maybe being ill helps climbing performance? Or maybe it is the Beetroot juice working. I have been drinking it daily, even though I haven't been on the bike, and it really seems to be making a difference to my climbing. My legs can climb for longer without getting the "burn" and my recovery from sustained exertion is getting quicker. Even though it does taste nasty, it is working. I would recommend giving it a try.

When we got back to the shop we all signed up for the 2013 edition of Vita Cycles "Ten Minutes of hell"
Next years event promises to be just as good as this years, with a larger field that will be split into age groups. Time to start training I think with some Sunday tunnel time!!

Finally good luck to Zel in his race tomorrow, also good luck to Dave B and Dave C in their 10k run tomorrow and Jon at the Triathlon he is competing in.

Today's ride details

Just like a Summers evening without the sun!

It is typical! I have finally got my winter bike sorted. The rear wheel has been rebuilt, new pedals have been purchased, a new saddle (thanks Dan) is in place and mudguards fitted, just in time as the winter has told its toll on the Kuota and the head race bearing needs changing. Good timing I hear you cry, well it would be if the weather hadn't decided to take a turn for the best and deliver us a 12degree average ride this evening! Oh well, it's all good training, especially on a slightly heavier bike!!

For the second time this week, there were seven of us out for a spin. We headed out to West Kirby then up to Caldy, Thurstaston, Heswal, Thornton, and then back through Irby to Greasby. The group are riding well together, and the pace is good. We put a little sprint effort in tonight, a half mile stretch into Thornton, ans it looks like we hit over 34mph.
We passed a Police speed check in Pensby, and I was tempted to ask if I could calibrate my Garmin with his Speed gun but I didn't think the officer would be too keen!

When we got back to The 12th Man, it was mentioned that as a Start and finish venue, it would be a handy place to have some post ride refreshments in the summer! Sounds great for someone who has resolved to give up alcohol for a year, I suppose there is always coke to look forward to!!!

The Vita ride this week is reverting back to one group, leaving the shop at 9.30. We will be out for 3-3.5 hours. We will ensure we do not let anyone fall behind, and wait if the group splits. I think it will be good to have a session with the coach and the Race team lads. It will let me see if I have improved with all the winter training.

Tonight's Ride Details

There was some more great coverage of Ten Minutes of Hell today in " the UK's best bike Magazine" Cycling Weekly. There may be more at a later date too!

Finally a plea from a friend. Lou who runs the Patisserie Cyclisme  web site is trying to raise funds to develop the site. She has got through to Enterprise Nations second round process which requires people to log on and vote for Patisserie Cyclisme who will get £500 start up support if they get 500 votes! It only takes a couple of minutes, and will help Lou realise her dream of turning her passion into a business and in turn help us find the best Cafe stops in the UK!
Please check out this link to Vote: Enterprise Nation Vote Now

Tunnel Test ride and A long stay at Eureka

As promised yesterday, I was up and out at 6.45 this morning. Luckily I wasn't on my own. I met Dave, Carla and Ian at the 12th Man. Cycling seems to develop a motivation in people you don't see in other sports/ activities!

It didn't take long to get to the Tunnel as the wind helped us along. We didn't stop when we got to the entrance, we just headed into the Ten Minutes of Hell route!

We had decided not to push it as this was just a recce to check out the grades of the climbs either side. The descent into the tunnel is quite long from the Birkenhead side, which will be useful in the TT. I coasted quite a way into the tunnel, and then as it levels out at the bottom, picked a gear to spin up the other side. We went round the Roundabout in Liverpool, which won't be part of the course, so I can take a few seconds off my time today to compensate for the extra meters, and then headed back. The descent from Liverpool is shorter so I put a bit more effort in going down, and then pushed harder to get out the other side. I was quite happy with my time, which I am not going to post here as I don't want to scare everyone else who is thinking of entering, but it is safe to say I will have to work much harder on the day.
I drove through from Liverpool the other day, and decided to video the journey as a motivation tool!!



Once we had played in the Tunnel, Ken met us and we headed of to Eureka for breakfast.
It is always great to learn new routes, and today Ian treated us to a great one through Port Sunlight Village and out to Clatterbridge. It is definitely one to remember as it cuts out a lot of the major roads on the way from Birkenhead to central Wirral.
The pace was pretty good for early on a Sunday, and we arrived at Eureka at 8.30!! Anne was quite surprised to see us so early, but as always made us very welcome. The only problem was that I had arranged to meet Lou from Patisserie Cyclisme, a web site dedicated to Cafe reviews, and all things cake!

http://www.patisseriecyclisme.co.uk/

To pass the time I chose a full English breakfast from the menu, which was great, until Steve, from Team Vita, arrived! I did feel a bit guilty, for about 10 seconds!!

Whilst we were waiting, a steady stream of wind blown cyclists came into the cafe. I was surprised at how many I now know! We were joined by Steve for a while, then Paul from the club rides had a coffee with us. When he left, Carla and Dave headed back, it was now 9.15, and Ian had already gone off into Wales.
Next to join us was Frank, a fellow blogger and Vita fan, http://frank.kinlan.co.uk/
Frank left with a group from the CTC and he was replaced by Dave (Tinselspin) and Phil (Cheshire Oaks Cycles) Dan who has ridden with us before also made an appearance.

Lou eventually arrived at 11.30. A little later than expected, but she had a great excuse. She had been talking to the Voice of Eurosport, David Harmon, about a possible interview with a Cycling Legend. I won't steal her thunder and spill the beans, but I'll let her off.
Whilst me and Ken were waiting, Anne said she was going to give us some jobs to do, although we didn't break the longest stay record of 7 hours, we only managed 3 and a half!!

It was great to see Lou and chat about her website, and plans for the future. I'm sure 2012 is going to be a busy year for her, both with the business, her PHD and racing. Please check out her website and why not review your local cafe whilst your there!

Ken and I left at 12 and headed out into the wind. The Chester High road is not the place to be with a strong head wind, so we turned off and zig zagged back through the lanes. We picked up another lad on the way, and we worked together taking turns at the front.

It certainly was another extraordinary ride. http://app.strava.com/rides/3523857

Onix Twiter Ride

Well, what a day!!! An early start, for a Sunday, and Me, Shaun and Ken were on our way to the other side of Macclesfield to meet up with a couple of like minded cyclists for a spin with the MD of Onix Bikes.
We couldn't believe it when we rolled into the Car Park and there were at least 40 people getting bikes and themselves ready.

Spot the Onix prototype!

Ken and Sean, and it was as cold as it looks!

There were so many we were asked to move our cars from the Pub car park so that their paying customers could get in!! It was a new experience driving the car in shoes with Cleats!!!

We set off from the side of a lake,

and headed straight into the first climb of the day, and by far the steepest, especially on cold legs!! It had an Average of 9% and topped out at 25% (by my Garmin anyway!!) I am not ashamed to say when we hit 25% I walked!!! too much too soon and I didn't want to do myself in in the first 2 miles.
The going got a bit easier after that. We headed round to Macclesfield, a different way to the planned route, as we had split so much on the first climb and some had gone the wrong way.

This proved to be a great plan, as we turned out of Macc to head up to the Cat and Fiddle, we had the wind at our backs. I got into a good rhythm and span my way up the 6 mile climb, ave 6% to the highest pub in England (I think!) When we got to the top the wind was across us and blew a couple of people into the verge. I passed Sean, who was stopping to help someone, and as he got off his bike it was caught by the wind and it looked like he was flying a kite!! Serves him right for buying an extremely light Orbea Orca!!!

Half way up to the Cat

It was so windy, we had to crouch to get a rest!

All safely at the top.

We Left the Shelter of the Cat and Fiddle and headed back, after a short fast decent we turned and had to ride into a headwind up hill! it was tough going but not as bad as I thought it would be.
It was decided that as the wind was so strong, I'm not sure exactly how strong it was but it was bad, we would call it a day and head back to the Pub. After another fast decent, and one last stingy climb, we all got back safely. Waiting for us were these great biscuits,

Which were a very welcome treat. All the way round Mike, the Onix mechanic was following us in the Onix Team car, offering advice on directions, and words of motivation!!!

Even though it was cut short, it was a great ride, with some challenging hills, and decent's.
At the end we had to take the obligatory Team Photo's!!

Shaun and Ken

Shaun and Me

Once all the bikes were back in the car we decamped to the pub for a brew! There was more cake from Louise (http://www.patisseriecyclisme.co.uk/) although I didn't get to try any as Dean, from Purple Harry and David Harman, Eurosport, were monopolising the tupperware!!

It was also a great opportunity to talk to Craig, Onix Bikes MD, about next years range, and how the idea of starting a new bike brand has developed over the last 18 months. For more info on Onix Bikes why not watch this video. 

Thanks Craig for a great day, and I hope to be riding all 6 of Onix Bikes Twitter rides next year.

Also thanks to Purple Harry for some Bike Floss samples and CNP for the new Bottle and energy bars.

Today's Ride details: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/131315407