Time for Tunnel Training again!

It was recently announced that the Ten Minutes of hell time trial would be on again in 2013. It is being held on 24th March and is a great opportunity to race against some of the Country's best TT'ers. Check out last years event here.

So, in the spirit of how the club really began, I arranged to take the Palefish CC Sunday spinners to the tunnel to stretch their legs and start the training for next years event.
We met at the Twelfth Man at 7, after only one ride in two weeks, and still feeling the effects of a cold, I wasn't sure that riding out into the dark cold morning was a good idea! Surprisingly there were 6 other adventurous souls who decided that going for a bike ride early on a Sunday morning is better than a lay in and a nice cooked breakfast! It was also good to see 2 new club members, Chi and Neil, join us for their first Sunday club ride.

We arrived at the Tunnel entrance, where Mark and Rich were waiting for us. After a quick safety briefing (we are getting serious now!) we all headed into the mouth of hell! As we rode in, we passed Ken exiting Hell. We didn't go too fast today, it was a sighting lap really, but we didn't hang around either! I don't think Mr Dowsett has anything to worry about, but I didn't feel to bad and I hope that I will be able to beat my time from last year.

After the Tunnel foray we rode to Eureka for a brew. We rode through the lanes, which as the sun rose and the mist lifted looked fantastic. We are lucky to live on such a picturesque peninsula.
When we arrived at Eureka, a bit later than last time so we kept out of Anne's bad books, and we met up with another 2 new Palefish CC riders, Steve and Derek.

There was less cake consumed, and more Toast this morning, a sign that the colder weather is here.

The 12 of us left Eureka and headed back via the usual route of Puddington, Burton, Ness, Parkgate and Lower Heswall.
At this point 5 of the lads headed home and the rest of us carried on to West Kirby, Hoylake and Moreton. A quick loop through Upton saw us back at the 12th Man.

I found the ride quite a challenge at times today. It is very surprising how a small cold can knock your fitness so far backwards in such a short space of time. I think I will have to make sure I keep well this winter if I want to do better at the Tunnel Time Trial next year!
Hopefully I can get back to three rides a week, and if the weather holds up maybe get out into Wales again in the near future!
Yesterday a few of the lads rode out to Llandegla to the Mountain Bike Centre for a brew. It is good that the club is now big enough to sustain two rides at the weekend. As we intended at the start, there will always be a ride for someone every weekend.

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

The Phenomenom of "The Ten Minutes of Hell"

Phil and Barry (Vita Cycles) must be really happy with the response and media coverage the Ten Minutes of Hell is receiving from some big hitting cycling media sites and competitors from the event.

                        

Today people have been posting links to sites and forums where there was nothing but praise for the event so I thought that I would put some of the links on here.

road.cc

Cycling Weekly.

velouk.net

merseysidermagazine

maxgearettes

Also here are some links to Photo Albums of the Day,

Phil Gale flickr

Sport Pictures Cymru

Jonathan Fairhurst

Here is a video from inside hell,

And here is my Album, which I will update with more photo's as they become available.

picasaweb TenMinutesOfHell

To top off a great weekend, I received a message from a friend who works at the Liverpool Echo, asking me if I would like to write a report for the paper on the event. 

I am very proud to have been able to do this, and apparently got a "good Job" from the Sports Editor!

It certainly is amazing how cycling and this Blog have affected my life. And a big thanks to James for the opportunity.

Here is the Piece I wrote for the Liverpool Echo, Sorry the text isn't too clear, but if you want to read the report, please check out this link: Liverpool Echo

I  have also been given the Photo's the Echo photographer took on the day.
Pictures are Courtesy of Colin Lane/Liverpool Echo

It was nice to see Vita riders, Carla and Dave's photos used in the Paper.




Tonight I was back out on the bike, with 6 other lads from the Club, training for the next TT, wether that will be this season or next years Ten Minutes of hell, I don't know!

"Ten Minutes of Hell" Mersey Tunnel Time Trial

Phew! What a day. The morning seemed to drag from when I got up to when I left to pick up Paul and Dave to go to the Tunnel. I had a healthy breakfast of cereal and then Scrambled egg and grilled tomatoes, even though the nerves were making my stomach do somersaults!! I took the bike out for a shakedown to make sure everything was still working, why it wouldn't be I'm not sure but it seemed to be the right thing to do and wasted some time!
Eventually Dave and I loaded our bikes in the car and headed off, twice as I forgot the parking permit, to pick up Paul.
We arrived in Birkenhead way too early, so we went for a coffee at the golden arches!

After a caffeine injection, and confirmation the tunnel was shut, we headed off to park up sign in and get ready.

It was great to have all our families there to support us, and take photo's! (thanks Mrs Palefish)
After the bikes were set up we headed up to the start area to warm up. Vita Cycles had done a great job in organising the event, even providing turbo's for us to use before we set off.

It didn't take long for our start times to come round. and we were off!

And not too long after, we were back.

and received a warm welcome from our boys.

That was it! For me it was 12minutes 19seconds of hell, and I am very happy with the result. The full finishing times haven't been released yet but with 10 still to go I was sitting in 29th, out of a field of 63. I think the last 10 will have beaten my time so that puts me 39th, not bad for a first time trial attempt!

After a quick warm down we watched the rest of the Team Vita lads lay down some impressive times, and then it was the time for the big boys and Girls. The field was filled with Current national TT Champions, Junior Champion and GB Triathletes. It was humbling to see the effort they put in to just warming up!

Alex Dowsett, current National TT Champion and rider for Team Sky, was last off. He certainly looked focused as he waited on the line to go.

Alex was the eventual winner, in a time of 8minutes 28seconds, only 4 minutes faster than me!

After the awards ceremony I managed to catch a quick chat with Alex, he is a really down to earth guy, who was happy to chat and sign autographs, and even have his photo taken with a fellow competitor (never thought I would write that in a sentence!)

The day was a massive success, and Phil and Barry from Vita Cycles should be proud of their achievement. Not only did they put on a great Time Trial, attracting some of the best riders in the country, they have also been very influential in getting me involved in the sport, and the Club.

When I started writing this blog in August 2011 I said that one day I may enter a race, I just didn't think that day would come so soon!!!

Wild wet pre TT Club ride

I cant believe how quickly the Ten minutes of hell Time Trial has come round. Tomorrow by 13.25 it should be over! If it isn't I didn't do too well. The bike is cleaned, all unnecessary weight removed, and some slick tyres fitted. Unfortunately the rider has to be there or the bike would go a lot quicker! I have however hit a landmark weight this week, I am now only 6kg from my first target weight.
It took a while to clean the bike, and a lot of Purple Harry's Cleaning products. Even Dave from the club came round to give his bike a clean, and try out the Purple Harry kit, and I think he is now converted

                            Race ready and raring to go!                       Dave getting to grips with the Purple Harry                      

                                                                 
                                                                       Naked Kebel

The club ride today was wet, windy and wild. At one point, just as Carla suffered a puncture, the rain was coming at us sideways, but the seven of us who had ventured out made it to Eureka cafe safely, if a little sodden. The traffic on the high road didn't show us any respect, and I think the sadistic drivers quite enjoyed seeing us suffer as they covered us in huge Bow Waves from all the standing water. We had the last laugh though, I'm not sure how but I'm sure we did.
The ride back to the shop was just as much fun, into a cold headwind, which made the cold wet clothes we were wearing feel just that little bit more uncomfortable! ( Mrs Palefish wasn't too happy with the wet clothing either, more specifically the 2 year old cycling shoes drying on the radiator emitting a rather musty aroma throughout the house! Good job I have some Sidi's on the way!!)
The ride was good though and topped off a good weeks training for the challenge. I've been pushing the big gears on climbs to try to gain a little time on the up bits tomorrow.
So there is nothing left to do but get a good nights sleep, have a healthy energising breakfast, and go for it at 13.10!

Details for Spectators for tomorrows Time Trial are available on Vita's Website http://www.vitacycles.co.uk/pain_suffering_glory_a_new_year_challenge

Today's Ride details: http://app.strava.com/rides/4259672

A late evening blast and a City Bike expereance.

The evening rides are becoming more popular. It started off a few weeks ago with just me and Paul and last night we had our biggest group of 6 going out for a late evening blast. We rode out to West Kirby, at a reasonable pace through Meols and Hoylake, to do some loops of the Hill before heading up Thurstaston to Heswall and back through Irby.
It was the first time I had given the new Moon Shield 60 a proper outing. As with the X-power 500 front light it helps the confidence riding at night  knowing you are clearly visible to other road users, even if you do have to put up with moans from others in the group that you are burning their retinas!



We are planning on going out again tomorrow night. 7.30'ish at the 12th man on Greasby road. (sunglasses optional!)

Ride details: http://app.strava.com/rides/3972721

Today I had to go to Crosby Leisure Centre for a meeting. It is a bit off the public transport network, so I decided to use a pool bike instead of the Bus! It certainly was an experience. I can't remember the last time I rode a bike with Sturmey Archer 3 speed hub gears and a sprung saddle. The position felt a little awkward, very different to the racing bike, and also different to my mountain bike set up. But fundamentally a bike is a bike so off I went. It didn't take long to miss the smooth Ultegra gear changes and the range of gears available on my other bikes. I soon ran out of usable cadence!! The one advantage of riding to a meeting is being able to use cycle paths, especially the coast path from the docks to the Leisure Centre. It was great seeing the Tide come in to cover the Iron Men.

Dawes Haarlem City Bike at Crosby Beach

Riding back to the office wasn't as pleasant. There was quite a strong headwind, and it was slightly uphill. Add to this the wrong clothes, Suit and fleece lined coat equals a rather sweaty ride!!
I will definitely be using the pool bikes again, but maybe need to rethink the clothing and request that a Cervelo S5 is maybe added to the fleet!
I used the Garmin app on my phone to record the ride, It worked well, but drained the battery significantly, but that could have been the two and a half hour pause between riding there and back! I'm not sure how I hit 33mph either!!!

Ride details: http://app.strava.com/rides/3994500

 If you have been reading the blog for a while you will know that I use Purple Harrys Cleaning Products to keep the bike clean and shiny! If you have used it too why not give the company some support by commenting on a thread on Wiggle's Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/WiggleCycling/posts/10150635010455429?notif_t=feed_comment_reply

Finally, the Ten minutes of hell time trial is nearly upon us. There are still a few places left, so if you haven't signed up but wish you had, it's not too late, and it's only £25!
If you live on Wirral and read the Wirral Globe, please ignore the journalistic mess they have made of promoting the event! I'm not too sure how they managed to mess it up but they did.
It is definitely not a Motorcycle Time Trial, although on a personal level I wish it was. The web site has been updated, and next weeks paper will have the correct details.
For info on the Challenge: http://www.vitacycles.co.uk/pain_suffering_glory_a_new_year_challenge

Tunnel Test Take Two

Another Sunday, another early start! It was much colder this morning, even though we decided to leave at 7,  15mins later than last week. I was joined again by Ian, and this week Jon came along to check out what he had let himself in for. When I was talking to Phil in the shop yesterday he said places were now going fast. If you want more details on the event check out this link:  http://www.vitacycles.co.uk/pain_suffering_glory_a_new_year_challenge

So, we arrived at the tunnel, and I decided to put a bit more effort in this week, but not to go too fast, as I want to save that for the 19th. (great excuse eh?) It was decidedly warmer in the tunnel than it was outside, I hope it isn't too warm in Feb? We completed one run through and back, and decided that we wouldn't bother with a second and instead ride round to West Kirby. Today's attempt netted me a 30 second faster time than last week. It doesn't sound much but it all counts. I'm still not at the 10 minute target time of the event title, but I am getting closer. I am hoping that adrenaline will help fuel the muscles on the day.
As we headed out of Birkenhead the sun was rising and treated us to a great display. The iPhone doesn't do the image justice, and once again I wish I had a better camera with me.

The pace into West Kirby crept up, and we took it in turns to pull each other along, well, Ian pulled and I went in the front to give him a rest but not necessarily pull anyone! All good training for a TT though.

Ian Peeled of to do some hill loops and then ride off into Wales! whilst Jon and I did one climb out of West Kirby then I headed off home.

The exercise didn't finish there though. Two trips to the Allotment and one to the Tip cleared Mrs Palefish's Nan's garden of all the Bricks and Building rubble left over from the recent renovations.

Half the bricks!

The next job was a regular Sunday activity. An hour in the company of Purple Harrys Cleaning Products. It is unbelievable how dirty a bike can get in two rides! But it doesn't take long to get it clean again.

Hopefully I will get some good miles in the legs this week, (planned rides on Tuesday and Wednesday night 7.30 at the 12th Man in Greasby if anyone wants to join me), and also keep improving the power to weight ratio. If all goes well I may reduce the Tunnel time by another 15 seconds next week!

Check out my Diary page for this weeks stats on weight loss and miles ridden.

Today's ride details: http://app.strava.com/rides/3699202

The Kebel is back on the road (Vita club ride)

It has been a long frustrating week. I cleaned the bike after last Sundays ride out to Eureka Cafe and prepared it for another weeks riding. Paul and I decided to do a speed session on Monday night, as he has now entered "Ten Minutes of Hell" too. I pushed the bike out of the shed, started to ride off and couldn't change gear. After a quick examination I discovered the gear cable swinging in the wind and the restraining bolt that holds the cable had sheared in half!! Somehow overnight it had decided enough was enough. I was a bit dejected as Paul set off on his own for a spin, and decided to fix the puncture on the Giant, so I could go out on Tuesday night. Once the puncture was fixed and the wheel back on the bike things went from bad to worse. It now appears that the rear wheel has not only got worn bearings, but the hub seems to have collapsed!  When I spin the wheel it only does about 2 rotations then reverses half a turn before it grinds to a halt! So because of my lack of attention to the winter bike I haven't ridden yet this winter I had a forced weeks rest from cycling!!!!

Mrs Palefish took the bike up to the lads at Vita Cycles for me on Tuesday, and after close inspection a new front Mech was ordered to be fitted ready for today's ride. Once again the lads delivered the goods and replaced the Mech free of charge!! Although I did have to sort of pay by being the focus of their "Great sense of humour!!!"

The following are a selection of tweets I received from my so called Club Mates on Thursday afternoon.

@Nipper100
@palefish just seen this whilst passing @VitaCycles great bargin as its hardly been used pic.twitter.com/VfEejChm


@Nipper100
@palefish think you could get more than £300 for it too though pic.twitter.com/Leo8ILOi

@WirralMamil_Ade
@palefish @Nipper100 @vitacycles - Sold!

@SRJSmith
@palefish @vitacycles - What groupset is on it? Is it full ultegra?

@SRJSmith
@palefish @vitacycles Was yours!! best £300 I ever spent.. Now to split it and sell it for parts.. ;)

@fairhursts100
@SRJSmith @palefish @vitacycles £300? you got ripped off

@Nipper100
@palefish @jamesmmackie83 @vitacycles make sure you try before you buy James oh and your tetanus is up to date as usually its filthy

@WirralMamil_Ade
@VitaCycles - Bit pricey at £50 mind! Thanks @palefish!

@VitaCycles
@WirralMamil_Ade @palefish enjoy it Ade. You look great on it. Try and put some miles on it, unlike the previous owner!!

@VitaCycles @palefish - Exactly. Needs to be used and get the cobwebs blown off if and those knobbly bits on the tyres need wearing down!



This is just a selection of the comments, and I haven't included mine as they are not suitable for this forum, (my kids read it sometimes!) Barry mentioned to me that he had received lots of messages from people wanting to buy the bike!! I'm not surprised as it is a beauty even if I do say so myself.

So, today was the day to get back in the saddle. I got a lift to the shop, for 9am as we had decided to leave early to get the miles in before lunchtime. There were 7 of us on the club ride, and could have been 8 if Dave had got the message, sorry Dave! We decided that as it was a bit frosty, and could be icy in the lanes so we would stick to the main roads until the sun came up a bit to warm the tarmac. Thankfully we didn't have any incidents and enjoyed a cold but dry, except for the missing link, ride out to the outskirts of Chester and then back along the Dee Path to Eureka, for a 20min only stop, and then back through the lanes, the hilly route, and a loop from Heswall to Caldy and back to Irby via Montgomery Hill. The pace was fast at times, and I even felt good on the hills, which was surprising as another cold has taken hold this week. I managed a PB on one of the Hills today which I was very happy with.

Back at the shop we met up with the Vita Team lads who had been out for a 50mile blast. They are doing loads of miles and looking really fast now.
This week there are a few lads going to Lanzarote for a weeks riding in the Sun. All I can say is I hope it rains, and no I'm not really jealous!!!!

I ordered my new shoes this week. I decided on Sidi Ergo 3's in the end. I can't wait to get them on and take advantage of the stiff carbon sole. Should be good for at least 30 seconds off the Ten Minutes of Hell time!!

I am planning to go out tomorrow morning and have another ride through the tunnel. I am meeting a couple of others at the 12th Man on Greasby Road at 7am (15 minute lay in!) If you want to join us you are more than welcome.

Today's ride details: http://app.strava.com/rides/3669912

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

What have I done?

I am not the fastest person on a bike, and I'm no way ready for racing yet, but today I signed up for my first time trial! The lads at Vita have organised the TT that will take place in one of the Mersey Tunnels in February,

Due to additional generous sponsorship, entry into the Ten Minutes of Hell is now £25! Entry closes on 27th January, so be quick as spaces are filling fast and there is a 100 rider limit. For more details check out Vita's website: http://www.vitacycles.co.uk/pain_suffering_glory_a_new_year_challenge

The lads also announced today that the Current British National Time Trial Champion Alex Dowsett has signed up to ride the TT.

Alex Dowsett British Time Trial Championship 2011

 Now rather than putting me off it has motivated me to try harder, and although I will probably be at the other end of the time sheet to him, at least I will have been in the same race as him! Not bad for a first race!
So tonight I headed out into the wind to get some miles in, and some efforts into the wind. It wasn't as bad as it has been but the gusts were still strong. I took advantage of mother natures help along the Marine lake in West Kirby to record my fastest time along the 0.6 mile stretch. I need all the help I can get! But I was pleased with a 20mph ave into an energy sapping side wind along the Hoylake to Meols road, which is almost as long as the first leg of the Tunnel TT.

I got a package from Wiggle yesterday, with a new Craft base layer and a pair of Castelli overshoes in, but no Haribo!! I hope the recent sale of the company hasn't affected their usual great service and the omission of my Haribo was an oversight! Anyway, both products were great, the base layer keeping me warm, but wicking well and the overshoes, or Belgian Booties as Castelli call them were brilliant. It was nice not to have to wear the waterproof and warm but constricting  neoprene ones I usually wear. They are well worth a look and are currently in the sale!!

Tonight's Ride details: http://app.strava.com/rides/3107109

Wind from all directions!

I'm sure the wind on the Wirral plays games with cyclists sometimes.
I headed out to West Kirby to do a couple of loops of the hill, to stretch my legs after Sundays effort. As I headed down towards Meols, I was riding into the wind, then as I turned towards Hoylake, I was riding into the wind! The road into West Kirby was windy, as was the Climb up Grange Road!!!! Every where I went, except the mile and a bit along the front at Hoylake, seemed to be into the wind!!! I did however enjoy the climbing. After the monster hills on Sunday, the climbs out of West Kirby and Caldy are just pimples!!!

The guys in Vita Cycles are holding a monthly 10 mile time trial on a Turbo trainer. The competition this month has been fierce, With the coach leading the way, until today. If you want to have a go, pop into the shop with your bike and hook yourself up to the Turbo!! Spaces are also filling fast for the Vita Tunnel Challenge. Another time trial, this time through the Mersey Tunnel.

Sign up before the limited spaces are gone!! http://www.vitacycles.co.uk/

Tonight's ride details: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/131921689