Glastonbury Song.......

Yesterday the wife and I attended the inaugural Beverfest, arranged to fill the gap left by the Glastonbury Festival not happening this year. It was slightly smaller than the big one but had better toilets and no cow poo to sit in. I will admit to having a couple of beverages but I did have my mind on what I was going to be doing today.

Lady Ha Ha and Michael Beavis......

So it seemed quite apt that I was up early and onto the road driving down to Glastonbury to a green hill far away. No music festivals today but the annual British Heart Foundation Somerset levels charity ride which had been rescheduled for today. The postponement worked out quite well for me as I had booked to do the original date but then couldn't arrange the time off work. I'd ridden this event a couple of years ago when I first got the urge to ride a road bike and did the twenty seven mile route but today I was going to attempt the fifty. I met up with Rob and Nick some cycling club newbies but we did not to see any others, I think with the rearranged date it clashed with another club event. I did tell Rob I was going to ride at my own pace so I hope he wasn't offended. I got myself ready, glad I'd brought my Gilet and arm warmers because as ever the weather was doing the complete opposite to what they said on the telly.

The start

We started down the road at the carnival sheds, it was sunny but getting darker by the minute and a bit chilly.  As its a charity ride and not massive distances it wasn't the usual sportive crowd. There was a great mix of riders and bikes but some of those mountain bikes looked heavy. Everybody lined up and set off en masse which made the first couple of miles on narrow lanes a bit slow.

I'm going to have a moan now as this bugged me all day. If I wanted to pass or passed someone I would always let them know and pass the time of day. Its not hard, "coming past on your right" and then a thank you, what's that, five words, six syllables ? Too many quicker, fitter riders went past me and others without even a word there's no need for it. I noticed a loose dog messing about in a hedge and drifted out to avoid it only for someone quicker to blast pass, I think I heard a huff.

I spent far too much time looking at the Garmin for the first hour getting stressed about my speed and started contemplating doing the short route. I was cold and it was trying to rain and it looked like it was going to lash down. I had a stern word with myself and made the turn onto the longer route, looking down at the Garmin I'd done about seventeen miles in the first hour, I was quite pleased with that.

The next bit of the ride took me around Burtle and Mark but it all seemed to be into a headwind. After a quick stop at the thirty mile mark near Watchfield there seemed to be some respite from the wind. I was slightly delayed by some farmers running a herd of cows along the lanes. I slowly zipped up my black Gilet over my bright red jersey, you never know ! They must have been moving the cattle for a fair few miles as the roads were now a minefield of fresh cow poo and it had rained. Some of the lanes were very agricultural and better suited to mountain bikes and it was a relief to get back onto some decent roads at Cossington. It was a nice ride through Chilton Polden and down to Shapwick. I couldn't believe I was actually going down a hill, at one point during the ride the Garmin said the elevation was -1, is that possible ?

I was developing a bit of cramp in my left leg but managed to get the cranks turning for the last few miles back to the finish. I got a medal and bottle of water the and sun came out as I drove home making the levels look lovely.

Distance:	49.25 mi
Time:	3:23:31
Avg Speed:	14.5 mph
Elevation Gain:	753 ft

I don't know if I should be pleased or disappointed with the time. I did slow for the second half of the ride as my knee did start to ache, I don't know if it was cramp or the cold... in July ! It was nice riding somewhere different but being on the flat is a lot more harder than you'd like to think. There's no hills but you got to keep pedalling and throw in the wind and some cows and it makes an interesting day out.

Haldon Forest Park

A trip out with No1 and Bonus for a day away riding bikes. Up early to load up the bus then over to the house of Bonus to pick up him, his bike and his new toy. Then it was down the M5 to not so sunny Devon for a ride at Haldon Forest Park near Exeter. No1 and I rode here last summer during the school holidays, fun but very busy. Today it was lovely and quiet with plenty of places to park. At the trail centre there is cafe, bike hire, loads of parking and a little skills area to hone your bike handling skills on. Apparently you can Go Ape nearby and there are places to park your horse.

Precious cargo......

We decided to hit the blue intermediate route first for a warm up. I didn't ride this last time and it made a pleasant surprise as we wound our way through the contours of the forest. We went slightly off route at the end as we didn't realise we had to ride back down a section of what we'd just ridden to get back to the trail centre. Will know for next time ! The only thing that disappointed me today was a young couple on bikes with young children on the back of each in kiddie seats. No helmets all round and setting off down a slightly technical cycle track after stopping to read the warning sign !

Bonus preparing his new toy...

After a stop to refuel we headed off to do the red trail which according to the official blurb is. "A highly technical trail for experienced riders with the right bikes and protective equipment." but we rode it anyway and it's bloody good fun. As we neared the end it started lashing down which was a bit of a shame because we wanted to play on the skills bit, next time.

Good old British summer......

We packed up the gear and headed home in the rain, smiles all round for a great day out. I'm waiting for the official film from Bonus now. The problem is Bonus and technology are notoriously incompatible so it might be a bit of a wait :) Only Kidding, I'm sure he pressed all the right buttons.


Not everybody likes these purpose built trail centres with their all weather tracks but I think anything that encourages people out into the great outdoors is a good thing. I personally really like places like Haldon and the Forest of Dean which also has excellent facilities. They really encourage people out on their bikes in a family friendly, traffic free environment. West Somerset really could do with something similar as its got all the ingredients, so here's hoping.

....so take the photographs, and still frames in your mind.....

I went for a ride with my little boy today because as of next week he will be a man, working, getting paid, the full caboodle. He's basically finished school now apart from the Prom, we never had proms think it was more a case of good riddance. As I've got a couple of weeks off and he's off we thought we'd catch up on a bit of cycling. Let's hope there's never a euro championship for weather forecasting because I'm afraid we'd be crap at that to, we'd put up a plucky effort but in the end fail miserably, or go out on penalties. Sunshine and light winds, try overcast and a bit breezy but warm down at sea level.

We headed out to Porlock and the toll road, a couple of impatient drivers did annoy me but I do get a bit protective when I ride with kin. Last time I rode up this way I did feel a bit crap, I put it down to some dodgy chips and nerves. I was ok today and we seemed to make our way up at a decent pace, well for me anyway. We avoided the off road short cut today and did the sticky hill bit from Whitstone post which honestly wasn't too bad.

A sign, no sun :(

Along the top of the moor where I seemed to be attracting more flies than a dead badger, must go quicker. Down to Exford where the road known as the Tunnel was very wet, summer eh ! We stopped at the bus stop for a breather then did the loop to Winsford back up to Wheddon Cross. I was advised to try and up my cadence which I've been doing and I think it does work. My legs were feeling it a bit though as we made our way up the last bit to Wheddon Cross but No1 did say he thought we went up quite quick. A stop for something sweet and fizzy in the shelter, and to pick off a tick, then down the hill to Dunster.

My little boy........

I tucked in and tried to get as aero as a chunky bloke can and nearly hit forty on the way down, think its the quickest I've been down the hill yet. No1 wasn't too far behind I think his confidence is building when descending.

Distance:	36.95 mi
Time:	3:04:21
Avg Speed:	12.0 mph
Elevation Gain:	3,607 ft

I think that I'm slowly improving and according to Strava I did my quickest time up the toll road. It was only by about twenty seconds but it all counts !

.......the hills and the fortune got me fooled again.....

Summer's here or that's what the calendar is indicating this month. Work, weather and a football tournament for youngest child has curtailed my riding and blogging lately. I've been out for a couple of short spins but nothing major and was itching to get out on a bike after what seemed two very long days and equally long damp nights at work. I fancied some peace and quiet and decided to go for a ride on the mountain bike. Before I went anywhere I popped down to the local bike shop to sort a out a quicker rolling rear tyre, the tyres that came with the bike are a bit too buzzy for me. After drooling over the shiny bikes I picked out one of these and headed back home and fitted it.

I headed up to North Hill one of my regular routes, up the coastal path bridleway, muddy under the tree line and onto the top. It was a bit breezy but once I was away from the car park and the dog poo(!) I didn't see a soul.

View from a hill....

I headed down Lynch Combe, a narrow track with a drop on one side, really good fun, concentration is key.

Lynch Combe

There's a bench at the bottom, a nice spot to stop and admire the view.

A bike, a view and a sign....(for JT)

Through the trees and trails to Selworthy and onto the back road to home. I didn't really go that far, about ten miles or so but I just wanted to ride. It was quiet for a weekend which made it even more enjoyable, just me and the bike and I got home before it started raining again. I guess sometimes it just nice to be out on your own with your thoughts. Oh and I was singing this song to myself........and I was somewhere in that crowd, happy days.....

One banana, two banana, three banana, four.....

I'm blaming all this bad weather on the missus, I've told her already, she took it quite well ! When the weather warms up I dig out my favourite shorts. They are baggy, scruffy camo type things and very comfy but the wife hates them. During the recent summer(!) I was forced into buying some smarter ones , I haven't worn them yet, its been too busy raining.

Today I was invited to go for a ride with someone new. I got to know Robin via the Bike Radar forum after he gave me some sound advice on a sportive I was thinking about doing. He was visiting relatives who live in town and fancied a ride. He's one of the more sensible people on the forum and readily gives good advice. I did warn him about my distinct lack of speed as his advertised speed was double of mine. I was slightly nervous and apprehensive as I made my way to meet him. When I get nervous and apprehensive my stomach starts doing somersaults, it was doing somersaults. I met Robin and realised I had met him years ago in a pub in town when we used to have proper pubs. I also know his brother, small world.

We decided to go for a ride out to Porlock and up the toll road and down to Exford. Its a regular route for me and one I quite enjoy. We made our blustery way to Porlock and started the climb. The road was covered in the debris left over from the stormy weather. A first for me today, as Robin stopped at the toll booth I had a zero mile an hour fall and forgot to clip out and knocked him off and I landed in a heap. I did feel a complete and utter idiot and didn't stop apologising for the rest of the ride. I hope I didn't cause any damage to Robin's beautiful steel Mercian.

Wild windy moors........

I did feel a bit rough going up the toll road, a mixture of nerves, slight shock and feeling a bit of an idiot. It was nice chatting to Robin though who is an avid Audax rider and regularly takes part in events. I did the cyclo cross shortcut at the top of the toll road as I wasn't feeling that great and Robin took the road route. Its a steep rough road down to Exford, again the road was covered in debris. Someone on a quad bike or banana splits mobile as Robin described it, did his best to force me into the hedge as we made our way down.

                       

We did the lumpy bits out of Exford where Robin powered his way into the distance to stretch his legs and then the descent from Wheddon Cross. I did my best to lead the way to Dunster and do my best wind break bit once on the flat. I think it worked because I could hear Robin's Campag freehub ticking away behind me. Once at Dunster we said our goodbyes, Robin to go and do another thirty odd miles now he'd warmed up and me to trudge home.

I did feel slow today and was struggling and my stats back it up. I was over ten minutes slower up the toll road so perhaps it was just one of those days. 

Distance:	30.64 mi
Time:	2:47:53
Avg Speed:	11.0 mph
Elevation Gain:	3,055 ft

I did enjoy the company though. Once again cycling has put me in touch with an enthusiastic individual who also loves cycling and also happens to be a very patient and all round nice bloke.

Everyone's got to be, somewhere.........

I'm going to start with a moan, a rant, a point of view call it what you will. Today's ride started with a short journey along the A39 to get to Carhampton. I try to avoid this road if I can but some days you need to go somewhere different. Perhaps I was being over protective as I was out riding with my first born but some people really do need to sit back and think. To go past cyclists at speed without even moving over is just downright bloody stupid, are we really holding you up that much ? Word of advice, if you are going to drive like an idiot don't do it in a van which tells everyone where you are from but whoever wasn't the only one. Just to reaffirm the impatient nature of people today a driver did a U-turn because he couldn't wait for two minutes for the steam train to leave Blue Anchor station, it made us laugh and calmed me down.

Gridlock Somerset style........

Anyway enough of that, soapbox back in the cupboard lets get back to the ride. This mornings ride turned into this afternoons ride as No1 was held up at school. He's on study leave now which means he can officially bunk off after any exams or lessons he needs to do. I was a little bit grumpy, I was ready to roll this morning and didn't know if to eat anything again. It had warmed up to but I really shouldn't moan about that ! After the A39 we did the lumpy bits to Watchet and through Williton and got onto the quiet lanes to take us to today's challenge, Elworthy Hill. We passed Combe Sydenham hall which No1 decided was haunted, because it looks like it is !

The only way is up......

 I'd attempted the climb of this hill twice before and failed miserably but today I was determined to get up it.  No1 set off and soon disappeared into the distance and left me to huff and puff on my own, I sat up and span and dug in. Its steep at the bottom but the gradient eases off a little bit, I tried to control my breathing and kept turning the pedals and slowly but surely I neared the top. No1 had stopped near the top and was waiting, I don't think he was out of breath or even sweating. I span past, determined not to stop until I crested the top. I stopped wanting No1 to take a pic of my glorious moment but he shot off as he didn't hear me in the stronger than advertised wind. I took a pic though..

It was blowy up top and I was doing my domestique duties again sheltering No1 from the wind, bless him. I'm used to riding on my own so don't really mind, No1 doesn't like the wind, it tends to hold him up. We made our way towards Wheddon Cross but had to take a diversion because of water works down at the cross on a new road for us. What a blast, I think we just found our new favourite downhill though some of the bends were a tad sketchy. That could of been down to me going to a little bit too quick around one of them though :) We eventually arrived at Timberscombe with numb feet and hands, I think through gripping too hard and hanging on. It was nice to be back down in the warmth and out of the wind and we cracked on to Dunster and onto home. I was knackered now and could feel my exertions in my legs but got my arse out of the saddle on the last little climb.

Distance:	34.16 mi
Time:	2:47:43
Avg Speed:	12.2 mph
Elevation Gain:	2,861 ft

Home and happy its amazing what a positive attitude can do for you but No1 did say he didn't think it was much of a hill !

No1, hair by Giro........

...where will I wander and wonder?.......

I fancied a change from the road bike and decided to go for an off road blast. I dressed in my official mountain bike rider attire of baggy shorts, t-shirt and chunky shoes. I was heading out alone and I wasn't too sure where to go but at the eleventh hour I got a text from Bonus who was up for a ride. We hatched a plan to head up to the Hopcott ridge and then head off into Dunster Woods and explore the trails. This meant heading up the Hopcott road, a steep tarmac stretch that certainly warms you up. According to Strava its got an average gradient of 10% up to the tree line.Being on the mountain bike adds to the challenge, you can feel the tyres sticking to the road.

Grippy tyres...

Once up onto the ridge we headed to the descent of Grabbist Hill, Bonus flew down but I took it steady. I'm still getting used to riding a hardtail again so you have to be a bit more careful with line choice. We then headed past the tall trees and in the spirit of adventure headed up a trail we had never ridden before. We ended up back where we started but it was a good loop and one we'll have to add to our future rides.

Tall Trees...

We then headed past the bear and onto the crunchy track which is one of our fave downhill bits. The rhododendrons were hanging over the track which slowed us a bit, not a lot but a bit.

Why we call it the crunchy...

We headed back towards Grabbist and went looking for a new route back up the hill. Bonus thought he knew the way, we found one and it was steep but we rode it. We were quite pleased with ourselves when we thought we'd got to the top. We were not at the top, decision time, steep push up or ride back down ? We pushed up the steep track, its that steep you have difficulty standing upright, I did think Bonus was going to cry at one point but he said it was something in his eye. We stopped at the bench to refuel then decided to hit the new track I discovered last time out this way back down the hill.

View from the bench...

Its really peaceful up here, no traffic, no noise and we could look down at the busy A39, beats sitting in a car any day.

 We blasted down the track, which really is good, and linked up with another track which took us down to Alcombe Combe. Through the trees and a splash across the river. We were going to stop for a photo opportunity but Bonus noticed a couple in the trees, must of been birdwatching or something ! We had a little chuckle too when we reached the pub in Alcombe. It was having a delivery and the dray lorry was blocking the road. An irate woman motorist was berating the delivery blokes for blocking the road and causing a tail back, must of been at least four cars and two cyclists. 

Baggy shorts and chunky shoes...

No stats today, I've stopped recording my mountain bike rides. I just want to go out and enjoy the ride and not get hung up too much about how fast, far etc. Bonus did record the route on Strava just in case though :)