Sunday, October 07, 2012
Three Peaks Bike Race/Swim 2012
The fact it has taken so long to get around to writing this blog probably speaks for itself; This years event is one I have been trying to put out of my mind, the weather was horrendous and I did my worst ever time. I used to think that I am usually pretty good in bad conditions and I set off in reasonable shape and feeling strong, getting over Ingleborough in reasonable time, despite the high winds wafting my bike around like a sail on Rawnsley's Leap. The ride up to Chapel-le-Dale saw me in good spirits, conned by the tail wind. But as I crested the whaleback of the Whern' it all fell apart. The near-sleet and hail got through my lycra and the cold started to eat into me. I should have wore more clothes. On top of that, my usual confident descending was ruined because I realised my 'new' brake blocks had scrubbed away to metal. Consequently I fell a couple of nasty times - shaken bad - and that combined with the cold, gave me 'the knock'. Glad to see the faithful family support team for some sustenance at Ribblehead, I cycled on towards Horton, but I was really broken at this point, fight over. I have never felt so compelled to miss out Pen y ghent as I have this year, but of course I did not. I stopped off on the way up the lane to have a swim in the new pool that had formed, as well as turn around my brake blocks (in order to eek out the last bits of life, slightly futile...). After an eventless trudge to the top and a hairy ride/run down (I pride myself in previous years riding from the summit to the bottom 'clean', no chance this year, some carrying down hill too!). Made it back (after another swim - more a bath this time, so dirty...). Straight home, bath (again), beer. Can't say I've looked at my bike since. This year really beat me. Next year? I've started training in the swimming pool already.
Summary of my event times over the years:
2012 - 05:41:27
2011 - 05:05:13
2010 - 4:33:16
2008 - 4:41:29
2006 - 4.48.09
2005 - 4.31.14
2004 - 5.17.07
2000 - 4.46.32
1999 - 4.25.45
1998 - 5.09.31
1996 DNF injury
1995 DNF mechanical failure
1994 - 4.54.46 (mechanical delays)
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Apple picking a Grandma's
We enjoyed some early Autumn sun on Saturday with som apple picking at Grandma's.
Last gasp of summer - camping trip to Austwick
Last weekend we (optimistically) squeezed the last drops out of our summer with a village camping trip to Austwick. With our beloved Mazda Bongo Campervan now sold and moved on, we were reticent about life under canvas again, only to be pleasantly surprised. A great night around the campfire, some cycling and some walking. Thanks to Sarah D for the arrangements - more of the same next year please!
Thursday, September 06, 2012
Saturday, September 01, 2012
Swallows and Amazons?
No, just Haygarths and Staffords, in Captian 'Hogtimer'' Turner's good ship on the Lake Windermere, capping off the school holidays nicely this week. Sailed from Ferry Nab to the head of the Lake, found a deserted island, struck up a barbi, had a swim, sailed back. You know the kind of thing. Good times, photos here. Thanks Captain Turner.
Halcyon days
The bank holiday weekend took us away with Dave and Kate and Lily and Elsie camping at Buckden, in beautiful Buckden, upper Wharfedale. The sun came out and son the children had found a natural water chute in the limestone, not long untilthey were in and soaking. Photos here. The stuff of memories, Halcyon days
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