Category: Ride Round Up

Tour de Yorkshire 2019 as suffered by Claire Barrow

Ride Round Up

The route started in Leeds, a fair distance from the event village in the Millennium Square. It was bitterly cold and I was glad of my two pairs of gloves, headband, arm warmers and shoe covers; less glad of crop pants instead of long tights! The first 40km were undulating and I was wheel-surfing trying to find someone who was riding at a suitable pace to tuck in behind. This is a moveable feast as even when I find one, I usually fall away as soon as the road starts to climb.

Then came the first big test at Hartwith Bank, the description of which I have borrowed from www.ridethestruggle.com “Hartwith Bank begins steep – and just gets steeper. Hartwith Bank is narrow and not traffic free, so there’s no chance of using the road to zig zag your way. Unfortunately, it’s out of the saddle and straight up.

FEEL THE FEAR

As you rise up between the houses the road takes you through a long, dark and tree-covered section. The eerie atmosphere and foreboding feeling evoke fear and self-doubt.

A wheel spin on the wet leaves or a bump on the uneven tarmac can mean it’s game over, foot down and you’re walking to the top.

SHIFT UP

Suddenly a right hairpin ramps up the gradient just as your legs are feeling the lactic burn. If you manage to keep momentum as the road then bends left, you’ll crest the top of the steepest section and can finally sit down, click up and tap your way to the top.

Top tip: “Don’t go too deep. Keep your powder dry. Greenhow Hill is only five miles away.”

According to the Strava segment it averages at 11% but is 24% at its worst. I confess to walking a little of it in the middle.

Tour de Yorkshire Route Profile

After this there was quite a lot of descending until about 60km where we had a cat 4 hill nearly 6km long, topping out at 7.8% but averaging only 2.1% because of some short downhill respites. This was roughly where we joined the Stage 4 route of the TDY proper.

My water bottle was empty by the second feed station at Pateley Bridge but it was a seriously bad plan to fill it just before Greenhow Hill, all that extra weight up the beast, described here by Simon Warren “The toughest part of the course by some distance, this four kilometre climb is a formidable foe with maximum gradients of over 18%. Like a giant flight of stairs, the tough climbing comes in four distinct sections, broken up by periods of calm to allow partial recovery. Each steep stretch is slightly easier than the one before, and each rest slightly shorter until you leave the trees and face up to the block headwind which ALWAYS greets riders at the top. This may not be true, but I have never experienced anything else, and even though the slope is shallower over the last kilometre it has the tendency to feel just as hard.”

At 103km started the Cote de Otley Chevin which along with Greenhow you might have seen on the  Tour de Yorkshire highlights show. We were greeted with a sign which said KOM summit 1.7km and there followed what looked like a wall. The actual climb is 3km long, the first km is cat 4 and then the rest is cat 3, topping out at nearly 18%. The only good thing about this bit was that the road was closed by the time we got there so it was possible to zig zag up the hill safely. I walked 50m or so but got back on with 500m to go to the KOM line and gave a little spurt at that point because I thought I ought to! In my defence loads of riders walked far more and far earlier. There followed 9 km or so of mostly down until Tinshill Lane which was steep but mercifully short at 1.2km of between 5 and 8%. Some of the descending on this ride was exhilarating because it was straight down and you could see that you were going straight up at the end of it so didn’t need to slow down at all. I hit 59km/h at one point!

There was a little kicker of 10% at the 120km mark and then it was downhill all the way to the finish. It was in fact a very slightly uphill finish but at the speeds we hit you didn’t notice that. It was very exciting to turn into the barriered section and then suddenly have the finish in sight – that was actually a bit of a surprise as the last 20km had flown by. Spectators were in place cheering already, ready for the pro race later on, so it felt really special.

Arctic April

Ride Round Up

Congratulations to all Spinners who rode yesterday in arctic conditions. John’s Garmin logged 0.1C on the Brendon Hills at 10am. 

Particular mention must go to the Dustman Dave Demon Hilly Audax riders, Steve Triner and Craig Boyd who clocked up 70+miles with some ferocious climbing over Exmoor – 8200ft in total. Steve had a great ride, well up with the sharp end, but then he’s already clocked up over 3000 miles this year!

Also braving the Exmoor wind, on the Exmoor Beauty (71 miles and 5,500ft of climb) were Adrian Buckley, Sherrie Hair and John Burgess (who would have preferred to be at home in his slippers). How on earth did Adrian manage 17.4 mph on that route in that weather? It was Sherrie’s first Sportive, her longest ever ride and she said she was nowhere near bike-fit, yet she battled the cold, the wind and the climbs at a 14.3mph average and is on the ladies’ leader board for one of the climbs. A great debut – how well can she go when fully fit?

The Dustman Dave Audax took Marcus and Rachael Mattocks out onto the Somerset levels for a 70+ mile ride, but it was just as cold and windy as the moor and with enough climb to test the legs. Rachael came back with a couple of Strava cups and they both racked up an impressive number of PR segments.

Meanwhile, young Jack Dallyn had his first race without incident, riding the Brentor 45 mile race at an impressive 22.1mph and coming 17th. Jack is a Cat 4 rider and was competing against older Cat 3 riders. He says, “Happy with that after being ill this week. But cramped on last climb meaning I lost a few positions and couldn’t contest the sprint.”

Kudos also to Marcus Durrant and Suzanne Spiller who both ran the Honiton Hippo in under an hour, including lots of freezing cold water to wade through.

Nine other members were also out on their bikes, including Steve Driscoll, Liz Polley and Kevin Goss ignoring the wind and cold to do a 60 mile loop out to Bampton.

Isle of Wight Ride 5th of May

Ride Round Up

Isle of Wight Ride 5th of May

Hi Everyone,

I’ve been looking at possibilities for riding on the IOW. The simplest thing would be to take part in a free event called the Randonee which is a 100k circuit of the island on Sunday 5th of May. You can join the event at any check point, one of which is Yarmouth, the town at the other end of the Lymington ferry.

As it is only 7 weeks away it would be good to make an early decision to take part. I’m keen to have a go at this, anyone else? It would be good to have enough interest to form different speed groups.

Full details can be found here https://www.cycleisland.co.uk

John

Mad March Spinners

Ride Round Up

This weekend several Honiton Spinners braved the strong winds for their first sportive of 2019. A sportive is an organised ride, but not a race, with two or three distances. The ‘No Excuses’ sportive is a UK Cycling event, which raised funds for Alzheimer’s Research UK. Scott Rumens earned himself a much-deserved silver certificate for his 77 mile Epic version, tackling the stiff climbs of Dartmoor, including the lung-bursting Widecombe Hill. Meanwhile, Mike Bowring, John Burgess, Dave Hawton, Vanessa Glynn Jones and Jennie Sleeman just about avoided being blown off their bikes during the 45 mile Standard route. Highlights included riding through the Teign Valley and by the seaside at Dawlish and Starcross. To finish, all riders faced a gruelling 20% climb on Haldon Hill before returning to Exeter Racecourse.

Meanwhile, Kevin Goss, Rachael Dunn, Rachael and Marcus Mattocks were combating the gale over 70 miles on the Mad March Audax which took them from the start at Cranbrook down to East Budleigh then up over the Blackdown Hills.

Many Honiton Spinners swapped their cycling shoes for trainers on Sunday and scrambled up the East Devon cliffs, charged over pebble beaches, and waded through muddy bogs at the Grizzly.

Well done to everyone who took part in these events and helped to raise money for charity.

Jennie

The Warm(ish) Weather Is Nearly Here!!

Ride Round Up

The first evening ride will be on Tuesday April 2nd, leaving the layby at 18:30, directions can be found here.

The re-joining fee is £10 as last year and £15 for new members. As an added incentive you will be entered into a £20 draw for goodies from Cycle Honiton if you join before the end of April.

Here is the link for joining / rejoining.

Honiton Clubs Come Together

Ride Round Up

The lanes around Payhembury were the perfect setting for the first joint Honiton Spinners and Honiton Running Club Duathlon held on Sunday 3rd June. Cyclists and runners tackled the three-leg event consisting of a 3.82 mile run, then a 15.8 mile ride and, finally, a 2.41 run. Distances may not seem long, but changing from riding to running is surprisingly challenging. As one entrant said as she finished the ride and started the second run, ‘My legs feel all wobbly’. Several entrants completed all three legs, whilst others formed teams of runners and riders. It was a fun, social event for club members, but that didn’t stop wife and husband teams Paula and Adam Ferris tussling with Suzanne and Simon Spiller throughout the course. The Spillers edged home first only 40 seconds ahead, winning the Mixed Team prize. The youngest entrant, Ashley, joined Grandad Alan Nicholls and John Burgess to win the Male Team prize. There was just over a minute between the two female teams of Sharon Wells and Joanne Davey, and Claire Barrow and Mandy Ward. ‘It was tough in the hot and humid conditions,’ said overall female winner, Sherrie Hair, who completed all three legs in only 1.37.57 and was still smiling as she sprinted to the finish. The overall winner was Marcus Durrant, who breezed to the finish in a superb time of 1.34.09. Entrants, families and canine friends thoroughly enjoyed the morning, especially the wonderful cakes provided by members of the two clubs. Thanks go to Payhembury School and Hall for the use of their facilities, and to everyone who was involved, especially Roger Saunders.

Jennie Sleeman

Chair,

Honiton Spinners

Moor2Sea Sportive

Ride Round Up

Several Honiton spinners took part in The Moor2Sea Sportive on Saturday 2nd September, starting at Exeter Racecourse, Haldon Forest, Devon. There were three routes. The Inspire was 37 miles (60 km) with 2,600 ft (750 m) of ascent. The Challenge covered 65 miles (105 km) and had approximately 5,700 ft (1,700 m) of ascent. The Extreme route covered 112 miles (180 km) and had almost 10,000 ft (3,000 m) of ascent. The Maximum gradiant was 26%.

Congratulations to Ellie Dominey, who was 3 rd female on this tough event and did a Gold Standard ride in 4h 11 mins – 64 miles and 5700ft climb including many of Dartmoor’s finest hills. She also took QOM for the Haytor climb in 20min 4secs.

Even better, by one place, was Alister Trendall who came 2 nd in the Extreme ride – 110 miles and 10,000ft of climb, going round at 17mph in 6hrs, 32mins.

Congratulations too, to Angie Triner who chose this as her first Sportive – nothing like plunging in at the deep end. Angie has been improving all season and had the stamina to get up Haytor and the nasty climb near the finish.

Not to be outdone by his other-half, Steve Triner tackled the Extreme and also had a great ride, coming in 11 th overall in 7hrs 10mins.

Ax-Pedition

Ride Round Up

Several Honiton Spinners riders braved the torrential rain, mist and chill on Sunday 3 rd September to ride the Ax-pedition, a two course ride which, over the last two years has raised over £10,500 which has been shared amongst several charities, including Hospiscare & Exeter Leukaemia Fund.

The 50k Ankle Grinder began in Axminster and took riders across the Axe Valley into the tranquil rural village of Broadwindsor overlooking the stunning West Dorset countryside, wth the final leg through the South Somerset valleys passing close to the Historic Forde Abbey.

The 100k Cyclone also began in Axminster and took riders across the Axe Valley and through the West Dorset countryside. passed close to the Historic Forde Abbey and heading back towards the River Axe, though Colyton,Beer, Seaton and Axminster before descending back into the Axe Valley to finish in Axminster.

John Burgess and Bruce Strawbridge set out on the 100K route appalling, and possibly dangerous, weather conditions before opting for the shorter route.

By taking part in these events, riders contribute to the substantial funds given to charities. Well done!

A Tale of Two Thorpes – and  friends

Ride Round Up

The evening of Thursday 20th July 2017 saw a gaggle of windswept cyclists watching car after car being loaded onto the Portsmouth to St Malo ferry. The cyclists were last on. Luckily, Nick and Sandra had sneaked on ahead and saved seats in the bar for the 11 Spinners and baggage-carrying, picnic-making Dean.

Next morning, after a rather bumpy crossing, the enthusiastic, if rather bleary-eyed, cyclists were first off the ferry and raring to go. Until, that is, Julian noticed that he wasn’t wearing his riding gear. It was in Dean’s VW van. Eventually, everyone was fitted out with the correct bikes and kit. They set off. Then stopped. A mile or two away, breakfast in St Malo beckoned. The owner became particularly friendly when he saw 11 ravenous Brits turn up. So, it was strong coffee, with ham and cheese gallettes for 11, s’il-vous-plait.

‘Off course!’ became a familiar cry from our leader, JB, but we didn’t mind sight-seeing round St Malo (and the next stop, St James, and Plessix-Balisson), once, twice – how many times? Nor did we mind cycling through a car park, on footpaths in a public park, or even into a farm-yard. We were happy to offer interest to bemused locals. Eyebrows were raised, however, when one shingle track became a feat of avoiding roots, boulders (OK, big stones), ruts and mud. We made the whole trip (2200 miles between us) without a single puncture, although a few chains became dislodged and Claire parted company from her bike as she tested the theory that she could stay upright whilst motionless. JB was bereft without his allen key, until Julian and Rod came to the rescue. Surprisingly, CycleHoniton’s emergency supplies were not needed.

Lunch was planned at Mont St Michel, but, quelle horror: no orange and brown VW van. Nick, Julian and Rod sped off in different directions to find Dean. Claire used her mobile phone. Eventually, the 12 were reunited in the car park and, taking one look at a crowd of cyclists, the people in the parking spot alongside suddenly drove off, leaving us ample space to sit on the grass and enjoy the wonderful picnic provided by Dean. He even remembered the wine! We enjoyed the next picnic at the entrance to the hotel in Erquy on Sunday. Feeling a touch conspicuous, but definitely hungry, we decamped and tucked into another Dean ‘Special’ before checking into what was probably the best hotel of the trip – although Pete’s attempts to explain how tiny his shower cubicle was prompted an inspection party to see for themselves. Pete didn’t demonstrate, however. Jennie was delighted to have an en-suite – with a toilet this time.

Carb-loading was a strong feature of the trip. Although Pete’s desire for Moules was frequently met, he was denied them after a morning cycling along the Sables D’Or and Cap Frehel. Arriving at Matignon, Pete made a beeline for a restaurant with a ‘Moules’ sign. But it was not to be: JB had spotted the patisserie next door. Dilemma. Soon, the cyclists trooped out clutching bags of pies, sandwiches, pizzas and, of course, the delicious Breton cake, earlier tested by JB and Pete in Dinan. JB appeared to be on a mission to taste every sweet delicacy on offer in Brittany. It would, of course, have been rude not to join him. He wasn’t quite so keen on sampling Nick’s impromptu roadside picnic of bread, croissant and jam removed from the breakfast table in Dinan (who’s saying he got up too late to eat it with us?) Sandra’s supply of chocolate biscuits, however, was a different matter.

The most amazing meal of the trip must be the meat-feast of a BBQ in the Yourt Village in Plessix-Balisson. Rod had a disagreement with a chair (again!!) and ended up under the table  (though no one’s mentioning the empty wine bottles)  and Claire’s encounter with the low doorway of her Yourt was certainly memorable, but sitting in the warm sunshine around the BBQ was pure delight. Thankfully, Nick had organised the one warm, dry day for when we were camping. Camping? Who mentioned bedding and towels? Don’t ask.

The weather wasn’t quite so kind as we approached Dinan in torrential rain, with wheels sliding, brakes squealing and glasses steaming up. Eleven soggy, dripping cyclists left a trail of puddles as they conjured up imaginative ways of hanging up wet clothes and shoes to dry around small bedrooms. Rain, though, didn’t put us off. It was another day, so another dress – and, of course, heels –  for Sue, who tackled the steep, wet cobbled streets down to the harbour with elegance.

A cycling holiday it may have been, but Vanessa wanted to run. At dinner in Erquy, enthusiastic plans were made to swim in the sea and go for a run along the beach – all before breakfast. At the appointed hour, enthusiasm seemed to have waned as a motley collection of us, sporting swimming shorts, cycling shoes and cycling shorts set off in the strong wind to run along the beach. Of the swimming party, there was no sign, but the runners were rewarded for their efforts with another delicious breakfast. This breakfast and that in the Kyriad in St Malo contained the greatest choice, but the basket of goodies provided in the campsite was certainly the most interesting. Perhaps, eating outside adds a charm.

Of course, being beside the sea, we had to sail. This opportunity was provided as we caught the little passenger ferry from Dinard to St Malo on Tuesday. The ticket seller went pale, but kept her smile as I explained that, yes, there were 11 of us and, yes, we all had bikes. The sun shone; it was lovely.

A little culture and would-be bird-watching also occupied us, with Nick filling us in on the history of the railways, peering through windows of an abandoned mill and the mystery of the reported sighting of the kingfisher. Now, who is to say whether there was a kingfisher in the bush or not? Certainly, only one person saw it. Rumours of possible sightings followed throughout the trip. Was there a kingfisher, or not? Who knows?

To offset the educational aspects of the trip, we had some drama. As the regular cry of ‘Photo stop!’ was passed along the line, JB and Julian disappeared round a bend in the far distance. We wondered how long it would be before they noticed that they were the Lone Riders. Nick became bored. Suddenly, his bike was on the verge and he was spread-eagled in the middle of the road. Sarah followed his lead. The rest of us just giggled. At that moment, JB reappeared. Now, as JB said afterwards, had it been anyone other than Nick, lying in the road, he would have been alarmed.

We had wondered where everyone was as we cycled along near-deserted roads and through quiet, sleepy villages. We found them in Cancale and St Malo. This was the only time that we were forced to separate for lunch as we divided into two groups in order to find space. We also joined the tourists during our last evening in St Malo, as Google maps replaced the Garmin as route-master for our bus ride and walk into the town.  An amble round the old town ended with a drink in a beautiful setting near the sea. It was a perfect way to spend the last evening in France.

The last morning brought rain and a wardrobe dilemma: how to cycle the few miles to the ferry port without getting soaked through, but have clean, dry clothes for the 9 – hour crossing? Unlike the trip out, the ferry was quiet – and so were we: weary perhaps, reflective, perhaps. To provide a fitting end to a truly memorable and enjoyable trip, gifts were presented to Nick for the organisation, to Dean for the transportation and to JB for the navigation. All that’s left is to thank everyone for making it such a good trip, especially the trip photographer, Rod, for his excellent visual record and to Sandra and Claire for their linguistic skills.