Richie's 1st Mtb Race

Well I did it, Round 1 Brass Monkey's at Porridge Pot Hill, Deepcut.
A cold and frozen day was waiting for us. Fortunately there was nothing falling from the sky to make it worse. The ground was hard and this made for some interesting riding!

As this was my first race, I knew not what to expect....... except that I'd be very knackered around 2 hours after the start, that is if I lasted that long!!

Well I did last it, it was hard and at times during the race I wanted to give up, and I was only doing the 2 hour event. I put my hands up to those that did the 4 hour event.

Okay, I came 41st out of around 80 or so. I was pleased with this for my first attempt. I know where my weaknesses are now... mountain biking!!
I intend on taking some instruction for my downhill techniques etc, and hopefully I can improve on my finish position for Round 3 in January.

Toodle Loo.

Richie & Mountain Biking...

Now that the weather has closed in and it's not so much fun out there on the road,  Richie is now participating in some MTB events!

I must be mad because this really is not my bag. I've had my arm twisted by my good friend and cycle services colleague Kelvin Norton. He is good on a MTB and he's raced before, so I'm learning the ropes from him.

We recently completed a 47km MTB Sportive where we came around 70th out of 300 finishers, not bad for first attempt.

On the 28th November I'll be riding a 2hr endurance race in the 'Veteran Male' catergory of the Merida Brass Monkeys  www.meridabrassmonkeys.com
It won't be easy, these events attract a lot of very good capable riders. Am I one of them, not entirely sure, but as always I'll have a go!

Don't worry all my 'Roadie' friends, I am NOT converted and never will be, this is just a way of getting my cycling drug in the winter months.
See you all soon.

The Great Cycle Helmet Debate

The Great Cycle Helmet Debate

Those who have already read my previous blog updates will all be familiar with the story of John Bush and his spill on the way to Paris.  His helmet saved him from further serious injury, and I trust that he has now made a full recovery.

My recommendation that ALL cyclists should wear helmets was further endorsed when three weeks ago I took a charity group for some group cycle training in the famous Richmond Park. I had spent around an hour explaining bike set up, nutrition, basic bike maintenance and rider safety. I always use this time to emphasize the need to wear a helmet (the organization that I do a lot of work for, won’t allow anyone to ride without one), and I use previous situations such as John as an indicator as to what a helmet can do for you.

Five minutes later we were on our bikes, five more and we had a female rider off the bike and drifting in & out of consciousness on the Richmond Park tarmac!

You could not have written the script!!!

Anyway, some immediate first aid and an emergency ambulance and she was safely on her way to Kingston hospital.

A big thanks to the riders from London Dynamo cycling club who stopped and assisted me with the incident.

The outcome, the helmet DEFINITELY SAVED HER FROM FURTHER SERIOUS INJURY , there is absolutely no doubt whatsoever. The helmet did its job, and it was destroyed in the process. There were cracks all the way along the poly inner on the side of impact.

I’m so sorry that I cannot recall this young lady’s name, but she was released from hospital later that same day after xrays etc.

So, the debate......

.............................Cycle helmets or not?

YOU KNOW WHATS RIGHT!

Bye.

British Association for Adoption & Fostering, London-Paris 17th-20th Sept.

London - Paris, 17th-20th Sept.

British Association for Adoption & Fostering

When I received my trip allocation for the events that I would be working on this year, I never gave a second thought to the one labelled BAAF. With all due respect to all of the charities and organizations that I provide my services to, and there are many, I usually read up and take an interest in each one just before the trip. It would be difficult for me to retain all the information on all of the charities for such a prolonged period prior to their particular event.

When the BAAF event arrived I read their website www.baaf.org.uk with great interest. Now some of you already may be aware, but others not, I was adopted at birth. I had a fantastic and very loving childhood with my adoptive parents, the ones that I consider as my natural parents. I always have done, and always will do. My relationship with Mum & Dad continues in just the same loving way now, as it has done for the last 46years.

So what a delight to be working on this event, with the people and fund raisers for the BAAF. Of all the events that I’ve worked on this year, I would have never known that eventually by the end of the summer that one of the charities would be so close to my heart. 

I never knew of the BAAF, and certainly when Mum & Dad adopted me, then their second child Daniel (my adopted brother) some 6 years later, they would have been unable to turn to anyone for help or advice. In fact having spoken at length to some of the staff and cyclists on the event, I’ve now come to appreciate what a difficult, uncertain time, and not knowing what to expect and an unsupported part of their lives, my parents probably had in the mid 1960’s. 

When I returned from the event I had a fantastic family conversation about it all and today, more than ever before I thank Mum & Dad for persevering through those times of uncertainty and little outside support.

During the trip we had an evening where many of the participants spoke of their reasons for being on the trip. None more so than Nicky Campbell the well known radio broadcaster and television presenter. Nicky is the patron of BAAF and he had some fantastic words to say, along with so many of the others. I spent time talking with Nicky and we share an almost identical view of our adoptive childhoods, although and he won’t mind me telling you this, but he decided for his own reasons to explore the origins of his birth parents. I have not and have no intentions to do so either.

Nicky wrote a book called ‘Blue-Eyed Son' about his childhood, a fascinating read on adoption and of course its available at most online bookshops etc etc.

I was flabbergasted to hear some of the difficulties and hurdles involved with adoption and the outdated and very obstructive procedures involved for families wishing to adopt today, in 2010! 

This is one of areas that BAAF is trying to address, amongst many others.

I sincerely wish this particular charity all the best, I hope that they continue to carry out the good work that they are already doing and that funding is always available for their cause. Who knows, I’ve worked on so many charity cycle events over the last couple of years, maybe in the future I might even ride and raise funds for this one.

Oh I better mention cycling or bicycles or something down that line! 

The riders for BAAF were a great group. Now I can’t remember everybody's name, however the following stood out;

Lily The Pink - A great club rider and one of the fastest all season, a credit to your club ‘Brighton Mitre’, but PLEASE PLEASE get them to change their club kit!

Nicky Campbell & Co. - always smiling, funny and never without the camcorder. Any luck with the film of my legs?

The Scotish Ladies Commonwealth Road Cycling Team - Three extremely fit cyclists who have trained together, and rode fantastically well. You always looked so good dressed the same, hence my nickname for you.

Charles Richards - Charming and always first in the queue to buy new tyres & inner tubes!

There were others, too many to mention but all in all everyone on this trip was great.

Ok better sign off now, but as I write this (yes it’s around six weeks late) I have just finished a training day with another charity, and i have yet another ‘’ a helmet prevented this casualty from further serious injury’’ story to tell you all.

Watch this space over the next few days.

Chow Now.

Brief update.

Well the workshop construction is well underway, photos to be posted on here soon.
The website construction is progressing well.
My most recent London-Paris trip with the 'British Association for Adoption & Fostering' charity group, update will appear here very soon too. A charity very close to my heart, and a fantastic trip which was made all the more fun by the patron Nicky Campbell.
Be back real soon!

Best Beginnings - London-Paris, 12th-15th Sept

12th - 15th Sept London - Paris

Best Beginnings

Having left the last group near the Eiffel Tower, I found myself driving late into the night back to Dieppe. Excited about meeting the next group, I was wondering how the stag party consisting of young actors and the famous Premiership footballer’s brother, would find day’s 2 & 3 of their challenge. Day 1 I missed as it clashed with my previous group.

I met the group in the early hours of the following morning upon their arrival in Dieppe. Needless to say they really were not that interested in meeting their soon to be mechanic/route layer at that time of the morning!

A few hours later and a late breakfast (well for the participants anyway), and there was an array of smiling faces. Except one that is. Ashley Walcott, yes older brother to Theo (Arsenal & England). Unfortunately on day one, home side of the channel Ashley had injured his leg. As you can imagine someone who is by profession a personal trainer and quite obviously from a very fit and sporting family, Ashley was somewhat devastated by his injury. He was not to ride at all on day two, but did well by completing day three of the challenge. Having spoken to him and knowing a little of his lifestyle & background Ashley would have more than likely been the fittest of the entire group. Therefore maybe he could come on another challenge next time, something longer like the Canadian Rockies? Ashley I hope you get to read this!

The actors, Leon Ockenden and his chums, what an energetic and fun loving bunch this lot were. The challenge was part of Leon’s stag weekend. Different but absolutely great at the same time. These guys laughed their way to Paris and one of them even managed to miss the professionally placed arrows twice, and get lost, or maybe it was just part of the script? 

I have two regrets from this trip, 1) I had no charge in my camera battery so therefore I couldn't take any pics of Leon dressed in his nappy and other typical stag paraphernalia and 2) that the stag party were unable to attend the celebration meal, as they had other plans once we arrived in Paris. It would I’m certain without doubt have been a lively meal!!

I think Leon is hooked on road cycling now. By the end of the tour he was telling me how he intended taking his road bike to Ireland on a three week acting job that he was shortly departing for. I hope he did, and likewise I hope to meet him again one day, a real charmer!

Three out of four.

Be back real soon

Severn Hospices Charity Challenge, London-Paris

10th - 13th Sept London-Paris

Severn Hospices Charity

I could see right from the word go, at our pre challenge departure hotel, that this group were going to be good. They had in all honesty been the best prepared group that I’d come across this season. The leader, Paul had spent many weekends organizing training rides that many of the participants so clearly had attended. I’d heard through the grapevine that he was providing pre ride and post ride snacks & brunches at his own home etc. Maybe that was the draw?

Not sure how true it was Paul, but if so it worked a treat.

The Severn Hospice riders were very keen. On day one every single one of them proudly wore the challenge shirt, and for probably the first time the residents of Bexley, Strood & Rochester knew exactly what the group of cyclists riding through their patch, stood for.

Now as I said, this lot were good but in any group engaged in an activity that is inherently a competitive one, there will be some that are better than others. Cue, the ‘A’ Team!

Mr Continental, Simon, Barry & Alan. These guys were not only good cyclists but excellent team players, you were a credit to the charity and although fantastic in the saddle you stayed with and helped others and did plenty of team work. A point to mention, Alan & Simon are both time trial-lists with 10mile personal bests below 23mins. I wonder if the tour mechanic could have given them a run for their money!!

We had hardly any mechanical problems or medical ones either, on this challenge. Another accurate indication of the team’s preparedness. They were a good group to work with, nice people and I hope to work with them again in the future, not to mention cycling with the The ‘A’ Team.

I’m sorry that I can’t mention all of the riders on this blog, but i’m sure that if any of you are reading this, then you’ll understand.

Unfortunately this was another occasion where the working situation dictated that I would not be able to enjoy the celebration dinner with the group. That was a shame, however maybe if i had attended I may have been duped into some race or challenge by my new friends.....

Who knows?

I left this group at the end and departed straight back to Dieppe to meet the next group.

Two out of four on the bounce completed.

Au revoir. 

Back from my London - Paris travels.

Finally back from 4 London - Paris challenges, in a row. Will be updating the blog very soon.

London - Paris 3rd - 6th Sept 2010

Just back from a another London - Paris trip. As usual it was a three day cycling event, with a day either side for us staff. Unfortunately once again I didn’t get to ride and I won’t on these trips anyway. It is a shame as riding is my foremost passion, fixing bikes and working around them comes second, closely though... so no problems.

Well the event went well and the 60 participants were a great group. This was an open challenge and many different ones were being represented. The ride was successful and there were no logistical or hotel muck ups, everyone slept in the right place at the right time.

I just want to make a special mention about three of the participants; first Darren Tapper & Ben Higham who rode for 9 days from John O Groats to London to arrive for the next three days of London - Paris. They cycled well and amazingly neither of them had road bikes, one had a mountain bike and the other a hybrid. A big well done guys, your families and your chosen charity should be and I’m sure are, all very proud of you both.

Secondly and this fellow was not so fortunate. One of the more senior riders John Bush had a nasty spill less than half way through day one, somewhere on the outskirts of the Kent countryside. 

At the point of impact John was riding alone and therefore he had no one to help him. He cannot recall the accident and when he was found he was in quite a bad way. In the picture above, you can see him with Carlotta one of our tour managers. Underneath the bandages on his head are 6 stitches in his left ear. Some of his ear was ripped down to the  cartilage. He also had numerous abrasions and lacerations which were to most parts of his upper left torso & head.

Three & a half hours in Ashford Kent Accident & Emergency and a CT scan, showed there were no serious injuries. This I’m absolutely certain of, was down to wearing a cycling helmet. Personally, I feel that had John not been wearing one, the injuries would have been far more serious. John intends to keep the helmet that saved him, to use as evidence and a visual aid for his up & coming war stories... Did I tell you about the time I cracked a rib in the Velodrome.... sorry I digress!

Unfortunately John was unable to continue his charity cycle ride, although he did remain on the trip. I’m sure one day he’ll be back to finish the task that he set out to do. If you’re reading this mate, I’d love to get some miles in with you. You’re a good rider so get better soon and back in the saddle.

Well 48hrs rest & recuperation and I’m almost ready to begin the next one. Same route, same agenda. ‘Severn Hospice’ is the charity benefitting from this next one, so more on that next time. I will be remaining in France at the end of the event and joining the following one for ‘Best Beginnings’. Who knows there may even be some well known faces on that one, hint, hint!

Bye for now.    

Home Workshop Project. 2

Progress is slow, but as I'm doing it all with friends in between all my other activities & jobs I can't complain. We're almost ready for the concrete base now, which should be done over the next week or so.                                                                          

In the picture, Jules Best my bricklayer.

Home Workshop Project. 1

Project ‘Workshop’ begins

Finally I’ve found the time to start my long awaited ‘Home Workshop’ project. Below you can see what the bottom of the garden looked like at the start.

I will be managing the project and doing as much of the work as possible myself. Albeit most of my efforts will be labouring & assisting friends all of whom are equipped with better construction & carpentry skills than I. Their bikes I guess will be immaculate & running well, later in the year!

Watch the blog for regular updates. 

In the photo Bob Beauchamp, my ground worksman.

Chow.

Traumatic ending to London - Paris!

Traumatic ending to London - Paris. 

Arrived back about a week and a half ago from my most recent London-Paris trip, with ‘Doctors of the World’. A large group of around 50 participants, who I found to be very pleasant. There were some interesting bikes on the trip, but best of all was the ‘Cannodale’ tandem mountain bike ridden by a charming couple Charles & Sammy... well done you did well, especially making up time after we managed to almost rebuild your rear wheel at the side of the road!

Anyway, all went well until that is we arrive in Paris. We had all the usual photos and family welcomings at the Eifel Tower and made the 1km casual ride/drive to the hotel. Now this hotel is one that we regularly use and was more than likely booked by the tour organizers  some months ago.

We unloaded the vehicles outside the hotel and sorted the bikes & luggage etc, taking some half an hour or so. This was all in full view of the hotel reception staff, and all the participants were proudly wearing their charity tee shirts. It could not have been more obvious who we were!

As we attempt to check in, the staff inform us that there are no rooms for us and that another hotel, some 15mins drive is booked instead!!

Why did they wait until then to give us the bad news. Hotel I__s_ staff, you should be ashamed of yourselves.

Major hurdle!!! Lots of irate participants, an even more irate tour manager (you did well Adrian not to lose it even more than you did!), and still now a load more hassle and aggro trying to organize at this late stage the logistical movement to the next hotel. To add to the anger and confusion we were informed that there was no vehicle parking outside the next hotel. Ordinarily this may have been an objective that we could easily have overcome, but not when large parts of Paris are closed off for the finale of The Tour de France less than 24 hours later.

The only realistic way for dealing with the vehicles and bikes was to drive all the way home that night. Not sure how the participants and the tour manager got on that evening, but myself, the other driver and the doctor got outta there pretty damn quick.

So to summarize, a shift that lasted almost 24hours most of which was driving, was how this particular trip ended. Not the best, but neither the worst. It was a shame I was unable to attend the celebration meal with this charming bunch.... but hey just another chapter in the trials & tribulations of a support staff cycle mechanic/driver.

Oh I almost forgot to mention about the puncture on one of the van tyres, on the motorway somewhere between Paris & Calais..... at around midnight.

Bye!

Very busy again... Updates coming soon

Very busy couple of weeks... Proper blog updates coming real soon
Sorry!

Doctors of The World - London 2 Paris

Well we are barely back for a week or so and I'm about to embark on my next trip. This weekend sees me back on a London to Paris ride, as a support driver/mechanic.
This time the participants are all raising money for  www.doctorsoftheworld.org.uk/ formerly known as 'Medicins du monde' 

We set off early on Thursday morning on our usual route from SE London to Dover. My trip begins tomorrow evening with dinner and team briefing, in the hotel. Looking forward to this one, as we are scheduled to be in Paris around the same time as the Tour de France should finish, exciting times.

Tour De Force 2

Tour De Force 2

The Final Week

Well it’ll be quite obvious now that as usual my blog wasn't updated regularly during my time in France, even though the blog is now fixed and I would have been able to.

The problem was, I had hardly anytime to do it. The workload and timings involved were unbelievably hectic. I was surviving on 3 or 4 hours sleep a night. This was one of the busiest support roles that I’ve worked on, quite similar in many ways to the RAAM.

If anyone is interested in reading the official website for this superb challenge, here is the link; www.tourdeforce.org.uk there is a superb blog on the site.

For me as usual my role was in support of the riders. I provided my usual level of mechanical repair & service, and covered many hundreds of miles of support vehicle driving. During which I met some fantastic people, both riders and other support staff. Namely Andy Norris, Becky Wood, Holger the doctor and Jo Gough whom I look forward to working with hopefully in the future.

During the three weeks of the Tour De Force there were in excess of 100 participants coming and going at all times. Some of whom only completed one or two stages, others far more. However I want to hold my hand up to the twelve guys and one girl that completed the whole route. This was a fantastic achievement and its safe to say that most cyclists will probably never ride such distances over a three week period, ever in their lives!

For those wishing to, well here is a link to a friend of mine Phil Deeker who arranges extreme cycling trips & challenges in the Alps & Pyrenees; www.centcolschallenge.com 

Why not sign up to one of these, you never know you may even see me driving a van or fixing your bikes on one of these trips!

Well just before I sign off from the Tour De Force, I’d like to mention the Wates family. This charming family through their own personal tragedy, have managed to bring together a fantastic bunch of people all with the purpose of raising funds for their own charity, set up in memory of their beloved William. In doing so, I could clearly see that there was some special bond with these participants and needless to say some lifelong friendships have developed.

I was in awe of the amount of family support involved from this wonderful family, and ages ranging from around 5 or 6 years old to Andrew Wates, a fine senior family member still cycling in his 71st year.

I was extremely proud to provide my services to ‘The William Wates Memorial Trust’ www.wwmt.org and I can safely say that if this event is organised again in the future, I will not be providing my support services. Why, because I’ll be participating with the intention of riding the whole route!!

Bye for now.

Tour De Force 1

Tour De Force

Day 1

Dinner in Stansted, nice & and met up with Holger the Doctor and Becky from the tour company.

Up at 3.45 for airport run. Flight was bang on time, shame the Ryan Air cabin crew couldn’t put one smile together between them throughout the whole flight! Nevermind, they got us to Pau safely and on schedule. 

We are staying at the Gramont Hotel here in Pau www.hotelgramont.com which is being used in two weeks time by the Quickstep team when they are here for their Pau stages of the actual Tour De France. 

Had brekky and met the group... seems manic here and I’m just about to start servicing and preparing the bikes for tomorrow’s Col De Tourmalet day.

Lets hope the riders make the most of today’s day being one of rest for them as they have been on the go for some two and a half weeks.

Keep in touch.  

Tour De Force

News of my next event, leaving 5th July for the 'Tour De Force'

Intro - William Wates Memorial Trust  www.wwmt.org 

The William Wates Memorial Trust is a registered charity set up in 1998 with a mission to help disadvantaged young people fulfill their potential, and stay away from a life of crime, using the medium of sports, arts and education.

On Saturday 19th June 2010, the Tour De Force riders left Rotterdam in Holland and began riding the 2010 route of the Tour De France. They are staying a fortnight ahead of the professional riders and will arrive in Paris on Saturday 10th July.

The Tour De Force riders can do as many or as few stages as they wish. Each of them raising money for the charity. At this stage I cannot confirm how many will ride each stage, or even if any intend to do the whole route.

My participation in the event will be as mechanic and no doubt as a driver/navigator. Duties that I’m now all too familiar with, in various parts of the world.

My journey begins on 5th July, when I fly to Pau in the Pyrenees to join the group near the Col Du Tourmalet. I’ll be providing my services from here until the end of the tour in Paris

Hope to update regularly now that I'm loaded up with modern mobile communication technology!

Adios.

RAAM - The Race

Race Across America (RAAM)

Well first of all apologies for the recent lack of updates to my blog. As previously mentioned the blog is now fixed and my intentions are to keep it updated.

The RAAM was one of the most exciting and personally rewarding projects that I’ve ever been involved in. The whole journey since being asked to join the team in October 2009 has been an epic one. It is now over and who knows, maybe one day we can do it again? I want to be a rider next time though!!

The easiest way to follow what happened is to look at our official team website www.sharp4prostate.org where other blogs can be read. Also make sure you check out the photos by clicking on the the flickr photos icon. Here some truly amazing photographs of our part in the race can also be found.

Likewise facebook is another area to look at the teams success.

My role once the race began was as team mechanic and navigator. I was paired with Anna  Kerr and we were to be a night crew. We worked constantly through each night of seven, plotting our way through the carefully planned time stations all the way from Oceanside, Los Angeles to Annapolis, Maryland. Each night shift consisted of anything from 14 to 16 hours. After which I would see to any bike maintenance and cleaning that was required, before I grabbed 3 or 4 hours sleep on the tour bus.

No I didn’t see much of America. What I did see was mostly darkness and clearly moonlit skies. Too tired and suffering from sleep depravation during the daytimes meant that I never saw much during those times either.

Did it matter, NO I didn’t come to the RAAM for a holiday and to go sightseeing, I came to be part of a successful race team riding in the hardest non-professional cycling endurance race in the world!

Successful, OH YES! 

Sharp4Prostate came third in the overall 4 man open competition, out of 20+ teams. In a time of 6days, 15hours, 7minutes. The results can be found on the official www.raceacrossamerica.org website. Please note that on there it shows us as coming fourth. The team that officially is counted as coming third were on recumbents and really should have been in a separate category, but being the only ones on such machines they were kept in the main 4 man category.

It’s been a privilege working with this team and I now have some very fond memories. The team list is below;

Crew Chief                                           Mark ‘El Burgo’ Burgin

Rider 1                                                  Paul Molyneux

Rider 2                                                  Adam Denton

Rider 3                                                  Dan Broom

Rider 4                                                  Karl Chandler

Mechanic/Navigator                              Richie Mitchell

Driver/Training Camp Accommodator   Anna Kerr

Navigator/Comms                                 Glyn Hughes

Driver/Project Manager                         Hugo Roche

Driver/Project Manager                         Chris Mothersdale

Phsyio/Nutritionist                                  Andrew Evans

Admin/Logistics/Planning                      Noelle Casemore

Assistant/Helper                                    Graham McMullen

Tour Bus Drivers                                    Costa & Eddie

Team Sharp4Prostate

Blog now fixed!

I've had major problems with my blog ever since RAAM minus 3 days. These problems have now been resolved thanks to my good friend and soon to be charity cyclist... Kim.
So I'll update with all the RAAM news and more, real soon!
Chow 4 now.

RAAM 3 days to go.

RAAM: Day 2

Day 2 dawned bright and early at around 5am (jet lag still not over). Kit sorted again and then breakfast with the crew. Registration at Race HQ followed and a chance to meet some of the other teams in the race. The RAF boys looked pretty bling in their white kit (its the new black) and the 2 man team velocity ( firemen)looked fit and raring to go.
The bikes were built, the vehicles stickered and bike racks fitted. Safety compliance is a big issue in the RAAM and each team Uhas to pass a full inspection before they can start the race.

Some of our team then watched the start of the mens solo race. These are the real hard men who are riding every one of the 3000 miles; respect.

The weather in Oceanside was ok, around 80 degrees, but inland on the first day route it was over 100 at 7 at night!

The riders then went out for a ride in the afternoon; a 2 hour blast down the coast road to stretch the legs and get rid of the jet lag. There were lots of other riders out on the road and it ended up being slightly quicker than planned (all good).

So we are all in good shape and on schedule. Having seen some of the competition we have got our hands full but that’s why we are here.

Race across America (RAAM)

Tuesday.
I hope to be able to update my blog regularly using my iPhone, with regards to our RAAM.
Yesterday we travelled to Los Angeles on a 10.5hr flight.
All went extremely well with no hang ups.

Wednesday.
All woke up early, lots of prep today. I'll be putting all six bikes together and fine tuning them.
Weather here in LA, warmish but no sunshine.

Track Racing - Calshot Velodrome

Last week saw ten of us from the cycling club making our second ever visit to the velodrome. Well, Matt Welsh who organized the outing has been there quite a lot, but the rest of us are mere beginners.
We had the track to ourselves for 4 hours, and with an experienced coach 'Rick' we had an absolute wail of a time.

Rick taught us how to ride properly in a velodrome and he imparted much information and racing tactics. After a brief training period we were up & running and competing against each other in The 'Flying lap', The 'Kilo' and even the 'Team Pursuit! Albeit we were in three man teams not four.

To put our standard into perspective, Chris Hoy does the Kilo in around 59seconds, and I did it in 1min 29seconds. And I was pooped at the end of it!! I won't be in the Great Britain 2012 Olympic Track Team.

The riding was awesome and this time there were no spills or injuries. It has to be experienced before one can appreciate exactly how it feels. It's almost comparable to one of those adrenaline rides that are found at the theme parks........ only better!

Track racing is fast & exciting, and believe it or not its' actually more accessible than most would think. Yes you have to be prepared to travel, and currently Calshot (Southampton) is the nearest proper indoor velodrome. However after the 2012 Olympics, we'll have to see how accessible the new east London state of the art one is. My betting, it will be extremely busy for the first few months but will ease off afterwards.

In the meantime its a hour & half journey down to the south coast (each way), a £29 charge for the track & bike hire........ and the fun is all yours! A small price to pay.

Anyone who fancies joining me for a trip, just let me know.

Bye for now.

Lots of servicing........ not much riding!

Well since my last update things have been hectic back home. The kids activities and work commitments have taken their toll on my riding, only a hundred or so miles in about three weeks!

Been busy on the maintenance side though. As the weather is improving many people are digging their old steeds out of the garden sheds and garages, only to find that some urgent maintenance is required before they can ride. Cue... Richies Cycling Services.

Other than this the final preparation for the RAAM is almost upon us and all being well we depart for the USA early in June... British Airways and volcanic clouds permitting!
Bye for now.

Dijon, Burgundy RAAM trip

We're now back from our final overseas preparation trip, to the fantastic french region of Burgundy. A five day trip which consisted of much team planning, discussions and most importantly team building. The four riders rode over 500km in a two day period whilst myself and the remainder of the support party concentrated on the aforementioned issues.

A great time was had by all. Myself (team mechanic) and Marco (crew chief) managed to get a good few rides in ourselves, and in addition to working on the team bikes, I serviced and made good some bikes that were owned by the accommodation owners.

Good trip all round, and to summarise I now feel that we're almost ready to tackle the RAAM in earnest. With only around 4 weeks until we depart for the USA, there will be plenty of final planning and preparation to be done, which we now are confident will happen smoothly. Fingers crossed huh!

Next bike stuff for me, working on a London2Paris organised charity trip this coming weekend.
Bye for now

RAAM training in Dijon, France.

Today I'm off on my travels again, this time to Dijon, France with the Sharp4Prostate RAAM team. This trip will be the final overseas training exercise before departing for the USA in June.

The weather looks good and as we're going out two and a half days before the team riders myself and the team director should get a couple of days to get some eagerly awaited miles in ourselves!
Once the team riders arrive it will be into full team support mode.
Not sure what to expect down in La Suze, but I'm pretty certain the roads will be fantastic with a minimal amount of traffic. Plenty of vineyards and I daresay some climbing will be included.

The bikes are looking good, so does the weather, the volcanic ash appears to have ceased interfering with international travel, so lets go ride and enjoy!
I'll be trying to keep the blog updated using my new smart phone, so fingers crossed.
Bye for now...

Richie's Cycling Services!

I'm now happy to announce that 'Richies Cycling Services Ltd' is officially launched. I am able to offer any aspect of mobile bicycle servicing, repairs and even bike build. This service can be carried out at the customer's location or at my secure workshops, collection and delivery can be arranged in most cases. I also supply replacement & spare parts, tools, sports nutrition supplements and cycling apparel.

Event support is a service which I intend building upon. I'm currently providing freelance services to organisations that arrange corporate and charity challenges. These activities are nearly always in need of mechanical support, and I've been involved in this area for several months now. As a keen cyclist I'm often used as a cycling mechanic, where I'm able to ride the whole trip with the group. This enables me to actively engage with them, and naturally gain their confidence when dealing with or advising on their mechanical problems & technical questions.

I will be teaming up with other mobile cycle mechanics in the near future, where with our joint resources we will be able to provide our professional services at much larger events.

              Watch this space for the new website which is currently under construction!

Not much riding but important maintenance!

Okay the weather is still dry and the conditions are perfect for riding, although quite cold if you go out early in the morning. However its' not a problem for me this week, as there is much needed maintenance for the http://www.raceacrossamerica.org/ team bikes that are my responsibility, as head team mechanic. So I get my cycling drug from fixing rather than riding this week!

Details of our team can be found here; http://www.sharp4prostate.org/ where you can catch up with all the relevant details of our charity challenge. I am part of a team of 13 which includes four riders and a 9 person support crew.

Go on, take a look at the 2 links and let me know what you think?
Take care now.

A dry & productive week

At last the rain has subsided, the roads are finally dry.... although littered with pot holes and we can get out on the bikes. Not been out as much as I would have like to, but that's because there has been much maintenance to do. Looking after the 6 RAAM bikes and a few others from the club keeps me very busy.

Also it's very short notice but I maybe off to India once again, with less than 48hrs notice. However it is all down to whether my employers will let me take even more cycling related time off!!

Keep you posted.

Back to England's finest roads!

6 bikes, 8 days, hundreds & hundreds of kilometres in Spain = 0 punctures & 0 spills!
1st day back in England, 4 bikes, 60 kilometres = 2 punctures, 1 spill (no serious injury), and a badly buckled wheel.

How's that for a comparison?

As you can see the first ride back home was eventful to say the least. The weather is still appalling and now we pray that the precipitation finally subsides very soon, and allows us to enjoy our riding in the month of March.

Took me an hour to get the badly buckled wheel looking good and running completely true. Not the fastest wheel truer in the world, but pretty accurate. Should get plenty more to practice with at this rate!
Toodle loo.

Malaga Day 9

Day 9

Almost home time, but not before the RAAM riders get to go out with the pros. They went off for a few miles for photo shoots and filming.
Yours truly slowly but surely had to pack the bikes into the boxes, for the journey home. One by one the riders returned and the bikes were packed.

It was a shame because the sun was out, and some of the riders actually got to wear shorts, the only time on the whole trip.

Camp ended around lunchtime and we set off for the airport halfway through the afternoon.
To summarise, the camp was excellent. I took aboard loads of mechanical tips and advice from Andy V, learned a lot about how a pro cycle racing team operates from John H and the riders themselves, and last but not least upped the level of my own riding.

So roll on the next one!!!
See you all soon.

Malaga Day 8

Day 8

The last day of riding for me, and it was decided that I should do the 24km climb up into the mountains from San Pedro. This is a smallish town as you leave Marbella to travel North to the high ground.

The team once again was split. Paul and Karl a little tired stayed near to the camp and did some small rides with the Rapha Condor riders. They also had the pleasure of watching them compete in a practice time trial. I would of liked to have been there for that, but the hills needed me, apparently!

Dan now feeling better from a 24hr sickness bug was raring to go, and he and Adam once again were to do the climb. It looks like this pairing will possibly be the nominated climbers for the RAAM. We made the decision to leave the van in San Pedro allowing myself and Marco to join them.

Off we went, this particular climb begins right at the start. It wasn't long before I was at the back on my own, a position I'm very familiar with when climbing. The gradient was constant, there was no real let up at all. The roads were of excellent quality and the layout was typically twisting like an alpine route. Looking at my Garmin I would say that the climb at anytime was between 6% and 12%. Not as steep as some of the small hills that we climb back home in Surrey, but none of those extend for 24km!

1 Hour & 33 Minutes later I arrived at the top. Marco was a minute or so ahead of me, and the RAAM pair were a couple of minutes ahead of him. Not bad really, and although extremely hard cycling it was nonetheless very enjoyable and most satisfying.

Very windy at the top, it was a very quick turnaround and the same route back to the van. At speeds of up to 60/70 km it would have been exhilarating had it not been so windy. At times I found it frightening, so much rubber was worn by applying the brakes nearly all the way down.

Less than half an hour back to the van, and then a much deserved coffee.

Not sure which I dread more now, the climbing, or the fast descending. This would be a natural choice for most, but for me, well I'm less likely to get killed climbing at such low speeds.

Malaga Day 7

Day 7

Didn't get to ride today and spent the day supporting the other riders. Adam did a massive mountain day on his own, which totalled around 170km. The weather was horrible for him... lucky he had us in the van with dry kit and nutrition.

I did catch up with Andy V though, and much time was spent de-greasing and maintaining the bikes.

Malaga Day 6

Day 6

Adam arrived to join the team last night, after his business convention in Barcelona.

No time was wasted and he along with the other three rode off nice and early into the hills. It was a long hard morning with some very steep climbs. I supported from the van, but knew at some point Marco would allow me to join in.

The team rode for around three hours and stopped for a brief break high up in the mountains. They had done around 80 km at this point.

Adam now some four days behind the others, needed to get some some serious climbing in and the decision was made to split the four into two pairs. He and Dan were to continue climbing and Paul and Karl would race back to the camp. Not too much climbing in store for the latter pair, so I had the option to join them. Jumping at the chance, I kitted up and we left.

A lovely ride for me of around 62km, which was completed as usual at a fast pace. These were beautiful roads, a joy to ride on and some fantastic scenery as well... that is if you can look up and focus on any of it!

Okay, almost back to the complex and the usual 10km super race. This time (my 3rd or 4th) I knew the route, I knew the plan, I knew what to expect........ and yes they beasted me again. I did stay with them all the way though.

And I loved every minute of it.

Bye for now.

Malaga Day 5

Day 5

Okay just for a change we get up and its absolutely bucketing down. We're in Spain, should it be like this?
A long ride is decided for the riders regardless of the weather. The team need to be getting the miles in their legs now, and the weather especially on a training camp like this cannot be allowed to thwart their attempts. They set off from the complex fully supported by Marco and I in the van. A route with plenty of small climbs down towards the coast was decided upon. After the first hour the rain subsided and the sun began to put it's hat on. It clearly was coming out to play.

The three of them (Adam is not yet at the camp) rode well, although we did manage to become separated for sometime until Marco managed to regain radio (mobile phone) contact with them by the Malaga seafront some half an hour or so later.

A true flat ride was next following the coast eastwards towards Nerja. The boys were moving fast on these roads, and they looked like a proper pro team riding just inches off of each others wheels for miles and miles on end.
At the 70km mark, the 4th rider was introduced to the ride. No Adam hadn't arrived early from Barcelona..... it was yours truly. With no hills to get dropped on I felt that I'd give it good go. It was fast, exhilarating and you do certainly feel good turning so many heads. We saw scores of other road riders but none of them going like the Sharp4Prostate steam train that I was now on. All waved but looked envious, I only wish I could stay with these guys on the hills. Maybe one day.

We got as far as Nerja then immediately turned around and motored back at an equally fast pace. All the way through Malaga to the other side of town where Marco was waiting at the nominated finish with much needed re hydration etc.

The team rode nearly 170km and my total was about 90km. Undoutdly the fastest ninety that my legs have ever achieved. I'm enjoying this camp and I will be a better rider at the end of it.

A twenty minute drive back to the complex and a thorough de-greasing and cleaning of the bikes. As I like to do this bit alone (riders mess things up when they try to help) they go to their rooms to shower and bring me down hot coffee and biscuits which I tuck into with Andy V.

Not sure how he'll cope when we go... we must teach the pro's to do the same for him!!
Bye for now.

Malaga Day 4

Day 4

The day started with the same monsoon type weather that seems to be set for the week. We had plans to ride a long route today, but the weather clearly was not happy for us to this. Also the Rapha Condor pros advised us against a long ride. They were to do 3 hours instead of 6 or so.

A decision was made to wait until lunch time and reassess. The RAAM riders spent the morning in the gym, Marco did managing tasks and planning, and I worked on the bikes and worked with my mentor Andy Verrall. Amazingly he let me carry out some work on a couple of the pro's time trial bikes. I must say, that was an honour!

The rain did subside and we rode a shortish ride around the local area which amounted to around 32km. Not far, but as always when riding with the RAAM boys, bloody challenging. I wasn't sure who was leading, probably Paul but whoever it was managed to find a small town which to me might as well have been built on the side of a mountain! Not content with riding round it and up its steep inclines, we went round for a second time. I hung on the back for dear life (a term you will see me using often), then just when I saw the final roundabout which indicates we are 10km from the complex..... we turn right and go round for a third time!! Bloody hell.
As it happened I actually found this final lap easier and stayed with the others. Marco was on this ride too, as neither of us were needed as support, and he stayed right up there with Paul & Karl.

When exciting the third loop, as I said we came to a now very familiar roundabout which indicates there is only 10km to go. This by the way is the finishing part of nearly all of our rides. A pattern is now emerging, quite a cruel one too. As soon as we exit the roundabout it becomes a 10km race to the finish. Now I'm not sure if this is a wise thing or not, and everybody blames each other for increasing the pace, even I get blamed and all I'm doing is hanging on for dear life. Personally I think Paul is to blame (ouch - that will come back and bite me).
Not sure what speeds we do along this road as I can't bring myself to look down at my Garmin for fear of coming into contact with one of the others, or hitting a pothole etc.
The finish line is a welcome sight, but there is no winning glory for me this time.

A good day overall, and the bit I like at the end is when the others leave me to clean the bikes and prepare them for the next day's riding. I work along side Andy V and we tend to put the world to rights, in our own little mechanics world.
Chow for now.