City Cycling

Mostly I'm used to cycling up and down mountains. But cycling around the city can be fun and its also so much quicker than walking. If only everywhere had a Velib system like Paris.

I've used the Velib in Paris and is very good compared to OyBike based in London. Fantastic idea but it needs the commercial backing that Velib have with JCDecaux. I'm over in Dublin and there is nothing here apart from some over at Phoenix Park that are to say the least very very expensive.

Hopefully I'll have my bike over here soonish, will be a definite change from Mountain Biking.

Injured

Back pain froom Football has put me off the bike today. Hopefully will be better so I can get out on the bike soon. Training isn't really going very well though :s

Getting Old and Rusty

My bike not me. I haven't been out today due to the persistent rain. Slightly annoying but never mind. Its on days like today that I wish I was in California or Moab with the weather to match the terrain. 

I'm looking forward to getting out again though. Now I'm feeling slightly weird blogging about not being on my bike :s

Moel Famau

Did a loop around Moel Famau this morning. It was wet to say the least. Took almost 20 mins to clean the bike.

Note to self: Riding in the morning really does wake me up in the morning and start the day really well.

Cotic Roadrat

Looking at the cotic road rat to get me to work. Not sure if a splurge of £600.00 is worth it. It does look very nice but is it commuter friendly?

E.g. commuter bikes just need to get from a to b but I would possible want disk breaks to be added to them.

<a href="http://www.cotic.co.uk">More about the road rat</a>

Llandegla

Did Llandegla today. Had a really good time. Bit wet though. Managed
the red in 1 hour 5 mins. Will really miss the place while I'm away.

Moel Famau

30km ride took 3 hours 30 mins. Although there was a great climb of 700m that I was pleased about.

Basic route available at the following address: www.bikehike.co.uk/mapview.php?id=1354


Total Time: 3 hour 30 mins
Average HR: 155 bpm
Top HR: 208 bpm

Llandegla

Llandegla blue today. I didnt have a lot of time so thought I would try the blue for a change. The blue flows a lot more than the red and is really good for a quick sprint. Ok it isn't as technical as the red but as long as your having fun who cares what colour track your riding.

One note is that they were tree felling when I was there so watch out for logs and lorries as they were felling right next to the track of the blue. On the way home someone ran into the back of my car so although the ride was good I wasn't best pleased.

Total Ride Time: 40 mins
Average BPM: 170

Llandegla

Did Llandegla Red in 1 hour 5 mins today. Quite please as I haven't been able to get out on my bike as much as I wanted due to various job and university interviews.

Total Ride Time: 1 hour 5 mins
Average BPM: 162

Moel Famau

Moel Famau training today. Did a replica of the Merida Ruthin 50km route. Can tell that my fitness on the climbs is getting better. I've started doing some core stability training to improve my fitness after reading WhatMountainBike Magazine.


Total Ride Time: 2 hour 30 mins
Average HR: 162 bpm

Llandegla

Llandegla today. Really got some speed on the initial climb that took 15 mins. Trying to get in some practice bunnyhopping and manualing to nail the down hill bits quicker to break the 1 hour mark.


Total Time: 1 hour 5 mins
Average HR: 175

Moel Famau

Went out again today up to Moel Famau, an early start at 6.00 am. Felt a lot better after two days off the bike and a lot stronger on the hill climbs.

Interesting it looks like Flintshire/Denbighshire are going to be building more trails in the area as their is signage for a new red and black route at the car park, but sadly no trails :(

Total Distance 37km

Average HR: 160bpm

Average Speed Approx: 11km

Time Taken: 3 hours 30 mins

Moel Famau

More training again today to try and condition my body for another Merida Marathon. Started using High 5 4:1 that tasted really nice compared to SIS PSP. I also purchased some Banana and Mango Recovery stuff from Torq that was rather tasty although I always use less than what they seem to recommend. Although I am feeling the burn after two days of riding, hopefully I’ll get over to Cannock tomorrow to see what the trails are like there and riding new stuff will hopefully improve me technically.

Total Distance: 25km

Average HR: 166bpm

Average Speed Approx: 12km

Time Taken: 2 hours 9 mins

Penmachno 1 & 2

Well today I did both loops at Penmachno got there early doors (9:00am) and the place was empty.

Was really impressed with my times today, I’ve started using my Sunto Mk1 Heart Rate monitor so hopefully I can measure my progress a little more accurately.

Total Distance: 30.5km

Average HR: 177bpm

Average Speed approx: 13km

Time Taken: 2hours 25 mins

Moel Famau

Today more training with some fantastic views. Did a short loop up at Moel Famau, quite a challenging route for 13km. Took 2 hours due to the climb and breakfast at the peak :)

Ruthin Merida Marathon

My first marathon completed I did the 55km in 4 hours 10 mins.

Started out with a ride through ruthin. Then headed up for what was one big climb, the pace in the middle of the pack was reasonable though, with many walking. A lot of fall over moments, with people cycling at a slow speed and unable to remain balanced.

After the climb the pack spreaded out and continued to climb further. The track then continued on the Clwyd Loop that I was familiar with then a climb up and down towards gellifor with a great grassy decent. The climb then began again before the first pitstop for the day at the feed station where I ate a banana and continued cycling.

Then there was a road section back towards the lakes of cilcian and a climb back up towards Moel Fammau then picked up a road heading towards Gwenymynydd and then out on the road towards ruthin a short climb then continued before a long decent back towards Ruthin.

For more information on the route click here

Very pleased with my time and will probably do another Merida in the future :) possible the one in July.

Marin Trail Gwydyr Forest

Marin Trail Gwydyr Forest Llanrwst

Like all trails, the Marin starts with a climb before the start of some fireroad riding. The trail is very well waymarked and particularly easy to follow. Following the fireroad presents some of the first singletrack and comes out on to fireroad then out past the quarry for another climb to pay for the fun of the downhill. The trail meets a road and the climb continues then goes right for a short downhill section that brings you out on a fireroad that has fantastic views of snowdon and a lake. Then hit another climb and dive off right for a great piece of singletrack hit this at speed and stones fly everywhere and a smile on the face to keep you going. The trail then continues on fireroad and then some further singletrack before hitting the road where there is another fireroad trail. The trail then continues up a very steep climb before going right where the trail has rocks almost like steps as you continue to climb, carry this singletrack on and you come out at a fireroad for a pause and then head in left over a small northshore then a straight bit of singletrack before fireroad climb that assures a good downhill. Hit the top and turn right then follow this downhill all the way back to the car park easily the best part of the track with switchbacks, rocks, berms and jumps.

Ability: Medium the track is a reasonable distance at 25km but to enjoy it you need to hit the singletrack at speed. Also there is a large amount of forest roads as you would expect and the majority of climbs are found on these forest roads. You’ll either love it or hate it!

Best Time to Ride: As a trail centre suggests its rideable all year round. I rode it after some heavy rain and it was fine. Summer I suspect the trail will be busy but its a reasonable distance therefore unlikely to be congested. There are a few rides that you can combine with the marin trail and even link a loop of Penmachno for an all day epic, that would be perfect for a summer weekend.



Time: Took me 1 hour 1/2 today, they advice 2 - 4 hours to get around. I think a pro rider could do this in the hour if they were motoring.

What it costs: £1.00 a day, although the Pay & Display wasn’t working there today.

Overview: Some good fun singletrack but lots of fireroad that gives it a 3/5.

Here are some pictures from today:

Penmachno

This is the second time I’ve been up here after getting lost first time around, this time was much better. The weather put a dampner on things to say the least.

Approx 2 hours.

The Course

Starting off is the great climb (what a warm-up), then cut through to the right and start on some single-track, the legs were beginning to ache at this point (1 week off the bike excuses excuses). You then get spat out on to fireroad, after this there is a turning on the right (the track is all signposted). This is where the fun begins start off straight down full speed rocky and a great test again out on fireroad. This fireroad is the first beast, straight up and over the river and continue to climb then take a path right. Again another flier, carry on over two small north shore type sections. Out at road and then right again, down and then the switch back climbs, great for the legs. Nice views from the top (my first break point). Carry this on and then out again (this is the bit where I got lost turn left for loop one and right for loop two. The second beast of a fireroad begins straight up and up and up feels like forever (aka 5 mins lol). Then right on singletrack (its cold this is the most exposed area not good when its raining like hell!). Single track then goes on for about 10 mins this was really good mostly flat last bit fast. Next break point and then climb up forest track. At top of climb take right down on singletrack (starting to get good!). Carry on on fireroad and take right heading down and then out on fireroad. Continue forward and then get going on the last stretch of singletrack before popping out at the bottom of the road into the (very) small carpark.

Thoughts

Great track but I think knowing it is very powerful. One thing I’ve found with all the tracks in wales is one lap really doesn’t give a lasting impression. I enjoy llandegla as I’m used it I can hammer into corners because I know them really well. I’d love to be able to get to know Penmachno a bit more and then I would have some serious fun. It is a lot more fluid than llandegla and no where near as artificial. Its no where near as busy as llandegla and doesnt have many walkers so all in all a great day ride. Only thing is i’m itching to go back :)

Llandegla

Time taken 1 hour 5 minutes.

Did the red again today. I really wanted to try and break the 1 hour barrier will have to try when its hot enough. Decided to try the Science in Sport P2P drink today, as I normally take the Electrolyte, left my mouth feeling like id been in the sahara dessert. I guess a mixture of the two would have been better.

Had fun though and my times are improving so can’t complain.

Vale of Clwyd Loop

2 hours 30 mins today - 40km

Had a really good ride today. I did the Vale of Clwyd Loop, decided to do some more natural riding rather than repetitive trail centres.

Started off in Gellifor head out towards Llanfair DC then left up a bridleway and follow this all the way up to the Clwyd Gate hotel. Cross the road and head down. Then climb upwards go through a few gates and then a little downhill towards the Moel Fammau Car Park. Follow the Red Ride the Clwyd Signs round the long switchbaks then climb up Moel Fammau. The route then drops quickly again following the ride the clwyd signs and down into Gellifor (definately the best part of the ride).

LLandegla

Went out for a blast round the red today. Did it in 1 hour 15 mins but it was very wet and started hailing at one point. Part of the route was closed due to ice.

Also purchased car park permit £40 per year to save some pennies.

Llandegla

Red route today - 1 hour 10 mins

Trying to keep a log of my times here to try and improve them as I’m aiming to get up there about 3 times a week. Lots of snow there today. Made the northshore a little difficult, but quite straight forward.

Cilcain Loop

Did the Cilcain Loop today. Approx 22 miles.

Parked Moel Fammau car park (£1.00).

1. Start at the large rock firectly opposite the gate


2. Follow the ride the clwyds (red markers). This climbs quite a bit and does 3 large u shaped bends.


3. Once the track narrows down to singletrack take the first left up towards a gate.


4. At the gate turn left, this is a steep climb to another gate.


5. Continue forward and then turn right at the top.


6. Continue forward passing turning for Moel Fammau


7. Carry this forest road forward for approx 1.5 miles until you hit a gate.



8. At gate continue forward and veer right on to road.


9. At cross roads turn right


10. Carry this road for approx 1.5 miles (passing car parks for clwyd view)


11. In Cilcain turn right before church


12. Carry on this road for approx 2 miles


13. Take 2nd turning right up steep incline


14. Follow the red ride the clwyd signs to bring you over 2 rivers


15. Then up steep climb then quick decent down to car park

1.5 hours if your going at pace. The snow probably slowed me down

Here is some more information about the route:

Flattyresmtbroutes.com - CilcainCircuit

Coed-y-Brenin Demo Day

I went up to Coed-Y-Brenin to try some bikes today. Had some fun in the mud. The course itself was a lot shorter than expected and not too technical. Still got a feel for the bikes. Looks like I’ll be purchasing a Heckler not sure if it will be small or medium.

Here are some pics:

Leith Hill Commencal Meta 5.5 Demo

Tried the commencal meta 5.5 today.

My thought were that it was awful, really didnt suit my riding, felt like it was going to give way at any point in time. Also really had problems with the demo and punctures I had 5. I really wanted to like this bike but went away feeling dissapointed.

Here is a pic:

Swinley Forest

Great Singletrack finally found. Managed not to get lost today and had some fun, until I decided to loose a brake pad.

The trails were just starting to dry out as well :( Might head back up there on Friday for some more fun. In parts it is boggy.

Here are some pics only on the train due to brake pad problems:

Leith Hill

Went up to leith hill again this morning, the second time in two days. Was a bit warmer today, but still quite windy.

Finally worked out the proper route for regurgitator, which was fun as the mud still hasn’t dried out properly. Even summer lightning suffers quite a bit with the weather.

Hopefully get over to Swinley this week for some proper riding!

Leith Hill

Went up to Leith Hill again today, went via the north downs link instead of going through Westcott.

It was meant to be -2 but it didn’t feel so cold. I just wore 2 base layers to trap the heat in. The ride was alright going up and very good coming down. I decided to take my ipod with me and the tunes spurred me on.

I did regurgitator and summer lightning these were better than the last time I did them as I think they have had a chance to dry out a bit. The woods are still quite sticky in places (aka wheel turning = me going no where). Started to save for a new Bike. Can’t wait to demo a few! :p

Here are a few pics from today:

More Pics

Moel Famau Loop

Did the Moel Famau loop again today. Its a nice local loop that isn’t too techincal. It was so cold again though.

Map Of Ride

It has a very fast short down hill and two river crossings. Interesting when they are full of ice.

It took me 45 mins to complete.

Swinley Forest

Had some fun at Swinley today. Weather was great for January.

Did I get lost or did I get lost? For some reason the course was closed along the road 2 /3 and I couldnt for the life of me work out where I was constantly.

Firstly, I got the train so had to enter from Bagshot train station. Its literally only 5/10 mins cycle into the forest. Great I thought until I realised how much single track there is.




I spent the bestpart of 3 hours there, while I was meant to be doing dissertation work. Great fun though. I can’t wait to get back there again. Also enjoyed the m&s garage right outside the train station perfect for after ride food. Shame it takes South West Trains an hour to get back to Guildford, otherwise this would be a regular I’m sure.

Leith Hill and Holumbury

I’ve been busy lately so haven’t had much time to write anything on here.

Here is some pics from a ride up to Holmbury/Leith Hill:

More Pics

First time I’ve done Summer Lightening and Regurgitator etc. Should really pop to Westcott Cycles to pick up a map. This is the second time i’ve been, first time I got dreadfully lost.

StMartha Hill

Started early this morning did some training for Merida 100 by doing some hill training up St Marthas Hill and then Newlands Corner.

Glad it was dry, tried going up there when it was raining its a no no on a bike. It was like being on quick sand!

Base Training Week 1

Phase:

Base training (Start Week) - this involves me basically trying to get fit. The aim of the week was to put in 3 hrs 40 mins.

Training

Monday - None

Tuesday - None

Wednesday - None

Thursday - 2 Hours cycling approx 22km on mixed roads and off roads.

Friday - None

Saturday - 3 Hours cycling approx 25 km on mixed roads and off roads.

Afterthoughts

Not a bad week really, I'm happy that I have achieved the time required. Endurance is getting better, and I feel that I can cycle a lot longer than previously. Hopefully, speed will increase during the next couple of months.

Llandegla

Decided to get out there early today. Been a few times before and done the black route etc.

It was cold!

Was very slow today, really need to work on fitness. I was lapped a fair few times. I think blaming the bike was my justification. Llandegla is great when it isn’t too busy, I had a great time there though, especially anything remotely pointing down hill.

Training Plan

I've decided to try and get fit and do a few races this year on my MTB. I have the Merida 100 on my mind as its in Ruthin (close to my house).

I'm going to try and stick to their training advice for the 25km marathon.

Here is the training info:

http://www.mtb-marathon.co.uk/training/training.php

Some background:

I've been riding on and off for the past 15 years. Last year I purchased a Kona Scrap (a dirt jump bike as this was what I mostly did), however I do more XC type riding and with lack of funds carry on riding the Kona Scrap.

Over the past year I have riden a few different courses including Penmachno and Llandegla and a few others around North Wales.

Targets

Here are my targets for the year:


Merida 100 - try and complete the 100km task
Llandegla - in 1 hour
Compete in atleast 2 other races possibly a 24 hour depending on how Merida goes.


General
Increase endurance
Increase slow speed
Increase performance up hill