The guys at NeilPryde bikes have a competition on the go whereby contestants become evangelists for the company. In return, the person gets to ride a NeilPryde bike (which one is not known) for a whole year. Plus, they get a stack of other goodies etc from the company throughout the year. Clever marketing tactic to help promote a brand that is breaking its way into the world of cycling!
Anyway, I decided to enter. Here is my video entry:
Let me know what you think?
Team Garmin Transitions F1 SL Team issue Felt
So back in September I was lucky enough to spend some time out in Boulder Colorado. A beautiful place to say the least. In preparation for going out there, I was planning on tackling Mount Evans. The highest paved road in North America. See my previous post about this trip.
Thanks to the excellent team at Team Garmin Transitions, I was loaned a Team issue F1 SL Felt for my trip up the mountain. Here are some pictures of this awesome machine that I had the privilege to ride:
Mavic Cosmic Carbone's on the Team Garmin Transitions F1 SL Team issue Felt
Team Garmin Transitions F1 SL Team issue Felt
3t stem and bars
Team Garmin Transitions F1 SL Team issue Felt
Team Garmin Transitions F1 SL Team issue Felt
Team Garmin Transitions F1 SL Team issue Felt
The bicycle belonged to Andrei Krasilnikau
The rear forks that provide a very comfy but responsive ride
Team Garmin Transitions F1 SL Team issue Felt
Team Garmin Transitions F1 SL Team issue Felt
Nice ride on the fi'zi:k saddle
That's me on the bike enjoying the quiet roads of Boulder
Now for those of you who aren’t aware, you and I have the chance to purchase the bikes directly from the Team. The bikes can be purchased from SlipStream Sports website. Click here – to see what they have available. My suggestion is to get in there quick as the team will be moving over to Cervelo. So why not become one of the very few that can own a team bike?
Christian Meier's team issue Felt
Dan Martin's Felt
David Millar
Team issue Felts at Team Garmin's service course
And some more...
Team vehicles outside
On Friday 17 September, I was on my second trip to Boulder, Colorado. The first trip took place in July of this year and it reminded me so much of home. The weather and the beauty of it all. Both trips were thanks to work, but I decided to make the most of my second trip and come out a few days early than needed.
Why? Well, I was in one of the most beautiful parts of the US (IMHO) and it would be silly not see the place. And secondly, thanks to the team at Pez Cycling News and this image, I just had to had to experience what it would be like to ride up the highest paved road in North America – Mount Evans.
In preparing for my trip, the biggest thing I was deliberating was whether to take my new Basso with me, or hire a bicycle while I was out there. As I had just bought the bike, I didn’t want to risk it being man-handled by the British Airways baggage handling crew. So, this left the only option of hiring a bike while I was out there. I figured that if it was going to cost me £60+ to pay for the extra luggage needed for the bike, I could instead spend the money on a bike rental.
Still being undecided about it, my good friend James loaned me his bike box. He brought the box around and gave me the instructions on how to pack the bike. Wow, with all the additional cladding and packaging I was going to need, the hire option became the sensible answer to all of this.
Before I departed, I decided to take in stage 5 of The 2010 Tour of Britain. The stage finised in Glastonbury. On my way home after the stage, I had the privelage of spending the drive back with the director of marketing for Team Garmin Transitions. Anyway, to cut a long journey short, I was offered the chance to ride a team issue Felt as the team’s service course was based in Boulder.
So that was my trip sorted. All I had to do was get to the hotel and the bike would be waiting for me. And it was! I couldn’t believe my luck – a $6000 team issue bicycle waiting for me to ride it. A Felt F1-SL. Ths was a once in a lifetime opportunity.
The following morning I loaded the bike into the car and made my way to Idaho Springs, the start location for the trip up Mt Evans. When I got there, I changed and got the bike ready. However, the tyres weren’t quite pumped up and the hand pump just wasn’t able to get the pressure up to the 10bar mark. So I took a short ride down the high street and found a little bike store – Mountain & Road Bicycle Repair. If you are ever in Idaho Springs, please drop into the store and say hello. Inside, the shop owner – Jerry – gave me a hand and helped me pump the wheels up with a proper pressure pump.
Once done, I made my way along the 29-mile ride to the summit. I am proud to say that I did make it to the summit. However, having only arrived the day before from the UK and not being used to the high altitude definitely took its toll on me that day. For example, from Summit Lake to the top (approximately 7 miles) took me just under two hours to do. I was so dizzy that I had to walk the last two miles. But I can proudly say that I rode to the height of 14,260 feet (4,346.5m).
So, here are the pictures from my ride on that very hot day:
The view on the way up Mount Evans
Only a third of the way up at this point
So beautiful, yet so hot!
Getting closer to the top
Looking down to the entrance of Mount Evans road (it's the small lane at the bottom right hand side). 16 miles to the summit from the entrance
From the brochure that you are given at the entrance of Mount Evans road, it says that the sun is 5% stronger for every 1,000 feet of elevation gained. However, temperatures drop 3.5 – 5 degrees F (that’s just short of 1 degree C) for every 1,000 feet of elevation gained. So, it get colder as you get higher, but you do manage to get a tan. I know – I managed to get knee warmer tan lines. A very odd look when wearing shorts.
Looking up from Summit Lake. This is 7 miles from the top of Mount Evans
This is the view that inspired me to take a ride up Mt Evans
Here you can see the switchback in more detail
Team Garmin's Felt that helped me get to the top. Awesome riding machine!
The views from the other side of the mountain
Above the tree line. You can see how desolate it is up here
At the top of Mt Evans - 14,260' (4,346.5m)
Looking back down towards Summit Lake (to the left by the cloud's shadow) where my car was parked
Crest House and the highest observatory in North America
Back down at Summit Lake by the car
Driving back down towards the entrance of Mount Evans road by Echo Lake
One of the many repetitive signs on the way up and down
For those of who have been keeping tabs on this blog would have seen that The Prostate Cancer Charity in the UK are trying to become the charity name behind cycling. Just the same as running is for breast cancer, they would like to make cycling the sport for prostate cancer. A natural association if you like.
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men and as a result, one man dies every hour from this horrid disease, not to mention the 35000 men that are diagnosed with it every year. So it’s not something to shy away from. But rather a disease that we need to fight against.
With that, the Charity has teamed up with The Tour of Britain to offer cyclists of all abilities the chance to ride a stage of The Tour, in The Tour Rides. Taking place in September, cyclists can try out the same routes that the pro’s get to race on in the Tour.
The same attention to detail and event planning is put into delivering a Tour Ride as staging The Tour of Britain. With extensive route signage, marshals, motorcycle support, official cars on route and neutral service, the Tour Rides offer a unique full-support experience.
Plus, there are carefully located and well stocked feed and drink stations along the route as well as hot drinks and sandwiches. I’ve been informed that this year’s Tour Rides will also incorporate timing splits and timed King of the Mountains sections (Pro Tour Ride).
The neutral service is being provided by the team at Saddleback Ltd who bring to the UK market those awesome racing machines, FELT – as currently used by the Garmin Transitions cycling team the Tour de France, as well as Lance’s groupset of choice, SRAM.
So on Tuesday 22 June, I was lucky enough to be invited by the Charity to go and try out the Stoke route of the Tour Ride. This route forms as Stage 2 of The 2010 Tour of Britain. It was a clear hot day – 22 degrees celcius. A perfect day to go out for the ride – as you will see from the pictures below. I had been looking forward to doing the ride for a whole week running up to it, especially as it was time out of the hectic schedule we were on for The Tour Series, plus I got to have my last ride on the Felt FC.
As it was a media ride, we weren’t going to do the full day’s worth of riding (ie. Pro Ride). We were only aiming to do 60+ km’s. However, we were going to take in the hilliest part of the route. Our day started off in Rocester, the home of JCB. From there we made our way to Leek taking in the stunning views of the Staffordshire Moorlands. On the ride we took a short break in the village of Longnor, where we were welcomed with open arms by the owner of the local coffee shop called Cobbles. A true cycling fan, he offered us teas, coffees and sandwiches on the house. How could we say no to that? So if you ever in the village, make sure you stop by Cobbles.
From Longnor we made our way towards Leek, not before taking in plenty of 10% climbs and the well known, Gun Hill. I felt great at the start of the ride but the climbs were relentless and they began taking their toll. I have to say that Gun Hill was not easy at all and I can see why people gather along it when the Tour races over. There were some great downhills too (not too many of these unfortunately), but did manage to get up to speeds of 80km/h.
It was a great day out and I thoroughly enjoyed myself. If you’re on the fence about whether to take part, I would urge you to go for it. Sign up for The Tour Rides, you will not be sorry. And feel good in knowing that you are also putting money to a good cause.
I would also like to say a HUGE thanks to Andrew and team at Saddleback for providing me with the Felt FC to use on the ride! I loved riding it so much, I am now looking to buy it.
And last but not least, below are pictures taken on the day of our ride. These were taken by Joolze Dymond who is also the official photographer for The Tour of Britain and The Tour Series. If you get a chance, make sure you check out her website: www.joolzedymond.com
Remember, there are three routes to choose from and three rides at each, for the exception of London, which offers only one ride. For more details on all the Rides on offer (dates, distances, etc) in The Tour Rides, check out my previous posting on The Tour Rides.
Enjoy the pics and sign up!
Starting out in Rocester where our ride began
A beautiful day to be out riding the bike
Making the most of my last day on the Felt FC
The start of many many climbs to come
Easy for some, others not
The scenery was just spectacular
Riding on roads that were virtually clear of traffic. Made for a superb day out
You can almost see the heat come off the road
Some more uphills
Working the Felt. Plus, enjoyed the SRAM groupset. Definitely a convert to its style
How can you say no to that?
Peter and Liz helping us out on the ride, a day after the Chester round of The Tour Series
Some more ups
Peter trying the typical 'fan with water bottle' you see in the Tour de France
He was loving it
...and the fact that I was getting wet
Mind you, afterwards it did feel quite refreshing
Then just for the camera decided to do a typical rider 'response' to getting wet
Maybe over doing it a little 🙂
Watch out for the BIG hand! Getting a fresh bottle from Liz
Seriously enjoying my day out on the Felt. I think I should keep it!!
And there were some downhills too
But what goes down must go up
Liz and Peter enjoying their day out of the office
Quiet roads
Coffee stop in the village of Longnor. Check out Cobbles if you are ever there
Making our way towards Gun Hill
But before we get there, a few more clims to negotiate
Boy it was hot out there
There were loads of these too - 10 per cent climbs
Doing some close ups for the Charity
Taking the mick out of Joolze who's sitting in the boot of the CRV
Suffering on the first killer section of Gun Hill
Really thankful that Paul was there to encourage me along
My legs were hurting big time
Finished the second killer section
Enjoying the fact that Gun Hill levels out towards the top
Almost there
Joolze making us sprint for the top. She loves to see us suffer
Freewheeling into Leek
Enjoying the post ride chat with Paul...
...and laugh
The Great Tour route map
Late on Friday 7 May myself and a colleague from work, Kathryn and her boyfriend Gavin, made our way down from Weybridge in Surrey to Seaton in Devon.
Now Seaton is a small seaside town on the South West coastline of Devon England. It has also been described as the gateway to the 95-mile Jurassic Coast of the Dorset and East Devon Coast World Heritage Coastline.
However, the reason for our drive down to Seaton was so that we could do a recce of the first two stages of The Great Tour. Not on our own of course, but with a group from our office that have put together this challenging event.
So what is The Great Tour? Well, in short, it’s a circumnavigation of the outer edge of the UK coastline by bicycle.
The Great Tour itself will take place on 3 July when a group of cyclists drawn from the world of sport, celebrity, charity, politics, science and the arts will gather in Seaton to embark on one of Britain’s last great sporting challenges. Keeping the sea to their right for 64 days, the riders will never lose the sight, smell or sound of the sea during their epic 6600km pedal for charity.
The ride will be hosted by well known athletes who will be joined by a wide variety of guests and charity riders to create a colourful and inspirational sporting celebration of the British coastline.
The 2010 event will be the inaugural Great Tour, which will become an annual charity bike ride. This is most probably the most important thing to remember about the event. Its purpose is to help raise money for a charity of your choice. You take on an incredible challenge while helping to raise money for a good cause.
So this ride we embarked upon took in the first two stages of The Great Tour. Stage 1 saw us riding from Seaton to Swanage. Expected total ride distance is 128km with 2483m of ascent.
Stage two took us from Swanage to Ryde with an expected total ride distance of 114km and 1236m of ascent.
On Saturday 8 May after a great fry up breakfast at our guest house, we made our way to the Seaton sea front to await the rest of our team that were going to join us on this ride. Also joining us on the ride was Alistair Cope, a Devon local who would guide us on our way. Alistair is also one of the main guides on The Great Tour itself and is himself raising money for The Prostate Cancer Charity while taking on this 64 day challenge.
Now the weather wasn’t great. It was not too cold, but it was damp and there was intermittent drizzle about. Not something I was looking forward to.
Here are some pictures, taken by Gavin(or Kathryn) of our ride over the two days:
Gavin Morton (our photograher) and myself outside our guest house in Seaton
Getting the bikes and ourselves ready before we set off
Discussing the road ahead
The group before our depart on stage 1 of The Great Tour
On our way out of Seaton
Wating for the group to catch up after our first climb
Gavin joining us
Road bikes to continue left on the road. Hybrids to go straight along onto the gravel roads
Appreciating why they call it the jurrasic coastline
Loving the climb, but I really do need a new bike
Alistair going up one the many many climbs on this stage
Graeme and Kevin, Great Tour route leaders
Graeme and Kevin
Graeme and Kevin with Mick Bennett, former Olympic medallist
Taking in the scenery
Enjoying myself
I'm lovin it!
The scenery is just beautiful
Riding with Alistair and admiring how the climb just keeps going up
Taking a mini break in one of the many villages along the way
For any would be bike sponsor - Your bike could be in the picture instead of the Trek. Think about it!
We visited some interesting roads and places
Spectacular views once again
I love this picture
Feeling the pain
Graeme, Kevin and myself glad that we're coming to the end of stage 1
Packing the cars before makin our way to our local accommodation
Now we didn’t quite make the full stage. After all the stops and starts, we managed only to get to Weymouth, just over half the distance we were expecting to do for that day. But that was the whole purpose of the recce – to find out what challenges could stand in our way when the main event takes place.
It’s at this point where I have to say that The Great Tour is not the ideal challenge to take on with a road bike. The best bike for this challenge is a hybrid. With a relaxed frame geometry and slick MTB tyres makes it easier to ride over the varying terrain than what a road bike could handle. I did manage it on my road bike, but my tyres did take a huge hammering.
But more importantly, the hybrid offers you the aditional gears you would need to climb over some of the steep sections of this ride. I have to be honest and say that I did run out of gears and some of the road surfaces were so wet that I wasn’t able to stand going up the climbs. This really did test the strength in my legs and arms. However, the road bike was great for some of the descents as we reached up to 80km/h without pedalling. Not for the feint-hearted!
Oh, before I forget, stage 1 is the hardest stage of the entire Great Tour.
Stage 2: Swanage to Ryde
After a good night’s rest, we all made our way into Swanage for our early morning start of 8:00am. Not before getting in a good breakfast though.
Our early morning breakfast stop
Running through the details of the route
Our group photo
Maing our way along the Swanage coastline
A group of men on their way to Studland - haha!
Going to Foreland (or Handfast) Point
The Foreland (or Handfast) Point
Enjoying my way along Newto Heath to catch the short ferry to Sandbanks
On the ferry to Sandbanks
Doing our bit for Mulebar - well, trying to at least
Felt Bicycles taking full advantage of the sponsorship areas I posses. Just need to get a bike from them next 🙂
Making our way along the Bournemouth coastline
The group
and in black & white
Stopping for pies in Lymington
Lymington. Well, that’s as far as I got to on day two of the ride with another 60+ km’s in the bag. It was at this point that I joined Kathryn and Gavin as they made their way back home to Surrey. From Lymington the rest of the group made their way onto the Isle of Wight to complete the rest of their journey for stage two.
From speaking to guys afterwards, I understand that it was quite hilly too once on the Isle of Wight. So I’m glad I didn’t go the whole way as my legs were competely knackered by the time I made it home that afternoon.
I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed myself over the two days we were out there. The riding was great, the scenery spectacular and the company was excellent.
In summary, The Great Tour offers 64 days of riding, 6600 km’s, 87,500m of ascent and 500 hours in the saddle. So if you feel like taking up a new challenge and want to see the beautiful coastline that the UK offers, then why not sign up for The Great Tour.
*All photographs thanks to Gavin Morton
The Tour of Britain 2010 National Launch
On Tuesday 20 April we officialy launched the route for the 2010 Tour of Britain. It’s the first time in the events history (under the name of The Tour of Britain) that the a full route disclosure (start and finish venues) has been announced.
I have some pictures from the launch which I will upload in a separate posting, but for now thought I would let you see the actual route for each stage of this year’s event. If you click on the links below you should be able to download the PDFs of the route.
Stage 1: Rochdale to Blackpool – 11 September 2010
Stage 2: Stoke-on-Trent – 12 September 2010
Stage 3: Newtown to Swansea – 13 September 2010
Stage 4: Minehead to Teignmouth – 14 September 2010
Stage 5: Tavistock to Glastonbury – 15 September 2010
Stage 6: King’s Lynn to Great Yarmouth – 16 September 2010
Stage 7: Bury St Edmunds to Colchester – 17 September 2010
Stage 8: The TfL London Stage (Newham) – 18 September 2010
The Tour of Britain and The Prostate Cancer Charity have today revealed three new amateur cycle rides for 2010 – The Prostate Cancer Charity Tour Rides. According to the press release, cyclists of all levels will have the opportunity to measure themselves against the pro riders from The Tour of Britain, by taking on the same full stages from Britain’s national cycle tour event.
The events – scheduled to take place in September – are:
For the exception of London, both South West and Stoke events will also offer challenge routes of 70km and family routes of 20km. This is great as now people of all ages and abilities can take part, allowing more people to spend their day out on the bicycle.
According to the Tour Ride website, the rides will cost £40 for the full stage distances, £30 for the 70km distances and £20 for a family of four to do the 20km Family Rides, in both Stoke-on-Trent and the South West.
Entries close on 1 September 2010 but as places are limited and expected to fill up fast, riders are being encouraged to sign up as soon as possible.
So, if this tickles your fancy and you’d like to spend a day out on the bike experiencing what life as a pro taking part in The Tour of Britain is like, then make sure to sign up for the event as soon as possible.
Last but not least, here are some pictures from the 2009 Tour Ride event in Stoke-on-Trent:
The Tour of Britain lead vehicle getting ready to lead out the riders for the Tour Ride
British Road Race Champion Kristian House and the team from Sharp4Prostate
Neutral service on The Tour Ride provided by Saddleback, distributors of SRAM, Felt and ZIPP
Free food and drinks at all the food stops on The Tour Ride
I’ve taken some time out of clearing my study to go through my computer and clear out any old files that I have. While doing so, I came across this video that I took while at Cycle Show in London this year.
It’s of the man that Saddleback Ltd – importers of Felt, SRAM, ZIPP, Castelli, etc – use to ‘gain’ people’s attention at the show and bring them onto their stand. Not sure if he get’s them onto the stand, but he does manage to get their attention.
Anyway, it tickled me to watch people get caught unaware by this guy so thought I’d film it and get it up here. As they say, better late than never. Enjoy!
Oh, more importantly, Merry Xmas everyone!!
Ok, so yesterday I had the opportunity to attend my very first bicycle exhibition. I was lucky enough to get a press pass from the organisers so I took full advantage of it and have now got loads of pics of products we can expect to see in stores in 2009.
With over 170 exhibitors at the show, it makes for one very full day of walking, talking and trying out new gear. I have to say, I felt like I was a kid in a sweet shop. There was so much to see and do that at first I didn’t even know which way to go as I didn’t want to miss out on anything. So much so, that I even went round a second time, just to make sure I saw all the stands.
Being an avid photographer, I took my camera with me. This is what I got:
Cycle 2008
Garmin
Bianchi
Mavic
Mavic Support Car
Castelli & Felt on the Saddleback stand
BH G4 - self proclaimed world
Pinarello Racing Team
And these are just a taste of things to come. I will post some more pics of racing frames and gear in future posts to come later today.
So if you are looking for something to do this weekend, get yourself over to Earl’s Court. There’s something for everyone – even the kids will enjoy it with their own test track. You definitely won’t be disappointed! Visit Cycle 2008 for more information.
Less than half a day to go before the start of Cycle 2008 and I’m looking forward to it. To be honest, I’ve never been to a bicycle exhibition in all the time that I have been riding a bicycle. Am glad I have the opportunity to attend tomorrow so will be making the most of it.
So having a read through the press release section of the Cycle 2008 website, there are quite a few tidbits that seem of interest. One in particular is about cycling stars and the actual bikes they have been riding that will be available to see at the exhibition.
For cycling enthusiasts, this includes:
Tour de France Winner Carlos Sastre’s Cervelo R3-SL will on exhibit at the Sigma Sport stand.
Magnus Backstedt’s Felt AR Team issue bike from Tour de France and Tour of Britain can be seen on the Saddleback stand. Magnus himself will also be at the show every day on the stand.
The Giant belonging to the fastest sprinter in the world, Mark Cavendish, will be there for all to see on the Shimano stand.
For the mountain bikers:
Madison will proudly be hosting the Commencal World Championship winning bike of Gee Atherton. Gee will also be on the stand throughout the show.
On the Dirt Magazine Stand they’ll be showing off the bikes that normally carry Steve Peat, Dan Atherton, Tracy Moseley and Matt Simmonds, hopefully they’ll be clean, otherwise the Dirt stand will certainly live up to its name.
BMXers:
Shanaze Reade, who spectacularly crashed out of the final of the BMX event at the Beijing Olympics, will have her bike at the Shimano stand, alongside Mark’s Giant.
Trekkies (not of the ‘Star Trek’ kind):
The last bike to ever beat the flying Scotsman, Chris Hoy, which was ridden by Theo Bos will also be on the Shimano stand throughout the show.
So, not sure what to do this weekend? Get yourself over to Cycle 2008 at Earl’s Court in London. Sounds like heaven to me.
Sweat 'n Gears 