Longest ride of the year...... So Far!

Got out with Ben again on Saturday, just the two of us as James is still buckling down with his Uni work. Here is my thoughts on Saturdays ride.

Longest training ride of the year so far, 83 miles. Set out from Hartlepool & headed to Richmond. Made quick work of getting there and had 15 minutes in the centre before setting off again. The return journey was
another story! After about 15 miles from Richmond I hit the wall. Through no fault but my own. I didn't take any food with me just energy drink in too bottles and I suffered! Ave speed dropped way off and I had to grind my way home fighting the demons in my head telling me to give up.
Eventually made it back in one piece and I'm shattered now 5 hours later!
I will never fail to prepare for such a long ride again. Today's experience has left me questioning if I will manage the 130 + miles (one day - Coast 2 coast challenge) in June!

Route: Hartlepool - Richmond - Hartlepool Google Maps: http://j.mp/f6Y21j
Ride Time: 5:00:29
Distance: 82.46 miles
Average: 16.47 miles/h
Fastest Speed: 42.59 miles/h
Ascent: 1272 feet







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Sponsorship Deal

We are currently looking to secure a sponsorship deal for our challenge. We are hoping for a corporate sponsor to help with food and refreshments throughout the event; kit for training and the event itself (including warm and wet weather clothing); and bike repairs. We have paid for a professional designer to design our kit to which you will have a choice of where you would like your logos on the jerseys, shorts, cars and bikes (and banners on the fund raising days).

We would very much like you to be associated with our event for charity and we feel it will benefit all parties involved. At your request we can organize a meeting to discuss the finer detail in the hope of securing a sponsorship deal.

Please get in touch if you feel you can help.

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Middlesbrough Cycle Circuit

Was invited to the opening of Middlesbrough's new purpose built cycle circuit yesterday. I was very impressed. It was a great turn out, representatives from various organisations, cycle clubs a local school etc. All bringing their bikes along as well.
The opening commenced with speeches from The Mayor & British Cycling before the ribbon was cut and everyone was able to cycle round the track for the first time.
I don't think I quite new what to expect having never road on a closed circuit before. I think it is going to be an ideal opportunity for people ( myself included) to training all year round, especially in the winter. It is also a great opportunity to entice more people into the sport of cycling aiming sessions at all abilities and experience adults and children alike. I myself am looking forward to signing up to take part in the Go Race series starting in April. This is for people who have never experienced circuit racing before and enables them to ride with like minded competitors wanting to try racing for the first time! Can't wait.
I enjoyed flying round the track a few times whilst there and can definitely see myself getting back through there ASAP.



The club house at the new cycle circuit.




Sky Ride Leaders at the opening of the cycle circuit.







The Mayor giving his speech about the new circuit.

Short video of people coming round the last corner before the home straight.

My point of view video whilst cycling 1 lap round the circuit. Don't let the heavy breathing put you off. I had just finished a few flying laps!

I really think the circuit is going to be fantastic for the area. Let's just hope it doesn't get vandalised and ruined by youths!

I must also mention that if it wasn't for the legend that is @BenAuty I wouldn't of made it to the opening. Whilst cleaning my bike on Monday night I noticed that one of my tyres had failed. It was too late to find a bike shop open so Ben stepped in to save the day and offered up his new ZX's for me to lend.



These tyres are fantastic and look great! I am not looking forward to giving them back.

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Keeping you up to date.

It's been a while since we have written a blog so thought it was about time one was wrote again.

Think it's been about 3 weeks since the last post & in that time there has been some serious training done. Unfortunately James hasn't been able to train much lately so it's just been myself & @BenAuty. The last time we saw James he was sliding across the tarmac at 30mph leaving skin and clothing behind. We were flying over 3 weeks ago on a quick flat route. @BenAuty & @jamesgutridge had already dropped me on the home leg and they were flying! Ben was having a great day and was pulling us both along at speeds topping 30mph on the flat. Unfortunately this ended in tears though James touched Bens wheel and took a dive! Ouch. He was ok however and dusted himself down and we finished the ride.
Pic of myself, a little mucky after sitting in Ben & James wheels all day.


Since then its just been myself & Ben each weekend. 2 weeks ago myself & Ben both took part in our first Sportive of the year (Ben's first ever Sportive) The Captain Cook Challenge. We both travelled through to Saltburn early on the Sunday morning to eventually set off around 10am. This was a tough course with lots of tough climbs that we had previously hit during our mornings in the moors! We both opted for the shorter route of 57mile and decided to give it as much as we could. We both performed very well and ended up finishing 7th & 8th after comparing times of a field of 50. We were both very pleased with this, Ben especially performed extremely well in his first Sportive and left me with around 10mile to go powering back to the finish.



Pic of myself climbing Kildale on The Captain Cook Challenge.



On Saturday just gone it was time to get out again. We decided on something slightly different, after conquering the climbs of Kildale, & Commondale I decided it was worth having a crack at Carlton bank. Myself and Ben headed out from Hartlepool along the coast road
headed out through Seaton then onto Port Clarence. This was extremly difficult into the wind all the way. Then through Acklam onto Stokesly out through Carlton before psyching ourselves up for Carlton Bank. What a killer! Had to stop half way before continuing the monstrous climb. Brief stop at Lord Stones then put the hammer down and dug in deep onto Chop Gate, descended Clay Bank and retraced home to Hartlepool!



@BenAuty taking a rest half way up Carlton Bank.



Myself giving it one last push to get over the top of Carlton Bank.



Lord Stones Cafe stop.




Finished Cycle: 12 Mar 2011 12:03:34
Route: Hartlepool - Carlton Bank & Return
Shortened Google Maps URL: http://j.mp/h06Pgk
Ride Time: 3:38:42
Distance: 60.69 miles
Average: 16.65 miles/h
Fastest Speed: 41.85 miles/h
Ascent: 1615 feet


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