Big Ride In The Moors

Wednesday - 27/4/2011

The plan for the day was to cover 100 miles in prep for the C2C which is now fast approaching. The route was plotted & I was to rendezvous with James & Mike before heading out to Helmsley & Whitby before looping back to Middlesbrough, this would bring us in at just under 100 miles.

So I left Hartlepool in the car and headed to the Cycle Circuit in Boro to meet with the others for a 9am start. In the end we set off about 9.20am & headed out up Marton Road at a good pace. We turned right down Brass Castle Way & began making our way through the lanes to Hutton Rugby. I was leading the way the majority of the time with James & Mike tucking in my wheel. As we approached Hutton Rugby James hit the little climb first I was second & decided to jump out the saddle to attack it only for me to loose the chain a 1/3 of the way up. This is only a very short climb but difficult to get clipped back in and restarted on the bank, so I decided to descend to get turned round then up I went. Through Hutton Rugby and a left turn for Sexhow had us heading towards Carlton and the 7/10 difficulty rate Carlton Bank. None of us up until today were yet to make it up Carlton Bank in one go, would today be the day? We decided we would all climb at our on pace and re group at the tops of climbs. I lead the way spinning well up the gentle incline out the village and over the cattle grid. James was a little further back grinding away with Mike taking up the rear spinning at his own pace. (it should be noted that Mike is fairly new to cycling & has never experienced climbs like he would today ever before) Once over the cattle grid I jumped out the saddled and began bouncing on the peddles getting over the first sharp inclines, I was doing well, on my last attempt I had to stop twice splitting the climb into three. This time I was determined to get all the way up without stopping. But it wasn't to be Carlton Bank had beat me again, I managed to reached the right hand turn at the top but had to stop before the last kick up as my breathing & heart were sky high I was risking passing out. I pulled over at the side and waiting for James & Mike before tackling the last little section. James pulled in to join me for a break while Mike decided to continue on completing the climb at his first attempt in one go! Well done Mike, excellent climbing.



James and Mike getting up Carlton Bank to where I had stopped to wait!







Once up & over Carlton bank we stopped for a little rest at Lord Stones cafe, unfortunately it was closed so we had to make do with a couple of energy bars on the road side.
We were soon off again flying to Chop Gate at break neck speed and turning right to head for Helmsley. I had never previously cycled all the way to Helmsley before, having usually turned off for Hawnby but I now know I have been missing out. The road to Helmsley from Great Broughton is Fantastic. This road has it all speed, views to die for and a lovely climb of Newgate Bank. We flew along this road with myself and James pulling on the front and we were in Helmsley before we knew it breaking to get down to the 30mph speed limit!
Time for a quick stop to refuel on water and bars in Helmsley before setting of again.



James & Mike topping up with water in Helmsley centre.



So off we went again at a good pace heading through Kirbymoorside and onto Hutton le Hole. A long steady climb into Hutton le Hole had us pass a few other riders & also had ourselves strung out.
Once arriving at Hutton le Hole we pulled in and re grouped. Mike declared that he was starting to suffer as this was now one of the longest rides he has ever done if not the longest and toughest. We discussed cutting the ride short and heading straight for Castleton but I convinced them that there wasn't much climbing left, after all we would be descending Rosedale Chimney not having to climb it! How wrong I was to be...............
We hopped on our bikes and made light work of the sharp incline out of Hutton le Hole up towards Rosedale. At the top we were left with a choice of two roads. I opted for us to go left onto the road which stated Rosedale Chimney Bank Top 1:3 gradient not suitable for large vehicles! I though Rosedale would be easy as we would be descending the fearsome bank, however I didn't think abut having a long climb up the opposite side first. This climb was extremely energy sapping. Starting with a very steep gradient which eventually levels out but then just rolls up & up gently. By this point Mike was way off the back suffering. James was also feeling it and decided to wait for Mike to Catch up. I decided to plough on and eventually reached the car park at the Chimney Bank top.



Once again I waited and we regrouped at the car park before taking on the descent of the chimney! This was with out a doubt one of the most frightening couple of minutes I have gad on the bike! I honestly think I would rather have a crack at climbing the Chimney than have to go down it again.

Once down we again stopped to check where we would head from here.



It was decided that we should now look to pick the quickest / shortest route back everyone was starting feel it from all the climbing we had in our legs up to this point. So there would be no Whitby today and a new route was quickly thought up. We would head back towards Castleton before turning for Kildale, hopefully avoiding any more major climbs!
Unfortunately once out of the valley that Rosedale appears to sit in the road kicks up again onto the Moor! At this point I pushed on and found myself way out front and climbing well. I reached the top of the moor I sat up to wait from James & Mike to catch up.


Once back together it was obvious James and Mike were almost spent! I sat on the front trying to pull them along but they didn't appear to have much left in their legs. This was going to be a long difficult stretch back with nothing left in the tank!
We were eventually turning right at the T junction and onto the fast run into Castleton. Once at Castleton I discussed with the lads that I was pushed for time so had to push on to get back for work on the evening. So it was decided that if I felt ok I would push on and leave Mike & James to make it back at a steady pace.
I flew down Dibble Bridge and onto the long drag of a climb that goes on & on all the way up and over the Moor again before descending fast and then the last short climb of the day Crag Bank. By this time James & Mike were along way back and I was turning left and on the final push at speed through Kildale, Great Ayton & on towards Marton. Eventually arriving back at the Cycle Circuit.
What a fantastic day out this was, I believe Mike & James arrived in Great Ayton about 30 mins after me and stopped for a while to rest before making their way back into Middlesbrough Centre.
This was without a doubt one of the best days I have ever had in the moors! Loved every minute, even the frightening descents and painful climbs! A hell of slot of climbing done in one day! I would recommend this route to everyone, fantastic scenery and a real challenge.
Can't wait to get back out in The Moors again,

Stats from the ride:

Finished Cycle: 27 Apr 2011 15:07:16
Route: Boro - Helmsley - Whitby
Google Maps URL: http://maps.google.com/?q=http://share.abvio.com/57ff/6606/4b6c/b05a/Cyclemeter-Cycle-20110427-0907.kml
Shortened Google Maps URL: http://j.mp/fvTgyv
Import URL: http://share.abvio.com/57ff/6606/4b6c/b05a/Cyclemeter-Cycle-20110427-0907.kml
Ride Time: 4:39:45
Stopped Time: 1:19:43
Distance: 68.68 miles
Average: 14.73 miles/h
Fastest Speed: 38.30 miles/h
Ascent: 3964 feet
Calories: 0

http://www.cyclemeter.com



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Steady 50

Had a steady 50 miles out this morning with James & Mike. Met James at the new cycle circuit at 8.20am. Spent a little time tinkering with the bike as the gearing doesn't appear to be running correctly. Once sorted we set off and headed out to get Clay Bank out the way nice & early. Headed out through Marton, towards Stokesly & onto Great Broughton before hitting the slopes of Clay Bank. After a few months off training James took Clay Bank nice a steady as too not burn out too early. I was feeling good after all my early season climbing and I hit it hard. It's the best I have climbed Clay Bank & I still felt good at the top getting out the saddle to power over the last 100 metres or so! Quick refuel at the top and a U turn back down for a very Fast Decent. James recorded 45 mph on the decent pulling away from me a little. Quickly through Great Broughton & retracing our steps back to the circuit to meet up with Mike.
Mike joined us at the circuit & we set off again for a second spell this time out towards Yarm through Hemlington. We made quick work of getting to Leven Bank. Again I took to the front immediately got out the saddle and pressed on up the climb. This seemed a lot shorter than last time I remember it.
At the back of Yarm we made a left and headed through Kirklevington towards Crathorn. On from Crathorn towards Hutton Rugby where we had a quick 10 minutes to re group & re fuel. On the home stretch now back to the circuit through Seamer & Tanton Bends, right at Brass Castle Lane and a nice smooth ride behind the golf course. Left down Marton Road and back to the circuit.
Fantastic day out in the glorious sunshine & nice to see James back on the bike & Mike joining us for the first time. Well done boys.

Stats: 9 Apr 2011 12:03:50
Route: Marton Rd - Clay Bank & Yarm & Crathorn.
Shortened Google Maps URL: http://j.mp/ghKG7t
Ride Time: 2:36:59
Distance: 46.39 miles
Average: 17.73 miles/h
Fastest Speed: 41.72 miles/h
Ascent: 1198 feet











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First ever Circuit Race

So I am sat now reflecting on my first ever circuit race tonight. I had been extremely nervous all day about taking part and at times was trying to think of excuses not to go along. As the start time got nearer the nervous grew even more, I can't remember the last time I felt as nervous as I did tonight. So I arrived at the circuit at 6.30 with the start time for my Category Scheduled for 7.00. Parked the car, threw the bike together & got changed. Short little cycle to the club house were I went to sign in. The alarm bells began to ring when there didn't appear to be the separate Go Race Category (beginners) as promised. The first race appeared to be full of 4th Cat riders and I was told to signing this list! :-{ out of the club house I went and began a few gentle laps to warm up with the rest of the riders. Just before 7.00 we were all brought together at the start Line around 30 - 40 riders in total. The race organiser then announced that due to only 3 of us being entered into the Go Race category we all ride together as one group with the 4th Cats.
Couple of steady laps was complete with meet chatting to a fellow rider at the back before the pace kicked up. As soon as this happened I found it hard to move up the group with everyone riding two abreast and no-one willing / wanting to give up a wheel to let me in. People soon began to find this tough and dropped off the back. I soon followed. I started to kick though and began over taking riders infront as I desperately tried to get back onto the main field.
I soon realised this was not going to happen & began to ride my own race aim to pass riders as they found themselves dropped also. I spent the majority of the race alone chasing & as I passed people they began to latch on to me but not willing to do any work themselves. When they did come through I found the pace too slow, especially now as the race progressed & the lead riders were gaining to take a lap. A comment from another rider told me to work with them and we may hold the lap off a bit longer, however their pace seemed too slow & once again I found myself pulling away alone! Eventually 4 laps from the end the inevitable happened and I was lapped. I found this slightly demoralising however I continued on & finished the race. Overall I think I am happy after tonight. I believe I ended up racing against some very good cyclists.
Positives for me are: that I didn't finish last, & no where near last. I now have more of an idea what to expect & nerves have now been replaced by excitement for next week. I know I must ride towards the front of the group if I am to stay there.

Negatives are: chasing out of corners from the back are no fun!
I can't help but feel a little annoyed as though I could of given more as I don't feel that tired. I don't feel as tired or aching as I do after my long weekend rides at a steady pace!

Overall though a fantastic experience & learning curve & I can't wait for next week!

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Training Update:

Training hasn't been great over the last week. Due to my birthday it was difficult to fit a long ride in at the weekend (especially when hungover). I did however get out for an hour on the Sunday evening through at the Circuit in Middlesbrough. Really enjoyed this as I had the complete circuit to myself for an hour. Although it was a little bit difficult to find motivation to go quick especially into a stiff head wind when riding alone.
I also joined the gym this week with the intentions of getting in there when time allows to start working on some core stability and get back into a strength training programme that has been lacking for some time now. Im really impressed by the new gym. There is some fantatic machines, all brand new. this is something my previous gym lacked, the equipment was becoming extremely dated. They also have two state of the art Power Plate machines which I had never used before until Tuesday. They seem fantastic, I think they will really help with recover after rides, encouraging more blood flow around the body and reducing swelling.

I am as I write this blog I'm starting to get a little nervous about what is in store for me tonight. I am signed up to take part in my first ever official race! A circuit race around the new track at Prissick Base in Middlesbrough. This involves 25 minutes of racing plus 2 additional laps to finish. I really don't know what to expect and hope I can keep up with the others. I will let you know how I get on with a blog tomorrow.

Also looks like James is finally going to be free to starting hitting the roads again from this weekend. So a route needs planning to ease us both back in for Saturday morning. We really now need to start focusing on the training as although I feel I now have a good base level of fitness there is still a long way to go before June 11th and the time is ticking away.