After the BMC film project I had a date with the longest bike ride I've ever done. Back in the early spring I persuaded Catrin and Andy that signing up for the Etape Eryri was a really great idea and what's more going for the Mawr route was the only option. Now unfortunately the British summer wasn't exactly helpful with long sunny days to go out training being at a minimum. Yes, I know I should have gone out in the rain......but it just seems wrong on a lovely bike, and it's also a bit worrying with them wee narrow tyres. Anyway, the day finally came and after the first half hour Andy was fed up of riding at such slow speeds so he chipped off and we didn't see him until the end. Catrin and I pottered around at our own speed - which had moments of being reasonable quickly but mostly wasn't. I am happy to report that we were pretty good at riding up hills though and managed to overtake quite a number of folks along the way. I was doing well until about half way round when the old spine started to give me some gyp. Now trying to press on pedals with a sore back is not easy, but after a double dose of painkillers and quite a bit of poor Catrin waiting for me (thanks Cats) I got my second wind as we reached Pen y Pass and hurtled down the Pass and along to the final climb over Waunfawr. We arrived back into Caernarfon in beautiful sunshine. It was like a french village hosting a mini Tour de France. And what was even better was the on-hand massuers who would give your legs a going over for a very modest fee - thanks!!103 miles with 1650m of up - pretty bloody tiring!
Since then I've been trying to get some miles in, doing a regular 10mile time trial and racing some more at Ashton circuit. This has finally led to a tiny bit of improvement. I've equalled my TT PB, and then by a miracle at this weeks Ashton race I actually managed to stay with the main group and finish without getting dropped and hence without getting lapped. I was PSYCHED!! Even got my first ever race licence points. I think the training is starting to pay off. Andy's insistence on some sprint sessions on the turbo have helped me hang onto the wheels of other riders when they accelerate as is the case coming out of the hairpin at Ashton. I will admit it was a small field and I'm pretty sure it wasn't the fastest race ever, but I really felt like I was involved in the race for the first time and I really actually enjoyed it.
Meanwhile climbing seems to have taken a bit of a backseat........which is less than ideal as we are off to Lundy in about 3 weeks - better get myself back on some rock, or will that be plastic?
