Looking forward to riding with my friends tonight. Forecast looks grim with a bit of rain and a nice strong headwind to contend with. Hope some of the Rouleurs turn up tonight to share the wind and that I don't end up behind a pin like Lance!
Must be getting reflective in my old age. Tonight's blog could go either way.
Heid/Pic, you will be missed tonight.
Wednesday, 18 May 2011
Tuesday, 17 May 2011
Graham's nightmare
No it wasn't his recent 70.3 race in Mallorca, although we await for his race report to be posted on the blog. Composed on the bog - posted on the blog! I think that's the working title anyway....
As you know his sleep was a little deprived before he departed for sunnier climes, not quite to Cormac's extent, but this was partly because he was pumped having towed the group down Westferry at up to 34mph, but mostly because of frustration at the etiquette (LACK OF) on display last night!
I will let him explain in his own words....
"I have taken the time to find a link to a simple and concise description of a chaingang for anyone who is unclear as the what it is about....
http://cyclinginfo.co.uk/blog/training/cycling-in-a-chain-gang/
The first point in the tips is the most important one. by all means attack, but half hearted attempts to cause a break will only break the rhythm of the group, and deter people from working through. And as such please note the following is NOT an acceptable interpretation:
Please note that this is a G3R ride. We are not road racers and we use this ride as a semi-structured training session i.e. we want a workout, and don't want to get stuck 4th wheel doing 100watts because people decide that they're really not that keen on hitting the front after all. Work through, or sit at the back. If you disagree with any of the above, feel free to go ride with any other group. The Renfrew bunch do the same route Tuesdays and Thursdays."
I was feeling the love.
As you know his sleep was a little deprived before he departed for sunnier climes, not quite to Cormac's extent, but this was partly because he was pumped having towed the group down Westferry at up to 34mph, but mostly because of frustration at the etiquette (LACK OF) on display last night!
I will let him explain in his own words....
"I have taken the time to find a link to a simple and concise description of a chaingang for anyone who is unclear as the what it is about....
http://cyclinginfo.co.uk/blog/training/cycling-in-a-chain-gang/
The first point in the tips is the most important one. by all means attack, but half hearted attempts to cause a break will only break the rhythm of the group, and deter people from working through. And as such please note the following is NOT an acceptable interpretation:
- Ensure you are always sitting on a wheel and letting others do the work
- When you feel fresh and strong give all you have to ride to the front and create a gap between yourself and the group
- When, after 30 seconds, you burst (30 is probably generous) then let the group catch you and make sure you find a wheel to sit on
- Remain tucked up on a wheel until you feel recovered enough to repeat the above.
Please note that this is a G3R ride. We are not road racers and we use this ride as a semi-structured training session i.e. we want a workout, and don't want to get stuck 4th wheel doing 100watts because people decide that they're really not that keen on hitting the front after all. Work through, or sit at the back. If you disagree with any of the above, feel free to go ride with any other group. The Renfrew bunch do the same route Tuesdays and Thursdays."
I was feeling the love.
Wooden bike
I think this is one I have to add to the collection.
Anyone wanting one, circa £500 I think, should contact woodenbikeproject@gmail.com. The bike was designed and made by a group of students as part of their master's project.
Will get the G3R stickers on it!
Sunday, 15 May 2011
Wed 11th May - riding with honour
So summer had gone. Pozatto was off down south on a fashion shoot and shopping spree. Cooke was wielding the knife in the theatre; Macbeth, Schleck was off to language school and also to race sans decent wheels and Cippolini was still arguing with the UCI about what he could wear. Evans and Mechov were absent, in fact rumours abound that they have eloped (Mechov taking), Cancellara, well he was enjoying his other interest.... Hincapie was polishing his rocket no doubt, an "A" race beckons in Lanzarote. Pic had decided to test her cadence levels against the clock and we await details.
Lance gave us the pep. Quealey, Hushovd, Ullrich, Voigts, Voeckler, Lafferty (aka thief) all listened. Pooley joined late so missed the chat, so she will have to arrive for the 6pm depart to receive the wise words. Young Mark made a school boy error forgetting his cycling shoes. Mentally dress yourself from your feet up so you don't forget anything. That's your check. Don't do it again.
The rain was falling and the shouts in the main remained loud and clear. In the wind hand signals are needed and Lance reminded us of this.
A strong headwind meant it was tough from the beginning. The shelters within the bunch are getting less and less as the likes of Voeckler and Hushovd shed weight and inches. No big arses to hide behind!
Rolling onto the Westferry Lance kept us in check as we want him to, policing the bunch as our POTP. Voigts was obeying team orders for once, well at the beginning anyway and the work rate gradually increased along the Ferry. The new boy with the budgie smugglers sat off the back the entire way. He seemed to have taken some guidance from Menchov on acceptable cycling attire and had opted for something shorter than his standard Daisy Duke's!
The bunch thinned to Lance, Voigts, Voeckler, Hushovd and the thief as we approached Woodhall roundabout. An untimely increase in power by Voigts thinned it once again with Lance taking leave. Voeckler was caught napping as Hushovd stepped it up and dragged Voigts kicking and screaming along with the thief. The string snapped as Hushovd continued to apply the pressure and it was down to him and the baby faced pick pocket to fight it out. Hushovd showed his class and took the tape.
The feed zone allowed a brief rest before we dropped into Kilmacolm. Ullrich had popped something and attacked on the rise through Kilmacolm causing people to question their own tactics. Self doubt set in albeit briefly until the work ethic was restored. Through and off became the norm again as the rouleurs took advantage of gravity to drive the bunch towards Bridge of Weir. Lance and Ullrich were discussing old times as we approached Houston. Passion was evident from both.
Working evenly and honestly the string snapped again as Hushovd pulled the trigger. The thief continued in his wake stealing the shelter and following his wheel. Did he share, only Hushovd and he can answer. Who took the tape? Well that's for them to tell, but Hushovd has stepped up again!
Lance gave us the pep. Quealey, Hushovd, Ullrich, Voigts, Voeckler, Lafferty (aka thief) all listened. Pooley joined late so missed the chat, so she will have to arrive for the 6pm depart to receive the wise words. Young Mark made a school boy error forgetting his cycling shoes. Mentally dress yourself from your feet up so you don't forget anything. That's your check. Don't do it again.
The rain was falling and the shouts in the main remained loud and clear. In the wind hand signals are needed and Lance reminded us of this.
A strong headwind meant it was tough from the beginning. The shelters within the bunch are getting less and less as the likes of Voeckler and Hushovd shed weight and inches. No big arses to hide behind!
Rolling onto the Westferry Lance kept us in check as we want him to, policing the bunch as our POTP. Voigts was obeying team orders for once, well at the beginning anyway and the work rate gradually increased along the Ferry. The new boy with the budgie smugglers sat off the back the entire way. He seemed to have taken some guidance from Menchov on acceptable cycling attire and had opted for something shorter than his standard Daisy Duke's!
The bunch thinned to Lance, Voigts, Voeckler, Hushovd and the thief as we approached Woodhall roundabout. An untimely increase in power by Voigts thinned it once again with Lance taking leave. Voeckler was caught napping as Hushovd stepped it up and dragged Voigts kicking and screaming along with the thief. The string snapped as Hushovd continued to apply the pressure and it was down to him and the baby faced pick pocket to fight it out. Hushovd showed his class and took the tape.
The feed zone allowed a brief rest before we dropped into Kilmacolm. Ullrich had popped something and attacked on the rise through Kilmacolm causing people to question their own tactics. Self doubt set in albeit briefly until the work ethic was restored. Through and off became the norm again as the rouleurs took advantage of gravity to drive the bunch towards Bridge of Weir. Lance and Ullrich were discussing old times as we approached Houston. Passion was evident from both.
Working evenly and honestly the string snapped again as Hushovd pulled the trigger. The thief continued in his wake stealing the shelter and following his wheel. Did he share, only Hushovd and he can answer. Who took the tape? Well that's for them to tell, but Hushovd has stepped up again!
Thursday, 12 May 2011
To remind you...
The cast is as follows :-
Lance – old boy, bit mouthy, can be grumpy but occasionally shows his class – David Ogg – occasionally goes by the name of Johny (Frank’s dad).
Cippolini – flamboyant dress sense, always in the wheel but boy can he sprint – John Dargie.
Andy Schleck – younger brother of Frank, bit of a climber, naive but has come of age – Graham Leitch
Emma Pooley – tiny wee thing, does things by stealth, concentrating on cycling this year so could be dangerous – Karen Glendinning
Jan Ullrich – Fond of an off season diet but talented underneath it all, dedication over the winter means it may be his best season ever – Bruce Heron
Tina Pic - A cadence that's slower than the tick of a clock, all determination and experience our newest rider - Aileen Scott.
Hincappie – experienced and classy, eyes on retirement but he may have an Indian summer yet – Bruce Lees
Cadel Evans – anonymous a lot of the time – occasional brilliance if he turns up – Cormac MacCauley
Emma Davies – impressive palmarès, yet to be witnessed in the bunch – Emma Lamont
Nicole Cooke – undoubted winner on the road and a never say die attitude – Sian Tovey
Thor Hushovd – a big unit, class when he gets his frame shifting – Robert Heron
Pozatto – pretty boy of the bunch, all the newest shiny gear and with a preference for green - Gordon Durnan
Jason Queally – in his day one of the best riders on the track, living the dream again – Ian Churcher
Cancellara – sheer class on a bike, all power and undiluted adrenalin – Giancarlo Romano
Menchov – tall classy rider on his day, prone to having bambi like moments and a love affair with the tarmac – Stuart Reid
Jens Voigt – big unit, not that pretty to watch but effective – Brian Skinner
Thomas Voeckler – our own “petit blanc”" due to his small stature and pale complexion, famous for something once – he will have to remind us - Ewan Mulhern
Any other riders requiring a name?
Lance – old boy, bit mouthy, can be grumpy but occasionally shows his class – David Ogg – occasionally goes by the name of Johny (Frank’s dad).
Cippolini – flamboyant dress sense, always in the wheel but boy can he sprint – John Dargie.
Andy Schleck – younger brother of Frank, bit of a climber, naive but has come of age – Graham Leitch
Emma Pooley – tiny wee thing, does things by stealth, concentrating on cycling this year so could be dangerous – Karen Glendinning
Jan Ullrich – Fond of an off season diet but talented underneath it all, dedication over the winter means it may be his best season ever – Bruce Heron
Tina Pic - A cadence that's slower than the tick of a clock, all determination and experience our newest rider - Aileen Scott.
Hincappie – experienced and classy, eyes on retirement but he may have an Indian summer yet – Bruce Lees
Cadel Evans – anonymous a lot of the time – occasional brilliance if he turns up – Cormac MacCauley
Emma Davies – impressive palmarès, yet to be witnessed in the bunch – Emma Lamont
Nicole Cooke – undoubted winner on the road and a never say die attitude – Sian Tovey
Thor Hushovd – a big unit, class when he gets his frame shifting – Robert Heron
Pozatto – pretty boy of the bunch, all the newest shiny gear and with a preference for green - Gordon Durnan
Jason Queally – in his day one of the best riders on the track, living the dream again – Ian Churcher
Cancellara – sheer class on a bike, all power and undiluted adrenalin – Giancarlo Romano
Menchov – tall classy rider on his day, prone to having bambi like moments and a love affair with the tarmac – Stuart Reid
Jens Voigt – big unit, not that pretty to watch but effective – Brian Skinner
Thomas Voeckler – our own “petit blanc”" due to his small stature and pale complexion, famous for something once – he will have to remind us - Ewan Mulhern
Any other riders requiring a name?
Monday, 9 May 2011
Pies to die for.....
Ok, I have to share this with you. Some of you may already know about them and have been keeping them a secret from me. If so, shame on you!! This shop makes the best pies I have ever tasted. The vension one is out of this world. We will have them at our next posh cycling day at the end of the summer, but if you can't wait to try them then you can buy them online! Oh and that's not my crockery "by the way".
http://www.piesbypost.co.uk/
http://www.piesbypost.co.uk/
Hydration and the Bobble
We all know how important hydration is but I hate tap water. Found this and works perfectly. It's a water bottle that filters as you drink. Created by the Move Collective and designed by famed industrial designer Karim Rashid. Bobble improves the taste of water from your tap and gives an environmentally friendly replacement to single serve plastic water bottles. Sold online or in Harvey Nics if you are in Edinburgh and it comes in the right colours. Mine is pink!
http://www.planetorganic.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=bobble&x=0&y=0&gclid=CP2iy_DG2qgCFQEY4QodNRdz_A
http://www.planetorganic.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=bobble&x=0&y=0&gclid=CP2iy_DG2qgCFQEY4QodNRdz_A
Thursday, 5 May 2011
Wed 4th...a line in the sand
Take your turn on the front or Fuck off! Not quite politically correct but I think it conveys the message that the bunch wanted to put across.
Ability is what you're capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it. We like to ride well as a bunch. No accidents, look out for each other and respect the bunch. We choose to ride as a bunch because we trust and respect each other. Graham issued some rules let's try and follow them.
As it was it was another fabulous night. Lance had returned from his sojourn and our dedicated pro Graham was hurting the amateurs. Oh for the life of a pro rider. The ride out to the West Ferry was simple, through and off although a little fast. Aileen was half wheeling and causing Mark some pain as she wound the peleton up towards Bishopton. Looking left to the car park the open TT entrants were warming up, our own Cooke recording a 23.15 and Vandertoon not far behind with a mid 23.
A rumble down to the West Ferry and Voigts faked one of his usual attacks. All bluster with no substance.... A quad soon formed of Graham, Ewan, Crawford and Jens. Three working regularly with Jens taking the occasional rest what with being in his 5th decade now and age catching up on him. The run in to the end was fast and the trio broke away from Jens with Graham taking the tape.
Perversely the hill gave some rest bite and the group reconstituted at the top. An easy off from the top of the hill meant that Lance broke out his iPhone and was tweeting away until the peleton left Kilmacolm. Graham politely inviting riders through "take a fucking turn" yes please my good sir and the work started again. Lance attacked with vigour having found his legs again and drove us up the hill towards Houston. Jens attacked at the roundabout utilising his considerable mass in a game of momentum. Through and off was sporadic causing Graham to issue some more refined encouragement "come through or fuck off you bunch of lazy bastards". Quite how I found the oxygen to waste on a response surprised me. I confirmed that indeed my good man I was trying my best endeavouring to take a turn whilst on the rivet I think it came out thus "I am trying my fucking hardest". I am also at a loss as to what possessed me to try an attack 1,113 watts was my peak watts and I am certain it was the only time I dug like that last night. To be fair I only lasted 200m before the water collecting in the cheeks led me to conclude I was going to be sick. Find a wheel, find a wheel....Graham where are you when I need you. Salvation came in the form of Ewan towing G along. Through the S bends and G took the finish line again.
Boy has class in his legs.
Ability is what you're capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it. We like to ride well as a bunch. No accidents, look out for each other and respect the bunch. We choose to ride as a bunch because we trust and respect each other. Graham issued some rules let's try and follow them.
As it was it was another fabulous night. Lance had returned from his sojourn and our dedicated pro Graham was hurting the amateurs. Oh for the life of a pro rider. The ride out to the West Ferry was simple, through and off although a little fast. Aileen was half wheeling and causing Mark some pain as she wound the peleton up towards Bishopton. Looking left to the car park the open TT entrants were warming up, our own Cooke recording a 23.15 and Vandertoon not far behind with a mid 23.
A rumble down to the West Ferry and Voigts faked one of his usual attacks. All bluster with no substance.... A quad soon formed of Graham, Ewan, Crawford and Jens. Three working regularly with Jens taking the occasional rest what with being in his 5th decade now and age catching up on him. The run in to the end was fast and the trio broke away from Jens with Graham taking the tape.
Perversely the hill gave some rest bite and the group reconstituted at the top. An easy off from the top of the hill meant that Lance broke out his iPhone and was tweeting away until the peleton left Kilmacolm. Graham politely inviting riders through "take a fucking turn" yes please my good sir and the work started again. Lance attacked with vigour having found his legs again and drove us up the hill towards Houston. Jens attacked at the roundabout utilising his considerable mass in a game of momentum. Through and off was sporadic causing Graham to issue some more refined encouragement "come through or fuck off you bunch of lazy bastards". Quite how I found the oxygen to waste on a response surprised me. I confirmed that indeed my good man I was trying my best endeavouring to take a turn whilst on the rivet I think it came out thus "I am trying my fucking hardest". I am also at a loss as to what possessed me to try an attack 1,113 watts was my peak watts and I am certain it was the only time I dug like that last night. To be fair I only lasted 200m before the water collecting in the cheeks led me to conclude I was going to be sick. Find a wheel, find a wheel....Graham where are you when I need you. Salvation came in the form of Ewan towing G along. Through the S bends and G took the finish line again.
Boy has class in his legs.
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