I found a very pleasant bike route from York to Scarborough. As I had panniers I wasn't too keen to take on too many tough climbs in the North York Moors so I took what I believed to be the least hilly route - basically stay away from the seriously hilly stuff in the North York Moors and keep to the "easier" Yorkshire Wolds and the Howardian Hills.
The Vale of York was, as expected pretty flat, but the rest was surprising untaxing. The only stiff climb I had to face before reaching Dalby Forest was the 16% gradient of Terrington Bank.
Dalby Forest is quite undulating - not surprising as it's a mountain bike trail centre. There are a few 15% ramps to negotiate in there. What goes up, must come down though so I really enjoyed the speedy car free descents.
Once out of Dalby Forest I was only 10 miles from the seaside, but I couldn't see any sign of coastline or hear any sea gulls. Well, because there was a high ridge right in front of me, and all I had was a feeling of dread at the realisation that I would have to climb over that before I could reach the sea.
I made the most of the sweeping descent into Langdale End, and then tackled the succession of lumps between there and Scalby. It was pretty quad busting stuff, especially as I couldn't get out of the saddle with the load that was on my bike.
I eventually made it to Scarborough after 60 miles and I'm not sure how many hours. Ok, so the ride hadn't been altogether a breeze, but it was still the least arduous route that I could have taken - both in terms of gradient, and the quietness of the roads.
Once in Scarborough I very quickly found myself on the coast, and was able to savour all the beach traditions - the amusement parks, the tacky souvenir shops, the all-day karaoke, the Harry Ramsdens, the donkeys...etc. I rewarded myself with a meal of chips and ice cream on the sea front at Marine Drive, before heading homewards. The ride had been pretty and I'd had wall to wall sunshine, so I couldn't complain.
View York - Scarborough in a larger map
Thursday, 14 May 2009
Wednesday, 13 May 2009
100 Years of Passion
2.53am on 13th May 1909 outside Hotel Loreto, in Milan. A crowd gathered as riders wheeled out their bikes to start the first Giro d'Italia. The race, just like the Tour de France, under the direction of Armando Cougnet who wanted to increase the circulation of the Italian sports newspaper, La Gazetta dello Sport.
More than a hundred brave souls rolled out over the start line in front of a few hundred fans, ready to face 2,448km over 8 stages. Among them were the local heroes of the day - Giovanni Rossignoli, Giovanni Gerbi (The Red Devil), the French star Lucien Petit-Breton, and the eventual winner Luigi Ganna.
The race was a real adventure for many and was a real test of survival. 127 riders began the race, but only 49 finished. In fact Giovanni Gerbi, one of the main contenders, very quickly saw his hopes dashed when a crash just 1500m into the first stage (397km from Milan to Bologna) damaged his bike. Sadly, there was no immediate mechanical support available for him so he had to hang around for 3 hours while the mechanic repaired the wheel and the frame.
Those riders who managed to stay in the race had to continue through various hazards such as racing alongside galopping horses, or having to weave around herds of cattle.
Of course the roads were a big problem too. The surface was completely churned up by rain and other adverse weather conditions, and there were many trenches that riders had to dodge around.
The stages were so long that riders would be racing through the night, with the headlights from the following car as their only guide. It was not uncommon for riders to lose their way along the course.
Furthermore, as if all this wasn't a challenge enough there were the bikes. Luigi Ganna romped through the course on a 15kg Bicci Atala bicycle which carried two large bottles in a bar bag. It was a fixed wheel bike that had 5.17 metres development. (I'm not au fait with these things but It's equivalent to riding 42 x 19on a modern bike.)
Needless to say this gearing was not enough to get over mountains. At that time the main "mountain stages" were in the foothills of the Appenines, with the biggest climbs being of around 650m high. Most riders had to walk up the climbs, and only the formidable Gerbi (The Red Devil), and the impressive Giovanni Rossignoli being the only riders to cycling up these peaks.
With all the passion and avid following that the Giro was receiving in those days the organisers still had to pay attention to safety, and on one of the stages the organisers had to move the finish line 3 times - so much was the interest from the masses.
Finally, after 8 stages and 17 days Luigi Ganna won after a thrilling final stage, ahead of Carlo Galletto in the first Giro d'Italia bike race in 1909. Had the race been based on accumulated time, as it is today, Giovanni Rossignoli would have won. However, back then the winner was decided by the racer with the lowest cumulative number of points. After Ganna crossed the finish line, when asked how he felt about the win, all he could say was - "Crikey, I've got a sore bum!"
So nowadays the format may have changed significantly, and the riders are blessed with more relibale, high tech equipment to use over much "shorter" stages.
What hasn't changed though is the sponsor of the event - Gazzetta dello Sport, the avidness of the tifosi, and of course the passion of everyone involved.
Thursday, 30 April 2009
Women's Race at the Smithfield Nocturne
Great news! We will have a women's race at the Smithfield Nocturne in London on June 6th. Yay! It's a big deal for us racing chicks as it's been a while since there was a women's criterium race in the heart of London. These series of evening crits, Sponsored by Rapha, have been running for a couple of years now. They attract large crowds, especially at this Central London location, where there is a packed programme of fun events. They are all quite different, but they all provide for exhilarating, rip-roaring action and a great evening out. With lots of trendy City bars in this historic part of London, spectators have a lot to keep themselves busy with in between the races.
It's always great to race in Central London, where you have not just the cycling community out watching you, but a whole manner of passers-by. Many don't know much about bike racing, but with all the fanfare it's difficult to ignore what's going on, and the sport even acquires new fans.
Women's racing has never been on the agenda at these events. But this year, the organisers are trying something different. For us, it's once again a great opportunity to show off our side of the sport, and hopefully people will come away with a very favourable opinion of women's criterium racing.
So I'm off to get my entry in - as well as a bit of training!
Hey, Let's Be Careful Out there
I used to love watching Hill Street Blues on a late Friday or Saturday night during the '80s. My favourite part was the pre-credits when Sergeant Phil uttered that phrase as all the officers were dashing out after the 5.30am roll call: "Hey, Let's be careful out there."
Nowadays that phrase has so much more meaning, especially when riding around London. It's more like London Cyclist Street Blues - even tragedies.
Although the number of cycling accidents and fatalities in London is down compared to to 4 or 5 years ago, there is still no room for complacency. Thirteen cyclists were killed in road traffic accidents (RTAs) in London last year - nine of them involved heavy goods vehicles (HGVs). So far this year four cyclists have been killed on London's roads. All of them involved HGVs.
Last month was particularly tragic when two cyclists were killed within the space of a week - one at Old Street, and the other at Elephant and Castle.
There was a horrible story of a guy taking part on a cycling forum reading about how a serious accident had occurred in West London. He later discovered that it was his girlfriend who was the fatality.
Look at this photo.
That's how my club-mate's bicycle ended up when a lorry suddenly turned across his path. Miraculously he had the reflexes to literally jump off his bike and save his skin. He's now nursing a badly cut leg and a very bruised ankle.
Another club mate of mine is also recovering after being knocked off her bike while on her way to work.
What's happening to our cyclists in London?
The statistics show that the majority of fatal accidents are as a result of cyclists being crushed by HGVs while turning left. The drivers failed to see the cyclist that was on the inside lane to them.
Various organisations including the CTC (UK's national cycling body), and the London Cycling Campaign have launched awareness campaigns so that HGV drivers pay special attention to cyclists. These organisations recommend the use of improved safety mirrors on lorries.
There are also various cycle training courses for people who wish to commute by bicycle. Furthermore, Mayor Boris Johnson (who is a cyclist) has put forward a proposal to the Department for Transport, for a pilot scheme in which cyclists are allowed to turn left at a red light provided there are no pedestrians crossing. This is a fairly contentious proposal, though in a way I can see his logic. By cyclists getting a head start from the lights, this will avoid the risk of being hit by other heavier vehicles moving off at the same time. The idea needs to be properly thought through though, as that will also increase the risk of being hit by other vehicles that have right of way in the cross-wise lanes.
Anyway, whatever measures are put in place it is ultimately still going to be down to ourselves as cyclists to be alert and keep our eyes and ears open to all that's around us at all times.
And hey, hey, hey - Let's be very careful out there.
Photo by Mark Parsons of Dulwich Paragon CC
Nowadays that phrase has so much more meaning, especially when riding around London. It's more like London Cyclist Street Blues - even tragedies.
Although the number of cycling accidents and fatalities in London is down compared to to 4 or 5 years ago, there is still no room for complacency. Thirteen cyclists were killed in road traffic accidents (RTAs) in London last year - nine of them involved heavy goods vehicles (HGVs). So far this year four cyclists have been killed on London's roads. All of them involved HGVs.
Last month was particularly tragic when two cyclists were killed within the space of a week - one at Old Street, and the other at Elephant and Castle.
There was a horrible story of a guy taking part on a cycling forum reading about how a serious accident had occurred in West London. He later discovered that it was his girlfriend who was the fatality.
Look at this photo.
That's how my club-mate's bicycle ended up when a lorry suddenly turned across his path. Miraculously he had the reflexes to literally jump off his bike and save his skin. He's now nursing a badly cut leg and a very bruised ankle.
Another club mate of mine is also recovering after being knocked off her bike while on her way to work.
What's happening to our cyclists in London?
The statistics show that the majority of fatal accidents are as a result of cyclists being crushed by HGVs while turning left. The drivers failed to see the cyclist that was on the inside lane to them.
Various organisations including the CTC (UK's national cycling body), and the London Cycling Campaign have launched awareness campaigns so that HGV drivers pay special attention to cyclists. These organisations recommend the use of improved safety mirrors on lorries.
There are also various cycle training courses for people who wish to commute by bicycle. Furthermore, Mayor Boris Johnson (who is a cyclist) has put forward a proposal to the Department for Transport, for a pilot scheme in which cyclists are allowed to turn left at a red light provided there are no pedestrians crossing. This is a fairly contentious proposal, though in a way I can see his logic. By cyclists getting a head start from the lights, this will avoid the risk of being hit by other heavier vehicles moving off at the same time. The idea needs to be properly thought through though, as that will also increase the risk of being hit by other vehicles that have right of way in the cross-wise lanes.
Anyway, whatever measures are put in place it is ultimately still going to be down to ourselves as cyclists to be alert and keep our eyes and ears open to all that's around us at all times.
And hey, hey, hey - Let's be very careful out there.
Photo by Mark Parsons of Dulwich Paragon CC
Monday, 27 April 2009
Enjoying a little more Springtime
I decided yesterday that the day's ride would be more about fun than serious training.
Fred and I, along with a few club-mates, took the mountain bikes out through Farthing Down and out to Reigate. Then we went across to Tadworth, back to Banstead and then home. It was a pedestrian paced ride, but just what I needed given my poor mountain biking skills and my need to take things easy.
Coming back through Banstead the woods looked beautiful and we found the chance for photo opportunity too difficult to resit.
We stopped, admired the bluebells and then Fred took a few snatched photos. I must admit I am actually happy with this one. Nothing to do with the rider! For me, it just represents what a spring day is about - moving around at a leisurely pace, smiling in the sun, and admiring the scenery around you.
photo by Fred
Fred and I, along with a few club-mates, took the mountain bikes out through Farthing Down and out to Reigate. Then we went across to Tadworth, back to Banstead and then home. It was a pedestrian paced ride, but just what I needed given my poor mountain biking skills and my need to take things easy.
Coming back through Banstead the woods looked beautiful and we found the chance for photo opportunity too difficult to resit.
We stopped, admired the bluebells and then Fred took a few snatched photos. I must admit I am actually happy with this one. Nothing to do with the rider! For me, it just represents what a spring day is about - moving around at a leisurely pace, smiling in the sun, and admiring the scenery around you.
photo by Fred
Thursday, 23 April 2009
Up the Palace!
Tuesday was the Queen's birthday - so what did we all do? We went to the Palace of course! Well, Crystal Palace actually.
And there was not a gun salute to be heard - just the sound of a whistle, a bell and a siren plus the whirring sound of the smooth pedalling and the odd clink from the chainging of gears. Of course there's the occasional shout of "hold your line", or "on your left", plus the regular cries of "work together, keep it going, dig in." All the while, suited and booted officials diligently make notes as a man shouts out the numbers of the riders who complete each lap of the circuit.
Thus is the routine of the Crystal Palace crit races, which started on Tuesday and will continue until the end of August.
I was in the priviledged position of not having to get involved in this merry go round of a circuit, which can be quite daunting even for some of the most seasoned road racers.
I leant my services as a marshall for the race. So it was just a case of standing at one of the entrances to Crystal Palace Park and alerting passers by and other park users of there being a cycle race in progress.
As we were quite flush with marshals there were 3 of us at this particular entrance, which is on a tricky hairpin on the circuit. It meant then that we were able to do a fair "division of labour" when it came to marshalling.
So at times I was able to just watch proceedings. On such a punishing circuit there's no where to hide. There are so many turns and corners, plus a challenging climb, thus many opportunities for you to be dropped. This course definitely finds holes in your training (or lack of it)!
Spectacting the race was very interesting. There's the guy who sets off like a lightning bolt from the gun, but then gets caught by the main group about 5 laps in and then he burns out and becomes relegated to peloton fodder. Some riders start off quite conservatively, just sitting in near the back end of the pack, and with the help of another fellow rider manage to work their way up to the main group, then contest the sprint for the line. The class act, for me is the one who just burns off the front from the gun and then manages to stay away for the whole of the race and win.
That's what Charlie Blackman (Cyclefit) did in the women's race. She did it in such style, and her victory was a very deserved one - especially as throughout the race I saw the sweat and heard the panting even from a good distance away!
My team mates from Dulwich did well. Two of them were new to the course, so were a little phased by the number and trickiness of the corners. They didn't disgrace the club by any means with their performances. Karen, the third rider finished just off the podium in fourth place.
I hope to be at Palace within the next few weeks. Watching the race has given me the motivation to have a go. I hope to race there soon.
photos by London Cyclesport
And there was not a gun salute to be heard - just the sound of a whistle, a bell and a siren plus the whirring sound of the smooth pedalling and the odd clink from the chainging of gears. Of course there's the occasional shout of "hold your line", or "on your left", plus the regular cries of "work together, keep it going, dig in." All the while, suited and booted officials diligently make notes as a man shouts out the numbers of the riders who complete each lap of the circuit.
Thus is the routine of the Crystal Palace crit races, which started on Tuesday and will continue until the end of August.
I was in the priviledged position of not having to get involved in this merry go round of a circuit, which can be quite daunting even for some of the most seasoned road racers.
I leant my services as a marshall for the race. So it was just a case of standing at one of the entrances to Crystal Palace Park and alerting passers by and other park users of there being a cycle race in progress.
As we were quite flush with marshals there were 3 of us at this particular entrance, which is on a tricky hairpin on the circuit. It meant then that we were able to do a fair "division of labour" when it came to marshalling.
So at times I was able to just watch proceedings. On such a punishing circuit there's no where to hide. There are so many turns and corners, plus a challenging climb, thus many opportunities for you to be dropped. This course definitely finds holes in your training (or lack of it)!
Spectacting the race was very interesting. There's the guy who sets off like a lightning bolt from the gun, but then gets caught by the main group about 5 laps in and then he burns out and becomes relegated to peloton fodder. Some riders start off quite conservatively, just sitting in near the back end of the pack, and with the help of another fellow rider manage to work their way up to the main group, then contest the sprint for the line. The class act, for me is the one who just burns off the front from the gun and then manages to stay away for the whole of the race and win.
That's what Charlie Blackman (Cyclefit) did in the women's race. She did it in such style, and her victory was a very deserved one - especially as throughout the race I saw the sweat and heard the panting even from a good distance away!
My team mates from Dulwich did well. Two of them were new to the course, so were a little phased by the number and trickiness of the corners. They didn't disgrace the club by any means with their performances. Karen, the third rider finished just off the podium in fourth place.
I hope to be at Palace within the next few weeks. Watching the race has given me the motivation to have a go. I hope to race there soon.
photos by London Cyclesport
Tuesday, 21 April 2009
Springtime
I could've gone for a run in the park near my work at lunchtime. Instead, I decided that today would be a rest day and I decided to do something I don't normally do during my lunch hour. I went for a stroll.
I put on my jacket, didn't take any money or work papers and just walked around St James' Park at a leisurely pace. This was probably inspired by the Slow Down London festival that starts this week.
Well, the only thing I took with me was my camera phone and as I ambled along I stopped and contemplated various scenes and really marvelled at the colours, the architecture and the natural beauty in London on this lovely, sunny, Spring day.
There was no rushing around to be done, no thinking about my work, and it was something very enjoyable that I could do in Central London without needing to pay for it! I felt so much for refreshed when I returned to my desk for the afternoon session.
Here's a bit of what I saw.
I put on my jacket, didn't take any money or work papers and just walked around St James' Park at a leisurely pace. This was probably inspired by the Slow Down London festival that starts this week.
Well, the only thing I took with me was my camera phone and as I ambled along I stopped and contemplated various scenes and really marvelled at the colours, the architecture and the natural beauty in London on this lovely, sunny, Spring day.
There was no rushing around to be done, no thinking about my work, and it was something very enjoyable that I could do in Central London without needing to pay for it! I felt so much for refreshed when I returned to my desk for the afternoon session.
Here's a bit of what I saw.
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