Macmillan Charity Bike Ride

Sunday 3rd July 2011 is the date for the Macmillian charity bike ride raising funds for cancer research. This event is really well promoted and supported. Patron is former England cricket captain David Gower.


2011 has a "100" theme For centenary year

• 1. 100 Days - launch our appeal for cyclists 100 days before 3rd July
• 2. 100 x 10 - 1,000 cyclists taking part
• 3. £100 - raised by each cyclist
• 4. 100+ Sponsor’s Challenge - our sponsors to recruit 100 cyclists
• 5. 100 miles - cycle 100 miles in Macmillan’s centenary year
• 6. 100+ Cycling Jerseys - to sell
• 7. £100 extra - appeal to all our supporters for an extra £100
• 8. 100 volunteers - to make this our best year ever
• 9. £100,000 - our target for 2011
• 10. 100 Days - reach our £100,000 target 100 days after the ride

The route choices or options include 10, 20, 38, 48, 60 and 100 miles.

Entry is just £10 for all the routes, with the exception of the 100 which is £20.

All raising funds for charity, you also have the option to purchase a cycling jersey or t-shirt. These are really nice items.

Sponsors and supporters include:

• Sunseeker
• Primera Sports
• Daily Echo
• Keightly Collins Carpet & Flooring 
• Testlink Services 
• Interface 247 
• Steve Barker Building Services 
• Mitie 
• PBW Construction 
• Honda of Bournemouth 
• Oakwood Independent Mortgage Consultants
• Wessex Metal Stock Ltd

The rides will take in some really picturesque and beautiful parts of West and North Dorset. I am attending to enter at the Primera Sports event on Saturday at there Charminster branch. The dilemma I have is what distance, although my 7 year old daughter wants to do it, so maybe the 10 mile route with her will be really memorable and worthwhile!

Full details are available at http://www.macmillanbikeride.com/ 

Bike Maintenance & Repairs: Home Learning or Use a Professional

A question more than an article today. I believe that I maintain my bike quite well. Endeavouring to keep it quite clean after each ride and using appropriate lubricants and maintenance products ensuring key components (chain, disc brake rotors, drive-chain etc) continue to work well.
But with hydraulic brakes, 24 gears and suspension front forks, I have very limited, maybe even non-existent, knowledge of how to maintain or repair these parts of my bike.
Therefore what is best for me? Do I read some bike maintenance books, watch the multitude of videos available on YouTube or try and find a local weekend course to give me a basic understand and knowledge. Or do I just defer to the professionals?
Part of me really wants to learn how to perform simple maintenance or repair jobs on my bike, but part of me says could I do more damage than good and I should just book my bike in for services and repairs with the professionals.
Locally I have a couple of professional options. A dedicated bike repair shop that I have visited and they are very passionate and dedicated, as their whole business is just bike repairs. Plus they have an extensive menu style repair options with jobs priced and defined clearly. They are called Cycle Fix http://www.cyclefix.co.uk/.
An alternative is a mobile repair service, which has been recommended to me by a couple of bikers. Have visited his website and exchanged emails with the owner. The big appeal is that he is mobile and will come to home or workplace to conduct and complete repairs. They will provide a quote before undertaking any work as well. The company is called Bike Fixed http://www.bike-fixed.com/index.html
My gears defiantly need adjusting, especially for low range, plus my rear hydraulic brake must need a bleed or new mineral oil as I have to pump the back brake quite hard to get any pressure for it then to work. Any comments or feedback would be greatly appreciated

Wiggle Super Series: New Forest Spring MTB (Video)

Here is the video of the Wiggle Super Series New Forest MTB event I completed in just over 2hrs and 33mins

My MTB Wish List (Attire)

A couple of items of attire I am considering upgrading to.....

Fox Flux Helmet

Muddy Fox Baggies

My reasoning for these two items are reviews, style and market dominance for one (Fox helmet) and simple VFM (value for money) for the baggies.

Every review I have read and most of the experienced mountain bikers I have spoken with all state nothing but good things about the Fox Flux helmet. Common words used include "great fit", "very comfortable", "well made", "the best helmet on the market". I have tried one on and it does fit and feel really good. The challenge I have is trying to justify the £65 to purchase one, when I have a perfectly  acceptable Bell helmet that I purchased with my bike three years ago.

The Muddy Fox baggies appear to be fantastic value for money, with a high quality removable liner and well specified and well made shorts, all for under £20, the joys of Sports Direct (www.sportsdirect.com)

 

My MTB Wish List (Workshop)

A couple of items I think I need to purchase to help maintain and service my bike more easily

Topeak Track Pump

Park Workstand

Grease Gun & Teflon Grease

Muc Off Degreaser

My MTB Wish List (Longer Ride Items)

Thinking about purchasing some of the following items as I intend to do a few more longer rides across different locations....

CamelBak Rogue

Saris Solo Car Bike Rack

Knogg Lock

Having looked and considered a number of backpacks with drinking reservoir, I believe that the fact that Camelbak dominate the market and have such an extensive range, plus the whole range and plethora of cleaning and spare accessories make this a good purchase. Additionally I have chosen the Rogue model due to the extra pockets and storage options over the entry level models which are predominantly just bladders.

The Saris Solo is both exceptional value for money at circa £35, plus it is easy to fit, very well made, great reviews and simple and secure to confidently fit your bike too.

I like the Knogg locks due to the style, colour choices and design. Ideal for taking with you and using on a longer ride for cafe stops.

My MTB Wish List (On-Bike Accessories)

Here are some of the items I am considering purchasing and I have put on my wish list.....

Specialised P2 Overendz Bar Ends

Lizard Skin Frame Protection Patches

Cateyes LD610 LED white lens

Continental Vapour Tyre (Front)

Continental Vertical Tyre (Rear)

Topeak Two Timer CO2 Inflator

Hope Bar End Plugs

Electron Terra 2 Front Lights

Bar ends have been under consideration for a little while. This is mainly due to options related to comfort of my left hand and wrist, which occasionally becomes numb on longer rides. Aside from giving different hand position options whilst riding, it should make longer and bigger out of the saddle climbs easier. The reason I am considering the Specialised P2's is due to style, reviews, and quality, all for less than £20.

Hope bar-end plugs are a little indulgent, but look fantastic and perform really well. Just hard justifying the £20 expenditure.

I am a big fan of Continental tyres, and having looked at a number of reviews, these two models are fantastic value for money, but more importantly give great all round performance.

Cateyes light choice for me is mainly down to performance and reliability, as I have a Cateye front light that performs very well. Additionally I like the style and design of this rear light model, for a great price of less than £17.

Frame protection patches are a cheap, simple and essential purchase to ensure that my frame remains in good condition. Lizard Skin appears to be a higher quality and designed for purpose.

Upgrading my existing Topeak mini pump to model which incorporates CO2, is an intention if and when I do more MTB events. Purely due to convenience and quickness.

Finally winter lights would be the Electron Terra 2's. This is due to three factors - price (less than £100), style and reviews

Wiggle Super Series: New Forest Spring MTB (Part Two)

Directed to the start line, there was now no turning back! About 10 of us lined up on the start line to get our final instructions and a very quick demo of the signs that we need to look out for.
The organisation was really second to none. Starting and continuing concurrently were 3 x MTB events (Standard, Epic & Fun) and 2 x Road Sportives.
As part of the MTB event I needed to follow the orange signs and look for the four times that the course split between standard route and epic route.
Helmet on, right SPD clipped in and we were off. A nice steady pace saw us leave the safe confinds of Brockenhurst College and out onto the roads of the New Forest.
It is 8:33am (according to my final timing card!)
After about 800 yards I see the first Course Split sign. I bear left onto the Standard route. After about 10 yards I look around and think I must have made my first mistake. Check the SatMap unit, shows that I am on the right route. Stop turn around ride back to junction and re-check the sign. Yep I am on the right route, all the other starters must be on the Epic route.
All alone I carry on following the signs, enjoying the moment. It is totally peaceful on the desolated and isolated forest roads. The early morning mist and freshness is abating fairly quickly as the sun tries to breakthrough.
After a couple of miles I am overtaken with a friendly cry of "morning, lovely day for a ride". Over the next couple of miles about 6 or 7 riders overtake with a wave or a friendly greeting.
The terrain and course is fantastic, mainly on forest paths that are gravelly and fairly loose in places ensuring good concentration levels. A few early climbs and small downhills follow.
After about 6 or 7 miles riding through a heavily tree-ed part of the forest I reach the most welcome but not expected Feed Station.
A few riders are already there. We exchange pleasantries and then I am offered a variety of "eat me now" and "take me with you" food choices.
In "eat now" I had a choice of swiss roll, flaps jacks, jelly beans and bananas. "take me with you" was bars and gels from the sponsors Hi5.
Pockets full and tummy refilled, I topped up my water bottle with Hi5 energy drink and then head back off on to the trail.

The sun had broken through and the slight 'nip' in the air was no more, a glorious sunny day was on the way! Not great news for me as I had foolishly decided on wearing my jacket. Initially I had not, but in the car park and walking between registration and my car, I decided that it was a little chilly and I needed a little more than just my short-sleeved jersey. Mistake number two!
The route and trail just got better and better. Sweeping through glorious picturesque country side, avoiding the wildlife (highland cattle & new forest ponies) at times was a fun element as they wandered with a care in the world across the trails and paths!
The climbs became a little harder but the downhills got even better. At around 20 miles I found Feed Station number two. This was most welcome particularly from a fluid point of view as I was getter hotter and hotter with my wrong choice of clothing.Refilled and refueled I was now on the home stretch. My SatMap unit read 90% of course complete!
One last climb and then the signs for Brockenhurst appeared like a vision to my tired limbs! I had ridden some of the previous miles in the company of a husband and wife which helped with my pace and motivation, and then with a couple of guys after we departed the Feed Station for a mile or so.
Now it was a race for me against the clock. In the welcome and joining instruction there was a guide to Gold, Silver and Bronze timings:

• Gold: 2hrs 24mins with an average speed of 11mph
• Silver: >2hrs 57mins with an average speed of 9mph
• Bronze:<2hrs 57mins with average speed of <9mph

My ambition at the start line was to finish in around 3hrs, but now I had a chance if I could complete the last 4 miles in less than 25 minutes, to achieve Silver. Head down, cadence up and concentrating on my SatMap unit watching the miles count down and the average speed keep to over 8mph.

One last push along the final stretch of road into Brockenhurst, saw me ahead of target, I was maintaining an average speed of about 13 mph. The Wiggle banners and flags appeared as I turned a corner and then I pedaled hard for the last 100 yards to cross the line with a time of 2hrs 39mins 17secs - SILVER achieved!!!!

I was elated, but exhausted. Through the finishing funnel I went. A friendly marshal hung a silver medal around my neck, congratulated me and then handed me a very full goodie bag. I alighted from my bike and pushed it back towards the registration area. First I handed back my SatMap unit and received a full demonstration with my performance stats.

• Average speed: 10.6mph
• Max speed: 28.6mph
• Total Distance: 27.1 miles
• Average Mile Times: 5mins 40secs 

Then it was off to clean my bike. Other sponsors were Fenwicks and Mobi. So a quick spray and use of the Fenwicks cleaning products and brushes, along with the very good portable pressure washer from Mobi had my bike clean in minutes.
Overall the day was superb. The organisation and atmosphere was outstanding and everyone had a smile of their face. Highly recommended and I will be entering the Falling Leaves Autumn event on the 1st October.
Check out http://www.ukcyclingevents.co.uk/ for rides or events near you. 

Wiggle Super Series: New Forest Spring MTB (Part One)

The day of my first mountain bike event was now only 24hrs away. Having booked my place before Christmas, the date and words "Wiggle MTB in Brock" 16th April written on the calendar had always seem an age away!
Now it was Friday, my work day had been pretty long as I had the joys of a 4hr journey back across the M25 from London after the closure of the M1, so didn't arrive home until 8pm.
So spent an hour or so sorting my kit and gear, setting up the car for the early start to Brockenhurst, plus took one final look at the local weather forecast.
So bike rack was fitted to the car, kit bag was checked and double checked, drinks and supplies all prepared, extensive instructions for the event all re-read, bike checked again after a fair bit of preparation earlier in the week and clothes laid out neatly, I was ready!
Early alarm: up, eat breakfast (porridge, yogurt, fruit and plenty of fluids), tried not to wake the family as I dressed and then loaded my bike onto the car and set off.
The weather was beautifully clear and crisp, a slightly fresh early Saturday spring morning. The clock in my car reads 7:20am!!!
Set off and the feeling of excitement and anticipation is consuming in a great way. Five minutes into my journey and disaster is just about averted!
The bike rack (high level mounted unit secured by straps to my small hatchback cars rear window/tailgate) I had borrowed from my Dad (which I had used on just the one occasion previously for a short journey) is not holding my bike securely when I travel at speeds in excess of 50mph on the dual carriageway. The wind is catching my bike and shifting it up and very nearly off the rack stems, only one item is preventing my bike flying backwards from my car at 50mph, my bike lock that I had secured around the bike and rack to prevent any opportunists liberating my bike if I needed to stop and leave the car anywhere.
A quite abrupt stop and safe pull over onto the hard shoulder of the dual carriageway then allowed me to try and improvise a solution, using items I located in around my car. So with extra measures and a slower average speed I made the journey from Poole and arrived safely at Brockenhurst college at just after 8:00am.

Saris Solo Car Bike Rack

Note to self - purchase your own bike rack, preferrably the Saris Solo!!
This is where my very memorable and pleasurable day started.
Sign-age to the venue was great with lots of signs, flags and banners. Once I drove in I was greeted by very happy, helpful and nice marshals who directed me to the parking area and then advised next steps and options.
I parked the car and then as instructed took my helmet to the registration area which was located in the very large sports hall. Registration was very straightforward and my timing chip was attached to the left side of my helmet, map provided for the route, next step instructions given and a free voucher for a most welcome free cup of tea or coffee.
After suitable refreshment it was back to my car, remove bike from rack, make final checks to bike and then on with my kit and head for start area.
Final stop for me was to the Satmap gazebo (http://www.satmap.co.uk), as I was one of the fortunate few to have registered early for a free trail of the very hi-tech piece of kit the Active 10 GPS mapping unit. The helpful team at Satmap fitted the bracket, set up the unit, selected my route and gave me a brief but very good user demonstration.

Confidence factor for NOT getting lost in the new forest was now extremely high!
Helmet - check, sunglasses - check, drink bottle - check, gloves on - check. All ready to ride. Pedalled over to the start line to begin my adventure.......

Shall I Join A Mountain Bike Club?

To date I have generally ridden alone, which I enjoy and have no real issues with. Occasionally I have gone for a ride with a friend or work colleague, which is nice and the company is a pleasant change.
After a little research and some recommendations, a local mountain bike club was brought to my attention. They go by the amusing name of Dorset Rough Riders http://www.dorsetroughriders.co.uk/
Since visiting their website and reading up on their background and current activity I am really tempted to join.
The dilemma I have is where to start, as they categories their rides into three types (Easy, Medium and Hard). The main reason I am considering joining aside from the obvious joys of spending time with like minded people,. is their local knowledge of routes and locations.
I tend to ride very similar routes each time I go out, as I know the distance and what obstacles I will encounter. Although this is still fun, it can become a little repetitive.
The cost to join Dorset Rough Riders is just £15 for a year, which appears to exceptional value for money. The only downside I can maybe see is the volume of members the website claim they have. It may be a little crowded at peak times. I will try and blog how I get on when I have finally decided what to do.

New Forest Spring MTB Ride - Wiggle Super Series

I have entered my very first mountain bike event this coming Saturday 16th April 2011, which I saw advertised and promoted on the Wiggle website (www.wiggle.co.uk). Organised and run by UK Cycling Events (www.ukcyclingevents.co.uk).
Below is the YouTube preview video of the event from last year (2010).

I have entered the Standard Route (25 miles) and spent this weekend preparing. Firstly I started on my bike attaching, removing and prepping!

1. Took off non-essential items (front and rear lights)
2. Added pump holder to bottle cage
3. Checked and added essential spares in wedge pack (inner tube, tyre leavers and multi-tool)
4. Adjusted angle and location of gear shifters and brake levers to a more "race" friendly position
5. Cleaned and lubricated gears and drive-chain, plus other basic checks (tyre pressures, pedals, forks, seat clamp)

Finally I prepared my kit that I intend to ride in, plus a few alternate options depending on what the weather will be like on Saturday.

The biggest challenge for me will be fitness. As 6 weeks ago I hurt my back and was diagnosed as having a prolapsed disc in my lower back. Still on quite high medication and an intense routine of daily strengthening exercises, this ride will be slightly more challenging for two reasons.

1. I will have to ride the race in an upright position with a straight back as much as possible
2. Due to my injury I have not had the opportunity to put many miles in my legs, so my fitness levels are not what I would want them to be.

Last week I received my very detailed instructions and guide for the day. I can not commend UK Cycling events enough with their excellent communication skills and guides.

So with good weather forecast this week I intend to keep my recovery levels high to ensure I get the OK to ride from my physio on Wednesday this week. Here's hoping!!!

 

Muc Off Cleaning

Riding my bike is always fun and enjoyable, whatever the weather! In the sunshine is best, but I am not adverse to going out in the cold or rain. But each of these different weathers conditions ensures one consistent result - unclean bike!
It might be the dust and dried dirt from a sunny ride across single track and trail-way, heavy gloppy mud or just grime spray from roads or cycleways. All guarantee one thing, once your ride is over your bike needs a clean and preparation before your next ride.
Now for some strange reason, I do not have a major issues with cleaning my bike after a ride, now that I have discovered the joys and simplicity of Muc Off!

Luckily and fortunately I was given my first Muc Off products as a present. It contain a set of brushes (x 4), sponge, Muc Off Bike Spray and the wonderfully bright pink Muc Off Nano Cleaner, all cleverly supplied in a black Muc Off case that doubles as a bucket, genius!
My routine when I return from a ride is as follows:

1. Park bike and then give a general spray with water from the garden hose.
2. Spray bike liberally with Muc Off Nano cleaner all over the bike - frame, wheels, tyres, disc brakes, forks, saddle, pedals, drive-train, gears etc.
3. Go indoors and make a cup of tea
4. Return to bike after drinking tea and then begin to scrub areas of my bike with the appropriate brush.
5. Still be amazed how easy the dirt comes off after just spraying and leaving for about 10 minutes prior to scrubbing
6. After scrubbing I then hose down a final time, before starting prep (chain, gears, frame, disc rotars etc) for my next ride. 

I can not recommend Muc Off products highly enough. There are great value for money, do an amazing job and are also environmentally friendly.

Subsequently I have purchased further Muc Off products (which I will blog about shortly) including:

• Chain Doc
• Disc Brake Cleaner
• Chain Lube

Check out their website for a great range of products and more details 

http://www.muc-off.com/bike/blog1.php