Gran Fondo Conwy

Cycle Sportive: Gran Fondo Conwy (Mawr/104m/169k)
Time/Position: 8.25 (134th)
As with all the other bike sportives I've done, my task is just to finish, not to be competitive - rather like a celebrity chef 'running' a marathon. That said, I am still a little surprised by just how slow and off the pace I remain on these things! This event was hard to ignore, as it starts and finishes on the quay in Conwy and took an appealingly challenging route, with multiple sadistically steep hills, through familiar territory. Set off at 7am in a beautiful morning, contrary to weather forecasts which had made wardrobe decision tricky. An easy amble round to the Orme, followed by a time trial (competitive) section clockwise round Marine Drive with the usual superb sea views. This was a nice opportunity, the opposite of the Nick Beer 10k race route, but I didn't want to push it given the likely rigours of the day ahead. Climbed reasonably quickly up to the highpoint, stopped to check on a crash victim during the fast and superb descent, and finished the time trial in 14 mins. A headwind led over the Little Orme, before I got into an excellent group for the eastward coastal amble through the Bay to Pensarn and the first (far too early) feed station. I met Vic and his friend David here, and we rode together for much of the rest of the day, which was excellent. The route headed back west (a surprise to me, should have done more research!) then inland up lovely lanes to Betws yn Rhos before a series of short, sharp climbs led to the long descent to St Asaph and support from mum. Along the back roads to Denbigh (and Katharine), up Vale Street towards the viscious triple climb (very steep in places) through Prion and Saron to the beautiful undulating top road above the Brenig. Quiet roads and beautiful scenery: rather cloudy but no rain. This was the first real 'mountain stage', a very tough haul to the day's highpoint at 550m, and I was glad to have a long and greedy feed at Llyn Brenig. It got a bit cold here, partly because we spent a long time relaxing (the non-competitive vibe continued all day) so we headed off back to Bylchau before enjoying a brief descent as the road drops towards Llansannan. This is the route that the Tour of Britain took last year, and we knew that a horrible climb awaited after the village. This was the second major climb of the day, straight up and brutal, followed by a series of undulations along this truly beautiful stretch of road to Llangernyw. I had a gel, then felt very good for the familiar main road along to Llanrwst, now in warm sunshine, then along to the second feed in Trefriw in a small group of riders. This leg was far easier than the leg to Brenig, but we still took our time at the feed station. This was the right decision, as the route's crux followed - east from the Conwy valley up to Llanddoged, then all the way up to the A548 junction. Done in its entirety I think this might be the hardest climb in North Wales (Bwlch y Groes perhaps excepted), with a sequence of desperately steep and sustained ramps. But I will have to go back fresh (ie not 80 miles in) to check! Once you are finally on the broad 'ridge' above the Conwy valley, the B road heading north to the coast is glorious. The views to the Carneddau were hazy, but the sun was out, the sky was blue, the land was green, and the sea was in front. The route wasn't finished, though, and after the descent to Mochdre we headed south again along the valley - a dreadfully busy road, easily the day's low point - to Tal y Cafn, then back over the Conwy and up via several more hills and a lap of the town to finish (still all together) on the quay. Progress was startlingly slow, and I finished two-thirds down the field at best, but a very enjoyable day nevertheless. A bit more training on the bike would help, but where to find the time?

Pot Hole climbing

Crag: Pot Hole Quarry
Routes: Tre Ffynnon (VS 4b:TR), Unaided (VS 4b:TR), Grizzly (VS 4c:TR), Major (HVS 5a:TR), Vetta (HVS 5a:TR), Ego Variant (E1 5b:TR)
First time on rock since September: a long lay-off even by my standards. This was a very brief evening workout at a venue I've been visiting for nearly a quarter of a century. Went up and down a few polished VS's on the right of the crag before dispatching old favourite Vetta at HVS in light drizzle. This got heavier as we tried to avoid the easier crack lines on neighbouring routes like Major (HVS) and Ego (E2?). Predictably, I felt weak throughout - although perhaps not quite as weak (or clumsy) as I had expected, reasonable footwork always helps at this venue. Steady rain then kicked in, so I got changed into running gear and ran from Cadole to Maeshafn and beyond, before joining the normal Friday night run up Moel Famau - 14 miles in total. Very wet.

Deeside Border League

Race: Deeside 5.5m (Border League race 7)
Time/Position: 31.31 ("8th" from 250)
Another one for the ever-expanding book of strange race incidents. This time, the climax of the border league season was unfortunately spoiled by what may have been a marshalling or signposting error. I'd missed the sixth race, and it remained quite tight in the category. As luck would have it, I felt good from the start and was really enjoying it: picking up places and feeling better than I have for some time. Then, during the second lap, I started to realise something was wrong: in that we shouldn't have been doing a second lap. We carried on anyway, and started to lap slower runners. Cue chaotic scenes as a marshall tried to make us do a third lap! Some of us knew where the finish was, so headed for it, only to find that the second group on the road had done the third lap. Confusion reigned: a shame, as this was the last race of the season and there was still a bit to play for.

Rivington Pike fell race

Race: Rivington Pike fell race, Lancashire (5.2k/700ft)
Time/Position: 21.06 (55th from 356)
One of the oldest fell races of all, dating back to the nineteenth century and following a classic route from Crown Square in Horwich to the open hill beyond. The pike is a notable local landmark well seen from the M61 and beyond, and the race attracts a top quality field (today it incorporated the under 20 champs and so there were lots of very fast young lads at the front!). The conundrum presented by the route is obvious: how to maintain a quick enough speed on this ultra short race whilst not going too far into the red. The initial road section is only gently uphill and therefore very fast. So I was already blowing as I ran through some woods to enter Old Will's Lane, which curves upwards quite steeply and punishes the weak (like me). After an easing, the race heads straight for the pike up steepish cobbles (memories of two weeks ago!) to a final steep grassy bank. Round the summit tower in 13.10, then a flat out dash along the outward route. I got down in 7.50 or so, but was miles off the pace in a very impressive field. Great atmosphere, with spectators and support all the way up, not unlike the Tour of Flanders in the sense that the event is an expression of local identity with deep roots in the area.

Yr Eifl/Carneddau run

The worst day of a glorious sunny week, which was rather annoying. Grey skies and low cloud as we all set off for Tre'r Ceiri above Llanaelhaearn on Llyn. I was last here well over 10 years ago with Rob, and well remember the superb views from the top: some of the best in Wales. It was all a bit dank today, and M complained bitterly all the way up - refusing to go to the top. But the hillfort and ancient hut walls are amazingly well preserved, and E and I got the views down the peninsula to both coasts from the summit. After lunch, I jogged across to the weaving path up to the main summit of Yr Eifl at 564m. Sadly, a coastal mist had rolled in and although this little hill is spectacularly poised directly above the sea, I could have been anywhere. We headed back along the coast for paned a teisen in Aber, and I then did an extra run through the Carneddau back to Conwy while the family drove home. I started off up the Foel Fras race route to pick up the Drum track. Along here with a helpful tailwind, always a gloriously open place to run, to Bwlch y Ddaefaen. From here, I branched off along the Pen fell race route at Cae Coch. This is one of my favourite places to run, and the sun came out as I enjoyed the soft grass gently downhill past Caer Bach to the old church at Llangelynin. The only problem is that this route finishes with a long road section down through Henryd back to Conwy.

Conwy 'three peaks' run

A relaxing evening run up the 'three (mini) peaks' in soft sunshine, from the castle up to the top of Mynydd y Dref, then along the ridge to the top of Penmaenbach, before upping the pace a bit to the the pond at Pen Pyra then down to the top of the Sychnant Pass. A quick belt up to the top of the highpoint of Allt Wen for the usual glorious views, then back via the bridleway. A great little loop, with coastal scenery on one side and the Carneddau on the other.

London Marathon

Race: London Marathon
Time/Position: 3.09.12 (2208 from 36000)
Bit of a 'Hamlet moment' as my 6th London marathon came to an undignified end in the riverside Portaloos with 5k left to run. Ended up 20 minutes down on target time, having suffered from my old bete noire, an upset stomach which started just after half way and ended with a desperate search for a privy as I hobbled down the Strand. I haven't suffered from this affliction for several years, and it doesn't happen when you are well trained of course: there is no way I would have achieved sub 2.50 today, as I just didn't have the training in my legs. Started off reasonably well, enjoying the wonderful crowds (better than ever in today's perfect spring sunshine), and kept to a very precise 6:30 mile pace, going through half exactly on target in 1.25.16. But whereas I found that pace very comfortable at the Trimpell 20 last month, I never felt good today - blowing a bit even as I went over what is usually the race highlight, Tower Bridge. Then the familiar stomach cramps kicked in, and although I revived a bit through 16-17 miles at Canary Wharf, it was game over for a PB. The day turned into a nightmare as I searched for a toilet in vain. But after the 'hamlet moment', which was quite relaxing (!), I felt better and rather enjoyed the final 5k in the usual electrifying and unparalleled atmosphere along the Embankment and past Big Ben as I just concentrated on a sub 3.10 qualifying time.

Koppenberg/Muur cycling

Road Cycling: Koppenberg, Muur van Geraardsbergen/Kapelmuur, Denderstreek
Distance: 40k
After another night sleeping in the car, it was quite easy to get up early and negotiate the road closures around Oudenaarde as the atmosphere and anticipation built in advance of today's professional race. My target was more modest: to head to Melden and do the unique Koppenberg climb in its entirety after fallers had prevented me doing so yesterday. I did a little warm-up through the village, then was straight onto the climb - gentle at first, then brutal steep cobbles through the trees. I stayed in the saddle, churning it over and getting to the top. Great to do it before the race came through - all the barricades already set up and the atmosphere building. There was one more thing to do before watching the race: ride the even more legendary Muur in Geraardsbergen. This was the climax of the Ronde for many years, but was controversially removed (essentially for commercial reasons) two years ago. It's a fair trek over, but I had one of the indigenous Mattentart pies for breakfast, then headed through the town towards the bridge over the Dender. Then the climb starts - unique and intriguing, it is basically an amalgam of various old cobbled roads and alleys. Past the church, then left up smooth cobbles, then narrowing and twisting right to a very narrow and very steep section (moss between the stones). It then eases before kicking up again for the final section. The word iconic is overused, but this cobbled bend with the Church at the top is one of the most famous images in cycling. I loved this climb, and enjoyed the views from the top (very light drizzle) before heading back to town for a steady warm-down along superb cycle paths by the banks of the Dender river. These took me out into quintessential Flandrian countryside: tranquil and ultra-relaxing. Later, I watched the race over lunch in a Brakel bar before heading up to watch it live on the Valkenberg.

Tour of Flanders Cyclo Sportive

Cycle Sportive: Ronde van Vlaanderen, Belgium (135k:160k)
Time: 6.08
Unlike the Tour de France, I can't claim to have been watching the Ronde for 25 years. But when I first saw the professional race on TV five years ago I realised it was something very special indeed: a uniquely arduous, dramatic sporting event and the celebration of a distinctive culture (my cup of tea, in other words). Expectations were therefore high as I registered at first light in the Qubus in Oudenaarde (having driven down via London and the Dover-Dunkirk ferry, arriving in Flanders late at night and sleeping in the car). I'd only done one ride in training (and that was only 80k at most), and was worried about mechanical issues on the cobbles, but I was optimistic that general running fitness would see me through. Still, I thought it best to start conservatively, and did so, riding in a series of steady groups as the route starts nice and gentle along the banks of the Schelde. Prospects looked very good, as the sun began to peep through high clouds (I was dreading rain so was very relieved by the forecast). The route then heads off towards the cobbles and the hellingen (the local name for the vicious cobbled climbs that form the backbone of the race). Soon, we were into the climbs - the Wolvenberg came first, a steep climb but on tarmac, just a light aperitif. The first section of cobbles (Ruiterstraat) was, inevitably, a brutal shock to the system - the first time I had ever ridden on them, the constant pounding is extraordinary, it feels like your brain is leaking out of your ears. I was expecting to puncture constantly, and was always amazed to emerge onto tarmac unscathed: riding the cobbles is a unique experience. Then came the Molenberg, a more accurate taste of what is to come: very short but very steep with some of the worst cobbles of the event, huge gaps between the slabs. Still, I was pleased to feel quite confident on the hellingen, and found I was passing quite a few riders on the climbs. Quite quickly, we were onto the Kerkgate, a very long (almost 3k) section of brutal cobbles, dust thrown up, painful yet also absorbing as you plot the best line through and try to maintain a decent pace in a biggish gear (which makes it 'easier'). The scenery here was delightful: rolling hills, blue skies, and neat little hamlets hidden down side valleys. The tarmac sections were tranquil: easy to get in groups and churn away. Then the lengthy cobbles of the Paddestraat, more weaving to get the best line (and some use of the storm gutter!). The respite didn't last, however, as a sharp turn heralds the Haaghoek, a particularly nasty 2k section of cobbles which leads straight into the climb of the Leberg. Great stuff, followed by another sunny respite with the easier tarmac climbs of the Valkenberg and the juddering concrete of the Boigneberg, followed by the longer cobbled climb of the Eikenberg. After a second feed station near Oudenaarde (the route is basically two big loops), a lovely flat track (in an excellent group going at my pace) led to Melden and arguably the most legendary of all Flemish climbs: the Koppenberg. I glanced up from the smooth track and saw it rising up to the left into the woods. All rather exciting. I knew that this hill is considered almost unrideable by some, and because it is so narrow (much less than 2m) and steep (22%), if one rider dismounts, everyone has to. So I tried to get a space in front of me. After an initial gentle section, it kicks up alarmingly into a wooded trench. I knew I could do it, and powered up - only to faced with a wall of walkers and fallers on the steepest section. So I had no choice but to dismount. This was very annoying, but a guy was helping those that wanted to get get back on their bikes, so I was able to continue to the top (vowing I would come back tomorrow morning to do it again!). Then the climbs come thick and fast - the climax of the pro race. The Steenbeekdries is followed by the short but very steep Taaienberg, then the Kaperij. We passed briefly into Wallonia after the Kaperij (lovely scenery from the top of this), and the French-speaking world, before a super-fast and exhilarating descent down towards Ronse. The comes the longer Kanarieberg and the Kruisberg (a very old feature of the Ronde, a long but fairly gentle climb on regular cobbles). Finally the easy tarmac climb of the Karnemelkbeek leads to the ultimate climax: the wonderful Oude Kwaremont (sharp cobbles leading up to a battering on more flat cobbles) before the final climb up the perfectly straight and brutally steep Paterberg. I was determined to get a clear run, and did so, really enjoying this atmospheric finale. I felt very fresh, so picked up the pace for the final 17k to the finish, getting in some good groups but just failing to break 6 hours - perhaps I should have spent less time at the feed zones! The timed section was 135k, but there is a lovely little ride through the very atmospheric old centre of Oudenaarde, complete with tens of thousands of bikes and cyclists, through to the finish zone. I then cycled back to the car, then back in to the museum and a surprisingly quiet bar for an Ename and a sandwich. A fantastic event - freed from any pretence to be 'competitive' (in contrast to running) I enjoyed every second and was delighted to feel comfortable throughout. Didn't even have any mechanical issues, although I will never know how I avoided puncturing for 160k!