Road Cycling: Huy-Mur de Huy, La Roche en Ardenne-Col de Haussire (Ardennes, Belgium)
Distance: 40k
The legendary Mur de Huy is the climax of the Fleche Wallonne, a spring classic in the Walloon Ardennes that is one of my favourite races. As we were passing en route to Arlon, I took the bike for a spin round the town and along the Meuse river. Some steep cobbles were a nice reminder of April's Tour of Flanders and led up to the right turn on to the Mur de Huy. This is hallowed turf: a steepish but comfortable initial section leads up to the infamous hairpin bend which ramps up to 25% on the left-hand side. Out of the saddle, I pushed on through the bend. The angle eases slightly but the hill stays relentlessly steep - punishing weakening cyclists on the pro race - until it reaches the chapel at the top. The 'Huy' logo is painted all the way up the route: great to add this iconic Walloon climb to the Flemish classic climbs I enjoyed so much in April. After lunch, we drove through lovely wooded hills to Roche en Ardenne, the Belgian Betws y Coed. After a walk round the town, I cycled along more cobbles to begin the Col de Haussire, ranked as Belgium's hardest climb. That is a fairly relative descriptor - as it just seemed a bit longer (6 or 7k) than the short but viciously steep climbs that feature on the Spring Classics. The Koppenburg, Muur, Patterberg and Mur de Huy all seemed harder to me, albeit far shorter. Still, it was a delightful quiet ascent in warm evening sunshine. It goes up cobbles then a steep tarmac street reminiscent of the famous St Roche on Liege-Bastogne-Liege, then curves very steeply left through dappled woodland to a church and short descent. Then more climbing to a final dip before a long 3k drag up a poorly surfaced road, beautifully tranquil, to the wooded summit.
Tuesday, July 22, 2014
Saturday, July 19, 2014
Waun Fach fell race
Race: Waun Fach fell race (11.2k/610m)
Time/Position: 54.54 (4th from 50 [1st V40])
Quite unexpectedly, the descent down Y Grib (the 'Dragon's Back') turned into one of the best mountain running experiences I've ever had in 300+ races: all this from a little race in the Black Mountains with entries taken for £3 in a barn (infinitely preferable to the increasingly commercialised Snowdon race on the same day). I thought I'd been everywhere in the Welsh mountains, north and south, but I'd never been on this final ridge: the descent was superb. The race starts well, too, leaving Pengenffordd by the road and going up the bridleway through Rhiw Trumau to gain the main ridge. I've only been across the Black Mountains once or twice, so was pleased that the forecast torrential rain was passing us by. The ridge gives superb running, fast and relentless, over the steep forepeak of Pen Trumau and up into the mist to gain the second checkpoint on the summit of Waun Fach at 811m. I was feeling tired on the climb, my calves were very stiff after two days solid rock climbing, but as soon as I hit the contouring path from Waun Fach I felt far better and picked up the speed to Pen y Manllwyn. Here the mist peeled away revealing the superb descent ridge plummeting down to the valley over several sub-peaks. Fantastic stuff. Three leaders were out of sight ahead: but I just held on to fourth place up the amusing sting in the tail (a final climb back up to the finish on top of the ancient Craig Dinas hill fort). A small group of North Walians (Huw, Vic, Steve) turned out for this - the third fixture in this year's Welsh Champs, and a thoroughly enjoyable day was had by all. Beer and chips in Church Stretton broke the long journey home.
Time/Position: 54.54 (4th from 50 [1st V40])
Quite unexpectedly, the descent down Y Grib (the 'Dragon's Back') turned into one of the best mountain running experiences I've ever had in 300+ races: all this from a little race in the Black Mountains with entries taken for £3 in a barn (infinitely preferable to the increasingly commercialised Snowdon race on the same day). I thought I'd been everywhere in the Welsh mountains, north and south, but I'd never been on this final ridge: the descent was superb. The race starts well, too, leaving Pengenffordd by the road and going up the bridleway through Rhiw Trumau to gain the main ridge. I've only been across the Black Mountains once or twice, so was pleased that the forecast torrential rain was passing us by. The ridge gives superb running, fast and relentless, over the steep forepeak of Pen Trumau and up into the mist to gain the second checkpoint on the summit of Waun Fach at 811m. I was feeling tired on the climb, my calves were very stiff after two days solid rock climbing, but as soon as I hit the contouring path from Waun Fach I felt far better and picked up the speed to Pen y Manllwyn. Here the mist peeled away revealing the superb descent ridge plummeting down to the valley over several sub-peaks. Fantastic stuff. Three leaders were out of sight ahead: but I just held on to fourth place up the amusing sting in the tail (a final climb back up to the finish on top of the ancient Craig Dinas hill fort). A small group of North Walians (Huw, Vic, Steve) turned out for this - the third fixture in this year's Welsh Champs, and a thoroughly enjoyable day was had by all. Beer and chips in Church Stretton broke the long journey home.
Friday, July 18, 2014
Dinas Mot climbing
Crag: Dinas Mot, Nant Peris
Routes: Diagonal (HVS 5a,5a,5a,4c:led p.1), The Cracks (HS 4a,4b,4a,4c:led p.1,3)
One of the all-time Welsh classics, Diagonal has been a glaring gap in my climbing CV for years. Sadly, given my lack of climbing recently I was in no position to lead the key pitch, but I did lead the first 5a pitch. This goes between two pinnacles to traverse enjoyably past a flake up to a crack behind a pinnacle. A huge sling on this, then a lovely delicate traverse across to a small stance. The next pitch is very good - excellent moves on small holds to a nut slot, then an exciting traverse on undercuts below the obvious overhang before a tough finishing groove. I found it fairly easy apart from the last move, a delicate bridge. A small stance in a great position. The third pitch is what this route is all about: a simply stunning piece of climbing up an immaculate steep slab. A delicate traverse leads to a series of delightfully elegant moves up a vague groove on perfectly positioned small pockets and positive little holds. I barely noticed the famous mantel shelf: it was all absorbing and excellent. Incredibly we found the entire route more or less dry: incredible because it had rained very heavily all night and much of the morning. The final pitch was a bit damp, mind, and despite the fact that it is theoretically the easiest pitch (technically) on the route, most climbers would (I imagine) find it the hardest. I certainly did in my weak current state. A dynamic and very strenuous initial layback leads to a ledge and rest. Then comes a desperate finish, using jams on the left and an ungainly bridge to gain the top: it looks short and innocuous from below but really delivers a classic sting in the tail (in common with virtually all the other classic routes on this crag!). The usual tricky ab down a very wet Western Gully, before we headed up the Cracks (one of the first big routes I did in Snowdonia, 1991 perhaps?). I merged the first two pitches, which give enjoyable slabby climbing up to a final crack. A traverse (wet today) leads to a move up a steepening, then the crack left of the obvious corner taken by Lorraine (which we did by mistake in our youth). I led a short third up the tricky move off the huge pinnacle, and Vic led the nice crack and final awkward (infamous) mantel. Tiring now, we abbed down the drier (but now alarmingly debris-filled) Eastern gully, and tried to get some rest before tomorrow's Welsh Champs fell race in South Wales!
Routes: Diagonal (HVS 5a,5a,5a,4c:led p.1), The Cracks (HS 4a,4b,4a,4c:led p.1,3)
One of the all-time Welsh classics, Diagonal has been a glaring gap in my climbing CV for years. Sadly, given my lack of climbing recently I was in no position to lead the key pitch, but I did lead the first 5a pitch. This goes between two pinnacles to traverse enjoyably past a flake up to a crack behind a pinnacle. A huge sling on this, then a lovely delicate traverse across to a small stance. The next pitch is very good - excellent moves on small holds to a nut slot, then an exciting traverse on undercuts below the obvious overhang before a tough finishing groove. I found it fairly easy apart from the last move, a delicate bridge. A small stance in a great position. The third pitch is what this route is all about: a simply stunning piece of climbing up an immaculate steep slab. A delicate traverse leads to a series of delightfully elegant moves up a vague groove on perfectly positioned small pockets and positive little holds. I barely noticed the famous mantel shelf: it was all absorbing and excellent. Incredibly we found the entire route more or less dry: incredible because it had rained very heavily all night and much of the morning. The final pitch was a bit damp, mind, and despite the fact that it is theoretically the easiest pitch (technically) on the route, most climbers would (I imagine) find it the hardest. I certainly did in my weak current state. A dynamic and very strenuous initial layback leads to a ledge and rest. Then comes a desperate finish, using jams on the left and an ungainly bridge to gain the top: it looks short and innocuous from below but really delivers a classic sting in the tail (in common with virtually all the other classic routes on this crag!). The usual tricky ab down a very wet Western Gully, before we headed up the Cracks (one of the first big routes I did in Snowdonia, 1991 perhaps?). I merged the first two pitches, which give enjoyable slabby climbing up to a final crack. A traverse (wet today) leads to a move up a steepening, then the crack left of the obvious corner taken by Lorraine (which we did by mistake in our youth). I led a short third up the tricky move off the huge pinnacle, and Vic led the nice crack and final awkward (infamous) mantel. Tiring now, we abbed down the drier (but now alarmingly debris-filled) Eastern gully, and tried to get some rest before tomorrow's Welsh Champs fell race in South Wales!
Thursday, July 17, 2014
Moelwyns climbing
Crag: Clogwyn yr Oen, Moelwynion
Routes: Crossover (HS 4b,4b:led p.1), Pinky (VS 4b, 4c:led p.1), Saline Solution (HVS 5b:sec)
Crag: Clogwyn y Bustach, Moelwynion
Routes: Flake Wall (HVS 5a:sec)
An opportunity to enjoy some of the more esoteric routes in the Moelwynion. I've climbed on these crags a lot over the years, and have done most of the classics at HVS and under. But a few gaps remained, and it is always good for boosting confidence: with its solid rock, easy climbing and good protection. As I've only led a handful of pitches all year, I began with Crossover, which takes the counter line to the neat HS of Orange Outang, done a few years ago. A clean groove led up to a wet section (not surprisingly, after lots of rain yesterday). This gave slightly dirty climbing up a steeper diagonal crack (taking me up most of pitch 2 at 4b). I belayed on a small ledge and Vic led a short but steep final wall which leads to scrambling. Not a bad route, but probably only worthwhile if you've done everything else! After a bite, I led the superb first pitch of Pinky in hot sunshine. I last did this 21 years ago. It is quite delightful: a slab of rough rock, steep at first then gently inclining and dotted with deliciously positive pockets. I thoroughly enjoyed picking my way up the slab, just what I needed. The pitch is long (almost 40m) and ends with a short steep wall: this takes a little thought but a neat move on small holds gains the stance. Vic then led the excellent short pitch of Saline Solution, which takes the headwall left of Pinky's second pitch crack. This gets very little traffic, I suspect, but was a perfectly clean and superbly rough sheet of Moelwyn rock. Typical Moelwyn climbing too: little pockets and small ledges and flakes. Good moves throughout, with a tricky 5b crux moving left then right to gain finishing jugs. Slightly overgraded, but a neat pitch. We then traversed right and finished up the last section of the Pinky crack (the surprisingly steep crux). After lunch, we headed up to the infrequently visited Clogwyn y Bustach - the unheralded and secretive fourth Moelwyn crag. In fact, it's one of the most impressive pieces of rock of the group: short but perfectly formed. Flake Crack is the obvious line of the crag and gives a superb, yet unheralded pitch: varied and hugely enjoyable. The eponymous flake goes delicately to a step across to the main face. Then a steep groove, climbable on the outside up good holds, leads to a lovely traverse. This looks hard from below, but hidden ledges make it fairly simple. Cracking stuff, and absorbing to second too. An easy rough wall to finish, recuperating with a pint in the Foelas.
Routes: Crossover (HS 4b,4b:led p.1), Pinky (VS 4b, 4c:led p.1), Saline Solution (HVS 5b:sec)
Crag: Clogwyn y Bustach, Moelwynion
Routes: Flake Wall (HVS 5a:sec)
An opportunity to enjoy some of the more esoteric routes in the Moelwynion. I've climbed on these crags a lot over the years, and have done most of the classics at HVS and under. But a few gaps remained, and it is always good for boosting confidence: with its solid rock, easy climbing and good protection. As I've only led a handful of pitches all year, I began with Crossover, which takes the counter line to the neat HS of Orange Outang, done a few years ago. A clean groove led up to a wet section (not surprisingly, after lots of rain yesterday). This gave slightly dirty climbing up a steeper diagonal crack (taking me up most of pitch 2 at 4b). I belayed on a small ledge and Vic led a short but steep final wall which leads to scrambling. Not a bad route, but probably only worthwhile if you've done everything else! After a bite, I led the superb first pitch of Pinky in hot sunshine. I last did this 21 years ago. It is quite delightful: a slab of rough rock, steep at first then gently inclining and dotted with deliciously positive pockets. I thoroughly enjoyed picking my way up the slab, just what I needed. The pitch is long (almost 40m) and ends with a short steep wall: this takes a little thought but a neat move on small holds gains the stance. Vic then led the excellent short pitch of Saline Solution, which takes the headwall left of Pinky's second pitch crack. This gets very little traffic, I suspect, but was a perfectly clean and superbly rough sheet of Moelwyn rock. Typical Moelwyn climbing too: little pockets and small ledges and flakes. Good moves throughout, with a tricky 5b crux moving left then right to gain finishing jugs. Slightly overgraded, but a neat pitch. We then traversed right and finished up the last section of the Pinky crack (the surprisingly steep crux). After lunch, we headed up to the infrequently visited Clogwyn y Bustach - the unheralded and secretive fourth Moelwyn crag. In fact, it's one of the most impressive pieces of rock of the group: short but perfectly formed. Flake Crack is the obvious line of the crag and gives a superb, yet unheralded pitch: varied and hugely enjoyable. The eponymous flake goes delicately to a step across to the main face. Then a steep groove, climbable on the outside up good holds, leads to a lovely traverse. This looks hard from below, but hidden ledges make it fairly simple. Cracking stuff, and absorbing to second too. An easy rough wall to finish, recuperating with a pint in the Foelas.
Wednesday, July 16, 2014
The Druid fell race
Race: The Druid (5m/1200ft)
Time/Position: 36.04 (6th from 90)
Perhaps the best of the summer evening Clwydian races, but it has been three years since I've been able to race it. My time was almost a minute slower this year than 2011, yet conditions were near perfect: dry underfoot, warm but not too hot. Spent most of the race with Jim from Helsby, going past him after the steps up to the summit of Foel Fenlli, staying clear for the very narrow and always superb descent along the rim of the hillfort poised high above the Vale of Clwyd, then losing out to his superior pace on the main descent back to Llanferres. Once again finished at the back of a small group of runners, lacking the speed to pick it up at the end.
Time/Position: 36.04 (6th from 90)
Perhaps the best of the summer evening Clwydian races, but it has been three years since I've been able to race it. My time was almost a minute slower this year than 2011, yet conditions were near perfect: dry underfoot, warm but not too hot. Spent most of the race with Jim from Helsby, going past him after the steps up to the summit of Foel Fenlli, staying clear for the very narrow and always superb descent along the rim of the hillfort poised high above the Vale of Clwyd, then losing out to his superior pace on the main descent back to Llanferres. Once again finished at the back of a small group of runners, lacking the speed to pick it up at the end.
Saturday, July 12, 2014
Tal y Fan fell race
Race: Tal y Fan fell race (13k/2600ft/AM)
Time/Position: 1.15.01 (5th from 44)
There are at least two other races (Gladstone and Penmaenmawr) that use some of the same paths round the northern fringe of the Carneddau, but I think this race makes the best use of the terrain: a really enjoyable and runnable event. After a family morning in Bodnant, I joined a small field leaving the Rowen village carnival to take in the brutally steep lane that heads past the hostel to join the old bridleway leading past the farm house to the normal route up Tal y Fan from below Bwlch y Ddaefaen. I reached the summit with a small group of other runners in around 35 minutes, then concentrated on staying with them for the long but gradual descent down to the stone circle at Cae Coch. This is wonderful terrain, wild but surprisingly runnable and fast in these relatively dry conditions. Once we hit the coastal path, with its great views over Allt Fawr and the Orme, I was able to push on a bit and soon found myself up with a group of four runners. We were all well behind Jez, who won easily, but well ahead of everyone else. At times, I moved up to 4th and then 3rd as the race takes in some very familiar tracks (the ancient paths above Llangelynin Old Church being some of my favourite places anywhere). But once we regained the steep tarmac descent I lacked the leg speed and sprint finish (as ever!) to pull back any places: ending at the back of the four-man group.
Time/Position: 1.15.01 (5th from 44)
There are at least two other races (Gladstone and Penmaenmawr) that use some of the same paths round the northern fringe of the Carneddau, but I think this race makes the best use of the terrain: a really enjoyable and runnable event. After a family morning in Bodnant, I joined a small field leaving the Rowen village carnival to take in the brutally steep lane that heads past the hostel to join the old bridleway leading past the farm house to the normal route up Tal y Fan from below Bwlch y Ddaefaen. I reached the summit with a small group of other runners in around 35 minutes, then concentrated on staying with them for the long but gradual descent down to the stone circle at Cae Coch. This is wonderful terrain, wild but surprisingly runnable and fast in these relatively dry conditions. Once we hit the coastal path, with its great views over Allt Fawr and the Orme, I was able to push on a bit and soon found myself up with a group of four runners. We were all well behind Jez, who won easily, but well ahead of everyone else. At times, I moved up to 4th and then 3rd as the race takes in some very familiar tracks (the ancient paths above Llangelynin Old Church being some of my favourite places anywhere). But once we regained the steep tarmac descent I lacked the leg speed and sprint finish (as ever!) to pull back any places: ending at the back of the four-man group.
Friday, July 11, 2014
Craig Dinas climbing
Crag: Craig Dinas, Betws y Coed
Routes: Gull's Nest Crack (S 4a:led), The Nurgler (VS 4b:sec), Main Wall Climb (VS 4c:sec)
The final part of a long but very intermittent campaign to visit the most obscure crags around the Lledr and Conwy valleys. As is often the case, this venue's unpopularity is slightly baffling. It is quite impressive, faces south, has good rock reminiscent of nearby (vastly more popular) Carreg Alltrem and is only a short walk from the car park. But a bushwacking ascent through head-high ferns and thorn bushes confirms that not many people come here. The classic of the crag is The Nurgler, a VS that takes a good line right up the most impressive part of the cliff. Gull's Nest Crack, my lead, is an earlier climb up the crag's most obvious feature, and also forms the first pitch of The Nurgler. It's a strong line - a wide and fairly steep crack between the main face and a semi-detached pinnacle. Some vegetation, but good rock and nice climbing. The second pitch weaves up the face via a fun traverse over two ribs: this enables an obvious overlap to be overcome. Then comes a bit of vegetation before a slabby and exposed traverse leads to an obvious finishing groove further left. Nice climb. We abbed off and climbed Main Wall in temperatures nudging into the high 20s: felt like one of our Provencal trips. Main Wall Climb felt a little like a first ascent. Sadly the rope jammed as Vic pulled them in, so in effect I was soloing for the first 20ft - which contains the hardest sequence of moves on the route, steep and thought-provoking. I released the rope, then enjoyed a juggy romp up to a tricky move through a bottomless groove. Another good climb, with more opportunities to savour the superb views (some of the best in Eryri) down the Lledr and across to Siabod, although our very limited time (2.5 hours) was now over.
Routes: Gull's Nest Crack (S 4a:led), The Nurgler (VS 4b:sec), Main Wall Climb (VS 4c:sec)
The final part of a long but very intermittent campaign to visit the most obscure crags around the Lledr and Conwy valleys. As is often the case, this venue's unpopularity is slightly baffling. It is quite impressive, faces south, has good rock reminiscent of nearby (vastly more popular) Carreg Alltrem and is only a short walk from the car park. But a bushwacking ascent through head-high ferns and thorn bushes confirms that not many people come here. The classic of the crag is The Nurgler, a VS that takes a good line right up the most impressive part of the cliff. Gull's Nest Crack, my lead, is an earlier climb up the crag's most obvious feature, and also forms the first pitch of The Nurgler. It's a strong line - a wide and fairly steep crack between the main face and a semi-detached pinnacle. Some vegetation, but good rock and nice climbing. The second pitch weaves up the face via a fun traverse over two ribs: this enables an obvious overlap to be overcome. Then comes a bit of vegetation before a slabby and exposed traverse leads to an obvious finishing groove further left. Nice climb. We abbed off and climbed Main Wall in temperatures nudging into the high 20s: felt like one of our Provencal trips. Main Wall Climb felt a little like a first ascent. Sadly the rope jammed as Vic pulled them in, so in effect I was soloing for the first 20ft - which contains the hardest sequence of moves on the route, steep and thought-provoking. I released the rope, then enjoyed a juggy romp up to a tricky move through a bottomless groove. Another good climb, with more opportunities to savour the superb views (some of the best in Eryri) down the Lledr and across to Siabod, although our very limited time (2.5 hours) was now over.
Wednesday, July 09, 2014
Penbarras bike loop
Road cycling: HK-Mold-Nercwys-Maeshafn-Bwlch Penbarras-Llanferres-Grianrhyd-HK
Distance: 55k
A short final training ride before taking the bike to the Ardennes, the Vosges and the Alps. Far too short, really, but time was limited. I took in the new Flintshire 10k route from Mold up through Nercwys then up the very steep double climb to Maeshafn. I then dropped down to Cadole and took in Bwlch Penbarras (for the third time in three days) - cool and windy. Met Rich at the Druid for a pint and sandwiches, then headed back (now in warm sunshine) via Llanarmon, Grianrhyd and Treuddyn.
Distance: 55k
A short final training ride before taking the bike to the Ardennes, the Vosges and the Alps. Far too short, really, but time was limited. I took in the new Flintshire 10k route from Mold up through Nercwys then up the very steep double climb to Maeshafn. I then dropped down to Cadole and took in Bwlch Penbarras (for the third time in three days) - cool and windy. Met Rich at the Druid for a pint and sandwiches, then headed back (now in warm sunshine) via Llanarmon, Grianrhyd and Treuddyn.
Tuesday, July 08, 2014
Buckley handicap
Race: Buckley trail handicap (4.5m)
Time: 27.39
A nice concept, and one the club hasn't done for a number of years. John organised us all by time, with me setting off second to last - 30 seconds behind Steve T and 30 seconds ahead of Jez. Obviously, the idea is for everyone to finish at more or less the same time after the 'handicaps' are applied - and this was more or less the case. A good 4.5 mile off-road trail route, flat out round the hilly fireroads on the side of Moel Famau. Starting towards the back has the advantage that you are not being chased down (except by Jez!) but the disadvantage that you inevitably start too fast. I caught Steve as we headed back west towards the ridge, then went past a few others to finish 4th with the 2nd fastest time (ie not improving my starting position). Then came a pleasant pint in the Collie to escape the horse flies.
Time: 27.39
A nice concept, and one the club hasn't done for a number of years. John organised us all by time, with me setting off second to last - 30 seconds behind Steve T and 30 seconds ahead of Jez. Obviously, the idea is for everyone to finish at more or less the same time after the 'handicaps' are applied - and this was more or less the case. A good 4.5 mile off-road trail route, flat out round the hilly fireroads on the side of Moel Famau. Starting towards the back has the advantage that you are not being chased down (except by Jez!) but the disadvantage that you inevitably start too fast. I caught Steve as we headed back west towards the ridge, then went past a few others to finish 4th with the 2nd fastest time (ie not improving my starting position). Then came a pleasant pint in the Collie to escape the horse flies.
Saturday, July 05, 2014
Moel Siabod fell race
Race: Moel Siabod (9km/2300ft)
Time/Position: 56.01 (15th from 111)
One of those events I have never got round to doing, partly because I am often away on holiday this time of year. I've always wanted to try to get a decent time for this classic up-and-down route, though, as it leaves Capel Curig from the bridge by the A5, touches the cairn and heads straight back down. It was a beautiful day after early rain - deep blue skies and fluffy clouds, warm. I climbed reasonably well, touching the cairn in 37 minutes. Sadly, I descended like an invalid and lost well over a minute on most of those nearby as I reached the summit. Superb views of the Snowdon group, but not much time to enjoy them as I began my slow descent. My ankle still has a weakness after Jura, and I went over on it immediately in the boulder field near the summit. As a result I found it hard to relax and let go, even on the grassy descent lower down. I lost a couple of places and took a slow 19 minutes to get back to Capel. A dip in the river, followed by superb goulash and sandwiches on the sun-drenched showfield after the race.
Time/Position: 56.01 (15th from 111)
One of those events I have never got round to doing, partly because I am often away on holiday this time of year. I've always wanted to try to get a decent time for this classic up-and-down route, though, as it leaves Capel Curig from the bridge by the A5, touches the cairn and heads straight back down. It was a beautiful day after early rain - deep blue skies and fluffy clouds, warm. I climbed reasonably well, touching the cairn in 37 minutes. Sadly, I descended like an invalid and lost well over a minute on most of those nearby as I reached the summit. Superb views of the Snowdon group, but not much time to enjoy them as I began my slow descent. My ankle still has a weakness after Jura, and I went over on it immediately in the boulder field near the summit. As a result I found it hard to relax and let go, even on the grassy descent lower down. I lost a couple of places and took a slow 19 minutes to get back to Capel. A dip in the river, followed by superb goulash and sandwiches on the sun-drenched showfield after the race.
Wednesday, July 02, 2014
Maeshafn climbing
Crag: Maeshafn
Routes: Shattered Crack (S:sh), The Arete (VS 5a:sh), Sling (HS 4a:sh), Dandylion (HS 4b:sh), Elephant Crack (S 4a:sh), Rambler (HS 4a:sol)
An early morning run in warm sunshine up Moel Findeg then down to Maeshafn to pick up the original Beast race route. Up to Bryn Alyn then back via the Big Covert. I picked up my sac of climbing gear and extended the run (burdened now!) down to the crag for a few shunted routes. I've done all these routes dozens of times but just went up and down a few old favourites before a short bouldering session and jog back to the village.
Routes: Shattered Crack (S:sh), The Arete (VS 5a:sh), Sling (HS 4a:sh), Dandylion (HS 4b:sh), Elephant Crack (S 4a:sh), Rambler (HS 4a:sol)
An early morning run in warm sunshine up Moel Findeg then down to Maeshafn to pick up the original Beast race route. Up to Bryn Alyn then back via the Big Covert. I picked up my sac of climbing gear and extended the run (burdened now!) down to the crag for a few shunted routes. I've done all these routes dozens of times but just went up and down a few old favourites before a short bouldering session and jog back to the village.
Monday, June 30, 2014
Shropshire road cycling
Road Cycling: Church Stretton-The Burway-Bridges-Stiperstones-Wentnor-Asterton Bank-Church Stretton
Distance: 35k
It is no exaggeration to say that I found the infamous Asterton Bank climb more physically demanding than both the Galibier and the Izoard. It wasn't helped by the fact that I hadn't properly recovered from Saturday's race and was carrying running shoes and climbing shoes in a rucsac! In addition, the two earlier climbs on this route - The Burway and Stiperstones - are themselves vicious pieces of work ramping up to 20%. Indeed, as I started out in Church Stretton I found myself straight into the Burway with almost no warm-up. After a steep climb past the last few houses, it ramps up to 20% for a long and sustained hard section with no respite. It then eases slightly as it climbs above Carding Mill (memories of the Long Mynd Valleys fell race which heads off from the valley). Great views soon open out over the Mynd and Stretton Skyline. I've done 5 or 6 fell races round here, but have never bothered to bring the bike along: a mistake, as it is superb (albeit hard) cycling country. The Burway then relents towards the Long Mynd plateau, but continues gradually uphill for 3km before dropping down towards the Welsh border. A great descent to Ratlinghope and Bridges, truly delightful secluded hamlets, before another brute of a climb up to the Stiperstones. This was shorter and led to a delightful open section: peaceful, traffic free, wonderful. I stopped at the Stiperstones for a run and a few climbs on Cranberry Rock (below), then headed down via Kinnerton to Wentnor. I was feeling tired, not recovered from Saturday, and a tad concerned about Asterton Bank, conscious also of the extra kilos in my heavy rucsac. A gradual climb leads to the hamlet then it is across a cattle grid and straight onto the awful first hairpin that leads to 1km of agony. The next few minutes were the closest I have ever been to abandoning a climb and/or falling off due to gravity. In these circumstances, I found it worse than any of the Alpine climbs I've done, worse than the Flemish climbs too - even the Koppenberg! I struggled up, but I did complete the climb without stopping and greatly enjoyed the route back to Church Stretton across the Long Mynd plateau, now bathed in warm sunshine. A very short but very sharp little circuit.
Distance: 35k
It is no exaggeration to say that I found the infamous Asterton Bank climb more physically demanding than both the Galibier and the Izoard. It wasn't helped by the fact that I hadn't properly recovered from Saturday's race and was carrying running shoes and climbing shoes in a rucsac! In addition, the two earlier climbs on this route - The Burway and Stiperstones - are themselves vicious pieces of work ramping up to 20%. Indeed, as I started out in Church Stretton I found myself straight into the Burway with almost no warm-up. After a steep climb past the last few houses, it ramps up to 20% for a long and sustained hard section with no respite. It then eases slightly as it climbs above Carding Mill (memories of the Long Mynd Valleys fell race which heads off from the valley). Great views soon open out over the Mynd and Stretton Skyline. I've done 5 or 6 fell races round here, but have never bothered to bring the bike along: a mistake, as it is superb (albeit hard) cycling country. The Burway then relents towards the Long Mynd plateau, but continues gradually uphill for 3km before dropping down towards the Welsh border. A great descent to Ratlinghope and Bridges, truly delightful secluded hamlets, before another brute of a climb up to the Stiperstones. This was shorter and led to a delightful open section: peaceful, traffic free, wonderful. I stopped at the Stiperstones for a run and a few climbs on Cranberry Rock (below), then headed down via Kinnerton to Wentnor. I was feeling tired, not recovered from Saturday, and a tad concerned about Asterton Bank, conscious also of the extra kilos in my heavy rucsac. A gradual climb leads to the hamlet then it is across a cattle grid and straight onto the awful first hairpin that leads to 1km of agony. The next few minutes were the closest I have ever been to abandoning a climb and/or falling off due to gravity. In these circumstances, I found it worse than any of the Alpine climbs I've done, worse than the Flemish climbs too - even the Koppenberg! I struggled up, but I did complete the climb without stopping and greatly enjoyed the route back to Church Stretton across the Long Mynd plateau, now bathed in warm sunshine. A very short but very sharp little circuit.
Shropshire climbing
Crag: Stiperstones, Shropshire
Routes: Fossil Arete (M:sol), Central Route (M:sol), Original Route (M:sol), Cranberry Wall (M:sol)
Crag: Gaer Stone, Shropshire
Routes: West Arete (D:sol), South West Arete (VD:sol), East Wall (M:sol), East Arete (M:sol)
I'd never been to the Stiperstones, so they made an obvious target for my Shropshire bike ride over the Burway. It goes without saying that these crags are not exactly classic venues, but I liked the idea of combining cycling, climbing and hill running into one active morning. After two steep drags (above), I left the bike at the Stiperstones car park and jogged up to Cranberry Rock (the only 'legal' crag on the Stiperstones). This has four extremely easy scrambles facing Wales. Later, after the ride back over Asterton Bank, I jogged up to Hope Bowdler Hill east of Church Stretton (recognising the path immediately from the climax of the classic Cardington Cracker fell race route). The Gaer Stone is a weird pinnacle of rock half way up that is very noticeable on the race as it goes right past it. There are no real lines apart from two vague 'aretes' but again it was fun just to scramble around and complete the four supposed 'routes'. Shame it's not a bit more coherent as the rock is interesting and quite good - reminded me strongly of Esterel and Blavet (the rock that is, not the quality of the routes!) Had lunch overlooking Caer Caradog, then a short hill run before heading for home.
Routes: Fossil Arete (M:sol), Central Route (M:sol), Original Route (M:sol), Cranberry Wall (M:sol)
Crag: Gaer Stone, Shropshire
Routes: West Arete (D:sol), South West Arete (VD:sol), East Wall (M:sol), East Arete (M:sol)
I'd never been to the Stiperstones, so they made an obvious target for my Shropshire bike ride over the Burway. It goes without saying that these crags are not exactly classic venues, but I liked the idea of combining cycling, climbing and hill running into one active morning. After two steep drags (above), I left the bike at the Stiperstones car park and jogged up to Cranberry Rock (the only 'legal' crag on the Stiperstones). This has four extremely easy scrambles facing Wales. Later, after the ride back over Asterton Bank, I jogged up to Hope Bowdler Hill east of Church Stretton (recognising the path immediately from the climax of the classic Cardington Cracker fell race route). The Gaer Stone is a weird pinnacle of rock half way up that is very noticeable on the race as it goes right past it. There are no real lines apart from two vague 'aretes' but again it was fun just to scramble around and complete the four supposed 'routes'. Shame it's not a bit more coherent as the rock is interesting and quite good - reminded me strongly of Esterel and Blavet (the rock that is, not the quality of the routes!) Had lunch overlooking Caer Caradog, then a short hill run before heading for home.
Saturday, June 28, 2014
Ras Foel Fras
Race: Foel Fras fell race (12m/3200ft)
Time/Position: 1.43 (3rd from 32)
Although done with the best of intentions, it seemed a shame that this race was 'shortened' to an out-and-back climb up Foel Fras. If races are going to be changed just because of a bit of mist, it changes the nature of the activity. Perhaps 'trip hazards' will be marked soon? My guess is that the organisers still have memories of this race in 2009 when a brief spell of bad weather on Garnedd Uchaf sent runners off in all directions with a few hypothermia cases. This was my fifth time at the race, so it was actually quite an interesting change to blast straight up and down Foel Fras from Aber - in terms of distance it was about the same as the normal course, but I was looking forward to the navigation challenge of the main event. After the tarmac, I found myself in 2nd place as a runner from Dark Peak went past to win the race quite comfortably. By the time we entered the persistent drizzle and thick mist on the top of Drum, I'd slipped to third, and here I stayed after slowing for the next climb through the clag to Foel Fras. A huge descent after the long climb, great fun, completely alone as I was eight minutes ahead of the next runner (although several went wrong on the descent, following the fence down to Bwlch y Ddaefaen). Tellingly, perhaps, my time wasn't much quicker than my PB for the normal course.
Time/Position: 1.43 (3rd from 32)
Although done with the best of intentions, it seemed a shame that this race was 'shortened' to an out-and-back climb up Foel Fras. If races are going to be changed just because of a bit of mist, it changes the nature of the activity. Perhaps 'trip hazards' will be marked soon? My guess is that the organisers still have memories of this race in 2009 when a brief spell of bad weather on Garnedd Uchaf sent runners off in all directions with a few hypothermia cases. This was my fifth time at the race, so it was actually quite an interesting change to blast straight up and down Foel Fras from Aber - in terms of distance it was about the same as the normal course, but I was looking forward to the navigation challenge of the main event. After the tarmac, I found myself in 2nd place as a runner from Dark Peak went past to win the race quite comfortably. By the time we entered the persistent drizzle and thick mist on the top of Drum, I'd slipped to third, and here I stayed after slowing for the next climb through the clag to Foel Fras. A huge descent after the long climb, great fun, completely alone as I was eight minutes ahead of the next runner (although several went wrong on the descent, following the fence down to Bwlch y Ddaefaen). Tellingly, perhaps, my time wasn't much quicker than my PB for the normal course.
Thursday, June 26, 2014
Llangollen run and bouldering
A jog from Pontcysyllte viaduct through Trevor to the canal and the Offa's Dyke path which leads via a gentle climb through woodland to the Monument Road. Kate jogged back, and I enjoyed a brief bouldering stint on the Graffiti Walls (Taffy's Wall, the Scoop, Right-Hand Crack and many more easy problems) before running along the panorama and joining the Dinas Bran race route to the top of the castle and down to the school and an excellent pie in the Corn Mill.
Tuesday, June 24, 2014
Clogwyn y Tarw climbing
Crag: Clogwyn y Tarw (Gribin Facet), Ogwen
Routes: Slab Direct Route (VD:led), Llyn (HS 4b:sec), Slab Climb (D:led), Yob Route (HVS 5a:sec)
A frustrating few weeks, watching the wonderful weather come and go with no opportunities to get out climbing. At last, I managed to grab a short evening session in Ogwen with Vic today, although low cloud made it less summery of late. It was, however, bone dry for my first visit to this crag for well over 20 years. I hadn't led trad since last September, so needed easy mileage. As such, Slab Direct was perfect - a well protected crack and a long 50m pitch up the right-hand side of the big slab, just under the steep retaining wall. Great to be back, albeit on a geriatric, very easy climb. Just concentrated on the placements and ropework, and enjoyed the simple movement across easy rock. It finishes up an open groove. Still rather cool and cloudy as I followed Vic up Llyn. I have a memory of doing this before: a nice route albeit rather short. It's easier than it looks, as long as you use your brain! There are a few steep moves on good holds to gain the wide groove - almost a chimney higher up. A thrutch up this allows for more elegant moves up the edge of the groove to the thread. Then some elegant semi-back and footing as the groove becomes a chimney. I led the easy but nicely exposed final pitches (3 and 4) of Slab Climb to finish, keeping to the left-hand edge. Rather polished but pleasant: and a walk down memory lane as it was one of the first routes I ever did, almost a quarter of a century ago. The descent between the two buttresses is surprisingly awkward. After lunch, we did Yob Route. This is a splendid pitch: long, sustained and varied. An easy slanting crack leads to a mini-groove. This is hard to exit, tricky moves up and left on small holds, but gives access to a lovely straight crack/groove. Nice sustained VS climbing up this before a hard finish. This, for me, was the only problem with the route: it is disjointed, as the crux at the very top seemed much harder than the rest of the route (which was sustained meaty VS climbing). The crux is 5a/5b and involves an awkward smear for a very high hold on the left. My left arm is weak at the best of times, never mind after months off climbing! So a strenuous and ungainly haul got me to the belay. Abbed off to avoid the descent for a third time.
Routes: Slab Direct Route (VD:led), Llyn (HS 4b:sec), Slab Climb (D:led), Yob Route (HVS 5a:sec)
A frustrating few weeks, watching the wonderful weather come and go with no opportunities to get out climbing. At last, I managed to grab a short evening session in Ogwen with Vic today, although low cloud made it less summery of late. It was, however, bone dry for my first visit to this crag for well over 20 years. I hadn't led trad since last September, so needed easy mileage. As such, Slab Direct was perfect - a well protected crack and a long 50m pitch up the right-hand side of the big slab, just under the steep retaining wall. Great to be back, albeit on a geriatric, very easy climb. Just concentrated on the placements and ropework, and enjoyed the simple movement across easy rock. It finishes up an open groove. Still rather cool and cloudy as I followed Vic up Llyn. I have a memory of doing this before: a nice route albeit rather short. It's easier than it looks, as long as you use your brain! There are a few steep moves on good holds to gain the wide groove - almost a chimney higher up. A thrutch up this allows for more elegant moves up the edge of the groove to the thread. Then some elegant semi-back and footing as the groove becomes a chimney. I led the easy but nicely exposed final pitches (3 and 4) of Slab Climb to finish, keeping to the left-hand edge. Rather polished but pleasant: and a walk down memory lane as it was one of the first routes I ever did, almost a quarter of a century ago. The descent between the two buttresses is surprisingly awkward. After lunch, we did Yob Route. This is a splendid pitch: long, sustained and varied. An easy slanting crack leads to a mini-groove. This is hard to exit, tricky moves up and left on small holds, but gives access to a lovely straight crack/groove. Nice sustained VS climbing up this before a hard finish. This, for me, was the only problem with the route: it is disjointed, as the crux at the very top seemed much harder than the rest of the route (which was sustained meaty VS climbing). The crux is 5a/5b and involves an awkward smear for a very high hold on the left. My left arm is weak at the best of times, never mind after months off climbing! So a strenuous and ungainly haul got me to the belay. Abbed off to avoid the descent for a third time.
Monday, June 23, 2014
Manchester Velodrome track cycling
A steep learning curve: and in this case that is not just an overused metaphor. This was a great opportunity to try track cycling for the first time, and as such an interesting experience: albeit a discipline dependent on the kind of explosive power I am completely unsuited to - being built more like Chris Froome than Chris Hoy. The two hour session at the National Cycling Centre Velodrome (Manchester) was good, though, with excellent tutorials although rather late for me (8-10pm!). The bikes take some getting used to: no brakes, no gears, constant pedalling required. The banked curves take even longer to get used to, although my biggest issue was not so much the steepness but riding in a group with no brakes. After a few laps, we got higher and higher on the banking - with a couple of loops high on the advertising hoardings. Amongst other things, we did a 2 lap pursuit (which I narrowly won), and a timed lap (a very slow 23 seconds in my case).
Saturday, June 21, 2014
Carneddau walk
Peaks: Carnedd y Ddelw (688m)
Area: Carneddau, Eryri
With the beautiful weather continuing, E and I took the tiny road above Rowen to Bwlch y Ddaefaen. This is now almost unpassable, with a strip of thick grass in the centre. But we arrived unscathed and enjoyed the walk to the bwlch and steep ascent up into the Carneddau. E was a little tired so didn't want to continue to Drum, but we spent some time at the cairn of Carnedd y Ddelw (688m) eating peanuts and enjoying the views to Anglesey, the Orme and Foel Fras.
Area: Carneddau, Eryri
With the beautiful weather continuing, E and I took the tiny road above Rowen to Bwlch y Ddaefaen. This is now almost unpassable, with a strip of thick grass in the centre. But we arrived unscathed and enjoyed the walk to the bwlch and steep ascent up into the Carneddau. E was a little tired so didn't want to continue to Drum, but we spent some time at the cairn of Carnedd y Ddelw (688m) eating peanuts and enjoying the views to Anglesey, the Orme and Foel Fras.
Friday, June 20, 2014
Tattenhall Tough Team race
Race: Tattenhall Tough Team (9m+)
Time/Position: 59.02 (2nd from 165 [3rd Team from 55])
The helping skeletal hand from the grim reaper is much appreciated on this excellent team event, as it comes just as the infamous 'railway' reaches its most absurdly steep gradient at the top. The whole race is really enjoyable: this year I joined Jez and Steve Toogood in a team ('Toogood and Two Bad') with a combined age of 137. Last time I did it, in 2011, heavy rain fell constantly. This evening, perfect clarity of light: a superb midsummer evening as the recent spell of glorious weather continues. We started off slowly, just behind the leading team from West Cheshire. The road is gently downhill to Burwardsley and, despite our plans to run as a 'peloton' in-form Jez took off on the first hill towards the Pheasant to win the race comfortably. Steve dropped behind a little, so I concentrated on sticking with Dave and the rest of the leading trio. Great running up the steep steps in the woods, a lovely XC section through the Peckforton Hills which soon leads to the Railway. This is what gives the race its reputation and character: an inclining track which steepens continuously until reaching a little wall at the top (hence the grim reaper's helping hand). I momentarily moved into second place until we re-grouped for the run through the fields towards a low sun setting over the Clwydian hills. Glorious running, albeit a bit of a shock to the system after all the recent mountain races. Once we got to the road, it was a matter of keeping a decent pace going. It was nice to finish 2nd overall, but the truth is that Jez was miles in front and the overall placings are besides the point - it's a team event. As such, Steve had an excellent run to leave us in third place overall.
Time/Position: 59.02 (2nd from 165 [3rd Team from 55])
The helping skeletal hand from the grim reaper is much appreciated on this excellent team event, as it comes just as the infamous 'railway' reaches its most absurdly steep gradient at the top. The whole race is really enjoyable: this year I joined Jez and Steve Toogood in a team ('Toogood and Two Bad') with a combined age of 137. Last time I did it, in 2011, heavy rain fell constantly. This evening, perfect clarity of light: a superb midsummer evening as the recent spell of glorious weather continues. We started off slowly, just behind the leading team from West Cheshire. The road is gently downhill to Burwardsley and, despite our plans to run as a 'peloton' in-form Jez took off on the first hill towards the Pheasant to win the race comfortably. Steve dropped behind a little, so I concentrated on sticking with Dave and the rest of the leading trio. Great running up the steep steps in the woods, a lovely XC section through the Peckforton Hills which soon leads to the Railway. This is what gives the race its reputation and character: an inclining track which steepens continuously until reaching a little wall at the top (hence the grim reaper's helping hand). I momentarily moved into second place until we re-grouped for the run through the fields towards a low sun setting over the Clwydian hills. Glorious running, albeit a bit of a shock to the system after all the recent mountain races. Once we got to the road, it was a matter of keeping a decent pace going. It was nice to finish 2nd overall, but the truth is that Jez was miles in front and the overall placings are besides the point - it's a team event. As such, Steve had an excellent run to leave us in third place overall.
Saturday, June 14, 2014
Ras Pedol Cwm Pennant
Race: Cwm Pennant Horseshoe fell race (28k/6000ft)
Peaks: Moel Hebog, Moel yr Ogof, Moel Lefn, Trum y Ddisgyl, Mynydd Tal y Mignedd, Craig Cwm Silyn, Garnedd Goch
Time/Position: 2.55.10 (8th from 80)
A superb route, looping round all the peaks that encircle this most beautiful of valleys, subject of Eifion Wyn's famous poem. It's a very recent addition to the calendar, and was part of the Welsh Champs this year: an exciting prospect and a much needed additional long mountain race in North Wales. Nice weather, high cloud, not too hot, as we set off from the hostel on the very long climb up towards Moel Hebog. This is relatively gentle, and I kept the usual tortoise-like pace churning over until we reached the open hill with views out over the Moelwynion and later, Snowdon. A steeper section led to Moel Hebog summit in 48 minutes. A very steep descent to Bwlch Meillionen, moving up the field a little. Then a steep but very enjoyable climb through a rocky gully up to Moel yr Ogof - where Owain Glyndwr was pursued by a 'strong English party' 600 years ago! Superb running along the continuation ridge to Moel Lefn then through the tortuous and twisting terrain leading through the slate quarries, crags and bluffs down to Bwlch y Ddwy Elor. After Jura and our week in Scotland, I felt I had a bit of endurance (at least by my usual sorry standards), but was still pleased to feel good and strong (again, by my sorry standards) for the scenic ridge and steep climb up to the edge of Trum y Ddisgyl. The route then gets even better, as it takes in the best section of the Nantlle Ridge - which I haven't been on for a good few years. Narrow and rocky, with some mist starting to roll in, brilliant stuff. Simon E was pushing me the whole way, and we were steadily moving through the field. We took a direct scrambling line up the rocks of Craig Cwm Silyn with Noel from Eryri and seemed momentarily to be gaining on the small group in front. But the subsequent ridge crossing was tricky in the mist and we were lured off course along a spur. We righted ourselves after a quick bearing, and soon got back on course, but we inevitably slowed down and lost a couple of minutes. Over rocky terrain to the final peak of Garnedd Goch, then the arduous descent down Cwm Ciprwth. I'd never been here before: it's a wild and pathless valley, characterised by a very awkward combination of tussocks, heather, rock and hidden ditches. Simon and I did run it, but slowly, and only picked up the pace for the better path down through the beautiful lower reaches that give access to Cwm Pennant itself. Then comes a long 3k+ road section (more echoes of the Jura race) on which I started well, but began to fade as we approached the finish. Simon went past and I limped home, painfully slowly, through a final series of fields and draining short climbs.
Peaks: Moel Hebog, Moel yr Ogof, Moel Lefn, Trum y Ddisgyl, Mynydd Tal y Mignedd, Craig Cwm Silyn, Garnedd Goch
Time/Position: 2.55.10 (8th from 80)
A superb route, looping round all the peaks that encircle this most beautiful of valleys, subject of Eifion Wyn's famous poem. It's a very recent addition to the calendar, and was part of the Welsh Champs this year: an exciting prospect and a much needed additional long mountain race in North Wales. Nice weather, high cloud, not too hot, as we set off from the hostel on the very long climb up towards Moel Hebog. This is relatively gentle, and I kept the usual tortoise-like pace churning over until we reached the open hill with views out over the Moelwynion and later, Snowdon. A steeper section led to Moel Hebog summit in 48 minutes. A very steep descent to Bwlch Meillionen, moving up the field a little. Then a steep but very enjoyable climb through a rocky gully up to Moel yr Ogof - where Owain Glyndwr was pursued by a 'strong English party' 600 years ago! Superb running along the continuation ridge to Moel Lefn then through the tortuous and twisting terrain leading through the slate quarries, crags and bluffs down to Bwlch y Ddwy Elor. After Jura and our week in Scotland, I felt I had a bit of endurance (at least by my usual sorry standards), but was still pleased to feel good and strong (again, by my sorry standards) for the scenic ridge and steep climb up to the edge of Trum y Ddisgyl. The route then gets even better, as it takes in the best section of the Nantlle Ridge - which I haven't been on for a good few years. Narrow and rocky, with some mist starting to roll in, brilliant stuff. Simon E was pushing me the whole way, and we were steadily moving through the field. We took a direct scrambling line up the rocks of Craig Cwm Silyn with Noel from Eryri and seemed momentarily to be gaining on the small group in front. But the subsequent ridge crossing was tricky in the mist and we were lured off course along a spur. We righted ourselves after a quick bearing, and soon got back on course, but we inevitably slowed down and lost a couple of minutes. Over rocky terrain to the final peak of Garnedd Goch, then the arduous descent down Cwm Ciprwth. I'd never been here before: it's a wild and pathless valley, characterised by a very awkward combination of tussocks, heather, rock and hidden ditches. Simon and I did run it, but slowly, and only picked up the pace for the better path down through the beautiful lower reaches that give access to Cwm Pennant itself. Then comes a long 3k+ road section (more echoes of the Jura race) on which I started well, but began to fade as we approached the finish. Simon went past and I limped home, painfully slowly, through a final series of fields and draining short climbs.
Wednesday, June 11, 2014
Yorkshire Tour de France loop
Road Cycling: Halifax-Bradford-Oxenhope Moor-Hebden Bridge-Cragg Vale-Ripponden-Halifax
Distance: 70k
Stable weather had set in, I was in Huddersfield for the evening, the Grand Depart of the Tour comes this way in a couple of weeks, and some cycling training was necessary before our summer Alps trip. All in all, it seemed essential to get out for an evening ride, so I left (well after 6pm) from Greetland near Elland. Dreadful rush hour traffic, so I tried to escape up a side road above Halifax. This was steep, and it didn't work as it bought me back down in the middle of Halifax where the traffic was even worse. Indeed, the traffic was so unpleasant that I abandoned my plans to find Shibden Wall and instead headed straight for Queensbury via another steep climb out of Halifax. More traffic meant I missed a crucial turn and ended up in the Bradford suburbs (this area is essentially one giant gritty northern conurbation). A lengthy detour brought me out near Denholme and then finally the open moor as I headed along the Causeway to Oxenhope. This was much more like it: curlews and lapwing, soft sunshine and a low sun. Oxenhope was picture postcard, with a cricket match in progress, and I joined the Tour route (Stage 2) well before the first category 3 climb: Cote d'Oxenhope Moor! An Alpine style hairpin leads to a long drag before a superb descent, fast and long, with great views of the moors, all the way down to scenic Hebden Bridge. From here I continued on the TdF route to Myholmroyd and the turning for Cragg Vale, England's longest continuous climb. This is almost 10k, but so gentle that even I could get up it in a biggish gear at a reasonable pace. The traffic had died away by now, and I was enjoying myself. A sharp turn as the route briefly enters Lancashire, then another good descent to Ripponden. Another hill was inevitable, and the climb out of Ripponden (Category 3) is sharp enough to take the breath away. I was tiring after a long day, and yesterday's race, so was glad it didn't go on too long before leading to the descent back to Greetland.
Distance: 70k
Stable weather had set in, I was in Huddersfield for the evening, the Grand Depart of the Tour comes this way in a couple of weeks, and some cycling training was necessary before our summer Alps trip. All in all, it seemed essential to get out for an evening ride, so I left (well after 6pm) from Greetland near Elland. Dreadful rush hour traffic, so I tried to escape up a side road above Halifax. This was steep, and it didn't work as it bought me back down in the middle of Halifax where the traffic was even worse. Indeed, the traffic was so unpleasant that I abandoned my plans to find Shibden Wall and instead headed straight for Queensbury via another steep climb out of Halifax. More traffic meant I missed a crucial turn and ended up in the Bradford suburbs (this area is essentially one giant gritty northern conurbation). A lengthy detour brought me out near Denholme and then finally the open moor as I headed along the Causeway to Oxenhope. This was much more like it: curlews and lapwing, soft sunshine and a low sun. Oxenhope was picture postcard, with a cricket match in progress, and I joined the Tour route (Stage 2) well before the first category 3 climb: Cote d'Oxenhope Moor! An Alpine style hairpin leads to a long drag before a superb descent, fast and long, with great views of the moors, all the way down to scenic Hebden Bridge. From here I continued on the TdF route to Myholmroyd and the turning for Cragg Vale, England's longest continuous climb. This is almost 10k, but so gentle that even I could get up it in a biggish gear at a reasonable pace. The traffic had died away by now, and I was enjoying myself. A sharp turn as the route briefly enters Lancashire, then another good descent to Ripponden. Another hill was inevitable, and the climb out of Ripponden (Category 3) is sharp enough to take the breath away. I was tiring after a long day, and yesterday's race, so was glad it didn't go on too long before leading to the descent back to Greetland.
Tuesday, June 10, 2014
The Beast
Race: Up the Beast fell race (4.5m/1500ft)
Time/Position: 38.06 (8th from 134)
A torrential downpour hit Maeshafn just before the start, which saw us all huddling under the trees for protection. The rain and thunder eased for the run through the woods towards Bryn Alyn and the climb up the Beast, although left the ground sodden and the stiles very slippy and hazardous. Some explanation, maybe, for the fact that it was by far my slowest ever time for the route. Always provides tremendous entertainment, though, and I kept running up the Beast, paying the price later as I hauled up the limestone crags that characterise this area and the race. I felt a bit better on the second climb back over Bryn Alyn, and the return run through the woods, but wasn't able to claw back many places. Bigger field than ever this year, which is not surprising as it's a great local race.
Time/Position: 38.06 (8th from 134)
A torrential downpour hit Maeshafn just before the start, which saw us all huddling under the trees for protection. The rain and thunder eased for the run through the woods towards Bryn Alyn and the climb up the Beast, although left the ground sodden and the stiles very slippy and hazardous. Some explanation, maybe, for the fact that it was by far my slowest ever time for the route. Always provides tremendous entertainment, though, and I kept running up the Beast, paying the price later as I hauled up the limestone crags that characterise this area and the race. I felt a bit better on the second climb back over Bryn Alyn, and the return run through the woods, but wasn't able to claw back many places. Bigger field than ever this year, which is not surprising as it's a great local race.
Saturday, May 31, 2014
Crianlarich peaks
Peaks: Ben More (1174m), Stob Binnein (1165m)
Area: Crianlarich, Southern Highlands
Possibly the most sustained continuous climb in the British Isles? This was an ideal short but intense work-out to break our journey home, as the 1000m+ vertical interval begins from the road in Glen Dochart and ends on the summit of Ben More. It is absolutely relentless and not really runnable (for me, anyway). However, I went flat out and managed to skirt the rocky hollow of Sloc Curraidh and gain the summit cairn in less than an hour (58:50). A crystal clear morning had sadly given way to cloudy conditions, but I had hazy views throughout. I passed dozens of early starters on Ben More so had the continuation ridge to myself. This gave excellent running down to the pronounced Bealach Eadar da-Bheinn. A large snowfield lent definition to Stob Binnein's ridge: indeed, this peak is well defined, graceful and more aesthetically pleasing than its slightly higher twin (although as a result of their height both are very prominent landmarks throughout this part of the Highlands). I thoroughly enjoyed the ascent of Stob Binnein - which I managed in 10 minutes from the col. Flat out running back to the col, then the contouring path which gave superb level running with views of the Bridge of Orchy hills until plunging steeply down to pick up a good path in Glen More. Back to car, sweaty (2:14 road to road), to continue the drive back to Wales. Total climbing for the week (Sat-Sat) was over 7500m/25000ft.
Area: Crianlarich, Southern Highlands
Possibly the most sustained continuous climb in the British Isles? This was an ideal short but intense work-out to break our journey home, as the 1000m+ vertical interval begins from the road in Glen Dochart and ends on the summit of Ben More. It is absolutely relentless and not really runnable (for me, anyway). However, I went flat out and managed to skirt the rocky hollow of Sloc Curraidh and gain the summit cairn in less than an hour (58:50). A crystal clear morning had sadly given way to cloudy conditions, but I had hazy views throughout. I passed dozens of early starters on Ben More so had the continuation ridge to myself. This gave excellent running down to the pronounced Bealach Eadar da-Bheinn. A large snowfield lent definition to Stob Binnein's ridge: indeed, this peak is well defined, graceful and more aesthetically pleasing than its slightly higher twin (although as a result of their height both are very prominent landmarks throughout this part of the Highlands). I thoroughly enjoyed the ascent of Stob Binnein - which I managed in 10 minutes from the col. Flat out running back to the col, then the contouring path which gave superb level running with views of the Bridge of Orchy hills until plunging steeply down to pick up a good path in Glen More. Back to car, sweaty (2:14 road to road), to continue the drive back to Wales. Total climbing for the week (Sat-Sat) was over 7500m/25000ft.
Friday, May 30, 2014
Beinn a'Bheithir
Peaks: Sgorr Dhonuill (1024m), Sgorr Dhearg (1001m), Sgorr Bhan (947m)
Area: Beinn a'Bheithir, Central Highlands
This shapely massif is nicely poised above Loch Leven and lends itself to a fine traverse. Kate dropped me off at the car park in Gleann a'Chaolais and I ran through the conifer forests which spoil the northern slopes of the massif, promising to meet them the standard two hours later in Ballachulish itself. I was last here in 1989, when I failed to find the way through the forests. Now, it is all much clearer, and nicely runnable - which meant I gained the broad gully above the trees in less than half an hour of running. This leads steeply up Coire Dearg to gain an awkward shifting scree funnel. Steep, loose and tiring, and the whaleback ridge above is slightly disappointing. After around 1k of gentle uphill trotting, however, I gained the summit of Sgorr Dhonuill in 58m (these hour-long Munro climbs have become a familiar holiday theme). This has famously excellent seaward views, poised as it is above Loch Leven, Ardgour and Lismore. Sadly, it was a little hazy with high clouds after a crystal clear morning. Still, onward prospects looked superb. A surprisingly rocky and exposed ridge (for a few metres) leads from Dhonuill down to a pronounced col. The ridge stays well defined throughout, though broad, and leads quickly to the summit of Sgorr Dearg, the companion peak and second Munro. From here, I was pleased to see that the onward traverse over the sub-peak of Sgorr Bhan looked well worthwhile - a beautiful and aesthetically pleasing curving ridge, set off by the remains of a large snowfield and cornice. Tremendous running down this beautiful ridge, with views directly ahead opening out over Bidean nam Bian, Aonach Eagach and the other peaks of Glencoe. From Sgorr Ban, I should have headed east down a spur to the valley but instead followed the excellent ridge of Ben Ban - poised directly above Ballachullish with good views over to the Mamores and Ben Nevis. The path then contoured unhelpfully round and back up the valley, losing me valuable time! So I left it and bushwhacked down through bog and heather to emerge at the village school: met the family in a cafe around 2:22 after leaving Gleann a'Chaolais, a very enjoyable traverse. A tranquil afternoon on Lismore followed.
Area: Beinn a'Bheithir, Central Highlands
This shapely massif is nicely poised above Loch Leven and lends itself to a fine traverse. Kate dropped me off at the car park in Gleann a'Chaolais and I ran through the conifer forests which spoil the northern slopes of the massif, promising to meet them the standard two hours later in Ballachulish itself. I was last here in 1989, when I failed to find the way through the forests. Now, it is all much clearer, and nicely runnable - which meant I gained the broad gully above the trees in less than half an hour of running. This leads steeply up Coire Dearg to gain an awkward shifting scree funnel. Steep, loose and tiring, and the whaleback ridge above is slightly disappointing. After around 1k of gentle uphill trotting, however, I gained the summit of Sgorr Dhonuill in 58m (these hour-long Munro climbs have become a familiar holiday theme). This has famously excellent seaward views, poised as it is above Loch Leven, Ardgour and Lismore. Sadly, it was a little hazy with high clouds after a crystal clear morning. Still, onward prospects looked superb. A surprisingly rocky and exposed ridge (for a few metres) leads from Dhonuill down to a pronounced col. The ridge stays well defined throughout, though broad, and leads quickly to the summit of Sgorr Dearg, the companion peak and second Munro. From here, I was pleased to see that the onward traverse over the sub-peak of Sgorr Bhan looked well worthwhile - a beautiful and aesthetically pleasing curving ridge, set off by the remains of a large snowfield and cornice. Tremendous running down this beautiful ridge, with views directly ahead opening out over Bidean nam Bian, Aonach Eagach and the other peaks of Glencoe. From Sgorr Ban, I should have headed east down a spur to the valley but instead followed the excellent ridge of Ben Ban - poised directly above Ballachullish with good views over to the Mamores and Ben Nevis. The path then contoured unhelpfully round and back up the valley, losing me valuable time! So I left it and bushwhacked down through bog and heather to emerge at the village school: met the family in a cafe around 2:22 after leaving Gleann a'Chaolais, a very enjoyable traverse. A tranquil afternoon on Lismore followed.
Wednesday, May 28, 2014
Dalmally peaks
Peaks: Beinn a'Chochuill (980m), Beinn Eunaich (989m)
Area: Glen Strae, Central Highlands
Completely overshadowed by neighbouring Ben Cruachan, these peaks nevertheless give an enjoyable and very runnable outing. They made an obvious pre-breakfast target from our Taynuilt cottage, and I got back before 10am. I'd already done Ben Cruachan in 2005, and although we had wonderful ever-changing views of it and the Taynuilt Peak from our front room window, I thought it better to tread new ground. A short drive from the cottage meant it was only 7.30am as I set off on the long and gradually inclining track which makes for fast running above the Allt Mhoille towards the head of the valley. After 4 or 5k, a very tenuous path heads steeply up the vague SE ridge of Beinn a'Chochuill. Surprisingly windy and cold as I gained the main ridge - with obvious 'weather' approaching. Yes, I was getting the worst of the day's conditions again. I pelted along the superbly runnable ridge to the summit (58m from the road), and its famously excellent views of Ben Cruachan, keen to get them before the weather closed in. I did so, and was not disappointed - the entire massif, one of Scotland's finest, in perfect detail and complete with quite a bit of old snow in the gullies. More fabulous running back down the ridge to a steeper descent and good views over to Ben Starav and the Blackmount. Inevitably, the weather closed in for my ascent of Beinn Eunaich although the rain stayed fairly light. I took a bearing from the summit and ran flat out down the south ridge to Stob Maol and a steep descent back to the valley (2:28 in total). Back, as planned, in time for breakfast.
Area: Glen Strae, Central Highlands
Completely overshadowed by neighbouring Ben Cruachan, these peaks nevertheless give an enjoyable and very runnable outing. They made an obvious pre-breakfast target from our Taynuilt cottage, and I got back before 10am. I'd already done Ben Cruachan in 2005, and although we had wonderful ever-changing views of it and the Taynuilt Peak from our front room window, I thought it better to tread new ground. A short drive from the cottage meant it was only 7.30am as I set off on the long and gradually inclining track which makes for fast running above the Allt Mhoille towards the head of the valley. After 4 or 5k, a very tenuous path heads steeply up the vague SE ridge of Beinn a'Chochuill. Surprisingly windy and cold as I gained the main ridge - with obvious 'weather' approaching. Yes, I was getting the worst of the day's conditions again. I pelted along the superbly runnable ridge to the summit (58m from the road), and its famously excellent views of Ben Cruachan, keen to get them before the weather closed in. I did so, and was not disappointed - the entire massif, one of Scotland's finest, in perfect detail and complete with quite a bit of old snow in the gullies. More fabulous running back down the ridge to a steeper descent and good views over to Ben Starav and the Blackmount. Inevitably, the weather closed in for my ascent of Beinn Eunaich although the rain stayed fairly light. I took a bearing from the summit and ran flat out down the south ridge to Stob Maol and a steep descent back to the valley (2:28 in total). Back, as planned, in time for breakfast.
Tuesday, May 27, 2014
Beinn Lora
After a day trip to Mull, and a walk round Craignure, we tagged this splendid little hill (a 300m 'Marilyn') on to the end of our day after seafood in Oban. Left Benderloch with K and E and enjoyed the tracks through the forest and the superb views over the Firth of Lorn from the 'Eagle's Eyrie'. E enjoyed negotiating the boggy ground below the summit, and the views of Lismore, Mull and the sea were superb - as showers tracked across the Firth of Lorn and the Beinn a'Bheithir massif, but missed us.
Monday, May 26, 2014
Bridge of Orchy peaks
Peaks: Beinn Dorain (1076m), Beinn an Dothaidh (1004m)
Area: Glen Orchy, Central Highlands
This beautiful peak is a famous landmark that marks the entrance to the Central Highlands: a near-perfect cone that sweeps down to the A82. But although I'd driven past Beinn Dorain dozens of times, I'd never been up it (or its neighbour Beinn an Dothaidh) before. It seemed like the perfect opportunity for a quick run to stretch my legs after the Jura race. We'd all enjoyed a family walk round Glen Nant yesterday, and all drove over to Bridge of Orchy at midday in changeable conditions of squally showers with some hope of a clearance later. Kate dropped me off at the station, giving me two hours for both peaks while they went in search of lunch. I felt quite good for the runnable but not very scenic path up Coire an Dothaidh, making very quick progress up to the rocky terrain around the head of the cwm as it closes in on both sides. Sadly, the weather also closed in at this point and I got a real soaking as I gained the flat bealach between the two peaks. Torrential rain and fairly brisk winds for the onward route, which weaves up a flat ridge to two steepish snowfields. Then an interesting and intricate onwards route to the right of some crags and the main ridge: occasional fleeting views down to the A82 far below. This twists around until eventually curving back on itself to the summit in 60 minutes from Bridge of Orchy. A brief but memorable clearance gave views south over Beinn Challum to Ben More before the weather closed in again. Superb running led back to the bealach, then a very boggy slog up the less interesting (but still shapely) peak of Beinn an Dothaidh - the second Munro. Misty on the summit, so I pelted back through the bog to meet the family at the station just as the sun came out (2:18 in total).
Area: Glen Orchy, Central Highlands
This beautiful peak is a famous landmark that marks the entrance to the Central Highlands: a near-perfect cone that sweeps down to the A82. But although I'd driven past Beinn Dorain dozens of times, I'd never been up it (or its neighbour Beinn an Dothaidh) before. It seemed like the perfect opportunity for a quick run to stretch my legs after the Jura race. We'd all enjoyed a family walk round Glen Nant yesterday, and all drove over to Bridge of Orchy at midday in changeable conditions of squally showers with some hope of a clearance later. Kate dropped me off at the station, giving me two hours for both peaks while they went in search of lunch. I felt quite good for the runnable but not very scenic path up Coire an Dothaidh, making very quick progress up to the rocky terrain around the head of the cwm as it closes in on both sides. Sadly, the weather also closed in at this point and I got a real soaking as I gained the flat bealach between the two peaks. Torrential rain and fairly brisk winds for the onward route, which weaves up a flat ridge to two steepish snowfields. Then an interesting and intricate onwards route to the right of some crags and the main ridge: occasional fleeting views down to the A82 far below. This twists around until eventually curving back on itself to the summit in 60 minutes from Bridge of Orchy. A brief but memorable clearance gave views south over Beinn Challum to Ben More before the weather closed in again. Superb running led back to the bealach, then a very boggy slog up the less interesting (but still shapely) peak of Beinn an Dothaidh - the second Munro. Misty on the summit, so I pelted back through the bog to meet the family at the station just as the sun came out (2:18 in total).
Saturday, May 24, 2014
Jura fell race
Race: Isle of Jura fell race (28k/2370m)
Peaks: Dubh Bheinn (530m), Glas Bheinn (562m), Aonach Bheinn (500m), Bheinn a'Chaolais (733m), Beinn an Oir (785m), Beinn Shiantaidh (757m), Corra Bheinn (573m)
Time/Position: 4.36.57 (69th from 213)
Probably the most interesting and memorable mountain race in the British Isles. A magical event, with a superbly challenging and scenic course accentuated by its location on this inaccessible island: just getting to the start is an adventure in itself. We finally managed to combine the race with our usual Whit family holiday in Scotland, and we all thoroughly enjoyed the journey via Dumbarton to Tarbet and the north of Kintyre to the Port Ellen ferry. A nice day exploring the delights of Islay, including several calling corncrake, then we took the small ferry across to Jura and a sunny but windy camp near the little river running down to the sea from the island's only hotel. Venison lasagne was good ballast for the race, which started in perfect sunshine next morning, the few remaining tendrils of mist peeling away from Beinn an Oir as we began the long but gradual climb into the wilds leading up to the first hill of Dubh Bheinn. The views of sea and mountain soon become spectacular: out over Islay, then over to Kintyre, Ben Cruachan and Mull. Lovely running past beautiful little lochans over the steeper second peak of Glas Bheinn led to the highlight of the day: a perfect runnable ridge to Aonach Bheinn with the sea glistening below, Colonsay coming into view and the first Pap (Bheinn a'Chaolais) towering above the deep cleft of Astaile. The first very steep descent follows, losing thousands of feet down to the deep and wild valley of Gleann Astaile. Here lies the only water source, so I drank tactically from the stream and filled a collapsible bottle which I sipped on the massive climb up Chaolais. Hard to exaggerate the steepness and length of this quite intricate ascent up the first of the Paps. A little cloud passed over the summit, giving some shade, but it was a superb place raised directly above the Atlantic and the beautiful beaches of Colonsay (the Irish hills of Antrim visible in the distant south?). The next descent was one of the roughest I've ever experienced, steep and exciting initially, then a combination of unhelpfully large scree and small boulders. A 'controlled fall' down this, starting to pick up a few places after a very slow start, led down to another superbly wild col between the two highest Paps and above Gleann an t-Siob. Then it is straight into the next big climb up the wonderful highpoint of the island, Beinn an Oir (Hill of Gold). This has a little light scrambling to ease the pain, and if anything is steeper than Chaolais. The climax of the hill is a narrow and bouldery ridge, and more stunning views now focused on the wild north and west of the island - completely uninhabited and untracked. An easier descent leads to a short and mercifully flat, broad col, before the third and final Pap of Beinn Shiantaidh. I was tiring now, and ate a bit on the climb (no water source, so I was glad I'd been so diligent at the stream on Chaolais). The descent from Shiantaidh is perhaps the worst of all, certainly the most notorious, as a direct line to the final peak leads over a crag. This means that a circuitous route down arduous shifting boulders, intertwined with good runnable scree, leads to a long and easy contouring route (far from direct) down to the remote Lochanan Tana and the cruel final climb up the 'extra' peak tagged to the end of the route. This was hard, steep and heathery, and a few sweets on the summit of Corra Bheinn were welcome. Hot sunshine now for the very long and very boggy descent down to the road: arduous and knee-deep mud in places. After the final checkpoint at the Three Arch Bridge (crowds, people, tarmac!) a 5k+ section of road leads past a series of lonely white-sand beaches to Craighouse and the finish at the Distillery. Went past 6 or 7 on the road but still finished miles down the field: still, I had no intention of racing even if I'd been capable of doing so over this distance. It was lovely to jog round in 'holiday mode' and savour the views. A truly wonderful circuit: I'd always felt that the Laugavegur in Iceland (done in 2008) would never be beaten as a mountain running experience, but this got very close to it (and my other longstanding favourite - the Jungfrau marathon).
Peaks: Dubh Bheinn (530m), Glas Bheinn (562m), Aonach Bheinn (500m), Bheinn a'Chaolais (733m), Beinn an Oir (785m), Beinn Shiantaidh (757m), Corra Bheinn (573m)
Time/Position: 4.36.57 (69th from 213)
Probably the most interesting and memorable mountain race in the British Isles. A magical event, with a superbly challenging and scenic course accentuated by its location on this inaccessible island: just getting to the start is an adventure in itself. We finally managed to combine the race with our usual Whit family holiday in Scotland, and we all thoroughly enjoyed the journey via Dumbarton to Tarbet and the north of Kintyre to the Port Ellen ferry. A nice day exploring the delights of Islay, including several calling corncrake, then we took the small ferry across to Jura and a sunny but windy camp near the little river running down to the sea from the island's only hotel. Venison lasagne was good ballast for the race, which started in perfect sunshine next morning, the few remaining tendrils of mist peeling away from Beinn an Oir as we began the long but gradual climb into the wilds leading up to the first hill of Dubh Bheinn. The views of sea and mountain soon become spectacular: out over Islay, then over to Kintyre, Ben Cruachan and Mull. Lovely running past beautiful little lochans over the steeper second peak of Glas Bheinn led to the highlight of the day: a perfect runnable ridge to Aonach Bheinn with the sea glistening below, Colonsay coming into view and the first Pap (Bheinn a'Chaolais) towering above the deep cleft of Astaile. The first very steep descent follows, losing thousands of feet down to the deep and wild valley of Gleann Astaile. Here lies the only water source, so I drank tactically from the stream and filled a collapsible bottle which I sipped on the massive climb up Chaolais. Hard to exaggerate the steepness and length of this quite intricate ascent up the first of the Paps. A little cloud passed over the summit, giving some shade, but it was a superb place raised directly above the Atlantic and the beautiful beaches of Colonsay (the Irish hills of Antrim visible in the distant south?). The next descent was one of the roughest I've ever experienced, steep and exciting initially, then a combination of unhelpfully large scree and small boulders. A 'controlled fall' down this, starting to pick up a few places after a very slow start, led down to another superbly wild col between the two highest Paps and above Gleann an t-Siob. Then it is straight into the next big climb up the wonderful highpoint of the island, Beinn an Oir (Hill of Gold). This has a little light scrambling to ease the pain, and if anything is steeper than Chaolais. The climax of the hill is a narrow and bouldery ridge, and more stunning views now focused on the wild north and west of the island - completely uninhabited and untracked. An easier descent leads to a short and mercifully flat, broad col, before the third and final Pap of Beinn Shiantaidh. I was tiring now, and ate a bit on the climb (no water source, so I was glad I'd been so diligent at the stream on Chaolais). The descent from Shiantaidh is perhaps the worst of all, certainly the most notorious, as a direct line to the final peak leads over a crag. This means that a circuitous route down arduous shifting boulders, intertwined with good runnable scree, leads to a long and easy contouring route (far from direct) down to the remote Lochanan Tana and the cruel final climb up the 'extra' peak tagged to the end of the route. This was hard, steep and heathery, and a few sweets on the summit of Corra Bheinn were welcome. Hot sunshine now for the very long and very boggy descent down to the road: arduous and knee-deep mud in places. After the final checkpoint at the Three Arch Bridge (crowds, people, tarmac!) a 5k+ section of road leads past a series of lonely white-sand beaches to Craighouse and the finish at the Distillery. Went past 6 or 7 on the road but still finished miles down the field: still, I had no intention of racing even if I'd been capable of doing so over this distance. It was lovely to jog round in 'holiday mode' and savour the views. A truly wonderful circuit: I'd always felt that the Laugavegur in Iceland (done in 2008) would never be beaten as a mountain running experience, but this got very close to it (and my other longstanding favourite - the Jungfrau marathon).
Saturday, May 17, 2014
Llandegla Mountain Biking
MTB route: Bwlchgwyn-Llandegla Black/Red-Bwlchgwyn
Distance: 25k
Extended the normal route by cycling up from below Bwlchgwyn, then met Rich and repeated the Red Route, but branched off for the recently completed 'B-Line' Black Extension. This is quite exciting, particularly as I struggled with what is now virtually non-existent suspension on my front forks. Some steep North Shore type obstacles, and many big ramps and sharp climbs. All in glorious warm sunshine. Enjoyable, as was the excellent barbecue at the cafe afterwards. This stood me in good stead for a wild camp with E that afternoon. We tried several secluded camping spots in Idwal, all of which were too windy, made an evening meal on a bluff overlooking Nant Ffrancon, then retreated to the valley for an excellent camp (in advance of a Capel-Crafnant partial walk next morning).
Distance: 25k
Extended the normal route by cycling up from below Bwlchgwyn, then met Rich and repeated the Red Route, but branched off for the recently completed 'B-Line' Black Extension. This is quite exciting, particularly as I struggled with what is now virtually non-existent suspension on my front forks. Some steep North Shore type obstacles, and many big ramps and sharp climbs. All in glorious warm sunshine. Enjoyable, as was the excellent barbecue at the cafe afterwards. This stood me in good stead for a wild camp with E that afternoon. We tried several secluded camping spots in Idwal, all of which were too windy, made an evening meal on a bluff overlooking Nant Ffrancon, then retreated to the valley for an excellent camp (in advance of a Capel-Crafnant partial walk next morning).
Friday, May 16, 2014
Clwydian race route
An attempt to link various fell race routes into a longer training circuit, ostensibly to check on the condition of the forthcoming Hotfoot race - which I've taken over the organisation of this year. It was also hopelessly late last-minute training for the Jura fell race (in 8 days time!), so a tad worrying as I struggled on the climb up Moel y Gaer after the descent from Penbarras (Hotfoot up Famau route). Superbly clear evening views over Snowdonia compensated, and I felt better for the ridge along from Famau over Dywyll (now following the Llangynhafal Loop route). From the end of this section, I descended the bridleway towards Cilcain (Clwydian fell race route), then contoured along to descend the normal Collie route. I met Huw et al, and we then ran back up to the top of Famau (Collie classic route!), then down to Penbarras and my car. A lengthy but slow outing.
Tuesday, May 13, 2014
Thurstaston MT race
Race: Thurstaston Multi-Terrain Challenge (6m)
Time/Position: 37.09 (11th from 121 [3rd V40])
A disastrous pacing error saw me blow up completely half way along the horribly long bridleway leading to the finish. I had to walk for a while on the fields as several chasers flew past: desperately unpleasant, particularly as I normally pride myself on my (slow) pacing. This part of the Wirral was almost Hebridean-feeling this evening, as the sun set over the Dee estuary and the Welsh hills beyond. Beautiful weather and a great race, with superb running along the beach for 1.5 miles: I was feeling quite good for this section, and was up in 6th place as we left the sand and headed up twisting roads to the woodland. I started to struggle a bit on the little paths through the trees, then lost it completely on the very long, very straight bridleway that leads to the finish at the visitor centre. Obviously went off too fast, or perhaps feeling the effects of over-racing (four races in ten days).
Time/Position: 37.09 (11th from 121 [3rd V40])
A disastrous pacing error saw me blow up completely half way along the horribly long bridleway leading to the finish. I had to walk for a while on the fields as several chasers flew past: desperately unpleasant, particularly as I normally pride myself on my (slow) pacing. This part of the Wirral was almost Hebridean-feeling this evening, as the sun set over the Dee estuary and the Welsh hills beyond. Beautiful weather and a great race, with superb running along the beach for 1.5 miles: I was feeling quite good for this section, and was up in 6th place as we left the sand and headed up twisting roads to the woodland. I started to struggle a bit on the little paths through the trees, then lost it completely on the very long, very straight bridleway that leads to the finish at the visitor centre. Obviously went off too fast, or perhaps feeling the effects of over-racing (four races in ten days).
Saturday, May 10, 2014
Ras Moel Eilio
Race: Moel Eilio fell race (8m/3000ft)
Peaks: Moel Eilio, Foel Gron, Foel Goch, Moel Cynghorion
Time/Position: 1.22.16 (8th from 56 [3rd V40])
This turned into a painfully slow 'survival-mode' plod across the ridge into a ferocious headwind and torrential rain. The effect was like a horizontal power shower switched to 'cold', and brought back fond memories of similar outings in the past (OMM Borrowdale, 1000m peaks 2009, Foel Fras, Mynydd Troed etc etc). It was no worse than any of those, but it was worse than might have been expected given the forecast and the lowly nature of these hills above Llanberis. The field was small but fairly strong and although I managed a reasonable pace from Llanberis along the tracks to the ridge, as soon as we turned up towards Moel Eilio the headwind tore into us and made running (for me) almost impossible. Just a heads down plod to the top of Eilio, then the wind got really fierce. The crosswinds were almost dangerous as we crested the little spur above the gullies on Foel Gron: I was blown over here, and a minute or two later I fell quite badly on the descent from Foel Gron, saturated scree and grass helping me slide and minimising loss of flesh. Finally, at the head of Maesgwm the wind turned and helped a bit for the long climb up Cynghorion although I was mildly hypothermic by this point. The steep descent back to the valley was a rather stiff and cautious affair as a result, and I couldn't catch the two runners in front on the long run in along the track down to Llanberis. Great job done by the marshalls in difficult circumstances. Peter and I recovered with a bowl of chips and mug of tea in Pete's Eats.
Peaks: Moel Eilio, Foel Gron, Foel Goch, Moel Cynghorion
Time/Position: 1.22.16 (8th from 56 [3rd V40])
This turned into a painfully slow 'survival-mode' plod across the ridge into a ferocious headwind and torrential rain. The effect was like a horizontal power shower switched to 'cold', and brought back fond memories of similar outings in the past (OMM Borrowdale, 1000m peaks 2009, Foel Fras, Mynydd Troed etc etc). It was no worse than any of those, but it was worse than might have been expected given the forecast and the lowly nature of these hills above Llanberis. The field was small but fairly strong and although I managed a reasonable pace from Llanberis along the tracks to the ridge, as soon as we turned up towards Moel Eilio the headwind tore into us and made running (for me) almost impossible. Just a heads down plod to the top of Eilio, then the wind got really fierce. The crosswinds were almost dangerous as we crested the little spur above the gullies on Foel Gron: I was blown over here, and a minute or two later I fell quite badly on the descent from Foel Gron, saturated scree and grass helping me slide and minimising loss of flesh. Finally, at the head of Maesgwm the wind turned and helped a bit for the long climb up Cynghorion although I was mildly hypothermic by this point. The steep descent back to the valley was a rather stiff and cautious affair as a result, and I couldn't catch the two runners in front on the long run in along the track down to Llanberis. Great job done by the marshalls in difficult circumstances. Peter and I recovered with a bowl of chips and mug of tea in Pete's Eats.
Wednesday, May 07, 2014
Dinas Bran hill race
Race: Dinas Bran hill race (4.5m/1200ft)
Time/Position: 32m (4th from 50)
Over 11 years since I first did this race, and the second 'lap' doesn't get any easier. I vividly remember my shock in 2003 when I realised we had to climb Dinas Bran twice. It's actually a very short climb, but my girth was maybe a bit wider in those days. Today, a small field set off round the school then headed up the very steep metalled road to the open hill. I kept it going at a very slow pace and found myself in third with (seemingly) nobody close behind. The route takes the lovely wooded path on the far side of Dinas Bran then climbs the steepest slopes to the ruined castle. From here, a quick zigzag descent led to the second lap. At the bottom of this, I was overtaken almost silently by another runner. I stayed with him for the second lap, but he pulled away on the climb and I couldn't quite catch him on the descent (five minutes from the top to the school?). A chilly evening, with a spot of rain at times.
Time/Position: 32m (4th from 50)
Over 11 years since I first did this race, and the second 'lap' doesn't get any easier. I vividly remember my shock in 2003 when I realised we had to climb Dinas Bran twice. It's actually a very short climb, but my girth was maybe a bit wider in those days. Today, a small field set off round the school then headed up the very steep metalled road to the open hill. I kept it going at a very slow pace and found myself in third with (seemingly) nobody close behind. The route takes the lovely wooded path on the far side of Dinas Bran then climbs the steepest slopes to the ruined castle. From here, a quick zigzag descent led to the second lap. At the bottom of this, I was overtaken almost silently by another runner. I stayed with him for the second lap, but he pulled away on the climb and I couldn't quite catch him on the descent (five minutes from the top to the school?). A chilly evening, with a spot of rain at times.
Saturday, May 03, 2014
Llangynhafal Loop
Race: Llangynhafal Loop fell race
Time/Position: 45.01 (4th from 84)
The final climb on this race is always pretty desperate, and so it proved again - my first proper fell race since early November and perhaps my sixth running of the event. Nice running contouring the vale at the start leads to Nant y Ne and a long, but gradually uphill (and therefore draining) run to the base of the infamous gully. Nowhere near fit enough to run up this at present, so just concentrated on staying close to 3rd placed Neil from Ambleside. At the summit of Famau, he took off - and I lost even more ground on the descent and the fast running along the ridge to Moel Dywyll. I resigned myself to 4th place and wasn't caught, but slowed considerably on the desperate final climb. The final descent is steep, but grassy, fast and always exciting! Nice event, very well organised by Huw this year.
Time/Position: 45.01 (4th from 84)
The final climb on this race is always pretty desperate, and so it proved again - my first proper fell race since early November and perhaps my sixth running of the event. Nice running contouring the vale at the start leads to Nant y Ne and a long, but gradually uphill (and therefore draining) run to the base of the infamous gully. Nowhere near fit enough to run up this at present, so just concentrated on staying close to 3rd placed Neil from Ambleside. At the summit of Famau, he took off - and I lost even more ground on the descent and the fast running along the ridge to Moel Dywyll. I resigned myself to 4th place and wasn't caught, but slowed considerably on the desperate final climb. The final descent is steep, but grassy, fast and always exciting! Nice event, very well organised by Huw this year.
Friday, May 02, 2014
Dyserth climbing
Crag: Dyserth Castle Slab
Routes: Jason and the Aga Nuts (f5:led), Leo Saw Us Rex (f4:sec), 36 Bolts to Happiness (f5:led), Siamber Wen (f3:sec), Llywelyn ap Gruffydd to Neil Crud (f6b:led), Isabella Rose (f6a:sec), The Purple Ladies Versus Godzilla (f6a:led), Tegengle (f6a:sec), Genesis (f6b+:led)
A surprisingly competent and efficient sweep of every route on the slab in a couple of hours. Our short evening visit concluded with a clean 6b+ lead of the oldest and best line here, Genesis. Shamefully, this grade has always (since the age of 20) represented my absolute leading limit, so I was rather surprised to manage it after eight months away from all climbing (except last Friday!). That said, it feels to me that all the routes here are slightly overgraded given that the French system is supposed to reflect overall difficulty rather than merely the technical crux: they are certainly generous, although technical slabs are always more flatteringly graded than pumpy steepness. Vic and I began with mileage on the easy short routes right of the main face, up and down a few times. I then led the longest line on the crag, a surprisingly fine 20m+ f6b up the far left of the main slab. Neatly sustained, with a few nice technical moves on small positive holds - delicate and absorbing in places, particularly where the route steepens at a little overlap. More like 6a+ though. The loose groove line to the right looks awful, and is indeed a tad unstable, but it gives some surprisingly enjoyable crisp technical moves at f6a: we both quite enjoyed it. I led the overgraded 6a up the vague right-hand arete, a good climb, and seconded its twin route Tegengle. It was then time for Genesis, which was for many years the only route here at E3 (now retro-bolted). It embraces the main challenge of the slab, straight up a blank steep slab of compact limestone. The excellent friction, unusual for British limestone, means that it is easier than it looks. It goes easily via some huge pockets up to a steepening. Then some technical moves on small positive crimps lead to an awkward crux with a difficult clip: luckily my right-hand had a decent crimp and my feet were high up on crystals, so I could clip the bolt cleanly with my much weaker left hand! One more hard move gains a couple of finishing jugs. Good climb, but again probably 6b at the most. Nice to clean up the slab after my first visit last year left 'unfinished business'. The sun finally came out as we packed the gear away.
Sunday, April 27, 2014
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?
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?
Friday, April 25, 2014
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.
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.
Wednesday, April 23, 2014
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.
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.
Saturday, April 19, 2014
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.
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.
Thursday, April 17, 2014
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.
Wednesday, April 16, 2014
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.
Sunday, April 13, 2014
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.
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.
Sunday, April 06, 2014
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.
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.
Saturday, April 05, 2014
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!
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!
Friday, March 28, 2014
Clwydian road/hill run
Last long run before London. Still can't face 20 miles on the road, and will no doubt pay for my lack of discipline with yet another failed attempt at 2.45 in a fortnight. Instead, I mixed it up tonight with an interesting road/hill hybrid. I left Cadole for Gwernaffield, then quick running downhill to an extra loop round Mold. Through the town centre, then up to Gwernymynydd, up steeply to the Owain Glyndwr, then Maeshafn. I then left the tarmac for the route back to Cadole. One more extra loop before a five minute break to shovel some food down before joining the usual Friday night run up Moel Famau. With Huw, Rob and Peter we chased down John M, arriving at the top in a reasonably quick 40m. Slowed a little for the descent, then a lot for the final climb back to the Collie from Loggerheads! Perhaps 18-19 miles, but obviously very hilly, so it must have done some good - for the long summer fell races if not for London.
Monday, March 24, 2014
Kinnerton-Llandegla MTB loop
Mountain Bike: Higher Kinnerton-Bwlchgwyn-Llandegla-Red MTB Trail-Cefn y Bedd-Higher Kinnerton
Distance/Climb: 70k (1000m)
A very early morning attempt to squeeze some hopelessly late training in for the imminent Tour of Flanders. I arranged to meet Rich at Llandegla but cycled there from home at first light in beautiful cold, crisp and pin-sharp conditions. The ice was melting as I got into the steady ascent from Cefn y Bedd to Bwlchgwyn. This kicks up steeply in places, and is far harder on the knobbly tired mountain bike. Still, I thought it would do me some good - surely quite similar to the short, sharp climbs of Flanders. I added an extra very steep climb: from Bwlchgwyn over to Gwynfryn, then extended the approach to Llandegla MTB centre. Met Rich, then enjoyed an excellent blast round the old favourite 19k Red Route. Punctured on the long climb, then found the outer reaches almost unrecognisable from my 30 or so previous visits: wind damage may have altered the route? Some superb flowing singletrack and exhilarating fast descents, and a very different lakeside route back to the Centre. Tried to push the climbs as much as possible for training purposes, but was a little tired after an early start from home with lots of climbing (not to mention yesterday's race). After a brief snack, I headed back down a different route - the bridleway to Bwlchgwyn. From here, a quick descent to Cefn y Bedd then home.
Distance/Climb: 70k (1000m)
A very early morning attempt to squeeze some hopelessly late training in for the imminent Tour of Flanders. I arranged to meet Rich at Llandegla but cycled there from home at first light in beautiful cold, crisp and pin-sharp conditions. The ice was melting as I got into the steady ascent from Cefn y Bedd to Bwlchgwyn. This kicks up steeply in places, and is far harder on the knobbly tired mountain bike. Still, I thought it would do me some good - surely quite similar to the short, sharp climbs of Flanders. I added an extra very steep climb: from Bwlchgwyn over to Gwynfryn, then extended the approach to Llandegla MTB centre. Met Rich, then enjoyed an excellent blast round the old favourite 19k Red Route. Punctured on the long climb, then found the outer reaches almost unrecognisable from my 30 or so previous visits: wind damage may have altered the route? Some superb flowing singletrack and exhilarating fast descents, and a very different lakeside route back to the Centre. Tried to push the climbs as much as possible for training purposes, but was a little tired after an early start from home with lots of climbing (not to mention yesterday's race). After a brief snack, I headed back down a different route - the bridleway to Bwlchgwyn. From here, a quick descent to Cefn y Bedd then home.
Sunday, March 23, 2014
Deeside Border League
Race: Deeside 4.4m (Border League race 5)
Time/Position: 24.43 (16th from 233)
Consistently average again in this season's Border League: my third consecutive 16th place! This is a very short, but sharp circuit - which heads from the old college in Connah's Quay up the painfully steep Kelsterton Lane (which I cycled up earlier this month). This gives two sharp kicks, tough to keep the pace going after a predictably fast start. I did pick up a couple of places though, and one or two more on the steep and wet descent back to the athletics track at the college. Cold throughout, with hail and sleet showers. Moved up to third in category, but will miss Round 6 due to the Tour of Flanders.
Time/Position: 24.43 (16th from 233)
Consistently average again in this season's Border League: my third consecutive 16th place! This is a very short, but sharp circuit - which heads from the old college in Connah's Quay up the painfully steep Kelsterton Lane (which I cycled up earlier this month). This gives two sharp kicks, tough to keep the pace going after a predictably fast start. I did pick up a couple of places though, and one or two more on the steep and wet descent back to the athletics track at the college. Cold throughout, with hail and sleet showers. Moved up to third in category, but will miss Round 6 due to the Tour of Flanders.
Sunday, March 16, 2014
Trimpell 20
Race: Trimpell 20 mile (Lancaster)
Time/Position: 2.09.02 (20th from 502)
I really wasn't looking forward to this, seeing it purely as 'something to be done' in preparation for London. However, in the event it proved a very enjoyable family day out, albeit remarkably expensive for what was essentially a traffic free romp along the River Lune. The day was windy, which was yet another reason to start off ultra cautiously, and I was very conscious of my usual lack of long road runs (ie none) so far this year. So I just aimed for 6:30 mile pace throughout. This felt very comfortable as we turned round in the badlands of Morecambe then had the wind at our backs for the very pleasant but very long leg along the Lune, looping through the edge of Lancaster and way out east to near Claughton. My caution was probably wise, as the return leg was a bit of a battle into a headwind, although the route stays quite sheltered for the most part. I was aiming for sub 2.10, and had a little cushion, but kept slowly plodding away until the final lap round the athletics track: genuinely surprised to feel comfortable throughout, and even more surprised to really enjoy the race. This was only the fourth or fifth measured 20 miler I've ever done, and the first flat one, so it unsurprisingly took 15 minutes off my PB.
Time/Position: 2.09.02 (20th from 502)
I really wasn't looking forward to this, seeing it purely as 'something to be done' in preparation for London. However, in the event it proved a very enjoyable family day out, albeit remarkably expensive for what was essentially a traffic free romp along the River Lune. The day was windy, which was yet another reason to start off ultra cautiously, and I was very conscious of my usual lack of long road runs (ie none) so far this year. So I just aimed for 6:30 mile pace throughout. This felt very comfortable as we turned round in the badlands of Morecambe then had the wind at our backs for the very pleasant but very long leg along the Lune, looping through the edge of Lancaster and way out east to near Claughton. My caution was probably wise, as the return leg was a bit of a battle into a headwind, although the route stays quite sheltered for the most part. I was aiming for sub 2.10, and had a little cushion, but kept slowly plodding away until the final lap round the athletics track: genuinely surprised to feel comfortable throughout, and even more surprised to really enjoy the race. This was only the fourth or fifth measured 20 miler I've ever done, and the first flat one, so it unsurprisingly took 15 minutes off my PB.
Sunday, March 09, 2014
Horseshoe 'four climbs' circuit
Road Cycling: HK-Penbarras-Shelf-Llandegla-Horseshoe-Llangollen-Trevor-Minera-HK
Distance: 80k
If I'm behind with the marathon training, I am even further behind when it comes to the cycling: the Tour of Flanders (Ronde) starts in less than a month! Virtually no time spent on the bike all winter, so I had to use at least part of this weekend for some quality time in the saddle. I left HK at 8am, enjoying the novelty of dry and quiet road. I headed up for the sharp climb through Gwernymynydd then up to Bwlch Penbarras in around 50 minutes. The sunshine gave way to cold and cloudy conditions in the Vale as I dropped down towards Ruthin to pick up the obscure lanes which lead to the Shelf. Only the second time I've done this, for me the most enjoyable road climb in NE Wales. Rutted surface, so good training for the cobbles of Flanders. Wonderfully quiet, superb riding up to the Clwydian ridge then down through Llandegla to start the climb to the top of the Horseshoe Pass. From here, more welcome sunshine for the easier riding through Llangollen to Trevor. Back via Rhos, Minera and Cefn y Bedd before enjoying an additional 10k with E in the warmth of low-altitude HK! Felt like this morning outing was of some value, but the Ronde is twice as far and twice as hard.
Distance: 80k
If I'm behind with the marathon training, I am even further behind when it comes to the cycling: the Tour of Flanders (Ronde) starts in less than a month! Virtually no time spent on the bike all winter, so I had to use at least part of this weekend for some quality time in the saddle. I left HK at 8am, enjoying the novelty of dry and quiet road. I headed up for the sharp climb through Gwernymynydd then up to Bwlch Penbarras in around 50 minutes. The sunshine gave way to cold and cloudy conditions in the Vale as I dropped down towards Ruthin to pick up the obscure lanes which lead to the Shelf. Only the second time I've done this, for me the most enjoyable road climb in NE Wales. Rutted surface, so good training for the cobbles of Flanders. Wonderfully quiet, superb riding up to the Clwydian ridge then down through Llandegla to start the climb to the top of the Horseshoe Pass. From here, more welcome sunshine for the easier riding through Llangollen to Trevor. Back via Rhos, Minera and Cefn y Bedd before enjoying an additional 10k with E in the warmth of low-altitude HK! Felt like this morning outing was of some value, but the Ronde is twice as far and twice as hard.
Friday, March 07, 2014
Clwydian run
Behind with the marathon training, as ever. Couldn't face 20 miles on the road, so Jez and I did an early evening quick paced blast from Cadole down the leat, through Cilcain, then the long climb along the tracks to Moel Arthur. Daylight and sunshine was a tremendous novelty, even if my hands froze. From here, an excellent blast back to meet the normal run from the Collie bang on time. My hands were so cold I struggled to eat my espresso chocolates, stowed in the car as a 'pick-me-up'. Slowed considerably for the subsequent climb up Moel Famau and back. Maybe 18 miles all told, so I'm still way behind in terms of London training, but at least the 3000ft+ of climbing puts me ahead of schedule for the summer's long fell races.
Sunday, March 02, 2014
Birkenhead Border League
Race: Birkenhead Park 5.5m (Border League race 4)
Time/Position: 31.17 (16th from 247)
I quite like this four-lap circuit of the park, but there is something rather odd about it: my time has been virtually the same for the last three races held at this venue. Just one or two seconds difference each time. I started quite slowly today, and gradually picked it up over the last two laps (I can never remember how many laps are involved until it's too late). Jez went off really quickly, and I couldn't close the gap. We are in a tight battle for second with Richard from Wirral, who also went off quite quickly. I pulled it back so Jez, Richard and I were in a line on the last lap - but another runner then sprinted past in the last 50m! Still good and tight in our category after four races, a challenging and enjoyable BL season.
Time/Position: 31.17 (16th from 247)
I quite like this four-lap circuit of the park, but there is something rather odd about it: my time has been virtually the same for the last three races held at this venue. Just one or two seconds difference each time. I started quite slowly today, and gradually picked it up over the last two laps (I can never remember how many laps are involved until it's too late). Jez went off really quickly, and I couldn't close the gap. We are in a tight battle for second with Richard from Wirral, who also went off quite quickly. I pulled it back so Jez, Richard and I were in a line on the last lap - but another runner then sprinted past in the last 50m! Still good and tight in our category after four races, a challenging and enjoyable BL season.
Sunday, February 23, 2014
Buenos Aires run
Up at first light, ready for a day exploring one of the world’s great cities: an exciting prospect. I packed a light rucsac and jogged past the Obelisco, across the immense 12 + lane central highway , then down to the Plaza de Mayo, the centre of the city surrounded by grand buildings including the famous Casa Rosada. I jogged gently through the new dockside development of Puerto Madero and located the wetlands marking the entrance to the Costanera Sud nature reserve. It hadn’t opened yet, but I still got guira cuckoo, crested duck, water rail and others before stopping for an unhealthy yet enjoyable breakfast of Coke and ‘Milanesa’, breaded pork cutlet. After this, the reserve opened and I spent a very happy couple of hours jogging around, birding every inch of it, and enjoying the superb views of the city rising above the Pampas and the wetlands, palms, jacarandas and lilies. Birds were many, but highlights included glittering-bellied emerald and white-throated hummingbird. Good views of the River Plate further out on the reserve.
Thursday, February 20, 2014
Patagonian Mountain Biking
MTB Route: Puerto Madryn-Punta Loma-Puerto Madryn
Distance/Area: 40k+, Chubut, Patagonia, Argentina
Having arrived in Puerto Madryn on the Patagonian coast this morning after a 20 hour bus ride from Buenos Aires (preceded by a 14 hour flight from Manchester via Amsterdam) I hired a bike from El Gualicho, keen to avoid ‘downtime’. I picked up a reasonable looking Raleigh mountain bike, and cycled down to the coast, and along it to pick up the dirt track to my planned destination – the sea lion colony at Punta Loma. This was 20k away, but I hadn’t realized that would all be on gravel and energy-sapping sand tracks, into a headwind and quite hilly over what were presumably giant ancient dune systems. My bike started slipping gears immediately and it turned into an unexpectedly adventurous and tiring outing – I looked on it as highly unconventional training for the Tour of Flanders. A headwind was distressing, and the road surface very hard going. I saw a dwarf armadillo (pichi), my first, disappearing into shrub, then stopped for photos of a superb dune system above the sea. Birdlife was scarce, but I did get Chilean swallow, black-chested buzzard and Patagonian mockingbird. After a sharp and tiring hill, a flat section led to Playa Parana and a shipwreck (Le Folies). Two more long uphill drags over Cerro Avanzado led to a spectacular section of coast and the entrance to Punta Loma. My nationality ‘Gales’ not questioned; just entered into the book with a respectful nod. Another 800m drag led to the viewpoint over the colony: a fantastic sight and a sensory overload. Deep blue skies, emerald green sea, crashing waves, hundreds of South American sea lions, adults and infants groaning, roaring, sleeping and swimming. Fantastic to see them in their natural state, not performing in a zoo. This was just days before the adult males go ‘foraging’ for food thousands of miles out into the South Atlantic, and the perfect time of year following the breeding season. Of equal interest to me was the colony of breeding rock cormorant, a specialist and geographically restricted species: giving superb close up views. Numerous kelp gulls completed the exhilarating scene. Puerto Madryn looked very distant indeed, my bike was malfunctioning and slipping gear, and a storm was gathering inland. It seemed best not to linger. I pulled my buff further over my head in an effort to protect myself from the fierce sun (it didn’t feel hot this close to the sea, but the air temperature was actually 30C+). The ride back was better initially, with more of a tailwind. But after cresting the final hill and reaching the numerous new builds on the far southern end of town, my rear gear mechanism sheared off completely – leaving the bike useless. I was at least 5k from home at this point, so walked with the bike to the Punta Cuevas (where the Mimosa migrants landed and sheltered in 1865: the visit to these bleak caves had the air of a pilgrimage for me) before heading back to the Welsh museum with a new one.
Distance/Area: 40k+, Chubut, Patagonia, Argentina
Having arrived in Puerto Madryn on the Patagonian coast this morning after a 20 hour bus ride from Buenos Aires (preceded by a 14 hour flight from Manchester via Amsterdam) I hired a bike from El Gualicho, keen to avoid ‘downtime’. I picked up a reasonable looking Raleigh mountain bike, and cycled down to the coast, and along it to pick up the dirt track to my planned destination – the sea lion colony at Punta Loma. This was 20k away, but I hadn’t realized that would all be on gravel and energy-sapping sand tracks, into a headwind and quite hilly over what were presumably giant ancient dune systems. My bike started slipping gears immediately and it turned into an unexpectedly adventurous and tiring outing – I looked on it as highly unconventional training for the Tour of Flanders. A headwind was distressing, and the road surface very hard going. I saw a dwarf armadillo (pichi), my first, disappearing into shrub, then stopped for photos of a superb dune system above the sea. Birdlife was scarce, but I did get Chilean swallow, black-chested buzzard and Patagonian mockingbird. After a sharp and tiring hill, a flat section led to Playa Parana and a shipwreck (Le Folies). Two more long uphill drags over Cerro Avanzado led to a spectacular section of coast and the entrance to Punta Loma. My nationality ‘Gales’ not questioned; just entered into the book with a respectful nod. Another 800m drag led to the viewpoint over the colony: a fantastic sight and a sensory overload. Deep blue skies, emerald green sea, crashing waves, hundreds of South American sea lions, adults and infants groaning, roaring, sleeping and swimming. Fantastic to see them in their natural state, not performing in a zoo. This was just days before the adult males go ‘foraging’ for food thousands of miles out into the South Atlantic, and the perfect time of year following the breeding season. Of equal interest to me was the colony of breeding rock cormorant, a specialist and geographically restricted species: giving superb close up views. Numerous kelp gulls completed the exhilarating scene. Puerto Madryn looked very distant indeed, my bike was malfunctioning and slipping gear, and a storm was gathering inland. It seemed best not to linger. I pulled my buff further over my head in an effort to protect myself from the fierce sun (it didn’t feel hot this close to the sea, but the air temperature was actually 30C+). The ride back was better initially, with more of a tailwind. But after cresting the final hill and reaching the numerous new builds on the far southern end of town, my rear gear mechanism sheared off completely – leaving the bike useless. I was at least 5k from home at this point, so walked with the bike to the Punta Cuevas (where the Mimosa migrants landed and sheltered in 1865: the visit to these bleak caves had the air of a pilgrimage for me) before heading back to the Welsh museum with a new one.
Sunday, February 16, 2014
Wrexham half marathon
Race: Wrexham 'half marathon' (14m)
Time/Position: 1.23.16/1.18.59 (26th from 450)
Another cock-up at the Wrexham half, bringing back memories of two years ago when a misplaced sign saw the first 40 runners go wrong at the 9m point. This time, the problems occurred immediately and can't really be blamed on a narrow-minded farmer. We went left after a few hundred metres, then the shouts went out and the entire field performed a giant angry U-Turn. We were then behind the tail-enders, all hopes of a PB gone. I spent the next mile trying to weave through hundreds of runners and get some clear road in front of me, but realised we'd all gone wrong again when I went through the first mile in 9 minutes! No idea who was to blame, possibly nobody, but it was all rather vexing as I had plans for sub 77m and had trained specifically for this. The rest of the race was a non-event: I just concentrated on keeping a decent 6 min/mile pace churning over. We ended up doing just short of 14 miles, and worked out half marathon time via other people's GPS results (just sub 1.19 in my case, so well off target anyway).
Time/Position: 1.23.16/1.18.59 (26th from 450)
Another cock-up at the Wrexham half, bringing back memories of two years ago when a misplaced sign saw the first 40 runners go wrong at the 9m point. This time, the problems occurred immediately and can't really be blamed on a narrow-minded farmer. We went left after a few hundred metres, then the shouts went out and the entire field performed a giant angry U-Turn. We were then behind the tail-enders, all hopes of a PB gone. I spent the next mile trying to weave through hundreds of runners and get some clear road in front of me, but realised we'd all gone wrong again when I went through the first mile in 9 minutes! No idea who was to blame, possibly nobody, but it was all rather vexing as I had plans for sub 77m and had trained specifically for this. The rest of the race was a non-event: I just concentrated on keeping a decent 6 min/mile pace churning over. We ended up doing just short of 14 miles, and worked out half marathon time via other people's GPS results (just sub 1.19 in my case, so well off target anyway).
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
Famau storm run
Just the normal weekly route up Famau from the Collie, but this was particularly memorable and notable for its appalling conditions. Jez and I had already agreed to meet at 5pm, and I just crossed over the M6 Thelwall Viaduct en route from work before it closed due to the winds. By the time we crested the hill above the leat, we were into the teeth of the ferocious gale: falling debris and some trees already down. The leat itself was nicely sheltered, but it was a biblical struggle to gain the open hillside above the farm. This was actually the safest place to run in these circumstances, with no debris or trees. However, we were blown down and intermittently blasted backwards by the 85mph gusts. I wonder if we broke the world mile record on the descent with a tailwind? Airborne at times in the dark and howling night, with the wind cutting a swathe through the trees as if a tornado had ripped through. Chose a safe route back away from trees: a memorable run.
Thursday, February 06, 2014
Llangollen run
A reprise of the 'strike day' run I'd done with Kate in December. We trotted up Moel y Faen in low cloud and light drizzle, then along to Moel y Gamelin past dozens of Brummie school kids. Then down the little path parallel to the Conquering Hero to the little road further north. From here, Kate ran back to the car and I followed the bridleway (reverse of the Gamelin race route) all the way to the tarmac lane then up to lonely Bwlch y Groes. The double climb over Moel Morfydd and Moel y Gaer is very steep from here, but it gives access to a glorious descent down the Conquering Hero to Llantisilio and down the banks of the swollen Dee to lunch in Llangollen.
Sunday, February 02, 2014
Abergele Border League
Race: Abergele 5m (Border League race 3)
Time/Position: 28.00 (16th from 272 [3rd V40])
A brief weather window in the midst of an appalling stormy spell. This was a clever improvisation of the usual flat coastal route (which I have always liked) after part of the path was washed away. It made for slower progress, into a headwind initially, then inland up a surprisingly sharp climb to take in a zig-zagging route through the caravan site before returning to Pensarn. I stuck with a small group into the wind, then caught Jez at the 3m point. The field was pretty strong again, and I slowed initially on the homeward leg until I got my second wind at 4m. Felt quite strong for the last mile and picked up two more places to finish just 3 seconds outside my 5 mile PB. Very tight in our category after three races, two points between 2nd and 4th!
Time/Position: 28.00 (16th from 272 [3rd V40])
A brief weather window in the midst of an appalling stormy spell. This was a clever improvisation of the usual flat coastal route (which I have always liked) after part of the path was washed away. It made for slower progress, into a headwind initially, then inland up a surprisingly sharp climb to take in a zig-zagging route through the caravan site before returning to Pensarn. I stuck with a small group into the wind, then caught Jez at the 3m point. The field was pretty strong again, and I slowed initially on the homeward leg until I got my second wind at 4m. Felt quite strong for the last mile and picked up two more places to finish just 3 seconds outside my 5 mile PB. Very tight in our category after three races, two points between 2nd and 4th!
Sunday, January 19, 2014
Four Villages Half Marathon
Race: Four Villages (Helsby) Half Marathon
Time/Position: 1.18.47 (39th from 1820)
This was a PB course for me back in 2006, then again in 2007. But my memories of the event have always been rather spoiled by the fact I contracted pneumonia after racing here in freezing fog in 2007: hence the delayed return. Shame, because it's a great event and one of the few remaining uncommercial half marathons in the region. As such, it attracts a strong field: very competitive at the top end, and there are always small, well-paced groups to work with. Conditions were perfect: 6C, light breezes, sunshine. Sadly, I didn't have the legs to take full advantage. I started off conservatively, exact 6m/mile pace, then picked it up a bit before starting to tire unexpectedly at the 8m point. After a gel, I got my second wind and really enjoyed the long gentle climb through Alvanley before the fast, largely downhill finish. One minute outside my PB, so there is a chance I could record a PB at the flatter, faster Wrexham course next month.
Time/Position: 1.18.47 (39th from 1820)
This was a PB course for me back in 2006, then again in 2007. But my memories of the event have always been rather spoiled by the fact I contracted pneumonia after racing here in freezing fog in 2007: hence the delayed return. Shame, because it's a great event and one of the few remaining uncommercial half marathons in the region. As such, it attracts a strong field: very competitive at the top end, and there are always small, well-paced groups to work with. Conditions were perfect: 6C, light breezes, sunshine. Sadly, I didn't have the legs to take full advantage. I started off conservatively, exact 6m/mile pace, then picked it up a bit before starting to tire unexpectedly at the 8m point. After a gel, I got my second wind and really enjoyed the long gentle climb through Alvanley before the fast, largely downhill finish. One minute outside my PB, so there is a chance I could record a PB at the flatter, faster Wrexham course next month.
Saturday, January 04, 2014
Crafnant Skyline
Peaks: Crimpiau, Craig Wen, Creigiau Gleision, Gleision North
Area: Carneddau, Eryri
A rare opportunity to observe M outside his natural habitat. This was a scouting weekend to the Alpine-hut style Cornel in Crafnant, so I went along to help and thoroughly enjoyed this lengthy and painfully slow circuit of the skyline hills. I had big plans for M after taking him up Tal y Fan aged nine weeks: but almost 12 years has elapsed since then! A group of six of seven Scouts left Cornel for the gentle, boggy walk up Crimpiau in steady humid drizzle. Not pleasant, but compared to my two festive runs in Snowdonia it felt subtropical. A few complaints, boot stuck in swamps and the like, but eventually Paul and I got them all to the top of Crimpiau. A long descent towards Ogwen and a superb clearance revealed a snowy Carneddau and Tryfan. From here, a very boggy crossing of the Creigiau Gleision ridge (bad memories of John B's hypothermia on this circuit last April!). The boys seemed to be enjoying themselves, albeit not necessarily focused on the matter in hand: they reminded me of a group of young terriers. The rain stopped for the crossing, to be replaced by two snow showers as we descended. Very wet underfoot through the woods. I jogged round the lake to finish, loosening my legs in preparation for a hard 12-miler tomorrow.
Area: Carneddau, Eryri
A rare opportunity to observe M outside his natural habitat. This was a scouting weekend to the Alpine-hut style Cornel in Crafnant, so I went along to help and thoroughly enjoyed this lengthy and painfully slow circuit of the skyline hills. I had big plans for M after taking him up Tal y Fan aged nine weeks: but almost 12 years has elapsed since then! A group of six of seven Scouts left Cornel for the gentle, boggy walk up Crimpiau in steady humid drizzle. Not pleasant, but compared to my two festive runs in Snowdonia it felt subtropical. A few complaints, boot stuck in swamps and the like, but eventually Paul and I got them all to the top of Crimpiau. A long descent towards Ogwen and a superb clearance revealed a snowy Carneddau and Tryfan. From here, a very boggy crossing of the Creigiau Gleision ridge (bad memories of John B's hypothermia on this circuit last April!). The boys seemed to be enjoying themselves, albeit not necessarily focused on the matter in hand: they reminded me of a group of young terriers. The rain stopped for the crossing, to be replaced by two snow showers as we descended. Very wet underfoot through the woods. I jogged round the lake to finish, loosening my legs in preparation for a hard 12-miler tomorrow.
Monday, December 30, 2013
Arenig run
Peaks: Arenig Fawr
Area: Arenig, Eryri
Yet another diabolical day of driving sleet and gales. A real sense of deja vu as Peter and I set off from the quarry car park in conditions that were, if anything, even worse than on the Carneddau this time last week. At least the icy wind helped us on the long run along the road to the start of the old race route, which branches off up a track to Llyn Arenig. This was hard work from the start, and we were already cold and soaked by the time we got to the bothy. This provided welcome shelter for us to get some more layers on, and as a result the long climb up the ridge was a little more comfortable (relatively speaking). The sleet turned to wet snow as we gained height, and the wind continued to howl through the crags and into us. Very poor visibility as we jogged along the weaving path which fortunately skirts below the main ridge line and was therefore relatively sheltered. The summit was no place to rest, so we pelted down to the north on a rough bearing to make a little traverse - eventually emerging in boggy wilderness above the quarry and negotiating our way down a steep gully (a temporary waterfall) to the quarry. The cloud base was so low that we were almost still navigating when we reached the car. It was still hammering down as we left: the forecast clearance never materialised.
Area: Arenig, Eryri
Yet another diabolical day of driving sleet and gales. A real sense of deja vu as Peter and I set off from the quarry car park in conditions that were, if anything, even worse than on the Carneddau this time last week. At least the icy wind helped us on the long run along the road to the start of the old race route, which branches off up a track to Llyn Arenig. This was hard work from the start, and we were already cold and soaked by the time we got to the bothy. This provided welcome shelter for us to get some more layers on, and as a result the long climb up the ridge was a little more comfortable (relatively speaking). The sleet turned to wet snow as we gained height, and the wind continued to howl through the crags and into us. Very poor visibility as we jogged along the weaving path which fortunately skirts below the main ridge line and was therefore relatively sheltered. The summit was no place to rest, so we pelted down to the north on a rough bearing to make a little traverse - eventually emerging in boggy wilderness above the quarry and negotiating our way down a steep gully (a temporary waterfall) to the quarry. The cloud base was so low that we were almost still navigating when we reached the car. It was still hammering down as we left: the forecast clearance never materialised.
Sunday, December 29, 2013
Jubilee Plunge
Race: Jubilee Plunge downhill fell race (2.2m/-1361ft)
Time/Position: 12.07 (10th from 75)
This unique race produces a level of muscle damage out of all proportion to it's short length and duration: no doubt a sign of my inflexibility! It's a very exciting event, though, albeit one that I'm never likely to do well on. A very pleasant trot up from Llangynhafal with Jez, Huw, John and others - under beautiful blue skies - to the eccentrically positioned start on top of Moel Famau (with a holiday crowd looking on with curiosity). An insanely fast start along the OD path to the north: then the best route to the finish at the Golden Lion pub breaks off left down narrow and exciting tracks. I then took a different route, contouring the hillside directly down to the gate at the bottom of the valley. Sadly, thick bracken makes this no quicker than the normal route and, after a slow vault of the gate, I found myself further behind the small group of runners in front. Try as I might, I couldn't close the gap: 10 seconds separated fifth place and me in tenth. The beer in the Goldie was as good as ever.
Time/Position: 12.07 (10th from 75)
This unique race produces a level of muscle damage out of all proportion to it's short length and duration: no doubt a sign of my inflexibility! It's a very exciting event, though, albeit one that I'm never likely to do well on. A very pleasant trot up from Llangynhafal with Jez, Huw, John and others - under beautiful blue skies - to the eccentrically positioned start on top of Moel Famau (with a holiday crowd looking on with curiosity). An insanely fast start along the OD path to the north: then the best route to the finish at the Golden Lion pub breaks off left down narrow and exciting tracks. I then took a different route, contouring the hillside directly down to the gate at the bottom of the valley. Sadly, thick bracken makes this no quicker than the normal route and, after a slow vault of the gate, I found myself further behind the small group of runners in front. Try as I might, I couldn't close the gap: 10 seconds separated fifth place and me in tenth. The beer in the Goldie was as good as ever.
Thursday, December 26, 2013
Round the Walls race
Race: Chester Round the Walls ('4m')
Time/Position: 22.10 (18th from 450)
The hardest frost of the winter, probably the first truly icy morning since April, meaning that yet again I was unable to sample the full event: the third time this has happened. But if the Walls were out because of the ice, I had already assumed the Roodee would be waterlogged. This was indeed the case, but whereas last year the race avoided it as a result, this year four aquatic laps were planned as an alternative to the icy walls. In my post-Xmas haste I had only packed my racing flats, and the slip-sliding nightmare that ensued was richly deserved. Really struggled to keep my footing, and longed for my fell shoes to give some grip. Nice short family outing, though, an opportunity to get some fresh air.
Time/Position: 22.10 (18th from 450)
The hardest frost of the winter, probably the first truly icy morning since April, meaning that yet again I was unable to sample the full event: the third time this has happened. But if the Walls were out because of the ice, I had already assumed the Roodee would be waterlogged. This was indeed the case, but whereas last year the race avoided it as a result, this year four aquatic laps were planned as an alternative to the icy walls. In my post-Xmas haste I had only packed my racing flats, and the slip-sliding nightmare that ensued was richly deserved. Really struggled to keep my footing, and longed for my fell shoes to give some grip. Nice short family outing, though, an opportunity to get some fresh air.
Monday, December 23, 2013
Carneddau run
Peaks: Moel Wnion
Area: Carneddau, Eryri
Our scheduled pre-Christmas Snowdonia run precisely coincided with the worst of an unusually deep depression and wild storm. It all made for a memorable outing, albeit far shorter than planned. Peter, Jez and I left Aber in torrential rain, benefiting from the shelter of the village and woods until we emerged towards the top of the tarmac start of the Foel Fras race route. Here, the wind was gusting to 80-90mph: and was directly in our face as we skirted Foel Dduarth heading up to our 'bad weather option' of Llyn Anafon. We were blown over a few times as we attempted to 'jog' into the upper valley - memories of the legendary OMM in 2008 and many other occasions - before giving up and heading back down to the car park. We then adopted another default plan, heading to Aber Falls. An astounding volume of water at the Falls, seemingly a wall of spray reminiscent of Yosemite. Quite exhilerating, though, and the rain eased a little as we ran along the top of the valley. As we descended back to the coast, Peter suggested trying to get up Moel Wnion on the assumption that we may get a tailwind. This worked, and we ploughed up the sheltered Afon Gam stream valley before ploughing up the boggy slopes of Wnion in a crosswind. After sheltering in the cairn to give some respite from the constant battering, we enjoyed a superb fast descent (with tailwind) down the Foel Fras race route climax. Dried off with a pint in the Albion.
Area: Carneddau, Eryri
Our scheduled pre-Christmas Snowdonia run precisely coincided with the worst of an unusually deep depression and wild storm. It all made for a memorable outing, albeit far shorter than planned. Peter, Jez and I left Aber in torrential rain, benefiting from the shelter of the village and woods until we emerged towards the top of the tarmac start of the Foel Fras race route. Here, the wind was gusting to 80-90mph: and was directly in our face as we skirted Foel Dduarth heading up to our 'bad weather option' of Llyn Anafon. We were blown over a few times as we attempted to 'jog' into the upper valley - memories of the legendary OMM in 2008 and many other occasions - before giving up and heading back down to the car park. We then adopted another default plan, heading to Aber Falls. An astounding volume of water at the Falls, seemingly a wall of spray reminiscent of Yosemite. Quite exhilerating, though, and the rain eased a little as we ran along the top of the valley. As we descended back to the coast, Peter suggested trying to get up Moel Wnion on the assumption that we may get a tailwind. This worked, and we ploughed up the sheltered Afon Gam stream valley before ploughing up the boggy slopes of Wnion in a crosswind. After sheltering in the cairn to give some respite from the constant battering, we enjoyed a superb fast descent (with tailwind) down the Foel Fras race route climax. Dried off with a pint in the Albion.
Sunday, December 15, 2013
Wigg Island Border League
Race: Wigg Island, Runcorn 5.5m (Border League Race 2)
Time/Position: 31.36 (14th from 282)
Must admit I'd never heard of Wigg Island before this race. Despite the post-industrial surroundings of the Mersey and Runcorn Bridge, it's been converted into a nature reserve and was a fine new venue for Helsby's border league fixture. Fewer fast young lads at the sharp end of the race, so my finishing position was a little more respectable than at Tattenhall. That said, I didn't feel particularly good for the three and a half laps, struggling to hold my pace especially on the short sharp climb at the far end of the island.
Time/Position: 31.36 (14th from 282)
Must admit I'd never heard of Wigg Island before this race. Despite the post-industrial surroundings of the Mersey and Runcorn Bridge, it's been converted into a nature reserve and was a fine new venue for Helsby's border league fixture. Fewer fast young lads at the sharp end of the race, so my finishing position was a little more respectable than at Tattenhall. That said, I didn't feel particularly good for the three and a half laps, struggling to hold my pace especially on the short sharp climb at the far end of the island.
Sunday, December 01, 2013
Cardington Cracker fell race
Race: Cardington Cracker (15k/800m/AM)
Time/Position: 1.27.56 (23rd from 259)
After feeling so awful on last week's race, I decided to go down to Shropshire with Huw and Andy at the last minute for this race - just to see if I felt any better. The answer, sadly, was no - and I came in a full five minutes slower than the time I recorded in 2011. The usual big field set off in perfect conditions, still and cool, from the chocolate-box village of Cardington. I set off steadily, and felt reasonably good for the ultra steep first climb up the Lawley: best to crawl on all fours at times! After the fast descent, I started to slow slightly on the second big climb up the Stretton side of Caer Caradog. The descent from here to the woods below Hope Bowdler hill is superb, and in 2011 I remember flying along this final section which takes in one more climb up Hope Bowdler then a long undulating ridge (the kind of terrain that is fantastic if you are going well and picking up places - the opposite was the case today!). Towards the end I creaked into some kind of life, but it was far too late. This really is a superb route though, and a great event.
Time/Position: 1.27.56 (23rd from 259)
After feeling so awful on last week's race, I decided to go down to Shropshire with Huw and Andy at the last minute for this race - just to see if I felt any better. The answer, sadly, was no - and I came in a full five minutes slower than the time I recorded in 2011. The usual big field set off in perfect conditions, still and cool, from the chocolate-box village of Cardington. I set off steadily, and felt reasonably good for the ultra steep first climb up the Lawley: best to crawl on all fours at times! After the fast descent, I started to slow slightly on the second big climb up the Stretton side of Caer Caradog. The descent from here to the woods below Hope Bowdler hill is superb, and in 2011 I remember flying along this final section which takes in one more climb up Hope Bowdler then a long undulating ridge (the kind of terrain that is fantastic if you are going well and picking up places - the opposite was the case today!). Towards the end I creaked into some kind of life, but it was far too late. This really is a superb route though, and a great event.
Saturday, November 23, 2013
Wrexham Cross Country
Race: Wrexham XC (North Wales Cross Country League race 3)
Time/Position: 33:50 (41st from 143)
A dreadful performance, around 20 places down on my two previous outings on this course. As usual, I've already missed too many of the North Wales series to count, but thought I'd try to help the team on this - the usual fast and flat four lap course around playing fields on the eastern edge of Wrexham. In contrast to last year's icy rain, is was cold and dry today: but I started to struggle on the second lap then lost a dramatic amount of time and places on a very tough final lap. Really suffered, despite the extreme flatness of the course: my worst race for some time.
Time/Position: 33:50 (41st from 143)
A dreadful performance, around 20 places down on my two previous outings on this course. As usual, I've already missed too many of the North Wales series to count, but thought I'd try to help the team on this - the usual fast and flat four lap course around playing fields on the eastern edge of Wrexham. In contrast to last year's icy rain, is was cold and dry today: but I started to struggle on the second lap then lost a dramatic amount of time and places on a very tough final lap. Really suffered, despite the extreme flatness of the course: my worst race for some time.
Sunday, November 17, 2013
Tattenhall Border League
Race: Tattenhall '10k' (Border League Race 1)
Time/Position: 35.11 (24th from 339)
Worst finishing position in the league for two years, but rather suspect that this was an unusually strong field - as the season openers often are. Lost quite a lot of ground on the steep double climb up to the Peckforton Hills and only really started picking up the pace in the last couple of 'false flat' miles. Felt quite good towards the end but couldn't quite close the gap to a small group containing Jez, Darren et al. Alongside Caernarfon, this is probably the most scenic, and best, BL course: 200m shy of 10k, but the hills make up the shortfall!
Time/Position: 35.11 (24th from 339)
Worst finishing position in the league for two years, but rather suspect that this was an unusually strong field - as the season openers often are. Lost quite a lot of ground on the steep double climb up to the Peckforton Hills and only really started picking up the pace in the last couple of 'false flat' miles. Felt quite good towards the end but couldn't quite close the gap to a small group containing Jez, Darren et al. Alongside Caernarfon, this is probably the most scenic, and best, BL course: 200m shy of 10k, but the hills make up the shortfall!
Saturday, November 09, 2013
Ras Rhobell Fawr
Race: Rhobell Fawr fell race (10.3k/600m/AM)
Time/Position: 60:45 (3rd from 43 [1st V40])
On a soft Autumn day the scenery around Dolgellau is exquisite, so this was an excellent day trip topped off with a superb leg-loosening jog around the Precipice Walk. Sadly, I didn't really get going on the race itself until the final descent down the tracks and paths from Bwlch Goriwared, but luckily this part of the descent favoured a bit of road speed so I was able to hold off the challenge from a few young lads to hold onto third position. It's a great race: up muddy forest tracks above the strangely named Afon Babi to gain the open hillside at the Bwlch. I moved into third position quite soon, but didn't feel good on the main 1500ft climb: worse, I took some awful lines after the bog of Ffynnon Sion - heading away from the wall too early, meaning I went up the western forepeak and several other steep knolls unnecessarily. A young lad passed me near the cairn, but I regained third as I tried to take the best line down to the right: I lost my nerve, though, unsure of the route so retreated to the 'handrail' of the wall, taking more inefficient lines back down to the bwlch. I was so slow that three younger runners were just behind at Bwlch Goriwared, but I was just able to hold them off as I finally sprang into some kind of life for this final fast section back to Llanfachreth. Very wet and muddy underfoot! I ended up third, and first Veteran. After soup and prizes in the village hall, Adair and I set off for a superbly enjoyable warm-down around the famous Precipice Walk, which I last did with Kate after Ras y Gader some years ago. A violent hailstorm cleared as we started off, and the autumnal colours under dark skies gave fabulous, ever-changing views back up to Rhobell Fawr, then over Coed y Brenin, then Mawddach and Cader Idris.
Time/Position: 60:45 (3rd from 43 [1st V40])
On a soft Autumn day the scenery around Dolgellau is exquisite, so this was an excellent day trip topped off with a superb leg-loosening jog around the Precipice Walk. Sadly, I didn't really get going on the race itself until the final descent down the tracks and paths from Bwlch Goriwared, but luckily this part of the descent favoured a bit of road speed so I was able to hold off the challenge from a few young lads to hold onto third position. It's a great race: up muddy forest tracks above the strangely named Afon Babi to gain the open hillside at the Bwlch. I moved into third position quite soon, but didn't feel good on the main 1500ft climb: worse, I took some awful lines after the bog of Ffynnon Sion - heading away from the wall too early, meaning I went up the western forepeak and several other steep knolls unnecessarily. A young lad passed me near the cairn, but I regained third as I tried to take the best line down to the right: I lost my nerve, though, unsure of the route so retreated to the 'handrail' of the wall, taking more inefficient lines back down to the bwlch. I was so slow that three younger runners were just behind at Bwlch Goriwared, but I was just able to hold them off as I finally sprang into some kind of life for this final fast section back to Llanfachreth. Very wet and muddy underfoot! I ended up third, and first Veteran. After soup and prizes in the village hall, Adair and I set off for a superbly enjoyable warm-down around the famous Precipice Walk, which I last did with Kate after Ras y Gader some years ago. A violent hailstorm cleared as we started off, and the autumnal colours under dark skies gave fabulous, ever-changing views back up to Rhobell Fawr, then over Coed y Brenin, then Mawddach and Cader Idris.
Sunday, November 03, 2013
Abergele 5m
Race: Abergele 5m (North Wales Championships)
Time/Position: 28.57 (6th from 187 [3rd V40])
Glancing at my watch with 400m to go, I thought I was on for a decent time here - at the very least a PB for the course. But, weirdly, I ended up 6 seconds slower than my 2011 and 2012 times and a minute down on my 5m PB. There is something rather strange about this course, which is notoriously tough with one long, gradual hill for the first two miles and one short, very sharp climb at the three mile point. The strange part is that I always end up with virtually the same time, whether I feel good or bad during the race. It's an excellent, and well organised event though, which always incorporates the North Wales championships and, as such, tends to attract a strong and competitive field especially among the Veterans. Could only manage bronze today, to add to last year's silver and 2011's gold in the champs - but, more positively, 6th is my best ever overall position at this race. There was a bit of a headwind at times today, which may account for the lost seconds.
Time/Position: 28.57 (6th from 187 [3rd V40])
Glancing at my watch with 400m to go, I thought I was on for a decent time here - at the very least a PB for the course. But, weirdly, I ended up 6 seconds slower than my 2011 and 2012 times and a minute down on my 5m PB. There is something rather strange about this course, which is notoriously tough with one long, gradual hill for the first two miles and one short, very sharp climb at the three mile point. The strange part is that I always end up with virtually the same time, whether I feel good or bad during the race. It's an excellent, and well organised event though, which always incorporates the North Wales championships and, as such, tends to attract a strong and competitive field especially among the Veterans. Could only manage bronze today, to add to last year's silver and 2011's gold in the champs - but, more positively, 6th is my best ever overall position at this race. There was a bit of a headwind at times today, which may account for the lost seconds.
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