Saturday 5 September 2015

Best Hills in Northamptonshire?



Special Blue Product


Having ridden this route before, I knew what was coming, especially as the Major's IT inability meant me creating a route on Strava, Ride with GPS and Garmin Connect for everyone in the club to pretend they hadn't seen. On that Andy P informed me that his Garmin tried to send him off road at the top of Neville Holt. I'm not surprised, they may make great products but their route planner is a pile of old pants compared to others that are in fact free. It took me several goes to get the route to go up Rocky Hill like it was advising against such endeavour. Anyway I arrived at the shop to see a grand gathering of regulars and a few newbies. On seeing my bottles loaded with special blue product, Steve introduced me to his green concoction. It was USN, so I usually like it but I'm not too sure about the green stuff. Possibly this had something to do with Steve adding a few extra scoops than recommended (like he needs more power!)


Steve has green smurf juice

Organisation was swift as Andy was away (He was actually busy trying to keep his hair on with righteous indignation whilst believing everything he reads in the daily mail,) . Steve took the quickies and I led the sensible people which is how things should be. 


 We rode out into the beautiful Northants countryside on a not so beautiful day. Summer has gone and Autumn is here, soggy and grey, oh actually it probably still is Summer after all.


It's pretty lumpy on the way to the first proper hill of the day. I always find Rushton Hill and Bringhurst quite a challenge and then we hit Neville Holt which tomorrow will be the scene of KCC and WVCC's annual hill climb race. They haven't chosen it because it's easy and if anyone tells you Northants is flat make them ride up this. That will shut them up. The thing is when Isaac Newton invented gravity to help apples fall out of trees, he had no idea what he was doing because bikes hadn't been invented. However what goes up must come down remains the true joy of cycling as after the agony of the hill comes the joy of the descent. The slope down to Eyebrook reservoir really is pure ecstasy to a downhill specialist like me.
Suffering

Rest at the top

 After nearly taking out a group of people having a photo in the road we rounded Eyebrook Reservoir and headed up significant lump two, through Stoke Dry. Up this hill I was supported by Stuart (aged 75) who advised me I'm doing everything right I just need to keep suffering! He's being kind, the problem remains that 92kg is too heavy for my legs. Myfitnesspal myfitnesspal myfitnesspal...I will get there!

The phenomenon that is Stuart

Another descent into the picturesque village of Lyddington where we passed an idea for a meal out next week as I've always liked the look of The Old Hart. I'll let you all know if we get there and if it's as good as it looks. Yes I know I said about Myfitnesspal but the kids are away so I want to take the Queen of Cakes somewhere nice!


From Lyddington it got quicker for a bit. A short climb into Gretton and then to the beast that is Rocky Hill.I always find this more of a mental challenge than physical. My mind tells me to give up when it gets tough and I have to tell it to get lost. I know as soon as I see the green sign at the top it's done and I just focus on stand a bit, sit a bit until I see the sign. Then you have to get away from Corby. I have nothing against Corby itself it's just those roads on the outskirts are not fun to ride on. I do however enjoy the A427 back to East Carlton. We always seem to get wriggle on down there. Then it was just back to the shop.

Barely Human

We found most of the fast group in the shop tucking into Mrs Lindsley's amazing cakes. Steve who apparently rode the whole route in his big ring (machine) described today's cakes as 'bang on.' The options were: Coffee & Walnut, Vanilla and Marrow & Chocolate. The latter wasn't too popular in the shop, possibly because Marrow is a quirky cake ingredient. However I can confirm it is delicious AND Fireman Pat (Gareth) next door who provided the marrow has described it as 'the future!'

Today's Cakes

At the start of the ride one of the quick lads dropped this light at the traffic lights. Not sure who it belongs to but Chris says you have 48 hours to claim it or it will be sold (I think he was joking, it's hard to tell.) More on Arkwright and his selling prowess he was trying to sell me my dream wheels (Zipp Firecrest,) just because I mentioned them. Apparent £1500 sounds a lot for wheels but it isn't really as with the mileage I do it's less than 50p a mile. Nice try Chris!

Whose light is this

Well I'm knackered. That route really is good as it gets round here and I'll happily do it again soon. Not sure what I'm doing tomorrow as it depends on the fickle nature of SuperSam and his 'will I won't I," attitude towards playing rugby this season. Whatever happens I'm riding somewhere somehow!

Happy Pedaling

Sunday 30 August 2015

Rothwell to Northampton via the Brampton Valley Way with SuperSam



This morning Sam and I rode the 15miles to Northampton for the UK's best Sunday lunch. We've done this ride before but it still remains a challenge for a ten year old. It started with the climb up the hill to Orton which Sam couldn't quite manage but to his credit he got a lot further than before.  It's a breeze after that with a fun downhill section through Draughton before picking up the Brampton Valley Way. On the way to Draughton I took Sam to two geocaches. The first is a bolt in a road barrier and the second is the pine cone pictured. We also found the ammo case on the bvw where I left the travel bug from Australia. All good stuff for quick breaks and keeping Sam motivated.

On the way I reflected once again on how fortunate my kids are.  Sam is only a week back from an amazing as scout camp and this week he's been tobogganing in Milton Keynes, sailing at Pitsford and bike ride today. Not a bad life is it? 

The other way we're fortunate is that the Brampton valley way is a tremendous cycling resource. Next time we'll go to mkt Harborough first and complete the whole route. 

The last thing to say is that this is the most important thing to me on cycling. I love helping Sam on his bike and I look forward to the day he can join us on a club ride. I bet he's no older than 14 before he's showing us how it's done. 

Ready for the off

Selfie with Sam Photobomb

Stop at the Lamport carpetbaggers war memorial

ooh what's this

My goodness a geocache

On the BVW at the old Draughton/Maidwell Station



Happy Pedaling!

Saturday 29 August 2015

Back in the Saddle Again...



I'm having a funny August cycling wise. Holiday and Scout camp have effectively eaten away my cycling time. I'm not complaining both those things were very enjoyable, it just means in the whole of August I've got out on two wheels just six times. That's not enough for me and it's affecting my cycling, back to normal now though so things will get better.

Today's route was created by Andy P and it was pretty nice. I particularly liked the opportunity to go down the hill through Tywell for a change and it's always good to test your strength on the Brigstock bumps. Plenty of other cyclists were out and this was nowhere more obvious than in Oundle with the mass of carbon and lycra gathered at Beans cafe. I've never really understood the cafe break culture in cycling, for me it gets in the way of a good ride. It's also clear that the message about not leaning bikes on the war memorial has not been heard.


The group at Brigstock before those ghastly bumps


Out on the ride today we were joined by Bob Mitchell. For those of you who don't know, Bob built my Dad's steel bike which I now own and I stopped riding due to the stuck seat post. Arrangements have been made and that post will finally be removed. Then I'm restoring Bob the bike to it's former glory for use over the winter. Bob Mitchel's bike was a thing of beauty. He was on a mostly titanium 'lightspeed,' with carbon front and back forks. This made me think about the evolution of the bike. We currently have several materials in use for frame building. Aluminium is the most versatile and as Bob told us the easiest to work with, Steel is still around but seen as a bit retro, Carbon fibre is the go to material for pro riders and ell financed mamils, titanium is great but expensive and Bob alluded to the complicated environment this needs welding in being the issue and then there are even wooden and plastic bikes being experimented with. Personally I'm excited at the prospect of a renovated Reynolds 753 steel frame, because it really is rewarding to ride.

Anyway I did some research and found a bit of bike material history. British cycling gives a brief explanation https://www.britishcycling.org.uk/knowledge/article/izn20131118-All-Cycling-Frame-Materials-0



Here's an interesting timeline http://www.ibike.org/library/history-timeline.htm this is pretty educational too https://www.exploratorium.edu/cycling/frames4.html

Tomorrow I'm really looking forward to another ride. SuperSam has decided that rugby is not the sport for him and he'd like to concentrate on cycling. I said we could have Dad and Sam rides on Sunday instead of rugby and he has jumped at the chance. His exact words were: "we're riding every Sunday from now on even if a dinosaur eats your bike!" The queen of cakes was puzzled how anyone could ride if a dinosaur eats their bike. The answer is simple N + 1! Anyway I'm sure that dinosaurs only ever ate bamboo framed bikes.

So I'd best recover well because tomorrow Super Sam and I will ride.



Happy Pedaling




Sunday 9 August 2015

Strange Sunday, really missed Steve



I'm not entirely sure what's gone on but there appears to have been a falling out overnight. That's right there is trouble in my cycling paradise. So instead of the usual merry band led by the capable Steve it was just Ken, Neil and I that set off from C&D Cycles for a Sunday spin. Ken is one of the nicest blokes you'll ever meet and as a fellow double centurion D2Der we share a common bond. Neil is, I think, my friend in real life but not on social media. Anyway there were never going to be issues for tissues with this trio.

Having lost our leader we quickly negotiated a plan to make use of one of Neil's old training routes. It suited Ken and I because we liked the sound of going through some of Northants prettier bits by heading West. 



Before heading off we were talking all things bike and I looked on enviously at Neil's Giant Propel. At which point he told me that the bike of my dreams had been sold and Ken told me that it had been reduced to that unbelievable price moments after we'd set off to France. Well, well, well I thought. Someone is winding me up here, I'm just not sure who yet!



 We set off through some glorious countryside with me being towed along by these marvelous chaps. To be honest I was relieved it was just us. A few weeks off the bike has really robbed my strength and I was still knackered from a pretty sedate Saturday ride the day before.


As per usual we encountered plenty of other road users. There were joggers (who rarely smile,) fellow lycra loonies (who usually smile,) cars (just miserable and inpatient,) and of course horse riders (normally the most cheerful of the lot.) We even saw some fellow C&Ders on route.


 As we cruised through Scaldwell it struck me once again that it was a cat 4 climb that never makes sense because as hills go it really is quite gentle. We then went down that monster in Brixworth before Ken and Neil blowing me away up the hill through Creaton. As we headed to Naesby and up what I feel is one of the hardest hills in Northants, Neil and Ken took it easy on me. I wish they hadn't! I would much rather have been left behind than be hanging like a dog as they had a pleasant chat without a noticeable increase in their breathing rate. That's them wandering off in the distance in the picture above, probably discussing what a nice view it was.


Having told us how great electronic shifting is it was nice to see Neil's chain come off. Even nicer that I managed to catch up and get it on camera!


Out of the historic village of Naesby we whipped down another hill I usually go up, past Fairfax's view and the monument etc. We then turned towards Kelmarsh and my legs just died on a really easy hill. The warning twinges that preempt cramp were there to see and once again I was thankful it was a gentler Sunday ride than normal. I've heard it takes 12 weeks to get fit and 2 weeks to lose it. Clearly my recent activity and eating habits have taken their toll. On holiday we played football and cricket and went swimming everyday. We also had a two hour surfing lesson which showed why surfers are in great shape. I also consumed way too much Brittany Cidre so I guess they cancelled each other out. Anyway, the only way to be fit for cycling is to keep cycling. I was telling the others about that magical Brittany brew and the strange tradition of drinking it from teacups so there's some pics to give you an idea.


I'm off to scout camp on Saturday and won't return until the following Saturday so it's another couple of weeks without club rides for me. I will however try to live a bit more healthy. I said fairwell to Ken and Neil in Rothwell and left my tenner to pay club fees with them. I hope Ken has the afternoon he was talking about it sounds great! Mine should also be good as I get a recovery Sunday lunch at Mum's, get some of my Dad's Kingsthorpe cider in a proper pint pot and get to discuss the humiliation of the Aussies with my Pap.

Happy Pedaling




Saturday 8 August 2015

First ride in a while...



Clive all prepped and loaded with special blue product


After a three week lay off it was great to be back on my bike and even better to be back out with C&D Cycles CC. Today's route was put together by our very own Andy who then went on to lead the obsessed with speed group. Jonesy led the sensible group and I brought up the rear.

On the way out of K-town

Lovely day

Conditions were near perfect for cycling so in true British fashion we moaned about it being too hot. I coped with the heat by consuming copious quantities of special blue product, the jelly beans took a hammering too. The route was good but not my favourite. I prefer to go North or West when we head south east it always seems to get a bit urban. However we did go through the cultural epicentre that is Raunds.
Mark had a mishap

blood!!!

In Rushden we stopped at some lights and Mark decided to use island bollard to lean on meaning he could stay clipped in. The bollard though had other ideas, it gave way and Mark had a comedy tumble, As is customary in these circumstances sympathy was handed out in small proportions and mickey taking led the way. As is also customary we all asked if his bike was OK!

Now I'm just being teased

On return to the shop it was membership time and people were happily parting with £10. That's exceptional value to be part of our great club. Chris also replaced yet another shoddy pair of altura gloves (never again,) which was very kind. Then I noticed the bike with my name on it has been reduced by £400! They really are teasing me now.

Lots of things happened during the last three weeks. Holiday food and drink have piled the pounds back on. It's not quite as bad as my return from Oz but a few weeks of self control and back to using myfitnesspal are in order. In that time Chris Froome won a second Tour de France and today England regained the Ashes from a dismal Australia just before the football season kicked off. In Rugby the warm up matches start today leading up to the 2015 RWC. So there's lots going on.

Well I'm off to recover well. For tomorrow it's a mystery tour with Steve. I'll need strong legs!

Happy Pedalling

Tuesday 14 July 2015

Andy Pendred's Magnificent 7 - possibly the most epic guest blog ever


Before I let Andy's words do the talking I just wanted to introduce this frankly epic guest blog. I know I'm given to over excitement but this is one time where my words are truly justified. I was honoured to share 200 miles of the D2D ride with Andy, for most of us it was the height of our cycling achievement, for Andy it was training for this oh and of course puncture practise! I hope you enjoy this, I definitely did!

Triple 7 Tour 27th June to 3rd July 2015
7 countries, 700 miles in 7 seven days
Our plan was to cycle from Thrapston to Franche Comte in France to meet my parents who were on holiday there & to travel back with them, travelling through England, Holland, Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland & France.
Our route was mapped & loaded onto my Garmin. Rack, panniers, bar & seatpost bags fitted & filled with the essentials & we were ready to go. Although neither Sam nor I had any experience of touring the ride averaged at 100 miles a day so how hard could it be?
Day 1 Thrapston to Harwich. 104 miles  https://www.strava.com/activities/334160255
I’d prebooked all our B&B accommodation & first night was to be aboard a Stena ferry sailing overnight to Hook of Holland. The weather was fine as we set off on familiar roads to Huntingdon where we joined a cycle path taking us to St Ives  & then alongside the guided bus route to Cambridge. All went well with a lunch stop at Clare then passing through the village of Cavendish which has been named after Sam’s cycling hero. The rest of the ride went really well riding mainly on country lanes & we arrived in Harwich where we watched our ferry sail in whilst eating some of the best fish & chips I’ve tasted. We boarded the ferry, showered ,changed & went on deck with a well earned beer as we set sail for Holland.
C:\Users\Andy\Pictures\Triple 7 Tour\image7.jpeg

C:\Users\Andy\Pictures\Triple 7 Tour\IMG_0081.JPG

C:\Users\Andy\Pictures\Triple 7 Tour\IMG_0087.JPG
C:\Users\Andy\Pictures\Triple 7 Tour\IMG_0082.JPG
C:\Users\Andy\Pictures\Triple 7 Tour\IMG_0101.JPG
Day 2 Hook of Holland to Vijlen. 142 miles https://www.strava.com/activities/335020358
The weather was still fine which was great as we had 140 miles to do but a headwind all day counteracted the flat route through Holland and Belgium. We hardly went on a road all day & when we did it had a dedicated cycle lane to ride on. All the road surfaces were smooth tarmac & put our home roads to shame. We cycled down past the massive docks of Rotterdam & over numerous purpose built bridges taking cyclists over major roads & railways. We came to a big river which Garmin said we were to cross but there was no bridge so after much head scratching we noticed some cyclists going into a glass fronted building which turned out to be a bike lift which took us down to a purpose built 2 lane bike tunnel under the river to a lift at the other end which took us back up & onto the cycle lane again, impressive stuff!  Holland was a strange place to cycle through, it seemed like a massive version of Center Parcs with all the bikes tracks & waterways. We passed the expected windmills & crossed two more rivers via small ferries. Our only problem (apart from the first of 3 punctures on the trip) was we were going slower than we expected. As we got to the end of the day hills started to appear & Garmin decided to send us on some very gravelly trails which slowed us more & we arrived at the B&B just before 9pm and knackered which a meal & a beer soon fixed. 
C:\Users\Andy\Pictures\Triple 7 Tour\IMG_0118.JPG
C:\Users\Andy\Pictures\Triple 7 Tour\IMG_0140.JPG
C:\Users\Andy\Pictures\Triple 7 Tour\IMG_0138.JPG
C:\Users\Andy\Pictures\Triple 7 Tour\IMG_0115.JPG

Day 3 Vijlen to Luxembourg. 117miles https://www.strava.com/activities/335637226
Today’s ride through Belgium & Luxembourg was tough. The threatened heatwave had arrived & trying to drink enough was a problem we were to have for the rest of the tour. Not long after starting off my front tyre burst & we fitted an old spare we’d brought along.  Added to this was the climbing, it started as soon as we set off & never eased off until 90 miles into the ride. One massive climb from Eupen in Belgium saw us meet up with a German guy who cycled with us up to the highest point in Belgium at 700m – I hadn’t realised Belgium was as high – it even had a cross country ski station! Then came the hills of Luxembourg which I can only describe as Rutland on Steroids. It just seemed like a never ending series of sharp climb after sharp climb with no time to recover on the short downhills. The reward for all the climbing was the scenery – gorgeous all the way. We managed to find a bike shop in Belgium with possibly the most unhelpful person possible, I bought a new tyre & tubes but he didn’t want paying by credit card, then he didn’t want paying by debit card only cash which he reluctantly gave me a receipt for – I thought asking for a club discount wouldn’t go down well. To counteract this we were followed & stopped by a van driver who told us the road we were on turned to off road & he directed us onto a purpose built cycle route along a disused railway which made up for Belgian Bike Shop Man. It was 8pm when we arrived at the Youth Hostel we’d booked (yes they do take in old blokes too). It was basic but clean, but 22 euros each for a twin ensuite room, 3 course dinner & breakfast you can’t go wrong.

C:\Users\Andy\Pictures\Triple 7 Tour\IMG_0186.JPG
C:\Users\Andy\Pictures\Triple 7 Tour\IMG_0178.JPG
C:\Users\Andy\Pictures\Triple 7 Tour\IMG_0207.JPG
C:\Users\Andy\Pictures\Triple 7 Tour\IMG_0164.JPG
Day 4 Luxembourg to Strasbourg. 117miles https://www.strava.com/activities/336284309
Today saw us head into Germany and finish in Strasbourg, France. The climbing looked to be better than yesterday, with some good chunks following rivers & canals but the temperature was rising with a high of 39oC. There was some great riding along the River Saar & Saaabrucken looked an interesting place. I was struggling with the heat, sweating buckets, craving cold coca-cola & not wanting to eat anything which in turn was leaving me tired earlier into each day’s riding. Needless to say Sam was taking it in his stride, leading me round, navigating & managing to outwit the Garmin by keeping us on roads when it wanted to take us off road. I also had the only crash of the tour today in Germany, clipping a kerb which fortunately saw me sprawl across the pavement & not into the traffic and torn bar tape, scuffed paniers & my pride were the only casualties! The scenery had started to change with it looking more mountainous as we headed through the Vosges National Park into the centre of Strasbourg passing the EU Parliament building on the way – which was deserted as it was Brussel’s turn to host those hardworking MEPs. Our B&B was in the old centre of Strasbourg which is a beautiful city which we wandered around in the evening, eating at a pizzeria, before stopping for late night biere et frites outside the cathedral – nothing but classy nosh for us! 
C:\Users\Andy\Pictures\Triple 7 Tour\IMG_0221.JPG
C:\Users\Andy\Pictures\Triple 7 Tour\IMG_0217.JPG
C:\Users\Andy\Pictures\Triple 7 Tour\IMG_0226.JPG
did Sam lose a bet to have to wear those shorts?
C:\Users\Andy\Pictures\Triple 7 Tour\IMG_0223.JPG
C:\Users\Andy\Pictures\Triple 7 Tour\IMG_0225.JPG
Day 5 Strasbourg to Hirsingue 99miles. https://www.strava.com/activities/337114266
The B&B we stayed at was excellent (as were all of them) Thankfully the breakfasts were massive with cereals, ham, cheese, yoghurts, bread, cakes & fruit crumbles! Washed down with juice, tea & coffee we made the most of fuelling up as it was so hot we didn’t feel like eating during the day. Today’s ride looked relatively easy with a gentle ascent for the whole route but temperatures hit 41C making it another slog along the Alsace wine route which was lovely taking us through the vineyards but at the same time brutal as there was no shade. Along the way we had the Vosges mountains as a backdrop & thankfully we weren’t going up them. We followed the Rhine for a while taking opportunities to cool off in it when we could. The buildings started to change & we saw loads of timbered houses which Alsace is famous for & also nesting storks on the rooftops. Towns of note were Colmar & Mulhouse with their old timber buildings & cobbled streets. We headed on to the village of Hirsingue to our B&B where we actually did get some classy nosh at a traditional French restaurant although washing it down with coke & beer perhaps let us down a bit!
C:\Users\Andy\Pictures\Triple 7 Tour\IMG_0233.JPG
C:\Users\Andy\Pictures\Triple 7 Tour\IMG_0238.JPG
C:\Users\Andy\Pictures\Triple 7 Tour\IMG_0239.JPG
C:\Users\Andy\Pictures\Triple 7 Tour\IMG_0228.JPG
This was looking to be our toughest day yet, heading into the Swiss Jura Mountains with the heatwave set to continue. We left Hirsingue fuelled by another big breakfast and started climbing & basically carried on climbing all day. The temperature hit 40C & it became a case of stopping at every opportunity to get some cold drinks & refill our water bottles which were heating up quickly & drinking 40C water is not nice to say the least. At around 30 miles into the ride my legs went & it became a case of just trying to keep them turning. Sam did his best to drag me along but as anyone knows when your legs have gone you just have to plod on at your own pace so Sam ended up going ahead & waiting for me to catch up. We managed a couple of stops for food & the essential coca-cola fix. Mid afternoon the heat finally caught up with Sam as well  & we both stopped for half an hour in someone’s carport half way up a mountain to try to cool down a bit. The only problem was as soon as you stopped any breeze you got from riding stopped & the sweat just ran off you. We topped a couple of ‘Monts’ & usually we’d stop for a photo but we couldn’t be bothered so kept on pedalling. Places to refill water bottles became non existent & we resorted to dunking ourselves into water troughs & even filled the bottles at one trough when we were virtually out of water. By 7pm we started to climb the last Mont at Travers – 1200m at the top, but after half a mile I cracked & knew I couldn’t continue. We had an executive meeting & decided to get a train from Travers to our hotel in Sainte Croix and as the next day was only 50 miles we’d do some extra then to make up our 700 total. So onto the train which went for 2 stops then transferred to a bus due to line works & on to the end of the line where we’d catch another bus to Sainte Croix – simples! Not quite. When we reached the end of the line we had a 30 minute wait for our bus so decided to grab a quick salad at a restaurant. After our nice refreshing salad we waited for the 8.30 bus asking a bus driver if we were in the right place & assured that we were. 8.45 came but no bus & I started to wonder – Swiss stuff is always reliable so a late bus didn’t bode well. 9pm still no bus so time for another executive decision. We reset the Garmin for our destination the next day & decided to follow it in the hopes of finding a hotel en route. Surprise surprise the route took us up another climb by which time it was about dark & I was starting to wonder about sleeping rough in the mountains –what joy. Sam was apparently planning to ride through the night but I think that would have finished me off! The good thing was the temperature had dropped & made the climb easier & then we had a cool, nervy,dark descent down the other side into Les Verrieres. We asked at a garage if there was a hotel & they pointed us in the right direction. We arrived at the hotel just  as the owner was shutting up for the night but she soon sorted us a room & before we knew it we were tucking into a huge plate of charcuterie & frites washed down with coke & beer – result! A really tough day ended on a high, it looked like we would complete our challenge.
C:\Users\Andy\Pictures\Triple 7 Tour\IMG_0243.JPG
C:\Users\Andy\Pictures\Triple 7 Tour\IMG_0247.JPG
C:\Users\Andy\Pictures\Triple 7 Tour\IMG_0244.JPG
Day 7 Les Verrieres to Le Frasnois. 42miles https://www.strava.com/activities/338387299
We woke once again to another boiling hot day & the last thing I wanted to do was get on my bike. It didn’t help by Sam telling me I looked like I’d been in hospital with the weight I’d lost – needless to say Sam had taken it all in his stride & was eager to get going. After stuffing down a traditional French breakfast of croissants, bread,coffee & juice I was feeling better & as we had only 40ish miles to do we set off at a quick pace. The first 20 miles was flatish so we were feeling good as we headed through the French Jura – a great area that has everything scenery wise – forests, rocky mountains,waterfalls & lakes – and great cycling roads with very little traffic. At around 30 miles we stopped at Foncine Le Haut for our first proper lunch of the trip – 3 courses , wine (we did swap the wine for coke – honest!) & coffee for 12 Euros. Refuelled again we set off to finish & reached the 700 mile point at a viewpoint looking across the gorge of the River Chevry.  The heat was once again relentless making you gasp for breath all the time but we were nearly there, one long steady climb left to the finish at Le Frasnois at 800m. As we came to the finish mum & dad had hung out balloons & a banner to welcome us & were hoping for us to finish arms aloft a la Tour De France but I was so shattered I just headed straight into the garage to collapse in the shade!
C:\Users\Andy\Pictures\Triple 7 Tour\IMG_0251.JPG
C:\Users\Andy\Pictures\Triple 7 Tour\IMG_0253.JPG
C:\Users\Andy\Pictures\Triple 7 Tour\IMG_0255.JPG
C:\Users\Andy\Pictures\Triple 7 Tour\IMG_0260.JPG
C:\Users\Andy\Pictures\Triple 7 Tour\IMG_0249.JPG
So we’d made it, a trip that turned out to be much tougher than I ever imagined. Whether I’d done too much beforehand with a hilly 100 & the D2D 200 in the previous two weekends or whether it was just the relentless heat I’ll never know. What I do know is that I’m chuffed to bits to have done it. Nearly four years ago Sam pestered me to buy a bike to go cycling with him. Slowly but surely I got the hang of it, cycling with Sam & my uncle, eventually mustering up the courage to try riding in a group which gave me more confidence. Joining the C&D gang has been brilliant, keeping me cycling all year in all weathers. So a massive thank you to Sam in particular, & to the C&D riders, you’ve helped me to do stuff I’d never have thought I could do & I’d encourage anyone to give cycling a go.

Chapeau!

Editors final note:
Andy that is a magnificent addition to my blog, thank you so much for sharing. You are an inspiration. I hope one day that Sam Lindsley and I will go on an adventure like this.
Happy Pedaling