A cycle on reality

It's been snowing again. Over the weekend my village was once again marooned by the white stuff.
After my fantastic day out at the adidas Evil Eye half rim launching mountain biking in Cannock Chase I decided this mountain biking lark deserved another look.
So off I went to the bike shed, it's a lean-to actually, to fish out the bike I bought for Mrs Optician Editor to ride after the last bike was nicked from the railway station. She's never ridden it.
This is a weird beast of a bike. It's a Specialised Expedition Elite and has a great big seat on springs. A kind of cycling equivalent to an armchair, if you stood up in an arm chair, its stay out in the cold hadn't gone down too well. The front forks were frozen solid and the seat, handlebars and brakes were covered in snow.
Cycling on the fresh snow was great but the roads were a bit hairy but all in all great fun. The real problem came tring to cycle where a few 4x4s have compacted the snow or where it had formed ridges and re-frozen.
Needless to say the cycle down to my allotment to hack out a couple of leeks and a celeriac from the frozen ground was not as smooth as the Cannock hack on the Orange Five MTB supplied by the hire shop.
I picked up my Specialised bad boy at my local bike shop. I was in there one day having a chat and one of the guys said it had been in for repair but no one had come back to collect it. They sold it to me for the cost of the repair, £150, and it was in pretty good nick.
I looked up the Orange Five out of interest and it was £2,800. I think I'll have to get used to the bumpy ride.

adidas Evil Eye half rim on test

I sight never seen before, Chris Bennett on a mountain bike. The event was the launch of the adidas Evil Eye half rim and the venue Cannock Chase. If there was ever a day designed to test out active prescription eyewear this day was it.
the morning started with the rain pouring down. While the party huddled inside out of the rain the product was presented and a talk given on vision in mountain biking.
Both were interesting and whetted the apetite for what was to follow.
As we headed out on the bikes the weather monetarily cleared up to be followed by colder air and bright sun.
After lunch an elite group of riders headed back out to the Follow the Dog trail and driving snow. Along with the variable light conditions the lenses had to cope with mud, steam and snow. They performed very well and the products tested, only prototypes, did very well. I was wearing a prescription insert behind the lenses that did trap a little moisture but all in all the ventillation system seemed to work quite well. During the heaviest of the snow I had to wipe the lens of flakes and mud but the proof of the pudding was that the product stayed on all the way round.
The mountain biking itself was pretty much a new experience for me. The hired bike was a natty looking Orange five, in bright green, and the suspension seemed to soak up everything the terrain could throw at it.
There were a couple of points along the trail I thought: surely you can't cycle down that, but you could and mostly, I did.
The day remained largely injury free. I had a bit of a tangle with a branch lying along the side of the path that grabbed my shin and I also whacked into a tree hard enough to slightly wind myself but all in all an enjoyable day was had by all.
All good for the road fitness. If only it would stop snowing.

Molloy puts Conte in yellow

Just as Cervelo and Garmin have coalesced behind Tyler Farrar so the forces of the Optician and Transitions cycling teams have come together to support Luca Conte at the 2011 Vatternrundan.
Fiona Molloy has joined the SBR team for an undisclosed transfer fee believed to contain several figures. Molloy, a former national standard hockey player, is a veteran of many Ironman 70.3 events, European world championship duathlons, The Ironman UK and numerous smaller triathlons and bike races.
The Optician Team manager said. 'SBR have poached a prodigious talent. She's the woman to get Conte into a striking position but taking a podium place will be down to his lightning acceleration.'

Ice rider

Had a fun ride into work this morning. Opted for the mountain bike and did as much cross country as possible. The roads were very quiet so no too bad.Off road was a different matter. The snow clung to the wheels and with the depth anything upto a foot it was hard going. Really looking forward to the night ride home. Sorry about the lack of photos but every time I get my Blackberry out the screen is steamed up and photos unusable.
Biggest excitement was getting attacked by a dog in Epsom. Those crazy poodles.

Be careful what you wish for

After last Friday's light-hearted post about snow the south east finally got some. Well I say some, I mean lots. The fact that it is mixed with cold weather also means the whole place has ground top a halt. Luckily Optician went to press just as the worse of the weather hit. the only problem was getting home.
Meedless to say the Sunday North Downs ride looks in doubt.

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow

It's getting cold out there so if you are heading out this weekend be sure to stay safe.
I've suggested that we take a weather reading on the Evans ride of dec 5 just in case the cold snap is still around. I know the route and it can get pretty icy.
I'm all for year round cycling but discretion is the better part of valour and all that.
As I have booked a slot on the mountain bike based Adidas frame launch on December 16in Cannock Chase it might be a good opportunity to get out and try a bit of mountain biking. I'll have to ask Luca for tips.

Beware holes in the road

I've been enjoying the ride to and from work recently thanks to some road works. Just down the road from me some utility work has escalated to the point where the works have closed the road. Not much fun for car drivers but great for cyclists as it empties the route either side.
It's simple just slip inside the barrier and pick your way through.
This week I had an interesting schedule. Cycle to work, leave bike at work to visit optical client, Tuesday train up to London for the FMO, back to work end of day cycle home.
As the nights are dark it's not too easy to see what is going on so as I reached the roadworks I trained my super light ( Cateye Tripleshot) onto the road to see what was going on. I stopped double quick when a 6ft deep trench right across the road loomed into view. Luckily the metal plate meant to cover the hole hadn't been dislodged completely so I just needed to make a sharp turn.
I shall be even more wary of roadsigns in the future.
Be careful out there.

Bike in the wars 2 and Matt

Here's a report from Matt Dorling on his recent rude introduction with the tarmac.
Out for an early evening ride a couple of weeks ago, all was going well. It had been a couple of weeks since I’d had time to do a harder or longer session on the bike so on the last 10 minutes home decided to push on as I want to be at least able to keep up with the group when we go to Sweden next year!! On the last couple of miles to home there is a lovely smooth piece of road where I rode close to maximum effort just to finish off the ride.
As I merrily panted along lady luck decided to make things interesting! A car coming the other way clipped the side of a rock bigger than my fist and sent it flying across the tarmac just as I was riding by, hitting my front wheel knocking the bike from under me and sending me crashing to the ground( I was doing about 27mph at the time). Sitting on the ground dazed I was trying to work out why I went from happily rding along to now sitting in the road with lots of pain. Luckily a number of people in cars following stopped, wrapped me up in jackets and sent for the ambulance, as well as helping me phone my wife. Off to the hospital I went, having an excellent experience on the pain relief gas enroute, to be informed that I was now the proud owner of a broken collar bone and that riding my bike is out for 6-8 weeks.

So in summary I have now had confirmed:
1) There are more decent people out there that are willing to help a stranger than I thought.
2) Wearing a helmet on a bike is a must. If I had not been things could have been very different. (see pic)
3) Carbon replacement pieces for bikes are expensive.
4) My Oakley Transitions will never be the same again. (see pic)
5) Carrying a mobile phone “just in case” is a must.
6) I’m a very poor patient, and spend most evening’s trying to come up with ways that I could ride my indoor trainer whilst my arm is in a sling.

I'm sure you will join me in wishing Matt a swift recovery. Be careful out there.

Mansfield Park 'n' ride

Paul Maxwell and Jon Walford takled the Nottingham Evan's Ride It event last weekend. One their own as it turns out.
Well Nottingham came and went, actually it ended up being Mansfield, and although we signed up to 60 miles, when we arrived it was actually 69 miles.
So Jon (Iron Man) Walford and I headed out. All looked good, overtaking lots of riders and onto open road! However after about 10 miles and no signs, we realised that we had gone the wrong way.
After meeting up with the local riding club and showing them our map, they sent us on our way, in a round-about route back to the course. By the first rest stop 20 miles on the route, we had completed 44 miles, great! Cramp set in, which for me was a new experience. Clearly I pushed too fast too soon and ran out of energy in the leg muscles!
I continued to follow Jon as we duly got lost again finishing the course after 90 miles! All in all 5.15 hrs of riding and 30mins of stopping so I could keep trying to stretch out my cramp! What a nightmare.
But it was a useful lesson learned, 300k is a long way, take it slowly and take in lots of energy fuel.
The 2.5 hrs drive home gave me plenty of time for legs to cramp (difficult to push pedals and not advisable according to our Health & Safety bods) and the bottom hurt even on the soft car seat! After a hot bath on Sunday,Monday dawned less painful and I could start to walk again. By Tuesday I was back up and running -- thank goodness.

Let's try it Luca Conte-Style

There is a god.
An invitation arrived in the Optician office this week. It was to the launch of the new Adidas Evil Eye Halfrim mountain biking sunglass. In a break with the tradition of launching optical product to the press by post, or in an anonymous hotel somewhere in London, Adidas has decided to do someting sensible.
To celebrate the launch of the Evil Eye Halfrim Adidas, or its PR outfit, Dust, is getting out on the mountain bikes the eyewear was designed to work with and inviting the press to Cannock Chase in Staffordshire to try out the frame in the field ( or should that be forest).
There seemed little enthusiasm for the trip from my younger colleagues so it has been left to the old guy to get out there and hopefully not break anything.
I shall be asking Luca Conte of Transitions for MB tips.
All I have to do now is convince the rest of my office to change the date of the Christmas party.
I am officially excited -- hope it doesn't rain.

Bike in the wars

Fresh from my broken chain and the endless adjustment of the replacement chain and cassette I have managed a new problem.
A broken spoke --arrrgghh.
It's amazing how a humble piece of wire can cause so many problems. First you have got to limp home on the bike, then you have to go to the bike shop and buy a new spoke. Then you have to go back to the bike shop having remembered to take the old spoke in with you. Then you have to figure out how to carry a spoke on a bike. Sellotape it to the crossbar is my tip. Then you have to fit it and true the wheel. then all you have to do is worry about all of the pinging noises coming from the newly-tweaked wheel.
Rant over.
It won't be like this in Sweden

A new challenge has been set

I almost called this blog.. On the raod to Sweden.. but thought the big bike theme might be easier to find.

Followers of this blog will know that I rode the Halvvattern with a team from transitions this summer.
This 150km ride is the little sister of the Vatternrundan, a 300km ride around lake Vattern in Motala, Sewden.
This year an optical team lead by Transitions will ride the Vatternrundan. The Optician team has also been looking for a new challnge is 2011 and it has been decided that the vatternrundan will be that challenge.
Over the coming weeks and months this blog will chart the training of the two teams On the road to Sweden.

Wow it's cold out there

Winter has arrived with a bang.
The first job of the week was hunting down a bale of straw after seeing the weather forecast and panicking. I hadn't given the weather much thought so ended up having to buy one from the local kid's farm.
The damage was £7 for a single bale, unbelieveable, but supply and demand and all that. I also didn't want to lose my banana trees and tree fern to a nasty frost which we duly had.....
which brings me on to the cycle into work for the last few days.
It's amazing how quickly you forget what feeling cold means. Monday was cold, Wednesday was freezing and Thursday aching fingers and toes time. It could be worse of course. Tuesday I had to go up to London on the train for a frame launch. The train was over half an hour late...I know which mode of transport I prefer.

Vatternrundan is beginning to shape up

Just a few weeks ago the idea of competing in any kind of event for 2011 seemed little more than a 50-50 chance. After the Monaco half Ironman in 2007, the UK half IM in 2008, The full IM in 2009 and the Alpe d'Huez triathlon in 2010 these old bones ( especially my left knee) were aching.
A few emails and a meal with the team later and it's all systems go.
Next year the plan is for an Optician team to ride the Vatternrundan in Sweden. The 300km ride around lake Vattern is known to some after the coverage of this summer's halvvattern (150km) in the Magazine and on the website.
The Vatternrundan is the big brother of the 'Halv' and at 300km is not to be sneezed at.
The big question now is how fast will we ride it?
Last year I tagged onto a Bianchi team very much like the one above. This stands out as one of the cycling highlights of my life. For the best part of a hour I felt like an elite cyclist, cruising past an amateur field of riders at an impressive pace. My average speed leapt from around 15mph to close on 30mph -- for a few exhillarating miles at least. I didn't take my turn on the front but I kept out of their way on changes and made sure I thanked the chaps afterwards.
So far for 2011 Fiona, Lyndon and Nigel have thrown their hats into the ring. Will anyone else join us?

Swede charity

There is a bit of momentum gathering for the 2011 Optician challenge. After an Ironman and the Alpe d'Huez tri where do you go?
Sweden of course for the 300km Vatternrundan. This is arguably the biggest participation cycling event in the world and will see lots of people cycle 300km around lake Vattern in Motala. The team is being built as we speak so any opticians out there with a bike and a leather undercarriage put your hands up for consideration.

The loneliness of the medium distance triathlete

Triathlon is a strange game. You train for hours and hours, often on your own, and then when an event comes along you leap into the water with 1500 other people --usually.
last weekend I introduced son No 2 to the world of triathlon with an outing to the Crawley Late Summer Tri. The way that the start worked was to put the novices in the pool first, then the slowest to the fastest. The juniors went off last. I decided to leave my slot of 149 and wait until my junior ( no 205) went in. He was the last number off and was in straight after the fastest athletes.
Needless to say we were pretty much on our own. It was the first time I have ever been last out of the water and to hear th marshal say your number and 'the pool is empty' really puts the pressure on. So out of the pool and into transition. Junior decides to go off on his own and I will catch him up. I leave and put the hammer down to catch him up ( something I failed to do on the swim!!), but where is he? 20 minutes later and still no sign, he's either improved a lot or he's taken a wrong turn. This is confirmed at the turnaround. About two miles into the return leg I spot him so I wait. We are now well and truly on our own, not another athlete in sight. We finished the run in isolation and head off into Ashdown forest alone. A few stragglers pass us by on their return leg but the rest of the run is on our own.
As we enter the stadium to finish our support is made up entirely of marshals ( it has started to rain). A nice young lady offers us a mars bar abd a bottle of Highland Spring, our day is done.

My son loved the race and we both had a blast. It just wasn't what I had in mind for his first experience of triathlon.

Picking up steam

There seems to have been a late rush of interest on the triathlon front.

As well as the Crawley Late Summer triathlon team headquarters has also recieved calls from Shamir Optical with offers of help and opticians wanting to join the team. There are quite a few events on the go with runners, cyclists and adventure racers all in on the act. I also find myself being asked what Optician will be up to next year.

I have also been moonlighting with the Transitions team which as well as taking part in some Evans Ride it events has also been eyeing up next year Vatternrundan. This year's Halvattern was so successful they just had to go for the full 300km.

More good news comes in the form of Fiona being on the mend and the long awaited meet up of the Optician Triathlon Team to discuss next year's challenge.

I have some ideas and it will be interesting to learn what others think we should aim for.

The weakest link

Readers of my last post will be aware of the Great Missenden ride I completed yesterday. I did this on my old bike. I'll spare you the detail but I have lent my best bike to my son for an up and coming event and so took on the one he was using (my old bike). Now, I love this yellow bad boy and as it was all set up and ready from the Sunday I decided to ride it to work on the Monday.
Apart from unscheduled rain all went well until the ride home.
The first point of worry was a funny cluncking from the drive train which I resolved to take a look at 'sometime'. Just as I was leaving Epsom at a set of light I went to pull away and, snap. A broken chain, one of the few things cyclists, without a chaintool, can do anything about.
Looking on the bright side if it had happened the day before 30 miles out from the start. Now that would have been a problem.

Great Missenden Great ride

The Transitions Swedish Bicycle Club staged a mini reunion at the weekend with a selection of veterans from the Halvvattern plus Optician editor junior joining up to take part in the Evan's Ride It event around Great Missenden in Buckinghamshire.
The group opted for the 60 mile route and with the weather smiling a great day was had by all. As the miles rolled by it was clear that the riders had improved immensely since Sewden and a crack at a longer ride next year would certainly be a popular option.
The route itself had some cheeky little climbs but most were completed in the saddle.The area proved to be the biggest surprise with all of the riders commenting on finding such attractive countryside so close to London. The ride went by very quickly as there was plenty to think about as the terrain and views changed, some of the road surfaces certainly kept the concentration levels up.
Our 15 year old companion certainly felt strong. Having been worried about keeping up he spent most of the day 'up the road' forcing Dad (me) to chase him down to ask him which part of 'ride as a group' he didn't understand. The first food stop didn't arrive until 37 miles so that also helped slow him down. Having eaten all of the power bars, energy gels, energy drinks, Mars bars and flapjack Evan's own fruitcake certainly hit the spot.
Sorry about the picture, I'm a little too contrasting, kit-wise, with the rest of the group. After my lower back sunburn in Sweden I didn't want to take any chances and opted for the Garmin Transitions. Junior took on the Bespoke Transitions black ensemble to help complete the team look.
There was plenty in the ride for everyone and all of the riders had a good day. A special mention has to go to the day's leader from Transitions, Luca, who managed the ride on a borrowed bike. Nothing wrong in that but it was about five sizes too small for him but those mountain biking legs just kept on turning.

Good job guys, bring on Sweden.

Bring me the head of John Kettley

I'm finding myself taking an unnatural interest in the weather lately after agreeing to take part in the Great Missenden Evans sportive.
My riding mates for this event will be the Transitions Bicycle Club and I don't think they will appreciate, or enjoy a wet ride either.
The weather hasn't been good of late and I am really not looking forward to another soaking.
It could be the Giro d'Italia all over again.

Force of nature

My promises of a closed season and a bit of a rest look doomed. After the Evans Liphook sportive, I have now signed up with another Optical group, the old Transitions Swedish Bicycle Club, to do the Great Missenden Evans Sportive on A September 12. After that it's the Crawley Late Summer Tri on September 26.
I've been riding to work this week and the knee is feeling pretty good.
But my feelings of over-training have been dispelled by a veteran of the 2008 Optician Ironman Team, Emma Saville. She took a break to go off and have a baby (and very nice he is too). So far this week I have seen her out running in the morning twice.
If you can have a young baby in the house and still get out on the road twice in three days you are on a Mission. All makes my moaning look a little pathetic, go Emma.

A sad day for cyling

Laurent Fignon died yesterday after a long fight with cancer. He was a great loss to cycling and to optics

Animal rescue on a bike

It was a busy weekend in the Optician Editor houshold.
Sunday morning started with the Evans Liphook sportive which turned out to be a lot hillier than promised. Number two son certainly didn't like the first hill that seemed to go on for ever. It turned out to be my moment of glory as I was the only person to stay in the saddle in the time we were at the climb. Back at home it was down to the alloment to pick veg for the sunday roast.

there was more excitement when we found a grass snake caught up in one of the nets.
No2 son ( who wants to be a gamekeeper) held onto the beast while I snipped away at the net. It seemed unphased by the experience and slithered off into the compost heap.

Hard to slow down

All of those who read my race report or the race report in (Optician August 27)will assume that the whole of the Optician teriathlon Team will betalking a well earned rest.

I had decided to have a break from exercise after developing a sore knee a month or so before the AdH challenge. It held up well in the race but was a bit sore afterwards but stopping is easier said than done.

My middle son has suddenly been bitten by the bug and has already had me riding as many hill as we could manage on Sunday morning and has another sportive lined up for the coming weekend. He's also angling for the two of us to do the Crawley Late Summer tri.
How can I resist.

James' story

This was a really great race in a fantastic setting and a lovely lake. In the swim the French seemed a little more intent on arm wrestling their way around rather than swimming but I came out of the water feeling remarkably fresh. The bike started well with a steady section down to Schleinne. I found myself exchanging positions with Chris on the flat sections. I found the first climb really comfortable and the view from the top was amazing and the descent was nice too. I was surprised to be at the top of the second climb so comfortably and hit 84kph on the final downhill to Bourg d'Oisan which is at the foot of Alpe d'Huez. On the final cimb didn't really notice the heat until the first bend on the Alp and really suffered from the 3rd or 4th hairpin. With 5km to climb I decided not to attempt the run as my knee was increasingly painful with each pedal turn.
Hats off to Nigel, Lyndon and chris who all did superbly with a challenging run course in the heat and altitude. Overall a thoroughly enjoyable day and I intend coming back to finish the whole thing.
The best part of the day is a close run thing between seeing the rest of the team finish and descending the alp with Nigel after the race and still getting to over 70kph while trying to take it easy.

Also felt a little sorry for fee who would have loved the course hope the achillies is better soon!
On Thursday waited to see Lisa in the sprint race and missed her entirely at the bottom of the mountain she flew through near the front of the field, going on to a strong finish.

Nigel's Story

My first impression of the ADH climb was on an early recce of the first few corners with James, where I was struck by the sheer scale and relentlessness of the road ahead of me. Driving up to the top the next day confirmed what I already knew: it was going to be a very hard day.
I was feeling slightly apprehensive right up to the final preparations, and was actually glad when we got into the water and set off. I found the water temperature more easily bearable in my wetsuit than expected. The first few minutes of the swim were very physical and aggressive as swimmers fought for space. I was happy to follow the crowds as I tried to settle into some sort of rhythm, unsure where the swim course actually led. I was aware of a helicopter hovering just overhead, and the spectacular setting, but little else other than my fellow competitors until I finally saw the exit chute and prepared for T1.
As I reached my bike, and made my fumbling switch from swimming to cycling gear as quickly as possible I was aware of a local television camera filming me at close range which didn’t help my concentration at all. The first few miles of the bike course were a pleasant gentle descent which the early morning sun made warmer than expected. I was caught up by Lyndon just before the base of the first climb Col du Grande Serre. I had planned to use as little energy as possible on this first of three climbs, but even in my lowest gear my legs were soon feeling the pain of every turn. I was shocked by the gradient and length to the summit. There were few spectators at this point, but I found an excellent atmosphere was developing between competitors exchanging words of encouragement.
There was a long way from the top of the first climb to the second climb, which had several unmarked climbs to sap what was left of the strength in my legs. As the temperature rose, I tried to eat and drink as much as possible, but found I couldn’t digest as much as I knew I needed to eat to fuel myself to the end. Thankfully the second climb, Col d’Ornon didn’t seem to be anywhere near as hard as the other two. It was very long, and exposed to the sun, but the more gentle gradient made it a far easier experience than I had feared.
Descending at speeds of around 45mph quickly brought me to the bottom of the big ADH climb. As I set off up the gradient I had been on the bike for 4 hours and my legs which were already giving me constant pain began quivering as well. I resolved to keep going whatever happened, alternating between seated and standing positions to keep the pedals turning. Occasional shade from trees at the side of the road and drinking as much as possible gave some relief from the now scorching sun, and support from spectators and fellow competitors was fantastic.
I eventually reached T2 feeling in no fit state to run a half marathon, but pulled on my running shoes and set off at a gentle jogging pace. Soon the rough and hilly terrain had me realising I would have to walk some of the way. For the rest of the run I alternated between running as far as I could, then walking as fast I could. I set myself the target of completing the run in under 2 hours, which I just managed, encouraged by seeing Lisa, my family, then Chris on the way. I was elated to finally reach the finish where I had an emotional reunion with my wife and daughter, before joining the waiting Lyndon on the very inviting deckchairs just after the finish line.
Two days later I had recovered enough to have one more impromptu ride up the road to ADH. For me this was one of the highlights of the week: no crowds, no timing, no pressure, just the opportunity to enjoy one of cycling's most iconic climbs for its own sake.

Lisa's story

After driving through France for 10 hours and reaching the foot of the alps near Grenoble I saw my first glimpse of Alp D'Huez, the mountain was so high that the top was not visible through the clouds!

On reaching the foot of the mountain I realised the enormity of the task ahead, it was like looking at a brick face to infinity. Driving the first 3 bends and seeing a 10-14% gradient made me question how anyone could cycle this! I had trained hard at home, on the welsh hills but nothing can prepare you for this, mentally or physically. It felt like I had turned up for an exam without revising!

Each bend was marked clearly, counting down from 21 to 1 and driving these bends you being to understand the history of mountain with Tour De France markings and famous cyclists having their names etched on the side of the road. It was the Mecca of the cycling world.

Next morning I decided to face my demons and cycle the first 4 bends which boast the hardest gradient. After 200m with my heart rate up to 170 I realised that speed was not important but rhythm and controlling lactic acid build up was going to be the key, in theory!

On the morning of the race I arrived at the swim and the atmosphere was tense among the 1200 competitors taking up this challenge. I could see looking around that this was hardcore triathlon country.
Waiting for the swim start was interesting to say the least with everyone pushing for position and a helicopter hovering 20m above our heads.

Swimming is my strongest discipline so I wanted to get a good start. I did this, although the European triathletes are rather rough in the water to say the least. On the bike I had a good ride to the mountain and on reaching the foot of Alp D'Huez there was a carnival atmosphere with music playing and horns blowing and lots of people shouting encouragement. I slowed my pace, as did everyone, and braced myself! The first 4 bends went well helped greatly by the support on the way and I got into a rhythm.
Completing each bend give you a massive sense of achievement, by half way I began to believe I could achieve my goal to cycle this mountain without putting my feet down, I felt an inner euphoria even though I knew there was a long way to go. By 3/4 of the way up the mountain and 10km of mountain ridden I had no feeling in my legs. I had gone from pain to numbness, but support from fellow triathletes and spectators kept me going. I reached the final bend after 90 minutes of climbing, Rob, my husband, was on this bend and I could see the delight on his face that I had made it. I made him run alongside me for 50m which was a test of his cardiac strength! Onwards I went to the historic finish, I couldn't believe I had got to the top of my nemesis.
The run leg was okay although hilly and at altitude the finish was in sight.
200m to go to the finish a Frenchman tried to overtake me, we had a sprint for the line and I won!
On reflection this triathlon was my biggest sporting achievement, not on a position or time basis but to take yourself so much out of your comfort zone that you really don't know what the outcome is going to be, but then then to achieve what you only dream you could accomplish gives you a sense of euphoria that is difficult to describe.

I will pass the experience of this optician triathlon to my children, that dream the impossible and believe in yourself and anything is possible.

Lyndon's story

The setting was amazing - arriving in Bourg d'Oisans a on the Saturday before the race was great an enabled me to soak up the atmosphere and make a few trips up to Alpe d'Huez. This included a ride up early on the monday morning with very light traffic, I only saw 3 other cyclists (plus a guy slogging up on roller-blades!) As a big cycling fan I felt like a pilgrim!

The lake was beautiful - didn't feel cold at all. It was the cleanest open water I have ever swam in, and possibly cleaner than a lot of pools I've been in as well. I knew the swim was going to be a matter of just surviving for me. Survive I did, exiting the water in about 45 minutes. Did my usual trick of falling over whilst trying to remove my wetsuit in T1.


The start of the bike leg was just great - 25km of fast roads in a large group with little regard for the drafting rules. It was impossible not to draft on account of the numbers and the fact that the road was still open. I underestimated the time and effort if would take to climb Col Grand Serre - I felt great and must have passed more than 100 riders on that climb - but would pay for the fuel spent later on. I felt good throughout the second climb as well, but on the approach to Alpe d'Huez climb felt the first twinges of cramp in my quads - never a good sign. The climb up to Alpe d'Huez was an exercise in nursing my tired muscles to the top. I could only apply the slightest pressure to the pedals. I thought I would have a dig after hairpin 5 - the result being massive cramps in both legs meaning a dismount at hairpin 4 to stretch. At this point all thoughts of setting a good time went out the window and my mindset changed to focussing on simply finishing. I got going again with a push from some spectators and managed to get to the top.

The run was a question of survival, i.e. not cramping. The food on the run was great and after throwing down all sorts the cramps began to improve. Got over-ambitious and had another big cramp on the downhill run on the first lap. Thankfully it was the last big one of the day - more banana and salty crisps seemed to fix things. Liked the fact that it was 3 laps, rather than one big loop, it made it easier from a mental perspective. Was so glad to see the finish - managed to get in just under 8 hours.
Already thinking about next year, wondering what it would be like if I can avoid cramping up.

How was it for you?

While I am waiting for the team to report back on their race I thought I would fill you in, as it were, on my experiences.
We all knew this was going to be a special one and that really hit home when we saw the mountain and took a pedal up the first few steep turns. The sheer scale of the mountain takes your breath away, literally. As the team gathered ahead of the race there was clear apprehension about the task ahead.
The arrangements for the event helped in taking our minds off of the day as we decided the best way of getting to the start on the morning of the race without driving. The orgainsers were suggesting cycling ( with all of your kit) from the finish at Alpe d'Huez. In the end we decided as a group and Lisa and Rob, the unofficial sixth team member, Evans provided the bulk of the transport.

the swim was manic. I simply could understand
A- why everyone thought the water was cold, and
B - why everyone was fighting at the start when the race was so long. The helicopter swooped overhead and we were off.

In the end I did a very wayward swim which took over 47 minutes. The main event, the cycle, started with a long downhill section and I was glad to have put on the arm warmers and jersey but I didn't really need them for warmth. The climb of the Col Grande Serre was the first shock. This was a mammoth climb that seemed to go on for ever. I spotted more than one rider taking a rest before the event had really even got going. At this stage I just began to fear the worst and thought there was no way I was going to make it to the finish line if we had three climbs like this one to beat. I decided to keep the effort low and take on plenty of food and water. I passed, then was passed, by James Eastwood a few times but other than that spent my time looking at the spectacular views and chatting to other competitors.
The col d'Ornon proved to be a breath of fresh air. The climb was shallower but manageable and enjoyable. I began to believe I would be there at the finish.The best moment was meeting my family in the village at the foot of ADH. I stopped for a chat and a drink and also left my jersey, arm warmers and cap behind.

When the climb of the ADH started for real it was clear this was going to be a question of mind over matter. I picked my lowest gear and got my head down.
Disaster struck at bend 17 (of 21 counted form 21 down). Along the route were waterfalls cascading down the mountainside. I had managed to pour some energy drink over my head ( by accident) so thought reaching for the mountain water would be cleanisng and refreshing. I reached out, reached a little more, then a little more but I just couldn't reach the water. As I stretched out my left hamstring locked up and I had to leap from the bike to stretch it out.

The rest of the climb was spent managing this cramp, I just wanted to finish. As the climb went on I felt easier and easier and finally passed James within sight of the finish.He was suffering with a painful knee and wished me luck on the run he wasn't going to be able to tackle. I had been on the bike for 6hrs 18mins.

The three loops of ADH provided a sting in the tail as the altitude and rough terrain conspired to make the going tough. I promised myself I would run the first lap and then see how things were but soon after starting I noticed people walking.
I felt relieved and kept my promise to run the first lap but thereafter walked some of the uphill section and enjoyed the stunning scenery. I found it a great excuse to myself to do this ( and walk) rather than not enjoy the event and run,hence the run time of 2hrs 20.The selection of foods at the aid stations also proved a massive distraction as did the toilet block which had a cold tap that I couldn't resist putting my head under. I found myself chatting to the crowds more and more but by lap three decided to get a move on. In the final straight I outsprinted a nice woman from the Wrecsam Tri club on the request of my South wales colleague Lisa -- sorry Kay.Just to show I was fighting fit.

At the finish Lisa and Rob provided me with a great welcome as the other team members had headed for the bath by this time. Rob also took me and my bike back down the mountain, a great act of generosity that I definitely owe him a pint for.

I had wanted to cycle back down ADH and in my post-race euphoria probably would have but I also had all of my kit ( wetsuit etc) to take back. Lisa's advice not to cycle and Rob's lift provided a safe and relaxing end to my day.

There were many battered bodies at the finish I am glad to report that mine was not one of them.

And they're off

It's late July, the race is on and the journeys are being made. After many months in the saddle, on the road and in the pool the Optician Triathlon Team is ready for action.

Our, now depleted, team of five is heading south for the Alpes for the Long (Wed) and short (Thurs) version of the Alpe d'Huez triathlon. The beautiful Lac du Verney beckons and the Alpe D looms. I prefer not to think about the hilly the half marathon at altitude.

I wish to personally thank all of the team members, all of those who have donated to the team's fund, BBGR, Essilor, Transitions and Rupp + Hubarch for their generous support.

All that is left is to wish the team luck and, err.........finish the race.

Bon chance.

Limping to the start line

We all recieved the shock news this week that Fiona has torn her achilles and will not make the start line for the Alpe d'Huez triathlon. This is a bitter blow for Fiona who was instrumental in getting the Optician team into the race and someone who has put in months and months of training to be on prime form for the event.

She is still deciding whether to come to France to cheer the team on or to rest up. I am sure you will all join me in wishing Fiona a speedy recovery........
Meanwhile Chris (me) has also been in the wars courtesy of his old nemesis, insects.




This is the current state of my ankle meaning my taper down to the event has been turned into a complete halt to any exercise at all. This comes on top of the dodgy knee I have developed after buying some new trainers a fortnight ago. Hopefully a week's rest will see off the reaction to the insect bite and give the knee chance to calm down. I will break out my old trainers for the event.


Needless to say I will be on that startline. I am already looking forward to the post-race rest and the rest of the triathlon-free summer. In the meantime I am still relishing the prospect of the ADH climb everytime I watch the Tour de France on the TV. I am sure the reality will cure my dreams of cycling's glamour.

A different kind of puncture

I'm used to getting punctures on the bike but I had a different experience this weekend.

A couple weeks ago I bought myself a shiny new pair of trainers. I've had a bit of a mixed start with these bad boys as they seem to make my left knee hurt. But being a fearless and foolish fellow I decided to go for a 12 mile hilly off road run at the weekend. It was about 31 degrees, sunny and humid. A real kill or cure special.
I noticed straight away that the knee was a bit uncomfy but pressed on regardless but when I hit a patch of rough groumnd a had a painful, sharp shooting pain in my toe. And I mean painful. As I went on this occured more and more over rough ground. I came to the conclusion that the trainers were faulty and had a dodgy sole and that's why I could feel sharp stones and why they made my knee hurt. When I finally got back home ( blisterless --hooray) but with a bleeding toe where the sharp pain had been I had a look at the sole and noticed something stuck in the tread. Once I had pulled it our with a pair of pliers the mystery was solved.




Still had a sore knee on Monday though so it looks like I will be back in the old trainers for the race.

Breakfast in Worthing

It's not long now until the Alpe d'Huez triathlon and the training is getting serious. This weekend I decided to have an early morning cycle down the A24 with son number 2 as he was desperate to cycle to the coast. The nearest point on the map was Worthing so that became our destination.


Despite setting off at 0530 it soon became clear that the scorching weather was going to make the day a busy one especially on the roads. There must have been a sports car rally somewhere near the coast and every boy racer in the home counties was seeing how fast they could go. After a few map-study stops we decided to press on and get to the sea. While getting to worthing proved easy finding the sea was a little harder! Eventually we tracked it down and sat at the waterfront and had a bite to eat before heading back. The gentile life of Worthing proved a big hit with many smiles and hello before we remounted the bikes and headed back.



Divine intervention was in evidence on the way back as the southerly wind whisked us back up the A24 at great speed. We met Mrs Optician where the A272 meets the A24 and I continued alone while the boy was driven back home. This gave me the opportunity to put the hammer down and also to stop worrying every time a lorry approached us!

Fiona looks like she means business

After quite a long silence Fiona posted some photos the other days from a recent training trip.
I must admit after so many injury stories I was beginning to worry if the team's star athlete had over done things but the latest photos show she is in fine fettle.

The Woking wow factor

My middle son has been losely following the Halfords Pro Tour Series that has been making its way around the country so when it came to Woking we decided to give it a go. I thought I might pick up some tips on pedalling technique and the like.
The orignal intention had been to cycle over in the evening as the start was at 7. But just days before my son had managed to knock half of his shin off jumping up against a wall and he also had his Duke of Edinburgh hike the following day so we decided to go on the train. What a fun evening it was. We missed the freebie hats and giant Halfords hands but managed a get a place next to a barrier before the race started. As the rave music thumped and thousands of fans banged on the barriers it got quite atmospheric. There was certainly a good vibe.

Everyone craned forward to get a good view and theye were off.When they arrived it was a bit of a shock and there was a collective leap backwards when the riders passed by as 50 sweaty cycling came thundering along just inches away. I have ridden in a pack but found spectating just as scary.

A good night out, especially if you are 15.

Crash, bang wallop what a puncture

The official Optician Triathlon team eye wear arrived yesterday. Some glazed Adavista


And some plano running shields

I wore the Adavista yesterday for a run at lunchtime and in the evening I was helping my son change the back tyre on his BMX bike. Like a good dad I made sure he was involved and asked him to put the tyre on before I pumped it up using my track pump. Now he might have checked it properly or the tyre may have been a bit bent from being folded in the post ( bought over the internet) but it exploded in my face.

Luckily I was still wearing the Adadvistas which took the blast away from my eyes. My ears are still ringing though.
A few lessons learned Check the tube is under the tyre and don't by stuff off the internet if it can be damaged in transit also, err... don't trust your kids to do a thorough job!!

We're jammin'

It's funny how your training diary becomes part of the annual cycle of life.
I had planned to end my post-Halvvattern rest from cycling with a ride at the weekend but after a run and a swim in the week and then a 12 mile hilly run on saturday I was in no fit state.
I always associate my early mornings in the summer for long rides down the A24 to the coast with dodging the jam pots in the morning and sitting in a kitchen sweet with the smell of freshly made jam.
It just so happened that Mrs Optician editor has been along to the allotment and picked mass of strawberries so while the jam was made the ride never happened.

Halvvattern half biscuit

Those of you who read this column(hello Mum) will know that in preparation for the Alpe d'Huez triathlon I have been entering as many events as possible.
The latest opportunity to get some miles in was along with the Transitions inspired optical team which completed the 150km Halvvatern bike ride in Sweden, see the post below.
This proved a feat of food as well as physical endurance.

The team was a great bunch made up of a mixture of Transitions staff and UK optical folk. The organisation of the team was overseen by the Swedish Transitions team of Lucia Grimaldi-Ohlander and her husband Hans helped along the way by her daughter and boyfriend and a lovely cook called Anna(?).
In the team were Matt (and Natasha) Dorling business director Northern Europe of Transitions, Darren Newth, Key Account Manager Essilor, Sue Cockayne, mananging director Leightons, Andrew Spiers, training manager David Clulow, Paul Maxwell, National Sales manger at Hoya, Pavel Prokopec, key account manager Transitions, Mark Harris, senior optician at Vision Express, Kristin Manor, key account manager and Luca Conte country manager Transitions UK and Ireland.
Getting to the race was a logistical excercise in its own right.Many of the team had never ridden road bike before let alone dismantled, packed, transported then rebuilt one. They had also been supplied with the biggest bike bags I have ever seen which they had to wrestle with constantly.
The team were all drawn from the optical industry and the bikes, which were originally bought as window displays, were pressed into service -- as bikes. The idea of riding an event just took off and the Transitions guys decided why not ride the Felt window dressing in a proper race --great idea.

The lead-in time for the event was very short indeed with some of the riders having a little over a month to get used to riding the bikes and clock up a few miles in preparation. They also arrived on the start line carrying a few injuries. We had a dislocated shoulder, flu, broken feet bones, sore knees and a few others.
But they all finished, still smiling, despite not really planning the race or deciding how they would ride the event.
Shortly after the race start I hooked up with Paul Maxwell who, as a teenager, had been a keen rider.

He was clearly keen to get a good time in and, after a slow start, we got a little routine going with me taking the front and hopping from group to group sheltering from the relentless Swedish wind.

At the first food stop I pulled up to grab some water and inspect a wasp sting I had picked up along the way -- Paul carried on. I then had a useful hill sprint to catch him up. He was a steady rider so that was not an easy task.
The others were taking it more leisurely but clearly enjoying it as much as Paul and I.



The real highlight of the weekend for me was picking up the slipstream of three Bianchi-themed club riders. They passed in a blur, I said to Paul let's try and catch them, he said go for it, and that was all the encouragement I needed.
I hung on to their tail for 15 hair-raising miles streaming through the countryside and the rest of the field at a typical 27, 28mph. This was a fantastic experience and probably the closest I will ever get to riding a proper race. I didn't manage take a turn at the front and stayed out of the way as they changed leaders, but got the opportunity to thank the guys in the bar afterwards.

I managed a 4hr53 finish, my time slowed by too many stops and too many stints towing others with no help back ( must be Karma for my Bianchi banditry). Paul came in just over the 5 hours ( bad luck no plaque) so in retrospect we would have been better off sticking together.

The rest of the team came in steadily after Paul and despite the heavens opening and soaking the riders after the 6 hour mark no one gave up and they all finished to colect a medal. All in all a good day.


There were a few sore knees, backs and bums that evening as the team celebrated. Probably wost was Mark Harris of Vision Express, an accomplished endurance rider, who completed the event with a footfull of broken bones. But all in all most were satisfied with their performance. Nice Job.

Thanks to Transitons for a great ride and useful training for the Alpe d'Huez.