Tuesday 29 March 2011

Think Bike




It's time to get into the zone.
Even our laid-back latin leader Luca has clearly started to fret about just how ready the SBR team is for its 300km challenge. He recently spotted the window displays (above) in Carnaby Street and used them as an excuse to subtely (I don't think so) drop the hint that it's time to get out there and work the bike into your daily routine.

Wise words. 300km is a long way, expecially with a 2am start!

Tuesday 15 March 2011

Fee's results: STOP PRESS

I've just had a look on the Spring Onion website and Fee's time was 4.13.
That makes her the 85th fastest overall and the 5th fastest woman.

Well done Fee.

Fee's results: STOP PRESS

Monday 14 March 2011

Spring Onion, enough to make you cry



What must rank as the first official training ride of the year for the Swedish Ride Club took place on Sunday.
The event was the Spring Onion which was a 120km hilly loop out of Leatherhead, around the Surrey Hills and down into Sussex.
Fiona had registered for the ride with some friends and stupidly I left my registration too late so was riding unofficially. Luckily the route started two miles down the road from my house and went past the end of my street. I recognised the first 20 miles and a marking system of red arrows painted on the road worked really well. As the start was quite late( first off at 9.00) and it was raining I decided to go it alone on the basis that Fee and her superfit chums would catch me up. As it turned out I rode alone for most of the sportif which wasn't a bad thing.
Despite the shortish nature of the ride it took in some tasty hills which made it pretty tough. It was also raining and misty the roads were strewn with gravel and mud so you had to keep your wits about you. Even a level crossing closed on me at the last moment. I was glad of the rest and it gave me time to tuck into the flapjacks.

The previous night's rain had really washed a lot of debris out of the hedges.
At times I couldn't help thinking this was more a race for Luca and his MTBs than a road bike with skinny tyres. I couldn't believe I didn't puncture. NB for Sweden. Sadly, I understand, lots did.


By the third hour a group of three official riders passed me but they were the only ones I saw. I did a little jiggery pokery with the course and arrived at home 4hr and eight minutes for the 61 miles covered. I hadn't worn my Garmin so can't give you the altitude climbed but you can see from the elevation ( graph) it's not to be sniffed at.


On the good side the route managed to avoid most big roads and took in some beautiful scenery,loveley villages and some super climbs. The down side was the state of the roads, potholes, debris and mud.My beautiful clean 'best bike' was covered in mud ( pic doesn't really show how bad). It also made a right mess of my SBR top.


Fiona clocked 4,20 for her longer 65 miles and, over a cup of tea and slice of cake after the ride, she admitted that at 50 miles she had had enough. She certainly looked pretty worn out( despite the Lanza suntan) which takes a tough course knowing what a tough competitor Fee is.
The conversation turned to the 'big one' in June and just how much tougher that would be. We also discussed some of the planned training events for the SBR team and how important it was to get some long, flat miles in the legs before Sweden. I feel a few rides to the coast coming on.

Friday 11 March 2011

First outing for the new kit this weekend

Despite the weather getting warmer I am rapidly coming around to the idea that the yellow gilet in the SBR kit is one of the best bit of cycling apparel I have ever used. It somehow manages to keep you warm while allowing total freedom of movement. It's also got lovely big pockets and it's a sensible colour for being seen.

For the frosty mornings earlier in the week it was great the crunch will be when the weather gets too warm to wear it any more.
Before that I have the chance to try it out in an event for the first time with the SBR jersey. This weekend I am joining Fiona for the Spring Onion, a hilly sportif that sets off from Leatherhead and winds 120km across the hills of Surrey.

Sadly I missed out on an entry so, being an honest chap, I will be loaded down with food for the day.

Friday 4 March 2011

And the Oscar Wilde prize goes to.........

............Luca Conte.



Of all the double entendres on all the shirts in all the world this one has to be up there with the best. I'm finding it difficult to write anything now without sniggering.

Nice one Luca. Great piece of kit, certainly what was needed on a cold morning like today. I'll break the jersey out over the weekend.

Wednesday 2 March 2011

New challenges ahead

As the weather emerges from its winter slumber the thought of new challenges come to the front of our thoughts.
These thoughts have been formed after spending a pleasant half term up on the North Yorkshire coast along with the family.

One of our walks took us along to Robin Hood's bay where Luca will be setting off ( or finishing) his coast to coast epic mountain bike ride.
One small family tradition I kept alive was swimming in the sea at unusual times of the year. My sons, nephews and I took a dip off Filey just for the hell of it. Which got me thinking.
How cold will Lake Vattern be around the time of the Vatternrundan and would it be worth taking a dip?

In the meantime thre SBR team has plenty of challenge on its plate with the Vatternrundan itself which at 300Km is no mean feat.

Our spirits have also been lifted by the arrival of the new team kit. Watch this space for photos.