Waiting for the next challenge

Kiss the yellow Pearson goodbye

2012-01-26T07:38:00.000-08:00

There was a sad moment in the Optician Editor's house this weekend when I finally had to strip down the old yellow Pearson bike and throw away the frame.

I was having a general clear out so the futon and the snooker table became kindling, masses of books, toys and remote control cars headed for the charity shop and the shed was cleared. The faithful old bike suffered terminal damage last year after hitting a pothole in Epsom. A big section of the frame snapped off and basically that was that. It's been in the shed ever since. I did look into a repair but was told it would cost more than building a new frame, having hung onto the bike for such a long time I decided enough was enough. The Campag components were stripped off and the frame set to the tip. As you can see in the picture we had a brief moment together before we parted.

Fiona goes over to the dark side

2011-10-25T01:08:00.000-07:00

First entrant to the photo competition. Fiona writes: Not the best photo! The sun was shining and hence the mud was minimal..u can see how dry and sandy terrain was and the clear view of the south downs in the background. The best bit was tha I could 'parade' my personalised dark Oakley J bones. Much to the envy of my friends.

And the dark side? Is it the lighting, the kit......or is that a mountain bike I see.

Photograph that kit

2011-10-17T04:01:00.000-07:00

As the weather gets colder I find myself discovering more and more old bits of Optician Ironman Team and Transitions Swedish Bike Ride team kit.

Along with the commute my kit also gets an outing most weekends. This Sunday son #2 and I took a spin up to the top of Box Hill, nice and early, so we could return to a fry up and the Rugby. The pictures don't really do it justice but you get the basic idea of a sea of mist in the valley with islands of land poking out. Plus the Transitions kit.

As a diversion during the winter interregnum I thought we could have a little SBR kit photographic competition. Where are some of the most extreme, exotic or beautiful, muddy, wet places your kit has been? Send in a photo and I'll put them on the blog.

Winners can claim a slot in the yet-to-be-announced Optician two minute questionnaire inside back page feature.

The chain gang part II

2011-09-22T03:28:00.000-07:00

I have come to see chain problems as a bad omen. Shortly after my beloved yellow steel Pearson bike snapped a chain the whole frame gave up the ghost. Last night my blue aluminium Pearson developed chain problems, just a frozen link to start with, but I managed escalate the problem to include not only a chain that was too short but a broken chain tool as well.
There was lots of oil and angst around last night in the Bennett household. I will re-size the chain, or replace it, and hope for the best.

Closed season is upon us

2011-08-31T03:46:00.000-07:00

Happy days running in the sun

I was hoping to show off some gruesome pictures of my post operative knee (I had an arthroscopy in early August) but there was very little to see really, just a bit swollen. When the dressing finally came off you could barely see the incisions. Then it was holiday time and now the knee is pretty much back to normal. I'll have to see what the physio says later today.
I am trying my very best not to do too much too soon ( the main problem with this procedure apparently) but with a couple of turbo session under my belt and three good rides and nothing to report, fingers crossed, I think I may be OK. Running and swimming can wait a little longer.

Thoughts can now turn to next year's event and how it might be organised. I have already been contacted by ex members of the original Optician Ironman Team but linking in with a wider industry group proved very successful this year so may be the way to go again in 2012.
The big question of course is the challenge. Flat, hilly, mountainous, a bike ride , triathlon or what???

In the meantime I can rest my knee, I don't think so. The Crawley late summer triathlon is already on the horizon.

Any thoughts for events, team membership or anything else, on an ( electronic) poscard please.

Paris or bust

2011-07-25T08:58:00.001-07:00

A great day was had by all in Paris at the weekend. The grandstand view was magnificent although as Sue pointed out the general public did make the place look a little untidy.

We then moved on to our 'Champs' seating to be closer to the action. Great views but there were some annoying
tourists taking pictures of everything.

The guy is yellow passed us a few times, he's pretty good, he should take it up seriously.

Perhaps I'll ask Luca to invite him to the next SBR run.

After the racing the real fun started when we got to rub shoulders with the teams and see the bikes close up.
Back stage the guys were letting off some steam and talking to the fans. Pretty cool given they had just spent 3 weeks riding 2,100 miles. A few of us tested the weight of Thor's bike. The mechanic said Thor touched 123kph coming down an alp. As Lance might say ' Awesome dude'.

A tough tour

2011-07-14T07:19:00.000-07:00

If you thought it was bad riding in the Tour; forcing your very soul to the edge of exhaustion and then being knocked off your bike and thrown into a barbed wire fence, run over by a media car and scraped along the tarmac --then think again.
That is but nothing compared to what is happening to my fantasy Tour de France team! I am trailing miserably, my riders are retiring, I replace them and they break their leg and have to retire too. My team lead the race along for 100s of KM and then fade to the back of the bunch.

Let's hope now the Tour has reached the mountains my riders come into their own.

Tailwind into work

2011-07-06T09:07:00.000-07:00

Had an absolutely storming ride into work today. When I looked down it read a touch over 40 minutes on my cycle computer, a good five minutes faster than normal.

I had spoken to Fee about her impending trip to the Alpe d'Huez triathlon so was feeling a bit left out of competition so perhaps I was subconsciously put a bit more in? I was convinced it had to be my legs getting race conditioned for a main event (which sadly does not exist this year).
Later I realsied it was a fierce tailwind which I will have to ride into on the way home so by the end of the day I may be glad I don't have to swim in an icy lake, cycle up three mountains then run a half marathon at altitude --good luck Fee!!

Before they were famous

2011-06-30T02:09:00.000-07:00

Just in case anyone starts getting big headed on the back of this week's report in Optician....I happened across
some old photos during our office move.

First international man of mystery Mr Newth at the Cafe Royale with Marylin...

But best of all the Godfather with his entourage of lovelies.........

Fee's Vatternrundan race report

2011-06-23T01:30:00.000-07:00

300Km ….. what? In a day?

Apprehensive but excited at 2am as we cycled passed the beautiful freezing cold lake, personally I was thankful it wasn’t a triathlon and hence relieved at not donning the wetsuit and jumping in!!

The carnival type atmosphere accompanied with music, cycle lights and reflectors created a unique start to any race. Paul appeared particularly nervous as not all the team had made to the start yet (10mins to go!) … he was a Greyhound waiting to be released from its trap! I wasn’t nervous as initially I was just hoping to complete the ride in one piece. We all started together with smiles and best wishes all round.

Very quickly Chris, Paul and I formed a group , we were joined by an elderly gentleman and his son and then suddenly we thumped along at tremendous speeds (considering how far we had to go!). Chris said ‘ I think we could be going too fast’ ? the road was smooth flat and more importantly ‘pot hole free’ and I said ‘this is amazing’ but also thought…….here we go!

Before we knew it Chris and I were having meat balls and mash with ‘ketch up’ and errr ‘cranberry sauce’ (?) at the breakfast stop. After downing a pint of milk we decided not to wait in the toilet Queue and pop into a bush later in the ride. We’d made great progress and I saw a look through Chris’s Transitions eyewear and soon we were back in the saddle.

We spotted an SBR Transitions jersey and some red tyres on a felt bike, it was Paul again, he was going to take the next stop for more water. Chris and I pressed on to the 150km point where the running clock recorded 5hours 2mins (inc approx 20min?stop) and I knew from that point forward we were on a mission!

We didn’t stop again until Kronenburg ( Karlsborg I think -Ed) where I wasn’t keen to stop but it was wise for water replenishment! There only appeared to be cinnamon buns and coffee that you could stand a spoon in. stupidly I donated mine to Chris whom had already downed one coffee. After a quick pee we were back on the road, Chris was possessed by caffeine??!! ….Chasing down Tandems and almost Fartlek type training whilst I maintained a steady speed taking a look and reflecting on Lake Vattern’s breath-taking scenery after having stiffened slightly post rest stop.

The last 100km was on the cards and I stupidly said ‘Its just a Saturday morning ride to go now….as we were about to find out though ……..this was the unknown section (we had not even ridden 200km before let alone another 100km!) We joined Pelotons’ and created our own. We saw frightening sights: Wheel to wheel collisions’ , people sleeping next to the bikes by the roadside but I thought it was an hallucination
……..300km in a day ….err actually 10hrs 10mins…who’d have thought it!

when I saw the priest on the side of the road and I was told by my new Peloton buddy that he was praying for us !!
In turn Chris and I appeared to feel the effect of only 4-5hours sleep in two days plus the 250km already covered. My back and shoulders ached, my knee had swollen and my arms and hands were numb with pins and needles…. I took an anti-inflam and caffeine gel which kicked my mind back into focus. I thought cramp may loom soon and I copied another rider whom ate an electrolyte tab neat. The way forward now was to stay with the group or I feared the ride (err Race??) would be over. The Transition SBR riders in question (chris and I ) and to our amazement still took the front of the peloton, although Chris spoke to me a couple of times, I saw his lips move but bizarrely I didn’t know what he was saying. A few Km left to go and in knew that staying in the group was survival. At times we still travelled +/- 24mph, I wasn’t sure where Chris was, in front or behind? I passed a Pink Brompton (one of those city fold up bikes with small wheels) and wondered if I was hallucinating again!

I could hear crowds, cheering, unclipping of cleats and beeps as timing chips registered over the mat , we’d finished!! (well I had …Chris came in 10minutes later) as he fell off the pack trying to unwrap his energy bar!
………it just shows you the difference of staying with the pack and riding alone. I asked him if he wanted me to open all his energy bars before the beginning of the next race ;-)

Keep your eyes on the road

2011-06-21T03:36:00.001-07:00

Suffered a salutory lesson this morning on the ride into work.

While waiting at some traffic lights I noticed a women in a Range Rover engrossed in her texting. The lights changed and the van in front of me pulled away, I pulled away and looked across to see if she had noticed the lights change -- she hadn't. Ha ha, I thought typical 4x4 driver on the phone.
I looked round just in time (not) to notice that the van in fron of me had slammed its brakes on so I slammed into the back of it, chin first.
The impact was hard enough to bend my brakes and handlebars and lock the brakes but not loud enough, apparently, for the van driver to notice and he sped off while I nursed my sore chin and got my bike back in working order. Thanks Interior Design. The rest of the cars manoeuvered around me but a girl crossing the road took the time to ask me if I was OK.

Self inflicted that one, but I think I have to take responsibility for it. No major damage obvious but my jaw is a bit on the sore side.
Today's lesson - don't be a smug git, just watch the road.

Swede sucess

2011-06-20T06:52:00.000-07:00

The bikes are packed, flights taken and embrocation thoroughly rubbed in. The Vatternrundan has been completed by the Transitions Swedish Bike Ride team and everyone finished safe and sound.
Over 22,000 people attempted the 300Km epic but many hundreds didn't complete. The SBR team was not among them.
Among the finishers are Darren,Sue and Luca pictured above. Despite their cheery expressions this is at the end of their race. Although they didn't register the best time they are the core of the team completing the whole 300km together. There were other team members finishing before and after with times ranging from 10hrs 10 to more than 16 hours but the race was not about times. It was about endurance, comradeship and enjoying the beautiful Swedish countryside.
There were a few thrills and spills along the way. Most of the team avoided crashing although Darren and Luca did get tangled up in one incident.
Despite torrential rain the day before, and after, the ride day was fine and not too hot making for perfect conditions.
The team is still collecting for Vision Aid Overseas so click on to the just giving link to make a donation
A great day was had by all.

Four Yorkshiremen with tired legs

2011-06-14T01:03:00.000-07:00

Here's Luca looking like he is emerging from the sea. In fact he's just cycled coast to coast and is posing at Robin Hood's Bay.

Luca wrote:
Hi all, just unpacking my MTB and re-packing the road bike today. Not been out since the MK run in the rain...but it was good prep. I got rained on everyday while doing the C2C...not much fun scrambling up Black Sail Pass with a bike on my shoulders in howling wind and hail in the cloud. Fun going down to though :) ...and Walna Scar and Garburn Pass...etc etc.
This is his arrival either before or after (not sure) a pint and Fish'n'Chips.
The SBR team is all getting a bit 'Four Yorkshiremen' at the moment with emails pinging around all trying to outdo each other with tales of efforts and injury. I think Luca has the best excuse for tiredness.
As for me......... well I'm off to see the physio about my knee MRI this afternoon.

Remember that's 300kms

2011-06-08T06:23:00.001-07:00

The SBR team has had its first casualty. Pavel, recently elevated to the illustrious heights of Transitions senior management, has had to withdraw. In a sad note to the team Pavel said:
Dear courageous SBR team,
I hope that you are all in great shapes for the Big Day … at least following the email correspondence, it looked like everybody is in a tough preparation J …
Unfortunately, after healthy evaluation of my both legs and number of hours spent in saddle this year (0), I have to withdraw from the challenge … 300K is 300 K, no way to cheat. I hope that when the things calm down a bit in my new job here in Germany, I’ll join for an other ride (or race).
In any case, I wish you all great fun, great ride, great times (for the competitive once J) … and soareless morning after.

Enjoy !!

All my regards from Germany …

Perhaps I chose the right time to trade up?

2011-05-31T03:43:00.000-07:00

Over the long weekend I ventured out with son#2 for a Monday morning ride to keep the legs turning ahead of Sweden. I was one my swanky new bike and he was on my old best bike. On the final climb home he complained that the back wheel had skipped out and sure enough when we got home the wheel was lodged in the back brakes thanks to a distinct bend. I had a bit of a tinker and trued it up a bit but concluded it was one for the bike shop.
The mechanic down at Pearsons confirmed that ( although I had done a good job of straightening it out) the wheel was going to be tricky to handle as the spoke nipples were seized. This meant when they were tightened they could ping back and slacken off again. Not something you would want happening on a 300km ride.
And the moral of today's story is: If there is anything you have concerns about on your bike perhaps it's best to start thinking about it now!!

Damn you John Ketley

2011-05-27T04:15:00.000-07:00

Having ignored the weathermen for so long (due to their inability to predict the weather) I made the decision to cycle to work yesterday. Coming in was great, the 'old' bike is now my Pearson Aluminium Audax which, until recently, had been my good bike, so I am flying.

The strong westerly helped but by yesterday afternoon it was like a monsoon and I got a right soaking. The funniest part was getting back into my home village where the road is being repaired. In preparation for the new surface the workmen had gaffer taped up all of the drains which had turned the road into a swimming pool. great fun, if a little wet
My shoes were still wet this morning so they are on the radiator drying.

I had a real shock this morning when I got the bike out of the shed and looked at the chain.
. It's a good reminder that not a lot of water can play havoc with your bike to get that machine oiled before Sweden.

All fingers and thumbs

2011-05-25T06:44:00.000-07:00

I'm back on the old bike today after Monday's epic ride on the swanky new Pearson Palace. Changing back to campag gears from the Palace's SRAM set up is really weird, there's nothing for my thumbs to do. I also moved my seat forward without moving it up so I feel like I'm riding a kid's bike. Ah well it's all good miles.

The flat earth society

2011-05-24T04:25:00.000-07:00

It seemed like such a good idea.
Find a bit of the UK that's nice and flat, like Sweden, and do a nice long training ride in readiness for the Vatternrundan in June. The prospect of riding on a nice flat route was appealing after the undulations of the London to Brighton --how wrong we were.
Sue, Paul, Luca, Matt were chatting to a Swedish photographer from the Vatt's PR office when I pulled into the car park of the Holiday Inn, Newport Pagnell. The journey up to Junct 14 of the M1 had been a roadwork nightmare, but with the sun shining and the ground dry a good day on the bike seemed preordained.

It wasn't until I got out of the car that I realised how the wind can whistle across the flat expanses of Beds and Herts. As I changed into my final bits of cycling kit I had to keep an eye on the bike which looked as though it could be dislodged from its position by the wind at any moment. I took comfort that this was because my new carbon fibre machine was so light -- a transparent dillusion.
Undetermined after a photocall and a chat we were off.
The 90 mile route took in the collection of beautiful little villages nestled between the fields in the area bounded by Bedford and Northampton. The route zigzagged its way through the countryside out towards East Anglia. Never spending too much time in any one direction saved us from the worse of the wind and despite a dead-end detour, up a shockingly poor road to what looked a disused RAF base, all went well. I had my suspicions that this was a ruse by Matt to seek out some old WWII aircraft stationed there.
The detour added 5 miles to the route but more significantly gave a us a taste of what riding into the teeth of the wind was like. Clearly we had been assisted by nature to this point in the route, a sitiuation that would shortly change as we headed back home.
By the lunchstop (it was 3 O'clock) next to the water at Harold a more serious tone on the remaining third of the mileage was being taken. (NB Let's get organised for Sweden.)
Food was devoured, water bottles were filled and potions mixed.
As the route went on we made some feeble attempts at riding as a group. This was both good practice but also a practical attempt to to shield Sue from the wind which was getting stronger by the minute. At times this group approach seemed to work well and gave us an idea of the discipline that will be needed if we adopt this strategy for Sweden. At lunch we chatted about possible plans for the Vatt and agreed in principle, if not detail, the need for a bit of organisation.
Back on the road; by 5.00ish it was all going a bit Pete Tong. The wind was up, we were on the biggest, businest roads of the day, during rush hour, and it had started to rain.
I was particularly distressed as this was the first time my nice new bike had got wet, something I had been trying to avoid. Having said that it was necessary experience and I was very happy with the bike. The daftest comment of the day came from Paul who remarked on the onset of rain. 'It won't make any difference':It did.
I was not happy with the weather. I very quickly got cold and my hands rapidly fell into a white-knuckled torpor that only the car heater could wake them from.
However, the worsening condition actually seemed to gee the group on and the speed appeared to rise as the desire to a: get out of the rain and wind, and b: get back to the warmth of our cars, set in.
Barely had the rain permeated every last inch of our freezing bodies than we were back in the car park of Newport Pagnell's finest low-cost corporate dormitory.
In all 95 miles covered in a moving time of six and half hours. Not the best stats but frankly, on a day like that, who cares.
What it did test was everyone's mettle to stay in the saddle for a full day in some pretty poor conditions.
(Thought for the day)
It also reminded us that as a group we can perform better than we can as a group of individuals, but we will have to get orgainsed if we want to see those benefits.

California dreamin'

2011-05-20T08:42:00.000-07:00

I love cycling but even I have to admit that, at times, it's not the greatest spectator sport in the world. The recent tour of California has provided a little diversion and a bit of diversity. I was really looking forward to the mountain stages at the start but unfortunately the weather put paid to that. Too much snow.
Sadly much of the first stage was a pan-flat, dead straight run into Sacremento. The great thing about the Americans is their love of kit so I found myself looking at the bikes, bike mounted cameras and of course the eyewear.
As ever, especially in the US, Oakley was out in force. According to some cycling websites Oakley was at lake Tahoe showing off new colours and looking after the teams.There was certainly a Sky black and blue which, while not idential to the team's, it good enough for fans.

Bike Radar also reported that Oakley was launching a new 'Echelon' collection. On its website it said the "Echelon was aimed at road riders, with purpose-built lens tints, including a Ruby Iridium-coated VR50 photochromic option for heightened contrast of typical road features and better usability in varying conditions. "On the road, this is a good lens on days that may start early with zero light or rain that may have changing conditions throughout the day," Blick told BikeRadar.

"The riders are claiming to have better vision under the lower light conditions as if you're in a clear lens. For a guy like Swifty who won in them today, they worked in both sun and rain. It's a lens a rider can depend on to get the job done with the signature Oakley Iridium 'pop', and the rider can leave the eyewear on his face without taking it on and off under changing light conditions."

Transitions would be proud. It looks a bit like the up and coming FastJacket.
PS thanks Bike Radar.

Big hearted Optician magazine kicks off fundraising

2011-05-19T03:32:00.000-07:00

Optician has thrown £100 into the Vision Aid Overseas fund to start off the Swedish Bike Ride team's fundraising efforts.

Down to the coast before breakfast

2011-05-16T03:26:00.000-07:00

With the 300kms of the Vatternrundan looming I thought it would be a good idea to give the bike a run out first.
So I set the alarm for 6.00am on Sunday to be up an out at first light. It was already light at 6.00am so a bowl of porridge later,a banana and some flapjack packed into my pockets off I went.
I had decided I would head for Worthing straight down the A24 nice and early before the traffic got too busy and then come back across the downs. I was surprisingly chilly and I was pleased to have worn my overshoes, armwarmers and the nice yellow Transitions gilet. This approach might be worth thinking about for Sweden given the start is at 2.00am.
I took it fairly easy, although I have to admit draughting a TT comeptitor near Horsham and a couple of men in lycra towards littlehampton. They passed me as I was going up hill so decided to stay with them, they then immediately stopped for a rest.

I headed for Worthing town centre and sat on a bench overlooking the sea while I age a peanut butter sandwich. Very pleasant it was too just watching the world go by. This what you look like when you try and take your own picture while eating a peanut beutter sandwich.

As I sat down I had 2hr and 7mins on the Garmin which I had strapped to my handlebars, it works really well as a speedo cum heartrate monitor.

I had looked at the map and decided to head east along the coast and then head north across the downs toward Steyning. This road proved a real treat. It was steep to start with but came out on top of the downs with fabulous sea views to the south and beautiful countryside to the north. The descent was pretty hairy but a little wiggle across the A281 meant more quiet country roads until the A24 at the junction with the A272.
Back on the A24 life wasn't so nice. The traffic had got a bit heavier and FAST, very fast. By the time I got back to Surrey hills I could feel the miles in my legs but I felt good (apart from a slight pain in the neck) and the bike felt good too, the Palace has passed the test so I won't be going back for a refit.
Once back home I plugged in the Garmin to look at the stats to see what I had done.

I was pretty pleased with the speed of the return leg given the headwind and the slightly longer distance.
A lot more climbing than Sweden but still, at 80 miles, a lot shorter!

Bennett increases carbon footprint

2011-05-11T03:33:00.001-07:00

Here is the new mean machine, I managed to remember to take a quick picture before leaving for work. After weeks of hoping for rain ( for the garden) I am now hoping it doesn't rain as I wouldn't want my nice new bike to get all wet.
The next job is to start the fundraising effort so I have put a piece in Optician to gee my readers up.

I used the picture from the foot of Ditchling Beacon plus the words below.

Saddle up: Transitions is leading an 11-strong group of cyclists from optics on a 300km Swedish Bike Ride in a bid to raise £5,000 for Vision Aid Overseas. The Motala-based ride is claimed to be the biggest bicycle event in the world. Over the space of a week in June, 30,000 people take part in cycle events centred around Lake Vattern. In preparation for the event the team recently rode from London to Brighton and back. The team is made up of Sue Cockayne of Leightons, Andrew Spiers from David Clulow, optometrist Fiona Molloy, Mark Harris of Vision Express, Essilor’s Darren Newth, Paul Maxwell from Hoya and Optician editor Chris Bennett. Transitions has four riders in the squad: Luca Conte, Matt Dorling, Kristen Manor and Pavel Prokopec. The team is hoping to complete a good part of the 300km ride together, with some of the faster riders then breaking away to finish in under 12 hours. To make a donation go to www.justgiving.com/vao300km

Don't ya just love Babelfish

2011-05-05T06:08:00.000-07:00

Any xenophobia is purely accidental.

I was perusing the internet for more information on the Vatt and came across the press release below. As well as including a bit from a Mr Luca Conte, 42 ( oh yeah), from London, the translation is absolutely hilarious. Apparently Mr Conte brought a group last year for the half distance and is attempting the 300km distance because they had all asked if we could not do the full distance.

From there down the press release gets a little crazy.

Personally I'm looking forward to the refreshments which include 160,000 Bunsens.The release goes on to say that these will help the Cyclists in the three events cannabis CompleteCare Their challenge Safely.

Monday 4 April 2011
The world's largest organized bicycle ride, Vätternrundan, starting and finishing in Motala, Sweden, will take place on June 17th-18th, for the 46th consecutive year. The World's Largest Organized bicycle ride, cycling, starting and finishing in Motala, Sweden, Will Take Place on June 17th-18th, for the 46th Consecutive Year.
The main event, which runs for 300 km around the scenic Lake Vättern, is fully booked with 22,000 cyclists for the full distance, although places are still available for the half-distance Halvvättern and the 100 km ladies' event Tjejvättern. The Main Event, Which runs for 300 km around the scenic Lake water, ice Fully booked with 22.000 Cyclists for the full distance, although places ARE still available for the half-distance Halvvättern & the 100 km ladies' event Tjejvättern. Over 30,000 cyclists will participate in the three events combined. Over 30.000 Cyclists Will Participate in The Three Events Combined.

This year sees the highest number of participants ever, as the number of starting slots for the 300 km run has been increased. This Year Sees The Highest Number of Participants ever, as the number of starting slots for the 300 km run Has Been Increased. Beginning at 19.30 hrs on Friday the 17th of June, groups of 60-70 cyclists are dispatched every other minute throughout the night, until 06.00 hrs on Saturday morning. Beginning at 19:30 hrs on Friday the 17th of June, groups of 60-70 Cyclists ARE dispatched everythin Other minute throughout the night, Until 06:00 hrs on Thursday morning. Most cyclists finish in less than 12 hours, although anything between 8 and 20 hours is considered normal. Most Cyclists finish in Less Than 12 Hours, although anything Between 8 and 20 hours ice Considered normal.

“The three events attract recreational cyclists from all over the world and of widely varying ability, from the novice to the seasoned pro. "The three events Attract Recreational Cyclists from all over the world and of widely Varying portability, from the novice to the seasoned pro. But whatever the level of cycling experience, a healthy stamina is required to complete Vätternrundan and we recommend that participants complete at least 1,000 km in pre-season training for the full distance. But whatever the level of cycling experience, a Healthy stamina is required to complete in cycling and we recommend That Participants complete at least, 1.000 km in pre-season training for the full distance. The 300 km route can be very demanding, so for less experienced cyclists we recommend the shorter Halvvättern and Tjejvättern events,” says Eva-Lena Frick, general manager of Vätternrundan. The 300 km route Can Be very demanding, so for Less Experienced Cyclists we recommend The Short Halvvättern and Tjejvättern events, "says Eva-Lena Frick, general manager of Comfort Bike.

This year sees a record number of participants from overseas, 4,548. This Year Sees a Record Number of Participants from overseas, 4.548. One of the fastest growing groups is the one from the United Kingdom, which has increased by 16% to 228 participants this year. One of the fastest growing groups is the one from the United Kingdom, Which Increased speed by 16% to 228 Participants this year. However the largest single increase is noted by Italy with 28 cyclists this year, compared to just one in the previous year. However the the Largest Single Increase ice noted by Italy with 28 Cyclists this year, compared to just one in the previous year.

One of the 2010 participants who has signed up again for this year is Luca Conte, 42, from London. One of the 2010 Participants WHO HAS Signed up again for this year is Luca Conte, 42, from London. Last year, he took part in Halvvättern. Last year, he Took part in Halvvättern. This year he is going for the full 300 km. This year he is going for the full 300.
“We took out a group of customers from the UK as a corporate event and they all enjoyed it so much that they asked if we couldn't do the full distance this year. "We Took out a group of customers from the UK as a corporate events and Do They all enjoyed it so much That Do They Asked If We Could not do the full distance this year. The event was just so well organized and we were having a wonderful time with great spirit and camaraderie as we cycled through lovely countryside,” says Conte. The event was just so well Organized and We Were Having a wonderful time with great spirit and camaraderie as we cycled through lovely countryside, "says Conte.

Vätternrundan starts and finishes in Motala at the north-eastern end of Lake Vätttern. Comfort Bike starts and finishes in Motala at the north-eastern end of Lake lake. Nine combined food stops and support stations assist cyclists along the route, with support vehicles picking up riders stranded between stations. Nine Combined food stops and support station assistant Cyclists along the route, with support vehicles picking up riders stranded Between station. The main food stop is in Jönköping after 105 km, where 29,000 portions of sausage and mash will be served. The main food stop is the University after 105 km, där 29.000 portion of sausage and mash Will Be Served. Another stop to look forward to is at 174 km in Hjo, where 13,000 portions of lasagne are available. Another stop to look forward to ice at 174 km in Hjo, där 13.000 portion of lasagna ARE available. Other en-route refreshments include 160,000 buns, 1,200 kilos of coffee and 25,000 litres of energy drink. Other en-route refreshments include 160 000 Bunsen, 1.200 kilo of coffee and 25.000 liters of energy drink. 4,000 volunteers help ensure that all 30,000 cyclists in the three events can complete their challenge safely. 4.000 volunteers help Ensure are thats all 30.000 Cyclists in the three events cannabis CompleteCare Their challenge Safely.
Cyclists wishing to participate in any of the 2011 events should contact the organisers at info@vatternrundan.se . Cyclists Wishing to Participate in Any of the 2011 Events Should contact the Organisers at info@vatternrundan.se .

Fit for a king?

2011-05-03T08:28:00.000-07:00

There are so many things wrong with that title. After a long period of over indulgence I'm not feeling too fit and I'm definitely not a king.
What I do have is a Palace!

After my run in with a pothole in Epsom ( see earlier post) I decided enough was enough and the Editor of Optician deserved a decent bike.

So I went to my local bike shop and splashed out on a Pearson Palace. It is even better than the picture shows as I had my Mavic Ksyrium wheels put on it. With 300km in Sweden looming with the rest of the Transitions' team I think I need all the help I can get.

Early indications are good although on my major ride of the weekend my middle son snaffled the Palalce and I had to make do with my blue Pearson Audax.
The youngster still couldn't beat the old man though. He even wanted to switch bikes towards the end of the ride as we had a massive hill approaching and I 'had more gears'.

I also managed a quick cycle up Box Hill while Kate Middleton was becoming the Duchess of Cambridge. The roads were clear, the sky blue and the bike carbon. It doesn't get any better than that.
One amusing recreation of history was on the royal wedding day. Back when Charles and Di got married I decided I couldn't face hours of royal telly so I got on my bike and cycled around the lanes that crisscross the Tiverton canal.
I obviously wasn't a boy scout ( perhaps youthful optimism) but I didn't have a puncture kit with me and yes,..... I got a puncture.
Pushing the bike home wasn't too bad, the roads were quiet and I could listen to the birds and still avoid the wedding. But then, as I crossed the canal at Halberton I could hear the roar of the crowd. Just on the other side was a guy in a deckchair, sat in a layby outside his caravan watching the royal wedding. Obviously an early adopter of mobile technology.

Hanging by a thread

2011-04-28T04:30:00.000-07:00

Shortly after the L2B ride I thought it was about time I gave my bike a bit of a once over (before the new bike arrives!!). During the ride I had noticed that I couldn't change into the easiest gear but, as there were no significant climbs on the ride it hadn't bothered me too much.

Imagine my surprise when I looked at the gear cable.

This is a timely reminder to keep an eye on your bike.
Remember safety is no accident.

Box Hill to Brighton

2011-04-19T08:06:00.000-07:00

The SBR team really began to feel like a proper team as its members drew up one by one into the car park of the Burford bridge Hotel at the foot of Box Hill.

The setting for the first training ride of 2011 for the team shifted from Hampton Court after it was decided it may be a little traffic heavy so close to London.

Chris suggested the new start and organised a 20 mile loop for the beginning of the ride to add to the 45 miles yet to come. The rest of the route had been studiously plumbed into Matt's Garmin Edge.
After many photographs, many trips to the toilet and a fair bit of fettling (as Luca might say) we were off. Chris' route took the group on an non-road, flat route along a cycle path by the A24 to ease everyone into the feel of the bike before heading off through Leatherhead, Cobham and a little bit of Surrey countryside and then up on to Ranmore.
By this point Paul could no longer contain his nervous energy and, in pursuit of some leisure cyclists, disappeared off into the distance. He missed the next turn forcing yet another stop. Luckily a phone call and a few directions later and we agreed to meet back at the Burford Bridge and the ride continued.
The more restrained members of the group took the superfast descent back to the end of the loop to say a quick hello to Rebecca before heading on the route proper.
Chris chose Box Hill as a start point as it is due to be used in the Olympic road race and he though it might make a nice backdrop for some photos. He utterly refutes the idea that it just happens to be close to where he lives.
As it turned out the group, Paul Maxwell-like, were racing through the countryside barely stopping to look at the view, let alone stop for pics. The ride was on.
Despite our Garmined ride the technology was not behaving itself and this quick breakaway broke the link between Lindsay and his son Martin. This lead to a split in the group that would never heal. The advance party sped on as Lindsay and Martin took a worng turn. After a few phone calls Lindsay and Martin were eventually joined by Luca who lead them back on course, some way behind the leading pack.
The rest of the group ploughed on, again in a rather stop go fashion, through the countryside. The most notable point in the ride was Ditchling Beacon. This had loomed large in the minds' of the riders and the reality didn't disappoint.
After 60-odd miles in the saddle the climb was pretty taxing. Matt had obvioulsy been saving up all of his strength for the climb and clearly thought this, and his swanky new bike, would see him to the top first. He hit the bottom of the climb with gusto but was soon in trouble.
Sadly he had peaked too early and blew up towards the summit.

The climb was worth the views at the top and the cycling effort became easier. The rest of the ride downhill all the way, in the best possible sense, as the team coasted into Brighton and to the quirky welcome of the My Hotel. A quick shower break and few beers in the bar later and the stories started to flow.
Dinner provided more opportunity for the tales to grow and the story of Lindsay, Luca and Martin's day to unfold. Jamie Oliver's Italian also provided a great meal to replace all of those lost calories. Ready for the return leg.

Scroll down for more photos

Full UV protection

2011-04-07T02:40:00.000-07:00

I thought it was about time I had at least one photo (come on other team members)of the new kit on the site so here I am in the 2011 version of the Transitions Team jersey.
I've started wearing the kit to commute into work and as I was leaving home this morning I thought I may as well grab a picture.

It wasn't until I saw the result that I realised why I get so many funny looks when I'm on the bike.
What's Chris wearing today:

Lycra 3/4 length bibshorts naturally, Transitions top, Rudy Project Rydons with drivewear lenses ( it may be getting dark on the way home).
But it doesn't stop there.

My wife has started to insist I wear a helmet when I'm cycling. After many years of never wearing one the whole Ironman experience has sort of got me into the habit. What I can't get out of the habit of is wearing a cap when its so sunny. There is nothing to beat a cycling cap to keep the sun out of your eyes. This is even more pronounced early in the year when the sun is so low and I'm travelleing east in the Morning and west in the evening.
The full ensemble looks a bit over the top but it works.

Breaking news

2011-04-04T02:21:00.000-07:00

Not a good weekend bike-wise. The first catastrophe happened on the cycle home on Friday night. I hit a pothole, manhole cover combo in Epsom.

It might not look like much ( it was difficult to get close as it's in the middle of a junction) but it was enough to shatter the bottom of the frame and break off the drop out and derailleur hanger from my beloved yellow Pearson bike.

I'm temporarily back on the fixed for commuting but I feel a trip to the bike shop coming on if son No 2 and I are going to make any more Sunday morning jaunts.

The second was slightly more self inflicted. While surveying the damage on the Pearson and readying the fixed to ride I noticed a rather incontinent pigeon sitting in the tree above me. I decided to shift it by lobbing a stone up into the tree. The stone sailed into the air, hit a branch, was deflected sideways and came crashing down straight through the prespex roof on my bike shed. I only put the perspex roof on about three months ago and a very good job I made of it too.
Some may say it's Karma.

Think Bike

2011-03-29T04:04:00.000-07:00

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!

Fee's results: STOP PRESS

2011-03-15T05:46:00.003-07:00

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

2011-03-15T05:46:00.001-07:00

Spring Onion, enough to make you cry

2011-03-14T05:23:00.000-07:00

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.

First outing for the new kit this weekend

2011-03-11T01:39:00.000-08:00

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.

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

2011-03-04T01:31:00.000-08:00

............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.

New challenges ahead

2011-03-02T02:53:00.000-08:00

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.

The Thornbury effect

2011-02-17T07:55:00.001-08:00

Now that's what you call a half marathon time, 65 minutes, and he was sent the wrong way. Not only is this guy an optician but he also hails from lens country, Thornbury. The home of Essilor, obviously has something going for it apart from quality optics . And who do we know from that neck of the woods? There must be something in the water around there. Bring a bottle of it with you to Sweden Darren.

Fixing the knee for good

2011-02-16T08:50:00.001-08:00

As readers of this blog will know I am very attached to my fixed bike. I commute on it all year round but sadly it will be having a rest for a few weeks as I try and shake of a niggling problem with my left knee.

I saw the physio this morning and she gave me some more exercises to do, confirmed that my knee is 'OK' and that any doctor would simply say don't run. These things take time, she said, in a 'man up' kind of way.
I said I wanted to get well enough to run and she didn't laugh so I think I'm on the way. She was happy for me to keep cycling but to use some gears! Spoilsport.

Not all is lost as my old Pearson is still going strong and for a bike with gears it has a bit of character too. I've fixed the chain since this photo was taken.

Swimming is hard

2011-02-14T04:37:00.001-08:00

A short swim on Sunday morning convinced me that the method above has got to be the way to go.
My slightly dodgy kneee, having not swum since the Crawley triathlon last Autumn and my bolier having broken convinced me that I should go along to the pool with Son #2 for a swim on Sunday morning. I thought it would give my legs a safe workout, I'd get a bit of an upper body exercise and I could also get a hot shower.
The dangers were many. First of all the boy is a pretty good swimmer so was bound to want to humiliate the old man and second the pool has just re opened so was bound to be busy.
What I wasn't expecting was swimming to be so difficult. 20 lengths in I was bushed and by 30 my shoulders were aching. Luckily the boy was feeling the pressure too and that, along with a dodgy pair of goggles saved my bacon.

I think I will press on with swimming as the year progresses but I am grateful that my main event is firmly on two wheel and ( hopefully) dry.

Let the mind games begin

2011-02-11T03:56:00.000-08:00

It's springtime, especially in Spain where some sneaky early sunshine was enjoyed by the SBR team management.
There are plenty of sportives on the horizon. Spring Onion on March 13, An Evans Ride on May 1, The SBR Brighton Rock in April, Pearsons Cycles Sutton/ Brighton/Sutton in Mid may, the Little Lumpy also in May. Everyone is holding back but what have they really been upto reading between the lines?
Like pre-O level kidology at school the SBR team are psyching each other out the for ' El Grande' in Sweden this June.
Reports of the early Spanish ride vary. Some say the group was overtaken by a one-legged mountain biker, twice. I bet hopping pedro spent a little longer in the Tapas bar that night with the pesetas palmed for that one. Others say Paul Maxwell (the dark horse) feigned weakness in the hills to keep the others guessing just as Lance Armstrong did to Jan Ullrich on Alpe d'Huez in 2002 Tour.
Proven endurance expert and cycling ninja, Mark had a 'business meeting' so couldn't ride, or, perhaps, be seen on the bike for fear of revealing his strength?
Luca ( rides down an Alp before breakfast and is going coast to coast this summer) is as self-depricating as ever.Perpetuating the myth of the sedentary northerner with the picture below.

Who does he think he's fooling. That rug is simply a veil for those bulging quads.
Sue (I'm taking on Everest this year) hasn't been out on the bike this year but what's this? She foolishly let slip she has had the bike harnessed to a turbo trainer all winter. No doubt the output could have powered half of Sussex.
Where will it all end?

Cannock Chase on a mountain bike

2011-02-02T04:33:00.000-08:00

Just because I have decided riding a bike around a forest might be a good idea the Government has decided to sell them off. In the meantime below is a video of the adidas Evil Eye Halfrim Pro ride.

Turboman

2011-02-01T09:05:00.001-08:00

I've never been a massive fan of indoor training, the gym is still a mystery to me. The only time I have ever used a treadmill was when I went to buy a pair of trainers.
So just how I managed to be in a turbo trainer cycle-off with my son I can't imagine. Needless to say after a bit of banter I decided to challenge him to a " who can cycle 10 miles( on the turbo trainer) fastest".

As I can beat him on the road I thought nothing of it and climbed aboard. The first piece of advice he offered me was, " you won't need that jacket on and...oh, I'd get yourself some water if I was you.' I should have smelled a rat.

He had claimed to have done the 10 miles in 26 minutes so I naturally assumed he was lying and had done closer to 36. I decided to go for the neat 30 minutes. After 10 minutes of holding 20mph I was dying of heat exhaustion and my heart was thumping like a drum. As the sweat poured off me I took it up to 30mph but there was no way I could keep it there. I finally did my 10 in 30 minutes but I was knackered.

Then on climbed junior and off he went, straight up to 26mph with the turbo whirring like a banshee. I wondered off to recover and I heard the whine fall and assumed he was flagging .But no, off he went again, and again. He finally called me in to show off his time. 26 minutes for the 10 miles.

I think I may have to adopt a different strategy when the return match arrives or admit that with me at 48 and him at 16 ( next month) the balance of nature has tipped too far in his favour.

Nice view from up here

2011-01-24T08:07:00.001-08:00

Despite the cold and damp I was woken early on Saturday by son #2 to get up and out on the bike. The weather didn't look too clever but it wasn't actually raining so on went the porrige and out came the bikes. It's been a while since we've had a decent weekend morning ride so despite the rain ( yes it began raining just as we set off) so off we set hopes high and eyes peeled for potholes.
It was pretty cold but not bad and, as usual, we ended at the top of Box Hill. We made our way to the vantage point but it wasn't the best day for a view as you can see from the picture.
The roads were so badly pot-holed on the way back I decided on Saturday afternoon to take the Mavic Ksyrium elite race wheels off the good bike and put on some old ones. The tyre was sooooo tight on the wheel I didn't think it was going to go on but I huffed and puffed, knackered both thumbs and finally got it on. As soon as I Pumped it up and it went down. Now I'm a patient man so I changed it again.
I'm not too sure what was going on but I had to change the tyre and tube three times, each time I changed the tyre and innertube it was punctured. One was a dodgy valve and the next two had a hole??? I checked and checked but couldn't see anything in the tyre or wheel so if its punctured again tonight the tyre might end up in the bin. Life's too short, and I'm not as patient as I thought I was.

Gold!...always believing....

2011-01-19T04:19:00.000-08:00

Tony Hadley ( lead singer Spandau ballet) worked for Reed Business Information ( Optician's parent ) once you know. I think he sold recruitment advertising on Computer Weekly or something equally riveting.
Of course that was back in the 1980s when he wouldn't have benefited from decent cycling eyewear or Transitions Gold lenses. Perhaps one of the reasons Tour de France was released by Kraftwerk?
After taking delivery of my nannini Swing Modual 4 frames with Transitions Gold lenses ( see previous post) I finally got to try them out today.
Although this isn't the most flattering photo I have ever taken of myself I thought I would share it with you to show off the lens in the field.
The frame lens combo actually works very well. The frame has a close wrap, ideal for my petite head, and the lens, admitted thick at the edge, was excellent for a murky day in January. No light spilled over the top and the frame feels balanced.
The light enhancement works well and once the sun starts to shine the lens does take on a deeper colour and keep the glare down. I was most impressed by the anti-mist quality of the lens. This may be because it's new. Experience shows that once you have cleaned a lens it is never quite as mist-free as a lab cleaned lens.
This could have been down to the airgap that is built into the design or the coating.

This ventillation is something other makers ( see Evil Eye post) spend a lot of time on so the nannini approach by contarst is quite neat. Either way it worked.

Lens anorak gets new sports frame

2011-01-11T02:09:00.000-08:00

Norville recently sent me the results of a project it has been working on to provide Rx lenses for the nannini Swing sports frame. The project may not result in a product for sale but the results are interesting from an optical lens manufacturing proint of view. Having been given the opportunity to try the results I thought I would share my good fortune and give my view.

The manufacture of sports lenses for the swing frame requires notching at both sides and reccessing around the top edge of the lens to allow it to sit inside the frame with what looks like an intentional ventillation gap.
The result of Norville's work is a pleasing, if somewhat 'engineered' look which provides a kind of Caterham 7 rather than Audi TT appeal to lovers of sports eyewear. Swapping the lenses was surprisingly simple despite the technical look.
I've been itching to get out on the bike to try the frame and when the sun finally shone on Sunday I found the frame and the original (brown) sun lenses to be effective. The gap above the frame helps air flow through helping to keep the lenses mist free on cold days.
Further intrigue followed at the weekedn when some yellow lenses arrived in the post ready to pop into the frame. The accompanying letter explained that the lenses were Transitions Gold and the first to be prescription sports glazed in Europe. Unactivated they have a yellow/gold tint and the compensated Rx glazed in makes them very easy to wear, they are very light enhancing,. Not too sure what they will transition into though.

Physically they form a snugger fit to the frame than the sun lenses while still leaving a small airgap so they should perform the same on the anti-fog front.
These look like the kind of lenses you would want to wear on a dull misty day. I don't think I will have to wait so long for one of those as I did for a sunny day. When I have tested them in anger on the bike I will report back.

Happy New Year

2011-01-04T07:06:00.000-08:00

I have a confession to make. I wanted to show you a picture of me out on the road bike with the snow in the background. Sad to say I had a long rest over Christmas while the worst of the snow was still around (probably not a bad thing - my knee can recover). When I finally did get to go out it was so cold that I had to give my new lobster gloves to my son to stop his hands freezing. Taking photos didn't seem appropriate.
So you will have to make do with a pic of my garden covered in the white stuff. Sadly it's nearly all gone...... but there's more on the way.
I'll have to get the turbo trainer out of the garage.

Happy New year.

A cycle on reality

2010-12-20T05:51:00.000-08:00

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

2010-12-17T05:52:00.000-08:00

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

2010-12-14T05:55:00.001-08:00

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

2010-12-03T04:17:00.001-08:00

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

2010-12-01T07:12:00.001-08:00

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

2010-11-26T08:52:00.000-08:00

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

2010-11-17T08:45:00.000-08:00

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

2010-11-12T09:04:00.000-08:00

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

2010-11-11T07:17:00.000-08:00

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

2010-11-10T08:46:00.000-08:00

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

2010-11-03T04:19:00.000-07:00

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

2010-10-27T06:04:00.000-07:00

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

2010-10-21T08:27:00.000-07:00

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

2010-10-05T04:02:00.000-07:00

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

2010-10-01T08:18:00.000-07:00

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

2010-09-29T01:56:00.000-07:00

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

2010-09-20T08:12:00.000-07:00

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

2010-09-14T02:05:00.000-07:00

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

2010-09-13T02:06:00.001-07:00

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

2010-09-09T06:24:00.001-07:00

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

2010-09-03T01:48:00.000-07:00

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

2010-09-01T03:49:00.000-07:00

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

2010-08-24T04:22:00.000-07:00

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

2010-08-19T04:08:00.000-07:00

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

2010-08-13T03:14:00.000-07:00

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

2010-08-13T03:04:00.000-07:00

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

2010-08-13T02:52:00.000-07:00

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

2010-08-13T02:38:00.000-07:00

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?

2010-08-09T08:46:00.000-07:00

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

2010-07-23T07:13:00.001-07:00

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

2010-07-20T03:58:00.000-07:00

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

2010-07-13T03:25:00.000-07:00

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

2010-07-05T08:10:00.000-07:00

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

2010-06-29T08:37:00.000-07:00

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

2010-06-28T07:56:00.000-07:00

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

2010-06-23T02:03:00.000-07:00

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'

2010-06-22T09:27:00.001-07:00

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

2010-06-15T05:34:00.000-07:00

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.

Swedish Bike Ride

2010-06-15T03:15:00.001-07:00

Look away now if you're not interested in bikes.

Swede success: The UK optical industry cycling team put together by Transitions prepares to tackle the 150km Halvvattern cycle ride last weekend. All of the optical industry cycling team invited by Transitions to take part completed the event, some with just six weeks of training. The Halvattern is part of a week-long cycling festival based around the world’s biggest cycle event, the Vatternrundan. The team were among nearly 30,000 entrants over the week who consumed their way through 160,000 buns, 25,000 litres of energy drink and 3,000 kilos of gherkins while riding around lake Vattern in Sweden.
Pictured are: Matt Dorling business development manager 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,LuciaGrimaldi-Ohlander, Transitions Sweden and her husband Hans, Optician editor Chris Bennett, Mark Harris, senior optician at Vision Express, Kristen Manor, trade manager and Luca Conte country manager Transitions UK and Ireland. Best performer in the optical industry was Maxwell who finished just outside the five hour mark. Elite riders finishing in under five hours are rewarded with a special plaque.
Chris Bennett will be putting his plaque on the matelpiece.

The land of the midnight sun

2010-06-11T06:44:00.000-07:00

Those nice people at Transitions have invited me to Sweden this weekend to take part in the Halvvattern, 150km cycle sportive near Motala.
Although this is not a hilly route it will enable me to get some much needed miles in my legs before the Alpe d'Huez.
I must admit that I'm quite excited about going to Sweden. The only extent of my time there was a transfer at Stockholm while on my way to Finland so I'll be interested to see what the countryside is like.
I also have a personal goal to see the northern lights. Not too sure I will achieve this one given that there is unlikely to be any night time at all while I'm there.

The training is hotting up -- be careful

2010-06-01T04:35:00.000-07:00

Reports are coming through from many of the team members now detailing their training exploits in preparation for the big event. My Ironman training of the last few years has made me realise the single most important element of training. Don't get injured.

Fiona has been in the wars after a hectic start to her season with shoulder, knee and calf injuries while, a great cautionary tale for us all.

Lyndon has been keeping up a frenetic pace on the training front while Nigel chalked up a great time in the London marathon.

Lisa has been providing updates on her progress as she gets to grips with the bike. Over the Bank Holiday weekend she was out in the South Wales hills. She reports that some were a little steeper than she had anticipated so much so that she came to a standstill while still clipped in. This lead to the inevitable sideways fall. Not a great look, as Lisa says.

A race report by popular demand

2010-05-27T03:52:00.000-07:00

Much as everyone liked my picture of Lyndon adjusting his brakes readers have asked what the race was like, so here is a report.

The best way to describe the start of the Evans Ride It event is very rearly. There has to be a pretty good reason to set the alarm for 0500 on a Sunday morning and the King of the North Downs was to prove worth it.

It was a truly beautiful early summer morning with the faintest nip in the air. Once the sun rose it was like a full-on summer's day.

Before hand Lyndon. Nigel and I had agreed to set off at 0630 so we were ready and waiting by the start, with a sea of others.
Afetr a few mobile phone calls I arranged to meet Lyndon and Nigel just beyond the start line and we were off.

The opening Western Loop of the KOTND start slowly with a gentle amble through the Sussex, then Surrey countryside. This brings the riders out to the base of Leith Hill where the climbing can start in earnest (451ft climbing in 2.1 miles). Clearly some of the riders were keen to get going and many of those flying past early on were soon overtaken. Lyndon, Nigel and I took this climb in our stride with the biggest problem being the noise from Lyndon's grumbling derailleur. A superfast descent, approaching 40 mph, down Leith brought us onto the slow drag of Pitch Hill (559ft climbing in 2.1 miles). This marked the deepest countryside part of the ride, once the top is reached the route starts the drop into Albury through some very countryfied lanes verging on off-road in places. The food station proved timely for Nigel who discovered a puncture just yards from the stop. At this point we met up with Steve, the husband of former Optician ironman Team member Emma Saville, and agreed to meet again at the top of Box Hill to see their new son. In betweeen were Combe Bottom (422ft climbing in 2 miles), a nice slow climb with a sharp sting in the tail and a scary-fast decline and Ranmore Common West (271ft climbing in 1.5 miles). This was the turning point for many and where I saw my first 'walker'. This was understandable given that many of the riders would be finishing at 56 miles and not attempting the 118miles the Optician team had in mind.

Box Hill (567ft climbing 2.6 miles)came next and proved a bit of a bike jam. Waiting at the top were Emma and baby sone Ben enough to bring a smile to the tiredest cyclist's face ( Ben that is --sorry Emma).Mrs Optician Editor was also there with a selection of food for me as I was not using the events food stations having failed to register for the event.

Dropping off the back of Box Hill proved another quick one which I particularly enjoyed. Not the cleverest idea but I just can't help letting the speed run and stay off the brakes when a good hill comes along, I touched about 43mph before deciding enough was enough.

The run back to Crawley took the riders past at least one other sportive and a couple of 10K runs before the crunch turn. Go for the full distance or head for the start and call it a day at 56miles.
The first two Eastern loop climbs came in quick succession Tulleys Farm (252ft climbing in 1.8 miles) and Weir Wood Reservoir (342ft climbing in 1.3 miles) before the The Wall (406ft climbing in 0.9 miles). This was the point at which many riders must have thought they had bitten off more than they could chew, and they had. Walkers were everywhere as the gradient dragged and climbed and increased a little more.
The views at the top of hill were worth it with Exmoor-like vistas across the Ashdown forest (I think). Next came a long slog with various climbs which didn't even get a mention as hills but were tough climbs nonetheless. The gap to Yorks Hill (394ft climbing in 1.1 miles) seemed never-ending but when it came everyone wished it hadn't. This is a monster of a hill but after 90-odd miles it just seemed impossible. Sheer willpower kept me on the bike but Nigel and Lyndon were off and away. Both protested fatigue but they both showed they were forces on the bike. The feedstation at the top was a lifesaver.
The final section to Titsey - Bec CC Hill Climb (386ft climbing in 0.8 miles) was completed in a noticeably quieter air with thoughts of what the climb would hold dwelling on the riders' minds.
It was indeed as impossibly steep as expected and again it seemed the majority got off and walked while the Optician trio dug in and stayed in the saddle.
There was a distinct peloton feeling to the long downhill run home and a link-up with several other riders created some pretty speedy sessions with riders taking it in turns at the front. Before we knew it the miles had been covered and we said our goodbyes and headed off home.
It had been a good ride and a real achievement on such a hot day. Perhaps next year I'll sign up before the event is sold out and enjoy the goody bag and post-race pizza.

Cycling for Monet

2010-05-25T06:51:00.001-07:00

I'm not too sure what happened here but my shot of Lyndon and Nigel from the Optician triathlon team taking part in the Evans King of the North Down sportive looks a little French impressionist. This was Lyndon making one of many adjustments to a niggling back derailleur. Later on in the day I would have welcomed as many mech stops as possible.
Sunday was a real scorcher so the 10 climbs and 118-odd miles of the route were tough going. Excellent practice for the Alpe D'Huez but at a little over two miles none of the climbs in the South East of England have anything like the relentless climbing of the Alpe.

Well done to all who took part.

Lyndon shows how it should be done

2010-05-21T08:11:00.000-07:00

When Lisa's kit pic finally arrived I was pretty impressed but Lyndon must have a neighbour with a decent camera too.
He went the whole hog and donned the trisuit for an ultra-sporty pose.

Meet Lisa

2010-05-20T05:53:00.000-07:00

Welcome Lisa. Here is our newest team members in the team kits. The Rupp + Hubrach trusuit is under there somewhere.To be fair it is still a bit cold for trisuits.

This weekend sees the team heading out on the North Downs for the Evan's King of the North Downs sportive. After a soaking last year I am keeping my fingers crossed for some good weather.

Not too sure how many will be in the group, more importantly how many will stay in the group.

More kit pics

2010-05-10T04:46:00.000-07:00

Nigel has won first prize in getting a photograph of himself in the Rupp+Hubrach kit.
After many requests this is all the team have sent in apart from Fee's tomatoes.

I can only think the rain at the weekend has put most of the team mates off from standing outside with a trisuit on. You may have noticed the picture of me is cropped at the waist, say no more.

R+H kit has arrived

2010-05-04T06:51:00.000-07:00

After an eternity waiting for the kit printer to get the logos to stay on the kit ( it's a very high tech kit) the Optician Team trisuit have finally arrived.

All that is left to do now is to get the team to put together their sporting CVs and take some pictures, my middle son took this one so it isn't difficult, of them in their kits. It was a bit chilly for the R+H trisuit so it was quite handy to have the Transitions long sleeve jerseys around to change into.
I also took the oportunity to swicth around on the eyewear front. I have some digitally surfaced Maui Jims on in this shot but I have also been trying out some Sauflon Clariti monthly lenses and shortly some CIBA Vision Night & Day lenses to see if CLs can cope with the rigours of triathlon. This provides a great opportunity to try the Oakley Jawbone Activated by Transitions sunglsses I have in plano.
R+H has promised some R+H lenses in Adidas frames so that is also a combo I am definitely looking forward to.

As soon as the rest of the team make their contribution I can start to publicise the Alpe D'Huez project in Optician and start raising some money fopr Vision Aid Overseas. Watch this space.

I didn't know cycling could be this hard

2010-04-26T08:02:00.000-07:00

With the weather cheering up and relatives cluttering up the house I dusted off the tandem and put one of nephews on the back to go for a bit of a cycle and give Mrs Optician editor a bit of a break.

With a mini peloton of my kids, my brother and nephews we headed off into the Surrey countryside at a not inconsiderable pace.

I think of myself a strong cyclist but, man o man, riding a bike with a teenager on the back is hard work. I even swapped him halfway through for one of my own kids who I could drive a bit harder but it didn't make any difference.

Great fun though streaming through the country lanes in the sunshine, 'till we reach a hill. Oh no.

Isn't she lovely

2010-04-16T02:08:00.000-07:00

Having had a very light week of cycling, just two commutes, due to a strange leg I decided to jazz the fixed up a bit. I reckon to have covered at least 5,000 miles, maybe 7,000 on the fixed since I bought it ( for £200) 20 months ago with no replacements ( other than news forks right at the beginning FoC thanks to the bike shop) so I decided to treat it to a new set of tyres and to put the Brooks saddle on to see how it felt.

First impressions are the tyres ( Marathon Schwalbe for puncture performance) are heavy going but really grippy and soak up the lumps. The saddle is less of a hit as the seat clamp is very rudimentary and doesn't seem to allow any adjustment of the tilt.

Looks great though and I can nearly do a track stand!

A choice of two sportives

2010-04-14T08:38:00.000-07:00

Last year my early season was pepped up with the Evans King of the North Downs Sportive so naturally I was keen to repeat the experience.

This year my local bike shop, Pearons Cycles, is celebrating its 150 year anniversary. As part of that they are running a 150KM sportive. The date: 23 May 2010
The start: Royal Marsden Hospital - Sutton, Surrey.
150 anniversary route - 150km through the lanes of Surrey and Sussex, taking in the climbs north and south downs. The ascent of Ditchling will reward riders with views across the south downs along with a swift descent to the half way marker. Take in the sea air of Brighton and refuel, then head north again riding through exquisite undulating scenery. At the finish, timing chips will be clocked in and results will be instantly available!
To view the Anniversary route please click here .

Unfortunately these are both on the same date so which do I go for? Shall I let the team decide?

Just a test to see if this blog mirrors

2010-03-17T05:51:00.000-07:00

Has this appeared in Optician Space?

Optician Team picks up more support

2009-06-30T08:07:00.001-07:00

The Optician Ironman Team has secured two influential new sponsors in the run up to the UK Ironman on August 2.

Hilco has agreed to become a team sponsor through the provision of prescription eyewear for the Optician team members and is also making a heafty donation to Vision Aid Overseas.

See20/20 has also agreed to provide generous support for the team members by way of equipment to take part in the event. This is invaluable support for their efforts and will go alogn way to help them hit their fundraising goals.

Optician has a target of £10,000 to hit for Vision Aiod Overseas. It is already well on the way thanks to super support from the Optician Awards charity casino and donations from Transitions, Ultralase and Essilor. The additional support from Hilco, Speedo and See20/20 will bring that fantastic target a little bit closer.

Training for the event is well underway and Optician will be publishing an update in its July 10 issue.

If you would like to make a donation go to: http://www.justgiving.com/opticianironman09/

Oh no, I am being dropped by the pack

2009-06-09T08:57:00.000-07:00

Eat my dust Bennett

Like a weak cyclist in the Tour De France I have been dropped by the pack.

I hate to say it but Fiona is kicking my a*s! when it comes to training at the moment. She was one of the intrepid riders in the now infamous 'Etack' Caledonia ( that's a cycling joke there). But since then the activity hasn't stopped.

While I have been grounded by family issues, she has been clocking up the miles.
'Last Saturday, We did the 100m south downs relay (Liss runners had a ladies, vets and mens teams) started at Beachy Head and finished in Winchester,' she writes. ' There were 6 in our ladies team and 18 legs. [No wonder this woman is so fast, she's got three legs-- Chris] ........this mean't 3 'HILLY' legs of approx 10k and it was exhausting! We left Liss in a mini bus at 3.50am so I could begin the first leg (over the seven sisters!) at beachy head for 6.30am! the final team member came in to give us a time of 13 12hrs . This gave the ladies an overall position of 3rd place. I returned home 10.30 Sat eve in order to prepare the bike for the magnificent 126 mile cycle the next day. At this point I was seriously having a sanity check.
On Sunday morning, I managed to sleep in until late ( 6.30) and actually found it quite difficult to walk after the individual total of 18m on sat. The weather was grim and after hearing about Chris Bennett's King of the North Downs epic, I really didn't feel up for cycling! However i managed to throw some jam and peanut butter rolls in my pockets and drive off to Highclere castle. During registration the weather seemed to brighten up a little and I felt I had no excuse but to get onto the bike. OMG the legs were screaming even just spinning in the first 5k (and this was on the flat!) the first climb hit and I was going so slow, I thought I was going to fall off the bike!
Thoughts of going home and giving up this early in any race was something that has never crossed my mind in the past........am i losing my mental toughness? [No Way --Chris].
I decided that this was no race for me but purely a sunday morning cycle in some spectacular scenery with lots of other cyclists, i 'picked up' (so to speak) a Farnham tri guy en-route who had 3 punctures and a new tyre (courtesy of Mavic) and we decided that the 77m route with picnic stops followed by a very civil pot of tea in the pub was the only way to tackle our morale. I punctured 1 mile from the finish Grrrr. At the end I laid flat on the floor 'spent'.........I hobbled to the massage tent for some leg manipulation .... Only days ago I called the Bala middle distance organiser and asked if it was possible to enter........and before i knew it I bank transferred the entrance fee...........THE 70.3 RACE IS NEXT SUNDAY [That's a half Ironman --Chris].............I THINK I NEED HELP

No, I think I need help --Chris

Life gets in the way of training

2009-05-12T08:54:00.000-07:00

So many things have been going wrong in the Optician Editor's houshold its difficult to know where to start.

Suffice it to say the boiler is fixed, the terrace is done, the floor's not wet, the shed has been replaced, the brambles have been cut the allotment weeded and strimmed, the leaf store moved, the broadband re-LANed but sadly the pond is empty, as will be my bank balance when all of the above are paid for.

So before impecunity sets in I have splashed out on some tribars. Not the best picture of them ( the left hand is just about to grab the brake) but my middle son was in charge of the photography and my blackberry had been in my back pocket for an hour or so before being brought out into the chilly Box Hill air.

I'm looking forward to the King of the North Downs Sportive this weekend and by the look of the profile I don't think I'll be spending much time in the aero position anyway.

At least I can cycle the 112 miles and ten hills safe in the knowledge that all of those little jobs have been done....or have they.

In the Swim with Eagle eyes

2009-05-07T02:48:00.001-07:00

It's difficult blogging about the swim element of the Ironman. For one I can't stand indoor 25m pool swimming and secondly you can't take photos to illustrate your posts.

Sadly I will have to use this one from Monaco. Now that was a pool, 50m, salt water outdoor and on the med, fantastic.

You can't quite see the goggles here but they are Aqua Sphere Eagles. As with all goggles after a couple of years of heavy use the lenses get a little tired. As I recently stopped using orthok and now find it quite nice to have prescription goggles so I popped in some Eagle prescription replacement lenses.

The first thing that struck me was how easy it was to change the lenses. So easy in fact that I thought I must have done something wrong, but no, they were water tight and in place. And what a difference, crisp, clear and corrected.

Having missed the lido ( see previous post) Iwant off to the local pool to do a 140 length session, 3.5km of 25m lengths. Not a lot to look at ( and some things I'd rather not see) but it was all in focus and crystal clear.

I also have the new Aqua Sphere Kayenne goggles to try out which I will take to the lido when I eventually get there.