Still there?

Time to end the longest hiatus since I started blogging 3 years ago! The clue is in the name; racing is fundamental to Ben Races Bikes. British Cycling's decision to axe the Masters category took any incentive out of attending the Southern XC Series.  Along with the postponement of the Erlestoke 12 I've been left with a hole in the event calendar. So there haven't been any race reports to write for a while.

Spending my cycling budget for the next decade on the a second new bike in 12 months has also meant I haven't been buying many new bits and bobs to review for you lately either!

View south to the coast from the Downs

Dirty commuting!

I haven't been sitting at home twiddling my thumbs though, I have been making the most of dry dusty bridleways both on the way too and from work. It has been hugely rewarding waking up early, hitting the trails and being up on the Downs while the sun is still low in the sky.


The early starts have resulted in me racking up the highest number of miles in May since records began. (which is 1994 by the way!) I keep reminding myself that this time last year I was laid up after smearing my face down the asphalt at Dunsfold. 

At the weekends I have been focused on longer 4 -5 hour mtb training rides in preparation for the summer enduros. The result of all the off-road miles is a vertiginous April and May. How do I know? Strava.

I subscribe to the 'If it isn't on Strava; it didn't happen' train of thought! With the break in racing Strava has provided an outlet for my competitive attitude. Currently I hold 24 KOM records which is two or three times more than the majority of the past three years since I first logged in. Although I expect that going public will result in a flurry of activity that result in me being empty handed by the end of the week! 

All the stats can be found on Strava

 

Absolute Black Oval Chainring Review

The Yeti I raced last year was kitted out with a set of Race Face Next SL cranks. As a dedicated weight weenie there was much to love about them beyond the simple 'Cinch' chainring fitment, and purposeful stiff design. The only problem; there wasn't an oval chainring available that fitted. So when the Yeti departed I swapped back to a Specialized crank with a 32t Rotor Q-Ring. As reported several times on this blog I am totally sold on the benefits of oval chainrings.

Well along have come Absolute black, a UK based company with manufacturing in Poland. They have started producing some beautifully machined oval rings to fit a wide range of different cranks including the Race Face Next SL's.

One niggle I have always had with the Rotor QX1 rings is that they are noisy. When the chain is at either end of the cassette the angle causes it to snag very slightly on the long teeth of the Q-ring. It is annoying and you can't help but feel it is sapping strength as you are hauling a low gear up a climb. The problem has been even worse since I switched to 11 speed, due to the wider extremes of the casssette.

So a 32t Absolute Black chainring was ordered and a matching pair of stealth Next SL cranks. First thing to say is that this is an impressively light combination.

A seriously light and functional combination

Functionally the oval offset of the Absolute Black ring is almost identical to Rotor, so there was no decernable difference to get accustomed too. The tooth profile is lower than the Rotor QX1, closer to SRAM in shape. It retains the chain perfectly without the aid of a chain guide, while running smoothly wihtout a peep or squeak. The rings themselves are lighter and cheaper than those from Rotor so it is thumbs up all round. The only remaining question is durability, so I'll keep you posted!

Kawasaki G100 - Two seasons in one day!

The persistant drizzle turned to torrential rain just as the shivering riders gathered under the start banner for the Kawasaki G100. 7 laps of the 9 mile course lay ahead, by which time the sun would be out and family and friends would be sitting picnicing on the grass.

The first mile was a mad panic as riders charged off like we were racing down to the shops, oblivious it seemed to the challenge ahead. I let them flood past knowing that I would see many of them later! Trouble was some were out of their depth as soon as the trail turned even slightly technical and battling back through was frustrating.

After several bone dry weeks the rain created a slippery surface sludge that made every corner a battle for grip and control. However, the rain soon stopped and at the end of the 2nd lap I wrestled out of my waterproof like some kind of Mr Bean comedy sketch. The track quickly dried without a hint of mud and sections that had been like negotiating an ice rink became grippy, fast and flowing.

I had a plan for taking on supplies which unusually I stuck too. Every 2nd lap I swapped in a new bottle and grabbed a Go Bar and banana which I slurped and munched whenever the opportunity arose.

For  three laps I rode with a couple of riders, but on lap four I moved to the front of the little group and started to pull away. I was worried I was burning my bridges too early, but having forced a gap I was determined to stay away.

Laps 5 & 6 were the hardest both physically and mentally. Fatigue was setting in, the body was screaming and I was aware I was making bad line choices, bouncing through obstacles instead of riding over them. Lap 7 was in many ways a relief. You don't have to pace yourself any longer, or perserve energy on the climbs. Instead you can push hard and leave every ounce of energy out on the trail.

With about 2 miles to go I passed a Banjo Cycles rider pumping up his tyre. He saw me approach and I could sense his frustration. He finished pumping and madly started packing everything into his pockets. I rode past and glanced over my shoulder to see he was back up and running and I knew he wanted his position back. I rode the two final climbs out of the saddle and hit the final doubled track in full aero tuck! I crossed the line in 6 hours 21 minutes and 44 seconds. 23rd place might not be my best Gorrick 100 result, but in the previous seven attempts I have never finished so strongly, so can take many positives from that.

Usually before the Gorrick 100 I'll have ridden several long 4 hour plus rides during the preceeding weeks. This hasn't happened this year. Coupled with the fact that I had not ridden this far, or for so long in 3 years, I knew I was in for a tough time. I hope to use today's race as a stepping stone to further marathon races over the summer.

The reward for over 6hrs and 20min in the saddle!

Video from Hadleigh Farm

Yesterday was the first time I have played with a GoPro. Here are a few minutes showing some of the trails on offer at Hadleigh Park:

Hadleigh Park MTB Trail Center

Last time I rode at the London 2012 Olympic MTB venue I left bruised, battered and nursing two broken ribs. So as well as excellent training for this years National Championships in June, a day riding at Hadleigh Park was also an opportunity to get the monkey of that previous experience off my back.

Since that fateful day in 2013 the course has been closed while renovations were carried out in preparation for the grand opening of the new trail center to the public in a few days time. The opportunity came through the South Downs Bikes club to attend an Army Cycling Union event prior to the grand opening.  

 

The South Downs Bikes crew at Hadleigh Park

When you arrive there is now a nice large welcoming car park, and facilities including a cafe serving coffee and cakes or chips and sausages depending on your preference. Before you reach the main trails there is also a pump track and a skills area for a bit of a warm up and chance to hone your reflexes. 

The main trail still stays largely true to the course on which Yaroslav Kulhavy battled Nino Schurter for Olympic gold. Classics like 'Deans Drop', 'Triple Trouble' and 'Oak Tree Drop' are largely unchanged. Fresh sections including the side by side single track and bermed descents add to the fun of the original layout. The new all weather surface was a little sketchy during our visit, requiring a delicate drifting style through the corners rather than just leaning on the front wheel and turning in. A few months of tyres and rain should sweep the loose 'kitty litter' surface aside improving the grip levels.

The A-line 'red' sections are still a challenge for even the most skilled riders, including Olympians! Where the majority of improvements have taken place is to the B-Lines which are often now smooth and flowing. In fact some proved faster than the A-line and personally I often found them to frequently be more fun. Interest has also been added to the linking sections between the main features.

Gary rides Oak Tree Drop

After a couple of laps time had come to face my nemesis. It was at the bottom of Oak Tree Drop that my front wheel had washed out in 2013. The entry to the steep incline starts, as the name suggests, under a large Oak tree. Riders must negotiate the tree roots before hitting the bolder surfaced drop. Having watched all 5 of my colleagues swoop out of sight I was left alone with my anxiety and a lump in the pit of my stomach at the top of the hill. In truth it is far from the hardess section of the course, but my mind was ringing every internal alarm bell it could locate, trying to convince my body to sneak off down the B-line. With a deep breath I rolled towards the lip and let the front wheel float off into space. Gravity pulled it down, tugging me along after it. With a bump I reached the first bolder my speed increasing. Tensing up I didn't push my backside behind the saddle and over the rear wheel, meaning there was too much weight on my front wheel. It was too late now, I was plunging down, bouncing over the joints in the rocks, there was nothing I could do but hang on and wait for the bottom of the slope to gather me back up and slow my momentum. It was unganely and a bit sketchy but I was down and still upright! A wave of relief washed through every vein. Then it was on to the next section, Oak Tree drop had been conquered!
 
When you fall off a horse they tell you to get straight back on. It has taken me 2 years, but I can finally put my fear of Hadleigh Park behind me. Instead I can appreciate the fantastic facility that is as challenging as you decide to make it. With more than 200m climbing per lap it is a serious physical workout, as well as a chance to test your technical skills. Over the 3 miles there is very little chance for a rest, the trail constantly either heading up or down.

Spring has sprung!

Spring is here. Sunshine and Bluebells!

I can't remember the last time it rained, which means the singletrack up at Whiteways is dusty, dry and perfect to be hammered at warp speed. Even the trails at Kingley Vale are mud free which usually only happens for a few days in mid August! The added bonus is that the undergrowth hasn't grown up yet, so every corner can be nailed without ending up with arms and legs buzzing from bramble cuts and nettle stings!

Frustratingly despite the sunshine I haven't managed many rides recently, but when I have been out it has been for fun filled off-road blasts. No mind numbing commutes this week.

An early morning pre-work lap of Whiteways was cut short on Wednesday after a split tyre. But not before I had conquered my irrational fear of the 'log roll'. After work I tried to make up for the mornings problems with 30 minutes up and down the man made trails at Kingley Vale. I hadn't ridden 'The Edge' and 'The Hare & Hounds' since last autumn.

Friday I rode an extended route home from work, through both Kingley and Whiteways to try and boost the miles. The Kawasaki 100km is looming on the horizon and I am desperately short of longer rides.

On Sunday the Fab Four were joined on a dizzying singletrack dash by representatives from two Worthing bike shops; JP from Quest Adventure and Alex from South Downs Bikes, to make the Super Six! There can be nothing more addictive on two wheels than flying flat out through flowing corners in a group of riders, sun on your back and no bike washing or dirty clothing to worry about when you get home! 

Cycling in Majorca

You may have noticed that I have been away! I've been taking advantage of the Easter break for a family holiday in Majorca. More accurately we have been staying in the gorgeous little town of Canyamel on the East coast of the island, approximately 1 hours drive from the airport in the capital, Palma. Temperatures are comfortably short sleeves and shorts in the midday sun, although it can be a bit fresh in the mornings and evenings.

So why am I giving you a full travel itinerary on my bike blog, especially since this was originally intended to be a bike free holiday of rest and relaxation? Two weekends with very little cycling preceeding the trip had left me feeling a little lazy. So I snuck my helmet and shoes into the suitcase - just in case!



View from the top of the hill above Canyamel

At this time of year the island is literally whirring to the sound of spinning pedals as cyclists from all over Europe descend on the island to grab some early season training in the sunshine. Even Bradley Wiggins is apparently a fan! Cyclists were streaming through while we waited to meet our host at the airport, and we passed peletons of cycle clubs, families, couples and soloists everywhere we went. As you can guess there are no shortage of places to hire bikes. At busy times of the year, like early spring, it probably pays to book in advance if you want something specific.

Sturdy and functional!

I didn't and just rolled up to Bisiclete Sancho in the nearby town of Cala Bona and hired the cheapest road bike available at a very acceptable 34 Euro's for 2 days. I've never heard of Opera as a brand and the bike had the mass of the HMS Ark Royal, but the Shimano 105 groupset worked immaculately (better than my bike back home if I am honest) and the tyres and wheels were all tidy and true.

Hard not to smile with the sun on your back!

So early in the morning I snuck downstairs and crept out  the door of the apartment while the family slept. Within a few minutes under the clear blue sky I knew why cyclists flock to this island. With the sun on your back and the beautiful smooth tarmac that seems to make you 2mph faster everywhere you go, I raced along amongst stunning scenery. Although I didn't have chance to explore the north of the island where the hilly terrain encourages so many to head. I still found some serious shorter ramps to surge up with a rush of joy and excitement. After all it was the first week in April and I was out in just shorts and a jersey. It was worth it for that alone! 

I really hope to return in the future for a proper cycling holiday.