One Ninety

Trans Cambrian Challenge

2010-06-13T20:09:00.001+01:00

...and here's one for September, too: the Trans Cambrian Challenge

Team One-Ninety.....the next challenge.....

2010-06-13T19:16:00.006+01:00

After the success of our recent Dragon adventure we need something to focus on. So here it is.....

Starting at the Gite this route follows most of the end of Stage 15 of the Tour and the start of Stage 16 but, in a compromise to fitness levels and given that we are (not yet!) pro-elite riders, does miss out the HC climb of the Port des Bales.

Just under 80 miles in total.

We would probably be best doing this on the Thursday when the tour finishes at the top of the Tourmalet but climbs it from the opposite direction from which we would be approaching. This means the roads would be open and would give us more flexibility with time.

Some stats probably worth considering:

The climb of Bwlch 2 is approximately 1300 feet

Col des Ares - 800 feet

Col de Peyresourde - 2800 feet

Col d'Aspin - 2400 feet

Col du Tourmalet - 4100 feet

Bit of a challenge! But what would Lance and Brad do.......?

Team One-Ninety.....

2010-06-07T20:46:00.004+01:00

....just don't mention 'gelgate'........

not forgetting Phil....

2010-06-07T19:57:00.002+01:00

who very very sensibly did the 130km route in

Phil Kruszewski
Race No: 1321
Time
06:50:47
Split 130km Elapsed
03:11:02

Excellent work Mr K.

F

and the results were

2010-06-07T19:38:00.003+01:00

Race No Firstname Lastname 190 km Time Split 190km
1999 Sean Gerrard 08:51:53 02:57:40
2086 Rhidian Jones 09:03:41 02:57:41
1510 Jonathan Wright 08:56:07 02:57:41

Suffice to say we are all chuffed to bits and now have a benchmark for next year. Which is approximatley how long it will take me to recover......

Photos (official or otherwise) to follow.

What a fantastic experience and despite us all having to dig deep at times, it was worth the effort and also the training since October last year.

A personal huge thank you to Cal, Amy and the kids for coming along to support us, which for me kept me going (in particular at Crai, but also knowing they would be there at the end). Also another massive thank you to everyone who sponsored me. I targeted myself to raise £1000 and it has just gone to over £1200 which is brilliant.

I intend going nowhere near a bike for at least a week (which a selection of parts of my body will be very grateful for).

I will allow LTB and Tempo to openly debate "Gelgate" that ensued much controversy on the last Bwlch climb as well as overall times etc (I was sure I went over the split time mat first....) I, for one, am grateful to have a) finished and b) survived.

Farmer.

MASSIVE THANK YOU

2010-06-05T09:09:00.002+01:00

TO ALL WHOLE SPONSORED FARMER.

THE TARGET HAS BEEN HIT......

I HOPE TO DO LLOYD AND YOU ALL PROUD.

RHID

Into the breach.....

2010-06-05T08:17:00.004+01:00

here she is. ready for action. After some major fettling yesterday a crisis of the highest order started to emerge and it was quickly diagnosed that the precious ones rear hub was badly damaged and simply "would not do" for an event of the order of the Dragon. Thankfully one of Britains emerging talents of cycling came to the rescue and a set of race wheels were very kindly provided to see if Farmer could get up em hills a bit quicker. The rear hub is now being repaired for the pre-Tour de France expedition......

Tempo also partoke of some fettling and it seems the Scott no longer makes the sounds of a motorbike. Shame really, we will have to pack the clothes pegs and playing cards....

LTB meanwhile was indulging in some excellent preparation at the Wales Open on a "corporate"..... reports coming in last night suggest he was taking lots of carbs in the from of white wine and the evening menu at the Hardwick...... Nuff said.

Hopefully a little stretch for us all this afternoon, interspersed with major pasta in take and generally being sensible....

See you on the other side.

2010-06-02T06:36:00.002+01:00

Well, here it is then. 4 days to go and the last few weeks of preparation have set me up wonderfully. Camping for three nights led to late nights, minimal sleep, lots of fish and chips and a few drinkies to wash it all down. Excellent elite athlete preparation.

Hopefully all of the winter training will kick in on Sunday and it wont matter a jot, but still a bit annoyed with myself. Oh well, bring it on Dragon.

Out tonight for a decent ride and I know LTB and tempo were out yesterday. Some mechanical tinkering to do on the precious one (which is always a bit dangerous just before you need it to work reliably!!!) and also need to stock up on Eddie Izzard quantities of energy gels etc. Lets hope there is a Mr Whippy on the route.

Blog later.

Farmer.

(number 2086)

Training continues in heat wave conditions

2010-05-25T07:16:00.003+01:00

Apologies for the lack of blog activity, I think the team have become so focussed on putting the miles in that we have used all of our energy up!!!! Either that or we are just plain lazy.

On top of this Farmer has temporarily lost his ability to "track" rides due to a new Gooseberry phone. Both Tempo and LTB dont appear to be able to lower themsleves to track anything any more, mainly becasue they are concentrating on their split times, king of the mountains challenge and generally being very childish and indeed quite selfish.

Others have meanwhile been putting the slow steady miles in with a focus on sportife and endurance. One exception to this is Farmer wiping the floor with Tempo on last nights "30 mph sign sprint challenge".

Anyhooo. A series of really decent loooooong rides have been put in over the last few weeks, including some 50-60 milers over the mountains. We have probably covered the "top loop" of the Dragon ride a couple of times. Fingers crossed for fine weather on the day.....

Training continues despite only 12 days to go!!!! Dont forget to sponsor via the link to Justgiving if you have a couple of quid to spare...

Solo Loop

2010-05-13T06:54:00.002+01:00

To try and keep the legs going, Farmer whizzed out for a solo Llangorse stadard loop and managed to clock a 53:57 time. Over a minute quicker than previous Farmer efforts..... Tempo was tied up with work commitments as was LTB, tasing for his new Spring wine list........In other news, good to see Cleggy and David getting on so well eh? Lets see shall we.

Can you guess which I am?

In which Farmer and Tempo learn that it's not summer yet

2010-04-25T17:34:00.001+01:00

The top loop of the Dragon Ride. Here it is.

Top Loop Two - Sunday's Hangover Cure

2010-04-24T15:07:00.001+01:00

A proposed route for Sunday. Starts at Storey Arms thus taking out a big climb, which feels a little bit like cheating, but makes it manageable for those of us with proper jobs (which one of us is that again?). 8am start. Drive to Storey Arms - 5hrs ish?

Cross border trip

2010-04-19T12:50:00.002+01:00

Another trip to Herefordshire on a beautiful day, although a head wind down the Golden Valley preceeded by some brand new chippings on the Cusop Rd out of Hay hindered progress somewhat. Nearly as bad as a volcanic ash cloud, but I battled on. I was joined by Special Phil, LTB and LTB junior to Hay who then left me for some sufferfest climbing up Hay Bluff which was rewarded with a Mr Whippy (must be a Northern thing). Tempo didn't join us as he was in the pub celebrating his 45th birthday with Cal whilst wearing his new Whiter than White kit.......

Here it is:http://sportstracker.nokia.com/nts/workoutdetail/index.do?id=2375574

Farmer

Best laid plans.....

2010-04-12T06:53:00.002+01:00

Unfortunately the top loop of the Dragon will have to wait for another day and Farmer did a Pengenffordd loop to stretch the legs. Nothing remarkable, but Roast Pork, gardening and playing with the kids beckoned!!

http://sportstracker.nokia.com/nts/workoutdetail/index.do?id=2319893

F

onlytheorangeone.com

2010-04-09T07:19:00.002+01:00

Despite the recent team "divide", I have non-selfishly battled on through illness, loneliness and the pressures of having a proper job and managed to get some solo training under my belt:

http://sportstracker.nokia.com/nts/workoutdetail/index.do?id=2294757

http://sportstracker.nokia.com/nts/workoutdetail/index.do?id=2294770

The latter was quite respectable although nothoing on a par with the elite riders of course....

I even went out on the MTB last night (alone, of course as the elite team had gone out for a 120 miler earlier that day due to not having to work)....and I have to say I have missed the little orange beauty...a quick 10 mile loop (via some secret onlytheorangeone.com trail routes) was had and felt good. Didn't track it. Well not on this blog anyway....

The sub 50 club ...

2010-04-07T21:02:00.003+01:00

The light was getting dim, I hadn't ridden since Tenerifgate...decided to just do the loop
Started quite well, the feeling was coming back and this happened.

Belated Tales of Tenerife

2010-04-07T17:52:00.015+01:00

Hard to believe that i've been back a week already. Managed to survive the Easter frenzy and finally have a chance to update my warm weather training exploits.

It was a complete chance and suprise that whilst enjoying a cool San Miguel one evening (beer not the man!) that good old Tempo announced he was in the hood. This is my version of the ride which ended rather messily for me but at least I have a benchmark for pain thresholds now.

Where i was based although lovely meant i had to repeat my rides quite often - so i rang the changes as much as possible and heres the rest.

Climbing through the banana plantations

Along the coast road and back

Steady 25 mile climb to Santiago del Teide

10 mile leg crusher

Tenerifegate

2010-04-05T18:34:00.010+01:00

Some warm weather training which, as it happens, was perfectly timed to coincide with the return of winter to the British Isles. Cycling in Tenerife is superb: great roads, great climbs, ace weather and motorists who not only respect cyclists, but actually give little 'toots' of support as you are battling your way up the volcano!

In a seven day holiday I only managed to climb on the bike three times but each trip was worth it. The first up to the little town of San Miguel was more or less just to see what the roads were like and to stretch the legs after the flight.

The second was the big one. Meeting LTB on the coast road we wound our way up through the banana plantations, through the town of Guia de Isora and up into the forest. It soon became clear that LTB was the victim of a dodgy piece of Monkfish Carpaccio and was struggling. 'Chapeau' to him though, as he ploughed on with a Lance-like 'death stare' to an altitude of 1500m before being forced to pack it in, head back to the hotel and, it later materialised, throw up on the way down.

I struggled on, and after some 5 hours of climbing, reached the summit. Which wasn't really a summit at all, but a plateau, which resulted in me cycling about for quite a bit just to make sure that I had reached the highest point and couldn't be accused of doing only half a job!

Great descent to the villa, reaching speeds of over 50mph and overtaking the odd car or two!

Third trip was a shorter run but along wonderful twisting hairpins to the village of Vilaflor.

Abandoned.....

2010-04-01T07:09:00.002+01:00

Despite my comrades selfishly taking themselves away to warm weather training venues, the Breconshire low altitude, cold weather training went well.....up until Wednesday. When it snowed.... and hailed and snowed and blew a gale. I am not bitter at all. In fact I admire my teams mates logistical skills to cunningly end up on the same island. Brilliant. I am looking forward to the "cooling" off period of 4 weeks of non-communication and solo training.

A reverse tumble, that bailed out due to fatigue, doom, weather and some sort of strange cycling dead leg syndrome. This could be directly linked to fitness or bitterness.

http://sportstracker.nokia.com/nts/workoutdetail/index.do?id=2243915

Loop. When there was a 59 minute break in the weather. Yes, this is sub-1 hour. This was achieved by anger alone.

http://sportstracker.nokia.com/nts/workoutdetail/index.do?id=2253642

Like a rat deserting a sinking ship......

2010-03-25T18:28:00.005Z

....I too will be flying south for a bit of warmth staying here and, after a bit, here. I shall, of course, be riding my trusty Scott (assuming it survives the indelicate treatment of Mr Baggage Handler) She is currently at the cycling equivalent of Peterstone Court's spa, being pampered and made even more gorgeous! In reference to my own preparations, no plans for waxing like LTB though shaving is being seriously considered - can you imagine riding in Spain with hairs on your legs? Oh - the humiliation! Regular updates will be provided....

Warm (hot) weather training

2010-03-24T21:43:00.006Z

Well here I am touching base with my fellow veloists.......

I have to admit to a slow start with the training due to the copius amounts of food, wine, beer and sunshine.

The bike arrived on Tuesday morning and in the afternoon i ventured out for a leg 'loosener' - how bloody wrong could I be - here it is but dont let the distance or profile deceive you - this is a better statistic sea level to 2300 ft in 8.5 miles sheer pain and suffering like i have never suffered before - I assume this is what the Alps/Pyrenees feels like ? - Tempo.

Tomorrow i am embarking on a harder longer ride to try and purge my body of the alcohol that is constantly swishing around. - wish you were here and hope its not too miserable back in blighty

Adios amigos, buenos noches...... till next time

2010-03-23T13:25:00.002Z

Despite the abandonment of one of our alleged "team mates", Tempo and Farmer struggled out in the unpleasant conditions to get a Llangorse Loop under our belts.

Here it is:

http://sportstracker.nokia.com/nts/workoutdetail/index.do?id=2221962

Should be tempo training...

2010-03-19T14:59:00.000Z

Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device

Worse than the heinous Tumblegate...?

2010-03-19T06:22:00.022Z

Drastic times require drastic measures has always been my mantra..
So, with this in mind, and given my current doom like demeanour, a general feeling that the weather is going to be shite, coupled with Tempos cheating I concluded a training camp was needed albeit a luxury one with good food, lots of Tumble climbs and sunshine.
You will get more of an idea by watching this nice film

With this information now 'public' I need to 'confess' that the Sunday ride will be impossible - I shall be here on a last minute jobby.

The bike has been hired and currently being prepped with carbon trinkets.

The leg waxing has been booked - maybe even a happy ending !

My research has concluded that Tenerife is the ideal location for pre-season training and it is possible to climb from sea level to 2600m. Much pain will ensue.

This looks a good one, and this monster.

Now, by this point you are probably very angry with me, but theres no need, team only190 will always be in my thoughts, I shall take the laptop and whilst watching the sun go down with a cool beer in hand update you with that days particular riding stats, maps, and pictures - it will seem that you are actually there with me.

I expect we will all catch up before I go for a little chat or some 'texting'

In the meantime i've just got to figure out how to pay for it all........................LTB

Tumblegate...The Facts

2010-03-18T20:22:00.004Z

Never been compared to Tricky Dicky before, but I'm honoured! The real question is - was he any good on a bike? And when is Frost coming to interview me? Here is the Tumblegate Route in all it's painful glory. Sunday morning is my next available time - who's around?

Tumblegate doom

2010-03-18T13:07:00.003Z

Due to a "secret" expedition by our "team-mate" Tempo (an incident now offically know as Tumblegate), LTB and Farmer slipped out for a quick loop to try and cheer us up after such a direct challenge to the team only190 ethos.

Here it is:

http://sportstracker.nokia.com/nts/workoutdetail/index.do?id=2201030

You will notice from the stats that it was a slow one, but clearly we had a lot of "bikering" and "debating" to get off our chests.....

Bombay Bicycle

2010-03-15T13:33:00.002Z

In pursuit of a curry banquet, good company and a few sherberts, I undertook a one way trip to Dad's on Saturday morning and a jolly nice ride it was n all.

Here we go:
http://sportstracker.nokia.com/nts/workoutdetail/index.do?id=2174386

Certainly not a mountain stage, but a 50+ trip all the same and a good deposit with the legs of steel bank.

Amy and the kids followed later in the car and were avaiable as support if required, but indeed not and not even a puncture to be had. It must be my advanced road technique that I have developed......

83 days to go.

Farmer

Sufferfest Doom Destroyer

2010-03-13T18:02:00.005Z

This route took in just a little bit of the Dragon in the form of the Rhigos climb. Really hurt from beginning to end - no REALLY hurt! The initial climb out of Aberaman over to Maerdy averaged 10% but had proper switchbacks, which is always nice. Got lost in Maerdy and had to get directions from a bus driver whilst feral children eyed up my bike. Headed rapidly down the valley and then climbed again before dropping sharply into Treorchy and hitting 50 on the descent. Then it started.....the mother of all head winds.....playing games with me.....toying with my mind.......all the way home. The climb over the Rhigos was long but gentle in comparison to the previous two. From Penderyn across the mountain top and over Storey Arms was soul destroying because of the wind - hard to get above 25 even whilst descending towards Libanus. 47 miles in all, 7000 feet of climbing. Deep joy.

Lanterns latest training stats.........

2010-03-09T12:37:00.009Z

Given the fact my contribution to the blog has been somewhat sketchy lately i have decided to 'dump' my routes from the last month all in one go.

Some are good, some not so - but at least all of them pretty much hurt.

The new garmin test ride was done at 7.30 in the evening - bloody freezing and after a long layoff was pitiful

This was the serious comeback ride that includes the farmers favourite 'wall'

The next day this one included 'Tumble Mountain' mountain goats, extreme flatulence and high speed blowouts.

After a 4 day lay off managed to do a 54 minute Llangorse loop - not bad - for now....

I think i did this one with the Farmer - very pleasant ride up to mountain centre, Heol Senni, Cradoc and Home. Could have been with Tempo...my memory is failing me, must be the dried overies.

Llangorse loop again - much slower but with a bottle of wine and beers later, certainly added to the pain - next day

This is the 'sneeky' ride i did with Phil - quite like this one turning left in Llangorse up to Pengenffordd, to Cwmdu and back home via Llangynidr

Saturdays ride with all the veloists together - well at least until the Farmer had a tantrum and left LTB and Tempo to finish with a few 'enhancements'.

Last nights 'cheeky' llangorse loop via Llangynidr with Tempo - felt good, clear sky, bike clean and running well, Tempo's bikes audible squeek enhanced the whole experience.

So all in all 230 miles a sore arse, the occasional sore head, and (hopefully) going in the right direction. Oh btw weight loss - nothing, HOW............

Previous efforts

2010-03-08T06:55:00.002Z

Here are some of our previous training runs which I have negelected to post.

http://sportstracker.nokia.com/nts/workoutdetail/index.do?id=2141975
http://sportstracker.nokia.com/nts/workoutdetail/index.do?id=2141978

Feel like a new stage in the training coming up, what with the "countdown" clock on the blog now......and a solo beast coming up this Saturday down to Much Marcle.

Bring it on I say. Drove some of the Dragon yesterday on the way down to Swansea and got me all excited (mainly cos it was a beautiful day and the route over Hirwaun road is lovely). I feel we need a gathergin soon to put togehter a "90" day action plan.....

Going to be setting up a "Just Giving" site soon and will put link on Blog as I want to raise some money for a great cause and on behalf of a mate who would love to take part in the Dragon if he was well enough.....more details to follow.

Farmer

Llanfrynach to Monmouth

2010-03-07T19:35:00.001Z

.....for Mr Farmer's information: this is the route I took a month ago. Not too taxing - no walls!

Pengenffordd on steroids

2010-03-07T09:58:00.002Z

Saturday's route took us down to Crickhowell and then over Pengenffordd at a pace that put our HRMs into meltdown. This set us up well for a series of short, sharp climbs that served to remind our legs how little they have all been doing over the past fortnight. Great route, worth doing again in a few weeks time if only to see how far we have progressed.

Rumble on the Tumble

2010-02-21T08:42:00.003Z

Well. Talk about an adventure.

Lurvly day out and here are the stats.

http://sportstracker.nokia.com/nts/workoutdetail/index.do?id=2096703

Fantastic weather and great to catch up with the Hereford crew. Everyone was on fine form and they even brought a mountain goat along who was called Rob.

LTB joined us for the Tumble and the ribbing and build up was sutiably justified. Keep doing that un and we'll have legs of steel. Ow.

LTB turned round at the top and headed for home and took nearly as long as us to get back to base due to his 25th blow out of the week. We however, looped round Brynmawr, Beaufort and over Llangynidr. Views absolutley spectacular and the descent down to the Usk valley was awesome.

Hereford crew continued on a loop round the mountains from hell and ice climbing and bike carrying was the order of the day. Sufficer to say they were ready for a few bevvies after the full 80 miler (which 7 of which were pushing due to ice).

F

IMG00011-20100220-2104.jpg

2010-02-20T21:05:00.000Z

Tempo training...
Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device

Tuesday evening crispness

2010-02-16T21:43:00.003Z

A pleasant Tuesday night velo out for Farmer and Tempo.

http://sportstracker.nokia.com/nts/workoutdetail/index.do?id=2084682

Think the chat may have brought down the average, but felt good anyway. LTB is frustratingly busy at work, but we know he will make up for it with some "private" sufferfests when he can.

Out with some triathletes on Saturday, so presumably I need to wear my trunnies in case we stop for a swim in the Honddu or Usk or summit.....?

Going to bed.....tired.

F

A game of three halves

2010-02-15T16:05:00.004Z

First half: Llanfrynach to Builth on the 'Old Road'. Lumpy, general upward climbing for the first 15 miles then a 16% wall set to test the legs and the motivation to carry on and do another 45, or turn for home, the sofa and some daytime telly. The reward was the descent into Builth down (fortunately) a 25% gradient and hitting speeds of 50mph.

Second half: Builth to Crickhowell. Great spin along the back road following the course of the Wye. Hit Pengenffordd with nearly 40 miles already in the legs - which really hurt. Developed chaffing in some unexpected and unwanted areas. Good descent to Crick.

Third half: Crick to home. Never actually aware before that this section is really a gentle climb, but my legs now know that to be a fact! Idiot in a landrover with a trailer almost killed me at Talybont, but did inspire a sprint to catch him so I could bang on the side of his van and give some constructive advice on cyclist awareness.

Three hours fifty something in total.

The Route.

2010-02-14T20:13:00.002Z

Here is toady's effort by Farmer and Tempo.

http://sportstracker.nokia.com/nts/workoutdetail/index.do?id=2077382

Definitely felt better going up to Storey Arms and the pace was quicker than previous, but comfortable. Awesome downhill once over the top. Comfort was soon left behind as a couple of "Walls" to contend with. Suffice to say we had to dig deep and "completion" was high on my agenda.

Worryingly, Tempo is going to probably get a couple of hundred miles in this week. Just what LTB and Farmer need..........However, no surrender means that grit and determination will undoubtedly bring us through......

Farmer.

Sub-team "Special"ized .....

2010-02-12T07:06:00.003Z

Here is Farmer and LTB's effort for Tuesday night.

http://sportstracker.nokia.com/nts/workoutdetail/index.do?id=2061697

Interesting to compare stats versus the night before, which can only demonstrate when you have just a beeping Polar for company you tend to push on a little bit more consistently.

Not sure what the weekend brings us yet as LTB is slaving over a hot stove (ahhhh) a lot. In fact I am rather hoping he will be in charge when Me and Mrs Farmer and some mates visit the lurvly P.Court tonight.

This trip out is in fact why Sunday morning may be better........either way, Farmer and Tempo can do Sat or Sun morning, we are simply awaiting instructions from Suffer fest king.

F

Only 13 points in it.....

2010-02-08T20:37:00.002Z

Mental note........never invite an Englishman round to watch the game........gloating blighters....

Here is my solo effort tonight. No enhancements, except to my thighs.......

http://sportstracker.nokia.com/nts/workoutdetail/index.do?id=2056284

Whilst not on a par with Tempo, I do believe this is my quickest pace since Farmer records began. Maybe I dont need any Chinese Hamster Ovary stuff after all LTB......

Also I was in the HB "zone" for 51 mins (of 1 hr 3 mins) and above it for 9!!! Is this a demonstration of my unfitness or my inability to set my limits correctly in my Polar? All I know is that the little blighter beeped at me a fair bit, which although slightly annoying, was quite good company....

Farmer

ENGLAND 30 - WALES 17......

2010-02-07T23:10:00.010Z

Good evening veloists, it's been a while. Just in case anyone missed the 'match' I thought it would be nice for everyone if the score was put on our blog......a public service if you like.

Farmer we are getting left behind by 'tempo' even though i felt i'd done a few miles this week, he has to go and spoil it. Thats some speed there tempo and looks like a good route, maybe we should start calling you 'Brad', or were you hanging onto the team car ?

but don't worry we have a secret weapon coming !!!!

Farmer maybe this will help you choose a light, they are all carbon and over £9000 pounds each.

Isn't brownhill lane where they make Aston Martin engines ?? or did, probably made in TAIWAN now. My mum used to tell me off for skiding but thats another story !!

Because i picked up leaves this afternoon instead of riding i decided on a little bike maintenance this evening - ooooooooops i now have a rear cassette in pieces !!.

As my Garmin is bust I can't upload anything, but maybe something new is coming soon.....

2010-02-07T19:00:00.002Z

Here is Saturdays trip for Farmer and LTB.

http://sportstracker.nokia.com/nts/workoutdetail/index.do?id=2045615

(Tempo - how do you make a link into a word with a click through??? - lessons please)
Full and robust training is going to commence this week as recent endeavours have been weak from the Farmers camp.

The fitting of a Polar Heart Rate Monitor may help proceedings and hit home some hard truths!!!!

Have you been skidding on your bike again?

2010-02-07T08:53:00.006Z

...was the question my mother always asked me when I had worn through yet another tyre on my much loved "Raleigh Striker" and, surprisingly at the age of 40, it was the same question posed by my wife when I needed to spend thirty quid on a new back tyre for my equally much loved Scott CR1. At the age of seven the length of the skid you could pull speeding down Brownhill Lane was a measure of status but is not something we would risk endangering quality carbon fibre for any more (honestly).

It's been a week of variety on the bike with a couple of short swift ones midweek - Sean's Wall (as it shall now be known) and the staple Llangorse Loop - followed by yesterday's longer border crossing 45 miler. Another trip out planned for this afternoon if the legs can be persuaded to play ball....

...and on the sixth day Tempo learnt not to wash and degrease his bike when it's -4c.....

2010-01-30T16:19:00.005Z

A light scattering of snow, the threat of black ice and a possible spell in A&E were not enough to deter the hardier veloists from the Saturday morning session. Though foolhardy attempts at cycle cleanliness and poor standards of bike maintenance did almost scupper the day. Yes, friends, it is a mistake to wash and degrease your bike when it is well below zero because, as followers of the laws of physics will know, water freezes at 0c. So frozen brakes, gears, pedals etc ensued.

However, Tempo and Ellis did manage to complete their ride, though limited gritting by PCC meant that the route had to follow the main roads and resulted in this loop.

Friday night out....

2010-01-29T18:39:00.003Z

This weekends plans seem have gone a little astray so a short notice mini tempo was snuck in.

Variation on the Loop, which was great actually and definitely a good mini session for daylight at real tempo.

http://sportstracker.nokia.com/nts/workoutdetail/index.do?id=2018657

Mr Tempo was stuck at home on the sofa, so Farmer, "Special(ised)" Phil and LTB braved the cold and wind.....LTB is already talking about trying to sneak in some more miles this weekend in a weak attempt to re-buff Tempo's 100 mile week......

Incidentally, it was agreed that the Farmer and his bike were morphing into one......

MF.

Llangorse loop "with a wall"

2010-01-26T21:29:00.002Z

Here it is.....

http://sportstracker.nokia.com/nts/workoutdetail/index.do?id=2010945

I learnt two things tonight.....1) "Walls" and 2) "Float". Both of them are simply other words for something else.

Wont say any more......talked too much tonight, which I was chastised for.......

Possible fitness tester.....?

2010-01-25T16:00:00.003Z

Just thought this may be a good pre-dragon checking out the legs event, and they sell good beer in Monmouth !!!

Its on May 2nd....one month before the big one.

http://www.wheelsinwheels.com/FOD/forest_of_dean_spring_classic_cycling_sportive.html

A Defense..

2010-01-24T21:19:00.005Z

Mr Farmer and Tempo allow me to put forward my case.

1, I have mentioned before at only doing the 130km
2, The 190km would have been fine but I know those roads so it would have been 'boring'
3, I had to get back for an evening shift at work
4, I had severe sunburn
5, I realised you still got a goodie bag for the 130km

Things to consider.....

I did all the major climbs.
How can i possibly be called lightweight !!
I finished on the second page of five in the results AND could have gone quicker with hindsight - I went far too slow on the first split.
I had no one with me to ride 'tempo'

Mr Farmer as a Lance aficionado I can, with some authority state that is not a picture of the great one, mearly an imposter trying to sell some beans and make a quick buck.

Lightweight Dragon 2009

2010-01-24T20:43:00.003Z

In addition to my comment on the last post, I have just realised that LTB did not in fact do the full 190km last year...........

Did we know this????

Were we made aware??????

Was this hidden from us????

This is Dragongate.......

Farmer

Carry the burden Mr Frodo....

2010-01-24T18:35:00.002Z

Share the load....
Yes Mr Tempo, it was me who took it upon myself to unleash the full fury of my frustration at having to prop up our economy single handed when i could be out riding at tempo !!. I think i have a problem.
I read cycling, watch cycling, dream cycling and am always thinking of 'routes'.
I'll book an appointment with the shrink or something.
The Llangorse loop with bits is an interesting route i take it was done clockwise - of course it was just seen the profile. 100 miles a week eh, thats some mission.
Here is my dragon from last year although it was 'only' the 130km route, it does include the nasty bit as highlighted by tempo.
Don't underestimate those first 3 or 4 little climbs before the first accent of the Bwlch, they are designed apparently to break up the field - they do, and are quite steep.
Found this site recently whilst trying to find a Polish bride ! - obviously not as good as our little blog but I thought we could keep an eye open in case they upload some interesting routes.
Roll on Tuesday veloists............

Llangorse Loop with Enhancements

2010-01-24T17:05:00.004Z

I did manage to get out for a quick spin today despite a certain amount of abuse from some colleagues who were hard at work keeping the UK economy on its feet (you know who you are....!)

Followed the normal Llangorse Loop with a couple of extra sections to take the distance up to 22 miles and my weekly total to just over 100 which, sad man that I am, was the point of doing it.

Great loop, a little rain, superb close encounter with a Red Kite and a vastly improved 'back draft' situation!

Just out of interest I found the .gpx file for the Dragon Grand Fondo. The 85th to 100th mile (or 137km to 160km) section looks particularly 'interesting'! Bring it on........

Crick, Talgarth via Pengenfordd.

2010-01-23T19:52:00.003Z

Here is todays route. Felt remarkably good actually consdering ropey beer, curry and wine at LTB's cycling sanctuary of a house. Beautiful day, pretty well perfect for bicycleting. No wind, apart from backdrafts....

By the way. I love my bike. She is cleaned and ready for the next outing (which I seriously fancy tomorrow. but no time).

http://sportstracker.nokia.com/nts/workoutdetail/index.do?id=1998139

Ride hard amigos.......

MF.

Talgarth Long Loop

2010-01-22T17:55:00.002Z

How about this for Saturday morning? Just over 40 miles with two good climbs. Second one is a stinker! What do you thing fellow veloists?

Or, possibly this, which is most definitely longer and more painful!

Langorse loop with a dash for the bridge (and lashings of ginger beer)

2010-01-19T21:38:00.004Z

Tuesday training complete. Here it is.

http://sportstracker.nokia.com/nts/workoutdetail/index.do?id=1984834

I am defintely off the pace of tempo and lantern talc boy, but at the moment I just want to concentrate on miles and pushing myself and my battered old body as much as it can take without putting it off the whole cycling thing... anyway it does allow them time to discuss their cycle fetishes and love of the Armstrong et al.... in between sprints of course....

Phil - where are you when I need you???? Come on down Mr Specialised, I am looking forward to riding out with you....

Farmer

p.s Curry night out confirmed for Friday. Great preparation for a 45 miler on Saturday morning. that's more like it.

Saturday pain....

2010-01-19T14:19:00.002Z

In view of "breaking" my knees in gently to distance, can we maybe go for another 35-40 miler on Saturday rather than a 50+ !!!!!

Perhaps we can discuss tonight as well as Friday evening arrangments...(give some thought as to some "local" places to try out??)

Farmer

Possible Saturday Ride ?

2010-01-18T22:36:00.004Z

Mmmmmmmm.....not sure about this route but it will surely 'punish' us.
Mr Farmer I have discovered why your lactate threshold V02 blood level endorphine and weight stats failed - you simply need to take off your socks !! .
Tempo - whats this I here about beer and curry, a tofu enriched vegetable kebab, washed down with a fresh cranberry juice seems more appropriate !

Did anyone see the Sky team destroy Colombia in the sprint at the Tour down under ??
Amazing - first event, first win, our Russel (downing) simply blew them away...

Pity the Swan is closed - can't think of any other 'local' hostelries in which to enjoy a refreshing beer and banter.................

Solo Tempo Riding......

2010-01-18T13:42:00.005Z

As my fellow Dragon riders decided to abandon me this Sunday - whilst I was working, i decided to punish myself in the afternoon.
Whereas it comes no where near to the quite frankly ridiculous ride of Tempos i have to say it certainly got the heart rate up there.

Here it is and another one I've loaded up - this is a good 40 miler done back last summer.
When the route loads up the elevation profile can be seen by clicking top left corner where it say 'show'

Not sure i fancy blokes with beards Mr Farmer but i suppose its worth a punt.

Mark Beaumont......

2010-01-18T06:56:00.002Z

Anyone fancy this?

https://theatrbrycheiniog.ticketsolve.com/shows/23097102/events

Could be a motivational target for us??

BTW - Tempo has been instructed to tempo out of the house this Friday, so we are having to take him out for a few beers and a curry in Brecon LTB. Can you see if this is possible between your KP shifts?

Up the hill n back......

2010-01-17T17:33:00.002Z

Well, the mountain actually. Storey Arms climb is one that I have imagined doing on a bike whilst driving up it hundreds of times. Long and steady but equally hard on the knees (mine seem to have gone into meltdown today). A good training run and coming down was equally energetic when you tempo it with Mr Tempo. Excellent fun.

If only the Swan was open tonight....I feel like I have earnt a beer this weekend. 50+ miles, but this will be nothing come March/April......100 miles a week.

Here it is.....the beauty....

http://sportstracker.nokia.com/nts/workoutdetail/index.do?id=1973682

LTB couldnt join us unfortunately as he had to wash the dishes at Peterstone or something....

Farmer.

Mountain Centre Loop (backwards)

2010-01-16T17:48:00.005Z

Good ride today, albeit shorter than secret tempo trainer.........Climb up to mountain centre still hurts and today it was a bit like a swimming pool.

Here it is........http://sportstracker.nokia.com/nts/workoutdetail/index.do?id=1973747

Last 10'ks it rained in biblical proportions. Luckily where were able to dig deep and go to our "Lance Zones"to take us home..... as the pictures are testament.

Long and Sharp

2010-01-16T16:41:00.005Z

This is what I did today...Nantgaredig to Brechfa, Talley, Llandeilo and back to Nantgaredig. Nice route with huge amounts of climbing, 4400 feet over 35 miles. Mostly short sharp ones, other than the initial climb to Horeb which is long and sharp! Hardly anything which could be described as 'steady'. Punctured (actually, the valve came away from the tube!) at Llandeilo with 10 miles to go. Nursing a cold and thus the whole thing hurt really badly. Never mind, the Dragon is only just over three times as long as this......

Weekend Training

2010-01-15T06:48:00.002Z

I think Lantern Talcboy may be struggling with Sunday......

Potential Solution.

Between us we do Saturday and Sunday. I could do with getting some miles under my belt, particualrly as I don't have a turbo/part-time job etc.

Happy to go out early for both.

LTB - perhaps a main road long loop for Saturday (with Phil?)

T - if clear, happy to try out "route 1" with Mr Cronin.

Textual communication please

MF.

Quite possibly the best climbing sportive bike !!

2010-01-14T17:54:00.002Z

Phil do I get extra discount now? and The farmers bike is really special as well if that helps..!

I'm just killing time before another 'turbo sufferfest' - wish me luck..

Who says fat boys don't climb..

2010-01-14T17:44:00.003Z

Here we are guys - Lantern Talcboy giving it large on the Bwlch climb last year.

Check out the chap in the reds look of disbelief and shame as this 15st nutter powers past him at an unbelievable tempo...........

Tempo Time

2010-01-14T16:15:00.002Z

Sunday looks like the only day I'm going to be available for a ride. So, to get the wheels spinning as it were, how about we aim for 8.30 Sunday morning and go for the 1st route as suggested by Talcboy. I reckon with rain forecast for Saturday the white stuff should be clear by then. Tim Cronin is keen to come with us....I'll text him if it's a goer.

Turbo Question....

2010-01-14T10:52:00.002Z

After my exploits on the turbo last night i have a quick question to my fellow Dragon veloists.......surely in the comfort of my own home one does not need to wear a helmet and have a full thermal skinsuit on !!!
I realise this may be against health and safety protocols but i am looking for clarification.
incidentaly I have copied this email to Pat Mcquaid of the U.C.I.

I have receed the first route that was suggested and parts are still unpassable.............bloody snow.

BTW if any of you get the time I have a wonderful piece of object d'art outside my front door !!

Snow Go

2010-01-13T19:14:00.000Z

I am officially fed up with this white stuff now.

I have a new bike in my garage with a suitably adjusted stem and handle bars, a pair of shiny road shoes and no access to the road!!!!!

I did indeed have a couple of glasses of vin rouge last night Mr Talc and I am going to reccie the roads this evening whilst purchasing a ruby murray for me and Ame. Not a lot of good there then.

Gentlemen - I have invited my esteemed best man - John Merrick - to join our blog and extreme training programme as he is also doing the Dragon and will form a beneficial part of the 190 squad. Tempo - how do I/we do this technically and all that.....

Bring on the rain and Spring.

Mr Farmer.

All Aboard

2010-01-13T06:50:00.000Z

Well....we are now all 'officially' on the programme, and in the fullness of time when the training develops I shall be publishing my full blood values on the blog in the name of fair play and transparency !

Hopefully my fellow veloists will be doing the same - if they have nothing to hide.....

Agreed, we had a good ride this weekend given the extreme conditions, maybe though we need one of these for our next ride.... available in carbon apparently.

Last nights turbo session was a non-starter, had a speedplay pedal incident which made me angry and then decided to eat copious quantities of food instead- although i did manage NOT to drink that delicious Central Otago Pinot Noir. What about you farmer jones ??

Hey Tempo, love the You Tube clips.

Oh here is a couple of rides that may be of interest. The second one includes a portion of the dragon ride

http://www.bikeradar.com/routes/?bpath=maps%2Fbike-path%2FBrecon-Loop-West

http://www.bikeradar.com/routes/?bpath=maps%2Fbike-path%2Fi-team-cc-Tour-of-the-Central-Beacons

Portet d'Aspet

2010-01-12T21:13:00.000Z

Some things to watch whilst the snow is falling....

Portet d'Aspet....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FPmRwy_ZoVg

Tourmalet.....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BHacsemaTbQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1LCl4LmNoAQ

And I was on the side of the road for this one....! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZaKR5iOCTts

and what about this for bike handling?....http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V-3pd_UGZQs&NR=1

....and this could be us..http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wOur8qXvpnk&NR=1

Snow Stops Play

2010-01-12T17:53:00.000Z

Stop Press.......Heavy snow forecasts, driving freezing winds and a general feeling of 'bugger this for a game of soldiers' have got the best of us and tonight's outing is now officially postponed! Possible replacement event tomorrow night if the roads are clear enough. But, hey, I'm feeling fine about this in the smug knowledge that I did an hour on the turbo last night!

Tempo......

2010-01-12T06:58:00.000Z

My fellow 190'er observations are very accurate. We were indeed extremely brave and dedicated to go out on Saturday and thoroughly enjoyable it was. For a main road route (which was absolutely necessary in the conditions) it was good and had a bit of everything. Some long gradual climbs as a well as a few small steep nasty ones. (go here for exact route on sports tracker

http://sportstracker.nokia.com/nts/workoutdetail/index.do?id=1947240

We should definitely keep this one as a training route, although I think the "we love pain" element of the team may want to step it up a gear a bit sooner than my legs are keen to!!

The Roubaix is a dream. Just need to sort my body out now.

Bring on this evening????? (SPD's back on the rock hopper I think)

Rhid

Talgarth Loop

2010-01-10T20:35:00.000Z

In my humble opinion the weekend training sessions got off to a good start with a loop that encompassed Llangorse, Pengenffordd and Crickhowell. Which is almost, but not quite, like this route. A total of 34 miles which is impressive if only for the fact that snow, ice and consistently negative temperatures didn't lead to the cancellation of the event and the instigation of the usual secondary plan of a warm pub and cycling chat. Tuesdays ride could be more interesting with heavy snow forecast to arrive overnight and into Wednesday morning. My feeling is lets do it anyway and, if it's really bad, pull out the mountain bikes instead. Hey, what would Armstrong do? Probably carry out the training plan but do another 30 miles on top and do it all again if 'it doesn't feel right'!

So, Tuesday nights need to be a little longer, maybe 25 miles? If we dropped down to Crick and came back on the back road it should just about do it! What think you.....? And we need a plan for Saturday! Any ideas?