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| Training Ride: 25-27 Jan 08 New Forest, Lyndhurst |
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2 days of off-road trail riding to get us in tip top shape for the rest of the year
We covered 66 miles over the two days and had plenty of punctures and one chain break! The New Forest has miles of tracks ideal for cycling, which can be combined to make a full day's training |
| The Big Event: 18 July 08 Devon Coast to Coast |
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Supported Charity: Sobell House, Oxford
Make an Online Donation to the team from June, or see the Rider Profiles page to sponsor one of us individually >>> Click Here We did it! 103 miles on the Devon Coast to Coast trail. So far we have raised over £2,500 for Sobell House between us all – see our links below. Looking at the route profile on the Sustrans map we decided to do the route South-North from Plymouth to Ilfracombe. This gets the most challenging section out of the way on day 1. Day 1 – Friday 18th July: 9:30 – 3:30 After a bit of confusion at Plymouth with building works at the start, sun-faded signs, and signs that could send you in circles (you need the Sustrans map!) we set off on a sunny morning. The gentle climb of the Plym Valley trail takes you gently out of Plymouth through stunning scenery over viaducts, through tunnels, surrounded by the best Devon scenery. At out first refuelling stop at Yelverton we thought this was going to be easy! Setting off we hit the first of the challenging and very steep hilly sections including a loose rocky descent that is marked on the Sustrans map as difficult, but even on a dry day was treacherous. You can carry your bike, pick your way down extremely carefully or fall off into the rocks. Between us we did all 3. Next the Granite Way returned us to smooth rising trails and more views of valleys, rivers, weirs and a large brown falcon that kept moving on in front of us. Tavistock saw the first of the route link-loops that send you off into a small set of shops or a housing estate. The indirect links between trail sections were frustrating when a 5-minute road section was available. Then the rain came in mixed showers, which was a welcome cool-down, as we climbed the never-ending hilly section that borders on Dartmoor south of Oakhampton. Progress was getting slower and the hill climbs were challenging and not for the faint-hearted. Good job we had trained on the Chilterns Ridgeway or we would have been done for. In 6 hours we covered 40 miles. The hills had taken their toll on our progress. Could we do 63 miles on Day 2? Day 2 – Saturday 19th July 9:30 – 5:05 The sun was out, not too hot, a light breeze a perfect cycling day. Setting out North from Oakhampton, we hit the worst hills on the whole ride. They seemed never ending and an hour in to the ride we were no faster than on Day 1. Wet, steep and narrow minor roads were tough to climb, and cars slid past us on the slippy, mud-edged roads. Eventually we reached the Tarka Trail. At last! The riding conditions changed with gentle slopes letting us cruise along making good time. Mosaic statues and wood carvings lined a perfect cycling route. The Tarka Trail was popular with all ages and features fantastic off road trails suitable for any bike or ability. We stopped at Sheepwash in the middle of a local wedding in the town square after an interesting experience on the Sheepwash bridge, which was like a New York rush hour while the wedding party tried to cross a single track humpty back bridge. Next came the fantastic downhill stretches to Torrington, mud-spray flying everywhere on the tree-covered track. We were unstoppable blasting along the Barnstaple flats with the wind behind us until we crossed the Barnstaple bridge. The wind was so strong our helmets were lifted up off our heads and the front wheels were buffeted as we fought against the wind. Riding into a head wind took its toll and slowed us down to a crawling pace. The final climb out of the flat estuary area saw more hills leading up to Ilfracombe, which were as challenging as the Oakhampton hills. Finally we reached the crest of the Ilfracombe ridge and sailed down the steep trail to Ilframcombe and on to the harbour, dipping our wheels in the sea that come over the furthest quayside. |
We like the look of these too - we'll see how many we can do in 2008
It's not all hard work - here's a pic of the South Downs Way featuring Alex on the pedals
© The FourCees - Combined Cancer Charities Cyclathons |
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