Waking up and peeling back the curtains to a stunning blue sky without a cloud in sight and a bone dry road surface gave me the feeling that today was the first true day of Spring. It would set a pattern, as it turned out to be a day of firsts…
First #1 - It is the first time I have actually chosen not to ride with the Vags on a Saturday and opted for a ride of my own. I don’t plan to make a habit of it, but as I was supposed to be away this weekend training for the Chesshire Cat Sportive anyway, I’d already planned not to ride with the Vags.
First #2 - first ride on the carbon Giant TCR Advanced (my pride and joy) this year and wow it felt good to be riding on dry tarmac on something as lightweight and responsive as that bike. It wasn’t by choice though - the Burls is in pieces at the moment and in serious need of some TLC.
First #3 - first ever ride for just me and Kerry, in other words as a couple and not with the Vagabonds.
First #4 - Kerry’s first ever ride on her shiny new carbon Pinnacle, “Pippa”.
First #5 - My first ever ride out wearing my Vag’s kit (yes, yes I know I’ve not paid my subs yet, Roger)
And most importantly, first #6 - Kerry’s first ever attempt at the mountain time trial route, a 47 mile ride that takes in several good, hard climbs including Bilsmoor and the Gibbet.
Preamble
Now, some of you may remember the first time I rode the mountain time trial route - I had to stop several times, fell off, needed to ask a random person for a refill of my bottle, and felt fairly grim afterwards for a few days. Remembering just how bad my first experience was, I was a little worried about Kerry and how she would do, especially as it was her first time out on a road bike (she has until today ridden a flat handlebar Trek hybrid that weighs the same as Yorkshire).
Setting Off
The first few miles were a little slow as she got used to her new carbon frame, the drop handlebars and the SRAM shifters - but by the time we had hit Scot’s Gap she was flying and looking confident and comfortable on her bike. What impressed me the first time I rode with her was how she well she climbed - putting her head down and spinning a good, strong cadence. On the MTT she was doing the same, and I was a little worried she’d had noting left come Bilsmoor and the Gibbet.
We stopped in Rothbury, which looked stunning, basking in the Spring sunshine. Apart from the mild annoyance of idiot motorcyclists revving their pointlessly loud Japanese crotch rockets and pissing off everyone except their other bondage gear wearing chums, Rothbury proved to be the perfect stopping place to enjoy a couple cans of full fat coke, some granola squares and a bit of chocolate. Kerry nervously munched away, knowing that the hard part was still to come…
The Up Bits
Leaving Rothbury, neither of us were particularly happy with the boring slog from Rothbury to Bilsmoor Park via Hepple, it’s an unrewarding stretch of road with false flats and potholed surfaces that never really allow any speed or enjoyment, and I was grateful for the sight of Bilsmoor looming large in the distance. Kerry, however, wasn’t. When I pointed out that the winding, ascending road in front was indeed Bilsmoor, Kerry must have spoilt a perfectly good pair of cycling shorts and let out a very uncharacteristic whimper. My advice to her was the same given to me by my boss, get in a comfortable gear, find a rhythm and grind it out. Which is what she did. She sat there, not even in her lowest gear, and ground out the climb in an impressive fashion. By the top, I was beaming with pride, and the massive ear-to-ear grin on her face proved that she too was pretty damn pleased with herself.
For me, Bilsmoor has always been the starter before the main course that is the Gibbet, but other cyclists have always assured me that the Gibbet is easier than Bilsmoor. I’m yet to be convinced. As we rode through Elsdon I pointed out the Gibbet road to Kerry - another whimper! My advice was the same though - find the gear and the rhythm and grind it out. The Gibbet proved to be just another hurdle that would get it’s ass kicked. I was uber proud again.
My only criticism of Kerry would be she tends to amble on the flats, and is scared of the downhills. However, the final 9 miles from Kirkwhelpington back to Belsay showed what she can do on the flat / false flat when she wants. We covered those final 9 miles in less than half an hour, and our speed was over 20 mph several times. I found myself being impressed for the third time in a day!
Pride
I guess it’s only natural for me to be proud, and in a way I am biased. However, in the short space of time I’ve known Kerry, I’ve seen a massive improvement in her cycling. When you consider that most of the nation are either shopping, in the pub, on the couch or watching the football, for anyone to be pushing themselves around a pretty tough cycling route is enough, but the first time out on that course with no real hill experience and the first time on a road bike deserves a pat on the back. I’d stopped several times on each of the climbs my first time out - Kerry just owned every single climb. Well done, Kerry, I’m so proud of you.
For me, it was a nice opportunity to not have to worry about heart rates, cadence, lactate thresholds, times, speed or anything other than just enjoying being out on the bike, getting fresh air, enjoying the company, and even getting a little sunburn on my face! Going up the hills I could tell that even from the Summer time I am definitely fitter, and even out on a first ride with Kerry I was quicker than my first time out on that course. I’ve had a thoroughly enjoyable day, something I had needed for some time. I’m sure the difficulties of my current situation will raise their collective heads in the very near future, but for now at least I feel relaxed, happy and have that warm post-ride glow that us roadies get when the day has been kind to us.
:D:D I cant remember what dry tarmac even looks like! Sounds like yous had an awesome day though. Heres hoping all the doom and gloom posts are finished and normal 22SC service can resume with more of the above!
I’m glad you had fun. Did you pass the Kirby today? Todays Vags ride was a fun but bizarre affair and am sure you made the right choice.
Well done the pair of you! Sounds like a fabulous day!