A BAD START

Normally I like to prep all the organisers stuff on Wednesday, and prep my own stuff on Thursday / Friday as running the brevet doubles the nerves as you not only have to remember your own stuff but everyone else's.

Wednesday I was waylaid with something and Thursday I left my laptop at work so I couldn't prep the cards etc.

Took me about 2 hours to get the damn printer to work on Friday so didn't have time for my usual bagging and tagging - but with the rider numbers dropping from 16 to 13, I opted to get my own stuff ready knowing I'd be able to do everything at sign on.

Woke, breakfast and in the car before my eyes were open.  As I crossed a speed bump I heard a bang but just assumed it was the bag of bottles in my boot bouncing but when I got to the bottom of the lane I noticed a distinct lack of bike on my boot!  Turned out in my haste the night before I'd forgotten to actually strap it. 

Everything looked miraculously OK but at the start it turned out both tubes had blown and one tyre was blown.  (+ the new rear lamp cover that I'd just replaced after throwing the bike into a ravine was gone).  (+ a lost bottle).

Thanks to the guys who mucked in and helped with the sign on's and apologies that the route sheets, pens and zip bags were not as organised as I would like them to be. 

Also B & Q has moved - which might have confused one or two!

Anyway, once I'd allowed Conor to cycle up and down the Boucher road a couple of times - I gave a brief and un-prepared speech and everyone was off.  15 minutes later I was climbing Divis into the dawn thinking things aren't so bad after all.   Caught up with John but then just at the foot of the descent punctured!

This was 1 mile from my house - so the temptation was huge - but I changed the tube (now down to one) and hoped for the best.  I had no further punctures all day.

 

A GREAT DAY

 

Once the drama was over I had a pleasant days cycling in great company.  Skipped my customary croissant and coffée in Carrick to make up an bit of time and was soon clipping along with a couple of John's, a Richard - who was spreading his punctures and mechanicals through the day rather than getting them over early like me.

Spot of rain when Richard made the mistake of taking off his jacket, attracting two farmers. Other than that a perfect autumn day with slight headwind (and welcome "pousse a dos" - my favourite French expression - on the return). 

Opted for the seafood chowder in McBrides, Cushendun, which was excellent and helped me over the Torr trying to outrun either the hound or Richard, who again was using his special 4X4 + farmer +  trailer magnetism, on the last climb.

The loop out to Coleraine was surprisingly rolling on the way - I think there must have been some earthquakes or maybe its part of Brexit because I don't remember any of those climbs from the previous five times I've ridden the route.  Hopefully they'll be gone again before next year.

Signs of randonneurs were everywhere back in Ballycastle with the garage attendant handing out multiple receipts and cycles and cyclists in various states of repair.  I grabbed a sandwich and a wrap for 'ron and dressed for the night.

I left with Darran and Richard, who had just smugly removed a cassette with a "Next Best Thing" and fitted a new spoke in about ten minutes, for one of the nicest ascents to the vanishing lake I've done.

We then re-grouped at the aqueduct for what for me is the best climb in the world (that I've done) - Slievnorra.  400m vertical and about 14km in length, it starts off gently, as a sharp bit with scary geese and then a lovely gentle ride around the edge of a Forest with spectacular views all the way.  Dusk is an ideal time with the tinge of orange all around.

As I had warned - the temperature dropped at night but I was smugly warm in my ever increasing amount of Autumnal clothing.   I grew ravenous into Broughshane but my stash of chicken wraps did the trick - despite me spilling half a chicken tikka.

The Collin road was a painful as ever - but once over that its downhill all the way to the finish -  Richard and I swapping a Darran for a William on the way.  Belfast city centre was busy but no banter.  The Malone road was much hillier than usual.  Back at Boucher I rode through KFC's finest drive through, ate more chicken than is natural and wrapped myself in a sleeping bag.

 

THE FINISH

Half the riders seem to have come in around 9:30 and most of the rest came in around the same time as me.

John (Mc Elroy) roused me out of a deep sleep at an unknown time but he must have tucked me in again because his card was signed and he'd gone by the time I woke properly. 

Conor was lantern rouge just before two, which, with a couple of DNF's with body and bike mechanicals accounted for all of the riders so I could return home without worry. 

I thank them both for letting me know promptly and encourage all to do the same.

 

NEXT YEAR

Subject to the workings of AI, CI and ACP - none of which should be an issue, the Antrim 300 will be back next year in its traditional slot of 1'st weekend in October.

I may CHANGE THE ROUTE next year slightly to include the "dark hedges" - which I have never seen either on screen or in life but seem to be a popular attraction.

Thanks for listening!

“Friendship is the hallmark of randonneuring.”

- The 1000 du Sud - https://sites.google.com/site/le1000dusud/

First thing to say is massive thanks to Sophie and for organising and supporting such a fantastic event.

Secondly, thanks to my family and friends for there support and to all the other riders at AI, my club (Madigan CC)  and elsewhere who helped me physically, mentally and spiritually along the way.

 

Preparation and training

I knew this was going to be a tough one but really have had this in mind for 2016 for about three years now, slotting in nicely between PBP last year and LEL next (that I probably wont do now as I intend to give the long ones a miss next year).

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Big thanks to Dave for organising a great event.  Great food and great route with some spectacular views.

Best section for me was the bumps between Kingscourt and Baileborough.  Lovely scenery.

When I woke in the morning I was wondering what I was doing up at 5:30 on a Sunday morning with a ninety mile drive and two hundred kilometres of cycling ahead of me.

But when I walked out to the car all the sun was rising, it felt warm, the birds were singing and I knew it was going to be a great day – and it was.

By quarter to eight I’d had two coffees, a pecan slice and was signed on ready to go.  With more than sixty entrants this was a large turnout for a Brevet.

So, the start was fast with a large group rattling away at unlawful speed.

Luckily a mechanical, rear gear cable just came out at the derailleur, saw me off the group. 

 

I joined with some familiar riders but yet another mechanical just before the first control saw me off the back.  This one was a bit more embarrassing.  Post PBP I re-fitted a 50 chain ring on the front for winter club rides.  I didn’t put any links back in the chain but knew not to use the 50/30 combination.  Of course, I’d forgotten this and it pulled my wheel out and locked it!

Silly boy.

First stop at 50 km was well stocked.  I cleaned my hands, ate, ate some more and then pushed on.

No major events on the next stretch.  Was caught and joined a group of 8 or so and we pushed along pretty steadily.  Aiden suggested my rear mudguard was rubbing so I stopped and had a look.  Was my rear light wire.  I was expecting issues around here as the bottom stay has become dethatched from the guard.  Nothing to worry about though.  Just requires yet another SKS mudguard – I seem to get through one a year.

Second stop was unmanned but plenty of garage forecourt!

Again I grouped up with six of us pushing hard (for me anyway) to the last control at 160km, with Dave providing yet more food.

For the last stretch I declined the group as I knew I’d not be able to sustain the pace and with Tara and its steeper successor on the path there was little likelihood of us staying together.

I think I’ve only been over Tara once before on the Carlingford 300 a few years back, and it was dark.  So it was nice to be able to see some of the large potholes at the bottom of the descent.

I eventually got back to Ashbourne in OK state.  I was happy with my first 200 of the year but a long way off my fitness of last year.  The extra 3 bags of sugar, or more accurately pints of beer, around my waste aren’t helping either!

RRTY stands for Randoneur Round The Year – doing a 200 km audax (calendar or permanent) approved ride for 12 successive calendar months.  In December 2014 5 Audax Ireland riders, including me  completed this task. 

On 2’nd of Jan 2015 one of them laid down the gauntlet by riding the Mick Byrne 200 as a permanent – so I signed up for a second year.

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So, Randoneur Round The Year – 200km or more on approved audax route (calendar event or permanent) in twelve successive months started Jan 2014 and I just finished my 24’th event.

I think that’s it.  Its a tough nut as there are some months with holidays, family commitments and so on you just know you’re going to find yourself out by yourself for 10 hours or so in the rain.

 

Of course, the last event, the Gheimhridh 200 (Winter 200).  I was in a group travelling at a comfortable pace for me when, whilst traversing a pot hole on the “Bog Road”  I heard a crack.

At first I thought it was the front tyre but soon realised it was not as my steering just wasn’t working.  I mounted the verge and came to an unceremonious stop.  Luckily bog is pretty soft.  Not even a bruise to show.

Turns out the rear clamp on by (handlebar) stem had cracked.

Luckily, a call to a local friend had me on the road in 45 minutes or so with a borrowed stem.

Just glad I wasn’t hurtling down Torr head!

- a long ride deserves a long rant…

Mortagne-au-Perche, nearly 1,100 km done, 10:30 pm Wednesday August 19’th.  It was a long climb up to the Control, I could hear applause up ahead but my light was dim, the dynamo struggling to provide power.  There was a spontaneous groan, a steep ramp and then through the crowds of cheering spectators. 

Someone helped me off my bike.  “Controle?” I shouted, “Par-la” – I stumbled into the bright hall, brevet card in hand ready for the stamp.

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(Photos variously borrowed from Randoneurs Portugal facebook, Clare Irwin and Google and even some of my own)

(Reproduced from Audax Ireland)

Nice start location.

I’m sure when I look back on it, the three days on this Brevet will rank right up there amongst the best times of my life.  I wish I was a poet or a writer but unfortunately I spend most of my time working my left brain so prose does not come easily to me.

But, if I had to sum it up the experience one word, it would be hospitable.

If your free in 2016 – put this one in your diaries.  I couldn’t recommend it enough.

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Although it’s early in June, having blown some points away at REK and about to blow a lot more helping @MF I wanted to get my RRTY ride in asap.  I intend to do “Around Down” at the end of the month, a DNS or DNF would scupper my RRTY.

The short story

The Little Carlingford is a picturesque route.  It’s moderately challenging with a couple of climbs around Carlingford, some rolling hills between Stanmullen and Dunleer and the opportunity of a good sea breeze along the coast.  The controls have plenty of shops for both a sit down meal or a sandwich.  (Note stopped at the first shop on the way into Clogherhead, which had a sandwich counter, the garage/shop on way out seemed to have seats outside under shelter – so might be a better bet).

This was my first permanent.  The flexible start time and location really suits.  Sometimes its nice to ride alone as you can go at your own pace and please yourself at controls etc.  Sometimes it would be nice to do with company as 11 hours is quite a long time.

The Long Story

On Strava http://www.strava.com/activities/151116288

The Carlingford 300 was a breakthrough ride for me in 2013.  It was the first brevet I completed (relatively) comfortably without hours of lone painful soul searching.  I was able to ride with a group for most of the way round and I was not the “lantern rouge”.

In 2014 I was unable to ride again due to holidays.  So, when Marc announced a 200Km permanent version it was an obvious choice for me.  Also, the ability to start from any control meant I could start at Dunleer, a mere hours drive away.  It would also allow me to test Marc’s new route for him.

I got an electronic route sheet and stuffed it into excel and moved stuff about to give Dunleer start and distances from Dunleer.  If you don’t trust your Garmin, and who would, then this allows you to follow the route sheet without all that adding 55km, or whatever, in your head.

Saturday (08/06):

mrsm: Do you want me to get you some beers in for tonight.

me: no – I’m getting up early to go cycling tomorrow.

mrsm: another event? 

me: No – just myself.

Later that evening:

me: I’m going to the off license?

mrsm: why?  I thought you weren’t drinking?

me: that’s much easier to say at one than to do at eight!

However, I did make it to bed by 10 and was up and out the door by 5:30 – not bad.

Held up getting coffee in the Lisburn McDrive through – so didn’t get started until 6:50.  All the shops were, of course, closed, but I there is a bank machine.  Unfortunately it was refusing to give receipts due to a technical issue – so I took a picture and got started.

 

Apart from the drabness of Dundalk bypass, the trip out to Carlingford is pretty stunning.  Strong headwinds were brutal but luckily there are some hills for shelter on the way.

In Carlingford I was sucked straight into a Café for some fried delights.  Time ticked on.  Then back over the hills to Dundalk, where not only was it still grey but the heavens really opened.

I then fought my way down the coast into a strong South Westerly.  Marc had told me to pop in and, although I had declined, I decided to see if he was around anyway, as I had not had a conversation with anyone other than my dog that day – and that was 10 hours before.

We had a chat and I stayed longer than I should so texted mrsm with my new approx. arrival time.  Arrived back in Dunleer at 6pm, back home by 7.

The cold air brought me round with a jolt.  The sky was blurry, blossom blocking the suns feeble attempts to bring light to the enchanting land.  I reached to put quiet to the manufactured noise that was shattering natures dawn chorus with its technical squawking.  The timer was red with –10 written in the middle.  Memories of an earlier cacophony faded in and out.  I wonder if those Android geeks had envisaged an oversleeping audaxer when they added the auto-snooze to the timer.

I silenced it and rolled off the picnic bench.  Sally was waiting faithfully, leaning against the table, neither eager or reluctant to continue but she tempted me non the less with her soft contoured seat and reliable charm.

I pushed her through the gravel car park that I had entered just fifty minutes earlier to the black road without.

As I resumed my climb I began to shiver, but I knew that with my waterproof on I’d be sweating soon enough.

Ahead I saw a figure emerge into the verge of the road.  He pulled a large object from the hedge and tinkered with it.  Red and white cut the dark.  I was not alone.

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If you get the chance to do a Brevet in France then, based on my experience, go for it!  They are detailed here - http://jeanpba.homeip.net/?page=90&onglet=1&annee=2014.

There is a full set of photos here - https://picasaweb.google.com/113235987186962089648/BRM300Km2014?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCPuXyZn8x_K3SQ&feat=directlink#

It’s been more than twenty years since I last cycled any distance in France.  Whilst studying in Toulouse, I was using a “supermarket” mountain bike to get to school and back and some of my “classmates” convinced me to join the college cycle club weekend outing – I think it was a wind up.  They all had road bikes and lycra.  I had flat tyres and cut off jeans.  Still, as usual, my pig headedness dragged me round.

This 300km was a bit easier for me and was certainly worth the effort.  The scenery, weather and surface could not have been more perfect.

During post LEL depression August last year I began to search far and wide for Brevets.    I knew that really it was all in vain and that I had neither time, energy or a hope in hell of getting away for another trip.

But, as soon as ACP released the 2014 dates I did a quick check for school holidays and distance to my parents’ house in Provence and BRM 300 La Garde,  26 May was perfect.   

With @mrsm burning up her holiday and points on the peak of the Irish dancing season taking the kids away BY MYSLEF for a week was not going to be a problem.  I even had no fear in chucking in the Easter Flèche the weekend before.

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