Category Archives: Cycling

All the latest cottages4you news and info about cycling and cycling events

A Tour of Britain

As tough as it must be for the competitors on the Tour of Britain, it’s hard not to be a little bit jealous of the unique opportunity they’ve been given to enjoy some of the UK’s finest scenery.

So as we enter the midway point, we thought we’d take a moment to look at some of the visual highlights of the Tour. You may not get similarly stunning appreciation of the locations from this article but, on the brightside, you won’t get saddle sore either! (Though if you do fancy your own tour, we’ve added a link to our search page at the bottom of the article).

First stage: The Devil’s Beef Tub

The first stage of the race saw the Skoda King of the Mountains climb above the iconic, and oddly named Devil’s Beef Tub, a large cavernous hollow in the land where raiders would hide their stolen cattle. Said raiders were often known as ‘Devils’, which at least helps to explain the name of this stunning geographic formation, if not adequately describe its loveliness!

The site also has other ties with Scottish history, as William Wallace’s sister married the Lord of the nearby Corehead Tower. Apparently this site was also where Wallace gathered his men for the first attack against the English. It’s a little more peaceful now, though there are still monuments to its colorful history – not that the riders had much chance to admire them!

Second stage: Blackpool

Top (middle and bottom) of the Tower!

 


After a day of climbing, you would imagine that no one would be happier to be beside the seaside than the Tour of Britain competitors. After an early part of the stage exploring Kendal, Grizedale Fell and a little part of the Yorkshire Moors, the second stage was set to finish with a nice flat sprint along Blackpool’s north shore, finishing at the foot of the iconic tower.

Sadly, it seems no one told Hurricane Katia, as her destructive influence on the weather caused a rest day for the riders. Still, if you have to take a rest-day, there are few better places to spend it than Blackpool. We’d recommend a trip to the zoo, a journey to the top of the Tower – making sure you visit the ballroom – and a stop-off at the Pleasure Beach.

Third stage: Trentham Estate

The beautiful Italian Gardens of the Trentham Estate near Stoke-on-Trent provide the starting point for the third leg of the event. According to the website, the garden’s planting scheme is ‘based upon a naturalistic style which combines herbaceous perennials and ornamental grasses’, which in layman’s terms means it’s worth a visit all year round.

There’s plenty more to see and do at the Trentham Estate, including a shopping village, garden centre, labyrinth and monkey forest with 140 monkeys and 12 new arrivals!

Fourth stage: Wales

Powis Castle

There are plenty of highlights on the fourth leg of the Tour of Britain – including some of Wales’ finest attractions. The stage is set at Powis Castle, a wonderfully preserved medieval monument that houses many treasures from India. If that’s not enough to keep you entertained, there’s also a 26 acre garden to enjoy.

Another highlight from the ‘Land of Song’ is, appropriately, the National Cycle Collection at Llandrindod Wells, which should come in useful if any of the riders get a puncture – assuming they can ride Boneshakers. Finally, the highest point of the Tour is a climb of the majestic Brecon Beacons mountain range.

Fifth stage: Dartmoor

The next leg takes place entirely in Devon, so it seems only fitting to choose one of the county’s most loved areas as its highlight. The wild moorland peaks and tors of Dartmoor make for a lovely secluded place to visit – though this is probably why it’s going to be the least popular with competitors!

The highest point of the Devon stretch is located outside The Warren House Inn. At 1425ft above sea level, this is said to be the third highest pub in England. At least if you make it up there you’re guaranteed a warm welcome – the fire inside the pub has supposedly been burning since 1845!

Sixth stage: Cheddar Gorge

The real life Helms Deep

With its steep inclines, dramatic peaks and amazing views, Cheddar Gorge in Somerset makes an ideal location for walkers, climbers cavers and cyclists.

The route up through the limestone gorge is the first serious climb of the day and, due to its popularity with tourists, is probably going to be one of the most crowded spectator spots on the tour.

The oldest complete human skeleton was found in the gorge. Supposedly dating from 7150 BC, ‘Cheddar Man’ subsequently upped sticks and moved to London when he became famous. He now resides in the Natural History Museum in London, though a replica is exhibited in the Cheddar museum. Another interesting fact: JRR Tolkien came to the area on honeymoon in 1916. It’s thought that the Cheddar caves may have inspired the cavernous stronghold of Helm’s Deep from The Two Towers. Whether that’s true or not is up for you to decide. Either way, it’s an undeniably otherwordly location.

Seventh stage: Sandringham Estate

Sandringham House Garden

The penultimate leg of the Tour finishes with a sprint to the Sandringham Estate, so you should have plenty of time to enjoy the house and gardens before it gets too crowded!

The official Sandringham website recommends at least 4 hours to explore everything, so let’s see what’s on offer…

Built in 1870 by the Prince and Princess of Wales, Sandringham is now the rather large holiday home of Her Majesty The Queen and His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh. Take a trip through the house and you’ll find guides in every room ready to answer any questions you may have. Some of the more interesting curios are held in the estate’s museum, however, which houses gifts from state trips abroad. If you have the energy there are 24 hectares of gardens to explore outside, so don’t be surprised to find yourself as tired the Tour pack when they arrive at the end of the stage!

Last stage: London

As a 24-hour city, it goes without saying that London is filled with activities, so we’re sure you don’t need us to recommend something to see or do! After several days touring through the relative tranquility of some of England, Scotland and Wales’ most scenic locales, the vibrant capital will make a welcome contrast for both competitors and spectators – though we wouldn’t surprised if everyone favours an early night after the finish at Whitehall!

Find more info on the Tour website.

Please visit the main cottages4you website if you fancy taking your own tour of Britain. You can search by map, region or price.

 

 

 

Pendle Predator – a few pics

Thanks to all the competitors who braved the elements to take part in the Pendle Predator on Sunday – not to mention the people who turned up to cheer them on!

We’re going to try and get some comments from the fearless cottages4you team (once they’ve got their breath back!) but in the meantime here are some pics from the day, taken by Kath Preston and Andrea Hanson.

And they're off!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Over the hills...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And far away!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

That's the spirit!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Heather reaches the finish line.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A much needed rest - well done team!

 

The Pendle Predator diary – Heather O

The cottages4you sponsored Predator and Mini Predator cycle races take place in the hills of Pendle this Sunday (7 August 2011). So we thought we’d introduce some of our competitors and give them an opportunity to share their training tips and experiences so far.

Our next competitor is Campaign Planning Coordinator and recent cycling convert Heather Osborne (far right of pic).

What made you decide to take part in the Predator / Mini Predator?

2011 is a year of challenges for me – completed my first Triathlon in May, competed in my first Salterforth Drag race in June and now the Predator . . . . sorry Mini Predator, although im not sure there’s nothing mini about 65miles!!! Ha ha ha

I enjoy keeping fit and am active but having these events to train for has given me something to focus on and work towards, especially as I’m get married on October 1st.  I haven’t ridden a bike in years and years but got hooked when I trained for the triathlon, ordered a brand new Cube bike and signed up for the Predator!

What’s your training regime been like?

Up until a couple of weeks ago I went out on my bike a few times a week (about 15-20mile routes) ensuring to include some good hills as I’ve heard horror stories about those we’ll experience on the route!!  Some weekends I’ve joined others on longer 30 and 40 mile rides and this weekend I completed 30 miles on Saturday and 40 miles on Sunday (taking in Waddington Fell) in preparation for next week.  Had to stop my training the week before last due to illness but back on with it now.  I’m hoping that cycling, circuits and swimming will have prepared me enough for the challenge of the Predator!!! Wish me luck!!!

How long do you think it will take you to finish the course?

I’d love to say 6½-7 hours but realistically I think I’ll be looking at 7-8 hours

Any tips to share with your fellow competitors?

Ride your own race.  It’s a long route so take things easy and don’t burn out on the hills: there’ll be plenty to conquer! Most importantly, enjoy and look around – stunning views the whole way!

Thanks Heather!

The Pendle Predator is part of Pendle Cycle Fest 2011. If you’re in the area on Sunday why not pop down and enjoy a host of fun family activities at the Rolls Royce Sports Ground in Barnoldswick. Find more details on the website.

The Pendle Predator diary – Jamie H

The cottages4you sponsored Predator and Mini Predator cycle races take place in the hills of Pendle this Sunday (7 August 2011). So we thought we’d introduce some of our competitors and give them an opportunity to share their training tips and experiences so far.

First up, Web wizard Jamie Harrop on ‘Granny Gear’, walking like a duck and a little bit about cycling…

What made you decide to take part in the Mini Predator?

Honestly? I was convinced by the women in Marketing. I can’t say no to women. It’s a serious issue I really need to deal with because it means I end up doing crazy challenges like this one! “It’ll be fun” they said. “I’m an idiot”, I said. At the end of the day, I’m just a Web designer who does nothing but click a mouse button all day. Still, I reckon I’ll do better at cycling than Chris Hoy would do at designing Web sites.

What’s your training regime been like?

My what? Typing on this keyboard and clicking my mouse all day means I’ll be able to hold on to the handlebars quite tight, if that counts. On a serious note, I’ve done a little, but not as much as I would have liked. My longest ride so far was a 40 miler in wind, rain and fog around Settle. That was fun, apart from the cycling part. I’ve done a few leg weights in the gym (and then spent a week walking like a duck). I’ve done a few 10 and 20 mile rides, but nothing too structured or regular. I’m keeping myself fresh (and fat) for the actual race. Wish me luck!

How long do you think it will take you to finish the course?

I’m hoping for less than six hours, but having never done a ride of this distance I really have no idea how long it’ll take me. Just as long as I come in before dark and don’t trouble Mountain Rescue in finding me, I’ll be a happy cyclist.

Any tips to share with your fellow competitors?

I’m competitive. Very, very competitive. If you overtake me, I’ll push you off. You have been warned!

Seriously, (I’m taking this race very seriously, as you can tell), take it steady from the start. Get plenty of speed uphill, and keep the speed up. The last thing you want to do is slow down half way up a hill, slip the bike in to Granny Gear and then spend 15minutes slowing grinding uphill. I mean you’ll be laughed at in Granny Gear, and you really don’t want that. People laughing at you hurts far more than aching legs. And on that note, I guess this ride is going to hurt me…

Thanks Jamie!

The Pendle Predator is part of Pendle Cycle Fest 2011. If you’re in the area on Sunday why not pop down and enjoy a host of fun family activities at the Rolls Royce Sports Ground in Barnoldswick. Find more details on the website.

Launching Pendle Cycle Fest 2011

Who left those signs there?

We recently spent a sunny Tuesday on the hills of Pendle launching Pendle Cycle Fest 2011. Now known as the ‘Pendle Predator’, this year’s main event is set to take in some of the region’s most stunning, but challenging, terrain – and as twice as many cottages4you staff are taking part in 2011, we expect we’re going to hear how much harder it is for most of August.

National Elite Series winner, and local cyclist, Ian Wilkinson and National Cyclo-cross Champion Paul Oldham, also a local rider, were joined by our very own Nick Rudge and Brian Cookson, Executive Director of Pendle Borough Council to launch the event in the best possible way: by getting back in the saddle and exploring the route.

Nick said (presumably before attempting the course): ‘We’ve been delighted to sponsor the event for the last 4 years and have seen it get bigger and better each year. It is such a fantastic showcase for the Pendle area and really pays tribute to the stunning routes we have around us. The event gives us chance to give back to the community and encourage everybody to get out on the bike and find out how much fun cycling brings to all.’

The launch team

The launch also attracted young cyclists from Cycle Sport Pendle, who were not too far behind the elite. Ian Wilkinson, who rides for Team Endura said ‘The Pendle Cycle Fest is so great for the area. Being a regular rider at Colne Grand Prix I find that you always try harder at home and then support drives you on. The crowds are always so great here. Riding for Team Endura I have team mates from all over the country and whenever they come here to race they always stick around for a while and comment on what a fantastic place it is to ride, you have national parks and stunning moors all within a 5mile radius.’

The Pendle Predator Cycle Challenge is part of Pendle Cycle Fest which also includes a free cycle show on the 7th August and the thrills and spills of street racing at the Colne Grand Prix on Wednesday 13th July.

We’re going to run plenty more coverage on the cottages4you blog in the run-up to the event. In the meantime, if you fancy signing up or finding out more please visit: www.pendlepredator.co.uk.

 

Jackie’s National Cyclo Sportive experience

Woke up Saturday, after a fitful sleep, very nervous but Mark was also feeling the same so we understood each others nerves! Managed to get some porridge down, heard this was a good option to have!

We got to the parking area in good time – 7.45am, pockets loaded and spare inner tube etc in bike bag wow was I going to need it! We met  up with the rest of the cottages4you team and Mark’s colleagues from Hope down at the start line about 1 mile from the parking area, noticing that we’d have a very steep hill to go back up once the ride was over.

Everyone was buzzing, the ‘long ride’ riders started setting off from 8am, people were queuing up to receive their timing chips and some were even still registering.  It was sunny and clear – we all stood together and set off from approx 8.35am, fully stocked up with fluids including free Gatorade!.

The adrenalin was working, I’d done the first part of the ride out of Barley on Monday – I wanted to get up the hill no slower than 5mph but found it so easy I was going at least 8mph. I caught up with Peter R and luckily stayed with him because at 3.5 miles I had my first puncture – going 35mph down the hill towards Downham – our MD, Geoff thought someone had shot at us!  I thought it was over but Peter stopped and so did Aaron, Pete and Matty – Peter R started to take my back wheel off as I was clueless but I did ask ‘why do you have to take that off when it’s the front’? LOL – the guys were great – I only had 1 spare inner tube and the ‘repair car’ gave me another – (Caroline got the bill, thanks!).  I can’t thanks these 4 enough for saving me and getting me back on track!

Next miss-hap was poor Wendy, within minutes of my stop - James had a problem with his gears and as he stopped Wendy didn’t and went flying over her handle bars – were we doomed – she picked herself up though and we continued on to Waddington Fell - passing Nic pushing his bike out of Downham…he really meant it when he said he hadn’t trained for this!

Straight up to the top of Waddy Fell, photo shoot at the top and wow it was fast going down the other side – a bit scary with the gravely edges of the roads – I was a little bit apprehensive with the speeds – touching 40mph when you don’t know the road is daunting – but my friend Doc Kenny told me later he went down at 58mph! Where was everyone else though?

Peter, Pete and I caught up with Geoff and we saw a sign for the feed station 1km,  but it was more like 5km till we got to Chipping – a chance to all catch up and refresh – and another photoshoot – sorry Matt again for dropping your camera.  Geoff fixed his shoes and we were off again!  It was boiling and we had some tough hills to get up, we motivated each other to keep going,  some hills made us curse, but I wasn’t getting off – up Longridge Fell, down the other side – I was pushing 40mph again – feeling great, another drink stop in Clitheroe to recharge.

The Nick of Pendle was OK, I had a gel drink at the bottom and got my head down, I saw the others behind me and thought I would get down the other side and wait at the bottom, I was going at 38mph when I had another puncture – I didn’t want to slow them down again so I went over to the side of the road and got the wheel off as I’d seen them  do before  - I did try and ring Mark as I thought he’d be wondering where I was – it was about 1pm.  No reply so I thought ‘sod it’ and I managed to get the inner tube out, tried to feel inside for anything and got the new one in and was fighting with it when a lovely lady rider stopped to offer her help.  She was the only one out of about a dozen riders who did.  By this point I was black from the rubber and so cross I managed to get it almost back on when Matty and Aaron, my knights in shinning armour appeared to save the day!  Peter had gone past and thought I was ahead of him still so Mark was starting to think something was wrong  when he got back before me.

Back on the bike I was just going through Sabden when my phone rang - Linda asking what time I’d finished – argh!
So we all decided to stick together going up Black Hill to make sure we all got back- oh what a hill!  My ‘cateye’ had stopped working – in my temper to change my tyre I’d knocked it, it was absolutely boiling now – and the hills were still appearing in front of us, we couldn’t wait to get back.  My friend Faulky rode on to meet us – nearly back, up the last little hill after Jinny Lane and on the flat back to Barley – I felt like we could carry on.

Matty, Aaron and I rode over the finishing line at 5:26hrs, Pet, Geoff and Wendy just behind us – I  hugged everyone in sight!  Geoff treated us all to a beer at the pub to celebrate whilst we waitied for the others to get back.  It was a very emotional day, we all enjoyed it and the company was amazing-  a great bunch of people to do it with and I will definitely be doing it next year!!
Honestly – you get over the saddle sores and it’s a fantastic feeling of achievement, so get on your bike and join us!

Thanks to everyone who offered encouragement, sponsors, Andrea for the day off work and Claire for working solo – plus Caroline for organising it and not laughing when I said I wanted to do it!

Jackie rode in the National Cyclo-Sportive at the recent Pendle Cycle Festival. Find more info on the event website.

The cottages4you team are raising money for Pendleside Hospice. You can sponsor the team on their Just Giving page and find more info on the hospice website.

The National Road Race Championships

Sunday  saw the men’s and women’s National Road Race Championships as part of Pendle Cycle Fest, both of which contained levels of excitement, drama, grit and determination severely lacking from a certain other sporting event that day.

Things got off to a bad start in the women’s event as a large crash involving several competitors took place on a 50 mph descent between Roughlee and Barley. The race was stopped for over an hour as ambulances arrived on the scene to tend to the injured.

The race restarted with the original 8 laps now trimmed to 4. A shorter race seemed to buoy the competitors into an aggressive ride with a lot of attacking. Cervelo team member, Emma Pooley eventually made her move, seizing the lead and going on to win the race. Her teammate, Lizzie Armistead took the Silver medal with Nicole Cooke taking Bronze.

The men’s event was equally electrifying with a dramatic early break for Jeremy Hunt. However, like most of the other competitors, Hunt was soon feeling the heat on the hills and was eventually bested by 3 members of the Sky Pro Cycling team. Geraint Thomas took Gold, with teammates Peter Kennaugh and Ian Stannard taking Silver and Bronze respectively.

Photo by Larry Hickmott from British Cycling.

Jackie’s final Cycle Fest training diary

The last week or so has been a bit of a blur with bike and work training
so here’s my last blog….

As I write this there’s just 2 more sleeps to go……
My belly does somersaults at the thought of Saturday, I have visions of
my legs being so wobbly that I won’t be able to set off or get off when
I’m on it!!!!

Been doing lots of 10/15 mile bike rides, making sure there are plenty
of hills, not pushed myself too much as I’ve read what the pros do to
prepare.  Everyone is offering advice, my friend Faulky has given me a
gel pack and glucose sachet to mix with my drink for when I ‘bonk’???
(cycling term)!!  My husband Mark is also doing the ride with his
company ‘Hope’ so he’s constantly telling me what to do/not to do, he
knows I am so competitive that I’m at risk of starting too hard so that
I’ll have an empty tank at the end.

Do I stay in the saddle to go up a hill or stand up? Eat pasta the night
before, have a Guinness as well, try and eat something first thing, eat
every 20 minutes on the ride??

Do I wear shorts with or without,  trainers or cycling shoes – I have
decided definitely trainers as those of you who know me know how clumsy
I am, I can’t get my head round the quick release action of the shoes
and don’t want to cause a pile up!

We’ve all had lots of support from family, friends and colleagues, I am
sure everyone will be glad when it’s over but if one more person asks me
if I’m doing the ‘long’ or ‘short’ option I may swing for them – what’s
short about 50 miles of climbing steep, windy roads???  If you think
it’s short get your bike out and join us!!!
Still waiting for offers from volunteers to push me up the last hill,
you can email/text me or just be there on the day!

Yesterday I was told to expect temperatures of 30, today the BBC said highs of 22 with sunny
intervals…wind 6mph, so that’s ok’ish.  My mum has suggested I take a
little bag with a sponge in to keep myself cool…

Thanks to everyone who has sponsored us and offered words of
encouragement – why didn’t you try and talk me out of it??  No seriously
I have started a hobby I will keep going for a long time, hopefully. A
very big thank you again to Hope and Ian for my fantastic bike and to
Angelene for the 4 pack of ‘Pepperoni’ to enjoy with my curry Saturday
evening!!!  I will be thinking of you too x

Good luck to everyone and remember if you have to go up a hill – you’ll
be able to enjoy the descent – but think of what’s happened to Sir Steve
Redgrave and don’t go too fast!  It’s a ride not a race.
(and Duffy – I have tried to check for spellings/grammar!!)

Jackie is training for the National Cyclo-Sportive at Saturday’s Pendle Cycle Festival. Find more info on the event website.

The cottages4you team are raising money for Pendleside Hospice. You can sponsor the team on their Just Giving page and find more info on the hospice website.

Good luck to Jackie, the cottages4you team and all the other entrants.

Jackie’s Cycle Fest training diary pt 6

Saturday 6th Simple ride to work and back – 6.5 miles only today.

Sunday 7th Walk to Foulridge with Mark – only 1 pint of Guinness today!  I can’t stay off it – great iron provider! Got 1/2 way home and the heavens opened – totally drenched again – 2nd time in 2 days!  Don’t want another cold!

Monday 7th Bike ride to Rylstone again with Mark first thing – same route I did on 23rd May – drenched again and windy!  Managed to improve my time to 15.2mph.  Feeling more confident – just worried about that last assent at the end of the ride on the 26th June as even Ben is telling me it’s horrendous!  I think my colleagues should offer to push us up it or have a relay team of pushers???  Would that be allowed?

Tuesday 8th 12 mile ride around the local roads, saw my nephew Jacob who wanted to know what all the gadgets did on my bike – wanted me to show him how the quick release levers work on the wheels but I was worried I might have a wheel drop off if I tried.  Still need to learn how to change a puncture – I have all the gear but haven’t done one since my dad showed me as a child…….

Wednesday 9th 3 mile jog before work – seem to have slowed down, can really tell a difference now as my legs aren’t used to carrying the load anymore!!  Back to 10 minute miles!

Thursday 10th My daughter Katie’s 14th birthday so no exercise today!

Friday 11th 9.5 miles Greenberfield to Brogden then met Mark down the bar – even had a curry, read not to do this before a big ride and I know why…

Saturday 12th Nothing today – as working.

Sunday 13th Took Katie to Manchester shopping! I hate shopping and I’d heard the forecast was supposed to be good – guess what – great English summer it rained again so for once I was glad not to have to dry the bike down again – I am looking after it better than my family – they are starting to get fed up of it being in the dining room! 13 days to go …..

Jackie is training for the National Cyclo-Sportive at this month’s Pendle Cycle Festival. Find more info on the event website.

The cottages4you team are raising money for Pendleside Hospice. You can sponsor the team on their Just Giving page and find more info on the hospice website.

Ben’s Cycle Fest training diary pt 6

Wed 9th June - Not quite recovered from the weekend, seem to have picked a cold up in the big smoke, but managed an easy hour.

Thu 10th June - 1.5 hours. Went quite well despite feeling as rough as rats. Got up the nasty hill out of Carleton without having to get out of the saddle too often.

Sat 12th June - 2 hours – I figured the roads would be quiet whilst England were playing / chasing the ball around. They were, and I had probably the best ride of the year.

Sun 13th June - 3 hours – Got soaked, but didn’t care as my legs felt good. Got up to 47mph down Waddington Fell, but it did take 20 minutes to get up it first!

Tue 15th June - 1.5 hours – Hilly, still feeling good, but will it last…?

I think I may have found a secret weapon for getting around the course http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Nd13ARuvVE (Watch from about 1:40)

Ben is training for the National Cyclo-Sportive at this month’s Pendle Cycle Festival. Find more info on the event website.