tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-58011313478816937742024-03-13T21:38:25.173+00:00crossjunkiethe ups and downs of a mud (and classics) obsessioncrossjunkiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12038909994121091859noreply@blogger.comBlogger309125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5801131347881693774.post-55830271204512513442014-09-10T16:24:00.001+01:002014-09-10T16:24:06.456+01:00Fluent in Cross and the Crossjunkie blog<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2F7jWZo1hVOkMnarR1P4azZeHVaHYt-97HfUzI-CKdEOoZ7crPKGNN43q12H6tVusxrWLpizRjU8hz3oN6izS-rcoci01OF9pJbhZqiS-K6okMg7YZJh_3lDUCNuRGHPuwf9QqM2lh8Q/s1600/Tod+Cross+pic+Dave+Haygarth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2F7jWZo1hVOkMnarR1P4azZeHVaHYt-97HfUzI-CKdEOoZ7crPKGNN43q12H6tVusxrWLpizRjU8hz3oN6izS-rcoci01OF9pJbhZqiS-K6okMg7YZJh_3lDUCNuRGHPuwf9QqM2lh8Q/s1600/Tod+Cross+pic+Dave+Haygarth.jpg" height="550" width="640" /></a></div>
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My new project Fluent in Cross is now live at <a href="http://www.fluentincross.co.uk/">www.fluentincross.co.uk</a> <br />
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As such, FiC will become the vehicle for most of my cyclocross related musings and output, leaving this blog as a more personal reflection on my ongiong relationship with cycling and 'cross in particular.<br />
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As FiC occupies more of my time and energy, activity on this page is likely to remain light, but do check back in now and again for some 'cross related chinwagging.<br />
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Thanks for being around over the past 6 years or so.crossjunkiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12038909994121091859noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5801131347881693774.post-87743567025658409962014-07-24T09:51:00.000+01:002014-07-24T09:51:39.067+01:00Fluent in Cross cyclocross coaching days - Summer 14<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyR0IKPgX6AoXYinGSLdCI2oeIhNXmumLUCqitfzAqhz3z7EJVkXp-NGd4swfkonDV4jKN60vGU_yr3GHUbT-r8yUhpqE-VEBclBKiWxxfWqnQzhZAwSHOMnGWEkA9C6q-Xb7IF7VxHSA/s1600/9879909445_43ecfac3d6_b1-1024x430.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyR0IKPgX6AoXYinGSLdCI2oeIhNXmumLUCqitfzAqhz3z7EJVkXp-NGd4swfkonDV4jKN60vGU_yr3GHUbT-r8yUhpqE-VEBclBKiWxxfWqnQzhZAwSHOMnGWEkA9C6q-Xb7IF7VxHSA/s1600/9879909445_43ecfac3d6_b1-1024x430.jpg" height="267" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pic: Jo Allen</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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New to cyclocross? Want to improve on your skills for the 2014/15
season? Learn from Fluent in Cross with BC qualified coach Mark Turner
and myself...<br />
<ul>
<li>Friendly and fun coaching in the basics as well as more advanced cyclocross skills</li>
<li>Hands-on instruction including live video analysis to become ‘Fluent in Cross’…</li>
<li>Max ratio of 1 coach per 10 riders</li>
</ul>
<strong>When:</strong><br />
Saturday August 22nd 9:30 am – 4:30 pm OR<br />
Saturday 13 September 2014 9:30am - 4:30pm<br />
<br />
<strong>Where:</strong><br />
Towneley Park, Burnley and surrounding woods<br />
<br />
<strong>Who:</strong><br />
All abilities, women riders and beginners particularly welcome (over 14s)<br />
<br />
<strong>How much:</strong><br />
£65 per person for the full day<br />
<br />
Instruction will include…<br />
<ul>
<li>The dismount and remount sequence: how to be smooth and save time</li>
<li>Carrying and shouldering the bike comfortably and efficiently</li>
<li>Bike handling – ride better and faster no matter what the conditions</li>
<li>Cornering techniques</li>
<li>Off-cambers and other tricky terrain</li>
<li>Barriers & run-ups</li>
<li>Race starts</li>
<li>Equipment selection and set up</li>
<li>The FiC Mud Arts of tyre choice and tyre pressure</li>
<li>Race day preparation – recce laps and warm up</li>
</ul>
Full details and online booking <a href="http://fluentincross.co.uk/fluent-in-cross-coaching-days/" target="_blank">here </a>crossjunkiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12038909994121091859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5801131347881693774.post-21655846377082955432014-06-18T13:20:00.002+01:002014-06-18T13:20:27.278+01:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Regular visitors to this page will have noticed a paucity of posts over the last few months. This has in part been due to an accident-induced lack of riding and therefore lack of inspiration on my part, but also as my energies and thoughts have been elsewhere on a separate 'cross related project.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.fluentincross.co.uk/" target="_blank">Fluent in Cross</a> has been bubbling away in the background of my mind for some time now, and is beginning to take shape behind the scenes ready for an Autumn launch. Part cyclocross technique primer, part blog and part boutique store, FiC will hopefully become a go-to site for the aspiring weekend racer looking to hone their technique, acquire niche cyclocross products that are hard to source, or tap into the collective experience of our team for more personalised coaching support to achieve their 'cross goals.<br />
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Either way, visit our blog at <a href="http://fluentincross.wordpress.com/">http://fluentincross.wordpress.com</a> to check in on our progress and get a feel for some of the content to come.<br />
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<br />crossjunkiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12038909994121091859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5801131347881693774.post-22456508352252146772014-04-29T11:12:00.000+01:002014-06-18T15:46:35.195+01:00Despatches from the Cone of Shame<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">It’s part comforter, part tormenter and definitely a fashion
statement for the ‘broken’. We’ve been together nearly 4 weeks now, but
have plenty more time planned for each other in the near future
following my self-induced up-ending and subsequent fracturing of two
vertebrae (C7 and T4 for the curious) in a crash at the end of March.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">They
gave me a fetching two-part Cone of Shame neck brace at the hospital
with instructions to take it easy and not take it off for 12 weeks. At
all. With no frame of reference for this type of situation, nor any
experience of ever having broken any bone, let alone my neck and back,
it’s fair to say it has been an interesting and steep learning curve. As
a moderately, well ok, extensively obsessive rider, I thought the
hardest part would be dealing with not being able to ride. Of course I
asked the consultant in the hospital lots of questions about my
condition.... Nothing useful about the actual condition itself you
understand, more about when I could ride (not for a long time), if
running was possible (NO!) and when I could get on the turbo (when you
feel able). That bit stuck in my memory - excellent, I can turbo as soon
as I am ready. This will be easy then, I’ll get screaming fit on the
turbo over the next few weeks and this whole thing will be a minor
inconvenience.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Except my level of denial (strangely called
‘stupidity’ by my wife) was somewhat higher than my level of
functioning. Three weeks of shuffling around the house, fairly constant
pain, codeine induced fuzziness and an incredible lethargy the like of
which I have never known, rapidly disabused me of the notion that this
was a minor blip in proceedings and that normal service would be resumed
soon.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Things are picking up though – my energy and mobility are
slowly returning, my bikes are polished to perfection ready for the day
when they can be ridden and I’ve sat on a turbo, albeit for 5 mins. That
earned me a Grade A b&llocking off my wife. Given that I unwisely
posted the moment on social media (while she was away) and was summarily
told off using said media, team mate Dave Haygarth commented it was
like watching a schoolboy showing off to his mates only for his Mum to
come out and tear him off a strip in front of them. Her concern was
understandable but actually, sitting on the turbo felt considerably more
comfortable than walking because of the way my neck was supported by
the brace and the fact that all the movement takes place from the hip
down. I look forward to some gentle sessions on the turbo starting soon.
And all safe in the knowledge that the winter ‘cross season is still a
good few months away yet and provides a realistic carrot to aim for
without pressure to get back too quick. See you in the mud!</span> crossjunkiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12038909994121091859noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5801131347881693774.post-16265227744147619332014-04-04T12:12:00.000+01:002014-04-04T12:12:37.496+01:00Chute<br />
Chute, valpartij, incidente, choque......<br />
<br />
If you ride a bike, at some point you will crash. Pro cyclists know this as an inescapable part of the job, the 'metier' of being a professional bike rider. Many mentally allow for a certain number of crashes per year, hoping that none will be too serious and put them out of action for long. It is a part of their existence that they neither welcome, nor deny, but just work through. Cycling lore is choc full of stories of suffering, of incredible feats against injury, of overcoming physical damage that would put most of us out of the running for any activity for a while, let alone the brutal world of professional racing. Hinault's broken nose, Hamilton's collarbone, Hoogerlands barbed wire injuries....all legend.<br />
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But what of the amateur or recreational cyclist, one for whom riding (and therefore it's flip side, crashing) is merely a hobby, an obsessive one perhaps, but not a means of making a living from day to day. How does the act of falling from one's bike, self-inflicted or otherwise pan out in a life only part-lived on and for the bike?<br />
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I had the chance to reflect on this the other day, when managing to have my most serious crash in some while, solo and with only my own stupidity to contribute to its execution. The act of crashing is a strange one, and influenced to some degree by who is around you. In a group ride or race, there's the unusual noise of tyres rubbing, a skid or bits of metal clashing that jumps out from the normal noises of group riding, and precursors what can be a frightening and all consuming barrage of noise and movement, depending on how caught up you are in it. Crashing solo (or at least without anyone or anything specific to precipitate it) is different. A lapse of concentration, the sudden realisation that things are not as they should be in terms of line, balance or speed - the silence of it all as it goes wrong in front of you. With you. As part instigator, part passenger.<br />
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My own recent crash was a surreal mix of calm, noise and total confusion. A moment of calm when I realised I had got both my speed and my line totally wrong for a left-right combination, bordered on its right hand edge by a dry stone wall right next to the tarmac. It was all calm in the sense of there being nothing I could realistically do to get round the bend, so it was a question of waiting, with a bizarre curiosity to see how things would unfold at this point. After hitting the wall with my right hand and handlebar, it all went quiet for a little while. It was a bit confusing really, knowing that something was happening, but not being sure exactly what. The contact between my head and the tarmac moments later broke the spell, with the whole of my right side grounding an instant later to emphasise the point that things had probably not gone too well.<br />
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The aftermath of crashing is a funny-old affair - childhood habits kick in, those years of social conditioning of not wanting to betray the fact that you are hurt, stiff upper lip stuff (don't cry it's not manly, at least not at the age of 45), jumping up and walking around when by rights you should be sat down assessing things, and of course the biggest question and daftest thing of all - is my bike/clothing/sunglassess etc all right? Cycling at the higher levels, at least, is known as a sport of suffering. So, to call yourself a cyclist, it follows that you have to get back on, to shrug it off and to at least ride on a little while before succumbing gracefully and in a dignified manner to the fact that your injuries are severe enough for it not to be sensible to continue. Curling up in a ball, having a little cry and generally throwing in the towel are not really where it's at, however appealing at the time.<br />
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To be fair, there are also usually some practicalities involved around getting home somehow, unless you are unfortunate enough to need transportation by ambulance. This wasn't the case for me, so coasting down the hill, as others in the same event passed me, the consternation of friends enquiries in my ears, penetrating through the fog of pain and adrenaline, I settled in for a short ride back to where I had parked the car. With a hug from a friend at event HQ, that nearly precipitated a 'dangerous' display of tears and emotion, I got myself home before I felt any worse. And entered the world of the recently-crashed recuperating rider. And into a world of road rash, bruising, recrimination, financial calculations as to the cost of damaged stuff and the complex mash-up of concern and reproach from loved ones. In an age of social media selfies, I had to resist the temptation to bare more than was appropriate and demonstrate to the world, who must have been waiting with bated breath, just how I had hurt myself. I resisted on the grounds that such self-obsession is a little misplaced when others have hurt themselves far worse, and besides Tony Martin cornered the market and had the last word in <a href="http://bikesandbidons.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/tdf100tonymartininjuries.jpg" target="_blank">road rash pics</a> last year.<br />
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Road rash. That's a tortuous bedfellow if ever there was one. Add in some choice bruising and you have a combination that conspires in a perfect storm to prevent sleep and rest just at a time when you need it most. Your only hope for sleep is that you can find even one position where lying in vague comfort is possible, though this is usually rendered irrelevant when in your half-awake state you forgetfully move and find one of the other million and one positions in which it hurts and wake yourself up all over again.<br />
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After a few days of this but with some fairly severe neck pain to boot, I began to wonder if I had done something more than a bruising and rash job on my body. The fact that I had split my helmet in the crash had surprisingly not informed my thinking up to this point, at least in terms of getting checked out. Too much 'man-up' and not enough common sense I would venture. A trip to Urgent Care prompted X-Rays and then......... the sort of quiet, calm response from an ever increasing number of medical professionals arriving from nowhere and saying 'do not move' and 'do exactly as I say' that directly impinged on even my blunted sense of self preservation to suggest that actually something might be up with my neck.<br />
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Five hours of lying immobilised in foam blocks, a c spine board and a rapid trip for a cat scan at another hospital as well as contact with a number of serious-minded and senior doctors, confirmed 2 fractures to my vertebrae (C7 and T5) and landed me in an immobilsing neck brace for 12 weeks. And induced a very intense feeling of having been extremely lucky that I walked out of the hospital unaided.<br />
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There was already for me, prior to that visit to hospital, a sense of balancing the 'what might have been' with a future full of the desire to ride still and the risk of doing something again - I had after all, split my helmet in the crash. But the realisation that I had been not just lucky, but <i>extremely</i> lucky will take some further processing and balancing in my head in the months to come. Any lesson to take from this? Go and get yourself checked out if you have a big crash. Notions of epic suffering, being tough, Pro and the like mean nothing when faced with a potentially serious complication that might otherwise remain undiagnosed. And Ride Safe out there.......<br />
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<br />crossjunkiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12038909994121091859noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5801131347881693774.post-88563633722381991872014-03-31T17:52:00.000+01:002014-03-31T17:52:34.276+01:00Stone Riders<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="281" mozallowfullscreen="" src="//player.vimeo.com/video/90415025" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe><br />
<br />
Dave Haygarth writes:<br />
<br />
<span class="_50f4"></span><br />
Like all people who do not realise that we are all cyclists at heart, <a class="profileLink" href="https://www.facebook.com/david.bramwell.96" target="_blank">David Bramwell</a>
went and inadvertently wrote a song about cycling. He just needed this
video to let him know that. PLEASE SHARE THIS, because... <br />
As
you may know, the new Oddfellow's LP is finally coming out in May via a
Kickstarter-style French record label, Microcultures.<br />
There are a lot of goodies on offer, from unreleased <span class="text_exposed_show">material
to album artwork and even the chance to have Oddfellow's record a cover
of your favourite song (provided you don't ask for Side One of Tubular
Bells).</span><br />
<div class="text_exposed_show">
All support is
gratefully received and you'll get a lovely CD featuring the plaintive
sounds of a band at the peak of their powers!<br />
A link is below has all the information you need to know. <a href="http://www.microcultures.fr/oddfellowscasino/?status=on%2F%3Flang%3Den" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.microcultures.fr/oddfellowscasino/?status=on%2F%3Flang%3Den</a><br />
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fvimeo.com%2F90415025&h=9AQHtx4nI&enc=AZM1-Br4LN7BBsEKU52chz0kAzH02pALUgPw6mOS5Didm3zt_jp7a7AiXCeMgoeQfmJXjuqu-5Gz6V4p_tpTyjFIEWCqj0eH_5s94GK_EWJRrbPG8lrJDSMcen2rjz2YV1cutVAG6gbrBh7PqME7qtEY&s=1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://vimeo.com/90415025</a></div>
crossjunkiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12038909994121091859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5801131347881693774.post-1880359258226734382014-03-04T11:53:00.001+00:002014-03-04T12:27:10.912+00:00Ronde van Oost Lancashire update<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoEcL443QXdH0bdYzq0iELAHAz5ZFGWcWSLTdsj5XW1_Q70UPASIa-SkZGOozR8SuPwiGkl4dNwizRgkfVTdSZA0-GNJr8Ff5bTZVgv1Ln0bJ2-jxDit8m4E25g3k-UKd82z8228ZwfPs/s1600/5583100375_88ca5f91cf_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoEcL443QXdH0bdYzq0iELAHAz5ZFGWcWSLTdsj5XW1_Q70UPASIa-SkZGOozR8SuPwiGkl4dNwizRgkfVTdSZA0-GNJr8Ff5bTZVgv1Ln0bJ2-jxDit8m4E25g3k-UKd82z8228ZwfPs/s1600/5583100375_88ca5f91cf_b.jpg" height="294" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Andy Waterman's shots for the Cycling Plus feature on the Ronde, 2011</td></tr>
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I won't be running the Ronde van Oost Lancashire this year. Or any other year.<br />
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After last year's cancellation due to adverse weather, I sat down and thought long and hard about the wisdom of running an unsanctioned, unlicensed and uninsured event that was beginning to attract well over 100 riders. What started through my own personal obsession with cobbles and was shared with a few mates, had grown into something altogether different, and though I and others loved the informal vibe that RvOL had developed, at the end of the day we live in a litigious society....<br />
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I considered running RvOL as an event, for paid up punters and with proper insurance but felt on balance that that was not what I had in mind personally when I set it up, nor to be frank did I have the inclination to spend the time doing it. Besides, there are some great events out there, similar in style and certainly showcasing some of the same great countryside.<br />
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So, thanks to everyone who turned up over 3 years - riding with you was a privilege. And huge thanks to David and Laura from SportSunday who provided for the 2nd and 3rd runnings, a free cake stop the like of which we are unlikely to see repeated.<br />
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<strike>RvOL is dead, Long live RvOL.......</strike> <strike>Richard from The Green Jersey shop in Clitheroe has taken on the name of the ride, and with an altered, solely Lancashire based route is putting on a cobble-themed event to coincide with the Tour of Flanders pro race on Sunday 6th April. Details <a href="https://www.britishcycling.org.uk/events/details/106442/Ronde-van-Oost-Lancashire" target="_blank">here</a></strike><br />
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<strike>I may see you there. Or I may just sneak off and ride my old route. Just for old times sakes.... </strike><br />
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UPDATE: No sooner had I posted this piece, than I learned that the Green Jersey Ronde has been cancelled. Sorry....<br />
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So, instead I urge you to find some time in your diaries and go for an adventure round the route on your own sometime.. Full route details on the right hand side of this page.<br />
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<br />crossjunkiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12038909994121091859noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5801131347881693774.post-35185985069638230452014-01-09T21:22:00.000+00:002014-01-13T11:00:19.320+00:00Kerstperiode racing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Even for a cyclocross obsessed nation like Belgium, it is excessive. Six elite races in eight days between Boxing Day and Jan 2nd. Welcome to the <i>kerstperiode.</i><br />
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Opportunities to race to that degree in the UK simply aren't available, but undeterred I set about trying to complete a mini version of my own, to enter into the festive 'cross spirit, so to speak. Actually many committed riders have done something similar for years, travelling around to races and honing form for our early January National Championships with regular Xmas and New Year racing.<br />
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No Nationals for me this year, but instead an opportunity to pack in a week of racing, aided and abetted by some fortuitous race dates and a trip to London to see relatives. The scheduling of the classic old-school mudder Todmorden Cyclocross, an exciting new promotion at a Yorkshire stately home and a conveniently falling London League race gave me my 3 part <i>kerstperiode </i>spread over a week. Whilst I love my 'cross as much as the next obsessive, because of the cycling/family teeter-totter I tend to only race fortnightly, on average. Three races, some long distance travelling and all the festive socialising were definitely going to stretch me.<br />
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It turned out that my trio of races each highlighted an important lesson in the art of 'cross. The process of racing is demanding on equipment and rider and like many things, 'cross is simple in concept but infinitely nuanced in execution. Todmorden was first up and I tend to view Todmorden as my personal 'nationals'. It's local, the course is traditional to say the least being centred around a big cobbled climb and ensuing woodland descent and it is always stupidly muddy. In other words it suits me down to the ground.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tod Mud (Pic: Dave Haygarth)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My pit monkey, Mark (Pic: Dave Haygarth)</td></tr>
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I had probably my best race since returning to 'cross a few years ago. Conditions on the Sunday on the course were heavy, Todmorden heavy. This necessitated careful consideration of when to ride and when to run. This also meant that momentum was critical too. I'm strongest when there are on/off the bike sections, or at least decisions to made about whether to be on or off the bike. On that day, there were many riders stronger than me who were racing, but few had better technique and so were losing time constantly, getting bogged down or being slow on and off the bike. I started well, kept plugging away and moved up the field all race to what was for me, a hugely satisfying 8th in the Veterans and Womens race. A big part of this standout result for me was down to clean, effective technique - committing early to the running parts and executing the transitions quickly and efficiently. What I lacked in overall speed and fitness, I more than compensated for with flawless technique. It was hugely satisfying.<br />
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Two days to recover, wash kit and fettle bikes and on New Years Day I travelled to the inaugural Ripley Castle Cross, also in Yorkshire. There was also going to be more mud here, lots of it, but unlike the heavy conditions at Tod, the shocking forecast of low single digit temps, constant heavy rain and gale force winds meant a different challenge. All the more so as I'd identified this as a promising day out for the family. Faffing around worrying about my wife and children's comfort in the horrible conditions, I contrived to be late to the start and was still stripping off clothing and trying to find super-soigneur Jo Allen with the 'one minute to go' call. No panic then. The course was as superb as the weather was atrocious. I'm told people started dropping out fairly early on, succumbing to low temps and driving rain. In my panic I'd left a buff round my neck and my head fully covered under my helmet. As things got colder and wetter I was more than glad of that. 'Cross is a winter sport, and this went ahead in bad winter conditions. It was startling, like it had been at the 2012 3 Peaks Cyclocross, how some folk had failed to take this into account when they dressed for the event. I had a reasonable race, not as successful as Todmorden had promised but workmanlike nonetheless, after a ropey start. The lesson in dressing for the conditions continued as I rolled over the line - Jo shouted me immediately and I had warm clothes, hat and leg covering withing 30 secs. In the aftermath of the race, I saw many others wandering around, wet through, shivering and looking suitably miserable.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ripley Castle (Pic: Jo Allen)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wet (Pic: Jo Allen)</td></tr>
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More frantic kit and bike washing and I was off next day to London. The promise of a visit to the London League scene, the first in many, many years saw me toe the line at Royal Bethlem Hospital, a week after Todmorden. Except I nearly didn't make it all. Racing 'cross is kit intensive. Racing 'cross in mid winter is <b>really</b> kit intensive. I'm normally pretty organised, trained up and routined thanks to the experienced Dave Haygarth tutoring me on our previous National Trophy forays in years gone by. But not being at home, and with the distractions of a stay at my parents I got it wrong. Wrong as in no shoes, wrong, left behind in the airing cupboard, drying. I'm not really gung ho enough to ride round on small SPD pedals in a mudbath, wearing trainers so resigned myself to an early drive back North with the kids. But, friend and Captain Cross stalwart, Konrad magicked some shoes and unfamiliar pedals up for me and it was game on. Another great course, more great mud, very friendly folk and a fun race starting at the back (no gridding) and working my way toward the front part of the race. And then a 6 hour drive home.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moonlighting in the London League (Pic: Dave Hayward)</td></tr>
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For several days after my <i>kerstperiode</i> I've been knackered. Racing in bad weather, challenging conditions, lots of travel have all contributed to tax this average punter's constitution. I have no idea what it must be like for the European pros, racing so often in such a short period of time. Sure they have teams around them to help, but still, it has merely increased my respect for those at the top of the sport. Fijne Kerst and veel success for your cyclocross in 2014.<br />
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More pics:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tod cobbles. Pic Dave Haygarth</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pic with thanks from SportSunday</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tod running. Pic Dave Haygarth</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pic Dave Haygarth</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wasted. Pic Dave Haygarth</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pic Dave Haygarth</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flyover! Pic Jo Allen</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jough + umbrella. Pic Jo Allen</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bethlem. Pic Dave Hayward</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pic Jo Allen</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bike change. Pic Jo Allen</td></tr>
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<br />crossjunkiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12038909994121091859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5801131347881693774.post-3270248019800978662014-01-08T09:52:00.005+00:002014-02-11T09:56:30.029+00:00AbsoluteBlack single ring set upI used to run a single ring, with guards, in the 1990s. I liked the simplicity of concept, it reduced weight a bit but more importantly it helped a bit with clogging. But since then I haven't really bothered to set one up again, mainly as the guards always seemed to rub with the chainline being difficult to set up. Modern re-inventions tended to involve chainkeepers attached to the seat stay, rather than the simple traditional double guard I used to use, and so lost the advantage of getting rid of a front-mech like object, neatly positioned around the bottom bracket area to successfully collect mud and vegetation.<br />
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It was with interest then, that I received a test 38 tooth ring (via Dave Haygarth) from Marcin at <a href="http://absoluteblack.cc/cx-rings.html" target="_blank">AbsoluteBlack</a>. This ring differed from stuff I had seen previously, borrowing from the growing mtb market for single rings, and featuring a cleverly milled ring that requires no guard, chainkeeper or any other device to make it stick on. I was initially skeptical but equally hopeful that this could be the ideal solution to dealing with super muddy conditions later on in the 'cross season.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIrAa5JCIb7878jUjr02kcrGRoAFk7bjP-7NGzqml88e26fONC3BXALrG8arUhyphenhyphen-Y5kaJC-XEA9aWLAjLxj2EXjpkNUmYBTgB_QbDTrvL0zXqkbXCFaH4CQJam5nJ2kdQ9smKL5kzlepQ/s1600/photo+(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIrAa5JCIb7878jUjr02kcrGRoAFk7bjP-7NGzqml88e26fONC3BXALrG8arUhyphenhyphen-Y5kaJC-XEA9aWLAjLxj2EXjpkNUmYBTgB_QbDTrvL0zXqkbXCFaH4CQJam5nJ2kdQ9smKL5kzlepQ/s1600/photo+(3).JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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Matched to my <a href="http://crossjunkie.blogspot.co.uk/2013/11/introducing-on-one-pickenflick.html" target="_blank">On One Pickenflick</a> and it's huge mud clearance, I've been running the ring in training and racing and can now report back. Set up is key to getting this ring to work. It's not hard, it just needs to be done right. Chain tension as well as the teeth profile is what keeps the chain on through the rough and the boggy, and chain length needs to be optimised to gain maximum advantage from the ring. Successfully installed, with clear instructions from AbsoluteBlack, the initial feel through the pedals was instantly positive. Maybe you don't pay too much attention to how your chain feels as you pedal, as opposed to your legs, but I could feel a smoothness that wasn't present on my perfectly good double chainset set ups.<br />
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The ring has now done a variety of races, and training sessions and in a variety of conditions and has passed all tests with flying colours. Bumpy tracks don't faze it - it hasn't been possible to bounce it off, though me and Dave have tried hard. It's trained and raced in thin sloppy mud, sticky mud (Bradford) and Todmorden (ie biblically thick) mud and simply kept on going. In many hours of use, I had one small problem at Todmorden Cross when a large, ripped up clod of soil got under the chain and onto the ring and caused the chain to fall off. <b>But</b>, and here is the crucial bit, it was super easy to get back on - no jamming on a chaincatcher, no falling between ring and bottom bracket and sticking, just an easy flick to get back on. Over the period of use and in the conditions I rode it in, I would have expected to drop a chain or have problems on a double set at some point anyway. No system is perfect, but the AbsoluteBlack ring works as well, if not better than anything else I've used.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvKq3HQxlhWdNgIdO_K-QvD7HZD5ny9EJSswA7pfHl9igV3B_QUSb0okU0C7SqJFfSaGXOUd6uaMOf1RSak_uGLbFq9NoXtIQR1dF0B50N5BN_VIakZiXmN5WueuzZjV4BEBLQf4dInzI/s1600/ScreenHunter_03+Jan.+08+09.48.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvKq3HQxlhWdNgIdO_K-QvD7HZD5ny9EJSswA7pfHl9igV3B_QUSb0okU0C7SqJFfSaGXOUd6uaMOf1RSak_uGLbFq9NoXtIQR1dF0B50N5BN_VIakZiXmN5WueuzZjV4BEBLQf4dInzI/s1600/ScreenHunter_03+Jan.+08+09.48.jpg" height="297" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pic: Dave Haygarth</td></tr>
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As I indicated earlier, the main advantage for me of a single ring is reduced clogging and this positive effect has been clearcut. No bike is clog free, and even if the frame keeps free then the cassette can often stop working properly anyway. But, the AbsoluteBlack ring set up and the resulting simplicity around the bottom bracket area has markedly reduced mud and vegetation build and kept the bike not only trouble free, but weighing less as a result too. Paired with an 11-28 block (10 speed chain, Sram Red rear mech), my 38 tooth ring gives me all the gears I had before and I have never missed the potentially wider range of gears a more traditional double set up gives. From now on, I'll be running this setup on my Pickenflick during the winter season and for me it's a perfect solution to the increasing levels of mud our climate seems to bring u.<br />
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UPDATE Jan 14:<br />
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<i>I rode the last NWCCA race of the season recdently, starting on my bike with the single ring on. To my surprise, I had a couple of problems with the ring, dropping the chain on both occasions. After consultation with Marcin from absoluteBlack and some careful analysis of my actions and course conditions at the time, I feel fairly confident I've pinpointed the problem.</i><br />
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<i>In essence, both 'drops' were caused by my very rapid changing of gear up the block on transitions from bumpy descent to slow grinding section. According to Marcin, changing 3 or 4 cogs in one movement will result in instability for any chain (on a single ring or otherwise). Ally that to a bumpy section, with no chain guard or front mech to hold the chain on and you have the problem. The solution, a technique which he maintains pro mountain bikers have been following for years, is to shift one cog at a time, rather than the multiple cog, rapid shifts that I was doing. The concession for this is that it takes a little forward planning so as to avoid rapid dumping up the block as the speed slows down. Marcin maintains also that the mtb testers for his single ring have not dropped the chain in testing due to their attention to this technique and that he often finds cyclocross riders are a bit 'gung ho' in shifting technique and could do with refining their actions. Certainly, I have never dropped the chain in thick mud, nor even on a descent - the 3 times I have had a problem have ALL followed multiple shifting into an easier gear before a slow boggy section.</i><br />
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<i>UPDATE 2 Feb 14:</i><br />
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<i> After some discussions with Marcin from absoluteBlack, it's important to point out that the spring tension on Shimano mechs needs optimising to make the ring work to the best of its capability. Here's what it says on the absoluteBlack website....</i><br />
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Important information for SHIMANO derrailleur users:<br />
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<span style="font-size: 16px;">In order
to get best results we recommend increasing cage return spring tension.
New derailleurs are assembled with the spring in the mount that allows
the most relaxed position of the spring. However there is another
position on the cage which will increase that tension. It is a standard
procedure, please navigate to point no.7 in the <a href="http://www.parktool.com/blog/repair-help/rear-derailleur-overhaul" target="_blank"><span style="color: #00ccff;">link</span></a>. You may also ask your LBS to do it for you. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16px;">Sram users are not required to do that as oem springs are already in high tension position.</span></div>
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If you missed it, here's Dave's recent video too:<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" height="281" mozallowfullscreen="" src="//player.vimeo.com/video/76287218" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe><br />crossjunkiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12038909994121091859noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5801131347881693774.post-37890244732906657412014-01-07T12:26:00.001+00:002014-01-07T12:26:42.082+00:00Sport Cross 2nd Feb - ride and watch 'cross with The Green Jersey<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv9cOC_pepcqFllNFKav0J0S1UQ79pAUO-L7ZVlEHdlI6Etifeh7QKjfBiagxD6bZXLEGzNVxxqJU9sUfHMOSw9xIsJQxL-4P8adsS30ikxLt_FvXOfVkbpRr2xXUK6qZWeIX5Mh7FPWc/s1600/ScreenHunter_01+Jan.+07+12.10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv9cOC_pepcqFllNFKav0J0S1UQ79pAUO-L7ZVlEHdlI6Etifeh7QKjfBiagxD6bZXLEGzNVxxqJU9sUfHMOSw9xIsJQxL-4P8adsS30ikxLt_FvXOfVkbpRr2xXUK6qZWeIX5Mh7FPWc/s1600/ScreenHunter_01+Jan.+07+12.10.jpg" height="200" width="140" /></a></div>
I love the Ribble Valley - endless quiet lanes, great climbs and some cracking cafes. But it's somewhere I've never really taken a 'cross bike to, aside from the odd run round Gisburn Forest with the kids.<br />
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Consequently, I was interested to learn about the forthcoming SportCross event on 2nd Feb. And hooked when I learned about the after event party with beer AND live cyclocross from the World Cross Championships at Hoogerheide. No brainer.<br />
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For those not in the know, The Green Jersey is a cracking little independent bike shop, tucked away in a corner of the picturesque Ribble Valley town of Clitheroe. And it also happens to be my favourite coffee and cake stop on my rides North of home. Like many independents, they put a lot back in to cycling with some already legendary film, beer and live screening events.<br />
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So their concept of a 30 mile 'cross sportive through the lanes, bridleways and moors of the Ribble Valley area is sure to be a great day out, 'cross season finisher and general all round 'grand event'.<br />
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Make sure you <a href="https://www.britishcycling.org.uk/events/details/102605/The-Green-Jersey-SportCross" target="_blank">get an entry</a> for what promises to be a fab day of riding, socialising and watching the biggest 'cross event of the season.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmpP4j-pWCpSasW1sfbPIxPoA51XrQmP7MJFTT9fhBmaffOXDHfR4XY7QirZvT4zs8vFwOgHj8sbLpMAiVFJ6Vp43VmSWdSjm3CvS_jxKDH3VwmFst4hx3mrB9CMgjDq4keV1aP8xuVUE/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmpP4j-pWCpSasW1sfbPIxPoA51XrQmP7MJFTT9fhBmaffOXDHfR4XY7QirZvT4zs8vFwOgHj8sbLpMAiVFJ6Vp43VmSWdSjm3CvS_jxKDH3VwmFst4hx3mrB9CMgjDq4keV1aP8xuVUE/s1600/2.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPSwCor_iCeH3OjJKJRa39EsRhF-M2TUI-4rIPzpij8dsNc6uyMl3WNQVo6ogJJLpAgwziC4VcC_UVLlPdHmvT5OvZLl6eQnuzG6lwYPjZJ1qekfMI_FHmUZpXg2nvAkVtwJy-EYwgo1Y/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPSwCor_iCeH3OjJKJRa39EsRhF-M2TUI-4rIPzpij8dsNc6uyMl3WNQVo6ogJJLpAgwziC4VcC_UVLlPdHmvT5OvZLl6eQnuzG6lwYPjZJ1qekfMI_FHmUZpXg2nvAkVtwJy-EYwgo1Y/s1600/1.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOoLEJ6heBEN0mWu5irOJFGlnvFczYTVLFu9hlPGeuc_Tnpz6n5TVJdD8kFpUsYJRHM57laAzjH3ursEOGf9rJ5lynh6o6xAvfY-Nnm5WbjJm1A5Xf3JPdyml9xPEowRe9FeBLKWNdqL8/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOoLEJ6heBEN0mWu5irOJFGlnvFczYTVLFu9hlPGeuc_Tnpz6n5TVJdD8kFpUsYJRHM57laAzjH3ursEOGf9rJ5lynh6o6xAvfY-Nnm5WbjJm1A5Xf3JPdyml9xPEowRe9FeBLKWNdqL8/s1600/3.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJqoqspzGb7KBslDZGCLONlwwvgXHPiU2IbFLo7QxQjI_Hu88EzcqvHn0gn2J18kgF2_TCGeX9z5_4drizfhU1FTMffNdxm2Zad3qBLHJHL344X4fjkE5lYFhxQxBp9xhm8hMVCvV4koI/s1600/ScreenHunter_02+Jan.+07+12.11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJqoqspzGb7KBslDZGCLONlwwvgXHPiU2IbFLo7QxQjI_Hu88EzcqvHn0gn2J18kgF2_TCGeX9z5_4drizfhU1FTMffNdxm2Zad3qBLHJHL344X4fjkE5lYFhxQxBp9xhm8hMVCvV4koI/s1600/ScreenHunter_02+Jan.+07+12.11.jpg" height="200" width="140" /></a>crossjunkiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12038909994121091859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5801131347881693774.post-886607858049345192013-12-17T12:17:00.000+00:002013-12-17T12:17:37.072+00:00Peel Park, Bradford - the UK's best 'cross course?<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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The National Trophy course at Peel Park, Bradford is for me,
the complete cyclocross course. It has everything – hard climbs, running
climbs, treacherous descents, tricky off camber, barriers and slick corners.
Lots of slick corners. It is regarded as the hardest of the current crop of
National standard courses and as successful ‘cross book author Simon Burney
puts it – ‘it shows up the technical limitations of many.’<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As he explains, good technique there leads to
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>'free' time gains, no extra training
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I also always look forward to riding Bradford because with
its December or January slot in the calendar, mud always plays a big part. Lots
of mud. Even when conditions are relatively dry, as they were this past weekend,
the mud makes itself felt in the most innocuous of places, where very short
sections that are ridden sub-optimally can result in big time losses over the
course of a race. When properly muddy is it is the ultimate mudder where you
better hope you can get a spare bike, or better still have a competent pit
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And then there is the run up before the finish straight.
Steep, very slippy and uneven under foot, this too can be a race decider or
somewhere a lot of time can be gained with good technique. Try it without toes
studs and you’ll be flat on your face. Teammate Dave Haygarth took this great
video of action on the run up:</div>
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Bradford is also a great social event -<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>as the main Northern National Trophy round it
attracts a lot of people as spectators rather than riders and catching up with
everyone is always part of the day. I met up with friends Richard and <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/hanglebads/" target="_blank">Jo Allen</a>
to prepare for my morning race. As well as being an elite level
startline-helper and all-round ‘cross soigneur, Jo is also a prolific photographer of all
things ‘cross. She has been snapper-in-chief to the growing contingent of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/thctb/" target="_blank">Here Come the Belgians</a> riders for some time now and as over the years documented mine and many others cyclocross related exploits with great insight.<br />
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In a shameless fit of narcissism I asked her to do a bit of a feature for me. Her pics below, tell the story of my day and the full set with some great shots of Rich too is <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/hanglebads/sets/72157638727348643/" target="_blank">here</a>:<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="true" height="384" mozallowfullscreen="true" src="http://files.photosnack.com/iframejs/embed.html?hash=p7c9ynnp&t=1387273512" style="border: none;" webkitallowfullscreen="true" width="576"></iframe>crossjunkiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12038909994121091859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5801131347881693774.post-38158463682157804552013-11-29T09:19:00.000+00:002014-02-11T09:40:23.606+00:00Introducing the On One Pickenflick<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">My riding career, 'cross wise, started in steel - good old fashioned 531 and then 653, eventually handmade for me by a NW framebuilder. And great those frames were too - comfortable, light enough for the job and cost effective. As frame technology moved on, so did my taste in frames and a pair of aluminium Planet X Uncle John's served me well for many years. The Dirty Disco and XLS took things off in an interesting carbon direction but until last year, I hadn't ridden a 'cross bike made out of the one remaining mainstream material, titanium.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">On One produced a Ti 'cross frame a few years ago - it was light and popular and ridden to winning effect by one of Britain's few 'cross pros, Matt Ellis and to 3 Peaks success by the ever-green Nick Craig, both of whom had a hand in the design. My old training partner had one too, and very nice they were, attaining a bit of a cult status amongst riders in the know. But production only lasted a couple of years and On One has never revisited the wonder material for 'cross.... until now.</span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ignore the Planet X frame sticker - it's an On One!</td></tr>
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<tr align="left"><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">The new </span><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.on-one.co.uk/c/q/frames/pickenflick" target="_blank">On One Picknflick</a> looks absolutely gorgeous - a sleek, <a href="http://www.georgjensen.com/uk/home" target="_blank">Georg Jensen</a>-esque tapered headtube doubles as home-art if your spouse allows you to keep it in the front room , the brushed Ti tubing is understated but beautiful and the tidy welds all give off an air of assured quality. Suffice to say that the frame has attracted many admiring glances and comments when myself and Dave have been out and about on the prototypes, including slightly breathless conversations about availability mid race in both the last two 3
Peaks Cyclocross events.</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Formwise, a chunky 1 1/2" tapered headtube gives absolutely rock solid handling on the roughest of terrain, allied to a big beefy carbon fork, and the super
clearance, even with a mini bridge across chain stays means that even at a Peel Park, Bradford mudbath, the Picknflick keeps running. In fact it clogs less than the other disc frames I've ridden, and they don't clog at all compared to many current canti offerings. Subtle changes in cross section accross the downtube and toptube allude to performance enhancing design of the tubeset - stiffer and broader in areas of most stress. A lovely curved piece across the seat stays aids this, allied to rearward disc mounts and befitting a proper do-it-all 'cross bike, it has useful double bottle mounts. The toptube is<strike> left rounded rather than</strike> flattened and is still super comfy to carry, as many 3 Peaks-style Bull Hill sessions have proven as well as 2 outings in the Peaks itself.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">The geometry has been tweaked from other On One offerings, and the overall effect is an extremely calm and compliant ride. The Ti tubing works to kill off much of the low level buzz, but is still more than stiff enough, superb for fast hacking across uneven
surfaces, and with impeccable mud manners.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Whilst not a super stiff 'cross crit
monster, it's still more than stiff enough to respond to sharp changes in pace and direction and has seen regular duty for me and Dave Haygarth at 'cross races over the last year or so, performing flawlessly in classic mudders at Bradford and Todmorden, as well as drier Yorkshire Summer Cross rounds. Finally, as a 3 Peaks/rougher off road machine it is imperious.
Handling, compliance all come together to make it an all day bike on any
terrain and the best Peaks bike either of us have ever ridden.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Update:</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">I have received the full production version of the Pickenflick now. Suffice to say that those little improvements that we asked for have all been included. It now boasts a brace between seat and chain stay by the rear disc, beefing up the braking performance at the back, a slightly flattened top tube for easier carrying, subtly moved cable mounts at the rear (away from rear wheel), more 'shaped' tube profiles for rigidity, and finally better clearance. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Did I say clearance? It is now absolutely massive, when it was merely brilliant before. If I had to have one bike (and not just one 'cross bike either), this is the bike I would have. It simply covers all the bases, and has a real 'wow' factor about it to boot.</span></span><br />
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crossjunkiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12038909994121091859noreply@blogger.com48tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5801131347881693774.post-36599654144944742682013-10-22T11:08:00.000+01:002013-10-22T13:56:34.681+01:00Rapha Super Cross - Broughton Hall<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIw1-xGFPmwkO1L9CwBNCy0iX1irXyRDalo5nuJcTypS-hHHxKavCtMjom1DH0xG-BDEYrtynZATTFAqrdASTPbAy-nRbfJCLunIrD8uBpjLQbhfUJjYmo-OJRy7zKy15qmKtQofGsUgM/s1600/RaphaSupercross13_Skipton-026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIw1-xGFPmwkO1L9CwBNCy0iX1irXyRDalo5nuJcTypS-hHHxKavCtMjom1DH0xG-BDEYrtynZATTFAqrdASTPbAy-nRbfJCLunIrD8uBpjLQbhfUJjYmo-OJRy7zKy15qmKtQofGsUgM/s640/RaphaSupercross13_Skipton-026.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pic: Ed Rollason</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">The Rapha Super Cross series has been in many ways a game
changer for UK cyclocross. My first introduction to ‘cross was in the fields
outside a windswept farm near Macclesfield in the 90s and the course,
facilities and atmosphere were consequently somewhat agricultural. To be fair,
my next race was held in some slightly more salubrious Northern parkland but
the concept of small, facility-lite, muddy races around non-descript bits of
grassland and watched under (usually) leaden winter skies by a faithful band of
willing and more likely, un-willing spouses and kids was pretty much what you
got in standard League ‘cross. They call ‘cross ‘Veldrijden’ in Flanders – field
riding’ – and this is where most UK ‘cross seemed stuck (even at National Level
where it wasn’t much more exciting either).</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Except in Belgium and Holland it’s different despite the field
riding origins. Frenzied crowds of 20,000 are common at big races especially
over Christmas, beer tents are everywhere along with ubiquitous frites vans and
there’s a pumping euro-techno soundtrack much of the time. ‘Cross is big
business there. And so, with a nod to the Euro scene, some of the elements for
the Super Cross series were born, adapted subtlely for the slightly less rabid
UK ‘cross fan.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">This year’s Northern Super Cross weekend was hosted at stately
home Broughton Hall, nr Skipton and the following day, within sight of the
Velodrome in Manchester. A series finale is next weekend in Alexandra Palace,
London. On offer this year was racing for regular weekend warriors, followed by
the UK’s finest riders slogging it out in teams for the Eilte race, the usual
beer/frites combo, a Spiral of Doom, bands of various description, and a foam
wall over the course and the ever-popular tequila shortcut for the fun race.
And lots of atmosphere with plenty of spectators coming simply to watch and not
participate.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">I opted to ride the Broughton Hall round on the Saturday (heading to spectate at the Manchester round on the Sunday) and my
front row gridding for the Vets race ensured that maximum effort would be
required at the start on the rolling but tough course in the grounds of the
Hall. What it lacked in technicality it made up for in off-camber, greasy
corners. Low tyre pressures would be critical to avoid being dumped on the
outside reaches of many of the bends. Seeking out alternative lines became
important later in the race as the course cut up and muddied significantly –
it’s always good to remember to look for how the course evolves over your race,
especially if you are one of the early races on the day. A quick bike change
toward the end and I rolled over the line in a reasonable 16<sup>th</sup>.
Normally a swig of water suffices at this point, but this being Super Cross it
was a treat to have a large glass of Belgian beer thrust into my hand, obtained
from the beer tent we had just been racing through. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Not all ‘cross races are like Super Cross and nor should they
be. Grassroots ‘cross is still about volunteers putting on great races in local
venues, on a shoestring budget. But for a couple of weekends a year, a little
taste of Belgian ‘cross really does the trick.</span></span><br />
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crossjunkiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12038909994121091859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5801131347881693774.post-63517948206996632742013-10-11T15:45:00.000+01:002013-10-11T15:46:28.122+01:00The Helper (my helper)Very remiss of me not to post this earlier....<br />
<br />
Dave Haygarth followed Mark, my ever faithful 3 Peaks supporter around on race day. Here's his short film about Mark and those other 'backroom' folk that make it all happen for riders like me...<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/W5OYBgHGkDo" width="640"></iframe><br />crossjunkiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12038909994121091859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5801131347881693774.post-23321451300672852072013-10-04T10:19:00.000+01:002013-10-04T10:21:07.082+01:00The loneliness of Penyghent LaneHands down my favourite shot of yours truly at the Peaks this year. <a href="http://www.waughphotos.com/" target="_blank">Geoff Waugh</a> has form with the Peaks already, though he is best known as a multi award winning photographer specialising in mtb and pro road cycling.<br />
<br />
His <a href="http://vimeo.com/51028192" target="_blank">dark film</a> of 2012 superbly captured the epic conditions of last years race and contrasts nicely with this sunny, though somehow lonely, shot of me on Penyghent Lane shortly before Crampgate. Geoff concurred about the loneliness, commenting that he felt it was a 'solitary race with lots of riders'. Sure feels like that...<br />
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<br />crossjunkiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12038909994121091859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5801131347881693774.post-76643700800128355322013-09-30T19:22:00.001+01:002013-09-30T19:27:24.598+01:003 Peaks Cyclocross 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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“To eat is a necessity, but to eat intelligently is an art.”
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- Francois de la Rochefoucauld<br />
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<span style="color: black;"></span><br />
That should be my 3 Peaks maxim from now on. I messed up this year, despite dishing out supposedly <a href="http://30daysofpeaks.tumblr.com/post/62266300193/25-30-days-of-peaks-food-i-use-the-term-food" target="_blank">learned advice</a> only the week before.<br />
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It all started well - a personal best by minutes over Ingleborough and in a good-for-me 75th place too, a clean descent to Cold Cotes and a quick timecheck dib and bottle pick up and onto the road. However, I then made the mistakes that when compounded would cost me a trouble free and potentially personal best ride.<br />
<br />
The gel tasted good in the shop out the squeezy sample bottle but when breathing out of one's proverbial after the climb out of Ingleton, trying to stay with a fast group, it was more akin to ingesting an acrid fruit concentrate. Result, a little gagging and some coughing and the group rode away. Lesson 1: try your gels/drinks in race-replica training situations and NOT on the day. Then my brain switched off and with hindsight I simply didn't drink enough. I'd had a vague notion of drinking water late in the race as it tastes cleaner and goes down easier when tired than a sugary carb drink. I hadn't communicated this to Mark who, on my instruction handed me this 'unloaded' bottle at Cold Cotes. My mistake, not his. Lesson 2: even your most trusted support crewer is not a mind reader.<br />
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Whernside went OK, well as OK as one might expect whilst being blown all over the shop by a mean spirited crosswind that actually dumped riders from on their bikes into a heap a little way downwind from their take off point. Being tall with a large gate-like bike to boot did nothing to improve my mood as it tore into me as I walked/jogged, pushing me around so I looked like a Friday night drunk weaving my way home.<br />
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I was hungry coming down into Ribblehead, hungry as in it would have been nice to sit down and have a nice pie and chips, or something equally comforting. A friend commented after that I looked grim making the change to the Penyghent bike there - truth was I was bloody starving and panicking a bit about getting enough food down. There's nowhere you can really eat on that descent so you have to wait till the road down to Horton. My wife's legendary Aga-baked flapjack tastes like heaven at all other times, but was simply too dry and sticky to get down easily whilst trying to push on, on that road section. I got it down eventually, not a pretty sight chewing and breathing at the same time. Cue another slightly less acrid gel and a reasonable amount of liquid.<br />
<br />
But the damage had been done with the lack of fluids I suspect, being the prime suspect. I started slowing toward the top of Penyghent Lane and felt the first twinges. Cramp is a funny thing - it can tease, flirt with you and think better of it and bugger off to wait another time. Or it can decide that today is the day, it's having you and there's nothing you can do to escape its unwanted attentions. By the time I was approaching the turn right onto the final bit of the climb, it had done its worst and my quads were ballooning into Robert Fosterman-esque creations. In my mind at least.....<br />
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They locked solid and that was that. Cue the following rigmarole: sit down, look at the view for a bit, swear blind you were never coming back to do this bloody race, snivel a bit, try and stand up, fall over again, curse. Eventually they unlocked enough to affect a half-hearted shuffle and upward progress resumed. But my impetus had been lost and it was hard to pick up the pace, waiting for that 'laugh-in-your-face' twinge that signalled a return to a seated position.<br />
<br />
I made it to the summit, disheartened to have seen riders I was racing only a short time ago, already well on their way back down. But I finished, not too far outside 4 hours, but still a way short of my target time and position.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: black;"></span><br />
The positives? My pair of simply wonderful <a href="http://www.on-one.co.uk/" target="_blank">On One Bikes</a> Ti disc Pickenflicks were totally controllable, dependable and never missed a beat. And for 2 Peaks at least, I was going well and on target. As ever there is next year.... I think.<br />
<span style="color: black;"></span><br />
Thanks as always to my pit crew Mark for being there for the 20 seconds of contact time we had during the race.crossjunkiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12038909994121091859noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5801131347881693774.post-5717562357890947402013-09-20T09:37:00.001+01:002013-12-13T10:46:34.853+00:00Planet X Pro Carbon XLS - team bikes 2013I'm fortunate to be riding two new <a href="http://www.planet-x-bikes.co.uk/" target="_blank">Planet X</a> bikes this season, both Pro Carbon XLS disc bikes.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-nzweKMEwVH-v3lHfgrDigOEvhTLLK0dIJT9TZ_XE-RSTZM7tf4_KvONRGCoQLu9_CY0Vj0S1I40-jkXr0qPjgs8QXjCVoiuPscF40HHLInPLT-l8e5hw6crjLVZpJVd-3NrjkqpPYZ8/s1600/xls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-nzweKMEwVH-v3lHfgrDigOEvhTLLK0dIJT9TZ_XE-RSTZM7tf4_KvONRGCoQLu9_CY0Vj0S1I40-jkXr0qPjgs8QXjCVoiuPscF40HHLInPLT-l8e5hw6crjLVZpJVd-3NrjkqpPYZ8/s640/xls.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
I rode the sample XLS last season and found it superb for flat-out racing - <a href="http://crossjunkie.blogspot.co.uk/2012/11/prototype-planet-x-pro-carbon-xls-cyclo.html" target="_blank">click here</a> for my initial review. This year's builds are Ultegra based with some dedicated Shimano 'cross equipment in the form of top-pull front mechs and 'cross specific chainsets.<br />
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table.MsoNormalTable
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mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0cm;
mso-para-margin-right:0cm;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
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<![endif]-->The frame at the heart of my XLS is a full carbon monocoque,
hand-laid up to optimise strength and stiffness in the areas that count. It has
a tapered headtube, wider at the bottom than the top, that makes a big
difference to the handling in bumpy or technical sections, allowing you to
‘point and steer’ much more than with a conventional ‘straight’ headtubed bike,
which can allow you to be knocked off line more easily.
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Block Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Document Map"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation subject"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Theme"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="List Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="List Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="List Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
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The bottom bracket area is beefed up with extra carbon and
also in size, and you can really feel this stiffness when putting pressure on
the pedals and in technical riding. Whilst coloured paint finishes look great,
the glossy black 12k weave finish on the XLS helps hide the inevitable
scratches and scrapes that a season of muddy cross races brings. One of my
favourite aspects to the XLS frame is its top tube. Flat on the top and bottom,
it makes for really easy grabbing and very comfortable shouldering during the
running sections of a race. Additionally, the cables are internally routed
through the top tube – less maintenance as they are protected better from water
and grit and contribute to less scratching of the frame in that area.</div>
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As with many new generation ‘cross frames, the XLS has disc
mounts to allow full disc braking throughout. The debate on whether discs are
better than cantilever brakes for ‘cross still rages. Certainly they are more
powerful, but do you need the power? Some say yes, some no, citing a little
extra weight for disc systems as a negative. For me the debate is less about
the braking power, weight, or feel, but about two main advantages over cantis.
Disc brakes mean no rim braking, and in ‘cross where rim and brakepad are
covered in a fine coating of grit or mud on a constant basis, this means no rim
wear. Which means your nice (expensive) wheels don’t get trashed every time
there is a muddy race and don’t need replacing so frequently – a big advantage
to the cost conscious ‘crosser. Furthermore, discs give clean lines around the
fork and seatstays where on other traditional bikes, the cantilevers are sited
that cause a big build up of mud and vegetation. In certain conditions, I have
ridden disc bikes that kept working for longer than their cantilever rivals due
to the reduction in build up of clag in those places. For someone with one bike
only, or a lack of willing pit crew, a disc bike can be crucial in getting to
the end of the race without grinding to a muddy halt. Whilst there are newer
and pricier part- or full-hydraulic systems on the market, the mechanical Avid
BB7 brakes make for super easy maintenance, predictable modulation and if used
with harder sintered pads, great wear even in the worst of conditions. For 1 hour
‘crosses, I personally don’t feel the need for anything more complicated.</div>
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With crisp white graphics against the laquered carbon weave of the tubing, my 'crossjunkie' edition bikes should look fairly smart. For a lap or two, at least.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXQ55KM3-P3zykDshcLCnNi5-KrK_L3i1JHXFhLa-i6XMJbkQcBO2MKq0gyVwgQWS2UCgd6IJvqUPmzuMc6xyFWI2_QkvbVPuvsPeWfyRzl-osfX-Qy6M840T7d3I0w6GIJKZNPFRy0SI/s1600/1238035_527460517330311_1875338458_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXQ55KM3-P3zykDshcLCnNi5-KrK_L3i1JHXFhLa-i6XMJbkQcBO2MKq0gyVwgQWS2UCgd6IJvqUPmzuMc6xyFWI2_QkvbVPuvsPeWfyRzl-osfX-Qy6M840T7d3I0w6GIJKZNPFRy0SI/s640/1238035_527460517330311_1875338458_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8qVVG3VxfZCqCXSDoOZQjsoC0S6vnJ-k2JTSjUFg_3MSUWUDRYrA9wF0BnrKOn3gnlFjbUlZ4fHe0BdYmSd-AdkXBo81YSpoTvnZBn1uXZZDgZm2Vyfjxlwb7YxjnVjrwpS4EG0P4R4c/s1600/ScreenHunter_01+Sep.+19+09.39.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="578" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8qVVG3VxfZCqCXSDoOZQjsoC0S6vnJ-k2JTSjUFg_3MSUWUDRYrA9wF0BnrKOn3gnlFjbUlZ4fHe0BdYmSd-AdkXBo81YSpoTvnZBn1uXZZDgZm2Vyfjxlwb7YxjnVjrwpS4EG0P4R4c/s640/ScreenHunter_01+Sep.+19+09.39.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<br />crossjunkiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12038909994121091859noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5801131347881693774.post-84117526223915300932013-09-09T10:13:00.001+01:002013-09-09T10:14:01.480+01:00Lister Lion Cyclocross 14th September<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghIPND7rRD8OaiidC0NnP8CSvVe6uezL5GzGpNGHg_aCX3xVYY-uD3ew88jLaqLV4WPu2VZUEvGqyCl0w2iWRbuXiCBjLbN5mGInqS9R9rusTrwJ6e3Boqo_bzRnKRnnr2-d3hgWygQ3I/s1600/Poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghIPND7rRD8OaiidC0NnP8CSvVe6uezL5GzGpNGHg_aCX3xVYY-uD3ew88jLaqLV4WPu2VZUEvGqyCl0w2iWRbuXiCBjLbN5mGInqS9R9rusTrwJ6e3Boqo_bzRnKRnnr2-d3hgWygQ3I/s640/Poster.jpg" width="450" /></a></div>
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It's not often that there are completely new 'cross events, in new venues. This is one of them. Put on by the experienced team from My-Tri events, led by Emma Osenton, it's s<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;">et in the beautiful grounds of the Lister family’s Shibden Park Estate, Halifax, and promises all the normal features of a full-on cyclocross event, with a new course that winds it’s way around Shibden Hall itself.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;">There are races for everyone from beginners to seasoned riders, with separate races for women, novice, senior, vet and juniors/youth along with kids races too.</span><br />
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Win a prime as you pass Lister’s Lion or join in with the Roller Racing / Kids activities and Bike.</div>
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But it's more than just a race event too as in the grounds there will be food stalls, a bar, trade stands along with family entertainment and roller racing. Well worth a trip with your cowbell just to come and join in the fun.</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"></span></div>
<ul>
<li>U8 / U10 10am</li>
<li>U12 10.30am</li>
<li>Youth/juniors 11.30am</li>
<li>Novice 12.45 pm</li>
<li>Women 2 pm</li>
<li>Vets 3.30pm</li>
<li>Seniors 5pm</li>
</ul>
<br />crossjunkiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12038909994121091859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5801131347881693774.post-75165986921995603482013-09-01T17:38:00.000+01:002013-09-01T17:46:54.226+01:0030 days of PeaksSo for September, I thought I'd run a little microblog covering the 29 days leading up to + 1 after, this years 3 Peaks Cyclocross.<br>
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Follow it <a href="http://30daysofpeaks.tumblr.com/" target="_blank">here</a><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv8lZoPlHlfdmASmKFBRfJq5MutaqCbk1K6XouCjUdk1p2V2c-1WbTPKibXQPUeO_WejOi8epb46NhTE4MC_joqLyp0faOLzsc6uxQlFICxqDwYo-v5_GOvPc7cK0ivfZvo19OW_Cozmk/s640/blogger-image--2006619164.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv8lZoPlHlfdmASmKFBRfJq5MutaqCbk1K6XouCjUdk1p2V2c-1WbTPKibXQPUeO_WejOi8epb46NhTE4MC_joqLyp0faOLzsc6uxQlFICxqDwYo-v5_GOvPc7cK0ivfZvo19OW_Cozmk/s640/blogger-image--2006619164.jpg"></a></div><br>
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<span id="goog_1339300946"></span><span id="goog_1339300947"></span><br></div>crossjunkiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12038909994121091859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5801131347881693774.post-5739981818232198932013-08-14T11:13:00.000+01:002013-08-14T11:13:06.617+01:00Preparing for the Cross Season<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0w7fY91WqcUVs73cz_1NbdF_N7zosJkK9ZTrKbXXAskzQc-Z3LxjMwnvIqWwAXEHtoXJInP198z03yTIJY_0ms1Fi_khjy7a5S80LBoiiZA0lgD27yk6bN1xWwgOZ4UY1v7GCDYfQ0dI/s1600/8327145256_a25f74b54e_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0w7fY91WqcUVs73cz_1NbdF_N7zosJkK9ZTrKbXXAskzQc-Z3LxjMwnvIqWwAXEHtoXJInP198z03yTIJY_0ms1Fi_khjy7a5S80LBoiiZA0lgD27yk6bN1xWwgOZ4UY1v7GCDYfQ0dI/s640/8327145256_a25f74b54e_b.jpg" width="494" /></a></div>
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August – summer days, holidays, barbeques, a bank holiday to look forward to, preparation for cyclocross.<br />
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Old timers will know all this already. Hopefully. But if you are thinking about starting 'cross or coming back to it after trying it last season, some of this may help.<br />
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It’s always a bit strange to be thinking about January and
it’s mud, rain and snow and ice during the summer. But for those wanting to get
stuck into ‘cross this winter, perhaps for the first time, now is that time to
start preparing for riding and racing in foul conditions. ‘Cross is very
technique, and equipment intensive and some time spent now will pay dividends
later in the winter.<br />
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<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Get your bike sorted now – recable, replace worn parts, reglue
tubs. All of your cross bike will take a battering as the weather worsens and
getting things sorted now and will save you mid-season and most likely mid-race
malfunctions. It’s surprising how fast a seemingly functional ‘cross bike can
grind to a halt after a few rides and races if it starts from a point of
disrepair. Tubs that were glued last season need checking and most likely
reglueing, bottom brackets and headsets regreasing and drivetrains replacing.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In ‘cross, technique can make the difference between winning
and losing. For those of us not at that the sharp end of a race, it is still
crucial. I’ve known super strong riders on the road come to a cross race and
languish near the back as their oof-road technique and in particular on/off the
bike technique is lacking. Whilst fitness is clearly important, you will lose
minutes per lap if you cannot smoothly negotiate the obstacles on the course –
time that you will never make up no matter how hard you train.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To that end, get out on the ‘cross bike. Where you can do
longer rides in the woods that involve carrying and other technical sections,
or at the very least find a playing field and practice cornering, jumping on
and off and picking the bike up at speed. 10 minutes several times a week at
this time of year will make a big difference when things get tough in December.
Do it in your garden even, if you have one big enough…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I made a couple of videos last year to give people the
basics:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Dismounting and remounting - <a href="http://youtu.be/_ihR_PjNfYo">http://youtu.be/_ihR_PjNfYo</a> <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Barriers and carrying technique - <a href="http://youtu.be/fl-QkCAevSU">http://youtu.be/fl-QkCAevSU</a> <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Fitness in ‘cross is all about short, sharp efforts as the
races only last up to an hour maximum. Later in the year, short sharp training
in the form of intervals is usually standard fare for regular ‘cross riders,
either on simulated ‘cross circuits outdoors or on the turbo trainer. But at
this time of year, you need to be looking at building your base fitness for ‘cross
with some longer ‘threshold’ type efforts – the kind of effort where you are
breathing heavy but not gasping. Long climbs in amongst a road or off-road ride
are good for this – as reported elsewhere, I had the ‘luck’ to be on a recent family holiday to the
Pyrenees where the quiet roads and cols were perfect for this type of training.
Nearer to the season start introducing shorter, harder efforts as ‘cross is
very intensive from the gun.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Above all, enjoy your ‘cross – it is a very friendly,
accessible and relaxed scene. Come on your mountain bike if you haven’t a
<a href="http://www.planet-x-bikes.co.uk/i/q/CBPXXLSF/planet_x_xls_sram_force_carbon_cyclocross_bike" target="_blank">purpose built ‘cross bike</a> and ask questions of those around you. You’ll soon
find you’re hooked and thinking of cold winter December days, even in August…<o:p></o:p></div>
crossjunkiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12038909994121091859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5801131347881693774.post-87113559111184593182013-08-12T14:08:00.000+01:002013-08-12T14:08:30.940+01:00Pyrenees 2013Shots from my recent family holiday that also included regular riding partner Mark and his family and a conveniently chosen Pyrenean location in the Departement de L'Aude nr Ax-les-Thermes.<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Cue plenty of beautiful hill and mountain riding including the HC Col du Pradel and the Port de Pailheres that featured in the recent 100th edition of the Tour. And a guest appearance from rock climbing partner of old, Richard who serendipitously was holidaying in the same location...</div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2y2GLc5NzI7jW8WBr_RBP9GdH-jgTPICmdN2QDCPtjIkoFR6q_M8WwpnfMtYKu2KANI-MnAQECdPUxAFch25KzpL2PDr-BREgTwcuAXhpzWk1wr9lIxZ-u49bxoaoCas_e2WnMPU9tbw/s1600/IMG_5825.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2y2GLc5NzI7jW8WBr_RBP9GdH-jgTPICmdN2QDCPtjIkoFR6q_M8WwpnfMtYKu2KANI-MnAQECdPUxAFch25KzpL2PDr-BREgTwcuAXhpzWk1wr9lIxZ-u49bxoaoCas_e2WnMPU9tbw/s640/IMG_5825.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Early morning ride toward Limoux</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG1-b6ZzL4Xeox-KORN2IkEpSRQ4JOZXTcbLlKMmAypRteKcqyuyTghHaDhGsn2aaWPH2NBHpj_7v7j5YiuqSr1InMOYXTvzFRSVNdLRCZhiSY6vHq-a9bbuMRbwWZf8l2HHJHGCre_DI/s1600/IMG_5584.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG1-b6ZzL4Xeox-KORN2IkEpSRQ4JOZXTcbLlKMmAypRteKcqyuyTghHaDhGsn2aaWPH2NBHpj_7v7j5YiuqSr1InMOYXTvzFRSVNdLRCZhiSY6vHq-a9bbuMRbwWZf8l2HHJHGCre_DI/s640/IMG_5584.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chateau de Puivert - base for our rides</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAZxHRXHEI7qaTvVcONAyivxeoHJBjHJHIazBnXU9Z-R1BY7gbxPeW3NYCJubx-oUiRHELaQ21J87nxR_DM4w4eXoq9HwXC-RdZvauJOrYf1nRJ_ThF8rWa0Ur30pjXtMywCNflNiGDE0/s1600/IMG_5746.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAZxHRXHEI7qaTvVcONAyivxeoHJBjHJHIazBnXU9Z-R1BY7gbxPeW3NYCJubx-oUiRHELaQ21J87nxR_DM4w4eXoq9HwXC-RdZvauJOrYf1nRJ_ThF8rWa0Ur30pjXtMywCNflNiGDE0/s640/IMG_5746.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The beautiful and quiet Plateau de Sault above Ax-les-Thermes</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeyX09c1UPl-gn9vArU2ciaLx-7V8Bor8-prmCWgGieA3FKYw0CkrLSspBSQA8i7RKJmzL1cafSpfp-LIzg2kpeIq2aESI454gd_ikGbKc5SvH1NZjX_Ug0Q9NkVVElK6UnnIhru070u4/s1600/IMG_5745.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeyX09c1UPl-gn9vArU2ciaLx-7V8Bor8-prmCWgGieA3FKYw0CkrLSspBSQA8i7RKJmzL1cafSpfp-LIzg2kpeIq2aESI454gd_ikGbKc5SvH1NZjX_Ug0Q9NkVVElK6UnnIhru070u4/s640/IMG_5745.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Defiles de Joucou - amazing limestone gorge</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3U70dqj8XY0ZNh5BmuOFnDINqZ7c8B7TkjhmEkh6cW7GZakMdCWLR9wpgN_IwWTapnnQWs3h7Hsknz1Teycy5KcKJDdH01rDomVDYefCn4BvGY8Bc6KwKiYsRJXvd0t1sef5AnVVfFj0/s1600/IMG_5962.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3U70dqj8XY0ZNh5BmuOFnDINqZ7c8B7TkjhmEkh6cW7GZakMdCWLR9wpgN_IwWTapnnQWs3h7Hsknz1Teycy5KcKJDdH01rDomVDYefCn4BvGY8Bc6KwKiYsRJXvd0t1sef5AnVVfFj0/s640/IMG_5962.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Summiting Col du Pradel and below, the top section of Port de Pailheres</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXcHsBMLgFzqMOH_Wa0l64b2T44X7yo5th3dWMjEwN46sALtz80fE2sYwOBRHEKPM43F4cIQGeCBNHt9b8G_Gfamnbq6HCbAqWY-uqFSA6qqI6PlFqsTaZpNkmAV3cP9Bv0QpfVk2ZlJw/s1600/IMG_5710.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXcHsBMLgFzqMOH_Wa0l64b2T44X7yo5th3dWMjEwN46sALtz80fE2sYwOBRHEKPM43F4cIQGeCBNHt9b8G_Gfamnbq6HCbAqWY-uqFSA6qqI6PlFqsTaZpNkmAV3cP9Bv0QpfVk2ZlJw/s640/IMG_5710.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Col de Montsegur</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjidsy2ZgRZeVLei1W0QExg5yOyTdpK2UoJhWlcJvi9kbdaafQbuDfsA0u1n2x5e9-4_QsGd0QZpQkV-k44C95tOcmCw98nZ_CHMzYNwgJn-qe23E0q5mbVSJKCKqaO_f8XtZQQDPeANW4/s1600/IMG_5643.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjidsy2ZgRZeVLei1W0QExg5yOyTdpK2UoJhWlcJvi9kbdaafQbuDfsA0u1n2x5e9-4_QsGd0QZpQkV-k44C95tOcmCw98nZ_CHMzYNwgJn-qe23E0q5mbVSJKCKqaO_f8XtZQQDPeANW4/s640/IMG_5643.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In the footsteps of the Tour - Port de Pailheres from Axat</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcptdyu12QzqJr14-VFgfKaPwvXgAMWRaVZlsG-aFzAWrKt3c_9iuxrPXFvODGMQWA9sbv5K679tLmVViCnc-4XQiggtplU2kbSFB5qZrlRCFJJZJNIUgxC_CuppHNjbG0TXHUWI0ExVU/s1600/IMG_5963.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcptdyu12QzqJr14-VFgfKaPwvXgAMWRaVZlsG-aFzAWrKt3c_9iuxrPXFvODGMQWA9sbv5K679tLmVViCnc-4XQiggtplU2kbSFB5qZrlRCFJJZJNIUgxC_CuppHNjbG0TXHUWI0ExVU/s640/IMG_5963.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Down the Pailheres after climbing from the Ax-les-Thermes side and the Col du Pradel</td></tr>
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crossjunkiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12038909994121091859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5801131347881693774.post-67724345537574937892013-07-25T12:46:00.002+01:002013-07-25T12:48:58.881+01:00A 3 Peaks Cyclocross survival guideAfter the flurry of excitement in early June that is the lottery of how to obtain a <a href="http://www.3peakscyclocross.org.uk/" target="_blank">Three Peaks Cyclocross</a> entry, my Inbox has been reasonably inundated with anxious newcomers to the race asking how best they might prepare.<br />
<br />
So without giving away too many trade secrets, and with all the hard work still to be done by the individual, here is my potted guide to getting round, or hopefully fully racing the hardest cyclocross race on the planet.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Into worsening weather up Simon Fell during the 2012 race</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Training:<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
For me there are 3 main elements of specific fitness for the Peaks
which distinguish it from fitness for a long hilly road sportive, for example, where
threshold stuff is important and endurance essential.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Firstly, condition your body for the battering it is
going to get - core fitness, upper body strength and endurance are all
important as you are on and off your bike, picking it up for
stiles/carrying/rocks etc on a fairly constant basis. If you have good overall conditioning, great but as most don't naturally have this, long off road
rides help in this respect. Core work or visits to the gym will also pay dividends in the later stages of the race as your body really takes a good all-over battering from carrying, on and off stuff as well as the ubiquitous rough descents with a vaguely unsuitable bike.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Secondly, there is the running thing. Except for mortal
folks like you and I, as distinct from Jebby/Craig et al, it is not running.
It's trudging. If you like running, then run as it won't hurt your performance. More importantly though,
make sure you are also trudging around carrying your bike as much as possible. Your
shoulder will take a beating in the race, but it can be conditioned over time
to withstand it. Hill reps carrying the bike, running or fast walking and a good deal
of long carries on those long rides will all pay dividends over pure running
training. Every time.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Lastly, many people struggle on the transition from riding
(often after the road sections) to trudging climb. And back again to riding. I'm convinced
that that was behind many of the cramp issues I used to have but have largely
solved now. Think triathlete brick session - go for a ride and finish it
running or walking up a steep hill. Better still, find a circuit which involves
riding then running/walking then riding. Like mine and Dave Haygarth's Bull Hill sessions (below). Practice
that on and off and on again stuff and it will pay dividends too.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/cVN5dYakWk8?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I also do rides with off-road bits then hammer out a
road section then more off-road. Gets you used to the rhythm of the race. But
in the race, be careful you don't go mad on the road sections (see below).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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Equipment:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Long cage rear mechs and dinner plate cassette are a definite advantage - think SRAM wifli or a mountainbike mech. A
one-to-one gearing ratio is good only on Penyghent (nowhere else) but how good it is!
I run 34 front and 32/34 rear. It's heaven up the Penyghent track when you are simply wasted.
Elsewhere it is not much use as it's quicker jogging or you are walking.
If you are on a 2 bike strategy, you can run 34 x 28 on the bike for the first 2 peaks and then swap to the crawler bike at Ribblehead.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Often people like to pad the top tube for comfortable carrying, sometimes using their orange survival bag. Personally I don't like it as for me it makes the bike
harder to carry and I would argue that good carrying technique and some long
rides will sort out the inevitable aches. Your call...<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
With tyre choice, punctures and sidewall rips
are the big risk. You can reduce the puncture risk somewhat by using tubulars, 34mm ones at that. Artisan products from Dugast and FMB are risky unless they are the latex walled ones - instead use Grifo, Gommitalia, Tufo which are cheaper and often suitably general in tread performance. With tubulars you have the option to ride a bit on a puncture - it will probably trash the tub but can keep you moving till you pick up a spare wheel or bike. I have used
clinchers too - only thick sidewalled ones (Schwalbe Landcruisers, Kenda Cross, Maxxis Locust) - but never tubeless. Some top
riders are using tubeless with success, but I am not really qualified to comment on how good that set up is.<br />
<br />
Pressure wise, go for 65psi in your tubs (or a little more) but check they will stand that sort of pressure. For clinchers look toward 70psi or even a little higher. Carry gas cannisters for easy inflation of a new tube but best of all don't puncture. The number of times I have had riders shouting to blast through on rocky sections only to hear the inevitable 'psssst' a few moments later.... Get down smoothly and with flow, not in a tearing hurry, and you and your machine will be in one piece, and not broken.<br />
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Tread wise, Ingleborough is usually greasy in the morning
but after that the route is pretty dry, or at least gravelly and definitely
only muddy in a very few places. Unless we have the 'off-the-hook' weather of last year..... I have run file tread too before now, but
braking can be hard on gravel or dust with file tread. On balance, tread is not really important for the Peaks, puncture resistance definitely is so choose accordingly.<o:p></o:p><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiihmLmVZInmHMM2VrHa3mwmTXbMAtTmf7wWOGgy8oB_27ZCt9W1bIX-Jsn6zUS5X-8goqQ8Z_gibyzAbtVQVjhoT4BFfqs8bGvI7trXbtLTaALKusifTm-qX8VNZnNemQ26cXQfz0bJlY/s1600/8061773752_bf136d5b58_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiihmLmVZInmHMM2VrHa3mwmTXbMAtTmf7wWOGgy8oB_27ZCt9W1bIX-Jsn6zUS5X-8goqQ8Z_gibyzAbtVQVjhoT4BFfqs8bGvI7trXbtLTaALKusifTm-qX8VNZnNemQ26cXQfz0bJlY/s640/8061773752_bf136d5b58_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bike swap at Cold Cotes after horrendous weather on Ingleborough during 2013</td></tr>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
Nutrition:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have half a bottle of carb-type drink over Ingleborough - you don't have time to
drink more as it is either 'too steep' or 'too busy' with other riders around you jockeying for position.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you have support, get a fresh big bottle and gel at Cold Cotes going onto road.
Don't smash it on the road and neglect eating and drinking. Also your road legs
can buckle when you hit the long walk up W'side. That said, watch out for a
group to get in on the road as you can pick up time compared to riding solo. There is a fine balance between the two to be had, which comes with experience. You can get a cup of water at base of the Whernside climb where you have to off
your bike anyway for the bridleway section.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Make sure you drink and eat something quick at Ribblehead when the descending calms down, grab a fresh big
bottle and caffeine gel to drink and take on the road section before Penyghent You will need it...<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Sometimes there is water high up on Penyghent, carried up to the turn by a kind man whose name I have never learned.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Overall, just be well hydrated before, carry something easy
to eat and digest if you begin to struggle and try to drink on the road to
Whernside as much as possible. Save a bit of drink for climbs up Whernside and Penyghent but there isn't too much you can do to drink if you are really going for it.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Unsupported is obviously harder and you will have to Camelback it. Same rules apply though about using the road for nutrition.</div>
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Recce:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
Simon Fell is off limits except race day, and the rest can
mostly only be recced on foot, NOT bike. The main exception is Penyghent track till half
way where you will still have to ditch the bike and run/walk to remain legal. Recce can either frighten you or reassure you - it's an odd one. Some knowledge of the terrain is useful and I now know every inch of the route, quite literally. But I'm not really any faster for it. Well, maybe a little.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
There's plenty more to the Peaks than all that lot, but if you get hooked as I have done, you'll come back again and again and discover the nuances for yourself.<br />
<br />
Have a good race!</div>
crossjunkiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12038909994121091859noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5801131347881693774.post-52963817073803597342013-07-22T14:09:00.000+01:002013-07-22T14:09:15.513+01:00And so it begins... #cx13/14Now we've got this out the way.....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRSFR2HmZZ2riZkeK-Rcg2918A-MYFbUodUTOgv_dMVcB9Kpi6-KPYnPCHOSmlOKbgI8Hae-KEVxDtPEVy9bChHJ8q6QrbFtSpXoKKFZQka7h016RuS8kxfa6Ey1XP1ONuS9LVk1a-OHk/s1600/1374436813778-u6w2zcv8ky4f-670-75.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRSFR2HmZZ2riZkeK-Rcg2918A-MYFbUodUTOgv_dMVcB9Kpi6-KPYnPCHOSmlOKbgI8Hae-KEVxDtPEVy9bChHJ8q6QrbFtSpXoKKFZQka7h016RuS8kxfa6Ey1XP1ONuS9LVk1a-OHk/s640/1374436813778-u6w2zcv8ky4f-670-75.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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We can get on with this.....</div>
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And the questions I hope to have answered by February are:</div>
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Which of the big Euro pros will be on discs? And if so, which hydraulic system (if any) will they be on?</div>
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Will Sven be able to boss it still, despite advancing years? Or will Niels Albert finally stop throwing strops and get some consistency together?</div>
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Will we get full coverage of Women's racing from Europe, particularly World Cups?</div>
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Will the Americans make inroads into Euro racing or merely continue to head up the biggest domestic scene on the planet?</div>
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Will FMB tubs start to threaten Dugast in terms of volume, or will the artisan tubular producers suffer at the hands of quality mass produced products from the bigger tyre manufacturers.</div>
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Will we have a mudbath in NW England from September onwards like last year or actually get some fast races as well? Where I get to use more than full-on mud treads?</div>
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Can I get close to 3:45 hrs for the 3 Peaks Cyclocross?</div>
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Will my teammate Dave Haygarth get his shoulder operation out the way quick enough to make a come back at the end of the season? Fingers crossed. Missing you already Dave.</div>
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Check back here later....</div>
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<br />crossjunkiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12038909994121091859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5801131347881693774.post-47612230531026270342013-06-17T14:55:00.003+01:002013-06-17T15:03:50.034+01:00Choosing your tread for cyclocross tubulars <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcS_7L2lChGwOLaT71kp2AtJRRHhFONTN4T3ah3qQ9L_egD8IUNmzTn7jfGCapHKcTh-3AKNQsagC8ms9CaEbKAdhqh1Prr4oJnbVt3G-6GjLqeZfwFMl5ockeR61XcDZ7poaiKYUP7kQ/s1600/img_1649.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcS_7L2lChGwOLaT71kp2AtJRRHhFONTN4T3ah3qQ9L_egD8IUNmzTn7jfGCapHKcTh-3AKNQsagC8ms9CaEbKAdhqh1Prr4oJnbVt3G-6GjLqeZfwFMl5ockeR61XcDZ7poaiKYUP7kQ/s640/img_1649.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The most common question I get asked about 'cross tubs, at races, in emails and on twitter is....<br />
<br />
<i>What's a good all-rounder tread to get?</i><br />
<br />
Or a derivative thereof.<br />
<br />
It's a good question - most people asking it are just starting off with tubulars, or only wanting to invest a modest amount and are therefore looking for one wheelset, on one bike to cover all conditions.<br />
<br />
Unfortunately, it's a bit like the question 'how long is a piece of string?'. There are so many variables to take into account - rider style, weather, soil type, frequency of use and so on. However, I've tried to put together a handy guide to get you thinking about how to choose your first or sole pair of tubulars, with a few recommendations to start you off. You will doubtless pick holes in my reasoning, find exceptions, struggle in snow and want a clincher alternative to boot. You're probably right on all counts but life is too short to cover it all.... unless you want to buy me a pint and make your pitch.<br />
<br />
<b>Rider style:</b><br />
<br />
Mountainbike background? Roadie? BMXer? The higher your confidence in your bike handling skills, the less critical the choice is in many ways. I'm not the best bike handler so make up for it by getting tread choice and tire pressure absolutely right for the conditions. In really slick conditions, I've been outridden by better bike handlers on a less than optimal tread choice ie their only choice, but at least stacking the odds in my favour keeps me moving forward. If you are not blessed with ninja skills then err on the side of a more mud oriented tread as you will struggle less in the mud than you will lose in the dry.<br />
<br />
<b>Climate:</b><br />
<br />
I always laugh at London-based 'crossers. No, not because they are in London (well a little bit) but because they seem to be using general tread choices long after we North-West riders have switched to mud treads. Last year, in the NW of England, we started on muds and that's how it stayed all season. Most of the recent seasons have been like that too. Even in Summer Cross, us Northerners are using muds most of the time. If where you live is not the rainfall capital of the country then perhaps a more general tread is the best one-shot choice. If you live in NW England, then just get muds and be done with it, for all year use.<br />
<br />
<b>Soil type:</b><br />
<br />
I have a twitter acquaintance (@philipglowinski) that studies geological maps of new race venues to get clues about the likely soil type. Most people would probably scoff but I'm a bit geeky too and thought that was brilliant. Either way, the point is soil type can make a big difference even given the same rainfall as on a differing type elsewhere. Case in point, Sutton Park, much loved as a classic venue for National Champs, was usually pretty fast and dry given the sandy soil. Heavy rain rarely turned it into a complete mudbath, unlike Peel Park, Bradford which only requires a light sprinkling to become pretty tasty for the mud lovers. South East soil types tend to be different to NW soil types to South West soil types etc etc Check yours out - is it essentially a faster drying soil type, or more loamy, or clay based. It'll give a starting point at least.<br />
<br />
<b>How often are you racing?</b><br />
<br />
Most treads wear reasonably well these days, but more aggressive treads do by definition wear more when used on frequently on harder surfaces. Thus your mud tread specials might look a bit worse for wear if you blast around on hardpack surfaces a lot in between the odd mud race. Worth thinking about as tubs of any description are not cheap these days.<br />
<br />
<b>So what do I rate?</b><br />
<br />
<i>Predominantly muddy races/NW England/Yorks - FMB SuperMud or Dugast Rhino</i><br />
<br />
You won't go far wrong with a mud tread like <b>FMB SuperMud</b>. Designed as a direct competitor to the imperious <b>Dugast Rhino</b>, I've written about them <a href="http://crossjunkie.blogspot.co.uk/2011/11/fmb-super-mud-review.html" target="_blank">here</a>, and rate them as better all round than the Rhino which is still pretty damn good. They work well in drier conditions too as they are not quite as aggressive. Comprehensively pre-sealed and double stitched by Francois at FMB, they will last you a few seasons too if looked after.<br />
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<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEdgJmwxUa0dh6keTossLH9wkWiRGtakgLMN5Nzfe2-JP96IszWmKZCRJTAoZ39YN6QAo4KY0aRR6gVGCidOwcSSqtmQGYSVosKhisWtujQ0-vtg5D_GNf_gUW_I-ILf4JSWmydh6fSZs/s1600/sm1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEdgJmwxUa0dh6keTossLH9wkWiRGtakgLMN5Nzfe2-JP96IszWmKZCRJTAoZ39YN6QAo4KY0aRR6gVGCidOwcSSqtmQGYSVosKhisWtujQ0-vtg5D_GNf_gUW_I-ILf4JSWmydh6fSZs/s400/sm1.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">FMB SuperMud</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPyJSLJ8Kk8xWHwcbSdBNkDUcI-EZXvxIPPt7DLkSC0sKS05zAASSWy_zL8PkJb20e2NefqvBBiDEKgjO9Awz3Rf7EUzK85l87ePdgmCyLHn8G5OOZ5uMZTdKdvD8iClYbpJDlbLQzuAQ/s1600/cyclocross-tubular-dugast-mud-cxm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPyJSLJ8Kk8xWHwcbSdBNkDUcI-EZXvxIPPt7DLkSC0sKS05zAASSWy_zL8PkJb20e2NefqvBBiDEKgjO9Awz3Rf7EUzK85l87ePdgmCyLHn8G5OOZ5uMZTdKdvD8iClYbpJDlbLQzuAQ/s400/cyclocross-tubular-dugast-mud-cxm.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dugast Rhino</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Recently a lot of folks have been impressed with the <b>Challenge Limus</b> - it has a great tread, a good supple casing and seems to shed well. Perhaps struggles a bit in quicker conditions due to the aggressive tractor style tread but nonetheless a good choice and more available than exotica from FMB or Dugast.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlTMGsPR3lZpDgY3IjxDMID-G8DYGbnPZOJrBsx-R021IBACgXpvVHgcgZNfLybPlV_KjD5bxGCJ2Pc6k0H383Nm8HwFmMuBLMI_ybHQcmhlwbi8dU6xYSxdlnw0osi58JQzlo5xPpyVM/s1600/challenge-limus-cyclocross-tubular-tire-for-mud-cxm2_21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlTMGsPR3lZpDgY3IjxDMID-G8DYGbnPZOJrBsx-R021IBACgXpvVHgcgZNfLybPlV_KjD5bxGCJ2Pc6k0H383Nm8HwFmMuBLMI_ybHQcmhlwbi8dU6xYSxdlnw0osi58JQzlo5xPpyVM/s400/challenge-limus-cyclocross-tubular-tire-for-mud-cxm2_21.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Challenge Limus</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Alternatives worth looking for - <b>Clement PDX</b> (super aggressive tread). <b>Vittoria XM</b> (robust, reasonably agressive tread)<br />
<br />
<i>Intermediate conditions - not too many mudbaths, drier soil types</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
The benchmark for years has been between <b>Dugast Typhoon</b> and <b>Challenge Grifo</b>. Both great, both proven. But... there are new interlopers in the scrap.<br />
<br />
<b>FMBs SSC</b> is similarly styled to the above, in terms of tread but the knobs are a little taller and a little more aggressive - like a Rhino on the edges. Therefore, it handles muddier conditions just that little better whilst still rolling fast in the dry. I've used them and really rated them.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE_o0H9SctAFCBg2695H88r03ElS1L_kvXRFxup35owWL5UWvz8RbB-XvUHv8cm3Z7ImDxr3OjK7iMwuzg1Mbe20J4Ev6_4sKVmODR9bmCiWEFCuG4j5O7q5Gqyb9xUb1kmR_fChvXDb0/s1600/cotton_SSC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE_o0H9SctAFCBg2695H88r03ElS1L_kvXRFxup35owWL5UWvz8RbB-XvUHv8cm3Z7ImDxr3OjK7iMwuzg1Mbe20J4Ev6_4sKVmODR9bmCiWEFCuG4j5O7q5Gqyb9xUb1kmR_fChvXDb0/s400/cotton_SSC.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">FMB SSC</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
The new kid on the block is the <b>Dugast Small Bird</b> - my test pair are about to arrive so I can't yet say what they are like, but the idea is sound with them being essentially a revamped Rhino style tread, busier like a 'small block 8' type mtb tread for the dry, lower central knobs with a harder compound in the centre and softer more aggressive side knobs. Best of both worlds job hopefully and they could maybe be the ultimate one-job tread.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDKDJqC5clK5NalxXEXeUIq8gI2fIkAjWY61LK4ZoBDUFslAUJj28uSVmo8nyhJrzO-t1KNgqDtPkOFZRyuGlFemuxBi4sFlHN9u6K0ZTglxDEuXx1NcPVCFZ-pQ4-Gq4CnohRemON04k/s1600/dugast-small-bird-tubular.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDKDJqC5clK5NalxXEXeUIq8gI2fIkAjWY61LK4ZoBDUFslAUJj28uSVmo8nyhJrzO-t1KNgqDtPkOFZRyuGlFemuxBi4sFlHN9u6K0ZTglxDEuXx1NcPVCFZ-pQ4-Gq4CnohRemON04k/s400/dugast-small-bird-tubular.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dugast Small Bird</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Alternatives worth looking for - <b>Schwalbe Racing Ralph</b> (light, supple casing, bit low on volume in the casing), <b>Gommitalia Magnum</b> (see Grifo), <b>Vittoria Evo XG</b> (robust, bit sketchy in mud), <b>Challenge Fango</b><br />
<br />
<i>Summer Cross</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
If you live in the North West or Yorkshire - see mud tires.<br />
<br />
For those elsewhere, <b>FMB Sprints</b> are pretty awesome in the dry, AND pretty awesome in light mud too. With a surprising amount of grip from the stipples, the really aggressive side knobs keep you upright in most light mud conditions, and even on greasy, rain-slick, previously sun-baked grass. Just.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Tz3YAlltBzsel2cj-2G9a0xDZKVuc2dFoxd7gNHp__X8TJTt6krTSm5uROSR6Ci0Oq1GP_6ADr-Z_ZbKbZfMf8Egqf07lUsAA5ejHYLPcqYworHBpniVVCNuz2kNEndrhAKfSiXqNl8/s1600/fmb-cotton-sprint-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Tz3YAlltBzsel2cj-2G9a0xDZKVuc2dFoxd7gNHp__X8TJTt6krTSm5uROSR6Ci0Oq1GP_6ADr-Z_ZbKbZfMf8Egqf07lUsAA5ejHYLPcqYworHBpniVVCNuz2kNEndrhAKfSiXqNl8/s400/fmb-cotton-sprint-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">FMB Sprint</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Alternatives - <b>Challenge Grifo XS </b>(more an out and out dry tire than the Sprints)<br />
<br />
Everybody has their own favourite, their own opinion. Feel free to take me to task in the comments below and add your bit. I have ridden most of the treads outlined above but not all and there are some out there that I haven't mentioned that are worth a look too.<br />
<br />
Gruff but friendly Nottingham importer John Holmes does great prices on Dugast tubulars as well as FMB - mention my name when you call him on 07946 461972.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.fangoso.co.uk/" target="_blank">Fangoso</a> should soon also be able to hook you up with some FMBs.crossjunkiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12038909994121091859noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5801131347881693774.post-53458778047854274722013-06-12T14:33:00.001+01:002013-06-12T15:27:12.697+01:00Going Dutch - an immersion in cycling cultureA family holiday to the north of the Netherlands, to a city where the per capita use of bikes is allegedly the highest in the world, seemed like a good excuse to load the car with the full compliment of family bikes and go Dutch style..<br />
<br />
Our base, at friends, was in Groningen, not too far from the German border and in a traditional part of the Netherlands. Got a stereotype image for Holland? We ticked them all, apart from tulips.<br />
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It is flat, eye openingly flat. It is windy, constantly so. The people are tall, the girls often blond. Everywhere is neat, straight, criss-crossed with canals and there are definitely windmills.<br />
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And then there are the bikes. They are simply everywhere and used by everybody. Riding out early on a Monday morning into the countryside from our hosts, I came to the first major bike path on the local A road and ran into what can only be described as multiple 'flotillas' of cyclists. Mostly college/school students with some commuters, they rode in groups, 4 or 5 long and two abreast. Chatting, laughing, texting, one handed. Like a clubrun of experienced riders, but with bags, panniers, casual clothes and a complete mastery of their mode of transport. For someone used to riding into work and seeing the odd grizzled fluoro-jacketed factory worker returning from a night-shift or dragging himself into work, it truly was an eye opener indeed.<br />
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Later in the trip I participated in the two-wheeled school run for our host's kids - to find that the rest of the (primary) school arrived on bikes too, leading to the largest collection of two-wheeled transport I have ever seen in one place. For one school.<br />
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Shopping, as well as the school run was accomplished on the 'bakfiets' - a two wheeled box big enough for 4 kids bolted to a normal Dutch bike. Heavy but surprisingly manoueverable, I had fun loading up with a selection of mine and borrowed kids and going beer, I mean essentials, shopping with ease.<br />
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I asked our hosts if the numbers and usage diminished in winter or in bad weather, and I got a slightly quizzical look which answered my question. People have well-suited bikes, clothing to match and an attitude of stoicism when it comes to the weather.<br />
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This was in evidence on the 2 family Sunday ride we did to a local village and cafe where 15km into a brisk headwind didn't phase the Dutch half, even if it presented problems with cold hands for my littlest. They just got on with it, warmed up with hot chocolate and blasted back home after.<br />
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My own training rides were unique in flavour - headwinds there are steady but not depressing and assuming you plan well, the returning tailwind is a thing of pure animal satisfaction. I hadn't ridden that fast on the flat since the last group crit race I had done. The wind is ever present and during winter I am sure can become nearly untenable, but it is constant rather than gusting and therefore allied with the flat terrain, allows you to chose a gear and effort to suit, and just get into the groove. More pleasingly, I rode for mile after mile, or rather km after km, on purpose built bike paths, usually on BOTH sides of a road, often with 2 lanes on the path itself and with utter deference and respect from the motorists whom I came into contact with. I hadn't realised how relaxing riding at speed could be, without traffic and surface hazards to sharpen the senses. The roads in that region, and the rest of the country I believe, are in incredibly good condition. In the Groningen region at least, revenue from natural gas reserves are used to keep them in such good condition. I saw one pothole in the whole trip, on the motorway near Amsterdam.<br />
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I expect that flatness would grate after a while, and certainly it was a pleasant surprise to come back to East Lancashire's vertiginous terrain but it is truly a wonderful place to immerse yourself in cycling culture in the widest sense. They don't do proper cobbles though, which was a shame...<br />
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<br />crossjunkiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12038909994121091859noreply@blogger.com0