Had to stop for this pic. Will report on the tour de hard knott pass when im back on sunday. This shot was on the way up to the North West Lakes.
Saturday 30 March 2013
Thursday 28 March 2013
Snow biking and Dobermans
Well the snows still here but the yellow jerkey will not be thwarted. Driving up to the lake district with the bike in the back. Some of the passes MUST be open. Looking forward to giving Hard Knott pass a try if the sun keeps doing its stuff. Meanwhile at chez moi, we have a housesitter/babysitter for our resident doberman Gerry. Just thought it was worth warning any would be burglars.
Wednesday 27 March 2013
I am Caveman! UGGH!
Day 4 of the "Caveman" diet. As suggested to me by Killian Roach, a diet so called because you are only allowed to eat what a cave man could find to eat. No granary carbohydrates because Caveman hadn't learned to make bread yet. No sugar in coffee, no milk because cows weren't being milked then either. Cuzzers, Pizza and chocolate are out, although Mr Sizzle's sausage is OK without the bread roll.
Its all about trimming down, so my power to weight ratio is improved for the coming set of CCCP rides across the UK and beyond. I am considering growing my hair and beard for the full caveman effect.
All that's left is proteins, fats and non granary carbs - apparently these are basic staple diet of the Caveman, and what I need to trim some pounds and get into shape. The thing is I seem to be eating twice as much as ever. 6 Eggs at a time with bacon slices. A whole bag of apples. Party bag of fruit and nuts alongside half a chicken and a tub of peanut butter eaten straight from the tub with a spoon. Green tea, black coffee, more bloody fruit juice and NO BEER.
Considering I don't normally eat breakfast, this mornings petit dejeuner was 3 scrambled eggs, portion of melon and grape fruit salad and half a box of Sainbury's wafer thin chicken slices. Which doesn't sound too Caveman when you consider the microwaving involved for the scrambled egg.
At the same time I have been hitting the turbo trainer with vigor while watching some inspirational video of a drug addled Lance Armstrong breaking the land speed record while climbing Alp duez, but the end result is I have put on 2 pounds.
It might be due to the fact I'm probably working up to the worlds biggest poo - after all, 10 eggs a day is gonna bung you up in some way of form. Alternatively the eggs may be the culprits responsible for 2 pounds of extra cholesterol gained throughout my arteries - either way, cant see this lasting a month!
Its all about trimming down, so my power to weight ratio is improved for the coming set of CCCP rides across the UK and beyond. I am considering growing my hair and beard for the full caveman effect.
All that's left is proteins, fats and non granary carbs - apparently these are basic staple diet of the Caveman, and what I need to trim some pounds and get into shape. The thing is I seem to be eating twice as much as ever. 6 Eggs at a time with bacon slices. A whole bag of apples. Party bag of fruit and nuts alongside half a chicken and a tub of peanut butter eaten straight from the tub with a spoon. Green tea, black coffee, more bloody fruit juice and NO BEER.
Considering I don't normally eat breakfast, this mornings petit dejeuner was 3 scrambled eggs, portion of melon and grape fruit salad and half a box of Sainbury's wafer thin chicken slices. Which doesn't sound too Caveman when you consider the microwaving involved for the scrambled egg.
At the same time I have been hitting the turbo trainer with vigor while watching some inspirational video of a drug addled Lance Armstrong breaking the land speed record while climbing Alp duez, but the end result is I have put on 2 pounds.
It might be due to the fact I'm probably working up to the worlds biggest poo - after all, 10 eggs a day is gonna bung you up in some way of form. Alternatively the eggs may be the culprits responsible for 2 pounds of extra cholesterol gained throughout my arteries - either way, cant see this lasting a month!
Sunday 24 March 2013
Bloody Turbo Trouble
3 days of snow, no chance of a bike ride, its about time I bought a turbo trainer. Did a bit of research on the tinternet and came up with a Voldare Elite Italian jobby. Well they know a bit about bikes don't they, and the price isn't to bad. I assured myself that the £130 I just spent was far better investment than a new gym membership. Now all I needed to do is
A. decide where I'm going to set it up, and
B. figure out how to set it up.
My initial idea of in the living room so I can watch the tv at the same time didn't go down well with the missus. "You'll hardly know I was in the room, the bloke in the shop said its practically silent running, and it means we'll be doing something together - you watching Corra, me having a coronary"
The bedroom was out of the question, so there was one option left - the music room/library. Now that sounds a bit grandiose, but the room has only been called a library since I built a book shelf in there and has only been called a music room since I came back drunk from the pub with a complete set of drums (and £100 lighter). The drum set takes pride of place in the library accompanied by a rack of guitars and amplifiers. In fact the appearance of the first of the guitars was a result of alcohol at a charity auction! On a more positive note, it did inspire both daughters to play guitar and drums respectively.
So back to the turbo - like any self respecting bloke I cast aside the instructions, dumped everything on the floor and manually attempted the assemble. Something clicked into place, and then flicked back out while one of the legs snapped up and whacked me in the chin. Not a great start, and after half an hour I was calling the Little Bear out of desperation (Our resident CCCP cycling mechanic). He popped round to see what was the problem.
Well the problem was I had got bits left over - one of which I had recognised - a spindle out of the middle of a wheel, (something that the Halfords bloke assured me I wouldn't need to mess with, it was just going to be a plug and play affair, NO TAKING THE BIKE APART! he said) and a couple of non identifiable metal parts with thread on, 1 inch wide metal discs and a couple of sponge type washers.
"Well you're gonna have to change the spindle on your bike to this one so you don't get your existing one damaged, but the good news it that only takes about a minute and its dead easy. That calmed me down.
As for these other bits,... that's a bit more serious..." I looked at him concerned that I had knackered my new purchase by not assembling it correctly "These parts my friend, are from the main symbol and stand of your daughters drum kit"
Well you look at em, they look as though they should have been part of it! - spot the spindle!
A. decide where I'm going to set it up, and
B. figure out how to set it up.
My initial idea of in the living room so I can watch the tv at the same time didn't go down well with the missus. "You'll hardly know I was in the room, the bloke in the shop said its practically silent running, and it means we'll be doing something together - you watching Corra, me having a coronary"
The bedroom was out of the question, so there was one option left - the music room/library. Now that sounds a bit grandiose, but the room has only been called a library since I built a book shelf in there and has only been called a music room since I came back drunk from the pub with a complete set of drums (and £100 lighter). The drum set takes pride of place in the library accompanied by a rack of guitars and amplifiers. In fact the appearance of the first of the guitars was a result of alcohol at a charity auction! On a more positive note, it did inspire both daughters to play guitar and drums respectively.
So back to the turbo - like any self respecting bloke I cast aside the instructions, dumped everything on the floor and manually attempted the assemble. Something clicked into place, and then flicked back out while one of the legs snapped up and whacked me in the chin. Not a great start, and after half an hour I was calling the Little Bear out of desperation (Our resident CCCP cycling mechanic). He popped round to see what was the problem.
Well the problem was I had got bits left over - one of which I had recognised - a spindle out of the middle of a wheel, (something that the Halfords bloke assured me I wouldn't need to mess with, it was just going to be a plug and play affair, NO TAKING THE BIKE APART! he said) and a couple of non identifiable metal parts with thread on, 1 inch wide metal discs and a couple of sponge type washers.
"Well you're gonna have to change the spindle on your bike to this one so you don't get your existing one damaged, but the good news it that only takes about a minute and its dead easy. That calmed me down.
As for these other bits,... that's a bit more serious..." I looked at him concerned that I had knackered my new purchase by not assembling it correctly "These parts my friend, are from the main symbol and stand of your daughters drum kit"
Well you look at em, they look as though they should have been part of it! - spot the spindle!
Monday 18 March 2013
Weekend Warrior Report - Aeroplanes, Wookies and Frost bitten toes!
Ah looks a beaut of a morning I told myself. Might even wear shorts instead of my heavily used "Max Wall" leggings. I began to have my doubts while leaning up a lamppost next to the designated traffic island and meeting place for the CCCP tarmac warriors latest outing. The fact that my feet were starting to numb up after the 2 mile ride to said meeting place should really have persuaded me to nip back for my overshoes.
The Little Bear came around the corner with full winter kit on and a banana sticking out of his mouth. Skidding to a halt, he lost the majority of it in the gutter. I couldn't understand what expletive he uttered, as his face was full of the remains of said banana.
Only two CCCPers out this week but thats a 100% improvement on last week. "I had a bad curry last night, and I haven't been doing much, so lets make it a short one eh" Exclaimed the Little bear.
Let me take this opportunity to introduce you to the Little Bear. 5 foot 6 of wiry, OCD suffering rug smuggler. Part human, part Wookie, hence the moniker. Great guy to have on your team because he is actually the only member of the CCCP who can fix a bike beyond a puncture. His steed is always immaculately turned out, and can tell you what gearing a rider is using from 50 yards out. But for gods sake don't start him on Roofing (his profession) or world war 2 aeroplane engines (his dirty little secret).
So we took off down the main road towards Rugeley from Hednesford and all seemed well, apart from my bloody freezing feet. Out the otherside and we were in the countryside. Now its probably fair to say the Little Bear hadn't been doing much lately, and hills have never been his favourite, but not long ago, he was in top shape and they didn't seem to bother him. To much beer and cuzza of late has slowed him down a touch, but he seemed to be keeping pace and even took a turn on the front.
After a few miles we spotted two riders ahead at the foot of a climb, so we put the hammer down a bit to catch em. As we got closer we noticed it was two women. So summoning our best Contador climbing impressions, and holding our bellies in, we skipped past the young ladies with a polite "Morning". I ploughed on assuming the Little Bear was on my wheel, and within a couple of miles had reached the top, then to enjoy the 35mph+ downhiller on the other side. At the bottom there's a cafe, (Where I intended to buy some hot chocolate to pour over my feet) so I pulled over and looked around expecting to see the Little Bear speeding down the hill. No sign....
A minute or so later the girls we had passed came down the slope and streaked past. Where's the Bear? Moments later he appeared in full aero position, arse hanging off the back of the seat. After pulling up to a halt I asked what happened. "I hate bloody hills!"He hissed, "I'd passed the girls with you, then my legs decided they weren't up to it, and the ladies returned the compliment by breezing past me while I struggled to keep the wheels going round"
Now I've long learned my lesson about underestimating the fairer sex on a bike, but the Little Bear had over estimated his prowess - this was to good to keep quiet. Sorry Bear, had to publish and be damned!
Coffee and cake later, we took on the best of hills around Cannock Chase before heading back home before my feet fell off or the Bear's legs seized up. Great ride though, and its the start of the CCCP's preseason training for the "East to West Near Naked Man" run and whatever other lunatic escapade we decide upon this year. Personally I have the Coast to Coast taking in Hard Knott Pass to look forward to at the end of this month - thats a doozy! 30% in some places.
The Little Bear came around the corner with full winter kit on and a banana sticking out of his mouth. Skidding to a halt, he lost the majority of it in the gutter. I couldn't understand what expletive he uttered, as his face was full of the remains of said banana.
Only two CCCPers out this week but thats a 100% improvement on last week. "I had a bad curry last night, and I haven't been doing much, so lets make it a short one eh" Exclaimed the Little bear.
Let me take this opportunity to introduce you to the Little Bear. 5 foot 6 of wiry, OCD suffering rug smuggler. Part human, part Wookie, hence the moniker. Great guy to have on your team because he is actually the only member of the CCCP who can fix a bike beyond a puncture. His steed is always immaculately turned out, and can tell you what gearing a rider is using from 50 yards out. But for gods sake don't start him on Roofing (his profession) or world war 2 aeroplane engines (his dirty little secret).
So we took off down the main road towards Rugeley from Hednesford and all seemed well, apart from my bloody freezing feet. Out the otherside and we were in the countryside. Now its probably fair to say the Little Bear hadn't been doing much lately, and hills have never been his favourite, but not long ago, he was in top shape and they didn't seem to bother him. To much beer and cuzza of late has slowed him down a touch, but he seemed to be keeping pace and even took a turn on the front.
After a few miles we spotted two riders ahead at the foot of a climb, so we put the hammer down a bit to catch em. As we got closer we noticed it was two women. So summoning our best Contador climbing impressions, and holding our bellies in, we skipped past the young ladies with a polite "Morning". I ploughed on assuming the Little Bear was on my wheel, and within a couple of miles had reached the top, then to enjoy the 35mph+ downhiller on the other side. At the bottom there's a cafe, (Where I intended to buy some hot chocolate to pour over my feet) so I pulled over and looked around expecting to see the Little Bear speeding down the hill. No sign....
A minute or so later the girls we had passed came down the slope and streaked past. Where's the Bear? Moments later he appeared in full aero position, arse hanging off the back of the seat. After pulling up to a halt I asked what happened. "I hate bloody hills!"He hissed, "I'd passed the girls with you, then my legs decided they weren't up to it, and the ladies returned the compliment by breezing past me while I struggled to keep the wheels going round"
Now I've long learned my lesson about underestimating the fairer sex on a bike, but the Little Bear had over estimated his prowess - this was to good to keep quiet. Sorry Bear, had to publish and be damned!
Coffee and cake later, we took on the best of hills around Cannock Chase before heading back home before my feet fell off or the Bear's legs seized up. Great ride though, and its the start of the CCCP's preseason training for the "East to West Near Naked Man" run and whatever other lunatic escapade we decide upon this year. Personally I have the Coast to Coast taking in Hard Knott Pass to look forward to at the end of this month - thats a doozy! 30% in some places.
Friday 15 March 2013
Thursday 14 March 2013
The spirit of Taylor Phinney
"This is not a story about last place" - superbly written piece by Jason Gay about Taylor Phinney's gargantuan effort in the Tirreno-Adriatico stage race, inspired by thoughts of his father to finish the race. I defy anyone not to be moved by it, please follow the link to read.
It reminded me of a similiar, but not quite so heroic event the Tour de Nock 2011.
3 CCCP members, Glen "the Little Bear"Curley, Young Jack, and myself had entered along with a CCCP wanna be who shall be known as "DG" .
Its probably fair to say that DG was a bit over weight. New to cycling but massively enthusiastic about it, new lycra (stretched to its limits) all the gear and frankly, then, no idea.
Lining up in freezing conditions the conversation revolved around "well is everyone waiting for each other? Do we ride together?" Now The tour de Nock isnt a race, but its 63 miles of undulating Staffordshire countryside with a beast of a climb 4 miles from the end called "Cemetery Hill", it was a reliability ride, but myself and Young Jack were not going to be hanging around. Not when everyone else in the 200+ field seemed up for it.
That left The Little Bear (who's a kind hearted soul) to chaperone DG around his first ever ride over 10 miles long.
"Check these Apples" We sped off and joined a fairly spirited group who were keeping a good pace. A group of 3, myself included, tried to up the pace and proptly took a wrong turning and to cut a long story short got lost. This is something which I have been gaining a reputation for, and was bitterly disappointed in once more adding fuel to the fires. We eventually got back on the tail after going 3 miles out of the way, but our overall time was never going to be impressive.
Young Jack had only summer gear on and even with the brisk tempo he was starting to go hypothermic at about 50 mile and dropped out when he realised the route went past his house. I plugged on, being dropped by old men and young children at Cemetery Hill and arrived back in Hednesford for a well deserved hot chocolate and cake. A bit of post ride banter with some of the other cyclists and a browse over the store erected by the local bike shop who had sponsored and organised the event, I decided to pop home for a shower. I only lived about 2 mile away, so I peddled home, showered and changed, and drove back to the finish line.
Still no sign of the Little Bear or DG. Everyone had finished at this stage (or so I thought), the crowds started to dwindle as everyone went home for Sunday lunch, so I decided to drive back down the route and see where the were. 4 miles out I looked down the sweeping Cemetery Hill to see two stationery figures at the foot of the climb. I drove down to find the pair of them sitting on an embankment, DG gorging on jelly babies. "need this for the final push" exclaimed a weak looking DG. The little Bear smiled and said, all things considered, DG was doing ok on the climbs and flat, but went down hills slower than he went up em, wouldn't let go of the brakes! The Little Bear wouldn't leave him on his own, so sacrificed himself for the good of encouraging a newby into the cycling fraternity.
I drove back to an ever emptying start/finish line and started reading the paper. An hour later as the bike shop were packing up the last of their assorted goodies, as the last box went into the back of the van parked on the abandoned car park, the Little Bear and DG arrived. The sponsors were so amazed that they'd just finished that they insisted on a photo shoot with the pair of them, which they used in post event marketing material.
They, like Taylor Phinney got more publicity for their determined effort than the first homers!
I am pleased to say that DG jumped into cycling feet first and lost 3 stone due to an completely unhealthy obsession with cycling - Cycling at 12 at night around the local park for 20 miles with high beam lights, then again in the morning before work, while eating just 600 calories a day. Spent a small fortune on bike upgrades and even more gear... still got no idea though!
Foot note - DG has been kept in cognito to protect the innocent and the fact that he's piled the pounds back on - last report was he's resuming pre season training and the diet
It reminded me of a similiar, but not quite so heroic event the Tour de Nock 2011.
3 CCCP members, Glen "the Little Bear"Curley, Young Jack, and myself had entered along with a CCCP wanna be who shall be known as "DG" .
Its probably fair to say that DG was a bit over weight. New to cycling but massively enthusiastic about it, new lycra (stretched to its limits) all the gear and frankly, then, no idea.
Lining up in freezing conditions the conversation revolved around "well is everyone waiting for each other? Do we ride together?" Now The tour de Nock isnt a race, but its 63 miles of undulating Staffordshire countryside with a beast of a climb 4 miles from the end called "Cemetery Hill", it was a reliability ride, but myself and Young Jack were not going to be hanging around. Not when everyone else in the 200+ field seemed up for it.
That left The Little Bear (who's a kind hearted soul) to chaperone DG around his first ever ride over 10 miles long.
"Check these Apples" We sped off and joined a fairly spirited group who were keeping a good pace. A group of 3, myself included, tried to up the pace and proptly took a wrong turning and to cut a long story short got lost. This is something which I have been gaining a reputation for, and was bitterly disappointed in once more adding fuel to the fires. We eventually got back on the tail after going 3 miles out of the way, but our overall time was never going to be impressive.
Young Jack had only summer gear on and even with the brisk tempo he was starting to go hypothermic at about 50 mile and dropped out when he realised the route went past his house. I plugged on, being dropped by old men and young children at Cemetery Hill and arrived back in Hednesford for a well deserved hot chocolate and cake. A bit of post ride banter with some of the other cyclists and a browse over the store erected by the local bike shop who had sponsored and organised the event, I decided to pop home for a shower. I only lived about 2 mile away, so I peddled home, showered and changed, and drove back to the finish line.
Still no sign of the Little Bear or DG. Everyone had finished at this stage (or so I thought), the crowds started to dwindle as everyone went home for Sunday lunch, so I decided to drive back down the route and see where the were. 4 miles out I looked down the sweeping Cemetery Hill to see two stationery figures at the foot of the climb. I drove down to find the pair of them sitting on an embankment, DG gorging on jelly babies. "need this for the final push" exclaimed a weak looking DG. The little Bear smiled and said, all things considered, DG was doing ok on the climbs and flat, but went down hills slower than he went up em, wouldn't let go of the brakes! The Little Bear wouldn't leave him on his own, so sacrificed himself for the good of encouraging a newby into the cycling fraternity.
I drove back to an ever emptying start/finish line and started reading the paper. An hour later as the bike shop were packing up the last of their assorted goodies, as the last box went into the back of the van parked on the abandoned car park, the Little Bear and DG arrived. The sponsors were so amazed that they'd just finished that they insisted on a photo shoot with the pair of them, which they used in post event marketing material.
They, like Taylor Phinney got more publicity for their determined effort than the first homers!
I am pleased to say that DG jumped into cycling feet first and lost 3 stone due to an completely unhealthy obsession with cycling - Cycling at 12 at night around the local park for 20 miles with high beam lights, then again in the morning before work, while eating just 600 calories a day. Spent a small fortune on bike upgrades and even more gear... still got no idea though!
Foot note - DG has been kept in cognito to protect the innocent and the fact that he's piled the pounds back on - last report was he's resuming pre season training and the diet
Sunday 10 March 2013
Weekend Warrior report
Its gonna be a short one this week.
"Its snowing you idiot" was one of the more repeatable text responses received from the one I sent out to the CCCP tarmac warriors. "Its not sticking" was met with equal derision. Not to be put off, I base layered up, two pairs of bib shorts, neoprene jacket and a snood later I was hauling out my bike from the garage and checking my tyres while the light flakes descended.
And as usual, just as I have everything ready and I'm fully kitted up, I get the urge for a "Richard the third". It takes a good 10 minutes to get a winter outfit kit on, so its another 20 minutes before I'm lycra'd up again and ready for the off.
As I cycled into the snow flakes, I encouraged myself - "Dedication thats whats I've got. Commitment to the cause, no pain no gain."
3 miles into a biting head wind, snow sticking to my shades and fingers starting to numb up, the executive decision was made "sod this" - the 40 mile intended run was abandoned with a swift left turn which made the ride a 10 mile time trial.
A very lumpy, very cold, very windy, (and when I saw my time) a very slow 10 mile slog later, I locked up my bike and jumped into a warm shower - should have listened to the CCCPers.
PS - I am currently looking at interviewing an 85 year old champion cyclist, who's going to give me an insight into time trialing in the 50's and show me some of his trophies and medals - it might give me the inspiration to put a bit more effort into it.
"Its snowing you idiot" was one of the more repeatable text responses received from the one I sent out to the CCCP tarmac warriors. "Its not sticking" was met with equal derision. Not to be put off, I base layered up, two pairs of bib shorts, neoprene jacket and a snood later I was hauling out my bike from the garage and checking my tyres while the light flakes descended.
And as usual, just as I have everything ready and I'm fully kitted up, I get the urge for a "Richard the third". It takes a good 10 minutes to get a winter outfit kit on, so its another 20 minutes before I'm lycra'd up again and ready for the off.
As I cycled into the snow flakes, I encouraged myself - "Dedication thats whats I've got. Commitment to the cause, no pain no gain."
3 miles into a biting head wind, snow sticking to my shades and fingers starting to numb up, the executive decision was made "sod this" - the 40 mile intended run was abandoned with a swift left turn which made the ride a 10 mile time trial.
A very lumpy, very cold, very windy, (and when I saw my time) a very slow 10 mile slog later, I locked up my bike and jumped into a warm shower - should have listened to the CCCPers.
PS - I am currently looking at interviewing an 85 year old champion cyclist, who's going to give me an insight into time trialing in the 50's and show me some of his trophies and medals - it might give me the inspiration to put a bit more effort into it.
Wednesday 6 March 2013
Weekend warrior report - Who suffers the most?
After being abandoned to my own devises by the CCCP members this weekend, I decided to go on one of my old favourite c40 mile runs and put the garmin on. An attack on a couple of the strava segments I knew existed was part of the plan. I felt good and was convinced I was going to kick ass.First came the Straight Mile - a stretch of road somewhat more than a mile but flat as a pancake. We normally have a bit of a gallop between a couple of signposts when we are out as a group, but today I was going to endure the full length 'On the rivet". After a gut busting effort which saw me narrowly miss a parked car that came up on me while I concentrated on keeping a bit to much 'aero', and a bit of an embarrassing problem when my phone had slipped down my lycra bib shorts, i was convinced I had at least done a personal best, if not made KOM.
Couple of miles recovery and I hit the bottom of Poplar Lane hill, a short steep climb that I have never broken 2 minutes on. (2.02 PB) I've tried it in a high gear, I've done it in a low one, I just cannot get the optimum cadence, power required or the fat off my ass to reach my goal. This time was going to be different, I was intent on pushing my red zone to the limit.
Needless to say neither of my primary objectives were achieved, the proof of the pudding was staring me in the face from my computer screen after downloading the stats. I consoled myself with the fact I'm still up there near the top in my age group, but resigned myself to never breaking the 2 minute barrier.
This got me thinking about levels of suffering; that all important requirement to be successful at cycling. I bust my ass getting up that hill. Me, the stereotypical MAMIL (middle aged man in Lycra) must suffer more when compared to professional roadies who are trained for such a thing.
Think about it, it's harder for me to get up there than a grande tour rider scaling mont ventoux. I've got more to carry, inferior equipment, lower VO2 max, higher resting heart rate, older legs and sometimes a hangover. He's got support cars, latest in bike technology and a team around him to shelter behind. He does it everyday, he should be good at it! I've got a bloody full time job to do and of course there's my social obligations.
It's all relative, so don't give me any post stage drivel about suffering 'mr skinny arsed carbon fibre pasta boy" you don't know the meaning of the word.
I was just saying....
Sunday 3 March 2013
A Spot of Varnish
"Do you realise that only world champions should be wearing world champion colours" quizzed the informed but slightly condescending cyclist.
"I know" commented the 47 year old Jim Varnish before turning on his cleats and jumping back on his bike.
Jim agrees that being able to wear the rainbow colours on his kit is "Very Cool" and has a bit of fun at other peoples expense with it. "But it comes at a price, you can't hide on a ride, you're expected to be putting more in than anyone else, and you've got to be fairly modest about it, because no one likes a show off and there's always some bugger thats gonna beat you!"
That aside, he's rightly proud of what he achieved after traveling to Adelaide in 1985 to take the World Cycle Speedway Championship. But it wasn't the only title he won, after coming last in his debut national final, he won a full house of titles - the first rider to win the "Grand Slam" ie. u18, u23, Senior, Australian and World titles in a 5 year period.
Just as Jim inspired his daughter Jess, he himself drew inspiration from his father who was himself a National silver medalist rider in the 50's. Three generations of champion cyclists, and with Jess being world record holding European Team Sprint Champion, and a World Championships bronze medalist, hopefully its only a matter of time before the Varnish household have two sets of rainbow colours to their name.
Jim as a youngster used to watch motorcycle speedway and wanted to be like the riders, so his dad introduced him to the cycling equivalent and he never looked back. For those who have never seen cycle speedway, check out the 1984 National championship final video - its manic! Jim won after a controversial restart because of an overly aggressive cutting up maneuver by John Watchman, which caused a little bit of an altercation. Probably wouldn't have got away with it today, but John still asks for his spokes back whenever he bumps into Jim these days!
At the age of 15 Jim had a handful of local company sponsors from his home town of Walsall to help cover the cost of competing, but how does the training compare to todays cyclists? "It was one size fits all" commented Jim "No specialist individually designed programs, but plenty of 10 mile flat out rides behind the back of a van. Diet wasn't specifically tailored, but I was lucky in the respect that my parents made sure we ate healthily in our household - my dad was my coach. You can never compare generation to generation, but it would have been interesting to see what the older guys could have done with today's technology and diet" When pushed about what he would have been doing in today's cycling theater if he had his time again, Jim suggested a possible Kilo or Keirin role would have suited him best.
The demands and more specifically leg speed required for cycle speedway is incredible and stood Jim in great stead for track sprinting as well as road racing, both of which he participates in now for the domestic team V-Sprint Racing. The V-Sprint's pro team includes the soon to be announced for the coming season, Olympian and daughter Jess Varnish. (Thats an exclusive!)
The V-Sprint team itself participates in road racing as well as track, and is essentially a club with about 40 riders. Although unsure about what his own race commitments are going to include this season, he admits that the adrenaline rush he gets from watching Jess compete is just as good as the rush he craved from racing himself. "The atmosphere is electric at the international meets, the standard is so high and the margins for error so small, you can't help being dragged into the excitement generated, especially so if you happen to be supporting your own daughter"
And what of V-Sprint, what is it? "V-sprint wheels is an online retailer of quality carbon and alloy wheels for track, road racing and training" explained Jim "We set it up 4 or 5 years ago and it's going from strength to strength, we even have our own branded V-Sprint expresso mugs coming out!"
Now coffee is something close to most cyclists hearts, namely coffee shops visited on the weekend run, but when I asked Jim which was his favourite coffee stop, I didn't quite realise what I had touched on. Jim admitted to be completely obsessed with coffee, and investigating various brands of said substance for the ultimate blend. "There is a coffee shop called Coffee Fix in Manchester, a favourite haunt of the British Cycling team, and whenever I visit Jess, we pop in and hang out to sample the wares."
Jim is obviously competitive by nature, so I thought I'd ask him how old Jess was when she started to beat "The old man". I wasn't sure how that one would go down to be honest, but luckily for me Jim found it mildly amusing "About 16 or 17 to be honest, but you have to remember she was a full time athlete when she was 15, so you're messing around with a bit of a beast there, she generates more torque than you could imagine - She can squat double her body weight! Unfortunately she's injured at the moment so having a bit of rest with her mom in Marrakech."
For Jim these days 150 -250 miles in a week is the norm, and he's still competitive as a Vet rider. He coaches as well and gets sessions in on the track as often as possible. I once met a retired Spanish National road champion who admitted that since quitting, had never touched the bike, commercially or for pleasure. I personally found that quite sad, but its obvious that Jim has a quite different approach to life. Diagnosed with Hodgkins lymphoma in 1999 - something he described to me as "A bit of a speed bump". It made him realise how great it is to ride your bike, what's important in life and how it put everything into a totally different perspective. The incident co-incided with the release of Armstrong's book; Its not about the Bike. "An amazing book, and facinating story, and drug use aside it really inspired and encouraged me at a particularly difficult stage of my life." commented Jim
Final point from Jim is a professional forecast -Froome to win the TDF, and Wiggo the Giro "Its going to be a fantastic year for Sky"
Thanks very much for Jim's time, and good luck to Jess when she's back fit and well.
PS Although I was unaware of this at the time, I found out during this interview that not only did Jim hail from my own home town of Walsall, but we were the same age and went to the same school Joseph Leckie!
"I know" commented the 47 year old Jim Varnish before turning on his cleats and jumping back on his bike.
Jim agrees that being able to wear the rainbow colours on his kit is "Very Cool" and has a bit of fun at other peoples expense with it. "But it comes at a price, you can't hide on a ride, you're expected to be putting more in than anyone else, and you've got to be fairly modest about it, because no one likes a show off and there's always some bugger thats gonna beat you!"
That aside, he's rightly proud of what he achieved after traveling to Adelaide in 1985 to take the World Cycle Speedway Championship. But it wasn't the only title he won, after coming last in his debut national final, he won a full house of titles - the first rider to win the "Grand Slam" ie. u18, u23, Senior, Australian and World titles in a 5 year period.
Just as Jim inspired his daughter Jess, he himself drew inspiration from his father who was himself a National silver medalist rider in the 50's. Three generations of champion cyclists, and with Jess being world record holding European Team Sprint Champion, and a World Championships bronze medalist, hopefully its only a matter of time before the Varnish household have two sets of rainbow colours to their name.
Jim as a youngster used to watch motorcycle speedway and wanted to be like the riders, so his dad introduced him to the cycling equivalent and he never looked back. For those who have never seen cycle speedway, check out the 1984 National championship final video - its manic! Jim won after a controversial restart because of an overly aggressive cutting up maneuver by John Watchman, which caused a little bit of an altercation. Probably wouldn't have got away with it today, but John still asks for his spokes back whenever he bumps into Jim these days!
At the age of 15 Jim had a handful of local company sponsors from his home town of Walsall to help cover the cost of competing, but how does the training compare to todays cyclists? "It was one size fits all" commented Jim "No specialist individually designed programs, but plenty of 10 mile flat out rides behind the back of a van. Diet wasn't specifically tailored, but I was lucky in the respect that my parents made sure we ate healthily in our household - my dad was my coach. You can never compare generation to generation, but it would have been interesting to see what the older guys could have done with today's technology and diet" When pushed about what he would have been doing in today's cycling theater if he had his time again, Jim suggested a possible Kilo or Keirin role would have suited him best.
The demands and more specifically leg speed required for cycle speedway is incredible and stood Jim in great stead for track sprinting as well as road racing, both of which he participates in now for the domestic team V-Sprint Racing. The V-Sprint's pro team includes the soon to be announced for the coming season, Olympian and daughter Jess Varnish. (Thats an exclusive!)
The V-Sprint team itself participates in road racing as well as track, and is essentially a club with about 40 riders. Although unsure about what his own race commitments are going to include this season, he admits that the adrenaline rush he gets from watching Jess compete is just as good as the rush he craved from racing himself. "The atmosphere is electric at the international meets, the standard is so high and the margins for error so small, you can't help being dragged into the excitement generated, especially so if you happen to be supporting your own daughter"
And what of V-Sprint, what is it? "V-sprint wheels is an online retailer of quality carbon and alloy wheels for track, road racing and training" explained Jim "We set it up 4 or 5 years ago and it's going from strength to strength, we even have our own branded V-Sprint expresso mugs coming out!"
Now coffee is something close to most cyclists hearts, namely coffee shops visited on the weekend run, but when I asked Jim which was his favourite coffee stop, I didn't quite realise what I had touched on. Jim admitted to be completely obsessed with coffee, and investigating various brands of said substance for the ultimate blend. "There is a coffee shop called Coffee Fix in Manchester, a favourite haunt of the British Cycling team, and whenever I visit Jess, we pop in and hang out to sample the wares."
Jim is obviously competitive by nature, so I thought I'd ask him how old Jess was when she started to beat "The old man". I wasn't sure how that one would go down to be honest, but luckily for me Jim found it mildly amusing "About 16 or 17 to be honest, but you have to remember she was a full time athlete when she was 15, so you're messing around with a bit of a beast there, she generates more torque than you could imagine - She can squat double her body weight! Unfortunately she's injured at the moment so having a bit of rest with her mom in Marrakech."
For Jim these days 150 -250 miles in a week is the norm, and he's still competitive as a Vet rider. He coaches as well and gets sessions in on the track as often as possible. I once met a retired Spanish National road champion who admitted that since quitting, had never touched the bike, commercially or for pleasure. I personally found that quite sad, but its obvious that Jim has a quite different approach to life. Diagnosed with Hodgkins lymphoma in 1999 - something he described to me as "A bit of a speed bump". It made him realise how great it is to ride your bike, what's important in life and how it put everything into a totally different perspective. The incident co-incided with the release of Armstrong's book; Its not about the Bike. "An amazing book, and facinating story, and drug use aside it really inspired and encouraged me at a particularly difficult stage of my life." commented Jim
Final point from Jim is a professional forecast -Froome to win the TDF, and Wiggo the Giro "Its going to be a fantastic year for Sky"
Thanks very much for Jim's time, and good luck to Jess when she's back fit and well.
PS Although I was unaware of this at the time, I found out during this interview that not only did Jim hail from my own home town of Walsall, but we were the same age and went to the same school Joseph Leckie!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)