JP'S OLDER BLOGS

A sort of riding log. Sorry, no pictures

28th July 2009 New kit makes you faster - Wilier Cento Uno

My new bike is light, looks good and makes me want to ride. It is also damn quick. My legs were aching from Sunday and an agonising physio session this morning so this evenings ride was supposed to be easy but.... We caught up with a fellow rider so that made 3 of us - a peleton. The problem was that our new buddy was so excited about having some new mates that could ride that he felt obliged to do his bit on the front, every time he did a turn I got dropped. When eventually I caught up and felt that the pace was dropping I would do a turn, nice and steady, then he'd come flying by and the elastic band would stretch and then whole catch up thing would start again. You don't normally give an excuse on meeting a stanger but I was recovering from 65 miles flat out. Anyhow, it meant that there was none of the social chit-chat and eventually our companion got fed up and blasted off. By now the tone for our ride was set and any chance of a recovery ride was long gone. We hammered on for nearly 40miles and then to my absolute horror my riding buddy took me up The Bostal. Thankfully the new bike, my trusty Wilier Cento Uno did it all for me letting me cruise up in the saddle saving my energy to catch Barny as we rounded the top of the climb.

Barny has ordered up some Fulcrum Racing Zeros which are well know for transforming mere mortals into super beings so next time out I better make sure that have some good legs on.

This the first time in a long time that I am riding a bike that is truly light years ahead of anything else that I have ridden. New kit makes you faster!

27th July 2009 Spend your way to success

I took the Wilier Cento Uno out for a hard ride and I was right, you do get used to it. I did not find it uncomfortable at all but I did find it stiff and, as a consequence rode like the wind, and despite the windy conditions and many hills got my best average speed for a ride outside of a road race this season. The bike is a dream. Buying better is proven to make you faster! Click here for video review.

The Cento meets the three criteria you need when buying a bike

• Is it light enough? It is.
• Does it looks good? Beautiful
• Do you want to ride it? Everyday if I could

In case you think that I am being a bit too roadie, my motivation for riding hard and long is the get prepared to ride the South Downs Way.

25th July 2009 - I've got a new bike!

After my trip to Wilier I have been waiting for my new bike to arrive. By some amazing coincedence I sold the Izoard on the day that the Cento Uno arrived. Fresh back from testing the new Scott CR1 and riding the Izoard this new machince is a bit of a shock. Boy is it stiff? Designed to ride the Tour de France it is stiff which means more power. I'll get used to it so tomorrow looks like a long road ride is in store before I watch Cav try to win the green jersey. If you didn't seen yesterdays TdF, try to. It was one of the best finishes that I have ever seen, worth a watch.

24th July 2009 - Scott trip

It has been a hectic few weeks with a holiday and then a trip to see the 2010 Scotts. One of the highlights of the trip was seeing some of the Scott Team Columbia Highroad HTC Plasm 3 bikes being prepared for the Annecy time trial. The workshop ws like an operating theatre and the bikes were amazing. The Plasma 3 has been developed in the same lab as the Brawn cars and can claim to be the most aero dynamic in th world: The fastest!

Another highlight was the ride on the new CR1 with its new stays. We were lead by an ex pro who only one a stage of the Tour of Switzerland. Aside from the sweltering heat and the endless climbs there were two exceptional aspects to the ride. First off the bike was so comfortable, I road all the cobbles and over every roundabout to test the back end. It was remarkable. The bike has 0.6mm of chainstay deflection: suspension! The other thing was that at 4 seperate junctions or roundabouts where we did not have right of way the cars stopped to let us through. Is it any wonder that Switzerland has the third highest usage of bikes in Europe? Cycle usage is based on journeys to work, Switzerland has 15%, 12% in Germany, 18% in Denmark........ 2% in the UK! Worthing has 6% and rising - we should be proud

See the pictures here

7th July 2009 Smoothie maker gets you fitter

Yesterday we fit a smoothie maker to the back of a bike. Not a regular job but all in a good cause. You can make you own smoothie at Brooklands this weekend 11 or 12th July.

Worthing Council for Voluntary Service have bought the smoothie maker to help draw attention to the benefits of excercise and healthy eating.

Did you know that there are approximately 600 voluntary groups in Worthing with over 20,000 unpaid volunteers. Thanks to all the unpaid helpers and carers out there..

6th July 2009 Hard tail or Suspension?

I woke this morning feeling as if I'd been beaten up and left in ditch after a wild drinking session. What did I drink? A glass of wine sure, but I had Rego straight after the ride and SIS Nocte when I went to bed. The perfect post ride recovery. The problem was that I went on a hammer session using a hard tail. OK, I'm and old git but from now on when the hammer goes down and I'm out for a long one I'll be riding a fullsuspension bike.

5th July 2009 Road or off road?

Most days I have a plan so there is no reason to make a choice. However, last night fresh from my road trip to Italy I rode home on my Wilier Izoard looking forward to a good road ride. But that was a problem. After riding in the Dolomites how was I going to be able to work out a route in Sussex. I took out my old Kona King Kahuna and did a long MTB ride, only 40 miles but I rode fast.

You can do a very hard road ride round here but nothing epic whereas on a mountain bike there is an epic ride on our doorstep: The South Downs Way, that is more or less equivalent to the Marmotte.

I am now knackered, more so than riding Monte Grappa. The Grappa was hard but only two hours of easy riding albeit up hill all the way. The South Downs may look gentle but they are tough. If you ride here and ride hard I guarantee that you can ride anywhere.

Creaks. If your bike is creaking, and it probably is, it is most likely just dried out. This weather may be great and never havimg to clean a bike is a bonus but your bike, just like the trails is drying out.

4th July 2009 Tour de France begins
There is nothing bigger in world sport than this event. Time to get on your road bike and roule. If you have an aversion to drop bars don't forget that many if these riders started out as BMXers or MTBers. This is the only time of year when I'll adjust my riding around the TV schedule. Let the show begin!

Click here for all the news and tv

1st July 2009 - Back from a two day trip to Wilier

The high point was Monte Grappa. The fun was getting there: 27km of up with an average gradient of 6.5%, yeahhhhh!

The guys at Wiler UK, ATB Sales, were kind enough to invite me on a dealer trip to the Wilier head office in Italy. The bonus was a climb up Monte Grappa. The trip was even better than the ones that I used to organise. Why? Because there was so much riding. On arriving at Wilier we saw the production line where one guy builds one bike in its entirety. One of the old guys wearing an overall and working on wheels later arrived in the show room to welcome us. He was the President (owner) of Wilier. He is 71 and he turned up with his sons to ride the Monte Grappe on Tuesday morning.

The high point of the trip (pun) was the ride from the flat coastal plain up into the mountains. The climb up Monte Grappa is 27k with an average gradient of 6.5%. The start has several K at 10%. I was pleased that I did it in 1:43, the descent took over 30mins, flat out and winding through countless hairpins. Colin Bath, ex pro and Wilier brand manager, crash badly on the way down. I think that he is OK now.

One other notable event was using Shimano's Dura Ace DI2. Instant electronic shifting with auto alignment ensuring that the shifter is always on the correct place in relation to the chain and gear. Amazing. Only one problem, paying for it.

Excellent food, company, bikes (I bought one) and riding. Ryanair may leave you feelig cheated but the trip was great. Thanks to Colin, Niki, Kevin and all at ATB.

pics,

25th June 2009 Lee Huskinson rides smooth and wins at UK Bike Park!

Lee was overall and senior category winner at the UK Bike Park last weekend. Congratulations to Alex Thatcher for finishing half way down the entire field in one of his first races (19th Youth) and to Clair Lloyd for winning the girls hardtail (only one entry) and comming 22nd against the guys.

Read Lee's report:

Here's the low down on my latest result, Rnd 4 of the Uk BikePark summer series took place at the weekend 20/21st June.

Me and a good friend Ant Jones took the 1hr30min trip down to sunny Dorset for a stab at the £100 fastest time of the day prize money plus extra's from the likes of MMA, Ridinghigh Uk and Tftuned shox.. This event also Doulbed as hardtail champs which i had no hardtail to ride to defend my tittle.

Practise was a blast and the guy's Wayne and Paul had taped a funn track to ride, with a flowy top section ducking in and out of tree's off a small drop into a right hander which was real loose on race day, down towards a few switchback's and through a series of chalky,rooty corner's. Into a tight rooty line with a slight s-bend where many rider's struggled over two doubles and flat out down towards the step down before hiiting the mach ten left hander before the finish line.

I rode real tidy all weekend both saturday and sunday, feeling comftable on the bike and smoother than i have been all year! my bike set up had been tweaked over the past few events and the changes feel good!

Had a few mechanical's in practise sunday moring blowing a tyre off the rim three times which resulted in the sidewall completely trashed as i rode that one out.

My first race run (there are no seeding runs at these events) was a gooden, i got loose of the first kicker scrubbing that straight into a drifter, i knew this was gona be a good run already just two corner's in.. i felt like every thing just flowed well and the further down the track i got the more i could push it, tapping my bars aginst tree's taking some tight lines at the bottom i cranked it for the finish line hitting the last left real hard.. almost too hard as me arms could berley cope with the g-s!

i crossed the line in 1m14:75 and that would be the wining time as i knew i couldnt shave much more off what was almost perfect.. gave the other elite/expert and senior rider' a time to chase.


here are full results, http://www.southerndownhill.com/forum/index.php/topic,199626.0.html

22nd June 2009 - So how fit are you?
Yesterday thousands rode the London to Brighton and for many it was tough and they'll be enjoying a great sense of acheivement today. It is a wonderful event. I did my first road race of the the year riding to and from the race. For Jason it was his first. The first cats did 70 miles averaging nearly 30mph and the pack included a fair few oldies. Whenever someone calls me fit or fast I only have to think about the oldies in these 1st cat races, or the guys doing Paris - Brest - Paris, or Jen doing the Great Divide, or some friends doing a fifty in under 2 hours, or the riders doing the South Downs Way in under 10hours, the list goes on and on, but all make me realise that I have a long way to go.

It's all relative.

What is the same though is that riding is about fun, enjoyment and achievement even if to realise this there may be some hardship or suffering on the way. The look of satisfaction and pleasure on Jason's face as a said good bye reminded me of how cycling, at any level, can give you a huge feeling of achievment and fulfilment with the reward increasing the more you put into it. True for all at any level. So be proud you London to Brightoners and well done Jason - apologies for the brisk ride home but: family committments..........

19th June 2009 - The Marin Alchemist is coming.........

Marin's long awaited stealth machine is about to arrive on the UK. This 24lbs flyer is designed to and will claim back the South Downs as the fasted bike over chalk. Watch this space for dates and more pictures.

Click here for more information.

18th June 2009 - Quest Adventure boost school cycling over 100%
Darren and I gave a talk on cycling at Thomas-a-becket middle school assembly. The next day there was over 100% increase in riding to school (from 90 to 200). If it wasn't for the parents more kids would ride. I hear that many won't let their children ride saying that the journey is not safe. It is easy to blame the cars but they could always tell their precious little ones to ride on the pavement. This will have more impact than anything in getting the local highways authority to create some cycle routes for schools in Worthing. This may not be as radical as the protests of the sixties and seventies but it may actually help your children develop an interest in politics. The cycle revolution begins....

I had a great ride to Brighton and back, so many fellow riders. Thanks to the lovely lady with the thick rimmed sunnies who smiled and said hello to this old roadie. Brighton to Worthing is definitely quicker by bike, ask any of the drivers that I passed.

17th June 2009 25 year shock for both of us
After 25 years of riding the Downs and hammering down the north east side of Cissbury, last night I had a shock. On the down hill off Cissbury there is a blind bend. I covered my brakes and tried to peer round but I was going flat out. A couple were out for a walk. What a shock. I stopped well in time and away from the walkers but that was not enough to calm the woman who was too shocked to be angry. I apologised profusely as I was so obviously in the wrong. I may moan that dog walkers should all be hung from the nearest gibbert but these guys deserved some more respect.

Whilst once in 25 years might not seem a very high risk with the numbers of riders using the Downs these days we all need to show a little care.

Last night in a short 5 mile loop we met 9 different groups of riders, over 30 people!

14th June 2009 NATIONAL BIKE WEEK begins with a ride from Splash Point

Quest Adventure was at Steyne Gardens to add so colour and to do a bike check for riders heading off on the only National Cycle route in the area. Families and a their bikes turned up and some of the bikes were quite unique.

John Rogers our Cycling Champion Councillor was there with bike and shorts along with cycling enthusiast and local MP Peter Bottomley - forget you political veiws for a moment this guy is a rider.

Well done to all the different groups that were a part of Worthing Revolutions for organising the event. NationalCycling Week has started: Get on your bike!

For all the pictures go to the gallery

13th June 2009 - Bikes, more bikes and a crash all in a days work
Started the day on the Titus FTM, previous shifting problems sorted, this bike is a true great. If you only ever want to have one bike and to ride anywhere in the world this is the one. Next up was a Trek Fuel X90. This is Trek's latest offering but shod with Maxxis High Rollers it felt and acted like a Trail bike so I let rip. I then rode Disco's Kona Stinky Air with it's new Chris King wheel set built by Darren. By now my jumping and berm riding on the air raid shelter was getting fine tuned. I had to follow this with a bike with clip-in pedals, what better than Scott's version of the FTM: the Genius 30. Getting some air is so much safer if you know that you are going to be attached when you land. So far that is over £12,000 of bikes in a day! I took the Genius home for a Cissbury test to compare it with the FTM.

The last bike to try was the Cotic Soul custom build. As I rode out of the shop on its first voyage I looked down and listened for faults in the transmission. Next thing that I knew I had the front wheel sliding across the curb and I went down. This bike was brand spanking new so I used my elbow to take as much force as possible. This shows true committment to our custom customers, if they ride with any enthusiasm they are bound to fall, I just got the first one over with having access to a work shop to put things right. Dylan, the future owner found it amusing and once the skewer and end cap were replaced it looked as good as new. All Dylan wanted to know was how it rode. The Soul design was comfortable with 140mm forks so don't beleive some of the reviews suggesting shorter, this is a great Trail bike. This frame is sweet and the colour: Builder's Tea! Picture to follow.

11th June 2009 - Devil's Dyke loop -tough and a bad driver to make matters worse
I had a few days off to rejuvinate my legs but still struggled up this 600 ft climb on the same day that the riders in the Dauphiné Libéré road up Le Mont Ventoux. David Millar, the only Brit in the race, is 4th overall. He could finish on the podium! Nice one Dave!

Does anyone know who the dork in a Peugeot 407 estate is that had to pass me at speed on the short S bend climb on the lower section of the Steyning Bostal? What was his problem? Ask how he'd react if I insulted and threatened him as he did to me today.

This Sunday I'll miss riding in the name of promoting riding in Worthing. I'll be at Steyne Gardens to mark the begining of National Cycle week. There is a ride from Splash Point to Shoreham. This could cause some anti cycling feeling as the path (the only traffic free cycle route in the region) is only wide enough for a jack russell and a little old lady. The feeling is that as this is all that we've got we might as well celebrate by riding it. If you are going to ride please be extra courteous to other users. What would be much better for the town and cycling would be for all of you to ride to work next week, every day. Check out Worthing Revolution for more information.

7th June 2009 Titus FTM first ride
This bike is our most recent custom build: nice! It has 140mm Rock Shox Revelation forks and 135mm rear wheel travel so that puts firmly into the Trail/Enduro category and to my XC mind this is verging on Freeride. However, for South Downs hammering it eats up the trails like a light XC bike. The guys at Titus recommended 10mm of sag but that is way too little so I kept letting more and more air out until I was running 15mm, that's 25% sag. I reckon that it still needs more as I still had 10mm of travel left even after some fast down hills.
Despite the ever increasing sag the climbing was never compromised and whilst the bike has a U-Turn fork there was never any need to reduce the front end travel. We rode down the Kithurst downhill and the Maxxis Minions gripped and saved me on this awesome run. With it's steepness, gullies and natural berms this is the best downhill round here. The climb out was hell as the dust of the last few weeks had turned to mud and clung to the tyres like melting winter frost. Surprisingly the Minions cleared better that my mates XC tyres. I'd recommend the Minion as the best Freeride/DH tyre for these parts.
The bike is an incredible all-rounder offering the geometry and travel that is as at home here as it would be in Wales or the Alps without any climbing negatives that often come with longer travel bikes.
The rest of the spec is Shimano transmission and brakes, Race Face Evolve cranks, Mavic EN521 built onto Hope Pro2 hubs by Darren. Thanks for getting me to ride your precious bike Nick. I'll add the weight and full spec later.

Full spec here

4th June 2009 Punctures and perfect weather - Whyte 19 Trail first ride.
Yesterday started with a speedy but easy ride to Brighton and back. Glorious weather but too many stops for lights. This was roadie stuff. Next up was a ride on the Whyte 19 Trail. ATB insisted on sending me a demo to try. Such nice people and so, not to insult them, I make sure that I do properly test all these demos that they keep lending me. So in full roadie attire I set off on the single track route home from work. I did the usual Cissbury test and was actually scared approaching the chicane, was it the speed or the Oakley Iridium Fires cutting out too much light? Whatever I exited the bend damn fast, too fast to figure out the gear (this is how I gauge speed here). If you are going fast enough there is a little rise at the bottom the kicks you up enough for some air. I took air, landed and instantly blew out the front tyre with a pinch flat. I was pleased to note that I was in the 12. I must have been going fast. Problem was: no pump, no tube, no levers. A long walk home.... in lycra!

Next morning (today) I rose early to have another go on the 19. Single track to the Cissbury DH then to the Monarch's way, then on to the single track aound Steyning Horsshoe. I tried not to brake down the Monarch's way but my arms were getting trashed and slashed, such is the time of year and I had to dab. Up the rise to Langmead's tomb I really felt that this bike could climb. Through the single track and into the berms atop the Steyning Hill. I got more air of the little jump than I have ever had before. This bike was flying. Back up and to hit the Styening Horshoe single track downhill this time. I was taking no prisoners until the blast and hiss of another pinch puncture, this time the rear wheel. Was it bad luck, bad riding or just more speed than usual? I reckon the later.

I have now tested the Marin Rocky Ridge (140mm relaxed), the Genesis Alptitude (140mm steeper) and the Whyte Trail 19 (120mm and in between the other two). Trail bikes are a lot of fun and give you confidence to take on more radical riding than a standard XC bike, they are also often a match fo a modern full suspension bike but but at far less cost. How do they measure up? I need to ride the Whyte some more and to get two mates together to do a back to back but my impressions so far are: The Rocky is by far the value machine at £1150 and is the most comfortable despite being aluminium. The Alptitude climbs really well, better than the Rocky as the front is lower and you are more over the front end. The Whyte with on 120mm travel rides more like the Alptitude despite having a shorter fork but really excels because of its light weight. Being a bit of a climbing nutter this means that I favour the 19 as an alround bike but for social riding and jumping practice I'd probably go for the Rocky. Despite the shorter fork on the 19 I did not feel disadvantaged on any part of the ride. At just under two grand this is one hell of a bike. Wait for a fuller summary or even the full on back to back in the near future.

31st May 2009 Head down and hammering you miss the view

I've done a lot of riding this week and my legs were really hurting today. So I was off for an easy cruise. It got me thinking about my riding as for over twenty years the only thing that I ever saw on a ride was the track a metre or two infront of me. What a waste? This part of the world is really pretty. Today I had head up and rode for the pleasure of being there.

I've started to notice how beautiful our part of the world is. I used to go the the Vancouver North Shore every year, naturally I go to Wales, I've ridden the Pyrenees and often ride in Chamonix. The North Downs were en route to work so that was a regular play ground. But today, I ask you, is there any where else that you'd rather be? It was hot enough to be as good as any foriegn trail and the wind made the whole ride comfortable. Paradise.

We were not alone, there were so many riders on the Downs that we even had the pleasure of overtaking, not something that I normally get a chance to do away from a race track.

I am so gald to see that more Worthing residents are realising what a wonderful and free play ground that we have right on our doorstep. Enjoy it, don't abuse it and ride.

26th May - What a weekend?

The Sussex Downs were in perfect condtion and so were my legs. What more could I ask for? Saturday I took the Genesis Alptitude for another blast - I've got to improve my jumping....... I've started to notice a big thud on landing - could this mean that I am actually getting some air time? Sunday was going to be a fast long distance day so I went out on the Scott Spark 30. I had my favorite mountain bike saddle a Selle Italia SLR so 4 hours was not a problem. In fact I wanted more. I was so strong that the Douth Downs Way should have been on the cards. How do I get my body to peak like that when I need it to? Monday I found some beautiful and way marked single track but I was walking not riding. These are logged for a future riding trip.

I hope that your weekend was good and the rain has now arrived. On positive note this is settling the dust and may help smooth out The Sheep Track.

]22nd May 2009 Inspiration and motivation
Inspiration and motivation is a main part of what Quest Adventure does and it is this that gives me my greatest pleasure, why else woulkd I have decided to go into retail? I am always telling you of various climbs and trips that can be done but never have the time to get away myself. Well, I now have something to look forward to. The guys at Wilier called me and asked if I wanted to visit the factory and, by the way, there would a ride. The ride would finish with a 27k climb to 1745 metres, perfectissimo. You may think that I am mad but to me this is both inspiring and motivating. Check out the climb: Monte Grappa

If you intend to ride any alpine climbs check out this website for the stats on them: http://ciclismo.sitiasp.it/motore.aspx?da=az

20th May 2009 - Genesis Alptitude gets a test
I said that this bike as about the fun of riding so getting up early was no problem. Off to my local single track,to try it up and down. First the up as is the case with any ride round here. The bike is on first impression too short for me, however this places me over the front wheel giving the effect that I am climbing with a short travel fork. The forks are 140mm Rock Shox Revelations. This is excellent as even on a desperate granny gear push on slippery chalk the front end stayed down and the rear gripped. I climbed what I expected to walk. Would this ruin the descending? I have already mentioned the smooth cornering characteristics so off to the Monarch's Way for a high speed twisty descent. At last I completed the track without touching the brakes. I had a few finger flicking moments but I never touched the levers until stopping at the end of the trail. This was a first. I managed it with thre Marin Alchemist but I did touch the levers and I did get close to panic.

On the down hill off Cissbury I gave it a few runs. The bike jumped well despite my aged reluctance to fly and took the chicane well and vey fast but how fast was difficult to measure as I had no big chain ring, I gauge a bike by the gear that I can push on exiting this bend. I assumed that I would miss the big ring but didn't. Despite feeling that I was climbing very fast I did find it tough on the ups. On returning I check the gear set up. I was pushing a 36 up all those climbs not the usual 32 hence the speed and strain. I felt quite chuffed with my climbning after that!

This is a great fun bike and a clear match for the Rocky Ridge/Cove Hummer (which appear to be one and the same machine). At around £1500 or £359 for the frame this Reynolds 853 framed bike would make a perfect trailbike for here, Wales or, as the name implies, The Alps: it gets you up easily without compromising the descent. There is a lower cost ally version, The Abyss, at £1099.

Genesis Alptitude site

18th May 2009 - Riding for pure fun

It may seem that I have been on the road bike a lot and that is true, I'll be on it more soon as I have bought it some presents. First up is a new stem and bar then a crank. I'll save 250gm. I'll match that in body weight loss to double the effect. However, I always feel that I'm on a fitness improvement mission when I ride the road so tonight's ride was a real contrast.

I have borrowed a Genesis Alptitude. I've been wanting to try one since I first saw a sample in Feb 2008. This bike is just pure fun. You don't feel as if you have to fly up hill as fast as possible, take it easy you'll get there. Descending is awesome. It wants to jump everything but the best thing is its cornering. At times I felt that I would catch the bars on the ground as the bike seemed to drop of it's own accord as it ripped round even the most inocuous berm. The best way to describe this effect is that it whipped through the bends flicking you into the next seeming to gain speed as each bend was completed.

More to follow including a back to back test against the Marin Rocky Ridge as both of these are 100% UK design British bikes for British riders. Our market is definitely a step ahead of the rest of the world. Proud to be British, eh?

I was'nt out for long but did enjoy riding just for the fun of it.

17th May 2009 - No riding just talking

Up at 5:30am to load the bikes onto the van and off to the HQ for the Worthing Excelsior Open 25. Another Sunday with my riding disrupted but supporting the loacl clubs and events is important.

It was nice to see that the bike that I road tested on Friday came both 4th Saturday and today. Of course it took some special legs to get it there. Well done Thatch!

15th May 2009 - Devil's Dyke not quite the Dolomites but I dream nevertheless
You may be inspired by the Giro d'Italia and fancy your own mountain stage. I was, and yesterday, thanks to the mist I let my mind drift and thought of mountains. Duffy's Distant Dreamer was just finishing as I started up Hangleton Lane. I looked up to see my route, the disused railway line cutting up past West Hove Golf club, and then to the line of trees on the side of Devil's Dyke road as it disappeared into the clouds. Not the Dolimites but a fair old climb nevertheless. You can always make up for lack of length by increasing speed (by the way, this is not a bedroom tip) and once again I have to report that the lighter wheels (my new Fulcrum Racing 3s) are coming up trumps again increasing my average speed.

Dreaming and a vivid imagination are as important an aid to training as are the miles as it is these things that help push you on. Without the time to get away I try to mimick the experiences of fellow riders in races, Etapes.. whatever and I can quiet happliy hammer myself to exhaustion imagining that I am beating someone to the crest of a hill. I am not alone, read Tim Krabbe's book The Rider and you'll see that being competetive, even alone, is a natural trait for some. If you can't even imagine yourself winning how can you ever do it in reality?

Ride and enjoy!

13th May - Oh the joys of Spring and not working
At least it wasn't windy but there was plenty drizzle. Is it Spring or are we into summer? Whatever, when it is warm a little water could never put us off. Today's ride was great, the drizzle was actually pleasant. More of that later. If you want a training tip, this is probably the best that you'll ever have: RETIRE. Work is killing me. I am motivated enough to get up before 6am to get a good ride in but that motivation also makes me work so I lost an hours riding by working - crazy.

Yesterday I had the misfortune to meet with Mel, he watches the Giro live, worries that he falls asleep during the boring bits, rides a 25 in well under an hour and consistantly wins Best Allrounder at the club (WECC). What is the secret of his continued success? After 37years at GSK he has retired. I say misfortune, that is not really true as he has filled me with optimisim, cycling has no age barriers, and I, hopefully, have over 20 years of riding in me yet - a chance to get fit and fast........ one day.

Today's ride was my first outing on my Fulcrum Racing 3s. I've fit a 12-23 cassette so I've lost 3 teeth. No problem, I rode the bostal both ways and still had the same number gears spare at each section, in fact on the final climb home I had one more spare. What a difference losing some weight makes - my belly next!

This bike meets all my criteria as detailed earlier (see below): Light, Looks good, I want to ride it.

By the way the tyres are limited edition Grand Prix 4000 in white. We have one pair left (£68)! The Racing 3s and the Izoard are available for anyone to try.

11th May 2009 - R & R and weight loss
After the Bank holiday weekend I blew up. I needed rest. It was time to follow my own advice: the most important part of any training program is your rest. I have had a week off with only two short road rides. It has given me time to refect on what it important. There are only really three things to consider when buying a modern bike:

• How light is it?
• Does it look good?
• Am I going to ride it?

A week ago I rode the Marin Wolf Ridge on a full on XC ride. Great bike, great down hill (even I managed some air time) but as an XC climbing enthusiast this bike nearly killed me. The lesson here is to choose the right bike for the intended ride and to match it to your mates bikes. It also made me think how a trip to the Alps was needed.

During the week some of our Fulcrum wheels arrived. I was planning on using the Racing 3s as a demo set so to make them stand out I have fitted a pair of Limited Edition WHITE Continental GP400. Cool! They are availabe to try for all once the Shimano freehub arrives. They are light and fast, my bike looks really cool and I am definitely riding again.

This weekend I had to sacrifice a long ride in favour of helping the 450 riders doing the Duncton Sunday Sportive. I have now done six Sportive check points and each one has been in glorious weather. It only rained on the one that I rode. Phil Harrison, the Southern Sportive organiser must be jinxed. There are still more Sunday events before the big one in September. I'd recommend getting a place in the Southern Sportive 13th September. Thos ia an incredibly well organised event over beautiful hilly roads and, if my record is anything to go by, is always held in perfect sunshine.

27th April 2009 Marin Attack Trail review by Jimbo

26th April 2009 - Fast but not so furious
I've had an idea that I like to beat my time for riding the South Downs Way set in 1989. I figured that with 20 years of riding and modern technology it would be a breeze. So I worked out the average speed required: nearly 12 mph! Was that possible? The only way to find out was to do a long ride to see. I decided on a 40 mile loop west eventually joining the SDW at Bignor. My theory was that the actual South Downs Way would be the easiest riding so should be the final part of the ride. That would have been fine but for one thing. Hitting the SDW with an average over 12 mph there was one factor that I had over looked, I was shagged!
At one point I did some road riding, cheating? No way this road was in a terrible state of repair. I ought to report it WSCC, however, it was Stane Street built in 60AD! One of the wonders of our area - a straight road from Chichester to London.
Head down and hammering you don't get a chance to enjoy the view but in Slindon Woods I could not help but notice the blue bells. This was the best that I have ever seen them. Make sure that you get into the woods soon as this UK phenomenon will soon be over for another year.
I didn't achieve my goal but was close, however I did climb over 4,000ft which is more than I'd do on 40 miles of the SDW.
What should I ride? The Scott Spark or the Marin Alchemist?

24th April - Masochism and mojos
This morning was a tough ride, by the time that I got to the northern foot of Chanctonbury I was pooped and my legs were hurting. Inexplicably the bike turned up the track and I was destined for the climb that heads south east climbing up the north west flank of the Ring. This is a granny gear climb if ever there was one. The rule for this is: Never take it on if you doubt your ability to succeed. I am a born rule breaker. Failure was written all over me.
The fight was on, my body versus my mind. This is one reason why I ride, to prove to myself that when everything around me is screaming to give up I'll prove that by not giving in I'll succeed. Pathetic idiot you may cry and I'd agreed but I was born with it. Often I may fail but that makes succeeding even sweeter. Today was sweet.

I make a point of climbing this hill a few times each Spring just to make sure that I still can. Then that is it, I keep away.

Hero? No chance what is the point of being able to take so much pain when at the same time I can't jump. I've lost my mojo. There is a track around here with a ladder drop. I flew full tilt at it at a staggering 4mph hitting the first run and leaping an amazing couple of centimetres off into the chicken run. These things are easy as I used to clear them, racing and regular trips to the Vancouver North Shore helped here. But that was long ago and even the smallest jump these days causes a brain lock and I fail. I've been falling of my like for years so know that it never hurts that much so how come I can't use the same mind over matter technique for jumping as I do for climbing?

Keep an eye out for my mojo, its lost some where on Chanctonbury.

23rd April 2009 - Marin Alchemist pre production bike review.
On Monday I had a chance to ride an early sample of the all new 2010 Marin Alchemist. It is a 100mm travel bullit that will convert any medal winning rider into gold. That is what an Alchemist does. Excuse the delay but I needed to check whether or not I had permission to tell you before I went public.

As you will know by riding or reading Marin have produced a suspension design that is close to perfection in it's ability to both track the trail, absorbing every bump, whilst delivering unmatched climbing performance. That record is undesputed and comes from their line of 120, 140 and 160mm travel frames. Can you imagine what they've acheive in a bike designed for speed with only 100mm travel? I could hardly hang onto the bars it climbed so fast. On the sheep track and then the Cissbury chicane it was devistating. I even got the pedals spinning whilst still on the main left hand corner. I know that it was dry and conditions were good but I was flying and only using 2,1 High Rollers. (I've changed my view on these now that the trails are dry). The feel of the bike was inspiring so onto the next test. I knew by then that it climbed and descended so let's see if it could keep me on a technical trail.

We hit the Monarch's way just North of Cissbury. Here there is a descent to No Man's Land. It is narrow and fast. This is where I test a bikes and my abiluty to stay cool. Flat out with out touching the brakes........ The Alchemist did it and that is with a steep race geometry. On reflection, it was probably the steeper angles that got me through the twisting trail so quick. Before reaching the wooded part of the trial I had already tried to shake the bike of the track only to discover that this light weight frame was incedibly stiff. It was absolutely stable. This means more stability down hill and less power loss when pounding the pedals up hill.

I must admit that when I first looked at the Marin Alchemist in the catalogue I was not sure, I am a bit conservative. However, I have a very open mind when trying bikes and will give a bike time before comment. I liked riding this immediately even though it was set up more for Andy (he is shorter than me). I was never aware of the suspension, it was just there and I was comfortable and the wheels stuck to the trail. Don't ask me about the spec, I can't even remember whether this pre production sample had Sram or Shimano. Not noticing means good.

The current Mount Visions and Wolf Ridges are between them some of the best trail bikes that you can buy. This has meant that whilst using the experience that they are gaining in refining the aforementioned models Marin can afford to add in a no compromise speed machine into their line up for 2010. Please note that when I refer to Marin, I mean the boys in the UK responsible for all the suspension and the Trail hard tails. Being Brits they know a thing or two about what we need.

My passion has always been to ride fast. Cross country racing has been the most rewarding thing that I have ever done. This bike made me want to race again.

Can I talk them into lending it to me for an attempt to ride the South Downs Way at speed? They should do as they are hoping the claim back the South Downs Way with this new model. Andy, what about it?

21st April 2009 - What happened to Spring? Its Summer!
It always amazes me how much of my rides here are single track. I know that they are The South Downs (the North Downs and Wales and everywhere are great) but, round here, if you think about your route, it is a s good as anywhere. Another advantage of riding here is that you get fast as that is what makes our trails so much fun. I even cleaned the Monarch's Way into No Man's Land without touching the brakes - not bad on a new and race bike.

Last night's ride was spacial as I only needed shorts and a short sleeve summer jersey. The plan was to be back by 8 but it was so good that we did not return until after 9, very dark. Here's yet another boost for mountainbiking on the South Downs: when it gets dark simply follow the white trails and you'll get home.

Back at home and loading up Andy's van I had that wonderful sensation of warm air on my arms. Is summer really here?

19th April 2009 - Wind tougher than climbs
It may be a beautiful Spring but this morning there was a wintery wind howling. It may have read 5 degrees outside but with the wind chill factor it was close to freezing, we were dress for the sun. A big bow bending blast from the arctic. Living in Worthing one pretty well has to go north whatever the ride to enjoy the best of Sussex. The nearest safe way over the downs by road is the Steyning Bostal. The hill is a peice of cake, I do it all the time, but the wind!!!! We were headed for the Hammer Pond road - north for 25 miles. Give me a hill any time over wind. We had one rider drop out and another blow big time, funny how these two were to ones making my legs scream in the first few miles.

On the turn at Southwater we could enjoy the wind on our backs. It never gives quiet as much as it has already taken away but is was nice to be warm and fast again.

I can't wait for tomorrow when I'll get a chance to try the new Marin Alchemist, hopefully I won't be sworn to secrecy so I'll be able to let you know how it rides.

Today may have been much easier than planned but 50 miles is still 50 miles. I'm getting fitter, are you?

16th April 2009 - Wheels are the best upgrade
I have just knocked nearly 2 mph off my average for my hilly 30miler morning ride by using better wheels. I borrowed them from the Wilier Le Roi demo that we have. I know that the test may not have been scientific but I still went over the Bostal and Dyke with a couple of gears to spare. Whilst I would normally suggest that the most important spend for any roadie would be some better riding kit and that the Fulcrum Racing Zeros might cost more than some would want to spend on a bike there is no denying the temptation to spend to get that 2mph advantage. It beats a lot of pain and strain. Fulcrum Racing Zeros weigh 1425 for the pair and cost £799

Just think how fast you'd go with those wheels and some training.....

No driver problems to report, phew!

15th April 2009 - More traffic please!
Its school holiday time and the roads are clear. Hell for us cyclists. Drivers can actually drive through Worthing, or some of it, at the speed limit. 40mph is way too fast for a road with traffic islands. These are a means of calming the traffic but most drivers think that they are the one legitimate means they have to carve up a cyclist. Even law abiding drivers will, on approaching a central road refuge, accelerate to pass a cyclist (why?) and then cut in to make it through the narrowed section hoping that they have gone fast enough to be infront of the rider.

I was passed at speed through one such road narrowing. Boy was I shaken up. The traffic was flowing freely so no point in chasing. However, on arriving at the Warren round a bout I saw the tail back on the Brighton Road so I rode off in pursuit if the thoughtless driver. He apologised but what was annoying was that he did not realise that he had done anything. This proves, as the police will tell you, that you only become a statistic if you are injured, and to get noticed you have to be killed!

Drivers as such aren't the problem, they are only human, it is the culture that we have in this country that once in a car you are outside of the law. We ought to adopt the french approach. They changed driving habits overnight. How? By enforcing the law. Ask a french man why he doesn't speed and he'll answer " its not worth it". How different we are? Mr Angry from Goring will bleet that speed cameras are only there to get revenue. How can that be? Drive curtiously and safely and no speed camera will get any revenue. If you can't control your car to keep it to the speed limit, think how easy it is to make a mistake and kill a fellow road user. It seems that our only form of traffic control is congestion.

Sermon over, more traffic please!

13th April 2009 - Was it a beautiful bank holiday Monday?
I set out for an easy hour to loosen up after yesterday's excursion, enjoying the quiet and peace of an early bank holiday morning. I was only passed by a couple of cars all the way to Littlehampton. Rounding the corner to run along side the harbour I pulled wide as no car can pass there and remain safe and within the law. But there is always one! An old navy blue VW Golf convertible with family and kids insde thought otherwise. I was passed, horn blaring and fist waving - was this guy going to have a nice day? What was hids hurry? What were his kids going to think? I gesticulated, he swerved in threat, I wacked his wing mirror, he tried to force me off the road. As a cyclist you are always going to lose, but surely this guys was the loser that day. How can your face your children, if on such a quiet and beautiful day if you can get so angry over a cyclist? Wife beater? Child beater? Road rage killer? I'll never know. Needless to say my efforts to complete the ride below 140bpm were blown, I was at 170bpm after the incident.

The rest of the ride and day turned out fine for me. I hope that that family had a nice day too.

12th April 2009 - Mud is good!

This has been a great winter and I have only ridden in good conditions, the last few weeks have been awesome. When it has rained I've ridden the road. I really thought that I would never ride in mud again. My alarm went off at 6:30 and with dread I prepared to ride on muddy wet trails. I had committed to my riding buddies and had already brought the demo Scott Spark home to ride as it was dirty and needed a clean. I had to ride - you never let you mates down!
It was going to have a terrible time.
Or was I. First up I saw my resting heart was back to 43, next the Spark felt awesome and when we hit the trails virtually all the water had drained off. We were in for a good ride.
I got back splattered, warm, tired and happy we knocked of 22.7 miles, 2,704 feet of climbing with an average of 9.8 mph. Mud is good (so was the Spark).
The South Downs Way beckons...........

26th March 2009 - Do trails (or bikes) get any better than this?
I went out with Jimbo last night and had the ride of my life. We both agreed that traveling the world is great but when the conditions are as good as they are right now, Worthing, West Sussex takes some beating. I've been riding round here for 25 years and Jimbo took me down a couple of paths that I had never ridden before. As we sipped an ale at 10:30 he told me that he had not even had to clean his bike for 5 rides now!

What were we riding? As you may know when buying a bike from me I always ask where you are going to ride and with who. That meant that I rode the Marin Rocky Ridge which to all extents is a cheaper version of Jimbo's Cove Hummer. This bike will take anything that comes it's way and delivers an awesome trail experience. The most amazing thing about it is that it is so comfortable. How can a hard tail be so smooth on the rough stuff? Believe me we where hammering on some livestock trampeled trails. In the single even managed to keep up with Jimbo, most of the time, but one slight error and he was gone. Every thing seems to happen so quick at night even with an Exposure MaXx D and Joystick (hard to think that I stormed to 5th in the Dusk 2 Dawn only 6 months ago). The ride taught me a lesson: if you don't ride or push your self you lose your touch. Even on the Rocky small jumps where an issue for me (whimp), luckily the 140mm fork got me out of some decidedly dodgy landings.

If you want a bike to do anything including beating your mates on full suspension at half the price then Marin Rocky Ridge is perfect. At £1099 it is perfectly equiped and as time goes by it'll enjoy being upgraded. If you want a place to test it you can do a lot worse than ride here.

Conclusion: ride more off road and to master the rough stuff (especially flying over it) use the Rocky Ridge.

Thanks Jim!

25th March 2009 - Its becoming a dust bowl out there despite a couple of light showers. We're so lucky! Read Jimbos review of the DEMO DAY here
The Marin Mount Vision, Wolf Ridge and Rocky Ridge are in our demo fleet as are the Scott Spark, Scale and Genius MC so if you missed the demo day or didn't get to try them all call us for another ride.

23rd March 2009 - Demo day in brilliant sunshine on bone dry trails!
We really were in luck and so were the riders that joined us for our demo day.
Jimbo rode most bikes during his day of guiding and said, quote:"I reckon the Wolf Ridge is the ultimate 'do it all' for round these parts, if I was forced to only have one bike I think that would be it, certainly for the style of riding we tend to do anyway." That is his opinion, you may differ, so if you missed the demo or want another crack, call the shop to try one of our bikes. Get the full list here.

8th February 2009 - Snow and Ice makes for an interesting ride.
Snow and freezing conditions usually make for a great ride. Today was a bit different - interesting and challenging. There must have been a lot of rain before the snow as there was ice everywhere. Imagine a track in a rain storm, its like riding up a stream, well lots of tracks this morning were like that but frozen. It was a challenge just staying upright. There was still plenty snow up on Chanctonbury. It made me think if my impending ski trip as I laid down some snake like tracks. In the woods the textrure of the snow offered incredilble traction and for the first time ever mountain biking actuallty felt like snowboarding. Glad to be out in such conditions but we were amazed not to meet any other riders. I can't remember the last time that we did not meet anyone.

You must be aware by now that I love frozen riding and I do have a great collection of riding clothes but you can have too much of a good thing. Roll on the spring and some warm weather....

6th February 2009 - Wilier presentaion goes off well.
A good crowd turned up to see the Wilier bikes and listen to Colin Bath explain the different models and the history of the brand. Wilier started in 1906 and last September Alessandro Ballan one the World Championship on a bike that he helped Wilier develop. A replica of his 2009 race bike with gold forks and bar tape and a total weight of 15% was on show. JP took bookings for testing over the next few weeks, The food and wine went down well, thanks in part to Piccola Italian down South Farm Rd.

Colin Bath was quality Pro road rider in his day. His enthusisam for all things Wilier, Campagnolo and above all Italy was evident, however, the best bit of the evening form me was seeing Colin enthusing the youngster just starting out on their racing days. Thanks Colin.

Call the shop to arrange a demo ride.

1st February 2009 Perfect weather for mountain biking interrupted by a discourteous driver

As much as I was keen to ride the road I couldn't miss the chance to thrash the frozen trails again. We are having such a good winter and the weather looks cold (hopefully freezing) for the rest of the week.

One of the longest downhills here starts from the single track around Steyning Horseshoe and snakes through the woods to Mouse Lane. A great run especially if you do it flat out without a stop. The climb back is tough whichever route you take. The easiest is to go through the village and up Newham Lane, the small road that leads to the Bostal. This is a very narrow road. Drivers here are usually very courteous but there is always one. On the very narrowest bit, where a car passing a rider actually touches your elbow, we were overtaken. I should have let my bar end caps run down her door. Why didn't I? What would be the point? Ten metres ahead the road widened 4 fold by the entrance to the quarry - a safe place to pass. Maybe she was in a rush to get to church. Whatever? When God wants her he'll take her late or not. She did say that she was sorry.......

I always get upset after I have shouted at someone in anger. I was annoyed; not because of the danger, there was none, but by the fact that cyclist are held in such disregard in this country. It ruined the climb back up to the top, worse still I lost concentration and let Joe beat me.

I got over it and the rest of the ride was classic.

There's no getting lonely on our trails, nor local roads. Worthing may not be the most exciting town but there is something happening here. If you like cycling, any kind, this is a truly great place to be.

Route tip: If you don't know the area, there is a bridleway that leaves Newham Lane just as the road joins the Bostal.

29th January 2009 - Back into training and nearly blown away but a commuter on a hybrid!

Out for my regular Devils Dyke loop when I joined Lancing Broadway behind a fellow rider. He had all the right gear including the thighs and as it was so windy I tucked in behind. After a while guilt forced me into the breeze for a turn at the front. I said hello and was shocked to see that he was on a mere commuter machine unlike my slick carbon Wilier. My casual ride had turned into a tough session thanks to my companion. By the time that I got to Portslade and started the climb to the Dyke I was on a mission. Thanks buddy, and Respect!

This ride made me realise that often feeling weak is a state of mind. My commuter friend didn't feel weak. I have been convinced that I had lost form and needed to be nursed back into it. Untrue. I had merely forgotten that to go fast you need to put some effort in, training helps but if you don't have the mind set you'll always be last. There is no point in thinking that if you carry on at a given pace you'll blow up. Just ride until you blow. You may get back before the explosion. I did. So thanks again mate for getting me into the groove.

You'd be amazed at what you can achieve by regular commuting. When are you going to give up the car?

25th January 2009 - A great ride through weather from hell
No one in their right mind would choose to ride today but my brother had just picked up his new bike, a Wilier Izoard like mine, and we are both keener than most. The weather was horrific but I was glad at last to be able to test my Endura Stealth jacket (first ride that I have been able to have in the rain since October - shows how good our weather is down here) - it was perfect despite the wildest of storms.

Two Izoards are better than one and we had a great ride. Joe reporting that his bike was definitley more comfotable than his old Colnago - ah, the wonder of carbon. In a better world riders would only have carbon. We thought that we were the hardiest of riders but then were surprised to pass the WECC club run on our return. Nice to know that the local club is so keen.

I'm either losing fitness or Joe's enthusiam and excitement at having a new bike spurred him on and if the wind wasn't enough I struggled to keep up with the youngster. I did catch him on the Bostal only to have him accelerate away as we rounded the summit. It would be nice to know that every bike that I sold produced such a performance... Maybe they do.

Don't forget our Wilier evening 7pm 5th February. Let us know if you can come.

18th January 2009 - Times are changing, riding in Sussex is the place to be!
I was out testing my new steed, a Wilier Izoard Centaur, on a short circuit up past Bramber, Fulking, Twineham, Partridge Green and back over the Steyning Bostal, again. I left home at 8am and was surprised by how many riders that I met. So many in fact that I was able to hook up with a fellow rider for a good section of my ride. This may be common place for you but for me this has only ever happened a couple of times in the UK in my riding life. Of course, abroad it happens all the time. Is this country finally changing for the better?

Wilier Izoard - click here

What was the Wilier like? It is very difficult to be objective when riding a bike that looks that good and with such a mythical name. There's always something magical about anything cycling from Italy. I have had nearly a month off the road and so any comment on the bike would over the top as I was just so happy to be riding the road again in such good weather and in company. I've got my position sorted and everthing about the bike was perfect. I was grateful for the 34 on the Bostal as I seem to have lost a bit of power over the last month. I'll write some more when I've got my power back.