Garmin, The Rut and and did you know exactly how dangerous cycling is!?

This is going to be a LONG post! So much has happened in the last 12 hours, let alone the last 7 days! Where to begin.... well, Monday saw the Garmin Cervelo Rideout: 500 invitees in the New Forest to ride with the pro team. Excellent. 29 miles at an average speed of 18mph... hmm, ok that's do-able...just. Not gonna dwell on this one but to say it was a fab ride. Our group was led by Lucy Martin and Roger Hammond. The group splintered but we all made good time- just the sort of practice I needed in preparation for the Wiggle Rut that was ahead of me on Sunday (Gulp!)

Q&A with none other than Ned Boulting!

And so to the sorry tale of the Rut. A sportive of 102 miles of undulating roads. Having just started to develop a really bad cough and now drippy nose, I was not really looking forward to this one- luckily, the forecast was looking good. Our team consisted of Myself, Andy, Gavin and Jon- all the usual suspects that ride regularly (well, me and Andy do!) Setting off at 0530, Jon mentioned we might have a problem... in so much as his race number was 6666- Nah, we'll be fine...
We arrived in plenty of time and set off at just past 8 o'clock. I didn't feel so good at this point and the thought of 7 hours in the saddle was looking less and less like fun. Oh bollocks, let's just get on with it- stop moaning and man up! A mile in and it begins to rain...FML this is gonna be a LONG day! 5 miles in and the boy racer, Gavin, takes the front caning it down an unknown hill at a good 30mph. As his back wheel slid from under him, he corrected his position, ending up on the verge and then, in slo mo, he somersaults into a tree hitting it with his back, the bike in the ditch and him motionless. I start to pull in with Andy now having to avoid me almost crashing too. The corner is blind so we arrange ourselves at the top of the hill, halfway down and Jon looking after Gavin who by now has very vocally told us how painful his back is. oooo that's not good- ring HQ and get a medic QUICK. Number- why isn't the phone number on the back of our race numbers?!- shit- pull someone over. And now no signal... what a nightmare- all this AND more riders belting down the hill- we're now in full safety marshalling mode to protect Gavin- SLOW DOWN! 90% of the riders were brilliant- but you always get 10% of dicks who think they know better- some slid, some were plain selfish. If we hadn't been there I'm sure more people would have come off. It was awful! Eventually a motorbike safety marshall turned up as did a paramedic followed by and ambulance. Gav was moved onto a spine board as a safety precaution and after a few pics and sarcastic banter (yes, by this point we knew he was going to be ok- "if it was really serious, he'd be in a helicopter by now"-and so humour took over as it seems to in such situations- almost like a safety valve releasing itself)

Gav's new FB profile picture 

Thanks to the lovely paramedic that shot this for us!

So Gav was taken to Leicester for X-rays and all the tests. We carried on- there was nothing we could do for him. By now, we had decided to ride the short route- this was 73 miles. That's still do-able plus the sun was coming out. Ok boys, let's ride this for Gavin- it's the least we can do. Over the next hour, I'd perked up. Dunno what had happened but I just seemed to get my head in the right place and we all began to settle into the ride. After 20 miles, Jon began to get cramp in his legs- he told us he was ok and to keep going. After the feed station he was struggling- certainly on the hills. No problem, we ride as a team, we help each other- that's how it goes. We bunched as a group to give Jon some shelter to help him recover a bit- there was still quite a distance to go. From about 40 miles, we had go a real good pace going- the HTC High Road train had nothing on us- we were shifting! We were bombing along at a good 30mph on the flat. It was brilliant- Totally in the zone and loving every minute. Then the worst thing possible happened. Jon crashed. It was awful. That bloody race number of his had struck for the second time. look at this video clip. He fell like this...

I ditched my bike as quickly as possible to get to him- I was worried he'd get run over! We recovered his bike and shuffled him over to the side of the road and dialled 999- well, we knew he needed an ambulance so we simply cut out the middle man! His legs had gone into spasm from cramping and he'd landed heavily on his shoulder. When the safety marshall arrived, he did a double take... "Didn't I see you lot earlier today?" "Erm, maybe..." "Yep, it's your collarbone mate. Ambulance on the way? Good." And then there was two.

On closer inspection of Jon's helmet, we made a discovery. It had taken a right bashing and Jon had actually rolled on his head cracking his helmet. Basically, it had saved his life. If there was ever an example of why we wear helmets and why we tell our children to wear helmets, this was it. Have a look. On the second picture showing the inside, I've circled the cracks.

So Jon was being taken to Grantham for a check up, X-rays etc... we've been here once before!
Eventually the broom wagon turns up and we (well, I- Andy wanted to carry on!) decided to cut our losses and hitch a lift back to the finish line. We'd completed 49 miles. It felt like a lot more. We were exhausted to the point of hysteria. Here's us in the wagon. This day was like being in the twilight zone. Did we enjoy it? Well, yes. It's a day none of us will ever forget. The fallen soldiers have wounds and a tale to tell. This day was not an experience any of us want to repeat but in the strangest way, we did have fun. Sort of.

Gavin has whiplash and extensive bruising. Jon has broken his collarbone in two places. Both guys are home tonight. Cyclists are a tough breed and here's to our next ride out. We're really sorry how the day panned out- Should have listened to Jon with his warnings of scary jinx'd numbers. Well, we know now don't we!

As a final warning to all you people who are too cool for school and refuse to wear a helmet, I'm adding a favourite YouTube clip.
To adults- you have to lead by example: your children will not wear a helmet unless you do. To any kids reading this- don't ever listen to your mates that laugh at you wearing a helmet- they are the idiots, not you. Be safe, not dead.

Tour of Britain week

This week has been the Tour of Britain. It's like the Tour de France but not as good. No, I don't really mean that :) Anyway, you will recall from my witterings on this blog, I rode the Norfolk section a few weeks ago. Today is actually that section of the Tour, so we're off to watch the finish at Sandringham.
Watching this race on TV reminded me of Shuttleworth Ward. This was the last ward in Lincoln Hospital I was placed and so spent many hours watching shit TV. Apart from enjoying the Tour from my bed, other memorable programmes included The Professionals, Randal & Hopkirk Deceased, The Saint (Roger Moore version) and The Champions! My God I watched some REAL retro crap! And the other thing that unfolded during this stint in bed was the Chilean miners being rescued in the tubey thing... Remember?
This week I also saw a new shrink. I was passed onto her by ICU as she has an interest in ICU cases. This day I get told that I was in ICU for 42 days.... Hang on, I thought I was in there for 4 weeks!? No. It was 6 weeks. 6 f**king weeks. What more stuff have I yet to discover? To you, the reader, this probably sounds like nothing. To me, well actually it makes a hell of a difference. Just when I think I have the whole episode ordered in my mind, something new comes to light to change it all. Some days it's all consuming. Some days it's not. Most days I think about the fact I nearly died. For the last few weeks I've not slept well. Don't get me wrong, I think I'm ok. Not getting flashbacks, just waking up at 430 and not able to get back to sleep again: irritating rather than a problem.

Geraint Thomas with a decent cyclist!

Cav at the start of Trentham, Stoke stage

Fans at the finish line

Cav finished and not happy!

Thor Hushovd being interviewed

Lars Boom winning the Stoke stage

Ben Swift by the Sky bus

I think I reported earlier that July/August was a difficult time for me. Flashbacks and quite bad mood swings. I delt with it- sought help, you know, all the right things. Within the family, all was not completely right. Where communication was supposed to be, it seemed there was none. I thought I'd said my piece and everyone else thought they knew what it was BUT didn't want to say anything due to fear of me shouting. Thus creating a stalemate. It doesn't take much to sit and chat. Having the balls to do it and the nouse to spot it is another thing. And it's all obvious stuff. After a good 'airing' of all things, the house atmosphere improved. Nurses, for example seem to just spot the physical stuff... they don't really see patients after they leave hospital so there is not necessarily any knowledge of the Post Trauma side of things. For our family, this is kinda important and now, communication has reached a new level for us all. Because of this, I [think] am calmer and returning to how I should be. On Facebook recently, I've called myself "Nearly Phil Crow" cos, well, I was not all there. I'm now in a way better place mentally and I think my family are calmer for it- no eggshells to walk on in this gaff! And so to anyone out there reading this who knows someone going through PTSD, talk to them. Understand them. Get them to open up. It will not be easy but it is worth it. You really have no idea what's behind our eyes and we are racked with guilt for all sorts of illogical reasons that, actually, we DO want to talk about. It's shit. But there is light at the end of the tunnel- I know, I'm cycling towards it at a rate of knots :)

Gruyère Cycle Tour

At long last it was the Swiss challenge. Up a mountain and down again PLUS the Go With Crow prizes to be drawn. When we left for Europe, the total was getting so close to the £1000 -please please let's get the target!

Anyway, down to Switzerland we go- this was not without its moments such as driving onto the ferry, the car's main engine warning light decides to come on. Oh S**t! Luckily, 400 miles and 2 pit stops later, the light went of its own accord (by this point I'd spoken to Toyota who said "oh, it might mean nothing- see how you get on"- very reassuring!) so we could relax (according to Toyota!!)
We had a bizarre stop off in Strasbourg- why the Tom Tom took us there I have no idea but after 8 hrs of driving we didn't really care.

Anyway, the following day and 2 hours driving got us into Bulle and to the hotel. Brilliant- we didn't have a room, we had an entire flat! Big enough for my bike to have its own room! Nice little town too- for a first visit to Switzerland, this Gruyère region looked like... well, it looked like Christmas!

Race nerves were hitting in (actually I think it was more about the language barrier- my French is awful but I kind of muddle through with a bit of O level French and arm waving/pointing) though when I checked my email, Go With Crow had made it to the £1000- BRILLIANT! Just in time for race day and the Ball when the tickets would be drawn!

Race day arrived with perfect weather and I set off to meet the Cervo Rosso guys- a great cross section- people from Canada, Belgium, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Australia, UK (hope I didn't miss any countries out guys) and all ages, from 15 up to.... well, up to me!

I think someone said there were 1500 riders. Great atmosphere (when I could understand!) and great riding. Team Cervo Rosso were, e'hm, somewhat faster than me on the climbs and they'd left me standing within 10 miles. No problem- I was here to ride and it was brilliant. Col de Mittleburg was a beast of a climb. Gradients ranging from 5-10% and that was (from the time-point) about 11k to the top. I was timed at 52m55s... a steady plod and not the slowest. It really didn't matter- the views were stunning. At the top of the hill (well, mountain!) I took a rest at the feed station before the descent. Plenty to drink and Gruyère cheese to eat- smashing!

at the top of Col Du Mittelberg

I'd heard to be careful on the descent so took it steady to begin with. If I couldn't see 'round the corner, sit on the brakes just in case. It was great fun! Loads of hairpins, dodgy road surfaces and marshals.

So I completed the descent and got to the split point (2 distances and I was on the 85km 'green' route) and I was pretty much on my own. I plodded on until I eventually made it to the '25km to go' sign and I spotted some Brits! I knew they were Brits as one was wearing 'Kilo to Go' shorts. Turned out, Steve was living in Switzerland but his Yorkshire accent gave him away as being originally from Huddersfield! If you're reading this Steve, get in touch! So I took shelter with his group for a while to save some energy. This I did a few times- piggy backed from one group to another and it made this last stretch far more fun. It was about now the first of the longer distance peletons started coming through- and at a hell of a speed- bloody impressive to an old plodder like me!

balcony view of the race from our apartment

We were soon back in Bulle and riding up the street where our hotel was (above pic is shot from our balcony with the hotel shown clearly- told you it was nice!) and about 2k from the finish- minutes later, it was all over. I'd survived my first Swiss hill!

We regrouped for a beer and team photo before heading our separate ways- hope to ride with some of the guys again! Think I'll need to speed up a bit first!

Team Cervo Rosso

and some interesting facts about the race...

1732 participants, ages ranged from 15 -74

17 Nationalities

and now for the video...

An Interesting Week

In preparation of Switzerland I've increased my training over the last week or so. I'm sure I'm going to regret this one...A mountain FFS- and what hill climbing practice is there in lincolnshire!?...well quite a lot really but nothing that is going to  prepare me for a Swiss mountain. Oh well, I'm sure it'll be a laugh if nothing else. The other thing that needs prepping are the cameras. I'm taking a GoPro HD which I've decided to use on the rear mount on the seat post as this gives quite a nice shot. My other camera is my trusty old Sony TG3. In previous attempts (such as the New York ride) I've handheld- not easy and to be honest, dangerous- especially riding in a group. So, let's make a camera mount for the front handlebars. A little bit of research on t'internet and a rummage in the garage and the Mk1 is built.

Quite a neat design- Now to road test it. Oh dear- it's crap :( the plastic is too soft and vibration is unbelievably bad! Recorded a small bit of footage to playback and the picture was totally unwatchable. Back to the drawing board. After taking a bike lamp apart and adapting its mount (which is a/ closer to the handlebar and b/ far sturdier plastic) we seem to have something more like it.

Out for road test number 2.... massive improvement. Not perfect, but not bad. If anyone has any ideas to dampen vibration from my bike, please get in touch :) I'm sure a few of my engineering friends are up for this challenge (Nigel...Claire?) So the cameras are all set. This ride, I think I've said before is more for the experience than gaining a time. I'm hoping to try and enjoy it, the scenery and soak up the atmosphere. It's going to be a great day I'm sure.

Anyway, later on in the week Swiss brand Cervo Rosso invited me to join their test team. Not as amazing as it sounds (as in, I'm not that good a rider! lol) but a fantastic privilege and free kit. Thanks guys!

This was closely followed by an email from Team Garmin Cervélo offering me a place on their annual team ride out in the New Forest next month. Only 500 places, so again- Brill! and thanks!!

I'm a bit concerned with the fundraising- Ideally I'd love to hit the £1000 mark before the Gruyère Tour next Sunday as this is when the draw will take place at Lincoln Drill Hall's Bangers and Mash Ball. I've put out more emails, badgered people on Facebook- what more can I do? I've a few GWC T shirts if people want them BUT you'll have to sponsor me to get one!

Finally on this blog I'd like to thank Gavin for sending me some You Tube clips on climbing technique. Surprisingly, they have made a difference and saved me a fair old bit of energy. Whilst I'm at it, I'd better thank Andy too. A great chap and has been an inspiring riding buddy. I'm no where near his standard but he's been patient and a mine of information. Dale as well- thanks mate. Way back in January you got me out and back on the saddle- hope you're coming out for the Wiggle Rut next month. Will be 101 miles of fun I'm sure. God bless the British weather in September!!!!

passista: Andrea Pinarello

passista: Andrea Pinarello: "The first time I met Andrea, he introduced my wife and I to the Pinarello factory. For an hour he patiently showed us around while I made a ..."

Andrea Pinarello RIP

Shocking news today: Andrea Pinarello, the son of  the Pinarello bicycle manufacturer founder Giovanni, collapsed and died following the opening stage of an amateur cycling race, according to reports in Italy.

The 40-year-old suffered a heart attack following the first stage of the Giro del Friuli, an amateur Italian stage race. He is reported to have collapsed immediately after crossing the finish line in apparent good health.

Paramedics successfully revived him, but a second heart attack shortly afterwards was to prove fatal.

Andrea, who had a long association with the highly-regarded Italian bike manufacturing family, is survived by his wife and two children.

The Pinarello family has close links to sport, sponsoring major professional teams and riders of the calbire of Miguel Indurain for many years. The company currnetly supplies bikes to Team Sky and Movistar.

Andrea rode the Gran Fondo New York and was at the after race party. He was fitter and younger than me! This sort of news is hard to stomach. I rode with this guy! It only just reinforces exactly how lucky I am. God bless and condolences to your family x

Tour of Britain- East Anglia Stage

On the 24th July I arrived at the start line for a gentle 62 mile ride across a flat landscape. Myself and Andy were driven over to Diss for a 9am start. The weather was pretty good- some blue sky beginning to peep through BUT- head wind and with this not being a circular route, it was going to be a head wind for the full distance. First half of the ride went well. For the first hour, Andy and I led the way and eventually we were caught by a small group with which we tagged on to and took some shelter- slipstreaming at this point was very welcome as we were beginning to tire (or at least I was!) so some energy was save there. At the feed station half the group stopped and this is where my mistake was made. I should have stopped too. I didn't know it, but I was running low on fuel and should have topped up. Foolishly I carried on and by the 3 hr mark I was starting to tire....badly. Andy is a pretty good cyclist. No, actually he's an extremely good cyclist and he tolerates my pace. I could tell he was holding back (let's face it, he had from the starting line) so I said I was happy to go it alone and for him to go at his speed. Within a few miles I began to regret this - I was in the middle of no-where riding into the wind... no other riders in sight (which always makes me think I've manage to get lost!) and I was low on water and getting mardy because I knew I should have stopped earlier. Only got myself to blame, so I plodded on.

As you can see from this picture, I'd got my GoPro camera on my head- this was beginning to get heavy. You will also note it's angle and you'll see the results shortly...

By now, I was watching the miles on my cyclometer. 100kms...approx 62 miles...fantastic...only 2 more miles to Sandringham... or so I thought. When you're tired and getting, a'hem, 'fed up' the last thing you need is for the course to be longer than you thought. And it was. It turned out to be 68.5 miles and whilst I'm (now) happy with that achievement, at the time I was cursing every revolution of my pedals under my breath. I was absolutely wrecked. No water, no energy and no sign of the finish.

At last the turn into Sandringham appeared- a massive stately driveway which led to a fabulous finish line as used by the pro riders on the Tour of Britain AND with quite a large and an excitably noisy crowd to cheer all us riders to the finish line. Phew. It was all over.

I collected my medal and found Andy and his family- he'd finished about 25 mins earlier. I was pointed toward the pasta, drinks and...a chair! EXCELLENT- heaven does exist! So, with hindsight (always a good thing) a great day. A lot of lessons learned for me... keep hydrated, don't be a smart arse by not stopping at the feed station and, finally, try to keep within a group to save more energy. These are gonna be important for the ride in Switzerland. With some major climbing, I'm going to have to prepare and pace myself properly. As for the Go Pro, I should have checked its angle before setting off- a short bit of footage below. And I'll need to plan camera positions carefully for the Swiss ride to get the best out of what will be some stunning scenery.

And a final word on this ride below. My time and finish position. Better type it cos it's small in the picture... I came 38th out of 273 with a time of 4hrs 22mins. 

Quite pleased with that even with Andy getting 10th (well done mate)