#3peaks Results and Analysis

The results are in from 3 peaks.  Nice picture at http://www.flickr.com/photos/sfleming/6181362333/.  Those interested in the results I was rider number 515.

As this was my first 3 Peaks I look at it as a learning experience.  At each checkpoint I made plenty of places but the nature of the largely singletrack and rocky terrain means that overtaking is very difficult without suicidal bike wrecking manouvres.  I now understand the reason why the speed from the off was never much below 28mph until the base of Ingleborough.  If you get to Ingleborough in top 100 you will finish in top 100, if you get there about 450th you will not get into top 100!

Bike setup was as good as I could have made it.  I should have jumped up and down on the saddle to ensure it was bolted on tightly enough - noted.  Sorry to Shimano but my Tiagra g/set is going, each time I went for brakes the levers sideways movement made grasping them with muddy fingers very difficult.  Sram it will be.

Completed #3peaks

Wow what an experience, 3 peaks simply rocks. Finished in 4hrs 41 mins 46 secs. It hurt quite a bit but was really enjoyable. I've never seen so many spectators encouraging, banging cow bells and cheering. All for me.
Went over bars on Ingleborough, seat came loose on way down, had to stop on way to Wernside to fix it. Other than that no drama with bike. Think it may be time to check wrist, I found it difficult to hold drops on all descents, off Pen y gent I was holding one drop brake and one cross top-not a good look.
Ah well thats it for this year I think.

Registered

Made it here  to Helwith Bridge, start and finish of 3 peaks cyclocross race, signed in and ready to go. 61Km to go.

3 peaks cyclocross kit

Weapon of choice: Trek xo1 with hope/mavic wheels, TRP v brakes, gobi saddle, 11-32 cassette. No support, no spares other than what I carry.
Nerves going crazy now. I have read a few blogs, so many people have 2 or even 3 bikes and god knows how many wheels. There should be rules about such things.

My bike is ready but am I?

Today is Friday, on Sunday I am riding the @3 peaks Cyclocross race, look for me in the @yorkcycleworks kit.  It is widely regarded as one of the most demanding one-day cycle events in the world.  I've spent hours this week checking and rechecking my bike.  I am proud to have managed to put a 32 tooth cassette on the back with my 105 rear mech.  (Thanks Sheldonbrown.com) by reversing the B tension screw.  I have even cleaned the bike and made it shiny!

I, on the otherhand, am not really ready for the demands, I feel bit poorly really and have rested (in terms of training) all week, last week I did very little as well.  I am afraid that work tiredness has caught me out at the worst time.  Ah well, little can be done.

Good luck to all competitors on Sunday, I look forward to the photos.

Kielder 100 Bailed

Well I went, it rained, I still rode. Rode until my bike simply stopped working, my poor, poor Yeti is well busted.  I managed to go through 2 sets of new brake pads, the front mech will not drop down chain rings without a good kick and the rear mech gear selection is a random process.  By 50 miles having ridden straight off the course several times at the bottom of hills I decided that retirement was the safest option.  Added to this was a lack of vision as my glasses were so covered in muck and I had no part of me or my clothes that could clean them, taking them off simply allowed grit into contact lens eyes.

On the plus side my legs felt great, I had the riding in me to complete (I think), next year with more brake pads and gore gear cables.

Oh found out that only 177 finishers out of 800 odd entries, makes me feel a little better.