25/1 Hailsham Hills And Mills Audax

The Joys Of Winter Audaxing Await!

 For many of us this was our first taste of an audax and we had chosen a tough one with a 62 mile route and around 5,000 feet of  climbing. Eleven of us were taking part but Derek’s group set off before us expecting that we would catch them up at some point (we didn't manage this ).

I was in the largest group with Jason , John V, kie, Lee, Mark B and on only his second ride after a long break Steve B (knee problems). Despite so long off the bike, Steve was looking impressively thin so was confident he would  manage the ride OK. I was very impressed when Kie, Jason and John told me they had ridden over to the start and were riding back! Rather them than me I thought, I couldn’t imagine doing that much riding pushing the mileage to over 100 miles. Our rate of progress over the first ten miles was incredibly slow as Jason’s trip to the supermarket to buy some sweeties for us took longer than expected, Mark somehow got separated from us but managed to find us again and then Lee had a puncture. At this rate our Garmins predicted we would finish by 8pm! Things went more smoothly from this point but we were all shocked at the state of the roads. The route so far was almost all small country lanes covered in mud and potholes (as Andy F would say- shitty little lanes), these had to be taken with great care. Our brakes were being made to earn their keep and the blocks were wearing down at an alarming rate, I started the day with almost brand new pads at the back but by the end these were down to 50% and the front ones had barely enough meat left to stop. With all the heavy breaking downhill we had no momentum left for the following uphill and so the climbing was even harder than it looked on the route. Welcome relief was had at Mayfield where there was a check point and a friendly café.

Welcome Relief At Mayfield!

Endless riding on more minor country lanes followed, in many ways it felt more like an mtb ride rather than a road ride, I felt like I was on some great adventure in a world of trees and mud. There were very few cars, I don’t think their owners would contemplate driving down roads in such poor condition. Approaching Hartfield the roads became wider and better maintained but this was not time to relax as the spectre of Kidd’s hill was looming. I hadn't studied the route very carefully so wasn't sure whether we would be riding up the steep eastern side (the wall) or the longer more gentle western side . Our Garmin’s directed us up the western side and I settled into a nice steadily rhythm which would take me comfortably up to the top but then half way up the bread crumb trail on the display suddenly pointed hard right down another muddy little lane . This cruelly took away all the altitude we had gained dumping us down at the bottom of the hard eastern side of the hill and just to add to the pleasure there was massive deep puddle at the bottom which completely filled my left shoe with icy cold water. The climb up the wall was actually Ok as the road was in good condition and the angle was not too steep.

Despite Being Thin Steve was To Suffer later!

Unsurprisingly Steve was really struggling by now but needed to stay with us as his gps wasn’t working. On reaching Mayfield there was only 15 miles to go. Steve went off on his own following the paper directions (Chris P would approve) while the rest of us stopped at the same café again to refuel and check in again. We were one of the last groups to check in and left the café with only three minutes to spare. The last 15 miles were on much wider B or A roads so we were confident of getting back within an hour. What we hadn't banked on was that the wind had suddenly picked up creating a head wind, the sun had disappeared and it was now much colder. Mark and I were struggling quite a bit and got dropped by the others. These last 15 miles seemed to go on for ever, despite trying not to I reached that point where you start ticking off every mile you can see on the gps, 15,14,13,12,11 until eventually there were only 10 miles left which psychologically  made the riding seem easier and before too long we found ourselves back at the start. For myself , Lee and Mark our riding was over and we were all  glad we would be driving home in a nice warm car but for the others they had another 20 miles to ride in the cold! Kie had already ridden further than he ever had before and I was worried that he would bonk on the way back. John thought though he would fine and that the wind would now be at their backs. Sure enough  Kie had enough energy left  to hold John’s wheel and has successfully joined the 'century club'.

This was a great introduction to the ‘pleasures’ of audax. Many thanks to Andy savoir who organised the event. There is another one of And’s audaxes coming up next month, ‘Mad jack Fuller’ This makes the hailsham audax seem easy as its 20km longer and has about 2,000 extra feet of climbing. For me this is too much but I know that John and some of the others cant wait to do it.

http://www.aukweb.net/events/detail/14-85/

22/1 HSLCC Chaingang - laser Show

Bizarre and unusual conditions were in place for the Wednesday chain gang. For the first time in an age it was not blowing a hooley or pouring with rain. I could cycle in an upright position, without having to lean over at 45 degrees and without fear of being blown flat at every side road. It felt, well, wrong... Not only was there no gale to contend with, there was not the usual nagging 15 to 20 mph south-westerly either. It was very nearly a still night. Time, then, for action!

A good turn out - 18 riders - made off at a good pace on mostly wet roads. I had the pleasure of meeting Chris Parker for the first time, having swapped several emails in recent months, but there was no Stuart Hodd! Does he only ride in windy weather?

Newbie Steve Elliot Is Becoming A Regular!

We split into the customary two groups by the end of Western Parade, the front group in a hurry to get somewhere fast and the rest of us trying fast to hurry, or something like that. I fell into a well-disciplined group with Simon, (new) Steve, Malcolm and another that rotated the front quite nearly all the way to the roundabout. A group of eight or so had already arrived and were chatting animatedly, a cloud of vapour rising from their breath and steaming bodies. It was a bit nippy even if not windy and wet!

Special guest Appearance From 'Tadders'!

We waited for the rest of the gang to arrive and thought a car was rounding the corner, only to see Chris sweep into view behind an array of high-powered lasers. Was there an alien invasion in progress on which rested with Chris the last hopes of mankind ? Was this a close encounter of the third kind (what are encounters of the first and second kind anyway)?

We did what we could to protect our eyes, the tarmac bubbling around our feet and carbon fibre frames sagging like spaghetti. However, after a few swift adjustments of his plasma drive, the brilliant beams lessened and what had briefly become day became night again - the stars became visible and riders were able to reset their spongy frames in the cold night air. Phew! (Chris, only kidding, your lights are awesome).

The return leg quickly split into two or three groups. This time Malcolm, Simon and I made a small peloton but Malcolm had found an extra gear and had left us by Spooky Hill. We fell into a steady rhythm of rotating the front and made good progress across the busy marsh (why is it so busy of late?), along Herbrand and into Cooden Drive. We maintained a good pace throughout and whilst personally I didn't set any significant Strava PRs, I did set my highest average speed for a chain gang, with something still left in my legs. Thanks Simon, that was really satisfying and I think I'm getting the hang of the group riding thing now. It also put my relationship with Strava into perspective - does it encourage good training habits? Perhaps it depends how you use it.

Another Successful Chain Completed !

A group photo ensued at the traffic lights before we went our separate ways home or to the pub. I did an extra loop and used some of my spare energy to get a good time on the segment outside the police station. My fingers are crossed for similar conditions next week!

Neil Smith

17/1 HSLCC Friday Night Ride- We Love The Rain

Not To Be Deterred By Rain!

Just three of us turned up for the Friday night ride (myself, Simon G and Kie); everyone else had been put off by the rain which had only just stopped. More heavy rain was forecast later but we hoped to be back before it really got going. With only three of us we stayed in tight formation down Battery Hill and across into the nature reserve. By now the rain had started and was getting progressively worse. With only a wind proof on, I was starting to get cold. Fortunately I had brought my trusty old regatta water proof with me so we made a brief stop so that I could switch tops. What a difference it made, I now felt warm and toasty. On reaching Rye we had a choice: carry up to Broad Oak or take the ‘Battery Hill Classic’ route back to where we started. Having already got wet and now nicely warmed up we decided on the former and rode together with Kie and Simon towing me up to broad Oak. The rain was even heavier by now and the decent towards Brede had to be taken with care, as did the Stonestile ascent as there were so many puddles it was hard to tell if there was a hidden pothole underneath. Stonestile itself was surprisingly easy as all the road water made for a smooth lower friction ride. Despite getting soaked we all felt a lot better for the exercise and looked forwarded to getting home and drying out.

Possibly Our Wettest Ascent Of Stonestile?

HSLCC Chaingang 15/1- Legs Eleven

Normal service is resumed - a wet and windy Wednesday chain gang left the protection of the shelter at 19:34, heading into a consistent and strong breeze from the port-bow quarter (that's smack into your left-hand cheek for the non-sailors). A tough outward leg ensued for the 11 rider group with the wind more agin' than with us. As usual, the tricky bit was negotiating the swirling wind around the buildings and side roads of Bexhill, as well as some nasty potholes near the second zebra crossing. The council should do something!

The faster group stretched away from the steady-Eddies on Western Parade and South Cliff, making admirable pace down Cooden Drive and along Herbrand Walk. Personally, I struggle into headwinds and I had an off-night more generally, not able to find the will to press on. That's how it goes sometimes - you know if you're 'on it' or not and last night was a 'not' night.

The wind was howling across Spooky Hill and the road was wetter than I expected, and although the rain held off I would've preferred the rain to yet more bloody wind. There was also more traffic than usual. The roads and lanes echoed with our shouts of 'CAR' and 'ANOTHER CAR', with the odd 'LORRY' thrown in. Concentration is key when riding fast in the dark, so the shouts do help to keep each other alert. I wonder what the regulars of the Star Inn make of our repeating shouts of 'CLEAR' as we cross the narrow bridge there?

The 11 riders regrouped at Pevensey Roundabout and smartly began the return leg. The wind was not much help initially, but as we turned more easterly we got the benefit of the south-westerly blast, first along Herbrand Walk and then along Cooden Drive. The second group, where I most usually reside, enjoyed some competitive jousting for position in this wind-assisted section. The near-full moon made an appearance through a thin veil of cloud, lighting the slick road a soft, shiny silver.

I confess that Tom and I may have breached riding etiquette at Cooden Corner by stealing the lead and streaking off. I plead ignorance but Simon put me right when we stopped. Sorry John! Fat lot of good it did us as we were both overhauled before the lights by four others. We all paused longer than usual for a chat at the lights, enjoying a breather and swapping banter. You will all be pleased to know that the excellent Stuart Hodd has recovered from his bout of influenza by engaging in brisk cycling. Stout fellow! Rule #5 applies.

Before we went our separate ways, Tom tried on my Altura raincoat (I was over-dressed but not too hot - another sign that I was not on top form) and announced himself suitably impressed with the fit and quality. I see a lot of riders wearing them and I've been pleased with mine. You can get last years model for less, I think, with only small differences between it and this years version.

That's it - I rode a circuit back, partly with Tom, before blazing down Sutherland Avenue at a good pace, snagging second place on the segment, a few kph behind Mr Mark Edwards. I'll get you yet, matey...



Best regards, Neil

12/1 HSLCC Club Ride- Benenden Buster

Andy back from a shoulder op!

Good to see Jamie again after such a long time!

With good dry weather it was third time lucky for us to try out the new 'Benenden Buster' route supplied by Mark. Our numbers were boosted by the return of several riders. lee and Marcus were back from their Xmas holidays, Jamie was there to get back in shape for TT season, Andy F was back from his shoulder injury and Baxter was just back from his usual post mtb season lay-off. This made a total of twelve riders. I was very pleased to see that about half the riders now have garmins and most had downloaded the route, this greatly takes the pressure off me for navigation. Mark was meeting us at Rye harbour so we rode down through Pett village and down  into the reserve where sure enough he was waiting for us. The route took us on some lovely quiet roads skirting the edge of the marsh before heading west towards Benenden itself. the first half of the route was mainly flat so  most of the climbing lay in front of us at this point. Baxter was generally the slowest today having lost a lot of fitness over his sabbatical but Mark was also suffering, with this being his third ride in three days, the mileage and lack of energy were catching up with him. With so many riders it was hard to keep checking where everyone was and at some point we managed to lose Malcolm C (sorry about that Malcolm).Andy was worried about the mileage and despite finding the last 15 miles tough, did well to keep up with everyone, his shoulder seemed to be holding up well. On nearing home riders started peeling off which left just myself, kie, Marcus,Nigel and Baxter to complete the last part of the route up some stiff hills through Sedlescombe and past the Carr Taylor vineyards.The sun had long since disappeared behind the clouds and the air temperature had taken a real dip. We were all suffering by now and seeing a sign for a cafe in the vineyard decided to pull over and try it out. It was rather basic but the tea and cake was just what we needed to complete this excellent route.

Baxter and Marcus back from their respective breaks!

HSLCC Chaingang- Shedding Those Xmas Pounds!

A good number of riders turned up for the Wednesday chain gang, perhaps 20 in all including three people trying the ride for the first time. Now, I don't know if this excellent turnout was due to the better-than-usual weather or a wider desire to shed the Xmas pounds, but it was great to see everyone and who cares what the motivation is - let's get out there! Steve was also on hand with promotional cards, so if you know others who might appreciate the superior experience that is the Hastings and St Leonard's Cycling Club, do your bit get them along to a ride.

And then we were off, or at least some of us were, as without warning a keen group decided it was time to go. The rest of us flapped our feet to find pedals and pelted after them, trying hard to bridge the gap (should we have a starting gun, or at least a warning shout before setting off)?

The southerly cross-wind was not much help but neither was it as strong as on the recent rides the more hard-core badass 'velominati' braved before Xmas. It tried to rain from time to time but by far the most water was under our wheels, as was the occasional patch of gravel, thrown across Herbrand Walk by the recent storms or flicked out of potholes by traffic. In daylight, you can see the seaweed and plastic rubbish caught in the fence bounding the railway line, so the waves have clearly been across the road.

Baxter happy To Be Back!

Into the dark marshy sections and our headlamps picked out the shiny inky-black puddles, in which lurk who-knows-what? Best to keep out of the road margins as a strategy to avoid potholes, but what do you do when the puddles span the road..? Thankfully, we know this road's main hazards, so disaster was averted.

I think the ride broke into three main groups. The lead group was largely out-of-sight of the middle group in which I found myself, although we caught the odd straggler. We were feeling sharp too, our bodies fuelled by two weeks of mince pies and Quality Street, our legs eager to be stretched and feel the lactic acid burn, after the weather-enforced recovery time brought about by endless gales and rain. Tom and I had a good competitive ride to the roundabout, which he won.

The return leg broke into four main groupings, but more closely spaced (there was no quick getaway this time). The middle two groups became one when we were caught at the Cooden level crossing. I hung back a bit to get a rolling start and then pushed on to lead the group down Herbrand, catching a smaller group at the Cooden Hotel corner and climb, managing to make the front on the way up. I got into a four-way scrap, the lead changing back and forth as we all pushed hard to make the lights first. I made my final spurt against my main rival but was pipped by a late-mover. This time, I beat Tom back, so overall honours were even. This was all done in a friendly spirit, with the main aim being to push ourselves and each other to perform better (well, I think that's what was happening...).

"Blimey, you lot were pushing it" said the marvellous Stuart Hodd. I don't think any of us could answer, other than with panting, snotting and coughing. But it felt good, really good, to go harder and faster than I've yet managed on a chain gang ride. I am finding that these sessions are excellent training and enjoyable. In the words of Jason Kind, "I've just been reminded the chain gang is fun & mighty hard." Spot on.


Neil Smith