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Sleepless in the Saddle 2006 started nice and dry, with some fast laps to be had. I was using my 2.2in Bonty tyres, which are the widest tyres I’ve used in years, but were a requirement for such a bumpy course on the hardtail.
After my third night lap (6th in total) it started tipping it down with rain, making the course slightly less fun. I went to sleep for a few hours, and when I woke up it was pretty much me on my own. Steven had done his fifth lap and was now complaining of a sore back (A perennial excuse). Eddy had gone out for his 4th lap only to have one gear due to a snapped gear cable (Poor bike maintenance). Despite having this fixed, his enthusiasm for the now horribly muddy course was gone. Ally went out for another two laps, but ended up running most of the second lap due to a snapped chain.
By this point it was around 6am. I went out for another lap, then came back to try and gauge enthusiasm and eat some breakfast. The guys considered going back out, but by the time I had completed my 8th lap I was knackered and a bit disappointed I was the only one left doing laps. I decided to pack it in at this point, as me doing a few extra laps was just going to destroy my legs for the rest of the weak, and not really make much impact on our placings.
On the up side, Ally’s ‘F_CK IT’ note on our lap timings did make the Howies Blog. The Howies guys were camped next to us, and seemed to have a similar opinion on the two contrasting courses with and without the rain.
I doubt I will be making the trip down next year, not unless the course organisers get their finger out and make a weatherproof course. If 10 Under The Ben can survive 10 hours of rain and still be rideable, why can’t other courses?
Fyxomatosis has recently been one of my favourite websites. Cool photography, combined with musings about fixed-wheel bikes and courier life. The design of the site is brilliant, easy on the eye, and with a gallery that is fantastically well thought out.
The best bit has to be his t-shirts. I ordered a small ‘Jesus Delivers’ shirt in gold on burgundy. Andy’s communications are great, and he helped greatly in choosing colors from his available stock. Each shirt is hand-made to order, with your choice of ink and shirt colours. At only £14 including delivery to the UK, I’d say the shirts were a great bargain!
For those interested in sizing, I ordered a small, which is a smidge tighter than my medium Howies shirts, but I’m always borderline between the two sizes. I’m sure Andy will be able to help on sizing should you require it.
Did 65 miles on my own in the wind yesterday. Was a good ride, but my neck is a little sore today, I really need to get a helmet without a peak, save me straining my neck on the road bike. The two bridges (Kincardine and Forth) is a great ride, even when the weather isn’t all that great.
If you’re feeling a bit down about the whole winter thing, and using it as an excuse to not go outside, see this list on the Howies website for reasons why winter is so good. Number 10 is similar to my reason for enjoying the wind and the rain. :o)
Decided to cut my hair the other day, no.8 at the top no.4 on the sides. So I did as much as I could myself in the mirror, then called the wonderful Ms Keri to finish the rest off for me.
I gave her the no.1 guard thinking that she would use it blade first into my head to trim round my ears. So guess what, she cut blade across! Doh! I shaved the whole lot off, so I’m now a no.1 all over as you can see in the pic.
Got my new Howies ‘Play’ t-shirt today, took my mind off the essay I spent the whole day writing. On the upside I’ve finished it 4 days early, and can concentrate on all that other work I have, bah!
