Monsal Head Hill Climb

Enjoyed spectating so much last year, we thought we'd do it again!

Good 15 mile run before breakfast meant that I earned my beers in Monsal Head. Lovely weather again and fantastic atmosphere.

Pleased with how these B&W shots turned out

Paddy Buckley Reccy : Aberglaslyn to Llanberis

9am heading up Bryn Banog

After our day in Snowdonia in August, I thought it was about time I explored the Welsh hills a little more - after all they are around 1hr quicker to get to than the lakes and about the same as the Dales.

We set off from Nantmor at 825am quickly hitting bog and tussock. The weather was fabulous though despite a very strong wind, with views through a rising sun to Cnicht and the Moelwyns which will be the scene of future escapades I feel.

The hills over this leg were lovely and wild with a few areas of mining. We only saw one group of ramblers until we got to the Nantlle ridge which is always going to be popular..

Graham pointing out a cloud.
Saul pretending to listen

We all found the climb up to Craig Wen tough - with hindsight my probably was my new fuel for the day - Maltloaf which - although it is continuous longer term energy release - was not what my body was used to. After Snowdon I switched back to Mars Bars and low and behold I felt normal for the second half of that leg.

Only major nav hiccup of the day was as we were enjoying the descent off Yr Aran before Snowdon, we completely missed the turn off left which meant a traverse on hands and knees to recover our path. One to remember for next time...

All that was left then was the worst descent off a mountain I've ever done (including years of Scottish stuff!) to pick up my bike for the cycle back to the car. I got to within 1/4 mile of the bike easily, but was faced with steep crags, waterfalls, gorse and brambles to get there. Not ideal ! Graham and Saul took a direct line to Petes eats which seemed a far better alternative end to the day !

Graham asked me if I'd consider doing the Paddy - well, I can't rule it out but at this point, it's just great to have some long days in the hills exploring new paths and hills. The scenery is great, but it's not the lakes so even though the lakes are more beautiful, the Welsh hills offer more wild running, which I must confess I love even though my feet don't today!

Stile near the end of the Snowdon leg

6h10 mins moving time, 10,000ft ascent and 9hrs total time. A great day out
our gpx file - follow with caution !

Allestree Park Cyclocross, Round 5

Another weekend and another local cross race in great weather.
I did this course two years ago in the scorching heat and thankfully it wasn't that bad today.
Similar course including more rooty stuff in the woods. Nice n fast and worked hard all the way round finishing in 17th in the Vets / Womens race completing 7 laps.
The above shot is courtesy of this very nice video from local guy Peter Hetter

NDCXL Allestree Park from Peter Hatter on Vimeo.