This year’s Rivers Ride will be 28 miles shorter for me as I have opted to do the Family Ride rather than the Community Circuit.

However, as I will be taking my family it may well take as long to do 10 miles (with an eight and a six year old) as 38 miles on my own.

I do have my husband to help, which is good for when we need a push up the hill …

So, how did we prepare for this fun filled adventure?

Back in the Spring when waterproofs were all the rage, we discovered the joys of taking our bikes on the Settle-Carlisle railway and cycling between stations. We parked at Kirkby Stephen, put the bikes on the train and then enjoyed the ride to Ribblehead. You can imagine the boys’ shouts of joy when we told them the only way back to the car was to pedal 23 miles…

It was the climb out of Dent – largely pushing said bikes up a very steep hill – that triggered the thought that maybe we could skip the bit between Dent station and Garsdale by hopping back on the train. Me and the boys enjoyed our brief respite on the rails before re-joining the father-ship again.

The scenery was stunning and our youngest enjoyed it the most as he rode on the crossbar seat on his dad’s bike. So we had six months to get the small one bike-fit for our Family Ride.

I also had six months to polish my riding technique and get over my fear of cycling down very steep hills.

My first insight into how you should cycle down steep hills came from Cheryl Frost from Rather Be Cycling. We’d been out on a photo shoot on Honister and so had the lovely steep descent back towards Seatoller to discuss my white knuckle style of descent. Cheryl noticed that I was burning my brake blocks as I gingerly rode down. In truth, I had everything gripped – buttocks on the saddle, hands on the brakes and teeth tight together. The only thing loose was my feet – I had unclipped my shoes from the bike so I could put my feet down if necessary. It was not the right way to ride.

“Let go of your brakes” said Cheryl. I did not let go of my brakes.

“Come on, together, let go of your brakes, then start with your back brake and then use your front brake.” I nodded. I did not let go of the brakes.

“Trust me. Just try it. Let go … now back brake, front brake.” I tried it. I did not die. We repeated this bit all the way down. She even threw in a few more tips – like I really should clip in, stand up on my pedals and put more of my weight over the back wheel. She was right. Slowly I was riding downhill rather than hanging on for dear life. And I survived.

I tried to share my new found tips with the boys. But every mother should know that the last person they will listen to is their mother. Especially if it is to do with riding bikes.

New tactics were needed.

We were very lucky to take part in a relay of all the Jennings Rivers Rides – we, as a family did the Family Ride with World and Olympic champion cyclist Yvonne McGregor. It turns out that tips from a real professional get taken in much better. Yvonne was an absolute sweetheart with the boys, encouraging them to believe in themselves and challenging them to mini races en-route. A treasured memory of that day was watching my eight year old go over the wooden bridge on the old railway track, open his mouth and go “er-er-er-er” as only you can when you ride over bumps … only to hear another set of “er-er-er-er” and realise that Yvonne’s inner child had joined in!

We decided to take our training to another level and signed up for a Family Skills Session with Cyclewise – a three hour special session for us and my good friend Sarah Bennett and her two children. It did not start well. My six year old had just taken possession of his brother’s old bike and my eight year old had a hire bike for the session. The aforementioned six year old claimed he could not even ride the bike in the car park!

However, with Dave our instructor and after three hours of intense training in Whinlatter Forest, we all came away with a new found confidence in our riding. I discovered even more downhill control, we all discovered the joys of wheelies (even if the wheel hardly left the ground), learnt new tricks like drop-offs and how to ride over lots of bumps without falling off. We also were bitten by a million midges. That’s what you get in a damp forest in July.

It was clear that our eight year old needed a new bike and with a family holiday looming where cycling to and from the beach was essential, we looked to KMB (Keswick Bikes) for help. It turned out that the growth spurt that meant he outgrew his old bike also meant he had entered a whole new league … he is tall enough to ride an extra small adults bike complete with 26 inch wheels! Within days a bright red bike was his. The guys at KMB were great, they made sure the new bike fitted perfectly and that the old bike was adjusted for the little fella.

So we’ve had a couple of weeks in France and practiced on and off road. The boys bombed off, standing up on their pedals, the breeze in their hair and as happy as can be. We think the six year old will cope with ten miles, we hope the eight year old will make it up the hills without any help and I hope I let go on the downhill.

The father-ship is focussing on finding all the answers to the Treasure Hunt! As will every other competitive dad on Sunday.

A family of four can take part in the Jennings Rivers Ride for £16 – hope to see you there!

This blog has been milling about in my head and playing on my conscience for four months…. FOUR MONTHS!!! Where did they go? How can it possibly be September already?!

My training for the Rivers Ride began early. As early as April, when I did, at least, go and have a look in the garage and found that, yes, my bike was still there.

In May we were off to bonnie Scotland for a few days and were immediately faced with a dilemma.  Remembering all the enticing cycle paths we drove past the last time we were there we had to decide….. do we go in my car, the cabriolet, with the hood down and the radio blaring, or his car …… the ancient landie with the bike rack and no obvious signs of any suspension? Well, what would you do? We took the cabriolet. Of course.

I did actually have a bit of an urge to cycle though so ten minutes of Googling later I came across Tim from Strontian Cycle hire. What a discovery. Couldn’t be more helpful. All he needed was our inside leg measurement and we were sorted. He met us at our holiday cottage on the banks of Loch Shiel.

Next morning dawned, fondly reminiscent of last year’s Rivers Ride. Identical torrential downpours, howling gales, everything. Undeterred we set off to cycle to Loch Moidart, three miles away, where the kids were staying. The landie owner was his usual helpful self. At the least sign of an incline he would yell instructions such as, “Change up!!” or “Top gear NOW!!”

I didn’t like to say, but I honestly hadn’t a clue what he meant. I mean, which gear is top….the one where pedalling is harder or the one where pedalling is easier? And do you “change up” to pedal faster or slower? I have no idea. All I know is if I tweak my thumb the hills get much easier and if I tweak my forefinger I don’t have to pedal so fast on the flat. And any fool can see when a hill is coming up so what more do you need? But, we were on holiday, and I was having such fun, what with the sodden hair plastered across my eyes and the persistent trickle of cold water coursing down the middle of my back, so I just ignored it and carried on, chuckling merrily to myself all the while. The kids fed us then kicked us back out into the storm for a jolly ride back home. So six miles in total and a fun start to our holiday.

Fortunately the next day dawned sunny and warm, so we packed a picnic and set out to explore. All I want to know is, why does every bike not have a lovely, soft, leather Brookes saddle? I had no inkling of the lasting effects of the previous day’s endeavours until my nether regions hit the solid ridge that masqueraded for a seat on Strontian’s best. It was agony. We got as far as the village of Acharacle, with me affecting a lop-sided technique that I’ve yet to see on the Tour de Anywhere, and the frequent change of sides made it rather difficult to maintain a straight trajectory. We did a bit of a tour down to the Loch and out to the end of the village and were back home for coffee.

The next day we did a quick scoot to the village for the morning paper and then rang Tim.

If you are still wondering whether to sign up for this year’s Jennings Rivers Ride, don’t delay. It is a wonderful route and a great cause. The money raised will go to the Cumbria Community Foundation, which helps those in need across the county.

If that is still not enough you can consider the fact that you will be leading out some of the world’s top professional riders, including Sir Bradley Wiggins. In fact you will be just 24 hours ahead of them as you struggle over the toughest section of the ride, the gruelling one in four incline of Honister Pass.

The second stage of the Tour of Britain, the day after the Jennings Rivers Ride, will follow part of the same route, probably the most spectacular section. It’s a bit like completing a stage of the Tour de France the day before the pros tackle it. I am sure this will add to the appeal for many amateur riders this year, a chance to see how they can do compared to the greats of the sport.

Sir Bradley has already been confirmed as the leader of Team Sky and other big names expected to be there include Nairo Quintana, the Columbian mountain specialist who came second in the Tour de France, and Mark Cavendish, who is with the Omega Pharma team this year.

I am expecting to be at the finish line of the Cumbrian stage, in Kendal, reporting for ITV Border. We will have highlights and reaction on our Lookaround programme that evening at 6.

It should be a great day and, after the Jennings Rivers Ride, I will be able to say that I have at least some understanding of what the professionals have been through!

I wouldn’t go so far as to say there’s a “structure” to my cycling endeavours, but the last couple of years have been planned around two major rides. Though if a proper cycling coach were to check on my approach and methods, I’m sure there’d be a lot of head shaking. Whatever, it’s worked so far. Just about.

First there’s a May offensive ahead of the Fred Whitton ride/ordeal/torture. Having now completed this twice, I wish to announce that I have officially retired from future Freds. My wife has asked me to make this clear.

Then there’s a slight easing off, with the exception of July’s Virgin Money ride around Northumberland, before August and the thoroughly splendid but taxing Inishowen 100 in beautiful wild, windy and rather gradient abundant Donegal. The final piece of the Moss Masterplan is to hope that whatever fitness accrued lingers into September and the Rivers Ride. After which things settle down and I pootle through the winter months at a more leisurely pace.

The Inishowen ride features a range of bumpy bits. Up and around Malin Head, Ireland’s northernmost point, is simply stunning but the two bruisers are the seemingly never ending climb out of Kinego Bay, which comes after about 75 miles, but way before that, the very first climb of the day, is the stuff of local legend.

It is known as “The Gap”. The full title is the Gap of Mamore. It’s a mountain pass. The sportive tackles it from the southern side – which is dead straight and dead steep. You can see every bit of pain coming your way. I’m told it peaks at around one in three. Although it comes after only fifteen miles, a fair chunk of the field will be pushing up the final yards. They always are. This was the fifth, or maybe sixth, time I’ve ridden the event. This year a sizeable chunk of Atlantic Ocean was turned into ominous dark cloud and further transformed into lashing Donegal rain at precisely the moment I reached the top. The equally steep, but horribly winding descent was so treacherous that many opted to walk downhill as well.

It’s an incredibly characterful and friendly ride with local clubs well represented and mighty craic. I can heartily recommend. Derry based Foyle Cycling club are the organisers. They’re a fine body of folk.

After the legs had rested for a day or three and became my own again, I then mounted a couple of assaults on The Gap from the northern side. That’s the steep and windy approach. The one with a grotto near the top. Believe me, you will be in need of prayer at this point. The reason for this choice of route was by way of preparation for my Rivers Ride nemesis, Honister. The distance climbed is similar and the gradient slightly steeper, according to my Garmin. For some reason I can manage The Gap, either straight or twisty. I can manage Honister from Borrowdale. But Honister from Buttermere. Nope. The steep bit is just too steep for my old legs. Always time for a short walk and push. So will my Irish training have paid off? …or will it have been negated by my post ride rehydration strategy: Guinness.

See you in Keswick! Slange.

The title might be a cliché, but it really is true. With just one weekend left to go, there is very little time for further Rivers Ride training.

It was with this nauseating thought in mind that I planned my riding for the weekend that has just passed. I knew I needed to do a long stretch out, and that I would really like to do the climbs I’ll be doing on the actual ride. I’m pleased to say I accomplished both of these on my two rides.

I started my weekend with a nice 25 loop from Bassenthwaite, over Newlands and Whinlatter. Whilst this was a short ride, the mixed weather and the two climbs meant it was a very useful ride. And it ticked off two of my Rivers Ride climbs.

On Sunday, I went out on my second ride, and did a longer 50 route which also took in two passes. This time I did Honister and Whinlatter from the other side. This ride was a useful part of my training, and I learned that I can make it up Honister in one go. It is hard – I felt like my head was going to explode at some points, and I’m pretty sure I looked like a balloon blown up to far – but I made it.

I also learned that I really need to get my ride fuel plans sorted. As those of you who have read my Hardknott blog will know, I don’t always manage this and leave myself short.

I did this again on Sunday’s longer ride. The first half was pretty pacy, and a number of new Strava records were set. However, after a lunch stop in Keswick, the second half of the ride felt very different.

I chose a delicious vegetarian mezze for lunch. However, this carb rich meal wasn’t the fuel I needed mid-ride and weighed heavy for the rest of the journey.

I managed Whinlatter itself reasonably well, but after this point I didn’t have much left in the tank. (Other than some falafel and houmous which served only to weigh me down.) Thankfully I managed to crawl (almost literally, or so it felt) to the finish line, with the lesson learned.

So my plan for the ride itself is to stock up on energy gels and bars, which are handy, give you the instant hit you need, and are light – especially when I think of them sitting in my stomach! I will have a carb-rich pasta dish the night before the ride, and a slow release breakfast like porridge on the day itself.

Should I also take a Thermos of soup with me, just in case I really struggle? I could have a picnic halfway round!

In the meantime, I plan a few more cycles out, probably with a couple of hills chucked in for good measure, to hopefully reassure me that I can indeed manage 75 miles and three passes in quick succession.

There’s only one way to find out!

Don’t forget, you can sponsor me should you wish to. Simply visit www.justgiving.com/ian-curwen.

Welcome back my friends, are you still with me?

Time is now getting short and the hills are getting steeper especially when I’ve just spent two weeks on holiday in the hilliest country in Europe. I’ll bet you are all imagining the magnificent snow capped peaks of Switzerland – The Jungfrau, the Matterhorn, Monte Blanc. Well think again my chums, the hills of the Netherlands were much more demanding, the infamously precipitous Speed Bump! the more tricky Slight Dip in the Cycle Path! I was held back slightly by my training partner (the Darling Wife) who, if cycled any slower, would fall off! So the lack of speed and inclines means that more intense work will have to be completed over the next two weeks. Despite the extreme flatness of the Dutch countryside, it is excellent for distance training and is of course years ahead of the UK when it comes to supporting the cyclist. Perhaps I could host a “fact finding” trip on behalf of the government! I thought I looked rather fetching in bright orange though!!

Reports from other Psyclopaths confirm that training is continuing in earnest, in fact one of our team has already conquered Whinlatter – well done Andy Watson. Methinks a tow rope might be in my backpack. Other Psyclos don’t appear to be embracing the training ethic with the same gusto – giving up after a puncture and getting a lift back! A little more motivation is required methinks – you know who you are Alan and Mark!!

Anyway, time to book the accommodation now the Info Pack has arrived.

See you all in Fitz Park bright and early.

There can be no finer place to practise for the Jennings Rivers Ride than West Cumbria. I pose that as an hypothetical statement as I’ve done no practise for the Jennings Rivers Ride. However, if I had, I am sure that West Cumbria would be the place to do it. I am a complex man and every time my wife urges me to get out on the bike and practise I find anything  (and I mean anything) to distract me from that task. Instead of being a wiry, muscular cyclist I am now the proud owner of some bedding boxes manufactured from some old decking, a sandstone wishing well, half a chicken coop and a 1989 2 berth caravan that I’m doing up as a garden office. These things will not enable me to get up hills any faster in September but my joinery skills are improving and the caravan has a drinks cabinet.

I do tell a little lie – I’ve done a little bit of cycling, however it was cut cruelly short by stupidity and injury. In the next enthralling episode of ‘Injuries of the Daft and Dangerous’ ( I’m soon to have my own show on Sky Living) I can exclusively reveal that it involves the coming together of my, how should I put this, undercarriage and the crossbar of the Giant Defy that you can now find wedged up a tree near Maryport.

Most of my extensive sports  injuries come about through the use of cleats on my cycling shoes and the pedal. Experienced cyclists will probably laugh but as I don’t cycle anywhere near enough I seem to spend far too much time trying to align the bottom of my foot with a 1cm clicky target (sorry for getting technical) on the pedal (whatever happened to big pedals with reflectors the size of a Snickers on them?) As usual I’d cycled about 8 miles without seeing a soul. As soon as I tried to re-attach myself to the bike after an emergency Cornish Pasty break the whole population of Maryport magically came out to stare in my direction as I remounted. Wanting to look cool and  start powerfully I  pressed my foot down hard and as my foot slipped off the pedal I landed on the crossbar . Obviously I swore like a trooper with a particularly bad problem with profanity. The lady who had just chucked a bottle of Vimto and cigarette stump to the floor whilst her dog had a poo in the middle of the cycle track found my language and behaviour appalling (she’d obviously never reached the definition of irony in the dictionary)  and told me so. I think it was a lady as I couldn’t see through my tear streaked eyes. So from now on I shall be known as Vera and spend my leisure time as backing singer in a Bee Gees tribute band.

So not that much to report this month. However as a nutrition guru, I do sometimes like to share my extensive research with you prior to submitting my dissertation for my Doctorate.  The chapter I am currently working on is about the benefits of a balanced diet. As you can see from the attached picture I have found that a trio of real ale balances out very nicely with two pork pies and a pot of brown sauce.

Until the next time I don’t go out on my bike….

A training routine

I’m pleased to report that since my last blog, I’ve managed to get into something of a training routine. I am also pleased to report that I am noticing an improvement in my performance.

This routine involves at least one long cycle ride a week, of at least 40 miles or more, and ideally two. I am even trying to ensure that these training rides include one challenging hill or pass.

The result of this routine is that I have been able to strike some passes off my ‘must cycle’ list. In recent weeks I have completed Hardknott Pass (West to East) (the term completed is used very loosely here!), Birker Fell (both ways), Whinlatter Pass (both ways), Newlands Pass (West to East).

I’ve also managed a series of shorter climbs and the satisfaction of finding these getting easier is hard to express in words without using terms that would get me banned from blogging again!

Most of my rides are with a good friend. They’re always enjoyable, but as he’s much fitter than me, can be a bit of a moral crusher.

However, my recent improvements have meant that now when out on a ride, if I shout loud enough, and the wind is blowing in the right direction, my mate might just about hear something. In fact on a recent ride, on one of the passes, I thought I could see him. Turns out it was a car. A car far in the distance.

On top of the training rides, I’m trying to build up my cycling at the gym too. As I mentioned in my first ever blog, this isn’t the most exciting of exploits. It’s mildly amusing to see the speeds you can achieve when on a static bike and realise just how unachievable they are on our roads in our weather.

With only three weekends to go until the Rivers Ride, I plan to continue my twice-weekly regime, and have got my sights on a trip over Honister. Really, I should do the daunting triple-header of Whinlatter, Newlands and Honister, which finishes the Rivers Ride, but I’m not prepared to commit to that just now!

Finally, if anyone would like to sponsor me, I’d be eternally grateful! Go to www.justgiving.com/ian-curwen. (Did I mention I broke my back earlier this year?!)

Welcome back dear readers, I’m so happy you are sticking with me for the this voyage of discovery.

The training progresses well, despite the less than fashionable cycle wear – the pit helmet may be discarded for something more in keeping with the athletic physique!! However I find the lycra disturbingly comfortable! The attire performed well during my recent 46 mile round trip to Southport. Yes I know it’s flat but you’ve got to start somewhere! The hills of Rivington and Angelzarke are more of a challenge though and certainly give the old knees a workout.

One disturbing piece of news is that the Bouncing Baby of the team (Chris Hart) seems to think his youth alone will get him through the challenge. I think not young man – get on that bike and ride! I am reliably informed that the remaining Psyclos are pushing themselves to their limits. Whether their limits involve breaking into a sweat is yet to be determined.

The good news is that a reccy has been completed of the infamous Whinlatter – feared by some, admired by others. I can report that, from the comfort of my Alfa, as opposed to the discomfort of my saddle, that the pass is eminently passable. You need not fear the inclines, my fellow athletes, your fears can be allayed.

News hot off the press, another NSG team has thrown down the gauntlet of challenge, The NSGeese. Update on their lack of athleticism will be in the next update. Need to go now and stock up with Vaseline.

And so dear reader, the journey begins. The Rivers Ride came onto our radar some months ago. Methinks it can’t be difficult – rivers generally flow down valley floors so it must be flat. No problem! And so the call went out for willing and not so willing volunteers.

In the meantime further investigation discovered some minor challenges, there was a Pass involved!!! Now, my experiences of Passes particularly in Cumbria are not good. It generally involves inclines, effort and sweat and that was only on foot! I kept these little challenges from the willing volunteers. It was a need to know basis. They would get to know after they had signed up!

And so it came to pass (sorry about the pun) that The Pscylopaths were formed from veterans, young pups, athletes, novices and generally rotund, middle aged malcontents:

John Morris – NSG MD, he who must be obeyed and all round veteran athlete who can knock a decent tune out! Nigel Lowe – NSG Commercial Manager, team captain and finely honed athlete (in his head!), Mark Sheppard – NSG Assurance, budding athlete, Alan Hogan – NSG RPA, former athlete until middle age took hold!! Andy Watson – ringer from Silverdell, well we needed to get someone in who could ride a bike! and finally the bouncing baby of the team, Chris Hart another ringer only brought in to lower the average age!! All up for the challenge (haven’t told them about the pass yet though) and starting the intensive training regime – see you all down the pub then!