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Be a Finisher

Completing the triathlon in Portman was a great feeling after lots of training and some serious worries about the sea. The week previous it was 14º and very choppy. Luckily the temperature came up and the sea calmed.
I also adding a charity run a week before to get some training. Great fun here are the results. 

I hired a neoprene swimming suit from ciclomania and was amazed just how much you can float. I swam the 1000m in 21 minutes however I have some training to do to improve as I was almost last.

Taking part they say is the important part and to be honest it's true there is always some one faster than you. But it's nice to get a good result. It was great to finish as it was a hot day and all the 216 athletes suffered from sun burn.  I finished 184th my best result yet.  But I really was happy to cross the line and have no major problems.

I mentioned the Ironman Josefe Asram doing the The RedBull seven island challenge in the previous blog. He started the same day as us but the following day suffered heat stroke and was sent to hospital. luckily he is ok, but it is a reminder that finishing is not always possible. 

There are a two more races coming up and I hope to do the same enjoy the event, finish and get the T-shirt.

  Next race Duatlón 26th May I hope it's not too hot !
June 10th  Santa Pola Triathlon-Cross - With the mountain bike ;))

Second Triathlon

Thinking about combining twelve years of running, plenty of riding bikes and in the last year and a half swimming; into one two hour effort is and interesting mental challenge.

May 13 will be my second triathlon and the longest distance, 1000m swim in the sea, 30k riding up and down hills, then finishing with a 6k run. I have trained all of these distances so I'm hoping to finish and not last however the people that do these events are very focused and spend a lot of time and money.

10kg

Training the last few weeks has been before work, in the pool at 8am or spinning the wheels of the light-weight race bike as the sun comes up.

Reading and listening to other cyclists and triathletes, the focus of these events is to finish to get the satisfaction of a result, to see how your mind and body react to the, efforts and stresses. To be honest it's very enjoyable and there is nothing like the crossing the line at the end.

Run for your Life.

Sometime back in 2001 I started running and it wasn't long before the bug took hold. After only a few months I competed in a Boxing day 5Mile run. I have always adopted the start steady and build up. I started last but didn't finish like that. My time then was 38 min

Running became apart of my lifestyle. Cycling too. But it depended on where I was living. But I feel very natural on two wheels. In my mid-twenties I was riding to and from work 12miles in about 50mins.

Now I am 36 and every year I like to do a new challenge; running in other countries, Northern Ireland in the snow, Sydney Australia, different terrains from the rolling hills on the Isle of Wight to the streets of Madrid. They all have their challenges.

Last year 2011 another new area, the triathlon. Benidorm was the location. Swim, Ride and Run is the format. I had to improve my swimming and I still am. Even though I only competed in the Popular race not the Olympic distance it was a great day. Swimming in the sea in October with red flag warnings elbow-to-elbow with a hundred others was amazing. Pulling myself out the water and running to the bike and trying to make up some time.

The season in Spain runs from May to October so I felt like a long wait. However it gave me time to improve and study my times and techniques. I was again riding the bike to work clocking 400k a month swimming 1000m a week and keeping my running to a tight 12kph.

I was surprised to see how serious the competition was in a local Biathlon, 6k run, 32k bike and 3k run. Most were wearing tight-go-fast superhero outfits and ran at a sprint. I finished almost last, 2h 5min, just beating a one legged man – no joke. But I finished and there were many that didn't. When I looked at my times it was actually a very good time for me.

Next challenge is a another local race in Alicante, 5k run 20 bike and 2.5k run. The bike has had some modifications so lets see what happens. I know what times I what to achieve so I hope I will work out.

Scott MT with road tyres, different bars and gearing changed

Other challenges to come, Trail, cross running and triathlon cross. There are also some kayak, run, ride.

Some racing History:

2012 Caravaca Biathlon (Duatlón) times 

2011. Benidorm Triathlon video times

2009 Auatralia city 2 surf times video
 
2002 isle of wight

Some other links to races or runs that I have done and Ironman special.

2011 Vancouver Canada, grouse grind http://www.grousemountain.com/grousegrind

2009 n.ireland http://www.walkni.com/Event.aspx?ID=675



SevenIronMans in seven days on the seven Canary Islands. May 2012

Jerez Test Moto2 and Moto3

The New season of racing is about to start, the Moto2 (600cc) and the new Moto3 (250cc) had perfect conditions in the south of Spain.
Track temperature around 20º, dry and clear. The talk of the paddock was the Kalex chassis that have the edge on stiffness allowing the riders more control. The 600 were lapping at about 1.43 and the 250 four-strokes at 1.47 which is not bad considering this is the second test.
The two-fifties and the six-hundreds were on track together; there was a huge difference in top speeds but through the bends the smaller machines used every centimetre keeping their speeds high.

Moto3 has a rev limit of 14,000 meaning their reliability is good. The manufactures like KTM are using normal valve springs keeping the development of these completely new bikes lower and more sustainable.
Along with the top classes this going to be the season of the small bikes. listen to the sound of the Moto3 bike in this video followed by the 600.

WHAT TO DO AND WHERE TO GO

We all like to explore, whether it's a city or the countryside both require a bit of knowledge to make the most of your day.
Heading out into the hills in Spain to do some hiking is beautiful side of the country that most overlook and head straight for the beach. Spain has more mountains and hill than most other European countries, Switzerland aside. From Sierra Nevada in the south to the Pyrenees in the north.

the coast of Cartagena, south east

If you like to just pull up to the side of the road and start walking you won't be disappointed with the views and landscapes but if you want to really enjoy what an area has to offer try and get some information first.

Maps, the detailed topographical maps issued by IGN Instituto Geografico National have a good terrain fetchers but don't always have footpaths and tracks marked.
Other tourist maps like Editorial Alpina are better in this sense and there are also local maps that mart some 'suggested' routes. All this is very nice but most of the time you will find that things on the ground aren't the same.
Spain has a system of markings, yellow and white pequeñas rutas / small routes, that means from two hour walk to a day and red and white, grandes rutas that cross much larger areas.

Unfortunately there are so many they are not all indicated on the maps and when out in the open although the signs are visible often the route numbers aren't which is confusing if there is a crossroads in the middle of a wooded area.

the cross means wrong way

So some pre-planning will help you get to your destination and allow you to get the most from you walk.
There are also many books that cover different walks and mountain bike trails however you will need to find them for the region that you are in there is not a singular book that has them all.

Some areas have good sings but it's not the norm

Also if you like technology the hand held GPS, Garmin for example can help you plan your day out, but pre-installing a marked route, from Wikiloc or one that you have created from Ozi explorer can give you the right track and you can soak up the views without worrying if the path is properly marked.

Granada marks Mountain Bike routes with clear red arrows

Ozi explorer screen shot and track marked and used.

GPS courses to learn how to get the best from you gadget are available in Sierra Espuña; Murcia click to see what you could be doing.

www.natursport.com
isbn: 84 96396 04 5
rutas por murcia para bicicleta de montaña

Cowboys and Mountain Bikers

Ever wanted to be a cowboy, out in the wild riding alongside your trusted outrider? In the 21^st century the lonely life dressed in denim and herding cattle can be found. However it's much easier for you and me to text our buddies put on our cycling gear and jump on the mountain bike. 

 

The same companionship; freedom, wet, wind, heat and cold; unlike a motorbike, where helmets, higher speeds and norms of road use can restrict the connection with your fellow riders. On the mountain bike, we chat and joke, off road, or through urban areas stopping not for whiskey in a saloon but coffee or a swig from the water bottle and a power bar. 

pictures taken from google images

 

It seems that no matter how different we may feel from each other, our lives are often amazingly similar.

Summer is Over but the Fun Continues - El Verano se acabo pero la diversión Sigue

Travelling to the Canadian Rockies has been very spiritual, the intention was to visit friends and hang out but plans change and my new destiny was a town called Golden.
We have all been or seen the capital cities of Europe and other parts. there is no doubt that having a coffee in the shadow of Sydney Opera house brings forth a smile. History and architecture however interesting they are cannot capture the feeling of peace and wonder standing at the top of a mountain surrounded by beauty and to feel it beneath your feet.
El viaje a las Montañas Rocosas fue muy espiritual, mí intención era quedarme con amigos y disfrutar un tiempo con ellos pero los planes cambiaron y mí nuevo rumbo era un pueblo llamado Golden.
Todos hemos visto las grandes ciudades de Europa y las de otros lugares como Sydney y es cierto,  no hay duda que tomar un café al lado de la Opera house es para no perdérselo.
Pero lo que no puede captura la historia y la arquitectura es la paz de un lugar tan bello como el que hay desde la cumbre de una montaña y sentirlo por debajo de tus pies.

August 2,500m Glacier Park BC

Returning to Spain charged with this sort of energy put me in the more for action so I enlisted to compete in a mini triathlon in Benidorm. Running is a passion that has been with me for decades, but combining that with swimming and cycling was a new challenge. Road tyres went on the mountain bike and a wet-suit vest was bought and training started. If you have ever done some intense gym workouts back to back you will have some idea, but running out of the sea to get on a bike and race to the next stage, is by far the best fitness schedule.
The Sea was a bit rough and to be honest I was a bit worried as swimming is my weakest point. However once in the water with a hundred other people elbows and feet bashing together as everyone makes for the shortest route kepted me afloat.
Cargado con mucha energía en la vuelta a España estaba listo para apuntarme en el triatlón de Benidorm. Puse neumáticos finos a la bici, compre una camiseta de neopreno y mi fui a la playa a entrenar. 
Si has echo unas clases en el gimnasio aquí es como si hicieras tres seguidas. Sales del mar, coges la bici y después a la prueba final, a correr hasta la linea de meta.  Es una experiencia única. Aquel día el mar estaba bastante movido y si soy sincero me asustaba un poco porque la natación es mi punto débil. Sin embargo, con cien personas chocando codos para hacer la ruta más corta, me animaba para no hundirme.  

Oct 23rd Red Flags on the Beaches.

Volvo Ocean Race Started October 29th from Alicante and will visit 10 cities round the world over the next ten months. Today saw British skipper of the Abu Dhabi boat a 70metre ocean yacht take six points winning the first in-port regatta.  
Desde Alicante empezó el Volvo Ocean Race que tendrá diez escalas durante los próximo diez meses. Hoy ganó el barco de 70 metros de Abu Dhai con el patrón británico. El equipo lleva unos síes puntos de ventaja.

 On the 5th of November they will start the voyage down to Cape Town arriving in about twenty days.
El 5 de noviembre será la salida desde Alicante hasta Cuidad de Cabo, un viaje que durará unos veinte días.

When tyres Melt

Circuito Guadix.

Back on track with the TypeR Mini, Tim from DHS fights for grip as he makes his fastest time of the day 1.33.2. Along side him today were a few friends in Caterhams and the GT3 again was the fastest man of the day.

Guadix a few miles from Granada is a tight track that is designed to run in both directions though not at the same time as Tim tried to do after a spin.

¡Un trompo!

 

 

Slow in Fast out!

Ascari race track near Ronda, Malaga was host to the yearly event for the 103 Octanos car club. A mix of Machines from Nissan GTRs to Lotus 7s, Clios, Honda S2000 and the star of the day the TypeR Mini.

Bus gives birth to Mini

Tim Milne of DHS Sound and Vision, Estepona bought his ZCar last year an original Mini with Zcars proto-type sub frames and is still getting use to its 250hp at the back wheels. Weighing only 700kg and even with Avon slicks it is a hard car to control. The Civic TypeR engine and gearbox are mounted in the back and first and second gears a blocked off as they just spin the wheels.

After the morning sessions getting used to the many curves, corners and banking things started to speed up. Fellow racers in Caterhams, a true track car, were lapping in 2.42s and the fasted man of the day was a Porsche Carrera GT at 2.27. Keeping the Mini online and power down managed a respectable 2.47 lap before gearbox problems. Fitted with a limited-slip-dif finally seemed to cause some overheating leaving it stuck in third by late afternoon. That left only one thing to day which was to enjoy the beautiful surroundings at Ascari and watch some of the other cars finish the last session of the day.

Big car eats little car

Nice bird

Big Bird

So it was time to pack up the bus, the sandwiches, the jack until the next meet and remember the formula of 'slow into the corner means fast out'.

Duendes de Ciudad

Vuelta a ensayar; después de casi dos meses de descanso y tras grabar su nueva maqueta, el grupo Celta Folk de Castilla la Mancha demuestra que sus diez años tocando juntos valen la pena.

Duendes de Ciudad, ahora solo son los cuatro: Rafa guitara acústica, Busi en la batearía, Vocalista, gaita y flauta señor Raúl y el campeón bajista Vania. El lugar de practicas es en los cuartos subterráneos de Albacete un sitio bien escondida, durante tres horas los músicos practican sus canciones y melodías. El cotilleo entre ellos es los posibilidades a estar en los calles de Salamanca el próximo verano.

Get to the Church on time!

I have only ever once rushed to church and it wasn't a wedding. Today however I was up on a Sunday morning to get to Cathedral in Murcia.

Years ago I thought it would be good to go to Sunday mass my parents let me choose. I ran all the way there only to find out that it had started and they wouldn't let me in.

Today however we were going up the bell tower, to look down on the city. I was very excited and was nearly late due to miss reading directions. But enthusiasm takes over and well, as the old saying goes 'less haste..'

The tower like most was started in one century and complete many later, following the economic fortunes and fashions from the15th to the17th century.

Some great surprises awaited me, the gubbins from the clock were still in place and were only switched over to an electrical device post 1940

domed ceiling the key to the sound

The room that holds the clock was also designed with amazing acoustics; with your face in one corner of the room you can whisper and your voice travels up and over your head to the opposite corner and the person standing there can hear you perfectly.

The surprises didn't stop there on the balcony surrounding the twenty plus bells is a special platform that the archbishop used to pray for rain, a very important element in what is known as Spain's allotment - Murcia.

1903

My curiosity for religion is very little but the mechanics of how something works is always fascinating. The trip up the tower was a treat, there is also very old graffiti rather like you find in Luxor from a time when these place were accessible without permission. 

big key - big key ring

In the Dog House

Well as my good friend María tells me if you do anything bad this is where you'll end up! Yes you can take your smelly beast to the washing machine and it comes out looking new - or repentant.

Maybe it's a good idea rather than making a mess in your bathroom, but I'm not sure the dog deserves such treatment. I mean animals love without conditions and do things without preconceiving them. I'm not perfect either so if I do or say something that you don't like don't send me to the dog house before asking yourself if we are all perfect.

Dog Washer and Dryer

Moto2 Night and Day

I have Just visited the Valencia race track to get a feel of the new season's bikes and riders. Tom Jojic Chef engineer for the Tec3 moto2 team told me that the bike is basically a 120hp CBR engine put together by one company Geo-tec. Tom who spent many years with KR, Honda and many other race teams this time round has limited control of electronic settings. The bike has ten sensors that can give the team information to help choose the right settings. But as Randy Momola said in discussion, that there is less safety controls, if the bike spins the back wheel there is no assistance to stop it.
This is the age old argument about riders of the old school and the new era, who is riding, who is the passenger and when is safety more important than the racing?
It's true that if you stand on a corner as a GP passes all you can hear is the traction control cutting the engine in and out.


The as one Öhlins technician put it that there is always a compromise between, what the bike needs, what the rider wants. 'If tyres could talk' is one of Momola's slogans, Rossi's front tyre would be crying out 'easy on the brakes'.

All of these things affect the confidence of a rider. As Suppo head of HRC this season that riders always want the bike the competition has not because it's better but it seems to be.

Bradly Smith's Tec3

This weekend Bradly Smith was going through the motions with the Tech3 600, his work is not easy trying to get up the the same speed as those like his team mate that have been on the bikes a year. Bradly at twenty years old has the confidence that comes with his age. recently competing in an alpine triathlon coming just three minutes behind Jenson Button.  The next week of testing should see him move towards controlling the bike but it takes most riders some time. And a nasty fall like Aoyama's back breaking fall at Silverstone last year is a clear confidence killer.

It's clear that at what ever level you race it's harder than it looks but for sure the racing is much closer in Moto2.

Pan, but no Peter

4am is what time you have to open the doors to the bakery if you want to earn some dough!
Just outside Cartagena, Spain - a small low level shack come bar; local hang-out make the best bread. A simple wood fed oven and some old hands have kept producing bread for over 50 years.

The old girl that runs this place says that the days are numbered as the younger generation don't want to continue like their grandmother.

If you are near the race track in Cartagena you are a stones throw from it, just off the roundabout on route to the city. Don't let the look of the place and the gaggle of old dudes on the front stoop put you off step back in time visit "Periquín" and buy some pan.

Cutting Edge

Earning a living in the new South Africa means being creative.



Sorry for the poor quality of sound, our man Bevan had restored the damaged edge of the knife then cut the new sharpe edges before polishing them to improve the quality of the blade.

nice work meneer.

For full details, Call Bevan Pope on 072 495 5444

Safa an Introduction

Nissan Hardcab

Biltong and Bakkies - this is where it starts, the staple ingredients for action men in SA. dried meat and pick ups. The feeling of space and light, beaches and mountain alike. Some first impressions: On arrival I was told about the Pakistani bride that was shot in the shanty style towns of the Black and coloured on the Cape Plains. Living near Madrid the sight of these make shift homes is nothing new, only perhaps the vastness and that the electric companies have linked the shed like buildings to the grid.

Apartheid may have ended but the paranoia and mistrust exists, and rightly so, crime is up; so i'm told the streets aren't as well maintained a they used to be under the rule of the Afrikaners. There is no one type of South African the nation is vast and ever one has been here and left their mark, Dutch, English, Malaysian, Zulu, Xhosa, French. the huge language differences means there are neighbouring communities that see the same thing differently.

the change from tarmac to red dirt is very symbolic you can see the difference but not the join

Here in the South west and south you can put your feet in the cold Atlantic or warm Indian oceans. December brings strong winds like Tarrifa where the Med and Atlantic meet it a good place to Kite surf.
The new SA means that 'whities' are now having to be very creative to make jobs and job market, arts, sports, B&Bs, Eco travel, giving a slight ex-pat feel to their areas one grand example is the wine industry in Franschoek is quite young but it has beauty, style and flavour that challenges it's French forefathers.

Two comical discoveries showed to me by friends were an 1980s film called 'The Gods Must be Crazy' looking at the tribal man and the 'civilised' and a comical understanding of the changes in SA John van de Ruit's 'Spud' white school boy growing up at the end of apartheid at a boarding school where cricket and rugby rule along with plenty of hazing. This as just been made into a film staring John Cleese but the book is much better.

back of a bakkie

Beautiful landscapes

African Jackass

However a more serious look at the different shades of the new South Africa Steve Otter's book Khayelitsha, Steve a white south African, tells how he lived in the shanty township outside Cape Town.  He dips into the language, and the history of what life was like for the whites and blacks and how now some blacks may have more and some white may feel post apartheid guilt there is only one way to know what the other is thinking - ask. 

Sticking one's head in the lion's mouth I'll leave for mister Otter, being here for the first time travelling, through, town, city, along coast line and down mountain roads talking to Afrikaners, artists, entrepreneurs, pilots and body-builders has given me some energy to shrug off some of our European nanny state political correctness, we need to be different and to get a whiff of danger,  life is not about having things its about being and doing, reacting and interacting.

incy welcomed me

southern tip

cas-palace, with bed and table ;)