Here we go again

Having written the last 3 blogs on our bike challenges I wasn’t keen to do a fourth. Having sometimes spent up to 10 hours on the road in appalling conditions writing a blog over the evening meal is somewhat of a chore. There is a small window of opportunity for enjoyment in the evenings and I felt mine was often passed by. All my posts are written in real time after a hard day in the saddle and are never proof read. In fact I don’t think I have ever actually read them, maybe something I can do in retirement.  Unfortunately for me there are too many of you out there that  enjoy reading about our exploits and your pressure for me to continue the blogs is becoming overwhelming. So with a heavy heart I agree to once again attempt to entertain you as our road trip unfolds.

Truth be told, Dale (Self Appointed Captain) has said that the blog, like many things on tour, is non negotiable, although there was also promise of help which to date has never materialised. But I listened to the people out there who have told me that you enjoy reading the blog, so its for all of you that I write it.

So here we are, the first blog of 2015, I will put one or two out a week before the big one starting June 25th. I hope you all enjoy the ride.

And we all came together

It took until June 7th and the “Tour De Sandwich” sportive to bring the Cranky Croatia team together. Cycling individually or in satellite groups throughout the Winter and Spring months we found ourselves lining up to register practically without incident this year. Not bad going as my personal training this year amounts to 3,193 kilometres (1984 miles) which took 151 hours in often cold wet windy soul sapping effort. With the photo shoot over, we took to the tarmac with an enthusiasm we left in Genoa some 11 months ago.

Having to start from the rear of the pack we were pumped and eager to assert our dominance. The “Snowdown Train” were back, and with our No 1 rider, Cathal, back from the tools setting a wicked pace we soon cut our way through the field. Dropped one by one with his relentless pace we became a bit fragmented and were not all privy to some individual achievements in this years first big tour. Dale, possibly for the first time ever, managed to stay upright for the whole ride, mind you he did bail at the 45 mile mark to play his last ever game of football.  But don’t hold your breath, his last 45 games have been his last ever game of football.

So from the oldest on tour to the youngest, Linford, the new boy on tour. He made up the miles his Uncle Dale left on the road as he took a slight detour, near to tears watching his brand new white tyres turning ever more grey he missed the sign directing him left and saving him a local climb known as Peene Hill. The extra 5 miles will serve him well once we start the tour proper, or so I tell him.

There will unfortunately nearly always be a mechanical when you are collectively cycling over 600 miles and this time it was Suzanne that had a puncture at the top of a climb out of Etchinghill. Well versed in throwing a tantrum in these circumstances assistance was soon at hand although she did insist upon finishing the job as she proudly whipped out her newly aquired CO2 pump. The fact that Suzanne used this to good effect left Keith in a dazed state of admiration and awe. He may question this claim but how else could you explain the fact that all this took place within metres of his favourite pub “The Cat and Custard” and the ride was all but done with only 15 miles to go.

A surprise for cathal, our number one rider, was to see me at the top of Coldred hill waiting to take photos of the imminent arrival of the team.

Because of Suzannes puncture we had to wait some time, and in that time Cathal admitted he took the same detour as Linford which explained why I was at the top of Coldred hill first. Unlike Linford though, he was not cooing over bling on his bike, he just had his head down trying to beak the rest of the field, something he has become quite adept at.

Dave was as exuberant as usual and as you can see by this photo at the top of a wicked climb some 70 miles  into the ride nothing was going to spoil his day. I believe this is why Dave doesn’t come out to often, he would surely explode with the excitement of it all if he did.

My ride was pretty savage as I tried to keep Cathals wheel, giving up, or most likely unable, after about 10 miles I settled for riding as hard as I could. Cranking up a good average I was pleased to see that Keith had let the Landlord know that he’d be dropping by for a hard earned drink after our tough day I the saddle.

Micro pub in Barfestone called the “Wrong Turn” where we enjoyed a cold cider apart from Suzanne who had half pint of mud called wantsome or something similar. No more than she deserved according to the bloke who she pushed into the gutter nearing the top of a cruel climb out of Bishopsbourne. So embarrassed, according to her, she couldn’t find any words of apology as her poor victim tried clawing himself out of the stingies, she just managed a nervous giggle.

May 30th 2015

Coffee? Good job Keith’s not here

It was a damp foggy morning that saw the Hougham Gear Grinders, Dale and Dave, Mount their trusty steeds for our last decent training ride before the tour proper. Having put in some serious miles this year Dale was better informed on the required attire. Suzanne having clocked up over 3000 kilometres this year was also educated on what to wear and appropriately dressed set off, leaving me in bed, (night shift) to meet up at our regular spot in Lyminge.

It’s a tad lonely for the first to arrive.

It was just the three that set off on the days ride as the Aylesham Sunshine Crew were otherwise engaged. Keith was caught up in Holland with work so no doubt had some solo training of his own. You might think cycling on the flat is easy but after 30 odd miles of it you are hankering for a little downhill and the small respite it offers. So a good session there. Talking of sessions our newest and youngest member of the team, Linford, is under the misguided impression that a few ales are sunk on tour. Unconvinced that’s not the case he felt he needed to cover all bases and spent the day honing his drinking skills. From good mining stock like the rest of us he didn’t need that base covering but I’m sure he enjoyed it all the same. Cathal, our youngest rider last year, chose to do what he has done best this year. Another day in the office. He needn’t worry, nor had we, as he is, and no doubt always will be the strongest rider of the team. He proved that last week on “Le Tour of Sandwich” as he left us gasping for breathe just 10 miles in.

So back to them that did ride who were joined by me not far out of Canterbury as the day started to warm up. Dave rolled up a little red in the face and for once this wasn’t through his legendary efforts at the head of the Pelton, it was due to wearing more cloaks than the multi coloured one worn by Joseph. Stripped off we joined Dave as a foursome on our way to the coast.

I’m not alone in thinking what Keith’s face would have like when someone suggested a coffee stop right next to a buzzing pub in Reculver. We were all a bit befuddled by the call and enjoyed our coffee whilst casting sneaky eyes to the revellers across the road. With a boost of caffeine and the knowledge that the next stop would be more to our taste the miles were soon left in our wake. We’ve not had many decent days this year and today was proving to be one of them. Stopping for a ream talk in the very nice Bell and Crown we were damned if the increasingly bad weather would put us off. So a full round was in order in defiance of the weather and four pints later saw us all racing hell for leather home trying to beat the rising storm that we have become all to familiar with this year. I know Suzanne and myself made it I guess you’ll just have to wait until the next instalment to see if the Hougham Gear Grinders made it.

Them that rode this weekend

Liege Bastogne Liege

Once again blog written in real time and not proof read, apologies to any purists 8th June 2015

Pre Tour – The not so Magnificent Seven

Not because we aren’t magnificent, we are just not 7 at the moment

This was the weekend ride we’d all been looking forward to. A short (50 mile) social ride that would involve a few beers to many whilst we picked up our team jerseys, sorted final departure arrangements and made sure we had enough spare cables wheels tubes etc between us. The excitement obviously got to Keith and Linford as they arrived at our usual meeting point an hour early. Rather than waste valuable energy on a few loops riding they called in to a friends house for coffee. Must have been a very hot cup as it took them so long to drink they ended up last to arrive several minutes late. Something the Captain (Dale) will not tolerate on this year’s tour. As it was Keiths birthday yesterday, Saturday, they escaped with just a cutting glance and an emphatic look at his watch.
We set off a man down as Cathal, the good boy he is, was spending time with his Dad this fathers day. He didn’t enjoy much of a lay in though because Linford phoned him as he set off with his Dad (Keith) asking if he was going to join them. Cathal was to groggy on being woken to tell them it was a tad early. Keith was blissfully unaware he was still on European time as he’s currently working in Holland, unfortunately Linny was also blissfully unaware. Not a bad thing as he wasn’t aware he’d missed out on an hour lay in and was in good spirits if not a little more tired than usual. So we set out a team mate down secretly relieved we could cycle at a sedate pace without our lead out man Cathal setting his usual high octane pace and in the knowledge that Keith and Linny weren’t actually over zealous to start, just in a different time zone.
Being our last training ride before the big one it was going to get messy and it wasn’t long before we split up descending Blackhouse Hill. Dale, Dave and myself managed the right turn halfway down with the others having to back track putting in some extra climbing on what was a pretty tough day for climbing anyway. As we weren’t planning a long ride I took the Captains instructions to the letter and planned a tough day of climbing. We had to earn that first beer after all. It arrived sooner than it should have done on reflection. With the sun over the yard arm and at least 3 pubs left in our wake the Five Bells in Brabourne found us slamming on the brakes for our first serious team talk of the year. The first drink was wasted talking about the new bits of kit and little gadgets wed treated ourselves too. Suzanne and Dave’s new Bont Vaypor shoes stealing the limelight. There is little more satisfying to a cyclist than slipping on a pair of the finest Kangaroo skin carbon soled shoes. Maybe supping that first cold beer after 8 hours or more in the saddle tops it but let’s not split hairs. But the Bonts are up there with the best and deserved the attention they got. So another round was needed so we could discuss the important things of the tour ahead. Having agreed Keith would supply the spare set of wheels and I would supply the brake cables it was time to end the team talk in agreeing that Asda pots of porridge were second rate and we’d have to go with Quakers original.

Rather pleased we’d accomplished so much on our little stop it was time for some more of those deceptive Kent climbs. Time was really pushing on now as we’d pre arranged to meet the Stig, our support driver aka Tim Delbaere and our supportive and understanding wives. Bang on cue we arrived at the Coach and Horses in Lyminge just as everyone else was turning up. Putting our best foot forward we all posed individually and as a team for the official photo shoot. Celebrating both Keiths birthday and the end to a tough winter of training, for any readers living abroad our winter and spring has been either wet, windy, cold or a combination of above most days. That’s why we were all in joyous mood knowing the hard graft had been taken care of and we could afford ourselves one day of excess. Between arriving and leaving I can only assume we took care of everything that needed taking care of. The fresh air and exercise took its toll all rather too swiftly after a couple more jars and time slipped by all to quickly and the only sensible thing to do was to rag it all in. Not so sensible riding the 12 miles home tho. I’m sure I did an extra couple of miles as I weaved from side to side through the fortunately quite country lanes. I’ve not heard to the contrary so I think it safe to say that all my fellow team mates made it back safely in probably the same manner that I did. Suzanne did for sure as I vaguely remember trying to get on her back wheel for a tow home. She sensibly stayed at arms length though and left me floundering alone. The next ride will be a lot more sedate as we set off on our prologue stage to the start point of the Cranky Croatia tour.

16th June 2015

The Prologue And so it began

Suzanne and myself woke up to the best day of the year by far. Surely this is not the start of our tour to Croatia, it just felt so alien. Dave and the Dale soon turned up to join us for the ride from Canterbury to the Dover docks via Aylesham for our ferry to the continent. Dale not being the best of starters in the morning soon put the cloud into the day with his usual morning cheer. We set off knowing that he would soon cheer up and it would not be long before we could engage hime in some meaningful conversation. That didn’t come by the time we arrived in Aylesham to pick up Cathal so we let him continue to warm up in the growing sun as we pried Cathal away from his tearful Mum. With her sobs and words of wisdom, I’ve matched up your socks, don’t forget to wash behind your ears, phone me etc etc we set of to meet the rest of the team Keith and Linford. Not wanting to miss out on thhe mileage we found them slightly dizzier than last Sunday as they were on their 34th lap of the Market Square. We had to ride out of the village in a counter clockwise to nulify the effects and therefore had an unusual route to Dover. We couldn’t miss the rat run in to the docks and the madness that Maison Dieu road throws up. This was made even more dangerous with the chaotic Mums school run. Dale was just starting to lighten up when we hit this menace and his mood quickly darkened to his pre 0700hrs state. We all survived somehow and met up at Dover sports centre to meet up with our support driver the Stig. 4 bikes in the van and 3 to cycle onto the ferry we were soon to say Au Revoir to Anglettere.

Dales apparent madness at setting off early soon made sense as it wasn’t really appropriate to have a beer on te ferry and we disembarked for maybe the first time ever buzzing from a caffeine hit rather than an alcoholic one. We met up 2 miles down the road to regroup the 4 in the van with the 3 that had to cycle on and off the ferry. The above photo was taken before we set off on the 50 mile ride to Bethune. We set a pretty fearsome pace in the knowledge we only had a short ride and for the most part it was a pretty sedate affair. As we closed in on the finish line in true style the excitement levels reached new heights. This excitement was none more evident as Keith calmly said “where the flip (or a similar 4 letter word begining with F) did that come from” as we crossed yet another busy roundabout. I was just relieved it wasn’t the last words I heard him say as we both narrowly avoided meeting our maker. It was usual fair with the rest of the ride with the exception that it was hot and sunny. Not used to riding in these harsh conditions we were forced into our first stop for refreshments. Dave shouted it in and it soon became apparent why. There was some tree trimming going on and the smile on his face for the half hour we were there was wider than that brought on by the beautiful riding conditions. Linford  not too pleased with his domestique duties in this stop called for another some 45 minutes later and just 5 miles short of the finish. The Stig joined us for this jolly having checked in to the hotel, another strange thing we were not used to. It was the the 4th time we’d seen him today, 4 times more than we saw our previous support drivers. Only joking Phil and Jamie, you were awesome in your own way and without you we couldn’t have done our rides. So another beer admiring our already evident tan lines left us feeling very content and happy to smash it home.

We soon found ourselves within sight of our 1st finish and Linford, against orders took the stage.

So the Snowdown train is once again up and running. I can’t mention Snowdown without mentioning one of the greatest supporters of Snowdown Rugby Club who we sadly lost recently. Mick Griffen, we have raised a glass to him this evening and will do so after each stage. I’m sure you will join us in his honour too. 23rd June 2015

Stage 1 And they’re off, Cranky Croatia Challenge 2015

It was a pretty tough day that saw us roll into our hotel some 8 and a half hours after setting off at 0800hrs this morning. It was the tour virgin Linford that took this first stage. Sorry Cathal, you were never gonna be given what you truly deserved today after an epic stage leading from the front start to finish. The new guy always gets the stage even if he was looked after admirably by his Dad who sacrificed on numerous occasions his last drop of water. If that wasn’t enough he also carried all his emergency repair kit leaving Linny unburdened to enjoy his ride unashamedly carefree. But of course a lot happened before that roll in, our customary/obligatory stop 15 miles left to ride saw most of us start with a coke rather than than the usual beer. A testament to how hard the preceeding 7 hours were. Of course we had a beer eventually to see us home in the usual mad dash and it was Cathal again that hit the front and caught all but myself napping and we opened up an unassailable gap. Credit to Linny, he chased hard but the hammer was down and he was left in no mans land and his fate was sealed as the rest caught him up and escorted him home.

But as I intimated earlier a lot happened prior to this and of course it all started as we woke up to temperatures in the high teens at 0600. We could only guess that this is what put a smile on Dales face and put him in good humour. Dale does not do happy in the morning believe me so this was as new a phenomenon as waking up to a sunny day on tour. This behaviour was so unsettling our suspicions were becoming aroused and at breakfast his continuing humour led us to believe he was perhaps still a bit tipsy from the night before. Well the waitress let slip that he had to have his tap stopped last night along with the Stig and Keith. I’m sure it wasn’t Keith’s fault, he would never jepordise his chance of ordering a beer and the Stig had a long day in a different saddle. So it was a matter of time before Dale slipped into his usual morning behaviour and it came before we set off. Being ribbed as he kept us waiting for the off proved too much. So with Dale and his morning storm cloud restored we set off on our 1^st stage of the Cranky Croatia Challenge.

It’s hard to think of anything to write when road conditions are good as we all stay upright and buckle down. I wouldn’t wish for anything less to be honest but it doesn’t make for good writing. About 50 odd miles in we were running low on water and temperature was hitting 29c. We pulled off in a village and got some water and fiizzy full fat pop. Dave who had been struggling up to this point, he won’t mind me saying that, found a lease of life after this short stop. Having snorted some coke he was on fire. Did I say snorted, oops, slip of the tongue, I meant slurped. So he led the charge as he took his big guns and heavy artillery to the front and made the charge toward our official lunch break a further 25 miles on. Suzanne came into her own at this point and also led from the front. Riding extremely intelligently this year she conserved energy where needed and used it when required. As she rides into the tour I’m sure her relentless work rate will bag her a stage win.

The Stig flagged us down at the 75 mile mark for a picnic at the side of road in a decent picnic area. He’d supplied a good spread and after eating we were fired up for our charge to our beer stop. This was not before Dave went all Bavarian and stripped off to what was perhaps considered by some as obscene. It soon cleared the area and we were left to enjoy the area to ourselves. So after a good scoff and scaring the locals we set off at a blistering to pick up the story at our beer stop. Tomorrow is a longer stage and if we are greeted with the same weather it will prove to be another tough day in the saddle

The Mick Griffen Memorial Medal today goes to Linford for his numerous attempts to close the gap between Cathal and myself which most often proved fruitless.

Stage 02 done and dusted

Having finished our 1st stage and with the celebratory beers drank we headed out for some much needed pasta. I believe this was the first time on any of our tours that not one of us looked over their shoulder in envy at what someone else was eating. Suitably sated we all returned home for an early night in preparation for stage 2 a pretty daunting 130 mile ride toward the German border

As per the captains orders we were outside ready to roll on time at 0730 and team photo taken we set off on another warm but cloudy morning. There was no hint of rain however and with a less muggy day we were in good spirits. It was a good ride out for the first 20 or so miles with little climbing so we put a good dent into a long day in a short amount of time. When you ride these long stages you prefer to either look at how long you’ve been riding or how many miles you’ve done or how many are left or you choose to ride in ignorance. I choose the latter so all following incidents are estimates.

Around the 35 mile mark we hit our first decent descent and attacked each other with childlike enthusiasm. Some big speeds were reached and to this day and probably never we’ll never know who won this first battle. As we levelled out we were rather pleased to be flagged over by the local Gendarmes expecting to have talk ourselves out of a speeding fine. Would we all be stung for 50 euro or would it be collective. We didn’t care, what a story this would make. How disappointing it was to hear we had been naughty boys and girls and rode side by side. A big Non in France it seems. Single file was the order of the day and as soon as Cathal hit the front we stuck to this law for most of the day.

Having stuck to the law for the next 10 miles we were concerned when Cathal broke ranks and said he no longer wanted or rather would not ride at the front. Perplexed it was up to Linford to take up the charge. It soon became apparent what the problem was, a big French Bulldog in the middle of the road. Linny being the animal lover he is rolled up, stopped, proceeded to take a photo as the mean looking pooch posed quite calmly. Transpires it wasn’t posing, it was deciding which limb it fancied for dinner. As it lunged Linford’s speed at defence far outweighed his speed on the bike and his trusty steed was soon between him and the angry beast. Doing soft shoe shuffle he managed to direct it toward his aunty Suzanne. Wouldn’t we all in a pinch? Her maternal instincts took over and between them they managed to drive it off. Linford only missing his pride with all limbs in tact was fortunately able to lead us on to our food stop in 10 or so more miles.

The water stop at the 50 mile mark was much needed as we were fast running low as the temperature was rising. Credit to the Stig for anticipating our whereabouts. Restocked on gels and flapjacks rehydrate we set out to eat up the next 32 miles (exactly) to our lunch stop. Not much to report other than a 5 mile section of motorway that we shouldn’t have been on. Luckily most of it was downhill and we escaped the long arm of the law yet again.

The last 50 miles didn’t go without incident but the most notable was Dave having a low speed crash. Basically ran out of speed and gravity took over. It was on a heavily gravelled lay-by as he pulled over to wait for the pursuing pack.
Unfortunately for today folks that’s all because it is 1025pm and I’m more than knackered.

Tomorrow’s wearer of the Mick Griffin Memorial Medal will be worn by Dave Austen. Nominated by today’s wearer Linford on the merit that Dave had the first crash.

Stage 3 – Sunday Day 3

Sorry people I am really struggling with internet at the moment.

The one thing harder than riding this tour is trying to get a good night’s sleep. 3 Days on we are all suffering from a little fatigue. That didn’t make today’s stage any easier. We were all flagging somewhat as we set off on what turned out to be a very tough stage. It was also the most enjoyable to date. I haven’t much time now to tell you about it as we rolled in at 1830 pretty shot and I couldn’t connect to the Internet. As I write this 2100 that is still the case. Again it was a beautiful day with the slightest of breezes and not a cloud in the sky. Being a Sunday little was open so at the 70ish mile mark we stopped for lunch and a beer. Excellent food and drink now we’d crossed the border into Germany. Off we set on the next 30 mile dash to our next watering hole. This time however it didn’t involve a drink. Only a dip in the drink. The Kirkzing river proved to much of a temptation and we went for a swim. Shame we had the Barca 10 kit on with its see through yellow crutch. Off we set soaking wet through a dip in the river rather than through our usual sweat. Or this time last year the relentless rain. What a difference a year makes. Forecast the same for tomorrow (Monday) so we are all rather in boyount mood. Great food tonight too. Other than Internet everything is nothing short of amazing. Apologies for short blog but hopefully quick recap tomorrow.

Hopefully put something a little more detailed later about today, day 04. We are all in good health with everyone staying upright, just so you know.

Proud wearer of the Mick Griffin Memorial Medal is Suzanne. Awarded by Dave, today’s wearer, for her herculean efforts on the 5 mile climb at the end of today’s stage. 25th June 2015

Stage 4 – Whoa oh we’re half way there, whoa oh………..

On returning to our hotel last night Suzanne and I found ourselves in a bit of a pickle. Suzanne did the right thing, not, and left the key to our hotel room behind reception. We were warned by the receptionist she would be clocking off at 2300 which was not a problem as we were planning to be back well before 2200 which in fact we were. After the monster climb up to our hotel at the end of this stage we were in no mood for partying. How were we to know the receptionist would knock off early and lock up shop. Our key being the wrong side of a locked door and with no means of contacting any hotel staff we were left with only one option. I took a running shoulder charge at the door with little success. It was Dale up next and he rebounded off the locked door with the same velocity I did. Time for some muscle then. Keith imagined he had a rugby ball tucked under his arm and started his charge for the line. Screws and wood splinters went flying, as did Keith as his charge was only stopped by the wall at the far end of our room. At least we had a bed for the night rather than the lobby sofa, although that wasn’t necessarily the best option. Breakfast quickly eaten we set off at a pace not seen so far on this tour or any other for that matter.

It wasn’t the 4 mile climb straight out of the hotel this morning that we were displeased with, after all this is a challenge. It was the ensuing 50 miles on very busy main roads in Monday morning traffic. It is very difficult planning a route as far as Croatia with no knowledge of the roads. 95% of the time I get it right but this morning I got it terribly wrong. The roads were fine but too busy for my liking. However not so for Cathal and Dave as the road surface suited their mood and Dave’s new found form. The rest of us chose to look out for the cycle paths which were excellent if not difficult to find. One occasion on taking a cycle route put us into a housing estate dead end giving us a 2 mile wasted journey. That’s why Dave and Cathal waited a full 20 minutes for us just short of our lunch stop.

This was taken down by lake Constance on an amazing stretch of lawn. The Stig had brought a very nice spread and having enjoyed our scoff we decided it would be rude not to have a swim. Surprisingly Dale was hungry enough to eat having gnawed off a good part of Linfords foot to get to the bee sting which he nipped out with aplomb. Washed down with the venom he sucked out it was a credit to his riding he still had an appetite. I’m not sure Linford actually did get stung on the foot by a bee as he strutted his stuff toward the lake, I think he just wanted some sort of massage to his aching feet and played an ace card knowing Dale would do anything for family.

Having re dressed allowing the locals to get on with their normal sedate lives as we set off for the second half of our ride we came across another obstacle. Not as formidable as the one last night but a challenge nonetheless. After months of meticulous planning the route is stuck to without question. This barrier and landslide would not put a kink in our route and with military precision the Germans would have been proud of we ploughed on. The ride was certainly better than the first 50 odd miles as we found some decent roads where we could chill out and wile away the hours with inane banter. Not a great deal to report other than the odd slipped chain, the odd wrong turn and the 5 mile climb to our digs for the night. The last half mile being extremely steep and brutal. Not the best way to finish the day after over 100 miles of pretty hard riding in temperatures touching the 30s. Dale blaming me for the route and me blaming him for the hotel would have been settled with a fist fight if we weren’t already out on our feet. So we are now in the Alps and the tour will really start to kick off.

A well earned coke at the end of todays stage

The Mick Griffen Memorial Medal will tomorrow be worn by Cathal Bartolo nominated by today’s wearer Suzanne because he chased averages today rather than company.

A big up to Suzanne, her persistence on texting Chris Evans got us a Shout Out on his morning Radio 2 Show. 29th June 2015

Stage 5 complete, over 500 miles done

We all have the very best day of riding I’ve ever done. Today was the best day of riding I’d ever had. wesome weather, roads, routes and company. 10 hours after setting off we rolled up at the finish. A dip in the outdoor pool didn’t see us dressed until well after 1900 so hence the lack of blog. Below are series of phots depicting the day.

Lunch break with 28 miles left, temperatures wer clocked at 34.74c half hour after this at 1700hrs

Stage 6 In and out of Italy finishing off back In Austria

A hard tour can be made easier in the smallest of ways, these smallest things are often not acknowledged enough. The Stig a.k.a Tim D has been outstanding so far on this tour.  Always at our pre arranged water stops at the 25 – 30 mile mark. We are never left waiting for our lunch at the pre determined food stop. Our bags are always in our rooms on arrival and there is always 7 beers lined up to cool us down after our efforts in the saddle. So a big up to our support driver with whom we couldn’t do this tour nor future ones.

Amazingly we have had no mechanicals or any of those things that often put a cyclist struggling on the roadside removing wheels and tyres. Other than Keith’s rear wheel popping a spoke yesterday as we rolled across the border into Austria. These new fan dangled light weight wheels only have few spokes and if one goes your wheel is done for. A quick call to the Stig and our spare wheel arrived so other than a delay no real crisis.

Our best breakfast to date set us up for this stage to Strassen in the Austrian Alps. 20 odd miles of climbing with a little respite here and there with a good few miles out  of Innsbruck in the rush hour traffic saw us cross the border into Italy around 1030. A good few soft drinks and a nice cream all round we rolled on. The roads were not great to be honest but that is Italy. We were not savvy enough to know. Where the cycle paths were either so spent far to much time on main roads which included riding through some pretty long tunnels bricking it. Luckily we all live to do it again and we were not spotted by the local bobby. Only the the local traffic who gave us enough abuse via there much used car and lorry horns. The odd occasion we did find the bike routes it was a joyous ride. Side by side we chatted about how soon this would all be over. Strange casting our minds back how much we could not remember. Each year we promise ourselves we will try and take more in. As much as we try to do that we always fail. I can only think we can’t actually take any more in which is why so many memories are left on the road. Not a bad thing really, just a shame that that is how’s it’s got to be.

Our best breakfast to date set us up for this stage to Strassen in the Austrian Alps. 20 odd miles of climbing with a little respite here and there with a good few miles out  of Innsbruck in the rush hour traffic saw us cross the border into Italy around 1030. A good few soft drinks and a nice cream all round we rolled on. The roads were not great to be honest but that is Italy. We were not savvy enough to know. Where the cycle paths were either so spent far to much time on main roads which included riding through some pretty long tunnels bricking it. Luckily we all live to do it again and we were not spotted by the local bobby. Only the the local traffic who gave us enough abuse via there much used car and lorry horns. The odd occasion we did find the bike routes it was a joyous ride. Side by side we chatted about how soon this would all be over. Strange casting our minds back how much we could not remember. Each year we promise ourselves we will try and take more in. As much as we try to do that we always fail. I can only think we can’t actually take any more in which is why so many memories are left on the road. Not a bad thing really, just a shame that that is how’s it’s got to be.

Tomorrow’s Mick Griffen Memorial Medal will be worn by the Stig, aka Tim D for his efforts that go above and beyond in his role as our support driver. Nominated by myself who wore it today.

Tomorrow’s Mick Griffen Memorial Medal will be worn by the Stig, aka Tim D for his efforts that go above and beyond in his role as our support driver. Nominated by myself who wore it today.

Live off the press Dale has just spilt a whole pint over himself. His only concern is that the batman has disappeared for the night. 1st July 2015
Bottoms up everyone.

Stage 7

Last night was a bit of a disappoint to a few as we rolled into our hotel room in Strassen, Austria at the end of stage 2. Talk about trade description act. Not one of the busty daughters dressed in traditional garb turned out to meet us. Nor did they wait on us as we sat down to an evening meal that surpassed our last one. Goulash of various meats with a local strudel pudding to finish was the perfect end to a hard day in the saddle. That hard day went to Linford as chaos reigned in the run in. An early break saw him take the right lines to arrive triumphant.

Today’s ride started with the usual 6 mile climb out of our hotel. The temperature hadn’t yet reached the 30s so it wasn’t too hot yet. Had Dave not found the key to the van he’d lost things might have been different with a later start. Putting them safely away in his secret safe place the night before escaped his mind. His dizzy ways carried on as his best friend on tour “The green monster” wasn’t playing. This is the elevation profile shown on our garmin computer showing us what we have left to climb or descend. He’d neglected to turn it on as pointed out by Cathal.

Talking of Cathal, what a star he’s been again on this tour. We joked that he’d not done enough training to drag us to Croatia. No joking, this guy has been immense on this tour as usual. We all owe him a great deal, mind you sometimes he’s just gotta realise we are getting a little old for these mad 100% effort rides. Couldn’t do without him though.

Another of our best climbers Dale was also on form today. The effort to get over the 1st 6 mike climb left him wanting today though. The descent to the 32 mile mark for a re group and some more water felt little reward for the previous climb. The 8 mile climb up to the Austria / Italy border left him pretty exhausted but in lighter mood. You all get the idea that our Captain is not always the go to person in the mornings for a pick me up chat.

I was glad it was once again the cheerful Cathal at the top of this monster climb that greeted me with a smile on his face knowing what we’d achieved at this point. This was something special we had just done. One of the hardest climbs to date made torturous by the heat put our previous climbs in the shade. We had but a moment to catch up before Linford joined us. First tour in he has grown into it showing a maturity beyond his years. He has gone from a gear grinding machine to a well slicked spinning being. His attitude toward us old hands in taking on our advice and putting it to test has proved invaluable. He is finishing strong and is becoming an asset we dare not leave behind in the future.

We have our lunch breaks around 3 quarters in and we just want something quick before the main event. Chips or french fries if you prefer are our 1st choice. Ordering these in foreign countryside villages is not always that straight forward either but we get there. These are always followed up with some carb intake to get us going but I have to say eating has been a real problem this year. On the bike our flapjacks, rocky roads, malt loaf slices etc just got warm, cooked and discarded. How strange we craved other things this tour as stomach cramps took over. Our break today was not exactly in a picturesque place but what it lacked in beauty it made up for in drama.

Big Dave after saying the mountain views melted into one and were just a mainstay of the tour was overwhelmed once we hit our last Austrian valley. As Keith pointed out it was like the BBC going through. The amount of filming and photo shoots will hopefully jog our memory in our later years of just how beautiful this days riding was.

Again it’s getting late so I’m gonna wrap this up with mention of the stage winner. Suzanne took a serious grump as we let her down on our charge to lunch. Her usual  fun filled personality was a little lacking. Fuming on her own at the end of the table none of us were man enough to ask what was wrong. Setting off for the final charge to the hotel in Udine it became apparent why. Adept at the twisting roads and mountain climbs she found the flat full out peloton charge a little hard. Believe me these parts of the stage are tough, after 7 days and miles of mountains in between they are tough. We set off again at break neck speed and she was done. I rode with her until we were 7 miles out where we both met the other guys for a beer. Like last year she spat the dummy, carried on cycling to take the stage. Beers drank the rest of us set off in hot pursuit. It was Cathal to the fore as usual and I spotted the break and took his wheel as I have done all tour. So we left the others off the pace as the knish came within 3 miles. Cathal took a roundabout the wrong way round to get the jump on a fast approaching Linford. This proved his downfall. Having met an oncoming car that refuse to yield it was only his bike skills that allowed him to bunny hop it and avoid certain death. Linford saw his chance and successfully executed the same manoeuvre some few minutes later. The chase was on. Cathal and Linny got lost I came in second after Suzanne so the chase was done.

The team would like me to mention that Cathal rolled in last today, Linford particularly.  Cathal quite rightly would like to mention that he’s rolled in 1st the last 6 days dragging me close on his heels and the rest of the team too. Not one of us would deny him that. I speak for all when I say he has been and always will be invaluable to us on these tours.

At long last, a dry tour.

Stage 8

Pretty amazing I know, a dry tour, who’d have thought it ? On our 4th year of asking it became reality, that which we thought would never be. A tour without a drop. For those that have followed us you know that the drop I’m talking of ain’t the reward you’ve earned at the end of a hard ride. It is the drops that fall from the sky to dampen not only the road but our spirits as we pedal tiredly toward the end of each stage. We couldn’t believe our luck as not only did we wake each morning to clear blue skies, we were also greeted with ridiculous temperatures in comparison to previous tours. Not once were arm warmers, overshoes, thermal vests etc dug from the bottom of our bags. Each stage was started with minimal clothing and a smile on our faces. We got to the end without one single puncture or need of repair other than a wheel change half way in. The latest we ever got away was 8 minutes after the captains designated start time. Did we miss the rain, the cold, the greasy roads, the poor visibility? On occasion I think we did. Temperatures hitting the 40s were another beast, one we’d never encountered. It made for some hard riding and I think although we all embraced it, at some point we wished for a little light relief. That’s not a negative on what it put us through, none of us would wish for any less. I mention it only to let you know how the heat became our new enemy as the clock passed toward and beyond midday. It burnt the back of the throat and the warm water we carried was little relief. Nothing seemed to quench our thirst, cold Coke, Fanta, Iced water all left us wanting. What a joy it is to relay this info at the end of our challenge, now for info on our last day.

Never have I stayed in such a weird hotel, mirrors everywhere, triple locks on doors, mix of tile and carpet floors worst meal I’d had on tour so far. Breakfast was a tad better though and set us all up for the champagne stage to Croatia. Getting out of Udine wasn’t too bad, straight roads with rush hour traffic but hard shoulders wide enough to keep us out of trouble. 25 miles an hour averages swept us swiftly into Trieste, our last major Italian City before Slovenia. I actually enjoyed the busy city with its immeasurable amount of mopeds jostling for space. Putting the the 4 wheel vehicles in place we joined their club an ruled the road. Stopping short of jumping lights we flouted each and every law as we had done the previous 7 days. Thankfully we soon found ourselves crossing the border unmolested or unhindered into Slovenia.

With so few miles in this country it was important we tracked down a beer. We sent our expert to the front who was joined by his apprentice. If Keith and Linford failed us in this brief (8 mile stretch) passage through Slovenia their reputation would be wrecked. I will not mess about here, of course they sourced us a watering hole. With temperatures rising we had our all to often coke chaser with our beer. Glad of the rest we forged on toward the Croatia border. Slovenia offered up a pretty good climb to send us on our way and we were left again hot and thirsty as we reached the Slovenia – Croatia border.

With only 8 miles left of our epic journey on this years years challenge we were thwarted by the officious border control upon arriving at the Croatia border. The world is a bit upside down at the moment so it’s reassuring they wouldn’t let us through without our passports. That didn’t make it any less frustrating in 40 plus degree heat as we bore witness to countless cars, vans, lorries etc passing through unchallenged. Luckily our ever trusty support driver the Stig responded within seconds to our plight and Dale kept his temper for the 20 minutes it took to be re acquainted with our passports.

So into Croatia a little stressed and with our last serious climb of the tour before us we were looking to regroup for our final bit of team bonding. 4 miles short of the end a bar with our name on it beckoned us forth. Raising a glass to each other for our efforts over the last 8 days, ridiculously talk of next years challenge were to the fore. All the pain is forgotten so close to the line. Yes I hurt, of course I did, as did everyone else. The beauty of our team though is that you never let it be known. Why would I want to know about Dales troubles, Suzanne’s hurt, Linfords aches, Keith’s pain, Daves grief, Cathals ability to go for another 8 days. Like all true endurance athletes you only give or receive positive vibes. So we set out from that last stop toward the end ignorant of our team mates suffering. I can share with you this though, I have never experienced stomach cramps whilst riding but on this tour I did. Lack of food on the road, I just didn’t feel like eating due to the heat, the pints of sweat lost through my efforts, the drinking of warm water from my bottles being rather unpleasant left me wanting. I couldn’t quench my thirst, nothing I drank felt satisfying. Would I swap that for the cold and rain, would I heck. As tough as these conditions were they were well received by each and every one of us.

So with the final seconds ticking away the finish line loomed. In true fashion the Captain came good and took the stage just pipping the new upstart Linford. Posing for post tour photos we forced a smile to our faces. We were glad it was over but I think it’s true to say we were sad that there was no more left.

I will give a couple of shout outs to a couple of outstanding riders this year.

Most improved rider from last year was Suzanne. Not only did she complete fully this years tour she poked a finger at the climbs and smashed them.

Most “how does he do it” rider this year again goes to Dave. How he manages to get stronger each day and flick a finger to the mountain beggars belief.

Most consistent rider this year has to go to Keith. His heavy style of riding sees him a sought after wheel year on year as he forces a heavy gear throughout the day.

Most improved climber this year goes to Dale. No longer the last to poke his head through the clouds he’s a wheel

Most “bleeding hell it’s windy up here” rider this year has to go to Cathal as once again he spent over 95% at the front. Maybe a little selfishly but then again no one could catch him to tell him so.

Most “Hats off to you” rider has to go to Linford. The new boy done good, never once complained, never once needed help, never once looked in trouble. Excellent performance from a tour virgin.

Would be be a tad vain to say what I was good or not at so you’ll have to make that up yourselves. All you need to know is I finished as I started with a smile on my face.
These are a small selection of my favourite photos from each day of the tour. In fact this is too hard, sure you will see the best on facebook or some other media greater than this, so a few to whet your appetite

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

That’s it folks, see you next year.

The Cranky Croatia Challenge

924 miles in 9 days

–     0 punctures (Continental tyres)

–     1 crash (Dave)

–     1 mechanical – a spoke (Keith)

–     0 rain and 9 days of sunshine  

• 

• 

• 

• 

COPYRIGHT ©

© [Suzanne & Tim Gough] and [Mr & Mrs Adventures], [2019]. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. If you want to use, copy or link ‘any’ of the information contact us and if we will consider your request. In which case if we grant you permission we will provide you with the appropriate information. This will include full and clear credit being given to [Suzanne and Tim Gough] and [Mr & Mrs Adventures] with appropriate and specific direction to the original content in terms of layout and design and with written permissions to be used with the material.

If we feel that information has been used inappropriately, and without our authorisation we will file a DMCA takedown notice at the wordpress DMCA page.