Happy New Year

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BY: Niall Frost

Published: 9th January, 2011

Happy New Year

A slightly belated well wishing but I hope everyone had a good new year.  I made the trip up to Scotland for some time in the hills and home cooked food.  Amazingly I even managed to get some riding in amongst the ice covered landscape, a fine 4hr effort on New Year's Day and I even saw at least 4 other riders out!

It's about that time that I start looking forward and wondering about those dust lined trails that make rare appearances in the summer time.  But the great thing about cycling is different goals to achieve.  I was fortunate enough to gatecrash a Strathpuffer training ride at Glentress.  Glentress was ice lined and it was incredible to descend on icy berms trusting that it would stick.  Probably not great for the nerves but fun nevertheless.  Watching the experienced ice riders was both scary and impressive, especially as they weren't yet sporting their studded ice tyres.  

For those not aware of the coldest 24hr race of them all, it takes place in the middle of January, with 18hrs of darkness and is usually below freezing for the whole event!  Studded ice tyres are the norm.  My first and only ride in the event was in 2008 and as team Bikevillage destroyed bikes, lights and ourselves to finish 2nd.  With much to thank our wonderful Mongolian Yurt which kept indoor temperatures at a comfortable 30degrees!  Angus Bike Chain won't have this luxury, but one of the best organised endurance squads will be up there at the finish.



Back down to North Yorkshire and the snow has pretty much gone, leaving in its wake a horrible mass of ice.  I rode towards York today and apart from missing an out of control 4x4 (which hit a lamp-post right in front of me) the ride was going well until the road became sheet ice.  It took me nearly 30mins to travel 3miles back to the main road.  I think I should stick to mtb in future.

Am loving the look of the Irish stage race in April, anyone done it before?  Would be great to hear your feedback on the forum.

Happy New Year all.

Niall