Love Cross at Tweedlove. A great first event.

The Tweed Love bike festival is one of the biggest bike festivals in the UK with a wide range of events taking place over the fortnight. You can participate in the Skinny Tweed sportive, mountain bike races, ride outs, family events etc. The festival this year culminates next weekend with the Enduro World Series coming to Glentress and Innerleithen. This brings riders from all over the world to this small area in the Scottish borders.

This year, since I now live here, I was persuaded to sign up for the Urban Cross race. An inaugural event for Tweedlove and for me. I have never raced on a bike in a competitive environment before and although this was billed as a fun event, which it was, it was still a race and I knew there would be lots of fast and fancy riders taking part.

I have to say I was very nervous as Alistair and I cycled along to Peebles. What was I letting myself in for? I had practiced getting on and off my bike but was still slightly panicky about getting my feet out in time to dismount or indeed forgetting they were clipped in all together! After all it was grass I had practiced on, not tarmac. It was going to hurt if I hit the ground.

As we reached Tweed Green it was good to see some familiar faces and meet some new ones. Everyone was ready for a good event and thankfully it had actually stopped raining. 

A quick recce of the course with my sidekick and coach (Alistair Cyclocross Dow) helped to calm my nerves as he reassured me that it was all rideable and I was capable of getting round in one piece.

The start was a Le Mans style start, which normally wouldn't bother me but getting a slight running injury the previous week meant I was pretty slow over the 50m and was almost last to get to my bike. On the upside it kept me away from all the fast guys.

There was 2 heats and I, along with the other 7/8 ladies were in heat 1. It was first 4 through to the final and first 10 men.

I really didn't know what to expect but once I started cycling I really got into it. 

Once on your bike it was a sprint along the High Street past an army of kids with water pistols, then a downhill  slalom course. Then it was round the corner where you had to jump off and run up a fairly steep set of church steps. Back on the bike, over some sand bags and back onto the High Street and through some hanging tape. Round another corner and down to a loop and more hay bales. At the bottom of the hill you had a few meters to take a deep breathe for a steep climb back up to the High street to do it all again and again and again.

The race was timed over 15 mins + 1 lap and I managed to stay alive round 6 laps. I was grinning from ear to ear when I finished. Hard work had never been so much fun! Then I found out I had to do it all again as I had made it through to the final!!! 

Remarkably I managed another 6 laps and came 3rd. I really couldn't believe it, I think the last time I actually won any sort of prize I was in my teens.

The whole event was extremely well organised and the atmosphere of the crowd, riders and supporters made this a truly fantastic start to my venture into the world of cyclocross. Every minute of the evening was enjoyable.

Slow start.

Through the tape tent.

Vennel and cobbles.

Got to practice my tight turns.

Nicola being awesome.

Steps of pain.

The top.

Whizz!

Chuffed tae bits.

Lovely new friends.

Cold and nervous before final.

Ah hay bales.

3rd place behind the young talent Lucy Grant.

If you can get yourself down here for the festival there is still time, if not check it out next year.

All photos by Ali Dow x

Peace x

My New Love.

It's been a while since I posted but have been busy with various bits and pieces and have just not found the time to sit down and post. So here is a round up, more pics than words probably.

When I first started this blog, it was mainly to give information to friends and family of my year long trip to North America. At that point in time my main sporting focus was rock climbing and hence the name Caroline's climbs and photos. Since returning from that trip the amount of time I have spent climbing has steadily dwindled, I had lost my need and passion to continue at the same intensity, and to be honest I felt kind of lost without it.

I have now thankfully filled that gap in my life again, and as I think I have mentioned before, I have taken up mountain biking.

I love this activity so much and at the moment it is mostly what I do in my spare time. It has the same qualities that climbing used to bring to my life. I love the concentration and focus I need to have in order not to crash. I love the adrenalin rush you get when you complete a difficult route. I love the technical aspects of trying to ride fast and smoothly. I love that you learn every time you ride. I love that it gets me out in the fresh air and to beautiful places. I could go on but I think you get the drift.

I have now been to all 7 Stanes trail centres and this weekend brought it home that sometimes you just lose your head and find it hard to tackle obstacles. Similar, for me at least, when I used to lead climb outside at the start of the season.

Dalbeattie was the centre that managed to break my good spell of mental strength and I got the "fear", which in mountain biking can be dangerous, because it is at those moments that you pull the brake too sharply, take the wrong line etc and things just get messy!

However, I made it round with only one slight tumble but I am now determined to hone my skills further and try my best to keep them fears at bay.

When I've not been biking, I have been running and trying to get into the Pentlands when weather and daylight permits.

Morning Pentland run.

Trail at Aberfoyle.

Running at John Muir Trust Festival.

Running over Pentland hill tops.

Snow biking at Carron Valley.

Hard work but snow much fun!!!

Biking at Newcastleton.

Biking at Glentress.

Rainbow.

Biking at Mabie.

Way home from Dalbeattie.

Single speed fun, sadly not my bike.

I am so glad that I was introduced to this sport, even at my age, because along with all the reasons mentioned earlier it is pure and simply fun.

Peace x 

Wheelie good fun.

I love my outdoor activities and since being introduced to mountain biking about 6 months ago I have fallen in love with it. I loved my cycling anyway, but sometimes I am not prepared to fight with the traffic and am less inclined to do winter road cycling. With mountain biking however there is thankfully no traffic and I'm more prepared to get wet, cold and dirty.

At first I was very apprehensive of the downhills and feared the stones and tree roots that could be found on the trails. Now, although not as daring as I may have been about 25 years ago, I have gained in confidence and can tackle most trails, even some black routes!

The uphills are always hard and I usually huff and puff my way up to the top, hoping that at some point the ups will get easier. They never do! Although my times have improved, so I must be getting fitter. The feeling of getting to the top is always great though and the thigh burn is worth it when you get to whizz all the way back down to the bottom.

I have been lucky enough in these few months of taking up the sport to have visited several of Scotland's trail centres. They have all been very different in technical difficulty, layout, size etc but one thing they have all had in common is that they are all manmade trails.

I had an extra day off this weekend and was very much looking forward to heading down to Glentress for a good burn round the red route, but sadly the storms we had mid week stopped all my fun. I decided to check the website before leaving but it had not been updated for a few days, so texted the forrest Ranger to find out the extent of any damage that the winds may have caused. He promptly replied saying that the trails were being checked, so sadly the centre was closed until all reports were in.

Gutted, what to do now? It was a gorgeous day and I did not want to waste my precious day off. So jumping on my bike I started out on a route that would take me along the Water of Leith and then up to the reservoirs at the base of the Pentland hills.

It was an extremely cold day and I found that the ground was completely frozen, even where it was exposed to the sunshine. As I was puffing my way up the steep Currie Kirk road I thought that it might be a good idea to actually go over the Pentlands and follow the trail that I normally run.

 I have walked and run around these hills for many years and have always cursed the people that use it as a mountain bike trail, as the bikes have gradually eroded many of the paths and caused huge ruts in the ground that make it extremely hard to run over.

I reasoned this time that the ground was frozen so hard that my one trip round was not going to cause any further damage. Most of the paths were actually covered with ice, so much of the time my wheels didn't actually touch the earth!

I have to admit that it is a very good route to have on your doorstep, especially when you don't pass another soul the whole way round, but the extent of the damage caused by the number of people that use the hills is evident (walkers and runners included). There is extensive path building underway on the way over to Glencorse. At the moment it looks like a huge digger has just run up and over the hill and left this big ugly scar. I presume that the plan is to cover this in large chuckie stones, which is a shame because this is not very enjoyable for anyone to walk/run/cycle on.

I think it's always a shame when this happens, but it is inevitable when specific paths are so well used. It is great that so many people go out and enjoy this fantastic area of countryside that is literally a stones throw from the city, but when large paths are built it slightly ruins the look and feel of the hillside.

A gorgeous winter day out.

Huge path dug out of the hillside.

Very frozen big path.

My proposed Sunday ride with Beth in Carron Valley was also called off due to a storm damaged trail, so wanting to get out and keep up my mtb fitness I had an early morning ride up the Water of Leith. However with the temps being back above freezing the path is now very wet and muddy and I got rather filthy. I knew that I was getting splashed from my front wheel as I could see my very dirty jacket, legs and shoes but did not realise just how filthy my face was. I did get a few strange looks from some dog walkers and people in the garage forecourt when I took my bike for a power wash.

Not my best look! I have a mud beard.

Hopefully the trail centres will be open again soon.

Peace x

Mmmm interesting having just googled to see who has responsibility of ownership for that part of the Pentlands, I have found  that it is actually the land owners that are making a larger access path up the hill for their vehicles. Maybe I shouldn't worry as much as I do about the erosion after all.

All photographs by Caroline Harvey.

Tantrums and toe cleats.

In the last couple of weeks I have been introduced to the world of mountain biking. Now, I have always cursed the mountain bikers that chew up the paths in the Pentlands, but the biking I have been doing is on proper bike trails down at Glentress.

My first trip was on my very old and heavy fully rigid mountain bike that has only ever been used for commuting. It was hard work but I thoroughly enjoyed the thrill and excitement of it all. So this weekend we headed back and to do some more as plans to go away camping for a few days to the North West were thwarted by crappy wet weather.

So, on Friday evening we went back with my old bike, now sporting some actual MB tyres but also some clip in pedals, as I was finding it hard to keep my feet on the bike as it jumped around over the bumps. I thought that I would be able to manage the cleats ok as I have found them good and relatively easy to use on my road bike. However, testing out the pedals in the car park proved to be my first challenge and I fell over and winded myself on my own handle bars! Thankfully nobody was watching, but I felt rather foolish and initially thought I had ruined my weekend before it had even begun.

Not to be put off I jumped back on and began the journey up the hill, so far so good, a tad tricky at points but no more falls......until I tried to stop, didn't quite manage to undo in time and boom in the ditch. Pride starting to get slightly dented by this pointed, but no blood so all good. The rest of the evening was uneventful and again thoroughly enjoyable.

Saturday, up and away back down to Glentress, this time though we thought it might be good to try out one if the hire bikes and get a feel of the trails on a bike more suited to the terrain. Since I had quite liked using the toe cleats we swapped the pedals and off we went. Fairly soon though it became apparent that a new bike and toe cleats was possibly just a step too far for what essentially was my 3rd trip out. I had lost all confidence and hated having my feet confined. I tried to use that flat underside of the pedal but even that was proving difficult. A minor meltdown was on the verge of happening and I was finding that my cool and calm demeanour was melting away fast by the heat of my own annoyance.

Thankfully my co pilot was very laid back and reassurig about the whole thing so we cycled back down changed the pedals back to flats, had a gluten free chocolate brownie and a coffee before puffing our way back up the hill.

Result, happy Caroline was back, but fear had also creptd in. I hate adult fear it is so debilitating at times, you just want to wish yourself back to childhood when you feared nothing. So in order to try and recover some pride I faced my fears head on, and was given some tuition in the skills area going over bumps and rocks etc. It certainly helped and the rest of the day went by without a hitch, thankfully.

However, there is one further minor hurdle that I have to over come. I think the motion and the concentration of the downhill gives me slight motion sickness. It would be interesting to know if anyone else has ever experienced this or if it is just one of the weird things that happens to me. Not that this will hold me back as I purchased a new mountain bike today a long with some travel bands that I hope will help stop the motion sickness.

All in all a fantastic weekend of exercise, good food, nice drinks, great company and chat. Happy days. xx

Let the weekend begin.

A room with a view.

Taking a breather.

Grass and trees.

New bike baby.

Peace x

All photos by Caroline Harvey on instagram.

Edinburgh to St Andrews Cycle.

Today, along with some friends, we took part in the Edinburgh to St Andrews bike ride. This event is organised by LEPRA and this year marked it's 33rd birthday. I have done it twice before but many, many years ago. So long ago in fact that I had actually forgotten and did not even recognise 90% of the route.

Beth and I did not register for the event until this morning as weather wise this event has a very poor track record, and I did not fancy 65 miles of torrential rain. However the rain seemed to stay away for the most part and the wind was very much in our favour, which was a blessing as I have not exactly been doing much in the way of training.

The route has a few steep sections which cause a fair amount of lung and leg burn, but combined with some downhill and long undulating sections, makes for an excellent tour, although at points some extra way markings and marshalls would have been useful. This event does have a very friendly and family orientated vibe to it, and people complete the course on a very varied array of bikes. It is definitely not just for your wanna be Bradley Wiggenses. There were even 2 girls dressed as crayons!

Our friend Charlie and his mates did an excellent job of completing the course, one team member did get a little lost but found his way eventually. Beth and I were just glad it wasn't us getting lost for a change. This was their first foray into the world of cycling and possibly their last, but they had a great support crew that brought us alcohol at the finish and a minibus to take the bikes home. Thanks guys.

The Crew

Well done Dolly.

Do it.

Windswept and sweaty!

St Andrews band stand.

2 out of 3 boys ain't bad.

Catriona.

Cheers.

Destroyed.

A big thanks to Beth for her amazing flapjacks, they are the best cycling fuel ever and so delicious.

Great day out.

Peace x

All photographs by Caroline Harvey.

Pedal on Parliament.

Today, me and family Gall, Pedalled on Parliament. This was my first ever experience of participating in any kind of demonstration and I have to say it was a very pleasant one. We met at Harrison Park and then cycled to the main gathering point at the Meadows, where we joined hundreds of others.

I have cycled many miles and many years on Edinburgh roads and have often cursed and bemoaned drivers, the state of our roads and general lack of cycleways, so it was about time that I should lend a hand to the cause.

It was great to cycle from the Meadows to the Parliament without traffic, but it was very apparent on our way home how unsuitable our streets are for cycling in a group with small children.

Good afternoon out and the rain stayed away. Bonus.

Near the front of the line.

Pandas POP.

The back of the line.

Panda Power.

At parliament.

Peace x

All photos by Caroline Harvey

Pedal for Scotland. Done. Tick.

Sunday 9th September, the day finally arrived. It seemed like a long time since we signed up for Pedal for Scotland way back in January, but at the same time it came round kind of fast and I was really worried that I had not trained hard enough. 

The day started very early with my alarm going off at 4.45am, which is a bit of a shock to the system on a Sunday morning. First task, open the curtains and check the weather. Pitch black. Oh yeah still night time! It was dry so that was good and I could see the stars, so no cloud, also good. Next task breakfast although I still felt a bit full from my dinner the previous evening.

With all my stuff gathered and Dolly safely ensconced in the boot of the car, I headed to meet the Galls and Catriona for our team trip to Glasgow Green where the race would start. We had to be on the start line between 7.00/7.45am and I think we crossed about 7.20am. Game on!

The route and elevation etc is here.

The weather in the West was also fair but slightly on the chilly side, so was thankful that I had put and extra layer on. The sportive race is a timed race and your time is recorded by chips (not the French fry type) that you attach around your ankle which activate when you cross a magic line. In this race this was activated once we got out of Glasgow city and before we hit Edinburgh city limits, so that the times did not include long traffic light stops.

I was desperately trying not to think of what lay ahead as we pedalled our way out of Glasgow, it only kind of hit me how far I was from home when we cycled past signs saying "Welcome to East Ayrshire". 

At the first feed station I was feeling ok, but still in denial as to how far we still had to go. I munched on some of Beth's amazing flap jacks to refuel and we were off again. 

The weather was still holding, cloudy but no rain, not too hot either but the wind was gathering. At some points it was in our faces or blowing us sideways which was not so pleasant but thankfully it was a south westerly wind so was going to blow us home in the final stages. Happy days.

At lunch we were over half way, tiredness and a few aches were starting to kick in but spirits were high. After some food and Ibuprofen we were off again.

By this point for me it was all mind over matter, I had already cycled further than I had ever done before so what difference was a few more miles going to make! At some points it was coping with the dreadful road surfaces that was more of a challenge than the actual pedalling. Too many of Scotland's roads are made with the tar and huge chuckie stone combination. This makes for a very bone rattling ride and interferes with the speed and pace of your cycling, or at least it does for me.

At this point I have to mention the fact that the very excellent cyclist that is Beth Gall, aka Victoria Pendleton, managed to complete a fairly long and very steep 1:16 hill without stopping. This hill appeared on the route about the 80 mile mark, so fresh legs we did not have. I was close, but ran out of gears and power, so no cigar for me. Major Kudos to Beth, you are AWESOME!

Last Pit stop at Carnwath and we could smell home, the wind was with us and it was just a matter of keeping the head down and thinking about my dinner, my tin of cold cider in the fridge and my bed.

We all made it to Murrayfield in one piece and in good times, under 8 hours for actual cycling time. We were all very proud, if not slightly aching, but a good day was had. There were no punctures, breakdowns (mental or physical) and thankfully no extra miles due to taking the wrong turn.

I would thoroughly recommend the event to anyone. The organisation, marshalling and signposting was fantastic. I would also like to mention and thank a chap called Kenneth with very lovely orange socks, who I played cat and mouse with for most of the day. Well done to you too. Other mentions must go to my Dad for my supply of Haribo, which along with the flap jacks are the best fuelling system around.

Preparation.

Getting ready.

Murrayfield.

Forgot to unzoom!

The 3 amigos.

Map and medal.

Fame.

Peace x

All photographs by Caroline Harvey.