Thursday, April 28, 2011

Just raised over the £2500 for GOSH!


In the middle of finishing a chapter of the book and ping - an email to say that we've now raised over £2500 for GOSH! Shall we raise the target ? £5000? What thinks? Let me know. @KateToj on Twitter or Facebook: http://on.fb.me/msEp7G
Thanks so much for all the fantastic support; financial, emotional, mechanical - it's brilliant!

Monday, April 25, 2011

Are ruts a bit like life or is life a bit like ruts?

Out with the boys today, that puts the pressure on in the speed stakes, it ups a level again! It's beginning to dawn on me that the trip to the Pyrenees isn't going to be taking a few pics, bit of gentle trundling on some soft grassy tracks and a coffee perhaps and on again (okay I did probably know that, however I now certainly understand what the 'enduro' bit means).
Another lovely sunny day, 'childrens' with the grandparents for a few hours, so another opportunity for some time in the saddle!
Would appear that I have a little trouble with my basket! A case with the basket eh? Hmm - has that been said before....? My 'clutch basket' to be precise - clutch is dragging, tick over is higher when in neutral then drops when gears engaged - that means more 'revving it' and throttle action. Needs a clean apparently, a job for Mr T me thinks, he did rather drily comment this evening that it would be 'making life more difficult'! Great, thought I or something along those lines. However, if I'm progressing with a dicky clutch basket, there may be hope for me yet!!
Ground as per yesterday very hard, I did a second great rut avoidance job though - or so I thought. When we got to a junction near Ashwell, Gary and Mr T suggested that we do a bit of a dog leg route - back to where we would then continue on. Extra practice, okay cool - road work fine, off road - arrghh, initially just a nice (my kind of) track, then around a corner, lots and lots of ruts appeared, relatively wide - 30 cms ish but hard as nails. Boys in cahoots - hhh! So, thought I, Boyd has taught me this, Donna has given me heaps of tuition, Martin consistently supported and given guidance and Gary and Mr T, I suppose must think I can do them. I had a quick look for an alternative - da nada.... Best go for it then.
Met a 4x4 on the way, actually thought I'd rather be on a bike than in a 4x4, kept the pace on, planned my route and voila - did it and no spills!
Been pondering this afternoon - are ruts a bit like life or is life a bit like ruts? Every rut presents you with the need to make a series of decisions, you approach the rut, assess the situation and decide what to do next. There are lots of different ways to tackle them; in them; on them, across them; sitting; up near the tank, legs out; standing; (better) steering with weight; lots of throttle, less throttle et al...... however the important thing is to do it your way and not just do what others have suggested you do. Take the advice and then do it your way (couldn't have done that a month ago!). 'I did it my way' as the Frank Sinatra said.
Chuffed moment that was!
So, followed the boys back, and continue to be utterly impressed when Gary sort of hops and manoeuvres the bike away from things - it was a low hanging tree. He sort of jumped his bike to the left - I ducked! Got sprayed with grit and dust a few times by the boys.....some time soon........
New donation to GOSH - fabulous!
Now pondering new goggles - is this potentially a shopping opportunity? Excellent! Blingy sunglasses whilst lovely, not really up to the job and as for the bugfest in my helmet this morning - would have made an entomologist envious. Have a selection of goggles provided by Gary to check out and Mr T has just handed me a glass of something bubbly - wonderful! Oh and 'Top Gun' is on the telly!! Wey hey.....................

Sunday, April 24, 2011

Concrete ruts........and soft muck heaps!




















What a glorious weekend! Mr T and I went out for an Easter trip this morning. Had my usual confidence wobble on departing however I'm beginning to whick along rather more quickly than I used to. Fabulous weather and a little breeze this morning so just lovely.
Being the Bank Holiday weekend, there were lots of people about and dogs - as a learner biker this is often good news as it also means a little rest (i.e. stop engine, greetings, little chat...). Only small stops though as Mr T was pressing on rather - so I had to keep up!
The ground was like concrete and very, very dusty. The ruts that one had hitherto undertaken that had soft sides certainly didn't any more! So, I figured avoidance tactics today then. Won't do the concrete ruts, I'll go round them!
This all went well until I rounded a corner and there was a family and assorted small dogs some way off on the side of the byway with 'no ruts' - oh!
A few lessons back Donna had said 'now if you have to go across any ruts, as opposed along and in them as it were, do it diagonally and with purpose'. Right! So that's what I did, with purpose, diagonally and with a wee Gary tip too - if in doubt use the throttle, the bike will take it, just make sure you can stop afterwards! I did, I did and I did - yippee!
Later on we came upon some unavoidable ruts and I did it, throttle - looking where I was headed rather than where I was at (I hope a temporary bad habit...) and voila! Then thought, I could perhaps practice on these and then thought 'practicing ruts feels somewhat akin to practicing toothache' - now why would one do that - have 4 1/2 months to go, I'll do that another day!! I did however go in and out the ditch several times - yeehah!
In the pic attached there is a big, smelly heap of muck and straw - always on the look for a soft landing just in case I need it - even if it does stink!
Being Easter have now had my full of really far too much chocolate - better work it off tomorrow on the bike - still burning quite a lot of calories through both fear and riding!
Very excited about a conversation with Steve Parrish's (MotoGP commentator and former top level racer - Barry Sheen's team mate) lovely girlfriend Michelle. Planning a wee event of some sort; food, marquee, music and Steve has extremely kindly agreed to donate something to auction - most chuffed! Watch this space - will let you know the date.
Now, where was I, there's some chocolate somewhere..........

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

The art of sneaking out and not getting caught...!


The GasGas needed an MOT today. So, took the bike off to the local garage, having got a new bulb for a light I hadn't been aware wasn't working. When the lights are on it puts more drag on the engine, so I don't put them on very often! I'm certainly not up to night riding!
I called the garage a little later in the afternoon and the GasGas had passed with flying colours - okay I added that bit. Mr T happened to be home so he dropped me at the garage to collect the bike before he set off for an appointment in Cambridge.
Sunny day, late afternoon - opportunity for a little outing I thought, little divert onto the local byway, girls at playdates and Mr T on his way to Cambridge -that's means I have at least an hour.....
So, off I went, spotted some young chaps in my peripheral vision when leaving the garage and John Sole, the proprietor smirking as I went. Thing is, I'm learning all the time and when I pulled out into the village high street I was very aware, just beyond bite point of clutch, that if I let it out completely chances are I'd do a wheelie! Now whilst that's quite cool, if illegal, falling off the back would most definitely be uncool! So, hung on in there and off I went.
Ground hard, bit of gravelly stuff.... had lots of fun, one or two wobbles and rescues and didn't stall once - or spill come to that - yippee!
When I got back home, I spotted Mr T's car in the drive! He appeared smiling and said 'well, if I was you, I'd have done the same'. Oop....teehee......
Had a fabulous conversation with Billy Ward this afternoon too, discussing creativity, learning and development, Charley's advertures in Alaska - all top stuff and very inspiring!
PS> the picture is 'the other side of the hill' in Tuscany.....

Monday, April 18, 2011

On the opposite side of the hill...

Still in the mountains of Northern Tuscany. Friend's lovely son, Sam, has now 'at last', commented mate Becky, got me on Facebook - inspired by Billy Bike Truck and Charley Boorman ( http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/biketruck & http://www.facebook.com/pages/Charley-Boorman/13049939150 ) chatting about the challenge and fundraising on Facebook! My facebook page is basic basic at the moment .....so watch this space.
On the other side of the hill, Mr T and I have spotted some superb trails and rides up in the hills and mountains - just awesomely fantastic scenery and terrain. Earlier today, we were all sitting in the village watching the world go by over machiato, cappucino - as you do - ... and about six KTMs and a couple of Hondas went along the road in front of us. I was so envious (wouldn't have been some six months ago!!)and wanted to join them, which would have been tops with Mr T, and eight year old would have been very keen, especially with her CRF70 however not sure if 2 year old in a backpack would be a good plan (it's okay only joking!). Next time we might just bring the bikes with us. Just need to be aware of the wild boar! Eeek! Porcupines too and therefore the mousses might well be required (of the rubber variety as opposed to chocolate - for those non-bikey of you, it's a special squishy thing instead of an inner tube that stops one getting punctures!). Haven't spotted a GasGas yet!
Loving Italy, the vibrant green of the trees, the passion of the people, the blue of the sky.......so apologies for the black and white of the blog over the last few days. Stylish as black and white is, I need to up my game from a technology perspective and get the clips and photos onto the blog when without laptop. Looks like some visits to The Gadget Show and taking some of Suzi Perry's advice.
Whilst friends were out (whose gorgeous house we're staying in), one did succeed in directing the Italian bathroom fitters not only to the house but also an understanding of why one of the newly fitted showers was leaking. Well....... if I'm honest the younger and rather aesthetically pleasing of the two.......did speak English.....

Friday, April 15, 2011

Thanks, thanks, thanks Charley!

Currently on a sofa with an Alsatian puppy, stonking view of the mountains, glass of something local, laptop and an email from Billy. Whoopee! At a friend's gorgeous hill top house near Bagni di Lucca in Tuscany and chuffed to bits .... and some!!!!
Long been a fan of Charley Boorman (Long Way Round ....amongst masses of other cool stuff) and today Charley's tweeted and FB'd about the challenge and fundraising efforts!
How cool is that! Fabulously fantastic!
Haven't got my bike in Italy - the terrain here however would be tiptop for my newly acquired novice skills (some bits rather more than others obviously?!). Do however have TBM, enduro DVDs and so some visualisation for the next few days. I've spotted lots of new bruises, likely sustained at the weekend - who's counting - when you're having fun!
Thanks Charley, thanks Billy.............stellar guys.......

Sunday, April 10, 2011

Well, some boys don't ever grow up, do they?




Wow blooming wee! What a weekend this one has been. Confidence has ebbed and flowed as much as the spring tide!
Friday evening we watched David Knight - one of the world's top (if not the best) Enduro Rider - on DVD, borrowed from Gary - that served to be mighty impressive and inspiring, as well as ever so slightly frightening the pants off me!
On Saturday, Mr T and I attended our first Enduro practice event hosted by EnduroLand in Houghton Conquest. We went to the Dads and Kids, and Novice and Newcomer (I wore that particular description especially well!) day. Well, I started getting anxious on the way - bikes loaded on the back of Mr T's Dodge, eldest daughter at Brownie camp and littlest with Granny and Grandad. Then when we rounded a corner on the track up to the farm and I saw a line of vans, trailers and more enduro bikes in a field than I've ever seen in my life, the nerves kicked in big time! Excellent! Arghhhh!
The team at EnduroLand were absolutely wonderful, sensed how nervous I was (pale, not speaking) and the elegant lady who sorted our registrations who I'm ashamed to say, I didn't get her name, was fantastic, supportive and encouraging all day. Even, when my anxiety had enabled me to have a senior moment in the morning and arrive with no cash other than euros to pay my fees - it was only near Bedford - not a passport zone! For the charming lady (ex-eventer and dressage rider) this was no problem and my euros were accepted. Signed our disclaimers and were given our bright orange wristbands, which have to be displayed every time you go across the start line. Goodness I can be ditzy when nervous!
So, we had our briefing, so far so good, understood that. Off to get the bikes, again relatively easy. Good good.
We all assembled and I must say the noise of the bikes revving and ready for the off is superb. There were twelve of us in the Novice and Newcomer group and what a delightful group too.
So, start line, sharp right up quite a steep hill (for me), bit of sort of uneven 'stuff' , steep hill down but short, all okay so far, inside still quaking like a leaf mind! Then I got caught mid way up a hill, some one had stalled I had one of those shall I go this way or that way moments - not good, slowed down, lost traction, stopped and stalled. Well , it sort of went down hill, metaphorically speaking, from there, few metres, minor panic, stall, fall off, can't start it, start it, few metres, minor panic, fall off, can't start it........you get the picture. By this point I'm being lapped quite a lot. Then one of the course Marshalls, a lovely chap called Rob came to give me a few words of wisdom and support and was about to have probably the longest hour of his life! My confidence at this stage was either in my boots or perhaps completely lost under a bumpy bit some time back!
My lap in all took an hour and 15 mins - most of our group were doing upwards of 5 laps in our alloted hour. At one point, Rob mentioned a 'recluse clutch' which I mistook for some dry humour about my clutch control! I have since discovered that it is a piece of kit that might be very helpful. So, I continued and Rob encouraged me all the way, which I have to say was great, I was uber close to thinking maybe I'd over challenged myself and would have to raise money for Great Ormond Street and Kids Co some other way - any other way!
The final part of the circuit was a descent - cripes c 45degrees! Arggh! After some frankly rather pathetic dithering on my part, Rob rode my bike down and I got a lift down with Tony, who didn't even start his engine down said descent - that was cool! Tony was also fabulously supportive and kindly said that that's what the novice days were for. I think I was possibly pre-novice, novice.
Next up was lunch, hurrah - I can do that! A buffet, tea with sugar (don't take sugar but needed it) and cake - just what I needed along with some great support from both the people at Enduroland, lovely lady on registration desk and the group we were with. Met a lovely lady who had been off-road riding for about a year and her husband, a road biker, like Mr T and now enjoying off-road. A lovely lady with fab short spiky hair asked me how many laps I'd done, to which I replied 'one'. 'The familiarisation and then one?' - 'no, just the familiarisation' was my response! Well, every journey ....and all that..... Eeeek!
Whilst we were having lunch the kids and dads were off again, they were absolutely amazing and a joy to watch - some of the little ones, were very little and their bike skills just stonking!
Over lunch, I was all for copping out in the afternoon however with the support of Mr T, the spiky haired lady and the lady in pink, Rob then said that he'd accompany me around the course again if I would like. So, as you can imagine, I do at least know in my job that if you're going to even nearly achieve anything, you have to practice and overcome the wobbly, 'stuck' moments. So , I did and 20 minutes later, I was round and only fell off and stalled twice. Had lots of thumbs up from Mr T , lady with funky spiky hair and lady in pink. Just the descent to do, Tony had appeared at this point as had Mr T who was beginning to look more like a pro with every lap, in fact one lap, I didn't recognise him until he was in the distance after he'd streaked past. Tony asked if I'd like for him to keep people at the top whilst I tackled the descent, I agreed and with that incentive and not wishing to hold anyone up, I did it and was chuffed to bits at the bottom. I then decided to quit whilst ahead with a big grin and a lot richer in experience! Yippee!
Thanks so much Enduroland, Rob, Tony, encouraging lady on registration, the lovely group we were with, the lady in pink and the lady with the funky hair both of whom gave me a thumbs up on my last lap.
When we got home, so keen as was I, if a bit hot - we went out again - locally. Did the ditch again, rode the ruts and had a fab time with Mr T. Met a chap who rides an R1 and was on a spotless off-road Honda 650, not a mark on it - he had recognised my little GasGas from the local paper and asked Mr T if I was that "Lady from Litlington..." We had a natter, he passed on a few tips and then on he went, on his back wheel. Discovered that my clutch was dragging and my handle bars weren't quite in alignment with my forks - oop - that must have happened on one of the many spills I suspect - oop!
Today, we all went out, Mr T, Gary, Donna and I. Well, lovin' it as I am - being out with a British champ, tip top mate Gary, and Mr T all ' razzing it' rather - rendered Mrs T in a cloud of dust on rather too many occasions - that's an incentive to improve if nothing else. My nerves were getting the better of me initially and then I became aware that Gary was riding alongside doing the odd wheelie and jumping the odd huge pile of chalk just because he could. That made me smile lots and the angst dissolved. Watching Gary and Donna roaring about was fantastic and the way Donna handles a bike is just awesome!
Rest assured GOSH and KidsCo - with a team like this, confidence in place and about 5 months to go - we're on the way!
NB. On Saturday night, we showed my parents a few clips from the David Knight DVD of the Weston Beach Race (which Donna has done - huge, massive, 'normous respect - wow) and Mr T commented that he didn't fancy it however if it was a group of five year old boys in the sand with their bikes they'd just love it - Granny very drily commented 'Well, some boys don't ever grow up, do they?' ....... where would be the fun in that ........or girls for that matter!

Thursday, April 7, 2011

Celebrating stuck!


Today I went out on my second trail ride ever! Goodness, it was another learning curve for sure - some of it quite steep - metaphorically and literally speaking!
The ride was preceded by the Easter Service at my daughters school today (which was wonderful), the great headmaster Mr Lloyd was telling us about the fact that this term as a school they have been thinking about getting stuck. In fact, celebrating getting stuck and that in order to learn new skills, we quite often get stuck before we then move on and accomplish whatever it was that we were stuck at.
Interestingly, this week at work there have been many conversations about that mind over matter 'stuff', turning the confidence up when we need to and also overcoming those moments when we're stuck. Sometimes we can do this through a few well chosen words from our teacher or friends or it might be that certain something that we all have within us that we need to access when we need it most.
After the Easter Service, I went straight out with Gary and Mr T.
Friend Catherine, had suggested coffee - very tempting! Anyway, off we went and it was apparent even along the Stret that I really, really still have a lot to learn. The guys were whicking along and some of the bumps and ruts that I generally slow down for I didn't, because I wanted to keep up and all was fine, if a bit bumpy. Then I stalled at the junction - suddenly regressed to my previous inability to start the bike. This was mostly because I couldn't find neutral and boy do I struggle to kick start it when it's in gear (I hasten to add I do have the clutch in!)
Next hurdle came at the next junction when I was on an ascent, so setting off, holding the break and keeping up the revs as the GasGas tends to stall, if the engine not turning enough (there's a technical explanation for all that but my technical vocabulary has for the moment departed & the support team are not here to consult either!). With a little help from Gary, I was off again. I was beginning to wonder if Gary was pondering whether I'd get beyond the outskirts of Biarritz, let alone over the Pyrenees - at this stage we were about 2 1/2 miles from leaving home!
Had a slighty untidy stop after going the wrong way over some ruts - that was funny - especially as I thought I was taking the easy route. Didn't fall off, didn't drop the bike, so all was well - did stall again mind - Gary to the rescue.
Continued to stall and at one point on an uphill ascent - big mind over matter here - I get slightly phased starting the bike on anything but the horizontal (yes I hear you say the Pyrenees is quite steep - something to overcome!). I think it's because, not only is it clutch control but brakes and not letting the bike slip back or forward, also as you have to keep the revs up on the GasGas - this handle is also of course, the front brake. 'Celebrate stuck' was going through my mind at this stage. Help from Gary and a bit of willpower and I was off again.
I was still holding the guys up a bit however was beginning to gain confidence. Then we reached a ditch! A ditch that Gary and Mr T both over 6 ft could stand up in . A ditch that we had to drive into and up out of - a first for me! Arhhh! Anyway, moral support from Mr T and a few pointers from Gary and I did it. Hurrah!
Then came the ruts - big deep and lots of them. Also the smooth edge of a field but for some reason I hadn't spotted that! Progressed relatively well and then sort of lost it and fell off. Was sort of sitting on the bike when we came to a stop - turned out to be quite a nice view!
Tried to pick the bike up, front wheel skywards, anyway then superhero of the morning turned up and helped me out again!
After that I pretended I was Boyd who runs Overlander Trail Tours in the Peaks, my first 'ruts ' instructor - whilst we're of rather different physiques the visualization helped and thereafter I managed the ruts!
The remainder of the ride, I really enjoyed, even going up a steep ascent (another first) which occurred because I was admiring the view and following Mr T! Gary was doing wheelies and generally roaring around looking cool and impressive at the time. We all have to have something to aspire to!
The final success was the ditch in reverse - did it, possibly had to bit too much throttle on as I momentarily thought I might compromise next years wheat crop. Mr T apparently thought I was going to jump him and his bike. I just thought I might part company with it. Result!
Feel infinitely more ready for Saturdays Enduro Event for novices, feel infinitely less ready for the Pyrenees!
So, thanks to Gary for being Knight in Shining Armour of the day, Mr T for not interfering and so much more, Mr Lloyd for the inspiration and of course to Donna and Martin who I could hear from time to time with instruction and words of support.
We have a new sponsor this week too - Eagle Performance - thank you so much.

Monday, April 4, 2011

Is a pert bottom a pre-requisite?


This week I haven't done as much practice as my training schedule says I should have! Oop! Two steps forward...... However on Sunday - Mother's Day - whilst not out riding - was enjoying lots of lovely R&R with the girls and family, whilst not exercise, must be a good compliment to training!
Consumed rather a lot of chocolate though, so training this week required for more reasons that one.
Now whilst I wasn't training on the GasGas last week, I did do a Lotte Berke session at Esse with Karen Taylor. I decided some time back that some overall fitness and stamina/ endurance would be necessary if I'm to have any chance of keeping up in the Pyrenees. So, Lotte Berke for those of you not familiar with it, is a combination of ballet/ modern dance, yoga and physiotherapy designed to help one achieve a lean, supple and toned body along with a 'pert bottom' I'm led to believe! The session was an hour long and I must admit that after 10 minutes I was beginning to wonder if I'd last the next 10 minutes! I did ache rather the following morning!
As some of you know of course, the boys, including Mr T did his bit for Comic Relief and the opening of the new scrumptious studio at Esse http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gV6nDPn3SFY if you fancy a giggle and a Lotte Berke taster??!!?
So, on with the serious stuff. I'm going on a trail ride this week and am also going to an Enduro Event (my first ever) with my bike on Saturday - eek!
And if the pleasant added extra is a 'pert bottom' too, that's okay with me!