Chasing Dreams

Yesterday's Elite Ladies Road race was epic and more Belgian beers were enjoyed! 

Many years ago I started using Strava and have made a number of segments in the area where I live. This is obviously far from unusual and it's now difficult to see segments of old in the sea of Strava. Back in 2012, I made a segment on the Crow Rd called 'Over the border Crow Road'. At one point I was in the top ten, but as Strava users increased, I moved further and further down the rankings. Not to worry, I still had the dreams of chasing the numbers and the imagination of floating up the climb before descending into town and being the 1st across the finishing line. Well, dreams do came true, but not for me. Today was a day of chasing dreams, riding bikes in your 50th year is probably going to be just that, dreams. It’s maybe time to set new goals, or create a few sneaky segments on trails that no one uses.  

Setting goals started on yesterday's evening pedal. On the approach to the Crow Rd climb, Eleanor Butleer's beautiful crafted Highland Coo deserves a special mention.  The climb was deserted, road art and the odd gel sachet being reminders of what has recently taken place. 

Earlier in the day, my wife and I walked up to the Crow Rd Carpark. the excitement of the Elites and under 23 Ladies race was building, but we decided to head up the hill to another vantage spot. If anyone is interested, The chosen spot for pics and cheering the riders on featured in a previous blog post. Today could have been the day for local star Anna Shackley. It was not to be, but a bronze in the under 23 category and 17th overall on your local roads on the world stage is still a hell of an achievement.

We initially heard the noise of the helicopters, followed by cars, motos, and of course, the riders. Prior to any velo action we enjoyed a lovely chat with a Police Moto rider. He informed us that it was his 14th day straight, and he had loved every minute of it. He was also saying the the cornering speed of the velo riders in town was so high, that they had to gas it on the straights to keep up. I’m sure a few front wheels were pawing the air on Scott Street as it goes across Renfrew Street. A word of thanks to all the emergency services, support crews, film & broadcast crews and volunteers that made these worlds such an excellent experience - chapeau!

If you ever on the Crow, please stop at the Jamie Wright's Well

Let’s return to Scott Street for a minute. It was the spot for Lotte Kopecky's decisive attack and escape for World glory. The road surface from the climb up from Sauchiehall St is shocking. The super smooth new surface improves after Renfrew St and continues down the hill beyond the course and the 90 degree right hander. When I first saw the repair, I couldn’t help but think that the repair crew had their instructions upside down. Sticking with the roads, the anti-slip ‘grip tape’ on drain covers was a sight to behold. A slight nod to a Belgian Waffle? If rumours are to be believed, they ran out of yellow and black danger tape for the others!

Back to the ride, pushing against 45mm gravel tyres, pumped to approx 30psi isn’t exactly ideal for the road. The sections of smooth tarmac (bliss) were accompanied, on every pedal stroke by a noise not too dissimilar to Wheezy from Toy Story. The route was on a variety of surfaces and I couldn’t be arsed inflating and deflating tyres. However, I did pass a striken South African Team car that was somewhat deflated. Stuck on the side of the road with a double puncture wasn’t an ideal way to spend a Sunday, or any day for that matter. It was on a section of the course that suffers from a really crap surface and patchwork treatment of ‘amateur council’ road repairs. I feel for the locals that were probably rejoicing when they heard of the UCI investment and the result being the end of punctures and damage to vehicles. Add to that, diversions due to roads that have been closed for over a year due to bridge repairs and they have more reason to complain than those that grumbling about the worlds. The social media warriors typing in a frenzy about not to being able cross the road and dealing with diversions due to ‘bloody cyclists’ in the city should have a look at the official UCI facebook, a big thanks to Glasgow, Scotland and wonderful supportive comments from fans and visitors. The size of the crowds lining the Glasgow Streets, the frenzy of excitement, the noise and response to the best of the best putting on a show on the last day of the Worlds does make you feel proud to call this City home. Yes, the majority of People Make Glasgow. I can only imagine what will happen when Le Tour comes to town. Visitors to this blog will know that we do like our predictions & dreams.

The allure of less faff and the immediacy of running has been the go to fitness fix in recent years and it’s now time to make a plan and get back out on the bike more frequently.  Maybe I need another singlespeed for the coming winter months, set-up 29x3 to build the fitness levels and float across the rough sections of road that lead to those yet to be titled Strava segments……

Stay upright

Supermen

Sitting typing this post drinking a Belgian beer is very apt. Today was one of those days when it just works out. However, other than the title, I'm going to do my best and not use the word super, I'll leave that to the pros and the TV interviews. There is also a small part of Flanders not far from the course and I'm sure that wasn't missed by the new TT world champ.

The decision was made to watch the Elite Men's TT at the Woodhouse Cafe just on the outskirts of Kippen. It's a dedicated fan zone and the route would afford spectators the opportunity to see the riders twice as they skirted past the roundabout, or circle if you are from certain parts of Scotland. It's a pity that the spectators' bikes hadn't been laid out on the roundabout to create a spur of the moment land art.

such a treat to see him in full flight

A huge cheer for Big G, not his day for more success Scottish roads

The promotion of the World's has been pretty mediocre, therefore it wasn't a surprise to see a small crowd at the Woodhouse. I think I've seen more cyclists there at weekends enjoying the fine fare that the Woodhouse offers. Not too worry, it meant that the Daughter and Dad day would benefit from be able to move from one side to another, choose a spot for pics and not get in the way of others attempting to do the same thing.  Watching the TT also provides the spectators with a fabulous overview of the nations that are taking part. A chance to show our support and cheer them on their way.

The 1st rider came through to cheers louder than you'd expect from the small crowd.  It wasn't long before he was coming back towards the roundabout and heading back to Stirling. It was clear from the big screen at the Woodhouse that Stirling was packed, huge crowds lining the approach to the castle and as rather talented young man now sporting a bronze medal said during his interview 'it's worth an extra 10watts'. 

The last Elite male rider at the last UCI World Championships 2023 Elite male event

The sun shone, the food was great, the beer was chilled, the riders put on a fabulous show, there was even an ice cream to enjoy as we walked back up the closed road to Kippen. It was at that point that I realised just how special these World Championships have been. For riders that know this area and enjoy the roads. Being able to share them with the World's best is an experience that, well I think there is an opportunity to share them again.....Tour de France Les Grand Départs.....now there's a prediction!

A day of Rainbows

just because.....

This gaggle of pro bikes was spotted on the morning coffee run, it's becoming the norm to see this type of scene in Glasgow. The coffee from us v them is fab!

Soaked in Success

Thankfully, the joys of a major sporting event tend to bring out the best in the area, city, citizens and visitors. Unfortunately, they also tend to bring out the worse in the detractors, wether that is protesting about impact, alterations to the their plans, the frustration and inconveinence caused. Cyclesguff has reported on a few sporting events that have brought out the best in Glasgow and the current UCI World Championships have been something to behold. However, it's not just Glasgow putting on the show, other cities and towns have joined the party, hosted events and adding spectacle to the routes. Talking of parties, Fort William was the place to be for the Mountain Biking Downhill World Championships. It's an epic course and always benefits from an amazing crowd. The place erupted when GB riders left the staring gate. The Women's Team GB chance of a podium were looking pretty good, but ended with Louise-Anna Ferguson missing out on a podium finish. 

The riders in the initial stages of the Men's category were no doubt wondering when the heavens would open. Not surprisingly, when the it really started to pour, the riders that where occupying the hot seats due to times set earlier in the day certainly stood a chance of a medal.  The rain didn't dampen the spirits of the crowd and Fort William favourite Greg Minaar received a huge applause as he set off on his run. What would he have achieved if it wasn't for the rear tyre malfunction? We can only imagine. Then, it really went ballistic! Danny Hart came out of the gate like a man possessed, the crowd erupted as his split times had everyone asking how is he able to cover ground at those speeds, in those conditions and in that time? Well, it is Danny Hart after all. The gasps of despair as he stacked were almost as loud as the cheers when he set off. It would be down to Charlie Hatton to put the crowd into a frenzy. Watching his run on the big screen at the finish line was mesmerising, the skill level and bravery on display was and will remain a talking point for years. For those of us lucky enough to witness his run, it was a very special moment. 

Staying with the theme of a rough surface, the UCI Elite Road Race route had come in for criticism, key points being the state of the roads (we've been banging that drum for years!) and the brutality of the city centre circuit. From a spectators perspective, the course was a a 'belter'! The stunning aerial shots of the the landscape, buildings and sculptures would certainly entice a Global audience. Even the protest allowed the chopper camera crew to go on a wee jolly and explore the countryside. Glengoyne Whisky distillery featured and I think Adam Blythe was heard on Eurosport saying that he's been there! 

There was a guffers plan in place to meet up on the Crow Rd and then in town. I made it to the Crow Rd and was somewhat surprised at the lack of people at the carpark viewpoint, but was informed of larger crowds on the ascent. The pace of the peloton as they began the descent towards Lennoxtown took the uninitiated by surprise, the resulting draft was probably on a par with the jet wash from the Emirates A380 that was flying over head. Would Pogacar be on a UAE/Emirates plane in Gold later? 

Upon arriving in town, blue skies and an amazing atmosphere were enjoyed during a quick walk through Kelvingrove Park to the Guffers rendezvous spot. It was at the end of a climb  just before the course entered the splendour of Park Circus. 

It wasn't long before the rain decided to remind everyone that it is Glasgow. The sudden downpour added to the excitement of the race, more attacks, nerve racking speeds across slippy surfaces and unforgiving drain covers and it was all to play for. When Van der Poel came down there was a moment of silence. Those watching the live broadcast on their phones were either wishing for him to get up or be caught by the chasing Superstars. What happened next demonstrated the same type of commitment that was witnessed at Fort William. The determination, belief and raw unadulterated talent to get the job down. It was, yet another moment to savour.

Predictions for next year......marketeers will be rejoicing that the Boa does indeed keep the shoe in the foot, but a new product line with the Boa wheel on the crank side of the upper or the tongue area will be footwear of choice for the discerning cyclist that want's to ensure that their shoes are not damaged from a journey doon the road.

There's still a host of events to enjoy, and cyclesguff may even upload another post before the end of the Championships.

Stay upright