Fast Farrell

The empire strikes back

2011-09-10T02:50:00.001-07:00

Scotland had been cruel on my last visit, the Peak ride made me suffer on a level I forgot existed!

It was time for some pay back, a van was hired and stuffed with bike and camping gear, we (me and Billy) headed off to the highlands in search of revenge and some fun.

We arrived in a piss wet Glentress late, decided to spend the night in a wigwam, a few beers where consumed and tales from history kept us awake until the we hours.

The morning arrived, and I was chewing at the bit, I had a point to prove to myself I needed to kill some trails and destroy the flea in my ear telling me I was to old for this shit!

The climb was carried out at a average pace, all shortcuts where employed to get to Spooky woods, the sun had arrived so had my nerves, doubt was pushed to one side as soon as I hit the first drop, bang I'm back baby!

Swooping down the trails, taking the berms as fast as my steed and skills would allow me, the joy started to spread, my body relaxed and it all started to flood back.

This is why I work in a boring job, so I can make my time filling and joy full, Billy was riding the trails nicely on his virgin ride, hitting the jumps, it all went a bit tats up when Billy got confused by the board walks, missing the board walk itself, only to pull up on his bike at the last min to avoid nose diving into a brook.

We finished the red route big grins intact, stuff high calorie pies down our pie holes (macaroni cheese pie, with toasted cheese lid) then jumped in the van to head off to Ae for our next stop.

Lost was not the word, when we finally pulled the van over to check the maps, we had travelled 25 miles in the wrong direction, we finally arrived at Ae car park at 22.15, nobody around, right we sleep in the van then, this was not the best nights sleep to be honest but it did keep us dry!

We awoke to the sound of workers arriving at the office not far from the bike/cafe shop, breakfast was consumed, and I showed Billy the DH route, Billy was not impressed, I on the other hand was having the time of my life, the Shredder was first, and no I did not attempt the road gap!

After a few runs, my arms and legs where starting to ache and time was getting away from us, we both decided to head home, Billy enjoyed his 1st MTB hol and I had removed all doubt from my mind, so take that Scotland.

I look forward to our next battle :)

Video Link, with Billy crash bail out :)
http://youtu.be/_AqeaBB61Po

My old friend pain (you weren't there man)

2011-08-16T08:13:00.000-07:00

After very little sleep on Saturday night, I got up early Sunday to wait for Dave, breakfast consisted of black coffee, monster and jellied sweets. Dave arrived on time bikes and kit jammed into the car off we drove to Bury to pick up Michael.

Michael collected we sped off to Scotland for a secret meeting in Mabie, a long drive and we arrived at a petting farm!!! Good old sat-nav where would we be without it? (in the right place probably) a few J turns later we arrived at the bike park, which looked very posh with the stately home dominating the entrance.

A much needed coffee was glugged down, and a people started to arrive but no sign of the guest of honour, as we head back down to the car park Jason & Phil appeared, big grins included following god knows how many miles of riding to arrive at Mabie.

Surprise!!! Jason seemed chuffed that we had turned up on his Birthday holiday to go out and play, back to the car, kit on bikes out we were all ready to ride.

Jason, Phil, Lee, Dave, Michael and myself headed of to discover the frills (or Spills) of the North Shore trails and generally have a lads day out with bikes, ACE.

I could not find the energy to climb the hills and decided to blame it on the bike, but it was not the bike, I've got lazy over the past few months and it shows, we came to or first down hill section, at last i can have some fun, as i dropped in and hit the first jump the bike felt weird almost loose at the front even grip less, I put the whispers of doubt to the back of my mind and continued onwards, when we arrived at the north shore section we all happily made our way to the start and headed down the kerb size beam, yes we all nailed it (what happens on tour stays on tour)!

The riding had been tough, due to my lack of fitness and changes to my cock pit, it was about to get a whole lot tougher, as I took a corner I could see the slab drop down the trail, a few exposed rocks after it followed by normal muddy trail, easy drop off, roll out and power down, I cleared the drop but the dead tree stump to my right grabbed hold of my bars and sent me into the air, I hit the ground face first and continued forward on my chest and right shoulder, the bike the slammed into my right leg just above my ankle. Bollocks!! that's Scotland 2 - Fast Farrell 3.

A quick check that I was not dead, and quick look at the bike told me I was OK to carry on and meet up with the lads.

I felt tight for the rest of the ride, no strength at all in my legs and struggled to grip the bars, but I carried on slow at first, when you lose confidence in your own ability its always best to pace yourself.

When the ride was over, we shared tall tales and headed over to Jason's holiday home with the promise of home made soup, which was ace (thanks Debs & Jacqui ).

The drive home seemed to take forever, when I arrived home I flopped into bad and passed out.

I had an ace time despite the crash, thanks to all the lads and Happy birthday Jason the cake was lush.

I finally went to the hospital today to discover I have two cracked ribs on my right side, and that you get better drugs from the hospital than you do from a chemist :) will get the bike sorted out on Wednesday but for now its time for tramadol dreams.

We are family (team Ragley JMC it) OSMM 2011

2011-06-22T12:04:00.000-07:00

"An intense anticipation itself transforms possibility into reality; our desires being often but precursors of the things which we are capable of performing"

It's only been a year, I'm in a field again surrounded by hundreds of mankind's greatest invention the bicycle, last years OS mountain mayhem was the best I had ever attended, two podium finishes, sunshine and good friends. The anticipation over the past weeks had been at times too much to bear!

This is my Glastonbury, weekend away, lads night out and social gathering all rolled into one, it was gonna rock, a few beers later and the tiny tent I will call home for the next 48hrs beckoned.

I awoke the next morning to the sound of rain on canvas, when I finally got out of my luxury 1 man body bag the camp site we had claimed as our own started to buzz with the same anticipation I had felt in the weeks prior to the event.

Time passed, final inspections of bikes and kit, race time was upon us, time for game faces to be applied.

Dave, Jase, Lee and Sally all took position for the run, when they start running I head to the pits, it will be ages before I have to do something time to relax and take in some country air.

Rain!!!

"Change my tyres to mud tyres for the next lap" there goes my nice relaxing weekend!!! To be honest it was nice to be working despite the fact that Dave's tyres were on tighter than a (add your own crude reference) Mud tyres on time to chill. More rain meant more cleaning of bikes, I must have cleaned a bike a lap sometimes 2, mud in my nails a few cuts I sat down for a beer as the evening approached.

All was going well, Dave was competing well and staying in touch with the leader Ant White, Jase was chasing down Dan Treby, despite a moment of self doubt, and suspension envy in typical Jase style, by the next lap which was super fast, his NO I ain't having that attitude had returned.

Dave came rushing into the pits, Ant had not been past, Dave was in the lead after another consistently fast lap, ant passed whilst Dave refuelled in the pits, I watched the pit work of our rival and tried to learn, sip of coke and a jelly bean and Ant was off down the course. I learnt one thing, Ant was a machine who ran off sips of coke and a jelly bean!!!

Jase had taken Dan in the morning, due to a recording error (may have been the lack of sleep and/or bike cleaning duties) we had missed a lap, "he's right behind me, QUICK" the pit crew, team riders, family and friends made sure he was out the pits in record time, we discovered later that Jason had lapped Dan whilst he had some breakfast! relief swept over us all and Dan kindly informed Jase whilst unlapping himself.

Dave had started to suffer, I could see it in his eyes but somehow he did not seem to mind, "two more laps to be sure mate" big push down the course with words of encouragement, I knew my work was done for another year.

Jacqui was the first over the line for the team of mixed vets recording an excellent 9th Mixed vets and 25th overall, Jason was next claiming 3rd place in the solo, with Dave pumping his blood and mud encrusted legs over the line to finish 2nd solo.

The results were awesome, and improvements were made, and personnel goals achieved, hats off to Ant White who had a flawless race, and to Dan Treby for his drive and sportsmanship (on a single speed bike) but most of all Hats off to Ragley , Team JMC it for the support, to the children of the race team keeping me awake (with somthing called pub-step)when all I wanted to do was snooze, to Phil, Budge, Andy, Jacqui and Sally for their help support, food and laughs (Andy the Stuntman Watson) Debs for the coffee and help, Michael for the banter, Lee and Rachael for staying up all night, all awesome, and to Dave and Jase for giving 100% effort and giving us all a good race to watch/be part of.
Its a strange thing to feel like you belong amongst people you see but only two maybe three times a year, a bit like a family, but without the argueing :)

2012 should be a cracker

Oh Canada

2011-05-31T03:50:00.000-07:00

After what seemed like an eternity traveling from Manchester we finally arrived in a sunny Vancouver, a quick walk around our hotel location and a drink me and Mrs Fastfarrell went to our hotel room to get some much needed rest.

Upon waking the next day, the weather in Manchester had caught up with us and it was pouring down, water proofs where grabbed and off we went to explore our holiday destination, the city is huge like no other I have been to, with a park (Stanley Park) that was twice the size of my home "city" centre, and it was bike friendly with shared paths, bike only trails and real wild life, Jen got very excited when we came across a Raccoon in the park, we where both tired from a days walking and ended the day with a stupidly large meal, Nachos for starter (which could have passed for two main meals) and enchiladas for my main, with one large belch off I went to bed, only to wake up at 3am!! thank for gods for 24hr Tim Hortons (best coffee I have ever had and cheap as chips) and good old Macky Dee's.

We set off at 9am to see Grouse Mountain with the promise of views of Washington D C, the whole of Vancouver, Timber wolves and Grizzly bears, a quick train, sea bus and bus ride (all for 9 bucks) we arrived at Grouse Mountain, so had the fog/clouds, being British we decided it would be rude not to see the sights as we had traveled so far, getting up the short climb to the top (via cable car) was not as cheap as the earlier mentioned commute, $39 dollars for a 10 min cable car ride took us to a snow covered mountain top (the snow was at least 10ft deep) with views of well not much really, however we did get to see the two orphaned Grizzly bears, who both seemed bored of the endless amounts of tourist not sharing the chocolate bars and warm coffee they guzzled whilst taking photo's.

The next few days where spent, walking drinking and generally having a laugh, on Tuesday we headed of to the Greyhound station for our coach trip to Whistler, this was not like the Greyhound buses you see in the movies, it was smelly, Dirty and slow, we where delayed by 45mins due to a medical emergency which to be honest the greyhound bus driver was ace and probably saved a mans life, we arrived in Whistler and I was like a giddy child running from store to store, touching and smelling all the big fancy expensive bikes. Our hotel room at the Crystal Lodge was amazing, king size bed, flat screen 42", balcony, sofa bed, fridge, massive shower it even had a kitchen sink! It was Hockey night in Canada and the Vancouver Canucks where playing game 6 against the San Jose Sharks, win this and they where through to the Stanley Cup Final, off to the pub then, two pitchers and three shots of tequila later we where both hammered (the canucks won and every time they scored the manager gave everyone in the bar a free shot) a good night was had by all, however this made me very hungover the next day, the planned day at the bike park was cancelled, I walked round in a daze for most of the day, I did however book A bike for the next day and went for a walk in the woods with the Mrs, it was a good walk, but walking is for the birds, here's a link to all the pics if your interested.

http://photobucket.com/Canadaholsmay2011

The next morning I had a spring in my step, However Jen was ill, she did still pull herself to the Whistler Bike shop, I collect a £6k bike and got myself into character.

It was cold, wet and I had never used a bike chair lift, and I'm scared of heights this was going to be interesting, garmin on, full face helmet on and helmet cam ready I shoved the bike into place then waited for the chair lift, i was on my way. The ride to the trail head took around 15 mins, time to ride, to warm up I rode the B-line, I knew there was no big drops on this line off I went, it was fast but loose, with a few jumps and loads of tight berms, I kept low and tried to get as much speed as possible whilst spying out the sections of the A-line, I reached the bottom with a child like grin, that was quick! back to the chair lift. Not sure if I was ready for the A-line after seeing the massive drop off at the end, I decided to go for the Crank it up trail. Me and the bike started to gel and just in time for the first jumps, a couple of wall rides kept me amused and the first drop off appeared, the flow was perfect, hitting jump after jump it was heaven. When I finally built up the courage to hit the A-line the rain had stopped, heavenly traffic had created lots of sloppy ruts but the minion tyres where cutting through no problem, the jumps seamed to be endless and the final drop off was upon me, at least 8 foot of it, I planted the bike on both wheels and rolled off to meet Jen for lunch. Not all the trails where open but the A-line was enough to keep any biker happy, BLT devoured a quick kiss for the wife, off back up the hill for more stupid grin action, I spent 7hrs going up and down A-line X 4, crank it up X 3 and the B-line twice, ace fun.

I spent the next day with whatever illness Jen had picked up, managed a little bit of XC riding in the afternoon near the lost lake trails which where entertaining, but my brain could not help thinking about big down hill runs.

It felt like I was back on a plane in no time at all, it was an ace holiday for which I have to thank my wife. "Thanks Jenny your Awesome, when are we coming back?" Soon, very soon.

(Helmet cam fotage links below)

B -Line : http://youtu.be/MeWOlMkKpNM

Crank it up : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J44y7N2bSSc

Highway to hell

2011-05-09T05:23:00.000-07:00

All the gang/team had arrived in Scotland to compete for the coveted UK/European 24hr endurance champs in Newcastleton, Scotland. It started bad with a promise of a pasta party scheduled for tea time but only arriving in time for supper!! I was here to be the race support from which Twinklydave could attempt to destroy himself all in the name of glory.

Race day seemed to approach fast after a restless sleep under the stars, the stars had spent the night above a thick black layer cloud which was spilling its payload all night without remorse.

For some sick reason I decided to change Dave's headset on the backup race machine 1 hr before the start, whilst removing the cups i managed to t**t my hand with the hammer, everyone expected a wall of blue words to be expelled from my cake hole, but i managed to control myself and get on with the job, 35mins later the Ragley TD-1 was ready to race, and I was making my way to the start in Newcastleton village centre.

The top 10 from last year were seeded, which put Dave at a disadvantage as he started with the pack at least 80 back, beer collected from the local shops and back up the hill and wait for Dave to arrive, as the leader speed past our awesome pit area (set up expertly by Phil & Budge) I was expected Dave in about 15 mins, but as the chasing pack came past Dave had made up 75 positions in one lap and was running in 5th!! The advantage given to the seeded riders from last year demolished by a rider not at the peak of his fitness in a single lap, and going toe to toe with the biggest punchers in the field.

As the race wore on Dave managed to stay with the leaders despite the rain which greased the trail for 18 of the 24 hours, it was all going according to plan when Jason came into the pits with half his ass scraped off and not looking so happy, ointment was applied (not by me Mrs_Terrahawk was on enrolled for this task) 2nd bike passed over and off he sped, next was Budge, he had tried to head butt mother natures foundations and damaged his neck in the process, two painkillers and a quick grit of the teeth back out for another lap, unfortunately that was Budge's race over, his job as pit crew member had just started.

The race did not go well, Dave pulled up after 12hrs racing at the sharp end of the pack, crazy and erratic heart rate the main cause for concern. Phil and Andy finished their 12 hr races and posted results beyond their expectation, Lee also had a solid race and was recruited into the team JMC racing family. Jason worked through the pain barrier and dread full conditions to beat last years result and finish 4th, ace :)

The race left me feeling a little deflated, I did not last 24hrs for the 1st time ever, sneaking in a 4hr Knapp (this means I owe Michael 4 hrs at MM).

The race was a logistical nightmare with catering miles away from our pit area and navigating to and from during the night involved crossing the race track at least 4 times, the timing was dreadful, in a race that claims to be the UK and Euro 24hr endurance Champs does not have chipped timing!!! ive been to fun events where all the profit's go to charity and they still had chipped timings, get it sorted for next year.

It was however good practise for the main event at MM, think I have gone a bit soft as last year every event I attended was rain free, 1 headset removed replaced, 1 wheel truing and re tensioned ( for Scott, he has no team support, and I'm nice like that) one bar end repaired (thanks Andy) 1 wheel change, 1 saddle bag repair, 1 disc brake pad replaced (as 1 pair had a bent backing plate) 9 bikes washed and re-lubed, 4 cans of monster, 4 cans of larger, 6 bottles of cider, 20 fags, 1 AC/DC hour, 1 Beatie Boys hour, 3 bruises (leg/arm/hand) 1/2 hour of monster induced dancing, not a single puncture!!!!

Mountain Mayhem will be better.

Helmet cam test ride

2011-03-13T07:05:00.000-07:00

Short blast today on the Nomad, all new parts working great, although 1x9 is a pain going up hill.

Need to get used to the new helmet cam, but 1st impressions are good, although i may need a better helmet as the one I have seems to be a bit of an akward fit

It can only get better right? this short clip was recorded in 1020 HD although the website converts it to standard def!!

Roll on Whistler ;)

Progresive skills

2011-02-01T11:09:00.000-08:00

Has it really been that long, I as been so busy preparing for my big day I have not had time to blog?

The above statement is what Americans call BS, I'm just lazy. so my new years resolution is to write at least once a month.

What have I been doing? well riding mostly, selling all my old school bmx's and my specialized enduro to make way for a carbon Santacruz Nomad, I failed but I did manage to get a Nomad on the cheap and I am in the process of pimping it out, I also got a new cove stiffee Frame and that's due to be finished this month and its awesome.

I spent the later part of last year getting all the required kit to go to Whistler this summer (once in a lifetime trip/before I'm to old to enjoy it).

I have also been to loads of bike parks with Dave getting my mojo/skills tuned so I can PIN IT in Whistler and not look a lame ass!!

Will keep my blog updated with progress reports (promise).

God I feel like buzzkillington, this blog is lame!

IT WILL GET BETTER ;-) Bring on the summer

24hr party people

2010-07-04T04:13:00.000-07:00

Despite playing around on the M6 for more than 4 hours, Me and Dave arrived in the sleepy town of Ledbury in good time (it still being daylight and that) after picking up a few supplies from a large super market chain, we headed of to meet the rest of team Ragley at Eastnor castle to pitch up, and settle down to a good old game of togger on the big screen, fast forward to the next day as I was once again let down by my national team!!!

We awoke at silly AM when you consider what every one in this dusty field had planned for the next day and a half, we bought some stuff that we needed and some stuff that we wanted, it was getting close, Dave and Jase where both relaxed, I was a little cranky from lack of sleep but it was time to get into character.

Into the arena, a quick check on Dave's bike, find as good spot to prop the bikes up, say good bye and good luck to both intrepid racers and wait.

Jason is followed close by Dave and the transition from running (in shoes designed for anything but) to cycling was slick, that bit was easy deep down I knew it would get harder.

A couple of laps in Dave has an issue, luck would have it that and energy gel pack when empty can save your tube from escaping your tyre casing, Dave crawled into the pits, fresh bike handed over and I had a bit of work to do, tyre changed, polished the TD-1 and the dust seemed to be sticking to everything, quick check that the gears are running good, back out to the Pitts, back on his race bike and off into the distance for another fast lap.

By mid afternoon, the heat was starting to affect, some big names where crawling into the pitts, and into their civvies to watch the remainder of this so called race track side.

Dave's eating well because I make sure he is, keeping a selection of bite foods for him to enjoy/devour at each lap, the energy drink was out of the question, A) because Dave could not process to much during a race and B) because we had none left, a mixture of 50% fruit juice and 50% water was employed, it was working cause by 11pm Dave was running in second place.

Darkness had fallen, this is the hardest time for an endurance racer, you want to eat, sleep, stretch and relax, this is not an option if you want the glory, stopping in the Pitts for more than 5 mins could cost you a place, for me its how to amuse myself, hoping that one of the team racers pulls into the Pitts with a mechanical issue, a puncture anything that will make the hour long lap go faster, I did have my phone and was keeping everyone informed on twitter of Dave's and Jason's positions. Late into the night Dave rolled into the pits, face like a smacked arse, I did what I could to keep him motivated, cracked a few jokes, but Dave shot them down, I was freezing my sugar lumps off my brain no longer wanted to function, but it still had the ability to know that this was how Dave dealt with the night, by being a grumpy sod " your in a solid 2nd place, eat you pot noodle and fuck off" I pointed down the race track slapped Dave on the back and he slowly got his legs back up to speed.

As the sun was staring to rise, people where starting to look happier, Dave came over to the track side pitt stop and almost seemed to be smiling, "how far behind is 3rd place?" it was fairly close " hes about 15 mins behind you, but Jason is chasing him hard, he's not a threat"

Jason had been working hard in the night, working his way up to forth, it's amazing the difference in each rider and how they deal with the pressure, Jase is the one cracking the jokes, smiling and sometimes mocking his fellow competitors, it works because late in the race, he's pushed his way into 3rd and pushing to catch Dave, now he's a threat!!!

They are mates, they have a crack together even share mental long rides during the off season, its never been this close between them in any race I have supported, Jason's lap times are starting to get faster, you could see in Dave's eyes, tying to work out how many laps he could complete before the end, how far behind Jase was, no other option balls out race speed for the next two laps, bit between his teeth off he sped.

1st place was out of our reach, Dave had consolidated 2nd and so had Jason in 3rd, sat on the finish Line with a pot noodle, Jason came over the line with a confirmed 3rd place, shortly afterward Dave came over the line in 2nd, I was to tired I nearly fell over him, everyone was happy, it was a good race and despite the complaints in the night, the blisters on his palms, the lack of sleep and a good meal, Dave enjoyed it, every minute and every grueling lap.

It's crazy that feeling you get when you achieve a goal, all the tiredness the pain it goes, not for long but long enough for you to enjoy the moment, well done to everyone all the team, all the friends, and everyone at the race, it was awesome.

I wanted to give you all a feel for what it's like supporting a racer at a 24hr event, let you know what goes through my mind, how I keep myself motivated how I prep for every eventuality, but because your brain is running on empty, you can't you just get on with it and when you do finally get some sleep you awaken knowing that in some small way you helped your racer achieve greatness.

For my next trick, I will be riding (not racing) at hit the north 2, an 8 hour racing event up north. can't wait!!!!!!!!!!

Highstreet Challenge and Ullswater

2010-05-17T10:12:00.000-07:00

Morning Dave, Earl did his normal greeting of woof woof oh it's you waggy tail welcome, we had the Berlingo loaded up in 5 mins and we hit the M6 at around 8.10am (bloody early for a Sunday). We hit the lakes in good time, parked the car, got into character and head off down the road to the start of the route, I looked up at the trail ahead of me and shuddered, this is what it's all about, no man made trail, no power shakes cafe offering banana based food stuff, red route, black route or skills section. just a massive mountain surrounded by more mountains, here we go then 2.77 miles of climbing to just over 2,000.00 feet, this may sting in the morning.

The start of the route was ride able for me, Dave could probably do the lot!!! a bit into the ride disaster seemed to kick in as Dave pulled over and started to fettle/bang his chainring, 10 mins later he came back to where I had been trying to get my breath back " No granny ring for me today" (the chain was getting stuck between the rings and not up shifting) you could almost see the joy in Dave's face, no granny ring ACE!!

During our accent there where times when I wanted to give up, I almost wished I had one of those little fold up bike things you see people on the train with, I thrust the thought from my brain and continued to climb.

It seemed to take an age, but when we reached the pinnacle of this monster of a climb and looked out over the Lake District I could not help but feel overwhelmed and dwarfed by it's majesty. We kept pedaling on, stopping for lunch, stopped to take photos and just sit and wonder at the landscape stretching out in front of us.

It was not long before the short falls and rises turned into an awe inspiring balls out descent, it seem to continue for what was an age, pumping the bike through the natural terrain with a flow that had the child in me buzzing with excitement, not unlike my childhood days after eating pink chocolate!! Massive steep sections were navigated with ease, thanks to a newly bled rear brake and the skill normally reserved for the mountain goat. When we reached the end we were both buzzing "wish I had a helmet cam", " wish I had a carbon V10" short exited tales were passed between us as we entered the technical section!!

Normally these would have been very good but the Sunday mincing walkers had appeared to ruin our fun "wheres your bell?" and why don't mountain bikers have bells? This did my head in to the point were I dismounted and informed said mincer that "this is a bridle path, horses can come down here, do they have to use a bells, NO, would you just get out of the horses way? Yes, so get out of mine" soap box stuffed back into the back pack, couple more fast sections, and back to where it all started, quick change off to the pub for a pint of golden nectar and to tell more short tale of excellence.

What an awesome day, my brain mentioned something, "get rich, buy a helicopter, down hill riding all day every day" to which I replied "you best get thinking then, cause that's your department".

Back on the M6 I could only think about the descent, sweet dreams tonight, very sweet.

Large hills = pain

2010-05-03T10:54:00.000-07:00

Fancy a day out riding in the Yorkshire dales? The text message from Dave sounded very inviting and to which I replied yes, Sunday morning came and off we tootled to meet up with Rich at Gisburn Forrest. Bikes out gear on and off we sped to Yorkshire. At first I was confused, don't remember this hill or that hill despite Rich and Dave telling me I have been before. Had a few new bits of kit to try out, Oakley Jawbones (Performed billiantly, did not move out of position and vision was clear as a bell) and Evoc backpack. After a few big hills going up, which Dave seems to love and Me and Rich seem to crave a uplift.

I notice a slight wobble in my drive side crank arm, pulled over to check it out, Dave and Rich sped on, this was a chance to try my whistle that had been beautifully designed and built into the chest clip on my Evoc backpack, SWWWWWSHP!!!!! The guys did not hear and carried on (novelty parts on MTB are useless unles it's a bottle opener). After checking a tightening my crank off I went to catch them up (which basically means me tracking them with all my skills recently acquired from watching Ray Mears, unfortunately its not rained enough to leave tyre tracks and there are no cow pies on this road, thank god for mobile phones) two mobile calls later I was back with the pack.

The Hills were relentless, and my lower back pain was not helping my brain think about the trail, however there where some awesome descents, flick over a rock, get some air on the water bar tight corner quick dab on the brakes, going to fast, I decided to slam on but the ground was to loose and I only managed to scrub off a little speed, over the bars avoid the tree, land on my feet with cat like reflexes (or pure luck), check the bike, it's still alive so on we go,

To watch Dave ride is amazing, he has so much power and pace, you can tell he holds back a little when out with us, I wish sometimes I could follow him without having to watch the trail, I could probably learn tons of skills!!
The climb out of Malham finished me off, the ride had been fun and challenging but when I finally got over the hill at Malham I was fecked, we where still miles away from our end destination so I kept my legs spinning and it was worth it as the last descent came into view, fast and furious my brain woke up and I forgot about the pain, the rocky descent was magical strewn with white rocks polished by many a walker and rider, drops and jumps where all taken cleanly, my brain was buzzing looking for the best line and not necessarily the smoothest, I wanted to take risk, push my skills, going down hill is my thing, I love it, with each section or turn I feel more alive than at any other moment in my life.

When we finally return to Gisburn, we tackle a few sections of the trail which have survived the harsh winter and the constant bashing it received from our two wheeled brothers.

At the car park it was time for a sit rep, Dave no injuries no broken bike parts, Rich the same, me bruised/cut knee, bruised shoulder, broken crank set, worth every penny thank you Yorkshire.

Big cheesy grin intact we head home, my heads still buzzing, whens the next ride it whispers, soon brain soon!!

Out with the old

2010-04-20T12:01:00.000-07:00

My blogs been updated I will be added new stuff shortly, reviews of products I have had for more than a week, polls will be added to get the general views from people who trip over my site from time to time.
Hope you like, more to come shortly.

It takes a while

2010-04-18T12:42:00.000-07:00

Repairs to the cove where required before I could have some fun this weekend, so bish bash bosh repairs done, next it's me, seem to have trashed my right wrist at some point, gaffer tape, 2 nurofen and a carefully placed sweat band sort that out!!! zipp, click, click gear on and off I speed down the A6 on my way to Rivington.

Set off late so the roads are busy, the first challenge comes as I head out of Chorley, some one on skinny wheels passes me down the hill, I sense him laughing on the inside, slam down 2 gears, keep the power turning, I speed past him on the inside (cheeky) and say my goodbyes as I maintain a healthy 16mph up the climb to Fredricks ice cream parlour.

Rivington is busy, horses and people with dogs and stuff never mind Its all climbing on this part of the route, head down Farrell keep the legs turning, as I reach the pinnacle round these parts, its fun time, the bikes flowing and I'm pinning every section like a pro, I roll into Belmont with a sense of dread, I forgot the name of the road I was looking for ( i spent 15 mins looking for it this morning on my map) Everton, Beverington bollocksington??

I head up the high street, then back down, is this it? Egerton Road, this sweet piece of road (with a hellish climb) sent me round the back of Belmont reservoir, through the farm of the damned and onto the path me and Dave located last week, up to Tockholes into the woods, speeding past some weird Roman / Robin Hood (village people) re-enactment dungeons and dragons geek fest!! My Favorite section in the Abbey village woods was clear of human traffic, so me and the bike, got into symbiant mode and railed the woods, it was so good, on my return home my wrist felt better and my bike looked beautiful. It's not a bad loop and work will commence on knocking more road time off, when the wrist is stronger, riding a bike is ace I must do it more often. :-)

Fleet Street

2010-04-04T04:39:00.000-07:00

Easter kicked of with a large parcel, two new hubs and 64 new spokes. The Task at hand was to give the kiss of life to my Specialized Enduro, and give the Cove Stiffee a bit of TLC (shiny new parts).

Good Friday was written off due to some bad weather in Ireland that caused my parcel to be delivered late, so early Saturday morning I went about building/fettling with bike parts, two new wheels built and trued, new forks and brakes fitted to the cove, now came the hard bit, can I restore the front wheel on my Enduro, I was shocked with the results tbh, used hub, used spokes, used nipples, one hour later I had dialled in another wheel, maybe I am good at something.

With all my ninja wheel building skills exhausted I went out for a quick 4 miler on each bike to bed all the wheels in, I am well happy, I had to throw some money at each project as is the case when companies change the "INDUSTRY STANDARD" ( total contradiction in terms if you change the standard every season) just so they can make more money off poor bikers, who in turn don't help themselves by buying all that's new and shiny, cause we all want to look good, and the new parts will make us better riders!! back on topic, my fleet is ready, roll on nice weather.

Oh yes I'm a Ninja (wheel Builder) ;-)

Fitness First

2010-03-21T05:27:00.000-07:00

I awoke Sunday with the words from Thursday nights ride bouncing around in my nugget, "you need to improve your fitness for some of the epic rides I have planned for the summer" so out I went with the dog at 7.30 am, back home and into my super hero Lycra kit, no breakfast as I had stuffed my face at Inside out last night (very good food, http://www.insideoutrestaurant.co.uk/) the bike was still cacked up from Thursday night, quick clean of the chain and mech area and off I sped into the wilderness (local park).

It was nice being out so early, nobody about very little traffic, when I hit the woods at Abbey Village the world was slowly coming to life, couple of joggers with a dog both with Ipods on, just what I need. The climb up to Darwen tower felt like hell, but Dave's kind words kept me going.

The hard work over it's time for the fun, the descent from the tower was bumpy as hell, when I hit Tockholes things had started to get smooth, people where getting polite and moving out of my way (locals are ace) last off road climb, then its my favorite descent through the woods, I did not see a soul, and the run was perfect, slamming through the gears trying to attain maximum velocity, pouring myself around my steed with a flow I have not experienced for a long while, massive grin intact I headed home.

On the final climb home I was passed by two roadies, this was my chance to get a nice tow home, I tucked up behind them, it was then that I saw Dave heading the other direction off for fun in the woods, these two jokers in front of me where going too slow, the loud buzz of my fat arse tires was making them twitchy, I drop two gears and power past, they almost look shocked, I on the other hand look like a muddy blur to them, I don't call myself Fast Farrell for nothing!!!! lol. I think I'm falling in love again ;-)

Getting Stronger

2010-03-10T12:28:00.000-08:00

I could not believe my eyes when I pulled into the underground car park, it was on!!

I seemed a bit over excited as I finished my job, I got changed into my cycle wear like superman but with a little less dignity as I struggled to keep the disabled toilet door closed whilst pulling on various Lycra items, no time for idle chit chat with work mates. The words "Acquiring Satellites" has never been so frustrating "cumon", I press start and I'm off.

Bye Chris, flew from my mouth as I pass another work mate upon entering the park, which now resembles a scene from Apocalypse now, due to the "infestation" which means the trees must be felled, A quick look at the computer and its going well. I hit the bridge, time to get the head down and the legs spinning, I'm soon spinning out on my 42/16 single speed at 18mph, they don't know what I'm trying to do, but they all seem to want to stop me, first it's the dog walkers attempt, trying to convince the world they have control of their little wolf, a quick dab on the brakes gets me past without a glitch, head down "keep going Farrell your gonna do it" keeps filling my head.

Whilst climbing up the first short steep climb I pass two hoodies (they could quite honestly be really nice people, I don't care I want them out my way) blocking the gate, "SCUZEME" is forced out of my lips and they part giving me enough room and momentum to skim past. It's plain sailing for a while, no dogs no walkers a few nice fellow commuters with that " I'm so glad I'm not in a car " grin beaming across their faces, it's almost nirvana.

This is my last climb, it's plain spinning from here, a dog growls as I approach their pet from behind, he starts to panic but gets out of my way quick when he noticed my fingers where not covering my brakes, quickly across the road time for a short rest as my bike hitches a ride from good old gravity, not another dog and his pet this ones riding a super market bike "lush" (my brain is like that under pressure it bitches) he moves, I think he knows? I get lucky as I reach the bypass no cars coming, I'm back on cycle path in no time at all, quick look at the computer and it still looks good, I cut off through the back of the estate onto my road and slam on the brakes out side my house, I did it, I did not think I ever would but I had, I feel ACE!!!

The challange was to get to work and back within 35 mins, I have been trying for the last two months.

Total Time = 33.56, Total distance = 7.77 miles, Weapon = On One Inbred SS 32/16 gear ratio.

Next Challenge = sub 30 mins, the joys of a daily commute ;-)

Kasabian MEN 20 Nov 09

2009-11-21T03:17:00.000-08:00

Its Been a tough month November, Two job interviews, coupled with late nights at Royal Preston hospital with my Nan who is giving death a run for his money (god bless her) so me and the wife treated our selves to a night with Kasabian and Special Guest. The special guest where Reverend and the makers, who where ok, the female keyboard player was enough to keep us all happy with her side splitting dance moves.

Then the real deal came on stage, they where electrik, this is how it's done Oasis if your reading. The band went through a massive set list playing every song that counts club foot, fire, underdog, fastfuse, empire, shoot the runner, I don't think they missed any of their hits out, even an extended Swafiga which had this old fool dancing like an idiot!!! (See wedding pics to explain). Me and Jen had an excellent night and so did everyone else, Victoria station rang out to hundreds of fans singing L.S.F for over an hour whilst waiting for our trains to arrive. So glad we decided on standing tickets, the pogo is back and it rocks.

After such a good night I'm hopeful that things can return to normal for the remainder of the year, and I should post a biking related blog tomorrow. Stop, I said it's happening again!!!

Bollocks

2009-09-27T04:00:00.000-07:00

It all started last weekend, things where going so well, it was sunny, the trails had all dried out, so I decided to extend my normal 30 miller and do some exploring, from Rivington I headed over to Darwen Moor, and headed south. I found some nice routes to ride, but after a short bumpy decent I noticed a spoke had snapped and this had caused a big wobble in my rear wheel. so it was time to head home, I headed north towards Tockholes, whilst climbing into Tockholes a pain was developing in my right leg, I thought nothing of it and made my way home through Abbey Village. I do love Abbey village when there are no walkers, it just seems to flow beautifully, when I got home the pain was still there so I chilled for the rest of the day drinking milkshake.

The Next day I could hardly walk, so it was time to take the train to work, now that is shit smelly train full of smelly people, I know that sounds a bit unfair, but you never get a seat and somebody always stinks and they always stand near m.

Tuesday wheel to bike shop to be fixed and a spoke protector added, kept off the leg for a full seven days and only had to pay for the train once as it was so busy.

I spent Saturday swapping parts from one bike to the other so I had a steed to thrash for the next days bike fest.

Sunday came, I walked the dog then I got into character, everything felt ok as I set off southwards towards Cuerden Vally for the start of what I planned to be a 40+ ride, as I attacked the first hill my leg decided to let me know it didn't want to play out, so yet again my day was cut short only 6 miles around Cuerden it was fun but shit at the same time.

When I got home I felt pretty down, I cheered myself up by watching Earthed 4 death or glory. My bike looks the mutts nuts at the moment, I cant do another week of the train so I am gonna ride to work and hope the leg recovers and the trails stay dusty by next week.

Fingers crossed!!!

2009-09-12T02:20:00.000-07:00

1985 was the year, I was in my last year of school, riding a Raleigh Burner Aero pro pretty much all the time, paper round, to school, after school, Preston Pirates BMX track Saturday and Sunday. But I had a dream, I wanted a Haro freestyler, as did everyone. unfortunately I had the foolish notion that I had to grow up, pass exams, get a job and all that other grown up shit we have to do. I also had grown about two feet that year so bmx's looked a bit small for me, so inevitably i knocked it on the head.

Now 24 years and a few grey hairs later, I came across a Haro FST that was not completely trashed and set about restoring it, sourcing parts was hard and expensive, it's also taken 6 months to complete, its not a show bike, it's a rider so watch out kids an old man on a old bike is gonna show you how it's done down the new Preston Pirates BMX track very soon.

I may have grown up externaly, but inside I'm still the same little boy. (that sounds a bit wrong, but so what)

1985 Haro (custom) FST in day glow Green, enjoy

Oldschool run

2009-09-06T07:35:00.000-07:00

Not gone for a bigish ride for ages so i decided to do a Rivington route that was one of my first true off road routes. Despite not being in the saddle much this summer, my power is better than it ever was, hills that used to make me wanna cry seemed to be over quickly. When I arrived at Rivington I was surprised by how little it's changed over the summer. No vegetation, most routes deteriorating at a very speedy rate, never mind GO APE, spend some money and get it back to its former overgrown beauty. Any way I did the old school route, which to be honest shook me to death, could not find one decent smooth line, this was not down to the my lack of skill, but due to walkers who all seem to be looking at everything bar the noisy MTB hurtling towards them. I managed a good 29 miles in about 2.45 hours, another complaint is the A6, used to get home from Rivington in about 1/2 hour, now with the traffic lights at every new housing estate on the route it takes a further 10mins. i wouldn't mind so much but the lights change and nobody ever comes out of the junction GRRRR.

I did take some new products on the trip with me, Mavic Razor mtb shoes, and they was good, the grippy out sole worked well and they felt stiff enough when climbing, towards end of ride I did get very bad foot burn, any ideas any one? It was miles worse than my Specialized comps!! 8/10 me thinks, and thanks to the service at www.ribblecycles.co.uk simply brilliant cheaper than chainreaction and its just round the corner, happy days.

Also had a change of shifters and rear derailleur, Deore 2 way shifters how good are they, got used to them immediately and when paired with the budget Shimano SLX shadow derailleur, the shifting was clean and crisp for the whole ride, not a single slip even after hammering through sandy gritty puddles in Rivington, buy one they are only 30 sheets, that's less than a night out these days. 9/10

Cant wait to get out there again, also a night ride up that way is in order, new lights are charging as we speak, off to Leeds now, Poo.

Lee quary revisited

2009-08-16T10:51:00.000-07:00

Early start today, dog walk, breakfast, wait for Dave, stick bikes and kit in back of the berlingo, attempt to stay within the speed limit without the use of a dash board!!! We parked up and got into character a few moments later Jason turned up with his lad Mike. We all popped off to do a lap of what I must say is a fantastic loop, Jason and Dave were on their spangly new Ragly Ti 29'rs, Mike was on a DMR HT (i think !!! my short term memory is shocking these days!!) My weapon of choice was my Specialized Enduro, not a bad choice but for this ageing smokers lungs it did not seem the right choice on the first climb!!! however it was a good ride and my bike performed well, as I approached the rock garden on the first part of the descent I noticed I had an audience, Dave taking pics, Simon and Mike watching from the side line, no pressure then!!! I had not lowered my seat before the descent, not my wisest moment, hit the rocky corner slight two wheel drift as the high roller tyres struggled for traction, slowed down to compensate, got too far over the bars, front wheel hit a rut, forks compressed, got up close and uncomfortable with the floor, check to see who was looking, everyone, used my catchphrase "did anyone get a picture of that" no, good, and we continued on our way.

Dave and Simon decided to do another lap, in my head I had decided to take the short route back to the rock garden and kill it, had a pork and pickle pie then set off again. Saddle down short run and drop into the corner, no drift this time, good start, chose a good line final countdown playing in my head for some strange reason, da da daa da ping!! WTF was that, my front wheel had developed a wobble to say the least, slammed on the rear brake to check it out!!!

The thread on my front wheel skewer had shredded and pinged off, in all my years of riding a bike this has never happened, who was the guilty party who places the lives of there customers at peril, superstar components, super shit components more like, the next time I see the bloke at one of the 24hr races I attend I'm gonna stick said skewer up his kebab hole!!! Don't buy his product they are shite!! you can check out the shite here http://superstar.tibolts.co.uk/ Thanks to Jason my day was not ruined as he was off to do non bike related stuff, he kindly gifted me with a skewer from his bike so I could continue having fun, thank you kind sir.

Me and Dave set off to do another lap, and I nailed every part of the trail, even some black stuff (some of the black stuff is well scary, fall to the right fine, fall to the left good chance of death) I even started to get some air, cant wait to go back it's ace and I think a night ride is in order soon.

Get yourself there its a nice little run that's plenty of fun.

Burn baby burn

2009-07-17T01:43:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since I have done any restoration work, pic above is how it looked when i received said project. After three months of scrubbing, rubbing, polishing, sourcing and throwing hard earned cash at the project I have completed my 1985 Aero Pro Burner restoration. Pic below hopes you likes it, this will be on my wall of my new home when I move. Now I can throw all my spare time into my rider restoration, 1985 Haro it will be a thing of beauty.

Run Rabbit Run

2009-07-16T11:47:00.000-07:00

Today is a year on from Earls critical gastroenteritis (he ate a cow pat and became poorly ill) so as a treat I took him for a big walk in the woods। all was going well, throw ball, dog bring back ball receive a treat and repeat, then he bolted off towards a very old oak tree, Earl was digging away tail wagging. To my surprise a furry fat rabbit appeared off to Earls left, off he went at full pelt and landed right on top of said bunny. All I could think about was A) has he killed it B) What the hell do i do with it, if he has? No need to worry though , Earl was trying his best to hump said bunny!! and all this after I quote the vets exact words " he will be no trouble when you have him neutered, his urges will just disappear over night" well that was money well spent!! The rabbit did escape and back down to his/her warren. Earl took some convincing to leave the scene. and off we plodded home for tea and ice gems. I also got the chance to use my new fish eye lens on route.

Burner Bash 09

2009-05-07T12:24:00.001-07:00

Popped down to the Burner Bash 2009 at the weekend, thanks for the warm welcome everyone. What a cool day, despite feeling sick we drove down from Preston to Stanford Hall in Leicestershire. It was a long drive and much monster was consumed, but when we got there what a treat, burner and other bmx's as far as the eyes could see!! Billy my mate was spending cash left, right and centre LOL. check out what i thought where the best two bikes of the show.

I also received a a trophy for way back in June 2008 for my resto/build of the month which was this.

I really has a great time, despite feeling ill and i cant wait for next year roll on BB 2010. here's a pic of my trophy for you all to enjoy.

More bmx stuff to follow me thinks as the real english summer has arrived, keep it cool, keep it olds-cool.

Sunday, sunny Sunday

2009-04-13T13:49:00.000-07:00

Sunday was by far the best day so far, not that British summertime has arrived. I decided to do a 30mile loop, my house to Rivington over the pike to Darwen, through Abbey village and home via Houghton.

It would have been a fantastic day if I had chosen the right weapon, the Specialized 29er ran OK, but and its a big BUT!!! the wheel could not handle the terrain, at one point the front wheel buckled and i had to get off and re-adjust the wheel adding 30 Min's to my otherwise perfect day.

From now on it's my commute bike, end of fecking list!! it's a good job i did not pay full shop price for it cause i would have asked for my cash back. or maybee i'm just bitching and should check my spoke tension before every ride, LOL

Good Friday = BMX tinkering day

2009-04-13T13:37:00.000-07:00

Got up with a spring in my step, the wife was off to Manchester to spend some hard earned cash. I on the other hand had some tinkering to do, remove decals from MK11 aero pro burner, polish with PEEK metal polish until nice and shiney.

New decals applied, seat post and stem fitted, just waiting for tyres, pedals and spokes (to build new wheels with) and then its good to go.

Not long now. getting very excited.