Weekend Watch: 'Road To Paris' Documentary


For those that haven't seen this great documentary, it is about Lance Armstrong's training and racing for the 2001 Tour de France. 
Enjoy! The second video on my 'Weekend Watch' Series.
Courtesy of Nike Inc.

Weekend Watch: The Best 2011 Tour de France Montage


Need some inspiration for training tomorrow? 
Take a look at this great montage of the fantastic 2011 Tour de France. Courtesy of SBS Australia 

Objectives for 2012: In and Out of the Saddle

As the end of 2011 draws nearer, and the season has come to an end, it seems like a good time to look forward to 2012 and think about what I want to achieve next season.
This is a list of my aspirations, hopes and dreams for the big 2012; both on and off the bike.
If you have any suggestions, comments or you think you might be able to help me in the route to ticking off an objective, I would be extremely grateful to hear from you: either comment on this post, contact me on Twitter or email me at timwiggins@aol.com.

Cycling:

Become A 2nd/3rd Cat. Road Racer
2011 saw my entire season on the trails, as the mountain bike became my race-steed for the Island Games and other XC events. In 2012 I really want to break into the road-race scene. I'm very excited that the Wightlink RT has offered me a chance to race with them at events in 2012, and I look forward to hopefully collecting some decent results!


    12hr Mountain Bike Race
    I've been eyeing one of these up for a while, and being the masochist that I am, I reckon it could suit me down to the ground. The events themselves look like a lot of fun from a social point of view as well. If anyone has any particular recommendations on which is the best to do, it would be much appreciated.


      Podium in the BUCS Hill Climb
      This year's BUCS Hill Climb was my first venture into the highly painful sub-sport. I came out with a 7th place out of 150 entrants from Universities and Colleges all over the UK.
      I was pretty chuffed with that; but I hope that with some specific hill climb training, some lighter wheels, a skin-suit and a bit of luck. Perhaps in 2012, in my last year at Uni, I will make it to the podium.



      Make an Impression on the Track
      I've only been on one track session, but it was epic!
      In 2012 I will compete in the BUCS track event in February and hope to get a decent result.
      I also hope to make a few trips over to the Calshot track when I am back on the Isle of Wight, and see if I have what it takes to get some results on the boards!




      EPIC RIDE PLANS:
      South Downs Way... In One Day
      I've walked along the South Downs Way many times. I've done it at night, running, even with a 25kg rucksacks. But I have never done it on a bike. Throughout all my outdoor-adventurous activities at school, I've always thought that it would be an amazing achievement to ride the whole length of the historic path from Winchester to Eastbourne. 


      Round the Island...Twice
      When I am back home from Uni it has become a fairly standard training route of mine to complete a circuit of the 60mile Randonnee course around the perimeter of the island. Having clocked up a double-figure number of century rides this year though I am keen to give a twice round the Island a go - 120miles and 2300 meters of climbing! Should be a decent training run!

      To Lands-End and Back
      A LE-JOG is on the cards for some point in the future, but for now I am keen to ride to Lands-End and back from the Isle of Wight. I rode some sections of the coast road in Dorset over the summer, and it is fantastic - I would love to go the whole way. Lite-Touring time I think!




      Out Of The Saddle:

      Reach 30,000 Views On The Blog
      Throughout this year I have thoroughly enjoyed writing this Blog; from reviews on products, to the diary of my 1400+ mile trip to France and Spain.
      It seems that some of what I have been writing is of interest to people, as the view count keeps on climbing. In 2012 I hope to continue writing, and aim to provide some interesting pieces on the cycling world, my experiences in races and recreation; and any other cycling related topics that people would like to read about. 



      Work Experience in the Cycling Industry
      ...and a job for 2013
      I've worked for a corporate giant, and I do a degree course where most of my fellow students are looking to be the next investment banker or Richard Branson.
      I must admit I can see the benefits; but for me, I really want to work in something for which I have a passion. An occupation where I jump out of bed in the morning and am excited about what I am going to do that day, and not solely motivated by the money that I will take home at the end of it.
      I've always been interested in Publishing and Journalism, and would love to work for a Cycling orientated magazine or website. I get a great buzz from reviewing products, reporting on events, and meeting new people to discuss the sport with. 
      Equally though, I am also interested in Sales and Marketing; it would be great to work for one of the up-and-coming bike brands, or for an established name. I would love to be part of designing new and innovative ways to sell and market products for the bike industry. 

      In 2012 I am looking to do work experience in one of the areas mentioned above, and then in the later part of the year start looking for a route into the industry and a potential career for when I graduate in 2013. I know it will be difficult, and the cycling industry is a niche market that isn't always ready to open its doors to new recruits. But I am passionate and keen, and I hope that somehow I will find an in-road, so that my passion for the sport is not just isolated to the weekends and evenings.

      That's about it as far as my objectives for the next year go - some big, some not so big. I hope that I can tick off the majority by this time next year, and look forward to the challenges along the way....bring on next season!

      Review: Pro-Endure H2O Multi-fit Overshoes

      Review: Pro-Endure H2O Multi-fit Overshoes

      With the winter weather setting in, and the roads getting progressively wetter and muddier, overshoes are a very worth-while investment.

      I received a pair of these great booties from Pro earlier this year, and in the last few weeks have really been able to put them to the test.

      I was originally drawn to the product by the ability to use them with both mountain bike and road bike shoes: as a cross-discipline rider, it seemed logical that my feet should be just as toasty on the trails as on the tarmac. The simple velcro fastening under the soles of these covers, means that a variety of cleat types can be easily accommodated, whilst the fit and durability is not compromised.

      As the "H2O" branding suggests, the overshoes are fully waterproof and have done a fantastic job of keeping my shoes clean and my feet dry on the few torrential downpours that we have "Endured" this autumn. The tips of the toes and the heels are Kevlar reinforced for added durability, especially useful when being used off-road; and the reflective detailing is very effective at improving visibility.
      To keep your feet warm, the overshoes are micro-fleece lined, making them both insulated, fast drying and soft to the touch. Comfort is also aided by the discrete zip closure, which is flexible enough that it does not dig into the back of your ankle when creased.

      However, I think that compared to many other winter overshoes, where these booties really excel is their material choice. Like neoprene overshoes, they keep you warm and comfortable. But unlike neoprene, they are thin enough to be flexible, close fitting, and most importantly breathable when you need them to be. After all there is not much point in keeping your feet dry from the rain, if they just get hot and sweaty when you put the effort in!

      A great product for multiple discipline use; without compromise on performance or quality. 9/10
      The Royal Garden Café - Ventnor Botanic Gardens

      The Royal Garden Café - Ventnor Botanic Gardens


      I bought my first road bike for £5 from a family friend about 5 years ago; and on a brisk but clear October day, my mountain biking buddy and I set out to test out what the skinny tyres were all about. 
      15 miles from home, in the cliff-side town of Ventnor on the south coast of the Isle of Wight - the weather changed. Wearing just bib shorts and jerseys we found ourselves in the middle of a hailstorm; pellets of ice stung our legs and our bodies froze, we desperately looked around for somewhere warm to shelter. 

      We headed into the Botanic Gardens and were relieved to find that the café was open for business. Like blocks of ice we shuffled in, and sitting huddled next to the radiator we scraped together a few coins from our saddle bags. Counting it up we realised that there was only enough to buy one hot chocolate; we didn't care, we clip-clopped over to the counter in our SPDs and laid down our change by the till. 
      Taking pity on us, the waitress gave us two hot chocolates for the price of one, with extra marshmallows! As 15 year old boys, that was the best thing in the world! All was well again - with grins on our faces we returned to our radiator and dried out as the sky cleared over and we were left with a few more beautiful  hours of riding in the autumn sun.

      Since that episode so many years ago, the Ventnor Botanic Gardens Café has held a special place in my heart. In the last five years the café has come a long way though - now known as The Royal Garden Cafe, it serves a lot more than just a takeaway tea or coffee. 
      The café is now run in conjunction with The Royal Hotelin Ventnor, and the expertise and style shows through in all the food and drinks that are available there.



      The café serves up everything from Classic Cream Teas made with local clotted cream, to light lunches and sandwiches using local bakers' baps. Some of my particular favourites are the Carrot Cake and the chewy meringues; perfect for bringing the energy levels back up after a long ride.

      To quench the thirsty cyclist there are fresh juices, Italian coffee and even a selection of local Yates beers and ales, for those that want something stronger!

      Situated in the middle of the Botanic Gardens the scenery is stunning - with the cliff top just a short walk away, looking out over the English Channel. You can't ask for much better cycling country to get there either; the Isle of Wight was recently ranked by the Lonely Planet as one of 'The World's Best Cycling Destinations', with a great mixture of climbs, country lanes and long open roads. 
      Ventnor is perfectly situated about halfway round the signposted 60mile 'Round the Island Cycle Route', providing the perfect excuse for a mid-ride break if you are coming over to the island for a challenge.

      Overall, a great Café serving outstanding local produce in fantastic surroundings - the perfect café stop.