Etape Cymru 2012 was an awesome event. Forget all the negative stuff about the first event in 2011, the new organisers did a fantastic job in 2012. But don't just take my word for it, here's what twitter had to say. Here's my "proper" video of the event as I experienced it. I also made a daft, entertainment version of the Horseshoe Pass segment, in a Nintendo, Mario Kart … [Read more...]
Etape Cymru 2012: Horseshoe Pass video
Now, I am working on a "proper" movie of my Etape Cymru footage, but when I saw my footage for the Horseshoe Pass, I couldn't resist the temptation when I realised how many riders I had passed. … [Read more...]
Etape Cymru 2012: The twitter verdict
Here's what Twitter made of Etape Cymru 2012! … [Read more...]
Storify: Etape Cymru #2 is nearly here
September 9th 2012 will see the return of Etape Cymru, a closed road sportive event through some stunning North Wales scenery. The event is under new management this year and everything looks very promising for the big day. Here's what Twitter is saying in the week running up to it. http://storify.com/AlanThompson71/birth-of-a-localgov-social-media-surgery … [Read more...]
Wild Wales Challenge 2012 – the movie
An established favourite on the cycling calendar in these parts, the Wild Wales has a reputation for providing a route that comprises both spectacular scenery and a great physical challenge in terms of some pretty serious climbing. This year's course (it changes every year) delivered massively on both fronts, and we were incredibly fortunate to have perfect weather, which … [Read more...]
Wild Wales Challenge 2012 – Download the Route
I was struggling to find the GPX file for this route, and since the event is two days away, I thought I'd better start preparing little things like getting the Garmin ready. The official site says there will be GPX files but there aren't any links, as far as I can tell. I eventually found this one, on RideWithGPS, which lets you export the route as a TCX or GPX file. Get … [Read more...]
Witnessing a road bike crash on Wild Edric 2012.
Ever had one of those moments when life grabs you by the lapels and shouts "Wake Up!" right in your face, spraying you with flecks of a tuna sandwich in the process just to add some additional gut wrenching revulsion? … [Read more...]
Etape Cymru 2012. Let’s get it right this time.
http://storify.com/AlanThompson71/etape-cymru-2012 … [Read more...]
Cheshire Cat 2012 – The Movie (unofficial)
It was worth looking like a complete twonk with a camera strapped to my helmet to get this footage. I've had many kind comments already about the Mow Cop footage (edited down in this version of the film) from people who rode the event, saying how nice it is to be able to relive moments from the day. I hope my little movie helps you recapture that feeling! … [Read more...]
Cheshire Cat 2012: A lesson in how to run a Sportive
I signed up for the Cheshire Cat back in about November last year, to provide motivation to maintain a training plan throughout the winter. It worked! Having participated in the disastrous Etape Cymru in October 2011, and having just today ridden the long version of the 2012 Cheshire Cat route, I can safely say that it was the polar opposite of Etape Cymru in terms of … [Read more...]