Shining Cliffs Race

David Denton organises these local fell races. Not sure how many I have done over the years but its a fair few. He has come up with a new start venue for this years races. The Bear Inn at Alderwasley makes for a brilliant venue. Good parking and nice food. I have cycled past it many times but never been in before now.
It was very cold for the start and very windy. A different route around the woods with a short first lap and a slightly longer second lap. The second part of each lap contacined the climbing and I was mindfull of that as I set off. Part way through the second lap I caught the leading two runners but I think they were just not sure of the direction of the race route. As soon as we got to near the finish they pulled away and I was left to come in thrid place. Not bad for the first race of the year.
Shining Cliffs is a good venue and I will try to do all three races this year but no doubt I will get sidetracked with other races.


The Bear Inn at Alderwasley

Just a picture

Now there is a picture at the spin biking studio that I go to that has this man in it yet sadly no one at spin has a clue who he is. The first day they put the picture up a lot of people that go there was impressed. Its been blown up and made into a huge picture.
Yet no one knew the rider.
I walked through the spin bike doors a few days after it had been hung on the wall and was asked if I knew who it was.
Hmmm 4 seconds later I replied its Charly Gaul and he's riding up the Col D Izoard.
Everyone laughed and said only you Darren

On Mt Ventoux

Not sure what mountain this is but its not the best mountain road is it

One of the most gifted climbers ever. Painfully thin and always looking unhappy on the bike. He ripped the peloton apart in the mountains especially when the weather was bad.
The Angel of the Mountains
Charly Gaul

Hurry up back

Spring, Summer well I mean we are only half way through winter and up to now its been the toughest I have ever trained through. Its that everything is wet through time now. We had the freezing weeks when you needed eight layers just to go for a run but now its how many fell shoes can you keep dry. I have three pairs on rotation.
I just want a bit of sun now to warm and cheer us up.



Roll on spring and a bit of heat. Meanwhile its just keep at it. Rollers in the shed, runs over muddy fields, spin bike sessions and a washer that just doesnt stop.
Keep on training everyone, we have turned a corner from this doom and gloom weather.