Last night, 34 years after the last, I went and did a trial at Arkholme. I did alright, too. Great to spend bike time with my nephew Angus and a thousand thanks the Philip Haygarth for loaning the lovely Beta machine whilst he was away working. Continue reading “My first trial since 1984 !”
I really enjoyed the 2018 3 Peaks fell race. I took a ten year gap following a ‘never again‘ moment in 2007 after my second finish. Both had been respectable finishes under 4 hours and I’d have been happy to put the pain of that race behind me and leave it to gently subside. Continue reading “More than 3 Peaks”
Another family holiday definitely of note. These things define and mark important times in childhood and I am happy to build up the year’s work around affording great memories for the children. Skiing is not cheap – especially skiing overseas in half term, but each time we do it seems incredibly good value for money in terms of unforgettably good memories Continue reading “Sauze D’Oulx family ski holiday 2018”
We don’t normally get to do stuff like this. It was a real treat. Dave & Elsie went to the Saturday and Sunday racing, Lily and Mum just to the Sunday racing and spent Saturday enjoying the beautiful and very chilled city of Maastricht. Continue reading “Family visit to the 2018 World Cyclocross Championships”
It’s a fixed date in my diary. My 20th start in the 3 Peaks Cyclocross was, like other years, just another year of ‘of course I’m doing the 3 Peaks‘. But this year’s 3 Peaks stands out in a lovely way in that it not only saw the return to the race of my brother Phil after a 5 year absence, but the next generation of Haygarths took to the race. My nephew Matt was what I think was possibly the youngest of the 650 entrants and I was gushing uncle-pride when he’d entered … never mind actually competed. A real landmark for me. Continue reading “2017 Three Peaks Cyclocross – a family affair”
Third year on the trot. Each time you learn and refine. It just gets better and better until you reach a pinnacle like this. Continue reading “2017 Family Road Trip – Les Français des Jeux”
My, what a day out. Or rather, ‘What an evening, night and morning’ out. There was so much preparation, an impeccable team of helpers, and plans that would make General Haig look like a chancer. I’d trained and was in great shape. All I had to do was put one foot in front of the other for 23 hrs and 20 mins, and my Bob Graham Round would be completed. Continue reading “Bob Graham Round 1: Dave: 0”
I’m not really wanting to make a big things on social media etc about my planned Bob Graham Round. I’ll be setting off at 7pm this Friday and aiming to cover the 42 summits / 66 miles / 27,000 feet in under 24 hours. A feat achieved by plenty of people, and an incredible challenge to the man/woman-on-the-street, but just a personal goal I’m capable of and very keen to achieve. Continue reading “Running through life with thanks to Charlie”
Still loving ‘cross in my 48th year. Also loving the transition of the love from me to Elsie. She’s just completed her second season of a full league in the North West. Continue reading “Cyclocross review 2016-17 – a golden one for an oldie”
Sometimes you can just get sucked along in the momentum of things. Sometimes it’s just exciting to get outside of your comfort zone. I do a lot of sport, but it’s rarely outside of my comfort zone, and even less so as I get older. Until this month. Continue reading “Leaving the comfort zone behind: My #256challenge”
My immediate reaction was that my performance was lacklustre. 43rd position after such a struggle of a day is certainly nothing to write home about. But the story of the day is (still, sorry) how much I love this race. The passion for it just doesn’t seem to diminish as it throws punches at me but sucks me harder in like an abusive relationship. Continue reading “3 Peaks Cyclocross 2016 – undying passion”
No surprises in telling you that the 3 Peaks cyclocross, the 54th edition of which is taking place this Sunday is my favourite race. With any an annual event, it’s always going to feel special. Part familiar, part rare, part scary and part exciting. Continue reading “The Three Peaks Cyclocross: Ace and Rubbish”
