“white boxers”
newsletter no 15 – june 2023
hi, we trust this hot weather is suiting you, after the wet start to the year we all suffered 🙂
news from the front –
its all about us this month, as we have been enjoying some fantastic outdoor adventures in the last few weeks
it all started in late april when chris and lynn headed north to cycle a 300+ mile loop in scotland, that included the hebridean and caledonian ways. we had planned to spend most of may up there, riding at a very leisurely pace of around 20/30 miles a day, setting up wild camps, swimming in the sea, then relaxing in the stunning scenery until the next days section of the loop. we had also been looking forward to spending lots of leisurely days off exploring local landmarks and immersing ourselves in island culture and living.
the weather, however, had a different plan altogether, throwing torrential rain and howling headwinds at us the whole time we were among the islands, causing us to ride with heads down and hoods up for 50+ mile days, then seeking shelter in our tent or a hostel asap each day. so the hebrides were completed, barra to stornaway (unfortunately 3 x more days of forecasted strong headwinds prevented us riding to the butt of lewis) in just 3 x days, including 2 x short ferry crossings between islands.
conditions back on the mainland gradually improved as we went along, however we were blown off our bikes (literally in lynn’s case !!) en route to fort augustus, and long sections of woodland gravel tracks were endured above loch lochy , great fun, but not on fully laden touring bikes!!
so we completed the 300+ miles of riding (500+ miles inc ferry crossings ect) in 10 days rather than 1 x month ! this has allowed us to get out among the fells back home we love so much, on foot and by bike, with a days canoeing on derwent water thrown in for good measure on our return.
we are well rested now, feeling great and looking forward to the next sportive on our calendar, as well as plenty more adventures at home and away.
the raptor forest of bowland 63 mile sportive
this great ride is fast approaching, and we can’t wait to see our fellow riders enjoying this challenging but spectacular route once again.
chris and lynn rode round the event route recently, to check for any obstructions or diversions, and also to update the film of the route, happily no dramas were found en route, but if you are wondering if you should enter or not – have a look at our movie
however, don’t delay as entry closes at midnight 11 june, and there are on the day entries on our events.
coaches corner
this month we share some timely advice from british cycling on a problem we don’t often encounter, riding in the heat.
top tips for riding in the heat
we have everything crossed for a dry but cooler day for this years raptor event, the team (with some new members) are good to go, and we all look forward to meeting and supporting your ride with us on 18 june 23.
till then, stay safe and slap on the sun cream.
chris, lynn and all @ top dog events limited