Transrockies Invermere section

Check this out: Transrockies stage 2

Give you an idea of the route and elevation

We made it

What a brilliant experience with just over 35 hours in the saddle a large tub of butt cream, 552km and nearly 12,000 meters of serious uphill climbing - we came 26th in our category out of 83 that started. We are very pleased with that result. We actually came 2nd from the teams from the UK in our class 80+ and overall 7th from all the teams from the UK in all categories. Not bad for a couple of old gits.

Brian and I worked extremely well together as a team each having good and bad days. Luckily, neither of us had any serious crashes apart from a small fall on the rocks for Brian and a slight misjudge of a sharp corner for me we both came through smiling. How fantastic it was to see Natalie and Olivia at the finish line. How good that cold beer tasted as well.

I will put some more info and photos up over the next few days. I just want to let you all know we were back safe and sound.

Last Training ride now complete

Yesterday, being Sunday the 5th August, saw a group of us travel up to the Sunday Sportive event at Woodcote near Reading, a quick 122km Road based blast around some beautiful English country side. Sleeveless T shirt on and raring to go, what a day 80 plus degrees not a cloud in the sky, bring on the sun tan. Completed the ride in around 5 hours excluding a couple of pit stops on the way, a few near misses with other road users and some very loose gravel, but we both made it without a hitch. Brian was also donning a very nice colourful sleeveless top as well trying to get the most of the sunny weather.

This week will be the chance to rest and recover ready for the big day on Sunday 12th. Maybe a visit to the gym for a swim and a bit of cross training and a few brisk walks with the dog. Hopefully we will get a chance to get a taster of the conditions and the altitude on Friday and Saturday when we get to explore around Panorama before the race.

Again I must thank everybody for their generosity and support up to this point. A big big thank you to my wife for her undivided support in putting up with me over the last 8 months during the training I can not wait to meeting her and Olivia at the finish line.

I will try and keep you updated during the event technology permitting.

See you all in a couple of weeks

Last week of training is here!!!

Yes the last week of training has now arrived. Nearly 18months in the planning and 8 months in the training and preparation, getting very anxious now, making sure we have all the right equipment and back up items to take. Taking great care on all the rides not taking too many risks! Spent nearly all of last week in the saddle clocking up over 215 miles and 6,200 plus metres of climbing, that's only half the Rockies ride length and half the vertical.

I have nearly been killing all my colleagues in my spinning classes that I have been taking this year so far. I think they will be glad when I eventually go!!

This week will be pretty much it on the training front, if we are not ready now we will never be.

I have found a couple of pictures that give you an idea of the views and the terrain that we will be up against. We will bring plenty more pictures back with us.

Bring it on!!! as quoted by that awful girl in 'Big Brother' called Tracey.

A big big thanks to all of you that have been so generous with your support leading up to this event, through your kind sponsorship and help. It means so much to me and my family.

Milo would have been so proud of you all!!!

Nearly there....... Training up to next level

Wow, what a week! Brian and I have been training pretty much up at the limits now, on the bike everyday for the last week, come rain and shine. Clocking up some 250 miles and about 18,000 feet of vertical.

Getting the last bits together to take on the trip, the list seems endless. The fun bit will be getting everything we need for the week in to the issued kit bags which are only 36" x 16" x 16" big decisions are going to have to be made. Do we pack the make up bag or that extra pair of waterproof gloves??

The weather could be the big question, looking at previous years on the Challenge it seems the weather can vary from plus 35 to -2 in a matter of hours, one minute its glorious baking sun the next rain then it could be pouring with snow and sleet. Being prepared for these extremes is going to be very hard.

In the kit bags we have to fit sleeping bag and ground sheet, all the clothes for both the race and the evenings, towels, washing gear, bike spares and food for the week plus back up batteries first aid kit - the list just goes on and on.

I am having a day off today being Tuesday 24th July. Going out with some friend tonight for a curry and a beer, which I am looking forward to. Relax those poor old legs... Back to the grind tomorrow though!!

Have a good week........................

Team MILO Is Official

Yes we are now officially on the start list of the Transrockies Challenge 2007

Team 'MILO'

Team Leader: Antony Gray

Team Mate: Brain Trill

From:United Kingdom
Package Type: EPIC
(Thats no RV is you want to know.)

Catergory Men 80+
(Gosh really showing our age there!!)



Have a good weekend

Stages are announced for Transrockies

Transrockies Stages etc. 2007

Day 1 – Panorama to Invermere 51.2 kms
Paved Roads 7.9 kms, Gravel Roads 18.4 kms, Double/Single-track 24.85 kms
1345 metres climbing 1649 metres descending

Day 2 – Invermere to Nipika 63.8 kms
Paved Roads 17.41 kms, Gravel Roads 20.62 kms, Double/Single-track 25.77 kms
1439 metres climbing 1119 metres descending

Day 3 – Nipika to Whiteswan Lake 107.5 kms
Paved Roads 0 kms, Gravel Roads 68.5 kms, Double/Single-track 39 kms
1302 metres climbing 1285 metres descending

Day 4 – Whiteswan Lake to Elkford 94.48 kms
Paved Roads 1.6 kms, Gravel Roads 49.29 kms, Double/Single-track 43.60 kms
1528 metres climbing 1368 metres descending (Including the rock garden)

Day 5 – Elkford to Blairmore (Crowsnest Pass) 109 kms
Paved Roads 7 kms, Gravel Roads 62 kms, Double/Single-track 40 kms
2600 metres climbing 2612 metres descending

Day 6 – Blairmore (Crowsnest Pass) to Sparwood 77 kms
Paved Roads 10 kms, Gravel Roads 27 kms, Double/Single-track 40 kms
2000 metres climbing 2140 metres descending

Day 7 – Sparwood to Fernie 61 kms
Paved Roads 6 kms, Gravel Roads 15 kms, Double/Single-track 40 kms
1100 metres climbing 1225 metres descending

Then the beer and wine