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Vinny Jones and the British Heart Foundation

2012-01-24T22:11:00.002Z

A piece of brilliance! The British Heart Foundation ad features hard man Vinny Jones telling us all how to complete hands-only CPR. Dial 999, then push hard and fast to the beat of Stayin' Alive.

Great execution, definitely rememberable and love the little funny moments throughout.

I love how it's moved on from the TV, to a iPhone heart rate app to being able to buy a t-shirt. Great planning. It also went viral, and was most shared video on the internet with 53,000 shares in one week.

The ad was made by Grey London.

Equestrian Social Media Awards 2012

2012-01-16T21:03:00.000Z

I've just had the most amazing news.

Bridgewater Riding Club has reached the final of the Equestrian Social Media Awards 2012, in category 11, Best Event/Competition. It is a global awards competition and to put it into perspective, we are alongside major National and International competitions Badminton, Blair Castle, Burghley, Global Champions tour, Olympia, Kentucky, Hickstead and Your Horse Live!

If you could spend the time to vote for us, it would be very much appreciated.

If your read this blog frequently you will know I help out Becky at a local riding club in Northwich called Bridgewater Riding Club. It is grass roots level, supporting those that can just about walk sitting on a pony for the first time to those over 30s bombing round a Show Jumping ring enjoying the time of their lives. I must say it is a humbling experience and I enjoy supporting the community a lot.

My job is to look after the Communications. One side of that is the Social Media aspect. Talking to our members is really important. Sports Club committees can keep the doors closed. It's refreshing to have the backing of our Chairman Ruth Watson who is very proactive in encouraging conversation. We are very open, all comments are read out and discussed at committee meetings and we encourage discussion on our website, Facebook and Twitter feeds.

I've blogged about our Search Engine results previously which have also been very positive.

2012 Targets

2012-01-02T20:36:00.001Z

Happy new year to you all. I hope you had a good Christmas and New Year.

January is the time when many put New Year resolutions and targets together.

My targets for 2012:

* Firstly get my weight down. I'm currently 92kg, I would like to loose 10 to 12kg before the end of February for Llanberis.

* Complete at least one full day to Llanberis. Last year I completed halfway each day, I would to at least do one full route this time.

* Continue with club 10s. Last year my fastest time on our tough JC19 course was 27:26 (25.36 in a 2-Up with Alan Silver). I'd like to touch the back end of a 25 this year.

* Compete in local Time Trials. I feel as though Time Trialling is my thing. I can't get shelled out of the back, feeling as though I'm letting the club down. A Time Trial is just me and the bike; I can set my own rhythm and be in control. I'd like to aim to compete in 10s, maybe look to do a couple of 25s.

* The club would like to get me racing so seeing how I get on maybe I will take part in my first race at Oulton Park in the Summer.

I would also like to move into a house before the end of 2012 with Becky, be it renting or on a mortgage. There could be a potentially beautiful new build coming up in the first quarter. Fingers, toes and everything crossed it does.

I hope everything goes to plan for Becky on Pete. They developed a really good partnership last year and she is hoping to do some bigger classes next year. He has a couple of years left in him and I look forward to seeing her at the big shows again. Becky is also looking to forge a career with horses. I would love to one day support her, I love being around the horses they are a really relaxing influence. Until that day comes she is hoping to become an affiliated showjumping course builder. Becky has a real talent for it from helping out at Bridgewater Riding Club. She is currently spending time with the highly respected Sue Barratt and has been asked onto the Area committee for the area. I'm very proud of what she has done so far and I hope it all works out for her.

2012 will also be the year where I take over from Terry Veal in running the Women's Cheshire Classic Road Race held in April. I hope I can make it the best race possible into 2013.

Changing KM to Miles on Polar CS500

2012-01-02T20:09:00.002Z

In case you are wondering how to change from KM to miles on your Polar CS500, simply go to settings within the settings there is a setting for feet or meters. Set it to feet, and the computer will then show MPH.

Installing Polar CS500 - Sensor Sync Problems

2012-01-02T19:07:00.001Z

For those of you installing the Speed and Cadence sensors for the Polar CS500, you may be experiencing some sensor sync problems.

In the manual if you have to link up the sensor with the magnets provided. It mentions a red light, which will light up when the magnet passes the sensor to show it is working.

Now I thought that the red light keeps on flashing continously. No. The red light only flashes for a small period of time, after that it doesn't flash anymore (presumably to save the battery life).

So to save you the embarrassment of going to the local bike store to ask why it isn't working, just make sure you sync it up through the Polar computer first, that will tell you if it is working ok or not!

Polar CS500 Bike Computer Heart Monitor

2012-01-02T19:00:00.000Z

Well this was a big surprise on Christmas morning! A Polar CS500 bike computer with heart monitor, cadence and speed monitor.

I've never been a big fan of bike computers, I like riding pure and take great satisfaction in not having a computer sat on my bike stem. I like going by feel. Listening to my body when I'm on the limit. I feel a ride better without the distraction of data. I have a watch which tells me how long I've been cycling and I can plot the route afterwards to know the distance (or ask someone on the club run).

However. A lot of the guys in the club use them, a couple for the GPS element but a lot for the heart monitor and also the power stats. Increasingly conversations have been going on at the cafe stop about the data, talking about heart rate limits and transforming that into performance.

It's quite interesting really as I heard one story about a guy in the club who had (still has) very powerful legs, who was a great performer on the track but was also quite well built. On the annual run to Llanberis he was able to stay with the front group over the Sportsman Pass, simply because he knew he could perform well at a heart rate limit of 175. Using his computer he made sure he kept at around 175.

In 2011 I started Time Trialling and thought to myself after each race that a computer would do me good. Mainly to keep an eye on my heart rate but also speed and time. If you were to look into the course more methodically, ie: I needed to be at a certain corner by such time, you could start controlling your performance a lot better. With the data at hand I would also be able to push myself harder, or ease back and hold on for later on in the course where it more suited me.

It was a great surprise, I doubt I'll use it much when I'm out for a ride at the weekend, I still like that idea of pureness but it will be something I look forward to getting involved with in Time Trials.

Dave Astles Rememberance Ride

2011-12-23T17:50:00.002Z

Just had word from Alan Kemp that Dave's son Mark Astles has asked that we (Weaver Valley) arrange a ride where we can all have a nice chat and recall our fond memories of Dave.

The plan is to meet on Tuesday 27th December at Hartford British Legion (2 Bradburns Lane, Hartford, Northwich, Cheshire, CW8 1LS) at 10.30am. The plan is to potter through the lanes to Congleton and possibly stop at the Garden Centre if people wish.

Mark and partner Lynsey will be on the ride and it is their wish that as many people as possible attend the ride even if only for a short distance. This is an invitation to any one who would like to attend including from other clubs etc

Alan asks because this is short notice can you please pass the word around and help us give Dave a day that would bring a smile to his face!

RIP Dave Astles

2011-12-21T22:31:00.002Z

We had some really sad news in the cycling club today. Whilst out on the Wednesday club run today (21st December 2011), Dave Astles passed away. He suffered a heart attack on his bike.

Dave was a great guy, loved by everyone. A great cyclist who won the TLI National Circuit Championships last year in addition to other palmares from over the years.

As a founding member of Weaver Valley Cycling Club, he was a great storyteller. My favourite was his stories about Paul Sherwen being part of the club as a youngster.

He was a keen Manchester City fan and was looking forward to them winning the league!

There is a fantastic article on LVRC about Dave - http://lvrc.org/latest_news.asp.

A truely great gentleman who will be sadly missed.

Facebook Timeline

2011-12-19T09:44:00.000Z

Facebook is changing. This week it is rolling out it's new Timeline profile to all users. Described by Zuckerberg as "the whole story of your life on a single page", it basically formats your existing content in a sexier, square boxed way. The Timeline feature allows you to navigate through time easily, right back to when you were born.

The "Life Event" feature allows you to fill the gaps, adding pictures and data through those early years. It will be interesting to see how many people actually get that deeply involved in adding data from the launch of Facebook in 2004. The features within "Life Event" are nice though with easy prompts to start adding a job, hobby, buying a new car, having an injury etc.

For those into creating and writing blogs: the new Facebook Timeline uses MySQL database code as used in Wordpress.

Facebook also wants to know more about your whereabouts. Taking on Foursquare, maps becomes a more prominent feature. You will also notice in the right hand panel Facebook asking for location tags on your photo albums. In a nice feature these location tags are automatically found by Facebook so all you need to do is click yes.

The main things for me are:

Cover image: as well as your small profile picture you now get a large, landscape image at the top of your profile. I think this is a great addition which really adds personality to your page. There are some nice handy tools over at Mashable and Digital Life.

Apps: you will now be getting more involved in apps with Facebook. Next to your profile picture, location, work and relationship status you will now see several boxes. Pictures and friends are mandatory however there are a number of other boxes to link to apps. Apps are also given boxes deep within your pages now too. For me the installation process is still very clunky, the interaction between applications can be quite complex for a novice. I've recently got involved with Spotify and really like the integration. Spotify automatically updates my "played" list within Facebook, allowing other people to listen in if they want. Well worth looking into as a music app.

Harvey Nichols Christmas Ad 2011

2011-12-06T18:01:00.001Z

Love this viral from Harvey Nichols which pokes fun at those of us who will be partying hard into the early hours of the Christmas period and doing the "walk of shame" home.

When I'm cycling through Northwich on a Sunday morning to the club run, it's always funny seeing people dragging themselves home with make up and hair smudged everywhere. The funniest example was during the Summer, on a beautiful sunny morning I rode past a guy who was sat on a grass verge, back propped up against a wall of a shop, fast asleep without a care in the world, beer still in hand.

The ad was created by DDB.

How Do Knowledge Bank Blog

2011-12-02T15:21:00.001Z

I was asked to write a blog on Brand Stategy in Sport for How Do's Knowledge Bank this week. I decided to keep it close to home and concentrate on Sky's involvement in British Cycling. It's been 2 years since they invested in the professional road team and I believe it is one of the best examples of surrounding it.

You can read more at http://www.how-do.co.uk/knowledgebank/listings/view/one-marketing-communications?showcase_id=570

The Group Ride by Michael Barry

2011-11-21T21:38:00.001Z

We've had a bit of mither in the club recently over club run etiquette. Quite rightly some members have been upset by a minority of riders pushing the pace too high and in some cases accelerating away from the group altogether, which obviously is not only disrespectful to the run leader but also brings up a number of issues should those individuals have problems.

It was to happen eventually, we have built up a very fit cycling club and much like a fit horse, all it needs is for the rider to allow it to fizz up a bit, get the adrenaline flowing and you will find it will go bananas. Horses are animals that need taming, which is where the rider comes in to restore order and bring a sensible head. We have a couple of horses within the group at the moment, however we also have experienced riders on board to bring them under control.

Jules from Weaver Valley CC passed around a link below to an article written by Michael Barry. It perfectly describes what a group ride should be like. If you like cycling, following Michael Barry's blog Le Metier is well worth subscribing too. His book of the same title is also worth the read.

http://michaelbarry.ca/2011/11/the-group-ride-2/

Call of Duty MW3 TV Ad

2011-11-15T22:44:00.001Z

I surcombed to the hype. Flight Simulator and a spot of Football Manager aside I don't play computer games however with everyone known to man talking about the new Call of Duty Modern Warfare 3, I thought I would get involved.

I've had the piss taken out of me many a time for not owning a games console, never mind not playing COD online, so I decided to become a man. I decided to take over my brother's PS3 for the afternoon and take on Modern Warfare 3. I was rubbish. It took me nearly 2 hours to complete the first task but it was awesome.

I then saw this TV ad tonight which I think brilliantly captures where Call of Duty is at; the hardcore The Vet's out there and me...The n00b!

John Lewis Christmas Ad 2011

2011-11-15T15:56:00.001Z

You've probably already seen it, and no doubt with the amount of noise both on and offline, you will have most probably heard about it too.

This year's John Lewis Christmas TV ad was pushed out over the weekend and sees an excitable young chap unable to sleep on Christmas Eve, not because he can't wait to open his presents but more to give out his presents to Mum and Dad.

Much of the talk has been that the ad is boring and predictable. I can see where people are coming from. It is very "John Lewis". Beautifully filmed on a soft lense within a lovely semi-detached, Edwardian property: a young family is surrounded by the silky tones of Slow Moving Millie performing The Smiths "Please, Please, Please let me get what I want".

It is a good continuation of last year's ad which featured Ellie Goulding's "Your Song" however with Marks & Spencers also going down the softly, softly route this year with their dreadful ad featuring the X Factor contestants it could get a bit lost. Fortunately, thanks to the press on the Smiths cover version and the reported £6 million budget (which I would imagine would include the cost of buying the media, which considering the slots I've seen being used, is reasonable) it has had good exposure.

What I do love about this ad is the proposition"for gifts you can't wait to give". So simple, yet such a brilliant piece of thinking. Where the narrative of a lot of ads is on receive, receive, receive, this proposition is not only refreshing but places emphasis on taking the time to consider what you are buying for loved ones, and hey why not go the extra mile and spend a bit extra.

The ad has already had over half a million hits on YouTube, surpassing its Christmas 2010 effort, which received 460,000 hits over 11 months!

The ad was created by Adam & Eve

Your Sports Therapist

2011-11-15T10:11:00.001Z

I would like to introduce my brother, Chris, he has recently graduated as a Sports Therapist. If you're looking for sports massage or injury assessment and treatment, be it individually, part of a team or a business looking to bring someone in then please check out www.yoursportstherapist.com

As you would expect being his brother I've had first hand experience on the treatment table. Family relationship a-side, I must say he has worked wonders on my legs. When I first started cycling I suffered terribly from sore, cramped legs, and although the first couple of massages were tough work I now find that I'm considerably better. I've recently had a knee problem which was causing a lot of discomfort, a few weeks later and I'm ok again. Thanks to the support, I was also able to keep on the bike too.

You will be surprised during those first couple of massages just how torn, tight and knotted you actually are. The couple of days after the massage you will be sore and muscles bruised (as he basically has to break the muscle for it to repair it's self) however the next time you're out on the bike, and in the long term, you will definitely notice the difference.

The nutritional and warm up advice Chris has given has been brilliant and definitely made a big difference to my time on the bike.

What I like about Chris is that everything is explained really clearly. If you want to know why a particular part of your quad is sore then he will tell you what particular muscle that is and why it is tight and sore. It's the extra little tips, advice and guidance which make the difference for me; not just a massage and off you go.

If you're suffering from pain, don't put up with it, get in touch.
Niggles and sore, tight muscles can be irritating. It can be easy to simply have a couple of days off, apply deep heat and get on with it however these little niggles can lead into big pains. Yes taking Ibuprofen hoping it will go away may relieve the pain but it doesn't solve the problem.

It will seriously be the best £30 you've ever spent. For those running along ok, a regular massage is great to flush out the toxic acids, keeping the muscles soft, which can effect future performances. Chris also offers Musculoskeletal profiling, which analyses your physical and fitness condition. He will then put together a plan of how you can improve to achieve your goals which is great for pre-season.

For more information visit www.yoursportstherapist.com - I built the website using a Wordpress back end. Branding was created by Steve Podmore.

Back on the boards

2011-11-13T20:16:00.001Z

After last week's disappointing attempt at Cross it was good to get back on tarmac this week. I had a week off work so made the most of it, notably heading out on Wednesday with the wrinklies notching up a pretty decent 65 miles. I love hanging out with the wrinklies on a week off, they are an inspiring bunch of guys, with the fitness levels that some of us could only dream of. Not only do they have a wealth of experience to lean upon but they would run rings round anyone who would dare to take them on too! If you're happily retired, enjoy heading out on your bike and fancy some company you could do no wrong in meeting up with them at Hatchmere crossroads at 10am just outside Delemere Forest.

Thursday saw the return of the club track nights to see us through the dark Winter nights. I loved every minute. The thrill of bombing round the boards, air whizzing past your ears is just awesome.

For me, it was a really good indication of how I've come on fitness wise too. This time last year I was puffing and panting after the warm up, ending up so exhausted that after the 2 hours I couldn't complete the 15 minute warm down. This time I handled it all pretty well, sitting comfortably within the group and completing the warm down with no worries which I was really happy with.

Saturday I took in an easy 32 miles to keep the legs going and today the club run headed into a rolling route of 55 miles.

Over 150 miles in the bank over the last few days. Happy with that!

Cyclo-Cross

2011-11-06T19:54:00.002Z

Today I failed miserably at Cyclo-Cross. To be honest I got myself in a bit of an eager twist, hearing that the year before there were quite a few taking part on mountain bikes I thought I would get into the spirit and give it a go. I didn't quite realise how popular Cyclo-Cross had become, everyone, bar a couple of people, had light Cyclo-Cross bikes and also were made up of a very strong field that I recognised from the races I had been to watch.

I rolled up on my mountain bike. A Carrera Kraken, which I haven't ridden for about 3 years especially not off-road. Although in good nick it would be fair to say it is a budget mountain bike at best and secondly it is incredibly heavy. I rode around the course early doors and I knew it was going to be tough. Although muddy, the terrain was quite firm which suited the thinner tyres and lighter frames of a Cross bike.

As I found, my mountain bike, although I made up time in the muddier undergrowth, got battered everywhere else. Mud stick to the deep grooved tyres like glue. The weight of the bike dug into the grass while the lighter riders and bikes glided over. The steep hill sections, while many slung the bike over their shoulders, I struggled to even push it up. I didn't have SPD pedals, just flats and my trainers couldn't grip the surface either. I found my heart rate souring into the red midway into the first lap and not matter how hard I tried, I just couldn't get it down.

I lasted a couple of laps and pulled out. I hated it and felt completely embarrassed with myself, if humiliated, by the experience. I didn't want to let the club down by pulling out but feel I have by actually competing. I was spending so much energy just trying to keep the bike moving I was blowing up.

It felt bad because Nick at Weaver Valley CC had put on an awesome event with a great course and I wanted to do him justice. If you love Cyclo-Cross I would highly recommend taking part in our event in Northwich next year.

I'll move on, it's been a big lesson for me.

New Get The Label Christmas TV Ad

2011-11-03T15:59:00.003Z

Unbelievably Christmas is only just round the corner and at work we've just completed a new TV ad for online fashion retailer Get The Label.com.

Christmas obviously being the party season you want to stand out from the crowd whether you're going out or simply having folks round at home. GetTheLabel.com offers big name brands at up to 70% off.

You may remember the last ad we did for them which featured Wretch 32 on the soundtrack. The music this time is "Pressure" produced by Nadia Ali, Starkiller and Alex Kenji.

Knee Pain Cycling

2011-10-30T18:20:00.002Z

This afternoon as we left the cafe stop, I had a sharp pain in my right knee that wouldn't go away. It didn't effect my performance (in fact the slower I rode, the worse it got) however pretty much on every upstroke I got a pain around my knee. It was totally out of the blue with nothing to suggest I had done anything out of the ordinary.

This was the unfortunate state of my shaven knee having had it looked at by my brother before having treatment. One of the advantages of having a brother who is a qualified Sports Therapist that any problems are sorted out quickly.

If you're suffering from knee pain or any other pain, or simply need a sports massage to flush out the lactic acid then it is worth seeing a Sports Therapist. In this instance it was simply a sharp pain which has turned out to be the start of a bigger problem. If you're in the North West check out www.yoursportstherapist.com or drop me a message and I'll put you in touch with my brother.

Diagnosis

Well it turns out that I have a lateral tilt of my right patella (my left is perfectly fine) which basically means my knee cap is slightly pulling to the right hand side. My right leg is my dominant leg and the reason for the patella moving to the right is due to a combination of my ITB and outside of my quads being tight and strong. Basically my left hand side of my right leg isn't strong enough.

This is a common diagnosis with cyclists so if you're having any knee problems it is well worth having it checked out.

Treatment

Firstly my quads, especially my ITB band, were very tight and needed massaging out. Tight ITB bands (a muscle strip down the outside of the quad) is a common issue for cyclists; I've spoken to many cyclists about the horror and suffering of having it massaged! So after half an hour of excruciating pain we then moved onto sorting out the knee.

After shaving my knee, Chris laid out some meshing.


He then applied Zinc Oxide strips, these are special in that they don't stretch like normal strips.


He applied 3 strips and they are going to help pull my patella back into place alongside muscle strengthening exercises.

To help strengthen the weaker left hand side, he has given me a couple of exercises, including squeezing a football and squatting with it.

Revolution Track Cycling

2011-10-30T17:41:00.000Z

On Saturday I was fortunate enough to have been given 2 free tickets, courtesy of British Cycling, for the opening Revolution night at Manchester Velodrome.

For anyone into cycling, you will definitely love it and even taking along long suffering partners/family they will too. I took Becky along, it was her first time to Revolution and she loved it (although she said it would be better if they also had showjumping on in the middle at the same time).

The format is excellent with different races split up across the evening. The organisation is super slick so you are never waiting around, as soon as one race finishes another begins. The races are also quite short and snappy too so Becky she never got too bored.

There is a nice mix of Elite Professional riders (for example: Russell Downing and the incredible Alex Dowsett were involved last night) alongside lower level professionals, academy riders and up and coming riders. The boy and girl stars of the future races were really good.

The racing is fast, with the crowd roaring on the last sprint laps or when the bunch is caught by the lone break away rider to take a lap off them.

I also loved the relaxed atmosphere, you help yourself to a seat, no allocations, and you can grab chips, beer, ice cream you name it and just enjoy.

Definitely worth attending over the Winter if you can. November's promises to be a cracker with star riders already including Ed Clancy, Geraint Thomas and....MARK CAVENDISH.

The next event is on 19th November with two rounds in January. Parking is free, racing starts at 7pm and you'll be finished between 9.30-10pm. More details visit http://www.cyclingrevolution.com

Plantronics Ad

2011-10-21T17:21:00.001+01:00

Spotted this Plantronics ad. Really like the idea and turning a potentially boring product (telephone headsets) into something fun while remaining grounded to businesses.

Tour de France 2012 Route

2011-10-18T12:06:00.000+01:00

The 2012 Tour de France route has been announced. The route sees the riders spending several days in Belgium, negotiating roads familiar with the Spring Classics. Remembering the 2010 Tour de France, which spent time on the Belgium pave, we should be in for an interesting first week. The route stays in Northern France for most of the first week which will give chance for a trip across the channel for us Brits.

Moving forward the 2012 Tour de France route has more flatter stages than previous years however Prudhomme has found some new climbs with "very steep parts and very high gradients". Stage 7 finishes on La Planche des Belle Filles, with an average gradient of 8.5% over 6km, the steepest section on this climb being 20%!

For me stage 16 will be a killer with the riders taking on Col's Aubisque, Tourmalet. Aspin and Peyresourd.

Altogether there are 5 mountain stages with 2 summit finishes; across the Tour there are 25 second, first and HC climbs, two more than last year's race. The 2012 route also sees 3 Time Trials, no guessing what Andy and Frank Schleck will be spending time doing this Winter!

I was delighted to read about Mark Cavendish's move to Sky. It is such great news for British Cycling. I look forward to see him working with Bradley Wiggins & Geraint Thomas.

2012 Tour de France route

30 June - Prologue: Liege, 6.1km

1 July - Stage 1: Liege - Seraing 198km

2 July - Stage 2: Vise - Tournai 207km

3 July - Stage 3: Orchies - Boulogne-sur-Mer 197km

4 July - Stage 4: Abbeville - Rouen 214km

5 July - Stage 5: Rouen - St Quentin 197km

6 July - Stage 6: Epernay - Metz 210km

7 July - Stage 7: Tomblaine - La Planche des Belles Filles 199km

8 July - Stage 8: Belfort - Porrentruy 154km

9 July - Stage 9: Arc-et-Senans - Besancon (time trial) 38km

10 July - Rest day in Macon

11 July - Stage 10: Macon - Bellegarde-sur-Valserine 194km

12 July - Stage 11: Albertville - La Toussuire/Les Sybelles 140km

13 July - Stage 12: St Jean de Maurienne - Annonay 220km

14 July - Stage 13: St Paul Trois Chateaux - Le Cap d'Agde 215km

15 July - Stage 14: Limoux - Foix 192km

16 July - Stage 15: Samatan - Pau 160km

17 July - Rest day in Pau

18 July - Stage 16: Pau - Bagnères de Luchon 197km

19 July - Stage 17: Bagnères de Luchon - Peyragudes 144km

20 July - Stage 18: Blagnac - Brive la Gaillarde 215km

21 July - Stage 19: Bonneval - Chartres (time trial) 52km

22 July - Stage 20: Rambouillet - Paris Champs-Élysées 130km

Kitchen Conference 2011

2011-10-17T10:45:00.002+01:00

Sorry to have not posted recently but I have been man down with this cold/flu bug doing the rounds. As such I've not been up to much but sleeping. Luckily before I was hit with the dreaded lurgy I visited the 2011 Kitchen Conference run by KBB Review magazine.

The main reason for my visit was to support Duncan Marr, MD to one of my clients at work Franke, however it was also interesting to get a top level insight into how the industry was performing.

As you might expect everyone was finding it tough, many were finding their revenues flatlining however there were deals still to be had especially at the bottom and top ends of the market. The top end of the market was particulary lucrative as consumers searched for greater reassurance of quality product and service.

What I found especially interesting was that the majority were of the opinion that sales were made through adding extra value to services. One point I found very interesting was from William McGrath, CEO at Aga Rangemaster. McGrath is a very positive chap, listening to him you feel enthused and he obviously enjoys his work greatly. I'm sure that a big part of this was that Aga Rangemaster had announced "better-than-threefold" increases in operating profits in the first half of 2011 just before the conference.

In the tough times we are in, how have Aga Rangemaster been able to increase operating profits so greatly, especially considering their product is highly aspirational with a price tag to match? William McGrath put it down to hard work in changing consumer behaviour. Their marketing has concentrated on making the kitchen the heart of the home; if Aga Rangemaster can persuade consumers to part with big sums of money on a new cooker they will be more willing to spend time socialising in the kitchen. How do we get consumers to part with big sums of money? Interestingly McGrath mentioned that such is the poor return on current savings, by investing the money into an Aga the consumer will be raising the profile of their home and with it the value of the property.

This big, bold thinking. Such thinking is wonderfully refreshing. I've blogged numerous times about how targeting consumers emotionally will have a greater effect on profit and here it is in action.

Sink & Tap on Kelly Hoppen Superior Interiors

2011-10-04T13:00:00.005+01:00

One of my clients Franke, are having a sink and tap featured on Kelly Hoppen's Superior Interiors on Channel 5 tonight (Tuesday 4th October, 8pm).

The products being featured are the gorgeous Planar PPX sink with Planar Chrome taps. The episode sees interior designer of the stars Kelly Hoppen take on the Applebaum family’s kitchen in Chigwell, Essex.

For more information on Franke sinks & taps check out their website, they have a handy dealer locator if you're in the market for a purchase.

I would also check out the stunning Mythos Fusion Fragranite sink and Minerva boiling water tap which, as well as being your traditional hot and cold tap, disperses boiling hot water instantly - perfect for brews! 2011 is also Franke's 100 year anniversary!

Johnny Helms TT - Sunday 9th October 2011

2011-10-03T11:22:00.003+01:00

This Sunday sees the second Johnny Helms Memorial Time Trial which takes place on the outskirts of Chelford and Knutsford.

Johnny Helms was a long standing cartoonist for Cycling Weekly, when he passed away his cycling club Warrington RC decided to set up a memorial 2-up TT.

The Johnny Helms TT is 22.8miles and sees legendary vets pair up alongside younger riders. Last year Derek Hodgins and Carl Ruebotham won. This year sees the return of legendary Time Trialist Dave Hinde and Weaver Valley's very own Alan Kemp taking part.

The Course

Event HQ
Marthall Village Hall.

The course (22.8 miles)
Start in Snelson Lane at first junction south of the A537, continue south and turn left onto Pepper Street and then left onto the A537, then left into Seven Sisters, then left onto the A50, then left at Stocks Lane, then left into Chelford Lane, which turns into Pepper Street. Circuit is completed three times and on the third lap turn back into Snelson Lane to finish near the start.

Rules
The younger rider must pace the veteran around the course until the final mile, at which point the veteran must take over and pace the younger rider to the finish.

Start List
12.03 1 Gordon Leicester Coveryourcar.co.uk RT S
12.03 2 Paul Spencer Warrington RC V44

12.06 3 Anna Burton Cole Morley CC L
12.06 4 Denise Burton Cole Morley CC LV

12.09 5 Simon Rushden Phoenix CC S
12.09 6 Peter Ryalls Sheffield Phoenix CC V

12.12 7 Darren Topping Warrington RC V43
12.12 8 Steve Heffernan V

12.15 9 Sarah Storey Horizon Fitness L
12.15 10 Mandy Bishop GS Surosa LV

12.18 11 Vicky Stinton Birkenhead North End L
12.18 12 Geoff Dutton Birkenhead North End V63

12.21 13 Adrian Ward Shaftesbury CC V47
12.21 14 Mick Ward Haverhill Wh V77

12.24 15 Matthew Middleton H. Middleton CC S
12.24 16 Stan Brittain Phoenix CC V80

12.27 17 Vicky Thomas Liverpool Mercury L
12.27 18 Phil Thomas Liverpool Mercury V55

12.30 19 Lynn Hamel Team Herbalife Wheelbase L
12.30 20 Peter Graham Lancashire RC V76

12.33 21 Frank Lyon Liverpool Mercury V61
12.33 22 John Akins Liverpool Mercury V67

12.36 23 Josh Cowley Warrington RC S
12.36 24 Vic Marcroft Warrington RC V72

12.39 25 Ryan Mullen Planet X J
12.39 26 John Bettinson LVRC V70

12.42 27 Graeme Holmes V48
12.42 28 Bill Holmes Hull Thursday V75

12.45 29 Paul Curran Blackhawk V50
12.45 30 Jack Wright Middridge CRT V70

12.48 31 Ron Stuart Mid Shropshire Wh V60
12.48 32 Tony Hewson CTC Shropshire V77

12.51 33 Robin Brennan Preston CC V45
12.51 34 Jack Kershaw V

12.54 35 Keith Reynolds Solihull CC V47
12.54 36 Harry Reynolds Solihull CC V76

12.57 37 Paul Holdsworth Hounslow & District Wh V47
12.57 38 Jeff Marshall Hounslow & District Wh V70

13.00 39 Dave Williams Kuota-Esg-Spinergy V45
13.00 40 John Parker Kuota Racing V53

13.03 41 Cheryl Trueman Team Swift LV
13.03 42 Mike Smith Team Swift V68

13.06 43 John McMillan Finchley Racing Team V67
13.06 44 John (Gino) Goddard Kenton RC V78

13.09 45 Andy Tinsley Maxgear RT S
13.09 46 John Perks CC Giro V81

13.12 47 Andrew Eagers Derby Mercury CC V48
13.12 48 Derrick Woodings M.I. Racing V71

13.15 49 Warren Bailey Litchfield CC V48
13.15 50 Ben McKay Warrington RC S

13.18 51 Bernie Burns Aire Valley Cycles RT V45
13.18 52 Bernard Burns Aire Valley Cycles RT V71

13.21 53 Dan McLay Davo Lotto Team S
13.21 54 Tim Harris V

13.24 55 Paul Shallicker Coveryourcar.co.uk RT S
13.24 56 Alan Mellor V63

13.27 57 Steve Daintith Warrington RC S
13.27 58 Trevor Horton Warrington RC V67

13.30 59 Andy Wilkinson Port Sunlight Wh V48
13.30 60 Jill Wilkinson Port Sunlight Wh LV

13.33 61 Steve Burke Macclesfield Wh S
13.33 62 Roger Wrenn Macclesfield Wh V67

13.36 63 Martin Kerry Lancashire RC V51
13.36 64 Frank Kerry Lancashire RC V76

13.39 65 Nigel Farr North Shropshire Wh V57
13.39 66 Phil Guy North Shropshire Wh V63

13.42 67 Nige Wood Wills Wheels V48
13.42 68 Jack Watson M.I. Racing V74

13.45 69 Lynne Taylor Born To Bike LV
13.45 70 Pauline Wallis Clarence Wheelers CC LV

13.48 71 Carl Millar Warrington RC V47
13.48 72 Ernie Lightfoot VC Halton V70

13.51 73 Lee Matthews Liverpool Mercury S
13.51 74 Peter Matthews Liverpool Mercury V68

13.54 75 Charles Taylor South Pennine RC S
13.54 76 Ron Hallam South Pennine RC V81

13.57 77 Stan Maciak Didcot Phoenix V66
13.57 78 John Woodburn VC Meudon V74

14.00 79 Richard Handley Team Raleigh S
14.00 80 Alan Kemp Weaver Valley CC V70

14.03 81 Chris Siepen Seamons CC S
14.03 82 Brian Rourke Brian Rouke Cycles V

14.06 83 Nigel Bishop GSSurosa V45
14.06 84 Bob Porter ABC Centreville V67

14.09 85 Sean Childs Royal Navy / Marines C.A V40
14.09 86 Colin Lewis Mid Devon CC V69

14.12 87 Steve Fidler Team Elite.co.uk S
14.12 88 Dave Hinde Dave Hinde Racing V

14.15 89 Charles McCulloch www.drag2zero.com V49
14.15 90 Tony Farrell Westmead Team 88 V67

14.18 91 George Atkins Velo Ecosse S
14.18 92 Phil Rayner Welland Valley CC V47

14.21 93 Barry Charlton Lyme RC V45
14.21 94 Les West GS Strada V67

14.21 95 Barry Couldrey Stourbridge Velo V50
14.24 96 Roger Iddles Stourbridge Velo V67

14.27 97 Lee Tunnicliffe Planet X S
14.27 98 Jon Surtees Team Swift V44

14.30 99 Carl Ruebotham Team Swift V45
14.30 100 Derek Hodgins Stockport Clarion CC V77

Work blog post - Behavioural Economics

2011-09-30T12:49:00.004+01:00

I've written a blog post for work which is a quick introduction into Behavioural Economics. It touches on how (by understanding how we make choices) making little changes to our planning could have a real big impact on sales. Even down to simply adding or taking a £1 can make a big difference!

You can read the blog at http://www.onemcr.co.uk/one-marketing-news/becoming-a-choice-architect.html

Cheshire Classic Womens Road Race 2012

2011-09-27T21:43:00.005+01:00

Just has confirmation from British Cycling that the Cheshire Classic Womens Road Race will be on Sunday 22nd April 2012. The race promoted by Weaver Valley CC and held in Northwich will be 80km and open to E/1/2/3/4 categories once again. The event will be part of British Cycling's National Series.

This year I'm helping promote the event alongside Terry Veal. I'll publish more details as soon as I have them as we are just finishing the registration process.

World Junior Champion Lucy Garner won the race last year. For details of last year's race click here.

Women's National Series 2012 Dates
Sunday 22nd April - Cheshire Classic
Sunday 27th May - Hillingdon Women’s GP
Sunday 10th June - Capernwray Women’s Road Race
Sunday 1st July - Curlew Cup Women’s Road Race
Sunday 15th July - CDNW Women’s Road Race
Sunday 14th July - Tour of Blackpool
Saturday 4th August - Tywyn Crits
Saturday 11th August - Essex Giro 2-day

What have we learnt from the latest Facebook update?

2011-09-26T10:02:00.004+01:00

Last week Facebook updated it's user interface. I was really surprised by the response which I thought was quite negative by many. To me the changes which Facebook implemented were positive and would provide a great user experience. I had my own thoughts to why people were upset however I did some research and asked a few questions to see what the issues were.

In the main it was the "shock" and "surprise" of the updates. As one person put it to me, "considering Facebook is user focussed, better dialogue with it's userbase would have limited the amount of bad press". This was echoed by all people I questioned, without warning their environment, which they had grown used to, had changed.

The second reason for their upset was the amount of changes being made, with pop ups coming up telling them of new features. One person mentioned "you get used to one thing and it changes again the next" and another mentioned that there were "too many changes for infrequent users".

What can we take from this?

Although we are not immune to change, we do hate it. The main reason being is that we don't know what the changes will be and how it will affect us. With X-Factor we were fearful for loosing Simon and Cheryl, that Kelly, Tulisa and Gary wouldn't be the same. It in fact turns out that everything is ok and we still like X-Factor very much.

We can help overcome any barriers to change by communicating clearly. Communication is key: get everyone prepared. Keeping your customers informed at all times is critically important. If there are any delays or any changes we need to communicate this before hand, clearly explain why changes are needed and illustrate the new features, advantages and benefits.

People find constant, drip fed changes frustrating. It may be good advice to slowly introduce new changes to get people slowly used to new incentives however in effect you are pro-longing any negativity. You might as well make the changes in one big hit and get the moaning over with.

So in effect, Facebook did the right thing in releasing their updates all at once however it would have been a good idea to have run a campaign leading up to change over day informing users of exciting new changes and perhaps a glimpse of what was coming up.

Music download website Beatport did this brilliantly when their website (which hadn't changed since it was first launched and became the biggest dance music download website globally) changed from Flash based to HTML 5. Their communication campaign lasted several months, plus BETA previews before going live.

Mark Cavendish & Lucy Garner World Champions

2011-09-25T20:02:00.007+01:00

Legends

Great Britain has had a ball this weekend in Copenhagen at the Cycling World Championships. In a heart stopping final 10km, Mark Cavendish managed to pick his way through the bunch to become World Champion, the first British rider to wear the rainbow jersey since 1965 when the incredible Tom Simpson won. Lucy Garner was also crowned Junior World Champion.

Lucy also came first at Weaver Valley's Cheshire Classic Road Race back in April. I would like to think our hill sprint finish gave her early season practice for an incredible win where she took metres out of the opposition!

I'm a massive fan of Mark Cavendish. I've followed him since I first saw him with T-Mobile at the Tour of Britain and I loved reading his autobiography. I hope he follows up with a second edition after an incredible year which has seen him pick the Green jersey at the Tour de France and now the rainbow jersey as World Champion. A phenomenal talent by any stretch of the imagination.

Both are an inspiration to us all and have done the country very proud.

A shout out must also go out to Bradley Wiggins, picking up a very credible second place behind Fabian Cancellera in the Time Trial Championships before going on to pull the whole peloton along to bring back the break for Cav to go on and win today. Incredible.

Sunday's ride feat The Wizard

2011-09-19T12:52:00.007+01:00

A lovely ride this Sunday over to Flora Tea Rooms at Henbury which took in Tatton Park, Styal and The Wizard climb in Alderley Edge. It is a beautiful time of year to be out and about on your bike, crisp mornings with the hazy sun peaking through golden leaves on the trees, the greens of the grass already looking darker.

It was the last club run for a couple of weeks as next week we have the Hill Climb and the Autumn Road Race the week after which closes off the season. It only seems like 5 minutes since it started!

Tour of Britain - Gun Hill

2011-09-14T15:58:00.003+01:00

I went to watch the Stoke stage of the Tour of Britain yesterday. The route travels North from Stoke across the Staffordshire moorlands and hits Gun Hill on the outskirts of Congleton. Gun Hill is a 1st category climb so I couldn't resist in taking a day off to go and watch.

I've never watched a major pro road race before, I've only been to town centre crits. As I arrived an hour before they were due it was already busy on the climb with hundreds of people turning out to watch. A couple of lads from the club had ridden out however struck with a bad head cold I decided to drive up.

There was a good atmosphere on the climb with lots of banter, ITV were filming an introduction the hill for later on and Motorpoint took our photo for their website. There was an air of anticipation forming. 15 minutes before the riders arrived it all went very quiet, an eery hush decended over the climb as people stood focussed down the hill: waiting.

Your heartbeat starts getting faster with each police motorcycle that past. The commentator car then pulls up. Over a loud speaker he lets everyone know what is going on. Who is in the break, the time gap and who is chasing. As he finishes you can just make out the helicopter in the distance following the riders. They are coming. You're now fired up but it's still quiet.

You stare down the hill. Every honk and siren could be the leaders coming up. But it's not. The helicopter is now overhead. More police motorbikes shoot by and then suddenly a massive airhorn screams. They are here. The crowd below roars. You then see the first rider bound round the corner and pounce over the top of the climb.

The chase group then turns the corner. You lunge down. Clench your first and tell them to keep going. They are so close to you. You scan as fast as possible trying to make out riders. You grab eye contact with Geraint Thomas and David Millar. Scream at Roger Hammond sliding off the back and within a minute they are gone.

It happens so fast but it is such a thrill. The build up and anticipation is amazing. I just keep imagining how amazing waiting for The Tour must be, sleeping all night, waiting all day for the riders to arrive. If you ever get the chance I would definitely recommend it.

When Fiction Becomes Non-Fiction

2011-09-14T10:59:00.002+01:00

I came across www.JustRosie.com after seeing an article on MEN online this morning. I don't watch Coronation Street myself however it seems as though Rosie Webster on the soap is launching a modelling career. To help promote herself she has set up her own website. Coronation Street has published this website live and viewers can interact directly.

I really like the idea and adds real depth to the soap. The website has been nicely executed, looking suitably amateurish as if Rosie had done it herself however it includes some nice features which will help the soap develop it's viewer database with email data capture and Facebook page following tools.

It also provides a platform for advertisers with banner ads all round and ads before the video footage too.

Product placement will become ever more prominent, we have seen a very good example of it's use on Celebrity Big Brother recently with "Fright Night".

Much like product marketing, if TV programmes are to increase viewers they need to engage innovatively on an emotional level.

Marks & Spencer

2011-09-12T16:42:00.005+01:00

Before we start Christmas trading, Marks & Spencer are starting a push which will see the brand looking to discover new audiences and develop existing brands such as the successful Per Una, Autograph & Blue Harbour.

In a bid to appeal to a younger audience the move has already seen "M&S" used more in press releases and marketing materials while the brand has also taken out sponsorship of X-Factor ticket giveaways, replacing Very.

The TV ad was created by Rainey Kelly Campbell/Y&R and directed by Jordon Scott, daughter of Ridley. I think the new TV ad is a good execution. It has a nice middle class, middle age touch to it which won't upset traditional M&S customers however it has a youthful, playful edge to it.

Meanwhile to capture younger fans the brand has announced Ryan Reynolds and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley as the new faces of their Autograph collection. While I like the use of Burberry model Rosie I'm dubious on the use of Hollywood actor Reynolds. I appreciate the 34 year old X-Man actor is a big pull but surely there was British talent they could have tapped into?

The brand has also announced plans for a new store strategy which will use 14 pilot stores to test new concepts such as developing the M&S brands in their own right, adding wooden shelves to the food department & introducing an in-house fresh pasta maker to become more of a "specialist". The push will also see new food packaging.

All this is a big, big investment by the brand and it will be interesting to see the developments. The sponsorship of X-Factor is an interesting move. The target age for the show is 16-34 which would see M&S hitting the lucrative 30-34 bracket. They could get a small percentage of late 20s if they are lucky.

These younger consumers are still very brand conscious. If I was M&S (and from previous buying experience) I would remove the M&S element from the clothing and concentrate on solely promoting Autograph and Collezione as brands. They have real, real potential.

Update: 14th September:
Just an update on this blog. I've today read that Marks and Spencer will be dropping "Marks & Spencer" from all clothing labels and rebranding as simply "M&S Woman" and "M&S Man". More info here but could be interesting!

Cheshire Cat 2012

2011-09-12T11:10:00.003+01:00

One for your diaries, the date for the Cheshire Cat 2012 sportive is Sunday 25th March 2012.

Entries open 1st November at 12pm at Kilotogo

In 2012 riders will not only take on Mow Cop but also Gun Hill too! Details are still being finalised but I would expect the start to be from Crewe Alexandra Football Club again (with the queuing issues resolved from last year). Expect the route to head to Mow Cop before heading into the hills around Congleton, Macclesfield, Winkle and then Gun Hill. Whether the final half of the route will see you on the flat back home through Siddington, Swettenham, Holmes Chapel and the back end of Nantwich again I'm not sure.

You can read my review from last year here and another blog which previews the Cheshire Cat sportive course.

86% of companies don't chase up on 'abandoned baskets'

2011-09-09T16:13:00.003+01:00

I read an interesting piece of research from Behavioural Email experts RedEye which shows a huge percentage of online retailers don't chase up on abandoned baskets. Only 14% of companies are chasing up (up 7% from November 2010).

I first blogged about this back in June 2010. It is such an important area, the internet's very own hot lead, but as the research shows only a minority of companies actively chase up on why you haven't bought those items. We need to consider how we overcome these barriers to sale.

My blog back in June commented that the main reason for abandoned baskets was due to hidden costs such as postage or consumers not being ready. If we use Behavioural Economics we can look at solving these barriers. My article in June goes into this in more detail.

NFS - Stuttering Outdoor Media

2011-09-09T14:33:00.002+01:00

Y&R get a lot of coverage on this blog, and yet again their Amsterdam colleagues have come up trumps with this brilliant piece of outdoor media to promote awareness of stuttering. Great thinking and use of media.

Diners Club International - TV Ad

2011-09-09T14:14:00.002+01:00

Came across this TV ad produced by TBWA in Israel. It illustrates what the added benefits of having a Diners card could bring. Very funny.

Ariel Washing Powder Fashion Shoot

2011-09-09T14:03:00.003+01:00

I love this idea from Saatchi's in Sweden. Washing powder is a product with very low consumer engagement, mainly due to us having too many negative connotations through doing our washing. During one week Saatchi's built a glass box Stockholm Central Station, inside there was a robot loaded with ketchup, jam...you name it and a rotating washing line with designer clothing.

People were invited to visit Ariel's Facebook page where they could win clothes by controlling the robot in real time online. The designer garments were used as targets and the challenge was to hit them with the robot. The stained garment was then sent in the post after being washed on-site with regular Ariel Actilift.

Brilliant.

WVCC Autumn Road Race - 2nd October 2011

2011-09-06T12:04:00.006+01:00

Weaver Valley CC Autumn Road Race
Sunday 2nd October 2011
Wincham Circuit
Start 10am. Regional B, Band 4, 3rd & 4th cats.
Distance 50miles.
Entry: £12. On the day: £15.

It doesn't seem like 5 minutes since we were hosting our women's road race in April! We round off the season and return to the Wincham circuit for a race aimed at 3rd/4th cats.

Unlike the Acton Bridge circuit with the cliff climb, the Wincham/Pickmere/Antrobus circuit is pretty flat with just a couple of drags to contend with which shouldn't cause too many problems in a group. The circuit should encourage fast racing, with a couple of sharp turns at junctions to contend with, riders will be wanting to keep an eye on a breakaway.

For details and to enter visit http://www.britishcycling.org.uk/events/details/66722/Weaver-Valley-Autumn-Road-Race

WVCC Cat and Fiddle Hill Climb 2011

2011-09-06T11:43:00.007+01:00

As Autumn starts to rear it's sleepy head, cyclists start to focus their minds on the hill climb season. Various hill climb competitions are held all over the country on the UK's legendary climbs.

At Weaver Valley CC we promote the infamous Cat and Fiddle Hill Climb Champs, which was last year won by Raleigh's Mike Cuming. The hill climb competition is open to everyone, so if you're mean, lean and fancy yourself as a mountain goat then get involved.

This year the Cat and Fiddle Hill Climb is on Sunday 25th September 2011.

For those of you who don't know about the Cat and Fiddle, it is a 11km climb which starts on the outskirts of Macclesfield and crosses over the Peak District to Buxton (A537). At the top of the climb is the second-highest pub in the UK, the Cat & Fiddle Inn. The average gradient is 3,7%, so not the steepest in the World and in some parts it actually dips and flattens out, however it is the distance which people struggle with.

I'm delighted to say that we've got over 130 entries to this year's event which is a record! Thank you to everyone who has entered, I look forward to cheering you on near Peak View cafe when I'm marshalling.

You can download the start list at http://www.weavervalleycc.org.uk/downloads/WVCCHillClimb2011StartSheet.pdf

Update: 28th September

2011 Results
Fastest male: Gunnar Gronlund (RST Racing Team)
Fastest female: Lynn Hamel (Herbalife / Wheelbase)
Fastest junior: Jack Bowyer (Team Wallis) (Weaver Valley's Dylan Sharrock came third!)
Fastest team: Buxton CC (Weaver Valley came second!)

You can download full results at http://www.weavervalleycc.org.uk/downloads/WVCCHillClimb2011ResultSheet.pdf

The club run captain

2011-09-04T18:45:00.006+01:00

I'd just like to push out a quick blog as an ode to the club run captain. This is someone who is responsible for deciding the destination of each cafe stop every weekend, who looks after new riders out on their first club runs and guides the club run to it's destination.

The club run captain keeps a bunch of up to 20 riders of varying abilities together, safely, on a round trip of up to 60 miles each weekend. In my opinion it is not only an incredibly responsible but important job.

Our club run captain at Weaver Valley CC, Alan Silver, is stepping back from his duties at the end of September. Speak to anyone in the club and they will mention Alan. He is responsible of introducing and developing so many riders, I know that I would be the rider I am now without the support and guidance of Al.

I've lead a club run and know first hand how hard it can be to keep everyone together. Making sure the slower riders are ok at the back while you challenge and set out a sprint for the more developed riders at the front, all the while making sure everyone is going in the right direction and safe. You are constantly going up and down the bunch, sitting on the front and to be honest I was exhausted at the end of it all. Al does this every weekend with such ease.

I have nothing but respect for him. Cheers for everything Al.

We had a great ride to Dunham Massey today, some pics below.

Manchester 100 route

2011-09-01T20:26:00.005+01:00

Good luck to everyone doing the Manchester 100 this weekend. I'm still in two minds whether to compete but if you are ready and raring to go you'll be in for a good day on the bike.

Just keep a nice steady cadence, keep it easy until the route split and then lift the pace slightly until the halfway point. After the halfway point the roads are very rolling so get in a group if you can and work together to set a nice pace.

Don't hang on with a group if you can't handle the tempo. There is no point just about hanging on, wou will end up worse off. Keep at your own tempo and you'll come across someone who is your perfect partner.

It's a nice course with pretty flat country lanes all the way round. Leaving Wythenshaw Park you will head through built up Hale before breaking into winding country lanes through Ashley, past Tatton Park to Knutsford.

From Knutsford you will cross the A556 past The Windmill pub into Pickmere, the chocolate box village of Great Budworth (watch a sharp hill at the crossroad junction and later on through near Marbury Park). A decent down into Winnington before a sharp, short hill before the t-junction after you turn right going through the industrial estate.

It is around this point as you head through Hartford that the 2 routes will split. The 100 mile route will continue to Delemere Forest and onward to Beeston Castle (where it gets a bit lumpy) before stopping at Nantwich for lunch.

From Nantwich you will head home via Warmingham (re-uniting you with the shorter route). The route takes you from Middlewich into Wilmslow past Styal (and a sharp hill) and back to Wythenshaw Park.

My top tip would to add on an extra half an hour on what you're thinking to get to Wythenshaw Park. It gets very busy!! Watch out for dodgy riders all over the road, give twice as much room as usual.

Have a good one!

Waterstone's end 3 for 2 deals

2011-08-31T13:17:00.004+01:00

I read an interesting story on The Drum this lunchtime. Book store Waterstone's is scrapping it's 3 for 2 deals on books from today and instead concentrating on discounting individual books. The offer had been running for over a decade.

It is an interesting concept and one that is surprising considering the amount of research and effectiveness case studies (particularly from behavioural economics) against the route of discounting.

Although effectively it was it's strongest performer, HMV was forced to sell Waterstone's to raise cash. For Waterstone's (now under new owners) which has been struggling with like for like sales recently, I feel it is a strange tactic to be taking. Ok I'm on the outside looking in but other than increasing sales volume when we look at how discounting affects profit and perceived value the effect can be detrimental especially to the bottom line.

Perception

I would worry about the perceived value of the brand through discounting. We as humans make irrational decisions, we are effected emotionally and because of that we will put a percieved value on products. By discounting we are saying that our products are actually worth less. We as consumers question why the goods are discounted until eventually we don't buy goods at all, waiting for them to be discounted.

Even during the recession, brands that decided not to discount were still found to be far more profitable despite selling less than brands that were discounting.

Joules is a brilliant but unfortunate example of this. A potentially brilliant brand yet I find myself being constantly plagued by discounted offers. I no longer wait to pay £32 for a polo shirt, I now wait for the sales when they are £20. I probably would have bought the polo shirt at £32 however I know that there is a considerably lower price to be found if I wait.

Instead if they had offered say FREE postage (as behaviourally we all react to FREE) I would have bought two items and they would have lost a lot less compared to discounting product.

Investing emotionally into brands, getting that perceived value stronger, is a great tactic. Lets face it, you will never see an Apple product discounted will you? Investing emotionally is also something which Richard Carrick, former CEO of MyTravel agrees with too.

#Simonstrong

2011-08-26T11:22:00.002+01:00

Phil Jones over at race-pace.net is running a nice campaign in support of Paralympic cyclist Simon Richardson MBE.

Simon is currently critically ill in hospital following a hit and run incident with a van last week. His injuries are horrific and include a double fracture of the spine, a double pelvis break, a broken breast bone, severe lacerations to his legs and a deflated lung. This following a similar incident in 2001 which lead to him becoming a paralympian bringing home two golds and one silver at Beijing in 2008.

In support of Simon Richardson, Phil Jones has set up #simonstrong. A social media campaign which is encouraging cyclists to post pictures to a Flickr account in a show of support.

You can click here for more details or simply print and download this document, get your picture taken and send it to @roadphil on Twitter with the #simonstrong hash tag.

I wish Simon all the best and hope he makes a full recovery. The amount of pain the guy must be in must be unbelievable, especially when you consider it his second incident.

If you're a cyclist please get involved with the campaign.

Some nice ads

2011-08-26T10:56:00.003+01:00

I have spotted a couple of ads which I think are really nice.

The first being the new Ikea ad which debuted on Saturday during X-Factor. Beautifully crafted by London ad agency Mother with post-production by Factory. The production is typically Ikea and shows the couple having a play fight before bed. I love the proposition behind this ad, reminding people to go "happy to bed". Installing Ikea furniture obviously adds to that.

The media is very well planned with spots running around the evening. The activity also an iPhone app which allows users to personalise their exact "happy to bed" time based on their sleep cycles. Brilliant!

Keeping with Mother, they also recently picked up the £25 million MoneySupermarket account and have pushed the very nice "you're so MoneySupermarket" surf ad. It's great to see them ditching Omid Dhajli which was becoming very tired. Personally I didn't get the comedy either.

I like this new approach as it allows the ad to be seasonal and for us to associate with the situation. Brilliantly crafted it touches on the joy of using the broker website, it shows a man surfing on an inflatable crocodile after saving money on his car insurance.

I love the comic touches such as the suntan being thrown onto the BBQ. Incredibly, the CGI has come under some criticism on a few message boards. Quite obviously it's a poor execution intentionally to add to the humour!

Autoglass Windscreen Replacement

2011-08-05T11:54:00.004+01:00

This is the cause of being hit by a massive stone, driving home on Wednesday night. It meant putting in a second call to Autoglass who had only a month earlier visited me due to a smaller crack which was repaired within 15 minutes.

I must say if there is an example needed of how good customer service should be implemented and excuted then Autoglass would be it. Their customer service is refreshingly exemplary.

Getting the process rolling is incredibly easy, filling in a couple of details on the website is a breeze due to the clean layout and easy to understand illustrations. Having filled in my details I was called within the hour to have my details and a date confirmed. They liased with my insurance company.

Not only did I recieve an email confirmation on both occasions, but I recieved a text message later in the evening to remind me about the early morning appointment, giving me a number to call should their be any problems.

The following morning the fitter called me to let me know he was on his way before he left. He was doubtful it could be fitted due to the possible rain, but said he would travel over just in case it was ok. Once he arrived the weather was ok and he had a new windscreen fitted within 2 hours.

Two signatures later and he was off. Everyone I have dealt with at Autoglass has been incredibly friendly with calls returned on the minute. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them. Thanks to fitter Craig (South Manchester) for his help.

The Tour 2011

2011-07-24T21:59:00.002+01:00

Had you read this blog 3 weeks ago and placed a bet based on my predications (not that I would have even recommended that) you now be much better off with Cadel Evans and Mark Cavendish both taking home winners jerseys.

This year's Tour has been one of the best. The racing has been incredible and in my opinion the best rider won. Cadel fought right from day one, many will forget his exploits in the first week, sprinting to lead the peloton over the finishes. He fought well in the mountains, when Andy Schleck attacked he pulled the bunch up over the Galibier & Alpe d' Huez to save time. His Time Trial to eventually win was sublime. This was perhaps his last year to take the Yellow jersey, personally I like the guy, he wears his heart on his sleeve and I'm chuffed to see him win.

To see Mark Cavendish take the Green jersey is just brilliant. The first ever UK rider to win the green jersey and at such a young age. He is one of a select few to have won 3 times on the Champs Elysees, together with 20 stages in the Tour de France. The guy will be come (if not already) legendary and I believe one to watch in the World Championships.

For me Thomas Voeckler and Phillipe Gilbert have been revelations. Their riding has been both entertaining and incredible. Voeckler fought for every kilometer to keep the yellow jersey. I'm sure he won't ever have to buy a drink in France ever again!

Lets not forget Sky's Geraint Thomas, best British rider finishing 32nd! He is still young and I believe we could see him challenging for the Yellow jersey in year's to come. With a new 3 year contract with Sky signed, I'm sure we haven't seen the last from him yet.

It has been the best Tour de France for years however if Bradley Wiggins hadn't of crashed, I wonder what the result would have been.....

A year with the club

2011-07-11T20:02:00.006+01:00

Last weekend I celebrated my first anniversary with Weaver Valley Cycling Club. It certainly has been a rollercoaster. The ups and downs you go through are just incredible. My first year has been full of new challenges.

Your lifestyle changes (well mine has anyway). You watch what you eat. Saturday nights are now spent eating pasta, getting an early night before rising early on Sunday. Sunday breakfast is porridge before heading off on your bike in all weathers. You can return home strong and elated, other times cold, wet and exhausted just wishing it would all end. I remember once my body was so numb with cold that it took 15 minutes for me to get under the shower. Even so, you'll always be there at 9.30 the following Sunday ready to go.

I'm now completing around 100 miles a week (a club run can be 55-65 miles in one go), I've competed at the Velodrome in Manchester, which was awesome, and I'm now doing Club 10 Time Trials every Wednesday. I've marshalled and I've been lead car for the road races the club promotes. I also went away with the club to Llanberis in February. I was nervous amongst some really good riders: with a difficult route I only rode half way each day but loved the experience. The scenery was incredible and I'm building up to next year.

Dave Fearon was the man responsible. I had noticed the ads in the local Guardian promoting for new members, I had been building my fitness up over the past year aiming to join the club eventually and on one of my rides he rode home with me. He suggested I should come out on a club run. I'll always remember my first run with the club, a 60 mile round trip to Holt near Wrexham. A distance that I can comfortably deal with now but 12 months ago it was a distance which I saved for a sportive about 5 times a year. It was a tough run, I went off the back on pretty much every climb, I clung on in the middle of the bunch for most of the ride and was destroyed by the time I got home. Despite that I met a great bunch of guys.

I've stuck with it and I've only missed a couple of runs since then (I remember one run in December where only two of us met up on the Sunday morning!).

I've made loads of great friends. I need to mention in particular club run captain Al Silver who has been brilliant in offering support (we recently did a 25 minute 10 mile TT 2-Up) and I've really enjoyed supporting the juniors within the club, especially James Risk. It is hard to believe he is only 14 and he is certainly one to watch in the future.

If you are considering joining a club and you have a good year under your belt with training miles and sportives then get involved. It's ace.

Santa Pepsi Ad for the Summer

2011-07-01T11:07:00.003+01:00

I love this ad from Pepsi. It is a very clever ownership of Summer for the brand. Coke Cola is notorious for it's Christmas advertising, so much so that people now regard Christmas not starting until they've seen the Coke Cola lorry on the ad.

In a clever twist Pepsi have caught Santa on his summer holidays, when offered a Coke Cola at the bar, he turns it down in return for Pepsi as he wants to have a little fun. This is followed by the strapline "Summer time is Pepsi time". Love the thinking!

The ad was created by TBWA/Chiat/Day. In a decent article on Ad Age they had a quote from Pepsi saying "We want for Pepsi to own the summer. It's a time when people want to have fun, go on vacation. ... The entire blue system, whether the bottlers or ourselves, is committed to really owning the summer."

The campaign includes radio, out-of-home and digital buys, as well as social-media elements. A Foursquare partnership will see consumers checking into hot summer locations, such as beaches.

The campaign comes on the back of Pepsi recently dropping to America's 3rd following Diet Coke in 2nd and Coke as brand leader. PepsiCo have increased spend by 30% on it's beverage brands.

The Daily Mail of all people has a nice case study into the two companies and their advertising http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2009931/Pepsis-new-advert-steals-Santa-Coca-Cola-cola-wars-hot-up.html

Tour de France 2011

2011-07-01T09:14:00.005+01:00

The 2011 Tour starts this weekend (how quickly has that come round?!), celebrating it's 100th anniversary in the Alps the riders will tackle 3,430km over 21 stages.

The route only includes one individual Time Trial this year on the penultimate day and a Team Time Trial on the second day. This could be problematic for Alberto Contador who uses them to gain seconds if not minutes on his rivals. The Team Time Trial shouldn't cause too many problems early on in the proceedings, although watch out for teams missing changes and dropping riders, as we've seen in the past minutes can be lost so easily.

The first week is pretty settled, all flat with a couple of lumps and bumps. The first week will suit the sprinters and "punchy" Spring Classic specialists such as Philippe Gilbert, Thomas Voeckler and I would also have a punt on Sylvain Chavanel too. Hopefully we will see Mark Cavendish in Green!

From the second week onwards it is all about the mountains, with only one or two gentle stages until Paris. The second week sees the riders taking on the Pyrenees, stage 14 will be tough with six big tests but nothing like stage 12 which features the Tourmalet and finishes with the Luz-Ardiden.

Nothing, however, can prepare you for the final week in the Alps. The riders will be on their knees. Stages 18 and 19 are simply horrendous. Stage 18 takes on the Agnel, d'Izoard before completing the highest ever finish in Tour history on the Galibier. The next day stage 19 takes on the Telegraphe, the Galibier again and finishes on Alpe d' Huez. Just incredible. Kev & Eleanor Underhill in the club are tackling exactly the same route in the Etape sportive. I have a huge amount respect for that and wish them all the best.

Ones to Watch

I think favourite for me has to be Alberto Contador, he had a terrific Giro and looked very strong. He has doubts over how fresh he is compared to other riders who avoided the Giro such as the Schlecks but I think he will be fine. I see him attacking on a big mountain stage, maybe stage 12 and carrying a 3-5 second lead into the Alps allowing him to sit in the wheels.

A lot has been said about Andy and Frank Schleck. I'm not sure, they have had a terrible built up to The Tour. Andy was non-existant at the Tour of Switerzland and Frank lost a podium place due to a terrible Time Trial. Andy does have the ability to pull it out of the bag at The Tour though so we shall see.

My money is on Cadel Evans. He had a great Dauphine and did well in the Spring Classics. He looks strong: the typical Cadel Evans fighting spirit is there and looking he is determind than ever.

And then there is Bradley Wiggins. His build up has been perfect, first place at the Dauphine and now our British National Road Champion too. He has learnt a lot from last year. He has tweaked his training and from listening to his interviews he seems relaxed and fresh. He seems to have his spark back which was missing last year and I feel he will have a good Tour. I would love for him to get on the podium in Paris. Come on Brad do the jersey proud!

Green jersey. Can only be Mark Cavendish!

Hitting 25

2011-06-17T16:21:00.003+01:00

Last Wednesday was "2 Up for Fun" at the Weaver Valley CC Club 10. Because you are sharing the workload, getting to rest in the wheel of your partner before it giving it beans, it allows for the opportunity for fast times. And that it certainly did.

I partnered up with Alan Silver who leads the club runs on Sundays. Top bloke and as we were getting similar times in solo Time Trials I hoped we would make a good pairing.

We worked well together, Al lead us out and we flew along before posting a time of 25:35. I won't lie, I was seeing things in the last couple of miles but it was great to post a quick time.

I just need to post a similar time in a solo effort now!

New McCann Manchester Mushroom Ad

2011-06-15T12:54:00.004+01:00

McCann Manchester have pushed out a nice new campaign for The Mushroom Bureau, raising awareness that mushrooms are as nutritious as other commonly considered "green" healthy foods.

I personally hate mushrooms but I love these ads. It's simple yet very clever and gets the message across easily. The taglines are brilliant and I really like the clean execution too.

Cycling Reads

2011-05-23T21:14:00.003+01:00

I've just got back from a week break at Centre Parcs Whinfell Forest with Becky. It is our second visit and if you are looking for a safe UK break (especially if you have little ones) then I would definitely recommend it. You can read my review from last time here. Holiday time means reading time for me and I managed to read a couple of books while I was away.

Bradley Wiggins: On Tour

"On Tour" follows Wiggins through the 2010 Tour de France. It is a nice read. Bradley is a great writer: writing straight from the heart. Wiggins is open and honest to what turned out to be a pretty miserable 2010 Tour with Team Sky. At a 190 pages you'll get through it easily within the day too. It's an intriguing page turner and a managable, modern day insight into The Tour. The book is beautifully illustrated with black and white photography from Scott Mitchell which really adds to the read. If you have read Michael Barry's "Le Metier" you'll be along the right lines here (which I would recommend but having read "On Tour" I would choose that over "Le Metier").

On the subject of Bradley Wiggins, I would also recommend his autobiography "In Pursuit Of Glory" in which he documents his rise from youth to Professional to Olympics. It is a great read, well written, full of personality and you really get on side with him: which is half the battle of reading an autobiography. I would throughly recommend it together with Mark Cavendish's "Boy Racer" autobiography which is a punchy, rollercoaster of a read in typical Cavendish style. "Boy Racer" is full of great stories, especially of the British Cycling Academy System. Recommended!

Paul Kimmage: Rough Ride

A lot has been said about "Rough Ride" and I felt I had to read it to know what all the fuss was about! The book is basically an autobiography of Irish rider Paul Kimmage, who was a domestique during the late 80s and follows his journey from junior to professional. To put it into context, Kimmage, at the time, competed alongside fellow Irish riders Sean Kelly and Stephen Roche. Kimmage I believe lost a lot of respect, and a childhood friend through Roche, by speaking out and breaking the law of silence in the peloton.

The controversial aspect to "Rough Ride" is Kimmage speaking out about drug use in cycling. He is incredibly open on the use of both hormones and amphetamines. As he competes through the Grand Tours he finds that the only way many riders survive is not to sleep, massage and take vitamins but to dope.

Although Kimmage only doped a few times in his whole career it is a remarkable insight into doping, and the surprising acceptance within the peloton during the 1980s.

But lets get one thing straight. This book isn't just about doping. It is an incredibly honest insight to the life of a domestique. As such it is a hard read. I found myself deep in dispair at points at the struggle, the pain and torment that Kimmage went through. This isn't a story about successful, almost untouchable riders like Roche, Kelly, Wiggins, Simpson and Merckx. This is a story about a good cyclist hanging in there doing his job.

At times you wonder if Kimmage ever enjoyed riding his bike. I found myself getting angry. You loose count at the number of times he "nearly" wins stages, where he abandons or is off the back in agony. It is a brutal read at times.

Roche reacted angrily at "Rough Times". I'm surprised because Kimmage speaks nothing but of admiration about Roche. He never at any point suggests that either Roche or Kelly doped either. It is only a couple of team-mates that are named within the prose. I could understand Roche being angry as he is wrapped inside a book exposing doping yet he should see past that.

As tough a read as it can be in places: if you are a cyclist you must read "Rough Ride".

Time Trialling

2011-05-15T18:24:00.003+01:00

Recently I've started Time Trialling, adding another cycling string to my bow alongside the track nights I did over winter. Dave Hinde was always saying I should get involved with club 10s and with the new season getting started I thought why not!

Time Trialling is all about you and the bike. You have a circuit and you need to get round in the fastest time possible. Simples. I quite liked the sound of Time Trialling too as there wasn't the chance of getting dropped from the bunch in a race until I get the fitness up and loose more weight.

You sign up, pay your £1.50, get your number and off you go in order with a 1 minute interval between each rider.

Weaver Valley Cycling Club hold a 10 mile Time Trial every Wednesday at 7pm on the JC19 Course. The course starts at the old Threeways Petrol Station at Lach Dennis, runs along the B5082 (Pennys Lane), past Shakerley Mere and over the motorway bridge to a sharp 90 degree left turn onto the A50. Bomb along the A50, past the Mangoletsi car garage, Whipping Stocks corner and Barclays Radbrook Hall before turning left onto the B5081 (Middlewich Road opposite Seven Sisters Road) and follow the road all the way along until the finish just before the motorway bridge.

It's an interesting course. Easy to do in the big ring throughout yet has a couple of irritating drags especially from the Mangoletsi car garage to Middlewich Road. This saps energy and really gets the heart rate going.

At my first attempt I clocked a 30:22. I was happy with the time on my first go but I rode terribly. I didn't get a sufficient warm up due to arriving late from work and set off too quickly. My heart rate went through the roof within the first couple of miles, and being a Time Trial, I couldn't get it down again comfortably due the constant pace. My legs were everywhere too and I just wasn't pushing the pedals around smoothly.

My second attempt I clocked a 28.02. I was delighted. I had time to warm up, get the heart rate up beforehand, attached some aerobars and was able to control myself a lot better. I raised my seat slightly and turned the pedals nicely.

You learn a lot from Time Trialling, especially setting up your position and riding smoothly to get speed. The Weaver Valley Club 10s have been excellent, really nice atmosphere before and after with everyone offering support and advice.

My 3 top tips.

1) Get some aero bars. You can buy clip on aero bars for around £40-60. They make a huge difference both aerodynamically and performance wise: I found that I could breath easier and position myself a lot better on the bike, which resulted in a better pedalling action.

I bought some Deda clip on aero bars. These are raised at the ends so I'm not over stretching.

2) Warm up beforehand. Push yourself and get your heart rate up. Make sure it's not surprised and up for working beforehand. If it's been at a high level beforehand it will be settled when riding at a constant tempo.

3) Pace yourself. Reece the course beforehand, understand where the drags are, and where you need to preserve energy. Keep a nice steady tempo during the first 5 minutes, listen to your heart and then have faith in your reece. You want to be hitting it hard in the big ring in the last mile. If don't finish exhausted you've not tried hard enough.

Road Race Cheshire - Sunday 5th June 2011 - John Boote Memorial

2011-05-15T16:02:00.002+01:00

Following hot on the heals of the Women's Road Race back in April, the Men's Road Race hits the Weaverham / Acton Bridge circuit on Sunday 5th June.

Promoted by Weaver Valley Cycling Club the event takes in 105km of racing around the 7km Cheshire circuit near Northwich. The circuit has a nice mixture of flat bypass to open on before hitting the notorious Acton Bridge Cliff.

The event is classed as Regional A open to 2nd, 3rd and 4th cats. You can find all the info on the British Cycling website here.

The day when common sense provailed.

2011-05-07T22:26:00.003+01:00

I woke up to news that the Alternative Vote (A.V) was rejected by 69% this morning. All of a sudden, I had this great sense of pride for Britain. I was worried that we might have had a close call as there was lots of talk on Social Media channels to vote for A.V simply to annoy knock out the Tories. This is because David Cameron had come out earlier in the week and said (in basic terms) "if you don't want to see the Conservatives again then you need to vote against AV". At the time I thought it was a ridiculous thing to have said and I imagine the Spin Doctor smacked his forehead as Cameron said it, however it seemed to rally the troops and the recent election saw a good turnout from Tory Supporters according to The Times.

A.V was never going to work, it was a ridiculous solution to a none existant problem brought to life by sour faced losers. The"First Past The Post" system was quite straight forward, the candidate who has the most votes wins. Simple. Be it by one vote. The most votes wins.

What is the problem with that?

A.V was too much of a complex system, the only parties who would really benefit would be 1) the Lib Dems. The majority of the UK are either Labour or Conservative (red or blue if we were to relate it to Football) so in this case many people would consider the Lib Dems a second choice at the vote. Or 2) independents or parties such as UKIP or Green due to the ethical vote.

The fact hardly anyone understood A.V didn't help either. I stood at the Polling Station for a while and there were many voters discussing the system as they went to vote, not understanding it at all. If you don't understand what you're voting for you're not going to vote for it are you? Due to it's complexity anyway it was going to be open to mistakes at the count too.

All in all it's not been a bad week, the Royal Wedding was a great achievement for Britain, a great example of personality and spirit and I feel the result of the AV vote adds to this.

For the Lib Dems it's been a bad week at the office. Their AV vote went wrong and then lost a huge amount councillors in the local elections.

One has to feel sorry for Nick Clegg, he has gone from hero to zero in a matter of months. One minute Lib Dem supporters love him for getting them into government, the next they call for his head. Although I'm not a fan of the coalition I feel Nick Clegg did the right thing at the election, anyone would have done it in his position. 12 months on and things just aren't working out with even Vince Cable today saying it was "ruthless, calculating and throughly tribal".

Mr Clegg will feel sore loosing votes around Sheffield but I think we can all feel positive to hear that BNP lost 11 of 12 councillors in this round of elections.

WVCC Cheshire Classic Results

2011-04-17T20:55:00.003+01:00

Well that was an interesting start to the season! Today was the Weaver Valley Cycling Club Cheshire Classic Women's Road Race and had everything thrown at it. 2 riders were taken to hospital after a 15 rider pile up due to a woman in a blue car running into the peloton. She didn't stop and however we do have her wing mirror as evidence. If this was you on the A49 between Weaverham and Acton Bridge at 10 - 11 this morning please get in touch. I would love to hear from you.

As if that wasn't enough someone thought it would be funny to litter the top of the climb with tacks. As we only use the course twice a year for 4 hours I can't believe anyone would be upset but if this was you, again I would love to hear from you.

I was going to write a race report however CK images have done a fantastic report (plus images!!) which I would recommend you read instead!

In short, Lucy Garner came first for Motorpoint followed by Hannah Rich of Horizon Fitness and the rather tanned Emma Grant of For Viored. Cheshire's very own Hannah Walker came fourth. Last year's winner Sarah Storey, although not in the top 10, did a great job on the front all day.

WVCC Cheshire Classic Women's Road Race 2011 Results

1st – Lucy Garner - Motorpoint

2nd – Hannah Rich - Horizon Fitness Prendas

3rd – Emma Grant – For Viored

4th – Hannah Walker – Motorpoint

5th – Lowri Bunn – Abergavenny RC / Gateway Cycles

6th – Lauren Creamer – Nick Lane Construction

7th – Hannah Barnes – Motorpoint

8th – Kara Chesworth - For Viored

9th – Penny Rowson - Horizon Fitness Prendas

10th – Laura Murray – Velocity 44 Stirling

T-Mobile Royal Wedding TV Ad

2011-04-16T15:02:00.002+01:00

Genius! A great, great ad produced by Saatchi and Saatchi with support from Gorgeous featuring lookalikes of the royal family. The ad plays on the number of wedding dance videos which feature on You Tube. Made purely for online consumption only, which again demonstrates the power of digital and Social Media. After all "Life's For Sharing".

It captures the moment brilliantly.

Start List for WVCC Cheshire Classic Women's Road Race

2011-04-13T14:07:00.003+01:00

Just seen the start list for this Sunday's (17th April 2011) Cheshire Classic Women's Road Race, promoted by Weaver Valley Cycling Club. We recieved 80 entries for just 60 places.

It looks set to be a cracker. Paralympic gold medalist Sarah Storey returns to defend her 2010 title. Sarah will be racing alongside fellow Olympic gold medalist Rebecca Romero and Wheelbase's Lynn Hamel who was featured last week in Cycling Weekly.

We will also see Hannah Rich and Penny Rowson supporting Sarah Storey for the Horizon Fitness team. Penny came 3rd in 2009. Speaking of quality youth talent, Motorbase are bringing 5 riders including National Crit Champion Hannah Barnes, Hannah Walker and Lucy Garner.

100% ME's Hannah Mayho will also feature having now fully recovered from a major incident with fellow British Cycling members in Belgium.

Also look out for Corrine Hall, Ceri Dipple and Kara Chesworth who has represented Wales.

The race takes place in Weaverham, Northwich, starting at 10am. Riders do 10 laps of a 7km circuit. If you're coming to watch, the best vantage point will be on Acton Bridge Cliff. This is the big hill on Acton Lane which the riders go up and where the race finishes.

Start List
1 Sarah Storey Horizon Fitness Prendas Elite
2 Hannah Rich ditto 1st
3 Penny Rowson ditto 2nd
4 Corrine Hall Team Corridori/Specialized 1st
5 Marianne Britten VC St Raphael/Waite Contracts/Hewitt Cycles Elite
6 Hannah Layland ditto Jun/2
7 Sarah Byrne ditto 2nd
8 Rachel Przybyliski Rapha Condor 2nd
9 Sarah King Motorpoint Jun/2
10 Hannah Walker ditto 2nd
11 Hannah Barnes ditto Jnr/1
12 Lucy Garner ditto Jun/2
13 Hannah Shenton ditto Jun/2
14 Iona Sewell Squadra Donne/Bike Food/Shutt Velo Rapide 2nd
15 Gail Aspden ditto 2nd
16 Tamina Oliver ditto 2nd
17 Hannah Manley For Viored Jnr/2
18 Kara Chesworth ditto 1st
19 Emma Grant ditto 2nd
20 Rebecca Curley ditto 2nd
21 Charlotte Colclough ditto 2nd
22 Lowri Bunn Abergavenny RC/Gateway Cycles/ 2nd
23 Lauren Creamer Nick Lane Construction/ 2nd
24 Fern Cotterill Govilon Garage 4th
25 Sarah Kennedy ditto 4th
26 Hannah Mayho 100% Me 2nd
27 Sorrelle Le Cornu Primal Europe Rutraingtoday/Bikechainricci 3rd
28 Heather Booth ditto 3rd
29 Ann Bowditch Scienceinsport.com 3rd
30 Louise Murray ditto 3rd
31 Eve Dixon Maxgear RT Jnr
32 Anne Ewing The Bicycleworks/Bristo Yoga School 2nd
33 Lynn Hamel Herbalife/Wheelbase 2nd
34 Helen McKay Look Mum No Hands café 2nd
35 Elise Sherwell ditto 2nd
36 Xieyue Fan ditto 3rd
37 Anna Grundy ditto 1st
38 Laura Murray Velocity 44 Stirling 2nd
39 Jane Barr ditto 2nd
40 Kate Evans Wolverhampton Wheelers 3rd
41 Hayley Edwards Halesowen A&CC 3rd
42 Molly Weaver ditto Jun/4
43 Sharon Underhill ditto 4th
44 Claire Macaulay Sandy Wallace Cycles 3rd
45 Anna-Jay Burgess ditto 2nd
46 Ishbel Taromsari Sandy Wallace Cycles 4th
47 Gemma Neil ditto 3rd
48 Gabriella Nordin ditto 4th
49 Ceri Dipple Twenty3c/Oreba/Mercedes Vito Sport 3rd
50 Dyanne Holland Inverse Cyclaim RT/Bikefood/Continental 3rd
51 Joanna Le Cocq ditto 3rd
52 Katie Noakes ditto Jun/3
53 Kimberley Ashton ditto 2nd
54 Louise Mahe Sutton CC/De Ver Cycles 3rd
55 Rebecca Romero XRT-Elmy Cycles/Orbea 3rd
56 Liz Chellingsworth Deeside Thistle CC 3rd
57 Natalie Creswick Unattached 1st
58 Gabriella Shaw For Viored 3rd
59 Natasha Perry ditto 3rd
60 Alli Holland ditto 1st

RESERVES
61 Eleanor Jones VC St Raphael/Waite Contracts/Hewitt Cycles 4th
62 Louise Clowes Inverse Cyclaim RT/Bikefood/Continental 4th
63 Nicola Soden Buxton CC/Sett Valley Cycles 4th
64 Samantha Buckingham Wakefield CC 4th
65 Karen Popplewell Seamons CC 4th
66 Abi Fletcher Unattached 4th
67 Eilidh Wells Unattached 4th
68 Siobhan McNamara Cambridge Cycling Club 4th
69 Vicky Ware Squadra Donne/Bike Food/Shutt Velo Rapide

New Lucozade Sport TV Ad

2011-04-12T23:37:00.003+01:00

I love this new Lucozade Sport TV ad. It sees Lucozade hitting on teenagers as a sport drink of choice with a fusion of sport and urban electronica music.

The soundtrack features rapper Tinie Tempah alongside Blink 182 drummer Travis Barker. They push out a big Drum and Bass backed number (which I think is a remix of Simply Unstoppable). It brilliantly touches on all elements of urban, grunge and electronica (much like work using Wretch 32 in our recent getthelabel.com TV ad). The sport is covered by Irish boxer Katie Taylor. I love the choice of Katie which nicely gets across the female representation.

Lucozade mean business as the ad hits 90 seconds! The ad was created by Grey London.

New KFC TV ad

2011-04-12T22:42:00.004+01:00

Following straight after the Hovis ad below was the new KFC TV ad created by BBH. They were also responsible for the ridiculous 'Fresh' TV ad which tried to pursuade us that their "fresh" chicken was produced by highly trained chefs. I'm yet to meet anyone who believes in that ad, or anyone who hasn't laughed out loud when they see it.

KFC has been through the wars: with food, restaurants and staff taking a battering. It takes more than a fancy TV ad to change public perception though. The chicken needs to actually taste fresh not greasy, the chips not cold and hard, the restaurant not dirty and smelly. I'm yet to pass a KFC without Max Power holding a cruise outside, litter strewn around the car park and staff that look they've only just woken up.

For me this new lovey dovey TV ad isn't going to help matters either. Why on earth would an extended family, meeting up on a gorgeous summer's day, go to KFC? It would just never happen. "Hi Woody, gorgeous weekend coming up. We're having everyone round for a bucket of KFC chicken, you coming?" "Erm...no having a BBQ thanks".

You are never going to remember the moment of falling in love over a bucket of KFC. KFC are kidding themselves if they think they are moving the brand into this sort of close, social eating.

The direction is also confused. The surroundings work hard to not put across a middle class semi-detached property, but then we end up with palm trees and actors looking like they are from a Joules catalogue.

The only good thing about this ad is the soundtrack, it rounds up the family message, although it would be better suited to John Lewis.

I imagine this is a brand development ad which sets KFC off on a family safe journey of reduced fat and salt but in my opinion it is another ad away from where KFC should be.

It is easy for me to criticise. What would I do? I believe they've got it right with the "all hands in the bucket" party approach but I'd take it away from this to something more real and stripped back. I would perhaps introduce people telling stories. It could be perhaps met with the message "what would you share over a bucket?".

Hovis Farmer's Race TV Ad

2011-04-12T22:33:00.003+01:00

Caught the new Hovis TV ad this evening which features farmer's racing cross country. The ad was created by Dare with production support from Blink.

I thought it was uplifting, everyone had a smile on their face and gave the impression they were striving to achieve something (I believe it uses actual suppliers to Hovis in the race). Although beautifully shot and directed, whether this will translate into people remembering the brand next time they are out in the shops compared to Victoria Pendleton & "through time" ad I'm not sure. In a further note, it was filmed just down the road from me in Macclesfield. From the looks of things I would say around Wincle.

Grand National

2011-04-11T20:38:00.006+01:00

Because The Times online subscription policy is probably one of the most ridiculous business decisions (in my opinion) known to man, I am unable, yet again, to share a comment by Simon Barnes, their Chief Sports Reporter. In a world where online content is king, people constantly sharing articles and opinion, why The Times would want close down any content is beyond me. Anyway enough of that, I'm sure they would say that Mr & Mrs Smith in Derby love it on their iPads along with a few other thousand.

In his article Simon Barnes describes how 2011's Grand National would be his last. That, although he had no "beef" against the sport he couldn't continue to watch it because of the deaths.

What I find personally digusting is that winning jockey Jason Maguire has been given a 5 day ban for excessive use of the whip on the winning horse, yet still wins the Grand National? What sort of message does that send out?

I am involved with the equestrian community. I'm luckily to have been involved with it through Becky, and through the years with 3 beautiful horses. Becky and her Mum won't watch the race, however I did and got involved with the sweepstake at work. Needless to say nothing hurt me more than to see the camera pan across two fences being missed and seeing two corpses covered over in green sheets.

The excitement of the day immediately left me, I had no feeling for it anymore. I felt sick in the pit of my stomach.

Horses are beautiful, part of God's mysterious work. Wierd, quirky, four legged creatures that even after 4 years of being around them, I still can't quite understand their nature. They aren't like dogs for example who love you to death. Horses don't show affection very well. There doesn't seem to be any loved lost, until tea time anyway. That's not to say they don't have personalities, they all do: be it bubbily, quiet, impatient or grumpy.

I'm sure those that ride horses would say different however. I think the relationship becomes apparent once you ride with them. You build this relationship and understanding with the horse. I've only ridden twice (Becky's horses tend to be highly strung showjumpers and not for the novice) however when I have had the opportunity to ride I've been taken away to another world. I've never been so relaxed as I have when sat on a horse.

There is something about a horse that relaxes you. Even just watching them, they are intriguing creatures, so big and strong yet inside their heads they are vulnerable, nervous things. Their only fight is to run and jump.

When you work with them, and love them as you do, nothing is more saddening than to see them being worked to death for the owner looking to make a few bob. The jockeys are no better as seen with Maguire's ban.

I have nothing against the Grand National, it is a wonderful event. I just feel there needs to be more care taken over the course (especially in hot conditions as it was) and more caution taken on the choice of horses and especially the jockeys being entered.

Ads I liked in March

2011-04-11T17:52:00.009+01:00

Thought I would share with you some of my favourite ads for March.

My favourite comes from agency BBDO in Paris. The ad is for Mars' Celebrations, cheekily looking at "when YOU want to celebrate". I love the Creative Direction; the photography is beautifully shot and captures a moment. If you look at the Gymnastics version, every face is telling a story. I'm not aware of the brief but I think it would be a nice strategy for Celebrations if they were looking to pick a new customer base away from being bought in big, party occasions. Perhaps it's those little moments that mean the most.....hey Mars you can have that one on me!

More from France, and this time the agency is Euro RSCG Paris. These ads look at Canal + supporting film makers. I just love the detail involved with these ads. A huge amount of thought and attention to detail (not to mention passion) has gone into producing them. I would spend time looking if I came across it in a magazine.

I think this is very clever from Cole & Weber for the Washington Lottery. The tagline says it all. The ad looks at extreme ways in which lottery winners could spend their winnings. I'm not sure if it did, but it could lead to a very nice Social Media campaign where people could put forward their own ideas (or even invite winners to share their experiences).

This ad is from German agency Serviceplan. It is very simple but I love how the image works with the tagline "Makes your horses purr". Engine oil ads can be all the same with whirling cogs and the like: it's nice to see something different.

And since Easter is just round the corner, I thought it would be nice to include an Easter themed ad. This is another ad from Germany with agency Preuss and Preuss pushing this one out. A very nice, light hearted ad which reminds folk to visit Kolner Zoo during the Easter school break. The ad nicely reminds us that Spring is normally a good time to see newborns come into the world too. A tug on Mum's heartstrings I'm sure!

Weaver Valley Cheshire Classic Women's Road Race Sunday 17th April 2011

2011-04-11T15:51:00.001+01:00

Weaver Valley Cheshire Classic Women's Road Race
(National Women's Road & Circuit Race Series)
Sunday 17th April 2011

Calling all women riders, Weaver Valley Cycling Club is holding their annual Cheshire Classic Women's Road Race on Sunday 17th April 2011.

The race is based at Weaverham, Northwich in Cheshire and completes 80km of tough circuit including several climbs up the dreaded Acton Bridge Cliff. Over 30 years old, the race has hosted riders such as Nicole Cooke (who won in 2000) and Lizzie Armistead (who won in 2007). The race also featured teams such as Rapha Condor and Motorpoint.

More details can be found on the British Cycling website here, however entries close on Saturday 2nd April and the race is open to 4th cat right up to Elite. Entry is £16 before the event. £18 on the day.

Bridgewater Riding Club Website

2011-04-07T22:25:00.005+01:00

In my spare time, other than cycling, I am a committee member of Bridgewater Riding Club. Bridgewater is a grass roots riding club based in Northwich, Cheshire offering Show Jumping, Working Hunter, Showing, Equitation & Family rings.

My job on committee (since I don't know a great deal about horses) is naturally looking after the website and advertising. This is a hobby project with no input from work at all. I use it to experiment with my ideas and practice what I'm learning. Needless (and proudly) to say we are getting some fantastic results.

Website traffic is up 45% on last year. We are now achieving on average 2,500 hits a month with 46% being new visits. Importantly our bounce rate (people clicking on and clicking straight off) is 0.56% with people spending on average 3 minutes 11 seconds on site, viewing 6.50 pages on a visit. 16,291 pages were viewed in February alone (a quiet time of the season too) and last week we saw traffic up 75% alone!

I'm delighted! The stats show people are visiting, finding the content relevant and having a good look around. Our data capture form performs superbly, we have a lovely database now and entries for the first show were fantastic (up 75%!).

I rebuilt the website from scratch last year using a Wordpress CMS and free template from Woo Themes. From day one I've been mindful of optimising the website for search. I spent a huge amount of time researching key terms. It was important for me to get the website listed in important local terms around Cheshire (as for a relatively small riding club it is rare for people to travel more than 30 miles).

I'll admit that this blog performs terribly. Bounce rate is at 75% with people spending about a minute on average each visit, with a 1000 views a month. That is because this blog has not a lot relevance. I touch on a whole manner of subjects, primarily cycling and marketing, and not one sole key area. Bridgewater Riding Club meanwhile is devoted to equestrianism and the local area. Relevance is key, but that is basic business marketing at the end of the day.

Getting Social

Another important area for us is Social Media. Not many riding clubs get involved with their members, something that both the Chair and I wanted to focus on. We've made it easy for people to get in touch. The website allows members to comment on anything. We are very open. Anyone who contacts us gets a constructive, positive response within 24 hours.

The website being Wordpress based allows people to comment on any post. We get asked questions before hand, receive feedback afterwards.

We were the first, and still one of only a few, Riding Clubs on Twitter. Twitter has brought a lot of interest to the club. Interestingly the interest hasn't really been from competitors (I still feel that our target in this area of 14 - 18 years old still don't get Twitter. I see a lot of people setting up accounts and giving up within a few weeks). However commercially it's been great, we've been getting press calls recently, more store traders coming to the shows and impressively the riding club was featured in Horse & Hound the other month!

I find Facebook to be far more effective with our target audience. Young teenagers (and Mum's!) spend a lot of time on Facebook. Now the website is rolling along nicely, this year I'm working on developing our Facebook page. We are currently set up as a group, and I'll be moving us to a fan page soon.

Setting up individual Facebook event pages has been great. This brings a lot of hype to the event, hopefully once the season gets going we will see more activity.

Our pictures and video pages perform highly each and every month. An area we will be working on later in the year.

All our efforts saw us nominated in the Equestian Social Media Awards alongside eventing giants Badminton, Your Horse Live! and Burghley!!

In Conclusion

I think what I'm trying to demonstrate here is: understand your target audience, do your research, start from the bottom up and for anyone out there who has a small business and doesn't think they can mix it up with the big boys, then can think again. A small riding club in Cheshire was featured in a national weekly magazine to thousands of readers!

Before a Horse had even trotted onto the show field we had 75% more pre-entries and 90 memberships (in previous years we would have been happy with 90 in a whole season!). The first show was a huge success, welcoming a huge amount of new visitors. The committee worked incredibly hard and did a great job. In short it was record breaking.

Although as a business you would seek the services of an agency to complete the design and build (and most probably look to them for a Social Media strategy), all this was achieved within 2 years with me working on the site in my spare time.

Get The Label TV Ad

2011-04-07T22:06:00.006+01:00

Thought I would share a TV ad work has produced for online fashion retailer GetTheLabel.com.

Getthelabel.com offer high street brands such as Adidas, Nike, Police, Sonnetti, UGG, Henleys, Berghaus, Firetrap, Teddy Smith...you name it...at discounted prices. I've purchased some Boxfresh hoodies from them in past and they were spot on (even if I do say so myself!).

We currently work with getthelabel.com on PR and Social Media which lead to us being commissioned to produce their first TV ad. The brief was aimed at 16-24 year olds and we also considered stay at home Mums too. The media was bought and planned by Mediacom North while the filming was shot with Chief Productions and the brilliant Nate Camponi (great blog by the way) directing. We had used Chief and Nate before on a previous ad for a bathroom retailer.

It was important to get across the huge range of product on offer, key benefits of using the website and we spent a lot of time getting the right models involved. We commissioned Wretch 32's "Traktor" as the soundtrack which gave it a nice edge, both on a electronica, urban and slightly grungy tip.

Put all together it worked beautifully to create a great, great ad which the guys in creative can be very proud of.

World Track Cycling Champs 2011

2011-04-04T21:31:00.004+01:00

I thought I would comment on the recent World Track Cycling Championships. Listening to some people you would think the world had ended. I agreed with a chap called Owain Doull from The Times (unfortunately I didn't keep the article) who wrote a well observed summary similar to mine below.

Four years ago in Majorca we dominated and went on to be highly successful in Bejing. In the same position before London 2012, it is the Aussie's (and also in my opinion the French) on top form. They picked up 11 medals. Great Britain weren't that outclassed though, we still picked up 9 medals, a Gold, 3 Silver and 5 Bronze.

In my humble opinion we are yet to peak. You read inbetween the interviews from the Great Britain coaches, especially Chris Boardman, and you feel there is more to come. Great Britain is blessed to have great coaches, in particular Paul Manning, who will build these guys up. Reading Bradley Wiggins' and Mark Cavendish's autobiographies, they talk in great length about tapering their training so they peak for their main races, in particular The Tour de France. It is such a delicate skill.

Speaking of Bradley Wiggins, we didn't have him nor Geraint Thomas on board due to road commitments. They bring a lot to the Great British team. Dave Brailsford, leading this Titanic through the murky waters, although vocal, has also had his hands full with Team Sky.

British Cycling recently paid vast sums to Deloitte, commissioning a report which found Brailsford clear of any conflict from his work with British Cycling and Team Sky. I don't believe the report was needed, I believe he does a great job and delighted with the outcome of this needless report. But if we are being honest here, I personally believe he is more involved with Team Sky at the moment.

The team had a torrid first season, not living up to the Tsunami wave of hype they created. However 2011 has so far started on the right foot. The team looks more structured, positioned in all the right places in races with good results coming. I believe the track will get Brailsford's full focus after July (The Tour) this year, together with Wiggins, Thomas, Stannard and possibly Ben Swift.

There were lots of positives, it was great to see the young talent of Laura Trott and Dani King do really well, alongside Jess Varnish who must surely be knocking on the door of being Victoria Pendleton's lead out.

I have no worries and 110% faith in everyone at Great Britain come London 2012.

Cheshire Cat 2011 Review

2011-03-31T22:11:00.004+01:00

Last Sunday I took part in the Cheshire Cat. Seen by many as the season opener to the Sportive season. I had a good time. Me and several other members of the club took part. I did the 67 miles. I would be lying if I said I wasn't nervous beforehand. I didn't sleep a wink, and as ridiculous as it sounds I even had a nightmare over conquering Mow Cop.

I had only attempted Mow Cop once before, and that was driving to the bottom with my mate Brad about 2 years previous. Now I was here for real. I had to get over the top and onward to the climbs around Wincle. My goal was to get to the bottom of the pub on Mow Cop. I wanted to reach the 25% without stopping as before I didn't even get halfway up.

I conquered all the hills without putting a foot down, and where in the past I would be running low after the effort of the hills, I found I was now setting the pace on the flat for the 40 miles back to Crewe. I still had energy in the legs without any cramping as I rolled in. It was such a great feeling and thanks to James Risk and his Dad Andy from Weaver Valley Cycling Club for the company.

The start was a bit dodgy, I think the 3000 taking part all turned up for 8.30am. This caused queues around the car park and we didn't start for a good 45 minutes. The finish wasn't much better either with hour queues should you have wanted to get a certificate and medal.

The pace heading out was brisk and within 15 miles we were knocking on Mow Cop's door. There is a strange silence as everyone approaches the climb (think of the scene in Band of Brothers when they are sat quietly in the Belgium trenches), then you turn the corner, get over the railway and it is total chaos. Riders everywhere, slowly grinding their way up the climb.

The thing with Mow Cop is that yes there is the 25% 100 metre incline at the top to contend with, but you need take it easy in the first half. The first incline is incredibly steep, you need to be in the small ring after going over the railway. You just need to keep control, keep the breathing steady, the heart rate down and keep at your own pace.

I got to the bottom of the pub (the start of the 25%), and the surge of addrenallin pushed me forward onto the steep part. After 6 strokes I had to stop but I was delighted.

The Cheshire Cat spends a good 20 miles up in the hills. After Mow Cop, you travel on to the edge of the Peak district through Congleton up an 18% climb, onward to the main road to Leek which is lumpy. Two climbs in particular really test the legs, the first is before you reach the first feed stop, a long drag of climb which you've just got to sit and churn out.

The second climb is in Wincle. For me this was the worst, it was horrendous. You bomb down a steep decent after the feed stop and infront of you is a steep brick wall of road. The road reels you in, you know you've got this long steep section ahead, and before you know it you're grinding up this hill. And you are grinding too! Out of the saddle, back in the saddle. Barely moving, slowly turning the pedals.

Once you've tackled Wincle you're out down through Withington, touching Swettenham and on to Holmes Chapel. Then churning out the miles in the big ring back to Crewe via Nantwich.

I had no issues with the Cheshire Cat. Ok the queues were a bit tedious but some of the feedback I've read, especially on the Facebook page, has been quite incredible. Quite frankly embarrassing. I find it absurd that there are people getting wound up over a bit of a queue and a piece of paper with their name on!

Don't be put off by the comments, this is definitely a sportive to add to your list. I'll be there again next year, that's for sure!

Cheshire Cat Sportive 2011

2011-03-21T12:17:00.000Z

This Sunday is the Cheshire Cat Sportive!

I'm quite excited, I've not taken part in a sportive since the disaster that was the Manchester 100. I feel as though I'm ready. I've had a good Winter with hardly a weekend off the bike. There is about 20 of us from Weaver Valley CC taking part too.

Starting once again from Crewe Alexandra's stadium there will be 100, 67 and 45 mile options available.

This will be my third year of entering. The sportive is always very well organised, the feedstations are always well stocked (last year they were supported by Chatwin's, a big local bakery, and the range of foods was incredible).

The 100 and 67 mile routes take in the landmark of the sportive, the Mow Cop climb. Although relatively short in length it is the brutal steepness of the sections which are a killer. You'll find various videos on Mow Cop on You Tube however a lot of attention in the videos are aimed at final third of the climb and the 1 in 4 section going past the pub. Yes that is super steep and you'll need to push hard however the first third of the climb from the bottom is also pretty steep so take it easy here and rest in the middle of the climb.

After Mow Cop it isn't easy going either, you'll head into Wincle where there are couple of testing short, sharp climbs before a long drag up to Holmes Chapel. The run into Holmes Chapel is quite exposed and if the wind is up across the open fields it'll be tough going.

After the feed stop at Holmes Chapel, it is all flat but a couple of the runs are on long, tenuous main roads so get in a group if you can to share the effort. Last year there was a headwind all the way home which sapped any energy you had left.

Shortly after Holmes Chapel the 67 and 100 mile routes split up, 67 have about 20 miles to home at this point. Word of warning: you'll be going down past Crewe to Nantwich before heading back up home again so keep that in mind when you see the tempting 2 mile signposts for Crewe!!

For the 45 mile riders, you won't be doing Mow Cop but you'll be with everyone until near the bottom before making your way to Holmes Chapel and re-joining everyone, and the 67 mile riders home. There is one little sharp climb to contend with around Smallwood before the Holmes Chapel feed but apart from that it is all flat. The 45 mile route is ideal for those new to sportives as it's a good distance and also ideal for time trialists wanting to get some fitness. I've done it twice. Be prepared to ride alone, not a lot of people do the 45 so it is a good test for handling that distance quickly without working with a group.

That's about it really. Watch it for the first 10-20 miles as the roads can be very busy with cyclists. Many can be over enthusiastic and inexperienced so don't worry about sprinting off trying to keep up. Take your time, watch the wheels and keep some space in front.

Llanberis 2011

2011-03-06T21:13:00.002Z

I'm a weekend behind here but I need to blog about the Weaver Valley Cycling Club Training Weekend to Llanberis, Wales last weekend.

It is an annual event for the club, renowned being a tough weekend as it punches in 200 hilly miles into the legs before the start of the season. Such is the quality of the weekend that the club sees a handful of riders from other clubs getting involved too.

Now I'm nowhere near the talent of the riders who signed up (we had around 50 riders at the top end of the club taking part) so I decided to ride half way (to Ruthin) on each day, which would add up to around 90 miles, and then help out where I could in the support vans.

We set off from a grey, drizzly Moss Farm in Northwich at 8am and arrived at Ruthin at 11am. Well I arrived at 11.30 as me and 6 others got lost on the way, taking a 10 mile detour over a number of sharp hills into Ruthin which tested the legs. Everyone set off from Ruthin and arrived in Llanberis for around 3pm-4pm.

The scenery was incredible. Climbing over Denbigh moors into Betws-y-Coed and finishing at Llanberis. It was just totally, totally beautiful. I watched as a good friend of mine Kris Zentek climbed up the pass, and although I knew it was tough going, his eyes and smile told another story. He was loving every minute.

I felt upset not to be riding amongst the bunch, I knew I couldn't have done it and kept up. I wished I had lost more weight and fit enough to ride at the pace being set to enjoy the ride. However I was determind to get involved the next day. I needed to ride this route and be amongst the scenery.

We stayed at The Legacy Royal Victoria Hotel, at the bottom of Mount Snowdon, which for the £40 paid which included a 3 course meal and breakfast was a bargain. (By the way, thanks to Kris, Jules, Elaine, Eleanor and Kev really enjoyed the company at the meal on Saturday).

The following day we set off from Llanberis at 9am. Taking in the Llanberis Pass within the first 10 miles. For me I've never climbed such a long steep climb before, thankfully I made it to the top without stopping.

After the decent we climbed out of Betws-y-Coed, this again, although not a steep climb was another good 30-40 minutes of climbing and I lost touch with the group. Although I was riding on my own I found myself, for the first time, enjoying climbing. Sitting comfortably on the saddle and spinning my way up. I battled on afterwards along the A5 but the long, straight road on my own took it's toll and fearing I was too far behind jumped into the van for the last 5 miles through the forest.

It was a great weekend. It has given me something big to aim for next year. One thing is for sure I have nothing but respect for the riders that did both days back to back (which was all but 3 of us). The pace that they tackled the distance and the climbs was incredible. You wouldn't be wrong in thinking that on the way back, that perhaps the pace would be kinder on the legs but I won't forget the moment sitting in the van, a 150 miles in near to Chester, and a group of 10 riders in front of us were racing with each other doing 30-40 miles an hour. Awesome.

You can see the route taken here. Eleanor from the club has also written a blog here.

Macclesfield Bikeathon 2011

2011-02-17T17:36:00.003Z

Now in it's 7th year, the Macclesfield Bikeathon returns in 2011 on Sunday 15th May.

This will be my 4th time completing the Bikeathon. It's a brilliant sportive, really friendly atmosphere and good marshalling. It has the ambience of a small, homemade sportive while comfortably having easily enough riders on course so you are never on your own either.

This year they've added in a 26 mile option which joins 52, 36 and 16 miles. The 36 is a totally flat course around South Cheshire and is perfect if you're an amateur taking part in sportives for the first time, especially a good warm up for Manchester to Blackpool later on in the year.

The 52 miles is a nice course. The hills are all in the first 20 miles, you climb out of Macclesfield onto the Peaks around Wincle. These are brilliant roads with great views. You then re-join the longer courses around the back end of Goostrey, stopping at Jodrell Bank before heading along Lower Withington and Siddington back home.

You get free sandwiches at the end and the square has a band on with a good atmosphere. Well worth getting involved.

Wind, rain, cold and sore legs

2011-02-13T18:44:00.003Z

Today was a tough club run, starting off with a vicious head or side wind all the way round for 30 miles before it chucked it down big time all the way home for the final 20. Saturday saw me head out on my own for 40 miles as well to enjoy the glimpse of sunshine. Perhaps a bad call it made my legs tired from battling on in the wind on my own at the start of the club run. Today's efforts just totally finished them off.

It's at times like this you ask yourself "why am I doing this?". That perhaps it's worth stepping back a bit. But when Friday comes knocking on the door, I know I'll be looking forward to getting back out on the bike again. I think it becomes part of being a cyclist. You suffer through the pain, the cramps in the legs, the belly ache from the gels. Your clothing soaked to your skin, the wind chilling your hands so you can't feel them and all you want to do is curl up in bed as you force the bike down a long drag of country road.

Bring on next weekend.

Ad of the week

2011-02-11T12:56:00.004Z

Great news!! The Flexi-Fit Ad campaign which I wrote about last week has been given Ad of the week at the Chip Shop Awards website!!

Even The Drum got on the case with some coverage http://www.thedrum.co.uk/news/2011/02/11/18597-wikileaks-voted-chip-shop-awards-advert-of-the-week/

If you could take 2 minutes to check it out and vote if you like it, it would be much appreciated!

Cravendale Retires Milk TV Ad

2011-02-08T15:34:00.003Z

Today is a sad day. Cravendale have announced that they are retiring Cow, Pirate and Cyclist. Incredibly they have been around for over 4 years and Wieden & Kennedy have produced some great ads, and in my opinion, the below was the best of last year's selection (after the Specsavers Postman Pat TV ad of course!).

Sarah Storey

2011-02-08T11:58:00.003Z

Saturday wasn't only my birthday but also Weaver Valley Cycling Club's annual presentation night. This year our guest speaker was multi-paralympic medalist Sarah Storey.

Sarah's story (excuse the dreadful pun) is quite remarkable. Starting out in 1992 as a Paralympic swimmer, she clocked up 5 golds, 8 silvers and 3 bronze before moving over to Paralympic cycling in 2005 and picking up 2 golds in Beijing (in the space of 3 years!).

Such is Sarah's talent that she is now hoping to represent Great Britain against fully able-bodied cyclists.

It would be a remarkable achievement. Her speech was uplifting, with funny digs at Australia and the USA. Sarah came across as being very grounded, she made many references to, and it was abundantly clear that she loves, her husband Barney who she met while competing. Barney is obviously a great support and it was interesting to hear how ex-Weaver Valley rider Paul West (now British Cycling coach) encouraged her to get into cycling.

I hope it works out for Sarah, I'm sure the numbers are there! I really enjoyed Eleanor Underhill's introduction to Sarah. Eleanor competed alongside Sarah in the Weaver Valley Ladies Race earlier on in the year, and she explained how Sarah sat on the front, ripped the field apart and while she was struggling to get up the cliff in the granny gear, Sarah was smashing it out in the big ring.

If you're interested in follow Sarah's progress you can on Twitter at http://twitter.com/mrssarahstorey , you can also follow me on Twitter at http://twitter.com/andywood86

Chip Shop Awards 2011

2011-02-03T14:09:00.004Z

I work for an ad agency called One Marketing Communications and we've entered one our client's ads into the Chip Shop Awards.

The ad was created for a company called JT who are a leading UK manufacturer of shower trays. The aim was to raise awareness of Flexi-Fix, a self-adhesive, waterproof upstand (which basically does away with the use of adhesive and hides behind the tiles to stop water from leaking over the edge of the shower tray).

We created the ad within 24 hours of the WikiLeaks stories being released in the news and was distributed through email. The ad works beautifully with the strapline "Stop irritating leaks before they get everywhere". If you like to please vote for us by clicking here.

The Chip Shop Awards look at rewarding great creativity and thinking outside the box. Sometimes the best ideas don't get past the client (or would even be considered by a client). Chip Shop still allows agencies to enter projects which they believe are worthy of an award. A lot of the Chip Show Awards aren't actual campaigns but are brilliant and risque parodies of existing brand advertising (we were very lucky that we had a client that had the understanding and ours was published - worth the award in it's self if you ask me!!). Well worth checking out, there is some seriously clever work in there.

Dirt Devil Vacuum Viral Ad

2011-02-03T08:49:00.003Z

I love this new viral from Dirt Devil. Produced by The Raft (neighbours of ours) and Chief Productions (who have produced a number of TV ads for us).

A beautifully simple way of getting across the powerful suction of the vacuum while touching on the "wicked" edge which the brand is famous for.

Jodrell Bank Sportive 2011

2011-02-02T10:52:00.004Z

Those of you out there looking for an early season sportive, or merely looking to get some miles into the legs before the Cheshire Cat, may look no further than the Jodrell Bank Cyclosportive which is back for a second year.

Jodrell Bank Cyclosportive 2011 goes ahead on Saturday 12th March (ideal if you don't want to miss the Sunday club run) with a new, bigger HQ at Poynton Leisure Centre.

I took part last year and really enjoyed it, it is a basic but well organised sportive. The highlight was the timing chips, which was something for such a new event. The stats were excellent. Hopefully they will be back.

The first 75% of the ride takes in the nice easy flat lanes of Cheshire which roll out of Poynton to around the outskirts of Wilmslow and Prestbury before heading to Great Warford. From there you go across to Peover and Allostock for the first feed stop outside Goostrey. From Goostrey you go on a massive loop around Jodrell Bank before heading off down to Withington and into Prestbury and Pott Shrigley. After a couple of lumpy bits its back home to Poynton.

For 2011 they've taken the hills out from around Pott Shrigley on the shorter rides but kept them in on the 80 miles.

The spec does say you'll be on good quality, quiet roads. I wouldn't say "good quality". The quiet country lanes of Cheshire are very rough and rutted with holes about the place so take care!

30 miles is £15 while 50 and 80 are £25. Sportive starts at 8am. You can enter here: https://www.sientries.co.uk/event.php?event_id=464

Nice Set of Ads

2011-01-20T12:46:00.006Z

A couple of nice ads I've seen since I've been back after Christmas.

The first 2 have been created by Y & R Italy to raise awareness of a film studio. Beautifully captured, the art direction is superb. The ads really get across the absurd consequence from which being totally engrossed in a movie can bring. I love the guy washing in the sink from the fear of being stabbed Hitchcock style in the shower. Brilliant.

I thought the school bus ad from Calder Bateman in Canada was a cute way of getting across a potentially life threatening problem. It made me stop and look at it for a while. I think the crossing leading from the bus adds intrigue. The message is very well produced in the bottom left too.

The Colgate DM piece from Y & R France (a good month for Y & R it seems!) is clever as it's a relatively straight forward campaign to remind people to brush their teeth before going to bed. And who is going to turn down a box of pizza being delivered to work?! It would have a great reaction and pretty cheap to push out too.

The bus stop takeover by Colle and McVoy in the US is sensational. Raising awareness of Caribou Coffee's new range of breakfast snacks. Great for the freezing cold winters when you're waiting for a bus!

Targets for 2011

2011-01-14T12:25:00.003Z

I was aiming to come out of 2010, and the festive period, on good form; looking forward to a week off work with decent miles in the legs. 3 days before Christmas that all went out of the window, I was struck by the flu missing out on Christmas Eve straight up to New Years Eve. After I was over the worst of it on Boxing Day it still took a week for it to finally go, with me being only able to do activites for a couple of hours before getting very tired. I thought that it may be me feeling lethargic due to being bed ridden and attempted to head out on the bike, bad idea! I was everywhere!

So, here I am at the beginning of 2011 with nearly 3 weeks off the bike, to make matters worse on the way to the club run on Sunday my chain snapped!

I've thought about my targets for 2011. Last year it was to join a cycling club, which I did and I am now a member of Weaver Valley Cycling Club, since joining the club I've made a number of good friends and I feel I'm developing as a rider all the time.

Life with the club isn't without it's ups and downs, constantly striving to keep with the bunch, pushing the legs that little bit further or faster each week. It would be fair to say I'm not the fastest, nor do I have the ability to maintain the speed and acceleration over distance and up the climbs. Although I feel I have a good sprint on me.

The guys within the club are amazing riders, particulary the juniors who for the ages of 13-15 have incredible talent. Everyone has been very supportive. I remember one ride just before Christmas, it was a Saturday ride just 4 of us altogether. It was 60 miles non-stop and by the end my legs were agony. I was totally drained of energy, the pain was incredible in the last 10 miles. Dave McKay really helped me out, I felt sorry for letting him down and I don't want to be in that situation again.

So, I've decided my target for 2011 will be to build up my fitness, loose the weight and comfortably manage the club runs on the Sunday. To build up from the short rides to the longer, faster rides. My target from this will then be to return next Winter for the Saturday rides and hopefully manage comfortably.

A couple of the guys who joined around the same time as me Jules and Kris, and who have become good friends, have developed really well and are looking to compete in their first races next season so I'll be going along supporting. Maybe I'll be taking part in 2012 who knows?!

Gerard Vroomen at Cervelo bikes

2010-12-07T21:07:00.003Z

Cervelo are one of my favourite bike manufacturers, if I had the money they would be the bike of my choice. I like the grass roots, "hand built" personality of the brand, their marketing really gets across how they put heart and soul into every product. Results show this too, their bikes for years have been at the forefront of professional cycling, particulary Time Trialling.

I like their good product development, understanding the need and audience while being sympathetic to design. Their bikes look beautiful.

So when Cervelo announced the retirement of their professional cycling team a couple months ago it was a disappointment. Over 2 years they had achieved so much, from newbies on the block to serious contender, not least getting Thor Hushvod into the World Champion and Tour de France green jerseys!!

Lack of funding was to blame and the team was effectively taken over by Garmin.

I came across this blog from Cervelo owner Gerard Vroomen about the demise of his team. I think this is a great example of their commitment and passion to cycling. I feel sorry for him but hopefully Cervelo will come out of the experience stronger and good on them!

http://www.cervelo.com/en_us/news-blog/rider-blogs/article/mixed-emotions/2616/

MBNA credit card fraud prevention

2010-12-07T17:27:00.003Z

I've just found out that my credit card details stolen. It is sickening when you find out but fortunately I have been well looked after due to some brilliant service from the guys and girls over at MBNA in Chester.

I first found out that something was wrong after receiving a SMS text message from MBNA which alerted me that £1 had been paid to PayPal. If this was correct I was to text back YES, if not I was to text back NO.

Once I had replied NO, another text message shortly followed letting me know someone would give me a call shortly and to answer any withheld numbers. Literally within one minute a MBNA representative had contacted me and ran through my details to close the account.

I was lucky, in total £1,300 of transactions were pending. These are now being refunded. I spoke to Jane Lane who was excellent.

In an age where digital transactions are becoming more common place and the income divide ever more apparent; the desperate, sadistic ways of making money becomes (seemingly) all the more easier. My visit from today's modern age pickpocket is a reminder that if you do have cards, get them protected.

Couple of nice ads

2010-12-03T12:37:00.005Z

Spotted a couple of nice ads this week. I love the tongue in cheek approach from Commerzbank, a really nice play on the stereotypical understanding of German organisation while still getting across the serious notion of using a professional bank.

Post It looks at the consequence of not having any Post It notes available, and perhaps a reminder to us all to buy more! I love the ugly piece of paper which is being lost into the colour of the fridge reminding us of the reason why we use Post It.

I thought this POS for Absolut vodka is a very clever way of making a potentially dull bus stop into a really useful tool for increasing both the character of a product and brand recognition.

RIP Leslie Nielsen

2010-12-01T14:36:00.002Z

Just a quick tribute to the legendary comic actor that is Leslie Nielsen who passed away this week having suffered with pneumonia. Star of the Naked Gun series, I loved his quick wit coupled with fantastic dead pan acting.

One my favourite films of his, like many other people I'm sure, was Airplane! and I found this trailer on You Tube which is just hilarious! I think there was a joke every 10 seconds, be it at the forefront of the dialogue or in the background, the trivia page on IMDb is massive.

Germany to return to the Deutschmark?

2010-11-25T11:55:00.002Z

Interesting report on Newsnight last Tuesday. It reported on the trouble with countries such as Ireland, Portugal, Greece and Italy who have massive debt levels. As we're seeing with Ireland, the country is on it's knees and desperately seeking financial help. There is concern that the problems with Ireland and these countries will affect the value of the Euro. Economists hope that the economic strength of key Euro countries such France and Germany will help subsidise the Euro.

Germany in particular is a key country, it reported GDP growth of 3.9% in the last 3 months and this pushes the strength of the Euro. Interestingly the report highlighted that such is the growth of Germany that it is making the Euro too expensive for the countries that are struggling. As the Euro value increases, exports are being less and the cost of living rising.

One way to combat this would be to allow Germany to leave the Euro, this would then allow the Euro to fall in value making it easier for the struggling countries to start spending and be more lucrative to trade goods.

I thought this was a really interesting situation. Speaking to a couple of German friends, they would be more than happy to go back to the Deutschmark as they too believe the Euro is too expensive. Personally I would love to see the re-introduction of old currencies again, I think it brings charm and personality to a country although I understand the rationale behind a single currency, particularly for those living on the European continent.

Christmas TV Ads

2010-11-24T11:53:00.003Z

The Superstores have started their big pushes for the festive season.

Let me know you're favourites. Mine are Marks & Spencer and Tesco. Marks & Spencer have brought in the usual mix of celebrities to cover their target age range. Peter Kay was good decision, not only for ad visibility, but to promote their Big & Tall range. I really like the ad, it's bright, refreshing and shows the clothes in a great light. It will work well for them.

Tesco's have decided to keep with Fay Ripley and Mark Addy as Mum and Dad while bringing in Britain's Got Talent's Amanda Holden. Nicely executed ad concentrating on consumables rather than food. Lots of product on show, the store looks nice in the background.

I like the message behind Sainsbury's, the ad is beautifully shot but I'm unsure about the lack of product. Morrison's has remained focussed on educating us on the source of their products. This time they bring in children who visit farms (and in-store) to learn about the vegetables and meat - nice idea as it focusses in on Mum's and healthy eating while showcasing product. Waitrose have concentrated on using celebrity chef expertise to showcase their premium product.

Goodyear EfficientGrip Fuel Giveaway

2010-11-22T11:53:00.003Z

As I approached the M6, J19 roundabout this morning it seemed very busier than usual around the Esso petrol station. A massive Goodyear Blimp was floating above and about 10 people in florescent jackets and placards stood in the middle of the dual carriageway (just like the guy in the picture).

This stunt was all part of a campaign to raise awareness of EfficientGrip, a new tyre developed by Goodyear which reduces the amount of rolling resistance, thus using less energy and saving motorists money on petrol.

It is said that it can save drivers 1 litre of fuel in every tank as well as offering good tyre durability, increased wet weather performance and a quieter ride. I had a set of Goodyear F1 Eagle's on my Golf GTI a year ago following rave reviews from the likes of EVO magazine. I found them to be an uncomfortable ride, the noise was loud and the performance terrible. I switched to Continental Sport Contacts and have found them to be much better.

Not only are Goodyear offering £20 free fuel but will award a £10 fuel voucher for each tyre when fitted!

It is a great, high visibility campaign. There was a huge queue this morning outside Esso petrol station and for those receiving the free fuel I'm sure they will remember the brand!

Goodyear aren't the only ones to have tried this stunt, other attempts include Electronic Arts which played on fuel being used as currency in Venezuela for their new computer game Mercenaries 2 and Hyundai also offered a free fuel top in the US to promote their new fuel efficient models.

Clever Ads

2010-11-18T13:59:00.005Z

Sometimes it can be hard to get clients on board to develop really nice creative ideas, many want to take the safe route which can not always generate good volumes of sales. To help I try to put ideas in the mind of the client. I came across these beauties yesterday as I was prepping up for a client meeting.

The ideas wonderfully illustrate the message from the products. Despite being smaller, the new range of Komatsu tractors are still very powerful. The Gorilla ladder's standing base is so big and sturdy that it's like the ground has come up with you.

Facebook launches Social Inbox

2010-11-15T21:48:00.004Z

Facebook have launched a brand new messaging system, which introduces a fusion of email, SMS and Facebook messaging.

Speaking at a Facebook conference today, founder Mark Zuckerberg announced that "email is dead", claiming it to be "too slow and formal".

It is something I've thought about for a while now. At work we send thousands of emails a week. Emails are important as they obviously track a timeline of conversation and we are then able to save emails into job bags for future reference. This is something which is lost in a verbal conversation and can be lost using instant messaging.

A solution where you can have a platform like Outlook, but instead of simply receiving an email, you could start an instant real time conversation which would then be saved into a folder just like email would be ideal.

This is a solution which Zuckerberg is putting forward although texts and all method of written conversation would also be saved in a historical timeline instead of being scattered on various solutions. The inbox will also be split into friends, general email and junk. A nice touch.

It is a genius solution, showing great understanding. It is a great move for Facebook.

And yes, all Facebook users will be getting a Facebook email address, although Zuckerberg was keen to stress it wouldn't be an "email address" as such, perhaps more an "identity".

To start with Social Inbox will be by invite only, however if you head to www.facebook.com/about/messages - you can ask for an invite.

Fosters Funny Alan Partridge

2010-11-14T18:55:00.005Z

Ste Coogan is on a roll at the moment. He has just launched a new series of the brilliant Alan Partridge on www.fostersfunny.co.uk and is involved with new BBC 2 comedy "The Trip" with Rob Brydon.

The new Alan Partridge episodes are excellent. 10 minutes each, they quickly take you back immediately to the much missed TV series of old. This time Partridge is fronting "North Norfolk Digital" with the episodes filmed through the studio webcam. Alan is as boring as ever, jingles as diabolical as ever but the subtle humour from Coogan is as sharp as ever.

What can go wrong does go wrong (and as we find in episode 2 this week) Alan takes part in a radio documentary on his family history, only to find one of his relatives dies of syphilis prompting Alan to remark "if I was going on a man's radio show to accuse one of his ancestors of having a sexual disease I wouldn't want to be pretty sure, I would want to be the next step up; which is, presumably, 'uber sure'".

The series is also a great social media strategy from Fosters. The results must be staggering, both from a brand equity perspective to the amount of news coverage. You can check them out on YouTube below.

If you love these check out The Trip on BBC 2, which follows Ste Coogan and Rob Brydon as they travel around North England reviewing restaurants. Directed by Michael Winterbottom, it is beautifully produced as Coogan and Brydon vibe off each other with hysterical impressions while you try to figure who is real and who is an actor in the surroundings. It is also great to see the North beautifully shot, and to me the food courses create just as much as the great dialogue.

The Social Network

2010-11-11T20:49:00.003Z

Becky and I watched The Social Network the other evening. The film is based on the book "Accidental Millionaires" by Ben Mezrich (with the screenplay by Aaron Sorkin of A Few Good Men fame and directed by David Fincher, who was also involved with Se7en and Benjamin Button. Kevin Spacey was also Executive Producer) and explores the beginning and development of Facebook.

As I spend pretty much everyday on Facebook, both on a personal and business perspective, I was really interested to see Mezrich's insight into the development of Facebook, especially as he was supposedly supported by Facebook co-founder Eduardin Saverin.

The film is fascinating and although the film centers around Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg, it is Saverin who plays a major part in the Facebook story. The story can be told thus:

* Winklevoss twins approach Zuckerberg after he launches Facemash, a "hot or not" website which was created from hacking into the Havard Universities student photo database.
* The Winklevoss twins look to launch the Havard Connection. A social networking website similar to Facebook today.
* Zuckerberg starts developing the site before deciding to make it his own behind the Winklevoss twins knowledge and creates Facebook.
* Best friend, Saverin is announced as Financial Director, Saverin finds investment for Facebook at the beginning and develops the Facebook relationship algorithm.
* Saverin clashes with Zuckerberg over business direction. Saverin wants to introduce advertising to create revenue, while Zuckerberg didn't want to as he felt it was "cool" that Facebook didn't include ads. Zuckerberg was right.
* Zuckerberg meets Napster founder Sean Smith, despite being chalk and cheese share direction.
* Facebook moves to California while Saverin spends time away in New York searching for advertisers.
* Behind the scenes Smith introduces investment banks and eventually Saverin looses his shares after being tricked into a dodgy contract.

So, who would have thought that our beloved Facebook could be so corrupt?! There is no way of knowing how much of this is true but Zuckerberg did end up paying the Winklevoss twins $65 million in compensation and Saverin's shares were also restored.

Zuckerberg is a discreet character, he keeps himself to himself. He has admited that the majority of the film is untrue but the majority of the shirts he wears in the film is correct. He is portrayed as an arrogant, well assured individual in the film, watching interviews with him it is hard to accept that. Although a strange thing I noted is that during the lawsuit between Saverin and Zuckerberg in the film, Saverin still held Zuckerberg in high regard despite being conned by his best friend, so perhaps there is something else there.

This is one of my favourite interviews of Zuckerberg, I think it is a good reminder that the despite his intelligence and wealth, the guy is only in his early twenties!

5 months with the club

2010-11-08T17:45:00.002Z

November marked my 5th month anniversary with Weaver Valley Cycling Club. In such a short period of time I feel I've developed as a cyclist. I'm not by any means the finished article but I've ridden on the track and my hill climbing has improved so I'm now not totally off the back. This is mostly down to watching others developing my technique and having better anticipation and gear selection when it came to the hill.

I've unfortunately not had a consistent run of club runs due to personal commitments and also helping out with marshalling. I've normally had 2 or 3 in a row weekends with a week off but I'm finding that I'm loosing weight and I'm learning that when the pace eases up, to take drink, a deep breath and getting ready for the next onslaught.

I enjoy the company within the club, everyone is great and supportive. There are some amazing cyclists, where they get the power and energy from I don't know! You learn the best groups to be in for your own ability and I'm really enjoying my cycling. I also enjoy being part of the cycling community, getting involved in marshalling etc.

Getting involved with a cycling club is definitely worth it, I've found that a lot of new members are already very fit from having been involved in marathons or triathalons previously, others have built their way up gradually like me. So, if you're thinking of joining a club for the 2011 season, I would say make sure you have a couple of sportives in the legs to test your ability and get involved.

Tour de France 2011 Route

2010-10-19T17:16:00.002+01:00

The 2011 Tour de France route was announced today in Paris. The route celebrates 100 years of the Alps and to mark the occasion the Tour visits the Galibier twice and also goes up the vicious Alpe d' Huez for a mountain top finish two days before Paris.

There is an individual time trial before Paris.

There is a return to the Pyrenees in the first half of the race which could be interesting and there is the return of the Team Time Trial too.

Not as exciting as the start of 2010 without the Beligium Pave but definitely one for the climbers, I'd put my money on Andy Schleck this year.

Gap

2010-10-12T21:38:00.004+01:00

It's good to see that branding still plays a massive part in our day to day lives.

Clothing retailer Gap announced that it was to give it's reknowned logo an overhaul in an attempt to appeal to a modern audience. The new logo included a blue square in the top right hand corner as a nod to the old branding.

Well it's safe to say it all kicked off. Over 2000 comments on it's Facebook page, not counting those on Twitter (a Twitter feed dedicated to both the old and new Gap logo were created). Such was the uproar surrounding the new look that within a week of announcing the new logo Gap decided to pull it and revert back to it's previous branding.

There are two ways to look at this.

1) Gap has a terrible communications strategy. Do they really know their audience?
I would love to see the brief for this new logo. It is terrible. It is poor design, secondary school at best execution. I wouldn't have the square overlapping the "p" at all, nor the gradient in the square. It would cause all kind of production problems and would look terrible in a single colour.

Gap reverted back after only a couple of thousand people kicked up a fuss. For a global brand this is very weak. Were they too frightened to loose mouldy old customers and make a bold new decision? Surely they had done their research?

2) Is it a clever Social Media strategy?
I find it hard to believe that (according to MarketingMag) a reputable agency such as Laird & Partners in New York would create such a grotesque logo. Gap also announced through Facebook that they were re-branding. Not exactly the norm when executing such a major branding change.

Gap also pulled the new logo within a week due to a couple of thousand people complaining. Were they looking at a clever way to get people talking and add new followers to their Facebook and Twitter feeds? Perhaps create a bit of a fuss and get people to remember the glorious heritage of the Gap brand. Those expensively produced blue paper bags with the reversed logo. Look good on the high street don't they? When did you last shop at Gap? The clothes were expensive but the quality was good no? Wasn't there a time when it was cool to have your baby dressed head to foot in Gap? But now you shop at Next right?

I can't say which one it is but it would be genius if it was number 2. Shame they couldn't have kept it going slightly longer!

Horse of the Year Show Tickets

2010-10-07T21:44:00.003+01:00

Becky and I ventured down to the NEC in Birmingham on Wednesday for the Horse of the Year show. Becky loved the day and arrived home a lot lighter in the purse but weighed down by shopping!

We had a good day but I wanted to highlight something just in case you were thinking of going because I think it is very poor form from the organisers Grandstand Media.

Becky had left buying the tickets to the last minute (due to saving up to go and trying to get the day off). Luckily she managed to get the day off, however when it came to the tickets last week we were shocked to find that the £26 and £36 a ticket seats had sold out - for these seats to sell out on a Wednesday and Thursday is very unheard of. There was no way we could afford £56 each, it wouldn't be good value for money either with the professional riders not being very active on the Wednesday.

Anyway after searching long and hard we managed to grab hold of some £36 tickets.

For Horse of the Year show to say those cheaper tickets were sold out is wrong. We sat in the arena and there were hundreds of empty cheap seats. It was so empty that the stewards told us to sit at the front (in the expensive seats) as it wouldn't be busy.

Surely it would make better sense to fill up the arena with cheaper prices than hang on to see if people would pay £56 a ticket (which from talking to 5 people they didn't). Grandstand Media have had to pull the British Open Showjumping Championships already due to lack of interest, perhaps they should revise their strategy or Horse of the Year show will follow suit.

It isn't a cheap day out, especially for families. You also have to pay £8 parking, and if you want a programme that is another £8 (I know I fainted too). Food and drink isn't cheap either, easily £4 for a sandwich, hot dog or burger and a cup of tea even comes in at £1.60.

Yes of course best advice is to book as early as possible especially if you are thinking of going Friday, Saturday or Sunday, (if you book by December you can pay 2010 prices rather than 2011 so sounds like they're going up again) but for Wednesday and Thursday book the cheapest you can as chances are you'll sit nearer the front anyway. Approximate tmes are available on the website beforehand so print those off from there to save the ridiculous £8 programme charge.

New Heinz Tomato Soup "Whistle" TV Ad

2010-10-07T21:30:00.003+01:00

I saw this new TV ad from Heinz the other night for Tomato Soup, no doubt for the run up to those chilly Autumn days. The advert was created by Abbott Mead Vickers BBDO and is part of a £2 million pound campaign.

I love how it has brilliantly observed and captured the moment of someone's first mouthful of soup. Beautifully filmed and has a nice tone to it

Dave Hinde Race Series

2010-10-07T20:58:00.008+01:00

Those who read my blog will know I had a disagreement with a cyclist and a car recently which ended up with my 6 month old Dave Hinde L'Etape frame being written off, together with handlebars, cassette, chain and rear mech.

Anyway all this has meant a new frame and the guys at Dave Hinde have been excellent, in fact Jim was one of the first to phone me once the news had filtered through. They set to work in taking the bike apart and checked everything throughly. With my entry level L'Etape written off they made me an offer to replace it with a brand new Race Series frame which they had in stock. Made in Aluminum, like the L'Etape, the Race Series frame is made by Italian frame maker Dedacciai. For those of you who following cycling closely, Dedacciai also make the frames for Condor of the Rapha Condor Racing Team.

The Race Series frame is certainly a lot chunkier especially on the seat tube with a squared top and down tube. It means business and is similar weight if slightly lighter to the L'Etape. I have it finished with Pro-Lite kit, Mavic wheels and full Ultegra groupset.

I decided to upgrade the forks. I had Ambrosio forks previously, this was a default option from Dave Hinde. I wasn't impressed with the forks, right from the first ride they had a very harsh ride and wept under pressure when sprinting. They were very poor.

I upgraded to Deda's very own Blackfin racing forks which are full carbon and are also very light. The difference has been incredible already. The ride is a 100% better, the front of the bike glides along soaking up the little bumps. Compared to the Ambrosio forks it is like riding in an arm chair.

Combined with the Race Series frame, the Deda forks make a very nice ride. The bike is very forward moving, every pedal stroke pushes through the frame to the wheel. If you're looking for a first time road bike I'd probably stick to a L'Etape, for an upgrade or second affordable frame definitely consider the Road Series.

First time at the Velodrome

2010-10-03T15:24:00.004+01:00

On Friday evening I had my first taste of riding the boards at the velodrome in Manchester courtesy of Weaver Valley Cycling Club. I hadn't had any track cycling experience before, nor had I ridden a fixed or fixed with no brakes!

All I can say is that if you love your cycling, you need to get on the track. It is the most overwhelming, exhilarating, mindblowingly, adrenalin fuelled fun you will have on two wheels. It is brilliant.

The air whooshes past your face, the massive kick you get as you come off the bend, your surroundings just whizz by, it is such a great sensation.

Some beginners tips if you're visiting the Velodrome for the first time.

1) You can hire a track bike from the Velodrome for £10. They are all fixed wheel, all you need to know is your frame size.

2) You can hire cycling shoes from the Velodrome for £4 or if you use Look Delta cleats you'll be ok.

3) Riding a fixed wheel bike can be strange at first, even stranger without any brakes! With a fixed wheel, the cranks are constantly moving so you can't freewheel. Don't worry if you try to, you just get a gentle reminder from the bike to keep pedalling! Track cycling is all about how fast you can spin your legs, together with leg power.

4) You brake by 1) softly cycling backwards, this takes some getting used to as I found I was yanking back to harshly at first or 2) start to cycle at a slower revolution.

5) Every session has a trainer from the Velodrome who will get you on your way. The sessions are split into 2, one half for beginners and intermediates and then another half for the experienced boys and girls (we were getting 15 minutes on rotation which worked out really well).

6) The key thing about cycling at the Velodrome is to push hard through the corners. It is all about forward motion and looking around you. Never move out without a good look.

7) Don't worry about the banking, it does look intimidating at first but let gravity help you out. When we were racing we used the black inside line as it is the shortest way round the course and used the blue line for overtaking. You start off by riding around on the flat "cote d'azur" around the edge at first to get used to a fixed wheel bike and then go up onto the banking. At first it is a wierd sensation trying to stick to the line, you'll wobble about a bit. I found it dodgy on the corners but you just have to relax and trust that the bike isn't going to from under you, and as long as you're pedalling it won't do.

8) Self control is a massive area. Get some group riding experience so you know how to alter your cadence to suit the man in-front. You need to be thinking ahead, pre-plan your movements and be aware of what is happening being you.

9) Always overtake on the outside. Never on the inside.

10) Relax and enjoy it. I found as soon as I relaxed my upper body, loosened my grip on the bars I could concentrate not only on the race but let my legs do the work.

Crash

2010-09-23T10:06:00.002+01:00

Cycling for me hit an all time low last weekend while taking part in the Manchester 100. The morning hadn't started as planned anyway, I was wanting to set off at 7am to complete the 100 miles by lunchtime. Despite leaving my house at 6am, a 20 minute journey turned into an hour and a half queue to get in. I narrowly made the 8am cut off point for the 100 mile and set off.

By this time the roads were pretty busy with cyclists, many would have started the 100k option so there were all kinds of bikes on the road from fixed to mountain to full sus. I've documented many times about how poor the cycling etiquette can be in these sportives and this was unfortunately another example. Riders were strung across the road, some even riding 5 a breast onto the opposite side of the road and people who are riding alone were even sat in the middle of the road.

There is a long stretch of road at about 10 miles in which goes past Tatton Park, it was at this point I saw a group of 10 riders who had pulled over taking up the whole road, 3 of which were casually having a piss at the side of the road. I'm sure the female cyclists and passing drivers didn't want to see that. Further on I saw another group of cyclists flat out in a field taking a break - it was only 10 miles in?!!

I haven't got an issue with cyclists starting out at all. 3 years ago I was in the same situation, even completing Manchester to Blackpool on a mountain bike myself. The issue I have is the poor cycling etiquette and I've always felt that one day someone was going to get hurt. This time it was me.

Anyway I pushed on and before long I heard some squeeking and a lot of huffing and puffing behind me. These 2 gents passed by and pulled in front of me. You would have thought we were in deepest winter with the full length tights, skullcaps, full length clothes and winter jackets they were wearing, but they were going at a similar pace so I decided to sit on their wheel for a couple of miles to save energy.

Before long they slowed up and I re-overtook and carried on. About 10 minutes later they overtook me again and pulled right in front. I decided to slow up and let them carry on.

As you pull out of Knutsford, there is a slight drag and a pretty decent descent where you can pick up some speed. As I came over the arch of the hill, the two guys were ahead of me by about 80 metres. No danger and I reached for my bottle. Just as I reached for my bottle, a car coming the opposite way was trying to overtake another cyclist on a blind bend. The guys in front suddenly broke really hard, I slammed on omy front brake and brought my hand up for the rear but with the momentum of the hill together with the guy in front not looking and pulling into my path I had no where to go but to hit his wheel sending me and the bike flying.

The bike and I skidded for about 50 metres, me landing about a metre away from the front of the car. I had landed on my head and shoulder, and my right leg and arm was totally ripped.

Now here is the bad bit, as a lay there dazed and badly bleeding, did the 2 cyclists stop to make sure I was ok? No. They just cycled on like nothing had happened. I couldn't believe it.

The driver and some passing cyclists helped me out. I refused for an ambulance to be called out as I was only 10 minutes from my house so I put a call in for help there instead! The last thing I wanted was all the attention of an ambulance rolling up. Dazed, I thanked everyone and slomped down in a field out of the way. I was so angry. Angry that I should have known better with the guys in front, angry that the guys hadn't even stopped and angry that I was only 15 miles in.

The bike was a wreck. The rear mech had twisted into my wheel, the handlebars bent, gear levers knackered and the frame looking twisted.

Luckily I've had a huge amount of support from everyone and I'm very grateful. One thing is for sure I won't be taking part in any events produced by Bike Events anymore. The roads are too congested, cramming as many people as they can on to the route. They need to cap the amount of entries, especially for their events which are geared up to new cyclists.

As I was driven home, another example of what I'm talking about happened right in front of us. One of the crossings is across a dual carriageway near to J19 of the M6. Although marshalled there is no traffic light system so it is down to judgement. As we drove towards the junction, 5 cyclists on mountain bikes came shooting across the dual carriageway without even stopping and taking a proper look, forcing a car to slam on his brakes to narrowly miss them.

This incident has left me with a bill for pretty much a new bike, new clothing and me in a huge amount of pain and off the bike for 2 weeks. Not to mention the huge knock to my pride but most of all I still can't believe the actions of a fellow cyclist not even stopping. It is this kind of mindless stupidity which is going to end up in more than just minor injuries on these rides.