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Saturday 29 September 2012

Duo preparation

Just prior to registering and signing on for this year's main event (the Duo Normand) we popped in to the supermarket in the host town - Marigny. Parked close to us in the car park was the team car for Orica-Greenedge (the favourites, Durbridge and Tuft ride for them).

Whilst Team Grumpy loaded up the car with Leffe beer, pizza and crisps we couldn't help but notice the pros doing likewise. Except they were loading their car with gallons of mineral water. Call themselves pros - they know nothing. What sort of excuse can they offer with preparation like that?

Sunday 23 September 2012

Duo Normand woes

Following Grumpy Bob's 'incident' at the Icknield '10' the other week, he thought things could hardly have got worse for Team Grumpy's ride at the 2012 Duo Normand. After a few days off the bike, he's managed to get some training done, mostly on the turbo. Indeed, his shoulder is far more painful on the bike than on the turbo.

No, what's more worrying is the Brittany Ferries strike. 'Grumpy' Art has been holidaying in Normandy, with the plan of returning to the UK for a few days before returning for the Duo Normand in the guise of Team Grumpy. His return trip was badly affected by the Brittany Ferries strike and subsequent suspension of all Brittany Ferries services (involving two cancellations, then a mid-channel helicopter evacuation of a sick passenger).
Following the series of strikes which has been disrupting our services, our Board has reluctantly taken the decision to tie up the fleet and to cancel all crossings with immediate effect, until further notice. The only route which will be unaffected is the Poole-Cherbourg passenger service which is operated on our behalf by Condor Ferries.
It appears that Brittany Ferries have an arrangement with P&O for Dover-Calais, but this is distinctly suboptimal for many UK riders who've entered the Duo Normand.

Team Grumpy is monitoring the situation somewhat anxiously.  The lack of form has suddenly dropped a few notches lower in Team Grumpy's list of worry.

Sunday 9 September 2012

Oh dear! (a.k.a. Aaaargh!)

With the 2012 edition of the Duo Normand only three weeks away, Team Grumpy riders have been putting the final touches on their training, to ensure they roll of the start ramp in peak condition.

Or they should have been.

In fact both Grumpy Bob and 'Grumpy' Art have had their 2012 season beset by injury, illness and lack of time to commit to effective training. Grumpy Bob has felt the stirrings of some kind of form lately, but has continued to suffer misfortune, most recently at the hands of children arsing around on the F15/10 yesterday afternoon. This caused him to take a nasty 26 mph tumble along the tarmac.

Fortunately, no bones broken. But he's acquired a surprising level of abrasion and bruising. He hopes the bike is OK. His skinsuit and aero helmet were completely trashed in the crash.