Hill Climbing - Part 2 - The Iron Mountain.

[Jules]

I posted on this subject just before taking delivery of my first Thorn Raven in November 2010.  At the the time I was concerned about the bikes abilities on the hills and received many reassuring and helpful replies. I have been delighted with my Raven and it has acquitted itself admirably on my local climbs in the south east Wales area that I cycle.
On May 5 this year I'll be putting things to the test as I'm participating in the TumbleUp4Life charity ride in order to fund raise for Cancer Research.  This involves climbing up the Tumble (Blorenge or "Iron" Mountain outside Abergavenny) in South Wales. 
The challenge is to climb it as many times as you can in one day up to a maximum of fifteen.  I'm hoping to achieve a minimum of three ascents in memory of three dear friends that I have lost to cancer. At 65 I reckon I've got to be realistic.
I wondered if any other Thorn owners are participating or would be interested in doing so.  Full details of the event can be found at :
http://tumbleup4life.wordpress.com/
My own fund raising page is at :
http://myprojects.cancerresearchuk.org/fundraise/fundraising-pages/tumbleup4life-2012-julian-ross
Thanks for your time.

[Pavel]

Good luck and let us know how it goes.

[jags]

sounds tough best of luck with the challange 

[Danneaux]

Very best of luck, Jules, and I hope it goes well for you. Remember, you're climbing "in memoriam" so any you do will honor your friends and if you can't do all you'd like...I know they'd understand. What a wonderful way to honor them, and a good cause as well.

I'd be right there with you if I were local and on that side of the pond. You've a fine bike to do the task; just be careful of the knees and use the low gears you have.

Looking forward to hearing how it all went "after". Good on you!

All the best,

Dan.

[Jules]

Pavel, Jags and Dan - many thanks for your comments, good wishes and encouragement.  I will post an account of the day and my "progress" can be monitored on the Blog I've started at the address in my previous post. Thanks again.

[Jules]

I can whole heartedly recommend this wonderful event to any cyclist who relishes a challenge! Saturday, May 5 was dry, provided a light tail wind on the way up but it was very cold on the mountain top - 3 degrees C and much colder with the wind chill.  The descent was "chilling". 
The event is organised by some wonderful Dutch people and there were many Dutch participants.  There was a a great atmosphere, very supportive and friendly.
I managed my three planned ascents and was amazed at my bikes performance.  Yes, i was "dropped" by some of the younger, road bike riding participants but I was very comfortable, didn't struggle and to my surprise never engaged my bottom gear. I even managed to smile for the camera!
I have raised over £800 for Cancer Research and commemorated the lives of three brave women who lost their lives to cancer - the day left me feeling humble and incredibly fortunate to have participated in this wonderful event.
I have photos but am not sure how to post them.
It would be great if some other members of the Thorn fraternity turned up next year.

[jags]

£800 very nice and very well done 

[macspud]

I have photos but am not sure how to post them.

Hello Jules,

Very well done on your accomplishment, would be good to see some pictures.

Though I haven't done so yet myself, I think it is fairly straight forward to add pictures when writing yours posts by clicking on Additional Options... under the message box and then clicking on Attach then you choose the appropriate file/files.

Please could someone correct me if I'm wrong.

Regards,

Iain