Photo of the day - 12: Cyclocross is boss

Cyclocross at Astor College, Dover [Photo: Matt Bristow]

I enjoy that Monday feeling after having spent the previous weekend racing. There were two hill climb races, a bit of trail running, and of course, cyclocross race. After all, it is that time of the year. This was my first cyclocross race of the season (though the second race in the series). So I took myself over to the course in Dover and took the start line. (I had pre-entered, as is now compulsory during these Covid times.) Still feeling tired after the previous day's efforts at the two hill climbs and a bike ride, I didn't imagine I would be able to ride really hard. So, over the 40-minute race, I just raced to get round. There were a lot of twists and turns on the cambers of the hills, as well as a couple of steep climbs and a sand pit. I negotiated my way around these obstacles somewhat sketchily like Frank Spencer, though that was part of the fun. I finished 12th out of 14 women, and was lapped twice by the winner, Emily Ashwood. (22 women had entered the race but there were eight non-starters.) In any case it was an enjoyable afternoon out, with a friendly atmosphere. It was good to catch up with the old faces from last year too.   

Photo of the day - 11: Running along the White Cliffs of Dover

As I was in Dover for a cyclocross race, and it was a sunny day I thought, why not make a quick trip across to the famous White Cliffs, for a quick trail run. I had a hire car, so wanted to make the most of the hire time, and the cliffs were just a 10-minute drive from the cyclocross venue at Astor College. So off I popped. This is actually National Trust land, so you pay a £5 fee to park there, and you have access to well-maintained sign-posted trails, picnic spots, a cafe, toilets, plus lovely coastal views, including of France, 20 miles away. You also see all the action at the ferry terminal right below, if that's more your thing. As I had been racing less than hour earlier my legs wouldn't allow me to run any long distance in this area, but the 4km I did were a good introduction - especially as it involved around 130m of climbing! Yes, this is a particularly favourable area for fell runners! On all the recent times I had been to Dover I breezed through on my bike to get on a boat to France. I had never thought of sightseeing in Dover. But witg this extensive area of the cliffs, the nearby castle, and the old town, there is a reason to do a day trip here. So I will make a day of it next time - before catching the ferry to France!