Archive for August, 2009

Sleepless in the Saddle Photos now up.

There’s a few more to upload, but the vast majority of pictures are up now. I’ve certainly not got one of everyone, though there are lots of good ones of some folk.

Still the podium ones to upload though.

Click here to search by rider number. Type SITS followed by rider number. There are a few as always where I couldn’t make out the rider number, so if you want to browse the gallery, click here.

Rider 458 at speed.

Rider 458 at speed.

The Grassy Hill of Doom

The Grassy Hill of Doom

Crossing the finishing line.

Crossing the finishing line.

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Tuesday, August 11th, 2009 Mountain Biking Photos, News No Comments

Sleepless In The Saddle 2009 Pics

I’ve ridden Sleepless In The Saddle more than once solo, and from my memory SITS means mud and more mud. This time though the weather was rather pleasant, at least for a photographer, though after the recent rains there was some interest in the under tyre conditions. Organised by Pat Chris Ag et al a thoroughly enjoyable time was had by all of us.

A few pictures now, the rest in the next couple of days

Rider 547 flying round a corner.

Rider 547 flying round a corner.

Past the corn fields.

Past the corn fields.

Left a bit right a bit.

Left a bit right a bit.

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Monday, August 10th, 2009 Mountain Biking Photos, News No Comments

2009 IronMan UK Championship Photos

Click her to go straight to the IMUK Pictures, or click on any pictures below.

I’ve never done a Triathlon, and I’ve never taken pictures at one before, so I hadn’t got a clue what to expect.  A friend of mine told me on Friday that the event was taking place, so no chance even to reccy the course. Thankfully the organisers at IronmanUK had maps of the course on their website, so I had an idea of where the action might be caught.

It was dark when I left Hayfield, just after 4am, so that I was in plenty of time for the start.  Once at the Anderton Centre, things looked quite familiar. A muddy campsite, which seems to be a prequisite of British summer time sporting events.

The athletes were already  heading towards the start. Lots of muddy bare feet.

Pensive people consider what is ahead.

The triathletes line up in the reservoir before the start.

After the start, the swimmers fairly quickly moved towards the middle of the reservoir. Not much to photograph even with a 400mm lens, so I headed round the other side towards where they’d be heading once they had made the transition to their bikes.

Less than an hour after the start the fast folk were already heading up the first hill on their bikes.

This was one of the quick ladies.

Onwards and upwards they went. (Lots of pics in the gallery).

Over the  worst of it, but not at the top yet.

Still not at the top, but respite for some at the first feed station.

Once at the top, the first  descent. Slow…..

Then Fast.

That was as far as I was following them on their bikes. Time to head back to catch them after they’d left their bikes to embark on their run. Of course I got a few shots on the way back down as some were setting off on their last bike lap.

From Rivington the Triathletes now on foot headed for Bolton Town Hall.

Passing their supporters en route.

After just walking 20 miles, time to go home for me. I was knackered.

Well done to all those who took part. Just short of 300 pictures to view or purchase here.

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Tuesday, August 4th, 2009 Triathlon No Comments