Orbana healthy energy drink: part 1 (intro)

Whilst visiting Leisure Industry Week, an exhibition for the B2B leisure industry, I met the Orbana team. As exhibitors at LIW, Orbana were there to speak with potential buyers interested in sports nutrition products. The difficulty for any supplier supplying this market is the stiff competition they face. The sports nutrition industry attracts huge interest and worth millions of pounds so everyone wants a piece of this action.

Heard it all before
I've moved past the stage of asking suppliers too much about their products. Most seem to proclaim their products are 'unique': natural ingredients, all the vitamins, perfect balance of carbs to proteins and so on. I'm looking for their USP (Unique Selling Point)... what makes you stand out from the others?

Product presentation
The first thing that struck me was the way the product presented itself. Unlike other competitive products Orbana came to customers in a bottle as powder ingredients only. Odd you might think. Apparently this helps keep the ingredients 'fresh'. The diluent - usually water - reduces the ingredient's potency and freshness. Another noticeable point is it's a lot lighter (with no fluid dilutent) than your standard product - great if you carry your recovery product with you to use later.

What samples did I use?
After some discussion with Orbana rep, Sharon, I was offered a few samples. In fact I was given a box of sample to try (thanks Sharon). I've used all but one of my Orbana samples during a ride to work. This because a) I try new products outside a race first and b) I plan to report back on by way of a long-term test through a video entry (so I need a sample right?) during part 2 of the report.


And... what's it like?
In terms of taste I can say that it's rather pleasant. Some products tend to use sugar-replacement ingredients which leaves an unpleasant after-taste in your mouth, but Orbana was fine. Also, texture-wise I found it easy to drink (ingest)... almost smooth like. There is no unpleasant phlegm build-up or unwanted stomach discomforts either.
It's too early to report on its efficacy so I hope that in my second report I might offer better insight - whether good old water with Ribena is is-as-good as Orbana (or any sports nutrition drinks for that matter)? I fear not, I'm confident it'll be great, but for me proof comes whilst racing when your body cries out for nutritional help and too when the race is done... those all important first 30mins after.

Part 2 to come...

London Dynamo Hill Climb (17 October)

[photo by Gavin Morton]

With a chest still a little dodgy from the Kingston Wheelers hill climb two weeks ago I tackled the 1200 yard Leith Hill climb promoted by London Dynamo CC. I managed to improve my position to 4th (from 7th) but whilst the course was a little longer than last time I did a slower time - 04:18 (last time 04:03).

This time I felt considerably worse suffering dizzy spells and cramping calves at the car park at the top of the hill. Jeez, when will I learn hill climbing is not for me :-(

Race stats:
Time: 04:08
Distance: 1250 yards
Heart Rate: 184/194 (ave/max)
Ascent: 120m

Results:
1. Chris McNamara (Corley Cycles RT) - 04:04 (see video below for interview)
2. Luke Wallis (Kingston Wheelers) - 04:08
3. Sylvain Garde (Addiscombe CC) - 04:12
4. Rob Enslin (AW Cycles) - 04:18

Chris McNamara interview from Rob Enslin on Vimeo.

Chris won today's (Oct 17th) London Dynamo hill climb up Leith Hill in a winning time of 04:04.

I managed to nick 2 mins of his time to talk about the hill climb, training and next years plans.

Ride of the falling leaves, Storrington

Another amazing ride organised by the FALLING LEAVES master, Steve Calland took place today leaving from his south downs den in Storrington. Unlike last year's Norwood Paragon dominated ride Steve managed to muster local South Downs Bikes riders for a leisurely 80 miles along some of the country's finest lanes.

Special mention to Florida Racing Magazine owner, David Green, for great good chats about the cyclist magazine serving the Florida area, US. I wonder whether a cyclist digital magazine would serve the London community? I'd be interested in your thoughts.

Ride time: ~5hrs
Distance: 78miles
Weather: cool, overcast and drizzle

"Thanks for a safe ride guys."

Leith Hill killer (3rd October)

[photo by Gavin Morton]

Being a big guy (6'1" weighing ~79kilos) lumping my body over steep gradients is not easy. However, I'm always keen on competition and since Leith Hill (North Downs, Surrey) is very local to me, I thought I'd give it a shot. So I entered the Kingston Wheelers hillclimb.

After receiving the start sheet (PDF of the startsheet) well ahead of the event I was able to see exactly where the climb started and ended plus my start time. So, on Saturday morning I geared up and rode to the climb to recce it - to make sense of the profile and get some idea of where I'd push real hard and where I'd conserve. I actually recorded the climb so once I download it I'll share it here.

Off at 11.54 I smashed my way up the first section - long gentle start. Onto the first steep section the burn became apparent and my lungs began to burn. Push on I told myself. At the first reprieve I dutiful support awaited screaming their heads off: "move it", "come one", I heard. On the second of the steep sections - arguably the toughest - it started hurting real bad and the physiological emergency signs kick in. "Lactic Emergency" is not simply a build up of lactic acid, it's the bodies anaphylactic-like response felt by its inability to cope with this sudden overzealous lactic production.

With my cardio-vascular system on borrowed time I pushed on, on to the final ascent where a small group of eager people spurred me on. By now things were bad, my legs were slowing and pleading to stop. Before long I crossed the line in relief. I could taste the blood - a sure sign that you squeezed max out.

I managed 4mins 3sec enough to finish 7th. My AW Cycles team mate, Matt Melville, finished 5th after an encounter with a slow moving tractor. Matt, modestly confesses he'd have climbed another position if he had a clear road.

The final result revealed Pete Tadros, from InGear RT, winning by a very comfortable margin in 3mins 43sec claiming the course record. I managed to pull Pete across aside for a short interview.

Pete Tadros interview from Rob Enslin on Vimeo.

Hillclimb stats:

Time: 04:03 (min:sec)
Heart Rate: 181 / 199 (average/max)
Ascent: 120m