"This is the end, beautiful friend(s), the end" sang Jim Morrison.
And it's true for this blog at least. Ride done. Money raised. Stories told. Fun times had.
I hope it's inspired you if you were following it each day. And if you've stumbled across it for help in planning your own trip, I hope you've found it useful.
A big thanks once again for all who followed and all who donated (don't forget, the sponsorship pages are still open.)
I imagine I'll set up another blog in the future - I'm sure my next long distance adventure won't be too far away.
For now though, you can read more about my day to day cycling adventures at www.betterbybike.info/blogs
Until next time... happy cycling
Wednesday 26 May 2010
Sunday 16 May 2010
Books and guides
I consulted a few guide books before I left but found that there wasn't one that covered the ride as I wanted to do it.
Lands End to John O'Groats Official Cyclist's Challenge Guide by Brian Smailes covers the shortest cycling route by road (910 miles). This was used as a base for my route planning and helped with one or two places to stay. It was a bit outdated for my liking.
Lands End to John O'Groats Cycle Guide – a Cicerone Guide by Simon Brown provides some useful tourist information about the destinations en route – but it isn't great.
The Complete Book of Long-Distance Cycling by Edmund R Burke and Ed Pavelka was the most useful for training. Its chapters on stretching, recovery and how to deal with aches and pains were particularly useful.
The best book I read was Mark Beaumont's The Man Who Cycled Around The World. I read this during my final weeks of training and during the rides itself. It helped put my nine days of 100 miles into perspective.
Lands End to John O'Groats Official Cyclist's Challenge Guide by Brian Smailes covers the shortest cycling route by road (910 miles). This was used as a base for my route planning and helped with one or two places to stay. It was a bit outdated for my liking.
Lands End to John O'Groats Cycle Guide – a Cicerone Guide by Simon Brown provides some useful tourist information about the destinations en route – but it isn't great.
The Complete Book of Long-Distance Cycling by Edmund R Burke and Ed Pavelka was the most useful for training. Its chapters on stretching, recovery and how to deal with aches and pains were particularly useful.
The best book I read was Mark Beaumont's The Man Who Cycled Around The World. I read this during my final weeks of training and during the rides itself. It helped put my nine days of 100 miles into perspective.
Health and fitness
I trained for four months for this ride, also training for a half marathon run at the same time.
I rode 350 miles a month in January and February and ran 65 miles. In March and April I stepped my cycling training up and rode 650 miles a month, focussing on hill training and riding big miles on consecutive days.
As a rule of thumb, you should be able to ride two-thirds of your daily distance for three days in a row before the trip.
Planning to ride 100 miles a day on the trip, I wanted to ride 70 miles on the Friday, Saturday and Sunday in the two weeks before I left.
Due to mechanical problems and social plans I didn’t quite manage that. In the two weeks beforehand I rode 30 miles after work on the Friday, 100 on Saturday and 50 miles on the Sunday. Still 180 miles but not quite so intensively.
If you’re planning 900 miles in 9 days you should be able to do this without excessive discomfort.
I rode 350 miles a month in January and February and ran 65 miles. In March and April I stepped my cycling training up and rode 650 miles a month, focussing on hill training and riding big miles on consecutive days.
As a rule of thumb, you should be able to ride two-thirds of your daily distance for three days in a row before the trip.
Planning to ride 100 miles a day on the trip, I wanted to ride 70 miles on the Friday, Saturday and Sunday in the two weeks before I left.
Due to mechanical problems and social plans I didn’t quite manage that. In the two weeks beforehand I rode 30 miles after work on the Friday, 100 on Saturday and 50 miles on the Sunday. Still 180 miles but not quite so intensively.
If you’re planning 900 miles in 9 days you should be able to do this without excessive discomfort.
Roads and routes
I based my route on Brian Smailes' book 'Lands End to John O'Groats – The Official Cyclist's Challenge Guide', which in turn is based on the most direct and bicycle-friendly roads to take.
I adapted Brian’s route so I could visit a family member in Wiveliscombe (Devon) and my home in Bristol.
Several people offered me advise about the roads I chose – saying that the A30 in Cornwall (day 1), the A49 to Shrewsbury (day 3) and the A9 to Inverness (day 7 and 8) were busy and dangerous.
The A30 (a dual carriageway) was busy and dangerous, and I revised my route the day beforehand. The A49 (single carriageway) seemed fine and I’m glad I chose this route. The A9 was horrible once I left the Cairngorms. I felt particularly vulnerable on the route through Inverness. I wouldn’t recommend riding on the road here. There was a cycle path alongside the road but it stopped frequently at road junctions and the condition of the path wasn’t as good as the road.
I adapted Brian’s route so I could visit a family member in Wiveliscombe (Devon) and my home in Bristol.
Several people offered me advise about the roads I chose – saying that the A30 in Cornwall (day 1), the A49 to Shrewsbury (day 3) and the A9 to Inverness (day 7 and 8) were busy and dangerous.
The A30 (a dual carriageway) was busy and dangerous, and I revised my route the day beforehand. The A49 (single carriageway) seemed fine and I’m glad I chose this route. The A9 was horrible once I left the Cairngorms. I felt particularly vulnerable on the route through Inverness. I wouldn’t recommend riding on the road here. There was a cycle path alongside the road but it stopped frequently at road junctions and the condition of the path wasn’t as good as the road.
Tuesday 11 May 2010
Vital stats
Okay the official count is in.
My total ride time was 55 hrs 33 mins for a distance of 909 miles. That’s an average trip speed of 16.2mph.
My fastest day was Shrewsbury to Preston ridden at an average speed of 17.7 mph. Had it not been for the endless traffic lights and roundabouts through Warrington and Wigan this day would have been much faster.
My slowest day was Dornoch to John O'Groats, into a vicious headwind and with a buckled back wheel and only one working brake, at an average of 14.2 mph.
My fastest speed was 49.5mph, along the A3075 south of Newquay – a hill I’d recommend for anyone looking for a cheap thrill!
According to mapmyride.com I burnt 45000 calories (which may explain why I spent so much on food!).
Altogether the 'holiday' came to over £700 including £350 on petrol. My poor credit card!
My total ride time was 55 hrs 33 mins for a distance of 909 miles. That’s an average trip speed of 16.2mph.
My fastest day was Shrewsbury to Preston ridden at an average speed of 17.7 mph. Had it not been for the endless traffic lights and roundabouts through Warrington and Wigan this day would have been much faster.
My slowest day was Dornoch to John O'Groats, into a vicious headwind and with a buckled back wheel and only one working brake, at an average of 14.2 mph.
My fastest speed was 49.5mph, along the A3075 south of Newquay – a hill I’d recommend for anyone looking for a cheap thrill!
According to mapmyride.com I burnt 45000 calories (which may explain why I spent so much on food!).
Altogether the 'holiday' came to over £700 including £350 on petrol. My poor credit card!
Monday 10 May 2010
Competition winners
The weekend before we left for Lands End we invited 30 friends and family members to our house for a fund-raising barbecue.
We asked guests to predict:
a)What my speed would be for my fastest day
b)How long I’d take overall
c)When I’d get my first puncture.
The answers are a) 17.7mph, b) 55hrs 33minutes, and c) rather unbelievably, I didn’t get a puncture.
Well done to Rose Steele, Simon Helyar and Rachael Stiles respectively. Prizes of two Howies t-shirts, a bottle of wine, a Bike UK bike lock and a box of John O'Groats fudge will be shared when I see you next. Congrats!
Thursday 6 May 2010
Day 9 – the afternoon: Last 30 miles
I pushed on, heading for Wick, 12 miles away. Wick has always held some interest for me as it shares the same name as the small village in South Wales that my grandparents live in. It was nothing like it though, it was quite a thriving town with its own out-of-town retail centre and high street stores. Something I hadn’t seen since Inverness, over 100 miles away. Unfortunately Wick had no obvious bike shop. “Only 18 miles away now though – keep going, forget about the wheel.”
Time was ticking by so slowly, as were the miles. The wind was reducing my average speed to 14mph. Despite feeling strong I couldn’t pick up the speed in that wind. At this moment I would have been glad to have last Friday’s riding companions again – for both the company and the shelter from the wind. These last miles were lonely and hard.
I was alternating between sweating on the uphill slopes and zipping up against the wind. I was also standing up on the pedals every mile or so to ease the saddle soreness I had (despite double-padding with two pairs of cycling shorts). All the while I was counting down the miles, trying to work out how long it would take if I had to run or walk the final miles with my bike. There was no way I wasn’t going to complete this journey under anything but my own steam.
My speedometer showed 70 miles. Ten miles to go. A distance that I could run if I had to. At an average speed of 14mph I still had 45 minutes of fighting left to go.
I passed craggy peaks and abandoned Crofters’ cottages along cliff tops for miles. Even though John O’Groats is at sea level it seemed like there was another up hill around every corner.
I got out the saddle to pedal up hill. TWANG again. Probably another spoke gone or another crack in the rim. My wheel was still turning though so I didn’t care. Head down, keep fighting.
Finally I saw the sea. The gradient started going downhill. I switched on my helmet camera for the final time. I barely even pedalled. I coasted along a remote street, lined with street lights on one side, and absolutely nothing else to the left or right.
Straight ahead a car park. “There’s the van and something hanging from the window - a celebration banner!”
A kiss, a cuddle and a small bottle of sparkling wine from Helen and some commemorative photos by the harbour wall.
Ninety miles in 6 hours 20 minutes at an average speed of 14.2mph.
It was 5.30pm and already freezing cold in the wind, which I later found out had been gusting up to 24mph. We packed the bike quickly, laughing at the state of my back wheel, now with two broken spokes, and drove 60 miles west to the small seaside town of Tongue.
The view of golden sands, a shimmering loch and high mountains from our hotel window was almost a perfect end to our nine-day adventure. Almost, but not quite. Dinner was waiting at the Tongue Hotel across the road. An exquisite dinner of pork medallions in a rich mustard sauce, mashed potato and the most delicious black pudding made up for nine days of cycling. I’d cycle 900 miles for that meal anyday!
Time was ticking by so slowly, as were the miles. The wind was reducing my average speed to 14mph. Despite feeling strong I couldn’t pick up the speed in that wind. At this moment I would have been glad to have last Friday’s riding companions again – for both the company and the shelter from the wind. These last miles were lonely and hard.
I was alternating between sweating on the uphill slopes and zipping up against the wind. I was also standing up on the pedals every mile or so to ease the saddle soreness I had (despite double-padding with two pairs of cycling shorts). All the while I was counting down the miles, trying to work out how long it would take if I had to run or walk the final miles with my bike. There was no way I wasn’t going to complete this journey under anything but my own steam.
My speedometer showed 70 miles. Ten miles to go. A distance that I could run if I had to. At an average speed of 14mph I still had 45 minutes of fighting left to go.
I passed craggy peaks and abandoned Crofters’ cottages along cliff tops for miles. Even though John O’Groats is at sea level it seemed like there was another up hill around every corner.
I got out the saddle to pedal up hill. TWANG again. Probably another spoke gone or another crack in the rim. My wheel was still turning though so I didn’t care. Head down, keep fighting.
Finally I saw the sea. The gradient started going downhill. I switched on my helmet camera for the final time. I barely even pedalled. I coasted along a remote street, lined with street lights on one side, and absolutely nothing else to the left or right.
Straight ahead a car park. “There’s the van and something hanging from the window - a celebration banner!”
A kiss, a cuddle and a small bottle of sparkling wine from Helen and some commemorative photos by the harbour wall.
Ninety miles in 6 hours 20 minutes at an average speed of 14.2mph.
It was 5.30pm and already freezing cold in the wind, which I later found out had been gusting up to 24mph. We packed the bike quickly, laughing at the state of my back wheel, now with two broken spokes, and drove 60 miles west to the small seaside town of Tongue.
The view of golden sands, a shimmering loch and high mountains from our hotel window was almost a perfect end to our nine-day adventure. Almost, but not quite. Dinner was waiting at the Tongue Hotel across the road. An exquisite dinner of pork medallions in a rich mustard sauce, mashed potato and the most delicious black pudding made up for nine days of cycling. I’d cycle 900 miles for that meal anyday!
Day 9 – the morning: Sting in the tail
Dornoch was a great place to stay – somewhere I wish I could have spent longer. Its dunes and golden sands were reminiscent of places in Cornwall – eight days previously.
I woke up at 7.30am, just a stones throw from the beach and, whilst it was fairly cosy in a sleeping bag in the camper van, it was freezing cold outside. The brisk northerly wind was blocking out any of the potential warmth coming from the sunny intervals in the sky.
After eating my final pre-ride big breakfast (a saucepan of cereal, some fruit cake and a few biscuits), I gave my bike a quick check-over. The back wheel appeared to be slightly buckled. I checked all the spokes and noticed one was loose. Then I checked the rim and noticed inch-long cracks around the base of four spokes.
Without a bike shop nearby, nor a likely chance that they’d have a matching wheel for me, my challenge was in serious danger of being derailed. If one of those cracks became worse it would lead to a spoke breaking and my wheel becoming seriously buckled.
I tightened the loose spoke with a pair of pliers (as I’d forgotten to bring a spoke key), loosened the back brake a touch and set off with fingers crossed.
The navigation on the final day was supposedly simple – ‘just head north until the road stops’ I kept telling myself. I should have paid more attention in the morning because I made a wrong turn immediately after leaving Dornoch village centre. I took the scenic route along the coast through Embo and Skelbo rather than the A9 inland. It probably didn’t add to the mileage much but the bumpier roads weren’t helping my fragile back wheel.
After six miles I stopped briefly to check the map and stretch out a sore knee. As I picked the bike up from the ground I heard a loud TWANG. I felt no sudden pain on my body (just the same dull aches I’d felt for the last eight days) and I realised it was something on the bike. Sure enough, that troublesome spoke had completely snapped at the point it met the wheel rim.
I couldn’t break the spoke free, nor could I remove it from the wheel hub (the centre bit), but I couldn’t cycle on as it was because it was catching in the rear gears. It was malleable enough to bend though so I wrapped it around its neighbouring spoke, completely undid my rear brake, re-crossed my fingers and set off again, hoping it would hold for the final 74 miles – otherwise I’d have a very long walk.
I rejoined the A9 and passed through the pleasant towns of Golspie and Brora. Surprisingly the wheel seemed to be holding together. I could feel it wobbling every time I got out of the saddle so I had to take each climb sat down, pushing hard and pedalling fast to build up any speed.
In the early afternoon Helen called to say there was nothing at our proposed lunch stop so she was moving three miles down the road to a hotel in Lybster. She also asked, with some trepidation in her voice, whether I’d passed Berriedale yet.
I hadn’t and I knew from her voice that the uphill would be vicious and the downhill terrifying with only one brake.
Sure enough, the road wound up from the beautiful coastline to the top of the misty Creag Thoraraidh.
Although I’d been sweating on its lower slopes I was very grateful for all my layers as I reached the top. The 13% gradient downhill would have been very satisfying if I’d had two working brakes. I built up to 33mph very rapidly but, with the wheel situation and the damp conditions, I didn’t have the nerve let rip and race downhill.
After 50 miles I reached the lunch stop in Lybster and had a coke and a delicious bowl of creamy Cullen Skink. “Thirty miles to go” I thought. If my wheel completely gave out could run that in seven hours? Probably not.
I woke up at 7.30am, just a stones throw from the beach and, whilst it was fairly cosy in a sleeping bag in the camper van, it was freezing cold outside. The brisk northerly wind was blocking out any of the potential warmth coming from the sunny intervals in the sky.
After eating my final pre-ride big breakfast (a saucepan of cereal, some fruit cake and a few biscuits), I gave my bike a quick check-over. The back wheel appeared to be slightly buckled. I checked all the spokes and noticed one was loose. Then I checked the rim and noticed inch-long cracks around the base of four spokes.
Without a bike shop nearby, nor a likely chance that they’d have a matching wheel for me, my challenge was in serious danger of being derailed. If one of those cracks became worse it would lead to a spoke breaking and my wheel becoming seriously buckled.
I tightened the loose spoke with a pair of pliers (as I’d forgotten to bring a spoke key), loosened the back brake a touch and set off with fingers crossed.
The navigation on the final day was supposedly simple – ‘just head north until the road stops’ I kept telling myself. I should have paid more attention in the morning because I made a wrong turn immediately after leaving Dornoch village centre. I took the scenic route along the coast through Embo and Skelbo rather than the A9 inland. It probably didn’t add to the mileage much but the bumpier roads weren’t helping my fragile back wheel.
After six miles I stopped briefly to check the map and stretch out a sore knee. As I picked the bike up from the ground I heard a loud TWANG. I felt no sudden pain on my body (just the same dull aches I’d felt for the last eight days) and I realised it was something on the bike. Sure enough, that troublesome spoke had completely snapped at the point it met the wheel rim.
I couldn’t break the spoke free, nor could I remove it from the wheel hub (the centre bit), but I couldn’t cycle on as it was because it was catching in the rear gears. It was malleable enough to bend though so I wrapped it around its neighbouring spoke, completely undid my rear brake, re-crossed my fingers and set off again, hoping it would hold for the final 74 miles – otherwise I’d have a very long walk.
I rejoined the A9 and passed through the pleasant towns of Golspie and Brora. Surprisingly the wheel seemed to be holding together. I could feel it wobbling every time I got out of the saddle so I had to take each climb sat down, pushing hard and pedalling fast to build up any speed.
In the early afternoon Helen called to say there was nothing at our proposed lunch stop so she was moving three miles down the road to a hotel in Lybster. She also asked, with some trepidation in her voice, whether I’d passed Berriedale yet.
I hadn’t and I knew from her voice that the uphill would be vicious and the downhill terrifying with only one brake.
Sure enough, the road wound up from the beautiful coastline to the top of the misty Creag Thoraraidh.
Although I’d been sweating on its lower slopes I was very grateful for all my layers as I reached the top. The 13% gradient downhill would have been very satisfying if I’d had two working brakes. I built up to 33mph very rapidly but, with the wheel situation and the damp conditions, I didn’t have the nerve let rip and race downhill.
After 50 miles I reached the lunch stop in Lybster and had a coke and a delicious bowl of creamy Cullen Skink. “Thirty miles to go” I thought. If my wheel completely gave out could run that in seven hours? Probably not.
Wednesday 5 May 2010
Day 8:Last push
Miles: 87
Time: 5hr 40m
A recurring theme of this trip has been starting late. By the time we've eaten breakfast and packed up camp it's generally been 10am. On Wednesday we had the added problem of trying to wash and dry laundry.
By the time I left Invernahaon camp site it was closer to 11am. I wouldn't be at the next camp site until at least seven hours later.
The first 20 miles from Invernahaon were fast - around 19.5mph which felt great. The A9 was busy though and long stretches of roadworks meant several stops at temporary traffic lights.
Miles 20-30 were much slower as the road rose up through the Cairngorms and the weather deteriorated. It was drizzling with rain and the wind was coming straight off the snow-capped hills.
Miles 30-40 were terribly slow and terribly uninspiring, I was riding on a fast dual carriageway through Inverness and over the bay of the Moray Firth. A few cars beeped their horns at me - I guess they thought I shouldn't be on this road as well.
I stopped at a layby to read a map and met a fellow LEJOG-ger - a retired man taking 28-days to complete his journey. We spoke about the route ahead and he seemed to think there were two large road bridges over the Firth coming before my planned lunch stop.
I carried on and passed the first bridge fairly quickly. Five miles later I still hadn't passed the second and I realised I'd missed the lunchtime rendevous point with Helen. We then played cat and mouse until we finally met in a layby overlooking Munlochy Firth.
The eventual lunch spot was very scenic and far away from busy roads and angry drivers. I ate a load of food from our supplies - a cold tuna pasta dish, a hot pasta dish, danish pastry, Licorice Allsorts and a can of Coke - and felt incredibly sluggish when I got back on the bike.
The remaining 40 miles to Dornoch crossed Cromarty Firth and Dornoch Firth on a mix of easterly-heading A roads and quieter B roads. It was a lot quieter than the morning but I had to keep checking the map to navigate which was frustrating.
In retrospect I wish I'd chosen more pleasant lanes and back roads for the morning - even though it would have meant more climbing.
The hardest part of the ride, in a physical sense, was through the Cairngorms. Mentally it was the final 20 miles as the finish was literally in sight, on the opposite shore as I crossed the Black Isle.
The side-winds on the final miles as I crossed the Firths were huge and it was quite an effort to keep the bike going in a straight line.
The finish was great though - a long straight through shore-side country lanes with a tailwind. I arrived at our campsite in the Dornoch sand dunes and it wasn't long before I was starting on a three course meal at a nearby restaurant: Cullen Skink to start, Chicken & Brie in whisky sauce, followed by sherry trifle and a coffee to finish with.
It wasn't a particularly exciting day - in fact the morning was horrible and I'd not recommend that route to anyone - but I was spurred on by the thought of finishing tomorrow.
The bike is just about holding out, but there is a constant quiet squeak. It should be fine for the final leg tomorrow...which looks anything but easy.
Most tempting moment to stop: Passing the Glenmorangie distillery.
Time: 5hr 40m
A recurring theme of this trip has been starting late. By the time we've eaten breakfast and packed up camp it's generally been 10am. On Wednesday we had the added problem of trying to wash and dry laundry.
By the time I left Invernahaon camp site it was closer to 11am. I wouldn't be at the next camp site until at least seven hours later.
The first 20 miles from Invernahaon were fast - around 19.5mph which felt great. The A9 was busy though and long stretches of roadworks meant several stops at temporary traffic lights.
Miles 20-30 were much slower as the road rose up through the Cairngorms and the weather deteriorated. It was drizzling with rain and the wind was coming straight off the snow-capped hills.
Miles 30-40 were terribly slow and terribly uninspiring, I was riding on a fast dual carriageway through Inverness and over the bay of the Moray Firth. A few cars beeped their horns at me - I guess they thought I shouldn't be on this road as well.
I stopped at a layby to read a map and met a fellow LEJOG-ger - a retired man taking 28-days to complete his journey. We spoke about the route ahead and he seemed to think there were two large road bridges over the Firth coming before my planned lunch stop.
I carried on and passed the first bridge fairly quickly. Five miles later I still hadn't passed the second and I realised I'd missed the lunchtime rendevous point with Helen. We then played cat and mouse until we finally met in a layby overlooking Munlochy Firth.
The eventual lunch spot was very scenic and far away from busy roads and angry drivers. I ate a load of food from our supplies - a cold tuna pasta dish, a hot pasta dish, danish pastry, Licorice Allsorts and a can of Coke - and felt incredibly sluggish when I got back on the bike.
The remaining 40 miles to Dornoch crossed Cromarty Firth and Dornoch Firth on a mix of easterly-heading A roads and quieter B roads. It was a lot quieter than the morning but I had to keep checking the map to navigate which was frustrating.
In retrospect I wish I'd chosen more pleasant lanes and back roads for the morning - even though it would have meant more climbing.
The hardest part of the ride, in a physical sense, was through the Cairngorms. Mentally it was the final 20 miles as the finish was literally in sight, on the opposite shore as I crossed the Black Isle.
The side-winds on the final miles as I crossed the Firths were huge and it was quite an effort to keep the bike going in a straight line.
The finish was great though - a long straight through shore-side country lanes with a tailwind. I arrived at our campsite in the Dornoch sand dunes and it wasn't long before I was starting on a three course meal at a nearby restaurant: Cullen Skink to start, Chicken & Brie in whisky sauce, followed by sherry trifle and a coffee to finish with.
It wasn't a particularly exciting day - in fact the morning was horrible and I'd not recommend that route to anyone - but I was spurred on by the thought of finishing tomorrow.
The bike is just about holding out, but there is a constant quiet squeak. It should be fine for the final leg tomorrow...which looks anything but easy.
Most tempting moment to stop: Passing the Glenmorangie distillery.
Day 7: Should've taken the low road.
Today was the best day yet. Another epic day in the Scottish countryside with 5000 ft of climbing thrown in for good measure.
I was out riding by 10am, leaving the rather eccentric Greenacres Guesthouse near Cumbernauld after a full cooked breakfast, cereal, melon, a fruit corner, two rounds of toast and coffee.
I took a ring road around the town which I soon realised was a three-lane A road - a road that was a motorway in all but its name. I shouldn't really have been cycling on it but a mile of roadworks slowed the traffic to 40 miles an hour and with a tailwind and the slip stream of all lorries I was able to sprint along at 27mph. I turned off at the next junction and headed north for Sterling.
The weather forecast said the wind would be coming from a west-north-westerly direction but it seemed to propell me along anytime I was heading vaguely west.
I shot through Denny and Dunipace on the A872 and was in Sterling before I knew it. I by-passed the town centre on a ring road which was a shame because Sterling is a charming place to visit, full of ancient buildings and historical reminders. I carried on to the Bridge of Allan, missing my proposed lane and instead I headed for Dunblane on the B8033. This carried me to Braco at which point the gradient started rising.
The first considerable hill of the day came as I took a shortcut from the A822 along a lane to the village of Muthill. The climb wasn't too severe and it rewarded me with a dead straight descent into the village.
I came to a T-junction and, caught up in the excitement of my 40mph descent, turned right and plodded up hill for three miles. It was only when I saw some confusing road signs that I realised I'd been travelling in the wrong direction.
Cursing my misfortune I at least had a three mile downhill back to Muthill.
Just before lunch the biggest climbs of the day came. The A822 from Crieff took me to Glen Almond on a road that ran between several valleys. The scene was the stuff of Geography lessons. The valley looked exactly like it had been carved by a glacier. The first climb was fairly straightforward, and I had the assistance of a tailwind. Unfortunately the downhill on the other side was straight into the wind so I had to pedal hard to even reach 15mph.
Turning left for Achnafaud I was aiming for Kenmore, eight miles away. I was now in the wilds of Scotland, which was obvious from the amount of roadkill on the road. Dead foxes, pheasants and rabbits created a gory fur-rug effect on the roads. I also saw more sheep than I've ever seen before. The lambs ran every time I passed them but the older sheep would stop chewing grass and look up at me with what seemed like pity in their eyes. It was as if they were saying "what are you doing up here, sweating and panting like that?". There were a few brief moments when I thought the same.
The journey to Kenmore was the hardest part of the day, straight into a headwind and climbing up a monster hill with several hairpin switchbacks. What a relief at the top. I sped down the descent knowing that lunch was waiting several hundred feet below.
In Kenmore after 66 miles I met Helen at the oldest Inn in Scotland and we dined in some style on Haggis and East Coast Broth (which was remarkably the same as Clam Chowder). We both wanted to stop for dessert but I was conscious of the time getting on so we left at 3.30pm.
The rest of the afternoon was mostly taken up by similar mountain passes on singletrack roads as I headed north past Loch Tummel and through Trinafour and Glen Errochty. These mountain passes were real lung-busters and made me very glad of my hill training in Bristol. Each came with a three-mile descent (each time out of the wind) which was worth all the pain of the ascent.
I came back to relative civilisation on the A9 dual carriageway but I began heading west again and my speed came down to a very slow 13mph. I had no fight left against the wind. I was running out of food, feeling very cold and a strange cold sweat came over me. I was beginning to hit the wall.
I ate some shortbread biscuits but they didn't help whatsoever. With 18 miles still to go and very little in the way of shops up ahead I was reluctant to eat my remaining cereal bar. I plodded on for another two miles but realised I had no choice. I ate the bar and hoped the chocolate would give me a boost.
At this point the road turned slightly and I think the gradient levelled out (or Alpen bars have magic properties) because I started getting a bit faster. First 17mph, then 20mph, then I got caught in the slipstream of some big lorries and I was flying along at 27mph. I tucked myself into my time trial bars and the miles started flying by. I was crossing my fingers that the gradient would stay flat and the tailwind would continue. With some considerable luck it stayed that way for the remaining 15 miles, during which time my speed didn't drop below 20mph.
After more than 30 minutes in the time trial position, plus the effort of 108 miles and 5000 ft of climbing my legs were screaming and my back was tense and sore. I rode into the car park of our evening campsite, jumped off the bike and lay flat out on the grass for a full five minutes as my body unwound.
Today was one of the hardest but most enjoyable day's riding I've ever done. The 108 miles took me 7 hours in total, with a slow average speed of 15.4mph. I didn't care at all though. The ride put me on a high all evening.
Penultimate day tomorrow and there's a lot more downhill than uphill so I'm celebrating by having a beer tonight.
Songs of the day: Today was a day for being 'in the zone'. I needed something fast and loud to keep out the noise of my heavy breathing up those hills. I listened to a albums by Reuben and Metallica for most of the day. My t-shirt with cut-off sleeves will be arriving in the post anyday now...
I was out riding by 10am, leaving the rather eccentric Greenacres Guesthouse near Cumbernauld after a full cooked breakfast, cereal, melon, a fruit corner, two rounds of toast and coffee.
I took a ring road around the town which I soon realised was a three-lane A road - a road that was a motorway in all but its name. I shouldn't really have been cycling on it but a mile of roadworks slowed the traffic to 40 miles an hour and with a tailwind and the slip stream of all lorries I was able to sprint along at 27mph. I turned off at the next junction and headed north for Sterling.
The weather forecast said the wind would be coming from a west-north-westerly direction but it seemed to propell me along anytime I was heading vaguely west.
I shot through Denny and Dunipace on the A872 and was in Sterling before I knew it. I by-passed the town centre on a ring road which was a shame because Sterling is a charming place to visit, full of ancient buildings and historical reminders. I carried on to the Bridge of Allan, missing my proposed lane and instead I headed for Dunblane on the B8033. This carried me to Braco at which point the gradient started rising.
The first considerable hill of the day came as I took a shortcut from the A822 along a lane to the village of Muthill. The climb wasn't too severe and it rewarded me with a dead straight descent into the village.
I came to a T-junction and, caught up in the excitement of my 40mph descent, turned right and plodded up hill for three miles. It was only when I saw some confusing road signs that I realised I'd been travelling in the wrong direction.
Cursing my misfortune I at least had a three mile downhill back to Muthill.
Just before lunch the biggest climbs of the day came. The A822 from Crieff took me to Glen Almond on a road that ran between several valleys. The scene was the stuff of Geography lessons. The valley looked exactly like it had been carved by a glacier. The first climb was fairly straightforward, and I had the assistance of a tailwind. Unfortunately the downhill on the other side was straight into the wind so I had to pedal hard to even reach 15mph.
Turning left for Achnafaud I was aiming for Kenmore, eight miles away. I was now in the wilds of Scotland, which was obvious from the amount of roadkill on the road. Dead foxes, pheasants and rabbits created a gory fur-rug effect on the roads. I also saw more sheep than I've ever seen before. The lambs ran every time I passed them but the older sheep would stop chewing grass and look up at me with what seemed like pity in their eyes. It was as if they were saying "what are you doing up here, sweating and panting like that?". There were a few brief moments when I thought the same.
The journey to Kenmore was the hardest part of the day, straight into a headwind and climbing up a monster hill with several hairpin switchbacks. What a relief at the top. I sped down the descent knowing that lunch was waiting several hundred feet below.
In Kenmore after 66 miles I met Helen at the oldest Inn in Scotland and we dined in some style on Haggis and East Coast Broth (which was remarkably the same as Clam Chowder). We both wanted to stop for dessert but I was conscious of the time getting on so we left at 3.30pm.
The rest of the afternoon was mostly taken up by similar mountain passes on singletrack roads as I headed north past Loch Tummel and through Trinafour and Glen Errochty. These mountain passes were real lung-busters and made me very glad of my hill training in Bristol. Each came with a three-mile descent (each time out of the wind) which was worth all the pain of the ascent.
I came back to relative civilisation on the A9 dual carriageway but I began heading west again and my speed came down to a very slow 13mph. I had no fight left against the wind. I was running out of food, feeling very cold and a strange cold sweat came over me. I was beginning to hit the wall.
I ate some shortbread biscuits but they didn't help whatsoever. With 18 miles still to go and very little in the way of shops up ahead I was reluctant to eat my remaining cereal bar. I plodded on for another two miles but realised I had no choice. I ate the bar and hoped the chocolate would give me a boost.
At this point the road turned slightly and I think the gradient levelled out (or Alpen bars have magic properties) because I started getting a bit faster. First 17mph, then 20mph, then I got caught in the slipstream of some big lorries and I was flying along at 27mph. I tucked myself into my time trial bars and the miles started flying by. I was crossing my fingers that the gradient would stay flat and the tailwind would continue. With some considerable luck it stayed that way for the remaining 15 miles, during which time my speed didn't drop below 20mph.
After more than 30 minutes in the time trial position, plus the effort of 108 miles and 5000 ft of climbing my legs were screaming and my back was tense and sore. I rode into the car park of our evening campsite, jumped off the bike and lay flat out on the grass for a full five minutes as my body unwound.
Today was one of the hardest but most enjoyable day's riding I've ever done. The 108 miles took me 7 hours in total, with a slow average speed of 15.4mph. I didn't care at all though. The ride put me on a high all evening.
Penultimate day tomorrow and there's a lot more downhill than uphill so I'm celebrating by having a beer tonight.
Songs of the day: Today was a day for being 'in the zone'. I needed something fast and loud to keep out the noise of my heavy breathing up those hills. I listened to a albums by Reuben and Metallica for most of the day. My t-shirt with cut-off sleeves will be arriving in the post anyday now...
Monday 3 May 2010
Day 6: Nothing like a bank holiday
Today was a bank holiday but riding 100 or so miles for the sixth day in a row felt nothing like a holiday.
I woke in Gretna to brilliant sunshine but it was a cold night and a cold start to the day. I didn't sleep well again - having a battle between a call of nature and wanting to stay warm in my sleeping bag. I was a little sleepy and grumpy to start the day, not helped by a northerly wind for the second day in a row.
I cooked a decent breakfast of porrige, bacon and coffee and left Gretna at 10.30, just as the sky began to cloud up. I tried to get in the mood for Scotland by listening to the Celtic-punk stylings of the Dropkick Murphys but nothing could help me ignore the headwind.
I began cursing Scotland and cursing a lot of other things too. Sometimes time alone on the bike isn't healthy. The route I took ran alongside the motorway meaning it was open and exposed to the wind. The scenery had certainly changed from northern England. This was big country with long straight roads and expansive horizons.
After 49 slow miles I finally reached the lunch stop at a service station, almost an hour after I predicted to Helen. My first words to Helen were "that was a wretched morning." Just as I was eating it started hailstoning. My mood couldn't have been much worse.
Funnily enough though, once I re-started after lunch the wind died down, the hail stopped and the gradient was downhill which really bucked up my spirits. I raced through Lanark and Airdrie and felt a lot happier as the final miles were drawing in. I rode 91 miles in 5hrs 30mins.
Unfortunately during the afternoon another squeak started coming from my bike. This time it was the free hub (the bit with the gears on in the middle of the rear wheel). Without any tools to take it apart I could only hope that more GT-85 would help. We'll see in the morning...
Tonight we're staying at Greenacres B&B near Cumbernauld. It's a short drive from a lovely curry house which more than made do for dinner. I highly recommend the Nawabi Korma and the Lamb Keema Beans Taba at Bombay Dreams if you happen to be passing!
Latest photos: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=425209&id=751600611&l=316933a515
I woke in Gretna to brilliant sunshine but it was a cold night and a cold start to the day. I didn't sleep well again - having a battle between a call of nature and wanting to stay warm in my sleeping bag. I was a little sleepy and grumpy to start the day, not helped by a northerly wind for the second day in a row.
I cooked a decent breakfast of porrige, bacon and coffee and left Gretna at 10.30, just as the sky began to cloud up. I tried to get in the mood for Scotland by listening to the Celtic-punk stylings of the Dropkick Murphys but nothing could help me ignore the headwind.
I began cursing Scotland and cursing a lot of other things too. Sometimes time alone on the bike isn't healthy. The route I took ran alongside the motorway meaning it was open and exposed to the wind. The scenery had certainly changed from northern England. This was big country with long straight roads and expansive horizons.
After 49 slow miles I finally reached the lunch stop at a service station, almost an hour after I predicted to Helen. My first words to Helen were "that was a wretched morning." Just as I was eating it started hailstoning. My mood couldn't have been much worse.
Funnily enough though, once I re-started after lunch the wind died down, the hail stopped and the gradient was downhill which really bucked up my spirits. I raced through Lanark and Airdrie and felt a lot happier as the final miles were drawing in. I rode 91 miles in 5hrs 30mins.
Unfortunately during the afternoon another squeak started coming from my bike. This time it was the free hub (the bit with the gears on in the middle of the rear wheel). Without any tools to take it apart I could only hope that more GT-85 would help. We'll see in the morning...
Tonight we're staying at Greenacres B&B near Cumbernauld. It's a short drive from a lovely curry house which more than made do for dinner. I highly recommend the Nawabi Korma and the Lamb Keema Beans Taba at Bombay Dreams if you happen to be passing!
Latest photos: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=425209&id=751600611&l=316933a515
Day 5: England done. Scotland watch out
I arrived in Preston yesterday feeling pretty whacked out. It'd been a long day and I didn't have a good sleep on Friday night. I woke up on Sunday morning with my voice in my boots. I sounded so tired even after a nine-hour sleep.
The breakfast at Olde Duncombe House included a choice of cereal, fruit, toast and a fried breakfast. I ate everything going. Frosties and Weetabix to start, two pieces of toast and jam, a full fried breakfast and a bowl of grapefruit to finish.
The breakfast at Olde Duncombe House included a choice of cereal, fruit, toast and a fried breakfast. I ate everything going. Frosties and Weetabix to start, two pieces of toast and jam, a full fried breakfast and a bowl of grapefruit to finish.
Fueled up I got dressed and ready only to find that the wind had changed direction. A stiff wind was blowing and I was riding into it for 96 miles. I decided not to battle against it in search of a fast time. I rode at 16-17mph for most of the morning trying to ease my legs into another day of long distance riding.
I set off at 10.45am and hit Lancaster at midday, at around the same point I hit to 450 mile mark - half way into the journey.
Completely ignoring the significance of this I rode on into Kendal and passed from Lancashire into Cumbria. No sooner had I done so the horizon became crowded with mountain peaks. I counted at least ten before fear stopped me counting further! This was Lake District country and I was in for a hilly afternoon.
Lunch was at the top of the Kendal-Shap pass and came after an eight-mile climb. The start wound through farmland but the top became open, barren and very windswept. A lunch of pasta, bread, coke and a surprisingly tasty Kendal mint cake was very much welcome.
I added a few more clothing layers before starting a cold and disappointing descent towards Shap and Penrith. The wind stopped me from building up any real speed.
I plodded on to Carlisle and met a fireman on his way to work by bike. He guided me through the city to the A7 and before I knew it I was on the home straight to Gretna. Despite the wind I raced the last 10 miles and made it to Gretna by 6.30pm.
I rode 96 miles in a painfully slow 6hrs 20mins (which is an average of 15.1mph - about an hour slower than I'd normally aim for) but I'd cycled the length of England in five days which was immensely satisfying.
That night we were camping at Braids Caravan park. It was a pretty average place to stay but we did eat a very tasty camping stove dinner of carbonara pasta, courgette and bacon, and we watched half of 3:10 To Yuma before tiredness took hold.
My sleep was punctuated by weird dreams and the nagging thought that the bottom bracket on my bike was in need of a service. I was hoping a soaking in GT-85 would sort it out for the 90 mile ride to Cumbernauld.
Song of the day: Respectable for the Respectable by Super Furry Animals got me singing along. My surprise discovery of the day was Chemical Calasthenics by Blackalicious.
Saturday 1 May 2010
Day 4: The relative luxury of a 96-mile day.
After the three previous days of 117, 108 and 116 miles, today was supposed to be a day to recoup.
As much as I wanted to set off early, by the time I’d eaten a hearty campfire breakfast of porridge, coffee, sausages and beans, a can of coke and some of Helen’s Gugelhupf cake and packed up camp it was 10.30am.
After 10 miles riding I met my Dad to say our farewells and ended up spending an hour drinking an iced frappucino in Starbucks. By the time I properly got going it was 12pm.
With the wind still blowing from the south I made quick progress over the first 50 miles. My legs were beginning to ache and I didn’t have much zip in the hills but I could still churn out a comfortable average speed of 19mph.
Despite the big breakfast hunger was getting to me. I tried to eat every ten miles but I’d eaten two cereal bars and a banana by 40 miles. With five miles to go until I met Helen I felt weak and in need of some sustenance.
I realised that as tired as I’d been feeling all day, it wasn’t in anyway comparable to running out of energy. This type of exhaustion can just stop you in your tracks. I eeked out the final few miles then feasted on left-over breakfast sausages and half a loaf of bread.
I stopped with Helen for an hour and by 3pm I felt revived enough to carry on. Following some advice I decided to change my route again. I chose a more direct path along the A49 through Warrington, Wigan and Preston. Unfortunately my afternoon was punctuated by countless traffic light stopped which really slowed me down. My average speed dropped from 19mph to 17.7mph by the end of the day. All I could think was how disappointed Phil and Ed would be (they chose the two fastest daily times in the sweepstake)!
Ten miles from the finish, just before Preston, it started to rain which provided a pretty crap finish to the day’s riding.
I arrived at the Olde Duncombe House B&B and sat in the bath for half an hour before heading out in search of food. The nearby chip shop closed at 7.30pm so we ate in a pub instead. I ate mushroom soup, steak and chips and ice-cream then came back and went straight to bed for a nine hour sleep. Exhaustion is now beginning to take its toll.
Song of the day: Jurass Finish First by Jurassic 5 – it came on three miles into the journey and provided a nice summery soundtrack to the brief morning sunshine.
Weirdest thing to see en route: a whole trout on the hard shoulder of an A road.
Most comical moment: Dropping my map on the A49 and chasing it down the road as passing cars blew it further and further away from me.
As much as I wanted to set off early, by the time I’d eaten a hearty campfire breakfast of porridge, coffee, sausages and beans, a can of coke and some of Helen’s Gugelhupf cake and packed up camp it was 10.30am.
After 10 miles riding I met my Dad to say our farewells and ended up spending an hour drinking an iced frappucino in Starbucks. By the time I properly got going it was 12pm.
With the wind still blowing from the south I made quick progress over the first 50 miles. My legs were beginning to ache and I didn’t have much zip in the hills but I could still churn out a comfortable average speed of 19mph.
Despite the big breakfast hunger was getting to me. I tried to eat every ten miles but I’d eaten two cereal bars and a banana by 40 miles. With five miles to go until I met Helen I felt weak and in need of some sustenance.
I realised that as tired as I’d been feeling all day, it wasn’t in anyway comparable to running out of energy. This type of exhaustion can just stop you in your tracks. I eeked out the final few miles then feasted on left-over breakfast sausages and half a loaf of bread.
I stopped with Helen for an hour and by 3pm I felt revived enough to carry on. Following some advice I decided to change my route again. I chose a more direct path along the A49 through Warrington, Wigan and Preston. Unfortunately my afternoon was punctuated by countless traffic light stopped which really slowed me down. My average speed dropped from 19mph to 17.7mph by the end of the day. All I could think was how disappointed Phil and Ed would be (they chose the two fastest daily times in the sweepstake)!
Ten miles from the finish, just before Preston, it started to rain which provided a pretty crap finish to the day’s riding.
I arrived at the Olde Duncombe House B&B and sat in the bath for half an hour before heading out in search of food. The nearby chip shop closed at 7.30pm so we ate in a pub instead. I ate mushroom soup, steak and chips and ice-cream then came back and went straight to bed for a nine hour sleep. Exhaustion is now beginning to take its toll.
Song of the day: Jurass Finish First by Jurassic 5 – it came on three miles into the journey and provided a nice summery soundtrack to the brief morning sunshine.
Weirdest thing to see en route: a whole trout on the hard shoulder of an A road.
Most comical moment: Dropping my map on the A49 and chasing it down the road as passing cars blew it further and further away from me.
Friday 30 April 2010
Day 3 Bristol - Shrewsbury
Day 3: Epic
Friday’s riding was simply epic. It was a 116 mile ride from Bristol to Shrewsbury – from one cycle demonstration town to another - which turned into a race against time for one of my riding companions to catch his train.
The day started at 10am with a touching send off from colleagues and a gentle ride out along Bristol-Bath Railway Path with members of the Cycling City team.
I left the team after seven miles and made my way up to UWE, then Bristol Parkway and onto the A38 to head towards Gloucester, Ledbury, Tenbury Wells, Ludlow and finally Shrewsbury.
I was joined on Friday by Pete, a friend from Bristol, and my Dad who met us in Gloucester. We took a mixture of A roads and quiet country lanes which allowed us to get some fast miles in and chat in equal measure.
By 2pm we’d made it to Ledbury and stopped at Tesco for lunch. I ate a pretty poor meal of two BLT and two chicken, bacon and lettuce sandwiches and a pack of pork scratchings. Surprisingly, Tesco’s lunchtime fare wasn’t up to much.
After an early downpour in Bristol the weather brightened significantly and we were basking in Tenbury Wells’ hot sunshine at 6pm as we calculated our remaining journey length and the time it would take to reach Shrewsbury. Pete’s train was at 7.58pm and we still had 30 miles to go. We decided to take a main road on the premise that it would be faster and less hilly, which it certainly was. The route into Shrewsbury cut through a valley that revealed a number of hilly climbs and ridges on either side.
The distance markers for Shrewsbury were ticking down slowly as the time got later and later. Finally we approached the city boundary but found ourselves stuck on the city ring roads and one-way system that seemed to zig-zag its way into the city centre. After a few wrong turns we made got to the station with only a few minutes to spare.
We were on the bikes for about six and a half hours on Friday and the entire trip (inc stoppages) took over nine hours.
With Pete safely on his way back to Bristol Helen and I went in search of food with my Dad and Jan, his partner. Shrewsbury seemed like a lovely town and it was a shame not to get to explore it more. We found an Italian restaurant and, as they didn’t seem to mind me looking like I’d been on a bike for most of the day, we sat down to a bowl of pasta and a couple of drinks. I’d tell you what I ate if I could remember. All I know is it had peas and bacon in and it did the trick!
By the time we got back to our campsite and showered it was midnight and it had been another long day. Saturday was the first day with no interruptions planned. I was looking forward to getting my head down and getting the miles done.
Friday’s riding was simply epic. It was a 116 mile ride from Bristol to Shrewsbury – from one cycle demonstration town to another - which turned into a race against time for one of my riding companions to catch his train.
The day started at 10am with a touching send off from colleagues and a gentle ride out along Bristol-Bath Railway Path with members of the Cycling City team.
I left the team after seven miles and made my way up to UWE, then Bristol Parkway and onto the A38 to head towards Gloucester, Ledbury, Tenbury Wells, Ludlow and finally Shrewsbury.
I was joined on Friday by Pete, a friend from Bristol, and my Dad who met us in Gloucester. We took a mixture of A roads and quiet country lanes which allowed us to get some fast miles in and chat in equal measure.
By 2pm we’d made it to Ledbury and stopped at Tesco for lunch. I ate a pretty poor meal of two BLT and two chicken, bacon and lettuce sandwiches and a pack of pork scratchings. Surprisingly, Tesco’s lunchtime fare wasn’t up to much.
After an early downpour in Bristol the weather brightened significantly and we were basking in Tenbury Wells’ hot sunshine at 6pm as we calculated our remaining journey length and the time it would take to reach Shrewsbury. Pete’s train was at 7.58pm and we still had 30 miles to go. We decided to take a main road on the premise that it would be faster and less hilly, which it certainly was. The route into Shrewsbury cut through a valley that revealed a number of hilly climbs and ridges on either side.The distance markers for Shrewsbury were ticking down slowly as the time got later and later. Finally we approached the city boundary but found ourselves stuck on the city ring roads and one-way system that seemed to zig-zag its way into the city centre. After a few wrong turns we made got to the station with only a few minutes to spare.
We were on the bikes for about six and a half hours on Friday and the entire trip (inc stoppages) took over nine hours.
With Pete safely on his way back to Bristol Helen and I went in search of food with my Dad and Jan, his partner. Shrewsbury seemed like a lovely town and it was a shame not to get to explore it more. We found an Italian restaurant and, as they didn’t seem to mind me looking like I’d been on a bike for most of the day, we sat down to a bowl of pasta and a couple of drinks. I’d tell you what I ate if I could remember. All I know is it had peas and bacon in and it did the trick!
By the time we got back to our campsite and showered it was midnight and it had been another long day. Saturday was the first day with no interruptions planned. I was looking forward to getting my head down and getting the miles done.
Thursday 29 April 2010
Day 2: Okehampton to Bristol - a very wet 108 miles
If yesterday reminded us of Jamaica Inn by Daphne du Maurier, today was certainly Bleak House by Charles Dickens.
Mid Devon has very little to get excited about, especially in the rain. Fields upon fields of grass and livestock, constant hills and driving rain greeted my first 52 miles. Needless to say, it wasn't particularly pleasant.
The day started with breakfast in the Little Chef opposite our Travel Lodge. For some reason I slept poorly and woke at 6.30 not feeling particularly tired. By 7.30 we were eating pancakes and maple syrup which, in hindsight, wasn't anywhere near enough food - even though they were delicious. I didn't feel hungry so decided not to have a big breakfast - I won't be making that mistake again!
I left Sourton (Okehampton) at 9.30, just as the rain started, and it followed me for 50+ miles through Crediton and Tiverton to Wiveliscombe. It was tough to get used to riding in the rain - I was too warm to begin with and my glasses steamed up. I took them off for a while but the rain stung my face and eyes on the downhills so I put them back on and made sure to wipe them often.
To forget about the rain I set myself small distance targets for the morning and rewarded myself with food. I ate a banana, a Boost, a Lucozade bar and an Alpen bar but still found it tough to motivate myself to ride hard. Still, I made it to Wiveliscombe in three hours and met Helen and her Auntie Fiona for lunch.
A combination of good company, good food and wet weather convinced me to take a very extended break. Two and a half hours later I reluctantly got going again, buoyed by the thought of a fairly flat 35 miles to North Somerset. Full of food and slightly warmer after a change of clothing I raced towards Cheddar. As the clock approached 5pm and my total milage tipped the 200 mile mark I began to fade, just as the hills south of Bristol came into view.
I crawled the last 20 miles home, making it through the door at 6.30pm. I managed to avoid some of the city centre traffic by taking a new cycle path but even so it was slow progress heading through the rush hour traffic in the rain.
At home I took a quick shower then walked to Tesco feeling like a zombie. I treated myself to a bag of doughnuts and a chocolate milkshake then cooked a large bolognaise for dinner.
Tomorrow I have another 107 miles to Shrewsbury, although I'll have the company of my friend Pete all day, plus some work colleagues for the first 5 miles and my Dad for the final 60 miles.
Time to stretch and eat some more food before going to bed. I'm having to force myself to eat more at the moment - it's not as enjoyable as you might think!
Album of the day: Walter Schreifels - An Open Letter To The Scene
Most depressing moment of the day: Wringing out my soaking wet gloves on the forecourt of a petrol station.
Happiest moment of the day: Finishing the chocolate milkshake I'd been dreaming of for the final 20 miles.
Mid Devon has very little to get excited about, especially in the rain. Fields upon fields of grass and livestock, constant hills and driving rain greeted my first 52 miles. Needless to say, it wasn't particularly pleasant.
The day started with breakfast in the Little Chef opposite our Travel Lodge. For some reason I slept poorly and woke at 6.30 not feeling particularly tired. By 7.30 we were eating pancakes and maple syrup which, in hindsight, wasn't anywhere near enough food - even though they were delicious. I didn't feel hungry so decided not to have a big breakfast - I won't be making that mistake again!
I left Sourton (Okehampton) at 9.30, just as the rain started, and it followed me for 50+ miles through Crediton and Tiverton to Wiveliscombe. It was tough to get used to riding in the rain - I was too warm to begin with and my glasses steamed up. I took them off for a while but the rain stung my face and eyes on the downhills so I put them back on and made sure to wipe them often.
To forget about the rain I set myself small distance targets for the morning and rewarded myself with food. I ate a banana, a Boost, a Lucozade bar and an Alpen bar but still found it tough to motivate myself to ride hard. Still, I made it to Wiveliscombe in three hours and met Helen and her Auntie Fiona for lunch.
A combination of good company, good food and wet weather convinced me to take a very extended break. Two and a half hours later I reluctantly got going again, buoyed by the thought of a fairly flat 35 miles to North Somerset. Full of food and slightly warmer after a change of clothing I raced towards Cheddar. As the clock approached 5pm and my total milage tipped the 200 mile mark I began to fade, just as the hills south of Bristol came into view.
I crawled the last 20 miles home, making it through the door at 6.30pm. I managed to avoid some of the city centre traffic by taking a new cycle path but even so it was slow progress heading through the rush hour traffic in the rain.
At home I took a quick shower then walked to Tesco feeling like a zombie. I treated myself to a bag of doughnuts and a chocolate milkshake then cooked a large bolognaise for dinner.
Tomorrow I have another 107 miles to Shrewsbury, although I'll have the company of my friend Pete all day, plus some work colleagues for the first 5 miles and my Dad for the final 60 miles.
Time to stretch and eat some more food before going to bed. I'm having to force myself to eat more at the moment - it's not as enjoyable as you might think!
Album of the day: Walter Schreifels - An Open Letter To The Scene
Most depressing moment of the day: Wringing out my soaking wet gloves on the forecourt of a petrol station.
Happiest moment of the day: Finishing the chocolate milkshake I'd been dreaming of for the final 20 miles.
Wednesday 28 April 2010
Day 1: Lands End to Okehampton
It's 11pm and I'm sat in a Travel Lodge feeling pretty happy with the progress on day 1. I made a last-minute change of plan and decided to take a different, less busy route but it added to the miles and caused some navigational issues (ie I got lost twice).
Last night we stayed at a great campsite on the Lizard (Henry's campsite if you're looking for a recommendation) but it was an hour's drive from Lands End. By the time we'd taken the customary photos by 'the sign' it was 10.30 and I was eager to get going.
I rode out to Penzance through coastal villages that reminded me of parts of south Wales, especially as all the Cornish place names sound similar to Welsh place names. It got me wondering exactly how or who these people were and how and when they migrated from Wales (or vice versa). Being on a bike for nearly 7 hours there's lots of time for musings like these!
I rode to Penzance then cut north to Hayle and Newquay. I'd planned to ride on the A30 all the way to Okehampton but when I realised the road was a dual carriageway full of fast moving traffic I decided to take a more scenic route. It was worth it too as I rode across the cliff tops overlooking the English channel, then turned to the north east for Bodmin, Liskeard and Tavistock, then along the western edge of Dartmoor National Park.
The route was consistently hilly but a stiff tailwind really helped on the uphills and downhills. The best descent came on the A3075 into Newquay where I reached a knee-trembling 49 mph!
I finished the day in 6hrs 47minutes with a distance of 117 miles and an average speed of 17.2 miles per hour. It won't be the fastest day but it probably will be the longest.
I felt good all day long though, never too hungry or tired, although thirsty all the way through and I developed a sore throat early on so stopped for Strepsils. I had a bowl of camping stove porrige to start, followed by a handfull of beef jerky (my new high protein friend). During the ride I ate three cereal bars and a banana and at the lunch stop I ate three ham and cheese rolls and half a pack of jelly babies. To be honest that's pretty much a normal day's eating anyway. The one extra thing was a litre of sickly sweet lemon and lime carbohydrate drink - someone once told me that the calorie content in those drinks is enough that you can get by for several days on them alone!
For dinner we drove out to a pub called the Fox and Hounds in Sourton. Its restaurant was nothing to write home about (I had lamb shank with chips, new potatoes and veg) but they did have a 12-bed bunk house for travellers. Worth more investigation if you're planning a LE-JOG cycle unsupported.
Anyway, I'm still feeling good now but I don't want to ride my luck (excuse the pun) so I'm off to bed.
Song of the day: Farewell to Twilight by Symposium
Picture of the day: The Welcome to Devon sign, coming after exactly 100 miles
Missed picture of the day: A sign for the North Cornwall village called 'Cocks'
Check out the pics from Day 0 and Day 1 at: www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=425209&id=751600611&l=316933a515
Last night we stayed at a great campsite on the Lizard (Henry's campsite if you're looking for a recommendation) but it was an hour's drive from Lands End. By the time we'd taken the customary photos by 'the sign' it was 10.30 and I was eager to get going.
I rode out to Penzance through coastal villages that reminded me of parts of south Wales, especially as all the Cornish place names sound similar to Welsh place names. It got me wondering exactly how or who these people were and how and when they migrated from Wales (or vice versa). Being on a bike for nearly 7 hours there's lots of time for musings like these!
I rode to Penzance then cut north to Hayle and Newquay. I'd planned to ride on the A30 all the way to Okehampton but when I realised the road was a dual carriageway full of fast moving traffic I decided to take a more scenic route. It was worth it too as I rode across the cliff tops overlooking the English channel, then turned to the north east for Bodmin, Liskeard and Tavistock, then along the western edge of Dartmoor National Park.
The route was consistently hilly but a stiff tailwind really helped on the uphills and downhills. The best descent came on the A3075 into Newquay where I reached a knee-trembling 49 mph!
I finished the day in 6hrs 47minutes with a distance of 117 miles and an average speed of 17.2 miles per hour. It won't be the fastest day but it probably will be the longest.
I felt good all day long though, never too hungry or tired, although thirsty all the way through and I developed a sore throat early on so stopped for Strepsils. I had a bowl of camping stove porrige to start, followed by a handfull of beef jerky (my new high protein friend). During the ride I ate three cereal bars and a banana and at the lunch stop I ate three ham and cheese rolls and half a pack of jelly babies. To be honest that's pretty much a normal day's eating anyway. The one extra thing was a litre of sickly sweet lemon and lime carbohydrate drink - someone once told me that the calorie content in those drinks is enough that you can get by for several days on them alone!
For dinner we drove out to a pub called the Fox and Hounds in Sourton. Its restaurant was nothing to write home about (I had lamb shank with chips, new potatoes and veg) but they did have a 12-bed bunk house for travellers. Worth more investigation if you're planning a LE-JOG cycle unsupported.
Anyway, I'm still feeling good now but I don't want to ride my luck (excuse the pun) so I'm off to bed.
Song of the day: Farewell to Twilight by Symposium
Picture of the day: The Welcome to Devon sign, coming after exactly 100 miles
Missed picture of the day: A sign for the North Cornwall village called 'Cocks'
Check out the pics from Day 0 and Day 1 at: www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=425209&id=751600611&l=316933a515
Tuesday 27 April 2010
The Final Blogdown
For some reason I have that Final Countdown song by Europe in my head. I should be thinking about 101 other things though, like how am I going to pack in time to leave at midday, or what am I going to eat for breakfast tomorrow.
I was supposed to pack last night but I got home from work late and a few things came up in the evening so, after a mountain of pasta, I decided to go to bed early and get up early.
Today is T minus one day until the ride begins. It's the day we leave and I still feel woefully under prepared. Is everyone's life like this or is it just mine? Helen is currently trying to track down a travel kettle, some string and some one-cup coffee filters - things I should have found days ago. Life, or cycling, too often gets in the way.
After four months of dedicated training I've ridden 2100 miles, which has meant lots of time during January and February on the static bike in the gym, evening rides after work in March and April and most weekends out on the bike. Looking back at my first post from January reminds me why I want to do this challenge. It was clearly never going to be easy but that's part of the attraction.
Thinking of the last few months also reminds of everyone who's sponsored me, given me good luck wishes and suggested songs to listen to on my training rides. Thank you all. It's great to know I have your support. If you think this is a worthwhile challenge (and you haven't done so already) please do make a donation to Cancer Research.
Do check out Helen's blog too - http://soigneurlel.blogspot.com/ - she'll be sampling tea rooms up and down the country as she waits to meet me at the end of each day.
Anyway, action stations. It's time to get in gear, saddle up and head south-west. Cornwall here I come.
Day 1 (Wednesday) is hilly 105 miles from Lands End to Okehampton and day 2 (Thursday) is a slightly less intense 101 miles from Okehampton to Bristol.
I'll be sure to post again by Thursday evening.
Until then...
(PS for those that came to the fundraising BBQ the puncture map is below)
I was supposed to pack last night but I got home from work late and a few things came up in the evening so, after a mountain of pasta, I decided to go to bed early and get up early.
Today is T minus one day until the ride begins. It's the day we leave and I still feel woefully under prepared. Is everyone's life like this or is it just mine? Helen is currently trying to track down a travel kettle, some string and some one-cup coffee filters - things I should have found days ago. Life, or cycling, too often gets in the way.
After four months of dedicated training I've ridden 2100 miles, which has meant lots of time during January and February on the static bike in the gym, evening rides after work in March and April and most weekends out on the bike. Looking back at my first post from January reminds me why I want to do this challenge. It was clearly never going to be easy but that's part of the attraction.
Thinking of the last few months also reminds of everyone who's sponsored me, given me good luck wishes and suggested songs to listen to on my training rides. Thank you all. It's great to know I have your support. If you think this is a worthwhile challenge (and you haven't done so already) please do make a donation to Cancer Research.
Do check out Helen's blog too - http://soigneurlel.blogspot.com/ - she'll be sampling tea rooms up and down the country as she waits to meet me at the end of each day.
Anyway, action stations. It's time to get in gear, saddle up and head south-west. Cornwall here I come.
Day 1 (Wednesday) is hilly 105 miles from Lands End to Okehampton and day 2 (Thursday) is a slightly less intense 101 miles from Okehampton to Bristol.
I'll be sure to post again by Thursday evening.
Until then...
(PS for those that came to the fundraising BBQ the puncture map is below)
Sunday 25 April 2010
Final week of training and the charity fundraiser
I've a lot to say today so I thought I'd split this blog in two - part A: riding and training, and part B: sponsorship and people who've helped.
So part A: Firstly a big thanks to Sam at Bike UK who seems to have done a great job on my bike. I've ridden 143 miles since Monday and haven't heard any more creaking.
I went out for two 30-mile rides on Friday and Saturday on rode a route which I've named 'the Bastard Hills of North Somerset'. There's a short movie about the route below, soundtracked by the fantastic 65 Days of Static.
On Sunday afternoon I rode 60 miles to Stroud to pick up a satnav from Rose and Jake. This weekend I was supposed to taper off on my training but after the mechanical problems last weekend and the need to pick up the satnav I thought I didn't really have a choice. The ride out was great (30 miles at 22.5mph) but the return journey was into a huge headwind and I finished the 60 mile round trip with an average of 18mph.
I remember a colleague once telling me there's no such thing as a tailwind. You either have a headwind or you're having "a great day". Today I definitely had both.
I listened to two albums on the way: Manic Depression by Quicksand (a post-hardcore band from the early 90s led by Walter Schreifels who went on to form Rival Schools) and the Empty Vessels EP by the Maccabees and Roots Manuva, both of which were really good to listen to today (thanks to Jimmy and Jake for those).
As tough as today's ride was, it did give me the chance to burn off last night's trough of BBQ food and eat another huge plate of rice and beef burgers this evening. Plus I met Rose and Jake next to a McDonalds. It takes a stronger man than me to refuse a cheeseburger, McFlurry and a coke after 30 miles!
These 60 miles are my last training miles before LE-JOG. It's exciting to think that the hard training is over and I'll soon be on my way to the start line at Lands End. There's still a lot of packing and organising to do before that though.
On that note, part B: Last night (Saturday) Helen and I threw a fund-raising BBQ for Cancer Research with a big LE-JOG theme.
We ran a sweepstake where we asked guests to guess a) how long I'll take overall, b) how quick my fastest day will be, and c) where I'll get my first puncture. Despite my best efforts to baffle people with the complex instructions we had lots of entries and raised over £90 for Cancer Research.
I must say a big thank you to Fred and Terry, Andrea Hicken's Dad and Jenny Bullock's Mum for their donations, plus the anonymous person who donated a £20 note. And thanks to everyone else who came and donated (and left us with a freezer full of burgers and sausages!).
A big thanks also to Ade at Howies who came through with a last minute donation of two t-shirts for the sweepstake prize. Howies are a fantastic clothing store based in Cardigan, West Wales. I've long been a fan of their clothing (especially their merino cycling tops) and in the last few months I've been back and forth to their Bristol store to organise a presentation about Cycling City at their A Beautiful Machine fortnight a few weeks ago. I think the two t-shirts (and the Bike UK bike lock) really helped donations. The other prizes on offer are a bottle of wine and a Scottish 'lucky dip' (which will probably be a haggis).
If I can find out how to publish PDFs or Word documents to this blog I'll upload the sweepstake entry forms and the map of the route, which our party guests kindly anotated with pictures of the potential dangers en route. I'll especially watch out for the Loch Ness monster and the mermaids (in the North Sea), the pirates off the coast of Cornwall and the gang violence around Manchester.
I'll post again on Tuesday to sum up my training and the purpose of this ride before we head to Cornwall, where ride starts on Wednesday.
One final thing (before I spend the rest of Sunday evening packing and preparing) - a few people told me they've had problems using the Cancer Research donation page so I've now added a Just Giving page as well. Don't feel that you have to donate to both though...
So part A: Firstly a big thanks to Sam at Bike UK who seems to have done a great job on my bike. I've ridden 143 miles since Monday and haven't heard any more creaking.
I went out for two 30-mile rides on Friday and Saturday on rode a route which I've named 'the Bastard Hills of North Somerset'. There's a short movie about the route below, soundtracked by the fantastic 65 Days of Static.
On Sunday afternoon I rode 60 miles to Stroud to pick up a satnav from Rose and Jake. This weekend I was supposed to taper off on my training but after the mechanical problems last weekend and the need to pick up the satnav I thought I didn't really have a choice. The ride out was great (30 miles at 22.5mph) but the return journey was into a huge headwind and I finished the 60 mile round trip with an average of 18mph.
I remember a colleague once telling me there's no such thing as a tailwind. You either have a headwind or you're having "a great day". Today I definitely had both.
I listened to two albums on the way: Manic Depression by Quicksand (a post-hardcore band from the early 90s led by Walter Schreifels who went on to form Rival Schools) and the Empty Vessels EP by the Maccabees and Roots Manuva, both of which were really good to listen to today (thanks to Jimmy and Jake for those).
As tough as today's ride was, it did give me the chance to burn off last night's trough of BBQ food and eat another huge plate of rice and beef burgers this evening. Plus I met Rose and Jake next to a McDonalds. It takes a stronger man than me to refuse a cheeseburger, McFlurry and a coke after 30 miles!
These 60 miles are my last training miles before LE-JOG. It's exciting to think that the hard training is over and I'll soon be on my way to the start line at Lands End. There's still a lot of packing and organising to do before that though.
On that note, part B: Last night (Saturday) Helen and I threw a fund-raising BBQ for Cancer Research with a big LE-JOG theme.
We ran a sweepstake where we asked guests to guess a) how long I'll take overall, b) how quick my fastest day will be, and c) where I'll get my first puncture. Despite my best efforts to baffle people with the complex instructions we had lots of entries and raised over £90 for Cancer Research.
I must say a big thank you to Fred and Terry, Andrea Hicken's Dad and Jenny Bullock's Mum for their donations, plus the anonymous person who donated a £20 note. And thanks to everyone else who came and donated (and left us with a freezer full of burgers and sausages!).
A big thanks also to Ade at Howies who came through with a last minute donation of two t-shirts for the sweepstake prize. Howies are a fantastic clothing store based in Cardigan, West Wales. I've long been a fan of their clothing (especially their merino cycling tops) and in the last few months I've been back and forth to their Bristol store to organise a presentation about Cycling City at their A Beautiful Machine fortnight a few weeks ago. I think the two t-shirts (and the Bike UK bike lock) really helped donations. The other prizes on offer are a bottle of wine and a Scottish 'lucky dip' (which will probably be a haggis).
If I can find out how to publish PDFs or Word documents to this blog I'll upload the sweepstake entry forms and the map of the route, which our party guests kindly anotated with pictures of the potential dangers en route. I'll especially watch out for the Loch Ness monster and the mermaids (in the North Sea), the pirates off the coast of Cornwall and the gang violence around Manchester.
I'll post again on Tuesday to sum up my training and the purpose of this ride before we head to Cornwall, where ride starts on Wednesday.
One final thing (before I spend the rest of Sunday evening packing and preparing) - a few people told me they've had problems using the Cancer Research donation page so I've now added a Just Giving page as well. Don't feel that you have to donate to both though...
Wednesday 21 April 2010
All publicity is good publicity
I woke up on Sunday morning feeling pretty good considering Saturday's mileage. Once I dragged myself out of bed I gave my bike a liberal soaking in GT-85 and gave it a quick test ride to find the creaking noise had gone.
I wolfed down a quick breakfast and headed out to Dundry hill and Chew Valley Lake. I must have still been hungry after Saturday because I was already eating my food rations not 15 miles from Bristol. By the time I'd climbed the huge Highfield Lane, leading from Compton Martin, I was hungry again and the dreaded bottom bracket creaking had come back.
I was only 25 miles into my ride but I knew I couldn't continue on a big ride with my bike making such a worrying grinding sound. Unfortunately I still had a 25 mile ride to get back home. I rode down through Cheddar Gorge (taking a video as I went), and then came home via Shipham Hill, Congresbury and another fearsome hill called Providence Lane in Long Ashton.
I wolfed down a quick breakfast and headed out to Dundry hill and Chew Valley Lake. I must have still been hungry after Saturday because I was already eating my food rations not 15 miles from Bristol. By the time I'd climbed the huge Highfield Lane, leading from Compton Martin, I was hungry again and the dreaded bottom bracket creaking had come back.
I was only 25 miles into my ride but I knew I couldn't continue on a big ride with my bike making such a worrying grinding sound. Unfortunately I still had a 25 mile ride to get back home. I rode down through Cheddar Gorge (taking a video as I went), and then came home via Shipham Hill, Congresbury and another fearsome hill called Providence Lane in Long Ashton.
I rode a frustrating and slow 51 miles, knowing I could have ridden further and faster had my bike been in perfect working order. Still, I did manage to get a video of the first half of the ride, which I pieced together with Windows Movie Maker.
On Monday Bike UK managed to fit me in for a quick £10 bottom bracket strip down and re-grease which has hopefully solved the problem. I'll have to take it on a quick test ride tomorrow (Thursday) to find out for sure.
In other news, Bike UK donated a prize for a charity sweepstake this weekend (thanks Paul!). I'm still on the look out for other prizes. I'm hopeful that Howies might come through. We've got about 40 people coming round this weekend for a fund-raising BBQ. So for all the business-owners reading this, that's 40 people you could turn on to your products - all donations very welcome!
Also my story made the local paper. Well not exactly. The journalist I spoke to chose to focus on how I'll be turning to fast food and beer to get me through my ride. That's not strictly true folks. I'll be relying on high carb and protein foods - a beer in the evening might be a by-product of being on 'holiday' (if you can call a LE-JOG trip that). And for all those looking for those references to 'food porn' - on Saturday I ate a deliciously creamy chicken and artichoke pie and followed it with a whole Easter egg. Anway, I'm not complaining about the tone of the article - all publicity is good publicity I guess. I've already received a £10 donation on the back of it.
Finally, Helen and I went out to buy a new bike today. It's a Specialized Vienna which cost the princely sum of £300. It's not a bike suitable for Lands End to John O'Groats but it is a beauty nonetheless. We especially love the white tyres (a manufacturing mistake apparently)!
On Monday Bike UK managed to fit me in for a quick £10 bottom bracket strip down and re-grease which has hopefully solved the problem. I'll have to take it on a quick test ride tomorrow (Thursday) to find out for sure.
In other news, Bike UK donated a prize for a charity sweepstake this weekend (thanks Paul!). I'm still on the look out for other prizes. I'm hopeful that Howies might come through. We've got about 40 people coming round this weekend for a fund-raising BBQ. So for all the business-owners reading this, that's 40 people you could turn on to your products - all donations very welcome!
Also my story made the local paper. Well not exactly. The journalist I spoke to chose to focus on how I'll be turning to fast food and beer to get me through my ride. That's not strictly true folks. I'll be relying on high carb and protein foods - a beer in the evening might be a by-product of being on 'holiday' (if you can call a LE-JOG trip that). And for all those looking for those references to 'food porn' - on Saturday I ate a deliciously creamy chicken and artichoke pie and followed it with a whole Easter egg. Anway, I'm not complaining about the tone of the article - all publicity is good publicity I guess. I've already received a £10 donation on the back of it.Finally, Helen and I went out to buy a new bike today. It's a Specialized Vienna which cost the princely sum of £300. It's not a bike suitable for Lands End to John O'Groats but it is a beauty nonetheless. We especially love the white tyres (a manufacturing mistake apparently)!
Saturday 17 April 2010
The ton!
Phew! 104 miles today (Saturday), which took 5hrs 44 minutes (that's an average speed of 18.2 mph). I rode from Bristol to Tewkesbury (via Gloucester), then turned to come back via Cheltenham and a hilly final 40 miles via Stroud and Wotton-Under-Edge.
I'm feeling pretty good right now. My throat's a bit sore but my legs feel fine.
I wish the same could be said for my bike. After 70 miles a terrible creaking sound started coming from the bottom bracket (the bit inside the frame that the pedal arms are connected to). I stopped to ask a mechanic for some WD-40 which didn't help whatsoever.
I rode the final miles very tentatively, worried that something was going to snap. I think I'll have to take it to a bike shop tomorrow morning if I'm going to do any riding at all.
Tewkesbury seemed like an attractive market town and I stopped for a doughnut and a banana. I got lost around Cheltenham (I hit the dreaded inner ring!) and I stopped for sandwiches and two cans of Rubicon in Stroud.
I ran out of water 5 miles from Bristol so had to go, cap in hand, to a pub and ask for some tap water. The weather was beautiful today, warm enough for two short sleeved t-shirts and a pair of shorts - and now I'm sporting a lovely t-shirt suntan.
So it's no surprise that today's song of the ride is T-Shirt Suntan by the Stereophonics (although I Told Her On Alderann by Neon Neon comes a close second).
I'm feeling pretty good right now. My throat's a bit sore but my legs feel fine.
I wish the same could be said for my bike. After 70 miles a terrible creaking sound started coming from the bottom bracket (the bit inside the frame that the pedal arms are connected to). I stopped to ask a mechanic for some WD-40 which didn't help whatsoever.
I rode the final miles very tentatively, worried that something was going to snap. I think I'll have to take it to a bike shop tomorrow morning if I'm going to do any riding at all.
Tewkesbury seemed like an attractive market town and I stopped for a doughnut and a banana. I got lost around Cheltenham (I hit the dreaded inner ring!) and I stopped for sandwiches and two cans of Rubicon in Stroud.
I ran out of water 5 miles from Bristol so had to go, cap in hand, to a pub and ask for some tap water. The weather was beautiful today, warm enough for two short sleeved t-shirts and a pair of shorts - and now I'm sporting a lovely t-shirt suntan.
So it's no surprise that today's song of the ride is T-Shirt Suntan by the Stereophonics (although I Told Her On Alderann by Neon Neon comes a close second).
Thursday 15 April 2010
Good eating = enjoyable riding
Fueled by today's mountain of food I rode an easy 20 miles this evening and feel good for it. My legs still feel a little dead (there's no zing left!) but it was good to get out in the sunshine. I rode straight from work to Clanage Road and a killer hill called Rownham Hill, which led me to the gates Ashton Court. I continued down through Abbots Leigh and towards Easton in Gordano (just before the M5). Then I turned left and headed for a quiet uphill lane back to Bristol. It was a much gentler way to go than my usual lung-buster back home. Plus it was quiet enough to record a quick video.
From there I came into the back of Long Ashton and rode up Providence Lane, which is another lung buster, before coasting home. It wasn't a particularly fast ride (16.4mph) but I guess I just wasn't in the mood for hard riding. I did enjoy myself though - it's so nice to be riding in the sunshine, even if it was getting a bit chilly. Hope this weather lasts for LE-JOG.
Tune of the day: Autumn Afternoon by The Crocketts. Some songs from your youth grow old, others remain timeless...
From there I came into the back of Long Ashton and rode up Providence Lane, which is another lung buster, before coasting home. It wasn't a particularly fast ride (16.4mph) but I guess I just wasn't in the mood for hard riding. I did enjoy myself though - it's so nice to be riding in the sunshine, even if it was getting a bit chilly. Hope this weather lasts for LE-JOG.
Tune of the day: Autumn Afternoon by The Crocketts. Some songs from your youth grow old, others remain timeless...
Wednesday 14 April 2010
Food fight
How can I cycle 80+ miles on the weekend but feel so dead on the 3 miles home from work?
I thought about going for a ride this evening but after slowly crawling uphill all the way home I thought I should stay in and eat. It was a mental battle to not go and exercise but I thought it best to let myself recover (I think I'm still getting over the stag do.)
I cooked la puttanesca pasta sauce (anchovies, olives, courgette, capers and tomatoes) and ate a double portion (200g) of pasta, followed by a whole Easter egg and the remainder of my Cadbury's Creme Egg ice-cream. I am definitely no longer hungry!
Also tonight I watched the last episode of The Man Who Cycled The Americas and I'm currently reading The Man Who Cycled The World. Really inspiring stuff. I'm already thinking about adventures after LE-JOG...
I thought about going for a ride this evening but after slowly crawling uphill all the way home I thought I should stay in and eat. It was a mental battle to not go and exercise but I thought it best to let myself recover (I think I'm still getting over the stag do.)
I cooked la puttanesca pasta sauce (anchovies, olives, courgette, capers and tomatoes) and ate a double portion (200g) of pasta, followed by a whole Easter egg and the remainder of my Cadbury's Creme Egg ice-cream. I am definitely no longer hungry!
Also tonight I watched the last episode of The Man Who Cycled The Americas and I'm currently reading The Man Who Cycled The World. Really inspiring stuff. I'm already thinking about adventures after LE-JOG...
Tuesday 13 April 2010
A super furry state
... which isn't a reference to having hairy legs but a nod to one of the bands that got me through yesterday's riding.
I listened to the whole of the Super Furries' Dark Days/Light Years album and very much enjoyed it. I didn't rate the album when I bought it last year but listening to it on yesterday's ride to Clevedon gave it a new lease of life.
I even stopped to replay Inaugural Trams, which has a great German spoken word section by Nick McCarthy from Franz Ferdinand. It seemed quite apt after my weekend in Germany (where I barely spoke a word of German).
My flight from Berlin came in at 11.30pm on Sunday, which meant that I didn't get to sleep until 2am on Monday. On top of three days of heavy drinking and going to bed no earlier than 5am, Monday's riding was a real struggle.
In the morning I rode 10 miles to pick up a new steering wheel for my van and it was incredibly tough. I felt so sick with tiredness! After a lot of water and food I rode 38 miles in the afternoon, including two killer hills (Wraxall Hill and Naish Hill). By the 25 mile mark I knew I was on a recovery ride so I coasted home the final 13, spinning fast up the hills and pedalling gently on the flats.
Today (Tuesday) I rode 11 miles after work but still didn't feel right. My legs and body felt tired and mentally I was shattered too. My average speed was horrible (16.4mph) and I think my riding will all be at that pace this week. I'm looking at two 100 mile rides on Saturday and Sunday so there's no point trying to prove anything with fast sprints this week.
This is my final weekend of long distances before my training tapers off, which means that my start date is now only two weeks away (gulp!).
Almost all my accommodation is booked, all my maps are printed, my bike is working well and hopefully the van will be sorted at its MOT tomorrow. All that's left now is to pack my things and draw attention to the ride with a press release... which reminds me. Yesterday I asked Helen to take a few pics of me in my Cancer Research t-shirt (see right). Watch out for this appearing in a newspaper near you soon...
I listened to the whole of the Super Furries' Dark Days/Light Years album and very much enjoyed it. I didn't rate the album when I bought it last year but listening to it on yesterday's ride to Clevedon gave it a new lease of life.
I even stopped to replay Inaugural Trams, which has a great German spoken word section by Nick McCarthy from Franz Ferdinand. It seemed quite apt after my weekend in Germany (where I barely spoke a word of German).
My flight from Berlin came in at 11.30pm on Sunday, which meant that I didn't get to sleep until 2am on Monday. On top of three days of heavy drinking and going to bed no earlier than 5am, Monday's riding was a real struggle.
In the morning I rode 10 miles to pick up a new steering wheel for my van and it was incredibly tough. I felt so sick with tiredness! After a lot of water and food I rode 38 miles in the afternoon, including two killer hills (Wraxall Hill and Naish Hill). By the 25 mile mark I knew I was on a recovery ride so I coasted home the final 13, spinning fast up the hills and pedalling gently on the flats.
Today (Tuesday) I rode 11 miles after work but still didn't feel right. My legs and body felt tired and mentally I was shattered too. My average speed was horrible (16.4mph) and I think my riding will all be at that pace this week. I'm looking at two 100 mile rides on Saturday and Sunday so there's no point trying to prove anything with fast sprints this week.
This is my final weekend of long distances before my training tapers off, which means that my start date is now only two weeks away (gulp!).Almost all my accommodation is booked, all my maps are printed, my bike is working well and hopefully the van will be sorted at its MOT tomorrow. All that's left now is to pack my things and draw attention to the ride with a press release... which reminds me. Yesterday I asked Helen to take a few pics of me in my Cancer Research t-shirt (see right). Watch out for this appearing in a newspaper near you soon...
Thursday 8 April 2010
First feel good ride of the summer
It's a balmy 15 degrees in Bristol and it felt like summer on my quick 28 mile ride.
It's Thursday afternoon and I've got the day off work because I'm flying to Berlin for a stag weekend later this afternoon. I'm going to try hard not to embarrass my country but a small part of me wants to walk down the street waving my arms around and singing 'stag do, stag do, stag do, stag do' like a football chant.
I hope you'll allow me this one indiscretion, for some bad news befell young Benjamin this morning. I was all set to take my van for its MOT at 8.30 then get out on the bike for 2 or 3 hours. I got into the van and realised something was missing. Some swine had broken in and stolen the steering wheel. The bastard STEERING WHEEL! Who steals only a bastard steering wheel? Clearly Helen's driving glasses and a tin of travel sweets aren't the sought after property they used to be.
I spent the morning ringing a combination of insurance and breakdown companies and garages and second hand dealers instead of riding my bike. In the end I settled on an ebay steering wheel and a re-booked MOT and then got out on the bike for an hour and a half.
The ride itself took me on my time trial route, along the A38 towards the Severn Bridge, around in a 10 mile loop, then back to Bristol. I felt good for the first eight miles of the TT but a nagging pain in my thigh made me slow up for the last two miles. I clocked 26m 40s, which is two minutes off my normal pace. Nothing to really write home about but it did feel great to be out in the sunshine, forgetting about thieving scoundrels and second hand car parts.
Once again a case of life getting in the way of cycling. Best laid plans and all that.
Song of the ride: pretty much anything by Modest Mouse. Start with Paper Thin Walls, Gravity Rides Everything or Float On and continue from there.
Auf wiedersehen for now...
It's Thursday afternoon and I've got the day off work because I'm flying to Berlin for a stag weekend later this afternoon. I'm going to try hard not to embarrass my country but a small part of me wants to walk down the street waving my arms around and singing 'stag do, stag do, stag do, stag do' like a football chant.
I hope you'll allow me this one indiscretion, for some bad news befell young Benjamin this morning. I was all set to take my van for its MOT at 8.30 then get out on the bike for 2 or 3 hours. I got into the van and realised something was missing. Some swine had broken in and stolen the steering wheel. The bastard STEERING WHEEL! Who steals only a bastard steering wheel? Clearly Helen's driving glasses and a tin of travel sweets aren't the sought after property they used to be.
I spent the morning ringing a combination of insurance and breakdown companies and garages and second hand dealers instead of riding my bike. In the end I settled on an ebay steering wheel and a re-booked MOT and then got out on the bike for an hour and a half.
The ride itself took me on my time trial route, along the A38 towards the Severn Bridge, around in a 10 mile loop, then back to Bristol. I felt good for the first eight miles of the TT but a nagging pain in my thigh made me slow up for the last two miles. I clocked 26m 40s, which is two minutes off my normal pace. Nothing to really write home about but it did feel great to be out in the sunshine, forgetting about thieving scoundrels and second hand car parts.
Once again a case of life getting in the way of cycling. Best laid plans and all that.
Song of the ride: pretty much anything by Modest Mouse. Start with Paper Thin Walls, Gravity Rides Everything or Float On and continue from there.
Auf wiedersehen for now...
Monday 5 April 2010
Performance anxiety
It's Easter weekend, which meant two days off work and two extra days to go riding. I managed three days in total, riding 170 miles between Saturday and Monday. I had a day away from the bike on Friday to sort out some things at home and prepare for my Cycling City talk at Howies.
This weekend was supposed to be my biggest with x3 80+ mile rides before LEJOG.
As ever, life got in the way. On Saturday I managed 72, in spite of the heavy rain and a hole in my front tyre. I got 65 under my belt on Sunday, riding the last 30 into a stiff headwind, before arriving at Helen's auntie and uncle's near Yeovil. And today I could only get 32 in before meeting my family in Raglan, near the foot of the Brecon Beacons.
Part of the difficulty of a ride like this is being single-minded enough to fit in the training required, and I'm weak when it comes to turning down requests from friends and family!
So over the last seven days I've ridden 219 miles.
Tuesday: 5 miles commute + 10 miles at the gym (PB! 22m 33s)
Wednesday: 2.5 miles commute + 27 miles after work
Thursday: 5 miles commute
Friday: 0
Saturday: 72 miles to Gloucester
Sunday: 65 miles to Stoke Sub Hamdon
Monday: 32 miles to Raglan
That's more than I've ridden before but somehow I still feel like I've cheated myself out of some miles. I should have done further today (Monday) and I should have gone out on Thursday or Friday had work and rain not got in the way.
This Thursday I'm going to Berlin on a stag do so I won't be doing much riding between now and next Tuesday. Then I'll have 15 days until I leave. As ever, there's too much to do and not enough time to do it.
To end on a positive note though, I rode my fastest gym 'time trial' this week (taking a whole minute off my previous personal best), my 3-day riding weekend was generally good and I've felt few aches and pains, and I found some stunning Somerset countryside around Norton St Philip and Kingston Deverill. It's not all doom and gloom...
This weekend was supposed to be my biggest with x3 80+ mile rides before LEJOG.
As ever, life got in the way. On Saturday I managed 72, in spite of the heavy rain and a hole in my front tyre. I got 65 under my belt on Sunday, riding the last 30 into a stiff headwind, before arriving at Helen's auntie and uncle's near Yeovil. And today I could only get 32 in before meeting my family in Raglan, near the foot of the Brecon Beacons.
Part of the difficulty of a ride like this is being single-minded enough to fit in the training required, and I'm weak when it comes to turning down requests from friends and family!
So over the last seven days I've ridden 219 miles.
Tuesday: 5 miles commute + 10 miles at the gym (PB! 22m 33s)
Wednesday: 2.5 miles commute + 27 miles after work
Thursday: 5 miles commute
Friday: 0
Saturday: 72 miles to Gloucester
Sunday: 65 miles to Stoke Sub Hamdon
Monday: 32 miles to Raglan
That's more than I've ridden before but somehow I still feel like I've cheated myself out of some miles. I should have done further today (Monday) and I should have gone out on Thursday or Friday had work and rain not got in the way.
This Thursday I'm going to Berlin on a stag do so I won't be doing much riding between now and next Tuesday. Then I'll have 15 days until I leave. As ever, there's too much to do and not enough time to do it.
To end on a positive note though, I rode my fastest gym 'time trial' this week (taking a whole minute off my previous personal best), my 3-day riding weekend was generally good and I've felt few aches and pains, and I found some stunning Somerset countryside around Norton St Philip and Kingston Deverill. It's not all doom and gloom...
Sunday 28 March 2010
Welcome to spring
The clocks have just gone back and spring is officially here. Aside from warmer weather hiding just around the corner, spring time also means an extra hour of daylight in the evening, which gives me extra time to ride my bike. I need it too because this weekend, try as I might, I just couldn't find the time to make the miles I wanted to.
On Saturday I rode from Shaftesbury to Poole. Helen was heading there to meet a friend, which gave me the chance to ride somewhere new. By the time we got to Shaftesbury and I got ready to go I only had four and a half hours to get to Poole, spend time with my sister and get back.
My journey to Poole took me through the rolling hills between Blandford Forum and Wimborne Minster. There's a great, tree-lined, picture-postcard country lane near Wimborne. The trees overhang the road on both sides, with fields all around you. If it hasn't been used in a film it definitely should be!
After being wowed by the scenery, my map reading skills let me down on the outskirts of Poole. After traversing my way into the city centre, completely by-passing my sister's house, I had to call and ask for directions, delaying me somewhat.
A light lunch with Laura (for you food fans: two ham rolls, a chicken tikka roll, a pork pie, crisps, celery, tomatoes and hummus) and I was heading back out to Blandford Forum. The wind and the hills were pretty vicious on the way back, and I felt sluggish after the food so it was a slow return journey. I met Helen just outside Shaftesbury, after 64 miles, glad not to have to face any more.
It was either the warmer weather or the salty crisps and hummus but I was pretty dehydrated after the ride - any excuse to stop for McDonalds! A milkshake and a coke, plus a Quarter Pounder and fries sorted me out until we got back to Bristol. Then we had some leftover chicken and potato pie for dinner. It's surprising how guilt-free a McDonalds is after a big bike ride. It's also surprising how many calories are in each meal, around 800 in the burger and fries alone!
Saturday night I went out to a party and had some drinks so I wasn't exactly bright eyed and bushy tailed on Sunday morning. I took it easy and rode with a friend from Bristol who's recently bought himself a bike. Bill and I rode out to Dundry Hill in the south of Bristol, continued on to Chew Lake, then headed back along the Avon Cycleway, up the Portway to Westbury-On-Trym and back up onto the Downs with a nice stiff hill to finish.
A few people have recommended riding up to Dundry Hill and I can now see why. On a clear day the view of Bristol is pretty spectacular. The camera phone shot on the right doesn't really do it justice.
The ride itself was a fairly gentle 44 miles at a pretty easy pace. The hills were a bit of a challenge but it was probably a recovery ride more than anything.
I thought about heading out for another 20 miles or so but time was getting on and I had things to do so I called it a day.
Over the two days of riding this was still a weekend of 100+ miles, which is something I hadn't done before this time last year. Plus both rides this weekend were in new places, which made a big difference to my motivation. Those lanes around the south of Bristol were deserted - except for the occasional cyclist - so I think I'll head there again over the coming Easter weekend and take in a few laps of Chew Lake.
Snow and heavy rain is forecast for this coming week so I can't see my distance for the month rising more than 670 miles. That's my biggest monthly total though so I'm pretty pleased.
In other news, several Cancer Research t-shirts and vests arrived for my ride which I'm thinking of printing with the details of my journey. I'm also doing a talk about cycling at Howies, a clothing store this coming Friday so I'll try and give my ride a plug then. Getting sponsered by the store, or anyone from the audience would be excellent.
And finally... the best song on Saturday's ride? Reuben - Some Mother's Do Have 'Em. Such a shame they split up...
On Saturday I rode from Shaftesbury to Poole. Helen was heading there to meet a friend, which gave me the chance to ride somewhere new. By the time we got to Shaftesbury and I got ready to go I only had four and a half hours to get to Poole, spend time with my sister and get back.
My journey to Poole took me through the rolling hills between Blandford Forum and Wimborne Minster. There's a great, tree-lined, picture-postcard country lane near Wimborne. The trees overhang the road on both sides, with fields all around you. If it hasn't been used in a film it definitely should be!
After being wowed by the scenery, my map reading skills let me down on the outskirts of Poole. After traversing my way into the city centre, completely by-passing my sister's house, I had to call and ask for directions, delaying me somewhat.
A light lunch with Laura (for you food fans: two ham rolls, a chicken tikka roll, a pork pie, crisps, celery, tomatoes and hummus) and I was heading back out to Blandford Forum. The wind and the hills were pretty vicious on the way back, and I felt sluggish after the food so it was a slow return journey. I met Helen just outside Shaftesbury, after 64 miles, glad not to have to face any more.
It was either the warmer weather or the salty crisps and hummus but I was pretty dehydrated after the ride - any excuse to stop for McDonalds! A milkshake and a coke, plus a Quarter Pounder and fries sorted me out until we got back to Bristol. Then we had some leftover chicken and potato pie for dinner. It's surprising how guilt-free a McDonalds is after a big bike ride. It's also surprising how many calories are in each meal, around 800 in the burger and fries alone!
Saturday night I went out to a party and had some drinks so I wasn't exactly bright eyed and bushy tailed on Sunday morning. I took it easy and rode with a friend from Bristol who's recently bought himself a bike. Bill and I rode out to Dundry Hill in the south of Bristol, continued on to Chew Lake, then headed back along the Avon Cycleway, up the Portway to Westbury-On-Trym and back up onto the Downs with a nice stiff hill to finish.
A few people have recommended riding up to Dundry Hill and I can now see why. On a clear day the view of Bristol is pretty spectacular. The camera phone shot on the right doesn't really do it justice.
The ride itself was a fairly gentle 44 miles at a pretty easy pace. The hills were a bit of a challenge but it was probably a recovery ride more than anything.
I thought about heading out for another 20 miles or so but time was getting on and I had things to do so I called it a day.
Over the two days of riding this was still a weekend of 100+ miles, which is something I hadn't done before this time last year. Plus both rides this weekend were in new places, which made a big difference to my motivation. Those lanes around the south of Bristol were deserted - except for the occasional cyclist - so I think I'll head there again over the coming Easter weekend and take in a few laps of Chew Lake.
Snow and heavy rain is forecast for this coming week so I can't see my distance for the month rising more than 670 miles. That's my biggest monthly total though so I'm pretty pleased.
In other news, several Cancer Research t-shirts and vests arrived for my ride which I'm thinking of printing with the details of my journey. I'm also doing a talk about cycling at Howies, a clothing store this coming Friday so I'll try and give my ride a plug then. Getting sponsered by the store, or anyone from the audience would be excellent.
And finally... the best song on Saturday's ride? Reuben - Some Mother's Do Have 'Em. Such a shame they split up...
Thursday 25 March 2010
Spring time blues
It's done nothing but rain this week, which is probably a good thing because I've been aching since Sunday.
I've also experienced saddle soreness (or should it be rawness?) for the first time. I must remember to slap on a big dollop of Udderly Smooth chamois cream before I ride. After a ride the damage is already done!
Anyway, today (Thursday) is the first day I've done any proper riding since the weekend's mammoth mileage. This week I commuted back and forth to work by bike but felt so sluggish. Like my tyres literally had slug slime on them, sticking me to the Tarmac. It was such an effort just to get some speed up.
However, today I stopped being pathetic and took the afternoon off work to go out for a ride with Pete. We'd planned to do my usual time trial route up to the Severn Bridge at race pace but, as I didn't have much of a sprint left in my legs and we spent most of the time chatting.
It also started hammering down with rain so the two of us trundled back to Bristol feeling pretty cold and dejected. I rapidly descended into 'big girl's blouse' mode again.
Still, I clocked 36 miles for a wet, cold Thursday afternoon, which seems pretty commendable now I think of it, sat in my warm house, with the heating on, with a cup of coffee, wearing slippers and a hoody...
It wasn't exactly the best day of cycling but it's more miles clocked up and more time spent in the saddle. Even my food wasn't exciting today (a bowl of Weetabix, Alpen and Frosties for breakfast and two ham and cheese sandwiches, two bananas and a cereal bar for lunch).
If my cycling clothes ever dry I'll be riding to Salisbury this Saturday and some other far flung destination on Sunday. Suggestions on a postcard please...
I've also experienced saddle soreness (or should it be rawness?) for the first time. I must remember to slap on a big dollop of Udderly Smooth chamois cream before I ride. After a ride the damage is already done!
Anyway, today (Thursday) is the first day I've done any proper riding since the weekend's mammoth mileage. This week I commuted back and forth to work by bike but felt so sluggish. Like my tyres literally had slug slime on them, sticking me to the Tarmac. It was such an effort just to get some speed up.
However, today I stopped being pathetic and took the afternoon off work to go out for a ride with Pete. We'd planned to do my usual time trial route up to the Severn Bridge at race pace but, as I didn't have much of a sprint left in my legs and we spent most of the time chatting.
It also started hammering down with rain so the two of us trundled back to Bristol feeling pretty cold and dejected. I rapidly descended into 'big girl's blouse' mode again.
Still, I clocked 36 miles for a wet, cold Thursday afternoon, which seems pretty commendable now I think of it, sat in my warm house, with the heating on, with a cup of coffee, wearing slippers and a hoody...
It wasn't exactly the best day of cycling but it's more miles clocked up and more time spent in the saddle. Even my food wasn't exciting today (a bowl of Weetabix, Alpen and Frosties for breakfast and two ham and cheese sandwiches, two bananas and a cereal bar for lunch).
If my cycling clothes ever dry I'll be riding to Salisbury this Saturday and some other far flung destination on Sunday. Suggestions on a postcard please...
Sunday 21 March 2010
166 ways to lose weight
It's Sunday evening. This weekend I rode 166 miles. I am a broken man.
My lungs feel like they've expanded and contracted beyond the limits of my rib cage. My hands hurt. My shoulders ache. I have chilblains on two toes. Every muscle around my waist and abdomen feels tender. And I'm permanently hungry and thirsty.
Last night, after yesterday's 75 miles, I went out for dinner and ate ham and parsley terrine to start, followed by steak and chips with parsnips and carrots. For dessert I ate most people's leftovers. It was a hideous display of consumption.
I ate with friends at Graze, the new Bath Ales steakhouse in the centre of Bristol. Decent portion sizes, a menu that's heavy on meat, well presented food and good beer make it a winner in my book. Hopefully I'll go there to eat after every long ride.
However, as nice as the food was, on the way home I was very close to getting a kebab.
Today I rode 91 miles in just under 5 hours. I stopped for lunch outside an Esso petrol station in Wotton Bassett and ate a lemon chicken baguette, a danish pastry and a banana. Now that I'm home I've just eaten a bowl of lamb stew. It barely made a dent in my hunger. Some jam roly poly is currently in the oven. I think tonight will be a long night of eating. The things I'm craving most right now: a McFlurry and a milkshake.
Today's ride took me north to Wotton Under Edge, then east to Tetbury, Malmesbury and Wotton Bassett. Tetbury and Malmesbury looked like lovely market towns (for the two minutes I spent cycling through them). Malmesbury has a fine looking church and adjacent hotel that I'd love to have stopped at for Sunday lunch.
Halfway to Wotton Under Edge I came across this fantastically named town (see the photo below). These English town names are much more imaginative than Welsh town names that don't mean a thing to a non-Welsh speaker.
By the time I got to Wotton Bassett I'd ridden 45 miles. A man in the petrol station asked where I'd been. He couldn't quite believe it when I said Bristol. The thought of 45 miles to get home suddenly seemed pretty daunting. Still, the countryside kept me interested. The ride to Wotton Bassett seemed to be along a ridge overlooking a lovely valley of green fields and recently ploughed furrows on my left hand side. Then, after a climb up from Wotton Bassett towards Calne and Chippenham I appeared on the other side of the valley with the view on my right hand side. Plus it was gloriously sunny today. I wore shorts for the first time. I think I may have even got a tan. No, wait, sorry, it's just dirt.
Heading back home I passed through the centre of Bath then back into south Bristol through Brislington. I can't say that the end of the ride was quite so pretty but it was quick. Had the wind died down, was I sheltered from the wind by the cities' buildings, or was I just feeling strong because I knew the end was in sight? Possibly all three.
I cycle with an ipod playing on shuffle mode. Each song is a nice surprise. Today's most motivating song was Song 2 by Blur, coming as a climbed an ugly looking hill into Wotton Under Edge. Thank you Albarn et al.
So, all in all, a really encouraging weekend. According to my training manual I need to be able to ride two-thirds of the daily distance for three consecutive days before my ride. I've done two this weekend. I'm on track. Plus my sponsorship page is looking a lot healthier (thanks if you've chipped in).
Right now I'm going to eat some more, drink some more, lie down some and then sleep a lot. Getting up this morning was hard enough. Getting up for work tomorrow won't be pleasant. I've ridden 260 miles this week, riding every day except Thursday. Tomorrow I'm taking a rest day.
My lungs feel like they've expanded and contracted beyond the limits of my rib cage. My hands hurt. My shoulders ache. I have chilblains on two toes. Every muscle around my waist and abdomen feels tender. And I'm permanently hungry and thirsty.
Last night, after yesterday's 75 miles, I went out for dinner and ate ham and parsley terrine to start, followed by steak and chips with parsnips and carrots. For dessert I ate most people's leftovers. It was a hideous display of consumption.
I ate with friends at Graze, the new Bath Ales steakhouse in the centre of Bristol. Decent portion sizes, a menu that's heavy on meat, well presented food and good beer make it a winner in my book. Hopefully I'll go there to eat after every long ride.
However, as nice as the food was, on the way home I was very close to getting a kebab.
Today I rode 91 miles in just under 5 hours. I stopped for lunch outside an Esso petrol station in Wotton Bassett and ate a lemon chicken baguette, a danish pastry and a banana. Now that I'm home I've just eaten a bowl of lamb stew. It barely made a dent in my hunger. Some jam roly poly is currently in the oven. I think tonight will be a long night of eating. The things I'm craving most right now: a McFlurry and a milkshake.
Today's ride took me north to Wotton Under Edge, then east to Tetbury, Malmesbury and Wotton Bassett. Tetbury and Malmesbury looked like lovely market towns (for the two minutes I spent cycling through them). Malmesbury has a fine looking church and adjacent hotel that I'd love to have stopped at for Sunday lunch.
Halfway to Wotton Under Edge I came across this fantastically named town (see the photo below). These English town names are much more imaginative than Welsh town names that don't mean a thing to a non-Welsh speaker.
By the time I got to Wotton Bassett I'd ridden 45 miles. A man in the petrol station asked where I'd been. He couldn't quite believe it when I said Bristol. The thought of 45 miles to get home suddenly seemed pretty daunting. Still, the countryside kept me interested. The ride to Wotton Bassett seemed to be along a ridge overlooking a lovely valley of green fields and recently ploughed furrows on my left hand side. Then, after a climb up from Wotton Bassett towards Calne and Chippenham I appeared on the other side of the valley with the view on my right hand side. Plus it was gloriously sunny today. I wore shorts for the first time. I think I may have even got a tan. No, wait, sorry, it's just dirt.
Heading back home I passed through the centre of Bath then back into south Bristol through Brislington. I can't say that the end of the ride was quite so pretty but it was quick. Had the wind died down, was I sheltered from the wind by the cities' buildings, or was I just feeling strong because I knew the end was in sight? Possibly all three.
I cycle with an ipod playing on shuffle mode. Each song is a nice surprise. Today's most motivating song was Song 2 by Blur, coming as a climbed an ugly looking hill into Wotton Under Edge. Thank you Albarn et al.
So, all in all, a really encouraging weekend. According to my training manual I need to be able to ride two-thirds of the daily distance for three consecutive days before my ride. I've done two this weekend. I'm on track. Plus my sponsorship page is looking a lot healthier (thanks if you've chipped in).
Right now I'm going to eat some more, drink some more, lie down some and then sleep a lot. Getting up this morning was hard enough. Getting up for work tomorrow won't be pleasant. I've ridden 260 miles this week, riding every day except Thursday. Tomorrow I'm taking a rest day.
Saturday 20 March 2010
Wet, wet, wet
Rumour has it that cycling in weather similar to that which today and yesterday brought inspired Marti Pello and friends to coin their band name.
It properly honked down for the whole of my 30 miles after work on Friday and the final hour of today's ride.
Yesterday I took my usual route through Long Ashton, Wraxall, Clevedon, Portishead and back into Bristol via the Suspension Bridge.
The first 10 miles was a bit of a novelty. It's been a while since I rode in rain like that (being a bit of a fairweather cyclist - although who isn't?) and it was a bit more challenging. Steamed up glasses, rain stinging my face, inefficient braking. Lots more things to think about. Between miles 10 and 20 I realised that I was pretty wet. My new 3/4 length bib shorts, good as they are, allow rain to run down my calves and into my socks. After 20 miles my feet felt like barges in shoe rivers. The final 10 miles of that route are almost all uphill too. Soaking wet and going uphill. I must have looked pretty unhappy.
To keep my mind occupied (if not preoccupied) I tried to think of songs that had something to do with rain in the title. I came up with: Garbage - I'm only happy when it rains, Billie Myers (?) - Kiss the rain and Travis - Why does it always rain on me. It stopped me thinking about being wet anyway.
Today (Saturday) the weather looked better. I rode to Gloucester in record time (30 miles at 23mph stats fans) then turned left and realised which way the wind had been blowing. The next 20 miles following the River Severn were quite a slog through a moderate headwind. Then the rain started again. Light enough at first to make me think it was just a shower, then stupidly heavy for the remaining hour of my ride. I rode through Chepstow, trying not to think about the 1/2 mile climb out of the town, and then rode across the old Severn Bridge where the visibility was so bad that I couldn't make out the tops of the large suspension stanchions.
The image below is what I could see when I was riding on the Severn Bridge.
By the time I got home I'd been cycling in the rain for 20 miles and my toes were wrinkled like I'd been in the bath too long. I rode 75 miles today though, which I'm really pleased with.
Last night someone told me they liked reading about what I'd been eating. Katharine, this is for you! Today I ate two servings (approx 100 grams) of porridge with brown sugar for breakfast, a banana, two pieces of Golden Syrup cake and a cereal bar on the ride, a bowl of pasta and bobotie (pronounced bo-bo-tea; a great African mince dish that Helen makes), a bowl of cereal and a slice of bakewell tart when I got home, and now I'm off out for steak. The calorie counter on mapmyride told me I burnt 4880 calories. Expect hollow cheeks any day now...
Songs of the ride: Toxicity by System of a Down and Two of three ain't bad by Meatloaf. Somehow singing along to an 'oldie' really helps.
It properly honked down for the whole of my 30 miles after work on Friday and the final hour of today's ride.
Yesterday I took my usual route through Long Ashton, Wraxall, Clevedon, Portishead and back into Bristol via the Suspension Bridge.
The first 10 miles was a bit of a novelty. It's been a while since I rode in rain like that (being a bit of a fairweather cyclist - although who isn't?) and it was a bit more challenging. Steamed up glasses, rain stinging my face, inefficient braking. Lots more things to think about. Between miles 10 and 20 I realised that I was pretty wet. My new 3/4 length bib shorts, good as they are, allow rain to run down my calves and into my socks. After 20 miles my feet felt like barges in shoe rivers. The final 10 miles of that route are almost all uphill too. Soaking wet and going uphill. I must have looked pretty unhappy.
To keep my mind occupied (if not preoccupied) I tried to think of songs that had something to do with rain in the title. I came up with: Garbage - I'm only happy when it rains, Billie Myers (?) - Kiss the rain and Travis - Why does it always rain on me. It stopped me thinking about being wet anyway.
Today (Saturday) the weather looked better. I rode to Gloucester in record time (30 miles at 23mph stats fans) then turned left and realised which way the wind had been blowing. The next 20 miles following the River Severn were quite a slog through a moderate headwind. Then the rain started again. Light enough at first to make me think it was just a shower, then stupidly heavy for the remaining hour of my ride. I rode through Chepstow, trying not to think about the 1/2 mile climb out of the town, and then rode across the old Severn Bridge where the visibility was so bad that I couldn't make out the tops of the large suspension stanchions.
The image below is what I could see when I was riding on the Severn Bridge.
By the time I got home I'd been cycling in the rain for 20 miles and my toes were wrinkled like I'd been in the bath too long. I rode 75 miles today though, which I'm really pleased with.
Last night someone told me they liked reading about what I'd been eating. Katharine, this is for you! Today I ate two servings (approx 100 grams) of porridge with brown sugar for breakfast, a banana, two pieces of Golden Syrup cake and a cereal bar on the ride, a bowl of pasta and bobotie (pronounced bo-bo-tea; a great African mince dish that Helen makes), a bowl of cereal and a slice of bakewell tart when I got home, and now I'm off out for steak. The calorie counter on mapmyride told me I burnt 4880 calories. Expect hollow cheeks any day now...
Songs of the ride: Toxicity by System of a Down and Two of three ain't bad by Meatloaf. Somehow singing along to an 'oldie' really helps.
Tuesday 16 March 2010
Presents galore
It's like Christmas here in the Hillsdon/Steele household. All my new cycling toys seem to have arrived at once. And, like a child, I want to play with them all at the same time.
Over the last week I've shelled out on:
- An IceToolz chain tool (useful for taking apart and cleaning chains - when do I ever do this?)
- A pair of Trek heavyweight winter gloves (fleece-lined winter gloves for commuting to work on the coldest mornings - they are on sale at Evans Cycles for £22)
- One Bontranger hardcase tyre (with fat puncture belt) to replace the paper-thin shredded rear tyre and puncture magnet that I've been using recently)
- A Smart 5-LED 3-Function Rear Light (safety first kids - plus it was only £3.50 from Wiggle)
- A 500ml tub of Science in Sport Rego Total Recovery Drink, Chocolate flavour (stops aching muscles after 70+ mile rides apparently. Tastes like milkshake apparently. Smoke and mirrors? Possibly.)
- A pair of dhb Merston Padded 3/4 Bib Tights (they look incredibly stupid but they feel stupendiously comfortable - imagine a fleecey romper suit with a padded nappy)
- A Topeak All Weather Tri-bag (for storing maps and vials of performance enhancing drugs).
I've put all these items under 'essentials', thereby justifying spending over £100 on cycling stuff once again. Getting sponsored by a company would be much cheaper (that's a plea by the way to the oh so generous bicycle company employees that happen to be reading this).
I'll be going for a short training ride this evening to try these new toys out. If I leave at 5.30pm I can now fit in an hours riding before it's too dark. Last night I did the same after work and was surprised at the number of other lycra-clad riders out for an early evening ride. I'm glad I wasn't the only one excited at the prospect of lighter evenings for the only reason that more cycling can be done during the week.
In other news, today I emailed just about everyone in my address book and told them about the ride. So there's definitely no backing out now. Why do I feel a little nervous all of a sudden?
Over the last week I've shelled out on:
- An IceToolz chain tool (useful for taking apart and cleaning chains - when do I ever do this?)
- A pair of Trek heavyweight winter gloves (fleece-lined winter gloves for commuting to work on the coldest mornings - they are on sale at Evans Cycles for £22)
- One Bontranger hardcase tyre (with fat puncture belt) to replace the paper-thin shredded rear tyre and puncture magnet that I've been using recently)
- A Smart 5-LED 3-Function Rear Light (safety first kids - plus it was only £3.50 from Wiggle)
- A 500ml tub of Science in Sport Rego Total Recovery Drink, Chocolate flavour (stops aching muscles after 70+ mile rides apparently. Tastes like milkshake apparently. Smoke and mirrors? Possibly.)
- A pair of dhb Merston Padded 3/4 Bib Tights (they look incredibly stupid but they feel stupendiously comfortable - imagine a fleecey romper suit with a padded nappy)
- A Topeak All Weather Tri-bag (for storing maps and vials of performance enhancing drugs).
I've put all these items under 'essentials', thereby justifying spending over £100 on cycling stuff once again. Getting sponsored by a company would be much cheaper (that's a plea by the way to the oh so generous bicycle company employees that happen to be reading this).
I'll be going for a short training ride this evening to try these new toys out. If I leave at 5.30pm I can now fit in an hours riding before it's too dark. Last night I did the same after work and was surprised at the number of other lycra-clad riders out for an early evening ride. I'm glad I wasn't the only one excited at the prospect of lighter evenings for the only reason that more cycling can be done during the week.
In other news, today I emailed just about everyone in my address book and told them about the ride. So there's definitely no backing out now. Why do I feel a little nervous all of a sudden?
Saturday 13 March 2010
Two's company
So there was a last minute change of plans this morning. 60 lumpy miles to Cheltenham became a relatively flat 50 to Chepstow.
It was a lovely sunny ride with my friend Pete. He's just bought a new Bianchi C2C and wanted to put it through its paces. For someone new to road cycling Pete's a strong cyclist and good to ride with. Every time I thought I'd pushed him a bit too far he'd come storming back and offer to take the lead, which certainly helped in the headwind on the way home.
Riding with someone else made the time pass really quickly. We spent about half the ride at a pace where we could talk. It wasn't the hardest of rides although I guess it shouldn't always be about high average speeds.
With the company and thought of a big night in Cheltenham later tonight I suggested that we stop at Coffee #1 in Chepstow for erm... coffee. But the lure of their huge plates of apple pie and cream was too much to resist. It felt a bit wrong eating so much after only 25 miles but (after the initial sicky feeling) I feel good now. I'm not too hungry and not too tired so this new heavy eating regime might be the way to go.
So I'll have a quite a few beers tonight, a Mother's Day meal tomorrow lunchtime, and then try and make it out for a few miles tomorrow afternoon. That'll be three consecutive days of riding, albeit at about 1/3rd of the LEJoG daily distance...
It was a lovely sunny ride with my friend Pete. He's just bought a new Bianchi C2C and wanted to put it through its paces. For someone new to road cycling Pete's a strong cyclist and good to ride with. Every time I thought I'd pushed him a bit too far he'd come storming back and offer to take the lead, which certainly helped in the headwind on the way home.
Riding with someone else made the time pass really quickly. We spent about half the ride at a pace where we could talk. It wasn't the hardest of rides although I guess it shouldn't always be about high average speeds.
With the company and thought of a big night in Cheltenham later tonight I suggested that we stop at Coffee #1 in Chepstow for erm... coffee. But the lure of their huge plates of apple pie and cream was too much to resist. It felt a bit wrong eating so much after only 25 miles but (after the initial sicky feeling) I feel good now. I'm not too hungry and not too tired so this new heavy eating regime might be the way to go.
So I'll have a quite a few beers tonight, a Mother's Day meal tomorrow lunchtime, and then try and make it out for a few miles tomorrow afternoon. That'll be three consecutive days of riding, albeit at about 1/3rd of the LEJoG daily distance...
Friday 12 March 2010
Late winter weather is very hard to judge
Today (Friday March 12) is five days after the half marathon. I think I finally stopped aching on Thursday. I did some gentle miles on the static bike at the gym on Tuesday and Thursday and rode 29 miles after work this evening. The first 20 miles were great until I hit the wall big time on the way home. It was as if all of a sudden the food in my stomach just evaporated. I struggled home very slowly over the last ten miles, getting very cold in the process.
After 15 miles I was planning to write about how much I enjoyed riding in the warmer, lighter evenings after work. After 25 those thoughts evaporated. Note to self: eat more and realise that it's not even spring yet.
Tomorrow I've got a 60 mile ride ahead of me before a night out in Cheltenham so I think it'll be an early Friday night. Maybe a cheeky bottle of red wine will be alright though...
After 15 miles I was planning to write about how much I enjoyed riding in the warmer, lighter evenings after work. After 25 those thoughts evaporated. Note to self: eat more and realise that it's not even spring yet.
Tomorrow I've got a 60 mile ride ahead of me before a night out in Cheltenham so I think it'll be an early Friday night. Maybe a cheeky bottle of red wine will be alright though...
Monday 8 March 2010
Running man
So there was no cycling last weekend, just a damn long run.
I took a rest day last Saturday (March 6) and used the time to go to an all-you-can-eat Italian for lunch with Helen. Four plates of pizza, pasta, salad and meatballs seemed to make up for several weeks of under-eating. And it stood me in good stead for Sunday too. I took eight minutes off my personal best for the half marathon with a time of 1hr 37m.
After a week of not drinking I fell off the wagon with a good showing at the pub later that afternoon. Seven pints on a Sunday evening - hardcore. I think most of the drinking was through relief at not having to run again for a few months.
I took a rest day last Saturday (March 6) and used the time to go to an all-you-can-eat Italian for lunch with Helen. Four plates of pizza, pasta, salad and meatballs seemed to make up for several weeks of under-eating. And it stood me in good stead for Sunday too. I took eight minutes off my personal best for the half marathon with a time of 1hr 37m.
After a week of not drinking I fell off the wagon with a good showing at the pub later that afternoon. Seven pints on a Sunday evening - hardcore. I think most of the drinking was through relief at not having to run again for a few months.
Sunday 28 February 2010
Comical calorie count
A 70 miler from Bridgend to Bristol yesterday and I cannot stop eating right now. 3300 calories burnt and half a snickers, a Dime bar and a small Toblerone saw me through it. In hindsight that was nowhere near enough!
Since I last wrote I've been on a couple of BIG runs and rides, as well as regular small efforts. I put in two 11 mile training runs for next Sunday's half marathon and three rides to Cheddar (twice) and the above-mentioned ride back from Wales.
My first ride to Cheddar took me out from Bristol on a 60 mile loop to Keynsham, through the lanes to Farrington Gurney, down through the Gorge into Cheddar and then back to Bristol via Shipham hill, Congresbury and Belmont Hill. A hilly 60 mile workout. It was nice to take a new route for once. Keynsham's a bit of a hassle though - there must be an easier passage than through the town centre!
The following Wednesday I took half day from work and rode out to Clevedon, Congresbury and Cheddar. I got to Helen's parents house at 3.30pm, dropped off my backpack and went back out to Blagdon lake and back into Cheddar through the Gorge again. That 5 mile descent through the Gorge is fast becoming my favourite place to ride. On the contrary, the evil climb into Shipham never gets any easier.
Wednesday's ride was pretty wet but I did see the most amazing rainbow. The foot of it was less than 200m away from me in a field next to Blagdon lake. I almost jumped off the bike to dig up that pot of gold! Most of my riding has been in fair or sunny weather so it was good to practice in the wet, although I didn't think so at the time!
This Saturday Helen and I drove to Bridgend to pick up some furniture from my Nan. We met her at her spiritual home (Castle Bingo) where they do giant fried breakfasts. I ate mine and finished off Helen's too. Then I rode back home via Cardiff and Newport. After battling the city centre traffic in Cardiff it was a really nice journey home. After Newport I took Sustrans NCN route 4 which was quiet and flat but I missed a signpost and ended up riding half a mile down on a mud track near Caldicott. Prior to that my tyre split and I punctured so I was prayed the mud track wouldn't cause another.
The Castle Bingo breakfast kept me going for 50 miles or so but I didn't have any other food with me. I stopped at a garage after 55 miles and ate a Dime Bar and Toblerone and drank a bottle of Lucozade but by then it was a bit too late. I didn't fully realise how hungry and tired I was until I got home. I ate like a horse and I was pretty grouchy in the evening. I wasn't much company for Helen. I've been reading recently that eating something small every hour is a good idea. I guess it will help my recovery, even if I'm not hungry at the time.
So the cheque book will be coming out again this week to buy a rear tyre and sort out the sluggish feeling that my bike has on hills (it's either the rider or the bike and I'm convinced it's the bike at the moment - something with the freewheel or the bottom bracket I think). I also need to start buying a few things for my journey. I've got my eye on: a turbo trainer, an extra pair of shorts (3/4 length?), a bag for the crossbar (to hold maps, etc), a spare computer and a chain tool.
By the way, I've been meaning to write this for a while. I normally take an iPod with me to listen to music when I ride (one ear only though - safety first kids!). Recently I've been picking my 'song of the ride'. It's generally the song that puts a smile on my face or helps to get me to the top of a hill.
So without further ado, my songs of the past fortnight have been Descendents - I'm Not A Loser and Tubelord - He Awoke on a Bench in Abergavenny.
Next week is that half marathon so there'll be no big cycle rides for the next seven days. I might treat myself to the static bike in the gym though (oh joy!)...
Since I last wrote I've been on a couple of BIG runs and rides, as well as regular small efforts. I put in two 11 mile training runs for next Sunday's half marathon and three rides to Cheddar (twice) and the above-mentioned ride back from Wales.
My first ride to Cheddar took me out from Bristol on a 60 mile loop to Keynsham, through the lanes to Farrington Gurney, down through the Gorge into Cheddar and then back to Bristol via Shipham hill, Congresbury and Belmont Hill. A hilly 60 mile workout. It was nice to take a new route for once. Keynsham's a bit of a hassle though - there must be an easier passage than through the town centre!
The following Wednesday I took half day from work and rode out to Clevedon, Congresbury and Cheddar. I got to Helen's parents house at 3.30pm, dropped off my backpack and went back out to Blagdon lake and back into Cheddar through the Gorge again. That 5 mile descent through the Gorge is fast becoming my favourite place to ride. On the contrary, the evil climb into Shipham never gets any easier.
Wednesday's ride was pretty wet but I did see the most amazing rainbow. The foot of it was less than 200m away from me in a field next to Blagdon lake. I almost jumped off the bike to dig up that pot of gold! Most of my riding has been in fair or sunny weather so it was good to practice in the wet, although I didn't think so at the time!
This Saturday Helen and I drove to Bridgend to pick up some furniture from my Nan. We met her at her spiritual home (Castle Bingo) where they do giant fried breakfasts. I ate mine and finished off Helen's too. Then I rode back home via Cardiff and Newport. After battling the city centre traffic in Cardiff it was a really nice journey home. After Newport I took Sustrans NCN route 4 which was quiet and flat but I missed a signpost and ended up riding half a mile down on a mud track near Caldicott. Prior to that my tyre split and I punctured so I was prayed the mud track wouldn't cause another.
The Castle Bingo breakfast kept me going for 50 miles or so but I didn't have any other food with me. I stopped at a garage after 55 miles and ate a Dime Bar and Toblerone and drank a bottle of Lucozade but by then it was a bit too late. I didn't fully realise how hungry and tired I was until I got home. I ate like a horse and I was pretty grouchy in the evening. I wasn't much company for Helen. I've been reading recently that eating something small every hour is a good idea. I guess it will help my recovery, even if I'm not hungry at the time.
So the cheque book will be coming out again this week to buy a rear tyre and sort out the sluggish feeling that my bike has on hills (it's either the rider or the bike and I'm convinced it's the bike at the moment - something with the freewheel or the bottom bracket I think). I also need to start buying a few things for my journey. I've got my eye on: a turbo trainer, an extra pair of shorts (3/4 length?), a bag for the crossbar (to hold maps, etc), a spare computer and a chain tool.
By the way, I've been meaning to write this for a while. I normally take an iPod with me to listen to music when I ride (one ear only though - safety first kids!). Recently I've been picking my 'song of the ride'. It's generally the song that puts a smile on my face or helps to get me to the top of a hill.
So without further ado, my songs of the past fortnight have been Descendents - I'm Not A Loser and Tubelord - He Awoke on a Bench in Abergavenny.
Next week is that half marathon so there'll be no big cycle rides for the next seven days. I might treat myself to the static bike in the gym though (oh joy!)...
Sunday 14 February 2010
A good week
First of all, two things I forgot to mention in last week's post.
I decided to do the ride for Cancer Research, specifically to pay for nursing care for people receiving treatment. I know two people who've died from cancer, two who've recovered and one who currently has cancer. It would be great if you could donate. My charity page is available at: http://myprojects.cancerresearchuk.org/group-giving/ben-hillsdon-rides-lejog-to-fight-cancer
I've been thinking about how to navigate the route. My Dad suggested getting a GPS unit. At first I wasn't keen but the thought of taking a wrong turn or stopping every five miles to check a map doesn't sound great. And trying to navigate whilst being tired after 90+ miles of riding could be tricky. So I took a look at some units. The Garmen 705 costs about 300 notes, which I can't really justify. I have found a company that rents them, but only for a minimum of three months, and at a cost of £75. The website is here: http://www.cyclepowermeters.com/garmin-705-edge-hr-rental-494-p.asp
In terms of this week things have gone well. Training has been good, despite having a bit of a cold, and I've bought some useful things. Vitamin C and echinacea tablets have helped limit my cold to just a snotty nose and slight cough.
During the week I went on two runs and have ridden twice on the static bike in the gym. This weekend we drove out to Frome and I cycled back from there. I'm not sure exactly which way I went but I passed through Melksham, Corsham, Box, Bath and back into Bristol along the cycle paths. I didn't map the route before hand, I just followed road signs for towns that I wanted to pass through. The ride was 49 miles and it would have been longer had I not wanted to get back for the Six Nations Wales - Scotland match. I felt good when I got home too, strong enough to do another 30 or so miles at least.
I thought the picture was fairly fitting for a weekend of Six Nations rugby.
Yesterday I rode with time trial bars for the first time, which I bought from Dave Hinde Cycles this week (a £40 bargain!). They seemed to add about two miles an hour to my speed, which surprised me - I didn't think they'd make that much of a difference.
I started the ride feeling pretty hungry, which I must avoid in future. I just felt a bit slow and sluggish. After 20 miles I stopped at a petrol station for a Mars Bar and an excellent bag of penny sweets, which I demolished pretty rapidly. It was a BP petrol station somewhere near Melksham - note to self, stop there in future!
The other thing I bought was a free box of Zipvit powders and vitamins (I had to pay for postage). It seems like really good value, although I'm yet to try any of them. http://www.zipvit.com/cgi-bin/vitcart1.pl?success&cart=cart9763c02¤cy=&F46=1
Anyway, time to go I think. I need to go for a long run before it gets dark...
I decided to do the ride for Cancer Research, specifically to pay for nursing care for people receiving treatment. I know two people who've died from cancer, two who've recovered and one who currently has cancer. It would be great if you could donate. My charity page is available at: http://myprojects.cancerresearchuk.org/group-giving/ben-hillsdon-rides-lejog-to-fight-cancer
I've been thinking about how to navigate the route. My Dad suggested getting a GPS unit. At first I wasn't keen but the thought of taking a wrong turn or stopping every five miles to check a map doesn't sound great. And trying to navigate whilst being tired after 90+ miles of riding could be tricky. So I took a look at some units. The Garmen 705 costs about 300 notes, which I can't really justify. I have found a company that rents them, but only for a minimum of three months, and at a cost of £75. The website is here: http://www.cyclepowermeters.com/garmin-705-edge-hr-rental-494-p.asp
In terms of this week things have gone well. Training has been good, despite having a bit of a cold, and I've bought some useful things. Vitamin C and echinacea tablets have helped limit my cold to just a snotty nose and slight cough.
During the week I went on two runs and have ridden twice on the static bike in the gym. This weekend we drove out to Frome and I cycled back from there. I'm not sure exactly which way I went but I passed through Melksham, Corsham, Box, Bath and back into Bristol along the cycle paths. I didn't map the route before hand, I just followed road signs for towns that I wanted to pass through. The ride was 49 miles and it would have been longer had I not wanted to get back for the Six Nations Wales - Scotland match. I felt good when I got home too, strong enough to do another 30 or so miles at least.
I thought the picture was fairly fitting for a weekend of Six Nations rugby.
Yesterday I rode with time trial bars for the first time, which I bought from Dave Hinde Cycles this week (a £40 bargain!). They seemed to add about two miles an hour to my speed, which surprised me - I didn't think they'd make that much of a difference.
I started the ride feeling pretty hungry, which I must avoid in future. I just felt a bit slow and sluggish. After 20 miles I stopped at a petrol station for a Mars Bar and an excellent bag of penny sweets, which I demolished pretty rapidly. It was a BP petrol station somewhere near Melksham - note to self, stop there in future!
The other thing I bought was a free box of Zipvit powders and vitamins (I had to pay for postage). It seems like really good value, although I'm yet to try any of them. http://www.zipvit.com/cgi-bin/vitcart1.pl?success&cart=cart9763c02¤cy=&F46=1
Anyway, time to go I think. I need to go for a long run before it gets dark...
Saturday 6 February 2010
The green, green grass of home
Home for my first 23 years was South Wales. The Vale of Glamorgan until I was 18, followed by Swansea for another five years. I think the countryside of the Vale is pretty unique. Rolling hills, woods, green fields. Coming back five years later it was great to ride through lanes and along roads I'd only travelled along in a car.
As a teenager I didn't do much riding further than a 10 mile circuit from my house. This weekend I went home and got the chance to get out on my bike. I rode from Penarth in a 31 mile ride to pick up a car at the Coed y Mwstwr hotel near Bridgend. The route went through the lanes between Dinas Powys and Wenvoe then crossed the A48 to Welsh St Donats.
The ride itself was at a fairly slow pace but it was a decent hill workout and a good chance to get out in the sunshine. 31 miles with hopefully more to follow tomorrow. Next time I write I'll also mention details of my GPS investigations and my Cancer Research page...
As a teenager I didn't do much riding further than a 10 mile circuit from my house. This weekend I went home and got the chance to get out on my bike. I rode from Penarth in a 31 mile ride to pick up a car at the Coed y Mwstwr hotel near Bridgend. The route went through the lanes between Dinas Powys and Wenvoe then crossed the A48 to Welsh St Donats.
The ride itself was at a fairly slow pace but it was a decent hill workout and a good chance to get out in the sunshine. 31 miles with hopefully more to follow tomorrow. Next time I write I'll also mention details of my GPS investigations and my Cancer Research page...
Sunday 31 January 2010
Exhaustion stops play
This week didn't exactly go to plan. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday were a write off. I was exhausted every day. I found getting up a real struggle and in the evenings I couldn't manage much more than cycling home from work and flaking out on the sofa.
Was it last week catching up with me, was I coming down with a bug or was I just being a bit of a wimp? All three I think. Eitherway I couldn't face exercise. On Thursday and Friday I had evening engagements so I pretty much had five exercise free days.
Still, I think I made up for it on Saturday. I cycled over the Severn Bridge to meet my Dad in Caldicott before we cycled back to Newport for coffee and cake in Tesco then I headed back to Bristol on my own. On the whole it was a lovely, mostly flat 71 mile ride - and my longest of the year so far. Unfortunately my speedometer died with a few miles to go so I'm not sure how long it took. I'm guessing around 4 hours. The ride with Dad was at a fairly slow pace.
The profile around the Newport flats is, well, dead flat so it's a pleasure to ride. Lovely quiet lanes and barely a car in site. Saturday was a really bright sunny day too - although it was F-F-F-freezing! Note to self #1: three layers isn't enough in 3 degrees temperature!
My legs are dead today (Sunday) so no running until next week. Note to self #2: Must remember to stretch after long rides!
My bike was beginning to make a few unusual noises at the end of the ride so I think it's time to take it in for a strip-down service - yet more money to spend on bikes.
Plans for the ride haven't really progressed any further. I think I'm settled on my charity (Cancer Research) and my route. I'm investigating GPS and PDA units to save on map reading and I'm steadily keeping bike shops and online retailers in business by buying creams, tools and so on.
Was it last week catching up with me, was I coming down with a bug or was I just being a bit of a wimp? All three I think. Eitherway I couldn't face exercise. On Thursday and Friday I had evening engagements so I pretty much had five exercise free days.
Still, I think I made up for it on Saturday. I cycled over the Severn Bridge to meet my Dad in Caldicott before we cycled back to Newport for coffee and cake in Tesco then I headed back to Bristol on my own. On the whole it was a lovely, mostly flat 71 mile ride - and my longest of the year so far. Unfortunately my speedometer died with a few miles to go so I'm not sure how long it took. I'm guessing around 4 hours. The ride with Dad was at a fairly slow pace.
The profile around the Newport flats is, well, dead flat so it's a pleasure to ride. Lovely quiet lanes and barely a car in site. Saturday was a really bright sunny day too - although it was F-F-F-freezing! Note to self #1: three layers isn't enough in 3 degrees temperature!
My legs are dead today (Sunday) so no running until next week. Note to self #2: Must remember to stretch after long rides!
My bike was beginning to make a few unusual noises at the end of the ride so I think it's time to take it in for a strip-down service - yet more money to spend on bikes.
Plans for the ride haven't really progressed any further. I think I'm settled on my charity (Cancer Research) and my route. I'm investigating GPS and PDA units to save on map reading and I'm steadily keeping bike shops and online retailers in business by buying creams, tools and so on.
Saturday 23 January 2010
Candle burnt at both ends
A friend of mine has all but given up drinking in preparation for the Paris Marathon. I'm begining to think it's a good idea.
I went out on Friday and had too many drinks. Not an excessive amount but probably enough to classify me as a 'binge drinker', and definitely enough to dampen my enthusiasm for Saturday's cycling.
Beers and a late night, on top of a week of exercise and long hours in work left me feeling mentally exhausted on Saturday morning.
I only had myself to blame and I would have felt even more rotten if a hangover got in the way of a bike ride. So I fueled up with cereal, porrige and coffee and dragged my sleepy head out into the dank January air. Ten miles in and I began to feel a bit more like myself. I rode to Clevedon, back to Portishead, through Avonmouth to the old Severn Bridge, before stopping for some pics and making a slow ride back to Bristol. 48 miles today and another tick on the training calender - although it's a rather shaky-handed tick.
Elsewhere this week: I've been upgrading the second-hand Bob Jackson road bike I bought last weekend. A new stem and new pedals make it easier to ride and it's almost a perfect commuting bike. Do I singlespeed it? I haven't decided yet.
It's been a busy week of running and riding in the gym. Next week: must get more sleep!
Sunday 17 January 2010
What a contrast
This time last week Bristol was under several inches of snow and riding on anywhere other than main roads was near impossible. Seven days on the snow had melted and there was a glorious orange orb in the sky.
After several weeks in the gym it was good to get out on the bike. On Saturday I went for a long run and a short ride. I bought a new bike - a red Bob Jackson road bike with a triple chainset and a frame perfect for a single speed conversion - and took it on a few short laps of the city.
On Sunday I took my road bike out on a long ride to Cheddar. I was aiming for a 66-mile route but only managed 50 due to a slow puncture.
I rode out across the Suspension Bridge to Failand, Wraxall and Clevedon before heading south to Congresbury and Highbridge. Halfway through the ride I realised my jacket pocket was open and my fruit cake had fallen out of my pocket. With no food I had to stop at a petrol station in Highbridge. As I saddled back up, weighed down with Rice Krispie squares and sweets, I felt that all-too familiar clunk of metal, tyre and Tarmac. I had a puncture. I suspected it was a slow puncture so I took my chances, pumped it up then headed east back to Cheddar for dinner at Helen's parents. I just about got away with it. I had to pump up my tyre twice on the remaining 10 miles but I was saved the indignity of removing the wheel on the roadside and getting covered in dirt and grease.
So 50 miles through mostly flat Somerset countryside at a relaxed average of 18 miles an hour. I managed 35 miles on a big bowl of porridge before having to stop for food. It was a warm January day and I think I got my clothing just about right: overshoes, leggings, merino top, jersey, gilet, arm warmers and ear buff. I felt pretty good afterwards too.
Next time I try this route I'll leave myself a bit longer and hopefully manage the full route to Glastonbury - and with any chance there'll be a venison casserole waiting for me next time too!
After several weeks in the gym it was good to get out on the bike. On Saturday I went for a long run and a short ride. I bought a new bike - a red Bob Jackson road bike with a triple chainset and a frame perfect for a single speed conversion - and took it on a few short laps of the city.
On Sunday I took my road bike out on a long ride to Cheddar. I was aiming for a 66-mile route but only managed 50 due to a slow puncture.
I rode out across the Suspension Bridge to Failand, Wraxall and Clevedon before heading south to Congresbury and Highbridge. Halfway through the ride I realised my jacket pocket was open and my fruit cake had fallen out of my pocket. With no food I had to stop at a petrol station in Highbridge. As I saddled back up, weighed down with Rice Krispie squares and sweets, I felt that all-too familiar clunk of metal, tyre and Tarmac. I had a puncture. I suspected it was a slow puncture so I took my chances, pumped it up then headed east back to Cheddar for dinner at Helen's parents. I just about got away with it. I had to pump up my tyre twice on the remaining 10 miles but I was saved the indignity of removing the wheel on the roadside and getting covered in dirt and grease.
So 50 miles through mostly flat Somerset countryside at a relaxed average of 18 miles an hour. I managed 35 miles on a big bowl of porridge before having to stop for food. It was a warm January day and I think I got my clothing just about right: overshoes, leggings, merino top, jersey, gilet, arm warmers and ear buff. I felt pretty good afterwards too.
Next time I try this route I'll leave myself a bit longer and hopefully manage the full route to Glastonbury - and with any chance there'll be a venison casserole waiting for me next time too!
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