Am blogging this on a very poorly 'puter. Just opened it the other day and the screen is displaying some mad behaviour. Not laptoplike at all at all. As I've only had this since Christmas then it must return to its makers. But not before the Bank Holiday is over, it would seem.
Anyways, Thursday was meant to be an early morning ride with Beth, Alex and John but when we woke up it was raining. I texted what we were all thinking, namely, 'Blah! Shall we leave it til this afternoon?' And agreement was forthcoming. Unfortunately work pressures were also forthcoming for Beth, she got a backlog in that department and couldn't join us.
So it was me 'n' the lads out there and taking on the Picts Lane/Cuckfield route of 2 weeks ago. It will never be an easy ride but didn't seem quite so hard for me this time. Alex was in fine form with his new tribars. He scooted ahead having a lovely time of it. As did we all. It was a great ride, with us finishing 10mins faster than the first time we did it. A couple of days on I cannot remember the exact time but then, does it really matter?
Today (Sunday) was again going to be a 7 o'clock start with the four of us. Beth originally pulled out last night due to work (Bank Hol at the Horse), Alex had a cricked injury to the knee. His first match of the season and an injury, would you believe it! Then Beth decided she could make it after Simon offered to take on some of her work this morning. So we went out a 9 (much more reasonable time!) and did our Henfield loop with a difference. Coach had us practising drafting and overtaking each other whilst drafting. This was not only pretty good fun but took our average speed up too. We came home via Crabtree hill which is a long slow drag but still didn't detract from our 13.8 mph average speed. 27 miles. Brilliant!
Sunday 30 May 2010
Monday 24 May 2010
Great to get to fifty (miles, that is!)
Just had a hectic couple of days driving to Ireland, stopping for 2 nights, driving back. Definitely a long way to go for just 2 nights. But the funeral went very well and, as is usual at these events, it was a bit bizarre being so delighted to see friends and family on such an otherwise sad occasion. Ireland was enjoying the fantastic weather too and Wicklow is just dazzling...must be my favourite place I think. Though wouldn't like to be cycle training there - so hilly it makes Maplehurst look like Holland!
I didn't feel up for a ride on Sunday on our return so John and Beth went out. And he still had energy to come out with Alex and I this morning. We headed off a 9 and I felt mildly fragile as had really disturbed couple of nights sleep, no food to speak of yesterday and a touch of VW syndrome...that's Vortex Wine. Went in there for one yesterday lunchtime. Say no more. So I was probably pretty dehydrated. Anyway, the weather was amazing, hot and sunny and no real wind.
We covered a lot of different terrain, country roads, busy A roads. Had a few stops, one pretty necessary one to get some water into me! Then chocolate and coffee at Storrington, a real treat that we all look forward to. It was here that John worked out that he needed to get home to change and make it to an appointment. So he took his leave of us and legged it at 20+ miles an hour home. We carried on at our own pace. At one point we were joined by a young man on a day out on his bike. He chatted merrily away with Alex at quite a speed. And Alex was delighted that he shook hands when we took our turn off to Partridge Green! Ah, the camaraderie of the cycling world.
We rode into Maplehurst tired, achey but absolutely chuffed to bits at having covered 51 miles in 4hrs 5mins. Our average speed was about 13.2 I think. And I found out later that we had climbed 4000ft as well. Good gracious! John, as coach, was very happy with the route as it was full of variety, good climbs. A 'cracking training ride' was the official verdict.
I didn't feel up for a ride on Sunday on our return so John and Beth went out. And he still had energy to come out with Alex and I this morning. We headed off a 9 and I felt mildly fragile as had really disturbed couple of nights sleep, no food to speak of yesterday and a touch of VW syndrome...that's Vortex Wine. Went in there for one yesterday lunchtime. Say no more. So I was probably pretty dehydrated. Anyway, the weather was amazing, hot and sunny and no real wind.
We covered a lot of different terrain, country roads, busy A roads. Had a few stops, one pretty necessary one to get some water into me! Then chocolate and coffee at Storrington, a real treat that we all look forward to. It was here that John worked out that he needed to get home to change and make it to an appointment. So he took his leave of us and legged it at 20+ miles an hour home. We carried on at our own pace. At one point we were joined by a young man on a day out on his bike. He chatted merrily away with Alex at quite a speed. And Alex was delighted that he shook hands when we took our turn off to Partridge Green! Ah, the camaraderie of the cycling world.
We rode into Maplehurst tired, achey but absolutely chuffed to bits at having covered 51 miles in 4hrs 5mins. Our average speed was about 13.2 I think. And I found out later that we had climbed 4000ft as well. Good gracious! John, as coach, was very happy with the route as it was full of variety, good climbs. A 'cracking training ride' was the official verdict.
Wednesday 19 May 2010
Blogging back-log
I am a couple of ride reports behind so bear with me whilst I attempt to catch up.
Had some sad news at the weekend. John's mum's partner Sean passed away over in Ireland. He was my surrogate step-father-in-law, I guess. We will all miss him and especially our visits to Wicklow won't be the same ever again. We are off there tommoro, all four of us, to pay our last respects to a lovely man who had so many interests and hobbies, it is hard to believe he was well into his eighties.
So I was in no great mood for a training ride on Sunday and just took myself off for a 14m pootle. Actually, it was a very hilly pootle as it happens. It took one hour ten mins.
John had just arrived down in the south of France when he got the news about Sean. He had inadvertently left his mobile phone at home (anyone who knows John will find this very hard to believe!). So I couldn't relay the news until his journey was almost complete. Anyway, he decided to cycle up Mont Ventoux (24k up) before driving home again. An active 48hrs or so then! He arrived back on Monday exhausted, not surprisingly. Shame he missed his training camp but felt there was no point in joining in for the first day or so only to have to leave midweek.
Beth completed the 26m overnight Moonwalk in London on Saturday with her two daughters Kerrie and Kimberely. Fantastic achievement to raise money for Breast Cancer research.
So one might have expected Beth to be a bit weary in the legs on todays ride, mightn't one? Not a bit of it! Herself, John and I headed out at 8am and did a long ride. The weather was fine and sunny, though a little windy on occasions. John used the session as interval training and kept zipping past us at speed up the hills. Beth was a yellow peril speeding bullet! Couldn't keep up with her at all, especially towards the end of the ride. Still we had a great time. 40m covered in just on 3 hours which worked out at 13.2mph. That'll have to do us til we are back on Sunday.
Had some sad news at the weekend. John's mum's partner Sean passed away over in Ireland. He was my surrogate step-father-in-law, I guess. We will all miss him and especially our visits to Wicklow won't be the same ever again. We are off there tommoro, all four of us, to pay our last respects to a lovely man who had so many interests and hobbies, it is hard to believe he was well into his eighties.
So I was in no great mood for a training ride on Sunday and just took myself off for a 14m pootle. Actually, it was a very hilly pootle as it happens. It took one hour ten mins.
John had just arrived down in the south of France when he got the news about Sean. He had inadvertently left his mobile phone at home (anyone who knows John will find this very hard to believe!). So I couldn't relay the news until his journey was almost complete. Anyway, he decided to cycle up Mont Ventoux (24k up) before driving home again. An active 48hrs or so then! He arrived back on Monday exhausted, not surprisingly. Shame he missed his training camp but felt there was no point in joining in for the first day or so only to have to leave midweek.
Beth completed the 26m overnight Moonwalk in London on Saturday with her two daughters Kerrie and Kimberely. Fantastic achievement to raise money for Breast Cancer research.
So one might have expected Beth to be a bit weary in the legs on todays ride, mightn't one? Not a bit of it! Herself, John and I headed out at 8am and did a long ride. The weather was fine and sunny, though a little windy on occasions. John used the session as interval training and kept zipping past us at speed up the hills. Beth was a yellow peril speeding bullet! Couldn't keep up with her at all, especially towards the end of the ride. Still we had a great time. 40m covered in just on 3 hours which worked out at 13.2mph. That'll have to do us til we are back on Sunday.
Friday 14 May 2010
R & R
For Recovering and Recovery. Considering we climbed 2,500ft yesterday on our ride my legs feel alright today. So good that I finally listened to coachly advice to go for a 'recovery ride'. It doesn't make sense to my novice brain that to recover from a ride one ought to go and ride. Is it a bit like the 'hair of the dog' after a heavy night on the booze? Or some kind of homeopathic approach? Whichever, I did go and spin the legs for a few miles. Nothing hectic but I did it and apparently it'll pay dividends in the long term.
That was after taking Finn and Lady Boudicea for a mammoth walk today. Beautiful day so decided to explore the area above the woods in Southwater where we go. Discovered miles and miles of woodland I knew nothing about. Which is a disgrace considering I have been walking there for 12 years! But very exciting too and I look forward to many a happy hour getting lost from now on.
Yesterday afternoon Alex, John and I met Trusty down in Worthing at his favourite cycle shop. We spent a merry hour trying on cycling gear and gasping at the price tags. I came away with a nice pair of capri trousers, gel gloves and a fabbo new helmet. My last helmet has served well over 15 years but technology has moved on and the new one is great.
Alex just called in on his way back from his ride and looks so stylish. New tri bars, everything black and red and cool looking. It is rubbing off as I had a tantrum in the shop when John wanted me to buy yet another bright yellow hi-vis monstrosity of a jacket.' NOOOO! I want to look like Alex! He can be seen in his bright redness..all you guys wear bright red. Why do I have to look like a demented traffic warden?' Oh dear, vanity entering the door! Anyway, didn't buy the jacket. But also didn't get anything cool and red either!k Watch this space.
That was after taking Finn and Lady Boudicea for a mammoth walk today. Beautiful day so decided to explore the area above the woods in Southwater where we go. Discovered miles and miles of woodland I knew nothing about. Which is a disgrace considering I have been walking there for 12 years! But very exciting too and I look forward to many a happy hour getting lost from now on.
Yesterday afternoon Alex, John and I met Trusty down in Worthing at his favourite cycle shop. We spent a merry hour trying on cycling gear and gasping at the price tags. I came away with a nice pair of capri trousers, gel gloves and a fabbo new helmet. My last helmet has served well over 15 years but technology has moved on and the new one is great.
Alex just called in on his way back from his ride and looks so stylish. New tri bars, everything black and red and cool looking. It is rubbing off as I had a tantrum in the shop when John wanted me to buy yet another bright yellow hi-vis monstrosity of a jacket.' NOOOO! I want to look like Alex! He can be seen in his bright redness..all you guys wear bright red. Why do I have to look like a demented traffic warden?' Oh dear, vanity entering the door! Anyway, didn't buy the jacket. But also didn't get anything cool and red either!k Watch this space.
Thursday 13 May 2010
Mr and Mrs P do hills
Up earlyish to prepare for riding today with Agent Alex and Busy B and Coach. However it was not to be. Firstly Beth cancelled with Moonwalk Malady...in preparation for staying up all night walking 26miles on Saturday she is in sleep deprivation training and had a bad night. Then Alex called off with Goodwood Knees. As I was already in my gear I couldn't think of a reasonable excuse not to go so off we went at about 8am. John decided on a last minute route change and we were quite pleased to be taking a route we hadn't cycled before. Ha! Be careful what you wish for is all I can say in retrospect!
We took a back road off the A272 on the other side of Cowfold. It was a long, slow incline that went on for miles. Followed by yet more inclines, followed by one mighty steep one that had me off the bike and pushing it up the hill! Only the second time in training I have had to resort to that. All this and we'd only covered 14km in just under an hour! We went through Handcross down to the junction near the Cowdray Arms pub. Turned right to Cuckfield and John said he thought it was fairly flat for the trip to Cuckfield. At one point he kindly said 'Darling' (he calls us all that, thinks its motivational!) 'don't feel you have to catch me up on the hills, take your time'. If I'd had any breath left at that stage I would have explained that my main focus was on keeping my lungs and heart going and the only reason I MAY have for wanting to catch him up is to deliver a slap to the side of his head for taking me on such a ridiculous route. I was feeling a bit tired and emotional by the time we'd completed the long climb into Cuckfield. I caught up with John sitting on a wall outside the pub talking to the nice landlord, Bill. (I guess he'd been waiting some while if he was on first name terms with the guy). Whilst I recovered (and managed to stay vertical) John explained to Bill that he'd told me the road to Cuckfield was flat. Bill laughed (knowingly) and mentioned that it wasn't likely as Cuckfield is the second highest village in Sussex. That's the Sussex that is home to the South Downs. So you can imagine what a climb it was.
I'd like to say it was all downhill after that but of course, this is Sussex, so it wasn't. But we did eventually get home. Having covered about 28miles (27.5 of them uphill I swear) in 2.5hrs. Slow average speed but hey, I didn't need an ambulance so I'm not complaining. Though it seems that way when I read this back!
And as John is off on his own training camp in the south of France next week, I jolly well hope he gets all the hill training he desires! Bless him.
We took a back road off the A272 on the other side of Cowfold. It was a long, slow incline that went on for miles. Followed by yet more inclines, followed by one mighty steep one that had me off the bike and pushing it up the hill! Only the second time in training I have had to resort to that. All this and we'd only covered 14km in just under an hour! We went through Handcross down to the junction near the Cowdray Arms pub. Turned right to Cuckfield and John said he thought it was fairly flat for the trip to Cuckfield. At one point he kindly said 'Darling' (he calls us all that, thinks its motivational!) 'don't feel you have to catch me up on the hills, take your time'. If I'd had any breath left at that stage I would have explained that my main focus was on keeping my lungs and heart going and the only reason I MAY have for wanting to catch him up is to deliver a slap to the side of his head for taking me on such a ridiculous route. I was feeling a bit tired and emotional by the time we'd completed the long climb into Cuckfield. I caught up with John sitting on a wall outside the pub talking to the nice landlord, Bill. (I guess he'd been waiting some while if he was on first name terms with the guy). Whilst I recovered (and managed to stay vertical) John explained to Bill that he'd told me the road to Cuckfield was flat. Bill laughed (knowingly) and mentioned that it wasn't likely as Cuckfield is the second highest village in Sussex. That's the Sussex that is home to the South Downs. So you can imagine what a climb it was.
I'd like to say it was all downhill after that but of course, this is Sussex, so it wasn't. But we did eventually get home. Having covered about 28miles (27.5 of them uphill I swear) in 2.5hrs. Slow average speed but hey, I didn't need an ambulance so I'm not complaining. Though it seems that way when I read this back!
And as John is off on his own training camp in the south of France next week, I jolly well hope he gets all the hill training he desires! Bless him.
Tuesday 11 May 2010
Back from Glasto...
Here I am, back from a weeks worth of chant, ritual, meditation and good food! Met lots of lovely like-minded people (or hippies as James would say!) and had an altogether all together week. And speaking of James I would like to pass on the joyful news that the lovely Cathy gave birth to their daughter Keira Maya on May Day morn! Fantastic - the world needs more girls. And judging from the photo's she is a beauty. I hope to get to Scotland to meet her in person before too long.
So, back to the blog in hand. I was feeling well up for a ride yesterday, as you can imagine, after more than a week off the saddle. I am also into my second week of not smoking (going ok thanks!). I don't know whether it is that. Or the fact that John made me ride up Newells Lane first off....whatever, I was pretty breathless for the whole ride. Felt very tight chested and can only think my lungs are in a bit of shock. Hopefully this will ease as time goes by.
Got the timing wrong on the gearing AGAIN and the chain came off AGAIN. Coach lost his cool (with the chain, not me, apparently!) and bike ended up in the hedge. Oh dear! Don't get this road rage in Glasto! Talking of road rage, some idiot driver overtook me closely and at speed in a built up area and then was forced to stop abruptly for a parked car. I only just missed going in to the back of him. Can appreciate now how Trusty nearly met his end with that truck!
Anyway, all cool was finally recovered and we went on to enjoy the lovely day and the beautiful Downs. Although I was still breathless when we got home it was a grand ride. Had my new computer on the bike, new bottle rack, lights and pump. Covered 26 miles in a tad over two hours which is fine.
So, back to the blog in hand. I was feeling well up for a ride yesterday, as you can imagine, after more than a week off the saddle. I am also into my second week of not smoking (going ok thanks!). I don't know whether it is that. Or the fact that John made me ride up Newells Lane first off....whatever, I was pretty breathless for the whole ride. Felt very tight chested and can only think my lungs are in a bit of shock. Hopefully this will ease as time goes by.
Got the timing wrong on the gearing AGAIN and the chain came off AGAIN. Coach lost his cool (with the chain, not me, apparently!) and bike ended up in the hedge. Oh dear! Don't get this road rage in Glasto! Talking of road rage, some idiot driver overtook me closely and at speed in a built up area and then was forced to stop abruptly for a parked car. I only just missed going in to the back of him. Can appreciate now how Trusty nearly met his end with that truck!
Anyway, all cool was finally recovered and we went on to enjoy the lovely day and the beautiful Downs. Although I was still breathless when we got home it was a grand ride. Had my new computer on the bike, new bottle rack, lights and pump. Covered 26 miles in a tad over two hours which is fine.
9th May - BOYZONE - well. plus 25ish years!
Isn't this lovely....a blog entry from a guest blogger! This is Trusty's account of what happens when Beth and I let them off on their own!
Today saw the girls with better things to do so Agent Alex and Trusty Ironman were left to carry the banner. Agent Alex had his new bike profile to enjoy including Tri Bars !! The route choice was an extended Henfield ride, for those in the know about such things. The pace was steady and comfortable with plenty of conversation. The ‘extended’ bit of the ride proved a bit of a challenge for Trusty at times as he was not sure of the directions. He raced off up a hill by Devil’s Dyke with instructions to turn first right and it would take him towards Henfield. Trusty did as told but then encountered an unexpected T Junction after the turn. He decided to follow the sign for Henfield but had to stop after a mile due to a call of nature. Once the task was completed, Trusty had still not been caught by Alex. Alarm bells started ringing and a U Turn was made back to the junction. Still no sign of Agent Alex so Trusty raced along the other turn off. In the meantime, Agent Alex had taken the other, correct, turn off but found himself still riding solo after quite a while. Reminding himself of the meaning behind Trusty’s title, Agent Alex did not believe that he had been deserted like this so something must be afoot. So, Agent Alex also did a U turn and the pair were reunited, albeit going in opposite directions! The rest of the ride was spent cycling within sight of each other. One stop was made for the ‘Banana in Bramber’ refuel before pushing on to the final leg. As we crossed the A272 for the home straight, Agent Alex spotted another cyclist half way up the first hill. Remembering that Trusty had been attacking most of the hills on the ride he issued a challenge....catch the cyclist before he gets to the top of the hill, although the comment was made that the guy looked like he was 75. Trusty accepted the challenge and blasted off, just catching the guy before the crest and feeling good about the chase but, guess what, he did look like he was 75! Home and coffee came soon after and 30 miles in 2hrs 30 set us up for the rest of the day.
Today saw the girls with better things to do so Agent Alex and Trusty Ironman were left to carry the banner. Agent Alex had his new bike profile to enjoy including Tri Bars !! The route choice was an extended Henfield ride, for those in the know about such things. The pace was steady and comfortable with plenty of conversation. The ‘extended’ bit of the ride proved a bit of a challenge for Trusty at times as he was not sure of the directions. He raced off up a hill by Devil’s Dyke with instructions to turn first right and it would take him towards Henfield. Trusty did as told but then encountered an unexpected T Junction after the turn. He decided to follow the sign for Henfield but had to stop after a mile due to a call of nature. Once the task was completed, Trusty had still not been caught by Alex. Alarm bells started ringing and a U Turn was made back to the junction. Still no sign of Agent Alex so Trusty raced along the other turn off. In the meantime, Agent Alex had taken the other, correct, turn off but found himself still riding solo after quite a while. Reminding himself of the meaning behind Trusty’s title, Agent Alex did not believe that he had been deserted like this so something must be afoot. So, Agent Alex also did a U turn and the pair were reunited, albeit going in opposite directions! The rest of the ride was spent cycling within sight of each other. One stop was made for the ‘Banana in Bramber’ refuel before pushing on to the final leg. As we crossed the A272 for the home straight, Agent Alex spotted another cyclist half way up the first hill. Remembering that Trusty had been attacking most of the hills on the ride he issued a challenge....catch the cyclist before he gets to the top of the hill, although the comment was made that the guy looked like he was 75. Trusty accepted the challenge and blasted off, just catching the guy before the crest and feeling good about the chase but, guess what, he did look like he was 75! Home and coffee came soon after and 30 miles in 2hrs 30 set us up for the rest of the day.
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