Wednesday 30 May 2012

Went to collect new cycling jersey tonight after work and celebrate my friend Ian's 40th with a meal and a drink in Manchester. I have lost weight in training and the top was far too big for me so I returned it. I ordered new cycling shoes and some carb powder online today and am turning my attentions to my Coast to Coast this weekend - 170 miles with Team Glow - it's time to start packing. First up, Ginger cake for my back pocket. Then micro sleeping bag - TICK. We have a support van but I still want to travel light. Chamois cream - TICK, sun cream - TICK. Hope my new shoes arrive tomorrow. Shorts, top, vest, gilet, waterproof, overshoes, socks, buff, water bottles, tubes, bars, pump, toiletries, evening clothes, PJS .....lots to pack. I will finish tomorrow - it's too late now and I have a map to study

Monday 28 May 2012

Speke to Manchester
Start 1715
Time spent riding 2h27
Mileage 39.17
Climbing 1014ft
Average speed 15.9mph (pleased)
Max speed 27mph

A beautiful, hot, sunny, summer day. After a day at work I rode home. I fuelled carefully during the day and drank plenty to make sure that as 5pm approached I wouldn't talk myself out of cycling home. My car was parked outside work. But at no time was I tempted to get into it. I need miles in my legs and there was only one way home for me tonight.

So off I went on my bike, passing the Liverpool International Business Park heron, the impromptu nature reserve on the road to Hale and the regular wafts of BBQs through Hale and Widnes. I remember from this route before that there was a drag out of Widnes but I flew along today and only when I had left Widnes did I think about the drag - perhaps someone has flattened it out? I was feeling strong all the way back. The wind was a bit pesky at times, barely on my tail and more frequently swirling around my face. I had put sun cream on before I left work because it was still hot and sunny. Yesterday around Pendle my nose had got burnt so that I was conscious of doing what I could today to avoid further redness. In applying my cream in haste I smeared it into my right eye which caused it to stream all the way home. It is still bleary as I blog (or is it clog, mum?) - I've not checked out my nose yet.

I decided on the way home that I would have liked musical accompaniment on the bike today - it is not something I have done before, listened to music as I cycle - but I think it would have helped today.

Great ride home. Found a slightly different route into Manchester centre through Salford this time.

Delighted with my average speed.

Fuelling today was cereal, banana, pastrami sandwich, pasta spinach and pine nut salad, a few cashew nuts, 2 coffees, some chocolate milk, plenty of water, an 800 ml carb drink and a 600ml water for the cycle, chocolate milk for protein on arrival at home and loads of lemon cordial to rehydrate. I have mushroom crispbake for tea with salad and some new potatoes.

I will sleep tonight.

Sunday 27 May 2012
Start 0957
Time spent riding 3h38
Mileage 42.14
Climbing 4928ft
Average speed 11.6mph
Max speed 44.7mph

A beautiful, hot, sunny day. Met the Glow girls at The Bay Horse in Fence at 9.30am and my mum and dad came to see us off. My mum had ice for the girls' drinks bottles. My dad had his camera. Sue had prepared a historical tour and we stopped frequently for historical input about the Pendle witches, the suffragists and the independent labour party. I surprised Heather with the number of teeth on my front ring causing her to cycle off the road into the verge not once but twice - however, when we actually counted them when we stopped I had overexaggerated by 4...!! We set off into the hills and climbed straight away. Higher, higher. Getting hotter and hotter. The route took us from Fence to Barley, Roughlee, Blacko, Barnoldswick, Rimington,Downham, Chatburn and we stopped for lunch at Waddington. We refilled our bottles and set off again. We cycled to Stonyhurst college. The afternoon was hotter still. We took a slightly amended route at the suggestion of Martine only to be faced by a monstrous hill which was very hard. We still had the significant climb over the Nick of Pendle and then a fanstastic descent into Sabden, before a tortuous climb towards Sabden Fold. Ouch, that hurt. Then back to the Bay Horse where the girls stopped for a drink. I went to mum and dad's to have an ice cold drink and collect the car before my return drive to Manchester and a birthday party in the evening.

Fuelling today was porridge and a banana for breakfast with coffee and a cherry lite lucozade. I consumed a carb drink on the ride - 800ml and 3x 600ml of water. Two cereal bars, another banana, an apple pie, an energy gel after the Nick of Pendle and a tuna sandwich for lunch. Post ride was an immediate half pint of milk and a pint of ice cold cordial. Then birthday party buffet tea of pasta, salad, sausage rolls, potato salad, hummus, pitta and birthday cake. Washed down with an ice cold beer.

I have cyclists sun tan lines - on my legs and arms. It can't be helped. I was wearing high factor all day, all over. But it was wall to wall sunshine - not a cloud in the sky. I protected as well as I could without completely overheating.

A great day was had by all 11 cyclists, many of whom will be cycling the Coast to Coast next weekend. I will be one of those. And I can't wait.

Saturday 26 May 2012 A beautiful sunny day with temperatures reaching 27 degrees C in the shade. After a later start than expected (possibly linked to last night's celebration) I drove to my parents house where I was to spend the day. We had a BBQ lunch and relaxed in the garden. I decided to clean and polish my bike in readiness for our Team Glow ride tomorrow. A hilly, historical tour of Pendle courtesy of Sue. My dad supplied me with hot water, suds and cloths. Then a paintbrush to get into all those hard to reach places. Then paraffin. Then more cloths. This was turning into a serious clean. After all the effort though, my bike looked almost new again. There it was Glowing in the sun. I had thought I might ride today at some point but I decided against it, favouring instead to spend time with my parents, clean and relax. I hope to be proportionately stronger tomorrow because of my taper session today. But look at the results.....

Glowing bike 

It was lovely to spend time with my folks .....shame they couldn't stay awake!!

Friday 25 May 2012

Manchester - Harpurhey - Rochdale

Start 1822
Time spent riding 58m
Mileage 13.49
Climbing 866ft
Average speed 14mph
Max speed 33mph

Hot, sunny day. When I finished work my car thermo told me it was 33 degrees C. Hot. Drove back to Manchester followed by quick change into lycra and straight out. Past plenty of Friday evening drinkers relaxing in the sun. I was happy on my bike. I took a right turn and then.....WOW....what a wind. Straight into me as I headed out of Manchester. I had decided I was going to visit each office of Forster Dean Limited, my new employer - not all tonight - well, there are currently 29 of them! But Harpurhey, Rochdale and Oldham were reasonable targets for now. And so off I went. A lovely ride out. I found the office and then headed off towards Rochdale. On the way I felt a twinge in my right knee - a problem which comes and goes. When it comes I just have to ease off and it seems to pass. But I was also on a time mission tonight to get home, eat, shower, change and then head out to a birthday party. So I aborted my visit to the Rochdale office for today - I will get there another time. Pleased to have added another 13.5 miles to my training total. Overall stats telling me I have spent 65 hours in the saddle since 8 April. I am pleased with that.

Thursday 24 May 2012

In preparation for the ride, the LEJOGers had a bike check tonight at BikeRight! Mary checked over my bike and diagnosed a worn chain, a worn block and a worn brake cable. At least I know now. And there is time for the repairs to be done and for the new parts to bed in. I decided on a slightly different gear ratio to my original cassette. I have been riding a Compact double with 52/34 on the front and 11/25 on the rear. I am putting an 11/28 on the rear. That will help me spin more easily on the long climbs which will be the first 3 days of LEJOG in Cornwall and Devon. Those extra 3 teeth are my new best friends - my 'Granny'

Talk of gears takes me back to Majorca. My friend Lisa hired a bike. She rides a Giant Defy triple at home. She was struggling with the gears on her hire bike in Majorca and called on team mechanic Dave to take a look at her bike - she was getting really frustrated that her bike just wouldn't go into the middle ring when she changed gear. She had tried changing up and down but it just would not work properly. He took a very brief look, and smiled, as did several of the others nearby.....'Lisa' said Dave 'you have a Compact Double. It has 2 rings on the front. It doesn't have a middle ring'

Thursday 17 May 2012

Styal - Alderley Edge taking in the Wizard and Artists Lane

Start 18.23
Time sent riding 1h 48
Mileage 28.42
Climbing 1529 ft
Average speed 15.7 mph
Max speed 40.9 mph AT LAST I HAVE GONE OVER 40mph

Beautiful evening after a busy day at work. Met Niki and Kirsty at Styal - they had already ridden from the centre of Manchester and I was fresh legged in the car. I had changed in the car outside a lady's house and at the EXACT moment I took my work top off to put my cycling top on, the lady appeared at my driver's window to ask me to move my car so that she could park there. Well, I had inadvertently chosen to get undressed in a residents parking bay. Having exchanged pleasantries and offered apologies as I tried to hide my skin, I moved the car.

The girls arrived and off we went. I felt strong. I had lots of energy. I was pushing it. I would never have identified myself as a hill climber but tonight, ladies and gentlemen, I was a hill climber. I loved every moment of the ride, the exertion and the pain. At the top of the Wizard in Alderley Edge we turned into Artists Lane for the descent. At the bottom, Niki suggested we turn round and go back to the top of Artists Lane and then descend the Wizard. I had thought my climbing was done when I got to the top of the Wizard the first time round - in fact I had pulled so much out to beat the girls up there, that I was almost sick at the top.

So anyway, reluctantly I went back up Artists Lane and then straight down the Wizard. And how glad am I that I did. Since my records began (since I bought my Garmin in April) I had wanted to exceed 40mph (on an uphill ideally but a downhill works too). And today was the day. YeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeHaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa. Such a great feeling.

And then a flat, fast train of 3 back to Styal for my car. Then home. Glowing and giddy.

Sunday 13 May 2012

Conwy to Betws-y-Coed

Start 10.02
Time spent riding 2h37
Mileage 34.75
Climbing 3064ft
Average speed 13.2mph
Max speed 38mph

Initially cool but turned into a warm, windy day. In Majorca I met Sue from Conwy. She was leading her own ride out today and had invited members of Team Glow to experience what Wales had to offer. It was a lovely route. Spectacular views and great, wholesome cycling company. I had started my day early and had driven to Bolton to collect my Team Glow friend Heather. We travelled to Wales together arriving much earlier than expected. We took in a breakfast and then met the rest of the group. I only knew Heather and Sue. There were 9 of us set off. As ever, there was much chatting and laughing as we went. On arrival into Betws-y-Coed, Sue took us to a lovely cafe by the train station where we had a 40 minute stop. Sue then offered options for the ride back - 3 options in fact. And everyone went for the hilly one. Hence the climbing statistic for today. Lovely views at the top of the climb across to Snowdonia. An all round great day out. And more of those lovely tarmac miles in my legs. TICK.

Saturday 12 May 2012 - Phase 1

Manchester to Speke
Start 09.51
Time Spent riding 2h 42
Mileage 38.97
Climbing 1214ft
Average Speed 11.7mph
Max speed 38.5mph

Overcast. Strong headwind as I set off due West to Speke. Why Speke? Why not! I started a new job in April and had the idea when I awoke this morning that it may be feasible to ride home from work, on occasions. With no firm plan for the day, I decided to ride to my office with the intention of finding a suitable route home and time it. The Garmin told me my office was 26 miles - that seemed odd to me because I had been driving further than that each day to work. Anyway, it was a dry day so I set off. Almost 39 miles later I arrived at my office, windswept and hungry. I enjoyed a scenic lunch by the car vac/air dispenser at Morrisons petrol station whilst I weighed up my options. I wasn't far from Liverpool South Parkway train station but getting a train back to Manchester did defeat the object of my trip.


Saturday 12 May 2012 - Phase 2

Speke to Manchester
Start 13.02
Time Spent Riding 2h 28m
Mileage 38.46
Climbing 1070 ft
Average Speed 15.6 mph
Max speed 25.9 mph

I hopped on my steed and off we went. East. Manchester bound. Wow - the bonus of a tailwind - or was I just strong?!! The sun had come out and the route was, in parts, stunning. It is true to say that in parts the route was heavily industrial. But variety is good. Especially when you realise that your back, shoulders and neck are getting really very painful. Why was that? I don't normally experience such woes because my bike fits me - or rather I fit  my bike. I realised that my bike saddle wasn't quite in the right place having loaned it to a TeamGlow girl who is rather shorter than me.  I thought I had adequately adjusted it back to my comfort setting - but she must be rather much shorter than I had accounted for. Or, more accurately, her geometry was more different than I had realised. I was tiring. I should have stopped and adjusted the saddle. Lesson learned. By the time I was home I was in a lot of pain and had to lie out on the floor in my lounge whlst my back reshaped itself.  But the day was a success and I had my route home from work in the bag.

THE GLOW OF LEJOG

THE GLOW OF LEJOG

Born Nadia Kerr in the 70s – cyclist and member of TeamGlow cycling club, personal injury solicitor tweeting as @CyclingLawyers, setter and, in the main, completer of annual challenges. Challenges are virtually always sporting. 2012 is no different. This year the challenge is on 2 wheels (without power assistance).

The Challenge

Between 1 and 15 July 2012, I am cycling from Lands End to John O’Groats – that’s 909 miles with one rest day. The accommodation is booked. The route is planned. The support vehicle/luggage transportation is organised. The bike maintenance course passed. The group of cyclists defined.

Just one thing left then…..training. This blog will chart my training schedule and my journey.

Nadia Kerr, cyclist
Wednesday 4 April 2012

Collected my brand new Garmin Edge, computer, sat nav and a whole lot more. Charged it. Ready to attach to my Giant TCRW road bike to record statistics for my 2012 challenge. Saturday 7 April signals the start of my recorded training programme with my first  Majorca holiday – a training camp cum holiday-  with TeamGlow - http://www.teamglow.net/

Team Glow in Majorca  (from left) Nadia, Pippa, Sue, Glynis, Christine, Heather, Lisa

Week One in Majorca featured, as well as the above members of Team Glow, Dave, Martine, Mike and Julie

Saturday 7 April 2012

Arrival day in Majorca and short spin out to check out the bike building skills of those who took their bikes from the UK and the handling etc of the hired bikes  – the ride ended up at an ice- cream shop by the beach. Well, this is a holiday too…..

Extract from the Team Glow blog …..

Mallorca trip...glowing girls in the April sunshine.

So, here is Nadia, smiling on the first ride of the 2012 Mallorca trip. She had just had an amazing ice-cream and was about to ride back along the shore....so, what is NOT to smile about that.

Sunday 8 April 2012

Petra

Start 09.45

Time spent riding 4h 42m

Mileage 56.39

Climbing 2231ft

Average speed 12mph

Max speed 30.7mph

Sunny day. Fabulously smooth, long, straight roads. Great route out to Petra and lunch in a gorgeous square. Then to the sea front for a coffee. Then back to the hotel. Stray dogs encountered = 1. Stray cats sitting in the middle of the road = 1. Number of times Pippa left something in a cafe = 2 (out of 2). Out of 10, strength of headwind on the way home = 11. Quality of hand signalling from the peloton = excellent.

Monday 9 April 2012

Lluc Monastery

Start 09.35

Time spent riding  3h 28

Mileage 37.96

Climbing  3114ft

Average speed   10.9mph

Max speed 37.2mph

Sunny. Blue, blue sky. Glynis, Dave, Lisa, Pippa, Christine, Sue, Heather and I cycled to Lluc monastery. Martine and Mike headed off on their own route today. Our route required a 7.9k climb at 5%. Hot. Good, steady pace. Everyone made it. Fantastic scenery climbing switchbacks followed by a good slice of cake at the monastery cafe in the square. Then the most amazing descent I have ever done. Tucked up behind Glynis the world champ who in turn was hot on Heather's heels as we glided past cyclist after cyclist including a fireman who amazingly Lisa omitted spotting!! 32.5 mph top speed recorded. Then on to Pollenca old town for lunch in another beautiful square. Then home. Glynis, Dave and Sue headed out to forage for whiskey and gin as far as the local supermarket! Heather and I swam and enjoyed a jacuzzi and sauna. The rest of the girls shopped and went sightseeing - in cleats. Number of items Pippa left in a cafe - 1.

Team Glow massage after the descent from Lluc

Tuesday 10 April 2012

Muro, Santa Margarita

Start 09.53

Time spent riding 3h 16

Mileage 40.84

Climbing 1270ft

Average speed  12.4mph

Max speed 27.2mph

Mechanic Dave worked his magic on 3 bikes after breakfast. Cloudy start. Rain. Flat ride to a pie shop. Well, why not? The group split after coffee, cake and pie as there were alternative routes back. Martine and Mike lead Lisa and I back the direct route so that Lisa and I could enjoy a bath (not together) and M&M then went out to meet friends. The rest of the group took the scenic route back. Number of items Pippa temporarily mislaid....2. (PS comments about Pippa are made with her full knowledge and consent - and anyway, no malice is ever intended by the author). Having a great time – glowing. Feeling strong.

Wednesday 11 April 2012

Sineu

Start 09.37

Time spent riding 4h16

Mileage 50.56

Climbing 2146ft

Average speed  11.8mph

Max speed 34.5mph

Sunny. Perfect blue sky. After a very, very, very (4.30am) late night last night and snoring/disturbing my roomie (really sorry Sue) the alarm went off at 8am.....Groggily made a move to my lycra. It was well, well worth it. What a great ride. Pippa, Lisa, Christine, Glynis, Heather and I set off into the sunshine to a market at Sineu. Sprinter's jersey today goes to Lisa 'the CAV' Kemp who WENT FOR IT ....great work Lisa. As ever, Pippa amused us all by attempting to cycle off still wearing cleat covers and as such was unable to clip in!! - but the highlight of Pippa’s adventures today was leaving a bar with the toilet key on her....Some fantastic views on the route, lush fields, bountiful crops, ginger soil, pigs - Christine continues to take the most exquisite photos of the trip. m wheels (takes all sorts). Lovely ice cream stop at Campernet and then a dash sprint race home - jury still out on whether Glynis shd be disqualified for a minor traffic infringement - loaded down with Heather's San Miguel's in jersey pockets. Martine, Mike and Dave had their own adventures today on an 80 mile epic. Sue took a rest day and Julie Hart did an hour's run before sending time with Sue and hosting tonight's pre dinner reception in fine style. Early night tonight in preparation for Over the Orient tomorrow - a 75 miler with elevations. Surely the fried milk pudding after dinner shd set us up for that....??! Some seriously glowing faces in the camp tonight after a sunny, sunny day and tons of laughs
                                                                                                          

Thursday 12 April 2012

The Orient

Start 09.11

Time spent riding 5h31

Mileage 69.57

Climbing 3934ft

Average speed  12.6mph

Max speed 34.3mph

Sunny. We cycled ‘Over the Orient’ = 498m and then a further climb of 550m. Hard ride after 5 days of cycling. Heather excelled today leaving her bike at a nature stop (how can you do that?), mounting her bike in cleat covers and forgetting the crucial Peppa Pig jelly sweets!! Pippa won the hill climbers shirt today after battling with a big guy to a sprint finish (he later apologised for racing her) and the descent shirt too. Great performance. Lisa retained the ‘Cav’ sprint shirt. Christine was on a hot pace at the front and took more delightful photographs. And the 7 out today rode in a tidy train home. We stopped for a lovely, relaxed Spanish lunch –pie on a service road next to the motorway. Pippa’s toilet stops – I lost count at 10! ...We covered 75 miles over about 7 hours including 3 climbs and coffee, cake, wee stops etc. We saw a man on a unicycle with tri bars – and a ‘Majorca Wine Express’ train. Glynis sprinted back home, salivating….Pavlov’s Dogs style…..Dave did a great job towing me home when my legs simply gave up today – thanks Dave. Mike and Martine rode their own ride to Randy…sorry, Randa. Sue left on a bus to Palma to meet Paula and their friend for a few days. Julie hosted great pre dinner drinks and snacks – thanks Julie. Pippa, Heather and I enjoyed drinks in the bar after dinner priming the Irish boys for Lisa Kemp who was once again in her PJs and in bed before 930pm. Tired but still glowing

Christine and Lisa looking very pleased with themselves

Friday 13 April 2012

Rain. Windy. Planned ride was postponed due to weather conditions. Consequently, a later breakfast and then a stretch class courtesy of Glynis, Christine and Martine. A man was trotting in the corner of the room to the beat of his metronome. I opted out of cycling today when the group set off around lunchtime at the first sight of a blue sky. A pootle was the order of the day for those with the legs to ride. For me, a cat nap lasting about 3 hours. What a treat! Great pre dinner drinks hosted by Lisa, Christine and Pippa and a late night in the bar for me, Heather, Pippa and Lisa. Went home glowing.

Saturday 14 April 2012

Inca/Muro

Start 09.38

Time spent riding 3h40

Mileage 50.15

Climbing 2142ft

Average speed  13.7mph

Max speed 36.7mph

Windy. Sunny. Change over day. Said goodbyes to Julie Hart, Pippa and Heather in that order as they left on 3 separate flights back to Manchester. Mike, Martine and Dave set off for a big climb as Glynis, Christine, Lisa and I took the more leisurely option of a sheltered lanes ride -  spinning indulgence on smooth roads which in places felt as if we were being moved along at a speed in excess of our input – Christine likened it to a travellator which was a great description of how it felt. We had some good drafting today at speeds of up to 24mph. Beautiful scenery. Coffee stop and lunch stop and home for 330pm. Stray dogs = several. Untethered ginger horses = 1. Confrontations with riding schools = 1. Getting lost/missing junctions = a few. Dirt track navigation on road tyres = 2 sections. Once back at the hotel, welcomed Paula, Sarah, Justin, Liz, Jo, Carol, Jude and Simon.

Sunday 15 April 2012

Sineu

Start 10.01

Time spent riding 3h49

Mileage 56.69

Climbing 1942ft

Average speed  14.9mph

Max speed 32.4mph

Very wet, grey day. Cold and windy. At breakfast said goodbye to Christine and Lisa before heading off out on bikes. Hard to keep going when the prospect of a hot drink and hot bath at home was by far the more tempting option. Persistence paid off when the sky cleared after lunch and the temperature rose. Was dry by the time the hotel was in sight and proud of the miles covered in those conditons. Faster average speed today as the group pushed on to try and keep warm and lose a guy who had lost his own group tour and who kept popping up with a wide grin and over enthusiastic wave thinking he was part of our group.

Tuesday 17 April 2012

Nadia at The Orient

The Orient

Start 09.15

Time spent riding 5h05

Mileage 70

Climbing 4426ft

Average speed  13.8mph

Max speed 38.7mph

The second ride Over the Orient. Stats better this time as the senior group set the pace and the youngsters pushed to keep up with them. Very satisfying day in the saddle with good mileagecovered. Delighted with progress in the training schedule.

I was more pleased than I looked!                                             

Wednesday 18 April 2012

Lluc Monastery

Start 09.29

Time spent riding 3h02

Mileage 39.93

Climbing 3363ft

Average speed  13.1mph

Max speed 37.9mph

Exceptionally windy day slowing speed on the climb. The ascent needed a very hard effort today and I was determined to beat my time set last week for the 7.9km climb. It was close but with the wind against me I was pleased. Felt very unwell at the monastery café stop – I have never exerted myself so persistently on the bike for days on end and that combined with my 110% sustained effort to the social side of things in the evenings for 10 days or so – it is bound to take its toll……sleep needed once I covered the miles home. Unfortunately no option tonight as had offered to host the pre dinner drinks party and wanted to try to raise the bar

Cheers!

Thursday 19 April 2012

Sa Calobra – the ride I really wanted to do. The one I missed. Absolutely stunning day in Majorca. The girls set off to tackle this hard ride Friday 20 April 2012. I had a most frustrating day alone in my room feeling weak but determined to recover. In an effort to think positively I plugged my ipod into my computer and succeeded in deleting my 3000+ music collection…..arghghgh. Decided to sleep to aid recovery – I succeeded with that and felt so much better when I awoke.

Friday 20 April 2012

The Lighthouse

Start 10.50

Time spent riding 2h55

Mileage 34.87

Climbing 3484ft

Average speed  11.9mph

Max speed 38.5mph

The final Majorcan ride. Felt strong today on this amazing ride – beautiful weather. A classic Majorcan challenge. An undulating ride with some long climbs and some amazing descents. Switchbacks. Incredible views of the sea either side of the road. Tunnels to negotiate. Something for everyone. Coffee very disappointing at the summit but those views could not be improved.

The spectacular road to The Lighthouse

Saturday 21 April 2012

Return flight to Manchester and rest day.

Sunday 22 April 2012

Chorlton/Tatton Park

Start 08.47

Time spent riding 1h58

Mileage 22.93

Climbing 781ft

Average speed  11.6mph

Max speed 28.1mph

Absolutely dreadful weather conditions. Driving rain. Was soaked through and ill prepared after 2 weeks of not having to think about technical clothing in Majorca. Decided to return home cutting what was a 50 mile ride short at almost 23 miles. Lesson to learn on preparation.

Tuesday 24 April 2012

Manchester/Marple

Start 08.50

Time spent riding 1h51

Mileage 24

Climbing 1657ft

Average speed  13mph

Max speed 36.1mph

Lovely ride out today in good conditions. Had to cut the ride short as it was over running and I had a lunch date with former colleagues. Fast descent into Marple and then train home. I need miles in my legs and this will contribute.

Thursday 26 April 2012

A local pootle for an hour today. Nothing strenuous. But have read that the regularity of turning the pedals is key for back to back riding.

Friday 27 April

Manchester/ Rochdale/Bury

Start 08.56

Time spent riding 2h30

Mileage 32.5

Climbing 1338ft

Average speed  12mph

Max speed 31.5mph

A local spin out to find a convenient after work route. Overtook a guy on a cross bike who then tucked up behind me for a good distance. I can’t blame him as it was fairly windy. But I am firmely of the view that a) he should have told me he was there for the safety of both of us and b) he should acknowledge the help he has had by being dragged along when he peeled off – what is the cycling etiquette on these things?

Saturday 28 April 2012

Chester/Llandegla

Start 14.54

Time spent riding 3h30

Mileage 47.7

Climbing 3271ft

Average speed  13.6mph

Max speed 38.6mph

My last weekend before I start my new job and a trip into Wales from Chester. Relied upon Garmin SatNav navigation after studying a very general overview of the route. Was happy with the route when I got back to Chester but must admit to a few tense ‘I have no idea where I am’ moments and ‘Can I trust this bike SatNav more than, less than, the same as I (don’t) trust my car SatNav?’

A relaxing bath and hearty meal followed on return to Chester – a lovely ride – a very fulfilling day.

Sunday 6 May 2012

Wrynose Pass – the day of the squeaky cleat

Start 09.59

Time spent riding 3h32

Mileage 41.5

Climbing 4642ft

Average speed  11.7mph

Max speed 38.5mph

Camped this Bank Holiday weekend. Bumped into two friends from the Majorca training holiday who had been fell running – their hard work done and they were setting off to walk the dog. Got some encouragement from them and a pat on my back. Set off after cereal, pancakes and fruit, coffee, juice and some malt loaf. Today’s aim – to conquer ‘the Queen’ Wrynose Pass.

Solo effort - no reliance on drafting , conversation, laughs.  Consolation – simply beautiful countryside. Kept mindful for a good length of time. Listened to bird song, took in the bluebell meadows, babbling streams and the spectacular mountain ranges. Cloudy day with sunny intervals. The temperature peaked at 48.1F.

Navigation error lead me on to ‘The King’ Hardknott Pass instead of Wrynose….as I looked up ahead of me I saw a lone cyclist and thought ‘I will be so proud when I reach that point’ –my right pedal/cleat started to squeak and I remembered that it had squeaked on the Chester/Llandegla ride last weekend – I had forgotten to see to it……how annoying…..then after only a few metres,  I had run out of gears anyway and could barely turn my cranks. At least the squeaking stopped. I stopped in a passing place …..to admire the views. Whilst doing so, I took the opportunity to catch my breath and take on some fluid. Not yet ready to accept defeat (although I was in reality already beaten), I tried again. Squeak. Squeak. I then tried again. Squeak. Squeak.  I then decided that ‘the King’ was a ride for another day and  turned back and enjoyed what was a fantastic descent and was surprisingly much, much longer than I expected (I had worked harder than I thought and had got at least some pleasing distance up Hardknott). The beauty of this descent in addition to the speed and the beauty of my surroundings was inspirational – AND it was quiet – no squeak!

So, next to Wrynose. Wow, what an ascent. Simply beautiful surroundings. I was overtaken by a cyclist who grunted – I grunted back. Such a sociable sport, cycling!! The strain on my pedals started a little creak and that developed into a full scale squeak. Just my right foot. Every revolution. How annoying. But I wasn’t in company so that the annoyance was entirely mine.  And I made it to the top and over the top and that was way more important than a squeaky cleat!

41.5 miles later and I was back at the campsite taking on protein and taking a long hot shower. A good day in the saddle with time to blog, to read and to think before preparing dinner.

PHOTOGRAPH ALBUM

My steed

The bay I threw myself into at Cala St Vincenc after the last Majorca ride - I was fully clothed in Lycra at the time!

Yes, actually I was standing in a gully....!