4.55

Coincidentally, 4.55 was also around the time I got up yesterday but the real intention of this post's title is my time for 100 miles cycled in the Norwich 100.

A beautifully sunny day, I left Norwich with no pretensions over times, but soon had settled into a fairly quick rhythm, and it became apparent that circa 5 hours was on. We were on 20mph pace a the 2hour point, but then slipped marginally below it by "lunch" (9.30 stop - just before half way). Coming around the coast from Sheringham to Horsey we were absolutely flying, all that remained was to finish well, and finish well we did.

Not only did I smash my 100 mile record but other records tumbled as below:
One Hour:     22.1miles
10 miles:        26.32 (best this year, but not best ever)
20km:            32.56
20 miles:        53.48
50km:            1hr 26.10
50 miles:        2hrs 21.42
100km          3hrs 0.10
100miles        4hrs 55.14

Recovery ride later this afternoon...

A tale of 2 wheels...

A frustrating week to say the least!

Rear wheel of posh bike developed a slight wobble, which along with the already iffy rear wheel on the Scott rendered me cycle-less... aargh!

So plans were effected to resolve as below:
Rear wheel fiddled and fettled by LBS, and returned - better but not perfect, spoke nipples rusting which affected spoke adjustment - New wheel in the not too distant future...?
Borrowed temp replacement rear wheel and also new like for like Alex 28 Race rimmed wheelset ordered from eBay for Scott
Front brake ordered and researching replacement forks for the ex-Trek 1200 singlespeed project

The above shenanigans cost me 3-4 days riding but all is almost well and i put in a concerted effort to rectify the mileage over the weekend!

Norwich 100 is now 6 days away - not going for "a time" this year (famous last words?!) but do want to dip under 6 hours [Standard!]

In other news the #PeoplesGrandTour II has commenced (19th May - 10th June) aiming for 1500km in 3 weeks!

Giro d'Italia, @TeamSky are performing well, with Cav getting a few stage wins and Hanao currently in the White Jersey.

Another barrier broken...

Another month has gone by, and I am now reflecting not only on my achievements but also on my distinct lack of postings - sorry [Must do better?]

So 4000 miles (6400km) cycled then through mostly rain this last month it has to be said, both bikes have been in for various tweaks. Scott (of the antarctic) still has some rear wheel issues, so may just switch wheels over the weekend, but posh bike is lovely after cassette and chain change (other than tubes/tyres and a saddle the ONLY cash I have spent on it in 20months!)

Norwich 100 is only 3 weeks away, and yes I'm ready but cannot decide if I will go for "a time" or not - Probably am just in denial and once I cross the line, hell yeah I will be going for a time!

In other news, Tour of Britain stage 1 is back in East anglia - uniting the great cities (towns) of Ipswich and Norwich on 9th  Sept.
Brad won Tour of Romandie (2 out of 2 stage races so far for 2012) and the Giro d'Italia starts tomorrow in Denmark (Of Course?!) with a quick 9km spin round the block, otherwise known as the prologue.