What a week!
210 miles completed, best for ages - and i felt good all week! That makes 1385 for the year so far. - well over 1/4 of the way towards my annual target - maybe i should increase this? (watch this space!)
Longest ride 40 miles.
Longest day in Saddle 45 miles
Wii Fit results were interesting as at the start of the weekend, I had lost 4lbs, with a BMI of 23.54, this morning i had reverted to 24.20, thereby regaining the weight! I also managed to "age" 15 years from 29 to 44!
L2P24 sponsorship has leapt again this week - currently sat at £657.77! over 1/3 of the way there - Thanks to my family - come on! We are also due some information today concerning travel / accomodation so looking forward to that.
In Milan San Remo Oscar Freire took the spoils with Boonen and Petacchi making up the podium - how do you "race" for 185 miles? The Primavera remains one of the true grat one day races.
After pulling out of MSR, Lance is to race the Criterium international in Corsica and meets Bertie for the first time, he is also due to race the Circuit de la Sarthe. The next classic is Ghent Wevelgem, next Sunday.
More miles planned this week, and about to depart for Lidl, who have some more cycling offers on today - will let you kow how i get on!
Monday, 22 March 2010
Friday, 19 March 2010
I am a Bike Snob
Disclaimer done off we go...
Bike Clothing
I agree that not everyone has that figure suited to lycra (incl me!) or can stretch the budget to cycle specific clothing but for goodness sake wear something that gets you noticed - hi-viz is not all bad! NB There are a few definate no-no's:
- Jeans - huh? How do you do this - maybe that is what DZNuts was invented for - the injuries picked up from wearing denim on a bike.
- Puffa Jackets - I like to be warm, but simmering to the point of boiling is not a good look or feeling.
- Baseball Caps - They are not helmets nor ever will be - get a helmet cheapskate!
Road Position / Riding Style
- Gutters are for rainwater / effluent not for bikes - hold your line away from the kerb, you have as much right to be on the road as the motorised vehicles.
- To underline a point in the above sentence - hold your line i.e weaving in and out particularly when being overtaken does not impart confidence or comradeship.
- The gears on your bike can go up as well as down - use them!
- Clue: Orange chain = overdue on regular maintenance - just do it!
- Squeaks not good also - see above
- More rubber on road does not just increase grip, it also increases drag but it may also imply that you need to pump your darn tyres up. See item 1 in this list.
Monday, 15 March 2010
Training Update Week 10
10 weeks - must be worth celebrating and why not?
1000 mile barrier broken through, together with most mileage done in a week so far this year, at the time of writing the sun is out and my bike has been cleaned - it's all good!
So on with the stats:
183 Miles covered, thats 1174 for the year all in 6 days, with the biggest single ride being 33 miles.
It must have been my week as the Wii Fit was happy to report that i am now performing at the equivalent of a 30 year old, and my BMI is 24.07 which roughly translates at another 2lbs off - now 162.7ish (?) - aiming for a BMI of 23.5 which i think is around 159lbs or just under 11 1/2 stone. - unless i can grow a inch or two - hmm?
Cold seems to have all but disappeared, just a clearing of the throat needed every now and again.
Only 129 days to go to L2P24 - need sponsor's - HELP!!!
In the pro world, Bertie takes Paris-Nice, with or without his Astana team, TDF should be interesting? Milan san Remo this weekend - should be a great race - Poggio, Cipressa - sprinters paradise or breakaway steal? Aprl is coming and with it the classics - bring it on!
Hoping to ride throughout the week again this week, with a decent spin today, 4 days of commuting and another jaunt out on Saturday afternoon should be another good burst of mileage.
More soon...
1000 mile barrier broken through, together with most mileage done in a week so far this year, at the time of writing the sun is out and my bike has been cleaned - it's all good!
So on with the stats:
183 Miles covered, thats 1174 for the year all in 6 days, with the biggest single ride being 33 miles.
It must have been my week as the Wii Fit was happy to report that i am now performing at the equivalent of a 30 year old, and my BMI is 24.07 which roughly translates at another 2lbs off - now 162.7ish (?) - aiming for a BMI of 23.5 which i think is around 159lbs or just under 11 1/2 stone. - unless i can grow a inch or two - hmm?
Cold seems to have all but disappeared, just a clearing of the throat needed every now and again.
Only 129 days to go to L2P24 - need sponsor's - HELP!!!
In the pro world, Bertie takes Paris-Nice, with or without his Astana team, TDF should be interesting? Milan san Remo this weekend - should be a great race - Poggio, Cipressa - sprinters paradise or breakaway steal? Aprl is coming and with it the classics - bring it on!
Hoping to ride throughout the week again this week, with a decent spin today, 4 days of commuting and another jaunt out on Saturday afternoon should be another good burst of mileage.
More soon...
Monday, 8 March 2010
Training Update Week 9
Nine weeks in - jogging along nicely.
This weeks stats:
146 miles covered, 991 miles YTD. Also managed a couple of days rest in there so good daily averages.
Put in 3 Wii Fit sessions - found my stomach muscles at last! - have lost a couple of pounds, - down to 164.7lb (11 3/4 Stone) although sadly i appear to be aging 42,45 and 48 is the alleged age i am performing or rather not peforming at.
L2P24 is a mere 136 days or 19.5 weeks away, and sponsorship has firmly stagnated. Quiz night is set for 24th April, Curry night fundraiser still a work in progress. all donations welcome!!!!
In other cycling news, Wiggo finishes 3rd in the TT and therefore holds that spot in the final GC of the Tour of Murcia. Levi makes a good start to Paris-Nice, with 3rd in the prologue, behind Spartacus and Lars Boom (who?). Geraint Thomas rides in at 15th for Team Sky. Lots more Paris-Nice to come - Race to the sun - I wish!
As for me sore throat is still around, although other cold sympoms virtually gone, weather should be dry all week so hitting that tarmac (using my wheels and not crashing!) is a priority again.
More soon....
This weeks stats:
146 miles covered, 991 miles YTD. Also managed a couple of days rest in there so good daily averages.
Put in 3 Wii Fit sessions - found my stomach muscles at last! - have lost a couple of pounds, - down to 164.7lb (11 3/4 Stone) although sadly i appear to be aging 42,45 and 48 is the alleged age i am performing or rather not peforming at.
L2P24 is a mere 136 days or 19.5 weeks away, and sponsorship has firmly stagnated. Quiz night is set for 24th April, Curry night fundraiser still a work in progress. all donations welcome!!!!
In other cycling news, Wiggo finishes 3rd in the TT and therefore holds that spot in the final GC of the Tour of Murcia. Levi makes a good start to Paris-Nice, with 3rd in the prologue, behind Spartacus and Lars Boom (who?). Geraint Thomas rides in at 15th for Team Sky. Lots more Paris-Nice to come - Race to the sun - I wish!
As for me sore throat is still around, although other cold sympoms virtually gone, weather should be dry all week so hitting that tarmac (using my wheels and not crashing!) is a priority again.
More soon....
Monday, 1 March 2010
Coughs and sneezes... Week 8
So week 8 of training completed, and 5 of those weeks I have had a cold!
The stats:
152 miles completed, 845 year to date (mounting nicely!)
Longest ride 30 miles
The classics started this week, and based on the weather i could be forgiven that i had teleported myself to belgium - wind, rain, and more rain - just no cobbles!?
L2P24 fundraising has grown by a tenner to £375, quiz night, cake sale and curry night planned to boost funds. Eagerly awaiting the cycle shirt template to design our own.
Team Sky have a cracking weekend with Flecha winning Omloop Het Nieuwsblad and Stannard third in Kuurne-Bruxelles-Kuurne. Cav a bit quiet in Andalucia with Oscar Friere winning bragging rights so far as the sprinters go.
Got the bit between my teeth ref mileage now so watch that soar, also looking forward to more racing as the season gets really underway - Paris-Nice kicks off next weekend.
The stats:
152 miles completed, 845 year to date (mounting nicely!)
Longest ride 30 miles
The classics started this week, and based on the weather i could be forgiven that i had teleported myself to belgium - wind, rain, and more rain - just no cobbles!?
L2P24 fundraising has grown by a tenner to £375, quiz night, cake sale and curry night planned to boost funds. Eagerly awaiting the cycle shirt template to design our own.
Team Sky have a cracking weekend with Flecha winning Omloop Het Nieuwsblad and Stannard third in Kuurne-Bruxelles-Kuurne. Cav a bit quiet in Andalucia with Oscar Friere winning bragging rights so far as the sprinters go.
Got the bit between my teeth ref mileage now so watch that soar, also looking forward to more racing as the season gets really underway - Paris-Nice kicks off next weekend.
Monday, 22 February 2010
Training Update Week 7
Hoorah!
Managed 5 days on the bike, despite being very busy faciliating a music / drama activity week over half term, plus still fighting cold / flu symptoms.
The stats:
127 miles covered, that's 693 year to date - not earth-shattering (yet) but a steady and consistent week.
Longest ride just over 27 miles - this was with Simon and was a beautiful sunny, cool but dry day (first for ages!)
Obviously the chain got fixed, and i have registered for the Norwich 100, this is early June so should be a good marker for fitness pre-L2P24. Still on the lookout for other sportives / centuries to take part in. Getting used to my aero bars - may have to shift saddle slightly, but am quite happy rolling along in the prone position.
Fundraising has not moved and a summit meeting is planned for a couple of events to boost awareness and funding - watch this space.
In other news, EBH, Team Sky, comes 2nd in tour of Oman, and he beats Spartacus in a TT! Bertie gets first win in portugal, and Cav has announced his first ride to be in Andalucia.
Here's to more miles and more speed!
pedal pedal pedal...
Managed 5 days on the bike, despite being very busy faciliating a music / drama activity week over half term, plus still fighting cold / flu symptoms.
The stats:
127 miles covered, that's 693 year to date - not earth-shattering (yet) but a steady and consistent week.
Longest ride just over 27 miles - this was with Simon and was a beautiful sunny, cool but dry day (first for ages!)
Obviously the chain got fixed, and i have registered for the Norwich 100, this is early June so should be a good marker for fitness pre-L2P24. Still on the lookout for other sportives / centuries to take part in. Getting used to my aero bars - may have to shift saddle slightly, but am quite happy rolling along in the prone position.
Fundraising has not moved and a summit meeting is planned for a couple of events to boost awareness and funding - watch this space.
In other news, EBH, Team Sky, comes 2nd in tour of Oman, and he beats Spartacus in a TT! Bertie gets first win in portugal, and Cav has announced his first ride to be in Andalucia.
Here's to more miles and more speed!
pedal pedal pedal...
Saturday, 13 February 2010
L2P24 Route announced
Momentum gathers. The route is announced subject to changes / roadworks / french port strikes et al.
It starts in... London and finishes in...Paris going via Dover and Calais! More seriously though, graphical representation below:
On the english side, looks like Hollingbourne Hill in Kent is not en route, but Capel Le Ferne is in. As for the french side we start in the north and travel south and that is about the utmost of my knowledge!
Cycling this week has been non-existant partly due to the aforementioned broken chain, plus shaking off cold and busy at work. Normal service to resume soon...
It starts in... London and finishes in...Paris going via Dover and Calais! More seriously though, graphical representation below:
On the english side, looks like Hollingbourne Hill in Kent is not en route, but Capel Le Ferne is in. As for the french side we start in the north and travel south and that is about the utmost of my knowledge!
Cycling this week has been non-existant partly due to the aforementioned broken chain, plus shaking off cold and busy at work. Normal service to resume soon...
Sunday, 7 February 2010
Training Update Week 5
165 days to go. Fundraising up to £365
Mileage overshadowed by further suffering with a cold, plus to crown the week a broken chain half way to work on Friday.
Total mileage this week: 76 - thats 566 year to date - still keeping nose in front of the last L2P regime.
but still sad to say that longest ride only 20 miles this week.
Things to do - Get bike fixed and serviced. Maybe it is time for either an old bike 2nd hand from somewhere to do up as a fixie or winter bike? Or the best plan would be a brand new bike and relegate old faithful to the winter bike category!
In other news Team Sky took the prologue TTT at ToQ today - brill. EBH takes leaders jersey into stage 1.
Fed up to still have cold so will write more next time...
Mileage overshadowed by further suffering with a cold, plus to crown the week a broken chain half way to work on Friday.
Total mileage this week: 76 - thats 566 year to date - still keeping nose in front of the last L2P regime.
but still sad to say that longest ride only 20 miles this week.
Things to do - Get bike fixed and serviced. Maybe it is time for either an old bike 2nd hand from somewhere to do up as a fixie or winter bike? Or the best plan would be a brand new bike and relegate old faithful to the winter bike category!
In other news Team Sky took the prologue TTT at ToQ today - brill. EBH takes leaders jersey into stage 1.
Fed up to still have cold so will write more next time...
Saturday, 6 February 2010
Milestone, millstone or just another day?
Happy Birthday to me
Happy Birthday dear Darren
Happy Birthday to me!
So 40 huh? Sad to say a lot has happened in the past 40 years:
I can remember getting a landline fitted at home,
I remember the Queens Silver Jubilee,
I remember the advent of the personal computer,
I remember the great music of the 80's / 90's
and I remember when Liverpool truly were the greatest football team!!!
Just for fun, please find below 40 facts and random thoughts associated with the number 40:
1. Life begins at
2. If I were an Israelite I would now be about to enter the promised land
3. Lubricant – WD__
4. A song by U2
5. Best selling singles / albums
6. weeks = length of a pregnancy
7. f-o-r-t-y :- the only number that is spelt in letters in alphabetical order
8. negative = The point on temperature scales where Celsius and Fahrenheit are the same
9. Length of Noah’s flood experience in days and nights
10. Length of days in Lent
11. No of winks in a quick nap
12. Motorway from London to Birmingham
13. Ali Baba’s Thieves
14. Reggae Band UB__
15. XL in Roman Numerals
16. Score in Tennis
17. Ruby Wedding
18. Hours in a working week
19. % upper tax bracket
20. My chest size
21. equivalent to size 7 in shoes
22. £34.86 equivalent in euros
23. 25miles equivalent to km
24. atomic number of zirconium (periodic table)
25. speed that a human could theoretically run?
26. stopping distance = 36metres at 40mph
27. Ford GT__
28. Roaring Forties – boisterous and prevailing westerly winds
29. Forties Field = North Sea Oil field
30. A symphony by Mozart in G Minor
31. A song by Dave Matthews Band
32. A song by Franz Ferdinand
33. Ronald Reagan 40th President (he also shares my birthday!)
34. Queen Elizabeth II 40th Monarch since William the Conqueror
35. Edison Lighthouse – Love grows (where my Rosemary goes) was no.1, 40 years ago
36. 18 plus 22 years of experience!
37. Fabulous forty
38. 40 – The old age of youth
39. Forty isn’t old – if you’re a tree
40. Days including today till St Patricks Day
Monday, 1 February 2010
Training Update Week 4
172 days to go until L2P24...
Progress so far:
Mileage this week - 159
Mileage year to date - 490 (thats over 100 up on previous L2P attempt)
Most mileage in one ride - 35
Most mileage in one day 48 (not the same day)
most seperate rides in a day - 3
Wii Fit Age - ranged from 28 - 44!
Weight - no change still 6lbs to lose!?
Fundraising is up to £315 - over 1/6th of the way there - Brilliant!
Weather this week has been the full gambit of rain, wind and even snow. As a consequence or maybe thats coincidence i have had a rubbish cold - wonder if Lemsip constitutes a banned substance?
I saw an interesting discussion on a forum this week - Which foot do you put down when stopping whilst cycling?
I always unclip my right foot and place that on the ground, thereby leaving my left securely clipped in ready to go. Does that mean my left foot gets more of a workout? On further thought i also realise that i approach and mount my bike from the left too - I am left footed so does that have a bearing or is it all just nonsense?
In other cycling news, TDF 2011 grand depart announced as Noirmoitier, with the infamous Passage du Gois needing to be crossed, lets hope the tide is kind? Also the TTT is back but no Prologue! Looking forward to the ToQ starting on Sunday - oh to be cycling somewhere warm... ho hum.
Progress so far:
Mileage this week - 159
Mileage year to date - 490 (thats over 100 up on previous L2P attempt)
Most mileage in one ride - 35
Most mileage in one day 48 (not the same day)
most seperate rides in a day - 3
Wii Fit Age - ranged from 28 - 44!
Weight - no change still 6lbs to lose!?
Fundraising is up to £315 - over 1/6th of the way there - Brilliant!
Weather this week has been the full gambit of rain, wind and even snow. As a consequence or maybe thats coincidence i have had a rubbish cold - wonder if Lemsip constitutes a banned substance?
I saw an interesting discussion on a forum this week - Which foot do you put down when stopping whilst cycling?
I always unclip my right foot and place that on the ground, thereby leaving my left securely clipped in ready to go. Does that mean my left foot gets more of a workout? On further thought i also realise that i approach and mount my bike from the left too - I am left footed so does that have a bearing or is it all just nonsense?
In other cycling news, TDF 2011 grand depart announced as Noirmoitier, with the infamous Passage du Gois needing to be crossed, lets hope the tide is kind? Also the TTT is back but no Prologue! Looking forward to the ToQ starting on Sunday - oh to be cycling somewhere warm... ho hum.
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