31st december ...in the nick of time...

Persuaded Luke to get out in the milder, and mist free, conditions
Did the Harrington run, celebrating 1500 miles as we entered Loddington!
Good, but not quite up to the 5000+ miles TTT's maganged this year (LEJOG again/London to Geneva/ and some killing AUDAX's up up to 180m per day!! respect mate!)
16.5m 1h16m @ 12.9mph 779ft climb

total since garmin 2008-250m 2009 - 2750m 2010 - 1504m
total 331 hours of pedalling Overall average 14.5mph ad a huge 211,391ft climbing!!

Just been watching Rob Lilwalls inspiring talk & other videos on
http://vimeo.com/groups/6916/videos/11154268
Thanks to Cal Rae for the link

30th December ...better got those last miles knocked off....

Isham Church in the mist (click to enlarge)
....So on a cool misty morning I set off to go around Kettering following the route 'pioneered' by me & Michiel back in October.
Took a slight wrong turning & ended up in Isham but as my legs were tired I was grateful about the slightly shorter disrance!
Will try to get Luke out on a 'Pylon' run tomorrow to get the last 12 miles & 1500 for the year
26.2 miles 1h48m @ 15.2mph 1140ft climb

12th December "back on the road again!" KetteringCC Club Run

After a frosty frustrating four weeks, a gap in the Arctic weather opened up and had to be taken advantage of.
So I pedalled over to Sainburys for 0930 and seven of us headed North under Tom's leadership. With likely frost on smaller roads we stuck to the main roads as we swept around through Market Harborough & close to Brixworth & home in sunny chilly pretty windless conditions.
I was presently suprised how the old legs kept going and finished strongly at a decent average speed.
Young Chris joined the group - he cycled LEJOG solo, and camping this year - Respect! I followed his blog at the time. (I'll hunt out link & paste here...)
Shame snow is predicted again I still have 37.26 miles to do by 31/12 for the 1500 mile 2010 total!
38.8m 2h30m @ 15.5mph 1697 ft climb 2010 total 1462.74m!

26th N-N-N-Novem-em-em-berrrrrrrr

F-F-F-Free-e-e-ee-zz-z-i-i-ngggg

I hate winter+++

2011 Sportives & Audax in my sights!!

2011 RIDES ASPIRATION!
Some of the many that I hope to ride in a few of them!

19 Feb (sat) Snowdrop 78m AUDAX Evesham beaconrcc.org.uk
20 Feb Phil Cooke Challenge 60/100k Dunchurch Warwicks CV22 6PN
27 Feb Evans RIDE-IT 60/90m Oxford OX49 5RB evanscycles.com/ride-it

6 Mar MadMarchHare 75m SOLD OUT!!!
20 Mar ‘No excuses Sportive’ 45m/80m Graffham Water entered ukcyclingevents.co.uk FREE!!
27 Mar Cheshire Cat 45m/67m/100m kilotogo

3 Apr QUATTRO Wollaston 48m/60m/82m justracing uk
10 & 17 Apr ON HOLIDAY
24 Apr Squires & Shires 52m/78m Naseby just racing UK

1 May Forest of Dean Classic 85m wheelsinwheels.com
8 May Classic Oxford 58m bike-events.com
15 May Castle ride 100k/100m (Kent) Action Medical Research
22 May Wheelheroes.org.uk Stratford 100m/100k
29 May solo ride to Hull!!

4 Jun (sat) Pain in Plain 100k/100m Tidworth (close to Sally/Roy)
5 Jun Norwich 100m bike-events
12 Jun Great Kent 58m bike-events
12 Jun St Edmunds Wheel.org.uk 50m
19 Jun Swindon SouthernSportive 49m/83m/105m
19 Jun Stevenage circular 50m emitremmus.org.uk
?19 Jun TBC BeaconRCC.org.uk Cotswold AUDAX 110/160/210k
26 Jun Flatout Fens 73m/112m/156m kilotogo

3 Jul Ride to the Horns 50m/93mMENTMORE (Nr Leighton Buzzard) wheelsinwheels.com
10 Jul Manchester-Blackpool 62m bike-events
16 Jul (sat) Essex Castle 50m/75m bike-events
17 Jul Anthony Mayner Sportive Berks 110k 195k AIR TATTOO WEEKEND!

20-23 Jul LONDON to PARIS 320m (route 4 via Portsmouth) Action Medical Research booked

7 Aug Suffolk Coast 60m bike-events
14 Aug Woodcote SouthernSportive 44m/58m/82m
21 Aug ??
28 Aug Bike Blenhem 60/100m

4 Sep Manchester 100k/100m bike-events
11 Sep Macride.org.uk 63m Stratford
18 Sep New Forest 48m bike-events
25 Sep The Rut (Oakham) 74m/101m kilotogo
?25SepTBC CYCLE4CYNTHIA 50m N’ton

2 Oct New Forest Sportive 66m/100m ukcyclingevents.co.uk
9 Oct Brickhills Challenge MK 100k racetimingsystems.com
16 Oct Severn Bridge Sportive 100k/100m severnbridgesportive.co.uk
29 Oct(sat) Wild Edric 58m/103m (Shropshire) kilotogo
30 Oct Emitremmus Desrever! 101k Stevenage emitremmus.org.uk

6 Nov Devils Punch 50m/7m Hampshire ukcyclingevents.co.uk

10th November - quick sprint

The sun was shining, the roads were dry, my afternoon finished early so I shot home & shot out on 'Belle' racing ahead of the sunset!
Did the 16 mile Rothwell/Harrington/Loddington circuit as fast as I could in the chilly NE wind.
Felt fast & for the conditions it was but I couldn't beat the 1 hour mark!
Light fading rapidly I just made it back in time - I HATE WINTER SHORT DAYS....
Good to be riding again.....roll on the Spring!
16.3m 1h01m @~15.9mph

30th October - "Tour of the Peaks" Cat & Fiddle

Jeez a toughie+++

Met up with DooGood - after 40 miles he carried on to do the full 97 mile route (in 9 hours) - it was good to catch up with 'no longer' novice Tim from LEJOG '09.
The hills came thick & fast - with some painful ascents. "Embrace the pain!" was the call, and "You need Quads of the Gods to climb this..." [this being the evil Devils Arse 'Winnats Pass']
Record footage of climb in one day (prev 5500ft over Dartmoor), and hit record speed (45.3mph) coming down into Castleton when the road was straight & clear.
Most decents were buttock clenching, break squeezing, frustrating affairs after all the effort to get up. The break blocks were losing traction as they heated up, and the cold hand muscles complained as I squeezed for so long. At the bottom of one hil some silly prick had stopped his big van right across the road!
The cat'n'Fiddle hill was a brilliant long drag up out of sunshine into the clouds, with fantastic views.

Winnats Pass 1 in 5 was impossible & with a broken down car & pain in my R knee I had to stop & walk. Will tackle it again one day....next time at the start of the ride!!

Once Tim & I parted the 25 miles home were very tough into a stiff cold wind and many steep hills to contend with. Twice more my poor legs & chest busting heartrate forced me to stop & walk. The only 3 times I've ever got off Belle to walk...and on the same day.
The run back into base was most welcome & generous applause from strangers much appreciated. Looks like Tim got in 3 hours later...I know I couldn't have done the 97 miles...
Great ride but a few too many steep hills for me....
64m @11.72mph 5h28 6694ft climbing!! 2010 total 1406m

Oh Dear - as I type now poor old Michiel is about to undergo surgery for a broken hip.
He came off this morning when out for a cycle with Tim (Myhill). Looks like he landed awkwardly - such a shame as he's been so enthusiastic about cycling on his lovely Cannondale - 'Beau'.
My thoughts are with you mate - get well soon, and get pedalling again in the New Year.....

LATEST NEWS (2/11/10) Michiel is home!!!!

24th October - ..all around Leicester!!!..

15miles in - georgeous morning!
Beautiful sunny day - set off from Gaulby with Michiel in frosty conditions for an anti-clockwise circumnavigation of the city of Leicester.
Soon we were at 'triple bogie' GC (aka Rothley Park GC) and on past Forest Hill GC (one to visit soon!) down throgh Blaby & Wistow getting back around midday.
Terrific ride with a 'kitten'n'fiddle!!' hill past Lingdale GC.
We feel we need >50 miles now...let's start planning!
Still hoping to do Cat'n'Fiddle ride next saturday if the weather holds...
45.06m 3h8m @14.4mph 2184ft climb

17th October ...up & around Kettering...

US WWII memorial & Queen Eleanore's 'Cross' Geddington
Beautiful sunny morning - Michiel & I set off Northwards then anticlockwise around kettering via Rothwell, Lamprt, Old, Isham, Finedon, Cransley, Grafton Underwood (stopping to pay tribute at the WWII US Airbase & it's motto 'KEEP THE SHOW ON THE ROAD!'), Geddington (pausing at Queen Eleanore's Cross) & back.
Perfect riding conditions - hardly a breeze & cool air - MAGIC - cycling at it's best!
38.96m @ 15.5mph 2h31m 1674ft climb
...hoping to tackle a 'round Leicester circuit next week, and the Cat'n'Fiddle hill on Sat 30th !!

Sunday 10/10/10!! Melton Mowbray, a pie, and back!

W
A trip to YE OLDE PORK PIE SHOPPE!
Drove over to Michiel's at Gaulby for an 0830 start. We headed west throught Tugby, then North pausing at the 'Stilton Cheese Inn' at Somerby. We were heading into a chilly North wind under grey skies but we finished in warm sunshine.
Once at Melton we headed into the precinct to visit the olde pie shoppe! Closed on Sunday Michiel came prepared & we devoured a delicious pie (bought the day before!)
The route home took us through Great Dalby, Burrough-on-the-Hill, and Houghton-on-the-Hill. Yes lots of hills and some fantastic countryside to boot - a nice ride
We have plans to circumnavigate Leicester & Kettering before winter sets in....
47.76m 3h41m @ 13mph 3489ft climb 2010 total - 1260m

26/9/10 CYCLE4CYNTHIA Northampton & beyond

Met up with Michiel & 'Beau' in the Car park in the chilly sun. As the ride progressed the North wind caused the temperature to drop & skies to become more grey.
Several hundred riders headaed out throught Duston & across the Althorp Estate - looks like the Earl is having some work done on the house. I thought of the young Diana playing in the magnificent grounds & it felt strange leaving through the entrance through which her coffin passed on it's final journey.
There were a few testing climbs up to Naseby - then across to the half-way point at Cold Ashby (which was bleeding c-c-cold). Shortly after we climbed to the highest point in Northamptonshire!
So with the height we'd attained & wind behind us we raced south for some fantastic & thrilling miles.
A sharp unexpected left turn and some nasty gravel (I HATE ROAD GRAVEL) caused Michiel to go into a dangerous skid! Fortunately the rear wheel gripped again and all was well.
Still feelling pretty fresh the last 10 miles were cold, grey & into the wind but we flew past many of the 25 milers on their heavy mountain bikes. This was a totally different (& less painful) experience compare to 2 years ago on my cast iron Raleigh!
Close to the finish Michiel broke his '50 mile virginity' - never the same again!!
Back at the Saints ground we received our medals & a welcome cup of tea.
This is a ride to do again, and again - especially for such a great cause.
51.09m 3h24m @ 15mph 2969ft climb

22/9/10 Off with his head! Fotheringhay & back!

Day off - balmy Indain summer weather forecast so I set off out past Brigstock to Little Benefield - instead of turning left I continued north along a lovely single track gated road in the warming sunshine. Soon I was at Fotheringhay & sought out the site of the old Mott 7 Bailey Castle by the river. This castle became a prison, most famously for Mary Queen of Scots for many years.
Eventually her Sister Elizabeth I signed the papers & Mary was executed, for treason, on this site. The executioner wasn't very proficient & had to do a second chop - Mary's lips were seen to move in this space of time..horrific!(Her servants reported they thought she had whispered the words "Sweet Jesus.").
Poignantly, and probaly not accidentally, the top of the Mott is adorned by some Scottish Thistles! I sat there in the sun & peaceful breeze & thought about what happened there on 8th February 1587. There is nothing left of the actual building now - all the stonework is apparently part of alot of the local buildings!
Anyway I headed south & home via Oundle, Wadenhow & Woodford making good speed. Feeling quite fit at the moment if a little tired by the finish. Nice route - will do this one again I'm sure.
40.32m 2h26m @16.5 1582ft climb

NEXT RIDE - Meetting Michiel for the CYCLE4CYNTHIA 26th Sept. Did this one 2 yrs ago - marked the start of 12 LEJOG training! Found it tough on my old Raleigh that day...

20/9/10 I've signed up for London to Paris 20-24/7/11

Went online & paid deposit on the Trip
It's with Action Medical Research - from 20-24/7/11
I've chosen route 4 via Portsmouth (as I did the Calais route in 2007)
Hopefully I'll be accompanied by my son Luke...that is if he gets the motivation to get out training with me!
The sunday (25th) we can watch the Final day (victory by Cavandish??? ) of the Tour de France, then come home.
http://www.action.org.uk/get_involved/london_to_paris
Routes from participant this year:-
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/41935376
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/41935364
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/41935357
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/41935338
Day 3 looks tough...109miles & >6000ft climb!

18/9/10 Leicestershire with Michiel and Tim

Headed out to Michiel's at gaulby on a lovely crisp sunny morning
Michiel on his new cannondale SIX - 'Beau'
We cruised through Nosely & Hallerton & decided to call in on Tim.
He soon changed & joined us to Kibworth. Under blue skies & warming temperatures Michiel & I clocked up the 30 miles via Burton Ovary & Great Glen.
Nice steady ride but still made good speed - Glorious!

30.4m 2h28m @14.2mph 1847ft climb

12th September the 'Macride' Stratford-upon-Avon

Got up early on a beautiful mild sunny day & headed to Stratford.
Met up with Tim & Toby & we set off on the 60+mile ride at 0845.
Toby's furthest distance before today was 35 miles & Tim's 50 miles. These landmark distances were celebrated along the way.
Lots of undulations & quite alot of climbing overall but some great fast flattish sections. Some terrific views of beautiful Warwickshire, and a couple of incursions onto Worcestershire!
An excellent pint was had in Long Marsden in the final run in.
A very enjoyable ride & well done to Tim & Toby for pushing out your records
67.94m 4h43m @ 14.4mph 3021ft climb
2010 total 1090m

5/9/10 1000miles target hit!!!

Spent day at warwick Castle watching jousting & falconry. Dopey & falling asleep on the way back so I thought the best idea would be to jump on 'Belle'
Strong Easterly so I headed.....east! To Islip then up the A road to Brigstock & back via Grafton Underwood (very pretty village - see pic above)
Knocked off the 2.8 miles to hit the 1000 miles target. Hopefully next year it'll be months earlier with the L2P & training.
23.02m 1h21m9s @ 17mph! 922ft climb
Tim 'voices' Tom Taylor has been making terrific progress on his independant LEJOG trip & should've made it to Dunnet Head & JOG today - WELL DONE MATE - just had txt confirming they've made it!!
And he conquered the Lizard on day one (wish I'd done that last year) on his incredible 150 mile day one (see his blog - link to the R)
The LEJOG 2010 group will tonight be in Carlisle!. I remember the crappy Hotel & filling up on starch big time in the pub over the road - Chips & tacos galore!!.
The forecast is for a stiff SE wind so their trip up to Kilmarnock should be, in Tim's words, Z-O-O-M-Y!!! At this stage the fitness has built up & the stunning scenery ahead is a massive boost - I wish I was with them.
Link to see where they are - http://www.instamapper.com/ext?key=126996172522981532
Michiel has got his cannondale & pencilled in LEJOG Sep 2012 (after he is 50y!) - I'm already looking forward to exploring the countryside up in his neck of the woods - Leicestershire!

30/8/10 quck spin

Bank Hol Mon am - had hoped to do a cycle to Nottingham, or Rugby & back!
But time was short so did Rothwell/Loddington circuit - windy & legs bit heavy so poor time.
Plan to do Macride with Toby & TimT 12th Sep
16.49m 1h2m8s @ 15.9mph 607ft climb
vert envious of the 32 riders who will today be heading to start LEJOG tomorrow...can it really be one whole year ago?
Michiel's on the verge of getting a bike...a cannondale I believe!
Total mileage 2010 => 997.2m nearly there

London to Paris July 2011

In recent months I have decided to do L2P again next year - originally with my third son, Luke. However he is not showing much enthusiasm for cycling (ie ZERO!) so I may be on my own - hopefully with the company of one or two friends.
The plan is to go with ActionMedicalResearch rather than DA as they offer 4 different routes, including one via Portsmouth/StMalo/Chartres which looks appealing.
Also they get all the 5 route groups to Paris For Sat 23rd July. That means we can all be in Paris to see the finale of the Tour de France the next day before shooting home on the Eurostar!
So I'm booking the leave & will see if any of my 'novice' cyclists friends want to join me, along with maybe 'non-novice' DooGood, who is now very experienced & just off on LEJOG again soon, this time with minimal support (see his blog)
Anyway it'll all increase my motivation to keep pedalling each week, especially as the temperature drops & daylight shortens...YUK!
Woke early on Sunday morning - beautiful blue sky & little wind after a blustery shitty saturday. I'm cross with myself that I couldn't be bothered to go out on a ride. My annual total stands at 981 miles & I could have polished off the 19 needed to hit 1000....Next time I WILL get up & out....

LEJOG 2010 - the lucky 32 set off on 31/8/10
Martin is one of them:-

http://martinsunshineride.blogspot.com/

15th & 11th August - Up round Corby...twice!

Still hoping to get under 2 hours round this undulating 34miles
Ride 1 had North wind & 1h3m to Deene - then hit 2 hrs as I entered Kettering just N of the Footy ground. Met bloke from Orlingbury - recognised he was the fella who 'helped' me with a slow puncture a few years back. One more pump he said...BANG!! Tyre blew! He's just done L2P with DA & is hoping to do the LEJOG - I told him he MUST... Talking og BANG just N of Pipwell my attention was taken off the road by 2 cyclists in the distance..siddenly I was in...and... out of a nasty pot hole (sharp stones at front end & VERY deep - see pic) - POPPPPFFFTTTT!!!! back tyre blown. Whel off tube out tube in wheel on...no how does this bleeding CO2 pump work then?? Sorted - back on the road & home in time for shower & straight to work!
Ride 2 Tim came over & we set off at 0800. Being a weekday morning the traffic slowed us down & even with a slight tail wind made Deene by 1h5m. Round the arse end of Corby it was busy until we got off onto the Pipwell Road. - Then a lovely run home - both of us feeling strong & perhaps wanting a few more miles
34.2m 2h6m
34.2m 2h15m

8/8/10 The Suffolk Coast

Did this ride in 2009 - stayed at the same 'Forest camping' site in the centre of Rendlesham Forest!
Knocked off the 8 miles to the start before the starters had started! So I carried on like the hare in a Greyhound Race before some slick 'Specialized' riders took me down. It felt great to be back on Belle but the saddle felt very hard!
I battled against a strong NW wind but was soon at Southwold Peir enjoying coffee & chips at 10am! Chatted to a fella who's off on a 1000k Barcelona to Monte carlo ride soon - would need smart gear for the casino!
71m @16mph

25/7-1/8/10 gran canaria fun

ever decreasing beach circles, Maspalonas lighthouse in background

Whilst out on holiday I hired a crappy squeaky wobbly mountain bike thing for some early morning rides.
These were mainly out & along the beach before it got too hot
Lots of sweat produced and about 70 miles done (which is the equivalent of 150m+ on lovely 'belle')
70 miles @ probably 9mph!

19/7/10 to Cambridgeshire...and Kimbolton

Up early for a Monday morning run.
Decided to push the bubble out & make the most of a SE wind.
Headed out through Titsmarsh to Kimbolton & back via Raunds
[Pic later]
48m 2h58 @16.1mph 1914ft climb

wish list next 1-2 months

few rides I'd like to do late Summer...
...unlikely to have time for all though..
8 aug - suffolk coast 60m bike-events.com- Booked - did in '09 - great ride
29 Aug ??
5 sep - Manchester 100m
12 sep Warwick macride 100k (but golf event that day too) macride.org.uk
19 sep Hampshire 48m bike-events.com - hope to meet up with Gerry Pacemaker
26 sep Cycle4cynthia - 50m from Northampton via Naseby etc cycle4cynthia.co.uk/
3 oct - Oxford-Cambridge 86m bike-events.com
10 oct Brum ride 60/90m evanscycles
17 oct Dunford Southern Sportive
7 nov Nottingham 45/65m evanscycles

11/7/09 Shackleton, Hackleton & backleton!

I've had Hackleton in my sights for a while. I awoke to a sunny but windy morning, and as it was a sou'westerly I thought I'd get there at last.
With The Tour de France on the tv the road was busy with plenty of other riders out there. I battled against the wind over now familier territory. Once there the return 20+ miles was a speedy whizzy experience & I was home in a flash!
Belle's feeling good and I now have >700 miles in 2010. Nothing to compare with Doo, mad Simon, or Andy Arsenal, but looks like I'll easily pass the 1000m target I set for this year!
Andy & Simon got from Gibraltar to Milton Keynes, and he's carrying on to Blackpool for some reason! These cyclists are crazy! And Doo's been doing 190m/12hr+ Audaxes.....

42.07m 2h46 @ 15.2mph 1933ft climb

4th July 2010 Manchester to Blackpool Mark II

After a 2 week hiatus (Golf Tour) I was glad to be back on 2 wheels again with Darren up North!
Last year this was the event that I fell off on the final straight, ended up in a CT scanner, and lost the memory of the second half of the ride!
I travelled up on Saturday arriving at Darrens house soon after 1800. Harry arrived shortly after - for the meal & beer, but not the cycle due to a broken rib (fell off mountain bike!)
After a nice Italian meal & a number of pints of real Ale (Including 'Titanic Special!') we retired for the night.
Up early Darren & I went against the flow of cyclists for 3 miles back to Old Trafford, and the official start. On a cool grey morning we flew past the many cyclists as we headed out of Manchester, skirting Bolton & onto the A49 past Charnley Richard. I remember this stretch from LEJOG 2009, but not from this event last July.
For the last bit past Preston we pushed on hard overtaking 100's of fellow cyclists, mostly on horrible wobbly knobbly tyred mountain bikes.
The last stretch up the seafront was tough as the strong westerly crosswind made progress difficult. Finally the big one & the tower were in sight, and the finish line. Literally as we crossed the line the heavens opened, soaking our tired bodies.
Darren & I carried onto the station via a very tasty Harry Ramsdens fish and chips.
The train took us to Bolton and we sprinted back to Manchester against a strong wind.
What a ride - magnificent views, not many hills and a great atmosphere amongst the scores of cyclists - I hope to do it again in 2011.
Thanks to Darren for putting me up & I hope we can do London to Paris in June 2011 together

59.6m (missed 1st 2 miles) 3h46m @ 16.2mph 1914ft climb
whole day 76.9m 5h01m @15.3mph 2333ft climb

Simon & Wicky have today completed day 9 of their Gibralter to Milton keynes cycle - Awesome stuff through baking Spain & now over the Pyrenees. Thay are totally bonkers!
AND
Brendan's nearly got to Rome - an awesome journey
http://brendan-biking2rome.blogspot.com/
AND
Tour de France has started (and Cavendish fell off....again!!)

17/6/10 Sunny fast ride

Got home a bit early so on a sunny but breezy (NE) evening I jumped on belle & pushed hard around the Harrington loop setting a new time record in the process.
16.5m 57m08s @ 17.3mph

Wed 16th June London-Paris-Geneva starts

Envious of DooGood and 75 others who set out at 0700 this am from Greenwich.
Three years to the day Sam & I started our memeorable trip. Wish I was with them...maybe will do in 12 months...
FYI Doos blog:-
http://challengemenace.blogspot.com/

Sunday 13th June - St Edmunds Wheel No 2

Did this ride 12 months ago and was looking forward to the return.
Set off early & into Abbey Gardens to register by 0830. A friendly chap managed to fix my annoying rattle, which turned out to be a loose rear 'set. Once mended Belle felt taut, quiet & smooth and I knew I was in for a fast one!
We sped out of Bury and i got to the 12 mile corner averaging 17.1mph! Northawrds to the drink stop at Tuddenham we picked up the slight tail SW wind. feeling strong I pressed on without stopping. Then came one of the most exilerating cycling sessions I've ever ridden! At this point I was caught by the peleton and we sped on through the now flattish lanes. At one point I broke free but was reeled in by the pack. Again I didnt stop at the drinks areas & pressed on, drinking & stretching on the move, racing back to Bury with an incredible average speed!
I went round to my Brother Paul's for a shower & superb steak - thanks Bro!
terrific ride with great company and no serious hills - I shall try to return in 2011.
49.5m 2h44m @ 18mph!!! 1605ft climb

Saturday 5th June 2009 Derby Day in derby!

Went up to Ashbourne with Finn. Found a camspite & cycled a total of 21 miles up & down the Tissington Trail. A lovely stretch of old railway
First we descended down & through the tunnel into town - then ascendd from 200->1100ft up onto the dales.
Big fat steak in Tissington
Camped in Ruby as it rained++
On the way home on Sunday visitted Derby town centre and found the site of where Gt-Gt-Grandad James Shackleton had his drapers shop! We cycled the 400yds he would have walked everyday to his house in Wilmot St, now the site of a through Road & Mosque!
He had come to Derby from Manchester around 1850 and married a local girl.
21 miles on my old bike

3/6/10 Harrington again with Finley

A beautiful warm evening - Finn on the giant & me on Belle we sped out around the same 16m route in a light breeze.
This time we were 8 minute quicker - my legs feeling fresh & powerful, fully recovered from Monday's long cycle
16.5m 1h12m @ 13.7mph 600ft climb

31/5/10 London to Ireland & Kettering!!!

Ever since London to Paris in 2007 I've wanted to complete the 'loop'by cycling the Kettering to London route. In the event I thought it better to go by train & cycle back, so if any technical problems I didnt have a train to miss.
On a cool grey morning I was up early & down onto the 0705 to St Pancras. A pleasant journey clocking 110mph on my garmin!
Once off the train I left the Station at 0820 and followed my plannde route northawards long main thoroughfares, and quiet residential roads. Once past Cockfosters Underground station after 12 miles I was in open country...and Hertfordshire!
Soon I crossed the M25 and through Potters Bar - then my first problem! The bikeroutetoaster route wanted me to head straight through Hatfield House grounds...but the gate was locked. I had wanted to see if I could spot the old Oak tree that marks the spot where Princess Elizabeth was told she was to be the first Queen Elizabeth.
I decided to turn left and this was the right choice - soon I was through Welwyn & off the the halfway point at Hitchin. The was a dull unfriendly place under threatening grey skies with nowhere to stop for a much needed coffee... Leaving town I was led onto a narrow footpath, quite unsuitable for a road bike, but I could hear the main road & got through the brambles on foot!
Feeling tired I pushed on to Bedford leaving the main road to pass through the Hamlet of...Ireland! This is close to Old Warden. Soon I was pleased to spot the two massive buildings/warehouses south of Bedford
Once into Bedfors I was again taken off the road along a lovely river footpath into town. At the picturesque (!) bus station I spotted a cafe & enjoyed a big coffee & chicken pie whilst chatting to the local nutter ("I used to come here when this was areal cafe!!!")
Leaving Bedford I had planned a cross country route but decided, for speed reasons, to stick on the A6 to Rushded. This A6 is a really boring road but did it's job.
Once at Rushden I was in familier territory and, with a second wind, skirted Finedon, Burton Latimer, and was soon home.
An epic solo ride completed in 7 hours with 6 hrs pedalling, all into a NE wind (no 'angels breath' today!). I shadowed a few other cyclists on the way but not enough common route for any meaningful chatter.
79.5m 6h03m @13.1mph 3312ft climb

28/5/10 Harrington with Finley

Lovely evening - set off with Finn (on the Giant) and me on my old cast iron Raleigh!
Out thrugh Rothwell (fair set up but not open) and onto harrington, and back via farpoint.
Down past Thorpe Malser, whizzing past the tribute flowers to the chap who was killed last week in a hit & run.
Finn did very well & we made reasonable time
16.5m 1h21m @ 12.3mph 600ft climb

23/5/10 Mission Foxton!

Well I've been up and around Corby, down & around Northampton & Wellingborough - so it was time for the circumnavigation of Market harborough!
So on the hottest day of the year so far I loaded up with 3 litres of drink, and headed north out through Pipwell & up through Ashley & Welham & Thorpe Langton before heading South across the busy A6 to Foxton! Quite a stiff climb up & over the canal swing bridge took me through Lubenham to Harborough. I had planned to go back via Braybrooke but opted to whizz down the A508 & left at Kelmarsh coming home via Haddington & 'far point'
I'd lowered the saddle 1.5cm and the L knee was more comfortable although did still niggle over the last few miles as I picked up the pace to race home. The old Iliotibial band syndrome rears it's ugly head again - despite my rest & gentle stretches.
In the scorching sun I drank & sweated freely - only really feeling the heat when I stopped for a breather - a good solid hot ride!
39.5m 2h34m @ 15.4mph 1640ft climb

16/5/10 Tour de Tendring again!

I remember this one from 2009 - it was on a Saturday the day before the Norwich 100. A very emotional time for me as my Mum was in hospital at the time & had just been given the terminal diagnosis, and died days later.
I contacted Will and he was up for it - so I left home at 0615 - meeting up with Will for the 0900 start at Dovercourt.
It started sunny but chilly with a westerly wind this year.
The run westward to Bradfield & Balls Green was into the wind but we made good speed. Again we had tea in Great Bentley (largest village green in the UK 43acres!) before heading down to Clacton-on-Sea.
This year we shot effortlessly along the seafront with a strong tail wind. Clouds were coming in so we flew on back to Harwich at great speed (the final 7 miles in just over 20 minutes @ >20mph) - to enjoy a nice pint of local real ale!
A good ride - nice flattish route & some lovely country lanes - I'll certainly try & get back in 2011
47.3m 2h54m @ 16.4mph 1118ft climb
14mins faster than in 2009!

9/5/10 test the old knee out....

Worked until 1430 Sat - was a nice afternoon so before I got stuck in a sofa & went out on 'Belle'
Decided to do the Rothwell/Harrington circuit. Was strange with an uncharacteristic NE wind - bloody cold one too.
Decided to take it easy & knee only played up slightly at the end.
Suprisisngly fast average speed!
16.5m 1h0m45s @ 16.3 589ft climb

1/2 May 2010 ..sore knee...

Decided to rest my poorly knee for two weeks
some gentle exercises & stretches only
Sterted following the latest DA group og LEJOGGERS
They have a cold NE wind to deal with poor sods...

25/4/10 Mission Poddington

Yesterday went out with Luke, planning to do the 15m Rothwell circuit. Things going well until a nast pothole leaving Rothwell brought him down. Luckily only scrapes & bruises with nothing broken...a lesson learnt
So today I set out southwards planning to get to Poddington & back. This route involved alot of new territory for me. Halfway my L knee started grunbling but I pressed on & completed the 32 miles in good time & still feeling reasonably fresh!
32.2m 2h10m40s @ 14.8mph

18/4/10 The peterborough 100 (well 104 miles!)

Met up with Tim for 0800 start on a lovely sunny if cool Spring Day
We both completed >100 miles in a day for the first time.
A magnificent route taking us West from Peterborough through Gretton, up to Oakham (hilly) & East out into the edge of the Fens. We then turned West again passing through Stamford & Finally South to Elton & back to Peterborough.
My L knee becamegradually more painful & I could hardly walk at the end - I think there's some worn cartilage in there.
Tim did amazingly well & was full of energy - even though he'd never cycled more than 35miles in a day before
104m in 7h?m @ 14.3mpg

4/4/10 QUATTRO 'Justracing' Ride

Started at Wollaston.
Planned to do the 60m option.
Felt great for 1st 20 miles as we whizzed down & over the M1. But then I started getting a bad pain in my L knee - lateral side. I think this may be the start of Iliotibial band syndrome (google it!). Decided to get back asap on the 48m route & limped home against a cold head on NW wind on one leg effectively.
It was good to be in a big event again - with a bit of company & support
Nice ride - would definately do next year if Im free - and if the leg allows me!
48.9m 3h22m @14.5mph 2262ft climb

28/3 & 3/4/10 Two pylon rides with Finn

Two pylon circuits with Finn!
1st one on my old raleigh 'tank' - comfortable but very heavy (did London 2 Paris on this 'Beast')
Finn did well
12.25m 1h5m50s @ 11.1mph

Second ride. This time Finn on Lukes bike & me on my TREK.
12.26m 1h2m50s @ 11.7mph

We have a 1 hour target to beat.
My record was on the morning of Mum's Funeral last June - 39m50s!! Will never be beaten

27/3/10 down & around Northampton

Have looked at this circuit for some time. Finally had good news that I wasnt working on a Sat am!!!! So set off early on a grey day.
Down past Sywell & towards Cogenhoe turning west passing Collingtree Park GC & back via Harlestone. My water ran out, my stomach begged for food but I dug in & got home in good shape & reasonable time.
Was interesting to look to my RIGHT & NORTHWARDS to Northampton - I felt along way from home
46.7m 3h26m @13.6mph 2399ft climb

21/3/10 kelmarsh & back

Previous weekend visitting Polly in Hull so no cycle...
Set out north thru Rothwell & along to Kelmarsh, whizzing back thru Loddington...a fast ride felt good
25.2m 1h38m @ 15.9mph

7/3/10 Titties & back

Working at 1300 so planned to go on a spin with the Kettering CC chaps. In the event they werent at Saisburys (in fact theres a time trial today)
So I thought I'd take advantage of the unusual (but cold) easterly wind & head to Titchmarsh & back. Felt pretty kknackered after 5 miles! But warmed up & returned vis Cranford in pretty good shape
25.2m 1h41 @ 14.3mph

27/2/20 Rothwell/Harrington circuit

Fresh back from a 0-0 draw between Kettering & Rats & Dogs the sun was shining so I thought I'd jump on Belle for a spin.
Within minutes the heavens opened and my bare arms froze in the freezing sleety rain.
The 16 mile circuit felt comfortable once the sun came out & I pushed myself to get back in under the hour.
Frustrated by this long winter - can't wait for summer warm evenings
16.4m 59m40s @ 16.4mph

22/2/10 Icy blasts & cold fronts

So I set up the trainer in the garden & peddled furiously for 75 mins.
Freezing cold and hot sweat dripping down off my nose.
Static isnt much fun but the old legs needed a thrash...
about 18 miles in 1h15m

6/2/10 Snowdrop Audax 79m!

Been looking forward to this event for some time but apprehensive about my lack of training - still it's a chance to clear out some cobwebs and meet up with 3 of the LEJOGGERS again - namely Tim, Andy & Simon.
Set off at 0700 & made it to hartlebury Ind. Est by 0830. Andy & Simon both had new bikes and Tim was on his trusty FOCUS.
We cycled downn to Upton on Avon for the first cafe break & some welcome tea & cake.
From there we headed East to Evesham as the temperature dropped and my legs ran out of energy at about the halfway (38m) point. At the cafe there I took on some welcome carbohydrate (beans on toast) for the final leg.
At this point Tim, Andy & Ron disappeared into the distance leaving me & Simon to toil on with tired legs. We made it even with a 2-3 mile diversion at the end when we got lost.
We were both completely knackered but happy to have made it!
79.5m 5h58m @ 14.2mph