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...