27th February ...round Kettering...

Managed to persuade Luke to get up early!!
Michiel came over for 0830 and we set off North, planning to circumnavigate kettering, this time taking in the Addigtons. A cold grey day, not much wind, and we made goo progress through Rothwell, down to Lamport & Finedon. At this point we headed for home as Luke's knee was hurting & he bravely made it home! Well done...his first +30 mile ride!!
30.2m 2h31m @ 12mph 1416ft climb

Snowdrop Audax 19th February 2011

Here we go again - the season starter and this time unfortunately without Tim who was at home with a nasty flu bug.
As I arrived having battled through the rain, Sehwag was hitting the first ball of the Cricket World Cup (went on to make 175!) and as I parked up Andy was spotted! I soon saw Simon in his shorts - the brave lad! Thankfully the rain stayed pretty much away but we were soon soaked & splattered with cow shit!!
Along with Simon & Andy we also met up with, but couldnt keep up with, Rob & ?Dave - mates of Tim.
I carried out my plan to miss out on the Upton cake stop, and taking a short cut to the cafe at Evesham. Last year the Upton to Evesham section took all the power from my legs. This time I had time for a decent lunch and the 28 miles back to base were enjoyable - I even managed to conquer the nasty hill 5 miles out from the finish.
A good start to 2011.....
64.8m 4h26 @14.6mph ~3000ft climb(altimeter froze!) TOTAL for 2011 - 165m

Wed 2nd February HAPPY BIRTHDAY SAM!!

Took Belle in for a service. Sure enough after 3500 miles the chain & rear sprocket are knackered, along with the middle front sprocket too.
She'll get a strip & clean & new handlebar tape (original still ripped from the July 2009 Blackpool accident!)

30th January Kettering CC

Another short Sunday morning ride as I ease my legs back into action after this neverending freezing bleeding winter!
Headed up to Brixworth & down to Islip & back via Slipton. Managed to kick on quite well for the last few miles. Belles gears a bit clunky & rear brake slightly jammed...time for a service.
Home shower, picked up Luke from Cricket training(!) & on the way back rescued Old Tom who'd had a puncture!
22m ?h?m @ 16mph

23rd January Short Kettering CC ride

Six riders met at Sainsburys. Tom & Evelyn had a lunch meeting so a shorter ride was done. Out to Geddington, up to Great Oakley, Pipewell & back via Geddington. Nice little stretch of the old legs - turning cold again BOOOOO!

20m ?h?m @ 15mph

Heard that Simon is doing coast to coast......of the USA in April. Schedule looks gruelling to say the least..respect to that man...take care & stay safe. I'm sure you'll eat & DRINK well

http://c2cmac.blogspot.com/

16th Jan second outing of 2011 blustery sprint!

Watched the end of Watson's terrific innings at Melbourne & dragged myself out on a blustery but mild day.
Legs but stiff & 'rusty' - need to get some miles in before the AUDAX on 19th Feb
Tough stretch out through Rothwell to Harrington. Stuck with 2 fellas from Broughton into the headwind to 'farpoint' Then turned for home & flew along at 22+mph down through Loddington & home.
great to be out on Belle again, and out on Belle without various appendages freezing to death!! Roll on the Spring & some longer rides...
16m 1h5m @ 15.2mph

2nd January 2011 Kettering CC outing

hello 2011!!
Decided to make the most of the break in the frosty weather
In the event only David & Norbeth(?) turned up but they dragged me along at a good rate to Islip, up to Brigstock then around Corby via Deene & straight down the A6003 home!
Chilly & no wind, the old (nearly 52!) legs got a good workout
37.1m 2h19m @ 15.9mph 1548ft climb