Spin spin sugar

Not much to report today, did a spin class at the gym which was fun. Other than that, just nursed my cuts and bruises which again paled into insignificance next to the big pile up at the end of today's tour stage. C'est la vie.

Blood on the Tracks

Sunday 8th July 2007. A historic day for many reasons. The Tour departed London, I did my second longest ride and had my first off.

Today I rode 115km in just over 4 and half hours, which I thought was pretty good, given I'm still suffering a bit with this cold, until I got back and caught the end of Stage 1 of the Tour - how fit are these guys? My average speed was 28.5kmh top speed 53kmh, I suspect their average is near my top speed!

Sadly I also fell off in a pub car park in Weston sub Edge. I had pulled over to check the map and have some food, but laziness, tiredness whatever I didn't account for the gravel covering the pub car park I pulled into and the bike slipped from under me, planting me on my backside and giving me a nice gravel rash all down my left leg and backside. Fortunately, as I sat nursing my wounds a stereotypically buxom young barmaid displaying acres of cleavage wandered out holding a foaming hosepipe, presumably to water the plants with, but what better to lift a man's spirits? She hosed the blood and gravel from my leg and off I went. Except I didn't because I had failed to check the bike. The front brake was locked on and the levers at a 45 degree angle to true. A bit of tinkering and I was away. That was at 40km, so I still had a long way to go, through Evesham to Pershore and back.

More embarrassingly, I nearly hit an old bloke in a mobility car on Evesham High Street. He pulled across the road in front of me without looking, but the ignomy would have been mine. Fortunately I braked in time.

Anyway, a fabulous ride, made better by the fact that it was a beautiful English summer's day. Blue sky, cool breeze, fluffy white clouds skipping through the sky and quiet roads. BTW - porridge with honey and raisins for breakfast; baked potato and beans when I got back; 2 bananas, 4 water bidons and a power gel on the way round.

Back on the bike

So yesterday was a washout in reality and metaphorically. I was rough as a dog and Beth worked a nightshift which obviously inhibits my activities whilst she catches up on her sleep. Abi was off school ill too, so a right miserable bunch we all were. Anyway, today Beth went to bed I took the opportunity to escape the house with Imogen and took the VW camper van over to the British Volkswagen festival in Malvern, where I finally got my much sought after finger plates for the doors in the autojumble. Much joy on my part (I know, it's sad) and Imogen had fun on the fair, so much joy on her part. When we got home Beth had arisen from slumber, so I took off for a quick blast up Stoneleigh hill, 24km in 45 minutes, largely uphill. I'm getting quicker. And the sun shone, blimey!

Tomorrow I plan to do about 120km now I feel less lethargic. Watch this space for news.

Sick & ill today

Woke up with a raging sore throat and distinct lack of energy. Evidence I suspect of over training, so I did nothing all day. Great.

Actually that's not quite true I counted up and banked the remaining raffle money. The raffle raised a staggering £1308 in total. Thank you.

Monastic enlightenment

Tuesday

51k ride round the lanes and villages of Warwickshire tonight, through Norton Lindsey, Little Alne, Wilmcote (home to Mary Arden) and Snitterfield amongst others. It was raining and windy when I set off, but after half an hour the sun came out and a beautiful evening ensued.

I have to say I found it tough. Not the ride so much physically, but mentally I felt fatigued. Its 9 weeks today that I start on the big ride, so I need to really focus. I think I’m on target physically. I guess I need to be careful not to overdo it. But I’ve realised that I’ve significantly stepped up the amount of exercise I’m doing over the last few weeks, but I’ve done nothing to mitigate this in the rest of my life. I’m still having late nights, drinking, partying etc If I’m not going to blow this I guess I need to make some personal sacrifices and start having some early nights and moderating my lifestyle.

I can party all I like when its over. I have wondered what my attitude will be when (if) I finish. Will I be so smitten by my achievement that I can’t get enough of the bike or will I wish never to sit astride a saddle ever again? We’ll see.

Welcome to my monastic world!

Another week begins...

Monday

Didn’t get out on the bike today, but I did manage a session in the gym. 1500m warm up on the rowing machine, 20 minutes hill climb on the static bike, 10 minutes on the cross trainer and some weights to tighten my moobs.

I noticed there was a half empty spin class going on whilst I was at the gym. So I’ve signed up for Thursday and next Monday. I think the key to staying motivated is to mix up the training regime. For example I’m planning a spin tomorrow (Tuesday) evening, but where to go that I haven’t already been recently?

No cycling this evening because it’s Beth’s end of year presentation at College. I’m so proud of her.

Raffle results

Today we went over to Rugby to Laila's christening (coincidentally in the church across from Bilton School), so no training, but I did get time to have the raffle drawn. The raffle has raised over £1300 for FSID, so I am well on target to raise my total.

Many thanks to all those that bought tickets and helped to support me and FSID. In particular I would like to thank Panasonic UK for donating the first prize of a TV, HM Graphics of Leamington Spa for donating the second prize of a signed limited edition print and Xerox for donating the third prize of a bottle of champagne. The raffle was drawn by Simon Jones, the manager of the Warwickshire Gym, where I train when not out on the bike. I haven't sold any tickets through the gym, so he fitted the bill of someone independent and trustworthy, whilst being in some small way connected.

The winners were:

1st prize James Buckley
2nd prize Rey Cruz
3rd prize Joanna Gallagher


Congratulations to you all and commiserations to those that didn't win. Be satisfied in the knowledge that you have made a real difference to FSID.

Many thanks to everyone who has supported me thus far. The countdown continues!