Some photos uploaded from the trip- at following link-
(I havent edited them at all so some might be wrong way round etc.)
http://www.box.net/shared/maop4qxlm8
Tuesday, 9 September 2008
Final Stats
Due to popular demand- final details worked out from the week- (I have worked these out from my bike computer and maps and I dont have GPS, so they arent 100% accurate, but probably not far off.)
Over the 6 days:
Total distance- 579 kilometres (291.5 miles)
Total ascending of roughly 17,000 metres (about 57000foot.)
Day 1- 85k 1697metres ascent
Day 2- 69k 1810 m ascent and an hours run (about 11k)
Day 3- 97k- 2074 m ascsent
Day 4- 83k- 2285 m ascsent
Day 5- 122k- 4050m ascent
Day 6- 123k- 5580m ascent
Over the 6 days:
Total distance- 579 kilometres (291.5 miles)
Total ascending of roughly 17,000 metres (about 57000foot.)
Day 1- 85k 1697metres ascent
Day 2- 69k 1810 m ascent and an hours run (about 11k)
Day 3- 97k- 2074 m ascsent
Day 4- 83k- 2285 m ascsent
Day 5- 122k- 4050m ascent
Day 6- 123k- 5580m ascent
Saturday, 30 August 2008
29th Aug - Day Six
Finished!!!
Last day - set out from Briancon, 20k up to the Lauteret then the famous Galivier - hard and steep near the top but incredible views down both valleys.
Had my only scary moment of the week on descent. Nearly went into the back of a Renault but managed to escape OK in the end.
Lovely long drop down the valley to Chambon Barrage apart from the tunnels! Decided to climb 2 Alpes and pay respects to Mr Pantani. Nice quiet climb up and descent back to Barrage. Met some of the others for lunch before going down to Bourg d'Oisans and final climb up Alpe d'Huez. Agony all the way up due to heat and gradient, but made it with the support of the team sat cheering at a bar near the top!
Timed myself at 1 hr 18. 76 miles for the day. A coke then a few beers to recover after whilst watching every one else finish!
Last day - set out from Briancon, 20k up to the Lauteret then the famous Galivier - hard and steep near the top but incredible views down both valleys.
Had my only scary moment of the week on descent. Nearly went into the back of a Renault but managed to escape OK in the end.
Lovely long drop down the valley to Chambon Barrage apart from the tunnels! Decided to climb 2 Alpes and pay respects to Mr Pantani. Nice quiet climb up and descent back to Barrage. Met some of the others for lunch before going down to Bourg d'Oisans and final climb up Alpe d'Huez. Agony all the way up due to heat and gradient, but made it with the support of the team sat cheering at a bar near the top!
Timed myself at 1 hr 18. 76 miles for the day. A coke then a few beers to recover after whilst watching every one else finish!
Thursday, 28 August 2008
28 Aug - Day Five
A crazy day for cyling, very hot, sunny and humid! 38 degrees when set off from Susa.
13 miles climbing at 9.2 per cent. The final 5 miles of the climb were on a gravel track - madness! Refreshed with madelines and bananas. We went up valley to Sestriere for pizza and over the Montgenevre into France and descent to Briancon.
While the others went to shower and chill I went up the Col d'Izoard to try out another legendary tour climb - tough but incredible scenery and some nice Dutch cyclists took my pic at the top. Lovely descent to Briancon again and dinner with beer.
Today 76.86 miles. Not sure how much climbing, will have to work it out, probably over 3k metres. Last day tomorrow - Galibier and Alpe d'Huez. Hope also to do 2 alpes.
No beans on toast yet but some great food.
13 miles climbing at 9.2 per cent. The final 5 miles of the climb were on a gravel track - madness! Refreshed with madelines and bananas. We went up valley to Sestriere for pizza and over the Montgenevre into France and descent to Briancon.
While the others went to shower and chill I went up the Col d'Izoard to try out another legendary tour climb - tough but incredible scenery and some nice Dutch cyclists took my pic at the top. Lovely descent to Briancon again and dinner with beer.
Today 76.86 miles. Not sure how much climbing, will have to work it out, probably over 3k metres. Last day tomorrow - Galibier and Alpe d'Huez. Hope also to do 2 alpes.
No beans on toast yet but some great food.
27 Aug - Day Four
Another incredibly hot sunny day. Hard climb from Val D'Isere but not long. Good descent into the beautiful Arc Valley. Then up the difficult Col du Mont Cenis for lunch of tartiflette overlooking the spectacular lake. About 25k fast descent into Susa. Very hot and humid in Italy. Search for ice cream and pizza!
Tuesday, 26 August 2008
26 Aug - Day Three
A hard day's cycling. Albertville to Cormet De Roseland - 44k uphill. Then down the valley for a quick lunch and climbing up to Hauteville which was a killer. Up to Val d'Isere to finish us off!
The hardest day cycling I've ever had and very hot but amazing scenery. Tomorrow into Italy and another 100k with lots of up hills. Still haven't seen a marmot or beans on toast!!
The hardest day cycling I've ever had and very hot but amazing scenery. Tomorrow into Italy and another 100k with lots of up hills. Still haven't seen a marmot or beans on toast!!
Monday, 25 August 2008
25 Aug - Day Two
A short stage, so a few of us took a diversion up the Col de Croix Fry which was really nice but a bit tough at 9 o'clock straight after breakfast.
Rest of the day was nice without being too hard. Really nice descents although one guy did fall and damaged his face on a wall. Luckily he is ok. Got back early so went into town for lunch - Albertville. And then went for a run up to a medieval village and church.
Rest of day spent in pool and preparing for a long day tomorrow. Forecast is good. Tan is building, but some stripes!
Rest of the day was nice without being too hard. Really nice descents although one guy did fall and damaged his face on a wall. Luckily he is ok. Got back early so went into town for lunch - Albertville. And then went for a run up to a medieval village and church.
Rest of day spent in pool and preparing for a long day tomorrow. Forecast is good. Tan is building, but some stripes!
Sunday, 24 August 2008
24 Aug - Day One
Amazing hot weather and lovely rolling roads. 63 miles from Annecy and over the Col de la Colombiere to Le Grand Bornand. The Colombiere started off OK but got harder and worse at the top. 18k. Had to stop for sandwich and coke and the top.
Passed through a puppet festival in a village on the way down and here there is a games and music festival in the streets.
Hotel is fantastic. Pool, spa, sauna etc. Room has two balconies and amazing views. Hope people are donating as we are sweating blood up the hills here!
Passed through a puppet festival in a village on the way down and here there is a games and music festival in the streets.
Hotel is fantastic. Pool, spa, sauna etc. Room has two balconies and amazing views. Hope people are donating as we are sweating blood up the hills here!
Saturday, 23 August 2008
23 Aug
Not even day one yet and it's been a challenge for some people already. Our plane landed at Geneva OK but all the other flights were diverted to Lyon due to a problem. So we waited ages for others to arrive before getting to Annecy. Even now at 11pm some have only just got here to the hotel.
Food is good, but the view from the window is platform 4 at the train station! Hoping tomorrow goes smoothly.
Weather forecast is good so far.
Food is good, but the view from the window is platform 4 at the train station! Hoping tomorrow goes smoothly.
Weather forecast is good so far.
Thursday, 21 August 2008
22/8/08 Radio Leeds
I've been asked to be interviewed on BBC radio Leeds in the morning- so have to be up early and travel over there. I need to get some notes together so that I can publisise my cause and make sure I'm not sidetracked and end up talking about the gulf war or the credit crunch or something.
If anyone wants to listen I think I'm on at about 930- 10 o clock ish.
If anyone wants to listen I think I'm on at about 930- 10 o clock ish.
19/8/08
Last ride on the bike before packing it up ready for the alps! I wanted to try everything out before going- I put some new bar tape on, new chain and wanted to make sure I wouldnt have any accidents with the new pedals!
I decided after work that I would ride out to Cragg Vale and up the hill to the White house pub- this is the longest continuous inclide in England supossedly, so would be a nice test without going too far from home.
Everything running very smoothly. Only a few adjustments needed. I even managed to avoid the rain- which came down after I got home, for a change! The last half an hour was in darkness which I didnt expect and only had a rear light, so was risking things a bit.
I now have to see if the bike will fit in its bag and my clothes in the case, and make sure I don't forget anything important- like passport or savlon!
I decided after work that I would ride out to Cragg Vale and up the hill to the White house pub- this is the longest continuous inclide in England supossedly, so would be a nice test without going too far from home.
Everything running very smoothly. Only a few adjustments needed. I even managed to avoid the rain- which came down after I got home, for a change! The last half an hour was in darkness which I didnt expect and only had a rear light, so was risking things a bit.
I now have to see if the bike will fit in its bag and my clothes in the case, and make sure I don't forget anything important- like passport or savlon!
Webcams
I've added a link to a Val d'Isere webcam on the right hand side. There are lots of webcams in the ski resorts where I will be cycling and its a nice way to see what the weather is like and whats going on in the mountain resorts. This one is good as its very wide angle and you can see any storms approaching!!
Tuesday, 12 August 2008
Pedals- 9/8/08
I don't know if I'm losing it, or if there is a strange theif operating in my area- 2 things have gone missing this week- a seive (which I needed to make some cake) and my pedals!! I actually think I left the pedals in the car park in Staveley after my training ride, but I am sure I put them in the car boot!
Anyway Mark M came out cycling with me on Saturday- I didnt want to cancel so used some old pedals instead- I have several pairs. The only problem is that the old pedals are rubbish and my feet kept slipping out of them, and when I set off from a junction my feet wouldnt go back in!!
Somehow I did manage to make it through Holmfirth and up Holme Moss, back via Thurstonland and in the rain through Huddersfield. In all just under 50 miles. Not sure if Mark was amused or frustrated at having to wait every now and then, but we seemed to get through ok.
We also managed a sort of car chase with an annoyed old man!! At a junction we almost hit the bonnet of a car which was pulling out in front of us!! Having shouted at the driver we carried on, but then realized he was annoyed at us- why I am not sure (maybe he doesnt like having his driving skills examined?) For some strange reason he overtook us- shouted a bit, and then put his brakes on and went slow in front of us for about a mile- we thought it was quite funny and was wondering what he might do next. He decided to turn at the next junction but before he did he managed to shout something bad mouthed at us, which we had a laugh about.
not many training rides left now- will be going to France on 23rd, so last minute preparations! watch this space for more details.
Anyway Mark M came out cycling with me on Saturday- I didnt want to cancel so used some old pedals instead- I have several pairs. The only problem is that the old pedals are rubbish and my feet kept slipping out of them, and when I set off from a junction my feet wouldnt go back in!!
Somehow I did manage to make it through Holmfirth and up Holme Moss, back via Thurstonland and in the rain through Huddersfield. In all just under 50 miles. Not sure if Mark was amused or frustrated at having to wait every now and then, but we seemed to get through ok.
We also managed a sort of car chase with an annoyed old man!! At a junction we almost hit the bonnet of a car which was pulling out in front of us!! Having shouted at the driver we carried on, but then realized he was annoyed at us- why I am not sure (maybe he doesnt like having his driving skills examined?) For some strange reason he overtook us- shouted a bit, and then put his brakes on and went slow in front of us for about a mile- we thought it was quite funny and was wondering what he might do next. He decided to turn at the next junction but before he did he managed to shout something bad mouthed at us, which we had a laugh about.
not many training rides left now- will be going to France on 23rd, so last minute preparations! watch this space for more details.
Monday, 4 August 2008
Eventful weekend part 2
Part 2 is Sunday morning- after a few bottles of beer on Sat Night I decided to join some of Halifax Harriers for a run on Sunday am. One of Raymond's specials- about 22 miles. I thought it was a bit too much for me, but decided to go anyway and take it steady. Following a missed turning we added a few miles- not sure if this was Ray taking the 'no pain no gain' a bit too far or a genuine mistake!
The last half hour getting back was quite tough and after about 24 ½ miles we made it back- I feel a bit sorry for Mark's dog Green, who ran with us, although she didnt seem bothered and was chasing a stick as we collapsed in the car park.
Well- a good weekend for training if nothing else!
The last half hour getting back was quite tough and after about 24 ½ miles we made it back- I feel a bit sorry for Mark's dog Green, who ran with us, although she didnt seem bothered and was chasing a stick as we collapsed in the car park.
Well- a good weekend for training if nothing else!
2/8/08 Eventful Weekend
Having sold my car on Friday night the first challenge was to find transport to get me and my bike to Staveley for the Guide Dogs training run, on Saturday. Luckily my good friend Mark offered me his Saab for the day which was excellent. In my usual style I was rushing around at 730 trying to pump tyres up, find tools and clean cycle clothing in time to get going. Eventually I got the bike and everything else into the car and went- a bit late. We were due to meet at Wheelbase cycles at 930. When I saw signs for Kendal 8 miles and it was about 925 I did panic a bit, but managed to get there before everyone set off.
Then came a slight problem- I had attached my bike lock to the frame, but couldnt find the key for it!! I searched in the car, in bags, in my shoes, in the glove box, but could not find anything! I then realized in my hurry that I left the keys in the kitchen- oh dear. There was no way I could cycle with the lock on the bike- so we kindly asked the bike shop if they could help- they reckoned it might take them an hour with an angle grinder or maybe longer! In the end they tried a car jack to prise it off- wearing safety goggles and a scared look on the faces the workshop boys gave it their best shot- but it appears 2 tons is not not enough force- maybe 5 would do it?
Anyway the other option was for them to lend me a demo bike- so 10 minutes later a guy turned up with a £2500 Trek Madone and put my pedals on it! All the staff then seemed to have a scared look on their faces! I was told- just make sure you don't break it! And they promptly took my credit card details in case I did break it. (they didnt realize that I only have £600 limit on it!)
To cut a long story short I took the bike and went- I needed a lift in a land rover to catch up the other guys who were about 6 miles up the road- but from then on the day went well. I was comforted by the fact the other riders were of a similar attitude and level as me- and the ride was really relaxed with lots of breaks.
Even though I didnt do the full ride I still got something out of it and feel pretty excited about going to France now. I did feel guilty about taking a muddy trek bike back to the shop and not being charged anything! I am going to make a donation for the amount that I should have paid for the hire and the labour of the guys at Wheelbase.
A succesful day in the end and I even got well fed (cheese scones, chocolate, nectarines, raspberries,) and taken to the pub for a real ale afterwards. Not sure if that will happen in France?
Then came a slight problem- I had attached my bike lock to the frame, but couldnt find the key for it!! I searched in the car, in bags, in my shoes, in the glove box, but could not find anything! I then realized in my hurry that I left the keys in the kitchen- oh dear. There was no way I could cycle with the lock on the bike- so we kindly asked the bike shop if they could help- they reckoned it might take them an hour with an angle grinder or maybe longer! In the end they tried a car jack to prise it off- wearing safety goggles and a scared look on the faces the workshop boys gave it their best shot- but it appears 2 tons is not not enough force- maybe 5 would do it?
Anyway the other option was for them to lend me a demo bike- so 10 minutes later a guy turned up with a £2500 Trek Madone and put my pedals on it! All the staff then seemed to have a scared look on their faces! I was told- just make sure you don't break it! And they promptly took my credit card details in case I did break it. (they didnt realize that I only have £600 limit on it!)
To cut a long story short I took the bike and went- I needed a lift in a land rover to catch up the other guys who were about 6 miles up the road- but from then on the day went well. I was comforted by the fact the other riders were of a similar attitude and level as me- and the ride was really relaxed with lots of breaks.
Even though I didnt do the full ride I still got something out of it and feel pretty excited about going to France now. I did feel guilty about taking a muddy trek bike back to the shop and not being charged anything! I am going to make a donation for the amount that I should have paid for the hire and the labour of the guys at Wheelbase.
A succesful day in the end and I even got well fed (cheese scones, chocolate, nectarines, raspberries,) and taken to the pub for a real ale afterwards. Not sure if that will happen in France?
Sunday, 27 July 2008
Holme Moss 27/7
Lovely hot weather at last- warranted a really good cycle. From my Mum and Dads near Ponte- fuelled with porridge and honey. My plan was to go the scenic route to Holme Moss (High Hoyland, Upper Denby etc.) and then direct through New Mill and Wakefield on way home.
Once I had dragged myself up to the summit at Holme Moss I decided to carry on through Penistone and Barnsley- not realizing its actually quite a long way.
I'm going to try and post a few pics- I asked a nice bloke with a pipe to take my picture at the summit and his wife seemed a bit concerned at how far I was going.
The descent down to the reservoir was really good- I never remembered how straight it actually is- I always thought you had to brake more- but actually in the dry its nice and easy- unless you come face to face with the odd nutter driver trying to overtake.
The journey back was better than expected and I only really got tired getting into Barnsley, although had to stop for a Mums home made scone and jam to keep me going, and ran out of drink.
I'd forgotten how rough parts of Barnsley can be- and although Lundwood was quiet, a couple of young chav mothers with buggys threatened to 'Ram me off the road' and called me a 'b*s*ard' which was pleasant- considering all I did was ride past them when they were hoping to cross the road!
Tired and hot when I got back- so got my feet straight into the paddling pool and chilled out in the garden for a while.
Next stop- training ride in the lakes next saturday.
Once I had dragged myself up to the summit at Holme Moss I decided to carry on through Penistone and Barnsley- not realizing its actually quite a long way.
I'm going to try and post a few pics- I asked a nice bloke with a pipe to take my picture at the summit and his wife seemed a bit concerned at how far I was going.
The descent down to the reservoir was really good- I never remembered how straight it actually is- I always thought you had to brake more- but actually in the dry its nice and easy- unless you come face to face with the odd nutter driver trying to overtake.
The journey back was better than expected and I only really got tired getting into Barnsley, although had to stop for a Mums home made scone and jam to keep me going, and ran out of drink.
I'd forgotten how rough parts of Barnsley can be- and although Lundwood was quiet, a couple of young chav mothers with buggys threatened to 'Ram me off the road' and called me a 'b*s*ard' which was pleasant- considering all I did was ride past them when they were hoping to cross the road!
Tired and hot when I got back- so got my feet straight into the paddling pool and chilled out in the garden for a while.
Next stop- training ride in the lakes next saturday.
Friday, 25 July 2008
22/7/08 Dales- Hawes
The forecast was for a bright day with some sun and warm. Setting off towards Ingleton I was inside the clouds and getting a bit damp! They didnt tell me about the wind either- the route that I took was a tailwing to begin with and then headwind a lot of the way coming back- so not that nice.
I made really good time going out towards Ribblehead, not much of a view - just mist on what is normally a lovely scenic ride!
Almost ran over some tourists with ice cream at Ribblehead- trying to cross the road!
Once on the tops the descent into Hawes was fantastic- even though wind was a bit blustery. The sun even came out for a while.
Hawes was a massive shock- going from countryside with a few sheep to a market town full of crazy tourists! (mostly over 70!) I took a detour to Burtersett and Gayle to add a few miles on, check out a campsite and wait for the cafe to get quiet. Beans on Toast and milky tea was lovely, and listening to conversations about the best chippies and tea rooms in the dales was entertaining.
Bloated and into a headwind back towards Ribblehead- not as much fun, but when I eventually turned for Settle I could get back up to speed- get my head down in the fog until Giggleswick.
The killer hill on the way out of Settle tested my low gears and aching legs, but it was worth it all when I got back to Sauvignon blanc and an incredible massage, oh and the juicy-est fruit salad ever with natural yoghurt!
In all about 55 miles- some good conditioning and a nice break away from day to day life!
Next planned ride- probably holme moss- to test out the long long climb that never seems to end!
I made really good time going out towards Ribblehead, not much of a view - just mist on what is normally a lovely scenic ride!
Almost ran over some tourists with ice cream at Ribblehead- trying to cross the road!
Once on the tops the descent into Hawes was fantastic- even though wind was a bit blustery. The sun even came out for a while.
Hawes was a massive shock- going from countryside with a few sheep to a market town full of crazy tourists! (mostly over 70!) I took a detour to Burtersett and Gayle to add a few miles on, check out a campsite and wait for the cafe to get quiet. Beans on Toast and milky tea was lovely, and listening to conversations about the best chippies and tea rooms in the dales was entertaining.
Bloated and into a headwind back towards Ribblehead- not as much fun, but when I eventually turned for Settle I could get back up to speed- get my head down in the fog until Giggleswick.
The killer hill on the way out of Settle tested my low gears and aching legs, but it was worth it all when I got back to Sauvignon blanc and an incredible massage, oh and the juicy-est fruit salad ever with natural yoghurt!
In all about 55 miles- some good conditioning and a nice break away from day to day life!
Next planned ride- probably holme moss- to test out the long long climb that never seems to end!
Monday, 21 July 2008
Dales ride- 22/7/08
Seeing as the weather is so nice today, and I have a few days off- I am going to attempt a long ride tomorrow in the Dales- heading up to Hawes and maybe stopping for a coffee and lunch up there before heading back.
Hoping for sun and calmness. Will also try and take some pice, if I can find a bag that my camera fits in.
Will post some photos when I can. Unfortunately do not have internet access, except in my lunch hour at work!
Hoping for sun and calmness. Will also try and take some pice, if I can find a bag that my camera fits in.
Will post some photos when I can. Unfortunately do not have internet access, except in my lunch hour at work!
20/7/08
At last a nice sunny day out on the bike- a couple of hours round Howarth/ Oakworth area with Dale.
Nice weather, although very windy, and we seemed to choose a route with lots of steep hills!
I'm beginning to think that I am better at watching cycling on TV than actually doing cycling. But still persevering with it, as it will be worth it when I get in the alps. I just hope there are plenty of Cafe stops for breaks! (not sure if I could get beans on toast in Tignes though? maybe thats a challenge for me- see how many French cafe/ bars there are where I can get beans on toast and a milky tea!!)
Nice weather, although very windy, and we seemed to choose a route with lots of steep hills!
I'm beginning to think that I am better at watching cycling on TV than actually doing cycling. But still persevering with it, as it will be worth it when I get in the alps. I just hope there are plenty of Cafe stops for breaks! (not sure if I could get beans on toast in Tignes though? maybe thats a challenge for me- see how many French cafe/ bars there are where I can get beans on toast and a milky tea!!)
Wednesday, 16 July 2008
Back to reality 16/7/08
Haven't had internet access for a few days, so no updates.
Unfortunately no cycling. I have been sampling the sea air in sunny (and rainy) Scarborough- catching up with old friends- and younger ones.
Ended the weekend eating Scones at my Mum and Dads and feeling quite bloated and guilty for the lack of exercise and being greedy!! Although apparently scones are fairly good on the whole- just don't mention the prononciation of them!
Havent felt so good over last few days- headaches and sinus problems- maybe allergies? But getting through it now.
Got back to running yesterday- 2hours 50 back from Leeds office, in the sunshine which was nice.
I am running tonight and then spending a few days concentrating on the cycling.
2 new tyres have been donated- they were found under the floorboards in the hall!! (although with tags and brand new!)
Unfortunately no cycling. I have been sampling the sea air in sunny (and rainy) Scarborough- catching up with old friends- and younger ones.
Ended the weekend eating Scones at my Mum and Dads and feeling quite bloated and guilty for the lack of exercise and being greedy!! Although apparently scones are fairly good on the whole- just don't mention the prononciation of them!
Havent felt so good over last few days- headaches and sinus problems- maybe allergies? But getting through it now.
Got back to running yesterday- 2hours 50 back from Leeds office, in the sunshine which was nice.
I am running tonight and then spending a few days concentrating on the cycling.
2 new tyres have been donated- they were found under the floorboards in the hall!! (although with tags and brand new!)
Thursday, 10 July 2008
9/7/08 Rain!
Horrible day for weather, so decided to do a long run rather than out on bike. Partly due to weather, but also the fact that 1 of my tyres got split last week- so I replaced it with a spare (which is basically knackered anyway.) and my front tyre now has a big bulge in it as well- which just about managed 30 miles the other day- but goodness knows how!
I'm off to Scarborough at the weekend, but won't have enough time for cycling, so will try and run a little bit to keep my fitness- and offset alcohol intake!
Wednesday, 9 July 2008
8/7/08 Improvement
I managed a decent training ride last night, and even the weather was better. I did get rained on, but only for about half an hour, so much better than last weeks.
No Jason to spur me on this time, so just tried to keep the legs going and battle against the wind!
I was dissapointed to have to use my lowest gear- which is very low. But it was up a steep hill at Luddenden so not too bad.
Rode round some of my favourite places- Oxenhope, Hebden Bridge area, and with the weather it was quite amazing scenery- like something from a biscuit tin, or cover of Yorkshire life!
I still managed to be overtaken by another cyclist - although he was under 70 years old and had zero percent body fat, so I'll let him off!
No Jason to spur me on this time, so just tried to keep the legs going and battle against the wind!
I was dissapointed to have to use my lowest gear- which is very low. But it was up a steep hill at Luddenden so not too bad.
Rode round some of my favourite places- Oxenhope, Hebden Bridge area, and with the weather it was quite amazing scenery- like something from a biscuit tin, or cover of Yorkshire life!
I still managed to be overtaken by another cyclist - although he was under 70 years old and had zero percent body fat, so I'll let him off!
Photos
I am getting some photos uploaded to the site soon- partly so that you can see a 'before and after' - any something to remember me by if I don't make it past the col du Galibier!!
Support
As you might expect- I need as much support as possible for this challenge.
Please can anyone let me know if you can help in any way- not just financial.
If anyone fancies joining me on a training ride, or wants to join me spinning at the Gym- just get in touch.
Any advice or words of encouragement welcome. (some advice I've had so far- the Alps aren't steep hills- they just go on and on for miles! and about saddle sore- 'make sure you smear lots of savlon all over your b*lls and a*se and you'll be fine!')
I'll probably need to beg steal or borrow a few items before I go away- at the moment I'm short of tyres, tubes, a good pump, rain cape and a few other bits and bats, so let me know if you can lend me anything.
Anyway- post anything you think may help under 'support.'
Thank you.
Please can anyone let me know if you can help in any way- not just financial.
If anyone fancies joining me on a training ride, or wants to join me spinning at the Gym- just get in touch.
Any advice or words of encouragement welcome. (some advice I've had so far- the Alps aren't steep hills- they just go on and on for miles! and about saddle sore- 'make sure you smear lots of savlon all over your b*lls and a*se and you'll be fine!')
I'll probably need to beg steal or borrow a few items before I go away- at the moment I'm short of tyres, tubes, a good pump, rain cape and a few other bits and bats, so let me know if you can lend me anything.
Anyway- post anything you think may help under 'support.'
Thank you.
Tuesday, 8 July 2008
Struggling a bit
I've picked up a bit of a cold so feel like I'm struggling. Added to this I haven't slept an awful lot so not really feeling like training.
I managed a few long runs at the weekend whilst staying with my mum and dad, but ate a lot more sugary foods than I should have done and haven't felt good for it!
I've also picked upa bit of a thigh strain that I'm trying to find streches for, as its really bugging me!
Anyway- staying positive I am going on the bike tonight and hoping for better weather than last week.
On sponsorship- I'm getting an article in a work publication, and a friend is going to sponsor me £15 if I can get a tee shirt with an andrex puppy on it!!
Monday, 7 July 2008
Training has started
I thought it must be about time to start training on the bike. Unfortunately I am the sort of person who leaves things until the last minute, and thinks- 'I'll do them nearer the time!' My only training on the bike this year has been to meetings in Leeds occasionally. I know I have decent fitness from running and have lost a lot of weight this year, so have not been too worried.
My First proper ride out- last Tuesday night with friend Jason- Things did not go to plan!!
After about ½ a mile I was left way behind and struggled to keep up everytime the road started to go up at all!
After about 30 minutes climbing up onto the moors- the black clouds appeared and we had to endure torrential rain! Through knee deep puddles, spray and stinging eyes we struggled on, and even decided against an easy short cut!! about 40 something miles later, wet, dirty and a bit annoyed we made it back to civilisation as we knew it! Then disaster struck again! A puncture about half a mile away from home- big hole in the tyre! SO I had to walk up hill in cycling shoes in the rain until home eventually! I was hoping this would be good mental training- what doesnt kill you only makes you stronger? or 'no pain no gain' according to Mr Hall! whatever it was Jason still seemed to have a grin on his face, which didnt make me feel much better.
Still after a beer, some tea and sleep life goes on.
Whats next I don't know- maybe I should stick to running after all?
That £1500 is still on my mind though.
My First proper ride out- last Tuesday night with friend Jason- Things did not go to plan!!
After about ½ a mile I was left way behind and struggled to keep up everytime the road started to go up at all!
After about 30 minutes climbing up onto the moors- the black clouds appeared and we had to endure torrential rain! Through knee deep puddles, spray and stinging eyes we struggled on, and even decided against an easy short cut!! about 40 something miles later, wet, dirty and a bit annoyed we made it back to civilisation as we knew it! Then disaster struck again! A puncture about half a mile away from home- big hole in the tyre! SO I had to walk up hill in cycling shoes in the rain until home eventually! I was hoping this would be good mental training- what doesnt kill you only makes you stronger? or 'no pain no gain' according to Mr Hall! whatever it was Jason still seemed to have a grin on his face, which didnt make me feel much better.
Still after a beer, some tea and sleep life goes on.
Whats next I don't know- maybe I should stick to running after all?
That £1500 is still on my mind though.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
