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.
Sunday, 27 July 2008
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.
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