Getting Stronger

Week 3 of my schedule was interfered with by 4 days work so I only managed 100 miles. I made up for it this week though by breaching the 200 mile barrier even with 2 rest days. Most pleasing was an increase in average speed of 11.6 mph over 56 miles on Tuesday. I definitely feel stronger and although I can feel it in my legs when walking up stairs, once I am on the bike this seems to disappear. I actually got blown off the bike on a particularly windy day. Fortunately, I was going up a hill, cycling partially into a southerly breeze when there was a gap in the hedge that was giving me some shelter. A gust of wind took my wheels from under me and luckily, I managed to get one cleat out of the pedal before going down. It was a quiet country road so no-one saw me and no injuries. Phew!!
Anyway, my plan is 2500 more miles before I go so I hope the weather is ok tomorrow.
Saturday and Sunday are enforcd non-cycling days as I am off to Stafford for a Royal Doulton fair.
Total mileage so far = 605.
http://www.justgiving.com/Ian-Peden

An interesting week

Well, I had 86 miles under my belt over the weekend and on Monday decided to explore some of the 'Cyclone' route (by car with bike in the back). Oh dear, the first hill that actually had a sign telling me how steep it was said 20%. That is almost vertical! I came upon several similar offerings and eventually stopped at a tiny hamlet called Netherwitton. I got the bike out and by the time I had done a couple of miles I had to get off and push the bike up a shortish but incredibly steep hill. By the time I had done 4 miles, I came upon a very long steep downhill section that I knew I could not cycle back up so I turned around, having taken 30 minutes to get there. I got back in a mere 16 minutes including clocking 34mph down the section I had to push the bike up! I was working on Tuesday so on Wednesday I drove to Amble and did the 44 mile return trip to Beadnell at an average speed of 11mph though at least I stayed on the bike all the way!. That makes 140 for the week so I am a little below target caused by the Netherwitton adventure. I stayed off today as it was too wet and will make up for it over Saturday and Sunday both of which have a better forecast and higher temperatures. I am working at Harrogate next week so will be confined to the gym until next weekend.

Sunshine on my shoulders makes me happy

To echo the words of the late John Denver.
Several days of sunny but cold weather has accelerated the training and I have completed 156 miles in the past week over 5 cycling days, so mission accomplished. Mrs P has made me buy some Man Moisturising Cream in case my face gets covered in broken veins by the exposure to our climate. (Personally, I thought it was the exposure to Talisker or indeed any other Malt that was responsible but what do I know?). For all you metrosexuals out there, I have purchased Lacura from Aldi (surprise surprise) for a wallet shattering £1.99. If i start to look younger I will let you know. I have been having a look at the route of the Northern Rock Cyclone cycling event. It seems suitably hilly and once I have several hundred more miles in my legs, I will give it a go. Fingers crossed for continued good weather. I was going to have a day off tomorrow but sunshine is again forecast so it would be a shame not to go out. I haven't had to resort to the udder cream as yet so clearly Mr Brooks's leather saddle is doing a fine job. I think I will give it a try without the padding (but not too far, just in case). I am going to indulge in some self punishment this evening by watching Scotland's friendly with the Czech republic. I fear the worst but, being a Scot, hope springs eternal.