John's Race For Chase - LEJOG in 5 Days!

The Event!

2008-07-09T14:48:00.000-07:00

Hi!

Last week I was amongst a team of 8 riders and a fantastic support crew that took on the challenge of cycling from Land’s End to John O’Groats in five days – in memory of a wonderful little boy – Fraser, and to raise money for CHASE hospice care for children who took care of him and his family during his short life.

We set out at 5:49am on Sunday 29 June, cycling over 200 miles on the first day along the A30 and A38 to get to Bristol. The next day we were up at 5am and out by 6am for the ride to Chester, via Gloucester and Shropshire.

Day three saw the team making the journey from the North West, through the lake district, over Shap, and on into Scotland! Day four was about survival, a long slog through Scotland across the Forth Road Bridge, through Perth to somewhere near Aviemore, cycling the last 2 hours in torrential rain!

The last day, in glorious sunshine, saw us tackle the far North East coast of Scotland with a head wind and some wicked accents! We made it into John O’Groats at 8:50pm after 880 miles cycling, 52.25 hours on the bike and approaching 750,000 wheel revolutions averaging about 16.5mph!

Click on the link to see my photos of our event
There is also a blog of the event as it happened

Finally, thank you to everyone who sponsored us!

But if you haven’t sponsored us, please remember – we didn’t do it for fun – we did it to raise money to support for families with life limited children – every penny you can spare will go to a great cause – thanks for your support!!

To find out information about the event and CHASE and to donate visit the website

Well Done Dad!

2008-07-05T12:47:00.000-07:00

Isobel, Joe and Amy made Daddy a special cake for finishing the ride! There are pictures of Daddy and Iain on their bikes, and Mummy in a plane flying to Inverness! A farmer and a heart! Thanks kids! x x x

The event blog...

2008-06-28T05:07:00.000-07:00

We will be posting regular updates to the following blog...

http://www.raceforchase2008.blogspot.com

Photo with Roger Black...

2008-06-28T05:04:00.000-07:00

At CHASE before we set off...

Support team in action...

2008-06-27T12:45:00.000-07:00

While the riders relax there is no rest for the support team!

Gilly spots a vaseline opportunity...

2008-06-27T12:27:00.000-07:00

Hopefully I won't be needing too much of this!

Last kiss before I go!

2008-06-27T11:45:00.000-07:00

Time to go! See you on Thursday. I love you Clare!

Last minute essentials!

2008-06-27T04:28:00.000-07:00

Vaseline, malt loaf, nuts, sun cream...

Following the Event?

2008-06-27T01:56:00.000-07:00

There are a couple of ways you can keep in touch with how we are getting on next week:

Updates on the Race For CHASE website (http://www.raceforchase.co.uk)
Updates on the Race For CHASE Blog (http://raceforchase2008.blogspot.com)

I'll probably be posting stuff to my blog too!!

It's all very quiet!

2008-06-27T01:45:00.000-07:00

I've just got back from taking Isobel, Joe and Amy to school, the last time I'll see them for over a week! Big hugs as they took their Race For CHASE posters into school to show their teachers what Daddy is doing next week!

Isobel has her cycling proficiency today and Monday, so things were a bit of a rush - getting the bike out, tightening the brakes, pumping up the tyres, raising the saddle - good practise - maybe?!

Clare has gone off to work, though I am going to pop in to see her at lunch time before I set up to say goodbye!

I've got a few things to sort out and I'm just hoping I have everything I need! I'm picking Tim up just after 1pm and then we head off to Guildford to meet up with the team before the journey to Land's End tomorrow!

900 miles, 5 days, next week!! Can't wait now!

Thanks to everyone who has sponsored me so far - it is very much appreciated - if you haven't, you still can!! Just click the button to the left and fill in the form!

Latest Weather forecast...

2008-06-26T02:21:00.000-07:00

Things are looking a lot better!!

29 June

Land's End, Mostly cloudy with a couple of showers. Winds from the SW at 19 km/h.
Bristol, Clear periods. Winds from the SW at 12 km/h.

30 June

Bristol, Pleasant with sunny periods. Winds from the W at 16 km/h.
Chester, Clear periods. Winds from the WSW at 4 km/h.

1 July

Chester, Cloud giving way to some sunshine. Winds from the SSW at 9 km/h.
Moffat, Mainly clear. Winds from the SSE at 12 km/h.

2 July

Moffat, Sunny and pleasant. Winds from the SSE at 17 km/h.
Kingussie, Mostly cloudy and mild. Winds from the SSE at 12 km/h.

3 July

Kingussie, Mostly cloudy. Winds from the SSE at 14 km/h.
John O'Groats, Sunny periods. Winds from the SSE at 20 km/h.

Maybe the wet weather gear will not be needed after all, and the winds look favourable!!

Superb Support!

2008-06-25T10:50:00.000-07:00

It dawned on we this morning just how much effort has gone in to organising this event! Without Julie's passion and hard work we would have no support and nowhere to sleep or eat on route! Thanks Julie!

Thinking about the weather!

2008-06-22T08:24:00.000-07:00

I was with the family at an airfield in Hertfordshire today - the Beaver's were supposed to be taken up in a light aircraft, however it was too windy for flying! We had a good tour of the airfield and the Beavers sat at the controls in a plane, there was also a great BBQ!

It made me think that if we were leaving Land's End today, it probably couldn't be better! Strong westerly winds and a mixture on sunshine and cloud. We would be blown most of the way to Bristol!

Anyway, I decided to check out the long range weather forecast! Here goes...

29 June

Land's End, Sunny spells and patchy cloud. Winds from the SW at 24 km/h. High: 18 °C
Bristol, Mostly cloudy. Winds from the WSW at 12 km/h. Low: 11 °C

30 June

Bristol, Cloudy with thunderstorms. Winds from the WSW at 14 km/h. High: 19 °C
Chester, Rain. Winds from the WSW at 8 km/h. Low: 9 °C

1 July

Chester, Cloudy with showers and thunderstorms. Winds from the S at 14 km/h. High: 18 °C
Moffat, Rain. Winds from the WNW at 12 km/h Low: 8 °C

2 July

Moffat, Occasional rain. Winds from the W at 30 km/h. High: 15 °C
Kingussie, Cloudy with thunderstorms. Winds from the W at 24 km/h. High: 16 °C

3 July

Kingussie, Plenty of cloud with thunderstorms. Winds from the W at 19 km/h.
John O'Groats, Mostly cloudy. Winds from the ESE at 11 km/h. Low: 11 °C

Looks like wet weather gear is going to be in order! Well what do you expect - it is Wimbledon!! Wind strength and direction looks good for the first day :-)

Weather for:

Land's End
Bristol
Chester
Moffat
Kingussie
John O'Groats

Damp and drizzle

2008-06-21T03:31:00.000-07:00

Up at 6am this morning to get a few miles in before Joseph's football and a chance to make sure the bike is ok after the service yesterday. Damp, dark and drizzly - so on with the waterproof jacket this morning...

The bike felt great, it's like riding a new bike. The new chain rings, rear cassette and chain made the whole bike feel like a single unit again - no clonking, rattles or jumping chain.

I did one of my original training routes that I haven't done for a while, down to Harlow, back through Hatfield Heath and a bit of a diversion round Birchanger on last leg! 23.5 miles in just over 1hr and 15 mins, about 18mph.

Iced the knees and took a shower before standing in the rain to watch Joe play footy. I took the opportunity to ask the Dads for sponsorship and got another £160 on the sponsorship form!

Service drop off...

2008-06-19T13:21:00.001-07:00

It's been a busy week at work this week, and I've not been out on the bike. I'm going home early to take my bike to Saffron Walden to Tim's bike shop to get my service done tomorrow. I've also managed to buy additional water bottles and enery drink for the event!

After dropping off my bike I popped round to say hello to Tim - the local paper had just been delivered and there is a full page article on the Race for CHASE :-)

Click on the article to read it!

I get home and print off some personalised flyers (thanks Mand) and deliver them to the local neighbours. I've got more still to deliver, and I'm be back out again at the weekend with my sponsorship forms knocking on doors!!

Checking in with HQ...

2008-06-16T07:11:00.000-07:00

I'm giving an Agile Business Analysis training course at Specsavers in Southampton tomorrow, and spend much of the evening on Facebook, adding photos, and chatting. Had a good chat to Iain having found out that we had Parliamentry backing for our event...

Hog Roast

2008-06-15T07:09:00.000-07:00

It's Father's Day today, and another day wondering how Iain and Jules are feeling. God bless you Fraser..

It's our parish hog roast at 1pm today, I've decided not to go out on the bike and spend time with Clare and the kids - they have supported my so much over the past 6 months - I can't begin to thank them enough!

While eating silly amounts of roast pig, I manage to gain £160 worth of sponsorship from friends, and I now need to sort out leaving a sponsorship form at church!

Last 100+ ride before the event...

2008-06-14T07:09:00.000-07:00

Tim has been in Bristol all week, we had tentative plans for an early ride on Saturday morning, but nothing confirmed. Last night Tim said he couldn'tdo an early start, so I made the decision to just get out early anyway.

I had planned a route out West towards Berkhamsted to do a hill Rich recommended, so I set off on a now familiar route from Bishops Stortford, across Hertfordshire, through Ware, Hertford, Hatfield, St Ablans, Hemel Hempsted towards Berkhamsted.

Climbing the hill to Berkhamsted from Hemel, I get a call from Tim - taking the call while still riding - is that legal? Anyway, Tim decides to set off from Safron Walden about 9am and head west and hopefully we'll meet up later!

I'm not too sure I found the appropriate right hand turn out of Berkhamsted towards Ivinghoe, as the hill Rich described didn't appear to materialise! I think I went round the Ivinghoe Beacon rather than up it! Oh well - there was a nice long stead climb anyway - just not sure if it was the one Rich had planned!

After 60 miiles I get to Toddington and decide it's time for a rest. It's been quite tough going, heavy legs, and into a slight headwind all the way so far, but my average speed was still about 16.5 mph so I guess that's ok. I stop at a petrol for food, lucozade sport and a much needed toilet stop!

Back on the bike, out of Buckinghamshire, up to Amptill on the A507 in Bedfordshire. Turn right and head East - tail wind - yeah!

Tha A507 is a big, wide, good quality A road. Very fast, but cars give you loads of room! Somehow I'm doing something like 20-22mph for a good 15 miles, great fun! As I get towards Baldock, Tim texts me and we agree to meet up at the Tesco petrol station in Baldock. After a bit of a rest, stretch and chat, we head off on the final leg of my ride!

Out of Baldock, up the hill, Tim is much stronger than me, though I guess I had done 50 miles more at this point! Its good for my average speed though as it gets dragged up above 17mph. A nice ride through Buntingford and on the back roads to Puckeridge and Standon. Then cross country out of Standon and up a hill that I had only ever done the other way round before. A good gentle coast down into Much Hadham, and the back up the B1004 via the 1 in 8 up hill and the golf club beofore getting home!

107 miles, and no reaction from my knee! Very pleased, and home for 1pm. Things are starting to feel acheivable! I say goodbye to Tim as he heads back to Safron Waldon, and contemplate the fact there is now not much more I can do before the ride itself!

A new regime?

2008-06-10T07:08:00.000-07:00

My new client has core hours of 8am to 4pm, but getting away at 4pm isn't easy! This has hampered my early morning rides! I think it's going to take some time to work out how best to fit in cycling, luckily we are winding down the training a bit now before the event.

I went to see Jim, my physio, again this evening, and he is happy with the state of my knee. After a thorough massage and stretch, we agreed to leave the physio for a week and meet up just before the event for a last treatment - before any post event reconstruction!

My bike has been booked in for a service on the 20th June, which gives me a bit of time to ride it and check it over before the event and make sure the new chain rings, rear cassette and chain feel ok!

Happy Brithday Joe!

2008-06-09T07:07:00.000-07:00

I'm starting work with a new client today, but I've managed to negotiate a 10am start so that I can see Joe open his presents! He had a great party yesterday, and really enjoyed opening his presents this morning - thanks to everyone who sent him cards/presents - he has a big smile on his face today :-)

Busy weekend...

2008-06-08T13:43:00.000-07:00

No chance for a ride this weekend, Joe had his first ever football tournament on Saturday - and I wanted to be there! 8am start...

His team did really well fought hard for a draw in the first game, won the second and then were unlucky to lose the final 2 games. They came middle of their group, but didn't qualify for the quarter finals. Despite that - thay all really enjoyed themselves! His next tournament on on the 28 June - we'll be driving to Land's End...

Joe went off to a Beaver's camp in the afternoon with Clare and I looked after the girls and cooked a dish to take to Rachel and Kevin's house...

Having been instructed to bath the kids (and one of Amy's class mates - Oliver), I take them to Rachel and Kevin's house, where they promptly go in the garden in the rain and get muddy! Oh well, red wine helps the stress!

Clare arrives later to pick up Oliver and then joins us for our community meal.

After a late night for all, it's up early for mass, and the Joe gets to open the first of his birthday presents (before his football party this afternoon). He loves his new Liverpool kit.

After church, lots of food to be prepared, Clive and Tersa arrive and help keep the kids occupied!

Joe has a great party at the local Boy's High school gym - 20 7 year olds kept under control by the brilliant Andy from Soccer Development with games, matches, penalty shoot-outs, shouting, chanting, etc!

After avoiding a food fight and dishing out party bags, we leave the school, as we leave two large branched from a very large tree come crashing down on our car! Fortunately we were all ok, though the car has several dents and lots of scratches...

A great weekend, looking forward to next week now!

Late into work...

2008-06-06T15:33:00.000-07:00

I just had to get out on the bike today! I have a busy weekend ahead of me, football tournament, community group, Joseph's birthday party...

A new route - out to Much Hadham and then the back roads to Standon (nice long climb), along the old A10 to Ware and then back to Stortford via Widford and Much Hadham.

28 miles done, but I don't make it to work till 10:30...

Late for the physio...

2008-06-03T15:28:00.000-07:00

A busy day at work and a problematic tube journey meant I missed the train I wanted to get this evening. Made is back into Stortford for just after 6pm. And got to the physio at 6:10pm, so just a 20 min session.

Jim was pleased my knee had held up well over the weekend though he still thinks we are mad.

An all over leg massage helped both legs feel a lot better after the long rides at the weekend!

Hope fully I'll get out on the bike in the next couple of days...

Last Team Training Ride - Day 2

2008-06-01T15:17:00.000-07:00

Guildford - Somewhere - Guildford

Up at 6am again for the second day of our final team training ride before the event! All seven of us turned up - nobody appears to be struggling too much after yesterday! The weather doesn't look so good today, so I've got my overshoes and waterproof jacket on!

Iain's takes us up a big hill out of Guildford (nice way to warm up on a damp drizzley morning!) to the A31 were we double draft on the dual carriage-way down to somewhere near Alton. There's lots of spray from the other bikes as I sit at the back!

After about 20 miles I feel a bit of a twinge in my right knee (the "good" knee of recent times), but nothing much. After about 25 miles we stop so Henry can stretch, he's knees are sore too. After another 5 miles or so we get to the bottom of a 5 mile climb, time for a toilet stop and another stretch!

We all go at our own pace on the hill - I head off with Iain and Tim, up the steep first bit, and then on to the long gentle climb. We go at a decent pace, about 17 mph up the hill, enjoying pushing it hard! We get to a village and Tim and I are in front wondering if this is the top, then we turn the corner and realise there is still more to got! Tim takes the lead and gradually pulls away...

We finally reach the top and get a good rest (and a Mars bar) as the others gradually congregate at the top of the hill.

Henry makes it to the top, but is struggling with his knee and has decided to call it a day - not wanting to risk it this close to the event. Ciaran has had problems with his rear hub and the bike is just free-wheeling - not much fun trying to get up a hill! So Henry and Ciaran wait for Glenda to pick them up as the remaining five of us get to enjoy the fast decent and rolling hills of the next 10 miles or so.

We head back by a route I fail to keep track of, just following the wheel in front, and after 57 miles we are back in Guidford at Iain's house for a snack.

After 40 mins or so, we are back out initially doing the reverse of the route we had just taken. The hill up to Haslemere just went of for ever, but a good challenge! My right knee started to head, so we headed back the quickest way to Guildford - back up the A31 and back the same route as yesterday. Still we completed another 48 mailes, totalling 105 miles for the day, and over 250 miles for the weekend!

A bit of time for a stretch, ice on the knee, and a shower - blasting my legs with cold water before Tim gives me a lift back home.

On the way back round the M25, my Aunty Judy and Uncle Brian see us on the motorway - recognising the poster in the car and seeing the bikes on top. I didn't find out about this till Monday!

Last Team Training Ride - Day 1

2008-05-31T16:03:00.000-07:00

Guildford - Brighton - Worthing - Portsmouth - Guildford

Tim picked me up about 9pm last night - a bit later than planned. By the time the bikes were loaded onto the roof of his car and Tim had set up his 3G field trial, it was nearly 10pm and we were off. Nice to catch up on the drive round the M25 - I think we are both looking forward to the event being completed now!

Got to Iain's about 11:20pm. Just time for a cup of tea before bed! I am looking forward to an evening with Iain where we can drink a couple of glasses of scotch - maybe on the 3 July at John O'Groats :-)

Up at 6am, breakfast, stretches, getting dressed, waiting for the rest of the team to arrive - all very prompt today and we are off about 7:10am, though I think we woke Jules and the neighbours - oops - sorry!

We set of at a mad pace and were in Horsham before we knew it, glancing at the average speed, we ave been doing over 19mph - way too fast to sustain! Beautiful countryside, quiet roads, and a warm dry morning - couldn't ask for better really!

A few miles outside Brighton and Paul joins me at the front advising how to tackle Devil's Dyke, a two-part hill before a decent into Brighton. His tip was after the first bit there's a small decent - get up as much speed as you can to get most of the way up the next bit! Thanks! Paul also pointed out the white bike half way up, where a cyclist had been killed - as Paul has said before, a reminder to us all of our own mortality. A good climb, but the decent was more enjoyable - dropping into a busy Brighton and a ride along the sea front before a brief pause at 45 miles.

I take a bit of video and a few photos, and text Clare, Teresa and Kate about where we were and that we would be in Worthing later...

Along the coast, stop - start - stop - start, lots of red traffic lights. Not the best for my knee! Through Worthing, I get a text from Teresa saying she, Libby and her Mum are waving madly as we pass!

Next brief stop, just short of Portsmouth, Iain tells us of a climb up hill just before we get to the pub for lunch :-) A great view over Portsmouth from the top and we find The George for lunch! Julie is there with her camera :-)

A good stretch and then Orange Juice and water plus fish and chips - a great combination. We took about an hour over lunch, maybe a bit too long? More stretching before getting back on the bike for the remaining 50+ miles back to Iain's house. Julie follows snapping as we go!

Quite a few short stops on the way back (thanks for the banana cake Julie/Tracey) and the pace was a bit slow at times, but Henry deserves a big round of applause for completing his first 100+ mile ride! 147 miles with an average speed of just under 17mph - a very good ride, and my knee feels fine :-)))

I find out from Iain the Ciaran was not happy at being overtaken going up Jenner road, and that I shouldn't be aloud lunch in future :-)

Ice on the knee, stretches, and a shower before a meal at Simon's and a good briefing for the event itself. Ciaran delighted in telling us all about the hills on each day :-) Hats off to Julie for all the planning that has gone into the event!

In bed for 11pm - we are out at 7am again tomorrow...

More physio...

2008-05-28T16:03:00.000-07:00

Back to the physio today - Jim was pleased that my leg had loosened up since last week. Though he still thinks we are mad!

He took a good look at my clonking knee - the knee cap is catching on tight tendons. Hopefully the massage of knee and thigh will continue to improve things! Looking forward to the weekend ride to test it out properly!

Another short ride...

2008-05-27T15:52:00.000-07:00

Had a great day out yesterday - from Llanfair Caereinion to Welshpool on a steam train and then an old bus to explore Powis Castle - lots of tea and cakes!

Today we are driving back home, before leaving I manage to get in a short 25 mile ride...

It was drizzly and breezy - not really sure which direction the wind was coming from! Did the ride in 1hr 20mins - 18.5 mph. A good test of the knee. Not too bad, and Clare keep reminding me to do my stretches!

Nan does her bit!

2008-05-24T04:37:00.000-07:00

On the way to Wales we pop in to see my Nan where the kids loved exploring her house! My Nan is in her 80s and still goes to a dance class once a week, with the help of Ken and Lynn Graham, they have collected about £75 in support of our event! Thanks to you all for your support!

Further afield...

2008-05-23T15:43:00.000-07:00

The knee was a bit tight this morning, but after a good stretch I was ready to get out again.

Having not ventured very far from home yesterday, I decided to do a 30 mile loop today, building things back up slowly. A new route today, to Stansted Abbots via Widford, then back down the A414 to Harlow and back home via Allens Green.

An enjoyable ride, with some good stretches while on the bike. My knee felt a bit stiff later in the day, but not too sore.

I'm off to Wales with the family this weekend to see my parents, I'm taking the bike, but not sure how much riding I'll get in!

A quick test...

2008-05-22T13:58:00.001-07:00

After seeing the physio yesterday, my knee was feeling much better, I did my stretches and was out just about 8am. I decided not to cycle too far away from base today - just in case!

It's about 4.5 miles from home along the ring road to the main road from Bishop's Stortford to Sawbridgeworth. Mostly down hill going, and mostly up hill coming back. I decided to just go back and forward a couple of times. The leg and knee felt fine which was a relief!

On returning home, I did my stretches, had a warm shower - blasting cold water on my legs for a couple of minutes, and then went to work.

Good news, I hope!

2008-05-21T23:49:00.000-07:00

Having been hobbling around for a few days after the ride last Friday with a sore knee, I went to see the physio yesterday.

Apparently there is a large muscle joining my hip to my knee (?), I forget exactly which one! When this muscle gets tight it pulls on the knee and results in a twisted sensation and discomfort, which pretty much describes what I have been feeling.

After a deep massage of the muscle and some stretching (unfortunately the stretches I was shown I can't do myself!), my thigh felt a bit beaten up, but my knee felt looser - which is good! I can still feel a little discomfort, but the physio recommended that I continue training and have treatement in parallel with the training to keep loosening up the muscle.

I'm going to do a couple of rides before next Wednesday, but nothing too strenuous. And prectise quad stretched "on the bike".

After a ride I need to wrap ice around my knee for 10-15 mins. I should also rub ice in a circular motion over the muscle. After a warm shower after a ride I need to blast cold water on my legs alternating between legs for 30 seconds at a time - sound fun?

I feel more optomistic now, than I did last Friday, that I will now be able to make it to the starting line!

Training Ride - Day 3 - Is anyone out there?

2008-05-18T01:22:00.000-07:00

Having spoke to Iain and read his blog entry, it appears that the three riders that made it out yesterday took a tumble on the A31 yesterday. As a result, Iain, Paul and Rich are all a bit sore and Iain and Paul's bikes need some love and care.

I rest my knee and spend the day with the family, we have friends round for coffee after mass, have a lovely Sunday lunch, the children play well together, and Clare and I catch up on last night's Doctor Who!

I contacted James Weatherburn, M.Dip FTST, RSA, LCSP, Sports Massage Therapist and Fitness Consultant (Track 1 Fitness). Recommended by Mark Fraser - thanks Mark. I have an appointment on Wednesday at 5:30pm to review the state of my knee. Hopefully I've not done too much damage and Jim can guide me to the start of the event...

I also plan to sort out my bike this week, new rear cassette, new chain rings, new chain...

Training Ride - Day 2 - Guildford, Brighton, Portsmouth, Guildford

2008-05-17T12:24:00.000-07:00

Up at 6am for breakfast. Get my kit on and just after Paul arrives, I take my bike out for a little ride up and down the road. My knee is still a little sore, and it feels tight. After a lot of deliberation, I finally decide not to ride today. 150 miles with a dodgy knee doesn't sound fun for me or fair for the others.

Simon is also suffering today with a red-raw bum! He's changed and ready to go, but as Paul, Iain and Rich head off, Simon decides that it isn't in his bums best interests to cycle again today!

After the boys have gone, I have a cup of tea and a chat to Jules. After getting changed, Jules gives me a lift home, 90 miles to Bishops Stortford - thanks Jules! So today, I get to spend an unexpected day with the family, and watch the FA Cup Final. But I spend most of the day wishing I was on the bike!

Exchanged texts with Iain when they were at lunch in Portsmouth - the had made good time - I hope the rest of their ride was good and I wish them luck tomorrow! They are doing another 120 miles tomorrow. I will sit it out on the sofa...

Training Ride - Day 1 - Bishop's Stortford to Guildford

2008-05-16T12:00:00.000-07:00

Today is the first of a three day training weekend. I have deliberately rested my knee all week and hope that it'll be ok for the three days.

Rich is leaving Chesham about 6ish, and cycling towards Bishop's Stortford. I am taking the kids to school and plan to leave about 9:30am, meeting Rich somewhere on the road to Ware. All goes to plan and Rich see's me in the distance just as he is about to head down a steep hill. He stops sharply to avoid having to cycle back up it!

Rich has already done over 50 miles, I've done about 8. It's about 45 miles to Chesham so we have about 37 miles riding together ahead of us.

Rich's wife has an exam today so Rich needs to be back about 12ish to make sure he is around in case the nursey his son attends calls.

I've not riden with Rich before and it was a good experience! We matched each other for pace well and knocked the miles off relatively quickly, especially on the A414 from Hertford to Hatfiled. Rich started to feel more at home as we went through St Albans and Hemel Hempsted, before we takled the climb through Bovingdon and then on to Chesham.

By the time we got to Rich's house - about 12:15pm - Rich was feeling tired (as he has a bit of a cold). We get back just in before his wife heads off to her exam.

Rich feeds us with tea and toast and I refill my bottles. We wait for Iain, Paul and Simon to turn up (they had left Guildford about 9:30am), and were cycling up about 45 miles. They arrive, more tea and toast, a chat and some bottle refilling. It's nearly 1:30pm before we leave, somewhat later than planned.

We had stopped long enough to rekindle the recent debate over the optimal length of stop on the ride itself. I'm staying out of the discussion for now!

We set off, cold - clothes are wet and it isn't warm today, down the hill to Chesham and then up some nice back roads to Amersham (much nicer than the route I took late time I cycled to Guildford).

There an almost vertical hill going out of Amersham towards Beaconsfield (with a crawler lane). Iain's chain came of, Paul cycled into the back of him and ended up with his face in close contact with the tarmac. I think Paul was very concious that it was a busy road and needed to get out of the road! I stopped to check Paul was ok, Simon just kept going up the hill. We got going again, and near the top, my chain came off too - luckily there was no-one behind me!

We stopped for a snack about 3pm. I checked my chain because it had been slipping a bit during the ride. One of the links was on its way out. We phoned Cycle Workshop in Guilodford and let them know that we would be popping in later and asked a favour to see if they could have a look at it!

We set off for the last 20 miles, but with about 8 miles to know, I pulled away from a roundabout quickly and my knee suddenly felt a lot worse. I couldn't put any pressure down with my left leg without it hurting.

So, my right thigh gets a good workout and carries me to the cycle shop. Simon headed off to get his car and agreed to pick me up from the shop. Iain literally pushed me up a few hills on the way to the shop - many thanks! We've just done 90 miles as we turn in to the shop. Iain and Paul head off back to Iain's for a stretch and a massage!

I get a Power Link in the chain and it appears to be ok, but the chain, rear cassette, and chain rings are not in good condition, so I'm looking at some repairs in the next week or so...

Simon, picks me up, offering me his salty nuts, thanks, I think! Back at Iain's I get me massage, a stretch instruction - extremely useful! Have a lovely hot bath and relax. My knee is sore, I'll sleep on it and see how it is in the morning.

New wheels

2008-05-13T15:06:00.001-07:00

Took the bike to Marshalls this afternoon - they put the new wheel on while I had a coffee. The new wheels are black, silver and red so match the bike well!

Thanks Jackie!

2008-05-12T15:03:00.000-07:00

Called Jackie at Beyond Mountain Bikes who called Specialized to order my new wheels. They are being delivered to Marshalls in Hertford tomorrow. Luckily I can work from home!

Sunday sun and BBQs!

2008-05-11T14:51:00.000-07:00

Agreed to start off about 7ish this morning and meet Tim between Stortford and Saffron Walden. Took the first few miles easy, and so did Tim. We decided to head out towards Dunmow, I suggest going out via Stansted Mountfitchet. There's a reasonably long climb out of Stansted towards the airport that I think surprised Tim a bit!

I could vaguely remember a road running parallel to the A120 that cut a bit of a corner, but after a trip around the airport service roads we realised I'd taken the wrong road. We tried the next road and ended up at the terminal building and had to carry bikes over a footbridge to find a way out of the airport complex - sorry Tim - no more "short cuts" I promise!

As we leave the airport we cut out Dunmow and head towards Thaxted, Tim swallows his first wee beastie of the summer - yuk!

A good pace back to Tim's house, where I leave him to take the boys to Rugby about 9:30am. Off towards Barley on the reverse of yesterdays route, and overtook a cyclist going up the hill towards Barkway. As I get to Hare St, Clare calls and asks if I want to go to a BBQ! I agree to get back for midday cutting my ride short a bit, but I still manage 73 miles in less than 5 hours with a couple of short stops.

Knees feel better - but still a bit sore.

Must remember to sort out new wheels!

Back out with Tim again...

2008-05-10T07:48:00.000-07:00

It's a strange feeling getting up at 5:30am, having breakfast, and then rubbing suncream into your face and legs before the is really much sign of sun or heat! But the weather forecast for this weekend if for hot weather!

I need to be back home for 9:30am today as I need to take Joe to footy. Clare is taking Isobel to piano and ballet before she goes to the school to start painting faces at the May Fair. I'll be taking the kids along later after ballet...

Anyway, I set out at about ten past six with a plan of doing about 30 miles before meeting Tim at eight. I headed out up the A120 towards Standon, but took a right via Braughing before heading up along B roads to Hare Street, Barkway and Barley. A climb to Great Chiswell and a long gradual decent down into Wendens Loft.

It was only about 7:35 when I reached the old A11 and headed to Audley End House before turning back to Saffron Walden. It wast 7:45, so I headed out of Saffron Walden on a road I know has a couple of hills, turned round and did them again the other way! Arrived at Tim's after 30 miles at 8, he was just getting his bike out - perfect timing.

We headed out towards Thaxted, again this route is getting quite familiar. At Thaxted we turn right towards Stansted Mountfitchet. The road is quite hilly in places, again no long climbs, but some short sharp steep ones! My knees were hurting a bit so I had to take it easy for a bit slowing Tim down.

Up the hill in Stansted, past the end of the road where Clare and I used to live when we first moved to the area and on to Stortford. I sadisticly turn right up Lindsey Road (Stortford's equivalent to Jenner Road, and the up Cricketfield Lane, before heading home.

53 miles in just over 3 hourswith a bit of a stop at Tim's house. A good ride, though my knees are sore.

It's not that bad...

2008-05-09T14:59:00.001-07:00

Picked my bike up this afternoon. The rear cogs were not damaged, they they are just designed that way to help pick up the chain changing gear. The shop have managed to find a spoke that they could fit to the bike, but they recommended that I get in touch with specialized about getting a replacement wheel. I'll do that tomorrow.

Took the bike for a short 18 mile ride just to get some confidence in the bike before I go out tomorrow morning. Did the 18 miles in less than an hour, so an average speed of over 18 mph.

Looking forward to the ride tomorroe, though I need to be back home between 9-9:30am, so I'm hoping to do about 50 miles to add to the 74 miles done som far this week. That leaves me planning to do a 100+ mile ride on Sunday...

My bike's in a mess!

2008-05-08T16:20:00.000-07:00

After most of the day on London, I returned home early and phoned the workshop to find out if my bike was ready to pick up. It wasn't.

Five teeth, one on each of five rear cogs were damaged, in turn damaging the chain. Specialized don't sell spare spokes for my wheel, though they have offered to reaplce the wheel with a different one for free as the bike is less than two years old. Not too sure how to go about this - will investigate tomorrow.

Hopefully parts will arrive tomorrow and it'll all be fixed and cleaned so I can ride at the weekend.

So given that I've only done 20 miles this week so far I adjusted the height of the saddle, shifted it back a bit and set off about 6:35pm for a ride. I did the Dunmow, Rodings, Hatfield Heath, Harlow, home loop - about 36 miles and was home about 8:50pm. Not bad going on the heavy bike!

There was a time trial event on the B184 between Dunmow and Leaden Roding - they were going very fast! But fortunaltely in the opposite direction :-)

My left knee started to complain again after about 25 miles. Maybe more seat adjustment required, though I think it is just my joints grinding! So I've finally decided to start taking those tablets. I was a bit worried about the number of tables and the RDA doses on them, which is why I haven't taken them to date, but maybe the contents of some of them will help lubriate my joints!

Been trying to sort out rides with Tim for the weekend - we are a bit out of synch at the moment. Tim can do all day Saturday, I can't! I can do all day Sunday, Tim can't! Though I think we will be able to meet up both days for a few miles together!

Fingers crossed - the bike will be ok tomorrow, plan to do a few miles tomorrow night to make sure it's up to 50-60 miles on Saturday morning. I don't think Clare will want a repeat of last Sunday!!

Re-acquaintance...

2008-05-07T08:57:00.000-07:00

After svereal months of riding on my new bike, I am back on the bike Laurence kindly leant to me at the start of my traininf for LEJOG.

Having got up at 5:45am, I was out of the house about 6:15am for a 20 mile loop before driving to Basildon by 9am.

An interesting start, clipped into one pedal, and failed to clip in to the other pedal and fell off sideways having done 2 yards! I got back on and cycled up the road in the lowest gear, trying to change up a gear had no effect. 20 yards gone, off the bike to inspect! The gear cable was loose, after a little adjustment it started working again :-)

Off we go! I stick to the the standard training circuit this morning - not got time to think about doing anything else. It was interesting doing the ride on the heavier bike, made me realise just how much easier things are on the Roubaix. Though the advantage of a heavier bike is that you have more momentum after going down hill!

The saddle feels a bit lower and further forward and the riding position is more upright than I've got used to. I guess a combination of these factors conbrituted to my left knee complaining a bit. Hopefully this is not a long term problem! I will adjust the saddle before going out again tomorrow morning.

20 miles done in about an hour, so I'm quite pleased to have done some miles with the Roubaix in the workshop again...

Switching bikes...

2008-05-06T06:34:00.000-07:00

The bike is back in the shop having the spoke fixed, wheel straightened and creaking investigated. Hopefully they will do a full service on the bike this time too - something they didn't do last time!

I am going to try and get our on Lawrences bike later today - I have switched the pedals back to his bike, so hopefully I'll have no problems!

Back to the bike shop

2008-05-06T01:49:00.000-07:00

Working from home this morning, so I get the chance to take the bike back to the workshop and hopefully they will be able to sort something out. I'm going to take the pedals off so I can ride Lawrence's bike this week, until I get mine back. Hopefully before Friday.

7 rings...

2008-05-04T01:33:00.000-07:00

After going to bed past midnight, 5:40am feels very early! By the time I've got everything sorted out I'm out of the house before 6:30am and heading off towards Great Dunmow.

My legs are heavy this morning, but I plod on assuming it'll get better once I've done a few miles. It usually does! It's trying to rain this morning, but I think the sun is going to win that battle today.

As I cycle through Takely, I hear and feel what feels like a stone hitting my rear wheel. There are no cars or people about, so I can't really make sense of it. I carry on and a couple of miles later I hear something rubbing on the rear brake blocks. I stop to take a look, a bit annoyed at having to stop after just 10 miles, and realise that a spoke has popped out and my wheel is now somewhat out of shape.

It's 7:05am. Not really sure what to do! I have no idea how to fix it, or even if I should be able to fix it!

I call home, no answer, leave a message. I call home again, and again, and again. After 7 attempts I manage to wake Clare and she drowsily answers the phone. I explain the situation. I suggest she gets herself and the kids ready for mass and then bring me some clothes and pick me up.

Clare turns up about 8:30am, we load the bike into the car, I get changed, and we head back to Stortford (via home to pick up some shoes!). We make it in time for 9am mass, the kids were great this morning!

After mass we tidy the house and car before Granny and Grandad arrive. Head out to the Ballet Show where Isobel and Amy were superb! I have to admit, that as it was the last day of the Championship football season and the Owls could still go dow, I did spend time during the performances checking the scores. To my relief, by the end of the show, Wednesday were safe, and Leicester were relegated.

Nothing planned tomorrow, other than spending time with the family. I got a text from Tim saying he had done 65 miles today - I'm very jealous!

Another 100 up!

2008-05-03T01:10:00.000-07:00

Having spent time last night getting bottles ready, hydration backpack ready and recovery drink ready, I feel unusually prepared this morning! Three weetabix and some toast and some sun cream before I leave the house at around 6:20am.

Today's plan is to meet up with Tim and do about 100 miles - not sure how much of that Tim is going to do - guess it depends on how his ankle is feeling.

I head off up towards Newport where we usually meet. Tim , however was out earlier than me and had headed north for a while before returning south. Even with a few extra miles under his belt he managed to get back down to Ugley pretty quick, where we pass each other almost without realising (both of us wearing different kit to usual!).

Tim needs to get back to Saffron Walden by 8:30am to take Josh to footy, so we adjust our planned route and head off back towards Bishops Stortford and then out east to Great Dunmow on the old A120 (a good quality, quite road). Its a lovely morning - clear, warm, sunny. My bike, however, is still creaking. We debate whether it is the saddle for a while, but as it still creaks when I'm out of the saddle I pass on that idea for now!

At Great Dunmow we head north up to Thaxted, a great route, a couple of little hills (nothing like what the guys from Guildford are tackling every week though), and we make good time. Tim takes me on his training circuit round Wimbish Green and Radwinter and we make it back to Tim's house for 8:29am! I gratefully make use of the conveniences, munch an enery bar (after 35 miles) and then head off for the rest of the ride on my own.

I head out of Saffron Walden over the hill to the London Road and then headed out to Great Chrishall and Barley - taking last week's route in reverse. I then head south to Hare Street and Buntingford before re-joining bust A10 towards Puckeridge.

There was a nasty accident on the roundabout joining the A10 to the A120, someone had ploughed straight through the roundabout and had a nasty head injury. There was plently of people around who has stopped to help, so I just carried on down the old A10 towards Collier's End. A short climb at Wadesmill before a gentle decent into Ware.

I decide to take a slight detour at this point and head out to Hertford before returning to the A10 and the A414 to Harlow - a good run on dual carriageway, but against the wind today, so not as fast as usual!

I stop for a rest after 78 miles near High Wych, exchange texts with Clare who is with Joe at footy, and then head of on what I think will be about 22 miles back home on my usual training circuit Harlow, Hatfield Heath (I stopped again briefly for a sandwich - my stomach was rumbling and it was past midday!), Hatfield Broad Oak, Takely and back to Stortford round the A120 by-pass.

I get a call from Clare 1.5 miles from home letting me know she and the kids are down by the river. I finish my ride (99.5 miles, I'm calling it 100!), put my bike away, shower, make some lunch and head off out to the park to meet the family.

We are out this evening at Rachel and Kevin's, and I hope to do another ride tomorrow morning. I plan to leave early and do about 50 miles before getting back to get things ready for Amy and Isobel's Ballet Show in Haverhill in the afternoon.

Still creaking...

2008-05-02T03:18:00.000-07:00

Got my bike back today, but it is still creaking. The work they did at the shop obviously didn't solve the problem. I will now have to go back and get it sorted out next week. I have new tyres on the bike and I'll live with the creaking for my ride tomorrow. Got some new cleats to as the last pair have finally worn out...

Service Interruption

2008-05-01T04:45:00.000-07:00

I called the bike shop this morning and they hadn't done my bike yet. They didn't fill me with confidence that the bike was going to be coming back to me before this weekend in good working order. Hopefully they will look at it today and have whatever parts they need - though as they are not a Specialized dealer I'm a little worried!

I am also aware that I don't really know how best to keep my bike in good condition! What tools and cleaning materials should I be using? Advise welcome!

Not quite as planned...

2008-04-26T08:06:00.000-07:00

I've been exchanging e-mails with Tim about planned rides this weekend. Tim is not planning on doing a big ride on Saturday and is spending time with Josh at football. I'd suggested meeting in Saffron Walden about 10:30am (after Josh's football) to meet up for a ride, but as I set off at 7:30am I'm not totally sure Tim has agreed to meet up!

I head off south to Harlow, and along the A414 to Ware by 8:30am. On my way out of Ware the battery on my trip computer gives up and I have no idea of the speed I'm going or the distance I've travelled! Up the old A10, a good climb out of Wadesmill, and onto the A10 at Standon.

I feel more at home cycling on faster straighter roads than I do on the quieter B-roads, I think this is better preparation for the actual ride anyway! The miles seem to go by faster and the hills don't seem to be as steep!

At Buntingford I leave the A-roads behind and head off cross-country to Saffron Walden. I get a text from Tim saying he's not going to be able to meet up at 10:30 and that we should do our own thing. I decide to carry on with the route as planned and arrive in Saffron Walden bang on 10:30 having done about 45-50 miles in the 3 hours I've been out.

I was hoping to have Tim's local knowledge at this point and my map isn't detailed enough to get me out of Saffron walden on the right road. After a couple of miles going in the wrong direction I find a road that cuts across to the road I am supposed to be on! Out towards Radwinter, The Sampfords and Finchingfield, where I stop at the post office for more water. It's been a beautiful morning, but it's getting quite hot now as it approaches midday!

The Post Office doesn't take Switch cards so I have to leave the sandwich behind and make do with energy bars - they do get a bit sickly on long rides, I need proper food!

After a 20 min rest I head off to Great Dunmow with the stiffer breeze into my face than I had been expecting! Its a bit of a slog at this stage, but the villages I cycle through are lovely! From Dunmow I head home through Takeley, stopping to call Clare and tell her I'll be home in about half an hour...

Back home in time for lunch and an afternoon with the family after nearly 80 miles. Not a bad ride, but when I get stripped off for a shower I realise that the lower part of my legs and my face are bright pink, with lovely helmet strap line across my cheeks!

It's strange, but I didn't even think about suncream when I got up at 7am! Must remember to apply before going out now the weather is getting better and we must remember to take some in the van for the actual event!

I can't go out on a ride tomorrow becasue of a ballet show rehearsal, so I decide to take my bike to the bike shop for a much needed service! I'm really getting fed up of some of the annoying squeaks! I won't have the bike back till Thursday so my training will be limited till then!

Cycle to school...

2008-04-25T08:05:00.000-07:00

I decided to cycle with the kids to school this morning before going out on a warm up ride for Saturday. It's not the most children friendly route to school, lots of roads to cross, narrow pavements, busy traffic. But the kids enjoy it! Clare sees the kids in to school (she had been following behind with Amy), as I head off towards Ware.

It's a nice morning, bright and calm, good cycling conditions. My scab is at that flaky, nice to pick bits off stage, so it's less painfull today. A good 37 mile ride at just under 17mph before I spend the rest of the day working from home.

Out again...

2008-04-22T08:04:00.000-07:00

Finally I'm back out on the bike. A short 20 mile circuit to see how things feel. A couple of hacking cough episodes and the scab on my knee splits open while I ride, so not the most pleasant of rides. I think I'll give it another couple of days off...

In bed...

2008-04-18T08:03:00.000-07:00

After a couple of days limping around and sniffling I finally give in! I spend Thursday and Friday in bed aching with the flu and have to call Iain to let him know I won't be able to make the team ride at the weekend. It's disappointing, but there is really no way I can cycle feeling this rough!

Sheffield...

2008-04-14T08:01:00.000-07:00

I've taken the day off work today and had planned to cycle to Sheffield. However I'm aching and my cut knee is sore. I take it easy in the morning, but eventually get out on the bike for a short 22 mile loop. From Burntwood, through Heath Hayes, past the end of my Nan's road, on to Hednesford, down to Rugely, right along the A51 to Lichfield and then back to Burntwood.

Once out on the bike my legs don't feel too bad, though there isn't much power there and hills sap the energy very quickly! I get a sharp stabbing pain in my shoulder heading down into Rugely, a bit like I've been stung by a wasp or theres a thorn stuck in my top. Can't find the reason, but it continues to irritate me for the rest of the ride!

Once back in Burntwood we take the opportunity to visit my Aunt Yvonne and Uncle Graham. Yvonne's just had an operation to drill out some dead bone in her hip and is hobbling around on crutches, but she looked very well and was as chatty as ever :-) They agree to sponsor me which is great! And I've mentally booked Yvonne's 60th Birthday Party into the diary.

Dad and I drive up to John and Jo's in Sheffield (it was a bit quicker than cycling, but nice to revisit the route I cycled in reverse!). We have a cup of tea and read stories with Megan and Ellie before heading off to Hillsborough with John. I've asked my Dad to come up to Hillsborough a number of times, but this is his first visit to the stadium.

As we walk to the ground there is a distinct lack of programmes, I wanted to find out if I had managed to get something about the event into the programme, but apparently the publishers failed to deliver the programmes on time! They are now going to be given away free with the Norwich programme on the last game of the season - I'll have to get John to get me a copy!

The match itself didn't start well, with Plymouth taking the lead in the first minute through a wickedly deflected shot from just outside the box. Wednesday spend most of the next 80 minutes trying to break Plymouth down, but Plymouth are a much stronger and more physical side the the Owls and never really looked threatened until Wednesday grab an equaliser inside the last 10 minutes. Its a frantic end to the game, but despite a few chances to nick a result, 1-1 was probably a fair reflection on the game and lifts the Owls out of the bottom three.

We return home about midnight and need to be up early in the morning for the 721 train to London...

A hole in one!

2008-04-13T02:53:00.000-07:00

Sunday morning came and I had a fantastic night's sleep! Rising about 9am we get a fantastic breakfast - bacon and sausage sandwiches :-) Legs and knees are still aching and I am a bit apprehensive about doing 70 odd miles on my own today!

Tim has the luxury of a train ride to Peterborough before he cycles 60ish miles back to Saffron Walden. After a few last minute tweaks to the route (I was happy to do a few extra miles to avoid the Peak District!), we set off about the same time, about 10:45am (considerably later than we will be starting each morning on the event itself!).

I head out of Doncaster down the hill to Sheffield, under the Tinsley viaduct, and out towards Chesterfield via the Sheffield ring road. As Sheffield is built on seven hills, the only way out of Sheffield is up hill. Up hill for a long time!

The ring road takes me via Manor Top, no pizes for guessing why it get's its name! The hill just goes on and on. With tired legs I try to keep my speed as close to 10mph as I can, but there are some steep bits where I just can't go faster than 5mph!

The top is marked by the tram station, I look back over the city I where went to University and met my wife, Clare, with great memories! I pulled away from the traffic lights and without really thinking crossed the tram tracks. My front wheel gets stuck in the tram tracks, the wheel jolts right and throws me off the bike in the opposite direction.

Luckily no trams or cars about, so I drag the bike to the side of the road and do a quick inspection! A few scratches, but the wheel isn't buckled, which is very fortunate. Sadly, my bib tights were not so lucky - ripped open exposing a gash to my knee. My arm is covered in mud but no serious damage. The lights change from red to green a few times and eventually I get back on the bike and set off again.

I've still got about 65 miles to go, its cold, wet and my knee hurts! But at least its down hill and I think its a tail-wind. The A61 into Chesterfield is all dual carriageway and its down hill for what feels like 4-5 miles - a long fast down hill, 35mph feels great.

I stop in Chesterfield to check the route and let my Mom and Dad know my progress. They are planning on meeting me between Ashbourne and Belper for some support practise. Coming out of Chesterfield its a long gentle rise, I get passed by another couple of cyclists as I struggle to clip in to my pedals at a roundabout! I follow them as they slowly head off into the distance in front of me!

After about 10 miles the hail returns, ripping in to my face. The two cyclists who passed me are sensibly taking shelter in a bus stop and having a snack! I just keep going, and turn off the A61 towards Belper. A quiet, beautiful road, looking out over the hills.

I remember that roads that cut corners of main A-roads usually involve lots of ups and downs. This is no exception (a look at the map later and I see those chevrons that indicate steep hills), my knees are killing me and its tough work! I check my map at the next main junction and take a main road that adds a couple of miles, but it has a railway running parallel to it so I rightly assume its a bit flatter!

Into the centre of Belper, then turning right on to the Ashbourne road. Up another tough hill, I eventually pass my Mom and Ddad going in the opposite direction! The support team arrive with lunch and first aid kit :-) Much appreciated! But no water :-(

After a good break I head off towards what my Dad informs me is a 1 in 10 climb about a mile long. What fun! The support team pass me at the top and head off in the search of water! They stop off in Ashborne and I go past some time later.

After about 10 miles I start to wonder where they have got to! I call my Dad and they were back in Ashbourne having turned back not thinking I would have got as far as I had!
I continue to Sudbury where the support team eventually catch up and I stop for another break, 56 miles done - 20 miles left.

After the final 20 miles I arrive at my parents house about 5pm! A few photos of my knee and a lovely bath (Radox Muscle Soak :-).

Sally pops round for tea - the first time just the four of us have had a meal together in ages! An evening watching the golf with my feet up. I don't think I'll cycle to Sheffield tomorrow - but I will do a few miles!

Water Hazard...

2008-04-12T00:16:00.000-07:00

It's the US Masters this weekend, and for some reason my postings have strange titles.

Today I wake nervous! I am planning to cycle from Saffron Walden to Rotherham, about 150 miles. Something most people would think twice about doing in a car, but I'm doing it on a bike!

Why Rotherham? Well, its about 150 miles away for a start, and Tim's brother lives in Rotherham. Tim's been looking for an excuse to go and seen his brother for a while, and when we originally picked this weekend it seemed like a long way off!

Mid April was well into the training plan! Time is now ticking by very fast and the weeks are going by very quickly!

As mentioned yesterday I've got some new kit, a hydration back-pack , and I'm carrying more food than usual as I'm planning on riding for the three days. I get up about 5:10am and I get to Tim's just after 6am. By 6:30am I am laden down with stuff and we are off on our adventure!

We head off north, on mostly local roads towards Papworth before heading up to Huntingdon. The roads are far from busy and there are a few hills on first 20 miles or so.

After about 10 miles, I grab my drinks tube, pull with my teeth as per instructions and GUSH! WATER+ZYM everywhere! I grab the tube and stop the bike, gloves and tights are now soaked and it isn't warm yet! I stuff the end back on the tube to stop the flow and after wringing out my gloves we carry on. I manage to resist tugging on my tube for a good number of miles before giving it another go. GUSH! More WATER+ZYM all over me, just as my gloves had dried out! I give up and decide this requires more practice and revert to bottles!

Past Huntingdon we follow the old A1, parallel to the noisy new A1 - Tim didn't tell me to bring ear defenders! We practise chaining with just the two of us and the miles fly by! By 9:00am we are resting just south of Peterborough and have done 43 miles, a good start.

I check my phone and realise that some organisation of football tickets is required! After a few calls to John Helm, my Dad and Clare, John has agreed to get me and my Dad tickets for Sheffield Wednesday against Plymouth on Monday night. I'm hoping to have something in the programme about our event, and am planning to cycle up on Monday from Lichfield.

Back to the road after about 25 mins rest, the roads start to get busier as we head north of Peterborough, busy, noisy dual carriageways, but flat and very fast! The next 15 miles fly by!

The A15 dual carriageway eventually peters out into a single carriageway road heading towards Sleaford. Though there are big red DANGER signs! Obviously a popular biker route as were are informed of the number of road deaths in the last two years. Another short rest after 75 miles and we agree to get past 100 miles before stopping for lunch.

Past Sleaford and now heading west towards Newark, I realise I'm feeling a bit light headed and running out of water. We've done 92 miles and we stop for a few minutes, eat an energy bar and back to it. Into the wind and up a long slow climb that feels like it is going on for ever! The sun has gone - replaced by thick black clouds in the distance. The rain is coming...

We cycle past an RAF base with warning signs to keep well away, its exposed now and as we near the top the hail pelts us! There appears to be nowhere around to shelter or stop for lunch, so we plough on, down the hill, pedalling hard to get any speed up! Stinging eyes, barely open as the hail tears into my face.

A pub sign- next right, 102 miles done, that spells lunch! We park the bikes and venture into the quiet local pub, order orange juice with water for me, with Lemonade for Tim. The Yorkshire Puddings with Sausage and Onions gravy jump out at us and after a short while we are tucking into a hearty lunch! After our food and a second pint of juice we were ready to get back on the bikes for the remaining 50 miles.

The landlord was very helpful, re-filled our bottles with water for us and wished us luck!

There was a guy outside who asked us where we were going, when we said Rotherham, he initially looked at us like we were barmy and then muttered something about Rotherham being a dump and his sister living there!

As I've only ever been to Rotherham a couple of times I'll defer a verdict on the state of the town until we cycle through it later!

We leave the pub to find that Tim has a flat tyre. In a way this is fortunate as it starts to hail again - we shelter undercover, outside the pub to replace the tube.

Tim's tyres are incredibly hard to get off - a very tight fit! Tube is eventually replaced and tyre leved back into place before I think to ask if Tim checked the tyre. A few expletives followed and we struggled to get the tyre off again, found a piece of glass in the tyre, pulled it out and again struggled to put the tyre back on.

Of we set after about an hour and a half rest (maybe more?). Feeling fresh, the sun is back out and we are heading towards Newark.

Heading out of Newark the roads are a lot quieter and hillier! The knees start to take a pounding and the avereage speed has really taken a tumble. We knock of another 25 miles and stop at Sherwood Forest. 25 miles to go and it's looking like it'll be around 7pm before we get to Tim's brother's house.

More hills as we get closer and closer to Rotherham, the knees are really starting to feel sore. Speed is certainly not a factor anymore - the only thing that now matters is getting there! With 12 miles to go we stop again, exhaused! Call Tim's brother, more energy bars, and off again. We take a bit of a detour through Rotherham, because we needed the extra 2 miles! Up the hill out of Rotherham Tim leaves me behind, I just about keep him in sight and follow him through the streets to our destination!

152 miles is a long way! After a shower and change he have a fantastic meal and an enjoyable evening before ritiring to bed!

Preparation for the weekend!

2008-04-11T09:31:00.000-07:00

This week I've managed to get out on the bike twice, Tuesday doing 25 miles and Wednesday 22 miles - with a stop for another puncture. Both rides were done at a good pace about 17mph, and both were before work, though getting up very early was not an issue this week as I was working from home so I didn't have to factor in travel time...

Today I had a lovely lunch with my wife, something we haven't done for a while - which was fun!

I am aslo trying to sort out the rides this weekend. I am taking the day off on Monday, so I have three days of cycling ahead of me! Tomorrow I am cycling to Rotherham from Saffron Walden! With Tim. Sunday I am cycling to my parents in Staffordshire and Monday I am cycling to Sheffield - all culminating in a game at Hillsborough where Sheffield Wednesday are playing Plymouth.

I've been promised a piece in the programme, but not seen any confirmation of this yet!

I have a new back-pack hydration thingy, in which I can just about squeeze a pair of jeans and a t-shirt! No room for shoes though!! I've got some new energy bars to add to the malt loaf experience, and some new energy drink to complement the Zym. I think its worth trying these things out way in advance of the actual ride!

What I don't have is any recovery drink! So I am not sure how my legs will feel on Sunday when I get back on the bike!!

Oh well - wish me luck as I embark on 300 miles in 3 days :-)

Oh - And good luck to Stuart with the London marathon!!

And finally! I'm in the paper again!

All things new!

2008-04-05T10:52:00.000-07:00

Clare and the kids turned up with my clothes about half an hour after Iain and Paul had left. Kate's new place is fantastic - a lovely first home! We get a guided tour and a cup of tea before we set off on the 10 minute walk to Libby's house to see Emily and the new baby.

When we get there Emily and the baby aren't there, but they will be round later. Clive and Teresa (Granny and Grandad) have turned up with lunch, and Clare's Grandmother Alma, who is living with Libby, is also there.

We get a superb lunch and spend time chatting before heading off to the beach with Kate, Colin, Maddy, Martha and Grandad! Faces are made in the sand and holes dug, Amy even decided it was warm enough to be in her swimming costume!

On the way back Isobel and Joseph have their pictures taken with some stone lions!

On our return to Libby's house, Emily and baby are there (but not Jon), cake and bubbly are served to toast the newborn!

A lovely day, after a brief stop at Kate's we go back to Granny and Grandad's for some sleep!

Up early!

2008-04-05T10:40:00.000-07:00

After a few hours sleep, Iain and I are up, having breakfast at 6am, getting ready for a ride with Paul at 6:30am to Worthing! I must be mad going out so soon - but I guess it's good practise! Iain's lube sorted out my clunking crank :-) and my tyres are now nicely pumped up again - I must get a track pump.

We are on our way just after 6:30am - not quite light yet. Much colder than yesterday - but not too bad. We take the same route out of Guildford that we came back on from Chichester back in February, so we knew there we a good number of big hills on route!

The first ten miles flew by and the legs felt ok, then the hills started! Super-fit Paul was away, closely followed by Iain and I lagged behind! I take comfort in the fact that I did 86 miles yesterday and they have fresh legs.

While I remember the hills from the Chichester ride, I'd forgotten how many of them there were. The worst being the one with the temporary traffic lights on red at the foot of the hill. No momentum (something I usually have a lot of coming down hills ;-), a standing start, a long hill.

We stop at a little village just outside Chichester for second breakfast and a chat with the local bakery delivery man! Before heading off up to Glorious Goodwood, and the never ending downhill towards the A27.

Turning right onto the A27, 17 miles to Worthing :-) The road is good and not too busy. A good speed gets our average speed up to nearer 16mph than 15mph. As we arrive in Worthing, Paul gets a rear puncture just before we get to Kate's new house. After a short delay, we arrive at Kate's - number 3 (a, b, or c?)... Paul and Iain say hello - make use of the toilet (leaving the seat up), before getting on their way back to Guildford as I wait for Clare and the kids to turn up!

Iain with Kate...

Iain on his way...

Fish and Chips!

2008-04-04T02:11:00.000-07:00

I had an e-mail from Julie yesterday saying it would be lovely to see me tomorrow night and would Fish and Chips be ok for tea! I love Fish and Chips! So the motivation is there. I just have a small matter of a training course to give at one of our client's this morning!

The course goes well with some good interaction with the people attending the course, which always helps! I leave Basildon at 12:30pm and get home just before 1:3pm. I had hoped to be home a little earlier and be on the road by 2pm, but I didn't organise everything last night - so I still have lunch to eat (beans on toast), route to plan and maps to print, before I can get going!

Clare and the kids have left for the weekend - they should be at Granny's already by now! They are staying over tonight before heading off to Worthing on Saturday morning to see Kate and her new house, and Emily and her new baby! I am intending on meeting them on Saturday morning at Kate's.

I set off about 2:20pm with back pockets full to the brim with spares, pump, food, keys, phone, clothes. More stuff than I'm used to carrying and quite heavy! I head off towards Much Hadham past my old golf club (I just don't get the time any more!), and then along the back roads to Ware.

It's very warm, but I'm dressed up for winter - having seen the weather forecast for the weekend - I wanted to make sure I had the right clothes, and the easiest way to carry them was to wear them! I can really seen the value of having a support team to carry all our stuff! I unzip my two shirts which helps and make my way from Ware to Hertford.

From Hertford I take the A414 dual carriageway to Hatfield, a busy road, but good for the average speed! Though the wind appears to be coming from the west into my face rather than from the north as I expected.

At Hatfield (I'm now at the start of my map for the journey after 25 miles!), I carefully avoid going onto the motorway and take the road that parallels it. I know I have to turn right somewhere to head towards St Albans.

I take a wrong turning and realise pretty quickly, go right round a roundabout and back to the route. However on the roundabout I hit a huge pot hole! No puncture, but my front light flies into the air, land in the middle of the road and falls apart into a number of pieces. Passing cars thankfully miss the debris and when the traffic calms down I run out into the road to pick up the bits. With the exception of one dented battery, all the bits look intact. Luckily I am carrying spare batteries! Put the light back together and it all seems to work ok, put it back on the bike and off again!

On to St Albans, through the rush hour traffic - it's great fun passing a load of stationary cars! Down the hill out of St. Albans and onto the A4147 (the old A414) to Hemel Hempstead.

At Hemel, I take the second exit off the magic roundabout (six mini-roundabouts arranged in a circle - mad road layout!), and up to the A41. I was expecting there to be a road going straight on, but there wasn't so I joined the A41. Very fast dual carriageway and it feels like I'm going the wrong way! I get off at the first junction, and realised where my mistake was (should have taken the third exit at the magic roundabout!). Anyway I find a road that takes me back to my route without too much of additional mileage.

Up the hill to Bovingdon - long slow climb, but a good challenge, and down a very steep hill into Chesham. 45 miles done, time for tea! Find a petrol station who kindly let me leave my bike inside while I use the facilities, re-laod with water/Zym, grab a sandwich - and after texting progress to Clare and Iain, I'm off on my way again.

The remainder of the route is pretty much due south, through Amersham, Beaconsfield (huge straight hill leaving the town, rising into the sky!), Farnham Green, Farnham Royal, Slough, Windosr - the great park in Windsor is very exposed and the wind has picked up! Then the last stretch from Windsor, past Ascot racecourse to Bagshot and then on to Guildford.

It's now dark and Friday night busy at about 8:30pm. I get to Iain's after doing 86 miles. Iain kindly runs me a bath and pops out to get tea. Just after 9pm I'm sat on Iain's sofa, in a borrowed t-shirt eating Fish and Chips! Yum!

Quick dash...

2008-04-02T15:33:00.000-07:00

I have a meeting in London at 9:30 this morning, so I on;y have time for a quick 19 mile dash this morning! It was a lovely clear, still and not too cold morning - something I haven't experienced for a while - all rides have either been warm and wet or cold and dry or dry and very windy. To get warm and dry and still is a bit of a shock to the system!

Enjoyed the ride - just under 17mph average speed, and back home about 7:30am - time for a shower, breakfast, and off out to work. I get to the office at 9:30am on the dot - to find the person I am meeting missed his train and the meeting gets delayed to 10:15am. I could have done an extra few miles!!

I now have a plan for the weekend - to Guildford on Friday afternoon/evening, stay with e and Jules and then on to Worthing on Saturday to see Kate's new house and Emily/John's new baby girl! e is going to ride with me down to Worthing which will be fun!

It's dark again!

2008-04-01T08:28:00.000-07:00

Up at 5:50am this morning for an early 20 mile ride. I need my lights this morning as its dark due to the clock going forward. It's still breezy, but not as bad as at the weekend. I manage to go about half a mile before I realise I've left my water/Zym outside the front door!

I do a slightly different 20 mile route this morning, The Hadhams, Green Tye, Spellbrook, Sawbridgeworth, Hatfield Heath and back to Stortford. No major events today - which is a nice change. Back home for breakfast with the kids and then a shower before heading off to work.

Angry...

2008-03-30T08:22:00.000-07:00

The clocks have gone forward an hour, so I had one less hour sleep than usual, and it was a bit of a rush getting to church for 9am (though it felt like 8am!), after mass I get changed and agree to be back before 2pm for lunch - Clare has brought the most beautiful looking piece of pork :-)

I head off on my usual 40 mile training circuit (though I haven't actually done this loop for a while! Out to Harlow, Sheering, Hatfield Heath, then on to the Rodings, up to High Roding (past a number of cyclists heading the opposite diriection) and round Dunmow before heading back home. Instead of heading straight back, I detour via Hatfield Broad Oak and Hatfield Heath (again), and turn back to Stortford.

About a mile from home I get to Hockerill lights and a woman in a very clean 4x4 decides to turn right showing complete disregard for whether I was going straight on or turning left. In anger I chased after the woman who had to stop at a pedestrian lights where I pointed out the error of her ways. Apparently she could read my mind and knew I was going to turn left, I wasn't polite.
Back home after 40 miles, clean the bike and get changed for a fantastic feast with the family! Thanks for lunch Clare!

After lunch we head out to Hatfield Forest, for once it is nice to walk with Clare behind the kids while they head off into the distance on their bikes!

Oh - and Joe has a new bike at last!

Bang!

2008-03-29T01:41:00.000-07:00

Picked up a text message from Tim last night saying he couldn't do a ride on Saturday, so I decided that instead of the 120 mile loop we had planned, I'd tackle a 70 mile loop - given the weather forecast, I thought that was about as much as I'd get away with before the rain set in!

I headed out towards Baldock via Braughing, after about 5 miles I had to cycle through a flooded road (about a foot deep), so much for keeping dry! Has to stop for directrions in Braughing as there is a ford through the main road and I wanted to make sure that was the way I had to go! Then I realised that there was a bridge across for pedestrians - so I took that to try to stay dry! Carried on to Hare Street, and then on to Buntingford, bright but very breezy!

I planned the route to head out West and come back East - the weather forcast indicated strong westerly winds, so a tail wind on the way back was going to be more favourable!

The road from Buntingford to Baldock (the A507) is not really what I would class an A road. It is very narrow, lots of 90 degree bends, some good hills - up and down, and a reasonable amount of traffic. The road is popular with bikers (the motor powered sort), and there are a few out today swooping in and out of the traffic - I really don't understand the attraction!

Through Baldock, Letchworth and then down the hill to Hitchin, where I stopped at a petrol station to go to the toilet! I had a sandwich too - to keep up the energy levels, but when I got back on to my bike I noticed my front tyre had a slow puncture. I decided to just replace the tube, and if I got another puncture then I'd have to repair it properly...

Off with the wheel, the type, the tube, out with the new tub, replace tube/tyre, out with the CO2 canister pump up the type - BANG!!!

Oops! I think the tube got trapped in the tyre! Scared a few people in the petrol station! Anyway, I was looking a little bemused at this point, as for some reason I don't have a hand pump on my bike, and I asked a lady if there was a local bike shop - luckily there was one about 200 yards up the road - Paul's Bikes of Hitchin!

I dragged my bike to the shop to find it was a Specialized stockist! A proper bike shop! The guy in the shop looked a little surprised at my request for a new tube - and a pump - maybe I should have been better prepared! Anyway, he sorted the bike out and supplied me with an additional tube and a pump for about £30. I'm just glad that the puncture didn't happen in the middle of nowhere. I think I need to practise tyre changes - I think I'd be at a complete loss if I had to sort out a pucture in the rear tyre on my own!!

Anyway, On with the ride, I headed up a very long hill out of Hitchin towards Luton on the A505 - a very busy road, round the airport (still into the wind at this point), and then onto smaller quiter roads to Wheathampstead. I stop outstide a local football ground after 45 miles miles for a short rest and to call home to explain why I was going to be later than expected. The rain was still holding off at this point!

On to Welwyn Garden City, and then just as I get to the A414 to Hertford it happens. I noticed that the westerly wind I had expected to carry me home was more of a southerly wind, very strong and pelting me with rain from the right hand side! Nice. Anyway, I slog it out and eventually make to Hertford, then through Ware, and towards Harlow. I take the back road through Harlow, snacking on Malt Loaf in the torrential rain, while trying to get home as quickly as possible! Through Sawbridgeworth and on home - an hour later than planned, and very wet!

Still a good ride of 73 miles and I plan to do another 40 miles tomorrow...

Keeping it going...

2008-03-27T02:25:00.000-07:00

For the first time in a while I set my alarm for 5:40am to get a few miles in before work. I only have about an hour of time so I'm looking to do about 16 miles. I back using the small cog for higher cadence work on short rides. It's a bit slower, but I'm sure it is a better workout.

Light drizzle this morning, but it is refresshing. I think I've missed the early starts! It really does put you in a better frame of mind for the day.

Back home just after 7am, time for a shower and shave, breakfast with Clare and the kids before heading off to work. Legs don't feel too bad after the ride, which I'm hoping is a good sign for long the ride at the weekend!

Solo 50+

2008-03-24T14:45:00.000-07:00

The kids had a great day with Clive and Tersa yesterday. Joe played "rugby" with Grandad, there was a even a bit of golf in the garden, despite the snow! Oh and we built snowmen outside the college.

I went out on the bike about 9:30am on a 50+ mile route after Tim had called to say he was still decorating! A new route - out to Standon on the A120, down the old A10 (up and down some nice hills), to Ware (yes Rob - near Hertford), along the A414 to Harlow on the dual carriageway out to Leaden Roding, Dunmow (stop for a rest at 40 miles) and home along the old A120 via Takely.

Again, the last 10-15 miles we are hard slog against the wind, but worse still my legs still feel empty, and the back of my right knee aches (this started after using the big cog on the 105mile team ride).

I get home and spend the rest of the day finishing assembling things in the study - going to bed at 1am with very tired legs and an 9am workshop in the morning. Not sure what my cycling plans are this week yet...

My dilemma is... Do I continue to cycle with aching legs, or do I let them rest? Maybe I need to do more stretching...

DIY SOS?

2008-03-22T14:39:00.000-07:00

After my ride yesterday I started assembling things from IKEA for our study. However there were a number of additional bits needed, and a couple of damaged parts (from the stuff we had delivered). I had agreed to go on a ride with Tim at 12:30pm, so I went off to IKEA to take stuff back and get the extra stuff.

I sit and wait in a queue to return stuff.

I find the extra stuff I need - minus 1 drawer (arrrgggghhh!).

I stand in the queue at the check out for 40 mins.

I hate IKEA. The stuff is ok, but the shopping experience is just awful.

I leave about midday, just as Tim calls. He has a hole in his floor. Things are not looking good for a ride together today. We decide to put off our plans till Monday.

I get home and continue to assemble stuff, we have a Teams of Our Lady meeting at 5:30pm (bring and share meal - shame Kevin had to leave early to fly a plane to Germany), plus the Easter Vigil mass at 7:30pm. We drop the kids off home - Charlie the babysitter puts them to bed (he earned his money tonight!) - and head off for the 2 hour spectacular at church. Oh and Resurrection Drinks at Rachel and Kevin's, home about 11:30pm...

Clive and Teresa are coming for lunch tomorrow - we have a big tidy up job to do in the morning!!

Good Friday!

2008-03-21T14:32:00.000-07:00

Isobel isn't feeling well today, so the planned Church's Together service at the United Reformed church is only attended by Clare and Joe. I stay at home with the girls. Isobel perks up, has a bath and gets dressed. We join Clare and Joe on the Walk of Witness through the town. After a hot cross bun, we head up to the Catholic church where Canon Eddie leads a service explaining the Stations of the Cross to over 50 children! It's also a lot sunnier than forecast.

We have lunch together at home, and Clare suggests going out on the bike. I get my stuff on and do the first 20 miles quite happily. The the wind changed direction, picked up and hurled sleet into my face! All against the wind on the way back, but refreshing! I complete the 34 mile circuit in about 2 hours, but my feet are like ice.

Not so fast...

2008-03-18T14:15:00.000-07:00

Monday drift's by and it's Tuesday morning. Clare encourages me to get out on the bike before work, I'm out at 6am and it's a cold clear morning. I am still tired from the weekend's ride, but manage the first 20 miles at about 17mph, which felt good. The next 12 miles were ok, but slower and the last few miles there is nothing much left in the legs! Still 32 miles before work - I shouldn't complain!

I have early starts for work for the next 2 days, so no chance to get out on the bike again till Friday - also need to sort out a ride with Tim.

Follow-up rides?

2008-03-16T02:42:00.000-07:00

Sunday 16 Mar 2008

I was planning to do a 40 mile ride today, but it's chucking it down with rain and very windy! It's also Palm Sunday, so I'm going to mass with the family today. The mass was great for the children, Canon Eddie invite the children up onto the alter for his homily and really encourages them to take part in the mass. Clare is helping Isobel and a few other girls in the children's choir while I try to keep Joe and Amy in line!

Instead of going out on the bike, I enjoyed a fantastic sunday lunch - thanks Clare! I play on the Wii with Joseph - Carnival Games is lots of fun, and I play lots of games with Amy, including My First Monopoly, matching games, shopping and Whot!.

An enjoyable day though I Clare did notice I was a bit twitchy about not going out on the bike!

The Chain Gang...

2008-03-15T05:13:00.000-07:00

Sat 15 Mar 2008

Last night was a bit frantic, I managed to get home from work in time to put the bike rack on the car and pack my cycling stuff for the weekend before taking Joe to football. Joe's football skills are really improving, he's had two "Player of the Day" awards in the last week - this is probably down to the amount of football they play at school in break times.

We got back about 7:45pm and celebrated Isobel's baptims day, with Isobel blowing out the candle on her cake! Managed to get Amy and Joe in bed by about 8:20pm and Isobel read to herself. Clare had the Beavers' leader Mick coming round to go through stuff this evening. I left about 8:30pm and picked up Tim from the station, loaded his bike onto the bike rack and we made our way off to Guildford, arriving about 10:15pm.

By the time we had unloaded, had a chat and some lovely curry, it was time to get some sleep as we are off at 7am in the morning.

The alarm woke me at 6am, made some porridge, ate some muffins, tea and orange juice. A good breakfast! All of a sudden it was time to go, a frantic 5 mins getting stuff on and we were off just after 7am.

Ciaran's son is in a play in Guildford at midday, so we plan to do about 50-60 miles together before he heads back and leaves us to complete our 100 miles. There's an easy ride down the hill into Guildford, followed by a long slow hill up to the A31 which we join and head off towards Winchester. After about 4 miles Simon decides to stop quite abruptly in a laybay and we all nearly pile into the back of each other.

We get a quick lesson on team riding and communication. Shout "easy" if you feel yourself drop off the back of the rider in front. Shout "all on" when everyone is back together again. Shout "stopping" if you are leading and want to stop! We head off again and ride much better as a group as a consequence of three very simple calls!

A good pace on the A31, Ciaran asks if we think the pace is ok, we all say its ok, though he mutters something about not being sure he'll be able to keep that pace up! We stop for a brief rest after 26 miles at Four Marks, and decide to do another 6 miles before turning back so Ciaran can get back - down a great hill, hitting 38mph, round the roundabout and it dawns on me that we have to go back up that hill we've just come down!

Tim see's the hill and he's off! Splitting the team quite considerably! Iain and Simon hang back with Ciaran who is stuggling a bit today. Eventually Paul and I decide that we should chase Tim and get him to stop and let the other's catch up. A fun short sprint and we eventually catch Tim, who has stopped just off the main road. The others fly past and we rejoin the main road behind them. Back to riding as a team for the next few miles.

We end up in the middle of a time trail competition, with trialists flying past us! Paul successfully tries to catch the wheel of one of them, only to be hauled back by a shout of "easy" from somewhere behind me!

After about 45 miles we stop and say goodbye to Ciaran, who cycles back to Guildford on his own, the rest of us to a u-turn and go back towards Winchester again on the same road and learn to "chain-gang". A technique that lets everyone in turn take the lead for 30-60 seconds, then drop off, let the others past, and rejoin at the back of the pack. The miles fly by and the average speed ticks up!

Just before we had planned to stop, at the same place in Four Marks, Simon gets a puncture, Iain stops to check if he's ok, the rest of us carry on to the petrol station for a rest and refill of water+Zym and energy bars!

Down that hill again, round the roundabout, and back up the hill again - harder work this time! More "chain-gang" activity on the way back to Farnham. As we approach Guildford we head off to Woking, the rain comes down, but Simon leads us at a good pace and our spirits don't appear to be dampened by the rain! Paul completes his 100 miles just before reaching home and leaves us to cycle the remaining 6-8 miles to clock-up our 100!

Simon gets another slow puncture bang-on 100 miles, a slight pause and then off on the last leg of our training session - just one little hill left and we are back at Iain's - greeted by Jules and my Mom and Dad who are down to meet the team. Pizza, soup, rolls, orange juice is all waiting :-) A great team ride, and a good chat about how things are going on the fundraising side of things - Jules is doing some amazing stuff!! My Mom and Dad are going to be driving the van and following the team on route in the actual event - keeping the team's spirits up - something that I know I'll appreciate!!

I set off home about 5pm and get home just before 6:30pm - kids to bed - Clare's off out for a girl's night out so I get the chance to rest! Plan to do 40 miles tomorrow...

Feeling better!

2008-03-14T03:34:00.000-07:00

14 Mar 2008

I'm feeling better today! I went to the last session of the Aplha course last night, which was good for giving me some time and space to reflect! I'd like to thank Dick, Marie, David and all the other leaders for running the course, and I'm looking forward to meeting up again in April...

I've also had a really good meeting this morning demonstrating a new product, ADAPT Tracker, our company is launching, it went down really well!

I'm in the office with all my notes so I can do the things I wanted to do yesterday and get them out of the way before the team ride tomorrow. Hopefully I'll be able to cycle with a clear head!

I have picked up the team's event business cards, kindly produced by Mosaic in Brighton, so we can distribute them at the weekend!

My bags are packed and I'm picking Tim up at 8:30pm for the drive down to Guildford! Looking forward to seeing my parents tomorrow too!! Must not forget Jack and Georgia's Easter presents!

Feeling low...

2008-03-13T06:30:00.000-07:00

13 Feb 2008

With the team ride on the horizon, I'd like to be feeling in a better mood. Unfortunately, I'm just not enjoying things at the moment! It's been a real struggle to get out on the bike this week.

Yesterday, I slept through my alarm, and when I did eventually get out, it was incredibly windy! I struggled with a new 20 mile route - there are bits of the route I've done before at 16mph, but today with the wind I was struggling to do 10mph! A couple of cross winds nearly blow me off the bike!

Today a different, more familiar 22.5 mile route, felt better and quicker, but I just can't shake off the blues! I wonder whether I am suffering from fatigue? Maybe all that speed at the weekend took more out of me than I thought...

I'm working from home today, though the notes I need are at work - I did try to go into London to get them, but there was a fatality on the line and the trains were cancelled. Time for lunch now...

The Power of Chicken Soup

2008-03-09T05:31:00.000-07:00

Sunday 9 March

Up at 7:30am and out by 8am, I had arranged to meet Tim at Papworth about 8:30am, so I have half an hour to do an unknown distance by sketchy route, I have pieced together a map from cycle routes available in the bedroom of the hotel an I manage to complete the 9 miles in 30 mins - a good starting speed!

Tim had been waiting for about 5 mins, and had done 24 miles more than me by this point! I am concious that I should be fresher than Tim, but the speed we head off at across Cambridgeshire, Tim obviously wasn't tired! I can confirm that Cambridgeshire is very flat!

No hills to speak of for the first 40-50 miles! Our average speed of over 18mph over the first 60 miles was quite amazing, though we did have a slight tail wind most of the way - and as I said it was very flat!!

I hadn't had much breakfast, so at 43 miles we stop at Tesco in Newmarket and I get a sandwich to supplement the maltloaf! We also spot a lady with her electric pedal cycle, something I suggest we should think about using - especially for the hills!

Anyway back on the ride we start to find hils around Haverhill which come as a bit of a shock to the system! We are overtaken by another cyclist who must have been doing 22-23mph, we were doing 17.5mph and we were left for dead! We justify this by assuming he must have just started out and we were having a chat!

Tim takes up some interesting back roads on the route back to Saffron Walden - very narrow! I think both Tim and I were struggling a bit on the last 15 miles to Saffron Walden, but a timely call from Tracey offereing tea and soup gave us the kick start we needed to get back to Tim's house.

I stop to say hello, chat to the kids, and have a cup of tea and a bowl of chicken soup - very welcome!! After a 30 minute stop I get back on the bike, wondering how I am going to deal with the ride back home!

To my surprise, I feel much better! I realise that if I got straight home I am only going to do about 85 miles, so I add on some of my regular training route to get closer to 100 miles...

As I turn away from Stortford and head out to Takely, it chucks it down with sleet and rain! After 92 miles the rain has eased and I'm thinking about how good it feels to be out on the bike, the next minute I find myself face down in the grass verge! Not really sure what happened, but I clipped the kerb and flew off the bike, fortunately no damage done to me or the bike!

Back on the bike and head for home, as I turn into our road the trip distance ticks over 100 miles with an average speed of 16mph. A great ride - thanks to Clare, Clive and Teresa for allowing me to take up most of the day with cycling!

The Wedding!

2008-03-08T05:13:00.000-08:00

8 March 2008

Today is Abbey and Paul's Wedding Day! Clare's parents are coming to stay for the night to look after the kids while we go to the reception at Buckden Towers in Cambrdgeshire.

A slightly chaotic morning (what's new about that!?),

Clare to the hairdressers at 8am
pick up jacket from the dry cleaners
bits of food shopping
car wash
change Isobel's shoes - they were too small!
pack clothes and bedding (we are staying in dorms)
get the kids changed into smart clothes
get ready and to the church for midday
print map for route tomorrow!

The wedding was fantastic! So much music - lead by people the Pugh's know from Celebrate. A packed church with lots of singing and smiling! Abbey looked stunning in her dress, so did the bridesmaids!

A quick stop at home between the wedding and the reception for a cup of tea and to load up the car with clothes, food and the bike :-) I'm cycling back to Stortford tomorrow from Buckden (the long way!)

The party was fabulous, little formality, a constant flow of food and drink, speeches from more people than I can remember, lots of live music, dancing, chatting and drinking! Though I manage to restrain myself to a couple of pints somehow! Unfortunately I didn't have the same restraint for the curry! That might be interesting tomorrow!

As the evening progressed, the thought of sleeping in dorms became less appealing! So I booked into the George Hotel over the road from Buckden Towers and had a much better nights sleep than I otherwise would have!

The hotel room had a selection cycle route maps that allowed me to piece together a route to meet Tim in the morning as I can't find the map I printed!

Local Press Coverage

2008-03-07T05:57:00.000-08:00

7 Mar 2008

I take Joe to football on Friday night's, and apparently I am now a local celebrity! The other parent's inform me that I'm in the local paper! Obviously we have a copy at home, but for those of you who haven't got a copy...

Page 15, 6 Mar, Bishop's Stortford Observer

And Tim has also been in the paper!

Saffron Walden Weekly News, Page 4, 28 Feb 2008

Early blasts!

2008-03-06T10:03:00.000-08:00

Thur 6 Feb 2008

An earlier start today! Today is packed...

cycling (get up at 5:20am)
3 meetings at the MS Society (from 9am)
workshop at Group NBT (at 1:30pm)
Alpha course after work

I leave the house at 5:40am and know I need to be home for about 6:30 to shower, eat, change, park the car and get the train by 7:23...

Another crisp morning and given the time constraints I blast round the 15 mile route in just over 50 mins averaging 16.4mph. I think this is that fastest average speed to date, though it was a short ride!

My personal bests are now:

Avg speed 16.4mph
Total distance in a single ride/day 84 miles
fast speed 46mph
Avg HR 136

Looking forward to the alpha course as I type on the train - arriving at Bishop's Stortford!

Wed 5 Feb 2008

An early start, it's been 3 days without cycling now, so my legs are fully recovered! I feel really up for cycling this morning, leave the house at 6:20am and feel really focused. There's no wind, no rain and it'll be light soon!

A fast pace compared to the long ride on Saturday - just over 16mph. Hills don't appear to be hills anymore - not after the weekend! I'm on a 30 mile circuit and get back to Stortford just after 8am, decide that it would be nice to see the kids before I go to work so I cycle to their school - they should be at breakfast club!

No sign of them yet, I'm just about to head off and Clare and the kids pull in to the car park - lovely kisses through the chain link fence and then they run round for big hugs! See them into breakfast club and say goodbye to Clare before heading home.

Put the bike in the shed and then realise that I only have one house key - not two! I can get into our hall, but not the house! Clare agrees to kindly come back from work and let me in after crushing some ice for her first lesson. While waiting I stretch and try to keep warm! Once in, I take a shower and I'm off to work!

Mother's Day...

2008-03-03T02:46:00.000-08:00

Sun 2 Mar 2008

Not sure how I feel about writing a post about Mother's Day. I am very aware that today is probably a very difficult day for Iain and Jules without Fraser, I am thinking of them both and hope that they don't find the day too tough.

I'm woken at 6:45 by Amy (as usual!) and send her back to bed for a bit! Is that cruel? About 20 mins later she re-appears with Joe and Isobel! They come in bringing cards and gifts for Mummy! I have decided not to do a ride today and enjoy the day with the family. We are going out for lunch at The Malt Shovel with Sally and her kids and Nan, so there are 4 mothers to give thanks to!

Before lunch we go to St Joseph's church in Burntwood, a lovely mass - the kids went out for the children's liturgy and also made more cards Mum - flowers, with messages in the petals saying why the love Mum! I get chance to say hello to Peter and Valerie Kelly and thank them for sponsoring me.

We have a great traditional Sunday lunch (I managed 3 starters care of children's left overs!), a good play on the park and a kick about with the football that Jack and Joe appeared to enjoy! Back to my parent's for coffee.

A lovely weekend, and am feeeling much better about cycling again after spending time with my parents and feeling their support and enthusiasm for what I am doing!

When the wind blows!

2008-03-01T15:23:00.000-08:00

Sat 1 March 2008

Well it's just past midnight and we are finally at my Mom and Dad's house and the kids are in bed! What a journey! Very wet and windy, huge spray from lorries, closed motorway, diversion, stop at 24 hour Tesco for cough medicine, late, tired! Maybe this isn't ideal preparation for a long ride!

Put the Zym in the fridge and decided not to set the alarm - though the kids wake me up at 7ish anyway! A good breakfast, porridge, toast and jam, fruit juice and time to let it go down! I'm not rushing off today. I say hi to my Mom - she was in sensibly in bed when we arrived (earlier this morning!). Clare gets a lie-in!

I have planned an 80ish mile ride, from Burntwood to Hendesford, Rugely, Stoke, Leek, Ashborne, Sudbury, Lichfield and back to Burntwood! Agree to meet my family half way round for a bit of a rest and some lunch - a good support team practice for my Mom and Dad! A few photos are taken and Clare and Amy wave goodbye from the upstairs window! My Dad follows me to the end of the road...

It's very strange riding through Burntwood! Past Rochester Avenue where we used to live, up Redwood Drive - my old walk to school (past the lamppost I walked into once!), past the Pugh's, Sally's new house, the fire station, my old primary school, Sankey's Corner (where we used to play snooker in our 6th form games lessons!). But there are also lots of changes, new buildings, pedestrianised roads, new roundabouts (or is that islands?)!

Up to Heath Hayes, past the end of my Nan's road, the shop we used to walk to from her house to get sweets/comics from when we were little! On to Hednesford and fast down through Slitting Mill - past many routes I've taken on my mountain bike in the past! Out past the Wolesey Arms the venue for a few family meals in the past! It's all been into a very strong head-wind so far!

I'm now out of familiar territory, on the way towards Stone - take a right towards Cheadle to get off the main road - some good hills, a brief stop for malt loaf and text progress! On to Stoke and up and down many hills towards Leek. Leek is at the top of several hills! Brief call to Clare and Dad to agree where to meet up. I am passed by Clare in the car with the kids waving! We stop at a layby for lunch and a chat! It is lovely to see everyone and the food is very welcome!

The last 20 miles were with a very very strong cross wind (though it felt like a head-wind!). My Dad smiles when I talk about the hills I have done, and say's you haven't seen anything yet! They have just driven the route I am about to do going home. The family head off to DoveDale as I head off for the 40 mile homeward ride!

The first 10-15 miles after my stop I have a tail wind! Just to the south of the peak district, some long gentle climbs, and a couple of long fast decents :-) 46mph at one point! Out of Ashbourne I am presented with one of those hills! You know - the ones with a crawler lane!

The A515 from Ashbourne to Lichfield is a great road - some steep hills, but some long stretches of rolling hills enable me to pick up some decent speed! The "best" hill being the one through the National Forest - certainly required getting out of the saddle! I get to the top and pass a cyclist smiling going the other way - he's going to have a cracking descent!

It's tough going from Yoxall to Lichfield - wind has picked up again - almost finding it impossible to pedal forwards on flat roads! Mad! From Lichfield to Burntwood via Pipehill, my family pass me about 2 miles from home! Clare runs me a bath - lovely!

84 miles and it felt hard work at times, but in that wind - must have been worth 100 miles! Wonder how Tim and Iain got on this weekend?

Stop-start-stop-start...

2008-02-29T04:41:00.000-08:00

29 Feb 2008

I am going to visit my parent's this weekend, and am planning to do an 80 mile ride on my own tomorrow. The furthest I've done on my own so far is about 40 miles. I've been spoilt recently with team rides and outings with Tim, but tomorrow I'm on my own.

I'd only managed to get out on the bike once this week, and felt the need to get out this morning and do a short 20 mile ride before work. I've not been feeling particularly fired up this week, and the thought of going out and doing 80 miles on my own is a bit daunting!

Managed to get out about 6:15am, though I was feeling thirsty before I left home - not a good start. Managed to cycle about 50 yards before remembering that I wanted to lower my seat a bit! It felt too high in Tuesday after the adjustments on Sunday.

Sipping drink going up the A120, I accidently dropped my bottle in the middle of the road. As I stopped and turned round, cars and lorries were kindly avoiding my bottle! Dashed in to the road to pick it up and get back on the bike. So I've done 3.77 miles and stopped twice. Eventually get going again, but it feels very slow this morning.

After about 14 miles I need to stop again for a natural break. I glance at my chain, rust? I hadn't cleaned the bike or oiled the chain after the wet ride on Tuesday - silly really. Anyway I managed to pick up the pace a bit for the 7 mile cycle home. All in all, a frustratingly bity ride, without really getting into a good rhythm. Still another 20 miles, time to clean the bike and oil the chain. Looks a bit healthier now!

The wind and the rain....

2008-02-26T13:57:00.000-08:00

Tuesday 26 Feb 2008

Out for a short 20 mile ride this morning just after 6am. Wetter and windier than of late, but still refreshing! Took a slightly different route this morning heading out east to Little Hadham, then south towards Much Hadham and through the back roads to High Wych, then on to the usual route through Sawbridgeworth and Hatfield Heath and back home. Put my clothes in the wash before heading off to London for work!

Planning on doing the same route again tomorrow and Thursday. Though I need to be in work for 9am tomorrow...

In the press?

2008-02-25T13:52:00.000-08:00

Monday 25 Feb 2008

I had a call from the local paper last week and called them back today. Had a good chat about the event and why we are doing what we are doing. Hopefully something will appear in print soon!

Another Early Start!

2008-02-24T13:22:00.000-08:00

Sunday 24 Feb 2008

For once getting up at 5:45am didn't feel silly! It wasn't cold, frosty, wet or windy. It was calm and relatively warm! Set off just after 6am to meet Tim somewhere near Newport. As I cycled through Newport I began to wonder if Tim was up! A single light glowed in the distance!

I turn round and cycle back through Newport with Tim and we take a turning heading out towards Debden. It's lovely at that time in the morning, quiet, calm, no traffic! We took the back roads around the south of Saffron Walden and then headed out past Finchingfield towards Weathersfield, past Richard and Sandy's house and the village hall where Richard is directing Fiddler on the Roof in a couple of weeks time! On towards Braintree, up and down more hills than either Tim or I expected to find in Essex! Round Braintree on a bit of dual carriageway, and then back onto B-roads out to Witham - a good road, long, mostly flat, and got up some good speed (well Tim did and I hung on in there!).

Stopped briefly for a call of nature and some malt loaf, and on to Malden (53 miles) - the furthest East on our ride today, but we were too early for a cup of tea from the pub on the quayside! Just before we reached the quayside, we stopped to consult the map, on setting off again I cycled straight into the back of Tim's bike and promptly fell off sideways - feet still firmly in cleats. It must has looked hilarious to anyone passing! Anyway, the seat twisted and trying to get it aligned and the right height didn't quite work.

Another uncomfortable 30 miles to go to get back home for me, and 14 on top of that for Tim. The rise out of Malden is a long slow climb, against the wind. I struggled to match Tim for speed and my legs felt empty! Though it was quite an amazing view looking over Chelmsford from the top of the hill at Danbury. And the down hill into Chelmsford was a very welcome free mile or so!

Just the other side of Chelmsford we stop for more water (and a Mars bar), and the last 20 miles were a lot better after that! I left Tim at Hockerill lights in Bishop's Stortford and headed home (completing 83.5 miles) for a lovely Sunday lunch with the family after a game of footy in the back garden with Joe and Amy!

Got a text from Tim, he made it to Quendon and needed a lift from Tracey to get home. I'm not surprised, cycling on your own is hard especially after 87.5 miles carrying me most of the way! Thanks Tim! We'll have to organise something for a couple of weeks time...

Total Miles for the week: 153.5 miles

Faith-full!

2008-02-23T12:59:00.000-08:00

Saturday 23 Feb 2008

I had originally planned to cycle to Buckden Towers this morning to get to my Alpha Course, but decided that I wanted to be fresh for a planned 80 mile ride with Tim tomorrow so I opted for a day off cycling!

The Alpha Course, focused on the Holy Spirit. I was Christened when I was young, and went to Sunday School, but as a family going to church was reserved for Christenings, weddings and funerals. This is not something I would like to change, there is no way I would have been able to play football three times at a weekend if we had gone to church on a Sunday morning!

In fact not being a cradle Christian has allowed me to discover the spiritual side of my life slowly over a period of nearly 20 years! From supporting my wife, Clare, with her faith, watching our children's faith grow through their school and church life, to seeing and experiencing the love and support of our local Catholic community in Bishop's Stortford.

Our Heart of Faith group meet a couple of times a month, thanks to the wonderful hospitality of Kevin and Rachel Pugh. They open their house on a Saturday night, we all bring and share food - we just feast on whatever people bring! Rachel and Kevin have a wonderful family, full of talented musicians and dancers!

The musicians get out their drums, guitars, keyboards and we have a great time of praise! We look at the weeks Gospel and we pray together, we are thankful, but also offer prayers for those we know need them. Something 20 years ago I would have never seen myself doing, but something that if I now go too long without I begin to thirst for.

The all day Alpha Course helped me realise that being a Christian didn't mean I had to be somebody different! It helped me realise that opening my heart to God's love I can be more me!

Getting back from the Alpha Course, we had a quick turn-round and out to the Heart of Faith group. Clare had cooked the most wonderful root vegetable caserole - something that Abbey now wants her to cook for her wedding reception in two weeks time - at Buckden Towers! A place I a really looking forward to going back to!

Rush Hour...

2008-02-21T01:33:00.000-08:00

21 Feb 2008

The day started with a 100 mile drive to Rugby for a workshop at the Insitute of Chemical Engineers, a really good bunch of people - it's so much more enjoyable when people actively participate in these sessions! A quick review of the workshop over lunch with the team and back hoome again, just in time to pick the girls up from school.

Joe had footy after school, I took Isobel, Amy and Amy's friend home and started to prepare tea and get changed into my cycling kit. Clare returned home about 4:45pm and I got out on the bike. I am picking up Rachel for the Alpha course at 6:45pm so I only really have time to do about 20 miles.

It's rush hour, so I take the back roads out of Bishop's Stortford, through Allens Green to High Wych - the wind is much stronger than of late, and into my face! As I turned towards Sawbridgeworth from High Wych the wind was behind me and I flew past the rush hour traffic :-) Back through Hatfield Heath and home via Windhill (aptly named tonight). Quick shower and off out!

Looking forward to the ride with Tim on Sunday :-)

Eating before riding...

2008-02-19T06:52:00.000-08:00

Tuesday 19 Feb 2008

I found out what it feels like to eat too much just before going out on the bike today! I had lunch on the way home from a meeting in Cricklewood and got home about 30 mins later. I am working with a guy in Canada at the moment, so I needed to talk to him later in the day - so I decided to kill a couple of hours by going out on the bike.

It was lovely, sunshine, not too cold, slight breeze, ideal conditions really. Loaded the bike up with Zym and set off. After about 2-3 miles I felt rubbish! I couldn't get comfortable and my lunch kept repeating on me! Sipping Zym just made me feel worse! Took me 10 miles before I started to feel ok!

I've also inherited the dreaded squeak from Paul! Paul's saddle squeaked the whole way to Chichester and back at the weekend - I don't know how he put up with it! Now my bike has an occaisional squeak, I think it may well be saddle related too. Though I can't quite pin-point it!

During my ride I even braved the heart of Harlow at school-run time - silly really, but it meant I could take the back roads from Harlow past the Dusty Miller, through High Wych, Allens Green and Spellbrook rather than the all too busy road from Harlow through Sawbridgeworth to Bishop's Stortford.

It was an enjoyable 30 mile ride, but I won't be eating so much before I go out on a ride again in the near future!

Out again!

2008-02-17T14:01:00.000-08:00

Sunday 17 Feb 2008

Not much time for a ride today, managed to fit in 20 miles in 1hr 15mins between getting back from church and Clare leaving to take Isobel to a party, before heading off to Ikea for some stuff for the study!

I took Joe and Amy to the park! Amy can now start, ride and stop all by herself on her bike, and Dad and Joe played football and rugby with Joe's friend Harry and his Dad!

Need to arrange rides for the coming week, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and a big 80 mile ride with Tim on Sunday - well that's the plan for now anyway!!

First full team ride...

2008-02-16T13:26:00.000-08:00

Saturday 15 Feb 2008

After a night in Fraser's room on the blow up bed, the alarm woke me at 6:50am, dozed until 7:10am. Still feeling nervous about the ride, though I'm always like this before I go out!

Had some breakfast with Iain and Tim before getting my kit on for the day. I heard Rich stop by before he went for a warm up ride on his bike - as if the 70 miles wasn't going to be enough!

The team slowly assembled at Iain's before 8:30am and we cycle gently 2-3 miles through Guildford to get to CHASE. Bridget welcomes us with juice, water, tea and cake before telling us about the work they do at the hospice. Christopher's is not just a children's version of an adult hospice, it is a whole lot more than that to the families that need it.

They have amazing facilities, play rooms for youngsters, a hang-out zone for teenagers, they have parties, take the children out on all sorts of activities like fishing, they learn to cook, they paint, they have music rooms to listen and play along, they have a pool, they have sleep-overs. There is so much energy in the place it is truely inspiring!

The staff are passionate and have some much love to give the children and families, but there is also a sense of frustration that they could do so much more and support so many more families if the government would provide more funding. Children's hospice's are just not funded by the NHS...

Andrew Castle came along to meet us, talk to us about our event and have photos taken with us to help promote and publicise the event. He even noted that our event was during Wimbledon and would try to mention us during his commentry! We also met the Mayor of Guildford, who had turned up in his cycling shorts to meet us!

After the tour of CHASE we were off our our team ride - 70 miles, to Chichester and back via the South Downs. For Tim and me this would introduce the concept of hills! Something we don't have a lot of in Essex!

We set off at a steady pace, just under 15mph, and got the feel of riding together, said goodbye to Ciarán after about 10 miles - he needed to get back to pack for his skiing holiday! Though he was encouraged by what he had seen of our riding so far!

Continued the ride to Chichester via Pepworth and Duncton (the start of the hill!). Managed 5mph up the hill, and at the top looked out across the fields and saw two stags in the distance staring at us! Going down the other side was spoilt by a tractor pulling out in front of me! Grrrr.

Made it to Chichester for a cup of tea and some more malt loaf before heading back!

Slightly slower on the way back as we were in to a slight head wind, but saying that, we couldn't have asked for better weather really - it was glorious!

After a couple of big hills on the way back and a minor altercation with a car cutting us up badly, we were back in Guildford just as Ciarán was about to leave. Jules was out with the camera to record our return from a great first team ride!

After a shower, some toast, malt loaf and tea, I loaded the bikes on the car and took Tim back to Saffron Walden before heading off to Rachel's 50th birthday party...

Working from home...

2008-02-15T09:41:00.001-08:00

Friday 15 Feb 2008

Managed to work from home today, had a good chat with Iain about the Race for CHASE business cards. eMosaic have kindly offered to provide us with business cards for the event, for which we are very grateful!

Also took the opportunity to get my kit ready for the Team Training Ride tomorrow. I'm looking forward to the ride, but am a little nervous! I've not riden in a group of riders before and I'm not really sure how it'll work out! However I am looking forward to the visit to CHASE tomorrow to find out more about their work, and meet Andrew Castle who is sponsoring our event.

Helped get Joe's football kit ready and clean his boots for tomorrow and put the kids to bed (they had been out all day), and was off to stay with Iain and Jules about 8:30pm. Got to Guildford just after 10pm, had a good chat with Iain, Jules & Tim, before getting some sleep...

Please be quiet!

2008-02-14T07:49:00.001-08:00

14 Feb 2008 (Valentine's Day :-)

Maddy and Martha are staying with us for a couple of days during half term, Martha is sort of a cousin to our kids and they don't get to see each other very often, so it's lovely to have them to stay!

I needed to get out for a ride this morning, the last chance to do some more miles before the team ride on Saturday, so I set the alarm for 6:30am (rather that 5:45am - Maddy was sleeping downstairs and 5:45am is a bit of a rude time to wake a guest - though 6:30am isn't much better!)

Tip-toed downstairs, got dressed in the dark, glugged some orange juice & water and was ready to go - nearly. Forgot my Zym! Back through the living room, into the kitchen to get to the fridge - trying not to disturb Maddy!

Eventually I was off, much warmer this morning than of late (+2C, not -2C!), though I felt very thirsty, maybe that was the pint I had after the company meeting last night?

Good ride through Hatfield Broad Oak, Hatfield Heath, Sawbridgeworh and a new de-tour out towards the Hadhams from Spellbrook. 24 miles in 1.5 hours and back for breakfast :-) Exchanged Valentine's cards with Clare :-) I think she liked the "I love you" Marmite - for lovely marmite lovers! Can't stand the stuff myself!

Eventually I made my way to the station to go to work, only to realise I'd left my cards at home so couldn't pay for my ticket! Rang Clare who came out in pyjamas to bring me my cards!

Thanks Clare :-)))

Floating on air :-)

2008-02-12T11:47:00.000-08:00

Tuesday 12 Feb 2008

I'd read Simon's post on his blog about the difference in changing from his mountain bike to his road bike, I had expected it to feel better, I had not expected it to feel soooooooooooooo good!

OK so the Roubaix is half the weight of the old bike, I should have expected it to feel better than the hybrid bike, what I hadn't anticipated was how smooth the ride on the new bike would be. Nothing clonks, no thumb shifters (which to be honest have really started to affect my right hand), a gentle hum as it whistles along the road.

Having hardly slept last night thinking about getting out on the bike, I was like a kid at Chrsitmas! I think I took my excitment out with me onto the road - I just grinned at the ease of riding it and the speed I could do! I'll ride it slower and more sensibly tomorrow, but this morning I just had to play! It was cold and foggy, but that didn't matter. The ride flew by, hills were easier, 23 miles in an hour and a half :-)

You will also be pleased to know the pedals didn't fall off...

I can't wait to get out on Thursday morning - big grin :-)))

Ready for the off!

2008-02-11T15:29:00.000-08:00

Monday 11 Jan 2008

Managed to get to Evans Cycles on High Holborn today to get a new light - one that supports handlebars that are thicker than normal due to the brake & gear cables being hidden under the handlebar tape - something I hadn't even thought about before!

At 10pm, after tea, I managed to get out to the shed, attach the new light and my rear light to the new bike, not forgetting the little bag with spare tube & tools! Then moving the trip computer and magnet from the old bike to the new bike. Oh! And the pedals, better not forget those! Must buy some more pedals, can't keep Laurence's pedals forever!

I am going to take the appropriate allen key for the pedals tomorrow - just in case they fall off! I'm sure my Mom & Dad would agree that this is a wise precaution knowing what my practical skills are like sometimes!!

Zym is made up and in the fridge, malt loaf is sliced up, clothes are laid out in the living room ready from a quick get away in the morning! It still amazes me how long it takes me to get everything sorted out before a ride!

Anyway - time for bed, need to be up at 5:45am in the morning!

So what's the new bike like then?

2008-02-10T09:51:00.000-08:00

Sun, 10 Feb 2008

The short answer is - I don't know yet! Having planned to go out with Tim at 6:30am this morning, I couldn't get my existing lights to fit on the new bike - arrrggghhh! So at about 11pm last night I finally admitted defeat and put the pedals back on the old bike ready for the ride in the morning!

Woke at 5:45am this morning - not much milk left, so toast & jam plus a banana before I left the house at 6:32am. I had arranged to meet Tim somewhere near Quendon on the old road to Cambridge from Bishop's Stortford, after about 7-8 miles I see a bright yellow jacket and single light heading towards me!

We head off the main road down the back roads to Clavering (the home of Jamie Oliver's parent's pub), and stop to look at the route I'd been given by my old boss from BT. Fortunately Tim knew most of the route, actually Tim knew the route too well - he knew a couple of diversions that had good hills. I think my definition of a good hill is different from Tim's!

Through some lovely villages, past some very old traditional pubs, munching Malt Loaf, sipping Zym, out towards Royston, where Tim points out that give or take a few meters we are at the highest point in Essex (just above sea level I think :-). Back towards Duxford passing a huge gro up of 60+ club cyclists, and then leaving Tim to finish off his ride as I head back down past Audley End, Newport, Ugley, Stansted and back to Stortford.

63.5 miles later, I'm back home, and feeling a lot happier about the prospect of the 70 mile team ride next week! Apparently we are going to the seaside!

Challenge for the week - to get out on the new bike! Probably need some more lights!

Oh! Nearly forgot, my 5 year old daughter, Amy, has just learnt to ride her bike without stabilisers - she's very pleased with herself, and I'm a very proud Dad! Maybe she will do LEJOG one day!

Total Miles for the week: 111.5 miles

New bike!

2008-02-09T09:16:00.000-08:00

Sat 9 Feb 2008

After the school disco last night I had a lie-in this morning - thanks Clare! I was out at footy with Joe this morning - I think he is showing great promise as a powerful central defender! I avoided the bacon bap this morning - though it was difficult standing on the side of the pitch smelling that bacon!

Dumped Joe's mud soaked clothes in the washing machine, sorted out the bike rack and had a bit of lunch before the trip down to Guildford to pick up my bike!

Good run down, and lots of help from Jackie at Beyond Mountain Bikes to make sure the bike was setup properly :-) Looks great with the the red Keo pedals :-)

Joe's had a good game of Feeding Frenzy on e's xBox and they are now playing Pro-evolution Soccer. Going to have a light tea before going back home - to get ready for a ride with Tim tomorrow - we are hoping to meet up somewhere near Quendon at about 7am in the morning :-0

More chaos!

2008-02-08T03:19:00.000-08:00

Friday 8 Feb 2008

After a day working from home and week 5 of the Alpha course, I have a crazy day ahead today!

I've been up since 5:30am, I've done 22 miles on the bike, though I was up against time this morning! Needed to be in Basildon for 9am!

Managed to get home for 7:40am after a good ride, found a new hill that wasn't as bad as I thought it would be :-) and overtook 2 other cyclists on their way to work :-) On returning home, things were just stirring in the Wright household! Quick shower, change, breakfast, kiss goodbye for tha family and off to work by 8:10am. Made it to Basildon by 8:50 - 10 mins to spare - time for a coffee!!

Just about to go back home now, drop the car off for it's MOT, into London to see Rob & James and work out the logistics for next week and prepare for a workshop at Carphone Warehouse.

Need to be back to pick the car up by 6pm - and it's the School Disco tonight (Joe has decided that the disco is more important than football! Well he did do footy on Thursday nd he has footy on Saturday, so I guess that's probably the right decision!). Clare is looking forward to not having to do the disco on her own again!!!

Not sure whether I am going for a ride tomorrow, or whether the voucher has turned up at work so that I can pick my new bike up. I am hoping to do a long ride on Sunday, though need to sort that out with Tim & Laurence later this afternoon sometime.

I think I am going to enjoy a small glass of wine this evening :-)

Back in the saddle...

2008-02-06T08:30:00.000-08:00

Wed 6 Feb 2008

At last, I'm delighted to be woken up at 5:30am! I think I spent most of the night dreaming of getting up early and getting out on the bike - Maybe I'm going mad!

Out on the bike just after 6am, and feeling better for the few days off. Good ride, 26 miles before breakfast. Faster than on Saturday (which I put down to the fact it was a lot warmer this morning), and avg HR was 143 (again much lower than the 150 I had been averaging).

Nice to see the sunrise again! Anfd back home just in time to see the kids and Clare leave for school/work.

Bike has arrived...

2008-02-05T08:28:00.000-08:00

Tuesday 5 Feb 2008

Received a phone call from Beyond Mountain Bikes. My new bike has arrived in their shop. I just need my CycleScheme voucher now! Apparently the voucher has been issued, I hope it turns up before Saturday.

No ride again today, trying to make sure the cold has gone before I get back out on the bike...

Under the weather...

2008-02-04T05:34:00.000-08:00

Monday 4 Feb 2008

Feeling full of cold today, I've taken the day off work as my nose is streaming and I have a hacking cough. Let's hope it eases tomorrow so I can get back out on the bike!

The light stuff...

2008-02-03T10:15:00.000-08:00

Sunday, 3 Feb 2008

Woke up at 9am this morning in a hotel in Guildford - the kids were having a great time at Granny and Grandad's and we were enjoying the lie in!

e's party last night was fun, lots of people (probably too much talking about cycling), singing (not sure how e managed to get me singing Dizzy...), drinking, eating (lovely duck/pancakes & plum sauce). At the end of the evening agreed with e to meet for breakfast about 10am and get directions to Beyond Mountain Bikes so that I could order my bike!

Breakfast was great (bacon, sausage, egg & toast :-), and Iain had already printed off directions to the bike shop, though after Jules had lead us the right way out of Guildford, we struggled to follow the remaining directions! We eventually realised that we had missed the shop about 8-10 miles past Cranleigh. We eventually found the shop and tried out a couple of bikes for size, couldn't quite believe how light they were.

Settled on a Specialized Roubaix Elite, which has a carbon frame that is supposed to help absorb some of the shock as well as being light. Just need to get me voucher from the CycleScheme, so that I can pick up the next week. If all goes well I will get the chance to get out on the bike a few times before out first team ride on the 16 Feb after our visit to CHASE - an opportunity for us to talk about our event and get to see the care they provide to families with children who have a short life expectancy.

After a cup of tea, we returned to Granny and Grandad's for a lovely lunch before our journey home...

Next week I hope to do a couple of rides during the week, and a longer ride (50-60 miles) at the weekend!

Happy Birthday e!

2008-02-02T06:38:00.000-08:00

Sat 2 Feb 2008 - Iain's Birthday!

An interesting day today, I feel the need to share some of the logistical complexities of life with 3 kids and trying to fit in training!

Joseph has football at 10-11:30
Amy has a party in Dunmow at 11am-1pm
Isobel has piano lessons at 10:30-11
Isoblel has ballet/tap/modern lessons at 11:20-1:05pm
Clare is helping with First Holy Communion preparation 2-4pm
Iain's 40th Birsthay party in Guildford at 8pm :-)

Given the overlapping choas and the need to get to Clare's parents in Surrey before heading off to the party, fitting in a ride this weekend is a challenge!

I decided last night that the only way was to get up at 5:30am (on a Saturday!), get out for just after 6am and then ensure I am back around 9am so that I can get showered and changed before taking Joseph to footy.

A window of 3 hours, so I decided to do a loop of about 37 miles. While the plan seemed sensible at 11pm last night, at 5:30am this morning I was not so sure, it was soooooooooooo cold!

After about 2 miles I thought my fingers were going to fall off! And my toes were getting cold. Despite this, I soon warmed up and and enjoyed the ride out to Dunmow - no cars - dark (I like riding in the dark - very peaceful!) - watching the sun slowly rise in the distance - beautiful!

My ride was slower today, not sure what the main contributing factor was, but one of the following...

cold toes
cold fingers
needing to go the the toilet every 10 miles

Seriously, I didn't mind going slow today, just happy to get some miles in and my average heart rate was down to136 (max 164), which is much lower than my usual avg HR of 150.

No ride planned for tomorrow.

Total miles for the week: 100 miles :-) ok, so that's only half the first day on the actual event!

I'm now looking forward to Clare getting home so that we can get down to the party and have some fun!

Starting the day right...

2008-02-01T04:03:00.000-08:00

Friday, 1 Feb 2008

Another short ride before work this morning, just 17 miles, but enough to put me in a good frame of mind for the day. A friend suggested doing 20 mile rides before breakfast can help burn fat. Not sure if that's right or not - but gave it a go this morning, with Special K + raisins for breakfast on my return.

Looking forward to a 40 mile ride in the morning before Joe's football, and then on to Iain's party in the evening...

Gone with the wind...

2008-01-31T09:43:00.000-08:00

Thursday, 31 Jan 2008

Another 5:30am alarm call and out for a ride at 6am, or at least that was the plan! 5:30 soon because 5:38am before I got out of bed and though I was out of the house by 6am, I had left my light in the house, so shoes off, back in trying not to disturb everyone, and back out again. Then I find out that the handlebars on the bike are slipping, so out with the tools to tighten it up.

Set off about 6:15am in the dark, not realising quite how windy it was. It was only on the back roads to Hatfield Heath that I really noticed how strong it was. Down the hill to Pig Lane is normally great fun, but today I had to pedal hard just to maintain any sort of speed for the hill the other side! Up hill against strong wind is not a good combination - very slow :-(

Anyway the ride back from Harlow was much more fun - 35 mph at one point on a level surface with the wind behind me.

Back home about 7:45am, just in time to see the kids & Clare before they leave for school!

Another 23 miles done in just over 90 mins, but it took me till 10am to get to work again...

Total Miles for the month: 341 miles