Wednesday, 9 July 2008

The Event!

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


Saturday, 5 July 2008

Well Done Dad!

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

Saturday, 28 June 2008

The event blog...

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

http://www.raceforchase2008.blogspot.com

Photo with Roger Black...

At CHASE before we set off...

Friday, 27 June 2008

Support team in action...

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

Gilly spots a vaseline opportunity...

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

Last kiss before I go!

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

Last minute essentials!

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

Following the Event?

There are a couple of ways you can keep in touch with how we are getting on next week:
I'll probably be posting stuff to my blog too!!

It's all very quiet!

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!

Thursday, 26 June 2008

Latest Weather forecast...

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!!

Wednesday, 25 June 2008

Superb Support!

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!

Sunday, 22 June 2008

Thinking about the weather!

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

Saturday, 21 June 2008

Damp and drizzle

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!

Thursday, 19 June 2008

Service drop off...

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!!

Monday, 16 June 2008

Checking in with HQ...

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...

Sunday, 15 June 2008

Hog Roast

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!

Saturday, 14 June 2008

Last 100+ ride before the event...

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!

Tuesday, 10 June 2008

A new regime?

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!

Monday, 9 June 2008

Happy Brithday Joe!

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 :-)

Sunday, 8 June 2008

Busy weekend...

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!

Friday, 6 June 2008

Late into work...

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...

Tuesday, 3 June 2008

Late for the physio...

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...

Sunday, 1 June 2008

Last Team Training Ride - Day 2

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!

Saturday, 31 May 2008

Last Team Training Ride - Day 1

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...

Wednesday, 28 May 2008

More physio...

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!

Tuesday, 27 May 2008

Another short ride...

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!

Saturday, 24 May 2008

Nan does her bit!

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!

Friday, 23 May 2008

Further afield...

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!

Thursday, 22 May 2008

A quick test...

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.

Wednesday, 21 May 2008

Good news, I hope!

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!

Sunday, 18 May 2008

Training Ride - Day 3 - Is anyone out there?

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...

Saturday, 17 May 2008

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

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...

Friday, 16 May 2008

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

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.

Tuesday, 13 May 2008

New wheels

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!

Monday, 12 May 2008

Thanks Jackie!

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, 11 May 2008

Sunday sun and BBQs!

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!

Saturday, 10 May 2008

Back out with Tim again...

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.

Friday, 9 May 2008

It's not that bad...

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...

Thursday, 8 May 2008

My bike's in a mess!

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!!

Wednesday, 7 May 2008

Re-acquaintance...

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...

Tuesday, 6 May 2008

Switching bikes...

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

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.

Sunday, 4 May 2008

7 rings...

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!

Saturday, 3 May 2008

Another 100 up!

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.

Friday, 2 May 2008

Still creaking...

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...

Thursday, 1 May 2008

Service Interruption

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!

Saturday, 26 April 2008

Not quite as planned...

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!

Friday, 25 April 2008

Cycle to school...

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.

Tuesday, 22 April 2008

Out again...

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...