January 2013

27th January 2012

Not much to say about this ride other than the fact that I don't remember much about it - I really should keep more on top of this blogging thing to avoid this happening again.

Ride data Here


13th January 2012

Woke up this morning to the first proper freeze in a long time.  A quick call with Stephen where we considered a mountain bike oriented alternative we stuck with the road bikes and arranged to meet up 15 minutes later than planned at 8:45.  I as usual set off a little later than I should and had to push it a bit harder than is recommended to get to the meeting point.  One of these days I will set off at an appropriate time and make it to the meeting point at a leisurely pace.

Taking into account the ice on the road we decided to scrap the originally planned route and stuck to the coast for the first half of the ride.  Once again the benefit of having a local riding buddy showed it's innumerable benefit as Steve led us on a route which extended my knowledge of the area and was just what was required.

Like last week I found it tough going after the first hour but to be completely honest far less so than last week.  I think it may be down to pre ride nutrition so I will be trying to get more food down me before I go out next week and see if that has any effect.  It is either that or as I am already plainly aware I need to ride a lot more.

No coffee shop coffee or cake again this week but we did pop into Stephen's house for a brew after which I rolled gently home.  I think I could have probably added another 10-15km onto the ride without too much suffering just so long as it was flat as it is the hills which are killing me - not something that bodes well but a problem which may be related to the extra stone and a half that I seem to be dragging round with me.

The weather forecast isn't good for the forthcoming week and I am away most of it - hopefully it will clear up before the weekend otherwise I will have to get on the turbo trainer :(

Ride data:

http://www.brytonsport.com/mapTrackView/2?id=2059353

6th January 2013

I have found a way, once a week at any rate, to get past the procrastination and excuses, it is not new or novel and has worked for many people before - I have found a riding buddy through the club.  So today I got up early with the boss (she was off to work) and 
headed off into the fog.  there is not a shadow of doubt that if I wasn't meeting Stephen I would have sat down with another couple of cups of coffee before even considering heading out.  

So back to the ride - 8am start in the morning, fog everywhere, first proper use of the lights and the first time on the bike in over a month, oops turn round after 150 meters, grab gloves left on the kitchen counter, set off again...

Had to push the first 10km a bit (not hugely bit a bit more than I would have liked as I had misjudged slightly how long it would take me to get to the meeting point.   Arrived just a couple of minutes late.  Bowing to the greater local knowledge of Stephen we headed off on what was a very pleasant ride and expended my knowledge beyond the areas I normally ride.  The fog added a surreal air to the ride and having someone to ride with was great.

Confession time - the month off took its toll - I had no power in my legs after the first 30km and the slight hills killed me but this has the advantage of making sure I don't have such a break again.  I am really going to have to work to achieve my aims!

Oh also no coffee stop! that may take some getting used to!

The only good piece of news to come out of the down time - my GPS dried out completely :) 

Ride data (now including heart rate data)