The VERY best of luck to everyone riding the 'Fred' today.
:o)
Sunday, 8 May 2011
Thursday, 5 May 2011
Ask and...... well, you know.....
It's amazing how the Collective mind of people can make more things happen than an individual on their own. Well, I suppose it isn't, but it does go to show that even when you have a project that is essentially 'yours', it can be hugely improved by the input of other people.
And for those people (you know who you are - and I won't try to name you all) who have supported me, suggested things, given me advice, and the like I want to thank you :o)
I have an email today from the folk at Cyclewise at Whinlatter. A number of people had mentioned them, some of my 'fat-tyre' friends have obviously used them quite a bit and have been incredibly positive about them, and I followed up the suggestion to call them and see if there was any mileage in asking them if I could use them as a stop off point to sort out drinks and the like, but also to glance over the bike as it will get quite a hammering over the 10 days.
I had a chat with them on the phone, and the response that I got was really positive, and I was asked to email a few details about what I'm up to. I did that last night, and this morning I had a reply!
They are more than happy for me to use the shop as a drinks stop and somewhere to have a bite to eat. But more than that, they have offered to check the bike over both before I start, and during the 10 days and make sure that it doesn't let me down. They have been incredibly generous with the offer they have made too. Brilliant!
AND they are hopefully going to put something in their next newsletter....
AND they are going to see if they can get some riders out to give me some company.
Considering that they've never met me - I am totally blown away by this.
There's a clicky link thing over there --->
I am collecting a fantastic group of people who are going out of their way to help me on this endeavour, and I can't really express how grateful I am. I hope that it'll come across in the things I write as the days pass.
Just a week to go.
Exciting, isn't it! :o)
And for those people (you know who you are - and I won't try to name you all) who have supported me, suggested things, given me advice, and the like I want to thank you :o)
I have an email today from the folk at Cyclewise at Whinlatter. A number of people had mentioned them, some of my 'fat-tyre' friends have obviously used them quite a bit and have been incredibly positive about them, and I followed up the suggestion to call them and see if there was any mileage in asking them if I could use them as a stop off point to sort out drinks and the like, but also to glance over the bike as it will get quite a hammering over the 10 days.
I had a chat with them on the phone, and the response that I got was really positive, and I was asked to email a few details about what I'm up to. I did that last night, and this morning I had a reply!
They are more than happy for me to use the shop as a drinks stop and somewhere to have a bite to eat. But more than that, they have offered to check the bike over both before I start, and during the 10 days and make sure that it doesn't let me down. They have been incredibly generous with the offer they have made too. Brilliant!
AND they are hopefully going to put something in their next newsletter....
AND they are going to see if they can get some riders out to give me some company.
Considering that they've never met me - I am totally blown away by this.
There's a clicky link thing over there --->
I am collecting a fantastic group of people who are going out of their way to help me on this endeavour, and I can't really express how grateful I am. I hope that it'll come across in the things I write as the days pass.
Just a week to go.
Exciting, isn't it! :o)
Wednesday, 4 May 2011
Useful Stuff!
I phoned Robin at Team Nutrition today for a chat, and some pointers for my drink/recovery strategy for the 10 Freds. That was really useful. I'll drop in on my way up to the Highest Quality B&B in the Lakes to sort out the last few bits and pieces.
Thanks to a suggestion on the 10 Freds thread on Fetcheveryone (Thanks Andy - GREAT idea) I called the guys at Cyclewise at Whinlatter. Had a quick chat about the possibility of being able to pop in and say Hi and sort out my drinks bottles there and perhaps have them cast an experienced eye over the bike a couple of times as it's going to get a bit of a battering over the 10 days.
I've pinged off a detailed email about what I'm up to and hopefully they'll be up for supporting me in that way. Hope so - it'll make the logistics of the second half of the ride SO much easier!!
I just have a few little tweaks to sort out on the bike now, and I should be good to go. Life got in the way of riding today, and tomorrow it looks like I'll be a bit delayed too - but that's OK :o)
It's all coming together nicely!
Thanks to a suggestion on the 10 Freds thread on Fetcheveryone (Thanks Andy - GREAT idea) I called the guys at Cyclewise at Whinlatter. Had a quick chat about the possibility of being able to pop in and say Hi and sort out my drinks bottles there and perhaps have them cast an experienced eye over the bike a couple of times as it's going to get a bit of a battering over the 10 days.
I've pinged off a detailed email about what I'm up to and hopefully they'll be up for supporting me in that way. Hope so - it'll make the logistics of the second half of the ride SO much easier!!
I just have a few little tweaks to sort out on the bike now, and I should be good to go. Life got in the way of riding today, and tomorrow it looks like I'll be a bit delayed too - but that's OK :o)
It's all coming together nicely!
Tuesday, 3 May 2011
A windy ton
I suppose I was being a little ambitious yesterday with winds forecast to be 30kph with stronger gusts from the East - to ride a route that was 104 miles and would only have a 'helpful' wind direction for about 30 miles..... when I left the house at 13:30!!
OK - so I did know that I could cut it short to 86 miles it time and daylight conspired against me.
But in the end they didn't.
[Note to self] When strong winds have been blowing, watch out for half-fallen trees. It smarts a bit when you plough through them at 25mph ;o)
Once again I went through a slightly sticky patch from about 50 to 65 miles. But then my legs came back to me and felt a lot better for the last section... which was initially hillier and there was another 10 mile section of strong headwind.
Because I had planned to do the 100 miles, I took a couple of solid food things with me (and plenty of coinage to buy stuff should the need arise), and because they were in my jersey pocket, and the sun was shining on them, have found that anything with a chocolate coating is asking for trouble! :o)
I also thought about fluids too. With only the capacity to carry 1.3L on the bike at the moment - I'm steadfastly resisting the idea of carrying a pack with a bladder, mostly because I'm most comfortable riding on the drops - I consumed 500mls of Carbo-Loader just before I left, and with it being sunny, opted for Electrolyte Energy on the bike. If it had been hotter I'd have been completely happy with this mixture. As it was cooler I think I'd have been better with one of each on the bike.
And I need more for the longer days on the Fred Whitton course!
Working on the principle that I'll not have support - I'm going to have to find a way of carrying a couple more bottles - ideally without having to use a pack!!
As a longish training ride, I was happy with it. 104 miles in 6:22, and feeling really strong by the end. Just need to work out how to avoid the 'dip' I get after about 3 hours. Although with any luck, the Fred course will keep my legs and brain from going to sleep :o)
Today I planned to rest - more by default really - there was a STACK of work that had built up over the Bank Holiday which had to be done, and important house 'stuff' happening too.
The weather for the next few days looks excellent though - so an opportunity to get in some solid miles before I allow my legs a couple of days R&R before the Challenge begins!
OK - so I did know that I could cut it short to 86 miles it time and daylight conspired against me.
But in the end they didn't.
[Note to self] When strong winds have been blowing, watch out for half-fallen trees. It smarts a bit when you plough through them at 25mph ;o)
Once again I went through a slightly sticky patch from about 50 to 65 miles. But then my legs came back to me and felt a lot better for the last section... which was initially hillier and there was another 10 mile section of strong headwind.
Because I had planned to do the 100 miles, I took a couple of solid food things with me (and plenty of coinage to buy stuff should the need arise), and because they were in my jersey pocket, and the sun was shining on them, have found that anything with a chocolate coating is asking for trouble! :o)
I also thought about fluids too. With only the capacity to carry 1.3L on the bike at the moment - I'm steadfastly resisting the idea of carrying a pack with a bladder, mostly because I'm most comfortable riding on the drops - I consumed 500mls of Carbo-Loader just before I left, and with it being sunny, opted for Electrolyte Energy on the bike. If it had been hotter I'd have been completely happy with this mixture. As it was cooler I think I'd have been better with one of each on the bike.
And I need more for the longer days on the Fred Whitton course!
Working on the principle that I'll not have support - I'm going to have to find a way of carrying a couple more bottles - ideally without having to use a pack!!
As a longish training ride, I was happy with it. 104 miles in 6:22, and feeling really strong by the end. Just need to work out how to avoid the 'dip' I get after about 3 hours. Although with any luck, the Fred course will keep my legs and brain from going to sleep :o)
Today I planned to rest - more by default really - there was a STACK of work that had built up over the Bank Holiday which had to be done, and important house 'stuff' happening too.
The weather for the next few days looks excellent though - so an opportunity to get in some solid miles before I allow my legs a couple of days R&R before the Challenge begins!
Sunday, 1 May 2011
Still fiddling with things
It was pretty windy out there today!
So I was pleased with a 60 mile ride in under 3:30, and having loads of juice left in my legs.
I've fiddled with my riding position again.
i felt like I was over-reaching, so I have put a 20mm shorter stem on. It felt LOADS better today, but the knock on was that my seat was slightly too far forward. So I've tweaked that this evening and I'll give it a go tomorrow!
Less than 2 weeks until I start circulating the Lake District :o)
And I'm feeling much more confident about it now. I'm knocking out reasonable mileage without getting too tired, and I'm pacing my longer rides far better. That, and I'm simply feeling much stronger.
I've been having a think about what I'll need to take with me for essential bike maintenance, although my lovely hosts at Oakdene have bikes themselves, and there are plenty of decent LBS's about the place :o)
So I was pleased with a 60 mile ride in under 3:30, and having loads of juice left in my legs.
I've fiddled with my riding position again.
i felt like I was over-reaching, so I have put a 20mm shorter stem on. It felt LOADS better today, but the knock on was that my seat was slightly too far forward. So I've tweaked that this evening and I'll give it a go tomorrow!
Less than 2 weeks until I start circulating the Lake District :o)
And I'm feeling much more confident about it now. I'm knocking out reasonable mileage without getting too tired, and I'm pacing my longer rides far better. That, and I'm simply feeling much stronger.
I've been having a think about what I'll need to take with me for essential bike maintenance, although my lovely hosts at Oakdene have bikes themselves, and there are plenty of decent LBS's about the place :o)
Tuesday, 26 April 2011
It was quite windy today! And (to borrow a phrase someone else used this morning) the temperature was unexpectedly seasonally normal! :o)
So Long arms and windproof gilet were the order of the day - and I was SO glad of them!!
For the first 42 miles said wind wasn't at all helpful, but I was pleased with the way I was riding, averaging around 17mph, and not having to work hard for it.
About 30 miles from home I was informed by my lovely wife that she had arrived safely in Scotland. And from shortly after that I was treated to a few sections of tailwind.
Because of a plethora of jobs that I had had to do this morning, this ride was the one that best fitted in to the time available.
Suffered a slight 'chafing' at the seat/undercarriage interface. This is not something I've had before, so I'll keep a bit of an eye on it. A slight seat position adjustment feels like it is needed!
Hopefully having a short ride in company tomorrow - that would be excellent
So Long arms and windproof gilet were the order of the day - and I was SO glad of them!!
For the first 42 miles said wind wasn't at all helpful, but I was pleased with the way I was riding, averaging around 17mph, and not having to work hard for it.
About 30 miles from home I was informed by my lovely wife that she had arrived safely in Scotland. And from shortly after that I was treated to a few sections of tailwind.
Because of a plethora of jobs that I had had to do this morning, this ride was the one that best fitted in to the time available.
Suffered a slight 'chafing' at the seat/undercarriage interface. This is not something I've had before, so I'll keep a bit of an eye on it. A slight seat position adjustment feels like it is needed!
Hopefully having a short ride in company tomorrow - that would be excellent
Sunday, 24 April 2011
Sweet Spot
The wife booted me out of the door for a LONG ride this morning. I had loosely planned to do just over 100 miles, which is a route that I do with a little extra bit added in.
I had it in my mind where the turn off was, but when I got there, I realised that the last time I'd done this variation, it was in the opposite direction.... OOPS!
So I carried on on the 86 mile loop that I was on :o)
Besides, I've not seen the wife for a week - family stuff - and if I'm honest, I didn't want to be out for all of the main part of the day.
It's an undemanding ride (as long as there isn't any wind) for the most part, and today the conditions were great. Cooler than yesterday but there was a slight breeze that seemed to be in my face all day.
The thing that was most noticeable was the sheer numbers of flies that were about. The biggish ones that look to have a hook (like jets have when they land on aircraft carriers) hanging under their abdomens. They are clearly not very aerodynamic, because the fly slowly - but they still smart a bit when you hit them at 20+mph!! There were THOUSANDS of them out in the country lanes today. And the greenfly obviously thought I was a plant :-O
I've been noticing all sorts of things as I do more riding. I'm not an experienced cyclist, so many things are new to me.
I'm more comfortable riding on the drops than the hoods or the tops for the most part.
I find that maintaining a high cadence is also easier in that position.
There is a 'sweet spot' with cadence, where is all smooths out and feels 'light' for want of a better word. For me, that is around 95 rpm. Drop below 90 and the timing seems to go, and it feels a 'bogged down' - much higher than 105 and I also lose the smoothness.
And the odd phenomenon of legs fatiguing progressively, and inexplicably 'coming back' to me. This seems to happen at around 70 miles or 4 hours. I'm fascinated by this and wonder if there is an explanation for it
There were loads of riders out today - wonder how many were avoiding their families or hyper-manic-chocolate-fuelled children..??
:o)
I had it in my mind where the turn off was, but when I got there, I realised that the last time I'd done this variation, it was in the opposite direction.... OOPS!
So I carried on on the 86 mile loop that I was on :o)
Besides, I've not seen the wife for a week - family stuff - and if I'm honest, I didn't want to be out for all of the main part of the day.
It's an undemanding ride (as long as there isn't any wind) for the most part, and today the conditions were great. Cooler than yesterday but there was a slight breeze that seemed to be in my face all day.
The thing that was most noticeable was the sheer numbers of flies that were about. The biggish ones that look to have a hook (like jets have when they land on aircraft carriers) hanging under their abdomens. They are clearly not very aerodynamic, because the fly slowly - but they still smart a bit when you hit them at 20+mph!! There were THOUSANDS of them out in the country lanes today. And the greenfly obviously thought I was a plant :-O
I've been noticing all sorts of things as I do more riding. I'm not an experienced cyclist, so many things are new to me.
I'm more comfortable riding on the drops than the hoods or the tops for the most part.
I find that maintaining a high cadence is also easier in that position.
There is a 'sweet spot' with cadence, where is all smooths out and feels 'light' for want of a better word. For me, that is around 95 rpm. Drop below 90 and the timing seems to go, and it feels a 'bogged down' - much higher than 105 and I also lose the smoothness.
And the odd phenomenon of legs fatiguing progressively, and inexplicably 'coming back' to me. This seems to happen at around 70 miles or 4 hours. I'm fascinated by this and wonder if there is an explanation for it
There were loads of riders out today - wonder how many were avoiding their families or hyper-manic-chocolate-fuelled children..??
:o)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)