Rode into work three days running, which I was pleased about. Total of 90 miles. Tried to vary the route each day as otherwise it's going to be a long and repetitive winter.
My rack bag is not the best - probably OK for a randonee but no good for this. When I get to town I go to the sports centre and have a swim and shower (we don't have a shower at work) so as well as swimming trunks and towel I have my work clothes, as well as extras like bike lock, my wallet and phone. It's just not quite big enough. However it's more comfortable than carrying it on my back.
On the way home tonight I went a longer route and got to try my lights properly. On the front is a Cateye which is not too bad, but I'm not sure about battery lights generally. It's easier not to look into the bright circle in the middle but into the ring around it, which also shows up the sides of the road which is handy.
It was lovely riding in the dark, just the whirr of the tyres on the tarmac and no cars along the quiet road. Just peace and a steady pace.
Friday, 22 October 2010
Thursday, 21 October 2010
Cold toes
My training schedule was put back a week because, erm...., because it's horrible coming back from holiday so I decided to have a few glasses of wine last week to numb the pain of going back to work.
Finally yesterday I didn't need the car for work so cycled in. 14 miles. It was fairly fresh and the sun hadn't got over the hedge tops. It was the first time out for a while for my touring bike, an Orbit Ventura, and it certainly seemed a lot heavier than the carbon road bike. However it's undoubtedly more comfortable.
I need to sort out my luggage arrangements because a rucksack just isn't comfortable. It makes the back too hot, and I'm one of those who warms up quickly in any case. I've got a rack bag but it's a bit of a pain as it needs to be velcroed under the rack, which is fine if you've got ten minutes at the other end to take it off but otherwise is a fiddle.
On the way home the bike felt a bit better. I guess I have to remember that it's about miles, not speed, on this bike. Made it up the local cliff, which goes on for about a mile with the last 200 yards particularly steep, but you've got to keep pedalling otherwise you'd fall over - which as we all know isn't very funny if you're clipped in (unless you're an onlooker of course).
28.5 miles today. The aim is to get a lot of base miles in during October and November by cycling to work as often as possible. Three days a week would be good - 100 miles in the bank - then a long run over the weekend, so 150 to 200 miles a week to get in some fitness. Maybe a few Permanents or calendar events, but these will start in earnest early in the new year, so that hopefully I'll be ready come the PBP qualifiers.
Finally yesterday I didn't need the car for work so cycled in. 14 miles. It was fairly fresh and the sun hadn't got over the hedge tops. It was the first time out for a while for my touring bike, an Orbit Ventura, and it certainly seemed a lot heavier than the carbon road bike. However it's undoubtedly more comfortable.
I need to sort out my luggage arrangements because a rucksack just isn't comfortable. It makes the back too hot, and I'm one of those who warms up quickly in any case. I've got a rack bag but it's a bit of a pain as it needs to be velcroed under the rack, which is fine if you've got ten minutes at the other end to take it off but otherwise is a fiddle.
On the way home the bike felt a bit better. I guess I have to remember that it's about miles, not speed, on this bike. Made it up the local cliff, which goes on for about a mile with the last 200 yards particularly steep, but you've got to keep pedalling otherwise you'd fall over - which as we all know isn't very funny if you're clipped in (unless you're an onlooker of course).
28.5 miles today. The aim is to get a lot of base miles in during October and November by cycling to work as often as possible. Three days a week would be good - 100 miles in the bank - then a long run over the weekend, so 150 to 200 miles a week to get in some fitness. Maybe a few Permanents or calendar events, but these will start in earnest early in the new year, so that hopefully I'll be ready come the PBP qualifiers.
Saturday, 9 October 2010
11 months and counting
Paris Brest Paris (PBP) is a 1200 kilometre cycle ride held every four years. It is the most prestigious 'randonee' in the calendar and has been going since 1891. There is a 90 hour time limit, including stops, 'controls' every 80 kilometers or so where the 'brevet' or 'carnet de route' needs stamping as proof of passage.
In order to gain one of the 5000 places available worldwide it is necessary to complete a 'Super Randonneur' (SR) series of events in the spring leading up to the event - that is, a 200km, 300km, 400km and a 600km event.
In 2011 PBP will take place from 21 - 25 August. This is my blog of my journey to Brest and back - hopefully.
In the meantime I need to lose weight, drink less, smoke less and eat more healthily. I turn 40 next year which is further motivation. I'll update my progress regularly here, no doubt with tales of spectacularly falling off the wagon as well as reports of some great cycling. We're coming into autumn and winter here so the first objective is to cycle to work more often and generally use the car less. Tonight is my last night of freedom before the new regime begins so I'm going to have a glass of wine now...
In order to gain one of the 5000 places available worldwide it is necessary to complete a 'Super Randonneur' (SR) series of events in the spring leading up to the event - that is, a 200km, 300km, 400km and a 600km event.
In 2011 PBP will take place from 21 - 25 August. This is my blog of my journey to Brest and back - hopefully.
In the meantime I need to lose weight, drink less, smoke less and eat more healthily. I turn 40 next year which is further motivation. I'll update my progress regularly here, no doubt with tales of spectacularly falling off the wagon as well as reports of some great cycling. We're coming into autumn and winter here so the first objective is to cycle to work more often and generally use the car less. Tonight is my last night of freedom before the new regime begins so I'm going to have a glass of wine now...
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