Wednesday, 29 May 2013

Surrey 100

Well, we covered 105 miles this weekend through the beautiful Surrey countryside, I've logged the Sunday ride on Strava here

The ride on the Sunday was particularly nice going over Leith Hill, the second highest point in SE England ... apparently. We were on our CX bikes, the ones we are going to use for LEJOG, with hybrid 35mm tyres and took a few bridleways that I would certainly not recommend on a standard 23mm road tyre, but nice to get off road.

I felt okay both days but certainly slowed down for the last 15 miles, and still feel knackered, but pleased that I managed to get on the bike and do some significant climbing and miles without feeling I couldn't get on the bike the next day. Anna's lower gearing looked good, I need to put the same 11 - 34 cassette and long arm derailleur on my bike now... Still thinking I might get Condor to do it though, save my knuckles and stress levels (and living room carpet). 

Friday, 24 May 2013

5 weeks to go!

So, it suddenly dawned on me that in 5 weeks time I'll be busy last minute packing and stressing about boxing up my bike.

First Great Western still haven't sorted out the issues with our booking and its looking likely that three of the four bikes will have to be transported as 'luggage'. As far as I can tell this means we have to put them in a box and stick them in the guards carriage, all this despite me booking three spaces online when I made the booking! Not very happy with them at all...to be continued.

Anyway, training has been intermittent, and I've certainly not done as much as I'd hoped to do by now. The idea was to be a lean cycling-monster by the end of May, however I appear to still be a slightly doughy human who has trouble getting up a flight of stairs without a rest half way. Wiggo doesn't have this trouble, mind you he doesn't live in London and work a full time job either... Slacker! 

As I sit here the sight of bike parts on my desk has become a usual occurrence. Today is no exception with brake blocks, chain, deraileur and cassette all stacked up next to my computer. 

We're off for a couple of rides around Surrey this weekend, I'll be happy if we do 100 miles all in and I don't collapse...