So once again, thank you everyone for your donations!
Saturday, 30 June 2012
Official Thanks
I received the following letter from the Cystic Fibrosis Trust yesterday, acknowledging receipt of the £1,360 (which came to £1,608 once gift aid was added) and thanking all of you who kindly sponsored me...
So once again, thank you everyone for your donations!
So once again, thank you everyone for your donations!
Sunday, 24 June 2012
Epilogue
It's been two weeks since the big event, so I've had time to reflect on how well it went, and how lucky I was not to have any mis-haps on the night itself.
I believe that at least two riders (out of three thousand) were in significant collisions with vehicles and were taken off by ambulance (both were okay but one had a dislocated shoulder I think). Another lady was advised by medics to pull out midway but went back the following weekend to complete it!
Less serious, but very annoying nonetheless, various riders had mechanical problems including one person who had three (yes 3!) punctures. Using my mountain bike doesn't seem like such a bad idea after hearing that, even though everyone said it would be harder!
Various write-ups of the night have been posted online:
A few YouTube videos from helmet-mounted cameras have been posted, including:
Loads of local newspapers have coverage of charity riders from their areas, and lots of photos are online, mainly on facebook (unfortunately!)...
But on to the important thing, the reason why I was doing it... I think all my donations have come in now (but please head to http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/rew if you still want to contribute). You generous people have given £1,360 in total, which with Gift Aid added equates to a grand total of:
This incredible amount will help the Cystic Fibrosis Trust continue their valuable work supporting the families of CF sufferers (like my little nephew who was my inspiration for this in the first place) and funding research into treatments and cures. On their behalf, thank you all very much!
Finally, a lot of people have asked if I'm going to carry on cycling. The answer is definitely yes, although not to the same extent. The time involved in training properly for an event like this shouldn't be underestimated, so I'm going to ease off for a little while.
Will I do another challenge one day? Probably, but not for a while. I like the idea of London to Cambridge, or possibly further afield (Paris anyone?).
In the meantime, anyone thinking of doing Nightrider next year, I wholeheartedly recommend it. Don't do it alone, and make sure you put in the training effort - you'll enjoy an amazing night so much more if so!
According to the countdown clock on http://www.nightrider.org.uk, there are 349 days to go!
Thanks again,
Richard.
I believe that at least two riders (out of three thousand) were in significant collisions with vehicles and were taken off by ambulance (both were okay but one had a dislocated shoulder I think). Another lady was advised by medics to pull out midway but went back the following weekend to complete it!
Less serious, but very annoying nonetheless, various riders had mechanical problems including one person who had three (yes 3!) punctures. Using my mountain bike doesn't seem like such a bad idea after hearing that, even though everyone said it would be harder!
Various write-ups of the night have been posted online:
A few YouTube videos from helmet-mounted cameras have been posted, including:
Loads of local newspapers have coverage of charity riders from their areas, and lots of photos are online, mainly on facebook (unfortunately!)...
But on to the important thing, the reason why I was doing it... I think all my donations have come in now (but please head to http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/rew if you still want to contribute). You generous people have given £1,360 in total, which with Gift Aid added equates to a grand total of:
£1,608.75
This incredible amount will help the Cystic Fibrosis Trust continue their valuable work supporting the families of CF sufferers (like my little nephew who was my inspiration for this in the first place) and funding research into treatments and cures. On their behalf, thank you all very much!
Finally, a lot of people have asked if I'm going to carry on cycling. The answer is definitely yes, although not to the same extent. The time involved in training properly for an event like this shouldn't be underestimated, so I'm going to ease off for a little while.
Will I do another challenge one day? Probably, but not for a while. I like the idea of London to Cambridge, or possibly further afield (Paris anyone?).
In the meantime, anyone thinking of doing Nightrider next year, I wholeheartedly recommend it. Don't do it alone, and make sure you put in the training effort - you'll enjoy an amazing night so much more if so!
According to the countdown clock on http://www.nightrider.org.uk, there are 349 days to go!
Thanks again,
Richard.
Sunday, 10 June 2012
Done It
Wow, what an amazing night!
I've completed the Nightrider 2012 challenge, and I have the medal to prove it (and aching legs!).
We started from Ally Pally at 12.55am (shortly after Princess Eugenie - see http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2157110/Princess-Eugenie-completes-gruelling-63-MILE-overnight-charity-cycle-ride.html).
The weather couldn't have been better - mild, calm and clear skies. You could see the whole of London from the start point, which was both fascinating and scary! The first bit was briefly downhill, followed shortly by the first of the three major climbs.
It didn't seem long before we were going through Camden and then the West End, just before 2am. The bright lights, noise, traffic and general merriment were unbelievable. Adding 3000 cyclists into the mix (not all at the same time) created some great traffic jams and some "witty" banter with the revellers.
I'll cut a long story short, but we crossed the river three times (with some great views) before heading down to Crystal Palace and the second of the major climbs.
Coming back up we did the east of London, including a break stop by Tower Bridge:
After crossing the bridge we did a deserted City and Canary Wharf before heading back up to Ally Pally via a bunch of other places.
By about 5am we were cycling in sunshine - we really couldn't have asked for better weather!
The final climb back up to the finish line was tough, but we made it and finished a few minutes after 7am.
Total statistics:
Back at the finish line, the medals were given out and we enjoyed the sunshine and the daytime view over London:
All in all, a fantastic experience and more importantly thanks to your donations I've raised £1250 for CF Trust, plus gift aid to take it up nearly £1500 and I have a few pledges from people still to add.
So, thank you all for your support, both financial and emotional!
And now to sleep...
I've completed the Nightrider 2012 challenge, and I have the medal to prove it (and aching legs!).
We started from Ally Pally at 12.55am (shortly after Princess Eugenie - see http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2157110/Princess-Eugenie-completes-gruelling-63-MILE-overnight-charity-cycle-ride.html).
The weather couldn't have been better - mild, calm and clear skies. You could see the whole of London from the start point, which was both fascinating and scary! The first bit was briefly downhill, followed shortly by the first of the three major climbs.
It didn't seem long before we were going through Camden and then the West End, just before 2am. The bright lights, noise, traffic and general merriment were unbelievable. Adding 3000 cyclists into the mix (not all at the same time) created some great traffic jams and some "witty" banter with the revellers.
I'll cut a long story short, but we crossed the river three times (with some great views) before heading down to Crystal Palace and the second of the major climbs.
Coming back up we did the east of London, including a break stop by Tower Bridge:
After crossing the bridge we did a deserted City and Canary Wharf before heading back up to Ally Pally via a bunch of other places.
By about 5am we were cycling in sunshine - we really couldn't have asked for better weather!
The final climb back up to the finish line was tough, but we made it and finished a few minutes after 7am.
Total statistics:
- Distance: 106km (66 miles)
- Cycling time: 4 hours 57 minutes
- Total time: 6 hours 13 minutes
- Moving average: 21.3 kph
- Overall average: 17.0kph
Back at the finish line, the medals were given out and we enjoyed the sunshine and the daytime view over London:
All in all, a fantastic experience and more importantly thanks to your donations I've raised £1250 for CF Trust, plus gift aid to take it up nearly £1500 and I have a few pledges from people still to add.
So, thank you all for your support, both financial and emotional!
And now to sleep...
Thursday, 7 June 2012
Am I ready?
Two days to go, so I'm doing final preparations and taking stock of my training.
It seems a long time since the cold wet dark nights (and frosty mornings!) of February when I decided to take on this challenge, and a lot has happened since then...
However, it's a night-time ride and I start at 12.55am. Getting food and energy levels right to start at that time of night when the body wants to be asleep, and then keeping those energy levels going for another five or six hours through to the next morning, adds an additional challenge into the mix.
Also, most of my training has been on country roads with little traffic, junctions or other interference. I know it's at night, but riding through Camden or the West End at 1.30am is hardly going to be quiet so I'll have to be on the lookout for taxis, pub-goers and other general hazards/drunkards.
I've done a couple of routes through Cambridge city centre, which slowed me down more than I expected even on a Sunday morning as the stop/start nature of traffic lights, roundabouts and other junctions puts a real dent in progress on a bike.
But in conclusion, yes I'm about as ready as I'll ever be. The training went generally according to plan, minus the illness, crash and other setbacks, and I've done the distance I was aiming for.
By the time I've finished the event, I'll have done over 1,250km in total, which is more than London to Edinburgh and back!
So, roll on Saturday night. The weather forecast isn't good, but then much of the last few months have been atrocious anyway. As long as the 60mph winds they're forecasting for tonight and tomorrow have abated by Saturday it can't be too bad, surely? At least it shouldn't snow!
Wish me luck, and if you haven't sponsored me yet then please do so now:
It's all for a very worthy cause!
It seems a long time since the cold wet dark nights (and frosty mornings!) of February when I decided to take on this challenge, and a lot has happened since then...
- Total weeks since start: 16
- Weeks lost to man-flu: 1.5
- Weeks lost after crash: 0.5
- Total training distance: 1,155 km (= 717 miles = a long way!)
- Number of training rides: 42 (about 3 per week)
- Total training time: 52 hours
- Shortest training ride: 8km (25 minutes, frequently in the beginning)
- Longest training ride: 71km (3.5 hours, once!)
- Highest speed: 60.8 kph (downhill, = 37.7mph = scary!)
- Average speed: About 23 kph, unless it's hilly or in town centres
- Weight lost: 8 lbs (just over half a stone, mainly when I was ill!)
- How wet did I get? Very, in the wettest drought ever!
- Money raised: £1,140 so far (plus gift aid for total of £1,345)
However, it's a night-time ride and I start at 12.55am. Getting food and energy levels right to start at that time of night when the body wants to be asleep, and then keeping those energy levels going for another five or six hours through to the next morning, adds an additional challenge into the mix.
Also, most of my training has been on country roads with little traffic, junctions or other interference. I know it's at night, but riding through Camden or the West End at 1.30am is hardly going to be quiet so I'll have to be on the lookout for taxis, pub-goers and other general hazards/drunkards.
I've done a couple of routes through Cambridge city centre, which slowed me down more than I expected even on a Sunday morning as the stop/start nature of traffic lights, roundabouts and other junctions puts a real dent in progress on a bike.
But in conclusion, yes I'm about as ready as I'll ever be. The training went generally according to plan, minus the illness, crash and other setbacks, and I've done the distance I was aiming for.
By the time I've finished the event, I'll have done over 1,250km in total, which is more than London to Edinburgh and back!
So, roll on Saturday night. The weather forecast isn't good, but then much of the last few months have been atrocious anyway. As long as the 60mph winds they're forecasting for tonight and tomorrow have abated by Saturday it can't be too bad, surely? At least it shouldn't snow!
Wish me luck, and if you haven't sponsored me yet then please do so now:
It's all for a very worthy cause!
Wednesday, 6 June 2012
The Route
With three days to go, I've been looking in detail at the final route for the event on Saturday (subject to last minute changes for roadworks etc.)...
http://goo.gl/maps/FW4A
When I loaded the route into http://bikeroutetoaster.com (the fantastic website I've been using to plan routes), it suggests the distance is 105.96km, so I think I've been had!!
I can understand that the route needs to be 100km even if you don't go in and out of the five rest stops, but an extra 1km for each break is adding quite a bit to the total!
The general picture is as follows:
The highest peak is quite soon after the start (hopefully after enough time to warm up), climbing up to Whitestone Pond in Hampstead. The second peak is at the half way stop where we climb up to Crystal Palace. These will both take a bit of a concerted effort, but the rest doesn't look too bad though.
So, I have one more training ride this evening, then I'm in rest mode until Saturday. I'd better get some sleep before then!
http://goo.gl/maps/FW4A
When I loaded the route into http://bikeroutetoaster.com (the fantastic website I've been using to plan routes), it suggests the distance is 105.96km, so I think I've been had!!
I can understand that the route needs to be 100km even if you don't go in and out of the five rest stops, but an extra 1km for each break is adding quite a bit to the total!
The general picture is as follows:
I start at Alexandra Palace in the north (where the bike is drawn on the picture above, although I'll be heading in the other direction to that image as we go anti-clockwise round the route), passing the following places amongst many others:
- Leg 1: Hampstead Heath, Camden Lock, London Zoo, Regent's Park, Piccadilly Circus, West End, Waterloo Bridge, London Eye.
- Stop 1: Imperial War Museum.
- Leg 2: The Oval, Westminster Bridge, Big Ben, Parliament, White Hall (past Downing Street), Trafalgar Square, Hyde Park, Royal Albert Hall, Chelsea Bridge, Battersea Power Station.
- Stop 2: Crystal Palace.
- Leg 3: South London, Greenwich Park, National Maritime Museum.
- Stop 3: Potters Fields.
- Leg 4: Tower Bridge, Tower of London, St Paul's Cathedral, Barbican, City of London, Canary Wharf.
- Stop 4: Mile End Stadium.
- Leg 5: Victoria Park, Emirates Stadium, Finsbury Park.
- Finish: Alexandra Palace again!
The southern part of the route doesn't include as many sights, but is a just long hard slog down to Crystal Palace and back up to the river.
We cross the river 4 times, the last of which is Tower Bridge which I'm quite looking forward too as it should be dawn by then.
The height profile generally isn't too bad:
The highest peak is quite soon after the start (hopefully after enough time to warm up), climbing up to Whitestone Pond in Hampstead. The second peak is at the half way stop where we climb up to Crystal Palace. These will both take a bit of a concerted effort, but the rest doesn't look too bad though.
So, I have one more training ride this evening, then I'm in rest mode until Saturday. I'd better get some sleep before then!
Monday, 21 May 2012
Sunday, 20 May 2012
Crash
After over 800km of training rides, with less than three weeks to the event itself, I've had the accident that I've been anxious about since the beginning.
Thankfully, it was just a fight between me and a road, rather than a car or lorry, but that was bad enough. It happened this morning, just before the halfway point of my 60km ride.
I was coming down a small hill into Wallington from Baldock and got to a right hand bend at the bottom. It was a misty, slightly drizzly morning, so the road surface was a bit damp and therefore I was taking it easy. But on this particular bend there was a fine covering of grit or gravel, plus a bit of mud (being a country road). The combination of those, particularly when damp, meant there was just no grip on the bend and my bike simply slid out from underneath me.
I slammed down on to the road, landing on my right arm and hip and sliding along the gritty tarmac until I came to a stop. I can't begin to explain how much it hurt at the time (and I think I may have yelled a bit), but after about a minute of lying in the road I thought I'd better get up! I staggered over to a bench in a bus shelter a few yards away and checked myself and the bike over. Nothing broken.
Just as I was done, a group of about six cyclists I'd passed a few miles earlier came down the same hill, but I didn't see them in time to yell a warning and the third guy in line did exactly the same as me.
Luckily, neither of us seemed seriously injured, although I've got a few choice grazes on my arm (through a fairly thick top I was wearing, which now has some holes in), a mashed up couple of knuckles (through my cycling gloves) and a pretty swollen hip where I banged down on it and slid along. I've got a feeling some pretty coloured bruises will come out over the next few days too!
Being almost halfway around, I had to choose between phoning for assistance, or pushing on with the ride. I didn't feel too bad so thought I'd give it a go and eventually managed to limp home rather slower than normal. I felt sorry for the other guy though as their group were on a charity ride from Coventry to Amsterdam (and back I think they said) so he had a lot of miles still to do today and then has to do more tomorrow, so I hope he's okay.
Once I got home though I think the adrenaline wore off and the joints started seizing up. My right arm and leg are both pretty sore now, but it could have been a lot worse so I'm counting my blessings!
We'll see how I feel tomorrow!
Update: I've just downloaded the log from my GPS unit to see what speed I was doing when I tumbled. Luckily it was only 32.5kph (20.2mph) as I knew the conditions weren't very good, so the damage wasn't as bad as it could have been. I dread to think what would have happened if I'd been going faster (such as the peak 60.8kph I reached on a dry day last week!).
Thankfully, it was just a fight between me and a road, rather than a car or lorry, but that was bad enough. It happened this morning, just before the halfway point of my 60km ride.
I was coming down a small hill into Wallington from Baldock and got to a right hand bend at the bottom. It was a misty, slightly drizzly morning, so the road surface was a bit damp and therefore I was taking it easy. But on this particular bend there was a fine covering of grit or gravel, plus a bit of mud (being a country road). The combination of those, particularly when damp, meant there was just no grip on the bend and my bike simply slid out from underneath me.
I slammed down on to the road, landing on my right arm and hip and sliding along the gritty tarmac until I came to a stop. I can't begin to explain how much it hurt at the time (and I think I may have yelled a bit), but after about a minute of lying in the road I thought I'd better get up! I staggered over to a bench in a bus shelter a few yards away and checked myself and the bike over. Nothing broken.
Just as I was done, a group of about six cyclists I'd passed a few miles earlier came down the same hill, but I didn't see them in time to yell a warning and the third guy in line did exactly the same as me.
Luckily, neither of us seemed seriously injured, although I've got a few choice grazes on my arm (through a fairly thick top I was wearing, which now has some holes in), a mashed up couple of knuckles (through my cycling gloves) and a pretty swollen hip where I banged down on it and slid along. I've got a feeling some pretty coloured bruises will come out over the next few days too!
Being almost halfway around, I had to choose between phoning for assistance, or pushing on with the ride. I didn't feel too bad so thought I'd give it a go and eventually managed to limp home rather slower than normal. I felt sorry for the other guy though as their group were on a charity ride from Coventry to Amsterdam (and back I think they said) so he had a lot of miles still to do today and then has to do more tomorrow, so I hope he's okay.
Once I got home though I think the adrenaline wore off and the joints started seizing up. My right arm and leg are both pretty sore now, but it could have been a lot worse so I'm counting my blessings!
We'll see how I feel tomorrow!
Update: I've just downloaded the log from my GPS unit to see what speed I was doing when I tumbled. Luckily it was only 32.5kph (20.2mph) as I knew the conditions weren't very good, so the damage wasn't as bad as it could have been. I dread to think what would have happened if I'd been going faster (such as the peak 60.8kph I reached on a dry day last week!).
Wednesday, 16 May 2012
Hills
Anyone who thinks the area around here (south west of Cambridge) is basically flat should try the cycle ride I did on Sunday.
It was a 55km ride in total, with the following height profile (heights in metres):
I started on the left at 0km and finished on the right at 55km.
The spike at about 14km is near Barrington Quarry, which I previously thought was "a big hill" (topping out a little over 60m for a fairly steep 50m climb).
How wrong I was.
At about 30km I had another climb, which kept going and kept going. A few small downhills let me get my breath back but basically I was constantly climbing up to over 140m in total and it really felt like it!
It made the first hill look tiny.
Great training though...
This route had a total ascent of 324 metres (with the same total descent, being a circular route). Maximum elevation was 144 metres, minimum 15 metres.
The Nightrider route varies from 4 to 45 metres over most of the ride, but with peaks of 139m near Ally Pally (soon after my start point I think, so I begin with a climb!) and 100m near Crystal Palace. Total ascent is 383m, again on a circular route so with a matching total descent.
So, my 55km ride ascended 324 metres and the 100km event does 383m, so I should be prepared for it after this ride!
I've done well over 700km cumulatively now, continuing to clock up about 140 to 150km per week over the next couple of weeks before tapering down just before the event in 24 days time. Eeek.
It was a 55km ride in total, with the following height profile (heights in metres):
I started on the left at 0km and finished on the right at 55km.
The spike at about 14km is near Barrington Quarry, which I previously thought was "a big hill" (topping out a little over 60m for a fairly steep 50m climb).
How wrong I was.
At about 30km I had another climb, which kept going and kept going. A few small downhills let me get my breath back but basically I was constantly climbing up to over 140m in total and it really felt like it!
It made the first hill look tiny.
Great training though...
This route had a total ascent of 324 metres (with the same total descent, being a circular route). Maximum elevation was 144 metres, minimum 15 metres.
The Nightrider route varies from 4 to 45 metres over most of the ride, but with peaks of 139m near Ally Pally (soon after my start point I think, so I begin with a climb!) and 100m near Crystal Palace. Total ascent is 383m, again on a circular route so with a matching total descent.
So, my 55km ride ascended 324 metres and the 100km event does 383m, so I should be prepared for it after this ride!
I've done well over 700km cumulatively now, continuing to clock up about 140 to 150km per week over the next couple of weeks before tapering down just before the event in 24 days time. Eeek.
Sunday, 13 May 2012
50km
I reached a symbolic milestone last weekend with my first 50km ride, which took a bit under two and a half hours (inclduding a fairly large hill near Barrington Quarry!) on the bank holiday Monday. Windy, but reasonably dry.
It feels good to have reached the half way distance now, and I'm reasonably confident that if the rest of my training goes to plan I'll be able to manage the full distance okay. (My biggest concern is doing it overnight, staying awake and keeping the energy levels right until I start after midnight. Once I'm going I think the adrenaline will kick in, but it's the waiting that I'm nervous about).
Cumulatively, I've now done just over 600km in training and I have almost the same amount still to do.
I'm about to head out on a 55km ride, with 60km next week and 70km the week after which will be two weeks before the event. It's a gloriously sunny morning with clear blue skies at the moment, which makes a lovely change from the last couple of months!
Four weeks to go!!
It feels good to have reached the half way distance now, and I'm reasonably confident that if the rest of my training goes to plan I'll be able to manage the full distance okay. (My biggest concern is doing it overnight, staying awake and keeping the energy levels right until I start after midnight. Once I'm going I think the adrenaline will kick in, but it's the waiting that I'm nervous about).
Cumulatively, I've now done just over 600km in training and I have almost the same amount still to do.
I'm about to head out on a 55km ride, with 60km next week and 70km the week after which will be two weeks before the event. It's a gloriously sunny morning with clear blue skies at the moment, which makes a lovely change from the last couple of months!
Four weeks to go!!
Saturday, 28 April 2012
Rain
Apparently East Anglia is officially in drought and there are hosepipe bans all around us.
But it has rained almost every day for the last two weeks. And I mean serious rain, not just a little bit of drizzle. As I type, it's chucking it down outside again, with blustery wind to go with it.
It doesn't make for the best of training conditions. I've managed to dodge most of the heavier showers in the last week or two, but this morning was different. I got drenched.
My training plan called for a 45km ride, so that's what I did. In the rain. And wind. For two hours.
I know it might be bad weather in June for the Nightrider event itself, but that doesn't mean I have to enjoy training in it too!
Roll on some May sunshine (please?).
But it has rained almost every day for the last two weeks. And I mean serious rain, not just a little bit of drizzle. As I type, it's chucking it down outside again, with blustery wind to go with it.
It doesn't make for the best of training conditions. I've managed to dodge most of the heavier showers in the last week or two, but this morning was different. I got drenched.
My training plan called for a 45km ride, so that's what I did. In the rain. And wind. For two hours.
I know it might be bad weather in June for the Nightrider event itself, but that doesn't mean I have to enjoy training in it too!
Roll on some May sunshine (please?).
Thursday, 12 April 2012
Back in the saddle
Thankfully, I'm now over the bug I had for a couple of weeks and am therefore back in the saddle training agan. This week has been good, with the distances starting to ramp up - 30km at the weekend, then 15km Tuesday and 25km tonight. Another step up to 35km this coming weekend, with an extra 5km added every week until I reach 70km.
I'm really starting to feel the longer rides now though. One drinks bottle is no longer enough, so I need to carry a rucksack too now to reprovision along the way. Good practice for the event itself though, which is significantly further!
I'm really starting to feel the longer rides now though. One drinks bottle is no longer enough, so I need to carry a rucksack too now to reprovision along the way. Good practice for the event itself though, which is significantly further!
Tuesday, 3 April 2012
Second setback
I should be out on another training ride in the cold rain tonight, but I'm missing it in the same way I've missed the previous three rides.
Just over a week ago, I developed what I can only describe as the worst bout of man-flu I have ever had. It came on very quickly and left me almost unable to walk, let alone cycle, for many days. A week later I'm starting to get over it, now feeling like I have the mother of all coughs and colds, but that's quite pleasant compared to last week.
So, I haven't been out since the Sunday before last and I'm over 60km down on training. I'm due to do a 20km ride on Thursday, then 30km at the weekend, but it's far from certain if I'm going to make either of those. Chances are probably not at this stage, at least not the Thursday one, but we'll see. I'll have some serious catching up to do if not, with just over 9 weeks to go to the event itself.
Luckily I've still got those 9 weeks though and this hasn't happened in the immediate run up to the event. Hopefully I'll be properly better by then anyway!
Just over a week ago, I developed what I can only describe as the worst bout of man-flu I have ever had. It came on very quickly and left me almost unable to walk, let alone cycle, for many days. A week later I'm starting to get over it, now feeling like I have the mother of all coughs and colds, but that's quite pleasant compared to last week.
So, I haven't been out since the Sunday before last and I'm over 60km down on training. I'm due to do a 20km ride on Thursday, then 30km at the weekend, but it's far from certain if I'm going to make either of those. Chances are probably not at this stage, at least not the Thursday one, but we'll see. I'll have some serious catching up to do if not, with just over 9 weeks to go to the event itself.
Luckily I've still got those 9 weeks though and this hasn't happened in the immediate run up to the event. Hopefully I'll be properly better by then anyway!
Tuesday, 20 March 2012
Seeing Stars
A lovely clear night tonight, with no moon yet, so perfect for seeing the stars. Once I got out onto the country roads in the pitch black, the view of the sky was phenomenal.
Venus and Jupiter were particularly clear, as they have been for most of the week whilst they pass each other slowly.
I'd recommend it to anyone!
Venus and Jupiter were particularly clear, as they have been for most of the week whilst they pass each other slowly.
I'd recommend it to anyone!
Sunday, 11 March 2012
Days Like These
Some days are just made for being outside. My ride early this morning was fantastic - blue skies, sunshine, a gentle breeze, quiet roads, perfect! A touch fresh perhaps (6 degrees), but once I got warmed up it was great.
Today's ride (15km) marks the end of my "getting back in the saddle" couple of weeks. Real training starts now. I'll be increasing my "long" weekend ride by about 5km per week, with my two "short" mid-week rides increasing proportionately too, building up until I get to about 70km for the long ride two weeks before the event hopefully.
Anyway, on days like this the training seems almost enjoyable!
Today's ride (15km) marks the end of my "getting back in the saddle" couple of weeks. Real training starts now. I'll be increasing my "long" weekend ride by about 5km per week, with my two "short" mid-week rides increasing proportionately too, building up until I get to about 70km for the long ride two weeks before the event hopefully.
Anyway, on days like this the training seems almost enjoyable!
Thursday, 8 March 2012
Tuesday, 6 March 2012
Setback
A small setback this evening - I got about a hundred yards up the road, rode over a manhole and my front light bounced free of its attachment. Landing on the road, it shattered into several pieces and even though I recovered them all it wouldn't go back together properly again so I've got to get a new one before I can go out again. I'm counting myself lucky I was close to home, rather than several miles out into the country side in the dark!
So, I went to the local pool instead and swam 32 lengths, which I think is half a mile. A bit of cross-training can't be a bad idea anyway, although I think some of my muscles are going to be aching in the morning as they're not accustomed to being used like that!
So, I went to the local pool instead and swam 32 lengths, which I think is half a mile. A bit of cross-training can't be a bad idea anyway, although I think some of my muscles are going to be aching in the morning as they're not accustomed to being used like that!
Sunday, 4 March 2012
Drizzle
I had my first experience of wet weather training this morning. The last couple of Sunday rides have been lovely bright sunny mornings (though rather cold), but this morning there was a steady, increasing drizzle.
That wouldn't be too bad for many people, but I wear glasses so they kept getting progressively more and more drops on them until I struggled to see so had to wipe them clean each time ready to start over again.
Still, it chucked it down for the rest of the day so I'm glad I got out as early as I did!
That wouldn't be too bad for many people, but I wear glasses so they kept getting progressively more and more drops on them until I struggled to see so had to wipe them clean each time ready to start over again.
Still, it chucked it down for the rest of the day so I'm glad I got out as early as I did!
Friday, 2 March 2012
Wildlife
One of the benefits of cycling at night or at the crack of dawn is seeing some of the wildlife around. For example, South Cambs seemed to be teeming with pheasant last week, and I've seen a couple of Muntjac deer recently too.
However, last night I was cycling along a lane through some woods (which meant it was even darker than normal) and some reasonably large furry creature came running out of the trees just next to me. I'm not sure who was most scared - it or me! It darted back into the undergrowth before I could get a good look at it, so I still don't know what it was. It seemed too big to be a fox or domestic cat, too fast for a badger, so it may have been a Muntjac I guess, but I'll never know (I'm pretty sure it wasn't one of the supposed "big cats" that are reported in the local papers every now and then!). It took me a good mile or so for my heart to stop racing though!
Oh and boy was it a colder night than I expected when I set out. I hope it's warmer in June!
However, last night I was cycling along a lane through some woods (which meant it was even darker than normal) and some reasonably large furry creature came running out of the trees just next to me. I'm not sure who was most scared - it or me! It darted back into the undergrowth before I could get a good look at it, so I still don't know what it was. It seemed too big to be a fox or domestic cat, too fast for a badger, so it may have been a Muntjac I guess, but I'll never know (I'm pretty sure it wasn't one of the supposed "big cats" that are reported in the local papers every now and then!). It took me a good mile or so for my heart to stop racing though!
Oh and boy was it a colder night than I expected when I set out. I hope it's warmer in June!
Friday, 24 February 2012
Night riding
I've just done my first properly-dark night ride and boy is it different! This might sound obvious, but cycling on country lanes on a cloudy moon-less night is a very different kettle of fish to daylight riding.
I've got fairly good lights, but the toss-up between pointing the front one at the ground to see where I'm going and pointing it horizontally so cars can see me is fairly crucial. With the compromise I've currently got I get a good view of the road about 4 or 5 metres in front of me, which gives me about 1 second notice of potholes.
I can't really see anything on the road further out than that, which means I really have to concentrate if I don't want to end up in one of the many ruts, holes and general rough patches found around the Cambridgeshire country roads.
The other nagging concern is always "has the car coming up behind me actually seen me yet?". Even with a highly reflective vest and a good rear light there's always a worry that the driver hasn't seen me and therefore won't give me enough clearance when they go past. Thankfully there isn't actually that much traffic around in the evenings though.
Anyway, I'm hoping that the streets of London are better lit than the roads around here!
I've got fairly good lights, but the toss-up between pointing the front one at the ground to see where I'm going and pointing it horizontally so cars can see me is fairly crucial. With the compromise I've currently got I get a good view of the road about 4 or 5 metres in front of me, which gives me about 1 second notice of potholes.
I can't really see anything on the road further out than that, which means I really have to concentrate if I don't want to end up in one of the many ruts, holes and general rough patches found around the Cambridgeshire country roads.
The other nagging concern is always "has the car coming up behind me actually seen me yet?". Even with a highly reflective vest and a good rear light there's always a worry that the driver hasn't seen me and therefore won't give me enough clearance when they go past. Thankfully there isn't actually that much traffic around in the evenings though.
Anyway, I'm hoping that the streets of London are better lit than the roads around here!
Wednesday, 22 February 2012
Big Mug
My cycle shorts have arrived, together with a "free" gift in the form of quite simply the biggest mug I have ever seen in the whole world.
I hope it's not a metaphor for me signing up for this challenge!
(Unfortunately it's got a huge bright Sports Direct logo on it which is a shame, because otherwise it would make a fantastic mug for tea, which I do like a lot!).
I hope it's not a metaphor for me signing up for this challenge!
(Unfortunately it's got a huge bright Sports Direct logo on it which is a shame, because otherwise it would make a fantastic mug for tea, which I do like a lot!).
Tuesday, 21 February 2012
Kit
Sunday's first ride showed a few bits of kit that I'll need for training and the big ride itself.
Firstly, some gloves! I wore some woolly ones on Sunday as it was so cold, but they are hardly appropriate so today I nipped into town and got a pair of proper, fingerless, padded cycling gloves. Very comfy.
Secondly, I've ordered a high-vis reflective vest online as I'm going to be a bit vulnerable on some of my evening training rides if I can't be seen properly. Lights only go so far, so hopefully a reflective vest will be a safe addition.
Finally, when I get up to the longer distances and am spending long periods on the saddle, some, ahem, padded shorts are going to be appreciated I think!
I might even starting looking the part soon (unlikely!).
As an aside, I went out on another ride this evening. Same short loop, but slightly faster this time, with an average speed of 23kph. Very windy, which helps in one direction but hinders in the other of course. Will start increasing the distance soon.
Firstly, some gloves! I wore some woolly ones on Sunday as it was so cold, but they are hardly appropriate so today I nipped into town and got a pair of proper, fingerless, padded cycling gloves. Very comfy.
Secondly, I've ordered a high-vis reflective vest online as I'm going to be a bit vulnerable on some of my evening training rides if I can't be seen properly. Lights only go so far, so hopefully a reflective vest will be a safe addition.
Finally, when I get up to the longer distances and am spending long periods on the saddle, some, ahem, padded shorts are going to be appreciated I think!
I might even starting looking the part soon (unlikely!).
As an aside, I went out on another ride this evening. Same short loop, but slightly faster this time, with an average speed of 23kph. Very windy, which helps in one direction but hinders in the other of course. Will start increasing the distance soon.
Sunday, 19 February 2012
First Ride
Sunday 7am, 0.5 degrees outside, must be time for my first training ride!
I haven't been on my bike properly since last summer. Okay, I've been out with the kids a couple of times, but that's not really the same, so I'm feeling exceedingly unfit and generally rather rusty.
So, out I went. I've started with a short loop around a few of the local villages which is pretty convenient but not very long. Got to start somewhere though, and I'll ramp up in due course once I get back in the saddle properly.
Distance: 8.5km (with a small hill half way!)
Time: 25 minutes ish.
Average speed: 20kph ish.
Speed on the hill: A lot less (ish)!!
It actually felt pretty good, apart from how cold my ears got for some reason.
One ride down, 16 weeks to go to the big day. More details of my planned training in due course, once I've worked it out properly.
I haven't been on my bike properly since last summer. Okay, I've been out with the kids a couple of times, but that's not really the same, so I'm feeling exceedingly unfit and generally rather rusty.
So, out I went. I've started with a short loop around a few of the local villages which is pretty convenient but not very long. Got to start somewhere though, and I'll ramp up in due course once I get back in the saddle properly.
Distance: 8.5km (with a small hill half way!)
Time: 25 minutes ish.
Average speed: 20kph ish.
Speed on the hill: A lot less (ish)!!
It actually felt pretty good, apart from how cold my ears got for some reason.
One ride down, 16 weeks to go to the big day. More details of my planned training in due course, once I've worked it out properly.
Saturday, 18 February 2012
The Challenge
Last year my nephew Ben was born with Cystic Fibrosis, one of the UK's most common life-threatening inherited diseases which affects over 9000 people in the UK, including five new babies every week. It affects the internal organs, especially the lungs and digestive system, clogging them with thick sticky mucus which makes it hard to breathe and digest food.
The CF Trust is a UK charity providing practical support for people with CF and their families, as well as funding research into new medical treatments.
To raise funds for them, I will be attempting the Nightrider 2012 challenge in June. This is a 100km cycle ride through London at night! I will set off from Alexandra Palace just after midnight, heading down to Crystal Palace and back via Tower Bridge, a deserted City of London, Canary Wharf, Hampstead Heath, Piccadilly Circus, the London Eye, Parliament, Trafalgar Square, Battersea Power Station and more. If all goes to plan, I'll be back in time for breakfast (or maybe lunch!).
I'd be very grateful if you would sponsor me for this challenge at http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/rew. All funds raised go to CF Trust
The CF Trust is a UK charity providing practical support for people with CF and their families, as well as funding research into new medical treatments.
To raise funds for them, I will be attempting the Nightrider 2012 challenge in June. This is a 100km cycle ride through London at night! I will set off from Alexandra Palace just after midnight, heading down to Crystal Palace and back via Tower Bridge, a deserted City of London, Canary Wharf, Hampstead Heath, Piccadilly Circus, the London Eye, Parliament, Trafalgar Square, Battersea Power Station and more. If all goes to plan, I'll be back in time for breakfast (or maybe lunch!).
I'd be very grateful if you would sponsor me for this challenge at http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/rew. All funds raised go to CF Trust
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