Adventures of Trio

Burfod (beep) Bumble

2012-02-13T21:32:00.001Z

I finshed off my time off-work with a 200k Audax from Bedford. I had been expecting Ali to drive me home but then she ended up going to Thailand so I was going to have to drive the car home. Since I was driving I couldn't just sleep on the way home.
The night before I found out I had to be in work early on the monday to drive the van over to Liverpool (great more driving). As is usually the case I also didn't sleep well. Up early to drive to Bedfore it was obvious it had warmed up as I didn't need to scrap any ice off it. Once there I bumped into a couple we had met in a cafe at Newcastleton last July when on holiday up that way. There also seemed to be a lot of people in PBP gillets.
About 30 of us set off and I made sure I kept to my own pace and didn't just hold on to the fast boys. I'd pretty much come to the realisation that I would be riding the whole 200k on my own when a voice pipes up asking if he could stick with me. One of the guys who had been just behind me had packed due to illness so his friend had caught up with me. For the rest of the ride Julian had the dubious pleasure of my company.
We made good time to the first control where I grabbed a sandwich and a drink before we headed on. At this point the real fast lads were leaving just as we arrived. Onto the furthest point, a little chef, where on seeing how small our portions of beans on toast were we ordered desert before starting to eat. Not sure they were sure not to make of us.
The route was and out and back and mainly on A roads. This was very sensible at this time of the year and we had no ice. But I've never been beeped at so many times on an Audax. The crazy thing being is the roads were easily wide enough to overtake us and we were mainly riding single file. Obviously lots of people just wanted to say hello, some even shouted at us but it was hard to hear what they were saying.
Returning involved another stop at the petrol station and I enjoyed a hot chocolate. Then lights on and head back to Bedford. The ride finished at the organisers house where she fed us soup, only an Audax! 10.5hours on the road my moving average was just over 14mph (so much faster than the thurs and fri before). I also probably spent less than 10k of the ride on a wheel, I was mainly at the front of our duo so I was very pleased with the speed.
Then I had to drive nearly 200miles home. That was dull!

Main road miles

2012-02-10T22:36:00.001Z

Leaving Helen's I headed for the A50 as I went down the sliproad to join the road it occured to me that I wasn't that far off riding along a motorway, I suspect the car following me onto the road wondered what I was doing as well. But as I'd left after 9:30 the road was nice and quiet and since the point was to be ice free the A50 served a purpose.

Through Leicester and onto the A6, another major road. Once again ice-free but slush at the very edges. Not a problem where I was riding though. I stopped at MacDonalds for a hot chocolate and to defrost my toes, my feet had so little feeling due to the cold. Leaving there I continued and ended up on the A14, missing where I meant to turn off.

I had thought the last two roads were major roads but they were nothing compared to the A14. I was thinking that this must be what it feels like to ride on the motorway as lorries thundered past till I realised that a motorway was probably more pleasant due to the hard shoulder. There were plenty of signs warning drivers of cyclists but since the speed limit was 70mph and the road was busy they didn't help me feel safe. I actually ended up riding on the shared use pavement/bike path through the slush.

As soon as I could I got off the A14 and headed to Corby to pick up my route out. From then on things improved. It was a bit laney and there was some slush and the odd bit of ice I minced through but when I trusted my tyres it was fine.

My detour to the A14 added 7 and a bit miles, still its all miles in the bank. All my stopping to try and help my feet added a lot more time.

Getting back to Cambridge Ali's mum cooked a feast, which was really appreciated. Although I was very very slow, can I blame the cross tyres? I had fun. Will see how the legs are tomorrow.

posted from Bloggeroid

Cold toes

2012-02-10T08:46:00.001Z

Back in the UK and looking forward to getting on my bike I set out of my sisters. Due to the slightly cold weather I had replotted the route on main roads and left my cross tyres on the bike. I walked the first bit from Ali's mum's but once I was out of the residential roads everywhere was clear. I did one bit of cycle path as it avoides a huge road and that was covered in snow the cross tyres were useful then.

The one bit I hadn't put on main roads, the alternative being the A14, was just after Godmanchester. I was hopeful of it being gritted as it was a road between two towns/villages. I was right and it was a lovely part of the ride with blue skies.

By this point I was having regular breaks to walk up and down and get some feeling back in my feet, they were getting very cold.

It wasn't long before I was on the A6 heading towards Leicester. It wasn't that big a road at first but then became a Dual Carriageway. Lights on just as I got to Leicester and I got to negotiate the City at Rush Hour. Always fun when you are not 100% sure where you are going.

Onto the A50 and it was climb climb climb to Helen's. Some of the smaller roads near the end were getting a little slidey but overall the route had been good.

78miles, must have been at fat-burning zone as I was slow.

All calories replaced with a huge pizza.

posted from Bloggeroid

A Sledging Adventure

2012-02-08T20:07:00.001Z

The last day found us heading up into the hills again, first stop was to drop a travelbug off to start its travels, part of Ali's birthday presents. There was a travelbug hotel up there so lots of room in the cache and it seems well looked after. Now to see where it goes travelling.

After that is was to the last stop on the metro to hire sledges. The run goes from the top down to another station, following the old bobsleigh track apparently. First run down and I got the hang of steering, stopping not to much, Ali told me to use my feet! At the bottom you get the metro back up and repeat! As the day progressed I got better at crashing, a wall, various snow drifts and a tree all proving hard to avoid. Ali obviously had enough of crashing on the cross-country skiing day and just laughed at me.

Lots more I could do here but I'm off back to Englandshire on Wednesday, Ali gets an extra day before heading off on another adventure!

A day on the slopes

2012-02-06T21:03:00.001Z

Waking up to more snow we were quite excited and headed back to VinterPark where we got lift passes and snowboards. A little worried that we would have forgotten how to ride we headed to the green run, one run and all was remembered. Onto a blue and it was easier than the green, the red was a true red though. (we actually think green and blue are just the opposite way round to what we are used to). Due to one of the lifts being closed it was actually a smallish area to play on and the runs are shorter than the alps. In fact its very like a Scottish Resort, it was even windy at times but nothing like the Cairngorms on a windy day.

We had a short lunch stop as Ali was having so much fun and then even tried one of the little kickers. Ali was getting tired then so we had a hot chocolate and cake stop before heading back onto the slopes. Our liftpass ran till 5 and we stayed right till the end. By then the slopes were floodlit and getting busy as people were coming up after work, they are open till 10pm (but we would have needed another liftpass and we were getting tired and the slopes were getting busy).

So what to do tomorrow? Unfortunately that is the last full day here for me.

Biathlon

2012-02-05T17:23:00.001Z

Last day of watching the biathlon today with the Mass Start. Both races were so exciting, the lead changed all the time after each shoot. The sprint finish in the women's for 2nd was amazing! I have a long way to go before I can get up a hill that steep no matter sprint past someone else, guess I need to move somewhere snowy to practice. The mens was equally exciting, the top two in the world going clear after the first shoot, then having to do penalty loops after the second shoot so slipping down the order.

I was really wrapped up against the cold with both my warmest snowboard jacket on and my down jacket, as well as two base layers and two long sleeve bike jersey/jackets. After my feet getting so cold I couldn't feel them yesterday I realised my boots are not really big enough so I wore my minxgirl merino socks, they are thin but warmer than most. It worked as although my feet were cold they were nowhere near as bad as yesterday.

It also snowed all day while we were watching the biathlon, ideal for playing in tomorrow. Since Ali is still sore from cross-country so we'll probably go snowboarding, especially if there is more snow overnight. Will have to wrap up warm again as chair lifts will be very cold!

Cross Country Skiing

2012-02-03T18:55:00.001Z

It's something I've always fancied trying but never wanted to waste snow time. Ali also wanted to try it so we decided this was the ideal time to try it. We headed up to Oslo Vinter Park to find out about hiring equipement and a lesson. Next thing we know we're all kitted up and an instructor was putting us through our paces on a children's track. The first bit of downhill and we both crashed. Turns out it involves a bit of co-ordination and its not as simple as walking on skis. After a few laps I started to feel like I was gliding, in reality I probably still looked rubbish. The downhill still seemed too difficult, the instructor kindly blamed the skis.

All too soon our hour was up and we were left to our own devices. Lunch in the woods and some more laps on our baby track, this time going the opposite way round. This worked for me as no scary downhill (it was all of a metre long) but Ali found the uphill a little difficult, I herringboned my way up, she slid down the hill on her face. Still it was time to branch out so we went to find some real tracks. First attempt and we realised that we were off-piste, second attempt was lovely till we hit the snowpark. Third time and it started great, then it went downhill. Ali kept trying to snowplough down, crashing mainly to her left. I took the wimps option and sidestepped down. We got down to a metro (the underground although out in the hills its an overground) and Ali got on the train and I headed back up the hill. Turns out we had done a huge (we covered at least 3miles) circuit and the way back was a lot shorter, I recognised the track we had come down and headed up. Getting to the top there was no Ali so I assumed she was waiting for the bus so I got a lovely hot chocolate and waited and waited.... Eventually she bounded across the carpark with some snowboarders in tow. The bus had broken down so she had had to walk. Her easy way back was probably longer and harder than my ski up the hill.

Turns out cross-country skiing is loads of fun as long as you are not going downhill! Or I just need a lot of practice!

A Norwegian Adventure

2012-02-03T07:01:00.002Z

My first flight since 2007 and I was off to Norway, the main reason being to watch the biathlon as we are here for Ali's birthday treat. We landed at a little airport 60km away from Oslo and after hitting up the duty free (we didn't want to be buying wine over here) we got on a bus which took us right into the centre. Oslo itself isn't amazingly exciting, like any major city, but there is snow everywhere. To get to our hostel we climbed up a hill covered in snow!

Monday and we were off to watch the biathlon, the sprint event. We were in the arena for the women's event and could see everything from the start, the shooting and the finish. It was very cold but I had planned for that and had lots of layers topped off with my down jacket. In the gap between races my feet got very very cold and we had to go for a walk. A really warm pair of boots is the one thing I would add to my cold weather gear. We went out on the tracks and decided to stay there for the mens race. This time we had some British interest to cheer....I think they probably heard us. People soon spotted we were from the UK, I don't think many people come over to watch the biathlon from the UK.

Afterwards we went back to Oslo and had pizza, even without our usual bottle of wine the meal was expensive compared to what we'd pay at home. But not too bad for Norway!

Today we have a day off from the biathlon so we are off out to play in the snow.

Music in my ears

2012-01-26T20:33:00.001Z

I've always been in the not listening to music while riding camp. The way I've seen it is that I want to hear the traffic etc. But I am very nervous of getting through the night at 24solo as I am expecting the course to be really quiet. So I've tried riding with my mp3 player, first off-road which I like in the dark but during the day I just enjoy the riding. But recently the odd time on the road, i've found that I can still hear traffic and my views are slowly changing.

So do you listen to music whilst riding?

Muddy, Misty Moors

2012-01-24T22:29:00.001Z

I met Colin again this morning for an off-road ride into work but this time I went on Rigger. It did make the road section through Manchester harder but the off-road sections easier. The trails were very muddy and I was very wet when I got to work.

Onto the evening and I left work and headed back towards Bolton via the Prestwich trails but instead of heading home I climbed up Winter Hill. It was very foggy out and I couldn't really make out the side of the road on the short road sections. At the top and there was no sign of the mast. I made a poor job of descending, a combination of the lack of visability and my lack of skills meant I really minced down the Belmont descent. I even ended up walking one drop as I couldn't see how big it was, I was probably just being a big wimp!

Back home and through the magic of endomondo Ali had a bucket of water ready for me so I could give Rigger a qucik wash.

It has shown me I need more time on my mountain bike.

A trail half-marathon

2012-01-21T21:27:00.001Z

Today was Ali's birthday, thanks to Pauline and Greg she had decided to run a trail half maarathon, actually 15.5miles. She had actually thought about the marathon but took the 'sensible' option.

So today I was battling headwinds to get to various points in the course and cheer. It was great fun but I wished I was running....next time.

Ice skating Goose

2012-01-17T22:57:00.000Z

Another morning and another off-road commute. Had to leave earlier as I had to be in for 8:30am, so I was in the wrong place for the sunrise. Instead I got to see this little fellow ice-skating on the canal. Once again I arrived at work in a fantastic mood.

I was a little late leaving but still took the off-road route, it is worth the extra time it takes. I had planned to do hill reps and spent most of the ride talking myself out of them but in Phillips Park I made myself do them. They were short but I was glad I had done them.

Back on the road tomorrow, will miss my off-road commute.

Best start to the day

2012-01-16T20:45:00.001Z

Last night I put mudguards on the cross bike, thanks to twitter I now had a set that fit over the cross tyres, and the rack and set my alarm for early. Colin was being 'sensible' and not riding as he has a cold. As always I set off later than planned and was happy that the back street wasn't too icy, I would probably still have gone round on the main road on my road bike though. Down through Moses Gate the frozen ruts causing me a few problems but then the sun started to rise. Cue lots of smiles and stopping to try and get a picture. I felt so happy to be alive.

Day at work went fine, I was so bouncy and happy after my fabulous start to the morning. So I decided I had to ride home off-road. Semi-frozen trails this time and at points I really was glad of the mudguards!

Not sure it was the ideal bike for mountain bike trails?

Same again tomorrow? Yes please.

Ice spoils the plan

2012-01-14T21:43:00.000Z

After last Thursday I was determined to get out on the bike this weekend. At first I thought about a bivvy trip but I realised I needed a rest day, I've been riding a fair bit and the legs are tired. So last night I got the maps out and had a look. Coming across Salter Fell it looked ideal, I had never been there and it was a lovely long track. Any loop though involved a lot of road so cross bike would be the prefered bike.

Getting up in the morning I had to fix a puncture on the cross bike, I made hard work of this. First tube I put in had a faulty valve, next one exploded (don't think I had got the tyre to seat correctly). Eventually that and new brake pads were done so I could leave. I decided to ride to Clitheroe as it was such a nice day but at Blackburn I was debating heading home, I was finding it hard the roads looked like they would ice later, but these were all just excuses so I continued, planning to get the train home from Clitheroe later. Once I was past Clitheroe everything changed, I think I forget how amazing and how quiet the Forest of Bowland is. I'm so lucky as I can ride there from home.

Now I was having fun and on the route I had plotted. First bit off off-road involved me carrying the bike, so it definitely counted as an adventure. The roads had on the whole been fine, the odd little bit of ice at the very edge but nothing too bad, I was taking it easy descending to be on the safe side. After Gisburn Forest the roads changed a bit. Now descending was at walking pace and I was off and walking some huge stretches of ice. I was also aware that time was ticking and it still gets dark early. Stopping on a very icy bridge I ate a sandwich and made a decision, back to Clitheroe it was. I could have carried on and if the rest was rideable I should have been back to Slaidburn as it got dark, but then I had to get to at least Clitheroe to get the train. By then I could expect more ice and it to be a lot more difficult to pick it out.

I got my garmin to navigate me back and on the outskirts of Clitheroe decided just to ride home. The roads here were fine and I was going to be on relatively major roads so they were gritted. I timed it perfectly getting to Ewood Park just as all the football fans left. My usally squeaky cross brakes were worse than usual on the frozen rims though and worked very effectively to clear me a way through.

Home and 77miles with 1715m of climbing.

The joy of the commute

2012-01-13T22:13:00.001Z

Quick look behind, pull out sail down the side of the traffic, pause for the car pulling out, back on the pedals. Stop red light, go go go green. Cut down a back street, cheeky bit of cycle path. Work.

I had forgotten how great cycle commuting is, this week has reminded me.

Blue Skies

2012-01-12T23:02:00.002Z

Being awake before 5am is no fun but it really meant I had no excuse but to ride to Merseyside, getting the train seemed lazy even with the wind howling outside. Looking at BBC weather it kindly told me that it would be a headwind, still I was sure it would be fine. Setting out, a little later than I meant to as always, I was working hard to pedal down my road, still it was bound to drop. Then it was uphill, well until a gust blew me to a standstill. I did have a sensible thought of going and getting a train at this point but obviously I carried on. It was the right decision as although I wasn't going anywhere fast it wasn't gusting either so I was fine. Timing is everything and I arrived at Liverpool Southparkway Station just minutes before Jenn.

Part two of the way and the wind seemed to be dropping, the sun came out and we were on the loopline. Back down to the transpennine trail using some quiet roads and the steps to bring us up a sheer cliff. we were soon in the shadows of the Runcorn bridge finding a geocache that had alluded us last time, this time in the new location we were sucessful. All that was left was a quick ride over the bridge, it was nosiy and you could feel the bride moving. A stop at Weatherspoons for some food and then it was back to Liverpool Southparkway.

Part three and we on the underground Wirral line heading for a geocache that a coin I had needed to visit. Unfortunately it was at the top of a hill, sorry Jen. Then we couldn't find it. So next nearest was located and coin left there for someone more skilled in searching to find. A few more caches, some successful, some not as it got darker and darker we decided to call it a day and got the train back to Liverpool.
The last stage was to ride back from Irlam, as usual the moss was lovely. But this time I had both a joystick on the bars and one on my helmet making it much easier to pick a route round the huge holes. Timed it perfectly at the level crossing as a driver had just opened the gates.
Home at 9pm, tired but ready to plan another adventure.

Resting and Running

2012-01-09T19:38:00.001Z

After an amazing thursday I had a rest day. I am rubbish at rest days. I rested really well but just beat myself up about being lazy, especially for not doing anything around the house. I suspect though that I should get better at resting and that I probably do myself no favours not having a rest day.

Saturday and sunday I was working so there was some commuting miles, 30miles on sunday morning (I got a lift home) and some Ride Leadering miles.

One of the things I really want to be is more consistent with running. I have no ambitions to run far or fast but it gets me fit and is certainly useful for races with any pushing, I could feel my calves pushing/carrying up the hills on thursday. Last week I got out on monday night for a trail run with Ali, it was lovely but I had to remind myself of that tonight. Ali was happy to come out again so it was another lovely trail run round the golf course. We even went a little quicker. So that is two weeks and two runs, feeeling happpy with that, now to keep it up.

A day out in the lakes

2012-01-06T12:20:00.000Z

Due to working at the weekend I had yesterday and today off. A quick email to Jenn and I was headed up to the Lakes/Yorkshire Dales yesterday. Jenn needed to get pictures and on the way up it looked like there would be no chance, wind and rain were the order of the day. Parking in Ravenstonedale the rain had stopped but it was still very wind so lot so layers were worn. We headed off along the road and I was already having fun, I was riding my superfly and remembering how amazing a bike it was, felt a little naughty to be riding it in such horrid weather but good that the bike was at last having an adventure since I had only ridden it once out of racing on the Winter Hill Loop. Spinning along the road it felt like we were in the middle of nowhere with the hills towering above us, I was already glad of the gears before we even turned off the road. Heading up it wasn't long before we were pushing, trying to ride involved peddaling and getting nowhere due to the sodden grass. By this point the sun was out and Jenn was grabbing pictures, I used the time to eat lots of food.

At the top we went through a gate and almost got blown off the hill, ahh it was still windy and it was a headwind which we would now be riding into for most of the day. Descending was fun and made me realise how far we had climbed, the views were also stunning. back past the car and off up another big hill (Great Asby Scar). Up here was amazing, mainly rideable to the top and lots of limestone. If it had been less windy I could have sat up there for hours, in the distance it looked like mini-villages, up close like a lunar landscape, one of the most unique places I had ever been. But we had more hills to climb so we headed back down towards Orton after a ribena stop looking out over the M6. Here we made our only navigation error of the day climbing up a road climb before having to backtrack. By this point it was pitch black and we were night riding in new terrain, the moon wasn't quite bright enough so we did need lights. The last climb of the day was Breasthigh Road, I had actually ridden this before back in 2008 but I couldn't really remember it. At the bottom there was a road closed sign but on closer inspection that was to motorised vehicles and horses so we set on up. It wasn't long before I was walking and then carrying. At the top we had another food top while hoping the descent was a little less technical as there was no way I would be riding down it! Waving bye bye to the M6 again and lights on bright we headed down. I stopped a couple of times, but after giving myself a talking to I got down to the bottom to find Jenn looking at a stream crossing which I had forgotten all about. getting the map out we realised we could avoid wading and getting very cold and wet by following the trail to the road, along the road a bit then back down to the other side of the stream. Only there was a sign saying the trail was shut due to erosion, we gave it a go and apart from one short section it was fine. At the other end the gate was locked so it was a case of lifting bikes over and climbing over. Heading along the Borrowdale valley with just hares and owls for company was amazing and I was sad our adventure was coming to an end. We finished with a road spin back to the car.

Then all that was left was for Jenn to drive me home oh and a dirty bike and mountain of kit to wash.

49.49miles in total with 1270m of climbing. Can we go again?

Tod CX

2012-01-02T21:25:00.001Z

Once again Chips was putting on a Cross race in Todmorden just after the new year. Last year I rode over with Chris but the one thing I remembered was being cold. This year I decided I would race. I still rode over and was glad I had as it was a lovely day till I dropped into Todmorden and the weather closed in a bit. Ali followed later in the car, she decided that riding there and back didn't sound fun. I was really looking forward to it as lots of friends were going to be there. I got there just in time for the junior race but it looked so muddy I didn't fancy pre-riding the course so I just chatted to folks instead. On taking layers off I discovered a hole in my shorts, another pair to sew up then it may be time for me to get some new shorts. So the 3/4 I had brought to wear on the way home went over the top.

The course was very muddy, from the start I was struggling, although maybe not completely in race mode. Once we got to the cobbles I had to wait for my chance to walk up them. I was having fun jumping on and off my bike but somehow got a dismount wrong and ended up on the floor.

Going into the last lap the girl who had been just behind me caught and passed me, I had to put a bit of effort in then. We had a little chat and then I pushed a bit to get ahead.

Results are out and I was 7th out of 13 females, good field, and 94th out of 117 in the vets/women's race. It was also my first race of 45minutes as in the north west series we race for an hour with the seniors.

Afterwards we had a twitter meetup where Lisa fed us all, no mean feat when it was a load of hungry cyclists. I then took the lazy way home and got a lift with Ali.

2011

2012-01-01T12:20:00.001Z

Wow up to four years of blogging now. Life has changed again workwise. I started being freelance then got a termtime contract before going full-time in September. This has definitely had an effect on my cycling and commuting miles make up most of what I ride meaning less off-road miles. It also gives me an excuse to run less as I have been unmotivated when it comes to either getting up early or going out once I get home. On the other side work has involved trips over to Merseyside which has lead to some nice long commutes. I also rediscovered cyclocross and enjoyed it.

Mileagewise I have covered 8915miles in total, only 90 of that was running. Cycling has seen 6356miles (64% of total time) on the road. In total I have spent 802hours running or biking which is 33days. I am very happy with this milesage as this year has had its fair share of illness and some minor injury. Having my tonsils out in April meant there was very little done that month. I'm hoping 2012 allows me to be consitent.

Some highlights from the year:

January completing a 30/30 challenge
Smiling and eating my way round 12solo three weeks after having my tonsils out
Lots of mini-adventures just commuting to work
Sleepless in the Saddle was once again amazing
The 10 hour race at Llandegla
An amazing holiday in Cornwall to see our new best friends.
Putting panniers on my bike - should have done it earlier!
Completing some more Audax rides.

So onto 2012 and what are the plans. More of the same really. I want to do some more touring type rides and some more bivvying, 2011 involved the Welsh Ride thing and that was it! Obviously a little bit of racing, I am hoping this year to do SITS as a pair and I am trying to decide about a 24solo, probably the nationals in April although I am a little concerned how quiet that will get when everyone riding the 12hour stops at midnight! Otherwise there are people out there I haven't ridden with enough this year so more effort riding with people.

Hope you have all had a great 2011 and here's to more fun in 2012.

Soggy Geocaching

2011-12-30T22:59:00.001Z

I didn't wake up till late today and had no motivation to go out on my bike in the rain. I also had no motivation to do any of the things on my huge to do list. Eventually I knew I had to get outside so Ali and I went geocaching. There are a number of new geocaches since we last went geocaching in our local area, also our first geocaching experience.

The first one we attempted to find didn't happen, not sure if we were looking round the right tree or not. It wasn't ideal conditions with the constant rain. Never mind we headed on to the next one which Ali found quickly. Next one was a muddy sliddy walk across the golf course. The next one should have been close but we couldn't even see a stump, which was the hint, suspect all the leaves were hiding any that were there. One last one and then we headed home via the shops to get a few bits to add to Ali's sisters Christmas presents.

Riding Home

2011-12-28T17:54:00.002Z

So after Christmas Day and Boxing day being spent with Ali's mum I left on the 27th to ride home. As I was unsure of the weather I had planned to take two days, staying at my sisters on the tuesday evening. I left a little later than planned but made reasonable time riding lots of country lanes made me glad of my exposure 6pack, otherwise I would probably ended up on main roads and the tiny bit of the A6 and A50 I did wasn't that enjoyable. I had one stop to pick up more water and once again the last 10miles was uphill. Turns out Coalville is on a hill. I had also worn summer gloves as it was lovely and warm.

The evening was spent drinking wine and eating pizza. Helen had to be in work for 7am so it was to be an early start. Unfortunately I didn't sleep well, think I was scared I would sleep through the alarm.

I was on the road at about quarter to seven and Coalville being on a hill played in my favour as I set off downhill. I was making steady progress to Derby then I started climbing towards Ashbourne and it got slower and slower. The hills didn't help but neither did the fact that the wind was trying to blow me back where I came from. It felt a long way to Ashbourne and any downhills had to be pedalled so that I kept going forward! I stopped in Ashbourne to grab a sandwich and change into winter gloves, it was a little colder today!

Then it was time to Climb again to Buxton and then over to Whaley Bridge. Here I spent some time looking for a cafe as I was cold, even after adding a waterproof for the descent, and hungry. But they were all closed. I headed off towards Disley on a back road which was another huge hill and was very glad to see Disley. At Bramhall I was so happy to see Sainsburys had a cafe but I wandered around in a daze for a while and only bought cake, could have done with some 'real' food as well.

By this point the wind was a constant battle, the only respite from the headwind came when it started gusting from the side, which meant wrestling my bike to not end up under a bus on the A6. Through Manchester and still not making any time as the wind was against me. I was glad to get home, two hours later than expected, and find that my mum had been round and left me a Pizza and ice-cream.

Day 1: 80miles 1770m ascent / 1400m descent
Say 2: 92miles 2980m ascent / 2640m descent

Merry Christmas

2011-12-24T20:14:00.001Z

Hope everyone has a Happy Christmas. Last few days at my sisters have been fun. Ali arrived just in time to help with tree decorating. We had a Christmas brunch before heading down to Cambridge for Christmas part 2.

Across the Peak District

2011-12-21T23:53:00.001Z

Today I rode from home to Leicestershire where my sister lives. I was hoping Ali's present would arrive so I didn't leave till after 1pm which meant most of the journey would be in the dark. Heading through Manchester and Stockport wasn't fun especially with rubbish brakes but once I got to the Peak District it improved. It also got hillier, I felt the weight of the panniers going up the hills and since I was cautious down them my overall speed was low.

I passed through some lovely villages and even in the dark some of the views were great. I had forgotten that it was so hilly to get to Helen's (probably as I am usually in a car) and they last ten miles all seemed uphill.

My Garmin turned itself off a number of times and definitely missed 5miles between Whitefield and Manchester but it recorded 133km and 1600m of climbing. Good ride overall although I was overdressed as it was warm.

Audax Cyclo-Cross

2011-12-19T10:02:00.001Z

Sunday morning and at 7am I was outside in my PJ's checking for ice, if any of my neighbours had been awake they probably would have thought I had lost it. Both the main road and the side street were completely clear and with a weather forcast of above freezing for Cheshire I was all ready to ride the Winter Solstice Audax. I had spent saturday sorting out my bike and Ali was giving me a lift to the start in Bredbury. Although I was still coughing I felt fine.

Then it all changed, it started snowing, my friends were tweeting that they weren't going, the organiser had suggested not riding. Ali sensibly pointed out that driving in the now snow covered road was not a good idea and I reluctantly went back to bed. Getting up an hour earlier and reading on the forum it sounded like I had made the right decision the roads over in Cheshire were a mixture of slush and ice. Only one thing for it cyclo-cross. It was the day of the Horwich CC 4 Season Cycles Humdinger Cross which is held less than two miles from my house, it would be rude not to go and race.

I had to change my bike back from its off-road commuting duties by removing the rack and I also put my new cross tyres on, should be less likely to clog in the mud and hopefully grippier. Then I headed off making my first mistake by trying to ride down the back street which was now an ice-rink. Ali followed on foot wanting to get some running miles in. Signing on I went for a ride round the course. I was already out of gears but I was also nice and warm. The course was covered in snow but this was causing it to be very very muddy. Ali arrived and I gave her all my spare clothes so she was warm and lined up at the start.

My head was still in long and steady mode and I pootled off the startline and round the first lap. The odd time I really tried pushing I got nowhere, seems like I can't ride on mud! Still my heart rate was up so I was getting a good workout. I was trying to be careful as I didn't want to end up coughing and coughing but it seemed fine racing. After three laps I started to warm up and was able to reel in and pass a few people ahead of me. I still felt like I was descending badly, especially on the big muddy descent where I was shouting at myself, I knew I had to get my weight over my forks or my front wheel just washed out, but I am a wimp! The race finished a little early for me as I had halved the gap to the girl in front in one lap, but I had enjoyed it which was the important thing.

Then I rode home, I walked through the park as I was too scared of the ice. No pictures as the camera decided to stop working and all the pictures are just black!

I finished third female and 67th overall. Shame the season has nearly finished I was just beginning to enjoy it!

Here is a video from the race:

Another muddy commute

2011-12-16T22:05:00.001Z

Repeating yesterday I met up with Colin, although a little earlier so we weren't late to work. It was snowing most of the way in but luckily the only ice I encountered was the paths in Leverhulme park. Once again I dragged col round the singletrack although he gave the berms a miss.

Coming home I had company as Col got to finish a little earlier. His light is impressive for the money but unfortunately for him I had my six pack with me. Which made his look a little weedy. It was great to have company on the way home.

Once home it was wash the bike, again - a twitter friend is sending me mudguards which will help. Then a lazy evening as Ali was out on her Christmas Do.

33miles ridden, still coughing but hopeful for Sunday.

Off roading with panniers

2011-12-15T18:52:00.001Z

Most of this week I'm working in the office as there is very little cycle training taking place at the moment. So this morning I arranged to meet Colin and we rode in together. I dragged him round the berms at Prestwich and was impressed at how well the bike coped seeing as it had a rack and panniers. I struggled with uphills, running out of gears and this cold still lingering. Getting to work I was covered in mud, Colin was clean. Mudguards were needed.

On the way home I decided it would be a waste not to ride so it was another 16.5miles and I got home covered in mud.

Cargo Bike

2011-12-14T19:55:00.001Z

My friends from Keep Pedalling had been kind enough to lend me, well I suppose Ali as I was busy riding, their Dirtworker during SITS. It's been in the back of my mind that I should return it but getting round to it was a different matter. They need it back for over Christmas so today I got the train into Manchester and then pedalled across town with the Dirtworker on the rack on the back. It actually worked really well. Then I pedalled off to work.

If you are in Manchester make sure you pay Keep Pedalling a visit they are on Hilton Street, just off Stevenson Square in the Northern Quarter.

The ultimate bike?

2011-12-13T21:24:00.001Z

Not been 100% since I got back from my ride on Sunday. Yesterday I wouldn't have ridden to work only I was delivering level 3 training so needed the bike. In the session we rode 18miles so it certainly wasn't a rest. Today I would be riding again as I was doing a reece ride/risk assessment.

I was awake early coughing so instead of just lying there I got up and put a rack on my cross bike. This meant I could ride gears and use panniers. I can't believe I used to think I wouldn't like them I love riding with nothing on my back. I also added a water bottle cage and lights to the cross bike which means its all ready for riding down to my sisters for Christmas.

Jen and I met at Irlam station which meant a nice ride across the moss for me. I was glad of my cross tyres on the off-road section and was moving a lot faster than the car behind me. The route was pretty straight forward and we collected four geocaches on the way to the cafe. I keep expecting to do a route with no new caches along as I'm reusing trails but once again there were some right on the trail. The cafe ar Croxeth Park was really friendly, although I wasn't popular with jen after having the last jacket spud.

As the route is an out and back, its for January so we wanted something easy for bad weather, all that was left to return to the station. Getting off at Irlam I was even across the moss before it got dark. I stopped at the supermarket on the way home for food. Coming out I realised I had no bungy to strap things on the rack. Somehow I managed to get everything in the bags, not easy when you have two bottles of pop, orange juice, milk as well as other bits.

Getting home, helmet off and rear light attached to helmet was flashing away. I realised I had walked round the supermarket like that.

GLOW ride

2011-12-12T06:40:00.000Z

GLOW is a women's cycling club, it started with an aim of getting 100 women riding the Manchester 100 in September. Although I couldn't make the Manchester 100 due to being at Kielder but since then they have been running regular rides. This Sunday the ride went from Horwich, most are South Manchester, so I decided to make the effort. The weather was wet but six of us turned up and headed over to the lancashire plains. I was on kiwi thinking it would be flat, but Martine (Ride Leader) had managed to choose the hilliest road. Only one moment when I ended up stopped as I pulled my foot out of my pedal.

It never actually stopped raining and the soup at the cafe was appreciated. I got home with a smile and 57miles.

Madison Cross

2011-12-10T20:33:00.001Z

Today there was a Madison Cross event at Clayton Vale. I wasn't sure what it involved but had planned to race with a friend. I then cancelled as I was meant to be working, this was then cancelled. I didn't set an alarm since I had a late night on my work Christmas Do and decided to see what I felt like when I woke up. Waking up at 9am I fancied the race but it was a bit late to get the bike ready and ride so I drove down. Getting there I signed up and on the start line had to find my matching number.

Soon we started, the course was short and laps were all less than five minutes. It was also very muddy and a little cold. The hail storm in the middle added a bit of interest.

After an hour both me and Phil, the guy I was paired with, had done 7 laps each which meant we won the 'First team with a female rider' prize.

Afterwards there was soup for all the riders at the velodrome cafe. Then Ali and I went and had a look at the BMX track, maybe something to have a go at.

Some riders got into the festive spirit, maybe I should start planning for next year?

Fresh Tracks

2011-12-05T21:42:00.001Z

I was wide awake at 3:30 this morning, not reallly a time I want to see but the one good thing was I saw the snow. As by the time I got up at 7am it had all gone washed away by rain.

Once again I was working over in Horwich so I jammed everything into a camelbak and went on Rigger. Leaving the school I headed for Winter Hill and as I headed up there was still pockets of snow and at the top everywhere was covered with a dusting. Heading down the Belmont descent the first half was all fresh tracks, okay it was only a dusting of snow but it was still snow.

From here I headed over the Darwen Moors, they were muddy so progress wasn't fast and one uphill had to be walked. Over to the A666 and down to the Strawbury Duck. From here I headed home.
20miles of mainly off-road fun, an ideal commute.

I noticed on Winter Hill 'my' bench had gone. It's a silly thing but I often sat there when I was out riding when I was ill. There are a fair few pictures on this blog of Rigger at the bench. I was suprised how sad I felt about it not being there. Now I'm working I am less likely to have a day where I just ride out to the bench and back and there are always other benches.

November Roundup

2011-12-01T21:15:00.001Z

Wow!

I've had a great month and its been completely unexpected. I've tried to get less stressed with work stuff which hasn't been as sucessful as it should. But the big thing is I've made the effort to always ride to where I am working, to ride off-road and to ride a couple of cross races.

So the numbers:

Mountain Bike: 116.16miles (all singlespeed)
Cyclocross Bike 16.4miles
Road Bike: 875.66miles (662miles fixed)

Total Cycling: 1008miles
Running: 1.2miles - its a start!

So slowly I am adding more off-road miles in. Overall mileage was amazing and I'm building a good base. When I look back on last November I can't help but see the differences. Hoping this is the start to a healthy year!

And I will Ride 1000miles....

2011-11-30T22:43:00.001Z

Yesterday I rode too and from Warrington, I also got pelted by rain and hail when out with the kids which led to a mad dash to the school. But when I put the stats on sportstracks I realised that I was only 28miles off riding 1000miles for the month.

Today I was doing a Recce ride in Liverpool, problem being that would only be 20miles. I was way too tired to get up early enough to ride over so train it was. Ali then suggested she met me in Wigan, where I normally change trains on the way back, and we ride home. I would definetlg get the miles that way. Plans changed a bit and I had to do a Learn to Ride in liverpool in the morning. Then the recce ride was completed partly in the dark. Partway round I went into a boots to collect my prescription, went to Dr's yesterday. I knew I had to get it as I had ran out of meds. Just as I collected they mentioned they didn't have enough and i'd have to come back, not so easy as its in speke. Fortunately they open sunday and I am working over there on sunday.

Back to riding we finished the recce and I got on a very busy train to Wigan, although after three stops it was quiet again. Partway there and Ali phoned she had punctured and was struggling with the pump. I explained how to use her CO2. Then she rings again, it all went wrong and tyre still flattish. Fortunately she was by tesco so she sheltered inside and I rode from wigan to rescue her.

Getting home, stats on computer and 1008miles for the month.

Off-road commuting

2011-11-28T21:20:00.001Z

I was working in Horwich today and the one thing the last couple of mountain bike rides have shown me is that my skills are lacking. Anything remotely technical and I forget how to ride. The way to improve this is to ride off-road more. So I took my mountain bike to work so I could ride home off-road.

Getting all my work stuff in a camelbak wasn't easy but I managed it. It did mean that I was a little cold as I didn't have my usual 20 layers. Leaving the school I just headed towards Winter Hill, a bit of cheeky riding later and I was at Georges Lane. Up to the top and then down the Belmont descent. I then headed over to Turton Tower before home.

16miles, lots of smiles and hopefully the start of more mtb miles.

Rivi Ride

2011-11-27T20:16:00.001Z

I got Ali out on her bike today, she actually had to ride mine as I never got her gears sorted....need new cables and randomly it was zip-ties I was missing! We were a little late leaving, both of us probably at fault there and there may have been a little arguing. Still Simon was happy enough to meet half an hour later.

Getting to lower barn was hard, my legs were tired and it was a headwind the whole way. But once there we headed over to Healey Nab. Ali started struggling, her wrist which has been playing up just got worse. At the nab me and Simon did a lap, I was mincing like a girl and Ali took the sensible option and waited for us as she couldn't hold her bars.

We left Simon at the cafe, well we went to the cafe and he went and rode some more. Lots of food seemed to help Ali and we took the least bumpy way home.

26miles on my Garmin and it turned into a lovely day.

Lady of the Manor CX

2011-11-26T20:44:00.001Z

Thursday and Friday I commuted to Southport, no mishaps meant 70miles both days. I couldn't decide about racing today but in the end decided to drive instead of ride and went for it. Ali came as well, mainly to drive me but she also got some pictures.

At the start I stuck to Jenni from Liverpool Mercury's wheel. She is so strong and sees all the gaps whereas I just slow down as I'm too scared of crashing. Powering past her on the first straight I set my sights on second female. I caught her but once we got to the muddy section she ran past me with ease. Pushing hard I caught her again on the straight after the start finish, but once again the mud caught me and she got a bigger gap. I caught her again but this time she got too big a gap on me through the muddy section.

I kept pushing but I was struggling with the mud. I was trying not to lose concentration and think I managed that. Battling a bit near the end with a guy but riding a descent got me a gap.

I finished 3rd female and 72nd overall.

Running and muddy commuting

2011-11-24T21:06:00.001Z

On monday I went for a short run with Ali. I think that running a bit is good for me and probably helps balance out cycling a bit. But I know I have to ease into it slowly. So we ran a mile at a steady pace.

Tuesday I was meant to be in the office, I decided to ride there off-road. I got very very muddy on there way there. This meant of course I was sent to a school! Took a work vehicle as it would have taken me ages on rigger to get there. Got lazy when it came to heading home and got a lift!

A more sucessful day

2011-11-19T12:59:00.001Z

I had a bit of a later start so no geocaching on the way to Southport, but also no off-roading or dual-carriageways. So even though the route was a little longer it was a sucess.

Leaving I made sure to follow my route and there was no getting lost, I had also charged my light so no worries there!

To celebrate I decided for some reason to come back via Chorley Old Road from Horwich, doubling the amount of climbing.

Not my finest day commuting

2011-11-17T21:11:00.001Z

Working in Southport today I had an early start, not ideal after a late night the night before. I was awake well before my alarm and even had time to make Ali sandwiches before I left. I'd brought a couple of travel bugs with me to drop off and had chosen a premium member cache as I really don't want them to go missing. The weather was nice, although once over Parbold Hill I had to add another layer as it was colder there than Bolton. The roads were also very muddy and my mudguards were getting clogged.
Leaving the geocache my Garmin tried to take me down a muddy track, I knew I would be walking so I followed roads which unfortunately brought me onto a dual carriageway and somehow my 29mile journey turned into 33miles.

Work went quickly, I was teaching level 3. At lunch we headed to the chippy for lunch since we were by the seaside.

Leaving at the end of the day I was looking forward to the ride home although I wanted to avoid parbold hill as its steeper from that side. After my usual faffing I headed out and soon had to take a layer off. I was on some really muddy roads and I could see winter hill in the distance. I had to ignore my garmin several times as it tried to take me down muddy tracks before having no choice when the road just ended at a track. Please to get on tarmac again I turned left as right had a dead end sign, slowly I started to recognise things before I realised I was back in Southport, yes having ridden for an hour I was nearly back where I started.
It was fine though, the weather was nice, so I text Ali to let her know I'd been dumb and made sure I headed the right way. Finding signs for sustrans route 91 I was happy as I knew that basically took me to Adlington.

At some point the battery light on the back of my Six Pack had started flashing, so I unplugged the rear light and hoped I had enough juice to get home. As it turns out the light may have an amazing battery life but I can't run it forever (two night rides and the audax) without charging it. On a singletrack road it went out, pitch black. Ali responded to my plea and looking on my garmin there was a train station just over a mile away so we agreed to meet there (after losing my wallet last night I had no card to pay for a train). All I had to do was get there. I have a very cheap cateye on the bars just incase but it casts no light so it was riding using the force. Getting on a slightly busier road every so now and again a car behind would illuminate my way but those coming towards me just left me unable to see.

Finding the station, I put all my layers on and waited. I think the local youths thought I was a little odd. I was so pleased to see Ali and the car.

Working in Southport tomorrow, think I may try and do a better job of route finding!

Girls Night Ride

2011-11-16T23:35:00.001Z

Tonight the girls were over Rivington way so I thought I should make the effort to ride. The legs felt fine on the way to and from work (all 1.2miles of it) so I had no excuses. We were meeting near lower barn so I aimed to get there just after the meeting time as I didn't want to be hanging round on my own in the dark. It was perfect and most of the girls were just getting bikes out of cars when I got there.
We set off towards the Nab and I hung round the back of the group chatting. At the Nab we did two laps and I was please to ride all but one uphill section as my technical skills are non-existent with my recent lack of mountain biking.
Got home and realised I had lost my wallet :-(

A lot of miles - The Eureka! 200k

2011-11-13T21:59:00.001Z

I just got my entry in for this Audax before it closed and I was really looking forward to a long day out on the bike. Obviously racing CX yesterday wasn't ideal preparation and I was unsure how I'd get on with such a long ride. I haven't done any long rides recently, although long commutes have been fine, if not particularly fast. To make things a little longer I planed to ride to and from the start, nearly 20miles each way.

I didn't sleep amazingly after 1am, constantly waking up so in the end I got up before my alarm. Breakfast and I was out the door. It didn't take me long to feel hot and the showerproof came off. Riding through Manchester at 7am was interesting with plenty of people making there way home after a night out. Getting to the hall in Cheadle I bumped into Rich and Shona from keep pedalling. I grabbed a couple of biscuits, got ride of another layer, I was now in 3/4 bibs and a long sleeve jersey, and it was time to head off.

The first section was the usual sprint and I concentrated on just holding my line and staying on the wheel in front. Eventually a hill split us up a bit and a front group got away, I settled in the second group which was being led by four lads from sheffrec cc. Taping along at what I thought was a good pace Rich and Shona sped past. But we saw them again at the first info control. From here the Sheffrec guys raised the pace and I worked to stay with them, they suggested some people came to the front but I was the only one to take them up on the offer. As we neared the cafe the pace went up again and we got there with barely any queue.
It was my first visit to the Eureka cafe and I wasn't disappointed. Beans on toast, a hot chocolate and a 7up before I headed out on the road. I was riding with a guy called Paul for a while but when the Sheffrec lot passed I grabbed on. We worked pretty well together and made good time to the next cafe, the Ice Cream Farm. My legs were a little sore by this point and I didn't have ice cream, instead a chicken peri peri baguette. We'd been seeing a lot of Rich and Shona and they arrived at the cafe only minutes afterwards.
Leaving the cafe I managed a good turn on the front. But any slight hill and I went backwards (something to work on) I wasn't the only one finding the hills hard although H was on a fixie (I hadn't been brave enough to bring mine). There was one last stop at a petrol station where I inhaled more food, before the last 30km back to cheadle. The pace was high now and it was all I could do to hold on. My garmin was so useful now it was dark!

Back to the startal and soup was served, Rich and Shona once again just behind us. All that was left was to ride home. The three of us rode into Manchester and I kept waiting to completely die but I made it home 20mins before i'd told Ali I would be home.

In total I cover 172miles with 1888m of climbing. I'm a little tired now!

More CX this time in Merseyside

2011-11-12T19:42:00.001Z

After enjoying racing down South with Mikey the other week I decided to race one of the North West events. Chatting to Jen from work it turned out that work had a stand there so I was going to have a cheer squad! Originally I was going to drive over but Ali's plans would have meant an expensive train ride home so I told her to take the car and decided to ride to Irlam and get the train over.

It was a lovely morning and I had to take layers off on the way to the station, I was a little worried I was going to overheat as I was wearing tights, skins ones to see if they help me recover from the race as I have a big ride planned tomorrow.

The train turned up on time, I got to the race an hour before it started and signed on, got time for a lap of the course. It was so different to the one in the South-West! There was of course draggy grass but also some technical bits, two huge hills (well they felt like it when I was carrying my bike up) and some hurdles.

The start was hectic with nearly 130 of us in the race and I was a little worried it would be too busy. The first lap was spent racing another female rider and saying hi to people I hadn't seen for ages. Everytime I passed the BikeRight stand I got a huge cheer!

I felt I wasn't doing too bad a job of dismounting but the carry's were all at a walk, I think a couple of the top guys actually rode up which is impressive! I was lapped after two laps by the leaders and in total I did 5 laps. My average speed was lower than in the South West but that wasn't a suprise. Some of the grassy banks I really sturggled with my tyres just washing out, maybe I need mud tyres?

I really enjoyed it and I'm planning on a few more this season. Surely the more I do the faster I get? Average heart rate was 182bpm so I was certainly trying although there is the odd dip where I obviously wasn't pushing as hard. I also slowed near the end but I think that was as much to do with the course as me.

Results are out and I was 2nd female out of 8 and 83rd out of 118 finishers.

Back on the mountain bike

2011-11-08T21:56:00.001Z

I rode Rigger round Kielder following Ali round the marathon but other than that I haven't rode a mountain bike since I hurt my back. So I decided on a nice easy ride back, but that was last week and I never got out. Today I had arranged to ride with Chris, to make it even easier I was on a fully rigid singlespeed. Shaun also joined us so I knew I would be following rear lights the whole time.

It was a usual ride up to Rooley Moor Road, as expected I was well behind on the climbs. Shaun pushed me a bit on the road sections when I spun out. Once we started descending I lost them again, a combination of riding fully rigid and not having ridden off-road in ages. Then suddenly my rear wheel locked up, my saddle bag had come undone and my spare base layer fallen out and was now stuck in my brake. I had no tools with me as I had been in such a rush to get back. The boys soon returned though and it was quick to sort. Base layer isn't much use any more though.

Dropping Shaun off at home we span back along the road. 30miles of riding and my back seems okay.

A crisp and cold commute

2011-11-06T20:31:00.001Z

I had a very early start this morning as Ali was off down to Thetford Forest. It looked a lovely day so I decided to ride to work in Liverpool. Leaving at 730am I was wearing two base layers, a jersey, my fleece, a gillet, tights and waterproof shorts. I was expecting to have to stop and take a layer off pretty quickly but no it stayed cold. It was a proper winter morning and I was loving riding.

Crossing the M6 I found a quick geocache, getting closer to Speke I found myself on the Knowsley Expressway, not my idea of fun riding. So I came straight off and seeing signs of the transpennine trail I thought I knew where I was. Then I saw the Runcorn bridge getting closer I realised I was going the wrong way, oops!

Work involved an 18mile and the sun was out, it warmed up and we had a lovely crowd with us. We were finished by 3pm and I decided to ride home, it was too nice a day to spend sat on a train. At 430pm it suddenly got cold again and the fleece was back on, but only one base layer this time. I got home with 84miles on the garmin, not bad for a work day.

Time for bigger panniers?

2011-11-03T10:29:00.001Z

Been an odd week with having monday off, then working close to home on tuesday. So close I came home for lunch as Ali was at home. Yesterday I was only working in Horwich so it was another short commute. I had got up early with the intention being to go for a ride but it never happened. I spent the day feeling like I had never woke up. After work I needed to go shopping, tesco was only a couple of miles from the school, but I knew I needed to ride so I went straight-on instead of turning left. A loop past freddies and over to red rock, which is hard work on the fixie, back via aspull where I decided to get a couple more miles and headed to Adlington and then back along the A6. That wasn't much fun as its all coned off so nowhere for traffic to overtake. I got to Tesco with 18miles on the garmin.

Since i've got panniers I always get a trolley, hard to carry them and the shopping. Once again this led to me buying way too much. I don't have much spare room in the panniers anyway with all my work stuff in. So once again they were packed and stuff strapped to the top. As the shopping included two big bottles of beer and an orange juice it was a little heavy. Maybe it would be easier if I just used my bigger bags?

October Roundup

2011-11-01T06:27:00.000Z

The start wasn't great, back being injured meant I had to be sensible. I did my best but then work stuff was getting to me, I try and look after myself but nothing helps more than riding. My back feeling better I rode over to Liverpool a few times but the odd bit of off-road showed me that it wasn't 100% The month finished with a holiday in Cornwall, I feel a little guilty that I wasn't on great form till near the end of the holiday. But I did get some nice rides in down there and they were hilly.

So the numbers:

Mountain Bike: 39.6miles (33.6singlespeed)
Cyclocross Bike 82.8miles
Road Bike: 364.6miles (480.41miles fixed)

Total Cycling: 757miles
Running: 0miles - oh dear but obviously till my back is sorted still no running

The one thing I've realised is that I am getting very few fun miles in and very few hills. As soon as my back is better I want to get out with Chris and maybe some fun road rides especially as I really enjoyed riding with Mikey and realised that I only seem to ride o I really enjoyed riding ruby again. I'm also going to try another cross race after enjoying the one down south.

Cyclo-Cross South West Style

2011-10-31T12:26:00.002Z

To finish the holiday I rode a cross race down in Somerset. I orginally had to intention of racing but Mikey talked me into it and Katie kindly lent me Ted. On the start line I looked around and noticed that not only was I the only femal but all the others looked like fit men, this was going to be hard and maybe just involve me riding round on my own.

On go we set off and I had a bad start for me and ended up right at the back, well there were two or three people behind me. All I could do was keep my head down and keep pushing. The course was mainly round a playing field and the only vaguely interesting bit was some off-camber through the trees.

There were also some hurdles, I at least did better than I had in macclesfield a couple of years ago and almost managed to take one of them at a run. The other was uphill and was a lot harder.

Mikey caugt me just over halfway through the race so my aim was that he didn't catch me again! Ali and Katie were out cheering and taking photo's which kept me going and show me pulling some fantastic faces.

Into the last lap and the guy who had been on my tail all race went past, I had to dig deep. Halfway round I passed him again, I had no choice but to run the hurdles. Ali was screaming at the finish as I pushed as hard as I could, just holding him off. I was ready to die after I crossed the line! I may have only been racing for second to last or third to last but it was fun. I was of course first female!

I enjoyed the race so maybe might think again about selling my cross bike. It's ages since I've worked that hard on a bike and I was so sleepy afterwards. Apparently intensity is what I need to get faster!

Can't wait to race with Mikey again!

Cornwall Holiday

2011-10-30T21:11:00.001Z

Back from a fab time in Cornwall that involved bikes, geocaching, cake, cyclo-cross, swimming and friends. Lots of individual posts to come about the days. We got there on monday and had an easy pootle on the bikes on tuesday. Then on tuesday evening we planned the rest of the week, I think my friends were humouring me but I like to know what I am doing. Amazingly we stuck to the plan. So on wednesday we went geocaching on foot nearby, on thursday we went to Lizard Point, friday was riding day, saturday we watched Ali swim in the sea and then today we went to the cyclo-cross race.
Fab week and over way too quickly!

Getting some miles in

2011-10-28T21:10:00.001+01:00

I'm currently down in Cornwall with Ali visiting my velocake pals. We've done more geocaching (post about this once I get home) but the last couple of days have involved the bikes. Yesterday we went to Lizard point. Ali and Katie went in the car while Mikey and I rode there and back giving us 55miles. For some reason I still didn't sleep brilliantly. Today we all went out, I had ice cream in Mousehole, the others had cake. Then we headed up to see the Merry Maidens stone circle to leave a travel bug that is trying to visit as many stone circles as possible having started at Stonehenge. From there we grabbed some food and then headed back. 26miles on the computer. Mikey and I then headed out for a quick 19miles giving me 45miles. Some miles were just what I needed and eventually i'm getting less anxious and more relaxed.

Thursday

2011-10-21T07:31:00.001+01:00

When the rota came out for this week I was a bit gutted, I had been taken off my school in Southport and sent to one in Kirby. I had really been looking forward to riding to Southport, especially after oversleeping last week and getting the train. Route plotting was difficult and I struggled to avoid the East Lancs, I managed to plot a route but I wasn't sure how rideable it would be on a road bike.

I'd got as far as middlebrook when I punctured (front tyre again so may be time for a new tyres). New tube and I headed to Wigan and then out towards Rainford. I stopped for a geocache that apparently had a view over to Jodrell Bank but it was too hazy to see. It's the real problem with riding to Merseyside is that I miss the sunrise as it's behind me! Through the lanes and the next thing I know is i'm on the East Lancs, at least it was a short section. All in all it was a nice commute.

After a lovely day, due to lovely kids I still ended up outside in the rain, I left to ride to Manchester to meet loads of work peeps for a belated celebration for Mary's birthday. I managed to pick up another geocache and avoid the East Lancs, which made the route slightly longer and hillier and ended up with me lifting a muddy bike over a fence. Still its nice to have a trio adventure on the commute.

I met up with Ali, she hadn't brought her bike which confused me a little, and we headed to the pub where I changed out of lycra so I looked a little less of a bike geek. Eventually we all moved to the all you can eat chinese where as usual I ate way too much! I couldn't help myself when it came to the chocolate cake though. I was glad that with Ali there I didn't even have to think of riding home.

A day of weather

2011-10-20T22:35:00.000+01:00

Lovely Pink Leg Warmers to keep me warm

Once again I was off to Merseyside with Jen to do a couple of recce rides. We had to meet early to make the most of daylight and we knew that there would be very little time for geocaching. I went to Irlam as well but missed the nice route and ended up on the main A57 worrying that I was missing the train. As it was I had about 5minutes.

An unusual geocache container

The first route went fine, including a nice cafe stop. Route two and we were hoping it was more rideable than last week. Turns out that it was relatively straight forward and we even had time for some geocaches, getting back just before it got dark we even had time for a sneaky pint in Manchester before I got the train home.

Much better Monday Commute

2011-10-19T06:17:00.000+01:00

Last monday I rode to Liverpool for work. I set off just after 6am and then battled a headwind the whole way there, ended up riding on the East Lancs and eventually arriving 20minutes late, not good. So this monday I left just before 6am, didn't go the wrong way in Wigan so was on Country Lanes and arrived 20minutes early after having time for some Geocaching on the way.

The way home I nearly escaped the worst of the weather, but just after collecting Ali on my way past the heavens open and we swam home together.

Geohounds

2011-10-18T19:42:00.001+01:00

After work on saturday I jumped on a train and headed down to Loughborough to see my sister. Only one change at sheffield made it an easy journey, I should do it more often! I got there in time for us to get pizza before I fell asleep on her partway through a film - some things never change.

On Sunday, after a rubbish nights sleep, we took the dogs she is looking after for a walk. Of course I had to introduce Helen to geocaching. Dragon and Twitch seemed to be loving it, although they never got the hang of actually finding the caches. There was a series of eight near Helen's so we headed there, missing 8 after a little search we found 1/8 just as I got it out two other caches 'caught' us. So we collected the next 7 together. I hadn't brought the clues for a bonus cache, a set of mathematical formulae, but they had. So at the end we even got a 9th.

Parting ways we headed back via another couple of caches but me and the geohounds tired and hungry.

Turns out Helen enjoyed it but the series of caches were premium member only caches so she couldn't log them. She then found us a couple to do on the way to the station.

I was shattered when I got home, but it was a fun weekend.

Failing at commuting

2011-10-13T21:56:00.001+01:00

This morning the radio alarm went off and I woke up, unfortunately that was set for Ali to get up and my alarm hadn't gone off. This meant it was 6:30am and if I was going to ride to the school I had to leave at 6am. Fortunately I could leave at 7am to get a train.I told myself I would ride home, but I'm tired, stressed and grumpy so I got the train home. Feel very lazy now!

A muddy day at work

2011-10-12T22:20:00.001+01:00

I was doing another risk assessment/recce ride over in Merseyside today. The ride started at Halewood so I decided to join the train at Irlam instead of Manchester, a good decision as it was a much nicer ride. Unfortunately just as I got to the station one of the straps from my pannier got caught in the wheel, fortunately apart from a broken strap everything seems ok!
Too many people around meant no searching for the cache near the station so we headed off on the route, the part I had plotted, apart from one dead end up someones drive it was all quiet roads and straightforward. Then we headed into the Sankey Valley. This wasn't so good and was very muddy. One bridge they had built the gate just too small for bikes. Fortunately it did improve just before we found the pub. After that it was a short hop to the transpennine trail with a couple of caches that we had to find as we were passing.
My day wasn't over though, a sprint to Liverpool to deliver adult cycle training before getting the train back to Irlam and riding home. I wasn't sure who had more mud on them, me or the bike, so I washed both!

The life of a supporter

2011-10-10T18:37:00.001+01:00

Yesterday Ali ran the Kielder Marathon. The weather was very similar to the kielder100, drizzle wind etc. This time it was my turn to be support, Ali has certainly done her fair share of staying up through the night to support me! First thing to work out was getting her to the start as although everyone thought originally shuttle buses were running from Kielder it turns out they weren't. So I dropped her and someone else who was staying at the hostel at the start then rushed back, got my bike and rode up to cheer her off.

They did a startting loop and she came through smiling and headed out and I set off down the road, wishing that I was on a road bike (I had brought my singlespeed mountain bike) as lots of people sped past me. I got to the four mile point (ish) and it wasn't long before Ali turned up. I passed her a gel and headed to the viaduct. Here there were lots of people cheering and a smiling Ali took another gel off me and asked for sweets next time. Now I was glad I was on a mountain bike as I headed off into the forest to try and see her on the North Shore. As it turns out there was a fireroad that ran parallel to the lakeside way they were running on and I was able to drop down loads to see her.

At this point there was about five of us on bikes that kept seeing each other, all arriving at the points at slightly different times to cheer our respective other halfs on. It seemed no time at all and Ali was running across the dam and ready to turn back home. She told me that enjoyment was 7/10 - not bad for 18miles into a marathon!

I managed to catch her another few times on the way back and she was aiming to get as close to her london time as possible, not easy on a very hilly course. I even ended up sprinting up a hill to make it to the finish in time after the last point I had seen her.

A very happy Ali soon had all my extra layers on and I rushed off to get a car.

She is already talking about next year so I'll get another chance to be the support crew!

Taking BeeMine to Kielder

2011-10-10T17:58:00.001+01:00

Ali collected a travel bug on one of her recent geocaching adventures.

Since it is trying to get home to Canada we decided not to leave it in a cache at Kielder but since we were going to be doing some caching bring him to visit some caches.
The day was wet, reminded me of the kielder100, we set out to find the one closest to the castle. Ali was searching down by the river when I found it on the other side of the path!

Onto the next one and we walked across the kielder viaduct, which Ali will be running across tomorrow! Really interesting to read about how it had to be built due to the flow of the water. Then we decided one more. Most of the paths at kielder are not on my gps maps (must look at adding some on openstreetmaps) so it was a case of walking towards it. After failing to find a path I decided we should go cross country. It did get us to the right place but it was hard work. We walked out via the path.

Tired from our geocaching adventures we took BeeMine for afternoon tea and grabbed another geocache over in Newcastleton. So lots of caching for the little travel bug before he continues on his travels.

Not a very good bike courier

2011-10-09T21:45:00.001+01:00

What I was doing yesterday at work kept changing and in the end I wasn't needed in a school so I volunteered to drop off all the Bolton files for the schools next week. I'd collected them on Thursday and then spent some time plotting a route, it was great fun and reminded me of how much I had enjoyed Critical Path Analysis when I had studied Decision Maths.

Friday morning, files in my panniers in order I set off, school one done I rode back past my house to school two. This was fun, another couple of schools and then it was school six, riding up and down the road it was meant to be on but there was no sign. I asked a couple of people but they couldn't even think of a primary school nearby. In the end I rang the office, turns out the school had moved.

A couple more schools and a shortcut through Moss Bank Park and I was on my way to the office, two files dropped off in Salford and I was done. A quick look at my average speed, wow how slow? Don't think I could make my living doing it but it was good fun and much better than someone dropping them off in a car!

Commuting and Caching

2011-10-05T22:25:00.001+01:00

As I was working over in formby again today it was an early start for me. I had decided to try and grab a couple of caches on my commute so found two that were right on the route and downloaded them. I set off in the dark but by the time I got to Parbold Hill it was light and time for my first cache. A short walk from the road and I had the log signed. Continuing with my commute the little bit of off-road clogged my bike up less this week, I think the gravel was new and its now been packed down. A couple of miles from the school I found a bigg cache, I nearly missed it as well! That done it was time to get to work and teach some bikeability.

Adventures round work

2011-10-04T18:33:00.001+01:00

I was working only 5miles from home today and last week I went along the road but my Garmin kept trying to send me through Moses Gate Country Park. This morning I decided to explore and follow the Garmin. I knew where I was the whole way having rode it on my mountain bike numerous times and I have to say my mountain bike would have been the better bike for the job. It was a little muddy and by the time I got to the school my wheels weren't turning very well and I had to use my keys for some un -clogging. Still I think a bit of off-roading on an unsuitable bike is the ideal way to start the day!

My other aim was to do a bit of geocaching, Ali is getting in the habit of doing one or two when she is out and my recent adventures with Jen have been great fun. Yesterday I was over in merseyside and tried and failed to find a cache. So today at lunch I was determined. A ten minute walk took me there and I found it straight away, it was a nano as well. New log in it so I was the first name. Then a nice walk back to finish teaching level 2 bikeability.
Now what shall I plan for tomorrow?

September round-up

2011-10-02T21:27:00.003+01:00

So September, on the 1st I started a new job (which to be fair isn't that different to the old one but is permanent!) It was also the kielder100, which I finished. I then went away for a week and left the bike at home followed by another week of using the brompton and keeping the miles down. It wasn't long before the miles to schools went up (at first I was based close to home) and I was adding up the miles.

The end of September wasn't great with no three peaks due to illness and then this injury to my back. The good news being it is a lot better today! Heat treatment seemed to really help yesterday so I'll keep going with that and the ibruprofen as that is apparently meant to help. Fingers crossed that it will be fine.

So the numbers:

Mountain Bike: 123.1miles (24.67singlespeed)
Cyclocross Bike 157.55miles
Road Bike: 352.92miles (267.01miles fixed)

Total Cycling: 634miles
Running: 0miles - oh dear but obviously till my back is sorted no running

Onto October and depending on my back mileage may be low. I guess its just wait and see.

The Runcorn Bridge

2011-09-30T21:41:00.001+01:00

After the bad news of last night I knew I had to be careful today, that didn't change the fact that I had to do a recce ride today. Fortunately the ride itself was quite short and flat. I met Jen on the train and we headed over to Merseyside, this time the ride started in Speke. Once we got on the trans-pennine trail Jen started demanding geocaches (I think someone is hooked!

The first couple were fine, although I let Jen do the scrrambling through the bushes this time. But then we got stuck, the clue being a slab and no slab nearby. Never mind we moved on to the next by the bridge. No luck again but time I think it was us as it was a difficult one, one I'd like to retun to. One last one had me scratched to pieces and then we got the train home. (before I broke myself we had talked about riding).

Next week I have two days in schools in merseyside so train times are planned, work is giving me an easy week mileage wise the week after so hopefully the back will improve. I've even taken the advice on ibuprofen and I'm taking it. So heal back heal!

Broken

2011-09-29T22:09:00.001+01:00

Well it seems I really am broken this time. I had the weird bum/leg/back pain again so tried massage/exercises/stretching with no luck. So after another night of waking up in the night I emailed mills physio with a help fix me plea. Today I headed over to hebden bridge after work, ok riding up the road to her house on my fixie my not have been sensible but it was too much of a challenge (i made it just!)

Anyway she poked, prodded and did lots of clever and painful things but the muscles in spasm just wouldn't relax. So i'm now taped up and have to try and rest as much as possible including no long rides where 5miles counts as long! I'm still hobbling when walking but no way can this get worse so I'm being sensible, already asked for an easy rota for next week at work to cut down the miles. Anti-inflamitories taken, tomorrow will be heat/ice etc.

Guess that means the end of exploring on my commute like this morning, just followed my garmin and found a nice path. Although I wasn't quite on the right bike for it!

Commuting with lights

2011-09-28T21:34:00.001+01:00

I was ready for some dark commutes with rear lights all attached and front light in my pannier at all times. But it seems to haave suddenly happened. Monday I left for work just as it got light, tuesday we had to finish a session early as it was dark and then today I left in the pitch dark. If it wasn't for how warm it is I'd say it is definitely winter!

No Three Peaks for me

2011-09-26T06:28:00.001+01:00

The day before I got my bike ready, kit laid out and I was feeling ready. My aim was to finish so there was no real pressue. My back was doing the thing that sent shooting pains through my leg and bum but I was sure I'd get through the race. I went to bed early as I was feeling a little under the weather but once again I thought an early night would sort me out.

During the night I woke up a few times but that was normal before a race. My alarm went off at 6am and I felt pretty rubbish but thought I'd be fine once i'd eaten. That was when I realised I really wasn't right, I couldn't eat my breakfast. That was so unlike me that I went to talk to Ali. She told me to try again so I did but no still couldn't. I also had a banging headache and was burning up I had to make the sensible decision and not race. It was back to bed with paracetamol.

I spent most of the day in bed and by the evening managed to eat and was beginning to feel a bit better, although still grotty so I knew I had made the right decision.

It was pretty gutting not to do the three peaks, but I guess it just means i'll have to enter again next year!

Fettling

2011-09-24T19:17:00.001+01:00

Last week on thursday I sprinted to Cooksons when I finished work to collect some cables for my cross bike. The plan was to fit them that evening as I was going to ride the bike for a recce ride over in Merseyside the next day. In my usual fashion that didn't happen and I got sidetracked and instead shared a bottle of wine with Ali that evening and then did the ride on kiwi. Since then I've kept meaning to do them but other things and my laziness have got in the way. Today I had no choice, tomorrow is the three peaks, without brakes it would be impossible. So workstand up and I did my own fettling. Now its fingers crossed they all work tomorrow as it'll be a little different to a workstand!

Working, caching, trains and beer

2011-09-23T20:09:00.001+01:00

I had another merseyside recce ride to do today, this time from St Helen's to Southport. I was a little worried about the ride as it was longer than we would have liked and I was yet to find a cafe stop on the way. Fortunately I was out with Jen so I knew problems would be sorted.
We met at Manchester Victoria and the first cache was in the station car park when we got off the train. Then it was time to head off on the route. Some cycle paths but mainly road and a change in route meant I spotted a cafe at 10miles, perfect. Bacon butties and we were ready to find the trans pennine trail. I had quite a few caches downloaded that were right on the route and we had quite a few find, unfortunately two we failed to find.
After that we had chips at Southport before beginning the long journey back by train, our tickets were via liverpool! Once we arrived in Manchester we rewarded ourselves with a beer and I decided on the train home since it was gone 7pm already.

Becomming a panniers bore

2011-09-22T23:03:00.001+01:00

I caught myself singing the praises of panniers again today and realised i've become a bit of a bore! Then today I went into work to collect folders for next week, they weigh a suprising amount and I was so glad the weight wasn't on my back. I can't believe i've done my job for so long without them. But the initial outlay was always a stubbling block along with the idea I had in my head that with a bag I could ride any bike. Since in reality I hardly ride any bike to work but kiwi it wasn't actually something I needed to take into account.

I'm really taking it to the next stage as i'm going to put a kickstand on my bike. So mudguards, rack, panniers, kickstand.....what comes next?

Delamere

2011-09-20T21:33:00.000+01:00

I'm working out in Delamere in a couple weeks. Although I have led a ride in Delamere before it was a while ago and it is a hard place to find your way around as there is lots of singletrack but you need to know where you are going to get onto it. I also had to find a suitable junction to teach Bikeability. So I got the train over and with a rough map headed out.

I got a nice 5.5mile route together and rode it a few times, will still need my garmin on the day but feeling pretty confident.

Then checked out the only junction nearby, it is just about useable, before heading home on the train.

Not a bad day at work and nice to play on the singlespeed, although I felt unfit!

Manchester to Blackpool

2011-09-18T18:46:00.001+01:00

I had been asked about being a ride leader on this ride ages ago but never heard anything. I had said I couldn't do other work due to it but when that came up again I decided to have the Sunday to ride. Next thing I know is an email apologising for the short notice. So at 10:30pm on saturday night when I would normally be tucked up in bed I headed out on my bike to the Trafford Centre. I was so glad I had got ruby's mud guards back on her as it was wet, wet, wet.

Due to slightly lower numbers wanting to be part of a led group myself and Phil ended up sweeping. The first half of the ride was mainly spent with two lads, one was very unlucky with punctures the other struggling with being cold. I was wishing I had worn my warmest winter gloves as I was a little chilly even with tights, winter gloves and numerous layers.

By the time it was light I was riding with a lady who had never ridden more than 30mies and had raised an incredible £1000. Finishing just after 8am we had got everyone to Blackpool.

Then it was time for me to ride home. I got warmer and warmer and had to find more places to stash my clothes, the winter boots felt like overkill then! Riding through Preston I saw TwinklyDave heading out for some three peaks training.

I finished with the downhill from Belmont with some good miles on the Garmin. Managed to stay awake all day but now very tired and need my bed.

I did it!

2011-09-17T21:19:00.000+01:00

The other evening I tried to fit the mudguards that I had taken off Ruby for a road race the other night. The mudguards had been modified by Chris for Ruby but I couldn't get them on kiwi without rubbing and getting the rear wheel in and out was an issue. I couldn't decide what to do, Chris would modify some for kiwi when the shop is quieter but till then should I put some some plastic raceguards on till then. The problem is I always break them.

Then yesterday I ended up doing recce rides in Merseyside on kiwi (I was meant to be on the cross bike but in usual trio style the bike is awaiting new cables). I was very jealous of Jen and her mudguards as I got covered in mud and had to keep my waterproof trouses on even when it stopped raining due to all the puddles. Kiwi needed a good wash when I got home.

So today after refitting Ruby's mudguards (I'm using her for an overnight ride tonight) I got an old set of mudguards out of the lean-to and set to work. Front went on fine, a couple of zip-ties and a hammer, no rubbing. The rear took a bit more thought. I shortened it so I can get the wheel in and out, means its not so great for people following me but I don't tend to ride in a group with kiwi as it is my commuter, a zip tie was used to hold it by the downtube and a hammer to push it as close to brakes as possible. It isn't rubbing but if it moves I will have to punch some holes where it goes under the brake and zip tie it on there as well, that might involve the use of a drill though so that would be a job for Ali. Now for the first test ride, I'm sure I won't have to wait long for a wet ride!

Lego fun

2011-09-15T19:20:00.003+01:00

Lots of bouncing at home with the arrival of some new velocake kit, I was meant to be getting a jacket but Ali may have claimed that for herself....will have to make Mikey do another order! Inside was a couple of little presents, chocolate for me and some lego for Ali. Tea was delayed while she played!

My first attempt at three peaks training

2011-09-12T15:01:00.002+01:00

So with less than two weeks to go till the thre peaks I decided to try some training. Most sensible people started this months ago but i'm hoping the saying 'Better Late thann Never' holds true. Since all I want to do is finish the thing and hopefully not slower than last time it is all about survival.

I know that my weakness is carrying my bike up vertical slopes so I set out towards Belment. Half a mile in and I punctures, I wasted 11minutes fixing it as it took me ages to get the thorn out....I had to use my teeth. Still it would have been longer if I hadn't found the thorn.

On my way again, a little worried as I had used my CO2 and my pump was next to usess, it was a little windy and I was working hard on the hill but having fun. Onto the Belmont-Rivington road my plan was to carry up the shoulder, but before I really started climbing on the road I saw a path that looked almost vertical at points. That was as close as I was going to get to Simon Fell so I headed up. There were a couple of steep sections, others I probably could have pushed my bike, but I carried the whole way only putting my bike down to rest my shoulder, and adjust where I had the pipe lagging, once. It took me 30minutes to get up the hill, my calves were screaming, my shoulder hurt, but I did it!

At the top the wind was picking up so I minced my way down the Belmont descent, I know I have to avoid punctures and going slower is part of that. Back onto the road and as fast as I could home.

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Caernarfon

2011-09-08T19:39:00.001+01:00

I'm down in Wales for work. Those who've had to put up with me online or real life will know I was quite anxious about it. As it turns out I'm having a great time. Work is fun, group I'm teaching are lovely. We're staying in a nice hotel with a gym and pool, I've been taking advantage although I definitely prefer my bike to the gym. I purposely left my bike at home and brought a Bromptom to give my legs some time off.

This afternoon after work I went geocaching, two found. One took a bit of searching but it was fun. Thought one was clever, a magnet in a container.

Back home tomorrow and can't wait, living in a hotel isn't for me I miss home.

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A holiday in Cornwall in Pictures

2011-09-05T07:41:00.000+01:00

We recently had five days in Cornwall staying with our friends Mikey and Katie. We had lots of fun and hopefully we'll get to go down again in the future.

We climbed on rocks.

Went paddling, kite flying and even swimming on the beach.

Did some pedalling.

Some walking.
Lots of geocaching.

A bit of riding in the sea.

Playing with lego

We visited Lands End

Oh and course there was cake!

So much fun, shame its so far away.

I survived kielder 2011

2011-09-04T17:49:00.000+01:00

73miles, 5miles to the cut-off, 30minutes. No slacking. Push up the first hill then power power. No granny ring, stand up, use those singlespeed legs. Downhill big ring and pedal. 78miles, rushed across, last one to make the cut-off.

Coming into this race* I wasn't feeling great. I was probably over raced and under-rested, I was stressed because of changes at work, good changes, and I had been away from home. All this meant I had been really anxious recently. Ali was also riding and determined to finish. she had trained well and was looking good for the finish. I got out of work early so we were able to get on the road nice and early. Thanks to the Chadwicks we had a pod on the campsite so there was no pitching a tent just throw everything in.

The morning of the race came and it was raining steadly, up to the start and I started quite close to the back. I was with Ali all the way through the neutral section but she told me to go once we turned off forest drive, I did push on a bit but everyone seemed to be coming past me and my average speed was well down. I thought it was just my legs. As with last year I rode through the first water stop and feed stop and got my bag at 50miles, I was hungry and there a lot later than expected. By this point the mud and rain were turning it into an epic and I was thinking about bailing. Still everyone was saying how hard it was so I carried on, turning left towards Newcastleton when I knew I could just drop down the singletrack to Kielder Castle.

Over Bloody Bush road and the conditions seemed to get worse, I minced across the boardwalk and then ploughed on through a headwind. As I dropped down my barely functioning brakes stopped functioning. I was so scared descending, I nearly walked but instead kept diving into braken. Coming to the food stop and I could see our car, that meant Ali hadn't made it. Turns out she had issues with the gears (she thinks she bent her rear mech) and had to bail at 30miles. In some ways I was glad as it was really horrible riding conditions. It also meant she changed my front brake pads while I stuffed my face! Leaving Newcastleton I had half an hour on the cut-off.

I enjoyed the Newcastleton trails and I was soon on the long fireroad back to the border, crossing the border the sign said five miles to the checkpoint, I had half an hour. That is when I had to sprint, not something I ever want to do again. When she told me I had made it and to quickly cross I was in shock and confused. A guy handed me my bag and I was on my way. As my aim was finishing I was just riding then, but seemed to be passing a few people. I was still riding up the hills and luckily my front brake still worked so unlike many I could ride downhill. I finished in just under 13hours, my longest kielder yet.

I was 4th female and 146th overall. Only 177 finshed out of the 650ish that startered (about 200 never even made it to registration). Although I was dissappointed with my time and since I finished feeling strong probably could have been faster, I was pleased just to finish. It was an epic day!

*for me this year was survival I certainly wasn't racing!

Re-discovering the cross bike in August

2011-09-02T15:27:00.001+01:00

I managed to avoid illness in August and had a good month race-wise with winning at both SITS and Llangdela. Workwise I have been doing a lot of route planning and risk assessing over in Merseyside. This has involved a lot of trains but also a lot of riding my cross bike, I had forgotten how much fun it is.

So the numbers:

Mountain Bike: 232.90miles (none singlespeed)
Cyclocross Bike 229.10miles
Road Bike: 283.22miles (200.54miles fixed)

Total Cycling: 745miles
Running: 0miles - oh dear better start again

I've entered the three peaks and kielder is this weekend so lots happening in September.

Goecaching cornwall style

2011-08-29T11:34:00.001+01:00

We are down in cornwall on holiday so far its been lots of fun. The first day we went down to the beach, lots of paddling and kite flying followed by food and icecream before meeting Mikey for his commute home. On the way we found a geocache.

Sunday and we headed out on food for more goecaching, this time walking along the coast. Most involved a little bit of scrambling but one had Ali really scared climbing up the rocks. Still four caches found followed by scones.

In total we walked over 8miles and finished the day with a bbq. Now I just have to be brave enough to go for a swim in the sea.

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Still loving the panniers

2011-08-26T20:08:00.001+01:00

Another week of my summer holidays spent working. The first three days should have been teaching cycling skills but due to having no children booked onto the sessions I basically sat reading books in a playground. Then thurs and fri were in the office where I was offered a new job, basically doing what I have been doing but not termtime only. I start on the 1st September and I'm so happy.

Alll this means that the legs haven't had much recovery and i've rode 30miles most days commuting. I've also being doing errands on the way home. With one day involving shopping for cereal and packages from the post office. My panniers managed to cram it all in, just! Although when full pulling away from lights and on hills I can notice the weight. My back though is thankful that it isn't having to carry it!

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Women's Crit Race

2011-08-24T18:04:00.000+01:00

This was the last race in the series and although both me and Ali were tired we both wanted to make it. I met her there as I had been working in Manchester. This meant in the morning I was trying to get my mudguards off the bike and not be late for work!

There were 13 of us in total and some of the girls looked fast and serious. I ended up lining up on the back row with Ali and Jenn but that was fine as I expected to be dropped pretty quickly since I only lasted till the first tight corner on the last race. This was almost the case again, coming out of the corner and I was on the back and a group (well actually most of the race) started to pull away. I chased and chased and got back on after a lap. But this was to be repeated a few more times. I just didn't seem able to hold a wheel, I tried to move forwards in the group but always ended up on the back. As they started to count down the laps I was back with the group, this time it had gone down to about 9 of us, with two laps to go I decided to try and pull Ali up. There had been a bit of a splinter with two girls off the front, closely followed by another couple, then we were spreading out. I pushed on and Ali, although suprised to see me, caught my wheel. We caught the girl in front and I started to die, Ali came round me closely followed by Jenn. We were all trying to sprint for the line and I finished a couple of bike lengths behind them with Jenn just getting Ali on the line to take 5th and get into the prizes.

It was great fun and if they are repeated next year I will definetly be there.

This time I was faster, average 22.5mph, average heart rate 181bpm. Garmin data is here.

Deg Yn Llandegla

2011-08-22T22:49:00.003+01:00

When this event was first announced I planned to enter but then it was only two weeks after SITS and Ali was away with the car. I still wanted to go though and when Andrew from work offered me a lift it seemed like I had to go. So on Friday I met him and Becks in Bolton and we headed down. Getting there in time for the pasta party (we got loads) before curling up in my tent. As always I slept really badly and then was woken up early by the guy who had parked next to my tent driving off at 7am. I got up ate my breakfast and got everything ready. I knew I had to be prepared as I had no Alison to look after me.

It wasn't long before race briefing and it was slightly hard to hear due to there being no PA, some regulation or something. But I gathered that we had a long section for transistion where we had to walk our bikes. Wayne had kindly given me space on the JMC table so I had all my bottles out. I joined the boys near the front but was happy that the start was on the bike.

It wasn't long till we were off and there was pushing and shoving where I got a bar end in my leg, its now a huge bruise! But they sent us up a fire road climb which spread the riders out. I spotted an Isle on Man rider go past me and I was sure she was in the same category. But it was too early to worry and she was flying. First lap of the course and I loved it! Wayne was amazing and was stood there to hand me my bottle and gel, so no time lost. Out on the second lap and entering my favourite bit of the course, the black downhill section, and I caught the Isle on Man girl. She caught me again on the uphill and I tried to keep up but she was amazing. I had realised she was definitely solo now so I tried to keep her in sight but it wasn't happening and then I punctured. Thinking I was only half a mile from the end of the lap I opted to run. Turns out the first lap was slightly shorter and I ran a mile. Wayne then was a star, fixing the puncture and getting me on my way. Unfortunately two solo girls passed me when stationary. Heading back out I worked hard and got those two on the first half of the lap but I was sure the speedy climber was well gone!

A couple of laps later on the black descent I caught her again. This time I let her go on the climb, I was impressed to find out she was meant to be riding pairs but was her partner was injured. But she was obviously struggling and I was having fun. But I knew if I tried to hold her on the climb I would die. Coming back to transition and she was there downing a gel, I grabbed a bottle off Becks (thanks to her and Liz taking over Pit duties) I headed out first but it wasn't long before I was caught on the climb. This climb wasn't as steep though and I managed to push on a bit but she was always there. After the climb we turned into a muddy section through the trees, I couldn't see her when I came out and it turns out I rode the steep muddy chute and she walked. Only one thing for it push on. I kept expecting her to catch me on the climbs and so didn't stop at transition pushing the whole time.

Next time through I knew it was last lap, I was still loving the course so grabbed a bottle and headed out, hoping that my speed on the downs was enough. I was still loving it and was told by a couple of people I should have stopped smiling by then, but how could I on such a fun course?

After finishing I was obviously tired as I went to change and forgot to take my clothes! They had a BBQ which got me much needed protein and I took some advice to drink beer to rehydrate. Waiting for the podiums meant it was a late night but lots of lovely people to chat to.

So I finished 1st female and 10th overall soloist, my first top 10!
Garmin Stats for geeks like me.

Thanks to:

Rich for the photos
Andrew and Becks for the lift
Becks, Wayne and Liz for the help during the race
Cookson Cycles for everything as always!
No Fuss for an amazing event I really hope they put it on again next year!

Danger panda

2011-08-17T17:43:00.001+01:00

A few friends on twitter had been taking danger panda's. This is where you take a picture of yourself while riding without keeping one hand on the bars. I can barely get a picture of myself while holding onto the bars, but today on a cycle path I gave it a go. I just about got myself but i've no idea how people hold the camera with both hands, I wanted to be ready to grab the bars!

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SITS Stats

2011-08-15T11:09:00.000+01:00

This year the results are up on the singletrack website. Someone has done some playing and all the important stats are there.

Rider Number	102
Rider name	trio25
Team Name	Cookson Cycles
Category	Solo Women
Total laps	20
Total time (h:mm:ss)	24:04:17
Average lap time (h:mm:ss)	1:12:12
Fastest lap time (h:mm:ss)	0:53:59
Slowest lap time (h:mm:ss)	1:29:34
Distance (km)	250.53
Distance (miles)	155.67
Average speed (kmh)	10.41
Average speed (mph)	6.47
Speed rank	748 / 982
Distance rank	16 / 982
Total rank	324 / 982

I'm pretty happy with them, 16th overall in the solo and amazingly not at the back for my speed rank. Not sure how total rank is calculated but top third for that as well.

So next time.....and yes I am thinking about another one I am crazy! I want to not slow down as much, my plodding was pretty slow by the end!

Checking out routes

2011-08-12T20:39:00.001+01:00

Work sent me out to show someone a route they would be leading in a few weeks so it was another day over in Merseyside. On the train to Wigan I noticed I had a puncture, so on the liverpool train fixed it. After putting wheel back on the bike the inner tube exploded, making me and most of the train jump. Fixed it again, but no CO2 this time. Once I got to liverpool I borrowed jen's pump as it was much more effective than my tiny one.

We headed over to the Wirral on the ferry and had a great ride. I was more confident with the route than expected and we avoided the one heavy rain shower when we were in the cafe.

Back over to Liverpool and we headed up the coast to Hightown, I had bribed jen with the promise of a pint when we got to the end. Onto the canal and I punctured, fixed it and ten minutes later it went down again, this time we found a shard of glass (i was also very pleased jen had patches as I had forgotten mine and got through my inner tubes. Riding again and something was catching, stopping I realised that the tyre wasn't seated and the tube coming out. Quickly down and pumped it up again, fingers were now crossed.

An icecream on the way and we were soon at the pub, here we ate for £1.01, bargain. Then it was train back, changing at liverpool moorfields we spent longer than it would have taken to ride the short distance changing to what is basically an underground and going one stop to liverpool lime street. Just as we walked in I saw a train to wigan was about to leave, running I just made it.

Long day but lots of fun, hard to believe it was work!

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Cute baby bikes

2011-08-11T20:32:00.001+01:00

I had thought about riding to work today but looking out the window I changed my mind. So the train took the strain and I rode a red brompton as it has mudguards.

Problem is now I want my own brompton.

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Recovery

2011-08-10T21:22:00.001+01:00

I can't remember how recovery went last year, but this year I was determined to make it as easy as possible and blog so if I'm silly enough to do another 24 I have some idea.

Sunday (after the race)
Ali gave me a recovery shake once I finished and back at Helen's we had Pizza and Bubbles. I realised I had forgotten my recovery tights. Went to bed and fell asleep early.

Monday
Up early and on the road at 6am, Ali had to work, stopped at a service station and I was stiff and walking funny. Hands and feet hurt. I slept a lot of the way back though. After dropping Ali at work I had a lazy morning but didn't sleep. Afternoon I returned the gazebo to cooksons and the went for a massage with Ali@MillsPhysio. Think that reallly helped my legs.

Tuesday
Train to work, walking okay and steps hard. Riots in Manchester so I borrowed a brompton and rode to victoria to get the train, legs felt fine pedalling.

Wednesday
Train into victoria and rode to the office. Home rode to piccadilly and then from Bolton. Hands and feet hardly sore now.

Thinking of riding into work tomorrow....

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Sleepless in the Saddle 2011

2011-08-09T21:52:00.001+01:00

All too soon we were in the car and heading down to Catton Park, the car was full of food and kit with two bikes and a gazebo on the roof. We got there mid afternoon and set up the Gazebo and tent trackside, said hi to a few friends and headed off to my sisters. She kindly provided me with loads of pasta and packed me off to bed to get some sleep. Morning came and I tried not to be too stressy as I ate breakfast and then the three of us headed back to Catton Park. A lot more people had arrived since we had left and the solo area was noticeably busier than last year. A bit of catching up with people and I had a little rest in the tent before eating some lunch. It seemed no time at all and I was lined up near the front ready to start the race with a run. Once again everyone headed off and I went backwards through the crowd. I thought I saw two solo girls go past me but I stayed at my steady plod as I didn't want to pay for the run later in the race. I was just behind Ros at this point who was racing in the Women's team category. Helen had my bike ready and I was out on the lap and making sure I kept my spot in the line, half a lap was spent with queues into the singletrack but nothing too ridiculous.

Through after the first lap and the commentators announched I was the first solo female through, Ali agreed with them. I was handed a bottle and some food without me stopping and headed back out. I was walking a couple of the steeper hills and was rubbish through the twisty singletrack but I was enjoying the course and for the first few laps was riding with the same few riders who were also soloing. A couple of times I even rode the "Jump of Doom", I was having fun!

Then came the rain, first was a five minute shower which wasn't too bad but it quickly was followed by a 15minute deluge, I got drenched and started to get cold. Into the pits shouting for clothes, Ali sensibly stopped me at just a base layer as by now the rain had stopped and I headed back out. The next lap involved a lot of dragging my bike around as the mud became unrideable. Back to the pits and I headed out on rigger leaving Ali and her helpers (thanks Jenn for washing the bike and Shona and Rich from Keep Pedalling for lending us a Dirt Worker so no-one had to queue at the bike wash) to sort out a muddy clogged up bike. The course had dried up so it was back onto the Superfly.

Nighttime came pretty fast and it was time for lights and partway through the night 3/4's. I kept plugging away and by now the lead had gone up to 30minutes, but I knew anything could happen and so I couldn't stop. Each lap I came in and demanded a doughnut whatever else Ali tried to give me, this apparently caused lots of amusement.

Morning came and another change of outfit, by now I had been wearing my cooksons jersey for longer than was probably pleasant and it was warming up so I wanted to get shorts on (and back into bibs). I was slowing down and now I wanted Bacon Rolls, two in total. My body was playing a which bit hurts the most game but I knew if I kept moving I could keep the lead (now at over a lap).

I realised that I could get to twenty laps without having to speed up much, I didn't fancy pushing my body to go five minutes faster so I could get out for 21! The second to last lap was the hardest, my knees decided they hurt the most and I was a little worried I was doing permanent damage. But heading out on the last lap things felt a bit better, I bumped into Paul who rode with me through the singletrack and suddenly I could follow and not think. Lots of people were cheering and I was still smiling. The singletrack lurkers tent gave me some bucks fizz and I cross the finish line five minutes after 2pm to shake hands with Pat.

It might be a solo race but I'm not sure I could have done it without Ali, she was a star in the Pits and also stayed up for the full 24 hours!

All that was left was to shower, pack up and me to be helped up onto the podium. Ali is already planning next year but I'm not so sure!

Lots of people to thank:

Ali for being the best pit bunny in the world
Helen for the bed, extra food and perfect bottle handups
Cookson Cycles for the help with the bike, getting it ready when they are busy, lending us the Gazebo and basically being the best bike shop in the world.
Squirt Lube for keeping my bike running
The marshalls who kept me going through the night
Rich and Shona for the Dirt Worker and Jenn for washing the bike
Minx for help with clothing - no one else seems to have such a great range of womens bike clothes.
Everyone else I have forgot because I am still really tired!

SITS Prep

2011-08-05T10:10:00.000+01:00

I had lots of good intentions to do a few long rides in preparation and then have a really easy week this week. Obviously none of that has happened. There have been a couple of 8hour rides but they have had work in the middle or at a reasonably easy pace. Still taking it easy this week should have been fine as I am officially on holiday? Well no I have worked everyday and even getting the train where possible a couple of days work has involved riding. In fact I have clocked up 10hours of riding this week. Still having today off. The other plan was to lose the extra half stone I put back on, but once again I ate too much cake and chocolate and if anything added to it.

Still its all about having fun and I know I can finish as I did last year, Ali is there as my Pit Bunny and my sister is also coming over and she was fab last year so at least I know I will be well looked after!

Ticking along in July

2011-08-01T08:14:00.000+01:00

Another month and another illness, this time a sore throat that led to a cough that went on my chest. Over a week off the bike and another week of very easy miles. Still from that I have managed a consistent month even after killing my legs running a half marathon off nowhere near enough training. August is here and I am off to SITS again, no real long rides in preparation but hopefully my base of riding most days will see he through, that and the fact that Ali is an amazing Pit Bunny so will make me finish.

So the numbers:

Mountain Bike: 105.37miles (none singlespeed)
Cyclocross Bike 117.07miles
Road Bike: 401.15miles (229.37miles fixed)

Total Cycling: 624miles
Running: 24miles

A day out in Hebden

2011-07-29T19:14:00.000+01:00

I was always going to Hebden Bridge today to get my legs massaged by Mills Physio. My legs were in better shape than expected but I think they will appreciate the massage, although I was squealing at points, especially when she tickled my knees!

After that it was lunch with Jenn, which included some lovely chocolate.

Before time to do some route planning for a ride I am leading on sunday. Up into the hills and I found the shortest most rideable loop I could, it will still be tough but the views should make up for it.

A long day in Border Country

2011-07-28T21:10:00.002+01:00

After the Cross Bay Half we had a night in Arnside and a lovely morning walking along the beach, or hobbling in my case, before heading up to Kielder. We've had a couple of nice holidays there before so I was really looking forward to it. Tuesday I was still hobbling so Ali did the Deadwater trail and I sat and read near the castle. Then we both rode over to Leaplish to the Squirrel hide, no red squirrels though. But I think the 11miles on the bike probably did my legs a world of good.

Wednesday it was time for a long ride, Ali wanted to have another good ride on the Kielder and Newcastleton trails before Kielder100 in September. We set off in a cloud of midges just before 10am, well we were on holiday so we had to have a cooked breakfast. We started along Lakeside Way before climbing up on the Lonesome Pine trail.

Lots and lots of up before we reached the boardwalk, where we turned left onto the Bloody Bush trail and towards Newcastleton. The day was hot and muggy but the views were amazing. Unlike last time Ali didn't set off too fast, getting me to set the pace. So over at Newcastleton she was feeling fresh!

We did a lap of the Newcastleton trails before dropping down to Newcastleton itself. We parked our bikes outside Copshaw Kitchen and headed inside. I was in heaven, there were so many cakes. I ordered beans on toast but Ali went for afternoon tea. She got so much food, I was really jealous!

I did have chocolate cake, but her sandwich, cake, scone, and tray bake looked amazing. She then had to ride back up to the trailhead at Newcastleton with all that in her tummy. But if you are in Newcastleton it is one of the best cafe's I have ever been to.

It wasn't long till we were at the border stone again, obviously after more singletrack, and it was time to head back into England. Just after crossing the border there is a steep climb, Ali hit it as fast as she could before rolling backwards into a very prickly tree. She let me take a photo before saving her!

Back over and back up to the top of Lonesome Pine before down to the castle, with 50 miles on the garmins (well mine Ali's had ran out of battery life) I suggested riding the blue (Osprey) trail as it was apparently 8miles. After 4miles we came across a sign saying it was another 8miles form that point. Still it was a great 12miles with some lovely singletrack, not sure I would recommend it for hybrids though.

Back to the hostel with 63miles of riding and 2300m of climbing and a very tired Ali.

When is our next holiday?

Cross Bay Half

2011-07-25T13:43:00.003+01:00

I was getting really worried about this the night before and got very little sleep. Still with the race not being till 12:30 there was plenty of time for packing the car in the morning. Arriving at Hest Bank we were directed into a field for parking and already everything seemed really well organised.

After a little bit of faffing and organising of clothes we got on a coach. I had been really unsure which trainers to wear and had gone for my old road ones, turned out to be a good choice as they are really comfy and it doesn't matter that they are now probably ruined after all the salt water. Some people had trail shoes on but really anything was fine. A longish coach ride took us to the start where we registered before walking down to the actual start. We were scanned in and it wasn't long before race briefing.

Ali said bye and headed off while I made sure to take it easy, letting loads of people go past me. I settled into my rhythm, looking back there were maybe 40people behind me to the sweeper tractor but that was fine as my aim was to finish (they have to pull you if you are too slow since the tide comes in). I was running on my own for most of the race but the views were spectacular. It wasn't far into the race before we had our first channel to splash across so no more dry feet. Running with a camelbak which meant no stopping for water. At 6miles I felt good and knowing that I could definitely finish after my run with Jumbly last week I pushed on a bit, from now on I knew I would finish whatever. Now the deeper channel crossings started although they never got past my waist and seemed easy without a bike to carry. At 10miles my hamstrings and quads were hurting but I was slowly passing people at this point which helped with keeping me going. Mile 11 to 12 was really hard as we were straight into a headwind, this was probably the first time I was running with my head down. But at mile 12 we turned towards the shore and out of the headwind. Slowly I tracked a few more people down before crossing the finish line to a cheering Ali.

I was pleased to get an ice-cream, ali enjoying a beer, before we headed up to Arnside to stay at the Youth Hostel there. Running a half marathon is a new way to start a holiday but it was fun.

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Ferry across the Mersey

2011-07-22T21:26:00.000+01:00

Off again to Merseyside to pre-ride a route, this time over on the Wirral which meant we had to get a Ferry across, I am sure you can imagine how excited this made me! It almost made the long journey over to Liverpool not feel like work.

Due to the time we were heading over it was now a Cruise and not a commuter ferry which meant that there was a commentary and it took a slightly longer route, not that we heard the commentary as of course I wanted to be outside.

The route itself followed the coastal path for the first section, only one bit you are now not meant to ride, so I had us following the actual route which was a little interesting to say the least. I enjoyed it on my cross bike, Les probably less so on his road bike. To add to all this I had forgotten my lunch this morning. Still a cafe stop and I had a huge hot chocolate and a sandwich before we carried on for more adventures. We had to do a bit of road work before more cycle paths, only they were blocked by road works and we spent more time in a B&Q car park than I ever wanted to. But after riding in circles and over a fly-over we did find a suitable route.

All that was left was a trip back on the ferry and then what felt like a long train ride home.

Getting the base miles

2011-07-21T22:39:00.001+01:00

One thing I always had plenty of was base miles but this year this has been down. What with being ill and injuired more times than I liked there has been a little too much catching the train or even driving when i've been working further away. Today I was going out to St Helen's to ride a route for work. Orginally I was going to get the train but I decided to ride and get some base miles in.

Ride 1: 20road miles

Then we rode the route, it was a nice mix of lanes, cycle paths and bridleways. It'll make a nice ride for taking a group on in the summer programme. The cross bike was ideal but most bikes, not road bikes, will be fine. We stopped at a cafe halfway round and I enjoyed a danish.

Ride 2: 35 cross miles

After eating my sandwiches it was time to head to Manchester and of course I was going to ride. For a long time I was riding along the cycle path next to the East Lancs, I'm not usually a fan of cycle paths but it was better than riding on the East Lancs. The headwind and never ending road made it feel hard I had to stop at a garage and buy some water and the hugest flapjacket in the world ever. I was glad to get closer to manchester and leave the East Lancs.

Ride 3: 26miles road

After sorting things out in the office I had to sprint over to salford as I had tickets to watch a recording of mastermind. It took me a while to find media city once there though.

Ride 4: 5 miles road

All that was left to do was ride home.

Ride 5: 11 miles road

I was glad I had noted each section as my garmin reset itself to factory settings losing all the data before downloading it, good job I had two garmins on for the work bit so only a couple of miles of that missing where I pressed stop instead of lap.

Total = 97 miles
Not bad for a work day

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Cross bike is no longer being neglected

2011-07-20T21:49:00.000+01:00

Somehow my lovely cross bike has ended up at the back of the pile and stayed there, I had a great cross ride earlier in the year with Jenn which reminded me how much I enjoyed it but then nothing. I knew the wheels were dodgy, the rims very concave and that was my excuse. So today I decided to ride it for the Cookson Cycles ride. Riding there I realised that one of the reasons the braking was so rubbish was lack of brake pads to the lads set about changing them, next thing they knew I had them putting wheels on. The bike wasn't really safe to ride and I do enjoy it, this should mean I use it more than just leading rides that are on sustrans trails.

No one else came for the ride so I rode home, 10miles off-road getting nice and muddy and loving having brakes! Next is new cables the current brake cables are a little rusty and clogged up, imagine how amazing the brakes will feel then.

Thanks to Cookson Cycles again, my bikes would cry at the neglect without you lot!

My first roadie race

2011-07-19T23:05:00.003+01:00

A tweet started it all, there was a women's circuit race at the Tameside race directly after the main race and Ali fancied it. A bit of research and I found it was a Go-Race designed to get people trying racing so after a bit of a twitter conversation I decided to give it a go. My bike isn't ideal (it has full mudguards) but I was assured it was fine and all different speeds of people would be there.

Arriving we signed up and in the end there were eight of us, everyone seemed friendly and Ali and I weren't the only first timers. We had one lap of the circuit before we were lined but, I was a little nervous as one corner really worried me still too late now. The start was lowkey just a quiet go and my worries about finding my pedal (the last Lee Quarry race I was last due to not getting clipped in at the started) didn't matter as we all pootled away, not for long though and three of them went on the first corner (all had ridden the circuit more than the rest of us) and then three came past me, including Ali, I was in no mans land on my own. Here I was to stay for the whole race, at one point I was gaining on one girl but then she crashed, getting back on but it eventually led to her leaving the race with a mechanical. I lapped one girl and the winner lapped me. But I managed to hold my position and finished 6th. Ali was beaten in a sprint for 4th.

It was suprisingly good fun and I felt I could have gone faster but my legs didn't respond. Will hopefully do. The next one in August but may have to borrow a bike as apparently shouldn't really have mudguards.

Average speed was 20.5mph (off my garmin so probably higher as it won't cope well with the tight corners) which I was very impressed with. Average heart rate 179bpm.

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Kiwi gets some pretty goodies

2011-07-18T21:09:00.001+01:00

A trip to Keep Pedalling to pick up some Surly goodies at lunchtime and kiwi was ready for some spoiling after work. After the soaking I got in the morning I wasn't looking forward to the ride to cooksons. But it was worth it. Kiwi now has a lovely new chainring, cog and sparkling pink chain. The old stuff was so worn its amazing it still worked!

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Next weekend may not kill me.

2011-07-17T20:21:00.001+01:00

I met Jumbly this morning for a run at Rivington, she wanted to test her knee and I wanted a longish run before the hf marathon. I went for the not ideal preparation of a night out in Manchester on the Saturday geting home at 2am. But just after 9:30, waterproofs on we set out for a nice chatty run. Much hilly than next week we didn't set any speed records but we did run 8miles and I felt I could have done more even though it was hurting. I just have to remember to set off slowly next week and it should be fine.

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Quote

2011-07-15T21:43:00.002+01:00

Cycling isn't a hobby, it isn't a sport!! It's an addiction!! as far as addictions go it ant a bad one...