Wheel Hereos 100 - Details

Untitled by bluemoonrising at Garmin Connect - Details

I picked a hot day for my first long run!

The Blog has been a bit slow this year, perhaps reflecting the fact that a number of us rode L2P last year and are being a little more relaxed about our preparations this year.  I can't speak for the other riders but my training so far this time has been not quite at the same tempo, and after my ride on Sunday I fear my approach this year has been somewhat complacent - more on that later.

There has been plenty of email chatter about what group to ride in and the only advice I can give based on my experience last year is that G4 averaged approx 15.5mph over the 3 days and for me was pretty comfortable. Bear in mind that 15.5mph in a pelaton of 80 -100 riders is very much easier than riding at that speed on your own.  It looks as though they may have upped the group speeds a tad this year but I am sticking with G4 and may edge up a group depending how I feel.  Last year I was reluctant to commit to a faster group as I wasn't sure how my body would stand up to the stress of 3 long days in the saddle.  There are a few difficult hilly sections on each day but I know what to expect now so if I feel comfortable I may be bold and move up.   It is actually not easy to change groups during the day as you run the risk of shortening your lunch break which is an important recovery time.

After last years ride I invested in a new bike, a Specialized Tarmac which has improved my speed and is much more comfortable than my old Trek despite the fact that the geometry is fairly racy.  Those of you who know me may be surprised to learn that my old bike was too big for me (I'm 6'5") but it was and that made for a very uncomfortable ride. The new steed is smaller and I feel much more comfortable on it and more in control of it at speed, helped by some brilliant new Mavic tyres.

So what have I been doing since last year?

Well having bought my new bike I was kindly invited to go on a training ride in November around the Surrey Hills with Sky ProTeam riders Geraint Thomas and Ben Swift.  Now those of you who know your cycling will appreciate that these guys are serious!  I can best describe the experience by saying "I have made better decisions".  These guys were hardly drawing breath and I was struggling to hang on to the back of the peleton as we tackled some of Surrey's finest - Box Hill etc.  After just 30 miles I was absolutely shattered and returned to the hotel a broken man realising that a new bike might be nice but it is no substitute for proper training.

I am like many riders a fair weather cyclist but in an attempt to get a head start on my training I started to cycle into work a few times from late February.  For me this is a 24 mile round trip and for safety reasons I generally choose to ride down the canal tow path.  In pitch dark and with a muddy tow path the safer option proved to be the road which brings its own challenges, impatient rush hour drivers and me falling off on two occasions having got my feet stuck in the clips.

Riding into work does make a massive improvement to ones fitness but the reality is that I have not been able to do it often enough as the heavy rainfall has made the canal trip too dangerous and life is  too precious to be cycling through B'ham traffic.  My cycling has therefore mainly been confined to weekend rides, generally on my own, south from my home and into the glorious Warwickshire and the North Cotswolds countryside. I have a nice 50 mile circuit which I will tackle a few times over the holiday weekend and see if I can pick up my speed a bit.

I did a 75 mile sportive in March and felt reasonably comfortable although the speed was quite slow.  Having been out of cycling action for a few weeks and missing the London Revolution that I had planned as my big pre-L2P training event I was desperate to find a good ride so that i could get some miles in the bank. 

This brings me back to my ride last Sunday - The Wheel Heroes 100 that I rode in my new LLR/BD kit.  I did the same ride last year but the difference on Sunday, other than some subtle route changes, was the temperature that averaged 26 degrees and max'd out at 33!  I was fine for the first 40 miles until we hit the hills and then the combination of a lack of training and the heat kicked in to devastating effect and my average speed dropped massively. Thankfully the organisers had put on place excellent refreshment facilities and after a lengthy breather at 75 miles I was able to finish reasonably strongly.

It wasn't a particularly pleasant experience but valuable miles are in the bank and I hope to add to these over the weekend if the weather allows me to get out.  I just need to find one more long run out before L2P and I should be in reasonable shape - not as good as I had hoped when I committed to ride again but enough to get me through.

New auction prize: train with Sonia O'Sullivan!

We're delighted to have Sonia on our 2012 team. Her crowning achievement was a gold medal in the 5000 m at the 1995 World Athletics Championships. She won silver medals in the 5000 m at the 2000 Olympic Games and in the 1500 m at the 1993 World Championships. Sonia has also won three European Championship gold medals and two World Cross-Country Championship gold medals.

Here is your chance to bid on a training day with Olympic athlete, middle-distance runner and all-round champion Sonia O’Sullivan.

The training schedule starts at Lensbury Club in Teddington and includes a run to Richmond Park or St. Mary's track dependent on winner’s capacity and training requirement.

Sonia is flexible on distance and speed depending on level of ability.

A gym session followed by gentle swim to warm down.

Lunch with Sonia and the chance to talk about her training and racing over the years, and why she still loves running and fitness.

Drinks and snacks between sessions.

Plus the chance for photos and a signed book for Sonia’s training partner for the day to take home.

Kindly donated by Sonia O'Sullivan

Terms and conditions: Transport to Teddington not included.

Bid for this prize now!

Fundraising for Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research

Garry Richardson, Jill Douglas, Ian Burrows (Brewin Dolphin), Mike Gatting and Paul Sargent (Brewin Dolphin). 

The evening raised over £10,000 for the charity.

The amazing charity raffle!

As part of our fundraising efforts for Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research we're selling raffle tickets with some fabulous prizes. To purchase tickets, please email tabitha.wrathall@brewin.co.uk.

TOP PRIZE: Jersey Ultimate Experience

Return flights to Jersey courtesy of British Airways.

Two nights accommodation at the The Royal Yacht Hotel, which is a new, modern, luxury Jersey hotel situated in St.Helier. http://www.theroyalyacht.com/

Friday Lunch or dinner for two at Quayside Bistro, situated in the heart of St.Helier, whom caters for all. http://www.libertysjersey.co.uk/quayside-bistro

Saturday Dinner for two at the Oysterbox restaurant situated in one of the most beautiful places in the Island, St.Brelades Bay. www.oysterbox.co.uk/

Sunday Lunch at The Atlantic Hotel, Michelin Starred restaurant which is set in six acres of private grounds adjoining La Moye championship golf course. http://www.theatlantichotel.com/

Luxury car supplied by Jackson’s the premier car dealer in Jersey for either the Saturday or Sunday.

Hire Car for the weekend supplied by Avis.

Opportunity to do as many activities as you wish from the list below:

The activities will need to be agreed in advance once dates are confirmed and are subject to availability.

A round of golf for 2 at La Moye Golf Club the number 1 course in the Island. Located in St Brelade in the south west of the Island, the golfer is presented with stunning views inland of the western parishes and seaward of St Ouen’s Bay and the sister Channel Islands of Guernsey, Sark, Herm and Jethou. The Course which was established in 1902 has previously been a venue on the PGA European Tour, with such notable winners Tony Jacklin, Ian Woosnam, Bernard Gallagher, Howard Clark, Sandy Lyle and Sam Torrance and since 1996 now features in the European PGA Seniors Tour. www.lamoyegolfclub.co.uk/ 

A tour and tasting for two at the La Mare Wine Estate, followed by a Jersey Cream Tea. Set in the peaceful grounds of a traditional 18th century granite farmhouse, La Mare Wine Estate is a working 25 acre domain, committed to creating the very best wines, ciders and spirits, along with hand-made preserves and chocolates. Unique to Jersey, La Mare is the perfect location to spend the day. http://www.lamarewineestate.com/

A private visit to St Ouen’s Manor the ancestral home of the de Carteret family. The family traces itself back to the year 1000, and family members are recorded as having served with William during the Norman Conquest.
The earliest records of the house date from 1135 and, uniquely in the Channel Islands, the house has been handed down from father to son ever since then. The owner of the house is known as the Seigneur de St Ouen and to this day is the first of the Seigneurs to pay homage to the reigning Monarch whenever he or she visits the Island. The Manor features on the reverse of the Jersey £20 note. http://www.stouensmanor.com

 

Kindly arranged by Stuart Sangan, Head of Office, Brewin Dolphin Jersey

Terms and conditions: Booking is non-transferable

Other prizes include:

·          10 tickets to the next Saracens match at Wembley

·          Case of wine from Berry Bros 

·          Debrett's The Queen - The Diamond Jubilee book

·          1 hour private tuition at Urban Golf, Smithfield Street, London

·          Bespoke Perfumery Gift Certificate from Royal perfumers, Floris - worth £150

·          Debrett's Guide For The Modern Gentleman book

·          All Black shirt signed by Kiwi legends Zinzan Brooke and Sean Fitzpatrick

·          Ranulph Fiennes signed book

·          Frank Gardener signed book

·          Zinzan Brooke signed book

·          Alastair Campbell signed book

·          Cricket bat signed by the Sussex CCC team including England's Matt Prior, Luke Wright and Michael Yardy  Kindly donated by Brewin Dolphin, Brighton
·          Framed photograph of the England Rugby World Cup Winners 2003, signed by former England captain, Martin Johnson  Kindly donated by Peel Hunt
·          Cricket bat signed by Mark Ramprakash  Kindly donated by Peel Hunt

·          4 x Twenty20 tickets to watch Sussex v Surrey on 8th July at Hove. Match tickets include access to members area ( no hospitality) Kindly donated by Brewin Dolphin, Brighton

·          LLR Cycling Kit - Including a Specialized S-Works Prevail Helmet, Universal Brake Kit, Replacement Brake Pads, Replacement gear cables, Shimano SPD cleats, Replacement chain, Bar and Rim Tape, Lights, Waterbottle, Overshoes and an Allen key tool. All of this comes to nearly £300 worth of kit!

·          More to be added!

winner!

The incredible charity auction!

As part of our fundraising push for the London-Paris 2012 cycle challenge, we are running an online auction with some fantastic prizes on offer. You can find details of these items and place bids for them below, the auction will be open until 6.45pm on Wednesday 13 June so be sure to place your bid by then.
Brewin Dolphin are helping us to beat blood cancers as sponsors to the Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research London-Paris Team. Fifteen finely-tuned, lycra-clad athletes are riding 520km over three days and hoping to beat the £120,000 total the team raised last year. Find out more about the event.
Please note that to bid on any of the items you will need to create a 32auctions account, which will only take a minute. Good luck and happy bidding!

Lot 1
Ultimate Arsenal FC Fan Experience

A trip behind the scenes at Sky Sports with John Salako (2 Guests)
An Arsenal Experience Tour with Arsenal Legend Lee Dixon (4 Guests)
PLUS - Ball signed by the current Arsenal Team 2011/12 season
PLUS - An Arsenal shirt signed by the 2011/12 squad
Kindly donated by Lee Dixon, John Salako, the League Managers' Association and Arsenal Football Club.
www.arsenal.com
Terms and conditions: The date for the Arsenal tour is to be confirmed once 2012/2013 fixtures become available.
Bid for this prize now!

Lot 2
Westminster Calling!

A unique opportunity to have your next Press Release written by Former Director of Communications for Number 10, Alastair Campbell.
Alastair will also include the winner as a character in his next novel.
PLUS - a year's subscription to The Spectator.
Kindly donated by Alastair Campbell and The Spectator.
www.spectator.co.uk
www.alastaircampbell.org
Terms and conditions: Please note this prize is non-transferable and subject to availability.
Bid for this prize now!

Lot 3
The Grove with Rugby Legend, Zinzan Brooke

The opportunity for you and two guests to enjoy a round of golf with New Zealand rugby legend Zinzan Brooke on The Grove's championship course. PLUS four ground passes to the IRISH OPEN at Royal Portrush on Thursday 28th June 2012.
The prize includes 1 x 4 ball for 18 holes at the Grove's championship course with full access to the practice facilities before you and your guests tee off.
Kindly donated by Sportingclass and The Grove.
www.sportingclass.co.uk
www.thegrove.co.uk
Terms and conditions: Please note that all additional costs to be covered by the auction winner. Food and beverages are not included. Please note booking is subject to availability and the passes for the Irish Open are non-transferable.
Bid for this prize now!

Lot 4
Exclusive Monaco Formula1 Grand Prix Weekend, May 2013

You and a guest can enjoy all the action and glamour of the Monaco Formula1 Grand Prix weekend next year on 24th to 27th May 2013. This exclusive auction item includes the following : Return flights from London to Nice. 3 x nights accommodation in a central hotel in Nice. Full hospitality on both the practise day and the race day - including breakfast and lunch with complimentary bar. Access to balcony to view the practise day and race, where you will be up close to the action throughout the weekend.
Kindly donated by Bespoke Events
www.bespokeevents.co.uk.
Terms and conditions: Please note transfers are not included.
Reserve: £4,000
Bid for this prize now!

Lot 5
Exclusive cycling trip to Majorca with the legendary Stephen Roche

This prize is for two people for three nights at the Triple Crown winner Stephen Roche's cycling camp, staying at the Ponent Mar Hotel in Palma, Majorca.
This exclusive prize includes a ride and dinner with Roche himself, half board hotel accommodation, cycle hire and a Stephen Roche 25th anniversary limited edition cycling jersey for both riders and a signed autobiography (being published in June 2012).
Kindly donated by Stephen Roche
www.stephenroche.com
Terms and conditions: Please note that flights and transfers are not included.  Dinner and hosted ride with Stephen Roche subject to his availability. This prize is non-transferable.
Reserve: £600
Bid for this prize now!

Lot 6
Private Garden consultation with RHS Gold Award winner Chelsea Flower Show designer, Cleve West

This is the perfect gift for any keen gardener who is looking to gain some expert design advice on their garden. Cleve West has built a reputation for innovative garden design, from private havens to award winning show gardens. As part of this fantastic prize, Cleve will meet you at the Brewin Dolphin London office for a private two hour consultation to discuss your garden and design requirements. As part of the consultation, Cleve will produce some bespoke design ideas with recommended plant and flower lists, in order for you to transform your garden.
Kindly donated by Cleve West Landscape Design
www.clevewest.com
Terms and conditions: Please note the date and timing of the consultation are subject to availability. This prize is non-transferable and must be redeemed by the successful auction winner only.
Bid for this prize now!