This morning's commute - hill work

I do make an effort to use my commuting time to train rather than simply get from A to B. This morning was no different and I needed a purpose before setting out. My plan was to take a longer route to work over the South Downs and quite a hilly route in order to help strengthen the legs. To make it harder I decided to complete the ride on my 'singlespeed stallion' (only the one gear).

It was pretty tough going especially on the climb to the top of Devils Dyke outside Brighton (pictured). Total distance approx. 32km - not a bad start to the morning.

The plan is to take a slightly easier and less hilly route home for the return journey (28km). Then on Thursday, the same again but possibly focussing on interval rather than hill work.

It would be great to hear who else is training out there in BD land?



The hills ahead - I have got to get up those on my singlespeed





Made it to the top - Hard work!



The 'singlespeed stallion' - office garage



And I'm back...

It has been a while since I have contributed to the Blood, Sweat and Gears blog but this year I am riding for one of Brewin Dolphin's London to Paris (L2P) cycling teams so I thought I would get back in touch with all the friendly cycling banter.

As there is now quite a large number of staff enjoying cycling and taking part in events on behalf of the Group I hope together we can put this blog back to good use and discuss training, new kit, events, good causes, injuries, nutrition and excuses to the 'other half' - all the 'ups and downs' of this great sport. In addition to sharing experiences it would also be useful to post future local rides that may be of interest to some members of the Group.

Through my passion for cycling and triathlon it has been great to witness the take up of the sport here in the Brighton office. In the last 12-18 months three of the team have purchased high-end race bikes (2 through the new Bike2Work scheme). The only problem is that these new (younger) entrants to the sport are now whipping me on the bike - oh well, that's progress for you!

We are all considering a sportive this weekend but to be honest I haven't committed yet. I definitely need to increase my training on the bike so I am best prepared for L2P, RideLondon100, and the forthcoming triathlon season. Over the last couple of months and because of the volatile weather conditions my training has focused more on running. In less than a month I have the Brighton marathon as my first 'A' race of the season. Thereafter my focus will shift more to the bike. Meanwhile, I am already thinking of bringing my Triathlon / Time Trial bike out of hibernation, at the very least to stick it on the turbo trainer.

Over the coming weeks I will be happy to share some of my training and fund raising for the L2P event - I am doing the ride with Geoff Thomas sponsored by Catley Lakeman and on behalf of the Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research charity that the Group continues to support. I will be joined by some of my L2P2011 buddies - Stephen Jones, Gordie Houston and Andrew Lewis.

Meanwhile, I also keep a log of my personal triathlon training which you are welcome to view via the following link:

http://trihardtraining.blogspot.co.uk/

I will be really interested in hearing and reading tales from other riders in the Group whether doing L2P or any other event.

Happy training and 'Keep the rubber side down'

L2P2011



Tom Maynard Trust 2012



Ironman Austria 2012