David Pegler: The hardest day of my life

Total mileage was a respectable 130km and over 6 hours riding (excluding food and water stops). The mountain climbs (about 3 big ones) were killers. One in particular went from 600m elevation at the base to 1,700m at the top over a distance of 13km. When I finally got to the top (2 or 3 athletes actually gave up) I thought the most experienced riders would say that worse is to come later in the week, however they were convinced this was more difficult than most if not all of the mountains on the Tour de France circuit. Hearing that news at least spurred me on to complete the ride and make it back to the camp in one piece. For the last 20km we drafted behind each other and managed to clock an average 35-40km/h.

Tomorrow is thankfully a recovery day with a short swim/run session, an easy spin or recovery ride and a trip to the local Decathlon store.

Having a great time, although getting a little worried about my flight home - another ash cloud problem!

Moe, Curly and Larry try the Stratford 100

I can't remember the last time a sporting event has been at the forefront of my mind as the Stratford 100 was. I had taken advice on nutrition, hydration and equipment and I was still unsure on how I would cope and if I would finish. what would I do if I didn't. I had to be at Stratford racecourse by 700am so my alarm was set for 5am. I woke at 4am!

Stephen and I were introduced to 2 of Geoff's friends, John and Matt, triathletes conveniently, and after a bit of nervous banter we set off. I could not get "99 bottles of beer on the wall" out of my head. We were over taken by a large group after about 8 miles and Geoff shouted that we should hang on to them. At an average clip of 32kmph this was a struggle and we were soon strung out. I decided to stick with Geoff and John as they were experienced cyclists and we ploughed on at a good rate. However after 40 mins or so the lack of other cyclists was concerning and we stopped. We had gone off course, badly. We were off the map and had a choice to either retrace our steps, which, given we were unsure where we had gone wrong was not a popular option, or try to rejoin the course further along. We headed for Cheltenham, had some very nice banana cake, a cup of coffee and made a phonecall to Matt who was at the 50 mile stop. Having already cycled 48 miles and we were 20 miles behind him and the executive decision to go off piste again. Eventually we rolled into Stratford having joined the course 3 miles outside, promptly took a wrong turn into the racecourse and never even crossed the finish line. However we did complete 94 miles and I felt strong at the end so from that point of view it was a success. I did ask Geoff which group I should plump for and he suggested 4 on the first day and if that was too easy move up to 3 in France. Sound advice methinks.

I did not bike it into work on Monday as both the kids were up during the night and, to be honest, I was knackered. I had just sat down at my desk on Monday morning when 2 wags asked if I had just finished or had I gone via the Cheltenham office first? Could take a while to live this one down.

I was keen to try another 100mls this coming Sunday but with it being our wedding anniversary it was always going to be difficult one to swing and I received a very firm "no chance!"

However I do feel more confident than this time last week.

A good week

Untitled by bluemoonrising at Garmin Connect - Details

It's been a good week on the cycling front. After my 60 & 40 miles last weekend I cycled to work and back 3 times and today have completed the Wheel Hero's 100m Cotswold Sportive. All that lot adds up to 280 miles over the last 8 days - and the aging body has held up pretty well!

I was looking forward to today's 100 miler as it would be the first time I have ridden that distance since I was 16 and also this would be my first trip with Gordie and Geoff. For a whole variety of reasons things didn't quite work out as I had planned. We all meet up at the start and stayed together for a very brisk 10 miles before getting separated (actually I couldn't keep up) & I never saw them again until the finish - I will leave Gordie to explain the embarrassing details! That left me cycling on my own for 90 miles in very windy conditions. It wasn't quick and at times was very hard with strong headwinds. Also note the two very big hills at about 40 miles. However, I enjoyed it and I was amazed how strong I felt at the end. Consequently I am feeling more confident about the L2P distances.

Next weekend I have a 150k sportive with Solihull C.C. and if the conditions are better I would hope to cover the ground at a slightly better pace. I will also try and squeeze in a few more rides to work but the distance at just over 1 hour each way is a little longer than I would want. I gave up on the road after I was nearly wiped out by a West Midlands Travel bus on the way home and have now found a good alternate route via the canal tow path. The mornings are great but you have to keep your wits about you on the evening run home given the amount of yobbo's and drunks hanging around. Both canal rides so far have not been without incident - one puncture and a trapped chain and I can see that a momentary loss of concentration could easily see me in the drink!

I have attached my Garmin record of today's run. Looks like I need to check my cadence sensor as it wasn't picking up much on the first half of the ride.

Finally, I was given a selection of GU Gels which Gordie and I both used. We both felt great after the ride and whilst some of that will be down to the training, we both thought that these Gels were really good and helped keep our energy levels at respectable levels. GU is an American company but they do have some suppliers in the UK and a lot in Ireland. I will be buying some more!

I hope your weekends went well

Stephen

Injuries......

As the title of the post suggests, my first injury has struck (first injury of the group?). I've been somewhat injury prone since about the age of 20 in other sports - mainly football - and it now seems that it is not just contact sports that cause me problems!

I've had a sore achilles for the last 3 or so weeks, however it only ever bothered me when I was pushing hard up steep hills - even then it wasn't particularly noticeable. It wasn't getting any worse so me being me, I put it down to just a few aches and pains that comes with extra training. It all seemed relatively fine until the beginning of this week, culminating in a spinning class on Monday evening that was less than comfortable!

Although it's self diagnosed, I have all of the symptoms of achilles tendonitis (or one of the many variants of the same thing that has come up in my research). I spent a lot of Monday evening looking up recovery techniques, recovery periods and symptoms and the unfortunate conclusion I've drawn is that complete rest, RICE, massage and gradual re-introduction to cycling are the only things I can do. Although I'm absolutely gutted that i've picked up the injury, I'm hoping (nay praying) that i've caught it early enough to make a decent recovery in time for the L2P. From what I gather, recovery is very much down to the individual and obviously the severity of the injury, however having done all of the above and more (not walking in bare feet, buying heel inserts for my shoes etc) for the last 2 days I must say it is feeling much, much better - that isn't me being mr.denial either. I should probably get myself to a sports injuries clinic, however a lot of past experience has taught me that I'll be paying for someone to tell me something I already know.

Regardless of any of the above, I am absolutely determined to make it to the start line in London so keep your fingers crossed I can shake the injury!

From "Legend" to "Hero" in 7 days - Hopefully!

I guess no bike stolen and no bits dropping off is a positive step forward although I did have a front brake cable snap and 2 punctures on the same day last week. However, touch wood, nothing has happened since to make me consider hurling the bike into the canal which was an option for a moment. I was able to mend the brake cable myself, which given my mechanical dyslexia, is remarkable.

I have been able to get out on the road twice over the last 2 weekends for 4 hour rides around 65 miles which I am quite pleased with. However the last hour is hard work, not so much on my legs, but for my back which is still giving me gip. I do feel that after a rest I could go again which is encouraging. Indeed last weekend I had been invited to play in a Worcester “Legends” reunion game. Given I had hurt my knee about 6 weeks ago and the L2P is in 5 weeks, I could not afford to injure myself again I declined to play but took my 3 year old to watch. I could not however just watch. I bribed Ava with a packet of Maltesers to sit with the subs, borrowed some kit and trotted on to the pitch for the last 15 minutes. This was after my 65 mile ride that morning!

The real test for me will be this Sunday when Stephen Jones and I are taking part in a 100 mile "Wheel Heroes" event with Geoff starting in Stratford. There is a rumour Geoff has invited a female pursuit world champion to join us which I am sure will be a great honour for her, not to mention enormous physical challenge attempting to keep up. I will state now in print, there is no way I will go slower just for her. Sunday will also give me a good opportunity to determine which group to join in the main event. I had plumped for 5 automatically but there is now some peer pressure to move up to 3! I am not so sure.

A colleague of ours has just finished a 4 day L2P which he said was an amazing experience, despite one entrant turning up on a full suspension mountain bike. I have been interrogating him thoroughly since his return and as the song goes “If I can give you one piece of advice, wear chamois cream – lots of it!”

This Week's Questions

What is defined as an old tyre?
Why does my left foot go cold?
Given the intake of fluid, how do I stop p**ing every hour?
One from Mrs H; when do I stop spending money?

The secret diary of Peter Land, part four...

Photo: Stephane Tougard

Fri 6^th May

The weather forecast for the ride this Sunday is dire: cold, wet and windy. I canvass opinion from my fellow riders and get two useful responses, apparently I need a cape, neoprene overshoes and waterproof gloves. Shouldn’t be more than £50. Best not tell Mrs Land.

Sat 7^th May

Skipped golf to go to my local bike shop. I think I’ve mentioned before that the owner’s bonkers, cycles everywhere, all the time, any distance, any weather. Apparently I don’t need any of the stuff that’s been advised, not in the summer. It’s more important to keep warm than dry, so a good base layer shirt and tights – neither of which he sells – will do. I leave more confused than ever and decide to try just cycling in my normal shorts and top, they were expensive so they must be good.

Sun 8^th May

The great day dawns and the BBC are all wrong; it’s breezy but dry after a very early shower. I cycle eight miles to the Village Hall where we are meeting and am dry again by the time I get there. Sign in, collect free banana, energy gel and recovery drink mix and we’re off. Encouragingly, the cyclists are a mix of local clubs – ‘Watton Wheelers’, ‘Datchworth Dirtkissers’ etc – and families. I start off tailing someone who looks as if he knows what he is doing and soon realise, to my surprise, that I want to go quicker than him. And another – and so on. In the end, I go straight past the first two rest breaks and stop only after 35 miles. I complete the 50 miles in a little over three and a half hours, except I got lost twice so I reckon I did 54 miles, so I’m very pleased with myself. At home – another eight miles – I realise that I’m completely bushed, there’s nothing else left. Worrying as on the big trip I’ll have to do exactly the same, plus another 50% in the afternoon – and then the next day the same, and the next. I’m getting a bit scared.

Mon 9^th May

I’ve been thinking about hills. I realise that when I first started cycling, I loved downhill parts, for the obvious reason that they’re easy. Now I hate them because I know every time I go downhill, somewhere I’ve got to go back up again. Funny thing, my brain.

Tue 10^th May

Apparently food supplements are the thing. Some of my fellow riders are emailing details of their favourite energy boost gels, potions and powders. Apparently they all work, but where to start? Thankfully, my secretary Leanne is on hand and she’s going to brave Holland and Barrett and, apparently, ‘sort me out’, preferably with something legal (!). I can’t wait!

Sat 14^th May

Now my Mother’s sponsored me as well. Damn, that means it’s definitely too late to pull out.

Sun 15^th May

Yesterday and today I’ve done 30 mile runs both days, first time ever I’ve tried that. Surprisingly the recovery seems almost complete by the time I set out on the second day, which is good, but I find I’m getting bored, which isn’t. I have however at last got to the stage where I’m not thinking about cycling as I poodle along. Maybe that means I’m becoming a cyclist for real? Unfortunately, I don’t look like one as the short socks have all disappeared (into my daughter’s drawer, I suspect) so I have to shame myself in the long ones again, pending another excursion into the sports shop.

Back on the road again!

Well, it has been three weeks since my last blog and three weeks since I have been on my bike! Not ideal preparation but a nasty bought of tonsillitis laid me low for a fortnight and I required a further weeks respite after NOT running the Stratford upon Avon half marathon - more on that later.

Last week went in a flash and the Bristol Heads of Office meeting provided Sasha with the perfect opportunity to get on my case, highlighting my lack of training and poor fund raising to date. I accept that on the training front I will generally only do the bare minimum to get by but I do now have to up the ante if I am not to let my colleagues down. The sponsorship is under control and I will start marketing over the next few days.

Anyway, back the the running. Readers of my earlier posts may recall that I had half marathons planned a month before L2P and one a few weeks after. Unfortunately, my running training has been non-existent over the last 2 months and consequently I had all but written off the Stratford run. However, on the Thursday evening before the race I decided to check whether I could run the distance and to my great surprise found that I was able to jog 14 miles home from work. I didn't feel too bad the following day & played in the AIB golf day - not a good idea. The problems began on the Friday night when I started to stiffen up and after a long drive to North Norfolk on the Saturday I almost had to winched out of the car. To cut a long story short I had to write off the week as my body slowly recovered from my foolish exertions.

With Sasha's cautionary words ringing in my ears I resumed training this weekend but with important Cup Final matters to attend to on Saturday & client entertaining at Arsenal on Sunday my normal cycling routine was disrupted. I decided to go out on my own and did 2 early morning rides of 60 & 40 miles. A 100 mile weekend should be good preparation for the Stratford 100m event with Geoff Thomas and Gordie next weekend and a 150k sportive I will be doing with my cycling club the following weekend. I have also resolved to try and ride into work over the next month and if I can manage not to get knocked off this will add a few more useful miles.

To wrap up I must acknowledge the power of positive thought and prayer. I did much of this during my Saturday morning ride and was delighted that my prayers were answered when my team finally lifted a trophy at Wembley. I didn't think the weekend could get any better after that but Villa's win at The Emirates rounded off a perfect football weekend - and the cycling is back on track. Take note Sasha!

COACH4tri Training Camp - May 2011

On Saturday 21st May I am guaranteed to be both excited and a little nervous to be travelling to my first triathlon / cycling training camp. It was a decision I made last year and prior to finding out about the L2P charity event but actually it is certainly well timed and should help me build my fitness for the forthcoming season.

I just received the full details yesterday so thought I would post the days activities for all to see:

Saturday 21st May, 2011 – Arrival Day
· Meet and greet with Master Coach Mark Tickner, Coach Michelle Colvin and Coach / Sports Massage Therapist Nigel Burnett at camp through the day from lunchtime.
· 3:00pm approx: 2-3hr group ride with Coach Mark, Michelle, Nigel and group leader Jon, including 2 moderate hills (up to 1000m).
· Evening meal at café / restaurant at 7pm (paid for by athletes) with an overview talk of the weeks training ahead.

Sunday 22nd May, 2011
· 9am: Athlete’s breakfast
· 10.30am: Group Ride 2-4+hrs over rolling terrain inc. 2 moderate climbs.
· Option for a short steady paced transition run after ride
· 5.30pm: Lake swim practices and easy swim set (plenty of opportunity to stand up if needed as many parts shallow)
· 7pm: Dinner + overview of today’s and tomorrows training, Q+

Monday 23rd May 2011
· 9am: Athlete’s breakfast
· 10.30am: 2-5+ hr ride (shorter route includes Col de Cabre 1180m), (longer route includes Col de Cabre, Station de Valdrome ski resort 1350m and Col de Carabes 1261m) + optional short 15-30min steady paced transition run
· 5.30pm: Lake swim time trial over 1000-1500m (plenty of opportunity to stand up if needed as many parts shallow)
· 7pm: Dinner + overview of today’s and tomorrows training, Q+A

Tuesday 24th May, 2011
· 9am: Athlete’s breakfast
· 10.30am: Swim to run aquathon interval training (wear race kit / trisuit for this session):
o Sprint / 70.3 distance athletes - lactate threshold intensity reps of 45-60min duration approx.
o Ironman athletes – longer tempo intensity reps of 60-90min duration approx.
· 1pm: Recovery ride up to 90mins flat to rolling ride inc. pacelines, drafting, cornering, descending skills (road racers can ride longer)
· 7pm: Dinner + overview of today’s and tomorrows training, Q+A

Wednesday 25th May, 2011 – ‘Le Tour’ Day (setting off in 2-3 groups at 10min intervals and takes approx. 90min to drive)
· No food provided today due to being away from site all day and the early start. Please make sure you buy some food for breakfast and lunch (although lunch will no doubt be on the bike!). The evening meal is a group affair in the village of Bourg D’Oisans at the foot of L’Alpe D’Huez after our Epic rides!
· 8:00am: Drive to L’Alpe D’Huez
· 11.30am approx: 2 – 5hr ride
o Option 1: L’Alpe D’Huez long course (115km + extra 20km descent) or short course (30km route + extra 10k warm up + 20km descent) Triathlon route finishing at the top of this world famous climb (with fast descent back to village).
o Option 2: Les Deux Alpes & L’Alpe D’Huez (approx. 65k total).
o Option 3: Col du Galibier (approx. 110km starting / finishing in La Grave with drive back to Bourg D’Oisans for evening meal with group).
· 5pm approx: Evening meal out at Bourg-D’Oisans (town at foot of L’Alpe D’Huez) at athlete’s expense
· 7pm: Drive back to camp
All times today are approx due to the logistics and different cycle routes taken by athletes

Thursday 26th May, 2011 – ‘Chill Out’ / Recovery Day (saving energy for tomorrows epic ride!)
· 9am: Athlete’s breakfast
· 11am: 45 – 60min trail run inc. team drills and exercises (fun based training) – 1-2hr Recovery ride for road racers
· 4pm: Lake ‘pool’ swim (pool type intervals… but in the lake)
· 7pm: Dinner + overview of today’s and tomorrows training, Q+A - (get a good night sleep for tomorrow!)

Friday 27th May, 2011 - The Epic Day!
· 9am: Athlete’s breakfast
· 11am: 3-6+hr long ride inc. Col Bayard 1248m (ave. 6.8% for 7.5km), Col de Manse 1272m (ave. 4.9% for 8.5km), Orcieres Ski resort 1840m (5.9% for 11km) and the epic Col du Noyer 1664m (new climb in 2010 Tour de France – ave. 4.5% for 14.5km). Save something for Col du Noyer… that’s all I’m saying!
o Option 1: The Tour Ride! (150km including all climbs above!).
o Option 2: The Challenge Ride (100km – ‘The Tour Ride’ route minus Orcieres section from Gap)
o Option 3: The Tour ’10 ride (90km - Col du Noyer and back, ridden same way as 2010 Tour de France)
o Option 4: Anything you like from this ride menu!
· 5pm: Optional 5-10km transition run (perfect Ironman athlete’s race build phase session) after ride at Ironman pace
· 7pm: Dinner + overview + a few drinks!

Saturday 28th May, 2011 – Optional day (based on athlete’s leaving times)
· No food provided today due to many athletes leaving at different times, some very early.
· Optional training depending on when athletes travel back

The secret diary of Peter Land, part three...

Tue 19^th April

A friend shows me an article in the Evening Standard magazine entitled ‘The hottest thing on two wheels’. I anxiously turn to the inside pages to see – have they got hold of my blog? Turns out to be about Victoria Pendleton.

Friday 22^nd April

My first puncture - now I am a proper cyclist! I don’t know how it happened, I’ve only poodled around on the bike a couple of times this week and now I find the rear tyre completely flat. Anyway, it’s not a problem for me as Andrew showed me how to change the tube and it only takes about two minutes. First he put the bike up on a frame, except I haven’t got one of those, so I’m reduced to turning the bike upside down and trying to reverse everything he told me. It’s completely straightforward, of course, and two hours and one broken tyre lever later it’s all done and I’m back on the road. However, I’m not sure how confident I shall feel next time I’m sprinting downhill at 40 mph, knowing that it was me that fixed the wheel back on – have I done it properly?

Mon 25^th April

At last a day to train. That’s what bank holidays are for, although not according to Mrs Land, who is eyeing her empty hanging baskets and dropping hints that I’m making sure I don’t pick up on. So, full of the remnants of a bottle of a decent red from yesterday’s barbeque, I squeeze into my gear, put up with the laughs from my house guests who are just surfacing, and get out on the road. I was going to travel north to Cambridge, but the bike needs a service and after the puncture I want everything checked. So, it’s off to the bike shop, which happens to be 26 miles south, next to my office. Despite dozy pedestrians, belligerent traffic lights and third world roads, I’m there in just over an hour and a half, almost exactly 16mph, my best yet. At that rate I qualify to travel in the slowest group to Paris, hurray!

I can’t help thinking about roads, though. In the built up parts of Britain they mark off the area on the left of the carriageway that is not maintained and is therefore too rough and bumpy for cars to travel safely and they call it the cycle lane – because obviously, on wheels 1 inch thick with tyres inflated to 100 psi, bikes are apparently better suited to such dangers. Do they do the same in France?

Wed 27^th April

What goes up, must come down. And now the bike’s repaired it has to be cycled home, so I collect it from the bike shop and negotiate with the security chap to park it in the garage (forgot my padlock again) so that I can wait until 6.30pm to leave the office. The time is carefully calculated to be late enough for some rush hour traffic to have cleared, but still early enough to get me home before dark, as I don’t have lights on the bike. So off I trek and within 400 yards I’m lost, cycle round a bit and find the Old Street roundabout, twice round it as I can’t see the correct exit so in the end just take the one that feels as if it’s pointing north. I know it’s north because the wind is whistling down it. Turns out to be wrong again but I figure I’m going roughly in the right direction so keep going. I enter territory where all the kebab shops seem to be called ‘Arsenal Delight’ or ‘Gunners Supplies’, not the most diplomatic move on my part as I weave between traffic with my Spurs rucksack on my back. Eventually find myself by Finsbury Park, not pretty and two miles west of where I was aiming but at least I know where I am. And the rest of the journey is easy! Except it’s not. That north wind that blew through Old Street badgers me all the way home, I’m really aware that I’m struggling to make progress into it. It hadn’t ever occurred to me that a wind could make so much difference. I am now beginning to doubt the ride from two days ago – did I find it easy because I had a helping wind then? Certainly this run was a lot slower, even allowing for the detours I reckon 14 ½ mph was all I averaged. Let’s hope there’s a north wind in late June, that’s all I can say. Anyway, I reckon I deserve a break from training so I’m off on a 4 day rugby tour to exercise my liver.

Mon 2^nd May

On my return – don’t ask as what goes on tour, stays on tour is the only answer I am allowed to give – Mrs Land has pointed out how untidy parts of the garden are so my day is full. Late on, I have the chance to nip down to join the rest of the family at the swimming pool, only an 11 mile round trip so I decide to get my old mountain bike off the rolling road and back on the real road, rather than getting all lycra-ed up. Having not ridden it for many weeks, it’s a nightmare! I can’t believe how hard it is – the gears are all wrong, it’s heavy and unresponsive, it’s as if I have lost all my power or I’ve forgotten to release the brakes. I get back as exhausted as if I’d done 30 miles, so perhaps that’s a good thing for my training, although not one I’m in a hurry to repeat.

Tue 3^rd May

Discovered that a female former colleague is also doing a Paris ride! That’s encouraging. Obviously I’ve never seen her cycle, but my impression is that she’s just generally fit rather than cycling super fit. I mean she’s tall and lean, looks as if she goes to the gym and so on, but if she thinks she can do over 100 miles a day at the expected pace, I’m confident I can too. I think. We exchange emails and plan to meet for a training ride together in a couple of weeks’ time.

Wed 4^th May

Booked for my first proper ride with proper riders on proper bikes. It’s 50 miles and starts about 7 miles away from me, so that’ll be a 64 mile round trip, this coming Sunday. Bang goes any lie in but it should be a good experience. Also good is the sponsorship, cheques and pledges coming in steadily and I am impressed by the generosity of everybody. I’m busy writing thank you letters, I just hope I don’t let them all down.

Reading list

The Independent has published a great top five cycling books should you require some bedtime reading.

I'll be ordering Talking Heads genius David Byrne's book:

Since the early 1980s, David Byrne has been riding a bike as his principal means of transportation in New York City. Two decades ago, he discovered folding bikes, and starting taking them on tour. Byrne’s choice was made out of convenience rather than political motivation, but the more cities he saw from his bicycle, the more he became hooked on this mode of transport and the sense of liberation it provided. Convinced that urban biking opens one’s eyes to the inner workings and rhythms of a city’s geography and population, Byrne began keeping a journal of his observations and insights.

An account of what he sees and who he meets as he pedals through metropolises from Berlin to Buenos Aires, Istanbul to San Francisco, Manila to New York, Bicycle Diaries also records Byrne’s thoughts on world music, urban planning, fashion, architecture, cultural dislocation, and much more, all with a highly personal mixture of humour, curiosity, and humility. Part-travelogue, part-journal, part-photo album, Bicycle Diaries is an eye-opening celebration of seeing the world at bike level.

Pocklington Pedal Sportive

I completed my second sportive this weekend in a British Cycling organised sojourn around the North Yorkshire countryside. I again went for the medium route, which was a very hilly 65 miles. Although the sun shone brightly and the sky was a clear blue, mother nature decided that it was a great day to turn the entire North of England into one large wind tunnel (I knew things were bad when I was forced to pedal on a moderate downhill to keep my speedo above 15 mph). In fact, it was so windy that to be quite honest I can only remember one climb of note, when to the contrary my Garmin told me we had climbed over 4,500 feet. As a side note, I wore my HR monitor for the first time on this ride, which showed my average HR was 177 bpm - I'm still unsure whether a) this reading is correct; b) I should be 'heartened' by the fact my body can work that hard for that long or; c) visit my GP - 5 hours of 177 bpm surely cannot be medically advisable!?

This was the first year the sportive had been run and unfortunately you could tell. Although the route was signed and the signs appeared tamper proof, to say they were confusing was a bit of an understatement. As a back up I thought the Garmin would save me in the instances when there was an orange sign pointing one way and a yellow one pointing the other (no idea which I was meant to follow) however it transpired they had made slight amendments to the course at the last minute, rendering the GPX download of the route a complete non-starter. Anyway, although wind-swept I managed to finish in slightly under 5 hours at an average speed of 14 mph. Not the fastest but given the conditions I am reasonably happy that things are progressing nicely. Details of the ride below (click on the "view details" tab if you're a stats nerd like me).

'Ups and Downs' Sportive with the new carbon 'Stallion'

I took part in a very hilly Sportive organised by www.ukcyclingevents.co.uk earlier today, which started at Dorking and took in a lot of the beautiful Surrey Hills. The plan was to complete the Epic 100 miles ride but my navigation skills were a little poor and I missed one of the longer loops - anyway I was still pleased with 83 miles in just over 5 hours, especially given that some hills were killers - the last one most of the competitors were walking.

I am pleased to say that my new carbon stallion (pictured) was amazing - when it came to climbing it was more billy goat than stallion - no walking up hills for me! To be honest I was mad to even ride it as I finished the build at 9pm the night before and its first outing should have been a little less taxing and nearer home just in case of mechanic issues - anyway, despite some early tinkering with the pedals it was all good and I am really pleased with the way it performed. Now all that is needed is to work on the engine!

Please find my ride stats by clicking on the link below - no HRM data this time - I thought it too uncomfortable to wear a HRM belt for 5 hour plus.

Untitled by dbpegler at Garmin Connect - Details

The long weekend.

The long weekend provided the perfect opportunity to test the legs. The weather in Jersey was perfect, but isn't it always? It all started on Thursday with my usual cycle to work followed by a spinning class during the lunch hour. I was cycling home and would have finished with only 10 miles on the clock but caught up with a friend who was heading out for the 5 mile road. It's not quite 5 miles but it's the longest flat, straight road we have. The Jersey Cycling Association were grouped half way along, holding the first event of their four day race festival using part of the 'long' road, before climbing out of the bay to make a large circuit. It all looked very serious, with turbo trainers for warming up and custom race bikes. As we cycled past we were caught up and overtaken several times. I glanced at my Garmin to make sure we were still cycling at 16mph but it didn't feel like it! Plenty to do to improve my speed I thought! 15 miles later I was home thinking how much those club cyclists would be covering over the weekend. Friday joined the wife for her usual circuit of 30 miles. Saturday was club day and I was feeling good. I had just loaded up on my SiS PSP22 Fuel, had a full bottle of Go and an energy bar (that should be worth a couple of freebies)! The group today was small, just 11 of us as the others (probably the more serious, but i was not about to ask) were competing at the race festival. The pace whilst not up to the previous week, was good and I had the opportunity to go to the front. The only serious hill was definitely getting easier! Having finished at the Watersplash and refuelled I carried on and joined my wife to add another 20 miles. 60 miles done. Arriving home the post had just been, and yes my new cycling Jersey had finally arrived. No more jokes about my attire ( Peter you have my sympathy). Anyone thinking of buying one just remember they have a racing cut 'tight' fit! I purchased a medium but would have opted for a large if given the choice again. They may be made by Adidas but they are made in Italy! The evening was spent at a BBQ arranged by my friend David hence the updated photo. Sunday was another trip with the wife but following a puncture on her bike and several ******* later ( I forgot the puncture repair kit) I was off to continue my journey alone. 30 miles mostly going round in circles is no fun - I can't wait for the Pearson 150. Finally Monday came and I missed the early morning cycle but decided to try in the evening when it was cooler. The first climb out of the bay was no fun and I was beginning to feel that perhaps I should have stayed at home. I was tired! Not willing to throw in the towel I decided on a very small circuit ( even smaller loops) but involving a good climb each time. The first was a struggle but it seemed wrong to give up knowing that my fellow cyclists would probably be doing their bit so round I went, again and again. Good for the legs, this was interval training! Eight loops later and 18 miles done, home. Not many aches but tired, and no need for the cream just yet. Grand total 163 miles - phew! Only need to do that in a day and half now!!

Garmin

I have a brand new Garmin Cadence monitor which is suplus to requirements if anyone is interested?

One small blog for man....

I have finally got around to writing my introductory blog which, like the looming L2P endurance event is a first for me. My adult sporting life has revolved around rugby, not reaching full international status like Andrew but still playing at a fairly serious level where diet and training were taken seriously. I still play but on a purely “fun” basis for my local 3rd/vets xv. I, unlike many rugby players, have always enjoyed training (the diet is another matter) so when the opportunity to take part in the L2P came about I was very enthusiastic. However rugby training is about power and speed endurance within a confined space, everything being on hand with a big support team and training for a cycling endurance event is not.

I met Geoff Thomas in Birmingham with Stephen Jones and was inspired by his dedication and immediately hooked with the physical challenge but with 2 children under 4 years old, knew I would require the pink ticket from my wife. I knew Meena’s Dad had died with cancer when she was 15, an event in her life she still struggles to talk about but when I told her (asked permission) about L2P she told me her Dad had contracted non Hodgkin’s lymphoma and she was fully supportive. I have been fortunate not to have known anyone close who has suffered cancer of any form but I am aware through Meena and her family just how devastating an effect it has. I feel genuinely privileged to be given an opportunity to be part of a team that will raise a lot of money.

My cycling to this point had been limited to 45 mins each way along the towpath into the office on a fairly sturdy mountain bike. I knew I would have to fork out on a road bike and new kit as apparently rugby kit would chaff all the areas you would never want chaffed. I have passed through a pretty similar learning and expenditure curve to Peter. Putting things in perspective my bike cost more than my first 2 cars combined although in honesty this says more about my taste in cars than my bike.

Training was progressing nicely until a month ago when the wheels fell off, or at least disappeared. I had just acquired my new road bike and had not even sat on it in anger when I was talked into playing rugby in a local derby league decider which was an enjoyably “tasty” affair compared to our usual timid affairs. Unfortunately I dented my knee quite badly which is still quite swollen. I decided to battle through it and ride into work the following week until Thursday when my mountain bike was stolen from our office car park. I acquired another mountain bike which I assembled Saturday week ago and rode to work on Monday morning. The pedal dropped off on the way home and I was subsequently informed I needed a new crank thingy bobby which was not covered under warranty as I had assembled it incorrectly. In a pathetic moral victory I was informed by the mechanic at Cycle Surgery (we are now on first name terms) I had installed it correctly and the part had failed. However that does not help much and the bike is being fixed to be used next week.

Having re-read the last few paragraphs I sound like a right misery guts which is not quite true. I am enjoying my time on my new road bike and am up to riding just over 3 hours and bar my back, which gets very stiff, my body is holding up quite well. Rear end is coping admirably which may finally be a benefit of what God blessed me with and legs and lungs are fine. In 4 weeks I need to be able to cycle 100miles and if I can get through that in a sensible time I will feel relatively confident.

The questions on my mind are;

What can I do about my back?
Does anyone else get a cold foot?
Which group?
Where do I put my bananas Andrew Burns?
How does one dress?

ps still not comfortable with lycra so photo to follow!

Ooops

A. Should have known. With BBQ's comes a strange golden fizzy liquid that is definitely not compatible with training. Never mind, I will make up for it this week.

Oh what to do

Q. A friend has invited the family over for an Easter Monday BBQ lunch. They live about 40m away, with a fair few big humps en route. Do I cycle there and enjoy the lunch as reward or do I cycle back as punishment for over indulging - again? Or both (Mrs B won't like that one)? Later....

Bank Holiday Riding

Like many others so far this weekend, i've used the extra day(s) holiday to get some more miles into my legs. I started off with a 60 miler on Friday, which I found surprisingly hard. Unfortunately at around the 45 mile mark I well and truly blew up, which was far from fun - the subsequent 15 miles back home was incredibly tough and I had to work hard for each pedal stroke. I'm not sure if it's a lack of miles in my legs, insufficient fluid/calorie intake on the ride or just a bad day in the saddle but it is certainly something I need to nail down pretty quickly. In the past I have had an almost over-active metabolism, so I'm hoping that if I increase the amount I am eating whilst riding, I may be able to survive for longer periods in the saddle. Again, I feel this could be yet another lesson learnt the hard way (despite Andrew's earlier tips)!

On Saturday I decided that a bit of confidence building was in order and rode a shorter 28 mile course. The route was quite an undulating one and it never really allowed me to get into any sort of rhythm. I find these sorts of rides quite useful for building my recovery rate whilst not completely killing my legs and the slightly shorter distance was welcomed. Finally, due to a lack of time, I only managed to get in a short 22 mile ride this morning, although I did get in a relatively long climb on the way. Regardless of Friday, a fun time was had by all this weekend and it's the first time i've ridden 3 days on the trot for a long time. Although I'm definitely feeling it this evening, I'm starting to feel like I'm getting some rhythm and fitness back into my riding. Having said this, I have a sneaking suspicion that taking things to the next level is going to be a bit of a 'sufferfest'!

A nice steady ride in the Surrey Hills followed by too much food

I started Sunday morning on the right track with a steady 80km cycle ride including a few climbs in the Surrey Hills (map and stats below - including HRM data). Then it all went wrong when it came to Sunday lunch - lamb, beef, roast potatoes, parsnips, etc. - the whole works. Finished off with some 'Eton Mess' (picture opposite). Now feeling rather guilty and need another bike ride to burn off the excess calories - oh well, there is always tomorrow!

Untitled by dbpegler at Garmin Connect - Details

Blimey. I had set this weekend out for hard training and so it is. On Friday I decided an undulating 65miler around the County Down coast would do. Thank god for creating beautiful countryside. After about 3 hrs I started to get seriously bored; there's only so much talking to ones self or for that matter the cows over the hedge that can be done before you begin to question your own sanity. But I was saved in two ways. Firstly the 5 miles of road between Castle Ward and Downpatrick - stunning and pretty much all down hill with a tail wind. Thank you very much! Then on the final stretch home a passing tractor did the trick. I managed to get into his slip stream and sailed all but the last mile home in the big ring, fast but worth it!

Today was a different affair altogether. The dreaded Northern Irish weather is doing its best to taunt me. Stiff SW and pretty much all cloud, so on go the leggings and thermal jersey again. Not to be preturbed, a stiff 2hours of hard hill/strength type training ensued, and boy can I feel it. Still concerned that this little jaunt of ours is going to prove more challenging than I expect but in the meantime its the Easter roast that I better worry about. Allez Allez