Peter Land stirs up trouble...

Arrived to check-in at Imber Court – the good news is that the charity had a few spare shirts so I have managed to swap mine for one that fits me. The early bird catches the worm! I had to wait a while to register as the bloke in front of me couldn’t write very well, but what to do as it was Lee Dixon...only joking Lee!

Ready to roll.

Just paid another yet visit to Evans for 'more' kit - this trip is costing me a fortune! At least we are all helping UK retail sales figures

Ahead of L2P the riders have been advised to get as much sleep as possible. Last night was Sally and my Silver Wedding Anniversary and a good night sleep does not normally follow a big party - last night was no exception. Got to bed around midnight after a couple or three too many glasses of fizz, woken at 3.00am by one of my children being not very well, 4.00am by Sally having a sneezing attack and finally at 5am by an email advising me that I have been allocated tickets by the BOA to the women’s 58kg weightlifting – nice!

Off to London this afternoon with Gordie for race registration, pasta party and introduction to the celebrity riders - a few former football and rugby internationals, two motor sport world champions, a tour de france winner and a Paris- Roubaix winner. No pressure then!

The big day is almost upon us and for me, the excitement of yesterday (had to keep my excitement in check in the office) has been replaced by nerves! What will the weather be like, have I done enough training, will 3 days be too much, have I packed enough food, what if I have mechanical issues (i've already replaced my bottom bracket twice and had 3 punctures)!?

Despite this, I can say that I am looking forward to meeting some of the fellow riders that I've only known through email, blog and phone calls. See you all later!

Will Carling to RMAC

This L2P thing has opened my eyes to many new experiences with the newest being twitter which I signed onto last week. Searching L2P I saw many comments from the celebs riding including Will Carling stating he was just about to take part in his last practice run. Now, I was never a huge WC fan. Being a sucessful England rugby captain when Ireland were woeful does not endear yourself to any discerning Irish rugby fan. However I took the plunge and tweeted him and nothing too dergatory either! Lo and behold he replied signing off with "See you next Thursday". With 3 rugby ex internationals, including our very own Andrew, maybe we could organise a game of touch at the end of each day's riding as a warm down? Hold that thought!

I also took a more laid back approach to training this weekend with only a trip to the gym to see if I could find the arms I used to have!(although that could be a blessing given the kit size) However 3 nights watching Wee Rory into the small hours is not ideal prep.

I have been experiencing many emotions for the last week as Dday approaches; nerves and excitement are battling each other and I have to say it's an even fight at the moment. Nervous through fear of failure, which is normal for me and, in all honesty, I am comfortable with as it drives me forward to ensure I bloody don't! Excited as this is the biggest sporting event I have taken part in for many years and it could possibly be the best!

Allez les Dolphins

Peter Land: The last post

Thur 16^th June

Now it is getting silly – many emails between the group on the subject of shaving legs. Obviously it streamlines air resistance and apparently it makes treatment of cuts easier when (if?) you come off. Not for me, thanks, I’m going to try and stay on and so will keep my legs as nature intended. I have however ordered one piece of extra protection, learning from my wet and cold run last weekend - neoprene overshoes, which are posh wellies for cyclists. Hopefully I won’t need them, but I’m not riding for 3 days with freezing cold and wet feet.

Fri 17^th June

The Brewin strip has arrived. It has not been greeted with universal approval – everyone thinks it looks nice, but unfortunately they’ve sent us the one made for a junior school cycling team and our group of ex professional rugby players and middle aged businessmen cannot get into it – or if we can, it’s not easy to get out again. I take it home and get my wife to stop giggling for long enough to take a photo (comments not welcome, thanks);

Sat 18^th June

Heard from my friend who has just completed a similar ride to Paris. He tells me that the middle day took his group 13 hours, “nothing can prepare you for how steep and long the hills are”. Thanks, I wish I hadn’t asked.

Sun 19^th June

My final training weekend and only gentle exercise is recommended, so I trot out for a round trip of 35 miles to take in the village fair near my mother in law. Nice and fast, too, but not really a test as I stopped half way for 3 hours and two pints. Maybe that’s how I should approach the journey later this week?

 Mon 20^th June

Beginning to panic a bit as I haven’t received the overshoes – the supplier is promising to try to get them to me. Too late to worry if they don’t, unless they are prepared to deliver en route. I’m also trying to remember where I have to sign in on Wednesday afternoon, where I’m staying the night before heading off, where I left my Euros, what time train I come home on and not least, where my passport is. Is there anything else?

Tue 21^st June

Last day, last blog. My thoughts now are not really what I would have hoped, eager and excited anticipation, but more crowded with logistical details. How do I keep in touch with my office? Do I take the BlackBerry charger and leave my daughter with an unusable phone, or hope someone else has one I can borrow? Dare I wear the Brewin strip, or the one I know is comfortable? Will Mrs Land have changed the locks on me while I’m away?

Anyway, I can’t go without one big final thanks to my sponsors, who have all been thanked personally and know that their support is what will drive me on. And of course to Tabitha and to Leanne, my pit girls who between them have organised me and got me to the start line. Now I’ll try to get to the finish!

The new kit - why me?

I was holding back on the photos hoping one of my keen team mates would be first to publish some pictures of the stylish, albeit slim-fit, Brewin Dolphin sponsored cycling kit.

All day I waited but no one took the plunge. So here goes - I am going to embarrass myself once again. Sasha's bribe was also a factor - what I will do for a bit of sponsorship - I am so cheap!

So please find a few photos for your amusement, including one of the carbon 'Ribble Gran Fondo' stallion, which has recently been pimped up with some new white/red bar tape - matching the new kit of course!

P.S. Sorry about the hairy legs - I know I aspire to be a 'proper' cyclist but I just can't make the leap to the fully aero look!

It's the final countdown!

 V Nayak

Three days to go, £24,000 raised, ten beautiful kits have arrived, twenty legs ready to ride to Paris?

Panic, blind panic

3 days to go.

These are my thoughts:

No bike bag yet, though probably getting it tonight
Kit has only just arrived
Still deciding what food to bring.
What if the airline pilots go on strike
What if my wheels get buckled on the plane
Haven't done enough miles(?) probably.
What if Mrs B goes into labour a) in the next two days or worse b) when I am away?

Neither of the last two are really worth thinking about, are they?

Also, How much pasta is it safe to eat in three days. Is 1kg/day too much!?

Relaxed - I will be when I get to London.

See you all on Wednesday.

Dont forget your passport!!!!!!!!

Advice from one of the Ride Captains on 'tapering' your training

This subject came up at the end of the training ride on Sunday. The ride captain was quite clear that you could not improve your fitness in any way between now and the start of the event and all that was required was some gentle maintenance - shorter easy rides and spinning. Some interval training may be of some benefit but nothing hard core - just alternating easy spins with slightly faster spins. If you are considering cross-training swimming is the preference over running, which is now best avoided.

His recommendations were also to get plenty of sleep, lots of recovery and make good nutritional choices - lots of pasta and quality carbs, no red meat after Monday, some vitamins and limit the alcohol content (keeping well hydrated).

During this phase it is sensible to spend some time servicing the bike and preparing lists for items you are going to take for the event. This process reduces the stress and last minute panic.

I hope that helps - enjoy the taper!

What to do with 8 days to go?

My coaching experience is limited but the advice I have received in the past means I am doing the following, which is similar to your plans Stephen. The main difference being I have no after hours work commitments this week and so I can afford the time. Put another way, if I were Stephen Jones this week, I would do exactly what Stephen Jones is doing.

With one week to go I am trying to avoid overly strenuous rides, but doing some training. Time permitting I will try and get out for at least 4 spins and incorporating one longer but gentle 2-3 hour ride. The point being that you will not build any more event beneficial stamina in one week and also bearing in mind the objective is to arrive at the start line with loose limbs, no injuries or illnesses and as little stress as possible.

Similarly, what you do and how well rested you are will depend on all of your commitments, work, sporting and family in conjunction with the training volume you have already put in. The worst mistake you could make now is starting the event over trained and tired - trust me, been there got the t-shirt and it is truly demoralising.

You will also find that if you have been training and provided you recover well, you will ride yourself into the event and the third day may bizarrely seem the easiest!

Summary - do what suits you and keep yourself well, because there is no point in knackering yourself between now and next Thursday.

What should I be doing with 8 days to go?

Respect to those who ventured out in the rain over the weekend!
I managed a quick 25m with some friends on Saturday morning and was planning on doing my last long run on Sunday. However, torrential rain kept me indoors where I had a very lazy day that included watching the excellent Montreal Grand Prix.
Four evening work commitments this week means that I will only ride to work on one day and I am now starting to wonder whether I have done enough. Silly really as I know that I probably have but when my plans and routine are disrupted some self-doubt starts to creep in. Furthermore, my road bike is being serviced in a few days time ahead of L2P so I probably won't get out again this weekend.
When I have run marathons in the past I have tended not to do anything for a week or two before the event - nothing worse than injuring yourself and not being able to participate in the event you have trained so hard for.
Can any of the more experienced colleagues confirm that I am right to be adopting a similar 'lazy' approach ahead of L2P? If not any advice on what I should be doing would be appreciated.

Regards

Yikes - 10 days to go!

How did that happen. Last time I looked we had six weeks left and lots of time to get in some big miles! Maybe its just the persistently inclement weather - no sarcasm please Gordie! - fooling me into thinking we are still in March. That said, I did a 70miler yesterday (Sunday) up through the Glens of Antrim to Cushendun and I actually had to stop and take my leg warmers off!

Yesterdays spin comes after two pretty lean weeks, the last bank holiday weekend saw me do 4 hours on each of the three days but I only looked at the bike once in between then and yesterday. But what a way to get going again. Though the mileage was not anywhere near the full 100, the terrain is some of the hardest in Northern Ireland. Up and down constantly with at least four climbs of around five miles and varying gradients. My descending skills were well tested too which was great fun, though the manure and gravel on some the bends not so welcome. I was delighted to be met by the family at the end of the spin (we were having a day out Mrs B's sister and her family) with a glass of wine and a table, yes a table, not plate of food.

Do I feel confident? Yes and no! I think we will all get round, but have no doubt that we will all suffer at various points, but hopefully the camaraderie and caffeine gels will take effect!


Peter - If you managed 100m on your own yesterday in those pretty awful conditions I don't think you are going to have too many problems getting round, and I wouldn't get too worried about the speed, it really is much easier in a big group.

Peter Land's training diary: 'his bike cost more than my car'

Image © Jason Munn

Wed 1^st June

Blimey what have I done? I feel stupid and unsure, confident it’s the right thing, but nervous that I’ll make an even bigger fool of myself.

It was like this; the Brewin ‘team’ all registered to ride in the speed group they individually thought, mainly three and four (of five). I of course registered in five as that’s the slowest and this isn’t a race, just an ordeal. Then chatter started between them that we should all ride in the same group in order to support each other, etc. and they decided to go for group four; probably too easy for some but they thought they could always trade up after the first day if it was too boring for them. I kept quiet as there’s no way I’m moving from group five, I need all the help I can get.

On Saturday, I met up with a friend who is a triathlete, he must be good because his bike cost more than my car and we did 42 miles at a good pace. Fitness was great, tired but I could have gone on, except for my knee, which was extremely painful and it is obvious I will need to control that if I am to do over 100 miles a day. Then the cycling club got in touch with me, thanks for my message (they obviously hadn’t been aware how miserable I was at the time!) and would I like to join them tomorrow? So on Sunday I swallowed what is apparently the strongest painkiller from the medicine box at home and met them in a local car park. It was… strange. Three chaps, none particularly fit or ambitious, obviously just out for a social cycle at what I found to be a gentle pace. I ended up doing 36 miles but rather slowly. The main discovery was – almost no pain. Feeling like that I could have kept going for ages more. So today, full of confidence from the weekend’s experiences, I too have moved myself up to group four and am now feeling very unsure of the wisdom of that. I hope I can keep up - help!

Sun 5^th June

Arranged to meet a friend who cycles on a mountain bike – I did this once before and it’s easy for me, on my road bike, so I set off all confident and happy, if a little tired as it’s stupidly early for a Sunday morning. Unfortunately, he rang me when I was a few yards from the house and cried off, so I had to organise my own route and headed off on a familiar one that takes in a few Hertfordshire hills but nothing too onerous. Then decided to divert over to where I know there’s a ford as for some reason I felt like riding through one and haven’t done so for about 40 years. That went okay, surprisingly slippery but I stayed on. I ended up doing 42 miles in wind at over 16 mph, which is a fair lick and was surprised how tired I felt after. Forgot my painkillers too, won’t do that again…

Wed 8^th June

It really is all go now – getting the charity’s riding kit and Brewin Dolphin’s today. I suspect I’ll still ride in my own but not for 3 days, I’m not that disgusting, but having spent a fortune (see 28^th Feb) for the super duper ones I’m blowed if I’m trading down to cheap ones, I’m determined to look the part of the professional, at least until anyone sees me actually get on the bike.

Mon 13^th June

Today was supposed to be a day of triumph. Having signed up for a ride of 128 miles over the highest points in five counties (yes there are hills in East Anglia, albeit quite small ones), I have instead to report growing confusion, doubt and disillusionment.

The story of the day is long but the quicker version is that I set off really early, on my own, two hours ahead of the proper ride as I had to get back to greet family visitors. The weather was horrendous, gusting rain all day. The roads were tough and in British condition. The painkillers worked – up to a point, but I will have to work out something better I think – and the leg muscles held out for what I did. The problem however is that I was so slow, averaging 12 mph, I had to cut the ride short at just over 100 miles as I ran out of time. Could I have finished? Yes, I think so. Could I have gone faster? Possibly, had I better painkillers and a group to set the pace for me. Could I have gone faster and finished? Dunno. Could I get back on a bike today? Yes, but I know I’d be far worse that yesterday, and that wasn’t good enough. Hence, as I said, doubt and confusion. Can’t wait for this all to be over.

Good Weeks Training

I ended up with 2 punctures and very wet feet this weekend, but had an enjoyable couple of days riding nonetheless. I used Saturday to get some bigger miles in my legs over what i thought was a fairly flat course - kudos to David for finding the flatest cycling route in the UK - and completed a 70-odd-mile round trip from my parent's house in Beverley to York. Given the weather and said puncture I thought it was a fairly decent pace and it will hopefully allow me to keep up with the peleton.

As I'm sure is the case with most of the country, the weather was miserable again today, but I managed to get a quick 20 miles in before the heavens well and truly opened. All in all I've had quite a good week, getting a solid 9 hours riding in, which is the most I've done for quite a while. I hope everyone else has had a good weekend and safe riding to all in the final full week of training!

L2P training - Spring Ride - It was wet!

This morning I joined Geoff and a good number of the L2P cyclists for the last of the Spring training rides. Geoff wanted to ride with Group 4 as he had a heavy week but encouraged me to have a go with Group 3.

In the end Group 2 and 3 rode together for the first 40km. As the weather was so miserable it was decided to stay away from the hills and concentrate on some interval training on the flat. For the most part I felt comfortable in Group 2/3 riding at about 30km/h in the group and up to 35-40km/h for the 3-min harder interval sessions.

After 40km I decided to stick with the Group 3 riders. We did a nice circuit of the very smooth Dorney lake complex (Eton College) and then made our way back at a steady 28-30km/h. For the last 25-30 mins we were encouraged to spin our legs at a relatively easy pace.

The ride was cut short and we were the first group back - all rather wet but just happy to get out on the bike.

You will find a link to my stats below (Garmin Connect) - I stayed around mid-pack for the majority of the ride.

Untitled by dbpegler at Garmin Connect - Details

Lamballe Megasportive 2011

Untitled by l2pstuart at Garmin Connect - Details

Fourteen of us travelled over on the 'fast' ferry Friday evening to St Malo. The 'fast' ferry was once again running slow with only 3 of its 4 engines working, and the three that were at two thirds power. Our plans were going wrong already. The idea was to have arrived at our hotel 10 miles from Lamballe, and enjoy a pasta meal followed by an 'earlyish' night. I was fortunately in the car without bikes on top, so 5 of us arrived at the hotel 21:45 (French Time). We just managed to get a table before the restaurant nearby closed, but the others were not so lucky, and had to resort to a late night Chinese. We enjoyed a fine meal washed down with a couple of bottles of red wine (not recommended), but as the other 4 were all in their twenties I did not want to be classed as the old man(despite being referred to as dad) so joined in. We eventually met the others and all went to bed at just after midnight, with alarms set at 05:30 for breakfast at 06:00. So much for a good nights rest. It gets worse! Not that any of us slept properly but at 04:30 I heard someone running down the hallway, out of the fire escape and down the metal stairway outside. Some 15 minutes later the fire alarm went off. Although not asleep, the desire to evacuate was only considered briefly. Several minutes later I opened the door to check. No smell of burning and no other activity. Was this a cunning plan to make sure we got up? The alarm finally fell silent just after 5am by which time it seemed pointless to go back to bed, so we all agreed to get ready and load all the bikes back onto the racks etc before breakfast. The plan was to set off about 6:30/45 to allow plenty of time to arrive at the check in. We arrived at Lamballe and followed the signs to the race start. The car park was empty with no other cyclists in sight. Did we have the right day? We found a poster outside the Velo Sport Club and breathed a sigh of relief. We were early as the race was due to start at 08:45. An official approached and advised that the main area was 200m away around the corner. We were early but at least we were near the start. Weather was cool but dry and only a light breeze. We were soon joined by 1000+ cyclists of all abilities as there were several routes. Starting close to the the back it took nearly 10Km before we could safely settle down without being hindered by others. The course was extremely well signposted with Marshall's at every junction to stop traffic and wave us through. We even had motorcycle escorts at various points. The more serious racers in our party had managed to get to the front of the lead peleton which was very fortunate as there was a massive pile up involving about 40 cyclists! Out top rider came second overall although there were doubts over whether the French energy gels etc were SIS or something altogether stronger!! Our group of 5 managed to stick together for the whole race although we were were joined by several French riders throughout the morning. We did however suggest that they took turns to lead the group which they did without question. Although we stopped briefly at the the second feed station our French guests carried on. With only 30km to go we all agreed that our target was to complete the course in under 5 hours. Flowers watered, and enough time to top up drinks and fuel up we were off in pursuit. We eventually caught the French riders ahead of us and with 10km to go Ian gave the signal to take whatever energy gels we had left. Whether psychological or not we stepped up a gear and managed to pull away arriving with a minute to spare.

All told we had a great day and were very fortunate to have near perfect conditions. Looking out of the window today it could all have been very different!

No cycling this weekend - Boo!

Unfortunately my chain snapped on Friday during my commute in to work (luckily only 2 minutes from the office) and I am awaiting a suitable Campagnolo chainlink - not that easy to get unless you order on-line. So with no cycling over the weekend I concentrated on some swimming and running.

Saturday was an 3.8km Ironman swim down the River Arun, which I completed in 1 hour and 8 mins (fortunately swimming with the tide - very fast flowing river). Please excuse my picture which is not that complimentary but just to prove I look even worse in rubber than I do in lycra!

Sunday was a nice and easy, albeit hilly, 17km run over the Downs.

If all goes to plan I should be back on my bike and ready for the last of the L2P sportive rides on Sunday 12th.

Just also to mention that I saw Geoff last Thursday evening when he kindly attended a 'Links of London' shopping and networking event we organised down in Brighton. We also used the opportunity to raise a few hundred pounds for the GTF Charity.

The weekend that was

Put in my first proper rides in 2 and a half weeks this weekend and boy did it feel good! Although the enforced rest wasn't helpful from a training point of view, it seems to have done my body some good. I've managed to post some of my quickest average speeds this weekend and although only over shorter distances of 20 and 35 miles, it all felt reasonably ok.

Stephen - on the Garmin, my Dad's did the same a few weeks back. Go to the following link:

http://www8.garmin.com/products/webupdater/howtoinstall.jsp

Install the software and making sure your Edge is connected to the computer, run the updater which should provide you with the latest software - seemed to work for me anyway.

This weekends rides below:

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/90441353

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/90441336

Club run to Stourport on Severn

No riding on Saturday as I discovered that my rear tyre had split after the sportive last weekend and I didn't have a spare to put on. On Sunday I met up with my club and joined the B group ride out to Stourport in Worcestershire. It was a 70 mile trip and we covered the ground at a very comfortable 16 mph. Having ridden most of the last 3 weekends on my own and over long distances I had forgotten the benefits of group riding particularly on windy days and today's run was pretty easy and I felt I could have gone faster. On the way back it got a bit lumpy and we had to keep slowing to wait for laggards until 5 of us broke away with about 20 miles to go and we were able to pick up the speed up. I found myself riding with a guy on a brand new Madone 6.9 (nice bike) and it was very satisfying when I beat him to the top of every hill. Whilst I didn't enjoy last weekends sportive it obviously did me some good and I felt very confident on the hills today. Cycling to work is also helping as is the weight loss over the last month as the miles have gone up. I now have 10lbs less to pull up the hills!

I was going to post my Garmin report of the ride today but for some reason at the half way point the map showed me cycling out over the Atlantic, across Central America and half way across the Pacific before turning back to record my journey home. All very strange!

Training

Hi Guys

I hope all is going well with your training for the L2P2011. Gordie has already filled you in with our effort of completing 100 miles for the first time this year. We could blame poor signage but with 500 people completing the route with no problem perhaps we should just put it down to experience (a bad one).... still it was a good challenge in difficult conditions with the wind being so strong . Gordie still looked strong after 6 1/2 hrs cycling and map reading and Stephen Jones looked fresh when we met him at the finishing line. Probably the only time we were on the correct route !!!

I intend to ride the last Spring ride on the 12th, so if anybody can make it, I look forward to seeing you there....

Geoff