Yesterday I got an offer from Gizzajob that I couldn't refuse - an evening ride in beautiful sunshine, so I decided to do that instead of riding this morning. Getting out of bed early whilst the kids are off school is very unappealling!
We did Norwood Edge again, mainly because G wanted to test the "previous course" feature of his shiny new Garmin.
Slightly slower than Monday, but we weren't really trying that hard.
No more riding before Sunday now. I've done 79 miles since Monday, so with Sunday's 116 added into that it's going to be an impressive total for this week! If I cycle to Otley for the start then I'll go over 200 for the week - now there's a thought...
Thursday, 5 June 2008
Wednesday, 4 June 2008
Big turn out
Fantastic to see 10 riders out last night - last minute WRC preparation I guess. Fortunately the rain had just about stopped by 7:30pm (started 10:30pm Monday night), but the roads were still quite wet. The ride was a brisk 31 miles round Skyreholme, Hartlington and back via Burnsall. I worked myself pretty hard especially from Burnsall back to Beamsley. Then came the inevitable shout of "Langbar anyone". This time the call was answered, so 6 out of 10 of us set off upwards. I found the steep ramp very difficult. My legs were screaming after setting the pace on the front since Burnsall, but once that section was over and I got onto the final part of the climb I seemed to jump very quickly ahead of the final 3 (2 were already over the top).
Stats: 31 miles, ride time 2hr 00, avg 15.3mph, ascent 3700 feet
Stats: 31 miles, ride time 2hr 00, avg 15.3mph, ascent 3700 feet
Monday, 2 June 2008
Almost a week off
Couldn't go out yesterday due to my wife being ill. A shame but you can't do anything about those kind of things.
She's feeling better today, so once the kids were ready for bed I took up Gizzajob's offer of a Monday evening ride and set off round Norwood Edge once again. Tonight felt quite a bit quicker than last Tuesday, but then I've had 6 days rest, so no surprises really. We were round easily in about 1hr 23mins, including a fast 2up along the river back into Ilkley.
Hopefully tomorrow's heavy rain will ease up before the evening so I can get out again. Then I think I'll try to ride on Thursday morning, and nothing else before the WRC on Sunday.
She's feeling better today, so once the kids were ready for bed I took up Gizzajob's offer of a Monday evening ride and set off round Norwood Edge once again. Tonight felt quite a bit quicker than last Tuesday, but then I've had 6 days rest, so no surprises really. We were round easily in about 1hr 23mins, including a fast 2up along the river back into Ilkley.
Hopefully tomorrow's heavy rain will ease up before the evening so I can get out again. Then I think I'll try to ride on Thursday morning, and nothing else before the WRC on Sunday.
Saturday, 31 May 2008
Nothin' doin'
Not ridden since Tuesday night. Had a day in London on Thursday and felt rough Friday and this morning. Feeling better now so will go out tomorrow for the long ride. See how it goes...
Wednesday, 28 May 2008
Wet, but no rain
Turned up last night at 7:30pm for the regular Earlybirds Tuesday night ride, expecting a large turn out after last weeks record breaking 12, but I was alone. It was grey but it wasn't raining, so where the hell was everybody? Anyway as I was on my own I decided against the published route and did Norwood Edge instead to get some hills in (as usual). My legs were a little stiff from the previous days epic, but they soon got going. I'm still persevering with the high cadence training, and it seems to be working. I'm pushing quite hard on the flat/rolling terrain, and using a low gear, high cadence on the ascents proper. The tops of Norwood Edge and Askwith Moor were both in the low cloud so I ended up getting a proper soaking without it actually raining - was nice and cooling. No crazy descents though as the roads were pretty greasy.
Stats: 24.5 miles, 1hr 32, so 16mph average, and 2200 feet of ascent.
I'm quite pleased with that.
Stats: 24.5 miles, 1hr 32, so 16mph average, and 2200 feet of ascent.
I'm quite pleased with that.
Tuesday, 27 May 2008
Scary...
So here is the Memory-Map profile of yesterday's ride
And here is an approximation of the 2008 Etape du Tour route.
The vertical scales are equal! Wow that's some climb.
And here is an approximation of the 2008 Etape du Tour route.
The vertical scales are equal! Wow that's some climb.
Monday, 26 May 2008
Windy Bank Holiday
Big ride today - a reprise of the 75 mile amended White Rose medium route I missed out on a week last Saturday. 5 set off - the usual 4 joined by none other than top cyclosport blogger Earthdreamer! The wind was always going to be a factor though, as it was blowing a gale - literally and from the NE too.
The early section taking in Askwith, West End and Greenhow was taken fairly steadily by all, then we were blown at high speed into Grassington. I clocked 52mph on one of the descents. That's the fastest that the current bike computer has ever seen. We then turned up Wharfedale and then off up the northern side of Littondale. The wind was gusting and swirling all around in Littondale. Whilst we headed in a constant north westerly direction the wind was behind us, a headwind and cross wind at various points on the road. Gizzajob turned at Arncliffe to head back down as he was feeling rough from a boozy weekend, so that left 4. The wind assisted climb out of Halton Gill seemed very easy, and was followed by a glorious section beneath the ever dark and gloomy Pen-y-ghent. My spirits were lifted as last time on this road I was suffering greatly.
Unfortunately this was the last of the tailwind. Once we had turned off to head back towards Malham and home we would be heading east pretty much the whole time. There was a brief stop in Malham to fill water bottles then off again.
I usually dislike the section between Malham and Wharfedale, but it didn't seem so bad today, even into that wind. The others were clearly starting to leave me behind at this point, certainly on the climbs, but I still had enough to get back with them after the summits.
Once back into Wharfedale I was starting to ache, but still going. A time check at Appletreewick revealed that it was just after 11am, so I was going to be back home by noon, and that was very pleasing. We skipped Langbar at the end, but I think we had made up for this by battling the wind for the last 30 miles.
When I got home I was greeted by a surprised "I wasn't expecting you back so soon" to which I replied "I wasn't expecting to be back so soon!".
Overall a very pleasing 75 miles in 5 hours. According to the computer, ride time was 4:52, and moving average 15.5 - excellent work.
The early section taking in Askwith, West End and Greenhow was taken fairly steadily by all, then we were blown at high speed into Grassington. I clocked 52mph on one of the descents. That's the fastest that the current bike computer has ever seen. We then turned up Wharfedale and then off up the northern side of Littondale. The wind was gusting and swirling all around in Littondale. Whilst we headed in a constant north westerly direction the wind was behind us, a headwind and cross wind at various points on the road. Gizzajob turned at Arncliffe to head back down as he was feeling rough from a boozy weekend, so that left 4. The wind assisted climb out of Halton Gill seemed very easy, and was followed by a glorious section beneath the ever dark and gloomy Pen-y-ghent. My spirits were lifted as last time on this road I was suffering greatly.
Unfortunately this was the last of the tailwind. Once we had turned off to head back towards Malham and home we would be heading east pretty much the whole time. There was a brief stop in Malham to fill water bottles then off again.
I usually dislike the section between Malham and Wharfedale, but it didn't seem so bad today, even into that wind. The others were clearly starting to leave me behind at this point, certainly on the climbs, but I still had enough to get back with them after the summits.
Once back into Wharfedale I was starting to ache, but still going. A time check at Appletreewick revealed that it was just after 11am, so I was going to be back home by noon, and that was very pleasing. We skipped Langbar at the end, but I think we had made up for this by battling the wind for the last 30 miles.
When I got home I was greeted by a surprised "I wasn't expecting you back so soon" to which I replied "I wasn't expecting to be back so soon!".
Overall a very pleasing 75 miles in 5 hours. According to the computer, ride time was 4:52, and moving average 15.5 - excellent work.
Saturday, 24 May 2008
Speedy Saturday
Earlybirds standard Burnsall this morning. Five riders and a cracking pace. 26 miles in an hour and a half. Got back feeling pretty good. Possibly my good mood was enhanced by the prospect of tonight away from the kids...
No long ride this week, but have done 81 in total and they all felt like good quality miles (whatever that means)
No long ride this week, but have done 81 in total and they all felt like good quality miles (whatever that means)
Thursday, 22 May 2008
More hills
I was feeling pretty buoyed up by last nights exertions so I decided to go for another hilly ride tonight. Didn't have as much time as yesterday so decided on a 15 miler. Climbed up to Langbar from Ilkley via Carter's Lane. It's a pretty long climb but divided up into stages. Again I was in the mood for pushing hard and still felt pretty good at the top. Descended rapidly (unusual) to Beamsley then to the roundabout and back to Addingham. This stretch has a long straight with a very slight descent and it seemed sensible here to get into the big ring, adopt a tuck position and fly down the road at high speed. Wow that was a blast - adrenalin pumping - I was going at 28-30mph most of the way. Once in the village it was right turn and off up the long drag then Turner Lane to Addingham Moorside. A good climb that I really enjoy. There is a fantastic vista when you reach the top and turn left to head back down to Ilkley. Then I did a fast descent again and pushed hard in the last three quarters of a mile back home. Got round in 57 minutes, so over the 15.9 miles I averaged 16.7mph, which I am really quite proud of. Resting tomorrow, riding Saturday morning, hopefully there will be a few riders out.
Wednesday, 21 May 2008
Up and down
No Wednesday morning ride, but a very up and down Wednesday evening ride instead.
25 miles and the first 3 quarters either up or down - nothing inbetween.
Route was: Cocking Lane to Addingham Moorside, down to Silsden, then Bradley Road (which doesn't go to Bradley but is a good climb), left at the top onto Heights Lane and then descend to Bradley. Climb out of Bradley over to Farnhill, then climb again back over to Silsden. Then the main road to Addingham - this was to see how a longish 7% climb feels like. It's about 1.5 miles from the bottom to the turn-off, then another mile mostly uphill over Silsden Moor, so I turned left at the top and went over Silsden Moor to Draughton. Down through the village, short section on A59 then Halton East, Bolton Abbey and big ring back to Ilkley the usual way.
A good route for training I think.
Anyway the point was to feel the 7% drag. Went up on 39-21 and 23, fairly high cadence, averaging about 9-9.5 mph. Won't go this fast on the Tourmalet, but on tonights short climb my heart rate didn't go out of control. Pushed fairly hard the rest of the way, and very hard on the final leg. Then went round to Gizzajob's house to help him move a washing machine. Turned out it was down narrow steep stairs to his cellar, so a bit of an upper body and back workout too.
25 miles and the first 3 quarters either up or down - nothing inbetween.
Route was: Cocking Lane to Addingham Moorside, down to Silsden, then Bradley Road (which doesn't go to Bradley but is a good climb), left at the top onto Heights Lane and then descend to Bradley. Climb out of Bradley over to Farnhill, then climb again back over to Silsden. Then the main road to Addingham - this was to see how a longish 7% climb feels like. It's about 1.5 miles from the bottom to the turn-off, then another mile mostly uphill over Silsden Moor, so I turned left at the top and went over Silsden Moor to Draughton. Down through the village, short section on A59 then Halton East, Bolton Abbey and big ring back to Ilkley the usual way.
A good route for training I think.
Anyway the point was to feel the 7% drag. Went up on 39-21 and 23, fairly high cadence, averaging about 9-9.5 mph. Won't go this fast on the Tourmalet, but on tonights short climb my heart rate didn't go out of control. Pushed fairly hard the rest of the way, and very hard on the final leg. Then went round to Gizzajob's house to help him move a washing machine. Turned out it was down narrow steep stairs to his cellar, so a bit of an upper body and back workout too.
Monday, 19 May 2008
Icy windscreen
Missed the Saturday long ride due to my daughter being sick Friday night, so I was awake at 2:30am then not asleep again at all. Didn't really think this was the best preparation for a 75 mile hilly ride! Gutted about missing it but these things happen.
Went to the school summer ball on Saturday evening and caught up with a couple of the riders. Sounded like they had a good ride despite missing a turn-off and going down a big hill they then had to re-ascend. Certainly seems to have galvanised a couple of long/medium white rose waiverers into the long route.
Didn't ride Sunday due to 2 nights of very little sleep, but finally got out on the new improved bike this morning. Just the usual Cavendish and back, but with a larger than usual Monday turn-out of 4. There was ice on the windscreen of a car on the church turning circle near the meeting point, and quite a lot of frost on the golf course shaded areas. A little unexpected maybe for 19 May. Anyway the bike felt good and smooth, but I still need to adjust my riding position - it's not quite there yet. Felt ok this morning, a bit tired, but I'm sure that's due to the weekend shenanigans.
I'm away working in Liverpool tomorrow so no riding. I'll do Wednesday morning, maybe Wednesday evening, and Thursday morning. Will definitely go long on Thursday if I don't ride Wednesday evening. Plan to ride Saturday morning, before we go away for the weekend. So that should give me a good total for the week.
Went to the school summer ball on Saturday evening and caught up with a couple of the riders. Sounded like they had a good ride despite missing a turn-off and going down a big hill they then had to re-ascend. Certainly seems to have galvanised a couple of long/medium white rose waiverers into the long route.
Didn't ride Sunday due to 2 nights of very little sleep, but finally got out on the new improved bike this morning. Just the usual Cavendish and back, but with a larger than usual Monday turn-out of 4. There was ice on the windscreen of a car on the church turning circle near the meeting point, and quite a lot of frost on the golf course shaded areas. A little unexpected maybe for 19 May. Anyway the bike felt good and smooth, but I still need to adjust my riding position - it's not quite there yet. Felt ok this morning, a bit tired, but I'm sure that's due to the weekend shenanigans.
I'm away working in Liverpool tomorrow so no riding. I'll do Wednesday morning, maybe Wednesday evening, and Thursday morning. Will definitely go long on Thursday if I don't ride Wednesday evening. Plan to ride Saturday morning, before we go away for the weekend. So that should give me a good total for the week.
Friday, 16 May 2008
Lemond makes a comeback
Not Greg, but my bike - hoorah!
Only the frame and fork remain from the original eBay purchase now.
I am very much looking forward to riding it tomorrow. Have made a minor saddle adjustment to attempt to alleviate the aching sit-bones problem I get after 30 miles or so. Will report back on results, though I don't hold out much hope.
Only the frame and fork remain from the original eBay purchase now.
I am very much looking forward to riding it tomorrow. Have made a minor saddle adjustment to attempt to alleviate the aching sit-bones problem I get after 30 miles or so. Will report back on results, though I don't hold out much hope.
Thursday, 15 May 2008
Thursday morning quickie
Slotted in a quick ride this morning. Barden Bridge and back. I was reading a blog yesterday discussing the merits of high cadence training, so I gave that a go this morning. I don't have a cadence monitor so I attempted to gauge it manually. Basically I pedalled faster than I normally do in a lower gear and seemed to achieve a similar speed. Results of the experiment are inconclusive, though I could feel a certain amount of tiredness in my legs from the previous evenings exertions I think the lower gears/higher cadence kept this to a minimum. Anyway 19 miles covered, fairly briskly, feeling pretty good. Forgot the cadence thing on the last minor climb and sprinted in a high gear - wheeeeeeeee!
The Lemond is being picked up tomorrow and I'm looking forward to getting it back - I'm fed up of people telling me that "steel is real" - whatever that means. So I'll be able to test out the new gear on Saturday's long ride.
Also final Etape payment made this week, so it's all systems go now.
The Lemond is being picked up tomorrow and I'm looking forward to getting it back - I'm fed up of people telling me that "steel is real" - whatever that means. So I'll be able to test out the new gear on Saturday's long ride.
Also final Etape payment made this week, so it's all systems go now.
Wednesday, 14 May 2008
Wednesday nighter
Slipped in a quickie tonight. The old staple Barden - Embsay. Just 2 riders, myself and Gizzajob. Beautiful sunset over Barden Moor, but a little on the chilly side. At least that's kicked off the cycling week for me. 24 miles so far...
Planning a long ride on Saturday - a modified White Rose Classic medium route. We are going to miss out the Otley - Norwood Edge bit and go up from Askwith instead. Cuts out a bit of distance, but none of the climbing. Then we'll go up the road on the north side of Littondale, much better than the other side. Probably won't do Langbar at the end - see how we feel, eh? Looks to be about 73 miles. I'll ring the bike shop tomorrow to make sure the Lemond will be ready by then.
Will try and do another ride tomorrow to keep the mileage above 100 for the week.
Planning a long ride on Saturday - a modified White Rose Classic medium route. We are going to miss out the Otley - Norwood Edge bit and go up from Askwith instead. Cuts out a bit of distance, but none of the climbing. Then we'll go up the road on the north side of Littondale, much better than the other side. Probably won't do Langbar at the end - see how we feel, eh? Looks to be about 73 miles. I'll ring the bike shop tomorrow to make sure the Lemond will be ready by then.
Will try and do another ride tomorrow to keep the mileage above 100 for the week.
Tuesday, 13 May 2008
Where in the world is Harry Quinn?
Flippin' heck! It's Tuesday evening and I haven't ridden since Saturday morning. What's going on?
Well I thought I had a good week last week with my 113 miles, but it appears everyone else is doing twice as much. Well I say everyone else, but what I really mean is Gizzajob is doing twice as much.
I've got a pretty heavy workload this week, and a sick wife, so it's going to be hard to reach 100 miles, nevermind 200. Hopefully doing 65ish on Saturday, but only if J is better I guess.
Well I thought I had a good week last week with my 113 miles, but it appears everyone else is doing twice as much. Well I say everyone else, but what I really mean is Gizzajob is doing twice as much.
I've got a pretty heavy workload this week, and a sick wife, so it's going to be hard to reach 100 miles, nevermind 200. Hopefully doing 65ish on Saturday, but only if J is better I guess.
Saturday, 10 May 2008
Saturday classic
Today was the "classic" Saturday ride of Appletreewick - Burnsall. Still riding the old bike for that extra training benefit!
4 riders out this morning; me, Richard, Oliver and newbie Jeremy.
Richard was still hurting a bit after crashing the previous Sunday on "that" corner coming down from Nesfield back into Ilkley. He was also very tentative downhill despite gorgeous sunshine and perfectly dry roads. Can't blame him really - I was the same for weeks after my crash.
Anyway the pace was pleasant on the way out, but got quicker on the return leg, with a bit of a gap opening up between the pairings me/Jeremy and Richard/Oliver. Whilst not a regular earlybird rider or a weekender he apparently commutes to work by bike 4 times a week and he works in Dewsbury - crikey!
A good week for me (I think)
Tues: 30 miles
Thurs: 57 miles
Sat: 26 miles
Total: 113 miles
Going to try and do more next week.
Hopefully the Lemond will be back in service.
4 riders out this morning; me, Richard, Oliver and newbie Jeremy.
Richard was still hurting a bit after crashing the previous Sunday on "that" corner coming down from Nesfield back into Ilkley. He was also very tentative downhill despite gorgeous sunshine and perfectly dry roads. Can't blame him really - I was the same for weeks after my crash.
Anyway the pace was pleasant on the way out, but got quicker on the return leg, with a bit of a gap opening up between the pairings me/Jeremy and Richard/Oliver. Whilst not a regular earlybird rider or a weekender he apparently commutes to work by bike 4 times a week and he works in Dewsbury - crikey!
A good week for me (I think)
Tues: 30 miles
Thurs: 57 miles
Sat: 26 miles
Total: 113 miles
Going to try and do more next week.
Hopefully the Lemond will be back in service.
Thursday, 8 May 2008
Return to Cove Road
With very little possibility of long weekend rides this month I thought I'd better do something about it, so went this morning instead. Earlybird set off at 06:30 - 2 others in attendence for a Thursday morning Langbar. I carried on after the Cavendish up the back road to Appletreewick - Hebden - Arncliffe - Malham - Hetton - Paps of Thorpe - Burnsall - home. 57 miles and 5700 feet of climb which is not bad for a Thursday morning!
Climbing out of Arncliffe was quite a challenge as I am still riding the old bike, but it'll do me good I'm sure.
I love the section from Arncliffe to Malham. The countryside is stunning and it feels very remote. It was especially beautiful this morning in the sunshine with clear blue skies.
Then I came to the end of that section and had the descent of Cove Road into Malham to face, the site of my spectacular crash early last September when the rim of my front wheel snapped. Today was the first time I've been down there since, and I have to admit to feeling pretty nervous about it. Even though I've been down much steeper descents since (Hardknott for example) this one felt scarier. Got down ok, glad I was on my own though, as I took it very gingerly especially at crash corner.
After that there was a strengthening easterly wind which made that unpleasant up and down section between Airton and Hetton just that little bit worse.
Anyway here are some photos:
Burnsall bridge
Lower Littondale
Upper Littondale
Climb out of Arncliffe
Limestone causeway above Malham Cove
Climbing out of Arncliffe was quite a challenge as I am still riding the old bike, but it'll do me good I'm sure.
I love the section from Arncliffe to Malham. The countryside is stunning and it feels very remote. It was especially beautiful this morning in the sunshine with clear blue skies.
Then I came to the end of that section and had the descent of Cove Road into Malham to face, the site of my spectacular crash early last September when the rim of my front wheel snapped. Today was the first time I've been down there since, and I have to admit to feeling pretty nervous about it. Even though I've been down much steeper descents since (Hardknott for example) this one felt scarier. Got down ok, glad I was on my own though, as I took it very gingerly especially at crash corner.
After that there was a strengthening easterly wind which made that unpleasant up and down section between Airton and Hetton just that little bit worse.
Anyway here are some photos:
Burnsall bridge
Lower Littondale
Upper Littondale
Climb out of Arncliffe
Limestone causeway above Malham Cove
Wednesday, 7 May 2008
Overshoes off - finally
Had a very pleasant ride last night. First time this year in shorts and no overshoes, about time!
6 riders out - we did Barden-Skyreholme-Hebden-Burnsall at a fairly brisk pace. Once we got onto the Pateley-Grassington road there was a beautiful sunset over the Paps of Thorpe. Couldn't stop to get a photo though due to high speed chase of Dr Yikes once again displaying his legendary route finding abilities...
I'm riding my old bike at the moment as the Lemond is completely worn out. It's an interesting ride - last night's 30 miles is the longest I've ever done on it (I think) and it felt really comfortable. I think I may have to invest some time in adjusting my position on the Lemond when it has recovered. Only problem with the old bike is it's really heavy, oh and is geared for flat riding, oh and has shifters on the down tube, oh and a mouse trapped inside the cassette (sounds like it anyway).
I also rode on Saturday, a straight forward Burnsall but with Langbar thrown in at the end (for a laugh). An interesting climb on that 38-21 ratio.
There was much discussion last night of the White Rose. Some of the guys seem to be waivering over distances. Most did the medium route last year, so I think they need to get on and do the real thing this year. Even if it turns out to be really hard and they suffer at least they can say they did it. I am of course speaking from experience here...
6 riders out - we did Barden-Skyreholme-Hebden-Burnsall at a fairly brisk pace. Once we got onto the Pateley-Grassington road there was a beautiful sunset over the Paps of Thorpe. Couldn't stop to get a photo though due to high speed chase of Dr Yikes once again displaying his legendary route finding abilities...
I'm riding my old bike at the moment as the Lemond is completely worn out. It's an interesting ride - last night's 30 miles is the longest I've ever done on it (I think) and it felt really comfortable. I think I may have to invest some time in adjusting my position on the Lemond when it has recovered. Only problem with the old bike is it's really heavy, oh and is geared for flat riding, oh and has shifters on the down tube, oh and a mouse trapped inside the cassette (sounds like it anyway).
I also rode on Saturday, a straight forward Burnsall but with Langbar thrown in at the end (for a laugh). An interesting climb on that 38-21 ratio.
There was much discussion last night of the White Rose. Some of the guys seem to be waivering over distances. Most did the medium route last year, so I think they need to get on and do the real thing this year. Even if it turns out to be really hard and they suffer at least they can say they did it. I am of course speaking from experience here...
Friday, 2 May 2008
What happened to April?
Hmmm, 4 weeks to the day since my last entry - blogging seems to have taken a bit of a back seat during April - and it all started so well...
Anyway there has been plenty of cycling in the last 4 weeks.
13/4: Lakeland loop sportive, 69 miles - 5:23 when I was aiming for 6 - decent weather, stunning scenery, and the ascent of Hardknott which I managed without stopping - yay!
20/4: Had a terrible ride over to Settle and back via Halton Gill - 68 miles. Felt dreadful
Had to buy a new back wheel to replace the 8 month old Fulcrum 7. It was completely worn out - hub and rim. It has been a tough winter, so I guess I shouldn't really complain. It had done about 2500 miles in some awful conditions. Got a shiny Shimano replacement at the same price point as the Fulcrum 7. Black with red flashes so matches nicely with the Fulcrum front wheel!
27/4: Very wet ride up Wharfedale and back, almost, but not quite, taking in Fleet Moss - 62 miles. Felt much better than the previous Sunday, which was quite a relief.
Have had a cold this week, but managed a solo ride on Tuesday morning in the sunshine with Storiths and Hazelwood climbs, short but steep (>20%). Missed Wednesday as I felt pretty rough. Out again this morning - woke early and saw the clear blue sky through the bedroom blinds so got up and went straight out at 6am. Rode up to Barden on the main road then over the river and back via Storiths again. Was going to do Hazelwood but another broken chain link scuppered that plan and I limped home trying not to put too much pressure on the pedals.
Todays broken chain link has now forced me into the (long) planned/overdue drivetrain upgrade. I have Ultegra levers and mechs from another bike so will match them with chainset, bb, cassette, chain, brake callipers. It's not going to be cheap...
Got new shorts recently as my old ones were completely knackered, padding worn out and ripped etc. Comfort-wise though I have been disappointed. Didn't seem to make any difference last Sunday with a great deal of discomfort from the 35 mile mark onwards. New saddle maybe required.
So 5 weeks to go before the White Rose Classic and 9 weeks until the Etape.
I feel ok about it, but I think I need to turn up the intensity now. I've been getting in about 100 miles a week for the past month, but the vast majority of this has been in one ride on a Sunday.
I will aim to get out more in the week in May. Actually Sundays are going to be harder this month due to family/social arrangements so I will definitely need more weekday riding. I cannot afford to let the cycling slip at this stage.
Anyway there has been plenty of cycling in the last 4 weeks.
13/4: Lakeland loop sportive, 69 miles - 5:23 when I was aiming for 6 - decent weather, stunning scenery, and the ascent of Hardknott which I managed without stopping - yay!
20/4: Had a terrible ride over to Settle and back via Halton Gill - 68 miles. Felt dreadful
Had to buy a new back wheel to replace the 8 month old Fulcrum 7. It was completely worn out - hub and rim. It has been a tough winter, so I guess I shouldn't really complain. It had done about 2500 miles in some awful conditions. Got a shiny Shimano replacement at the same price point as the Fulcrum 7. Black with red flashes so matches nicely with the Fulcrum front wheel!
27/4: Very wet ride up Wharfedale and back, almost, but not quite, taking in Fleet Moss - 62 miles. Felt much better than the previous Sunday, which was quite a relief.
Have had a cold this week, but managed a solo ride on Tuesday morning in the sunshine with Storiths and Hazelwood climbs, short but steep (>20%). Missed Wednesday as I felt pretty rough. Out again this morning - woke early and saw the clear blue sky through the bedroom blinds so got up and went straight out at 6am. Rode up to Barden on the main road then over the river and back via Storiths again. Was going to do Hazelwood but another broken chain link scuppered that plan and I limped home trying not to put too much pressure on the pedals.
Todays broken chain link has now forced me into the (long) planned/overdue drivetrain upgrade. I have Ultegra levers and mechs from another bike so will match them with chainset, bb, cassette, chain, brake callipers. It's not going to be cheap...
Got new shorts recently as my old ones were completely knackered, padding worn out and ripped etc. Comfort-wise though I have been disappointed. Didn't seem to make any difference last Sunday with a great deal of discomfort from the 35 mile mark onwards. New saddle maybe required.
So 5 weeks to go before the White Rose Classic and 9 weeks until the Etape.
I feel ok about it, but I think I need to turn up the intensity now. I've been getting in about 100 miles a week for the past month, but the vast majority of this has been in one ride on a Sunday.
I will aim to get out more in the week in May. Actually Sundays are going to be harder this month due to family/social arrangements so I will definitely need more weekday riding. I cannot afford to let the cycling slip at this stage.
Friday, 4 April 2008
Gentle Friday morning
I missed my usual Thursday morning ride due to being fast asleep in bed, so I thought I would take on the gentler Friday ride. It was quite a pleasant morning with Mark joining Cacophony and myself. Turned out to be a fairly brisk spin up to the Cavendish followed by an even quicker return with an "out of the saddle" high gear sprint up Nesfield. Quite enjoyed it actually...
Wednesday, 2 April 2008
Another Tuesday night
Tuesday night route was the classic Barden - Embsay again, though 5 riders tonight, a much better showing than last week! I really like this route, and setting off in the fading daylight was an added bonus. It was hard work on the way out into yet another stiff headwind (only seems to blow in one direction round here). Stayed with the pace until very near the top of the climb, then we regrouped before Embsay to be blown back through Halton East. The pace was high on the return leg all the way back to Ilkley. Great fun. I'm really enjoying my cycling at the moment.
Saturday, 29 March 2008
The beautiful Washburn valley
After a wind assisted spin to Otley and out the back over to Leathley, we took the gated road climb through Lindley to reach Norwood edge. It's been about 7 years since I've been along this road and I had forgotten about the stunning view west over the Washburn valley. It was particularly satisfying this morning due to the clear blue sky and early spring sunshine. And to top it all we took the Low Snowden extension on the return and got the equally awe-inspiring easterly view down the valley. Big latté in Costa was just what the doctor ordered afterwards too. Fitness wise, I'm still feeling a little tired due to late night working. Hopefully this will ease after Monday...
Weight still 12st 10lb
Weight still 12st 10lb
Thursday, 27 March 2008
Warm up
Had to work very late last night (1:45am - technically this morning) so it was with some difficulty that I dragged myself out of bed at 6am. Weather conditions not too bad - some blue bits and some cloud on the hilltops. Unfortunately the route turned out to be straight up Langbar from the Ilkley side. This proved incredibly difficult on so little sleep and no warm up. I didn't really get going until the return leg from the Cavendish, but still didn't feel that much better. Tired later on in the day but what did I expect on 4 hours sleep? I got the feeling that the other earlybirds weren't too keen on the big hill straight away either. Let's hope it doesn't happen again.
Still have quite a lot of work to do before Monday so will be riding Saturday this weekend instead of Sunday. Pity, but the bills have to be paid...
Still have quite a lot of work to do before Monday so will be riding Saturday this weekend instead of Sunday. Pity, but the bills have to be paid...
Wednesday, 26 March 2008
Hilly evening
A Tuesday evening ride again this week - I am beginning to rather enjoy these. Last night's was a little different in that I was on my own. Still, undaunted I set off alone into the darkness. The proposed route was my old favourite of Barden - Embsay. Felt a little tiredness still in my legs from Saturday when I started but this soon faded and I settled into that usual lone-rider rhythm, you know where you think you're going steady, but when you check the time you've actually been storming round.
Got onto the Halton Height climb, slipped into my usual gear for this ascent, but found I was spinning wildly, so shifted up a notch. It felt great to be able to do that. Performed a very cautious descent as no cars had passed me for quite a while and I didn't want to come off on my own in the dark!
Fast back along the road through Halton East to Bolton Abbey, then a thought occured to me. "It's not even 9 o'clock yet, why not do the Addingham - Turner Lane climb as an extension to finish". Brilliant set myself another challenge. Again slipped up into a higher gear than usual and it seemed to be over very quickly.
A very pleasing result. Going out tomorrow morning with the earlybirds - we shall see how that goes...
Got onto the Halton Height climb, slipped into my usual gear for this ascent, but found I was spinning wildly, so shifted up a notch. It felt great to be able to do that. Performed a very cautious descent as no cars had passed me for quite a while and I didn't want to come off on my own in the dark!
Fast back along the road through Halton East to Bolton Abbey, then a thought occured to me. "It's not even 9 o'clock yet, why not do the Addingham - Turner Lane climb as an extension to finish". Brilliant set myself another challenge. Again slipped up into a higher gear than usual and it seemed to be over very quickly.
A very pleasing result. Going out tomorrow morning with the earlybirds - we shall see how that goes...
Saturday, 22 March 2008
4 dales epic - in the snow
Easter Saturday 2008 will be one I will remember for a long time to come. 5 riders set off at 7am - 2 heading for the Lakes, 2 heading for Wensleydale and 1 along for an unexpected long ride. A light sprinkling of snow was covering the ground in lower Wharfedale, temperature was a cool 1 degree, and threatening clouds were everywhere, but the (fool)hardy 5 set off anyway. There was a 25+mph northerly wind so we decided to go in a line and do strict 1 mile stints on the front. By Bolton Abbey we were in the first of the days blizzards, but at Burnsall the sun was shining brightly and Wharfedale was stunning. This pattern seemed to be set in for the day, as by the time we reached Kilnsey and my turn on the front came round again another blizzard was upon us. Even if I could have opened my eyes more than a tiny fraction I doubt whether I could have seen more than 5 metres in front of me! The snow passed down the valley as we headed north, and turning out of Wharfedale into Langstrothdale we were greeted by glorious sunshine again. Unfortunately the wind had not changed and we ploughed on to the bottom of the Fleet Moss climb.
There was no chance of the group sticking together on the climb, and I hit a bit of a sticky patch on the first steep part of the ascent dropping back, slipped on some ice half a mile further along, but managed to stay seated just needing a foot-out to steady myself. I could see Stefan and Gizzajob storming up the climb followed by El Cid and Cacohpony a short way behind. By the time I reached the cattle grid (half way) I was starting to get into a rhythm again, but as we ascended the snow and ice was spreading further onto the road.
There was an interesting point just near the top where the ice was almost all the way across the road and I had to go on the far right to avoid it. Thankfully no cars came down at that point. Rounding the last very steep corner into an enormous headwind I was met by Stefan off back down and on his way home. 
The snow was quite deep as you can see from the photos, but strangely the road was bone dry. Wensleydale looked amazing, snow covered with a bright blue sky, but now the promise of breakfast in Hawes was calling me. Only problem was the road on the descent was totally covered in snow and ice, so after what seemed like an age I finally trundled into the town to find the other three had already ordered, but only for themselves!
After our fill of sugary tea and saturated fat we split up, El Cid and Cacophony heading west up towards Garsdale Head and Gizzajob and myself off east along Wensleydale to Aysgarth. This was a very pleasant stretch with no stiff wind, no snow and only the odd short rise to test how much was left in my legs.
Here's Gizzajob at Aysgarth falls just before the nasty little 25% climb out of there.
The snow is just beginning to come down again.
After climbing out of here we went over the top and down to Thoralby then along the bottom of Bishopdale and up to Kidstones Fell. The sun was shining again, until we reached the top and plunged into yet another blizzard as we dropped back back to Buckden and Wharfedale once more.
Of course by Kettlewell it was bright sunshine again. Once past Grassington and back onto "home" territory I was feeling quite elated. I was tired, but still going and managing the uphills without major soreness.
The final twist of the weather came as we rolled down to Ilkley on the back road by the golf course when the hail started. Nevermind, I didn't care, my computer was reading 83 miles and 6:10 riding time which considering the terrain and weather conditions I am really pleased with. Memory-Map tells me there was 2271 metres of ascent (7450 feet). So all in all a memorable ride.
There was no chance of the group sticking together on the climb, and I hit a bit of a sticky patch on the first steep part of the ascent dropping back, slipped on some ice half a mile further along, but managed to stay seated just needing a foot-out to steady myself. I could see Stefan and Gizzajob storming up the climb followed by El Cid and Cacohpony a short way behind. By the time I reached the cattle grid (half way) I was starting to get into a rhythm again, but as we ascended the snow and ice was spreading further onto the road.
There was an interesting point just near the top where the ice was almost all the way across the road and I had to go on the far right to avoid it. Thankfully no cars came down at that point. Rounding the last very steep corner into an enormous headwind I was met by Stefan off back down and on his way home. 
The snow was quite deep as you can see from the photos, but strangely the road was bone dry. Wensleydale looked amazing, snow covered with a bright blue sky, but now the promise of breakfast in Hawes was calling me. Only problem was the road on the descent was totally covered in snow and ice, so after what seemed like an age I finally trundled into the town to find the other three had already ordered, but only for themselves!
After our fill of sugary tea and saturated fat we split up, El Cid and Cacophony heading west up towards Garsdale Head and Gizzajob and myself off east along Wensleydale to Aysgarth. This was a very pleasant stretch with no stiff wind, no snow and only the odd short rise to test how much was left in my legs.
Here's Gizzajob at Aysgarth falls just before the nasty little 25% climb out of there.
The snow is just beginning to come down again.After climbing out of here we went over the top and down to Thoralby then along the bottom of Bishopdale and up to Kidstones Fell. The sun was shining again, until we reached the top and plunged into yet another blizzard as we dropped back back to Buckden and Wharfedale once more.
Of course by Kettlewell it was bright sunshine again. Once past Grassington and back onto "home" territory I was feeling quite elated. I was tired, but still going and managing the uphills without major soreness.
The final twist of the weather came as we rolled down to Ilkley on the back road by the golf course when the hail started. Nevermind, I didn't care, my computer was reading 83 miles and 6:10 riding time which considering the terrain and weather conditions I am really pleased with. Memory-Map tells me there was 2271 metres of ascent (7450 feet). So all in all a memorable ride.
Friday, 21 March 2008
Turner Lane
Thursday morning earlybird ride featuring the Addingham Main Street - Turner Lane climb. Slow start but by the time we'd crossed the A65 and started on the steeper part of the climb up Turner Lane I felt pretty good. Gizzajob was storming ahead - he seems to be doing a lot of that recently - and El Cid was looking fairly ropey due to tennis and beer excesses the previous night. I'm pleased with the progress I am making at the moment. Got a long ride planned for Saturday. The weather could turn out to be rather challenging though...
Tuesday, 18 March 2008
Decision made
So swapped out the broken link with one that I removed when the chain was fitted new. Oh well maybe do the drivetrain upgrade next month.
Went out for the Tuesday night late birds this evening. A much better evening than last week weather-wise. Not too chilly and bathed in moonlight. 6 riders out for a Barden - Burnsall figure of 8 thingy. Yet again I felt much better than I usually do in the mornings, and that was despite spending the majority of the day with a pounding headache. I wonder if there's a sportive event that starts at 7pm rather than 7am..?
Went out for the Tuesday night late birds this evening. A much better evening than last week weather-wise. Not too chilly and bathed in moonlight. 6 riders out for a Barden - Burnsall figure of 8 thingy. Yet again I felt much better than I usually do in the mornings, and that was despite spending the majority of the day with a pounding headache. I wonder if there's a sportive event that starts at 7pm rather than 7am..?
Monday, 17 March 2008
Busy weekend
It's been a very busy weekend moving in to our house's new extension, so no cycling. Managed to get out with the earlybirds this morning though, just a steady Cavendish and back. I've managed to break a chain link, I suspect wear and tear rather than raw power! Is this the excuse I needed for that drivetrain upgrade, or shall I just dig out the spare links I took out when I fitted the chain? Hmmm what a quandry...
Current weight: 12st 10lb
Current weight: 12st 10lb
Thursday, 13 March 2008
Back to early morning riding
Thankfully the wind has dropped slightly this morning. Out with the earlybirds again. Up to the Cavendish then back at a brisk pace, with a local short-steep hill to finish. Dropped off the pace on the way back, but kept pushing. Legs feeling nicely tired now.
Wednesday, 12 March 2008
Tuesday night hill
Had a great ride last night. A not-so-gentle 25 miles including the climb from Barden to Halton Height. Felt pretty good on the climb, despite the 20+ mph head wind. I always seem to go better at the end of the day rather than early morning - shame most of my riding is done early morning really. Had a blast on the return trip, some impressive speeds were reached with the tail-wind!
Not riding today due to high wind/torrential rain. Back out tomorrow morning.
Not riding today due to high wind/torrential rain. Back out tomorrow morning.
Tuesday, 11 March 2008
Not a good start
Well, I missed this mornings earlybird ride due to being asleep. An early hours visit from one of the kids left me wide awake for an hour or so, and subsequently meant I didn't wake in enough time. Never mind there's going to be a better/hillier/longer ride tonight.
Monday, 10 March 2008
This weeks plan
The schedule for this week is earlybird rides Tues, Weds and Thurs then long ride on Sunday morning.
Saturday, 8 March 2008
Saturday
Earlybird Saturday morning was a hilly 24 miles, with a stiff southerly to contend with. Had a late night, although no alcohol was consumed, still felt pretty tired. Couldn't get a rhythm going especially on the climbs. Had a close encounter with a red kite though, which was nice...
Friday, 7 March 2008
Missed opportunities
Hurray, I managed to make it out on the bike this morning, first time in almost 2 weeks! Got up for the earlybirds 6:30am start. Made it out of the house 15 minutes early so did a quick extra loop around Ilkley first, then joined up with the usual weekday suspects; El Cid, Cacophony, Gizzajob and Mark. Just a steady ride up to the Cavendish pavillion and back today, though Gizzajob was off on an epic 70 miler. Unfortunately I couldn't join him this morning due to work commitments. Can't do longer Sunday this weekend either, and Cacophony's longer Saturday is also out of the question. I should be out on a normal Saturday run tomorrow morning for 25 miles including the Norwood Edge climb to test my "well rested" legs on.
Training blog begins
Ok, so not only is this my first L'Etape du Tour, but it's also my first blog.
I've been inspired to start it by my friend (and fellow L'Etape entrant) Gizzajob. We will be travelling and rooming together in the Pyrenees at the beginning of July, though I'm fairly confident he will be finishing well ahead of me at the event! Gizzajob's training blog is here.
I'm currently entered for 3 UK sportives: Lakeland loop on April 15, Etape du Dales on May 18, and the White Rose Classic on June 8, though I may have to pull out of the Etape du Dales due to a social event the night before.
The training started in earnest late last year, but recently things have conspired against me and I have lapsed slightly. So far things have been pretty much adhoc. Rides are usually early morning 6:30am during the week and 7am at weekends. I would like to think that I do a minimum of 3 a week including a longer weekend ride, but the reality is that they are thinner on the ground than that. Hopefully now we are starting to come out of the worst of winter, there won't be many more missed due to icy roads/freezing fog/gale force winds...
I've been inspired to start it by my friend (and fellow L'Etape entrant) Gizzajob. We will be travelling and rooming together in the Pyrenees at the beginning of July, though I'm fairly confident he will be finishing well ahead of me at the event! Gizzajob's training blog is here.
I'm currently entered for 3 UK sportives: Lakeland loop on April 15, Etape du Dales on May 18, and the White Rose Classic on June 8, though I may have to pull out of the Etape du Dales due to a social event the night before.
The training started in earnest late last year, but recently things have conspired against me and I have lapsed slightly. So far things have been pretty much adhoc. Rides are usually early morning 6:30am during the week and 7am at weekends. I would like to think that I do a minimum of 3 a week including a longer weekend ride, but the reality is that they are thinner on the ground than that. Hopefully now we are starting to come out of the worst of winter, there won't be many more missed due to icy roads/freezing fog/gale force winds...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)