hobbs feed

Tuesday 31 January

2012-01-31T14:29:00.000Z

The freezing temperature and threat of snow saw me sticking to main roads mainly today so I took a new route out to north Notts and Southwell then back round the west side of Nottinham. Bloody cold and sleet falling for the first half of the ride, even saw a little snow in Blidworth, this was easily the worst I've ridden in since returning to the bike. Once in Southwell though things brightened up a little and the ride home was a little more pleasant. Testing conditions though and pleased to have done it.

&amp;lt;br /&amp;gt; &amp;lt;a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/53946194"&amp;gt;97km Bulwell Southwell&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br/&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br /&amp;gt; &amp;lt;a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/?location=Nottingham"&amp;gt;Find more Cycling Routes / Bike Rides in Nottingham&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br /&amp;gt; 

Distance = 95.8 km
Time = 3 hrs 45 mins
Ave Speed = 25.5 kph
Ascent = 764 (m/km = 8)

2012
Road Bike = 509.3 km
Indoor = 119.5 km
Ran = 24 km
Total = 652.8 km

Monday 30 January

2012-01-30T14:14:00.000Z

Tour de Loughborough in reverse, lovely ride, pushed it a little today, not much as I could feel the hamstring when I did, but it felt nice to be pushing again, hopefully soon I can start giving it some. There's something good about getting home knowing and feeling that you have given it your all on the ride.

Distance = 73 km
Time = 2 hrs 48 mins
Ave Speed = 26.1 kph
Ascent = 582 (m/km = 8)

2012
Road Bike = 413.5 km
Indoor = 119.5 km
Ran = 24 km
Total = 557 km

Sunday 22 January

2012-01-22T10:13:00.005Z

Just a short couple of hours today before the family got up and a good fry up. Did the training loops of S Bonington and E&W Leake. Windy and tough at times.

Distance = 51.2 km
Time = 2 hrs 0 mins
Ave Speed = 25.7 kph
Ascent = 283 (m/km = 5.5)

2012
Road Bike = 340.5 km
Indoor = 119.5 km
Ran = 24 km
Total = 484 km

Pissing in the wind

2012-01-20T10:07:00.000Z

Seems teams sky's editor maybe be pissing in the wind with his editorial efforts of blanking out the sign posts by Cav's head so we don't know where they are but failing to remove the guy 'watering' the undergrowth

Feck me it's the Gorrilla

2012-01-20T10:03:00.000Z

Andre Greipel looking pretty ripped here on his way to another stage win in the TDU yesterday, man is he in shape this year or what. Shame about the silly gurning competition he seems to think he's in though.....

Wednesday 18 January Six Hills loop

2012-01-18T13:18:00.002Z

Another steady winter ride on a warmer but damper day, and believe it or not today was the first time this winter that the bike actually got dirty! Went out to Six Hills via an old favourite of mine Berrycott Lane. Same pace as other rides this week, those into 'training' would call these base miles I suppose.

Route as below but included a slight detour into Seagrave and up Berrycott Lane to Six Hills

&amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br /&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/13862980"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;45 Mile Six Hills loop training&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br/&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br /&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/?location=Beeston"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Find more Cycling Routes / Bike Rides in Beeston&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br /&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;gt;

Distance = 71.0 km
Time = 2 hrs 52 mins
Ave Speed = 24.6 kph
Ascent = 533 (m/km = 7.5)

2012
Road Bike = 289.3 km

Indoor = 29.3 km
Ran = 11.6 km
Total = 330.2 km

Tuesday 17 January Etwall loop

2012-01-17T14:51:00.001Z

After a 3 mile run back from dropping the car off for a service I took another steady ride out in the cold, felt colder today then yesterday. Took one of my old faithful routes out to Repton, Etwall, Hilton and home via Swarkestone and Aston on Trent. Nursed the hamstring after twinging it a little in my earlier run.

Route as below but without the Elvaston section

&amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br /&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/16134345"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;51 Miles - Etwal - Hilton - 21/04/2010&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br/&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br /&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/?location=Beeston"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Find more Cycling Routes / Bike Rides in Beeston&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br /&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; &amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;gt;

Distance = 74.5 km
Time = 2 hrs 59 mins
Ave Speed = 24.9 kph
Ascent = 516 (m/km = 6.9)

2012
Road Bike = 218.3 km
Single Speed = 0 km
Fixed = 0 km
Indoor = 0 km
Ran = 4.9 km
Total = 223.2 km

Birthday card from my bro (made me chuckle)

2012-01-16T18:19:00.000Z

Personalize funny videos and birthday eCards at JibJab!

Monday 16 January Birthday Bimble

2012-01-16T14:45:00.000Z

Dad came over by bike this morning with my birthday card so I accompanied him back home to Belper, had a lovely pasta for lunch and then rode back via Eaton Bank & Drum Hill. All the weight I've lost has certainly made a difference when pointing upwards, given my lack of miles recently I didn't even break a sweat going up Drum (I know it was cold but I was well layered).

The day was bright crisp and sunny, a perfect morning for a ride if wrapped up well. A perfect ride on a perfect day!

Distance = 70.7 km
Time = 3 hrs 0 mins
Ave Speed = 23.6 kph
Ascent = 557 (m/km = 7.9)

2012
Road Bike = 143.8 km
Single Speed = 0 km
Fixed = 0 km
Indoor = 0 km
Total = 143.8 km

Friday 13 January Tour de Loughborugh

2012-01-13T15:21:00.001Z

First ride in 7 weeks after a period of running and subsequently a dodgy hamstring. Took a very steady ride round a club favourite the Tour de Loughborough, 73k's in bang on 3 hours, for now it seems to have done the trick with the hamstring, for the first time in weeks it feels pain free, lets see how things are in the morning before I get carried away though (maybe literally).

It was great to be back out on the bike, and with nearly 2 weeks off work now I'm planning plenty more.

&amp;lt;br /&amp;gt; &amp;lt;a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/19878142"&amp;gt;52 Tour de Loughborough&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br/&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br /&amp;gt; &amp;lt;a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/?location=Beeston"&amp;gt;Find more Cycling Routes / Bike Rides in Beeston&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br /&amp;gt; 

Route as above but missed the Beacon Hill section out today

Distance = 73.1 km
Time = 3 hrs 0 mins
Ave Speed = 24.3 kph
Ascent = 614 (m/km = 8.4)

2012
Road Bike = 73.1 km
Single Speed = 0 km
Fixed = 0 km
Indoor = 0 km
Total = 73.1 km

Running away from 2011, 2012 targets

2011-12-29T14:36:00.000Z

Not rode during the month of December, well not outdoors anyway, I have had s few short sessions on the turbo. Instead I have been running for fitness kicks. The new job only allows smaller windows of time for 'me time' (yes I know I'm lucky to get any) so running at the moment is a more time efficient way of getting and keeping fit. My main objective over the winter is to keep losing weight and maintaining fitness so I can hit the ground running come spring time instead of the usual 2 months of regaining fitness, for now running suits this better.

My longest run to date is 6 miles, not bad considering I've only been at it for a few weeks, and I have never ran before. I am aiming at increasing this to half marathon distance during 2012 and full marathon distance for 2013, yes, they are my running targets!

Planning for the bike next year I am aiming to finally crack the 5000 miles barrier as well as play my part in a world record relay attempt from John O'Groats to Lands End in August, my stint basically being a 45 mile time trial!

Other sporting plans for 2012 are to play some pool, well it cant all be physical can it ;) I've signed up to a local team (god help them) seriously though it's more asocial thing than competitive, although it would be nice to win a couple of my matches during the season.

Monday 21 November Burton Loop

2011-11-22T10:51:00.003Z

Like last week I didn't feel great on this ride, not sure if it's time for a rest or just the body is still adjusting to working at silly times of the day/night. Took a ride to Burton yesterday, old stomping ground for me and some lovely roads around the back of Burton from Barton under Needwood up to Tutbury.

It was a coldish day but not quite cold enough for the bib tights and jacket I had on, just couldn't get my body temperature right and didn't feel at all comfortable throughout the ride.

&amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br /&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/15462394"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;62 Mile Burton Loop&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br/&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br /&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/?location=Beeston, United Kingdom"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Find more Cycling Routes / Bike Rides in Beeston, United Kingdom&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br /&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;gt;

Followed up yesterdays ride with 48.5k's on the turbo this morning, feeling better today.

Distance = 101 km
Time = 3 hrs 57 mins
Ave Speed = 25.4 kph
Ascent = 834m (m/km = 8.3)

2011
Road Bike = 4071.4 km
Single Speed = 102.2 km
Fixed = 26 km
Indoor = 323.6 km
Total = 4523.2 km

Monday 14 November Charnwood in the autumn

2011-11-14T15:44:00.001Z

Not been feeling to clever the past few days, the effects of a stinking cold and too much to eat and drink on Saturday night still with me this morning. I had planned a 150k ride for today but that just wasn't happening! I did think of scaling it down to 3 hours, and that's what I should have done. My enthusiasm got the better of me and I set off on the 'Charnwood in the Spring' route, a local Audax ride. Missing the first and last few k's this is a nice 100k ride.

About an hour in I knew this wasn't working, I was going along OK but it just didn't feel right, but I ploughed on. Once through Mount Sorrel I could have cut the route short and took a more direct route home, but no, again I ploughed on desperate to get a 100k ride in. Again at 6 Hills I could have headed for home but guess what...... Despite not feeling good I was making good time and knowing the last 1/3 of the ride would be wind assisted I was happy to continue at my current pace. I kept eating and drinking and this was keeping me just about in the zone, albeit at the very bottom of the zone. The tailwind did its job and lifted my ave speed from 25.5 kph to almost 27 by the time I was home. As soon as I got off the bike I knew I'd dine too much, feeling light headed and sick I got myself plenty to drink and even more to eat. I hindsight I should have stuck to a gentle 3 hour ride, maybe I will next time, we'll see......

Despite me not been in good shape today I clocked the 100k in just 1 minute slower than my PB, maybe a sign of how I'm still improving.

A great route in the Autumn as well as the spring under a dull cloudy but dry sky, one to be recommended to you locals or Audax riders.

&amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br /&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/15136510"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Charnwood in the Spring Ride&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br/&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br /&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/?location=Trowell, United Kingdom"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Find more Cycling Routes / Bike Rides in Trowell, United Kingdom&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br /&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; &amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;gt;

Distance = 102 km
Time = 3 hrs 47 mins
Ave Speed = 26.8 kph
Ascent = 827m (m/km = 8.1)

2011
Road Bike = 3970.4 km
Single Speed = 102.2 km
Fixed = 26 km
Indoor = 192.7 km
Total = 4291.3 km

Sunday 6 November Vale of Belvior dawn raid

2011-11-07T14:30:00.001Z

Ratcliffe Power Station at sunrise

Got out early yesterday and was treated to a beautiful sunny autumnal morning. A cold start which didn't really warm up until well into the morning, even the bright sun couldn't warm things up.

I love the sound of the leaves crinkling under your tyres at this time of the year and yesterdays ride gave me plenty of that. The route starts out on familiar roads out through Sawley and Long Lane to Kegworth, then on towards Cotgrave via Bunny, it's all country lanes bar a mile or so through Bunny on the A60, early on a Sunday morning there's barely any cars around.

Once through Cotgrave and over the A46 it gets even quieter as you head into the Vale of Belvior, the only 'traffic' I encountered in 45 minutes was some cows being escorted back to their field after milking. This route is as flat as a pancake until you reach Terrace Hill, not the hardest of hills by a long stretch, but worth a mention as it appears in Simon Warrens 100 Greatest Cycling Climbs due to the fact that it the only climb of note in the Vale of Belvior. Once up the hill I was treated to a lovely circuit around the perimeter of Belvior Castle's grounds, some lovely villages with equally lovely views of the Castle and surrounding countryside.

Long Lane at sunrise

The ride back from Belvior is not quite as spectacular but still a very nice route across country and along the Trent to Radcliffe on Trent and then through Holme Pierpont estate with a little stretch of strade bianche for those Italian classics lovers. Then the ball ache bit of crossing from East to West Nottingham, my favoured route is through West Bridgeford and over the toll bridge before taking the cycle network to Dunkirk and then a heads down blast for home along University Boulevard and Queens Road.

A very enjoyable jaunt was had and I felt well rewarded for getting up early on a day off, the sunrise was a cracker, as was this ride, looking forward to actually keeping this bike riding up through the autumn and winter for a change.

&amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br /&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/32861008"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;68m Terrace Hill, Belvoir&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br/&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br /&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/?location=Broxtowe, United Kingdom"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Find more Cycling Routes / Bike Rides in Broxtowe, United Kingdom&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br /&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; &amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;gt;

Distance = 115.5 km
Time = 4 hrs 24 mins
Ave Speed = 26.1 kph
Ascent = 915 m (m/km =8.2)

2011
Road Bike = 3868.4 km
Single Speed = 102.2 km
Fixed = 26 km
Indoor = 175.2 km
Total = 4171.8 km

RIP Sir Jimmy

2011-10-29T17:06:00.000+01:00

Scarborough

2011-10-29T16:44:00.000+01:00

Took a trip to Scarborough the other day, went boating at Peasholm Park had a great fish and chip dinner at Winking Willies amongst other things. Not a great day for photo's but here's a couple of the South Bay beach.

Saturday 29 October - Colours of Clumber

2011-10-29T16:26:00.001+01:00

On Audax duty again today for a 114km route through Clumber Park and around north Nottinghamshire.

I arrived at the start late as I really could not be bothered to get out of bed after a late night last night and the fact I feel exhausted at the moment. As I was approaching the start point my Beeston CC mates were rolling out, I though it wouldn't take me long to catch them, how wrong was I. I was batting along at a fair rate due to a descent from the start town of Bolsover and a friendly tailwind, problem was so were my club mates. As I caught sight of groups of riders ahead I was constantly disappointed to see they weren't Beeston riders. The ride through the Clumber estate was lovely, the trees just beginning to shed there autumnal coloured leaves, hence the name of the ride.

Once through Clumber I was starting to feel the effects of the hard pace I was setting myself, but with a cafe at 55k to recharge the legs I pressed on hoping I'd soon be with the boys. Not until that cafe did I catch them, rolling in 2 minutes after them, both parties impressed with one and others pace we shared drinks and cake.

I was debating whether to press on as we left the cafe as I wanted to get home as soon as possible, but a nice group of about 8 riders formed inclusive of the Beeston posse so I stuck with it. I was glad of it as well as shortly after we got going again that tailwind was now against us as we headed back to Bolsover. One of our riders was feeling the earlier pace a little so the Beeston boys took the decision to hold back and make sure we all got in together, we were still on a good pace so it was no worries. We looped around north Nottinghamshire and back for another ride through the Clumber estate and back up into Bolsover against that headwind.

All in all it was a brilliant ride and one I would recommend to an Audax beginner as a taster of what Audax offers, it's a mainly flat route on easy going roads in lovely countryside, thoroughly enjoyed it!

&amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br /&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/56063626"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Colours of Clumber Audax&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br/&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br /&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/?location="&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Find more Cycling Routes / Bike Rides in &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br /&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; &amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;gt;

Distance = 115 km
Time = 4 hrs 40 mins
Ave Speed = 24.9 kph
Ascent = 915 m (m/km =8.0)

2011
Road Bike = 3752.9 km
Single Speed = 102.2 km
Fixed = 26 km
Indoor = 143.2 km
Total = 4024.3 km

Stripping down

2011-10-22T17:55:00.002+01:00

Had another half hour on project peugeot continuing to strip it down, the simplex gears are off and ready for a clean up before making an appearance on ebay.

Chainset and cranks are off, just the bottom bracket, forks, headset, stem and bars to be removed now.

Monday 17 October, One in the bank

2011-10-18T14:48:00.000+01:00

Working nights this week and away at the weekend so not sure when I'm going to find time to ride the bike, with yesterday being my only free day I took the opportunity to get at least one ride in the bank for the week. Luckily Sundays ride was quite leisurely so I had plenty in the legs for a spin round one of my old 50ish mile routes into South Derbyshire.

It was a breezy day which some of the outward journey tougher than it needed to be, the first half of the route was also on rolling terrain out to Repton. Then it was onto the flats and Etwall and Hilton, once turned around and heading east towards home it was flat and the wind was on my back. Averaged over 30kph for the last hour of the ride, it was a real treat.

&amp;lt;br /&amp;gt; &amp;lt;a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/14328400"&amp;gt;53 miles Hilton Loop&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br/&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br /&amp;gt; &amp;lt;a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/?location=Beeston, United Kingdom"&amp;gt;Find more Cycling Routes / Bike Rides in Beeston, United Kingdom&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br /&amp;gt; 

Distance = 83.5 km
Time = 3 hrs 7 mins
Ave Speed = 26.8 kph
Ascent = 632 m (m/km =7.6)

2011
Road Bike = 3637.9 km
Single Speed = 102.2 km
Fixed = 26 km
Indoor = 105.6 km
Total = 3871.7 km

Sunday 16 October, Beware of the plague

2011-10-17T10:51:00.000+01:00

I was on Audax duty yesterday again, first one of the year with Dad, titled Beware of the plague due to its visit to Eyam.

The day started out bright and sunny in Alfreton but soon turned misty and drizzly as we climbed into the peak and across Beeley Moor towards Eyam. First control in Eyam was just a card signing exercise and we pressed on up and out of Eyam. The biggest climb of the day came on the road to Monyash from the A6, not the steepest but a good gradient for over 3km. Through Monyash and a little more steady climbing we were treated to a lovely descent rolling through the heart of the peak before a short sharp climb into Biggin where the final control stamp was.

A quick sandwich and we were off on the final leg, another lovely descent into Parwich and then back up to Longcliffe before shooting down Via Gellia. It's the first time I have gone down Via Gellia and a headwind spoilt it somewhat, still I stuck it on the big ring and smallest sprocket and gunned down as fast as I could, pedalling most of the way though. Once down into Cromford the only way was up to Crich. The climb into and through Holloway is another tough one, but with my improved climbing ability (there is still a lot of room for more improvement) I'm finding these easier nowadays. From Crich it was a short and flattish stint into Alfreton for a well deserved cup of tea and slice of cake.

Another great ride and route from the Audax folk, if you've not tried one already I suggest you do...

&amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br /&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/53714156"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Beware of the Plague&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br/&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br /&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/?location=Alfreton, United Kingdom"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Find more Cycling Routes / Bike Rides in Alfreton, United Kingdom&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br /&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; &amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;gt;

Distance = 108.5 km
Time = 5 hrs 5 mins
Ave Speed = 21.3 kph
Ascent = 1801 m (m/km =16.7)

2011
Road Bike = 3554.4 km
Single Speed = 102.2 km
Fixed = 26 km
Indoor = 105.6 km
Total = 3788.2 km

Thursday 13 October, Surprisingly brisk!

2011-10-13T15:31:00.000+01:00

Went out for what was meant to be a steady knock around the Sutton Bonnington and Gotham circuit taking in the TT courses used by Beeston CC and VCLE.

I was joined by club mate Paul again for a pleasant chatty and brisk in places ride of 60km. What a difference it makes to ride with fresh legs and no wind, we kept a good pace all the way round, and it is a route that would suit a good hard effort ride, maybe next week....

Next up more hills in Sunday's Audax ride, at the time of booking I did not realise it was a hilly one!

Distance = 60 km
Time = 2 hrs 12 mins
Ave Speed = 27.1 kph
Ascent = N/A

2011
Road Bike = 3445.9 km
Single Speed = 102.2 km
Fixed = 26 km
Indoor = 105.6 km
Total = 3679.7 km

History of the UE-8

2011-10-09T10:35:00.004+01:00

Since acquiring my Peugeot over a year ago I have been doing some research on its history.

Dating pugs apparently is a tricky business and can only be done by the type of badge and livery on the machine, the frame numbers do not give an accurate method of knowing when the bike was built. Using cyclespeugeot I have identified it as model UE-8 dated 1976 or 1977.

Retro Peugeot has also proved to be an invaluable source of information on my (and many other) vintage pugs.

I can not find much UK based information but here's a little about the bike and its UO-8 sibling from the U.S.

The Peugeot AO-8 and its UO-8, UO-18, UE-8 and UE-18 siblings were entry-level and low-end bicycles sold in the United States during the 1960s and 1970s, especially in the early 1970s during the peak of the bike-boom . These were commonly the first ten-speeds ridden by baby boomers. As vintage bicycles, they do not garner the same respect as does their prestigious PX-10 cousin.

A few pictures from which I draw my inspiration from the Retro Puegeot site...

And a few brochure extracts of the UE-8 and UO-8

So for now I'm still stripping down but I think I have decided upon making this a fixed gear project. I would like to retain as many parts as I can and intend to give the un required parts a good clean up and sell them on to other vintage enthusiasts looking to restore similar projects.

Project Peugeot takes off

2011-10-07T11:56:00.000+01:00

As it came

After over a year of sitting in the shed and nothing happening Project Peugeot has finally begun. The original plane was to restore it to as new, fenders, lights and all. Money and the fact I want to use it have however changed the plan. For now it is a strip down, clean up, make good, replace what needs replacing whilst trying to keep it is as original as possible. The mudguards will not be going back on but will be kept for future possible plans.

I will not be having a paint job either, not for now anyway, I just want to get it on the road again. Once I have some spare pennies then a proper paint job to restore it to its former glory will be arranged.

Today has been the first stage of stripping it down.

Thursday 6 October - Post Epic ride and banter

2011-10-06T15:21:00.001+01:00

Took a steady and chatty ride out round Sutton Bonnington, East Leake etc with fellow epic'ists Russ and Paul as well as club members Lesa and Sean. Nice ride with nice folk, caught out by a sharp shower at the end, that'll teach us adding a little loop of Draycot and Breaston on the end of the ride. Also popped a spoke a mile form home, so thats another visit to TS Bikes tomorrow, I'll have to get a cassette, tube and tyre on my old bonty wheel at this rate.

Distance = 53.4 km
Time = 2 hrs 8 mins
Ave Speed = 24.9 kph
Ascent = N/A

2011
Road Bike = 3385.9 km
Single Speed = 102.2 km
Fixed = 26 km
Indoor = 105.6 km
Total = 3619.7 km

Sunday 2 October, The Autumn Epic

2011-10-04T11:12:00.001+01:00

The Beeston CC team at the start

So the last 2 months of 'training' have all been about this ride, an early start to head off to Wales saw me picking club mate Paul up at 05:30 and we were on our way, until about 6 o'clock when the M42 came to a standstill due to a van crashing and throwing its contents all over the motorway, luckily though we were only held up by around 15 minutes.

We arrived in a sunny Knighton just after 8 o'clock in plenty of time to get the bikes out and ourselves dressed to battle the Welsh hills. A quick catch up with the rest of the Beeston contingent after signing on and we were away. Five of us left pretty much straight away running over the timing mat that we would not cross again for 96 miles! The rest of the team were waiting a while so they had some 'tortoises' to catch in their quest for respectable and competitive times.

I rode out of Knighton with Paul and made a concious effort to ride steady until the first stop, saving as much of myself as I could for later in the ride. As we rode I was slowly pulling away from Paul and dropping back for him, it was at this point Paul rather generously said I was to ride my own ride and he would see me later. The first climb up Bwlch-y-Sarnau came soon after this and I only saw Paul briefly at the first food stop again on the ride. That climb was followed by a similar one out of Abbey-Cwm-Hir and across a moor before descending into Rhayader for the first food stop.

I was quite alarmed at how many punctures fellow riders were picking up in the first section of the rides, there seemed to be upturned bikes at the side of the road all over the place, especially after the first cattle grid we encountered which had the leading edged upturned by something, luckily I spotted it just in time and managed to bunny hop over it.

I spent too long waiting here really but I wanted to wait for Paul, check he was OK and let him know I'd be pressing on and to let me know how he was getting on at the next feed stop.

Looking back to the Mountain Pass out of Rhayader

Stocked up and ready to go it wasn't long at all we were climbing the mountain road out of Rhayader, the bail out route turned off just before this pass, but there was no way I'd come this far to avoid the biggest climb of the ride. This pass seemed to go on for an age, not overly steep but very long and a teasing headwind thrown in for good measure. At the top of this tough climb though we were rewarded with stunning views and a cracking descent into the Elan Valley.

The Elan Valley was probably my favourite section of the ride, fast swooping roads, switchbacks and rolling terrain made for a lovely ride suited to my style and ability.

Elan Valley

This section was a good rest for my legs and very enjoyable for the mind, I'm at my best cycling at speed, I had changed direction as well so that wind was now pushing me along, of course I knew this wasn't going to last forever, there was much more climbing to be done.

This climbing started again with a very sharp climb up to the second feed station, quite short but bloody sharp, the sweet snacks and bottle filling was most welcome at the top of that one! Listening to other riders tales of there's worse to come though left me leaving here with thoughts of what the bloody hell can there be left to do? I was starting to feel a little tired.

I left the second stop and rolled a few km's down, taking it easyish on the flatter bits and eating what snacks I had left in preparation for the last section, again rolling terrain. As I ride along I spot another cattle grid and people getting off the bikes shortly after, what did they know about which I didn't? A quick look up the road and I had a good idea.

Glascwm Pitch

Glascwm Pitch was looking down on me, as was a sign telling me 25% sections ahead, time for smallest gear and a lot of will power. I ground my up the hill, zig zagging at times in an attempt to make it easier, which it did, until I looked up again, slight breaks in the intensity gave me 20 seconds or so to catch a little breath before it ramped up again. Thoughts of un-clipping were in my mind but somehow I made it up the last ramp. I have to admit to taking a five minute break once at the top though to recover from this beast of a climb.

At this point I took a look at the ride profile to see what was to come, one more climb, back to the same dizzy heights as this this but nowhere near as steep, this of course meant it would be longer. But for this in true epic style I had to descend to the rides lowest point, these organisers really know how to kick you when your down...

In all honesty the last climb wouldn't really be that tough had I not had 90 miles in my legs already, but I had and it was tough, I made it though and was rewarded with a fantastic 2 mile sweep down back into Knighton, crossing the line on that timing mat really gave me a sense of achievement.

The ride was fantastic, I had expected it to be harder and I do think I could have rode it quicker, but I struggle to judge my energy level and know what I am capable of, I finished with an official time of 7:36:06 (time riding 6:44). The time spent at the stops no doubt enabled me to ride a little faster when moving but 50 minutes spent not moving is quite a chunk of time. Very pleased to have done the ride and happy with my time despite doubts of stopping for too long at the stops.

A mention of the rest of the Beeston posse, Mike W came second overall with a ride of 5:05! and we had had 5 top 10 finishers in the various categories, a good day out for Beeston CC, we were also the best represented club in means of numbers, something to be proud of.

Would I go back? At £26 entry fee, no I wouldn't, the rider support was good I have to admit, but it is a lot of money to pay to ride on open public roads and only get a drinks bottle in way of souvenir/freebies.


GPS Screenshot

&amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br /&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/53061948"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Autumn Epic&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br/&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br /&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/?location="&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Find more Cycling Routes / Bike Rides in &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br /&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; &amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;gt;

Distance = 152.5 km
Time = 6 hrs 44 mins
Ave Speed = 22.6 kph
Top Speed = 66.9 kph
Ascent = 5351 m (35.1 m/km)

2011
Road Bike = 3332.5 km
Single Speed = 102.2 km
Fixed = 26 km
Indoor = 71.5 km
Total = 3532.2 km

Pictures taken by fellow Beeston CC riders Richard B and Paul N

Thursday 29 September, Flat & Easy

2011-09-30T08:58:00.000+01:00

Flat and easy was the order of the day for my last ride before the Epic, a railway bridge was about the steepest thing I climbed whilst on a gentle spin around the Sutton Bonnington, and East & West Leake areas. It's a good area for a recovery ride/gentle spin as there are lots of small loops that can be strung together easily, meaning you can always bail out or extend the ride depending on how you feel.

It doesn't get much better than this ride weather wise, 28c, Sunny and a cooling breeze, perfect!

Distance = 60.6 km
Time = 2 hrs 11 mins
Ave Speed = 27.8 kph
Top Speed = 56.5 kph
Ascent = N/A

2011
Road Bike = 3180 km
Single Speed = 102.2 km
Fixed = 26 km
Indoor = 71.5 km
Total = 3379.7 km

Local Bike Shops

2011-09-27T11:50:00.000+01:00

A subject that often arises is supporting your local bike shop, now I'm as guilty as anyone else of using the online stores for buying bike bits on the cheap, and I probably will do in the future too if the right deal presents itself.

But what you don't get from your online dealer is the kind of service I have recently received from my local bike shop TS Bikes. In the last two weeks I have had the misfortune to need to visit my LBS, once to sort a rather buckled wheel due to a spoke gone, this was repaired on the spot and even though I supplied the spoke cutting his profits in the job I still got 25% off the job (he does discount Beeston CC members 10% standard). £8 to replace a spoke and true the wheel all within 20 mins, you can't beat that service.

Today I needed to visit again, a ticking noise from the BB area, now given my distinct lack of knowledge of all things mechanical I was expecting a new BB to be required, I had checked for play on the cranks etc but found nothing. A quick glance and a good tighten of the crank bolts and the ticking was gone, all for free! Can you get this service from an online cycle dealer???

Yes I know they cant be expected to repair the bike when it goes wrong, but if we buy all of our stuff from them then our LBS's are in real danger of going out of business, look how Tesco are killing our village shops.

And without our LBS we won't get these good deals and free tweaks and advice, my return for a free solution to my ticking was to buy some nutrition powder which I would have bought from Tesco for £1 cheaper, but that pound is far better spent at the bike shop for those invaluable nuggets of advice you get when your in there chatting to them. So whilst I may not buy everything from my LBS I will make an effort to keep him in business with regular trips. Next time your LBS does you a favour, return it and buy something from him, invest what he has just saved you ;)

Monday 26 September, Burton Blast

2011-09-26T17:56:00.002+01:00

Took a flatter ride today around Burton, out into the wind back home with it giving me a little push, old favoured training roads around Melbourne, Repton, Hilton, Tutbury and Burton. Gave it some gas today, 27+kph ave speed, and a new PB over 100km by over 4 minutes, all good :)

Bike has developed a very annoying 'ticking' from the bottom bracket area though, lathered it in WD40 overnight, will clean and re grease tomorrow and hope for the best, haven't the time for a new BB before the epic....

&amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br /&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/14632366"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;63 Mile Burton Loop&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br/&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br /&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/?location=Beeston, United Kingdom"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Find more Cycling Routes / Bike Rides in Beeston, United Kingdom&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br /&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;gt;

Distance = 102.5 km
Time = 3 hrs 45 mins
Ave Speed = 27.3 kph
Top Speed = 66.5 kph
Ascent = 676m (6.6 m/km)

2011
Road Bike = 3119.4 km
Single Speed = 102.2 km
Fixed = 26 km
Indoor = 71.5 km
Total = 3324.1 km

Chasing Rainbows

2011-09-26T10:32:00.000+01:00

Mark Cavendish, top of the world

Great Britain woke up today with a new men's senior world road race champion for the first time since 1965 and for only the second time in history. This victory has been 3 years in the making for Cav and team GB and man did team GB deliver for Cav, a victory not just for Mark but for the whole team. I'm proud as punch for British Cycling!

I'm sure Cav will wear the rainbow jersey with pride next year and do it justice, here's to an even better 2012 for the Manx Missile. But first of course there is the tour of Lombardy, maybe a bit too much for a pure sprinter, but still a good opportunity to show the world his new jersey and a fitting goodbye to team HTC Highroad.

Makes me smile every time I ride past

2011-09-25T00:45:00.002+01:00

Saturday 24 September, More Hills

2011-09-25T00:41:00.000+01:00

Sunrise over Sandiacre

Up and out early on a bright and chilly morning for the last hilly ride before the epic next Sunday, and within ten minutes I was treated to a sunrise at the top of the first hill Stanton Road, rising from Sandiacre.

From there it was familiar hilly ride roads, No Mans Lane, through Dale Abbey and West Hallam to Cloves Lane then onto Spanker Lane via Holbrook and Heage. Holly Lane next up, and today I felt as though I had my best climb of Holly Lane, I definitely feel as though my climbing is becoming better. On the way up Holly I climbed into slightly foggy conditions which stayed with me until Wirksworth, reminding me that it was still a chilly morning.

From Holly a little short tester up Bent Lane and then down into Wirksworth, a lovely little Peak town which I keep meaning to pay a visit with Mrs H. The climb out of Wirksworth up West End is the last real tester on this route (bar Drum). Shortly after this it's along the banks of Carsington Water, time for a little speed to build up as the roads become flatter as I headed towards Hullands Ward. There's a lovely pub here with a B&B called The Black Horse where Mrs H and I spent a romantic night a few years back, another place I keep meaning to take her. The speed is really getting up now and the rouleur in me is pressing on toward Kedleston and then Duffield. Now back on familiar 'local' roads its Eaton Bank and Drum Hill before the usual Spondon, Borrowash, Risley run home.

A very nice ride on a lovely autumnal morning, well worth getting up early for. With the epic looming I'll have a couple of steady flat rides this week to keep the legs turning but nothing requiring much effort.

&amp;lt;br /&amp;gt; &amp;lt;a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/32869878"&amp;gt;58 Carrsington&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br/&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br /&amp;gt; &amp;lt;a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/?location=Broxtowe, United Kingdom"&amp;gt;Find more Cycling Routes / Bike Rides in Broxtowe, United Kingdom&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br /&amp;gt; 

Distance = 94.2 km
Time = 4 hrs 5 mins
Ave Speed = 23 kph
Top Speed = 67.7 kph
Hillometer =16.3 m/km

2011
Road Bike = 3016.9 km
Single Speed = 102.2 km
Fixed = 26 km
Indoor = 71.5 km
Total = 3216.6 km

UCI World Road Race Champs

2011-09-23T14:11:00.001+01:00

"you like my stripes eh?"

Cav eyeing up the stripes of world champion Thor Hushovd at the Tour de France this year, this year is supposed to be Britains best chance since the last 'best chance' at winning the rainbow stripes of world road race champion. Can Cav pull it off this Sunday afternoon? We hope so, but I can't help feeling that a certain Mr Gilbert might have something to say about it, he has dominated this season and what better way to finish it off? Also look out for Sagan, might be a bit too long for him this race but worth an each way bet I reckon, also good for an each way bet are Fabian Cancellara and Matt Goss (if you loose your life savings on these don't come back to me, it's entirely at your own risk, on the other hand if you win a few quid I'll take a drink off you)

Tom Simpson, our only senior world road race champion to date

Thursday 22 September - Hilly TT

2011-09-22T14:56:00.001+01:00

For the first time this year I went for it on the 30 mile hilly TT, well about 90% effort anyway, I know where I could have put a bit more in but opted to take a quick breather. Almost 4 minutes quicker than two weeks ago but still 3.5 minutes outside of my PB, at time of 1:54:00, not bad. It was also the first time this year I've felt that surge as I'm climbing a hill, you know, the one where it almost feels as though someone's pushing you. A breezy day day for it, but it was good to feel that bit of zing for the first time in a while, the rouleur in me loved it out there today :)

Distance = 48.3 km
Time = 1 hr 54 mins
Ave Speed = 25.2 kph
Top Speed = 62.7 kph
Hillometer = 7.4

2011
Road Bike = 2922.7 km
Single Speed = 102.2 km
Fixed = 26 km
Indoor = 71.5 km
Total = 3122.4 km

Legends - Fausto Coppi

2011-09-21T19:28:00.000+01:00

Angelo Fausto Coppi, (15 September 1919, Castellania, Province of Alessandria – 2 January 1960, Tortona, Province of Alessandria), was the dominant international cyclist of the years each side of the Second World War. His successes earned him the title Il Campionissimo, or champion of champions. He was an all-round racing cyclist: he excelled in both climbing and time trialing, and was also a great sprinter. He won the Giro d'Italia five times (1940, 1947, 1949, 1952, 1953), the Tour de France twice (1949 and 1952), and the World Championship in 1953. Other notable results include winning the Giro di Lombardia five times, the Milan – San Remo three times, as well as wins at Paris–Roubaix and La Flèche Wallonne and setting the hour record (45.798 km) in 1942.

Source - wikipedia

Loving my retro cycling stuff at the minute, reading books, reading the net, these boys really put themselves through the mill, racing hard all year, non of this 'toning and training' for certain events, much respect to these past legends. Coppi's humble upbringing on the farm and his obvious desire to succeed can not fail to inspire.

Sunday 18 September, Mamma's Mountain Views

2011-09-19T16:36:00.001+01:00

Audax time again, and this time some Welsh hills, and boy(o) do they know how to do hills, Old Horseshoe Pass was a best, but more of that later...

GPS Stats

I arrived at the start in plenty of time, and next time I do so remind to switch my GPS on as it took 15 mins to get a fix, by which time I was 2k's from the start! It was a bright start but chilly so of I went with leg and arm warmers fitted. The roads however were wet and quite dirty. About 15 of us formed a nice group which lasted all the way to the first control which came after 44 mostly flat k's. Flat been the operative word as just before said stop I picked a bloody great hawthorn up in my front tyre. So after a quick flapjack and tube change I headed away from Chirk, past the castles rather elaborate gates and into the hills.

Short and steep was the order at first gradually getting longer as I rode further into Wales and eventually descended into Llangollen, then there was a big kick up to Old Horse Shoe Pass which was an even huger kick up, one like which I have not encountered before, it was evil, long and evil. The stop at the Penderosa Cafe at the top was most welcome.

From there it was a good steady ride bar one short steep climb after the last control point, I had to bail out on this one as a car was blocking the road.

After that last climb at was a nice wind assisted 30k's back to base, most of which the old diesel engine opened up and I was away.

Another lovely ride from the Audax folk, 130km around Wrexham and the surrounding mountains. And a good taste of what the Welsh mountains have to offer in two weeks time.

&amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br /&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/51161592"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Mamma's Mountain Views&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br/&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br /&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/?location=Cheshire West and Chester, United Kingdom"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Find more Cycling Routes / Bike Rides in Cheshire West and Chester, United Kingdom&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br /&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; &amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;gt;

Distance = 130 km
Time = 6 hrs 3 mins
Ave Speed = 21.4 kph
Top Speed = 62.8 kph
Hillometer = 20.4
Weather = Sunny Spells, Showers 12c

2011
Road Bike = 2874.4 km
Single Speed = 102.2 km
Fixed = 26 km
Indoor = 71.5 km
Total = 3074.1 km

Thursday 16 September

2011-09-15T14:57:00.000+01:00

The sun was out so I took advantage and grabbed a couple of hours on the bike, nothing strenuous, a flat 58k around two of the local TT circuits in West Leake and Kingston. Kept a good tempo going and felt fresh as a daisy when I got home. Next up a 130k hilly Audax on Sunday.

Distance = 58.7 km
Time = 2 hrs 4 mins
Ave Speed = 28.2 kph
Top Speed = 46.1 kph
Hillometer = N/A
Max H/R = N/A
Ave H/R = N/A
Weather = Sunny Spells 16c

2011
Road Bike = 2744.4 km
Single Speed = 102.2 km
Fixed = 26 km
Indoor = 71.5 km
Total = 2944.1 km

Tuesday 13 September - Tour of Britain Stage 3

2011-09-14T16:19:00.000+01:00

A couple of years ago I drove to Stoke for the departure of the riders and then drove up to Gun Hill to see them reach the top, this fuelled my desire to actually ride out to the stage. Last year as a group with some club mates we attempted to do so but underestimated the ability of the group and the time required, thus missing the riders by about half an hour.

This year I was determined to make it, I opened it up to clubmates again, but with it being on a weekday this year no one was up for it, either that or they didn't want to ride with me! Obviously this was going to be a hilly ride as the first climb for the pro's which was my destination was in the Peak District the other side of Ashbourne than I. I set out on familiar roads, up through Stanton and West Hallam and on to Cloves Hill yet again, then the route turned towards Holbrook, another good climb through there. This should have been followed by a quick descent into Duffield was anything but, a viscous headwind meant me peddling down the hill! Once through Duffield a tough climb into a square on headwind was a killer, it was steady up hill all the way to Ashbourne from here, into the wind, this was tough.

Kom - Ramshorn

I was starting to feel the efforts against this wind by the time I rode through Ashbourne town centre and was looking forward to reaching my goal, I was also a little concerned that I was maybe to miss the peloton again, surely if I was slower because of the wind so they would be.... I hoped.

It was a lumpy ride from Ashbourne to the bottom of Ramshorn without any real hills but plenty to keep the pain up. Ramshorn was the first climb of the day for the tour, a cat 2 climb none the less. I hit the bottom of the climb and to my surprise it took me up at a very favourable rate, this isn't as bad as I was expecting. Then things levelled out, what's all the fuss about I'm asking myself. The 'fuss' is that this goes on and on and on, a little ramp, levels out, bigger ramp, levels off, bigger ramp, you get the picture. It not the severity of the climb, it's the length of it!

About half way up I pass the most ridiculous of things considering a professional bike race is about to pass, a tractor cutting the hawthorn hedgerow by the road side, great planning by the local authorities!

Almost missed the leaders

At that point I should add I didn't know I was half way and it kept heading towards the sky, by now the crowds are getting bigger, and old fella tips his hat "well done lad, not far to go" some one shouts "go Beeston" I'm genuinely getting encouragement from the crowds. The road starts pointing downwards, I have a horrible feeling I'll pay for this, and yes I did, one last dig upwards and finally I can see the banner at the top of the hill. By now the ride marshalls and police bikes are passing, the riders are near by.

A few minutes to catch my breath and a quick snack and the riders are upon us. Three breakaway riders who by the time my phone is out and camera switched on I just manage to catch two of them. Three minutes later the peloton approach and pass in a blur.

As quick as I've caught my breath it's all over, time to head home, first of all enjoying the descent I had just climbed.

I love descending at speed, my weight and size means it's one thing I am good at on a bike, a natural build for gravity assisted speed. Not only was the ride home more down than up it was also down wind. That wind that had hampered my ride out would now give me a friendly push home.

The peloton approach

The ride home was to the south of Ashbourne and back towards Keddleston and Duffield, back onto familiar hill training roads, Eaton Bank and Drum Hill. The last few k's were fantastic, dead flat road and the strong wind square on my back, Borrowash to Toton, ave speed 40kph! Brilliant end to a brilliant ride and a brilliant ride.

&amp;lt;br /&amp;gt; &amp;lt;a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/20649076"&amp;gt;77 Ramshorn&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br/&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br /&amp;gt; &amp;lt;a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/?location= Beeston, United Kingdom"&amp;gt;Find more Cycling Routes / Bike Rides in Beeston, United Kingdom&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br /&amp;gt; 

Distance = 120.5 km
Time = 5 hr 11 mins
Ave Speed = 23.3 kph
Top Speed = 66.6 kph
Hillometer = 14.7 m/km
Max H/R = N/A
Ave H/R = N/A
Weather = Sunny Spells 18c

2011
Road Bike = 2685.7 km
Single Speed = 102.2 km
Fixed = 26 km
Indoor = 71.5 km
Total km = 2885.4 km

Saturday 10 September - Hilly, Bulls, wheelies and spins

2011-09-12T11:53:00.000+01:00

Carrying on the hilly theme of my riding I headed out toward the Peak and Holly Lane on a hilly ride. Headed to No Mans Lane first of all, a local climb which always warms the legs up only 2 miles from home, after the steady incline through Stanton By Dale and decline of Cat and Fiddle lane (not THE Cat and Fiddle) it was onwards to one of Beeston CC's favourite locals, Cloves Hill, short but pretty steep. A couple of weeks ago you may recall I came across two cows at the top of this hill, well Saturday I came across about 10 young bulls in the same place. These young fella's didn't look too impressed as I rounded the corner headed right towards them. I gingerly picked a course through the bulls only to spook one as I rounded the back of him, well his legs went out nearly clipping me but also spooking the rest of the herd, it was time for me to leave and quick. I got out unscathed but lets just say my heart was pounding as I rolled down the other side on Sandy Lane.

No incidents onwards towards Heage and then the comically named Spanker Lane, Spanker climb despatched Holly Lane was next, for those who do not know Holly, she's a bitch! Very steep first section of approx 25-30% the a relentless 10-15% drag. The only way for me to stop pulling the involuntary wheelies is to get out of the saddle, so I did just that. A greasy road surface under trees now meant that when out of the saddle the back wheel was spinning as I put the (limited) power down on the pedals, so I'm now wrestling the front and rear of the bike to get up the steepest part of Holly Lane, she didn't beat me though.

Across the top of the hills toward Shottle it was a bit drizzly but not enough to crack the waterproof jacket out, and once the descending began the air soon dried up, a quick section to Duffield is always a pleasure. The little kick up onto Eaton Bank always catches me breathless before another BCC favourite Drum Hill. Drum is another good climb which kicks up a little about half way as you pass under the A38, it seems to be easier for me this year though thankfully. Once Drum was dealt with it was a simple ride home through Spondon, Borrowash, Risley and Long Eaton.

Really enjoyed this hilly run on what was a very warm autumn morning, too warm for the short zipped jersey I chose to wear....

76k Cloves Holly Drum
Find more Cycling Routes / Bike Rides in
Distance = 76.6 km
Time = 3 hr 25 mins
Ave Speed = 22.4 kph
Top Speed = 57.8 kph
Hillometer = 15.3 m/km
Max H/R = N/A
Ave H/R = N/A
Weather = Sunny Spells 20c

2011
Road Bike = 2565.2 km
Single Speed = 102.2 km
Fixed = 26 km
Indoor = 71.5 km
Total km = 2764.9 km

Thursday 8th September

2011-09-08T15:35:00.002+01:00

Rode the 30 mile hilly route today, gave it some beans today and given the breezy conditions I'm quite pleased to have got round in under 2 hours (1:57:52). Still taking rides on the easier side of the scale and just getting miles and hills in before the Epic.

Route

Distance = 48.3 km
Time = 1 hr 58 mins
Ave Speed = 24.4 kph
Top Speed = 60 kph
Hillometer = 7.4 m/km
Max H/R = N/A
Ave H/R = N/A
Weather = Overcast, Sunny Spells 16c

2011Road Bike = 2488.6 km
Single Speed = 102.2 km
Fixed = 26 km
Indoor = 71.5 km
Total km = 2688.3 km

Camelia and Canal Bridges Audax

2011-09-04T19:37:00.001+01:00

Rode this 100k Audax with Paul, a fellow Beeston CC member. Did this one last year with Dad and enjoyed it just as much this year, quite a flat route from Moira nr Asby de la Zouch heading into Warwickshire past Tamworth, continuing towards Sutton Coldfield before turning back towards Atherstone and on to Hinckley, turning back to Twycross and then back onto Moira for coffee, sandwiches and cake at the end. As the name would suggest it was mainly a flat route, but away from the canals it does throw a few hills at you. We started out in the rain at 09:30 after a cup of tea, after about an hour though things cleared up and the rain jacket came off. The sun came out and dried things up before the cloud returned but it stayed dry. We missed the first cafe stop and just got our cards stamped heading for the 2nd cafe stop and some flapjack and coke.

Last year I struggled on this route after time off the bike, this year I felt much better, strong all the way round in fact.

Not hilly enough to be classed as real Epic training, today was really about getting some miles in, hills come next weekend, followed by another Audax with grimpuer (climbing) points in a fortnights time.

65 - Camelia and Canal Bridges Audax
Find more Cycling Routes / Bike Rides in Moira, United Kingdom

Distance = 105.5 km
Time = 4 hrs 20 mins
Ave Speed = 24.3 kph
Top Speed = 61.6 kph
Hillometer = 7.9 m/km
Max H/R = N/A
Ave H/R = N/A
Weather = Overcast, Showers, Sunny Spells 16c

2011
Road Bike = 2440.3 km
Single Speed = 102.2 km
Fixed = 26 km
Indoor = 71.5 km
Total km = 2640 km

Thursday 1 September

2011-09-01T14:13:00.000+01:00

Took the Hoby route today, lovely little village near Melton Mowbray, wanted some miles in the legs but easy ones in light of Sundays 100k Audax ride. Didn't really push it at all today apart from up a few short hills, when it felt tough I slowed down, don't want to fade out on Sunday!

Still got a lot to do for the epic, need some base fitness and also some hill practice but only four weeks to get it done! 3 big hilly ones each week and then a gentle week with a couple of short rides tapering to the 2nd October.

&amp;lt;a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/16935903"&amp;gt;56 Hoby route&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br/&amp;gt;&amp;lt;a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/?location=Beeston, United Kingdom"&amp;gt;Find more Cycling Routes / Bike Rides in Beeston, United Kingdom&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;

Distance = 92.6 km
Time = 3 hrs 32 mins
Ave Speed = 26.2 kph
Top Speed = 70.9 kph
Hillometer = 6.4 m/km
Max H/R = 195
Ave H/R = 163
Weather = Sunny, 19c

2011
Road Bike = 2334.8 km
Single Speed = 102.2 km
Fixed = 26 km
Indoor = 71.5 km
Total km = 2534.5 km

Sunday 28 August, more hills

2011-08-29T10:05:00.000+01:00

Another ride around the 30 mile...sorry 48.4km hilly route, went a little harder this time but still nowhere near full effort, still to out of shape and practice for that. For some reason even though I'm not in shape Cloves and Drum are feeling easier, not due to the little weight loss I've managed so far either as I am now at the same sort of weight as I was this time last year.

Felt better than Thursday and was 9 minutes quicker over the course, but still a long way to go. I'll have a flatter but longer ride during the week before a 100km (62miles) Audax next Sunday, then it will be longer and hillier rides in the build up to the Epic.

Route same as post below

Distance = 48.4 km
Time = 2 hrs 0 mins
Ave Speed = 23.9 kph
Top Speed = 61.0 kph
Hillometer = 7.4 m/km
Max H/R = 193
Ave H/R = 156
Weather = Sunny, 12c

2011
Road Bike = 2242.2 km
Single Speed = 102.2 km
Fixed = 26 km
Indoor = 71.5 km
Total km = 2441.9 km

Thursday 25 August

2011-08-25T10:13:00.001+01:00

With only 37 miles ridden in the last 5 weeks my epic training is non existent, so it's about time something was done. So an early and very wet start was in order today to kick start the training.

I took the clubs Hilly route with my little adaptation to make it bang on 30 miles from Hobbs Towers. As usual it took me a few miles to get into it, Clove was slow but not too tiring, and Drum was the easiest I've ever known it albeit I was riding slow today. The aim of the day was to have a gentle spin on a hilly route, get the legs turning, to tell how leisurely it was compare it to my best time over the course, a full 19 minutes slower today.

I'll have a couple more of these before a 100k Audax a week on Sunday, once the children are back at school I'll get out of some distance hilly rides in preparation for the 2nd of October and the Autumn Epic.

&amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br /&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/15864200"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;30 Miles Hilly TT&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br/&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br /&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/?location=Beeston, United Kingdom"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Find more Cycling Routes / Bike Rides in Beeston, United Kingdom&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br /&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; &amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;gt;

Distance = 30.1 miles
Time = 2 hrs 9 mins
Ave Speed = 14.0 mph
Top Speed = 35.3 mph
Hillometer = 39.0 ft/mile
Max H/R = 186
Ave H/R = 149
Weather = Rain, 12c

2011
Road Bike = 1363.1
Single Speed = 63.5
Fixed = 16
Indoor = 44.4
Total Mileage = 1487

Off Facebook

2011-08-15T08:48:00.000+01:00

You wont find me on facebook for the foreseeable future if at all, I have switched the account off as I tend to say too much at times, especially when feeling a little low. Facebook also annoys me at times, well it's not facebook, more the people on it, yes I could remove certain people from my friends list, but then come the questions "Why has Liam deleted me" to Kelly or the children, it's just not worth the hassle.

So if you want to follow my life and thoughts as it and they happen you can do so through my twitter feed

Thursday 4 August - TT Course

2011-08-07T01:39:00.000+01:00

After too long off the bike due to the summer holidays for the children and busy weekends I found myself at the top of Bray Hill in the Isle of Man about to tackle the famous TT Mountain course last Thursday morning.

I was never going to trouble the record held by Chris Boardman of 1hr 23m 54s, especially seeing as it took me nearly 10 miles to really get going, as usual it took me a while to get into it, maybe a warm up is in order next time.

Its a good job I did get going then as at 9 miles came the first of the two real climbs, this one the much shorter 1.5 mile climb up past Sarah's Cottage. At this point I was wondering if I would make it up the cat 2 climb up the mountain! I had 13 miles of steady decline though to charge the legs up, this was a very nice 13 miles, bowling along at a good rate and at times taking a well earned breather.

I arrived in Ramsey knowing what was in store for me having driven up the mountain 2 days before, the only thing I could do was brace myself, the climbing started, the hairpin was soon upon me, this was OK... It was about 3 miles into the climb it began to bite, I turned out of the shelter of steep bank by the road into a stiff cold headwind, the gradient still tough I was struggling a little, luckily this didn't last too long as the gradient eased at just under 4 miles climbed. I now had thick fog to deal with! Up to this point (after leaving Douglas) I had had sun on my back, this made the very wet roads a little more bearable. I climbed through the fog and finally reached the bungalow after nearly an hour of climbing! I hadn't pushed hard up the mountain, I had just about ridden inside myself.

The decent from the Mountain was spoiled by the thick fog which didn't reduce until I was almost back in Douglas, I did touch over 40 mph though, whilst peddling down the other side, it wasn't a steep decent at all, just a nice steady down hill stretch.

I made it round in 2 hrs 40 mins, not brilliant by any means, I could probably take 15 mins off that if I warmed up, pushed it harder and had better weather conditions, I'm not moaning though, it was a great ride and it has given me a real appetite to take my bike back to the IOM and really explore what it has to offer for the cyclist.

&amp;lt;br /&amp;gt; &amp;lt;a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/27272186"&amp;gt;TT Mountain Corse IOM&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br/&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br /&amp;gt; &amp;lt;a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/?location=Douglas, United Kingdom"&amp;gt;Find more Cycling Routes / Bike Rides in Douglas, United Kingdom&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br /&amp;gt; 

Distance = 37.7 miles
Time = 2 hrs 40 mins
Ave Speed = 14.1 mph
Top Speed = 41.1 mph
Hillometer = 74.3 ft/mile
Max H/R = N/A
Ave H/R = N/A
Weather = Sunny/Foggy, 14c

2011
Road Bike = 1333
Single Speed = 63.5
Fixed = 16
Indoor = 44.4
Total Mileage = 1456.9

New Goals

2011-07-15T10:23:00.000+01:00

Now I have relieved myself of official duties I am concentrating on a few goals which mean me actually riding my bike and not wasting time arguing about bike clubs...

So what's in store, short term I have set my sights on the Autumn Epic this October, a well renowned sportive set in the Welsh hills. This event is know to be tough and only the toughest or bloody minded cyclists finish it, I probably fit in the latter of those characters.

No such feat planned for 2012 yet as it will mostly be training for 2013 and the London - Edinburgh - London ride, another ride of monster proportions. It's as it labelled, London to Edinburgh and back again, in one go, within 5 days, a self reliant 'race' against the distance and conditions, a true test of endurance cycling!

One thing that will hopefully take place next year is a record attempt of a relay ride of John O Groats to Lands End and back again! I have offered to cycle one of the 45 mile legs.... more to follow.

To achieve these goals I aim to use my Audax UK membership more effectively than I have done in the past and get some rides done!

Stepping down from @beestoncc duties

2011-07-15T09:18:00.000+01:00

I have decided to stand down from my duties of Membership Sec and 'Web Official' for Beeston CC.

I feel that it is in the best interest of the club and my state of mind that I stand back from official duties. It has been a pleasure to serve the club. I have never asked for anything in return, never claimed expenses for the stationary, postage stamps and fuel used in my duties, I have spent hours and hours sat in front of a PC working on the website after a very turbulent time for the club. I am very grateful for the support and kind comments from the majority of the membership.

However there is one very small minority who it appears will never be happy until they regain some kind of control over the direction of the club. Whilst I strongly disagree with this direction and oppose the suggested changes I feel that it would be even more divisive if I continue in my positions.

I am already working on a new project for Beeston CC, getting us recognised by Audax UK is just the start of this. But for now I just look forward to spending more of my spare time on my bike.

Johnny Hoogerland - NAILS

2011-07-12T11:51:00.001+01:00

Pro cycling has a new hard man to take over form big Jens Voigt when he finally step off his bike for the last time.

Hoogerland was catapulted into a barbed wire fence after hitting another ride who had unbelievably been hit by a car! This is the results of that incident.

Amazingly Hoogerland rode on 20 miles to finish the stage and take his King Of the Mountains jersey which he had earned that day. He then went to hospital to have 40 stitches to his wounds. Today, 2 days later he rides on the the Tour de France!

Monday 11 July - Epic Training begins....

2011-07-12T11:26:00.002+01:00

Seeing as I have targeted the Epic as a ride I want to do this October I had better get some practice in with longer hilly rides, so yesterday I headed out into the Peak for just some of that.

Screen Shot of the ride and profile

It was a fantastic ride, staring out on the familiar slopes of No Mans Lane, Cloves and Spanker Lane, I then headed UP into Chrich and it's Tramway Museum . After all that climbing I enjoyed the descent into Cromford before the long grind up Via Gelia and onwards to the A515, thats a tough slog! From the top of there I was Carsington bound. The legs were feeling good, I was really enjoying this!

Once round Carsington the going got much quicker, it was flatter and predominantly down hill and the wind was on my back, I was taking it reasonably easy and still knocking along at 20+mph.

Then came Drum Hill at after 57 tough miles, at this point I was still over 100 ft/mile of climbing and Drum was more of a challenge than normal, still I ground it out and pushed on once at the top!

Really enjoyed this up and down ride, very little in the way of flat roads as the profile shows. That long climb up Via Gelia although not too steep is one to get the legs going, it just goes on and on all the way to the A515 and up to almost 1200 ft.

So, plenty more to do but this was a good start, I felt great when I got home, legs tired but a feeling of joy, it was a stunning day to be out in the Peak, Sunny but not too hot, coasting around country lanes, this is whats its all about!

&amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br /&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/32847382"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;71m Via Gellia, Carsington&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br/&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br /&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/?location=Broxtowe, United Kingdom"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Find more Cycling Routes / Bike Rides in Broxtowe, United Kingdom&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br /&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;gt;

Distance = 71.1 miles
Time = 5 hrs 1 mins
Ave Speed = 14.1 mph
Top Speed = 38.9 mph
Hillometer = 88.3 ft/mile
Max H/R = 183
Ave H/R = 153
Weather = Sunny, 22c

2011
Road Bike = 1295.3
Single Speed = 63.5
Fixed = 16
Indoor = 44.4
Total Mileage = 1419.2

Tuesday 5 July

2011-07-05T11:24:00.000+01:00

Took the single speed out on @beestoncc postal duties this morning, rode into Chilwell, then onto Attenborough, cutting through to the Trent, then along the Trent banks to Trent Lock, up into Sawley and then back home through Long Eaton.

I had forgotten how nice it is to ride along the Trent to the Locks at Sawley, it was great fun actually getting out on a ride on the single speed!

Distance = 15.2 miles
Time = 1 hrs 2 mins
Ave Speed = 14.7 mph
Top Speed = 25.8 mph
Hillometer = N/A
Max H/R = N/A
Ave H/R = N/A
Weather = Sunny, 21c

2011
Road Bike = 1224.2
Single Speed = 63.5
Fixed = 16
Indoor = 44.4
Total Mileage = 1348.1

Monday 4 July

2011-07-05T11:18:00.002+01:00

Not been feeling anything like my best on the bike lately so yesterday I headed out on one of my 50 mile TT routes to see how far behind I actually am. Once I got going I didn't feel as bad as I though I might, and only finished up 5 minutes slower over 50 miles, not bad considering I'm down on last years mileage so far. Felt a lot better when I got home as well, pushing it harder seems more achievable than I thought.

So with big rides in mind and the Epic in October I need to start some form of training, nothing scientific and the base of any training will just be lots of miles and hours on the bike, with a big hard effort over 50 miles every two or three weeks.

&amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br /&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/14328400"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;53 miles Hilton Loop&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br/&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br /&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/?location=Beeston, United Kingdom"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Find more Cycling Routes / Bike Rides in Beeston, United Kingdom&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br /&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;gt;

Distance = 51.9 miles
Time = 3 hrs 0 mins
Ave Speed = 17.3 mph
Top Speed = 35.9 mph
Hillometer = 29.3 ft/mile
Max H/R = 192
Ave H/R = 165
Weather = Overcast/Sunny Spells, 21c

2011
Road Bike = 1224.2
Single Speed = 48.3
Fixed = 16
Indoor = 44.4
Total Mileage = 1332.9

Beeston CC Social Ride

2011-07-04T10:59:00.001+01:00

Went out on my first social ride in about 3 months yesterday, and a very nice steady jaunt it was too, sorted out some club business which will be announced soon and some future projects, again to be announced soon....

Business sorted we peddled our way across North Leicestershire towards Staunton Harold for a quick drink and snack at the stable cafe, and then on homeward bound to Beeston via Breedon, Long Whatton, Kegworth, Breaston and Long Eaton. Route as below but with a Breaston Loop added to the end.

Something not quite feeling right in my body at the moment on the bike, I seem to have lost a little 'zing' not sure how or why, need to get some more time and miles in I think...

&amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br /&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/28150450"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;BCC 1st Club Social ride - Staunton Harold 44miles&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br/&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br /&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/?location=Broxtowe, United Kingdom"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Find more Cycling Routes / Bike Rides in Broxtowe, United Kingdom&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br /&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;gt;

Distance = 52 miles
Time = 3 hrs 30 mins
Ave Speed = 14.9 mph
Top Speed = 34.6 mph
Hillometer = 32.9 ft/mile
Max H/R = 192
Ave H/R = 141
Weather = Sunny Spells, 20c

2011
Road Bike = 1172.3
Single Speed = 48.3
Fixed = 16
Indoor = 44.4
Total Mileage = 1281

Monday 27 June

2011-06-27T14:16:00.000+01:00

50 miles in some hot weather, did set out planning to do 70 but soon changed my mind, very hot and also surprisingly windy. After a bout 30 miles I just felt empty, fatigued, took plenty of water, brioche, gels, jelly babies, all the usual stuff but today just took it toll on me. The heat can be blamed for some of it it I'm sure but I think there was more to it that. Followed pretty much the same route as last week but carried on to Diseworth and then on to Kegworth for the route home. Felt tough out there, tougher than it should have. Don't want to start over analysing it yet, you never know it could be exhaustion from all those races I've not been winning or sportives I fall off on ;)

Distance = 50.2 miles
Time = 3 hrs 09 mins
Ave Speed = 16 mph
Top Speed = 33.8 mph
Hillometer = 29.3 ft/mile
Max H/R = 190
Ave H/R = 160
Weather = Sunny, 28c

2011
Road Bike = 1120.3
Single Speed = 48.3*
Fixed = 16
Indoor = 44.4
Total Mileage = 1229

*edited for commute

Won over?

2011-06-21T11:03:00.000+01:00

Had a fantastic day in London yesterday with Kelly celebrating her birthday. The main purpose of the trip was to see Dirty Dancing on stage, her choice not mine! Kelly had also arranged a tour of parliament with our MP Anna Soubry. After a picnic in St James Park we headed for our appointment with Anna.

I admit I had pre judged her as a bit of a 'battleaxe' not a very approachable person. What we got was a very light mannered, polite, humorous woman who has strong opinions and is not afraid to air them in a way that doesn't try to impose them upon you. We have a whistle stop tour of the houses of parliament, some area's where the 'official tour' wouldn't take you. When she found out the purpose of the visit to London, she quickly whisked us to the Strangers Bar and got the drinks in, what else but a Pimms for Kelly! On the terrace boozing with our MP indeed!

She asked how we felt about the area we live in, the schooling, shopping, pubs and general recreational activities. She listened and sympathised with our answers. Gave us an insight into what's happening (and what's not) in the area and a brief insight into her vision.

Now I'm not gullible enough to not realise that much of this is an act to 'win us over' and take a certain element of it with a pinch of salt, but what I did realise is this woman has balls, she will stand up and fight and argue her corner, she does not want all our villages/towns merging into one, she wants to see each area retain it's own identity, residents to take pride in the village or town they live in. She is against building for the sake of building, if housing needs to be built do it the right place in the right way, create communities, not just throw a load of houses up with no heart in the center of them.

I have never met Nick Palmer who preceded Anna as my MP but I have had dealings with him, and although it was always a pleasure to deal with him you always felt he was a bit of a push over, do anything to keep you sweet sort of bloke, not my ideal for an MP. Anna seems to have the steel and grit needed to fight for her constituency. If I were a voting man she'd get my vote.

To round the day off we took the tube to Covent Garden, had a wonder round the market and shops, popped into Lilly Cooper's (nee Allen) shop Lucy In Disguise and had a lovely meal in Palm Spring Brasserie before heading for the show, which incidently was pretty good too.

An open response to @adambird

2011-06-20T07:26:00.000+01:00

I have chosen not to use the clubs forum to reply to your interesting thread titled 'Commitment' as this would not be of benefit to the club, I would however like to address a few points....

"I'm not about to rake up the past and challenge versions of events because that benefits no-one. At the time I deliberately backed away from challenging any further after an initial voicing of my opinion because of the reaction it received. This did not stop an increasing level of intimidating behaviour directed at me that only ceased when action was taken by Judy in her role as club Welfare Officer."

Is this not in fact raking up the past, mentioning something that happened well over a year ago?

It is only a matter of opinion and not fact that you were subject to 'intimidating behaviour'. Any behaviour directed at you was a direct result of provocation by you publicly berating my efforts with public comments such as "I stood back and watched you throw my hard work away" .

Lets not forget that the current website was born out of the fact that you at the last minute withdrew your offer of creating and hosting a new website which other people had spent time and effort assisting you in the design and listening to your proposals in their own time. We the committee (at the time) were extremely grateful for your efforts and were very happy with the proposed website you had created. Then in the 11th hour you pulled out citing work commitments as your reason for not being able to continue. That I can understand, we all have lives away from Beeston CC, but please forgive me for feeling a little shy as we have already been bitten once! This I am sure is where the mentioned concern stems from, funny you don't mention that in your piece written on the forums!

"The most important aspect is that we're part of the new wave of cycling clubs in the country and complete access to the Bunch Rides application puts us at the forefront of that movement."

You speak of a new wave of cycling, is this what the majority of Beeston CC want? BCC is no longer the same club you helped get of the ground, it has evolved beyond a small group of like minded folk into a diverse range of membership, we don't all share the same vision as yourself.

I like the fact the club is different to the traditional cycling club and the fact that the members arrange ad-hoc rides, the members drive the club, not the club driving the members. I personally do not feel that the club needs to be a part of a 'bigger movement' it already achieves what the majority of its membership require.

In short I understand your need to express your commitment but find the way you have chosen to do so quite unsavoury. Employing 'dirty tactics' to perhaps try and discredit myself and therefore the clubs current website, very good! If you like that kind of thing.....

If you feel the need to continue to provoke me please carry on to do so, just don't feel too disappointed if I fail to make as bigger fool of myself as you do.

Sunday 19th June

2011-06-19T13:49:00.000+01:00

Took a steady 52 mile ride into North Leicestershire with a couple of club mates this morning, easy pace which left me enough energy to absolutely slaughter any hills we came across, I felt like Bertie Contador dancing on my pedals in big gears going up hills, only difference being I had not eaten chemically enhanced Steak the night before :)

We were on a reconnaissance mission for the Beeston CC 75 mile Challenge Ride, the 1st section of the route has been passed and approved, second part to be approved after next Sundays recce part 2. This mornings route followed a familiar path out to Six Hills and back home and was finished off with coffee and a natter at Nero's.

Today I was Bernhard Eisel to John's Mark Cavendish.

Distance = 52 miles
Time = 3 hrs 22 mins
Ave Speed = 15.4 mph
Top Speed = 29.9 mph
Hillometer = 23.2 ft/mile
Max H/R = 183
Ave H/R = 138
Weather = Cloudy, Breezy 13c

2011
Road Bike = 1070.1
Single Speed = 44.9
Fixed = 16
Indoor = 44.4
Total Mileage = 1175.4

Manchester Velodrome

2011-06-14T09:50:00.000+01:00

Disscussing 'tactics' for the team pursuit

Beeston CC took a road trip to Manchester last weekend for a track session at the National Cycling Centre, and what fun it was!

First time on a fixed in over 25 years for me and first time on a track.

After getting changed we walk up into the arena, first thing that strikes me is just how steep the banking is, it's like a bloody wall! Too late to panic now, off we trot to claim our bikes and get our shoes on.

Once ready Russ our coach for the session briefed us on the 'rules'

Rule 1: Don't stop peddaling
Rule 2: You can't go too fast!

Then we were off, a couple of laps on the flat surface next to the track then as we sped up Russ told us to get on the track and onto the black line. First corner on the black line and I'm thinking "shit this is steep I'm not going any further up"

58cm Dolan Track Bike (83.5" gear)

Then the bike starts pulling me back down off the track, it's then I realise why Russ told us to go hard into and round the bends, if you dont your heading south! So the next bend I crank it up a bit and keep going through the bend, wow what a feeling, I've been bitten by the bug already. Next time past and Russ is shouting me to go on the red line, further up the track, out I move and kick into the bend, again WOW! As I pass coach Russ on the next lap he shouts "Blue, blue" out I move to the blue, it's even better, who'd have thought, within 4 laps I'm used to the fixed gear and I'm loving the track, something that has never really appealed to me. Fun over for a few minutes, coach Russ is calling us back in, how do I stop this thing? Slowing down is not an issue, stopping it and getting off is quite another, I pull in and start grabbing for the barrier, firm grip on the barrier, I've stopped, unclip feet, that was easy!

'Team Novice' Team Pursuit

Team pursuit was next, we were split into three teams, Team Blue made of club members in club colours who have all ridden the boards before. Team Black, mixed ability team of club members and guests, and finally Team Novice, the first timers on the track, me included. Team Blue did a good tight ride and worked well together, Team Black put a pretty good effort in too.

Team Novice however were an absolute shambles, by lap 2 of 8 myself and Steve were half a lap ahead of our 'team mates', we held up for a couple of laps but the boys were not catching us so we buried it for the final two laps and finished 3/4's of a lap ahead of the rest of the team. Oh well, something to work on next time!

Next up was the 200 meter sprint with rolling start, after studying club mates lines and taking advice from Russ it was clear I needed to be at the top of that banking coming into the straight before the start line and then drop down the banking in the bend where the start line is. As my time comes around I nervously set off knowing I need to go higher up that banking than ever before and with only just over 1/2 a lap to get up to speed. Off I set gettig up to speed as quick as possible trying to save energy, round the first bend nice and low, into the back straight moving up the boards and bringing the speed up, pushing hard to get above the advertising markings on the track, I'm up there, bloody hell this good! Into the finish straight I'm as high as I can go ready to drop down to the start line on the next bend. Hit the bend and head down to the line. WOW what a feeling, peddling as hard as I can heading south, what acceleration! Now remembering to keep as tighter line as possible for the next 180 meters, down the straight into the bend, keeping as tight as I can at 30 mph, onto the finish straight and over the line 15.31 seconds after passing the start line. No danger of breaking any records but I'm pleasantly surprised with my time.

The sprint was followed by a 'free session' for a bout 20 mins for us to do what ever we liked, I headed out with one thing in mind..... going round the bends at the very top of the boards.... I did it :)

I only went for the experience, I had no intention of ever going again, it was an experience to tick off the list. My name will be down for the next visit! It was great, a real buzz going fast on a fixed round a track.

Track Session = 16 Miles

2011
Road Bike = 1018.1
Single Speed = 44.9*
Fixed = 16
Indoor = 44.4
Total Mileage = 1123.4

*= edited to add commute

Sunday 5 June

2011-06-05T11:32:00.000+01:00

Today was a recovery ride after yesterdays longer effort. Followed the @beestoncc 35 mile social ride but cut a little section out to ensure my riding partner today got home in time for his family commitments. Was a breezy morning out there but nothing too strenuous. Had some good chat about the club and current proposals and even came away with new ideas and an offer of assistance.

So after a good weekend of cycling including a recovery ride I think it's time for some recovery snap and maybe even a recovery drink or three.

&amp;lt;br /&amp;gt; &amp;lt;a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/27744650"&amp;gt;Beeston CC Social No 1 (35 mile)&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br/&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br /&amp;gt; &amp;lt;a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/?location=Broxtowe, United Kingdom"&amp;gt;Find more Cycling Routes / Bike Rides in Broxtowe, United Kingdom&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br /&amp;gt; 

Distance = 31.9 miles
Time = 2 hrs 5 mins
Ave Speed = 15.3 mph
Top Speed = 35.7 mph
Hillometer = 21.7 ft/mile
Max H/R = 177
Ave H/R = 142

Weather = Cloudy, Breezy 12c

2011
Road Bike = 1018.1
Single Speed = 38.5
Indoor = 44.4
Total Mileage = 1101

Saturday 4 June, Peak Ride

2011-06-04T14:17:00.000+01:00

Took a ride into the Peak this morning via Crich, Cromford and up Via Gellia, this proved much easier than the profile suggests. From the top of Via Gellia I headed to Fenny Bently to see the family who are camping there for the weekend whilst I'm at work. After a quick refuel I continued down into Ashbourne, then back up out of it! Took the lanes back from Ashbourne to Keddleston, Little Eaton and Drum Hill, man that is hard after 60 HILLY miles, from Drum it was home through Spondon, Draycott, Long Eaton. Bonked in Draycott, the last 3 1/2 miles were murder!

Really enjoyed this ride, a tough workout with over 6,500 ft of climbing, the weather was warm. Via Gellia is one of those on my list, so glad I've chalked it off, would be nice to come back down it some time though. Next trip that way I will be tackling a couple of the 100 climbs in Matlock.

&amp;lt;br /&amp;gt; &amp;lt;a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/36337034"&amp;gt;73m Via Gellia, Ashbourne&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br/&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br /&amp;gt; &amp;lt;a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/?location=Broxtowe, United Kingdom"&amp;gt;Find more Cycling Routes / Bike Rides in Broxtowe, United Kingdom&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br /&amp;gt; 

Distance = 73.8 miles
Time = 5 hrs 34 mins
Ave Speed = 13.2 mph
Top Speed = 45.6 mph
Hillometer = 90 ft/mile
Max H/R = 193
Ave H/R = 159

Weather = Sunny, Breezy 18c

2011
Road Bike = 986.2
Single Speed = 38.5
Indoor = 44.4
Total Mileage = 1069.1

Tuesday 24 May *Time Trial

2011-05-31T14:08:00.001+01:00

Forgot to blog this last week..... A windy evening in West Leak was not going to produce a 10 mile TT PB for me, what it did provide though was a good work out for just over half an hour, I judged my effort better than my previous attempt a month ago, but with the windy conditions I was still a hefty distance outside my PB and still too far away from a sub 30 min time, 31:01 on the night.

Distance = 32 miles
Time = 1 hrs 45 mins
Ave Speed = 18.1 mph
Top Speed = 33.0 mph
Hillometer = N/A
Max H/R = N/A
Ave H/R = N/A

Weather = Windy, Overcast, 12c

2011
Road Bike = 912.4
Single Speed = 38.5
Indoor = 44.4
Total Mileage = 995.3

Riverside ride with the children

2011-05-31T14:00:00.000+01:00

Took a nice easy ride along the Trent between Attenborough and Beeston Lock with the children this morning. Robert is improving his endurance steadily, the gaps between coughing fits and needing his inhaler are increasing. It seems nothing to me but I suppose 6.5 miles for a 9 year old who doesn't ride that often is quite a treck, still the ice cream at Attenborough was enough encouragement for both children to come out on a ride.

Distance = 6.62

2011
Road Bike = 880.4
Single Speed = 38.5
Indoor = 44.4
Total Mileage = 963.3

Beeston CC Forum :: Facebook & Twitter 'Like' buttons added to forums

2011-05-30T13:46:00.000+01:00

Beeston CC Forum :: Facebook & Twitter 'Like' buttons added to forums

test

Sunday 22 May - Newton Solney loop

2011-05-22T10:42:00.000+01:00

Home alone this weekend so the opportunity to get out early for a shorter than usual ride (had to be home for 10). Headed towards Burton again as it was very windy this morning and I like the tailwind coming home!

For the first 10 miles I really struggled, I felt crap, the headwind was battering me, times like you wonder why you do it..... as my body got into it things got better, the headwind didn't drop but I was pushing into it now! By the time I'd reached the turning point with the westerly wind I was well into it and motoring along. I hit the top of Kings Lane and turned right for Newton Solney, I was flying! Times like that you know why you do it! There's nothing better for me than getting your head down with a tailwind, I was pushing 30 mph on the flat at times, did overcook it a little though heading up the slight drag from Borrowash to Risley, by the time I was through Breaston and Long Eaton I was running out of puff, still pulling 25mph though :)

Close to home I was passed by a certain Adam Bird, now I know Iv'e made progress because I didn't have any urge to push him off ;) I jest, all that is long gone now.

Today I rode for Angie x

&amp;lt;br /&amp;gt; &amp;lt;a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/19129472"&amp;gt;43.3 Newton Solney&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br/&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br /&amp;gt; &amp;lt;a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/?location=Beeston, United Kingdom"&amp;gt;Find more Cycling Routes / Bike Rides in Beeston, United Kingdom&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br /&amp;gt; 

Distance = 43.7 miles
Time = 5 hrs 45 mins
Ave Speed = 15.9 mph
Top Speed = 38.0 mph
Hillometer = 39.6 ft/mile
Max H/R = 186
Ave H/R = 151

Weather = Windy, Overcast/Sunny Spells, 12c

2011
Road Bike = 880.4
Single Speed = 31.9
Indoor = 44.4
Total Mileage = 956.7

Monday 16th May - Burton Blast

2011-05-16T15:25:00.000+01:00

First ride for a couple of weeks due to driving revision, and the only one I'll get until after my test next week (although I might squeeze a TT in next Tuesday). Took the 63 mile Burton Loop, out to Hilton via Weston on Trent and then across to Tutbury, before heading south to Barton under Needwood, that is where the windy conditions finally gave me some assistance, 33 miles in and finally a sniff of a tail wind.

The tailwind was most welcome but this ride unlike many other routes I do is actually hillier in the second half, still a decent time of 4 hours and 1 minute with an ave speed of 15.7mph wasn't bad considering the conditions. Pushed it reasonably hard today as I wanted a good work out given my inactivity, the legs and buttocks are definitely feeling it now, can't wait for the next one, but for now I must get back to my instructor revision in preparation for next Thursday.

&amp;lt;br /&amp;gt; &amp;lt;a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/14632366"&amp;gt;63 Mile Burton Loop&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br/&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br /&amp;gt; &amp;lt;a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/?location=Beeston, United Kingdom"&amp;gt;Find more Cycling Routes / Bike Rides in Beeston, United Kingdom&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br /&amp;gt; 

Distance = 63.4 miles
Time = 4 hrs 01 mins
Ave Speed = 15.7 mph
Top Speed = 34.9 mph
Hillometer = 35.1 ft/mile
Max H/R = 186
Ave H/R = 160

Weather = Windy, Overcast, 16c

2011
Road Bike = 836.7
Single Speed = 31.9
Indoor = 44.4
Total Mileage = 913

How things change

2011-05-13T20:47:00.000+01:00

Yet again I have changed my mind about choice of car, not that that is a priority at the moment as I failed my first attempt at the final test today. Good feedback from the chief examiner should help me for next time though, and I'm getting straight back on.....I've booked my next next for just under two weeks time. I have a session booked with my instructor prior to the test to brush a few things up and also a friend of a friend has offered to give me a little help.

So I have just under two weeks to get myself ready, I'm also in need of a good bike ride, so Monday I'll be getting out there to get a few miles in after my two week lay off to concentrate on the driving, a couple of rides this week I reckon and then back to the driving in preparation for the 26th.

Anyway, back to the car, I'm now looking at the Corsa after giving into Mrs H's nagging, still fancy the DS3 though especially after the monthly price has come down by nearly £30 a month!

Game plan coming together

2011-05-06T09:15:00.002+01:00

Should I pass my test next week I have just about got my game plane together. After meeting with several franchisors I have come to a decision on which one I will be signing to and pending a test drive on Monday morning I have also made a decision on which vehicle I will be using.

My head has finally taken over the search for a car and although the Citroen DS3 is a very smart piece of kit which will no doubt pull a good few punters in I have to be aware of the costing side of things. As anyone in business will know you need to to be especially frugal in your first few years of setting up, so my head says a cheaper but just as capable car is needed.....

The Seat Ibiza sport coupe (3 door hatchback in anyone else's language) SE Ecomotive Copa 1.2tdi, built by VW (based on the Polo chassis) comes in £1500 cheaper than the DS3, is much more economical and feels much roomier inside. The road tax is free for life (until the government change their minds again) and my local Seat garage are also offering a much fairer valuation on my px. Seat are also offering a 7 -10 delivery, far more agreeable than the 6 -12 weeks offered by Citroen!

So bar a stunning quote coming in on the costs of a Fiesta 1.4 D Zetec and a poor test drive in the Seat it looks like the decision is made.

All this of course will be of no use if I don't get through the bloody test!

Monday 2 May Early blast to Belvoir

2011-05-02T13:45:00.001+01:00

Belvoir Castle

Had a 6am start for a 70 mile ride out to Belvoir Castle via Terrace Hill which is included in Simon Warren's 100 Greatest Cycling Climbs Martin, a Beeston CC member joined me on the ride. A stiff easterly breeze made hard work of the ride out to Terrace Hill, which in its self wasn't a tough challenge, certainly easier than the likes of Holly Lane. But given the fact that there are no real climbs in the Vale of Belvior region its worthy of a mention in Simon's book, it is also the home of Beeston CC's hill climbing champs.

On to Belvoir (with a slight detour due to mapping a private road on the gps) things were begining to warm up after a bright but chilly start. Stopped near the castle for a brief photo shoot and snack before heading for home with that stiff wind now behind us. The route home is a little snakey through built up areas, but there is no 'scenic' route back to Beeston from east of Nottingham but this didn't detract from a fantastic ride.

The legs felt good today, definately my best ride of the year so far, got home after 71.6 miles and the legs still wanted to go, really impressed with how it went. Martin made good company too. Today by 0.2 miles was my longest of the year to date, this ride also took my weekly mileage to 170, a big week by my standards. Today courtesy of the tailwind and my TT mode ride home through Beeston I was Fabian Cancellara!


View over the Vale of Belvoir

Distance = 71.6 miles
Time = 4 hrs 36 mins
Ave Speed = 15.5 mph
Top Speed = 34.6 mph
Hillometer =29.9 ft/mile
Max H/R =185
Ave H/R =138

Weather = Sunny, 14c

2011
Road Bike =773.3
Single Speed =31.9
Indoor = 44.4
Total Mileage = 849.6

*edited to include s/s trip to pub!

&amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br /&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/32861008"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;68m Terrace Hill, Belvoir&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br/&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br /&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/?location=Broxtowe, United Kingdom"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Find more Cycling Routes / Bike Rides in Broxtowe, United Kingdom&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br /&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; &amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;gt;

Friday 29th April - Carsington

2011-04-29T16:24:00.000+01:00

Took a very hilly ride into the Peak with some @beestoncc club mates this morning, the route took in my usual hilly ride hills of Cloves, Spanker, Holly Lane and Drum Hill, it also included a good few more climbs around Wirksworth as well. Some tough climbs indeed, Holly still my least favourite hill felt a little easier today, still bloody hard though. The descent into Wirksworth was a little hairy, especially when the back wheel locked up when faced with an oncoming car on my side of the road! I've never been to Wirksworth before and will be making a return trip with Mrs H, a very nice looking place. The hill out of it wasn't so nice, well it was but it just went on and on ;) By the time we reached Carsington Water we were in need of some snacks.

The ride home from Carsington was a quick one in most parts, much easier than the one we had on the way out and a suspect a little wind assisted, we were pushing 25mph+ on the flat for large sections of the way home. Only Eaton Bank and Drum Hill slowed our progress home. Got in feeling like a good workout was had, now off to prepare the bbq and drink a few well earned beers!

&amp;lt;br /&amp;gt; &amp;lt;a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/32869878"&amp;gt;58 Carrsington&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br/&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br /&amp;gt; &amp;lt;a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/?location=Broxtowe, United Kingdom"&amp;gt;Find more Cycling Routes / Bike Rides in Broxtowe, United Kingdom&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br /&amp;gt; 

Distance = 58.8 miles
Time = 4 hrs 16 mins
Ave Speed = 13.8 mph
Top Speed = 36.5 mph
Hillometer =84.5 foot/mile
Max H/R =195
Ave H/R =157

Weather = Overcast/Sunny, 15c

2011
Road Bike =701.7
Single Speed = 25.3
Indoor = 44.4
Total Mileage = 771.4

Tuesday 26th April *Time Trial

2011-04-28T12:50:00.000+01:00

@beestoncc 's first TT of the year and I had the dubious honour of kicking proceedings off for 2011, the proud wearer of #101 didn't do it real justice with a sluggish 31:26 for the lumpy 10 mile course. On refelction the time isn't too bad considering it was my first attempt this year and the fact that I'm not exactly in a fit state or shape for time trialing.

Beeston CC TT webpage

Stats include ride to and from TT

Distance = 32 miles
Time = 1 hrs 51 mins
Ave Speed = 17.2 mph
Top Speed = 31.5 mph
Hillometer = N/A
Max H/R = N/A
Ave H/R = N/A

Weather = Overcast, 11c

2011
Road Bike = 642.9
Single Speed = 25.3
Indoor = 44.4
Total Mileage = 712.6

Tuesday 26th April *Singlespeed

2011-04-28T12:38:00.003+01:00

Took a ride out to and around Attenborough Nature Reserve on the singlespeed with the children, a very pleasant ride was had by all. Was very nice to get out on a steady roll with the children and remind myself of the family aspect of cycling, I really should partake much more often.

Distance = 6.2 miles

2011
Road Bike = 610.9
Single Speed = 25.3
Indoor = 44.4
Total Mileage = 680.6

New Birds

2011-04-25T08:11:00.002+01:00

We recently lost all our bantams to the dirty paws of the local foxes (I will be dealing with them), so have had a bit of a rethink and a shuffle round of our poultry assetts. Due to the allotment going and space needed at home the old bantam runs have been taken down and returned to garden space. The ageing flock of chickens was ready for some younger blood but I was going to wait for another couple to 'pop' off before getting some new ones as we had the bantams laying as well.

I got chatting to a colleague at work who happens to live a few doors down from us who said he had a couple of 9 week old sussex chicks I could have as he hasn't the room for them, problem is he didn't know what sex they were, well I went for a look and couldn't tell either. The fact that he was offering them for nowt and that I'd just lost my back up supply of eggs from the bantams I took them both on the basis that they could both be hens, if not I know a place that will take them of my hands, but it's worth taking the chance given that I needed some new blood in the flock anyway.


9 week old Sussex's

Home Growing

2011-04-25T08:01:00.000+01:00

Not a new thing to me but something that now needs more thought than previously as space is now at a premium now the allotment has gone. Last year the garden was neglected as the allotment took over my time, so it's been hard graft to get the garden back into shape.

Took a final trip to the allotment on Saturday to empty my shed and bring a few plants and trees home from plot 71. I've created a couple of new growing areas in the garden and given the existing veg plot a good digging over, Gooseberry's and raspberry's have been planted along with some rhubarb (all from the allotment), one of my favourites the courgette is planted out and seeds aplenty have been sown, salad stuff and veg!

Veg plot, beyond No 11's Gate

Kelly's strawberries have been tidied up and are looking very healthy with plenty of flowers on them so here's hoping for plenty of fruit from them. Staying with fruit an apple and a pear tree have been relocated to my garden as well.

*Beyond No. 11's Gate ~ I needed a gate to keep the chickens off the veg plot as they are very destructive on nicely dug soil, on my quest for a gate I was given an old gate by Kelly's grandma which used to stand at the the front of her garden, its only a gate but it's old and full of character, they certainly don't make them like that any more!

Choices choices

2011-04-21T17:21:00.000+01:00

When I pass my part 3 exam (hopefully at the 1st attempt in 3 weeks time) I will have a big choice to make.....which option do I take regards who do I franchise to as an ADI. I have selected the best options for me from either a national school with a car included in the franchise fee, or a local school with a much lower franchise fee and the need to supply my own car. The national school in some ways is the safer option, the car is maintained for me and if it breaks down it is replaced within 6 hours, go with my own car and such luxuries will only come at additional cost. The plus side to the local school and own car is that I will eventually acquire a asset (the car) and it will pay better dividends in the short and longer term.

My heart says go local and get my own car, a little bit of my brain says go with the slightly less risky option for a while whilst I get myself settled in to my new career. I know which way I'll probably go and I want it clear in my mind for the 13th May because if I pass that test I'll be chomping at the bit to get going ASAP.

Final Allotment Post

2011-04-16T15:01:00.000+01:00

The decision to give up my allotment was a tough one, especially after all the graft I put in last year getting it into shape, but one previous job change and another coming up I really do not see where I will get the time to keep a full allotment up to standard. Already this year it has reached an awful state, one which I don't have the time (or the inclination at the moment) to sort out.

Ive been up there today to get a few bits out of the shed and will be popping back this week to dig out a few plants/trees for the garden at home, and one of the lads up there is going to 'auction' off the greenhouse and slabs that are on site for me, so at least I'll recoup some costs.

I'll miss my little plot of land, it really did help me through some stressful times over the last year or so, somewhere to go and get away from it all. Hopefully one day in the future I will be able to take on a plot or half a plot again, not for the foreseeable though.

Market Research

2011-04-14T15:09:00.000+01:00

Been putting a lot of thought into what car I'm going to get when I've passed my part 3 exam and become a fully fledged driving instructor, Peugeots, Fords, Renaults, Mazdas and Citroen's have all been in the mix but for me it has to be the Citroen DS3, it has everything a 'teenage learner' could want in my view, its funky looks have to make it appealing with the kids (I bloody like it as well)

DS3 that I viewed at AvailableCar today

So maybe I'm jumping the gun a little looking for cars before I'm even an ADI (approved driving instructor) but I want to be ready to jump in straight away and waste no time once I can get going so I'm keeping a keen eye on the motor market for DS3's as they are still pretty rare on the 'nearly new' car market. If I can't get a suitable DS3 I have the Fiesta Titanium lined up as a reserve choice.

Souvenir

2011-04-12T12:17:00.002+01:00

Picked up a nice souvenir on yesterdays ride, I'm now sporting a swollen eye from the wasp/bee sting

Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.8

Monday 11th April

2011-04-11T14:52:00.000+01:00

Was intending on a longer ride today out to Carsington but time restraints held me back so I headed out with a clubmate on a 50 mile hill fest. Unfortunately he had to bail out after Spanker Lane and I continued on to Holly Lane, christ that doesnt get any easier, about killed me! At the top of Holly I realised time was passing by and I had to further cut the ride short to 50 miles to get home in time. So a hilly ride taking in No Mans Lane, Cloves, Spanker, Holly and Drum.

Struggling to get my required average of 100 miles per week at the moment so it would be easy to pick easier rides with more miles but thats not going to get me fitter or improve me as a cyclist so I'll keep mixing things up including hilly stuff every now and then and not get hung up on the mileage.

The only downside to the day was getting stung by a wasp just under my eyebrow, still stinging now!

&amp;lt;br /&amp;gt; &amp;lt;a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/16627021"&amp;gt;49 Hilly, Cloves, Spanker, Holly Lane, Drum Hill 03/05/2010 Route&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br/&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br /&amp;gt; &amp;lt;a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/?location=Beeston, United Kingdom"&amp;gt;Find more Cycling Routes / Bike Rides in Beeston, United Kingdom&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br /&amp;gt; 

Distance = 49.7 miles
Time = 3 hrs 43 mins
Ave Speed = 13.4 mph
Top Speed = 37.5 mph
Hillometer = 68 ft/mile
Max H/R = 188 bpm
Ave H/R = 144 bpm

Weather = Overcast, Sunny Spells, 15c

2011
Road Bike = 610.9
Single Speed = 19.1
Indoor = 44.4
Total Mileage = 674.4

Monday 4th April

2011-04-04T16:22:00.000+01:00

Headed out on the Hoar Cross loop of Burton today, a tougher ride then any I've had this year and the longest at 71 miles, my first over 100km this year. That climb into Hanbury (Hanbury Hill) doesn't get any easier! Was quite a brisk westerly wind out there today so I headed west for an easier second half......why does it never work out that way? I didn't get full wind assistance until about 15 miles from home.

The ride out to Hoar Cross was pleasant and even into the wind I felt good, stopped at Hoar Cross for some 'fuel' and then headed for home, still feeling good. I hit a low point at around 45 miles, legs felt weak on rolling terrain and the wind was swirling around all directions apart from behind "fucking wind" was the shout from a struggling rider. After 50-55 miles the 'second wind' kicked in and I was in business, after 60 miles the wind decided to help me and I was cooking on wind generated power.

Today I was Sylvain Cavenel!

&amp;lt;br /&amp;gt; &amp;lt;a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/20498136"&amp;gt;70 Hoars Cross&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br/&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br /&amp;gt; &amp;lt;a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/?location= Beeston, United Kingdom"&amp;gt;Find more Cycling Routes / Bike Rides in Beeston, United Kingdom&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br /&amp;gt; 

Distance = 71.4 miles
Time = 4 hrs 41 mins
Ave Speed = 15.2 mph
Top Speed = 38.2 mph
Hillometer = 35.8 ft/mile
Max H/R = 184 bpm
Ave H/R = 148 bpm

Weather = Overcast, Showers, 12c

2011
Road Bike = 561.2
Single Speed =19.1
Indoor =44.4
Total Mileage = 624.7

Monday 28th March

2011-03-29T15:38:00.000+01:00

Yesterday was the first time this year I actually felt like a cyclist of mediocre ability rather than just a fat bloke on a bike. Went out to Hoby on one of my favourite routes, kept a good pace all the way around. I'm now able to push harder for 3 hours and above and the heart rate is slowly coming down too, so fitness is at last showing signs of improving.

I'm still not going to get hung up on the science of things, that 'fad' ended after my second or third ride of the year, just get out there and do some quality miles is my motto.

It was not the lumpiest of rides but it was my longest of the year so far and definitely my quickest ride over 50 miles.

Route as below apart from I went to Long Lane (Sawley) via Wilne Lane (Draycott)

&amp;lt;br /&amp;gt; &amp;lt;a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/16935903"&amp;gt;56 Hoby route&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br/&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br /&amp;gt; &amp;lt;a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/?location=Beeston, United Kingdom"&amp;gt;Find more Cycling Routes / Bike Rides in Beeston, United Kingdom&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br /&amp;gt; 

Distance = 61 miles
Time = 3 hrs 43 mins
Ave Speed = 16.4 mph
Top Speed = 41.6 mph
Hillometer = 32.6 ft/mile
Max H/R = 184 bpm
Ave H/R = 150 bpm

Weather = Sunny, 14c

2011
Road Bike = 489.8
Single Speed =19.1
Indoor =44.4
Total Mileage = 553.3

Thursday 24th March

2011-03-24T14:52:00.000Z

Another glorious day so I decided to get a couple of hours on the bike between shifts in Tescoland. Went out to West Leake via Draycott for a couple of laps of the @beestoncc 10 TT circuit, got my head down and went as fast as I could for 2 hours, not as quick as I'm capable of when fitter but it certainly blew a few cobwebs away. Was pleasing to get 17mph ave speed out of the ride. Must have been inspired by this mornings Jens Voigt facts on Twitter as today I was the man himself, Jens Voigt! (I wish)

Distance = 36.3 miles
Time = 2 hrs 08 mins
Ave Speed = 17 mph
Top Speed = 33 mph
Hillometer = N/A ft/mile

Weather = Sunny, 13c

2011
Road Bike = 428.8
Single Speed =19.1
Indoor =44.4
Total Mileage = 492.3

Weather for a fettle

2011-03-23T16:20:00.000Z

Nice weather means two things, ride your bike or get all the cleaning gear out and do some maintenance in the back yard. So it was time for the later today, lovely weather, sun on my back, the road bike got a good clean and the SS had its puncture problems solved (still ongoing from when I brought it and the previous idiot owner not putting the right rim tape on the wheels). There's nothing like a good fettle, resolving those little issues and getting jobs done really does put a smile on my face.

Monday 21st March 2011 - Springs here!

2011-03-22T09:42:00.001Z

At last! A ride that felt like a ride, legs felt as though they had had a workout by the time I got home. The mudguards have gone, the shorts were on and the sun was out, this is what its all about.

Did a 'lumpy' route yesterday bringing in a few hills including Heath Lane near Ashby, took my time with it and made it to the top with little trouble, I finally feel as though I'm returning to some kind of fitness.

Time on the bike is still going to be limited for the next few months and if I'm honest this years target is already a no go so I'm just going to enjoy what time I do have as much as I can whilst still making an effort to get out at least once a week.

&amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br /&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/16037414"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;51 Lumpy Miles via Staunton Harold &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp; Newton Solney&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br/&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br /&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/?location=Beeston, United Kingdom"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Find more Cycling Routes / Bike Rides in Beeston, United Kingdom&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br /&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; &amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;gt;

Distance = 50.8 miles
Time = 3 hrs 27 mins
Ave Speed = 14.7 mph
Top Speed = 36.9 mph
Hillometer = 40.1 ft/mile

Weather = Sunny, 13c

2011
Road Bike = 392.5
Single Speed =19.1
Indoor =44.4
Total Mileage = 456

Sunday 6th March Beeston CC Social Ride

2011-03-07T10:13:00.000Z

@beestoncc 's social ride yesterday morning was harder work for me than it should have been, anything bigger than a bridge had me struggling, I just wasn't in the game at all! As usual it was a pleasant ride in good company with club members, had to feel for Greg M though, withon a couple of miles he suffered a double puncture, he was so close to home he understandably headed home, such bad luck.

The rest of us headed on though and took a very pleasant and steady ride to Staunton Harold tea rooms through north Liecestershire's scenic countryside and then back home to Beeston.

&amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br /&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/28150450"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;BCC 1st Club Social ride - Staunton Harold 44miles&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br/&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br /&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/?location=Broxtowe, United Kingdom"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Find more Cycling Routes / Bike Rides in Broxtowe, United Kingdom&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br /&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; &amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;gt;

Distance = 46.8 miles
Time = 3 hrs 19 mins
Ave Speed = 14.1 mph
Top Speed = 37.8 mph
Hillometer = 36.1 ft/mile

Weather = Overcast, 3c

2011
Road Bike = 341.7
Single Speed =19.1
Indoor =44.4
Total Mileage = 405.2

Busy!

2011-03-05T09:43:00.000Z

What can I say, the last few weeks have been extremely busy and the bike has been stuck in the shed as I have been working, training for my new career and squeezing in a short trip to Paris.

We booked a cheap day at Disney Land Paris through the Sun newspaper and booked a motel for a couple of nights so we could take in the sights of Paris as well, photo's from our short trip can be found on my Facebook page here.

Work is great if not well paid, but what a relief it is to not have to put up with the shambles that TNT became (I still hear from ex colleagues who inform me it is still getting worse) I am so glad to be out of it all and able to just go to work, do my bit and come home without any stress.

My new career, well now I can actually talk about it now I don't have the Gestapo peering over my shoulder, I am two thirds of the way through qualifying to become a driving instructor, something I part qualified for in 2000 but didn't follow up as at the time we felt it too bigger risk having to wind up my business to set out on a new venture. I passed my part 2 exam last week and now just have the instructural ability section left to complete. Being well and truly shafted by TNT actually has played into my hands as it gave me the proverbial kick up the jacksie to go out and do something. Back in November I set myself a short target of qualifying and starting out by June this year. A big ask but achievable if things went my way, well so far they are and we are still on for June, maybe even May!

So unfortunately for cycling this year may well be another wipe out, the next 4 weeks are fully booked with either work or driving instructor lessons fitted in between shifts, some long days for me, but it will be worth it once it's done. The bike will just have to be patient, I will get on it when I can, but that family/personal balance we all struggle with has to be met.

Finally we come to plot 71, with all that is going on I haven't even had time to think about the allotment let alone get up there and tend it. I have decided to keep it on this year as once I am set up and running my own driving school or franchise a place to go and get away from it all for an hour or two between lessons when there is not enough time for a ride may be a welcome release. I am also hoping to rope the family into helping up there as well. It looks as though I will be more of a weekend allotmenteer from now on though rather than my shorter but more regular visits last year.

So after banging on about how busy I am just now I'll sign off by saying I'm off on a club ride tomorrow morning and jetting off to Spain next Saturday on a 3 night Stag do, I still (for now) manage to find time to play.

Sunday 20th Feb

2011-02-21T09:54:00.000Z

Took a late decision to have a ride out yesterday, so came home in the dark, not something I want to make a habit of, as when there was no 'dry line' on Long Lane from Kegworth it was quite easy to loose the edge of the road in my front lights beam.

Was a very nice ride albeit very cold, felt much stronger today and pushed it quite a bit. First ride this year over 15mph ave speed. Felt strong all of the way except for the last mile.

Followed this route but added a loop of Draycott on the way out to Long Lane.

&amp;lt;br /&amp;gt; &amp;lt;a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/16498799"&amp;gt;44 Miles North Liecs&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br/&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br /&amp;gt; &amp;lt;a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/?location=Beeston, United Kingdom"&amp;gt;Find more Cycling Routes / Bike Rides in Beeston, United Kingdom&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br /&amp;gt; 

Distance = 47.5 miles
Time = 3 hrs 05 mins
Ave Speed = 15.4 mph
Top Speed = 32.8 mph
Hillometer = 23.4 ft/mile

Weather = Overcast, 4c

2011
Road Bike = 294.9
Single Speed =19.1
Indoor =44.4
Total Mileage = 358.4

Azizulhasni Awang = NAILS

2011-02-20T11:54:00.000Z

In the spirit of cyclists who are NAILS we now have Azizulhasni Awang who after coming of his bike last night and impalling his leg with a shard of wood from the track only went and got back on it with said 'splinter' still in his leg to finish third and claim a bronze medal!

Full story on the BBC here - http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/other_sports/cycling/9402907.stm

Monday 14th February

2011-02-14T16:26:00.001Z

Rode out to Etwall and back on familiar roads, added a couple of sections to the ride shown below to stretch it out to 55 miles.

Still feel slow, unfit and overweight, but am managing to get round a 50 miler without too much trouble. Ave HR of 154 so well out of zone 2 still, but for now I'm follwing the advice of "Just ride your bike lot's". In comparison to this time last year I'm slower and my HR is higher, so it doesn't take much to work out I'm in worse shape than I was 12 months ago, not suprising really with the last 6 months I've had.

Saw one of the Team Raleigh boys near Willington on a training ride, looked like it was Liam Holohan

Todays ride based on this route, on the way back I went from Willington to Repton and Ingleby and then from Aston on Trent to Elvaston and then back towards Long Eaton.

&amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br /&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/14328400"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;53 miles Hilton Loop&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br/&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br /&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/?location=Beeston, United Kingdom"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Find more Cycling Routes / Bike Rides in Beeston, United Kingdom&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br /&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; &amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;gt;

Distance = 55 miles
Time = 3 hrs 43 mins
Ave Speed = 14.8 mph
Top Speed = 34.3
Hillometer = 33.6 ft/mile

Weather = Sunny, 7c

2011
Road Bike = 247.4
Single Speed =19.1
Indoor =44.4
Total Mileage = 310.9

Tour de Loughborough - Tuesday 8th February

2011-02-08T14:57:00.002Z

Legs felt a little weary still from Sunday, the first 22 mles to the top of Beacon Hill (Leicestershires highest point) were hard going, more so than they should have been, after that though the route leveled out and of course dropped back down to starting height and the following 29 miles were pretty easy going.

Still lacking in fitness, you can really feel it on a bike, especially when riding familiar roads. Didin't do any 'zone' stuff today, just wanted to ride the bike, and with a 156 ave today I'm glad I wasn't on a zone 2 ride, I'd have been out all day!

&amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br /&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/19878142"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;52 Tour de Loughborough&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br/&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br /&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/?location=Beeston, United Kingdom"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Find more Cycling Routes / Bike Rides in Beeston, United Kingdom&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br /&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;gt;

Distance = 51.2 miles
Time = 3 hrs 36 mins
Ave Speed = 14.2
Top Speed = 39.3
Hillometer = 39.3 ft/mile

Weather = Sunny, 4c

2011
Road Bike = 192.4
Single Speed =19.1
Indoor =44.4
Total Mileage = 255.9

*Edited for pub commute

BCC Social Ride - Sunday 6th Feb

2011-02-06T19:26:00.001Z

Headed out with Beeston CC today on the social ride, a steady 35 ride with a coffee stop. Well it would have been steady were it not for the 40 mph winds buffeting the midlands today. Despite the wind I added a loop onto the end of the ride to make up 50 miles. Not riden for a few weeks but felt suprisingly good.

Route based on this

&amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br /&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/27744650"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Beeston CC Social No 1 (35 mile)&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br/&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br /&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/?location=Broxtowe, United Kingdom"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Find more Cycling Routes / Bike Rides in Broxtowe, United Kingdom&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br /&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; &amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;gt;

Distance = 51.2 miles
Time = 3 hrs 54 mins
Ave Speed = 13.1
Top Speed = 31.8
Hillometer = 20.5 ft/mile

Weather = Overcast & Windy, 13c

2011
Road Bike = 141.2
Single Speed =13.6
Indoor =44.4
Total Mileage = 199.2

2011 Challenge

2011-01-21T19:25:00.000Z

Well, we have received an invite to stay in the Isle of Man this summer and I have been granted permission to take the bike :) Along with the invite came the challenge of "I'd be interested to see how fast you acn do the TT circuit". So I reckon 2hrs 15 mins would be a reasonable target to aim for (based on my 30 mile Hilly Route PB).

Here's the route.....

TT Mountain Corse IOM

Find more Cycling Routes / Bike Rides in Douglas, United Kingdom

3 Hours Zone 2 Road

2011-01-13T14:22:00.002Z

HR monitor back up and running as it should (courtesy of replacement batteries), one thing it did tell me is that Tuesdays ride was mostly done in zone 3 judging by how 'easy' I had to take things today. 138 was my ave HR today so I was at the top of zone 2 and quite often found myself above 141 bpm. Its bloody hard trying to keep the discipline of riding in a zone. I must stick with it though for a good 4 to 6 weeks before I start putting some hills back into the riding.

Zone 2 Ride, Ave HR = 138

Distance = 41.1
Time = 3 hrs 4 mins
Ave Speed = 13.4
Top Speed = 26.2
Hillometer = N/A

Weather = Overcast, 11c

2011
Road Bike = 90.0
Single Speed =13.6
Indoor =44.4
Total Mileage = 148.0

*edited for commute to pub :)

3.5 Hours Zone 2 Road

2011-01-11T16:10:00.000Z

Well zone 2 was the plan until only 2 miles in my HR monitor went tits up and only gave intermittent readings, so whilst it was working I was in zone 2, whilst it wasn't I was guessing, not the best start to this new regime.

Zone 2(ish) riding was quite a shock to the system and the uneducated in 'training' I had to crawl up hills to keep my HR down. Zone riding also does nothing for your ave speed, 13.7mph is well down on what I'd expect for that ride. Something about taking it easy to get fit doesn't seem logical to me, I'm sure the brain will get used to it in time.

So the ride itself was a familiar roll to Etwall and back via Castle Donnington, Melbourne & Repton, 49 miles in all. Even the sun put in an appearance for half an hour, a very brief taster of things to come this summer hopefully. 49 miles after the best part of 4 month without doing a great deal, even in zone 2 the legs and rear quarters are feeling it.

&amp;lt;br /&amp;gt; &amp;lt;a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/16134345"&amp;gt;51 Miles - Etwal - Hilton - 21/04/2010&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br/&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br /&amp;gt; &amp;lt;a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/?location=Beeston, United Kingdom"&amp;gt;Find more Cycling Routes / Bike Rides in Beeston, United Kingdom&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br /&amp;gt; 

Distance = 48.9 miles
Time = 3 hrs 33 mins
Ave Speed = 13.7
Top Speed = 29.4
Hillometer = 28.9 ft/mile

Weather = Overcast, 6c

2011
Road Bike = 48.9
Single Speed = 8.1
Indoor =44.4
Total Mileage = 101.4

Turbo

2011-01-10T13:07:00.000Z

An hour on the turbo is certainly much more of an effort than an hour on the road, did 15 min warm up followed by 5 30 second sprints at 5 minute intervals, then 22 minutes cool down in zone 2 to make up the hour. Will push it to 6 sprint intervals, next time. First 50 mins of session were OK but the last 10 were hard.

Looking to get out on the road this week for a nice 3 hr Zone 2 ride now the ice has departed and I have girly mud flaps fitted to the Trek.

18.6 Miles turbo

2011
Road Bike = 0
Single Speed = 8.1
Indoor =44.4
Total Mileage = 52.5

Zoning

2011-01-07T10:24:00.001Z

Whilst reading Cycling Plus last night I stumbled across an article which described me rather well, "use a HR monitor but haven't a clue what the info means?" Well last year I stopped using the HR monitor pretty much for that reason, and because I couldn't be bothered to learn how to use it.

Well the article (January 2011 edition) very simply illustrates how to work out your zones and then shows how working in them helps various causes. So I'm going to get the HR monitor out again and have a go at some good 'zone 2' work to build base fitness and more importantly loose weight.

So for my reference I'll log my Zones

Max HR = 188 bpm
Zone 1 = 112-122 bpm
Zone 2 = 122-141 bpm
Zone 3 = 141-154 bpm
Zone 4 = 154-167 bpm
Zone 5 = 167-176 bpm
Zone 6 = 176-188 bpm

So based on that there will be three main types of session for me, 3 hour sessions in Zone 2 to build base fitness, 15 mins warm up followed by six 30 second balls out sprints with 5 mins rest (Zone 2) between them to burn fat and then to build endurance the occasional 3-4 hours in Zone 2 with 10 minute bursts of Zone 3-4 every hour.

The second session sounds like an indoor jobby to me so looking out the window I can see quite a bit of 30 seconds balls out sessions for me...

Off to a start

2011-01-07T10:02:00.001Z

Just as my enthusiasm reaches the required level we see a return of ice and now snow, so for now I am limited to the resistance machine and commutes to the pub! So all today has in store is a blast in the bedroom.....(on the resistance machine)

*edit - Just done first Zoned session of 5 30 second sprints at 5 minute intervals.

2011
Road Bike = 0
Single Speed = 8.1
Indoor =25.8
Total Mileage = 33.9

Winter Training

2011-01-03T15:16:00.000Z

This image makes me feel a right girls blouse (with the frilly bits), I need to get out there and get training right away regardless of the weather, I need to visit the pain cave and be subjected to the Honey Badger's torture.

Chaingang might be a baptism of fire and given the fact Iv'e not rode for over 2 months I don't think I'll hang on for even 10 minutes, maybe a little training is required first.

Whatever I need to get off my arse and head out... I need to adopt a BIG(ger)RING riding attitude.

2011

2011-01-03T14:20:00.001Z

Well a lot has happened since I last wrote and a lot of it I can not talk about......

Last year in some respects was a good year but in many more respects was a shocker, I have learnt things about myself, and can make myself a better person with that knowledge.

So 2011 is a year that I have decided we do not look back, it will be a positive year of change and no aggro. I have plans which I can not share and I have plans which I can... The bikes are still very much part of the plan, and having put over a stone in weight on over the past 6 weeks I am keen to get back into (better) shape pretty soon. Still aiming for 5000 miles even though I failed that target last year, it's a tough target but one I want to achieve

The allotment will remain for 2011 but may not get the attention it requires if other plans come to fruition, so an open verdict on the alotmenteering for now, 2011 could be my second and last year on the allotment. The chickens and bantams are still here and I plan to keep them, in fact breeding the banties could provide a little extra income.

Anything new for 2011? Well every year I try to tick something off. Another one of my quirky fancies is pigeons, I'd quite like to keep a few homing pigeons, it's a maybe for 2011, but I have a feeling I'll be busy enough as the year progresses.

Bread Making

2010-12-02T14:11:00.001Z

1st attempt

Bread making has long been a thing I fancied having a go at, making a loaf from scratch with my own hands always appealed for some reason.

So with a basic recipe taken from River Cottage I set about making my very first loaf of bread.

1kg white flour
10g yeast
20g salt
600ml water

Combine the above and kneed for 10-15 minutes and then 'prove' for 1.5 hours. Flatten out dough and then fold into centre from various points ('knock back'). Cut dough in half and repeat the knocking back process, place on/in a greased tray and prove for another 1/2 hour. Score top and sprinkle with flour, then bake at 220c for 40 minutes.

My first attempt was quite 'doughy' in the centre, I put this down to a few factors, not long enough at high enough temperature (our oven tends to overcook, so I reduced time and temp) and not enough kneading.

1st batch of cobs

I also took a recipe for 'soft rolls' and gave it a go with wholemeal flour, cooked for the recommended time at the correct temp and they were great. Still a little 'heavy' (more kneading required) but tasted great but the crust was not that soft.

500g flour
5g yeast
10g salt
35g butter
300 ml water

Combine the above and kneed until 'elastic', prove for 1.5 hours and then 'knock back'. Split in half and then cut each half into 3 or even 4 parts, knock back each part, then round them and place on oiled tray, prove for another 1/2 hour. Bake for 15-20 Min's at 210c.

After seeking advice (thanks Jim) I now know to 'steam' the oven to keep the crust softer.

Ready to bake

So today's attempt with new knowledge was to create a nice white 'sandwich loaf'. Dough mixed as above and rigorously kneaded for 15 minutes, proven for nearly 2 hours and placed in my brand new loaf tin. I also steamed the oven, place a tray of boiling water in the oven with your dough, this should keep the crust softer.

Looks good to me

Loaf is still cooling right now but even if I do say so myself it looks pretty good, can't wait to tuck in.

And if I can make bread I really do think anyone can! Go on, give it bash!

Turning the pedals again

2010-12-01T12:56:00.001Z

It's about time I got active again, not had the motivation to get out recently but it's time I changed that. It's snowing right now so I can't get out on the road so I hit the resisitance machine this morning. I am going to use this much more over the winter I think and when there is not enough time to go out.

Started myself of with a 35 minute session at a good pace and 'covered' 20.59 km's (12.8 miles). The machine measures in km's and after been called a luddite earlier this year for refusing to use km's preffering good old fashioned miles, I am giving is and joining the cycling world and using km's for next year.

Todays 'ride' edges me just over half of my 2010 target, disapointed that I have not made my target but I know where I went wrong.

Distance = 12.8 miles
Time = 35 mins
Ave Speed = N/A
Top Speed = N/A
Hillometer = N/A

Weather = Indoor

2010
MTB = 89.2
Road Bike = 2382.2
Single Speed = 27.4
Indoor = 12.8
Total Mileage = 2510.6

Mo disaster

2010-11-25T15:02:00.000Z

Slightly scary look

Well my disasterous Mo had to go as I had an 'appointment' today that I really needed to be 'presentable' for and as it was a very poor excuse of a mo I guess it didn't matter any, I am matching what has been bid as way of compensation to those who donated. Needless to say I wont be growing one again