Never think twice about a bike service
Have you ever wondered if a bike service is worth the money? Have you ever thought your bike will be fine if you keep it clean and lube the chain occasionally? Well, think again. A few years back, I had a bad experience with a bike service. I paid for what should have been a … Continue reading Never think twice about a bike service
5k run after a three month break
Having not run since the end of July, for some reason I thought it would be a good idea to run 5k today.
Lost lanes # 23 empty Essex
Another great ride from Jack Thurston’s Lost Lanes book.
London to Southend 2021
I was so excited that the London to Southend bike ride was back this year after its brief hiatus because of the pandemic. I have ridden it every year since 2007, except for 2019. Unfortunately, it had had to be rearranged twice this year for various reasons – one being the tail end of lockdown. … Continue reading London to Southend 2021
Lost Lanes #24 The Oyster Run
Lost Lanes is a series of books with guides to what the author, Jack Thurston, says are the most beautiful bike rides in Britain. I have been meaning to try these out and as it was such a beautiful day today it seemed only right to give one a try. This is a video about … Continue reading Lost Lanes #24 The Oyster Run
Ride Essex 2021
What a fantastic ride this was. The route was brilliant, very well designed, mainly going through quiet country lanes. It was very well signposted, and the GPX file was faithful to the route. The feed stations had a tasty selection of snacks and drinks. It’s always great to get a coffee on a ride. I’ll … Continue reading Ride Essex 2021
When exploring goes wrong
Today’s ride was one that I would rather forget about! I thought I would take my gravel bike out for a spin and, as I didn’t have any particular route in mind, thought I would do a bit of exploring. There is a sea wall on a tidal river near where I live and I … Continue reading When exploring goes wrong
C2C Hadrian’s Cycleway – The Ride
No words, just the video. Strava: Day 1, Day 2, Day 3
C2C Hadrian’s Cycleway – Day 0
Big day tomorrow as it is day 1 of the coast to coast (or sea to sea) Hadrian’s Cycleway ride. We are starting a few miles into the route and will be riding 151 miles over three days. I rode what you might call the traditional C2C route in 2019 and had planned to ride … Continue reading C2C Hadrian’s Cycleway – Day 0
Up that hill!
North Hill is very well known to cyclists in the area. But, to be honest, it is one that I hadn’t climbed before today and has always planned routes going down it! I also fancied a long ride out, so I reversed a route I have done several times before. There is also another good … Continue reading Up that hill!
Suffolk Sportive
This is the first sportive or organised ride I have been able to do since the London to Southend ride in July. And what a return to cycling events it was. Great route, very well signposted and with two nice climbs near the end. Fantastic weather with a cooling breeze, not strong enough to be … Continue reading Suffolk Sportive
Cold and windy
It was so frustrating today. Great sunshine all week and then Sunday morning, cloudy, cold and a 19 mile an hour wind bringing the temperature down to 3.3oC (or 38oF in old money). I abandoned the ride I had planned and opted for a couple of training loops instead. This is becoming something of a … Continue reading Cold and windy
Cathedrals cycle route challenge
This Bike Week 2021 is running from 30 May to 5 June. Bike Week, delivered by Cycling UK, is an annual celebration to showcase cycling and how brilliant it is. During bike week, Cycling UK will be launching what looks to be an exciting challenge. The Cathedrals Cycle Route. This is a 2,000 mile route … Continue reading Cathedrals cycle route challenge
First epic ride of the year
It is now the end of March, and it was about time I got my first long-distance ride in. What started out to be a 52-mile ride ended up as a 60-mile ride. I was kicking myself when I checked the km as I was 3km short of a metric ton. Ah well, that will … Continue reading First epic ride of the year
Target – 5,000 miles before the end of the 2021
So here’s this year’s challenge courtesy of Cycling Weekly. The #CW5000 which is to cycle 5,000 miles in a year. Ell, it should have been in a year but as I have only just seen this, I have a bit of catching up to do. 5,000 miles breaks down to just 13.7 miles a day, … Continue reading Target – 5,000 miles before the end of the 2021
AfterShokz Areopex – Review
I first became aware of AfterShokz when I saw them being sold at the London Bike Show just over three years ago. I was sceptical as to whether the sound quality of wireless bone conduction headphones would be any good. I am one of those people who like good quality sound when playing music, regardless … Continue reading AfterShokz Areopex – Review
Virtual Vitality London 10k
The stats on Garmin Connect With the crazy state of the world today due to the covid pandemic, there are not many, if any, races taking place. Virtual races are the next best thing and today’s run was no exception. We had a great time.
My first half marathon
run stats on Garmin Connect And so here we have it. My first half marathon ever! I have been training for it using a Garmin Coach training plan and was supposed to have completed the run last weekend. However, the weather was so foul that it delayed the event and ran it today. The run … Continue reading My first half marathon
New Training Route
Well, it is not a new training route as such, but more of a resurrection of an existing one. My weekly training goes something like this: Monday Run (Garmin plan) Tuesday Walk (2 miles minimum) Wednesday Run (Garmin plan) Thursday Bike Friday Run (Garmin plan, normally long run) Saturday Walk (2 miles minimum) Sunday Long … Continue reading New Training Route
Thursday bimble
click for route Every so often I like to take off on my gravel bike with no destination or route planned. Average speed doesn’t matter. With the strange, sometimes stressful, daily pandemic world we live in, that can be a great relief. It is all about riding for the love of it. Just take off … Continue reading Thursday bimble
April stats
Quiet a good month. A mix of cycling, running and walking. Mostly indoors due to lockdown.
Virtual -v- Real World Cycling
During the COVID-19 lock-down, I have aimed to do as much as my training indoors as possible. I have a smart trainer for cycling and a treadmill for running. I have used various apps for both with my current favourites being Zwift for running and Bkool, the same brand as my trainer, for cycling. Zwift … Continue reading Virtual -v- Real World Cycling
Cycling during the COVID-19 crisis
Last week I asked the question “is it ok to ride?” and concluded that, so long as it is not a group ride and social distancing is practised then, yes it is ok. Being a solitary cyclist, neither of these constraints are a problem for me. Yes, there is a risk that I might … Continue reading Cycling during the COVID-19 crisis
Plans for 2020 – Update
Well, I guess it inevitable with the COVID-19 crisis, rides and events would be cancelled. It goes without saying that this is the right thing to do. And now that in the UK were are in an almost lockdown situation, I very much doubt if these will happen at all. So here is the situation … Continue reading Plans for 2020 – Update
Cycling-themed movie playlist
Here is an interesting playlist from Cycling UK. As they say: Whether you’re self-isolating, in quarantine, social-distancing, or just looking for a movie-marathon, grab the popcorn and get comfy, there’s something here for everyone. Here is a link to their list: Get your cycling fix(ie) with our suggested playlist of cycling-themed films IMO, there are … Continue reading Cycling-themed movie playlist
Is it ok to ride?
I have read many posts on social media with people asking if it is ok to go out on the bike during the COVID-19 crisis. For what it’s worth, here are my thoughts. I guess it is inevitable that cycling events are being postponed or cancelled at all levels. I am already missing the cobbled … Continue reading Is it ok to ride?
Back on the road to fitness week 3
Tempo to Sprints So the challenge here is to complete 4 short, high-intensity intervals of increasing power, after first opening with a steady 15min Tempo effort. By working aerobically in the early 15min effort you will be improving the ability to deliver oxygen to the working muscles and preserve your carbohydrate stores for the finishing … Continue reading Back on the road to fitness week 3
Back on the road to fitness – now includes running
And another first yesterday. I wanted to start cross-training and start running again. Not that I am an accomplished runner by any means. Although I did manage to complete the couch to 5ktraining plan a couple of years ago. I have also have had a treadmill for about a year which has been neglected. So … Continue reading Back on the road to fitness – now includes running
Sugar-free energy drinks
I am always on the lookout for sugar-free alternatives to energy drinks and will be giving this one a try: 500ml orange juice 500ml water teaspoon of salt Comes with a vitamin C boost and a darn sight cheaper than energy drinks!
My first group ride on Zwift
Yesterday I took part in my first group ride on Zwift. Although Zwift is a mash-up of bike riding/training, gaming and interaction with other users, I am a solitary rider in both real and virtual worlds. I have taken part in group rides in the real world but it is not really my thing. So … Continue reading My first group ride on Zwift
Plans for 2020
I have kept my ride events plans for 2020 more realistic and have been a bit more selective rather than enter anything and everything I can think of. Each of the events I have entered for has a different twist. Essex Spring Lambs A sportive I have thought about entering over the years but had … Continue reading Plans for 2020
Back on the road to fitness week 2
Step Down Intervals The main work here is a long descending ladder that starts out above threshold and steps down in progressively longer intervals. A nice intro to week 2 Low Cadence Intervals An so, another round of low cadence intervals. I struggled with these during prep week but got on ok with them today. … Continue reading Back on the road to fitness week 2
Back on the road to fitness – baseline
It just struck me that it would be useful if I checked if all this training has made a difference. I will do an FTP test at the end and to check progress as I go, I will ride each of the free rides at the same cadence to see how the average watts and … Continue reading Back on the road to fitness – baseline
Back on the road to fitness week 1
The last three sessions were billed as introductory, so now to start the training proper. Welcome This workout is designed to help you get a sense if your FTP (Functional Threshold Power) is set correctly, though it is still a good workout. The level of effort I put in felt pretty much in line with … Continue reading Back on the road to fitness week 1
Back on the road to fitness – prep
Three nice warm-up sessions to get me prepared for what’s to come Long Tempo Intervals Zwift says “Long tempo intervals here to get you used to sustained higher effort that will help power you up and over the longer climbs”. And that is what they were. Low Cadence I thought this was going to be … Continue reading Back on the road to fitness – prep
Back on the road to fitness
For several reasons, I have not been on my bike since before Christmas. This is frustrating personally as I was pleased with the level I had reached; although there was a long way to go before I hit my goals. Now I am back to square one. But I am determined to get back on … Continue reading Back on the road to fitness
C2C or Sea to Sea Bike Ride
Last month I blogged about my plans to cycle the C2C route from the west to east coast of England. Here is a brief record of my trip. Day 1 – The Lake District I woke up to rain, and, apart from a few sunny spells, it stayed that way for most of the day. … Continue reading C2C or Sea to Sea Bike Ride
C2C Bike Ride – A bucket list adventure
Very close to the top of my bucket list is to complete the Coast to Coast, or Sea to Sea, bike ride. The C2C runs for nearly 140 miles across the northern edge of the Lake District from the scenic coast of northwest England through the Northern Lakes and over the Pennines before reaching its … Continue reading C2C Bike Ride – A bucket list adventure
London to Southend 2019
Litttle did we know what lay just around the corner! If it’s not on Garmin it didn’t happen: https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/3843798850
The joy of cycling part 2
I’ve blogged before about forgetting about all the trappings that we love to surround ourselves with and just getting out on the bike and riding for the sheer joy of it. Today was one of those days. I had planned a ride out on the road bike but, because of strong winds, decided on an … Continue reading The joy of cycling part 2
My Year in Sport
2016 was not a good year in many ways. So far as my cycling went, I lost focus and didn’t ride anywhere near as many miles as I should have. Must do better in 2017.!
Lorries face London ban ‘to protect cyclists’
The headline for this article on the BBC news website is not quite correct as “The mayor’s office said that over the past two years HGVs were involved in 23% of pedestrian fatalities and 58% of cyclist deaths in London, despite accounting for just 4% of the miles driven in the city.” It is very … Continue reading Lorries face London ban ‘to protect cyclists’
RELIVE your ride
Here’s a nice site that was launched fairly recently. Simply connect Relive with your Strava account, go out for a ride and, after a while (which can be a few hours) you’ll receive an email with a link to a nice little video of your ride.
How to cycle 100 miles
Riding for 100miles, 160km or a century is a goal for many cyclists. Here’s the best way to go about it. From Global Cycling Network
Motorists face prosecution for driving too close to cyclists
West Midlands Police target cycle ‘close pass’ drivers in UK policing first From West Midlands Police website Cycling groups have praised West Midlands Police for becoming the first force in the country to proactively target “close pass” drivers who endanger riders. Rules of the road stipulate motorists should give cyclists at least the same space as … Continue reading Motorists face prosecution for driving too close to cyclists
Takeaway-on-Sea
On a hot summer night, would you offer your throat to the wolf with the red rose? Whoops sorry, that’s not what this is about, great song that it is. But on a hot summer evening when you decide to go for a ride and maybe buy fish and chips, the question is, how do you … Continue reading Takeaway-on-Sea
The toughest ride I’ve ever done
Today I did the toughest ride that I have ever done. It was tougher than the first sponsored ride that I did which knocked me for six. It was tougher than my 100 miles to nowhere ride. And this one was less than 40 miles. It was the London to Southend off road. This route … Continue reading The toughest ride I’ve ever done
A simple question
So, what do you think the courts would give you if you were guilty of causing death by dangerous driving? Before you answer, consider what that means. You have caused the death of another person because of the way they drove their car. It was their fault that the other person is dead. You killed … Continue reading A simple question
It wasn’t meant to be a duathlon
It is always an iconic stage when the Tour de France includes Mont Ventoux. It’s a hard, no, a very hard stage. On the 13th July 1967 it claimed the life of Tommy Simpson who died 1km from the finish with the official cause of death being stated as “heart failure caused by exhaustion”. There … Continue reading It wasn’t meant to be a duathlon
Well that was embarassing
I headed out early today for a 50 odd mile ride. The weather was beautiful – a warm sunny Sunday morning. What I didn’t expect was to come home looking like this: So what happened? Crashed with a car? Swerved to avoid a child or animal in the road? Nope nothing as dramatic as that. … Continue reading Well that was embarassing
Keep on running
I had been thinking about giving running a go for a while but, to be honest, never really thought it was for me. I used to run many years ago at school, but that was more because I could use it to escape from the other sports which I hated. When my wife first started … Continue reading Keep on running
2015 Infographic
Could have done better as the long distance bike rides dropped off a bit early. Still, I’m now running as well which is all to the good.
The worst things about being a cyclist
Gotta love those hamster pants!
Cyclists face pothole peril as road repairs are delayed
This is a very telling article that was published on The Times website today. The number of injuries and deaths rises by 1%, but something that could be very easily done to help reduce that figure isn’t being done. Potholes can be lethal, but councils are slow to repair them, says CTC, a cycling charity … Continue reading Cyclists face pothole peril as road repairs are delayed
How to overtake cyclists – the video all drivers should watch
Chris Boardman and master driving instructor Blaine Walsh explain how to safely overtake cyclists, referring to rule 163 of the Highway Code. And also watch the companion video, SIDE BY SIDE. This discusses how riding two abreast is recommended in the Highway Code, and how it’s safer to overtake a group of two by two … Continue reading How to overtake cyclists – the video all drivers should watch
London to Southend bike ride 2015
It was that time of the year again. Time to get up with the sparrows, eat the obligatory bowl of porridge and then catch the train to London for the sheer pleasure of cycling back to Southend. That was also the raison d’etre for this blog back when I first did the ride back in 2007. For … Continue reading London to Southend bike ride 2015
BBC joins anti-cycling agenda
So our wonderful public broadcasting service, the BBC, has decided to jump on the charabanc and join in the war against cyclists. Still maybe I shouldn’t expect anything else from a company that allowed Top Gear to pillory cyclists every chance it got. But I digress. When I started reading the article, I thought, “oh … Continue reading BBC joins anti-cycling agenda
What a magnificant ride that was.
Recently someone posted on a Facebook group I am a member of suggesting a group ride out to a place called Papermill Lock. I wasn’t able to join the ride but as I haven’t been there before, looked it up online. It did look like somewhere I fancied going to so, today, I took off on … Continue reading What a magnificant ride that was.
It’s not all about personal bests and Strava
It was a glorious sunny Spring afternoon and faced with a choice of cutting the grass or popping out on the bike for a Saturday joyride, the bike won – was there ever any doubt? But today was not a day for lycra. It was a day for getting out on my hybrid and exploring. … Continue reading It’s not all about personal bests and Strava
Rediscovering the Joy of Cycling
Over the summer, I started to lose the drive I had for getting up and going out on the bike for long rides. Even shorter rides started to become a chore. Certainly the inner chimp had something to do with it. But so did the rigmarole that a lot of us go through before getting … Continue reading Rediscovering the Joy of Cycling
An unscientific experiment into the effects of the wind when cycling
Everyone who rides a bike will have battled against headwinds at one time or another. I remember one occasion when cycling along the seafront on a particularly windy day, that it was so strong, I almost came to a standstill. It wasn’t quiet that bad when I was out a couple of weeks ago but … Continue reading An unscientific experiment into the effects of the wind when cycling
Cycle Lanes (Again)
I have blogged several times about my dislike of cycle lanes and how, in my opinion, they can be downright dangerous for me and other people (as well as children, animals being walked, etc) who (mis-)use them. I am also fed-up with the abuse of motorists when I choose not use them, mainly because of … Continue reading Cycle Lanes (Again)
South Essex Villages bike ride
What a great day it was today for cycling. Warm sunny weather, slight breeze. Just perfect. And it just so happened that today was also the South Essex Villages bike ride organised by the Rotary Club of Basildon. It was advertised as: A fantastic challenging route for the experienced rider traveling through varying countryside and … Continue reading South Essex Villages bike ride
Brazilian cyclist drafts lorry… at 124 kilometres an hour
Evandro Portela attaches Go Pro to back of truck to record his ride – and retrieves it after hitting top speed This rider from Brazil clocked up an astonishing 124 kilometres an hour (77 mph) while drafting a lorry – and all filmed on a Go Pro camera that he attached to the back of … Continue reading Brazilian cyclist drafts lorry… at 124 kilometres an hour
Cycling with diabetes and without sugar
I was diagnosed with Type II diabetes just over a year ago and now seems as good a time as any to look back at how this has affected my cycling and whether sports drinks really did help my performance. It came as a complete shock when I was diagnosed with diabetes. But looking back … Continue reading Cycling with diabetes and without sugar
My bike rides for 2014
I am behind in my ride planning for 2014, but here is what I am hoping to achieve. I am sure some will fall by the way side, but you have to start somewhere don’t you. And the more the merrier!
I was hoping I could have started the year with the Cambridge to Southend ride. I haven’t managed this for the past two years due to the appalling weather. Sadly I won’t do it this year either as it is not being put on due to lack of support. I can’t help think that if it would have been held in April or May instead of March that this wouldn’t have been an issue.
So here’s the latest list (there will be others):
Now this is a real problem as I have done the Orchid Essex for several years and love it. But the Wiggle Essex was the best ride I have done. Hmmm lots of pondering needed…
6 April – Essex Roads Spring Lambs
The Essex Roads New Spring Lambs Sportive is on Sunday 6th April 2014 and as a sportive rider you are invited to this even exiting event! It’s a 150 Kilometre Sportive covering the best of our wonderful county of Essex. It’s one of the first early-season challenges of the year and one of the few sportive rides located in the South-East
17 – 8 May – London Revolution
In 2013 thousands of cyclists took up the challenge of the MITIE London Revolution making it the largest multi-day sportive in the UK. Riders of all shapes and sizes conquered the iconic 185-mile loop around the capital with hundreds staying with us for the sell out camp and party at halfway
8 June – Orchid Cycle Essex
With sporting activities suitable for all abilities and fitness levels, you can also enjoy a BBQ, beer tent and family entertainment throughout the day back in the park making it a day out for all the family. We also have a GoRide event to teach kids bike skills and safety.
8 June – Wiggle Essex Explorer
Ride the most picturesque parts of the 2014 Tour de France stage 3 route. We’ve a fantastic new HQ for 2014 providing immediate access to the very best parts of the 2014 Tour de France stage 3 route – to be held just 4 weeks later. Quiet well-surfaced lanes and pretty villages of weatherboard are the order of the day.
15 June – Essex 100
A brand new challenge route for 2014 featuring chip-timing and web results so after the event, you can see your overall time and average speed along with the opportunity to compare your time with your friends.
22 June – Essex CountrysideThe event is back again for 2014 with brand new routes across the picturesque Essex Countryside.
20 July – London to Southend
There is no way I will miss this. Starting in Victoria Park, East London, we’re soon out of town and after stops along the way for lunch and tea, we reach the Finish in the pretty gardens of Priory Park, Southend where you can relax and enjoy refreshments, music and sports massage before making your way home – Southend Victoria railway station is close by. Stops for lunch and tea? LMAO!!!
26 July – Essex Castle (my birthday weekend ride)
I really enjoyed this last year. Come and enjoy a great day’s cycling and raise money for Age UK Essex and Colchester at the same time. Starting in Colchester, the ride offers three beautiful circular routes of 25, 50 or 75 miles, taking you along the quiet country lanes and through the picturesque villages of North Essex.
31 Aug – Essex 100
Our Essex 100 charity cycling sportive is one of our most popular rides attracting over 700 riders. You can enjoy some excellent cycling terrain on this bike ride raising funds for vital research for sick babies and children. Three route options take you on a journey through quiet villages and the farmlands of north Essex where the undulations will have you in and out of the saddle.
7 Sept ? – Southend Bikeathon
A must for old time’s sake
A very blustery ride home
So this evening I arrive at Fenchurch Street station to find hordes of people milling about and the doors to the station closed. Seems like a power failure down the line had brought everything to a standstill. So rather than wait around for goodness knows how long, I head off to Liverpool St station and … Continue reading A very blustery ride home
Why you should love your LBS
The internet has certainly made life a lot easier. I can buy new tyres, wheels, spare parts, even a whole new bike all from the comfort of my armchair. I can find training advice online and plan my rides in meticulous detail. I can download ride data from my bike computer and share it with … Continue reading Why you should love your LBS
Essex Cycle Orchid 2013
I was up at the allotted hour to get ready for the Essex Orchid 2013, a 74 mile ride through the villages of Essex to raise money for the male cancer charity. I should have gone back to bed! I was reading an article the other day which listed the 10 things to do to … Continue reading Essex Cycle Orchid 2013
Funeral bike
I said to my wife “I would like this for my funeral” She replied “Who’s going to pull you through the streets on that thing” It’s nice to be loved Sunset Hills Cemetery in Eugene, OR has taken their natural burial offering to the next level. Funeral Home Director Wade Lind has designed a three-wheeled … Continue reading Funeral bike
Wiggle Essex Explorer 2013 – My ride
Sunday, 19 May 2013 Today was my first Sportive. And what a fantastic ride it was. A sportive is not a race but entrants’ times are recorded and riders are given their finishing position. In some sportives, you do need to finish within a certain time to avoid being disqualified. There weren’t any stipulations like … Continue reading Wiggle Essex Explorer 2013 – My ride
How not to teach your child to ride a bike
Oh dear, i hope I wasn’t this bad when I taught Seraphina to ride her bike. Maybe the answer really is to use a balance bike!
Signed up for my first sportive
So today I signed up for my first sportive, the Wiggle Essex Explorer. Some may ask why it has taken so long. I can only say “I don’t know”! The Essex Explorer takes place the Sunday after next. I have opted for the 74 mile course and should be ok as I have been riding … Continue reading Signed up for my first sportive
Songs about bicycles and cycling
Well here is a little list to get you started. A Spotify playlist will be posted if and when I get round to it. So what is missing? Please add a comment and let me know Bicycle – Mark Olson & Gary Louris (2012) Bicycle – John Cale Bicycle – Memory Tapes Bicycle – Vybz … Continue reading Songs about bicycles and cycling
There is nothing better…
Today was my longest ride of the year so far. And what a fantastic one it was. 64 miles off into the Essex countryside to ride to Maldon and back with a cake stop on the way home where Tatia and Seri were waiting for me. There is a hill on the route which is … Continue reading There is nothing better…
F-f-f-freezing Sunday ride
Like everyone else, I am so fed up with the cold, rain and snow that seems to have been going just about forever, that this morning I decided to JFDI and go out anyway. But man was it cold. It must have been the coldest ride ever. The pain in my toes and finger tips … Continue reading F-f-f-freezing Sunday ride
A cold and blustery ride
I finally got back out on bike today after too long a lay off due to ice and health reasons. And it never felt better. yes it was freezing cold and hard going with the temperature at 3C and the wind chill making it feel like -1. My toes felt it worse and I am … Continue reading A cold and blustery ride
Infographic: Cycling through red lights
Red light jumping can be dangerous and is illegal. But is it true that most red light violations are done by cyclists? Do we have a balanced media coverage on this matter? Well, get ready to change your perception with our infographics. GLUE team decided to visualise the findings based on reports by Cycling Info and Transport for … Continue reading Infographic: Cycling through red lights
Tips for cycling in snow
From: ETA Trust Keeping your head, hands and knees warm will help you stay alert and relaxed. Cyclists of old used to stuff a newspaper down their fronts to keep out the cold – if you are ever feel in need of an extra layer give it a go as it is surprisingly effective. In … Continue reading Tips for cycling in snow
Getting back into training
So, the start of a New Year and time to get back into training. I have been out of the saddle for far too long, having not ridden since November due to weather, Christmas and other things. I have two goals that I want to achieve: To be fit enough in time to ride the … Continue reading Getting back into training
Rides for 2013
So here are my initial thoughts on rides for 2013: 23 March, 75 miles – Cambridge to Southend 19 May, 75 miles – Wiggle Essex Explorer 9 June, 100 miles – Orchid Cycle Essex 16 June, 60 miles – Essex County 23 June, 60 miles – Essex Countryside 21 July, 54 miles – London to … Continue reading Rides for 2013
Cycling at the 1896 Summer Olympics
Cycling was there right from the start when first Olympic games, called the Games of the I Olympiad, were held in the modern era in 1896. Six cycling events were contested at the Neo Phaliron Velodrome. They were organized and prepared by the Sub-Committee for Cycling. Events were held on 8 April, 11 April, 12 … Continue reading Cycling at the 1896 Summer Olympics
30 mile ride and stayed dry – almost
It is only a week to go until the London to Southend bike ride and I have been unable to get precious little training done due to the never ending rain. When I woke up this morning, I groaned loudly as I could hear the rain still coming down. However, by the time I had … Continue reading 30 mile ride and stayed dry – almost
65 mile ride – longest of the year so far. And glorious weather
So, the plan was to see how I got on riding 60 miles as I need to decide if I am going to ride 40 or 75 miles in the Orchidcycle Essex ride in two weeks time on 10 June. My training this year is way behind where it was this time last year mainly … Continue reading 65 mile ride – longest of the year so far. And glorious weather
Finally… back in the saddle for real
After several false starts and delays caused by snow and ice, I finally got out on my bike today for my first decent ride of the year – a healthy 26 miles although my average speed was pants. It was very windy out there too, with an 18 mph headwind blowing along the seafront. But … Continue reading Finally… back in the saddle for real
Time to get back in the saddle
It seemed like forever since I wrote anything on this blog. Then I checked the date of the last post and realised it was It seemed like forever since I had a decent ride out on my bike (I don’t count the 30 minute commute on a Boris bike as a decent ride). Then I … Continue reading Time to get back in the saddle
Southend Bikeathon 2011
A quick mention for a great end of season sponsored ride. And one that is dear to my heart as it was the first sponsored ride I did when I got back in cycling several years ago. As you will see from the photographs, this is not a ride I use my road bike for, … Continue reading Southend Bikeathon 2011
London to Southend Bike Ride 2011
I made my first post in this blog just over four years ago primarily to keep track of my progress in training for my first London to Southend bike ride. Since then it is has rambled on about various things relating to cycling although, selfishly, mainly about my own exploits. It does seem amazing that … Continue reading London to Southend Bike Ride 2011
London to Southend 2011 – going to be wet but wild horses wouldn’t stop me doing it
I have searched every weather forecast on the web and they all say the same thing, wet and windy (it will be a crosswind with a slight tailwind rather than headwind which helps a bit). So it’s out with the waterproof and arm warmers. Am I mad? Maybe. But I love this ride and wouldn’t miss it for the world.
Car driver madness at the Tour de France
On what seems to be a year festooned with accidents, and one tragic death already, the Tour de France could have done without this. I understand that the riders are ok but have no idea as to the fate of the car driver, but the car should be stopped by the police immediately and she (I … Continue reading Car driver madness at the Tour de France
50 miles ridden – a rehearsal for the London to Southend bike ride
With it being a beautiful Sunday morning and having just got my bike back from the bike shop with a new bottom bracket and tyres, a long ride was inevitable. And I am pretty pleased at having notched up 50 miles at an average moving speed of 15.3 mph. Bring on the London to Southend bike ride next … Continue reading 50 miles ridden – a rehearsal for the London to Southend bike ride
Very wet, very windy and cut short
Today was the first day of the London Cycle Challenge and I was keen to log up some miles. A quick check of the weather forecast which said sunny intervals so I thought I would head off and do a 50 mile ride. But then I should know better than to believe the weather man. … Continue reading Very wet, very windy and cut short
Life just does not get much better than this.
I was up with the larks this morning duly eating my porridge before setting out for the Orchid Essex bike ride. The weather forecast was not good and I was expecting to get wet before I finished. The sun was shining when I left the house at 7:00 am and it still looked pretty good … Continue reading Life just does not get much better than this.
Quite Excited (Understatement)
The training is done, my bike has been cleaned and serviced. All I need now is an early night and a bowl full of porridge at 6:30 in the morning and I’ll be ready for the off. Off for what? Why to cycle 75 miles for the Orchid cancer charity that’s what. This is the … Continue reading Quite Excited (Understatement)
1,000 miles done this year
I am quite pleased with myself at having cycled for more than 1,000 miles so far this year. It might not be much by some people’s standards but then I am not ‘some people’. I have gradually increased the distance I have ridden on each outing and if I continue to progress at this rate, … Continue reading 1,000 miles done this year
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