It is the afternoon of the day before and only now am I heading off to Reading to practice getting through the town as fast as possible. I’ve heard there are road works which I will need to negoiate somehow.
I had planned an early morning trip but finalising last minute details, distribution of the food to the feeders etc took much longer than anticipated.
There is no good place for a feed after East Kennet, several hours from the finish. All the other feeds are on hills where I hate to say it my pace will be slower. The club, Dulwich Paragon, have arranged a ride especially around my attempt. They will be at Hyde Park Corner and 6.00am to hand me my first bottle and then ride to Thatcham. Where I will have a club member at every set of traffic lights. Knowing the odds on all of being green, I will be handed a bottle without losing anytime.
The ride through Reading is okay, bar the roadworks. Cars crawl through it and the temporary lane is too narrow to squeeze a bike past. It will lose me minutes.
I drive back home and the traffic is awful. Then I see why. The A4 is closed at Earls Court and all the traffic is being diverted.
I text Patrick straight away, this could be the end of it.
May be it would be for the best, maybe I am wasting everyone’s time. May be I’m making an excuse to get of this hole.
I talk to Patrick’s house and he is going to check the diversion route. My Dad thinks I should go anyway having invested so much but also makes it clear I need to let everyone know asap if I’m pulling out.
I get a call from Brian Edrupt of the RRA, he confirms that I’m allowed to deviate from my schedule due to diversions so technically I can still make the attempt. I then get a call from Ralph Dadswell, he thinks the closure is only one way and I get the impression this is all part of Place to Place racing, it is certainly not an excuse.
I go to Patrick’s house and have a chat, I leave agreeing to let him know what I decide as soon as possible.
I mull it over. I sit on my own in the living room, my Dad and family in the kitchen. I’ve had doubts before now. This is a big undertaking anyway but to put out so many people adds to the pressure. Do I want to take a big fall?
I pick up my phone and text Patrick, ‘Let’s do it’.
Before long my Dad and I are walking with the bikes round to Patrick’s house where we have all decided to sleep after double checking everything.
Tuesday, 3 August 2010
Monday, 26 July 2010
I’ve managed to pick up some stomach bug. I will spare you details of the symptoms but I’m in a little discomfort and have to be alert so as not be caught short.
My real worry is how this affects my condition. I’m trying to stay hydrated, but it’s a losing battle, if I don’t eat or drink I’m okay, as soon as something passes my lips I’m in trouble.
It is also stopping me from getting on with final preparations, especially the set-up of the spare bike.
My real worry is how this affects my condition. I’m trying to stay hydrated, but it’s a losing battle, if I don’t eat or drink I’m okay, as soon as something passes my lips I’m in trouble.
It is also stopping me from getting on with final preparations, especially the set-up of the spare bike.
Sunday, 25 July 2010
The tapering has begun, which is nice at it means I get to see my wife a little more in the evening. I was nearing breaking point, late night training, early mornings and work taking their toll.
Tapering is strange though, I haven't done it before as I rarely target an event above others, indeed I don't do many events anyway. I still feel like I should be training hard.
When I started this escapade I had thought it would involve me, two friends (Patrick and Simon) and my Dad. It has grown beyond anything I could have dreamt of. This is great for sponsorship and promotion of my club who have really got behind me. I can't complain, but it has added to the pressure. I can't fail in private. I've set myself up for a big fall.
The advantages outweigh any disadvantages of course, and I hope to have raised the profile of RRA records too.
Part of the ever growing publicity has been to have my photograph taken, I have added them below for your own amusement.
Tapering is strange though, I haven't done it before as I rarely target an event above others, indeed I don't do many events anyway. I still feel like I should be training hard.
When I started this escapade I had thought it would involve me, two friends (Patrick and Simon) and my Dad. It has grown beyond anything I could have dreamt of. This is great for sponsorship and promotion of my club who have really got behind me. I can't complain, but it has added to the pressure. I can't fail in private. I've set myself up for a big fall.
The advantages outweigh any disadvantages of course, and I hope to have raised the profile of RRA records too.
Part of the ever growing publicity has been to have my photograph taken, I have added them below for your own amusement.
Saturday, 17 July 2010
No update for a while I know, but I have been busy. A time crunched cyclist trying to train for something like this has to drop something for a while.
The big news is that all the forms have been sent and cheques etc. I am attempt number 2080.
It's now down to last few weeks of preparation, and the weather. I can't help but look back to think of things I would have done differently. Analyse my peparation over the last 8 months. Similar to a mid-year review at work.
I would have liked a powermeter, just for the numbers. It would have been nice to be chart progress in some way, but I still can't afford one.
I'd have ridden the route a few more times. I'm sure there are places you can hit the red and find timely recovery, but where I could possibly get the time from I don't know.
It would have been nice to practice feed pickups and played with even more food combinations, but once again, time is the issue.
And of course I wonder if I could have trained wiser, harder, better in general. Who knows? I have put in some serious hours, I do think this record could fall. The roads have changed, more lights with no improvement in road surface and ever increasing traffic but it can be done. By me?
I have only missed two training sessions due to illness, for which I am grateful.
I suspect how well I do will come down to how much and for how long I am willing to suffer. It may come down to my mind not my legs.
Having made a post on a bike forum, I have recieved some less than positive comments. This is hard to take. They still play on my mind. I am modest by nature, and self belief can be in short supply.
My club and the menbers have been very supportive, a lot of friends are helping on the day. I now have a big responsibilty to do well. They believe in me.
Somehow when you are the middle of something, people looking in have a better insight. I need to be reminded of the long training hours I have put, some of the extremes I have gone to. In my head I could always have done more.
I have hit the limit now. 8 months of training has taken it's toll. I would just to some home from work and know I have an evening with my family. I have also worn out my cycling kit. I've been using three sets a day. The washing machine could do with a rest too. Perhaps I should have asked Bosch for sponsorship.
I have a lot on my mind, most of which PJ Woodburn wouldn't have been bothered with, because they weren't around in 1981. Small things such as what data fields to display on my Garmin.
I have no doubt it is all head, heart, lungs and legs. I just hope they are as strong as my friends believe. It takes me a long time to get over letting someone down.
The big news is that all the forms have been sent and cheques etc. I am attempt number 2080.
It's now down to last few weeks of preparation, and the weather. I can't help but look back to think of things I would have done differently. Analyse my peparation over the last 8 months. Similar to a mid-year review at work.
I would have liked a powermeter, just for the numbers. It would have been nice to be chart progress in some way, but I still can't afford one.
I'd have ridden the route a few more times. I'm sure there are places you can hit the red and find timely recovery, but where I could possibly get the time from I don't know.
It would have been nice to practice feed pickups and played with even more food combinations, but once again, time is the issue.
And of course I wonder if I could have trained wiser, harder, better in general. Who knows? I have put in some serious hours, I do think this record could fall. The roads have changed, more lights with no improvement in road surface and ever increasing traffic but it can be done. By me?
I have only missed two training sessions due to illness, for which I am grateful.
I suspect how well I do will come down to how much and for how long I am willing to suffer. It may come down to my mind not my legs.
Having made a post on a bike forum, I have recieved some less than positive comments. This is hard to take. They still play on my mind. I am modest by nature, and self belief can be in short supply.
My club and the menbers have been very supportive, a lot of friends are helping on the day. I now have a big responsibilty to do well. They believe in me.
Somehow when you are the middle of something, people looking in have a better insight. I need to be reminded of the long training hours I have put, some of the extremes I have gone to. In my head I could always have done more.
I have hit the limit now. 8 months of training has taken it's toll. I would just to some home from work and know I have an evening with my family. I have also worn out my cycling kit. I've been using three sets a day. The washing machine could do with a rest too. Perhaps I should have asked Bosch for sponsorship.
I have a lot on my mind, most of which PJ Woodburn wouldn't have been bothered with, because they weren't around in 1981. Small things such as what data fields to display on my Garmin.
I have no doubt it is all head, heart, lungs and legs. I just hope they are as strong as my friends believe. It takes me a long time to get over letting someone down.
Thursday, 8 July 2010
Do all endeavours feel stupid at 3.45am?
It was hard to get to sleep as the sofa isn't quite long enough, and also very hard to shuffle out from under the covers and commit to the days plan. It has been a while since my Dad and I have slept in close proximity, and we both complain about each others snoring.
Cereal is eaten and the van loaded up. We leave and l feel daunted. I double check the feeding points on Dad's road atlas. His has a huge scale, consequently whereas the route fits on 3 pages of mine, it covers 5 of his. This map makes it looks a hell of a long way I say. It is a long way comes the reply.
The roads aren't as quiet as one would expect, a lot of young people staggering along the pavements too. Could have been 20 years ago?
I decide to close my eyes and try and relax. All too soon we are at the Seven Stars.
There is no time to waste, we are 10 minutes late getting to he start. I have a pee, put on my helmet and then go.
My legs warm up, the weather is fine and I don't need a gilet or anything, which may have caused complications. Maidedhead is a breeze, but in Slough I hit every traffic light as it turns red. I contemplate the use of the cycle paths, but they are narrow and cross a lot of residential streets. I don't fancy trying to ride at speed along them, I really don't want to hit a pedestrian either.
I make Hyde Park Corner in good time, and then back to Maidenhead and past the start. So for so good. I feel comfortable and relaxed. I enjoy this. 60 miles gone already.
Then the wind makes itself known. I''m both aware of riding at my target effort and that my speed is too low. I stick with the heart rate, frustrated. I start calculating my timings, in my head I have targets, they are now out of the window. Probably 2mph off. How much does the wind take off?
The bike handling is also hard, and requires concentration. The Planet X 80 front has been fine in all previous conditions but now the wind is catching it forcing all over the road. I plough on.
I know I'm down at every check point, but riding into this wind is hard and mentally tough too. I can handle the wind for a bit, but after 5 hours the joke wears off.
Bath is busy, traffic stretches from the A34 all the way to the centre, not moving. The bus lane is completely clear, why don't they provide some buses? Shouldn't complain as I proceed at a cautious speed but steady speed.
The turn is a major tick point in the schedule, at least I am now riding home rather than away. 70 miles and I'll be off the bike. All the real hills are this end too, if I can put in an effort and get to Avebury quickly I'll be okay. I dislike the stretch between Calne and the Wagon and Horses pub. I take a gel and I am distracted, is it me or do they taste the same as my wife's shampoo? Back to the race, can I get back in 3 hours?
No.
My Dad is proud. I depressed and blame Reading traffic. Am I able to do this? I know I had a bit more to give.
It was hard to get to sleep as the sofa isn't quite long enough, and also very hard to shuffle out from under the covers and commit to the days plan. It has been a while since my Dad and I have slept in close proximity, and we both complain about each others snoring.
Cereal is eaten and the van loaded up. We leave and l feel daunted. I double check the feeding points on Dad's road atlas. His has a huge scale, consequently whereas the route fits on 3 pages of mine, it covers 5 of his. This map makes it looks a hell of a long way I say. It is a long way comes the reply.
The roads aren't as quiet as one would expect, a lot of young people staggering along the pavements too. Could have been 20 years ago?
I decide to close my eyes and try and relax. All too soon we are at the Seven Stars.
There is no time to waste, we are 10 minutes late getting to he start. I have a pee, put on my helmet and then go.
My legs warm up, the weather is fine and I don't need a gilet or anything, which may have caused complications. Maidedhead is a breeze, but in Slough I hit every traffic light as it turns red. I contemplate the use of the cycle paths, but they are narrow and cross a lot of residential streets. I don't fancy trying to ride at speed along them, I really don't want to hit a pedestrian either.
I make Hyde Park Corner in good time, and then back to Maidenhead and past the start. So for so good. I feel comfortable and relaxed. I enjoy this. 60 miles gone already.
Then the wind makes itself known. I''m both aware of riding at my target effort and that my speed is too low. I stick with the heart rate, frustrated. I start calculating my timings, in my head I have targets, they are now out of the window. Probably 2mph off. How much does the wind take off?
The bike handling is also hard, and requires concentration. The Planet X 80 front has been fine in all previous conditions but now the wind is catching it forcing all over the road. I plough on.
I know I'm down at every check point, but riding into this wind is hard and mentally tough too. I can handle the wind for a bit, but after 5 hours the joke wears off.
Bath is busy, traffic stretches from the A34 all the way to the centre, not moving. The bus lane is completely clear, why don't they provide some buses? Shouldn't complain as I proceed at a cautious speed but steady speed.
The turn is a major tick point in the schedule, at least I am now riding home rather than away. 70 miles and I'll be off the bike. All the real hills are this end too, if I can put in an effort and get to Avebury quickly I'll be okay. I dislike the stretch between Calne and the Wagon and Horses pub. I take a gel and I am distracted, is it me or do they taste the same as my wife's shampoo? Back to the race, can I get back in 3 hours?
No.
My Dad is proud. I depressed and blame Reading traffic. Am I able to do this? I know I had a bit more to give.
Saturday night fever.
This evening has been a lesson in how to turn a bicycle ride into a military operation.
My Dad has kindly come to be my feeder on the full distance dry run. Consequently I've had to brief him on how to mix a drink, how to hold the bottle when handing it to me, where the feed places are...the list goes on. It should be simply shouldn't it?
My Dad is clearly a little mocking of some of the nutrition, fig rolls he believes in, but 'gels?'. In his mind Kendall Mint cake is the answer. He may well be right. I'm going with Cliff bars as each one is just the right size for an hour.
I now think we have covered everything. The bottles are named, everything laid out and crosses on the map for feed places. Things I need are grouped together too, including suntan lotion, I got pink legs doing one way so I don't want to risk full distance on these beautiful summer days. Must have forgotten something, but nothing springs to mind. It is all commonsense really.
My wife kisses me goodnight and pleads for me to be careful. 'It's just a bike ride' I remind her. 'And don't forget to wear suntan lotion' she says.
As for the all important good nights sleep, we are on the sofas in the living room so as not wake anyone when we leave for Maidenhead at 4am. We have an inflatable mattress at our disposal but it all looks too much effort.
The sponsorship has been given a boost, almost over the £1000 mark. My wife's family have been very generous, mine are yet to give a dime!
I must also thank all the people who have donated despite not knowing me, it means a lot.
My Dad has kindly come to be my feeder on the full distance dry run. Consequently I've had to brief him on how to mix a drink, how to hold the bottle when handing it to me, where the feed places are...the list goes on. It should be simply shouldn't it?
My Dad is clearly a little mocking of some of the nutrition, fig rolls he believes in, but 'gels?'. In his mind Kendall Mint cake is the answer. He may well be right. I'm going with Cliff bars as each one is just the right size for an hour.
I now think we have covered everything. The bottles are named, everything laid out and crosses on the map for feed places. Things I need are grouped together too, including suntan lotion, I got pink legs doing one way so I don't want to risk full distance on these beautiful summer days. Must have forgotten something, but nothing springs to mind. It is all commonsense really.
My wife kisses me goodnight and pleads for me to be careful. 'It's just a bike ride' I remind her. 'And don't forget to wear suntan lotion' she says.
As for the all important good nights sleep, we are on the sofas in the living room so as not wake anyone when we leave for Maidenhead at 4am. We have an inflatable mattress at our disposal but it all looks too much effort.
The sponsorship has been given a boost, almost over the £1000 mark. My wife's family have been very generous, mine are yet to give a dime!
I must also thank all the people who have donated despite not knowing me, it means a lot.
Sunday, 27 June 2010
One of the problems of having to fit your training in round family life is that you end up grabbing the time when it is available rather than a strict time. Consequently I was training hard late on Saturday night, getting home before 11pm thankfully, and then back out at 7.30am on Sunday. Hardly rested. In truth it was the coolest part of the day so I lucky really.
The session was extreme though, hill sprints. The interval session which I am sure has lost many a coach a client. The Dulwich Sunday ride goes via nice long quiet hill, I don't know the name, but it is probably the only one nearby suitable. On a Sunday ride I'd spring up the hill without any bother, but today 45 minutes in, I felt heavy. I completed the full session, but then getting home took effort.
When I got in, all I wanted to do was sleep, but I was pushed back out to get some tuna for our picnic. The picnic was great as it happened and the children just ran after a football for a few hours giving a sense of peace.
I had planned, actually entered, the 100m TT on Sundat 4th, but now I've decide to do a full distance dry run. Patrick is off doing the Marmotte, so my Dad has agreed to help. It maybe that I start in London, and just meet Dad past Marlborough, Bath and Marlborough again for a drink/food hand over. But it is also possible he can take me to Reading for a 5am start and follow me the full distance.
I am getting nervous about the whole attempt. I'm in the process of finalising some volunteers and the support from my club and friends is great, but the pressure is getting bigger.
I need to alter the schedule to start at the Five Stars public house and send it to the RRA, confirm the time keeper and any official time keepers and prepare the back-up bike.
Lordy, this is serious.
The session was extreme though, hill sprints. The interval session which I am sure has lost many a coach a client. The Dulwich Sunday ride goes via nice long quiet hill, I don't know the name, but it is probably the only one nearby suitable. On a Sunday ride I'd spring up the hill without any bother, but today 45 minutes in, I felt heavy. I completed the full session, but then getting home took effort.
When I got in, all I wanted to do was sleep, but I was pushed back out to get some tuna for our picnic. The picnic was great as it happened and the children just ran after a football for a few hours giving a sense of peace.
I had planned, actually entered, the 100m TT on Sundat 4th, but now I've decide to do a full distance dry run. Patrick is off doing the Marmotte, so my Dad has agreed to help. It maybe that I start in London, and just meet Dad past Marlborough, Bath and Marlborough again for a drink/food hand over. But it is also possible he can take me to Reading for a 5am start and follow me the full distance.
I am getting nervous about the whole attempt. I'm in the process of finalising some volunteers and the support from my club and friends is great, but the pressure is getting bigger.
I need to alter the schedule to start at the Five Stars public house and send it to the RRA, confirm the time keeper and any official time keepers and prepare the back-up bike.
Lordy, this is serious.
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