Well the training has stepped up, preparing for London to Brighton 60 miles and some big hills, on the same days as the classic mini L2B run - will be fun.
I have found some nice training roads in my local area where I can vary my routes from 35 to 70 miles. Fairly smooth roads (something I have discovered is rare in Hertfordshire!) country lanes and a variety of hills although nothing to really compare to the big ones on the JOGLE route. Still it's all part of the training, building up the distances and working up to the hills.
During training I have discovered that slight improvements to the bike spec will help for the main ride, things such as Suspension seat post, different gear ratios, better tyres and new bar tape. The bike I am using is straight out of the wrapper and not really a top spec bike .. yet! With the proposed modifications it will shed some weight and be more comfortable I think.
London to Brighton
Early start, leaving home at 5.30am to get to Crystal Palace to meet the guys and be ready to leave at 8.00 am. We think it will take us around 4 hours or rather hope. Our Support crew for the day consists of wives and girlfriends, driving to agreed points to keep us fed and watered on the way. Some minor improvements are needed for navigation as we were supposed to go up an unpaved road - road bikes - are you sure? So we ended up taking a little detour .. few extra miles then.
We made it into Brighton with nobody experiencing anything more than fatigue, no punctures or gear problems. Good going I think .. now it did take more than 4 hours as we stopped a few times, but on the road it was 4 1/2 hours riding.Good going I think.When we get to Brighton, we set up the stall around the car and start to give out leaflets and tell people what we are planning .. a good day all round I think.
Bigger Rides
Yes the time has come to increase to the next level, 50mile + rides, and after that it will be some back to back rides, tough to fit in when working shifts.
My first 50 Mile ride was with my boss, a nice stop for lunch too (won't be doing that on the ride!) just over 6 hours later we get back, a few mechanical issues to deal with enroute and realised I may need to pack a small pliers set.
The following week I have done some smaller rides and some time on the trainer, but repeating the 50 mile route above I set a time of 3 hours 54 minutes - I am pleased with that. This was a good ride .. I stopped to help a fellow cyclist with his jammed chain and a very interesting chat with a guy on rollerblades (who also cycles) for about 1 1/2 miles as he skated alongside - must have looked interesting for passing cars! It never ceases to amaze me the experiences that you have out on the road, the sights and sounds .. it makes you appreciate the countryside on your doorstep .. the only downside is inconsiderate motorists who try to attach themselves to the side of my handlebars whilst overtaking - patience is a virtue but obviously not everyone has heard.
So as part of the training I am cycling to work too, on a mountain bike as its heavier which seems to be harder work ... so good training. Some days are harder than others to do this .. long days, working hard all day and then hitting some hills on the way home.
let's see how I do with 70 miles now!!
