Gym training re-launched

Among the traditions that ended with our move to Suffolk was my personal training with Des Gough. For over 20 years he had carefully crafted and maintained my late, mid-life physical being in support of cycling while also ensuring that I didn’t only work my legs!...

Suffolk Sunrise – 100 miles (ish!)

Suffolk Sunrise – 100 miles (ish!)

Not only was this my first 100 mile ride of 2019 but it was the first day ride on my new Cervelo S5. Whereas my Enigma Etape is like a high performance M-series BMW the Cervelo S5 is an out and out Italian Supercar, only better made. It was an early start - 7am. The...

It’s May – it’s Club La Santa time

  I’m not sure what the weather is like in the U.K. at the moment but it’s nice and warm here in Lanzarote. Sue and I are enjoying our first of 2019’s visits to our favourite playground and with sunny skies and high 20s Celsius it’s easy to have fun. Of course...

Coming Soon – 2019’s adventures

Sadly there are no big trips this year but I am doing a fabulous trip in Scotland and have some great day rides and Century challenges lined up. Winter cycling is not much fun. I did get out once a week or so but have focussed on the gym, running, and a bit of...

Avoidable risks – Think Bike!

Avoidable risks – Think Bike!

It's over a month now since Sue and I finished our ride in France. I have been out riding but there has also been a lot of catching up to do at work and at home so compared to an average 65-85 miles per day during May and June it's been more like 80 miles per week -...

Training with sun protection

Training with sun protection

After being able to practice in icey, wet and windy conditions, I was able to fill a serious gap in my preparations last weekend by cycling in warm, sunny conditions! Friends Terry and Julie who Sue and I cycled with in Italy last year, and with whom we will be...

Spring is finally here!

Spring is finally here!

Saturday - 48 miles ridden, 720m climbed. Sunday - 33 miles ridden, 480m climbed. At last! It's not raining, it's kind of warm and I've got a couple of pretty clear weekend days. Saturday's ride criss-crossed the Chiltern Hills with over 700m of climbing. As you can...

Training again…..

Training again…..

Sue and I are at Club La Santa in Lanzarote for our annual exercise punishment and to do a bit of cycle training for our Italian trip. Some of you may remember from last year that we come here every May to punish ourselves - run, cycle, swim, Fitball class, core...

Where is it more windy than Lanzarote?

Well on Bank Holiday Monday it's more windy here in Suffolk!! Spending a few days near Southwold and enjoying cycling in a very different environment to home in the Chiltern Hills. Still working out new routes but aside from the A12 the roads are pretty quiet and the...

Update – 24th May

On our last full day at Club La Santa we were up in good time for morning gymnastics and then managed to keep up with the run leader on the daily 3Km run. Our reward was fresh bread and croissant for breakfast - do we know how to live or what!? I went out cycling and...

CLS – another day in paradise

The wind is still the main topic of conversation here at the moment - not its because of how it continues to affect cyclists and tennis players but because the Lanzarote Ironman is this Saturday and almost 1800 competitors will have to cope with this unusual wind as...

Something different

Something different

No cycling today - it was time to branch out and do something new. Of course I did morning gymnastics and the morning 3Km run and then a little later a short gym session but after that came the Aquathlon. A large group of people aged between about 6 and 70 ranging...

Factoids – how much do you sweat?

In addition to eating for energy (to be covered later) I have had to consider how much fluid I need to drink to replace the amount I sweat while cycling. There are a few variables such as speed, terrain, and temperature etc but in planning for this ride I need to...

Sunday 15th May – Club La Santa day 2

Sunday 15th May – Club La Santa day 2

Yesterday I mentioned morning gymnastics and the daily run. See pictures below: There were people up on the balcony behind me as well! I went out on an organised bike ride this morning. The biggest difference from going on your own is that you can't alter pace to suit...

Fitness training at Club La Santa

Fitness training at Club La Santa

As many of you know Sue and I come to Club La Santa (CLS) in Lanzarote each May for 'relaxation'.  It is a playground for those who like their exercise and want to try new stuff or just do lots of old stuff. Although I do a reasonable amount of cycling here I...

The fundamental task

The fundamental task

42 days until I fly - am I nervous? Of course. Below you can see a map of our route and daily destinations with an ongoing tally of mileage and daily climbs. Now that's something to think about.....

Serious Business now starts……

With exactly two calendar months before I leave for the US and having thoroughly enjoyed a completely exercise-free 30th Wedding Anniversary trip to Cuba it’s now time to ratchet up the training. Over the last couple of months in addition to cycling regularly (ice and...

My first post

My first post

Only 2 months before my adventure begins, more training to do and modifications to my bike also required.....  But first Sue and I will celebrate our 30th wedding anniversary in Cuba