Happy Boxing Day!

It's Boxing Day and I am off to the gym. Now that we at least have a direction in work, I am trying to get back on track with my cycling!

Unfortunately, the computer bikes in the gym don't seem to fit my leg length/ body length and my knee is getting injured. So I have switched back to the upright bikes. However, to keep the challenge up - I have downloaded some excellent tracks (Propane Nightmare by Pendulum one of my current favorites) and am now doing manual hill routines. I do at least two and if I can three big climbs.

I hope everyone had a fabulous Christmas.

Off to the gym... will write again soon!

19th December

Hi Everyone!

So, I have not updated my progress at all in the last 3 weeks - sorry! Between a trip to the states, my company going into Administration, and losing (work wise) many friends and colleagues ... well, I haven't been writing much. Nor have I been doing many miles on the cycle.

I am back in the gym now and have rounded up some new sponsors. I also had a reprimand from my personal trainer, Mo, for allowing work issues to impact my care for my health and other commitments (like my bike riding).

In the States I did an excellent new bike - it was computerised and you could chase dragons. I loved it and did a fair few miles. I have to get my diary and update all my actual miles.

Then fora week and a bit I did nothing but work - every day, every hour.

Today I was back in the gym and found I have a lot of anger - for the first 12k I was so engrossed in my own thoughts about work I didn't even remember to turn on my ipod!!! Then at about 12.5k I got a twinge - a strong twinge - in my left knee - the same place I got a ligament injury a few months ago. I thought, well only 2.5k to go, just ignore it. Note to self - don't do that again!!!! I couldn't put any weight on my knee by the time I got off, couldn't stretch my left leg and had to ice it. Better now though!!!

Ok so back on track now and will be on my bike 4 days a week minimum.

Thanks to everyone supporting me!

Another Week...

Another week gone by and my progress was not good! I have been working all the hours and finding it hard to keep up the cycling (never mind anything else!!). Off next week, so hopefully will get in a LOT of miles to make up for this abysmal week.

As always, please donate!

Change of Pace

Well, it has been an exceptionally busy time at work so my bike rides have had to fit around work appointments. I have moved from the stationary bikes at the gym to the computer driven ones where you race on a set track. They are slower than the stationary bike but a bit more interesting!

I am off to the gym again this morning - gales here mean bike riding would be a bit too dangerous! Check out the storm report!

My target for next week is more business sponsors. I am contacting all the business and cycling groups to see if I can get any support.

I am off to the States next week so my cycling will be in the gym there. I am going to bring my cycling shoes in case the weather is nice enough for me to go out on my sister's bike!

Challenge to reach end of Stage 2 by Sunday!

I want to complete Stage 2 by this Sunday - that means upping my mileage (or kilometerage?) for the rest of the week.

That means Sunday I will be in the equivalent of Brignoles...

My new speedometer goes on the bike today. I was hoping to try it out at lunch but the roads are too wet. So looks like the weekend.

Got a great new windproof/water resistant jacket from Wiggle - bright yellow of course!! - in their season sale. Can't wait to try it on the weekend - my bright orange jacket that I wear kayaking is NOT breathable and wow do you feel that on the bike!

Sunday's Ride

Haven't written all week - sorry!

Had a good week in the gym but the best part is the rides around Swanage.

Am much more confident on my bike now - all this cycling is making me a real lover of cycling!! I see why Tim likes it so much now!

Did 21k today - my longest yet on a Sunday. Had to stop twice which doesn't seem bad but when you have clip on shoes every stop (for me) is a challenge!!! Still think I have mastered it now.

After the ride had to go around the whole way in the car to see how far it was - thanks Tim again as always for your support!!! Decided we would use up to much petrol doing this so I have bought a 'bike computer' to track my miles and speed. Looking forward to that - I want to see my speed improving!!

Only have 2 supporters but 5 local businesses are sponsoring me and I am trying to get more. It is really difficult in this economy which I so understand! But still I have to keep on trying.

Thanks again to everyone reading my blog!

Please check out my website and please if you can, donate even if only a few pounds - every bit helps!!!

Sunday's Ride

Hi All!

Set out today at 8:40am. Did 17.9k - kept up same speed as I did for the 14.5k time trial so not too bad.

Learned several things:

1) Car drivers just don't see bikers. Need to cycle keeping this in mind - the woman who opened her door gave us both a shock!

2) Forget being polite - staying to the left to allow drivers to pass easier only drives me into the sidewalk!

3) Came up with a few more ideas for fundraising on my cycle round.

4) Cyclists nod at each other - I shout a cheery good morning, startling them all! Trying to get my nod down, but was not successful even once!!

Watched the rowers at the Swanage Sea Rowing Club out on the Dancing Ledge boat. Very nice!!